A/N: Getting close to the end only two more chapters left! Thanks you so much to everyone that has followed and been reviewing it's very greatly appreciated!

Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to Rowling.

We loved with a love that was more than love- Edgar Allan Poe

Hermione spent most of the week attempting to distract herself from the coming weekend when they would tell Ron and Harry about their relationship. Her anxiety was exacerbated by the fact that she couldn't see Severus during the week which was incredibly frustrating. Thankfully it was Friday afternoon so that night she would go to Severus' chambers and then the next day they would meet Harry and Ron in Hogsmeade.

Severus meanwhile was making his way to the headmasters office where Minerva had called for him. He rolled his eyes as he muttered the password "Gryffindor's rule." The gargoyle moved to admit him and he walked up the steps and knocked on the door.

"Come in Severus." Minerva called.

Severus opened the door and stalked in and sat in the chair in front of the desk.

"Is there some reason why I have been called from the oh so pleasurable job of grading potions homework?" Severus questioned in annoyance.

"Well Severus I just wished to know when you were planning to inform me of your and Miss Grangers relationship?" Minerva grinned like child in a candy store.

"I've not the slightest idea of what you are speaking." Severus deadpanned.

"Oh don't be such an old lady Severus. Honestly, it's not as if I am going to fire you. Hermione is of age and if it were not for the war would already have finished school and be out in the world working. What I want to know, is when you plan to propose." Minerva leaned forward in her chair as if she was about to be told a great secret.

Severus scowled at her in irritation "We've hardly been together long at all Minerva. It would scare her off for me to propose so quickly."

"But you love her. I can see it Severus. You held on to Lily for so long, she kept you going through all those years being a spy, I know that. To let go of her and love someone else is no small thing for you Severus, don't let fear of rejection keep you from taking your chance to be happy. You deserve happiness, don't let her go. Hermione is a wonderful witch and both of you will be incredibly lucky to have each other." Minerva leaned back in her chair as she finished and watched Severus.

He nodded slightly "If that is all Headmistress." Severus paused and looked at her, she nodded and he gave a curt bow and turning strode out of the room.

Severus walked into his chambers and headed straight into his room for his bedside table. He opened the small drawer and pulled out a small velvet box, opening it he looked at the ring inside. It was silver set with a ruby and surrounded by green emeralds, he had bought it had Hogsmeade just days earlier. It had caught his eye in a window display as he was walking to the potions shop.

Severus stared at the ring rubbing the top lightly with his thumb as he pondered Minerva's words. He knew he loved Hermione and wanted to be with her but she was still young it would only be normal for her not to wish to be tied down. But maybe Minerva was right, he was scared of rejection. But he would never know how she would react if he did not ask. He had spent too many years alone, Minerva was right, this was his chance for happiness. Severus sighed and snapped the box closed and set it back in the drawer and shut it.

He paced by the door in agitation until finally his door opened and Hermione walked in. Severus calmed at the sight of her, his whole body relaxing.

Walking forward, he enfolded Hermione in his arms burying his face in her hair. Severus sighed and breathed in the scent of her deeply.

"Are you okay Severus?" Hermione asked in concern.

"I've just missed you this week." Severus murmured.

Hermione pulled away to look up at Severus "I love you Severus."

Severus smiled softly at her "And I you little witch."

Hermione leaned up intending to only give him a quick kiss but as her lips met his it quickly turned passionate. Hermione moaned as his tongue caressed hers, wrapping her arms around his neck she let her fingers run through his soft strands of hair.

Severus ran his hands down her back and cuppping her bum, lifted her into his arms. Not missing a beat Hermione wrapped her legs around his waist and he walked them into the bedroom and lay her down on the bed. Murmuring a quick spell Severus vanished their clothes and then stood still just staring down at Hermione laying naked on his bed.

"Severus?" Hermione questioned.

"You're so beautiful. So lovely." He whispered.

She smiled and held her hand out for him. He took it and pressed his lips to hers once more. His lips traveled down her neck and Hermione closed her eyes in pleasure.

All Severus could think of was how much he loved her and needed her in that moment. Reaching down he felt her readiness for him and positioned himself at her entrance.

"Look at me." He whispered

Hermione's eyes opened. He leaned down and kissed her deeply as he thrust into her. Her hips lifted to meet him and he could feel that already she was so close. Severus murmured words of love in her ear as he began to move faster, and moments later he felt her clench around his as her orgasm crashed over her. He thrust again, then once more before spilling inside of her with a groan.

Severus rolled off of her and lay on his back next to her breathing heavily. Hermione rolled on her side to look at him.

"We have to go see Ron and Harry tomorrow." Severus nodded.

"Are you nervous?" She asked

"No, but I am concerned for you. I would not wish for you to lose your friendships because of me." Severus said frowning.

"I appreciate your concern Severus, but if they can't accept that I am happy and am very much in love with you then that is their loss." Hermione said seriously.

"What did I do to deserve you little witch?" Severus said sighing as he pulled her into his arms.

Hermione smiled against his chest "Everything."

The next morning Hermione woke up and smiled at Severus who slept peacefully next to her. She traced her fingers in circles on his chest, her hand beginning to wander farther down when Severus awoke.

"Mmm exploring are we?"

Hermione grinned and brushed her hand slightly against his quickly hardening member before quickly jumping out of bed. She wandered around his room naked searching for her clothes.

"And just what was that, witch?" Severus growled

Hermione turned to look at him "Now Severus, I really must take a shower and get ready to go meet Harry and Ron." She turned and sauntered toward the shower her hips swaying as she went. When she reached the bathroon door she turned again

"Of course, if you wished to join me I wouldn't stop you. I'm sure you could use a shower as well." Hermione blew a kiss at him before disappearing into the bathroom.

Severus stared in shock at the bathroom for a moment before the sound of the shower turning on spurred him into action and he quickly made his way into the bathroom and into the shower with his cheeky witch.

Several hours later thoroughly sated and bundled in their cloaks, Severus and Hermione made their way to Hogsmeade. They reached The Three Broomsticks and Hermione stopped staring at the door.

Severus turned to look at her and squeezed her hand in encouragement "Are you ready my love?"

Hermione sighed and looking up at him nodded "As I'll ever be."

Severus nodded then letting go of her hand opened the door and they walked in. Seeing Harry and Ron at a nearby table Hermione quickly walked over.

They both stood as soon as they saw her and Harry hugged her tightly "Hermione! We've missed you." Hermione laughed and hugged him back then turning to Ron there was an awkward pause then Hermione smiled and reached to hug him as well.

"So what did you want to see us about?" Harry asked.

They had not yet realized Severus was with her until she turned to look at him. Harry stared at Severus in surprise while Ron gaped in an expression of slight terror.

"Can we sit?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded and sat but continued to stare at Severus suspiciously. Severus took Hermione's hand under the table and squeezed it. She glanced over at him and smiled.

"I wanted to meet you both to tell you that Professor Snape and I... Well, we're in a relationship."