AN – I own nothing!

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Chapter 22

Severus and Hermione were riding a gondola through the water streets of moon and star lit sky. Both of them lay beneath a blanket. Hermione had half her body over Severus, with her head on his shoulder, her nose touching his cheek. Her arms were around him, as his arm was around her.

They spent the past two weeks venturing around Italy and a number of its small towns and cities. They did a number of things such as visiting museums, vineyards and tasting different wines, and much to Severus's dismay, more shopping. Hermione had taste so to speak. They shopped through various Italian designer stores such as Armani and Ferregamo. He didn't complain all the time, because he also bought himself a few clothes as well. What he didn't like though was when Hermione decided to purchase a few gifts for her friends. Potter's birthday was also around the bend. She was going, but he was not.

There were a few times in which they didn't go back to Severus's villa at night. Sometimes, the couple decided to spend a night at a small romantic, and quaint little Italian hotel. One thing for sure that they did every night was to make passionate love with each other. It was never missed.

Severus looked up at the beautiful night sky, as he continued to listen to the gondola man sing some sort of Italian ballad. He took a sip from his champagne glass, as he was deep in thought. He never had so much fun, and felt as relaxed as he had had with Hermione the past two weeks. He could feel a part of himself going soft, but then again he couldn't care less.

Hermione had her eyes closed, but she was very much awake. She enjoyed being with Severus, even if they were silent at times. Nothing needed to be said for it was a compatible silence. Her time in Italy was better than she had expected. Even though she was with Severus instead of her parents, it truly was a wonderful trip. She missed them, but was still very happy. She knew she her parents wanted her to be happy.

"Are you cold Little One?" Severus asked as he felt her body shiver.

"Just a bit," Hermione murmured, pulling herself all the much closer to Severus. He felt just so warm.

Severus turned his head slightly, and saw her open her eyes. "Do you want to go back to the villa?"

"I don't want to go back at all," she answered. "I don't want this night to ever end." This was their last night of their honeymoon.

A small smile broke along Severus's lips. "Neither do I," he said softly. His fingers pushed away the curly strands that had fallen onto her face. He kissed her softly for a few moments, enjoying her tongue and lips playing against his. When he broke apart, he placed his forehead on hers. Merlin help him because he knew that he had fallen in love with his wife. He didn't know exactly when, but he did.

Hermione looked deep into his black orbs. They seemed so endless, and they glimmered beautifully under the light of the moon. Long before, she thought that they were cold and hard. Ever since she saw a different side of Severus, she noticed that they had a lot of meaning, and different layers. Even though he did seem cold at times, the man after all did have a heart. She couldn't deny that her feelings for him had been growing more and more. Lucius was right; she was falling for the man—wait, she already fell for him. She loved him, for the man that he truly was.

"Hermione," Severus started softly, "I have one more gift for you before we leave tomorrow."

"Severus, there's no need," she said softly. "You have given me so much already, and bought me so much."

Severus didn't say anything. Instead, he got her hand in his, and brought it up to his heart. "This—this is yours. My heart will always be yours, for… I love you Hermione," he said.

Hermione's hearing peaked up when she heard him. He loved her! Her eyes started to water. It was her turn now. With that same hand, she brought his hand and placed it on her heart. "Then my heart is yours as well. I love you Severus," she said with a sniffle. She brought her palm up to his cheek and touched his stubble. For the first time, she saw water in his eyes. "Are you crying Severus?"

"Silly girl!" Severus growled at her. He leaned his head forward and captured her lips with his. He felt a tear or two escape his eyes. "I…love… you…" he murmured against her lips, breaking their kiss after every word.

After what seemed like ages of kissing, Hermione was curled up on top of Severus's body. her temple was against his lips, as the scent of her hair flooded his nostrils. She watched the water glimmer as they slowly floated. Severus had his arms wrapped around the love of his life, warming her beneath the blanket. He no longer was looking up above towards the sky. Instead, his eyes were clearly focused on Hermione's head.

"Do we really have to go back to England tomorrow?" Hermione asked sadly.

"I'm afraid we do Little One," Severus answered, feeling her sadness. "You know your grandfather is going public day after tomorrow."

"I'm afraid," she said softly as she closed her eyes. "I'm not ready." She was nervous and afraid of what was to happen. She was imagining the worst things, like someone assassinating her grandfather, or someone discovering the truth about her, and assassinating her as well.

"That's why I am here," he whispered into her ear. "I will always be at your side Hermione. I will never leave you."

Hermione didn't say anything, but just held onto Severus's arms tightly. Suddenly, his soft baritone voice started to sing into her ear.

So let me be your lighthouse
And I'll help you find a way out of here…

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Later on that night, they made love with each other. This time though, it was different. In the end, they groaned out their names and their love for each other, as they reached their climaxes. Soon after, they slept in each other's arms. Neither of them wanted to go back.

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AN – They finally admitted their love for each other. All teary yet again, with happiness. I love you, and all your reviews. Please review.