A/N- Hello my lovelies. Thank you so much for all the wonderful reviews and messages of support; you really are a smashing bunch! Life is mega busy right now but I have managed to squeeze in a little writing.

A little recap of where we left of and then we'll jump right in!

Last Chapter:

She heard steps crunch through the snow and turned a tear-stained face towards the sound, catching a glimpse of her saviour in the process, Severus.

She watched as he realised the identity of the late night visitor and faltered slightly. He began murmuring gently in Latin as he placed a hand against the gate. Hermione shivered as his low voice seemed to caress her body as it washed over her. They both took a step backwards as they allowed the gate to open, neither one dropping the other's gaze.

"Hello," Hermione practically whispered as she took in his stony expression.

"Are you alright?" Severus stepped closer to her and began studying her face intensely.

"No," she mumbled as her lip began to wobble.

"Come, Minerva is pacing," he spoke stiffly before turning and walking ahead.

Thanks for all the heartfelt concern, Hermione thought bitterly as she trudged behind him.

The walk was filled with an awkward silence and as Hermione's little legs struggled to keep up with Severus, she stumbled and fell to the ground. Tears of frustration and humiliation filled her eyes before she felt two warms hands wrap around her and pull her up. She stepped towards him, seeking comfort as she watched his eyes soften in concern.

"Hermione," he warned in a growl as she pressed herself against him. "Hermione," he pleaded as she placed her cheek against his chest.

"Severus," she bantered back monotonously as she rubbed circles on his lower back.

He had just brought his chin to rest on the top of her head when the sound of the castle doors opening shattered the peace, and he pushed her furiously away from him.

"Nice," Hermione spat out as she flounced off.

Severus cursed under his breath as he took in her hurt expression, before marching after her.

I have a feeling this Christmas is going to be anything but merry, Severus thought as he watched Hermione approach the doors of Hogwarts at a furious pace.

X~X

Chapter 15-

Hermione made her way down the stairs towards the great hall the next morning. She anxiously ran her hands over her curls in an attempt to smooth out any rebellious wisps of hair. It was heartbreakingly pathetic how much effort she had put into her appearance this morning, only to pull off the 'casual just-rolled-out-of-bed' look. Last night she had been a mess. Seeing Severus alone for the first time since their kiss had been painful enough, but the added complications of her fragile emotional state and slightly dishevelled appearance (due to her altercation with Ron) had left her feeling embarrassed. Hermione cringed; turning up at Hogwarts late at night after falling out with her boyfriend just screamed 'I'm a mature and wise woman of the world'. Ex-boyfriend, she reminded herself wistfully, as she entered the hall.

No sign of Severus, Hermione thought sadly, as she took her seat at the only table currently set up in the Great Hall. Hermione let her eyes flicker around the table as she buttered her toast. A couple of second years, a handful of third years and a few fourth years were dotted around the table. She knew that she was one of three seventh years who were spending Christmas at Hogwarts but she was unsure as to how many fifth and sixth years were yet to roll out of their beds.

Last night she had been more than a little disappointed when she had exited Minerva's office to find the corridor empty. She had hoped that Severus would have been waiting for her; to check she was alright, to discuss their kiss, to haul her back to his chambers and have his wicked way with her. Anything would have been better than the cold silence that had welcomed her back to Hogwarts as she had made her way to her room last night. No, Severus is clearly still avoiding me, Hermione thought bitterly, as a few faculty members made their way into the hall. She wasn't surprised in the least when 9:00 a. around and every member of staff had finished their breakfast without Severus so much as passing the doorway. Gradually the students filed away to enjoy Christmas Eve as Hermione sat swirling her tea around in her mug despondently. Only Hermione, FiIius and Minerva remained.

"Oh Hermione, I do wish you were here under happier circumstances," Minerva fussed fondly, as she reached out and patted Hermione's arm reassuringly.

"Perhaps I should be going…" Filius began nervously, as he averted his eyes.

"No, there's no need professor," Hermione reassured kindly. "There's no big secret. I broke up with Ron and have nowhere to go really…well no place where I'm wanted."

"Well," Filius murmured before clearing his throat. "You are welcome here, Hermione. We are happy to have the pleasure of your company over Christmas, aren't we Minerva?"

"We are indeed," Minerva agreed with a smile. "Excuse me; I have to discuss tomorrow's meals with the elves," Minerva offered as she stood. "Never doubt how very welcome you are here," she spoke quietly, as she passed Hermione.

Hermione smiled into her cup before she began quizzing Professor Flitwick on the syllabus for the following term.

X~X

Severus had spent most of Christmas Eve hiding out in his chambers. He was currently researching a new brewing process which despite being rather effective was decidedly unstable. Severus was determined to find a way to stabilise this particular method; partly because it could be useful to him, partly because it gave him something to distract himself with. Ever since Hermione had returned to the castle, he had been at a loss as to how to ignore the painful longing he felt. At first it had been almost easy to pretend she didn't exist; directly after their kiss had taken place he had classes to teach, which she hadn't attended, during the first week of the holidays she was absent from the castle. He had been able to compartmentalise Hermione and the effect she had on him but this…

It was as if he could feel her presence in the building. The thought of her lips and her curves crawled under his skin and made him feel restless and desperate. He was consumed with longing, and he longed to consume. These feelings only made the guilt and shame surrounding Hermione worsen and yet with that came the idea of how she was forbidden, unattainable and wholly inappropriate, which only made him want her more.

Yes, Severus Snape would single-handedly stabilise this brewing method because if he didn't he might just turn his whole world upside down.

He tossed his notes aside and ran a hand through his hair in frustration; he was currently getting nowhere. He stood up abruptly and marched over to his impressive collection of books. He spent almost two hours scanning the contents of numerous different tomes before finally admitting defeat and heading for the library.

In and out in two minutes, he told himself as he marched through the halls of Hogwarts. He ignored the internal voice asking him why he would willingly venture into the place he was most likely to stumble across Hermione. He didn't really want to consider the answer. He opened the door and peered around it in an uncharacteristically timid manner. Once he was certain the place was deserted he strode over to the stacks where the potions books were kept. He had just turned down the third cramped aisle when he saw her.

Hermione Granger was reaching for a book above her head, and Severus forced himself not to let out a groan at the sight of her body curving and stretching as she attempted to reach one of the higher shelves. She was wearing a pair of tight, stonewashed jeans with a red cardigan and camisole set. Her curls swayed from side to side and even several feet away he could smell the scent of her perfume. He was enraptured, intoxicated but most of all, he felt content. Being around her usually caused so much pain and awkwardness that he was seldom able to just enjoy being around her. It was quite refreshing, being able to appreciate her presence without having to discuss any of their complicated circumstances. She let out a frustrated growl, and Severus had to stifle a chuckle as he watched her stubborn attempts.

He had missed her.

After drinking in the view for an inexplicable amount of time, Severus began to slowly back away. Just as he turned the corner, he tripped over a pile of books waiting to be shelved, and he cringed as they tumbled audibly to the floor.

"Hello?" He heard Hermione call out tentatively. He stood perfectly still as he held his breath. A moment passed and so he began to back away once more.

"Who's there?" Hermione's voice was closer and so Severus continued his retreat.

He slowly backed away from her voice without ever turning around, and when he reached the end of the aisle he turned, prepared to make a break for it. His breath caught in his throat when he came face to face with an irate looking Hermione.

"Why are you skulking around in the shadows?" She crossed her arms over her chest defensively. She was blushing slightly, and she looked as though she was fighting the urge to cry.

Severus said nothing.

Hermione waited as she returned his piercing gaze.

After a decidedly uncomfortable moment passed, Hermione threw up her arms in frustration. "Oh, forget it," she huffed as she turned on her heel and marched away from him.

Severus let out a sigh of relief after she had disappeared but then his eyes widened in horror as she suddenly reappeared in front of him.

"You know, for the 'adult' in this scenario, you're acting rather immature," she stated angrily. "I would have thought you would have the decency and maturity to at least acknowledge my presence, let alone speak to me but-"

"I'm sorry," Severus stated bluntly, as he fought the urge to silence her via more physical methods.

Hermione was silent for a moment.

"Right…well then…" She pulled at the sleeves of her cardigan as she searched for something to say.

"Perhaps, I have failed to deal with this situation admirably," Severus admitted as he watched her warily.

Hermione rolled her eyes. She spoke impatiently and the irritation she felt crept into her voice. "Oh Severus, it was my fault, and you told me to bugger off fairly quickly so I wouldn't worry too much about your failings as a teacher-"

"No, I have failed you Hermione. I regret that I have failed you…" he tailed off quietly.

Hermione stared at the man before her. There was something so humbling about seeing a man as seemingly self-assured as Severus Snape question his behaviour.

"You could never fail me," Hermione spoke breathlessly. "I-I understand, I do. You can't…we can't…I do get it, Severus. Doesn't mean I have to like it, but I understand." She smiled at him reassuringly before turning on her heel and walking away.

Hermione willed herself not to cry as she strode towards the doors of the library. You'll be out of here in two minutes Hermione, and then you can cry.

It's all so painful; so utterly consuming and painful, she thought as she felt a familiar ache in her chest intensify. Everything seemed dreamlike; there was a dull fuzzy quality to the sounds around her, and the tears that clouded her eyes obstructed her vision and created a blurry image of the poorly lit library. Just as she approached the exit she felt a familiar hand wrap itself around her wrist.

She let out a sob of relief as she felt herself being pulled away from the doorway and dragged down the first aisle. She couldn't think clearly, couldn't even see or hear what was happening as she was overwhelmed by a sense of relief and excitement.

She blinked in an attempt to clear her vision and was rewarded by the sight of an intense looking Severus Snape observing her as she felt the tears escape and make their way down her cheeks.

"I hate making you cry," he spat out angrily. "Seeing you hurt causes me physical pain. Do you know how frustrating that is?"

Hermione merely nodded as she looked down at her feet.

She felt a hand cup her face and a thumb rub gently back and forth over her cheekbone. She shuddered at the tender contact that seemed so contradictory to his harsh tone.

"Forgive me," he pleaded sincerely.

Hermione opened her eyes in surprise. How could he think I haven't forgiven him? I forgave him almost instantly. There is nothing to forgive, she thought as she looked into his eyes, for once wishing that he would use Legilimency on her.

It took a moment for her to realise why he was seeking forgiveness; not for how he had behaved in the past but for how he was about to behave.

"You're forgiven," she whispered as she felt him lean closer.

"I meant forgive me for what I am about to do," he murmured softly, as he continued his descent, his eyes never leaving her lips.

"I know. You're already forgiven," Hermione informed him nervously. "I'll always forgive you."

He pulled back slightly and stared at her in wonder. Hermione felt her heart beat so wildly she was terrified it was about to burst from her chest. Just when she thought he would stare at her forever, he suddenly reached out for her and wrapping an arm around her waist, pulled her forcefully towards him. There seemed to be a moment where he was frozen and then suddenly he was everywhere. His lips captured her lips, his tongue caressed her tongue and his hands…

Oh gods his hands, Hermione thought as she felt his hands map the curves of her body.

She fought for breath as she felt his hands graze the underside of her breasts as he fought to pull her as close to him as possible.

She was lost in sensation. She kissed him passionately, as she stood on her tiptoes and pressed herself against him. He backed her over to the shelves and pressed himself against her as his lips travelled the expanse of her neck.

"Forgive me," he whispered once more before he nibbled on her ear lobe.

"Nothing to forgive," Hermione panted as she squirmed happily against his busy mouth and hands.

"Gods, I've missed you," he rumbled in her ear as his hands caressed her back.

"I've missed you too," Hermione managed to choke out before he claimed her lips once more.

Hermione felt as though she was spinning or flying or some other horribly clichéd expression. The knowledge that this was actually, finally happening was overwhelming. She felt light-headed and almost as though she had slipped into another consciousness; a consciousness in which she was only aware of Severus. Just as she felt his hands grow cautiously more adventurous, the thud of the library doors being flung open permeated the little bubble of sensation they were both currently trapped in.

"Don't. Make. A. Sound," he whispered slowly, as his hand clamped over her mouth.

Hermione strained to hear who could possibly have joined them in the library, but all she could hear was her own heartbeat thundering in her ears. She watched as Severus turned his head and narrowed his eyes in order to focus on their surroundings.

"Are you sure she's in here?"an unfamiliar voice asked.

"Yes, she's always bloody here," a second voice joked quietly. "She's usually at the tables in the back."

Severus looked at Hermione, raising an eyebrow. She shrugged as best she could in her current position.

"Just go over, compliment her on her brains and then ask her back to the dorm for some Eggnog."

"But she doesn't seem like the type to—"

"I heard she just split up with Weasley. If you chat her up a bit and get her pissed, I'm sure she'll be the type," the second voice offered crudely.

Hermione felt Severus' grip on her waist tighten as he removed the other hand from her mouth. He clasped her hand in his own before pulling her further down the aisle and into a shadowy corner.

He took in her incredulous and deeply offended expression and felt the urge to smile. "Do you really care what two ignorant little fools think? I was there that day in Hogsmeade remember? I have no doubt how much you respect yourself and how responsible you are about those kinds of decisions."

"Oh yes," Hermione began sarcastically. "Entirely responsible, grinding against my teacher in the library."

He kissed her brutally, possessively, as if it was for the last time, before pulling away and staring into her eyes. One hand was wrapped firmly around the back of her neck, the other was gripping her waist tightly.

"Is this what you want?" He searched her eyes for any sign of doubt. He hoped she realised the real question he was asking was, Am I what you want?

"I want you," Hermione answered simply.

Severus growled before kissing her deeply. He withdrew slightly before whispering in her ear, "Careful how you word things, or I might get the wrong idea."

"I meant exactly what I said, in all contexts," Hermione whispered bravely.

Silence.

It seemed an age before either of them even dared to breath.

"Come to my office after dinner; we must discuss this." He seemed to regain some of his composure as he considered the ramifications of his recent actions.

"Okay," Hermione murmured hesitantly, as she averted her gaze and began nibbling on her lip.

"That biting your lip habit has got to be discussed; it's distracting to say the least," Severus teased with a smirk before his expression grew more serious. "Why do I get the impression something is bothering you?" He pulled his hands away and took a step back.

Hermione instantly moved forward as if drawn to him like a magnet. She placed both hands on his chest in an attempt to soothe his obviously wounded pride. "I'm not…I don't have any doubts. I'm just worried you do. I don't want to turn up after dinner only to be dismissed once more."

"As much as I should send you away, I won't. I can't." Severus wrapped his arms around her pulling her close to him once more with her hands still pressed against his chest.

"She's in here somewhere, and we aren't leaving until you have asked her out," the voice from earlier insisted.

Hermione looked up at Severus with wide eyes as they overheard the voice which sounded worryingly close. Severus placed a hand on either side of her face and kissed her gently before he turned the corner and disappeared. Before Hermione had a chance to follow, two vaguely familiar sixth year boys came into view from the other end of the aisle.

Hermione attempted to look as normal as possible as she fought to regain her composure.

"Oh…Hermione, fancy meeting you here," the taller boy said.

Hermione managed a fairly natural smile as she mentally rolled her eyes.

X~X

Severus was both thrilled and horrified in equal measures when Hermione was the last person to arrive for dinner that evening. There was only one seat remaining, and that seat just so happened to be directly beside him. Since there were only a small number of students staying for the holidays, the faculty had abandoned the Head Table in order to dine with their charges.

Severus fiddled nervously with a napkin, fighting the urge to look up as he heard Minerva announce that Hermione had joined them. He chanced a quick glance up at her as she pulled out her chair; her cardigan and camisole remained from earlier in the day but a distractingly short and tight black skirt and black tights had replaced her jeans. Severus was embarrassed by the fluttering sensation in his stomach as a waft of her light perfume reached him. She looked beautiful, and he was painfully aware that it was becoming more and more difficult to pretend he was indifferent to her presence.

"Good evening," Hermione murmured softly, as she unfolded her napkin over her lap; she kept her eyes directed away from him.

"It is, isn't it?" Severus replied quietly, as he observed the rest of the table.

"Hmmm, not as nice as my afternoon was," Hermione bantered playfully, as she poured herself a glass of water.

Severus watched her out of the corner of his eyes and noticed her cheeks were flushed. He let a few moments pass, and just as Hermione's lips touched her glass he suddenly said, "The night is still young."

Hermione's glass hit the table with a thud as she choked on her first sip of water.

"Oh dear, Severus give her a pat on the back before the poor girl faints!" Minerva ordered from across the table.

Severus provided Minerva with a look of distaste as he sat unmoving.

Hermione continued choking as she struggled to regain her composure.

Minerva glared at Severus.

Severus rolled his eyes before unceremoniously thumping Hermione on the back twice before she stopped choking.

Had anyone paid any close attention to the encounter they might have noticed his palm move soothingly over her back before returning to his lap.

Hermione tried not to let the subtle show of affection affect her, but she felt her mouth traitorously curl up in a small smile of delight.

"There now," Minerva said happily. "Time to eat!" She clapped her hands and plates piled high with delicious food appeared before them.

Hermione reached for the plate of vegetables to her left and helped herself to a small portion.

"Would you like some, sir?" Hermione asked politely, but with a hint of mischief.

"Yes, please," Severus drawled smoothly, as they locked eyes.

Hermione carefully stretched her arms out so he could take the plate from her, and as he did she let her fingers dance gracefully over the back of his hand.

Severus looked up and noticed that everyone was currently busy filling their plates. He leant ever so slightly closer to her as he spooned some vegetables onto his plate. "Careful," he chastised silkily.

"Whatever do you mean?" Hermione asked innocently, as she helped herself to some chicken.

"Take a moment to consider your actions before your fingers get burnt," Severus replied in a bored tone.

"But the plates aren't even hot!" Hermione batted her eyelashes at him as she pretended to be unaware of what he was inferring.

"Maddening witch," Severus murmured before lifting a forkful of food to his mouth.

Hermione saw her opportunity for revenge and so at just the right moment, she slipped her hand under the table and gripped just above his knee firmly. "You wouldn't have me any other way," she whispered quickly.

Severus choked on his food.

Minerva rolled her eyes. "Merlin, is there something the matter with the food and drink on your side of the table?"

Everyone laughed as Severus managed to catch his breath. He kept his gaze on his plate and did not speak a word to Hermione for the rest of the meal. He stood up and excused himself before striding out of the hall.

Hermione tried not to laugh as she heard Filius remark on how Severus was quick to escape this evening.

XXX

Severus paced the length of his office as he attempted to calm himself. That witch will be the death of me, he thought as he recalled her behaviour during dinner. Her faux-innocent comments and heated glances had driven him mad. He had left the hall as soon as possible in order to avoid a scene.

He had only just come to terms with the fact that he was attracted to Hermione; he wasn't prepared to even consider how that information would be received by others.

He could not hope to avoid this entanglement. Nor could he hope that they would ever be accepted publically. No, the only thing he could hope for was that once they had exorcised whatever 'this' was, they could part amicably and privately.

Why am I even attempting to think about this logically? The whole situation is entirely illogical. Severus' thoughts were interrupted by a knock at his office door.

Right then, he thought as he prepared himself. In five short strides, all that separated him from ruin and damnation was an unlocked door. With that terrifying thought, he reached for the handle.

X~X

Hermione's heart was pounding as she marched through the empty hallways of Hogwarts. She walked quickly and quietly, praying that nobody would intercept her before she reached the dungeons. What am I doing? I'm Hermione Granger; I'm not this kind of girl; except I am when it comes to Severus, she thought with a typically teenaged sigh. She couldn't quite put her finger on when things had changed, but she knew that her opinion of Severus Snape had altered dramatically and suddenly over the last month.

He's Snape. Professor Snape; scary, evil, cruel Professor Snape. Except he's also Severus; my friend Severus. My friend who smells nice and has beautiful hands and a voice that makes me shiver. He's kind to me; he's refined, intelligent and astoundingly brave.

Hermione could see his office door. Breathe, she thought as images of their earlier encounter invaded her mind.

Ten steps…

What if I'm not ready for this?

Nine steps…

What does he expect from me?

Eight steps…

What if we get caught?

Seven steps…

What if I'm an inexperienced fool and I embarrass myself?

Six steps…

What if he's angry about my behaviour at dinner?

Five steps…

What if he's changed his mind?

Four steps…

What if it ends badly and I have to attend his classes?

Three steps…

What if I don't mean as much to him as she did?

Two steps…

What if he compares me to Lily; beautiful, confident and clever Lily?

One step…

What if I'm about to make the biggest mistake of my life?

A rush of memories flooded her mind; the kindness he had reluctantly shown her, the way he looked at her as if she was the most beautiful woman in the world, the way his kisses had made her feel.

She needed this.

She needed him.

And so armed with these comforting memories, she raised her hand and knocked on the door.

X~X

A/N- Okay…before you all sharpen your pitchforks the next chapter will be posted within 24 hours! If we reach 400 reviews ahead of schedule I may be forced to speed things up a little.