All characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

I own nothing.

Chapter 5

Hermione awoke the next morning to find white roses on her nightstand. She smiled. They were beautiful. She lifted them to her nose, inhaling deeply. She produced a vase with her wand to put the roses in.

"Aguamenti," she muttered, smiling when the vase filled with water. She delicately placed the roses in the vase. They brightened the room.

It was then that Ginny walked into their dormitory. Hermione finished arranging the flowers.

"Whose are those?" she asked.

"Mine," Hermione said, smiling.

"They're beautiful, Hermione! Who sent them?"

Hermione paused, trying to think of someone who would honestly send her flowers.

"…I don't know. There wasn't a card," she finally admitted.

"Oh," Ginny said, obviously unsatisfied with Hermione's answer. "I'd thought perhaps Ron had sent them…" she trailed off, sitting down gently on her bed.

Hermione spun around to look at the red-headed girl.

"Ron?" she exclaimed. "Ginny, you can't be serious!"

"Whatever do you mean, Hermione?"

Hermione sat down next to Ginny.

"Gin," she began. "Ron is a good friend, but that's all we'll ever be- just friends."

"Oh. That's a shame. He really fancies you, Mione."

Hermione smiled sadly.

"I know. But it just wouldn't work between us, I'm afraid."

"Pity. It'll break his little heart when he hears that."

Hermione shrugged and walked over to the mirror. She began applying blush.

"Where are you going?" Ginny questioned, beseechingly.

"Out," she simply replied.

Ginny hopped off the bed and glared at Hermione. Hermione turned around to look at her.

"Oh, Hermione, honestly!" she screeched. "How do you ever expect to find anyone to be with if you won't let anyone in?"

She stalked out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

Hermione winced and felt hot tears sting her eyes. She impatiently brushed them away. She dropped her head, brushing past other Gryffindors in the Common Room. She checked her watch. The time read 11:45. Almost noon. She headed for the Great Hall. Surely Severus wouldn't mind her having a spot of breakfast before their rendezvous.

She had just sat down at her regular spot when he approached her table. She looked up innocently.

"Professor?" she asked.

"Miss Granger," he said, bowing ever so slightly. "I was wondering if I could have a word with you…in private, if you'd be so kind."

She dropped her head, blushing furiously.

"Of course, sir," she whispered, looking up at him nervously.

He nodded again, and motioned for her to stand.

"After you," he whispered in her ear.

She led the way once more to the dungeons.

She entered his room and walked over to the corner, observing his grand collection of books. She froze when she felt his hands on her hips. She turned around so that only inches were separating them. She gently kissed him. He kissed her back, and then gently pulled away.

"Severus?" she said.

"Yes?" was his response.

"Why are we doing this? This is so wrong."

He stepped back and looked at her evenly.

"You don't know how I feel about you, Hermione."

"Then tell me how you feel."

"I can't," he said, turning his back to her.

"Please, Severus," she begged, steeping in front of him.

He sighed, wrapping his cloak around himself. He dropped his eyes to the floor. Hermione lifted his chin so that he was looking at her.

"Tell me."

He took a deep breath and spoke the words that he'd wanted to say for so long.

"Hermione, you are the most beautiful, intelligent young woman I've ever met in my life. You're determined, passionate, charming, and witty. You're everything I've ever wanted in a woman. You're everything I've longed for and have never had. I know what you must think of me. But I beg you not to say it. Please just believe-"

He was interrupted by Hermione pressing a finger to his lips.

"Hush, Severus," she whispered. "You are a strict, powerful, controlling man. You are hated by the majority of the school. You have done nothing but taunt, humiliate, and embarrass me throughout the past six years. I should hate you…"

She paused. He bowed his head, ashamed.

"…But I don't because I can see the man you truly are, Severus. You just have to let me in. Will you?"

She uncovered his mouth.

Severus cleared his throat.

"I will…if you'll have me."

"I will, Severus."

"I feel disgusting," he growled, turning away from her once more. "I'm at least twenty years your senior!"

"You can't help the way you feel, my dear," she comforted.

He turned around to face her again.

"Take me to your room, Severus," she whispered.

He took her hand and led her to his chambers, hidden behind the tall bookshelves. She noticed him take off his boots, then followed suit; removing her slippers as well.

His bedroom was beautifully decorated. A larger four-poster bed took up the majority of the room, accompanied by a large antique armoire. The room was painted in Slytherin's traditional green and silver trim. A half-closed door led to the bathroom on the far side of the room.

She continued observing the room as he set a spell to lock the door.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, breathing in her scent. She turned around to face him. He kissed her. She kissed him back harder, pressing herself against his body. He lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. They began to kiss heatedly. Severus slowly backed up until he was pressed against the bed. He set her on the bed then sat beside her.

"Are you sure you want this, Hermione?" he whispered.

"Yes," she moaned back.

He kissed her again, harder this time. She tangled her fingers in his long black hair. He slowly began to unbutton her blouse, while kissing and nipping at her neck. She moaned and lightly clawed her nails into his back. He removed her shirt and bra and took in the sight of her creamy breasts. They were deliciously full and perky. He took her left nipple in his mouth, while cupping her right breast. She sighed passionately. He hurriedly began to remove her jeans, leaving her only wearing a black and pink lace thong. He went to remove it, only to have her stop him.

She suddenly sat up and began removing his shirt. She traced her hands down his torso. He was skinny yet surprisingly toned. She unbuttoned his trousers and pulled them down. She seductively tucked her thumbs into the waistband of his boxers. He looked down at her lustfully, his eyes glazed over with desire.

She slowly slid his boxers down, revealing his long, hardened member. She inhaled quickly upon seeing it, feeling herself become even further aroused.

Sensing this, he quickly removed her thong, noticing that she was now dripping with arousal.

He gently pushed her onto the bed so that she was lying on her back. He slowly slid a finger inside of her, preparing her for his cock. She gasped and he gently started to rub her clit. He spread her legs apart, positioning himself so that he was ready to enter her.

"Don't!" she half yelled, causing him to pause.

"What is it, Hermione?" he tried to say calmly. But his arousal betrayed him; instead, he'd snapped at her, causing her to wince, as if he'd slapped her instead of simply yelled at her.

"I've never done this before," she whispered, covering her face with her hands.

He couldn't help but feel his penis become even harder. She was a virgin? Merlin, he hadn't slept with a virgin since he was a teenager himself. He scowled, pushing the thought from his mind.

"It's only going to hurt for a minute. Then pleasure will take over," he assured her.

He gently stroked her hair, bringing her to uncover her face and look up at him. She nodded, and then closed her eyes.

He positioned himself between her legs, making it so he could penetrate her as deeply as possible. He thrust into her, hard. She instantly burst into tears. He pulled out of her, then placed his mouth over hers, quieting her cries. He gently kissed her, trying to soothe her. She soon was merely whimpering.

He gently slid himself inside of her again, and tried to find a pace that would bring her pleasure. Merlin, she was tight. He glanced at her, taking in the expression on her face. Her eyes were closed, while her hand covered her mouth. He could hear her trying to keep herself quiet. He pulled her hand away from her mouth, wanting to hear her moan. When she did, he began to quicken his pace.

He could feel himself about to come. He thrust mercilessly into her as quickly as he could. She screamed and came all over his cock. He pulled out of her, coming hard and fast himself.

He collapsed onto the bed beside her. He wrapped his arms around her, once again breathing in her scent. Her hair smelled of jasmine. He kissed her head, then rolled over on his back, trying to come down from his climax. He heard her sight, exhausted. He chuckled quietly.

"Are you satisfied, my dear?" he asked, hopefully.

"Very," she sighed, curling up against him. She soon fell asleep.

He allowed himself to nod off as well, falling asleep with a smile on his face for the first time he could ever remember.