Hermione put the last essay on top of the pile. "I'm finally done. Honestly… the students always insist on writing more than assigned."
Severus arched a brow. "Sounds familiar."
Hermione blushed. "I'm sorry. As a student, I thought that it would be meritable to write more than assigned. You all must have hated me."
"Just me."
Hermione laughed. "Well, you hated me for a lot of reasons."
"Most of which were contrived for my spy work, however, I did grumble at your essays consistently."
Hermione leaned in toward him over the table. "Thankfully, you got over that."
He stared at her for too long. "Thankfully…"
Their gaze held. Severus felt electricity shoot between the two of them. He wondered if she felt it too. Hermione blushed and looked away.
Standing abruptly, she nodded at Severus. "Well, I should be going. I'll see you tomorrow at breakfast, yeah?"
He nodded but didn't say anything more. She turned and left the teacher's lounge. Severus watched her go and berated himself for his bloody cowardice. He'd been trying to tell her how he felt about her for weeks now, but he'd always chicken out.
He treasured their relationship as colleagues. They would meet several times a week here in the teachers' lounge and mark papers together, exchanging quips and stories and just… enjoying one another's company. The thought of him telling her of his true feelings scared the shite out of him. What if she avoided him after that? How could he possibly go on? He'd grown to rely on her companionship and never wanted to lose that.
He leaned back and sighed. He had two choices. Keep things as they were or tell her that he was in love with her and suffer the consequences of his actions. She did admire truthfulness. Perhaps after she laughed at him she'd still be okay with spending time together?
Doubtful.
It was getting rather late. He gathered his paperwork and hurried from the room. He was done ruminating about this particular issue. He'd worry about it tomorrow or next week. Now, he was exhausted and just wanted his bed and some sleep.
oooOOOooo
Severus meandered around Hogsmeade. It was a Hogsmeade weekend, and he was one of the chaperones for this trip. He actually enjoyed these assignments. It gave him a chance to wander around town for hours. Something he never had time for normally.
He went into Dervish and Banges looking forward to examining all their quirky items in detail. It was nearing Christmas, and he wondered if he could find some gifts for the faculty.
He headed over to the Sneakoscopes and grinned. Minerva had been commenting repeatedly that she'd become forgetful. This would be the perfect gift for her, and they'd both have a good laugh. He chose a round one with pearlescent carvings of a lion on the lower half.
"Perfect," he muttered to himself.
After looking around some more, and grabbing a couple of other things, he made his way to the back counter.
"You've added jewelry," he mentioned to the attendant.
"Yes, Professor. It's close to Christmas, and we hope to be a one-stop shop for gifts."
Severus arched a brow. "You're doing a fine job. I've found gifts for almost everyone today."
The attendant smiled. Severus put his items on the counter as he looked briefly at the jewelry. He took a double take at a necklace. Reaching out, he fingered the charm.
"This is unique."
"Yes, sir. It was a requisition. The customer decided at the last minute that he didn't want it."
Severus looked closely at the necklace. The charm was a small 3D treasure chest with an open lid. A small hummingbird was emerging from the box. He marveled at the charm. It would be a perfect gift for Hermione for many reasons. It was quite beautiful, and the treasure box reflected Severus' feelings towards her. And the hummingbird… It was a remarkable coincidence to find it.
She'd told him a few times that her father would sometimes call her hummingbird and always gave her gifts that were hummingbirds. It was her father's way of showing his love for her. Perhaps this would be a way to start the conversation about his own feelings towards her.
"How much is this?"
"It's sixteen Galleons."
Severus looked up at the man. "I'll take it."
"Excellent choice, sir."
His purchases were rung up, and he paid. As he left the store, he grew excited about his gift for Hermione. Perhaps he should give it to her before Christmas? He would need to plan what and how to do that.
oooOOOooo
He was nervous. The necklace sat in a wrapped box in his desk drawer. He was going to give it to her tonight as they gathered to mark papers. Just thinking about doing so made him apprehensive. Making his way to the Great Hall for breakfast, he sat down next to her, giving her a clipped nod.
"Good morning," she said.
"Good morning," he mumbled. He felt snappish because of his uncertainty about her gift.
"You didn't mention you'd be here over Christmas."
"I am always here at Christmas."
"But, don't you have any family or friends to spend the holidays with?"
He stiffened. "No." His eyebrows gathered together. He enjoyed spending the holidays alone, but she would probably feel sorry for him. The last thing he wanted during the holidays was pity.
"Merlin, you must be so lonely here!"
"It's fine," he ground out.
"I know! I'll stay here with you."
"No!" His head snapped toward her. "I don't need you babysitting me!"
She stiffened. Her eyes searched his. He tried to look nonchalant, but he could feel the annoyance radiating off him.
"I see," she said quietly. Her face looked downcast as she rose and walked away without saying another word to him.
He scowled at her as she left. He fumed for a minute before he realized he'd been incredibly rude. He crumpled up his napkin and threw it on his empty plate. Rising, he stormed out of the Great Hall and hurriedly went to his room. He crashed into his reading chair and flicked his wand at the fireplace, starting up a roaring fire.
Why couldn't he keep his big mouth shut? She was just offering to spend the holidays with him. Didn't he want that?
He sighed. That was exactly what he wanted, but the idea of being pitied just set him off.
It had been a sore spot all his life from when the neighbors at Spinner's End would give him sad looks as he walked around the neighborhood. He'd heard the whispers.
"That's Tobias' boy. Poor thing. Gets beaten every week."
Little did they know it was more often than that. He could only imagine their pious faces at that bit of knowledge.
"Poor boy, growing up in a home with a drunk."
"Kid looks like an orphan. Look at his shoddy clothes!"
He'd hated every minute of it. It left a sore spot within him that had never diminished, following him through his years as a student and now into his adulthood. When he'd returned to Hogwarts at the end of the war, he'd received too much pity from his colleagues. He'd had to call a meeting with all of them and tell them to knock it off. Granted he'd taken a full week to be able to do that nicely after fuming for days at the way they'd been coddling him.
He closed his eyes and squeezed the bridge of his nose. He really needed to control himself. He'd need to apologize to Hermione. He'd do it tonight when they met in the teachers' lounge. It would be a good opener to him giving her the gift.
Opening up his eyes, he stood and extinguished the fire in the fireplace. Classes were to start soon, and he needed to prepare for the unruly first years.
oooOOOooo
He stared down at the owl. Hermione had canceled their meeting. She never canceled their meeting. She was avoiding him, and he knew it. He crumpled the parchment and stood. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the wrapped box. It would evidently need to wait until she'd calmed down. He pocketed it, picked up his papers, and retreated to his room, where he threw the papers into the corner and sulked for the rest of the night.
oooOOOooo
She'd done a great job of avoiding him for the rest of the week, not even coming to meals. He'd been trying to find her for days now. She had Owled him the day after her first message, saying she was too busy to be able to meet him in the Teachers' lounge until after the holidays.
The woman miraculously disappeared as her classrooms emptied; she was invisible any other time of day. To be honest, he was worried about her.
He now stood in front of her door and knocked. He knew she was in there, but she never came to the door.
"Hermione? Hermione, would you come to the door, please?"
Silence.
He'd cocked things up royally.
"Hermione, I apologize for the other day."
Nothing.
He waited a few more minutes, but then left, sighing as he did so. There were three more days until the Holiday break, and he hoped she'd emerge and speak to him.
oooOOOooo
Hermione stared at the door. She bit her lip before casting a spell to ascertain whether Severus had left. Thankfully he had. She sighed and moved to her window, staring blankly outside.
At least he'd apologized, but she couldn't see him now.
Frowning, she turned from the window and headed to her bedroom. She curled up on her bed and covered herself with the blankets. She didn't want to deal with anything right at the moment.
When he'd been so harsh about her staying with him over Christmas, she had realized that the attraction she thought she'd felt from him was totally in her imagination. He obviously had no interest in her aside from friendship.
She'd quickly canceled all of their meetings and avoided him like the plague. She knew she was being childish, but she needed some time to get over Severus Snape. She hoped that when the holiday break was over, she'd have herself under control and be able to look him in the eyes and spend time with him again without constantly pining for him.
That was probably wishful thinking, but at least the time away would help her to hide her attraction.
She gathered the covers around her tighter. All she wanted to do right now was go to sleep. Thinking about Severus just made her melancholy.
oooOOOooo
Fall break came quickly and Hermione made her escape from Hogwarts. She had visited all her colleagues' classrooms, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. All of them except for Severus. She knew if she said anything to him, she wouldn't be able to control her tears.
Now she sat in the library at Grimmauld Place reading A Christmas Carol. It was one of her holiday traditions that she would do right before Christmas. She'd been having trouble concentrating on it, but she'd finally gotten to her favorite part where Scrooge awakens on Christmas morning a changed man. She was so absorbed in the tale, she didn't hear Harry come into the library and was slightly startled when he sat down in the chair across from her.
"Hey."
She looked up and smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Hey."
"Hermione… What's wrong? You've been sulking all week."
"I have not."
"Yes, you have. You've hardly laughed at all, even when Ron and George were talking about the crazy things that were happening in the shop."
She looked down at her lap. "I'm sorry I've been a killjoy."
"I don't think anyone else noticed. I just… You're not you, you know?"
Her eyes met Harry's. "I'm sad, Harry. I realized something before the break, and it's depressing me."
"What is it? Can I help?"
She frowned. "I don't want to tell you. You'll think I'm mad!"
"Just tell me. I'm your friend. You've always been there for me."
Biting her lip, she thought about talking to him about Severus. She nodded finally. "I've… You see, I fancy Severus."
"Snape?"
She nodded, awaiting the tantrum.
"You're in love with Snape?"
"I just said that, Harry," she said in annoyance.
"You're right, I think you're mad. What on earth has gotten into you? Have you forgotten how he was when we were at school?"
"Of course not, but he's mellowed out. He doesn't have to be that awful man anymore, and he's not. We're friends. We spend time together. I like his company." She shrugged. "I like him."
"Does he like you too?"
"No!" She looked away and stared at the bookshelves for a bit. "I thought maybe he did, but he said something that made it evident that he doesn't. Harry, I feel like a fool."
"Budge over," Harry said as he got up and squished himself into the chair with her. He pulled her into a hug.
"You are no fool, Hermione. He's the fool if he doesn't see how wonderful you are."
She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "I'm trying to work through those feelings so they don't affect me after the holidays. I need to be able to see him, make eye contact with him, and talk to him without my voice breaking with emotion."
Harry pulled back. "I could Obliviate you." He grinned at his joke.
She chuckled as well. "If I thought that would help, I would take you up on it, but I have to figure this out myself. I'm an adult. I can do big-girl things."
"I'm sorry, Hermione. I wish there were something real I could do. You said you're both friends, right?"
She nodded.
"Well, at least you have that."
Nodding again, she explained. "I agree. And I don't want it to be awkward when I get back, you know?"
"Yeah, that makes sense." He thought a bit. "You've got time to work this through. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. There's at least another week before you have to go back and face him."
"True. I just hope it's enough."
He smiled at her. "I could always curse him."
She narrowed her eyes at him playfully. "You'd love that, wouldn't you?"
Harry shrugged. "You bet, except for the fact he'd literally kill me if I ever tried anything like that."
"That's for sure," Hermione said, grinning again. She looked at him for a moment before saying anything else. "Thanks, Harry," she told him eventually.
"For what?"
"For listening and not being a prat about my attraction. Just talking it out makes me feel better, you know?"
He nodded. "I do. You always help me like that."
"Well, I guess that's what friends are for," she said lightly.
"Definitely."
She felt that she could move on now that she'd discussed everything with Harry. It had been good to talk to someone. There was a weight that had lifted off her already, and she felt hopeful that by the end of break, she'd be feeling better about everything.
oooOOOooo
Severus paced and paced. Hermione had succeeded in avoiding him before the break had started, and he'd been in the castle by himself for almost a week. He'd been incredibly lonely the last few days, his mind fixated on her.
It was now Christmas Eve. He wanted to give her the gift he'd gotten for her, but he feared her reaction. Perhaps he should send a House Elf to deliver it.
Yes, that would be brave of him…
He chuckled mirthlessly to himself.
He needed to see her. And perhaps if he showed up at Grimmauld Place, she'd be surprised into actually visiting with him. But he needed a reason to travel all the way to her. The gift was one thing, but he needed something that would actually make her talk to him.
He continued to pace as he thought. After a while, it finally came to him.
"That'll do."
He made his way to the lab and opened up his potions closet. Placing his ladder against one of the shelving units, he climbed up halfway and removed a blue potion. It was an arthritis potion for her half-kneazle. Severus brewed this for Hermione and gave her a vial monthly to help soothe the cat's pains. He noted it was almost time to brew some more, as he only had one more vial left.
Descending the ladder, he pocketed the potion next to the gift box he'd set in there earlier. He closed up the lab but halted his steps.
What if she wouldn't see him?
He had to try. He needed to help her see he was sorry for being such a prat. He just feared she was still angry with him and would brush him off. She would talk to him eventually, though, wouldn't she? She wasn't Lily Evans after all.
Grabbing his coat and making his way to the Apparition point, he took in the crisp air. His steps rang out in the silence as he walked, gazing out at the grounds. It looked like it was about to snow. The sky was an incredibly dark grey, and there was a chill in the air that also testified to the onset of snow. He always enjoyed the snow on Christmas, so he hoped that it would start falling soon.
Reaching the gates, he exited and spun away. Appearing in front of Grimmauld Place, he took some deep breaths to calm his racing heart before slowly making his way up the sidewalk. He came to the door and glared at it for a while before finally lifting his fist and knocking.
He waited.
Unfortunately, Potter answered the door. He'd known that could be possible, but he'd hoped it would just have been Hermione who answered.
"Oh, Professor Snape. Merry Christmas."
"Potter," he said with a slight bow of his head.
They stared at each other for a few seconds before Potter spoke again.
"Sorry, would you like to come in?"
Severus nodded and brushed past the Boy Who Lived. He turned back toward him.
"I came to see Hermione."
"Oh, Merlin. Yeah, sorry. She's not here."
"Oh." He kept his face stoic so Potter wouldn't guess he was disappointed.
"She's gone to see her parents, you see. She won't be back until tomorrow afternoon."
Shite
He composed himself before speaking to Potter. Frowning, he fished into his pocket.
"I brought this potion for Crookshanks. I know she's probably out."
Harry took the potion. "Thanks. I'll give him some now. How much?"
"Two drops in food or a treat."
"Thanks."
They stared at each other again before Severus reached back into his pocket. He was reluctant to give the gift to Potter, but he didn't see any other way to get it to her for Christmas. He handed the gift to the younger man.
"Would you give this to her, too?"
Harry reached out and took the gift. He opened his mouth to say something, but wound up snapping it closed as he took the gift.
"I'll put it under the tree for her."
Again there was silence and stares. Severus shifted up on his feet. "I'll leave you to your holiday."
"Thanks for stopping by."
"Have a nice Christmas, Potter."
"Yeah, you too."
He watched Severus open the door. Before Severus shut it behind him, Harry called out. "She'll be sorry she missed you."
Severus turned, somewhat shocked that Harry had said anything. "Thanks, Potter."
He turned and left, walking down the sidewalk and disappearing as soon as he reached the end of it. Opening the Hogwarts gates, he made his way quickly up the path to the Entrance Hall, ignoring the things that had lifted his spirits on the way out of the castle before.
"Shite, shite, shite," he spoke to himself. "That went pear-shaped. Now I'll have to wait until the break ends to even see her." He sighed. "Bloody hell."
He at least hoped she would like the gift. Would she understand what he meant by it or would she just think it was a pretty necklace that had a hummingbird on it? She wasn't stupid. Quite the opposite. The meaning wouldn't be lost on her, right?
Then she could think about it and decide what to say to him. Maybe this was for the best. She could figure out a way to let him down gently–tell him that he was too old, cynical, and just plain git-like for her to ever consider as someone she'd fancy.
Yes, that's how it would go, and yes, it was for the best she wasn't there. He could spend the rest of the break in his bubble before she destroyed him.
Heading down to the dungeons, he sealed himself up in his chambers and grabbed his bottle of Firewhiskey. It was going to be a long night.
oooOOOooo
Severus cracked his eyes open, squinting from the light.
"Who the hell put a window in my room?" he ground out.
Oh yeah, he had—about two months prior. Evidently, he'd forgotten to pull the thick curtains last night to keep the light from coming in.
He groaned. His head felt like someone had taken a sledgehammer to it. He turned, pulled his wand off the bedside table, and cast a Tempus.
Two in the afternoon. At least he'd slept a good part of Christmas away.
He sat up and immediately regretted it. Waving his wand, a hangover potion sailed from the other room and into his hand. He quickly downed it and felt much, much better.
He took a shower and dressed in his most festive all-black outfit. It was the same as all his other outfits. The white shirt underneath his vest was the most cheery thing he was wearing. He smirked at himself in the mirror.
Turning, he headed out to his sitting room. He'd just settled into his reading chair with a fire crackling in the fireplace when there was a knock at his door. He rolled his eyes. Minerva usually stopped by on Christmas, especially since he never joined the Christmas meal.
He debated not answering, but he knew she would be insistent.
"Minerva, go away," he called out.
"It's Hermione…"
He froze. Hermione. Hermione was at his door. Hermione was knocking at his door, wanting to speak with him. Merlin, he should just Apparate away. He still had the ability after being Headmaster.
He stood quickly, lifting his wand and beginning to turn. He stopped dead. What the hell was he doing? How cowardly could he be? Besides, she'd heard him. Bugger, there was no escape.
Shaking his head, he made his way to the door. He took a cleansing breath and opened it. Hermione stood there, looking somewhat nervous yet absolutely beautiful. She wore green dress robes that were bordered by white snowflakes. Her hair was a curly mass of beauty that he wanted to run his fingers through. She was angelic.
He couldn't help himself. "Hermione, you look lovely."
She smiled at him and continued standing there. Finally, she spoke.
"May I come in?"
"Oh, of course." He stepped aside and let her pass by.
She moved to his sofa and settled in. He followed her and sat across from her.
"Happy Christmas."
She smiled at him. "Happy Christmas, Severus."
"Hermione… That day you asked to stay here… I was horrid, and I apologize. It's not that I didn't want you to stay, I just…" He looked down and his eyebrows furrowed. "I hate being pitied."
"Severus, I wasn't…"
He lifted his hand to stop her. "I know you didn't mean it that way. Once I was by myself and could think about what you said, I realized that, but that was after I had time to think. Hermione, it's something that just sets me off. I know I need to work on that, but at the time, I reacted poorly."
"I'm sorry I set you off."
"No, you don't need to apologize for being caring. I need to keep apologizing for being a git. Can you forgive me?"
She smiled at him. "Truly, I had forgiven you almost immediately. I was upset for a different reason."
"What?"
She lifted her hand and touched the necklace around her neck. His necklace. The treasure chest with the hummingbird poking out of it.
"Thank you for this necklace," was all she said. Her eyes lifted to his. "Does this mean what I think it does?"
He closed his eyes. Here it was. The moment she would tell him they were friends and nothing else. But a small part of his heart urged him to tell her exactly what that necklace meant. Fear of rejection shot through him, but ultimately, if he was going to be rejected, he might as well make his best argument. Perhaps he could convince her he was worth a risk.
Rising, he moved next to her on the sofa. He grasped her hand, looking down at it as his hand enclosed hers. Her hand fit so wonderfully in his. Holding her hand felt so right. His eyes drew up to hers.
"I had to get that necklace for you, Hermione. The minute I saw it, I knew it was exactly the right gift for you."
She smiled at him.
"I want you to know how important you are to me. I remembered your stories about the hummingbird as your father's way of saying he loved you."
He stopped and stared at her. Swallowing hard, he was grateful to see her eyebrows raise and a nod of her head to go on.
"You see, Hermione, I love you too, and finding that little bird in the treasure box… it stated exactly what I wanted it to. I treasure you. I want us to be more than just friends. I know that you probably don't want that–"
He was interrupted by Hermione pulling her hand from his and throwing her arms around him. Her lips met his, and his heart almost stopped at his surprise at her affection. His eyes grew wide before he realized she was kissing him. HIM! His eyes closed, and he opened to her. Merlin, she was brilliant and beautiful, and sexy, and evidently very into him given her kisses. He pulled back and looked at her.
"You want this?" he asked with some trepidation and incredulity all mixed up together. Truly, he was unwilling to believe that she could desire him.
"Oh, Severus, yes. I… I have a confession to make."
He arched a brow at her.
"The reason I was avoiding you was because I didn't think you were interested in me like that. After your reaction about me asking to stay here over Christmas, it seemed clear to me that we were just friends." She frowned. "I didn't know how to react to you given my feelings for you, so I avoided you. Not a very adult reaction, I know, but I couldn't face you. I needed time to get over you."
"I'm sorry."
"No, don't apologize anymore. I forgive you. Like I said, it just made me feel that we could never be together, though."
He leaned back in and captured her lips. "I didn't think you would ever want me like this," he murmured after he'd separated from her.
"Neither of us did!" she cried before kissing him again. "Happy Christmas," she told him.
"Happy Christmas."
His arms went around her, and he pulled her close, showering her with affection. She opened to him, and his tongue entered her mouth. He worshiped her as their tongues tangled with one another. She moaned into him, just exciting him all the more. She broke from his lips and whispered in his ear.
"Make love to me."
His cock, already interested in their goings-on, came to attention. He pushed himself against her and leaned in to whisper in her ear.
"See what you do to me?"
"Oh God…"
He unwrapped himself from her and stood. Extending his hand, he guided her to stand as well. His hand cupped her cheek as he leaned down and kissed her. Over and over. It was bliss, and he never wanted to stop. But there was more to experience with her, so he made himself pull back
"Come on," he murmured. Pulling her after him, he took her to his bedroom.
She turned to him when they'd reached the bed. Her hands came up onto his chest.
"When I saw your gift, I had hoped that something like this might happen, so, I've dressed for the occasion."
His eyebrow arched. "Meaning?"
Her wand moved into her hand, and she waved it around herself, making her dress evaporate and reappear on a nearby chair. She stood before him, and he gaped.
"Merlin," he said.
What she wore was barely there, but it was gorgeous. Green. It was green. She'd worn green for him. Skimpy green lingerie with tiny bows over her breasts… all for him. His mouth went dry.
"You wore this for me?"
"It's your Christmas present. Did you want to unwrap me?"
He groaned as his cock strained against his trousers, wanting to do nothing but unwrap this delectable package.
"You know I do," he said after slightly composing himself.
She closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around him. He reached out and fondled her breast, groaning into her mouth. Her hands moved down to his chest as they kissed. Grasping her shoulders, Severus slowly drew the thin straps of her outfit off them. Leaning down, he kissed her shoulder and then moved to her neck. She craned it to give him better access.
"Oh, Severus…" she murmured as she pulled him as close as he could get.
He suckled her neck before pulling away and lifting her up. He carried her over to the bed, placing her on it and easing the top of her nightie down, exposing her breasts. She gave him a vulnerable look as he beheld her, including the scar that was on her chest.
"Hermione… never doubt your beauty. You are exquisite." His finger drew down her scar. "And this just makes me want to suck on it all the way to here."
His finger moved down lower and flicked her nipple. She whined and wriggled under him, making him smirk at her. He bent low and took that nipple into his mouth, suckling on her, his eyes lifting up to gaze at her.
Her pupils were blown out, and she was gasping. He marveled at her reactions to him. Never in his life… well, never mind that. He concentrated on his newfound love, who evidently was very hot for him.
Releasing her nipple he said a silent spell and her nightie and his clothes disappeared. He kissed his way down to her core. She spread her legs wide for him, and he plunged his tongue into her hole and ran it up along her clit.
She screamed. Screamed! For him. He delved into her with his finger as he licked her clit. Another finger joined as he curled them up within her. She stiffened and arched toward him.
"Oh God, oh God, oh God," she cried as he continued making her writhe. All of a sudden he felt her clench around him.
"Severus!" she cried out as she smashed her cunt into his face. He sucked hard on her clit, finishing off her orgasm. Slowly she relaxed and pulled away from his face. He moved up toward her, smirking devilishly. His lips met hers, and he kissed her, giving her a taste of herself as his tongue plundered her mouth. She moaned into him.
His cock was bursting to get into her. He could barely hold himself back. Pulling away from her mouth, he let her know.
"I don't think I will last long."
"Just put yourself in me, Severus. I'm dying to feel you filling me up."
He groaned with lust as he positioned himself. Looking down at her, he saw her wanton expression and plunged into her.
"Oh Merlin, you feel amazing!" he uttered. "So wet… For me…"
He stopped talking and pulled out, only to slam back into her to the hilt.
"Yes!" Hermione cried. She was a vocal one, this woman who found him appealing. "You are so sexy!" She cried as she caressed his chest.
…Yes, she definitely found him appealing. He smirked at her but was soon too caught up in their rhythm and the feelings she was evoking within him.
"Fuck me, Severus! Fuck me hard!"
"Ungh! Such language!" he moaned as he drove into her again and held himself. "You are mine!" he said possessively as he came within her.
"Yours…" she cried, "and you're mine!" she gasped back as she wrapped her legs around him to bring him even closer to her.
They grasped at each other as they hit their high together. His lips met hers in a hard, possessive kiss. She returned it with equal possessiveness. She wrapped her arms around him as he eased out of her and moved to her side. His arms came around her, and they snuggled together. Fatigue overtook them and they'd soon fallen asleep in each other's arms.
oooOOOooo
They had awakened a bit later and lazily dressed and moved back out to the sitting room. They were now curled up together on the couch in front of the fire. Hermione was leaning into Severus, her head on his chest. His arm was lazily around her.
"Do you need to go back to Potter's?" he asked.
She lifted her head and looked at him. "Not really."
"Good. Stay here with me." Forever he thought.
"I'd love to. Maybe we can go to Harry's New Year's Eve party?"
Severus frowned. "If you want."
She laughed. "We don't have to if you don't want to."
He grimaced. "I'd have to converse with Potter."
"You are being very whingy about this, Severus."
"You know my thoughts on the Boy Who Lived."
"Yes, but he's a man now, and much less annoying."
"Says you."
She adjusted herself so she could look at him better. "It's fine if we just hole up here."
"You want to go."
She shrugged. "Well, I would like to, but I understand you're not interested. Molly and Arthur will be there. You like them, don't you?"
He sighed. "I'm sure there would be others who I… tolerate. Is Minerva going?"
She smiled and nodded.
"All right. Hopefully, I won't need to talk to Potter too much. It was bad enough communicating with him when I left your gift."
She kissed his cheek. "Thank you."
He smiled at her lovingly. "You've already wrapped me around your finger."
"Well, you have done much the same to me."
His hand cupped her cheek. "You are so precious to me, Hermione."
Her smile made his heart swell. He couldn't help but kiss her. When he finally came up for air, she looked at him adoringly.
"I love you, Severus."
That one statement made his heart almost explode within him. Before he could reply to her there was a knock at the door. Hermione looked over at it.
"Who could that be?"
"It's probably Minerva. She usually stops by sometime during Christmas Day."
Severus got up and answered the door.
"Happy Christmas, Severus!" Minerva cried. "I was hoping you'd join us for Christmas dinner this yea–" Her eyes strayed into the room.
"Hermione! Happy Christmas!" she said as she moved into the room and up to Hermione, who had stood. She gave her a hug.
"I thought you were with Harry and your parents."
"I came to spend Christmas with Severus," Hermione offered.
Minerva's eyebrows rose. "Did you, now?"
Hermione blushed, her eyes moving to Severus. Minerva's eyes lit up.
"Are you two…? Nevermind."
Severus harrumphed. "Go on Minerva, ask your question."
"Have you two finally gotten together?"
"What do you mean, finally?" Severus ground out.
"Oh, come on, Severus. You two have been tip-toeing around each other for a very long time. Please, please tell me you've finally both realized the other is interested?"
Severus gave her a grumpy look. "Well, if we hadn't, your comments would be incredibly inappropriate and embarrassing."
"Ah, but that means you did!" Minerva clapped her hands together. "I'm so happy for both of you."
"Thanks, Minerva," Hermione said as she hugged her. "We were dancing around each other, weren't we?"
"Yes, you were. Everyone will be relieved that you finally got together."
Severus moved up to her. "What do you mean, everyone?"
"The whole faculty has been talking about you both, Severus. There's even a betting pool on when you'd finally get together."
He scoffed at that. "Who won?"
"I suppose it depends on the exact time you two got together."
"Today," Hermione said.
"Oh, that's so romantic! I think Hagrid may have won. I can't remember who chose Christmas Day. It may have been Filius."
"I can't believe you all were betting on our lives," Severus remarked with a frown.
"Oh, lighten up. It's all in good fun, and we truly want to see you both happy… together."
Severus shook his head. "Thank you, Min."
"Now, will you come to Christmas dinner with the students?"
"You know I avoid that at all costs."
"Yes, but Hermione hasn't ever experienced it because she's usually visiting family. It would be nice for you both to come."
He looked over at Hermione, who was looking at him hopefully.
"You want to go?"
She nodded.
"All right. We will be there, Min."
"Wonderful! We eat in a half hour."
With that, she left them to themselves. Hermione came up to Severus and wrapped her arms around him.
"A betting pool," she said. "Can you even imagine?"
"No. It's…somewhat humorous that everyone saw it but us." He pulled her close and hugged her tightly. "I'm glad we finally admitted it to each other. The trepidation was worth it."
"Yes, it certainly was."
He pulled back slightly so he could look at her. "I can't wait to see where this goes."
"Me too."
oooOOOooo
On New Year's Eve Hermione and Severus walked into Grimmauld Place hand in hand. Everyone turned and looked at them and an eerie quiet settled over the room. Severus' hand squeezed Hermione's, the only tell that he was apprehensive. Honestly, with the looks he was getting, he was about to turn and flee. She squeezed his hand back, and he settled down… slightly.
It seemed that all eyes were centered on their clasped hands. Potter was the first to speak up.
"Welcome, Hermione… Professor Snape."
Ginny smiled tightly at them but nodded in welcome along with her husband.
"What the hell are you two doing holding hands?" Ron said as he glowered at them.
"Ronald, grow up," Hermione said. She pulled Severus along, and they found a seat together on one of the sofas in the room.
Molly cleared her throat. "It's nice to see you, Severus. How are classes going?"
"They have been fine. I have a relatively low number of cretins in each class so exploded cauldrons have been few."
"Soooo, you two are a couple?" George blurted out.
"Obviously," was all that Severus offered.
Ron gave them a grumpy look, but said nothing. Everyone sat silently for a bit, not looking at anyone. Finally, Hermione spoke up.
"Is there a problem with me being with Severus?"
"I don't have any problem with it," Arthur offered.
She looked at everyone else. "Because it seems like everything got awkward once we entered the room."
"Hermione," Harry started. "It's just a surprise."
"A negative surprise," she surmised.
"No, not really. Not for me, at least. You've told me how you feel, but I think it's a surprise for some of us."
Severus glared at everyone. "We should go."
At that moment, Minerva came in.
"Happy New Year, everyone! Oh, Severus, I didn't think you'd come. Hermione is already a good influence on you."
"You know about this?" Ron asked tartly.
"Of course!"
"Evidently, there was a betting pool among the faculty as to when the two of us would get together," Severus ground out as his eyes moved to Minerva.
McGonagall laughed. "Yes, and Hagrid won! He was delighted, and we're all so happy for these two. They've been dancing around one another for months now."
Arthur stood and came up to Severus with his hand extended. "Congratulations," he offered as Severus took his hand and shook it. "I hope you two are incredibly happy together."
"Thank you," Severus said.
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Weasley," Hermione said as Arthur grasped her hand and shook it too.
"Well…" Ron said finally as he studied Hermione, trying to read her mind. "If you're happy, then I'm okay with this. I just… Snape, you were horrid to Hermione as a student. This just seems odd."
Severus glanced at Hermione and gave a deep sigh. "You are right, Weasley. I was horrid to her. We got past that when she started working at Hogwarts. We've been friends for a long time now." His eyes strayed to Ronald's. "I care for her… deeply."
Hermione squeezed his hand as she gazed at him. "And I care for him deeply, too."
Molly smiled. "Then we're happy for you both. Severus, you deserve someone special."
"Thank you," he said with a bow of his head.
Ron smirked at the couple. "Then good luck, you two. I do wish you the best. Just know, Snape, if you hurt her, you're done for."
"Thank you, Ron," Hermione said. "I think…"
Severus studied the younger Weasley and finally smirked at him. He nodded in acknowledgment of the warning.
"And Hermione, we'd prefer it if you didn't hurt Severus either," Minerva added. "But the two of you are perfect together, so I'm looking forward to you being together for a long, long time."
"Min…" Severus ground out.
She moved over to the sofa where they sat and squeezed Severus' shoulder. "You know you're like a son to me. I just want to see you happy."
"Enough, Minerva!" His eyes narrowed at her.
"Touchy." She moved around to an empty chair and settled in, smirking at him.
He chose to arch his brow at her and leave it at that.
The tension in the room fell away, and everyone began to talk about other things. They helped themselves to snacks as the night went on as they visited together. Severus found he didn't hate it. Once everyone settled down and somewhat accepted that Hermione and he were together, they were much more agreeable. Even Potter wasn't the annoying man-child Severus usually found him to be.
Midnight approached, and everyone ventured outside so they could send fireworks from their wands at the New Year. With Grimmauld Place being Unplottable, they didn't have to worry about Muggles seeing them. Harry set a Tempus charm and they all counted down to the New Year.
"3… 2… 1… Happy New Year!" they all cried as they sent off sparkles and fireworks from their wands.
George had some special items at the ready. A dragon emerged from behind him and hovered over them, breathing fire into the air. Everyone Ooo'd and Ahh'd at that.
Severus pulled Hermione into an embrace and kissed her lovingly.
"Happy New Year," he quietly told her once he'd pulled back.
"Happy New Year," she said with a smile. "I'm looking forward to what this New Year will bring."
He smirked at her. "Me too. Now that you're part of my life, I am eager to see what the future brings. I will let you know, though, I'm not ever going to let you go."
"I'm perfectly happy with that," she said as she pulled him down to her and kissed him again.
They were both surprised to hear hoots and hollers from everyone surrounding them. Pulling away, Severus looked around, his cheeks tinged pink. Everyone was smiling and clapping. He wasn't used to being the center of attention… especially in a positive way.
"Ah, to hell with it," he murmured and dove back to her lips, enjoying her despite being in front of everyone.