Summary: Halloween

A/N: It's been a long time coming. Hope you enjoy this one.

Chapter 15

Severus had taken the day off. It was Halloween, and he always took a holiday on that day. The first thing he did was sleep in then had a House Elf bring him breakfast. Afterward, he showered, dressed, and was on his way. Apparating to Godric's Hollow, he stopped and examined the statue of the Potters in the center square. Moving close to it, his hand reached up, and he ran it over Lily's stone arm. He looked up into her face and frowned. Sadness filled him as he turned from the statue, breathing heavily.

Looking down the road, he moved to the small church cemetery across the courtyard. Going through the kissing gate, he made his way to the Potters' grave. Still breathing heavily as he approached, his fingers tapped on his leg as he gazed upon the headstone. Stooping down and kneeling before the stone, he traced her name.

"Lily."

Closing his eyes, he bowed his head and mourned her again. Every year it was like this. Like he'd just lost her. Tears formed in his eyes as he looked back at the headstone and continued to trace her name. He let the tears come as he did so. After a bit, he spoke.

"Oh, Lily," he gasped. "I'm so, so sorry. I never meant for you to die." His eyes strayed to James' name. "Nor him," he admitted. Wiping away his tears, he sniffed. More just came. "I wish… I wish you were still here, so you could see your son."

Bowing his head, great sobs escaped him. He thought of his friend. Her sunny smile and bright intellect. Her curiosity about wizards when they had both been young. Her caring about everyone. He knew she wasn't perfect. He knew she could have forgiven him but hadn't. But right now, he just concentrated on everything he loved about Lily Evans. He mourned it all.

He cried for his friend for a long while until his tears were done. Wiping his face, he sat down next to the stone, facing it. He just stared off into the distance for a while, letting his breathing calm. He watched a small bird flit from branch to branch on a nearby tree. The bird was a beautiful blue, something rare in the region. It felt like Lily had sent it to him to calm him.

He smiled.

"You're ever so clever, Lily. I know that was from you."

He watched the bird fly away before looking back at the headstone.

"Your boy is safe. I did all I could to help him, and he came out victorious in the end. Going to be an Auror, that one. Don't tell him I said this, but he'll make a fine one. He's got your heart and Potter's ruthlessness in a pinch."

He quieted as he looked at the date on the headstone. 31 October 1981. The day his life ended.

"The war is over, and I find myself incredibly free… except for being ordered to keep teaching, but I've worked out a deal where that will end at the end of this school year, thankfully. But otherwise, I can live my life as I see fit, not how the Dark Lord or Albus wanted it to go. It's liberating, Lily, and I have to admit the spell Albus set upon me with his letter has been helpful. Even when I've fallen into despair, it's helped me to see light through the darkness. Anyway, I think I'll open an apothecary when I'm done with Hogwarts. Create my own brews. Be by myself, not having to answer to anyone, creating what I want. It sounds heavenly… and peaceful."

He sighed. "I guess I should tell you that I've met someone. It's your son's friend… Hermione Granger. We're the same age now due to what they had to do to save me from the Dark Lord's snake. I don't know what her feelings for me are, but I think she is lovely. It's funny, Lily, when she was a student I couldn't stand her. Maybe because she somewhat reminded me of you. She's smart and funny. Incredibly loyal. I want to pursue her, but I'm not quite sure how."

He paused as a thought came into his head.

"Yes, I suppose I could try being bold. You don't know how terrifying that is, though. I mean… I wasn't a nice man before, and I somewhat fear she'd laugh in my face…" He hesitated for a bit. "But now I've been given a new lease on life, and I want to start over. Be better. I hope she sees that in me."

He reached out one last time and traced her name on the stone. Brandishing his wand, he created a wreath of lilies at the base of the tombstone.

"I should be going. I'll see you next year, yeah?"

He stood and left the cemetery, passing by the Potter house and gazing upon the ruins. Shaking his head, he Apparated from there to Hogsmeade where he spent a bit of time getting lunch and shopping. Returning to his room, he spent the rest of the afternoon reading. Finally, it was dinnertime, so he headed into the Great Hall. Nodding to Hermione and Jonathan as he sat down, he took a bowl of soup and began eating.

"You've been gone all day," Jonathan remarked.

Hermione made a strangled sound. Severus turned to her.

"Are you all right?"

"Fine. I need to go… get something done." She abruptly rose and fled the Hall.

"What's up with her?" Jonathan asked.

"No idea," Severus answered. He stared after her with a look of concern. Glancing at her plate, he noted she'd hardly eaten anything. It was unlike her to rush off without a decent excuse.

"Earth to Severus."

He startled and turned back to Jonathan.

"Sorry, was just in my head."

"That was obvious. Where have you been all day?"

"I went to visit the Potter's grave. It's the anniversary of Lily's death."

"Oh, sorry, mate."

"It's a ritual for me every year. It's a way I can honor her and her sacrifice."

"The papers said you were in love with her?"

Severus rolled his eyes. "Don't believe everything you read."

"I didn't mean to assume."

"No matter. We were best friends for a while. I did have feelings for her as a youth, but my loyalty to her was to honor that friendship and the closeness we had back then."

"I'm sorry you lost someone so close to you," Jonathan commiserated.

"It was–the grief is unexplainable. We had parted ways earlier on, but I always felt a warm spot for her."

"Sorry you had to go through that."

"So am I."

"Are you all right, then?" Jonathan asked.

He nodded. "I am. I spent some time by myself, which is usually healing for me."

"Always the loner…"

Severus rolled his eyes.

Minerva looked over at him. "You'll be at the ball tonight, right?"

Severus regarded her cooly. "I have no choice, do I, Minerva?"

"Well, if you want to get snippy, no, you don't. All the faculty are required to be there."

"Then you have your answer."

"You'll dress up, right?"

"Must I?"

Jonathan snorted. "Why must you always be so difficult, Severus?"

"Well, I look like a teenager. You'll forget who I am if I don't grouse about something."

Minerva narrowed her eyes at him, but there was no heat in her gaze. "Just dress up. It will be fun."

"We'll see."

ooo

The Halloween Ball was, of course, a costume party. Minerva had advised the faculty that it was non-negotiable that they dress up in costume, and her reiteration at dinner left no way to say that he'd forgotten. Severus was tempted to throw a sheet over himself and cut some eye holes, becoming a ghost, but the intricacies of that costume would be hard to deal with all night.

Instead, Severus was standing in the hall dressed as Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. A sword sat in its hilt at his side. He wore a shirt of chain mail and black leather trousers. A beautifully embroidered tree of Gondor was emblazoned on the leather cloak. He actually felt pretty good in this costume.

Minerva stood next to him, dressed like a fairy godmother.

"Thank you for dressing up, Severus."

He grunted at her. He didn't want her to think he liked having to be costumed. He was about to say something to her when the words died in his throat. Hermione had entered the hall. She was a vision, dressed as a butterfly and absolutely stunning. Her entire gown and wings were fashioned after multicolored butterfly wings. The bodice of her dress had varying hues of blue, purple, orange, and green all with black separating them. The pattern extended to the flowing skirt and the detail of the wings.

Merlin, she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever laid eyes upon.

She came up to the rest of the faculty, nodding at him, and standing next to Minerva, striking up a conversation.

"Oy, Hermione looks great, doesn't she?" Hagrid murmured.

"Yes, she does," Severus said absently.

"You look fine too, Perfessor," Hagrid continued.

Severus looked over at Hagrid, who was dressed as a dragon with a huge headdress with a long neck and a dragon head atop it. Every now and then fire would come out of the dragon's open mouth.

"You look quite dangerous, Hagrid."

"Why thank you, Perfessor!"

Severus turned to say hello to Hermione, but she was no longer standing there.

"Where did Hermione go?"

Minerva pointed across the room, where Hermione was chatting with some students.

"Are you going to ask her to dance?" Minerva queried.

"I was planning on it," Severus offered.

"Good. It's about time you lived life to the fullest, Severus, and Hermione is a perfect choice for you."

Severus glared at her.

"Now, don't give me that look. You know I just want you happy, and Hermione and you make a fine couple."

"We're not a couple."

"Yet."

Severus rolled his eyes at her. "If you'll excuse me," he said tartly and moved away.

Be Bold, he told himself.

He walked a ways into the crowd and realized Hermione had moved again. He looked around and saw her at the other end of the hall. Turning, he headed toward her. He caught her eye and raised his hand in greeting.

"Professor Snape, are you Aragorn from Lord of the Rings?" a Ravenclaw Seventh-year called out to him.

Severus stopped and looked at the black cat. "Yess, Miss Hoover."

"Oh, I love Lord of the Rings, and you make a lovely Aragorn."

He tilted his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Miss Hoover."

He turned back toward Hermione, but she had disappeared again. He looked around but didn't see her anywhere. Where the bloody hell had she gone? Finally, he thought he spied one of her wings. What was she doing hiding behind the haunted tree?

He made his way to the side of the room where the large black tree stood. He moved around the back and saw Hermione standing there chewing on her lip.

"Are you avoiding me?" he asked with a smirk.

She about jumped out of her skin.

"Oh, Severus! You gave me a fright!"

"You didn't answer my question."

"No! No…. No, of course not."

He gave her a curious look. Holding out his hand, he made his request.

"I came over to ask you to dance."

"You… you want to dance with me?"

"I believe I just said that I did."

She searched his eyes as if trying to determine whether he was joking or not. She tentatively reached out and placed her hand in his. He guided her to the dance floor, and they were soon swaying together.

"You look stunning, by the way," Severus told her.

She smiled at him before looking away nervously. Severus furrowed his brow at her.

"So, why have you been flitting around the room like the butterfly you're dressed up as?"

She shrugged and looked away again.

"What's wrong, Hermione?"

She shook her head.

"Something's wrong. You're being extremely evasive."

"You were gone most of the day. Are you all right?"

"I went to visit Lily's grave," he explained.

"I know." She bit her lip before looking up at him. "This must be such a hard day for you."

"It used to be… for many reasons," he said, his eyes wandering over to the refreshment table.

"Because you love her."

His eyes snapped back to her. Suddenly, her aloofness made more sense. She thought he was still in love with Lily.

"Hermione, it's not like you think."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I loved her a long time ago… when I was a teenager."

"Well, technically, you are still a teenager."

"Shut it, witch."

She smirked for the first time that night. He smirked back.

"After we had our falling out, I still hoped that things would work out, but she never really spoke to me after that. Then when she started dating Potter… I was furious with her."

Hermione looked puzzled.

"You're wondering how I could be furious with someone I said I loved." He sighed. "By that time, I had realized things would never be the same with us again. And her falling for Potter… the person I hated most at Hogwarts–my sworn enemy. It was like she was mocking me. I was so angry at her that entire year. She never knew. After that, I calmed down but didn't feel that attraction to her any longer."

"But Harry said you always loved his mum."

"I did. Except for that year of fury, I have always loved her as the wonderful person she was. She was my first and best friend. I loved that about her, whether she was still talking to me or not."

"But you're not in love with her?" Hermione asked incredulously.

"No, nor have I been for years."

"But you… what exactly did you do all day today?"

"Well, I visited her grave. We had a good talk–hypothetically. When I was done, I went by the house." He shivered. "Nasty feeling there. Afterward, I got some lunch in Hogsmeade and did some shopping. When I got back, I spent the rest of the afternoon reading the Lord of the Rings. It was her favorite book."

Hermione stiffened as she realized the significance of his costume.

"It's not what you think, Hermione. It's to honor her. I spend the whole day on Halloween honoring my old friend who is dead because of me." He held up his hand to assuage her wanting to say something. "I know. The Dark Lord killed them, but I played my part, and I regret all of it."

They continued dancing slowly as Hermione was quiet.

"You thought I was still hung up on a dead woman?" he asked.

Hermione blushed and looked away from him. "Harry…"

"Is often wrong. The memories I gave him were obviously tender to me. I can see that he would interpret them the way he did, but my doing what I did for her–always fighting the war for her–was because I respect and love her as my friend."

Hermione regarded him for a few moments. She nodded finally. "That makes sense, actually."

Deciding to change the subject, he continued. "I told her about you today."

"You what?"

He shrugged. "We talk. It's all one-sided of course, but it gives me peace to have a conversation with her, imagining she's there just beyond the veil, listening to me and happy for me."

"Why on earth would you tell her about me?"

He searched her face, looking to see if his feelings could possibly be shared. He thought with her actions before, and the way she was looking at him now, she just may care for him as more than a friend.

Be Bold!

"I wanted her to know that I had finally found someone I care about. Someone I'd like to have in my life as more than just a friend," he told her finally.

Hermione's eyes grew wide, and her cheeks turned a deep red. "I thought…" She shook her head vehemently. "Never mind."

"You thought I couldn't be interested in you because I was in love with Lily."

She nodded, looking sheepish.

"Hermione Granger, you couldn't be more wrong."

She looked at him, her eyes wide. Casting a silent Notice-me-Not spell, Severus bent low and kissed her. She squeaked slightly with surprise as his lips descended upon her. She returned his kiss enthusiastically. He pulled her closer, and his tongue entered her mouth, exploring her fully.

He was so incredibly enamored with her.

They pulled apart finally, and Hermione smiled at him saucily. His heart beat even faster than before.

"You are so lovely, Hermione," he murmured.

She rested her head on his chest as they swayed together on the dance floor.

"When I realized where you'd gone today," she started, "I also realized that you were still in love with Lily. Now I know that's not true, but at the time, I didn't. I didn't think you could ever feel this way about me, Severus."

He squeezed her. "Getting to know you has been so revealing to me. You are everything I've wanted all these years."

"Really?" she asked in amazement.

"Absolutely."

She squeezed him back but kept her head right where it was. Severus was amazed that she was touching him so much. That she trusted him enough to rest her head on him and hug him like she was doing.

Trust was something he'd searched for all his life, but it had been elusive. Even Albus hadn't really trusted him. Minerva did now, but it had been hard-earned with all they had gone through the past year. But this trust from Hermione was different. Her trust went deeper than just friendship. She trusted him to not break her heart. And he was going to do the same with her.

His feelings for her grew tenfold in that moment. A feeling of peace settled over him as he held her in his arms. He kissed the top of her forehead. She looked up at him and met his lips. Her kiss was heaven, and it gave him comfort that she could feel this way about him. He broke apart from her and looked into her eyes.

"I wasn't sure that you felt the same," he admitted. "I knew we were close, but thought perhaps I'd imagined that you might have deeper feelings for me."

She smiled shyly at him. "Definitely not your imagination."

He grinned at her and squeezed her hand in his as they continued to dance. When the song was over, he gave her hand another squeeze. He canceled the Notice-Me-Not spell.

"Perhaps we should go join the faculty line. Let someone else have the dance floor."

She nodded, and they moved back to where Minerva was standing. She gave them a sly look.

"You might remember, Severus, that the Head of the school can see through any Notice-me-Not spells."

Severus met her gaze. "I do remember that, Minerva."

"Well, all I'm going to say is it's about time. You two have been dancing around one another for a couple of weeks now."

"I assure you, the only dancing that has been done was just now on the dance floor," Severus replied.

Her hand went out to him. She looked between Severus and Hermione. "I'm happy for both of you." She hesitated as she looked into Severus' eyes. "Merlin, young man, you look so young." She shook her head, then looked back between Hermione and Severus. "You make a beautiful couple, and Severus, it's nice to see you finally in a place where you can enjoy life."

Bowing his head slightly, he gave her a thankful look. "I appreciate that, Minerva. Especially coming from you."

She smiled at him. "Are you sure you two are done? I'm fine with being a wallflower if you want to take my turn out there."

"No, Minerva, you should have some fun, too. I see Filius eyeing you from the end of the row. You two should go and enjoy yourselves while we watch the punch bowl."

"And the students," Hermione added.

"Very well," she said as she motioned to Filius, and they headed out to dance.

"That was sweet of her," Hermione whispered to Severus.

He nodded. "I am glad our relationship has somewhat returned to what it was before last year."

Hermione squeezed his hand. He gave her a half-smirk, then returned to watching the students.

Jonathan moved up and stood next to Severus. He was dressed as Robin Hood.

"Seems like everyone is enjoying themselves," he noted. "That's an excellent costume, Severus."

"Thank you. You look very realistic yourself."

He nodded at Severus. "Hermione, you look lovely. Would you care to dance?"

"Thank you, Jonathan. Yes, that would be nice."

He extended his hand, and she took it, letting him lead her to the dance floor. They began to sway to the music.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Jonathan asked.

"Very much, so far. None of the students have made any trouble, which is always a plus."

"Shh, don't jinx it."

Hermione laughed. Jonathan glanced over at the teachers by the punch bowl. "Severus looks rather pleased with himself. I thought he'd be glowering because he was forced to be here."

Hermoine bit her lip. "I have something to tell you."

Jonathan looked at her curiously. "Well, don't hold back."

"We just got together."

"And by together, you mean… together?"

She smiled and nodded.

"That's brilliant! I was wondering whether you two were an item. You spend a lot of time with one another."

"We weren't until about fifteen minutes ago. As one of our closest friends, you're the second to know."

"Why not the first?"

"Minerva can evidently see through Notice-Me-Not spells as Headmistress."

Jonathan laughed. "I bet she got a good view."

"We just kissed, Jonathan!"

"Uh-huh."

Hermione's mouth dropped open. "Really! We wouldn't do anything else at a dance with students around."

Jonathan laughed. "Sure, sure, Hermione. I know that." He grinned at her. "I do think it's brilliant. You both deserve some happiness, yeah?"

Hermione smiled at him. "Yeah."

Jonathan became serious. "But now I'm going to be a third wheel, aren't I?"

She tapped his arm lightly. "Of course you aren't, you silly man." She studied him carefully. He looked troubled.

"Jonathan, what is it?"

He looked at her seriously. "Can I tell you something?"

"Always," she said as she smiled at him.

"Please don't take this wrong, I truly am happy for you."

"Jonathan, what is it?"

He glanced over at Severus, who was chatting with Hagrid. The half-giant slapped him on the back, sending him reeling forward. Hagrid reached out and steadied him while Severus glared.

"You see, I fancy him."

"Hagrid?"

"No, for Merlin's sake, no!" He leaned in and whispered in Hermione's ear. "Severus."

Hermione stiffened. "Oh God. Jonathan, I didn't know. Here I am gushing about getting together with him and you…"

He held up his hand while continuing to sway with her. "I told you I was happy for you, and I am. I've known Severus isn't interested for a while now. He only has eyes for you in that regard."

Hermione looked at him in mortification. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't be. I'm used to it. You're always stealing my men."

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, you know that Viktor and I were very close…"

Her mouth dropped open. "You two were together?" she cried.

He shook his head. "No, but we were very close–until you came along. Then he about forgot I existed."

Hermione's hand covered her mouth, and she stopped dancing. "Jonathan, I'm so sorry! I had no idea."

Jonathan urged her to continue dancing before answering her. "Nobody did. Not even Viktor. I saved myself a heap of embarrassment by not announcing my interest, I'll tell you that."

"You must hate me."

Jonathan laughed. "I wasn't pleased with you back when you were with Viktor, but I'm an adult, Hermione. I get it. I befriended you because I like you. I held no hard feelings from back then."

"But… Severus?"

"He is quite handsome, don't you think? And brilliant. I can't help but be attracted to him." He noticed the concern on Hermione's face. "Hermione, don't fret. It's fine. I've seen the way he's been looking at you lately. I knew his interest lay elsewhere, and as I said earlier, I do think it's brilliant."

"How can you say that?"

He shrugged. "I love both of you. I want you both happy. If you can be together, I'm all for it."

"But what about you?"

He shrugged. "I'll get over it. Just don't stop being my friend, yeah? I really don't want to feel like a third wheel."

"Of course! We're all close with each other. Just because Severus and I are dating, that's not going to change. I'm sure he feels the same way." She hesitated and chewed on her bottom lip. "I really am sorry, Jonathan."

"Oh, you are not. You're not about to give that man up, and I don't think you should. He's a total catch."

She tilted her head at him. "You've got me there. I just hate to see you unhappy."

"But I am happy. Happy for you."

She regarded him for a bit before finally nodding. "You're pretty amazing, Jonathan. Thank you for being so understanding. I'm not going to try and downplay how excited I am to be with Severus, but I won't rub it in your face."

"Hermione, thanks for that, but don't hide it from me either. I don't want you to treat me differently now that you know this."

Hermione nodded. Okay. Thank you, my friend. I won't say anything to Severus."

"That would probably be best. I don't want things to become awkward between the two of us. Just give me some time."

Hermione hugged him fiercely. "Take all the time you need."

"I just need something that will keep my mind off tall, dark, and brooding over there."

Hermione chuckled as she glanced over at Severus. "He really is striking, isn't he?"

"Mmm hmm."

Their dance ended, and she returned to Severus' side. Jonathan settled on his other end, and they all watched the children turn on the dance floor. Jonathan leaned in toward Severus.

"Hermione told me that congratulations are in order."

Severus turned and looked at Jonathan. "Thanks, Jonathan."

"I was telling her I hope I don't become a third wheel."

Severus arched a brow. "I hardly believe you ever could; you just force your way into conversations with us."

"Hey!"

Severus smirked. Jonathan frowned at him. "Oh, go take Hermione out on the dance floor, you git."

Severus grinned before extending his arm out to Hermione. She grasped it and gave Jonathan a wink. Severus led her out, and they danced several more dances together.

ooo

The dance was finally over, and everything had been cleaned up. The Great Hall was set to rights with the tables back in their places. Severus and Hermione left holding hands as they meandered down the hall. They made their way up to Hermione's room. Pausing in front of the door, he turned to her and smiled.

"I don't want this night to end," Hermione told him.

His grin grew wider. "Me neither. It has been… very pleasant."

She gave him an innocent look, but he could tell her mind was working overtime. "It doesn't have to end just yet."

He stilled. Was she asking him what he thought she was? Would she want that with him? He cleared his throat.

"Do you mean…?"

She nodded.

"Hermione…"

His eyes roved over her lovely features. He wanted to do this right, but he also wanted to possess all of her.

"I don't think you know what you're asking of me. I don't do things by halves, Hermione. If we do this tonight… I will never let you go."

She leaned up and whispered in his ear, "Is that a promise?"

He groaned. Pulling back, he gave her an incredulous look.

"You're sure?" he asked hesitantly.

"I want you, Severus Snape. All of you." Her door magically swung open. "Please?" she finished.

She didn't have to ask twice. He almost jumped her, grabbing her and pulling her into the room. The door slammed shut behind him, and his lips crashed into hers. His desire made him more forceful than he'd been with her before. Pulling back, he went to apologize, but she just pulled his head back down and assaulted his lips with the same fervor that he had.

They wrestled with each other, pulling their clothes off in a flurry of desire. Their lips never left the other as they pulled and tugged at their clothing. Finally, Hermione was naked before Severus, and she was easing his trousers and pants down. Breaking the kiss she was enraptured in, she glanced down at him.

"My God, you're amazing," she gushed.

His eyes roved her naked body. "So beautiful."

And then they were kissing again. Her hand roamed down and squeezed his arse. He followed suit, groaning into her. She wrapped her hand around his cock, rubbing it up and down. It grew in her hand, and she glanced down at it.

"Magnificent."

He smirked at her, leaning in and suckling her nipple. Her head tilted back as she moaned in ecstasy. He lathed it with his tongue affectionately. She pushed him back.

"Bed," she demanded.

"Yes ma'am."

She took his hand and led him to her bedroom. Moving up to the bed, he turned to her. Growling slightly, she pushed him down on the bed. His eyes widened at her forwardness. She moved over him and kissed him possessively.

"You are mine, Severus Snape."

"Yours," he gasped as his lips moved back to hers. "Always yours."

Her hands stroked all the way down his body. "You are beautiful, Severus," she murmured.

"You really think so?" he asked timidly.

"Oh, yes."

Severus' eyes roved over Hermione's body. "You are so lovely, too," he gasped out.

She arched a brow at him. "Do you want me?"

"Of course."

"How much?"

His eyes closed. "Gods, Hermione…"

"How much, Severus? Are you willing to beg?"

The sound he made was indescribable as his eyes opened, and he stared into her eyes. He swallowed hard, knowing that if he begged, it would be giving her power over him that he wasn't sure he wanted her to have.

"Severus, you're safe with me. I will never do anything to hurt you. Let go, and be mine."

His resolve broke with her gaze, which was filled with affection for him. He felt safe with her. He gave himself up to her, knowing that she would not take advantage of him.

"Please…" he said finally.

She tapped his nose, then ran her finger down it and over his lips.

"Please what?" she asked seriously.

"Please make me yours."

She smiled at him. "I thought you'd never ask."

Her lips met his, and she plundered his mouth as she sunk down onto him. Groaning, she intensified her kisses as she moved up and down.

"You're perfect," she murmured.

He moaned as she moved up and down on him. "Faster, Hermione. Please."

She obliged, moving up and down at a furious pace. Starting to moan, she kept up the pace as Severus thrust into her.

"I'm close," he murmured.

"Same…" was all she could say. Throwing her head back she shouted out as she came on top of him. He thrust into her and held his position, moaning in ecstasy as he came within her.

"Oh God," Hermione moaned as she crashed down on him, kissing him wantonly. Moving off him, her arm wrapped around him, and she laid her head on his chest. He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed the top of her head. She snuggled closer into him.

"You're amazing, you know that?" she murmured.

He smiled down at her, running his fingers through her hair. "I find you equally so."

She tilted her head so she could kiss him. He lingered on her lips, enjoying every bit of her. They finally broke apart, and Severus studied her carefully.

"I should have known from your past that you'd be bossy in bed."

She looked at him with worry. "Did you not like that?"

He smirked. "I loved it. It was nice to be told what to do in a pleasurable way."

She kissed him. "You can be in charge next time."

"I'm glad you want to have a next time."

Hermione batted at him. "I told you I wanted this. I wasn't kidding."

He looked at her with gratitude. "You are everything I've ever hoped for," he murmured.

She blushed. "You don't know how much you mean to me, Severus."

"Tell me."

She reached over and ran her finger down his nose. "I've never felt like this with anyone. It's like you're a part of me."

His eyes studied hers. "I feel it too. I have for a while now. I just wasn't sure if you felt equally so."

She pushed herself up on her elbow. "I've surprised myself in my feelings for you–they've been so intense."

He pulled her to him and kissed her reverently. He gazed at her lovingly before pulling her close and burying her head in his chest.

"I feel the same," he finally said.

"I'm so glad you came back to teach," Hermione murmured into his chest.

"And that I was deaged so we could be together," Severus continued.

Hermione pulled her head back and smiled at him. "I'm excited to see where this goes, Severus."

"Me too."

They ceased talking as his lips met with hers. They were absorbed with one another for quite a while, passionately showing their feelings for one another.

A/N: I hope you all don't mind they did it on the first 'date.' I figured they'd been friends-good friends-long enough to jump into the sack.