A/N: Hii! Ughh I feel terrible that I've taken so long in between posting chapters... I promise I will upload chapter 7 by Saturday. Oh and this chapter has not be beta'd as I really wanted to get this chapter up, but I will re upload it later once it's been edited though I think it shall mostly be the same. There is a sex scene in this chapter just to warn you guys. It's my first time writing a sex scene so I hope I did okay. As always Read and Review! Thanks my lovelies!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. The characters belong to Rowling.

Severus and Hermione spent their last few days before all the students returned, together. Sometimes discussing Severus' research, sometimes reading quietly together, and often snogging.

Hermione tried a few times to take it further but Severus always stopped them. She finally decided when he was ready she would know but she would not pressure him.

For his part, Severus was determined not to have sex with Hermione yet, at least, that was the plan. Deciding that if he didn't sleep with Hermione until she graduated, then her reputation would not be ruined and no one would look down on her (a thought Severus could not bear). But despite his plans, it was getting harder and harder to pull away when their kissing became too heated.

Hermione sighed as she walked through the castle to the heads dorm. Severus had decided, and she agreed it would probably be best if she did not continue to spend time in Severus' chambers in case someone saw them. Hermione understood his reasoning but it was hard to think of being alone in her bed that night. She had gotten used to having Severus' warm body next to hers, holding her close and keeping the nightmares at bay.

She hated that they had to keep their feelings secret. They weren't doing anything wrong! She was an adult, as was Severus and they both cared deeply for one another, why should they hide that?

Hermione was roused from her thoughts as used reached her portrait hole, and just as she was about to say the password she heard someone squeal her name. She turned to see Ginny Weasley walking quickly to her.

"Hermione! I missed you, the Burrow wasn't the same without you there." Ginny said as she reached Hermione's side.

Hermione smiled and after speaking the password walked into the common room motioning for Ginny to follow.

"How were your holidays? How are Harry and Ron? How is their auror training?" Hermione spoke excitedly, eager to hear any news. Harry and Ron were not big on writing letter so she didn't get to hear much about what they were doing.

"Take a breath Hermione," Ginny laughed "They're both doing well, they wanted me to tell you they missed you. They've also sent along letters and presents for you." Ginny smiled as she pulled out the presents and letters.

Hermione's eyebrows went up in surprise at the parcels that Ginny held out to her and just stared at them for a moment before finally taking them. Before she could open them however, Ginny spoke again "So, what did you do? You didn't spend the whole holiday in the library did you?" Ginny asked a teasing smile on her face.

"Honestly Ginny, I don't see why that would be so bad. But before you have a conniption, no, I did not spend my entire holiday in the library." Hermione finished a small smile on her face and her eyes softening at the memory of what she had been doing.

Ginny's eyes narrowed in suspicion at the expression on Hermione's face "What's that look for? What did you do Hermione, did you meet a guy?" Ginny questioned excitedly. Hermione's head came up at this and blushed furiously. "Really Ginny, must I have met someone to have had a good holiday?" Hermione huffed.

"You did meet someone! Who was it?" Ginny squealed. Hermione looked away from Ginny stubbornly, determined not to answer. Ginny just grinned "I won't leave till you answer. You might as well tell me Hermione."

Hermione groaned, she wasn't ashamed of Severus but she didn't want to lose a close friend either. Finally sighing in resignation "It's Professor Snape." She mumbled. Ginny looked confused "What?" "It's Professor Snape." Hermione said again louder this time.

Ginny looked shocked for a moment and then a wide smile came to her face "I knew it! I totally thought something like that would happen."

Hermione's mouth dropped open at this "What do you mean you thought this would happen? I was sure you would think I was mental. I never thought this would happen! You aren't mad?" Hermione spluttered.

"Of course I'm not mad, why would I be? He's not the same man he used to be. Granted, he's still a snarky bastard but he's not cruel. And he's got that sexy mysterious vibe going for him. And his age isn't an issue, I mean could you honestly see yourself with a boy your age?" Ginny reasoned.

Hermione nodded slightly in agreement at this. "Now tell me how did it happen? Have you shagged yet?" Ginny asked wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

"Ginevra Weasley! We certainly have not 'shagged'." Hermione's shoulders slumped slightly as she said this "Not that I haven't wanted to, but he's determined that we wait." Hermione sighed. She explained the situation and how Severus and she had begun their relationship. Ginny interrupted occasionally to ask a question but for the most part, stayed quiet.

When Hermione finished, Ginny stayed silent for a moment "Are you sure you're not upset with me?" Hermione asked worriedly.

Ginny smiled softly at Hermione "Of course not Hermione. I'm just thinking about everything you told me. You obviously really care for Snape. I can see he's been good for you, you don't look as sad as you did before."

Hermione smiled "I do care for him Ginny, I think… I think I might love him." Ginny squealed again at this. The girls spent the rest of the night discussing Severus and Harry whom Ginny had seen again over the holidays.

Later that night when Ginny left, Hermione took her packages that the boys had sent up to her room. Sitting on her bed she opened Ron's first and smiled to see a large box of her favorite chocolates. The letter accompanying the package was short and to the point.

Hermione,

Happy Christmas! I hope you like your presents. We missed you at the Burrow.

Love,

Ron

Hermione laughed quietly at the letter. Even though things hadn't worked out between them, her and Ron remained good friends and she missed him. Setting aside his present she turned to Harry's package. Opening it she found a new muggle romance novel that she had mentioned to Ginny that she would like, and under it was what looked to be a photo album. The album was made of black leather and had a photo on the cover of the three of them smiling and laughing together. Opening it she found many photos of them all together throughout their Hogwarts years. Tears came to her eyes when she came to several muggle photographs of her parents and her.

Finally finishing looking through the album she opened the letter.

Hermione,

I hope you like your presents. Ginny helped me put the album together and Ron picked out a few photos. I thought you might like having some photos of your parents as well. I miss you. Auror training is going well and Ron is doing really well. I wish you had been here at the Burrow, it wasn't the same without you. Molly is still insistent that you and Ron are just confused and will eventually get back together. Don't be surprised if she owls you soon. Sorry for not writing more, you know me I'm terrible at keeping in touch. Happy Christmas Hermione, love you.

Love,

Harry

Hermione smiled and re read the letter tensing slightly again at the mention of Molly. She loved the woman but she was ridiculously delusional about Hermione and Ron. Sighing she went into the bathroom and turned on the bath hoping to relax before having to go to sleep without Severus.

Saturday night. A week later.

Severus threw down his quill for the third time that night, he had been attempting to finish the last bits of his research before attempting the potion, but he could not concentrate. Growling he stood up shoving his chair back, it was disconcerting to go from having Hermione nearby almost constantly to not seeing her at all.

He was beginning to regret his decision to stay away already. He had slept terribly without her. The nightmares had not gone away while she had been with him but he always calmed down after waking up in the night and Hermione held him tighter. He missed asking her opinions on his research. He missed kissing her.

"Blast. Stop being such a love sick fool Severus." Severus berated himself. Muttering in annoyance, Severus threw on his cloak and left his rooms hoping that a change of scenery would distract him from thoughts of Hermione.

Severus wandered around for the better part of an hour and just as he was about to walk back to the dungeons he saw Hermione coming out of the library. Something snapped inside him and he stalked towards her and grabbing Hermione, he whisked her into a small hidden alcove and pulled her into his arms.

Hermione gasped and was about to hex whoever grabbed her when she saw it was Severus. Relaxing in his arms "Severus! You scared me. What's wron…" Hermione was cut off as Severus pressed his lips to hers.

Severus kissed her passionately his hands on either side of her face. Hermione didn't move for a moment, shocked. Finally she kissed him back just as passionately her arms wrapping around his neck.

Severus pulled away from her lips and Hermione took a gasping breath as Severus started pressing kisses to her neck. Hermione tilted her head to give him better access to her neck as he kissed her, and threaded her fingers through his hair. She smiled at his moan when she tugged lightly on his hair.

Severus pulled back once again, staring down at her, breathing heavily. He needed her desperately but he wasn't going to take her in some hidden alcove. Leaning down, his lips against her ear "My chambers. Five minutes." He growled. Then with one last burning look he swept away.

Hermione leaned heavily against the stone wall and stared after him. Finally realizing what he said a smile bloomed on her face and she walked off quickly in the direction he had gone.

Reaching Severus' chambers Hermione hesitated feeling nervous. She'd had sex before with Ron but it had not been great. But if Severus' passionate kisses were anything to go by, this experience would be entirely different. So tamping down her nervousness, Hermione stepped forward and knocked softly on the door.

Severus opened the door and quickly pulled Hermione inside. He shut the door and turned to see her standing by the fireplace looking apprehensive. His eyes softened "Hermione, we don't have to do this. It's okay." Severus reassured. Hermione looked at him and smiled "I do want this Severus. It's just been a while." She finished quietly.

Severus smiled and walking over till he was standing in front of Hermione he pulled her into his arms. "I'll take care of you little witch." He whispered before touching his lips softly to hers. Hermione sighed softly as his lips caressed hers and thought that where their last kiss had been all intense fire filled with need this one was soft and tender and spoke the love that Severus dared not speak aloud. Hermione could feel his love and hoped that he could feel hers.

They stood wrapped in each other's arms just kissing for a few moments. Severus pulled her body tight against his, needing her close as possible. Hermione smiled smugly when she felt the hard bulge in his pants pressing into her stomach. Severus' hand moved to cup her breast, rubbing her nipple through her shirt. Hermione moaned softly and arched her back pushing her breast into his hand. Pulling back Severus swept Hermione into his arms giving her a smirk as she shrieked in surprise, and carried her into his room.

Laying her gently on his bed he undressed her. Starting at her feet he slipped off her shoes and threw them in the corner. He ran his hands up her bare legs until he reach the bottom of her shorts, he looked up at her silently asking for permission. Hermione bit her lip and nodded, her eyes never leaving his face as he slowly pulled her shorts off. He paused in taking her shorts off only to press a kiss to the skin right above her knickers.

After discarding her shorts he moved back up her legs placing soft open mouthed kisses on her as he went. Hermione moaned as Severus sucked on the inside of her thigh, her knickers growing ever wetter, heat pooling low in her belly. Severus pushed her shirt up pressing a kiss to her stomach and then quickly pulled her shirt off.

Before he could get to her bra however, Hermione interrupted him "Now Severus, here I am almost completely naked and you're fully dressed. Something is wrong with this picture." She teased.

Severus chuckled at this "Very well little witch, if you insist."

Unlike the way he had slowly taken off each article of clothing off Hermione, he quickly threw off his own robes, shirt, and trousers leaving him in only his pants.

Hermione's eyes had darkened as he undressed and the evidence of his arousal showed in his pants. She sat up and pulled Severus tightly to herself, her lips finding his and kissing him hard.

Severus' long fingers quickly unhooked her bra and pulling it off, threw it to the ground. He pushes her back to lay on the bed and leaning down, kissed and licked his way down to her breasts. Severus rubbed her pert nipples with the pad of his thumb pleased when she arched her back at his touch.

Leaning his head down, he pulled a nipple into his mouth and suckled on it. The whole time his other hand was on the other breast massaging it and pinching lightly on Hermione's nipple. Hermione moaned as Severus scraped his teeth lightly against her nipple as he pulled away from it.

"Severus, please." Hermione begged desperately needing him to quench the fire raging low in her belly.

Severus looked up at Hermione and the corners of his lips turned up as he slid his fingers down and into her knickers. His fingers slipped into her slick folds and finding her clit rubbed it lightly.

"Severus, harder." Hermione moaned in frustration.

"Patience my witch." Severus said smiling.

Moving down her body Severus slipped her knickers off and tossed them on the floor. Seeing what he was about to do, Hermione clamped her legs shut. Ron had never liked doing that and she was afraid Severus wouldn't either.

Severus looked up at her and "It's okay Hermione." He said softly. Hermione bit her lip then nodded and slowly pulled her legs apart. Severus leaned down and licked her, he circled her lips with his tongue moaning against her.

Hermione threw her head back in pleasure, grasping the sheets tightly as Severus sucked on her clit. He kept licking and sucking her till Hermione felt her walls clench tightly and she cried out as she came. Severus kept licking softly as she came down from her high and then after quickly taking off his pants moved back up her body.

Severus stared down at her for a moment "You are so beautiful" He whispered. Hermione's eyes softened and she pulled his head down so she could kiss him.

Severus settled himself between her legs and entered her slowly watching her face for any sign of pain. Hermione winced slightly, getting used to his size that although was not huge was certainly larger than Ron. Severus waited for a moment as Hermione adjusted and then pushed the rest of the way in. They both moaned and Severus slowly pulled back out and then thrust quickly back into her.

Hermione's hips lifted to meet his as her nails scraped lightly down his back. Severus moaned as she clenched around him. He was about to climax but held back, determined that she would find her pleasure first. Sweat formed on his brow as he thrust into her faster, his hand reaching down to rub at her clit. Moments later Hermione moaned his name as her orgasm crashed over her. Severus thrust in several more times before finally coming deep inside her.

He carefully pulled out of her and then rolled onto his back beside Hermione breathing heavily. Hermione rolled on her side and looked at him "That was amazing Severus." She said grinning. "Of course, you expected differently?" Severus smirked.

Hermione smacked his shoulder then snuggled into his side. She laid in Severus' arms quietly for a long time, her back against his chest and finally gathered up her courage, "Severus?" She whispered. "Hmm?" Severus murmured sleepily.

"I love you Severus." Hermione confessed nervously.

Severus was silent and Hermione wondered if he heard her. She was about to say something when finally Severus spoke "I love you too Hermione." He said.

Hermione quickly turned in his arms "Really? You mean it Severus? You don't have to say it just because I said it." She said quickly. Severus raised his eyebrow about to make a snarky comment when he saw the vulnerability in Hermione's eyes and he softened and smiled slightly "Yes, little witch, I do mean it. I love you"

Hermione wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her face into his chest smiling widely. It had been a long week without Severus and she was incredibly happy to be back in his arms and knowing he loved her.

Severus pulled her tighter against him and smiled into her hair. To some it might seem too soon but after being through two horrible wars both Hermione and him had learned you should live in the moment and not worry about tomorrow. She loved him, and Severus… Well he was in love with this witch and he would stay by her side forever if she would have him.