Severus pulled into the driveway and noticed a sleeping Hermione in the passenger seat. The memories must have exhausted her, and all he wanted to do was let her sleep, but he had one thought in his mind: the ring. He hoped she hadn't noticed, but Severus' mind was elsewhere the entire morning and afternoon because all he could think about was her gift.

His conversation with Dumbledore about the placement of the ring replayed in his head. Severus was still undecided about which finger he would put it on, or whether or not he would just have her do it. You sound like a teenager, Severus. Get a bloody grip. He rolled his eyes at himself. If this was the hardest decision he'll ever have to make, then he was in good shape.

Hermione stirred next to him and opened her eyes. "Oh! We're home!" She unbelted herself and quickly reached for the door handle.

"In a rush?" Severus raised an eyebrow.

Hermione smiled, "Obviously."

Severus met Hermione at her door and grabbed her hand, leading her into the house.

Once inside with their jackets off, Severus turned to Hermione, "Are you hungry?"

Hermione laughed, "Severus we just ate only a few hours ago. Besides, I'm saving my appetite for the Christmas feast I know you'll be preparing for us." She motioned towards the beautifully decorated tree, "I think I know something we can do instead."

She flashed a brilliant smile, and Severus was sold. They went back to the tree, where all their presents were still left beautifully unwrapped. One by one, Hermione passed out the gifts. She was quite surprised at the number of gifts for Severus. For someone who had a reputation of being cold and prickly, he certainly had a big enough fan club. Each was grateful for the gifts they received: books, practical clothes, potions ingredients.

But the highlight of the unwrapping happened when Hermione casually opened her gift from Ginny. She was telling Severus a childhood Christmas story and was not paying attention until she pulled apart the tissue paper from the wrapped box. She looked down and immediately tried to recover the gift with the paper. Her face flushed scarlet, and unfortunately, was not hidden from a very observant Severus.

"Something wrong?" He snickered. Hermione shook her head, but with a raise of a perfect eyebrow Severus was able to convince her to show him the gift.

Burning red, Hermione pulled out the most extravagant corset she had ever seen. Not only was it the deepest shade of emerald- a dig, of course- but it was bejeweled with what looked like hundreds, maybe even thousands, of sparkling green crystals. Severus merely smirked at Hermione's embarrassment. It was endearing that she was able to retain some semblance of innocence after her trials and tribulations. Hermione pulled a card from the box:

Hermione,

Don't kill me, but I saw this and I knew you had to have it. I also knew you'd be so embarrassed when you opened it that Snape would notice and ask to see what it was. I've probably known what's been going on for months now- I won't say anything don't worry- and I wish you didn't have to hide it, but I understand. You both deserve to be happy, but don't tell him I said that! This should help break the ice a little bit, unless it's already been broken!

Happy Christmas, Hermione.

Ginny

If it wasn't for the fact that Hermione and Severus had already "broken the ice," she would have been a lot more embarrassed than she expressed- if that was even possible. It was gorgeous, no doubt, but it was nothing Hermione would ever wear, let alone buy for herself.

It's not that Hermione was plain in her style, but she consistently tried not to direct attention to her body. She wasn't ugly, but she never found herself to be particularly attractive. She chuckled to herself and started to put the garment back in the box, but was prevented when it was removed from her grasp with wandless magic.

It looked odd in Severus' large hands. He ran his fingertips over the neatly placed crystals.

Hermione watched his eyes carefully. She couldn't quite make out what she saw- love? Lust? It was a look that took her back to the darker times, when she saw the hard, carnal looks men would give her while they were on the run. She shivered slightly, which didn't go unnoticed by Severus.

"Something wrong?" He drawled.

Hermione shook her head, wanting him to express his thoughts before she said anything.

He continued and Hermione breathed an inaudible sigh of relief.

"There is much we have yet to learn about one another. I hesitate to provide too much too soon." His eyes remained on the garment as he spoke, "I know you are quite aware of the life I've lived before, and I would hate to say anything that would jeopardize our future."

Hermione cocked her head slightly. By the way he was staring at the garment she guessed where this conversation was headed, but remained silent.

"This," he gestured to the garment, "is what was worn by the majority of women we were forced to associate with while under the watch of the Dark Lord. He was adamant that women were to be beautiful and adorned. They were to be viewed as objects to be beholden, and we were only to have the finest of objects."

His eyes remained downward, as if he was embarrassed and ashamed. Hermione listened intently. She was far from judgmental, and really had no interest in learning about his sexual past, but she let him continue.

"I am not an innocent man. I took part in what I needed to in order to protect my role. Those nights- those women- were not what I wanted. Nothing about them attracted me, nothing about them seduced me. This-," he lifted the corset and looked at her for the first time, "-does not make you beautiful. It enhances beauty only when there is beauty to begin with." He placed the corset on the couch next to him.

"I never want you to feel inadequate or not beautiful. You don't need any of that to please me. All I need is you." The sincerity in his eyes was alarming. It was as if he was understanding the relationship for the first time. He wanted her to know that what he loved about her was the very best part of her: her intellect.

Hermione smiled slightly. She moved closer to him and placed her chin on his knee. He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. Picking her head up, Hermione finally began to speak.

"You never have to explain your past to me. It's a past for a reason. You know I'm not completely innocent either, but things never worked out with anyone else for a reason. To be perfectly honest I never bought things like that," she gestured to the corset, "because I don't like drawing attention to my body."

She moved so her back was facing Severus. "I know you'll disagree, but I'm not someone to be 'beholden'. I'm pretty plain looking, and wearing things that involve too much attention are uncomfortable to me."

As expected, Severus put his hand on her shoulder, "Hermione, look at me." She obliged slowly.

"You are the most beautiful, exquisite woman I have ever met. You are far from plain. Beauty is much more than physical appearance, surely you know that. You would probably give me a heart attack if you put that on, but that's because you regularly take my breath away in your plain attire," he rolled his eyes at the term.

Hermione gave him a half smile. "I know you feel like that, but I haven't felt like that in my life. I suppose I should start working on that."

Severus stroked her face lightly, "I would, unless you would prefer me to force you to wear things of this nature all the time until you believe it." He picked up the corset and handed it back to her.

She took it and placed it back in the box. "Hmm," she pondered, "would wearing these said forced outfits benefit me in any other way?" She smiled coyly.

"Of course," Severus replied, "but, again, you don't need anything to benefit you in that way."

They worked their way through the rest of the gifts without having realized neither had opened each other's. Severus wanted his gift to be last, and was relieved when Hermione placed her small gift in front of him. Severus could sense her nerves, which made him anxious to open the gift even more.

"I took a chance with this," Hermione started, "so I really hope you don't completely hate it."

Severus looked at her, "I would never hate anything you give me, dear."

For the thirty seconds it took to get the paper and ribbon off the box, Hermione waited with bated breath. If someone told her it took him an eternity to unwrap that gift, she would have believed it.

Severus open the box and stared at the pendant, eyes wide. He pulled it out and watched the edge of the stone turn from green to a brilliant deep red.

Hermione moved closer, "Oh wow! That's amazing! How wonderful is that. It's like a mood ring!"

Severus looked at her quizzically, then realized she had no idea what the stone was. He played along.

"A 'mood ring'?" He drawled.

Hermione's eyes brightened, as she always loved explaining Muggle items to Severus.

"A mood ring is a stone that changes colors based on the wearer's mood. Each color represents a mood." She touched the pendant carefully. "The man at the store said it was a fire emerald, and rare, but he didn't say anything about changing colors."

She moved her eyes to his, but he was still enthralled with the pendant. "Hermione, this is exquisite. I do not know what to say."

"Well," she started, "do you like it?!" Her eyes began searching his face for an answer. Severus realized his reaction was probably not as emotive as she would have liked it to be.

"I do. This is the greatest gift I have ever been given. I will treasure it always." He placed the pendant around his neck, and to Hermione's surprise he did not tuck it under his collar. The stone was magnificent against his black sweater.

Hermione approached him and sat next to him. She fingered the pendant, "I'm so happy you like it. I was so nervous. It's incredibly difficult buying for someone who has everything."

He grabbed her hand and kissed it tenderly, "I only just acquired everything."

Hermione blushed, and silently wondered how long it would take for her to get used to his compliments.

"Now," Severus moved slightly and picked up a small present from the table in front of them. Hermione hadn't noticed it there before.

Severus placed a small maroon gift adorned with a deep emerald ribbon into her hands. It was an obvious tribute to their different Houses. She smiled, and began opening the box. Severus' eyes never left hers.

Hermione removed the last bit of paper and looked at the small box. Severus sensed a slight hesitation before she opened the box and gasped.

Inside was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. Despite the fact that she never wore any, she secretly loved jewelry. There was something about owning a piece made within the depths of the earth that excited her.

She carefully removed the ring from the box and studied it. The emerald was stunning, and the diamonds were flawless. Severus let out a sigh of relief when she placed it on her right ring finger, but there was something else that caught his attention. He stared at the stone intently, but it remained green.

Hermione stood up and stretched her arm out in front of her. She gazed at the ring and smiled.

"Severus, this is the most amazing piece I have ever seen. This emerald is radiant. I don't know what to say," tears began to well in her eyes.

Severus fought hard to control his confusion and frustration.

"It is the most perfect piece for the most perfect woman," he stood up and took her right hand. He kissed it slowly, and took another glance at the stone: green. There was no mistake. There was no red to be found around the stone. He released her hand and fingered his pendant. The ruby border remained. Hermione threw her arms around him and buried her head in his arms.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she hugged him tightly. "Now I have something to keep you close by even when we're apart."

Severus kissed her head and looked into her eyes, "I love you, Hermione."

"I love you too, Severus. You have made my life so much better. Thank you."

There was nothing in her eyes that indicated she wasn't speaking from her heart. Hermione loved him. And he loved Hermione. But what was the difference between their love? Why was his pendant showing that he felt that love, but her ring was not?

His distraction was not lost on Hermione.

"What's wrong?" She searched his face carefully.

He gave her a half smirk, "Nothing, I'm just thinking about how much you mean to me and how happy I am you like the ring."

By some miracle, she bought the lie and smiled warmly at him.

"I don't like it Severus, I love it. But not as much as I love you." She moved closer and reached up to touch his face. "Will you kiss me?"

Her voice was barely a whisper. Severus didn't bother to respond, he obliged immediately. His lips crushed hers with a ferocity that surprised Hermione, and she responded instantly.

He pulled her closer, and held on to her as if she was leaving him.

His love for her was growing every day and the desperation he felt seeing her ring remain green scared him. How could he possibly continue as if nothing was wrong whilst knowing about the properties of the stones? He pulled away and presented a strained smile.

"Shall we eat?"

The time was lost on Hermione. She could not believe it was almost six o'clock, nor could she believe just how hungry she was.

"Oh Severus, we've spent far too much time here. How are you going to cook now?!" Severus chuckled at how adorably concerned she was.

"Everything is already set." He took her hand and led her into the kitchen.

Hermione gaped at the scene before her. The table was full. She shouldn't have been as amazed as she was, but Severus never ceased to amaze her. Sometimes she forgot just how powerful he was. That thought made her spine tingle. She didn't care about power herself, but knowing how strong and intelligent he was made her weak. Where girls her age were supposed to be into 'hot guys' and cars, the fact that Severus could overwhelm anyone who stood in his way made her feel something she couldn't describe.

Hermione's mind soared for just a split second before she remembered his presence and was instantly brought back to the lavish feast set up before them.

As usual, her momentary daydream did not go unnoticed by the Potions Master. He watched her intently, desperately wishing he could read her mind. She glanced at him, "I'm sorry, I'm just trying to take this all in." She blushed.

Whatever it was she was thinking about, Severus knew her blushes only occurred when she was thinking about him. He did not question her, but grabbed a bottle of wine from the counter and showed her the label.

"Is this satisfactory?" He drawled.

Hermione scrutinized the label for longer than normal before she looked up, and with a grin, responded, "I know nothing about wine. Sounds good."

Severus rolled his eyes and wandlessly popped the cork. He poured her a glass and led her to the table, which was full of the most incredible Christmas delicacies. Hermione could hardly believe her eyes. She drank deeply. Severus was in for a real treat if she didn't monitor her consumption carefully. Red wine was her weakness. She loved the stuff to death, but it seemed to be the only alcohol that made her drunk. And of course, it was the best she had ever had. She made a mental note to cap at three, but only if she ate enough first.

She followed him to the table slowly and noticed the two place settings each at either head of the table. She laughed, "Severus, surely you don't think I'm going to sit that far away from you." She grabbed the place setting from the end opposite to where Severus was to sit and put it next to him.

His heart burst. The inner tension was killing him. At that point he decided if nothing happened to her ring before the end of the night, he was going to say something. He nodded slowly at her, not trusting his voice to give his anxiety away.

They ate in comfortable silence sprinkled with bursts of conversation about current events, Severus' newest potions, Hermione's weakness for red wine (which was followed by a fit of giggles), and how much she once adored the holidays.

"This has to be the best Christmas I have had in a very long time, Severus. Thank you." Her face was the lushest shade of red.

Severus couldn't decide if it was from the wine, or other thoughts she was having.

"It was hard going to the Weasley's because they all had someone. After Ron and I decided to just stay friends, it was like I became the one everybody was sorry for." She hiccupped, covered her mouth and laughed.

"I know Mrs. Weasley tried to play mum to me, but it was usually speeches about learning to cook more so I could find a suitable husband." She laughed again. Severus raised his eyebrows in amusement.

"I mean, can you imagine me- marrying someone who only cared about what I could make in the kitchen? I'll tell you what I'd make," she paused.

Severus poured her some more wine, and put another roll on her plate. She picked it up and started eating it.

Mouth full, she continued, "well not these because I was never able to get the hang of making bread. But, I'd make him cook for me!" This time her laughter was uncontrollable. "Oh wait that doesn't make sense." She drank deeply from her wine glass. "If I was cooking for you, I would make you everything you wanted because you deserve it and you respect me and see me more than just a female."

She stopped and looked seriously at her glass, "I need to stop drinking before I lose my focus."

Severus cocked his head, "what are you focusing on, love?"

Hermione set the glass down, "oh it's nothing, just uh- a figure of speech?" Severus did not buy that lie one bit.

He filed that in the back of his mind to question at another time. She looked up at the clock resting on the mantle behind Severus. It was well after eleven.

"I could sit here and talk all night with you, Severus. Did you know that?" She hiccupped again.

Severus chuckled lightly, "As could I, but might I guess you are tired from today's events?" Hermione hadn't thought about it, but exhaustion hit her all at once. The meeting, the gifts, the wine- she was spent, but she had one gift left.

She placed her hand on his, "Severus, I have one more thing I want to give you."

"Oh?" He questioned. He watched her flash a smile, and prayed silently that she was referring to the gift of herself.

She rose from her chair and held her hand out for him to take, which he did. She led him upstairs and into the bedroom.

Once inside, she faced him and breathed deeply. "Okay, don't go anywhere," she giggled as she left the room. Prepared for her to ravage him, Severus sighed when she left.

After ten minutes, Severus debated going after Hermione to make sure she hadn't fallen asleep on her way to do whatever it was she was doing. In the midst of his struggle, he heard a soft knock at the door frame.

Hermione's head peeked around the corner.

"Is everything alright, Hermione?" Severus questioned with a sigh.

With a flushed face, Hermione moved into the doorway. She had on the corset gifted by Ginny, and she looked radiant. The mixture of the green crystals and the blush in her face made Severus instantly hard.

He walked slowly toward her and gently moved her some of her curls behind her neck. He kissed the spot just below her ear tenderly. She moaned.

"You are beautiful," he whispered in her ear. "The most beautiful woman I have ever seen."

Hermione snorted, still feeling the effects of the wine. Severus grabbed her face with his hand forcefully, but gently, and stared into her eyes.

"I am a man of my word. Your radiance goes far beyond your physical beauty. It starts in here," he placed his hand on her head, "goes here," he seductively trailed his finger down the side of her face to her heart, just barely brushing the top of her breasts, "and ends here." He dragged his finger slowly down the center of her chest to her private area, where he slipped a finger inside to gauge her wetness.

As predicted, she was ready. He carefully moved his finger over her swollen clit and flicked it. She moaned. He needed her.

Without a word, he lifted her up and carried her to the bed. Wanting this moment to last as long as possible, he opted for removing the corset without magic.

Every hook he undid he surprised her with a kiss, a flick, or a lick. By the time he had finished the last hook, Hermione's eyes were wild. Severus carefully moved the corset, and placed himself above her. She looked at him with such need that he didn't say anything, but pounded himself into her unexpectedly.

The feeling drove him crazy. It was even better than he remembered from the first night. He thrust himself deeply into her before pulling out quickly.

Hermione threw herself up to see what was the matter, only to find him with a hand over her stomach mumbling softly. She relaxed and waited a half second more before his cock was deep inside her again.

The feeling was incredible. He knew exactly what to do to push her to the point of euphoria, and this time he was not stopping.

Severus pounded her hard and fast. While he enjoyed slow love making, seeing her wrapped in green made him crazy. He knew she enjoyed a rough fuck because she screamed for him not to stop. So he didn't.

He took out the frustration of the ring on her at that moment. Visions of her leaving him filled his mind. Whispers that she didn't love him anymore began to play in his head. With every terrible thought, he drove his hard cock into her with no mercy. Her screams and moans mixed with the falsities in his mind and he wasn't brought back to the moment until he sensed a wetness that could only mean her body had finally released in orgasm.

Not wanting to be far behind, Severus looked into her eyes and was able to finish shortly after. She moaned. Afraid he had hurt her, he carefully pulled out and kissed her head.

"Too much?" He asked meekly. Hermione turned her head slowly, "had I known outfits would provide that kind of sex, I would have worn them a long time ago." Severus let out a sigh of relief. He was glad she enjoyed it, but he felt guilty for using her body as an outlet for relieving his anger.

She spoke quietly, "Severus, you will never cease to amaze me. You make me feel things I have never felt before. The love I feel for you scares me at times." She closed her eyes. Severus moved some unruly curls from her face.

"You have nothing to fear, Hermione. You know how I feel. It calms me to know you feel the same." While he spoke with confidence, inside he knew he was anything but calm.

Hermione leaned over and kissed him sweetly. She got up and walked into the bathroom. Severus heard the door shut, and stared at the ceiling. He couldn't possibly ruin the night now by interrogating her on the degree of her love for him. He sighed and followed suit into the bathroom.

Once settled comfortably into bed, Severus grabbed hold of Hermione and pulled her to his chest.

"Severus?" Hermione was barely coherent from wine and lack of sleep, "Yes?" Severus replied.

"I love you, Severus." She grabbed his arm, which was draped across her body, and interlaced their fingers. She yawned, and before he could respond, she was asleep. "I love you more than you know," he whispered into her ear.

He closed his eyes and wished for sleep, but eventually found himself staring into the darkness.

Severus looked at the clock on the stand nearest to Hermione. It was almost three in the morning. He sighed. Working slowly, he began to move his arm away from the sleeping woman. He kept some vials of Dreamless Sleep in his nightstand for this very reason, and he desperately needed to rest his mind.

He carefully unlaced their hands one finger at a time. Dreading the ring finger because of the thoughts he'd inevitable began thinking, he glanced over for a final look.

His eyes grew wide in disbelief.

There, as clear as anything, was what he had been longing for: the reddish glow of her fire emerald.