AN: I had intended to make this longer, and someday I may, but small children insist on interfering with the writing process! Review please!

hshshshs

She had shocked him, Hermione realized as he stiffened slightly and then wrapped his arms around her. Hermione simply buried her face against his chest and listened to his heart thump against her ear. Apparently she had caused him some worry as well, for he leaned down and asked in a low, concerned voice, "What on earth is wrong, Hermione?"

Her reply, muffled against his chest, was anything but steady. "Nothing is wrong. I am just pleased to know that you are all right. I was…" Hermione's voice trailed off. She didn't wish to say that she had been worried, but that was the truth of it. Severus put one long, slim finger under her chin and tilted her head back so he could meet her eyes.

His black gaze locked with her brown one. The air, still tension filled, crackled between them as if an electric pulse raced from one heart to the other. Severus' face was mysterious, impassive, but his hard body was tense and rigid, as if he was holding himself back. His eyes looked darker than midnight, but Hermione could see the heat in them.

His blood was racing high and hot, as was Hermione's. Her heart began to pound as she read the desire in his eyes. He wanted her. And she wanted him just as much.

Hermione didn't protest when Severus turned with her and backed her against the wall. When he brought his mouth crashing down on hers, she raised her hands and threaded her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer. She arched against him, wanting to feel all of him against her.

His kiss was hard and urgent, not gentle at all. Hermione whimpered with pleasure, grateful for his heat. She was burning and aching. She wanted to be soothed. When Severus heard her sounds, he pulled her tighter and increased his pressure on her lips. His kiss smoldered with pent-up emotion that stopped her breath in her chest.

Her body trembles as Severus suddenly broke off their kiss. He lifted his head. His eyes burned with an intensity that frightened and thrilled her. Her heart pounded as she felt the intense need in him. Hermione gripped his arms tightly, pulling herself as close as possible.

Suddenly, Severus pushed her forcefully back against the wall. Hermione realized that he intended to take her right there, and a white hot flash of desire surged through her body. Her stomach clenched and she felt herself hot and wet and ready for him. "Please, Severus," she whimpered.

He crashed his mouth down on hers again, hungry and hot. This time, however, he was not simply content to kiss her. Instead, his hands roamed over her body, molding to her curves under the blouse and skirt she wore. His long talented fingers sent ripples of pleasure through her body. Suddenly, Hermione felt a rush of cool air against her heated skin. Gasping in surprise, she looked up to meet Severus' smirk. Hmmm, thought Hermione, I will definitely need to learn THAT spell! Then all thought was driven from her mind as Severus bent his head and circled a dusky nipple with his tongue.

Hermione clutched desperately at him and moaned. When Severus sucked the entire peak into his mouth, Hermione arched against him, straining to be touched. Her hips began to move against him unconsciously, grinding against the bulge in his trousers, her body urging his to fill her.

Luckily, Severus was quick to respond. He slipped a hand between them and cupped her heated flesh. Hermione could feel her own slickness as Severus circled her opening with a long, slim finger. When he plunged his finger in, Hermione shuddered and moaned out loud.

She continued to shake with need as she fumbled with the front clasp on his trousers. Eventually, frustrated by her inept attempts, Severus brushed her hands away and completed the task himself. Quickly he divested himself of his clothing before reaching for Hermione again. Blindly, Hermione reached out to him, grasping his hard length in her hand.

Severus slid his hands under her and lifted her. His breath panted deeper as he spread her thighs with his own. He parted her moistness with his shaft and thrust himself deeply into her softness. Hermione gasped as she felt each hot inch stretching her and filling her. She felt out of control.

Hermione clasped her legs tightly around Severus and tilted her hips to draw him closer and deeper. Severus took over and stroked her again and again lighting a fire of pure passion in Hermione. She shook with ecstasy, and was thrilled to hear Severus groan deeply. He was just as affected as she was.

"Hermione!" Severus ground out, his velvet voice thick with desire and passion and pleading. Hermione answered him by tightening her thighs around his waist. Their passion was almost frantic, as if they had been waiting for such an event for a long time. Severus clenched his fingers on Hermione's bare skin and stared straight into her eyes. The black depths of his eyes drew her in, as he drove harder and faster into her. He wasn't gentle by any means, but Hermione found that she craved this intensity.

Caught up by desire, Hermione found his mouth and Severus answered, kissing her with a fierce need, as though he wanted all of her and couldn't get enough. Their hips continued to thrust together wildly until the heat between them reached a peak and exploded into flame. Hermione screamed in ecstasy. Through her haze, she heard a deep shout as Severus reached fulfillment only a moment after her. He clutched her tightly to him, as though he would never let her go.

Slowly, their hearts calmed and the flame died to an ember. Severus chuckled and softly drew one finger down her smooth cheek.

"I must say, Hermione. I never expected such a welcome! Especially since I told you not to wait up for me!" His eyes were tender as they stared into hers.

Hermione felt a blush on her cheeks as she looked up. "Well, you know me! Full of surprises!"

The heat in his eyes almost undid her. Severus swept her up into his arms. "Indeed," he responded and swiftly kicked the door shut behind him.

hshshshshshshs

Minerva looked down the table the next morning at breakfast. Puzzled, she noted that both Hermione and Severus were absent. Quickly she glanced at Dumbledore, who also had noticed.

"Albus, do you think there is a problem? Those two are never late!" Worry sharpened her voice as her brow furrowed.

The headmaster smiled and shook his head. Picking up his tea, he answered, "No, Minerva, I think everything is finally all right."