69- Next Step: Adulthood

JKR owns everything, not me. I just adore it so much I love to play with them. But I'll return them only slightly used.

Author's Note: Dear readers, I hope you haven't fallen victim to a heart attack that I've managed to get this chapter up so quickly after the last one. My muse took me on a whirlwind romp, and this is the result. (Well, that and the fact that I even skipped my class to write instead of wasting time there--I won't do it again, I promise!) Muchos smooches to Ladyofthemasque for mad beta skillz and for being there for me and PoH even in the midst of her holiday and birthday party. *hugs Lotm* And thank you, as always, to you lovely folks who make my day by partaking of this labour of love. Cheers! :)

Chapter 69- Next Step: Adulthood

Hermione got her nap and enjoyed a raucous, late dinner with her mates, celebrating the end of exams. However, when she finally returned to her room after continued silliness and banter in the common room, she decided she deserved a long, hot bath to really relax.

No one should need to come get me for anything, but I better leave the door only Silenced one way. She waved her wand at the door, Silencing it from inside out, but allowing noise to come in, just in case anyone knocked. Heaving a deep sigh, she stripped out of her clothes and padded into the bathroom, turning on the taps full blast and adding her favourite scented bubble bath.

When she eased into the near-scalding water, her low hiss turned into a faint moan of satisfaction. Twisting her hair up and flinging it over the end of the tub, she submerged up to her chin and closed her eyes, letting the week's stress melt away, leaving her with a feeling of pleasant lassitude.

The silence pressed in on her, and her own breathing seemed to echo on the tiles. She could faintly hear Crookshanks washing in the other room. It was bliss. There were no demands on her time, no "very important things" to prepare for. With her body almost floating in the scented water, her mind began to relax as well, floating in a serene nothingness until she dozed.

***** *****

Snape was lounging in his armchair, continuing the internal debate he had been waging since the end of the last exam that afternoon. The same thoughts kept spinning in his head, over and over, on an endless loop.

Exams are over. There's nothing to keep you from going to her.

You saw her at dinner. She and her friends were all cutting up. She might not even be in her room if they're all still celebrating.

Even if she does, they needn't know you've arrived. You can hide, you know.

Indeed. Your chances of encountering problems continue to dwindle.

Snape shoved to his feet and strode to the bathroom, glaring at himself in the mirror. He was having enough trouble fighting his own mind; perhaps a stern glare might help. He stared into his eyes, seesawing between going and staying.

After several more minutes, he voiced an inarticulate growl and raked his hands through his hair, clasping his hands behind his neck. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled forcefully through his nose and cut a determined glance at himself, nodding. Whipping out his wand, he cast his well-practiced concealment charm on himself, watching his image fade in the mirror. Then, crouching and concentrating, he Apparated to the space behind Hermione's armchair.

Still invisible, he quickly peered around the room, noting that it was empty of any presence except her cat, which was sprawled on her bed, washing. Even though he couldn't be seen, Crookshanks paused and looked his way, clearly sensing that Snape had arrived. Twisting and rising, the animal jumped off the bed and trotted over to Snape, sniffing until he found Snape's dangling fingers and butting his head against them with a rusty yowl.

In the bathroom, Hermione woke with a start, sending the water sloshing as Crookshanks's meow jerked her out of her languorous doze. Blinking and yawning, she noticed that the water had cooled considerably. Still not wanting to leave her watery cocoon, she lifted a dripping hand from the bath and picked up her wand, casting a warming charm on the water.

Snape heard the splashing sounds and realized that Hermione must be in the tub. Grinning, he scrubbed the cat affectionately and ended his concealment charm. When he stood, Crookshanks immediately moved to wind around Snape's ankles, shedding ginger hairs on the black fabric. Rolling his eyes, Snape carefully stepped away from the cat and crossed to the bathroom, leaving the indignant beastie to yowl again.

"Crooks, what's wrong? I'm in here, boy." Hermione's voice came from the other side of the unshut door.

Snape slowly pushed the door open more, and Hermione turned her head toward the floor, expecting to see her familiar butting it open. When she saw a familiar black boot instead, she gasped, her eyes snapping up to see Snape gazing at her with a tentative smile and devouring eyes.

His voice was low and entreating as he said, "I do hope I'm not intruding."

Eyes wide with shock, Hermione struggled to sit up, sliding along the slick porcelain and splashing water onto the floor. Gripping the edge of the tub, she steadied herself, her hair dropping into the suds still capping the water and her breasts floating into view.

"Severus! What are you doing here?"

Snape ducked his head, his eyes darting side to side. "I miss you."

It was simple and honest, and Hermione's heart melted, slowing from its speeding pace of surprise. Her whisper tender, she said, "I miss you, too." They locked eyes again, and Snape's faint smile faded into a heated look as they both realized that she was naked.

Hermione's breath hitched, and her eyelids fluttered as Snape stepped closer, the fire in his eyes taking on a near-predatory look. Never breaking his gaze from hers, he flicked his wand at her bedroom door, casting an Imperturbable Charm. Then, his breathing quickening, he began shedding his clothes, leaving them to puddle at his feet while she watched in a sort of daze.

Heat crept up Hermione's chest and face, and it wasn't from the warmed bathwater. A drawing, clutching sensation in her core made her swallow hard, biting back a whimper as Snape undressed.

Toeing his boots and socks off and shrugging out of his shirt, Snape watched Hermione's pupils dilate, and a surge of power swept over him. Stepping out of his trousers, he paused, seeing her gaze orient on his tented boxers. Kicking the pile of clothes to one side, he lowered himself to his knees, leaning forward to slink across the floor to the tub.

Hermione's hands clenched at the lithe play of his muscles as he crawled, his hair swinging forward and shadowing his face. Putting her in mind of a panther, he reached her, slowly closing in and looming over her as his hands gripped the tub outside of hers.

Lips spread in a feral grin, Snape ghosted his nose along her cheek and ear, nudging her curls out of the way so he could breathe, "Is there room enough in there for me, too?"

Her low, shuddering moan was his answer. Pulling back with a triumphant grin, he felt a sizzle of excitement at the lust sparking in her eyes as she subjected him to a stern glare.

Hermione gripped his wrists and pushed, growling, "Up." Blinking in surprise, Snape struggled to his feet, staring down at Hermione. She peered up the length of his body, then focused on his boxers, which were now damp at the tip of his cock. Reaching up, she slid her fingers under the waistband and tugged, drawing them down his hips and freeing his bobbing erection. Snape groaned.

Shoving the pants down his legs, she tapped his knees, and he stepped out of them. Raking her gaze up and down his body, she reflected on how relieved she was that they were no longer shy about being naked with each other. Licking her lips, she twisted onto her knees, lifting her whole torso out of the water, her wet nipples tightening as they cooled in the air. Flicking a teasing glance at Snape, she leant forward and placed a soft kiss right beside the base of his cock, feeling it bounce in reaction, rubbing along her cheek.

Snape's head rocked back, and he sucked in a steadying breath, wanting to bury his fists in her hair and direct her mouth to envelop his cock. He did nothing of the sort, instead clenching his hands into fists at his sides. His breathing unsteady, he looked down again at her delighted expression and said, "Is that how you answer a simple question?"

Hermione wrinkled her nose at him and backed away, pulling the plug from the drain. "Fine. You can get in. Once the water has drained sufficiently."

Snape nodded, his lids heavy with contained desire. "And in the meantime?"

Hermione smirked again and slanted a wicked look up at him. "Perhaps something to keep you occupied?" Snape's lips twitched and she darted forward, wrapping her hand around the base of his cock and laving him from base to tip along the underside.

Snape swore. His legs began trembling, and his head swam. Gods, it had been too long. The sound of the water draining was punctuated by Snape's gasps and sighs as Hermione continued to lick his cock like a popsicle. After what seemed both far too long and not nearly long enough, she released him and sat back, plugging the drain again and gesturing for him to step in.

Snape concentrated on lowering himself into the bath, making sure not to collapse. The water rose around them, but not high enough to slop over the edge. Hermione turned on the taps and added more hot water and bubble bath, as most of her suds had dissolved.

They faced each other, knees drawn up and feet touching. Snape let his eyes close as he exhaled a long sigh of pleasure at the heat enveloping him. His eyes popped open and he choked on a hastily drawn breath when he felt Hermione's toes sliding along his erection. Her giggle earned her a scowl. Hastily plunging his hand into the water, he gripped her ankle, stopping her teasing actions.

Hermione grinned cheekily at him and pulled her foot from his grasp, squirming around to lean back against him. Snape gasped when she wriggled her backside against his cock and balls, deftly wedging herself between his spread knees. Reaching for his hands, she drew them around her and snuggled into his embrace, cooing in satisfaction.

Snape dipped his head and pressed a kiss against her curls, frizzier in the humidity of the bathroom; love and joy surged within him, tightening his chest and throat. Hermione's hands caressed his legs, smoothing through the dark hair. Snape responded by gently trailing his fingers over her belly and sides, every so often slipping around to cup her breasts. His erection was trapped between his belly and her back, pulsing with his heartbeat.

Ducking lower and nudging her head to the side, he kissed her ear, murmuring, "Gods, I've missed you so much. Soon. We can be like this whenever we want soon."

Hermione let out a breathy moan and squirmed against him, sliding her hand over his on her belly. "I've missed this. Being with you. Touching you. You touching me..." Her breath soughed out as she deliberately guided his hand lower, over her mound. At Snape's muffled groan, she said, "Touch me, Severus."

Snape needed no more urging. Wrapping one arm under her breasts and holding her close, he snaked his other hand down, through her slippery lips. Nibbling and biting at her neck, he stroked circles around her clit, making her grind her hips and gasp. Delving further, he dipped his finger into her cunt, marvelling that it was even hotter than the bath, and somehow wetter. His cock throbbed harder, and he wanted nothing more than to lift her up and set her down on it, enveloping himself in her tight heat.

Instead, he continued stroking, rubbing faster and harder as her whimpers and moans grew. Hermione's hand clamped down on his, and she rocked her hips furiously, sloshing the water around them. Her body going rigid with tension, she started babbling, "Severus, gods, yes, oh gods, yes, fuck, yes, please, fuck, oh yes, Severus, fuck, yes!" Head snapping back against his shoulder, she shuddered, holding his hand against her pussy in a death grip. Panting as she came, her keening continued until her body finished its spasms and every muscle relaxed at once, leaving her to wilt limply against Snape. Her hand released his as she breathed deeply in repletion.

Returning to normal pulse and respiration, Hermione gathered her scattered wits and said, "Fuck me, Severus, that felt good."

Snape snorted in amusement and said, "Would that I could, love."

Hermione realized what she had said and giggled. "Mmm, indeed. Soon. Just like you said..." She squirmed forward and turned around, propping herself up on hands and knees, leaning in to kiss him soundly. As Snape leant forward to meet her, she lifted one hand to wrap around his cock and he voiced a groan.

Hermione lilted, "Seems we have a little something that must needs be taken care of."

Snape drew back enough to raise an eyebrow haughtily and growl, "'Little'?"

Hermione laughed aloud and purred, "Hardly." Then, she smirked. "And hard, apparently." Snape snorted again. Hermione reached toward the drain and pulled the plug again. At Snape's quizzical look, she lightly squeezed his cock and murmured, "Trust me."

Snape sucked in a breath and held it for a moment, then released it with a breathy, "Always."

Hermione kissed him as the water drained, until it was low enough to just cover his balls. Replacing the plug, she stood and reached for her shower gel, a smouldering smirk quirking her lips. Snape watched her, his expression both wary and lustful. Dropping to her knees again in the shallow water, she squeezed a large dollop of gel into her palm and set the bottle to one side. Closing her fist and smearing it along her fingers, she leant forward onto the other hand and flashed a wanton grin at Snape before encasing his cock in her slippery, sudsy grip.

Snape's eyelids flew open wide as he cottoned onto her plan, but they fluttered again as his head fell back at the smooth strokes along his erection. His drawn out groan of pleasure echoed off the tiles, making Hermione grin even more.

Pumping her hand from base to tip, she watched his face intently as she jerked him off. His stomach muscles kept tensing and releasing, and his hips rocked of their own accord. Long hisses were interspersed with deep grunts and low groans. Eventually, Snape pried his eyes open to see Hermione's gaze locked on his face. The sizzling connection when their eyes met staggered him with its intimacy, and his balls contracted sharply, forcing a louder moan from his lips.

Hermione felt his cock swell and pulse in her grasp and purred, "Mmm, yes, that's it. I want it. Give it to me, Severus."

Snape gripped the edge of the tub in his fists, eyes rolling back as he came, the creamy liquid mixing with the frothy suds in her hand.

Remembering from previous experience that he would be overly sensitive at this point, Hermione carefully released him, dropping her hand into the water to rinse it.

Snape just lay there, breathing deeply. Swallowing hard, he moistened his dry mouth and rasped, "All yours."

Hermione once again burst out laughing, and Snape grinned, pleased to have made her happy. Lifting his head from the tub edge, he added, "Any time."

Still chuckling, Hermione crawled over him and growled, "I hope so!" Then, closing the distance, she kissed him. While they were snogging languidly, she reached down and began splashing water over his soapy groin. Tentatively touching him, in case he couldn't take it, she backed away and looked in his eyes. "Everything all right?"

Snape's satiated smile made her smirk as he said, "What was the phrase you used before? 'Fucking brilliant' I believe it was?"

Continuing to rinse him, she snorted, shaking her head. "My my, Professor, such language!"

His voice thoughtful, Snape said, "Hmm, I much prefer you washing that with soap than washing my mouth out for foul language."

Dissolving into giggles, Hermione finished rinsing him and pulled the plug again. Struggling to her feet, she reached for a towel and wrapped it around herself, then grabbed another one and offered it to Snape.

Gazing up at her, incredulous, he said, "You expect me to move after that?"

"If you'd rather get cold and pruney, stay there, but I'm already pruney and I think the bed might be more comfortable." Cocking one brow at him, she whirled and flounced out of the bathroom, leaving Snape to grumble as he heaved to his feet.

Hermione buffed herself dry and flung the covers back, dropping the towel and climbing into bed. Snape, his expression aggrieved, appeared in the doorway with the towel wrapped around his waist.

Patting the bed, Hermione said, "There's room enough in here for you, too."

With a snort, Snape crossed to her and lay down beside her, drawing the covers over them and wriggling into a comfortable position with her curled along his side, pillowing her head on his shoulder and draping her arm and leg over him. Wrapping his arm around her back, he idly traced circles on her smooth, scented skin, his unpinned leg bending to tent the covers.

Hermione's murmur was thick with satisfaction as she said, "As 'fucking brilliant' as all that was, this is just as nice."

Snape chuckled and kissed her forehead. "Quite right, my love." He sucked in a slow, deep breath. "So, what is there to catch up on since we last had any time together?" Hermione hummed in thought and he solicitously asked, "Oh, yes, how were your exams?

Hermione, being the swot that she was, actually answered him in detail, as opposed to retorting with a superficial, "Fine." Then again, Snape, swot that he was, was truly interested, and their discussion lasted for quite a while.

Eventually, Hermione wound down and said, "Oh... I've been prattling on about my worries and such, but haven't asked you a thing! I'm sorry, dear heart." She lifted up to press a penitent kiss on his lips before continuing, "How are things with Fern and the house?"

Anxious to fill her in on all the exciting progress made in both arenas, Snape launched into a virtual monologue, pausing only when Hermione saw fit to interject. Of course, he made no mention of his latest pursuit, as the ring was to be a surprise.

Somewhere along the way, Hermione doused the lights, leaving the moonlight streaming through the window the only illumination in the room. Crookshanks settled into a ball at their feet and dozed.

After a lengthy pause, Snape murmured, "Just two weeks until the Feast and the last performance." His heart thumped in excitement at his plan, and he realized he should do his best to solidify plans for after the Feast, particularly if his hopes panned out.

Taking a steadying breath, Snape said, "Hermione..."

When he trailed off, she tilted her head and said, "What is it, love?"

Carefully picking his words, he said, "What... are your plans... for after the Feast is over? I mean, what will you do when you're no longer a student here?"

Her gasp startled him, and when she pushed away from him to prop herself up on one elbow, eyes wide as she looked down at him in the dim light, his gut clenched in alarm.

"I can't believe I forgot to tell you!"

"Tell me what?" Dread coloured his words.

"Today, at lunch! McGonagall took me away for a meeting."

Wary, Snape's brow furrowed. "A meeting? For what? About what?"

Hermione struggled to sit up, the covers shoved down to Snape's waist as she sat cross-legged by his chest, apparently too worked up over the incident to simply lie there.

"I think I've been offered a job."

Blinking in confusion, Snape grimaced. "What?"

"One of the Examination Authority administrators apparently came to the show, and she said something about the Ministry needing to create a new department to deal with this whole new Fine Arts thing going into effect next school year...you know, the whole reason we had this competition to begin with. She said there's a lot of restructuring going on in the Ministry, and what with my contribution to the war, and my marks, and my performance, my name had come up as a suggestion for heading up the new department."

It all tumbled out in a rush, and Snape's expression went from bewildered to surprised to amazed to calculating to pleased. Sitting up as well, he said, "That's wonderful, Hermione!"

She flashed a worried smile at him. "Granted, I don't have all the details yet, but she gave me her contact information. I just couldn't believe she did that to me right before my last exam!" She scowled in remembered annoyance and Snape chuckled.

"Hermione, this is perfect. You can get into something you're uniquely suited for, without having to trudge through all the junior offices and such. Please, promise me you'll contact her right away." He clasped her hands in his and squeezed, his gaze entreating.

Biting her lip, she averted her eyes. "I don't know. I mean, I'm just finishing Hogwarts, and I have no experience with Ministry organizations..."

Snape smirked and drawled, "Dear heart, I've seen the timetables and study schedules you've foisted on your mates. If anyone has the talents needed to organize a department and determine what's necessary for a new curriculum based in Muggle Fine Arts, it's you."

Hermione cut an acid glance at him and he laughed as she said, "Gee, thanks."

Snape caressed her hair and smiled. "You're the one who said I'm arrogant and you're bossy. Use it to your advantage!"

Huffing, Hermione tossed her head. "Fine! I'll contact her. No harm in that, I suppose. It's not like I'll accept anything right away."

With that, Snape sobered. "No. Indeed you sha'n't. When you meet with her, don't let her...or anyone else from the Ministry...flatter or cajole or coerce you into signing a contract straight off. You'll not only do yourself a service but will prove to them that you're a person worth recruiting if you insist on taking their proposed contract with you to examine it and consider your options. Negotiating is a time-honoured business practice, and you should take the time to do it well."

Hermione gazed at him, nodding in all seriousness. "Fair enough."

Snape leant closer, his voice lowering in his urgency. "However, you don't want to dither too long. You'd likely be best off if you manage to arrange a contract before the end of term. That way, it's all set before you leave here." In his head, he added, And nothing that may happen can change it.

Nodding again, she murmured, "I'll owl her tomorrow and set up a meeting." Wrinkling her nose at him, she added, "It's a shame I can't have you there with me to help fend them off so I can work on negotiating. I daresay that of all people at a meeting like that, you'd be the last one to be intimidated."

Snape snorted. "Bring it home and we'll work out some way to go over it. I promise."

"Home? You mean here? Or Spinner's End?"

Snape's breath caught. Whispering, he said, "You thought of Spinner's End?"

Hermione ducked her head with a shy smile. "Well, at the idea of bringing something home to go over with you, I did picture us there." After a beat, she murmured, "I hope that's okay."

Snape's chest and throat tightened, and he lurched forward to wrap her in a fierce embrace, his kiss expressing just how okay it was. His hands sliding up to tangle in her hair, he pulled away, trailing kisses along her cheek to her ear, where he breathed, "I love you, Hermione. My home is yours. Ours."

Hermione hugged him hard and moaned, "I love you, Severus." Then she moved to kiss him again, tugging him down to lie back down on the bed.

Their impassioned kisses led to fevered groping, and Snape grew hard again. His cock pressed against her hip, thrusting every so often. His hand travelled over her body, teasingly making its way to her mound. When he lightly traced a finger along her cleft, she moaned into his mouth.

Dipping further down, he slipped that finger between her pussy lips and groaned at the slick heat he found. Growling with lust, he delved into her cunt, making her arch and cry out. Nuzzling back to her ear, he murmured, "I love your noises... I love how wet you get... I love how hard you make me..."

He reared back, sliding his finger out of her and lifting his hand to his face. Locking glazed eyes with hers, he sucked his glistening flesh deep into his mouth, swirling his tongue around it and gathering every drop of her juices coating him. A deep hum of pleasure rumbled in his chest, and Hermione gasped at the eroticism of it all.

His purr muffled by the finger still in his mouth, he said, "I love how you taste."

Somehow, that still had the power to make her blush. Gamely trying to own that wantonness, she retorted, "You taste pretty good yourself."

Snape's eyes burned with desire, and he exhaled slowly before saying, "You're welcome to a taste any time you like."

Hermione voiced a sultry giggle, casting him a wicked smirk as she reached to stroke his cock again. Snape gasped and moaned. Licking her lips, she said, "What about now?"

Closing his eyes in an attempt to maintain control of himself, he said, "Perhaps I wasn't done sampling yet."

With that, Hermione pushed him onto his back, releasing his cock in favour of straddling him and holding herself up to gaze down at him, her face shadowed by her hair. Thus it was that Snape couldn't see her expression, but could only hear the ragged note of need in her voice as she said, "I think we both deserve a treat."

An inquisitive noise in his throat was his response as she reared up, lifting one knee to move to one side of him. She inched higher, kneeling near his shoulders, and when she paused, Snape could see her biting her lip in uncertainty.

His cock jutted up obscenely, and he watched her gaze flick between his face and his groin. He, too, was distracted by the slick curls so near his face. He could even smell her scent.

That was when it hit him.

Eyes widening in comprehension and eager agreement, he reached over and gripped her hips, pulling her over.

She yelped and fell forward, half across him and angled down his body. Her eyes locked onto his erection bobbing right in front of her, and she froze, still unsure if her spontaneous idea were welcome.

All uncertainty fled when Snape wrapped his hand around her leg and guided her to move her knee. His urgent, "Yes, Hermione," sped her compliance, and she carefully straddled his shoulders, holding her breath as she realized that her legs were spread over him, baring her wet pussy to his face.

Snape sucked in a deep breath, glorying in her heady aroma, then wrapped his arms around her thighs and pulled her down, straining up to drag his tongue along her spread lips.

Her startled squeal quickly turned into a moan of delight as his tongue and lips worked their magic. Head dropping forward, her hair snagged on Snape's twitching cock. Lifting her head again, she felt a surge of lust and repositioned herself so she was supported on both knees and one arm. Gripping the base of his erection in her other hand, she slid her lips over the glistening head and down the shaft of his cock.

Snape's forceful groan of pleasure sent vibrations over her clit where it was covered by his suckling lips. She squealed in turn, making him buck at the sensation on his skin.

Hermione remembered the people in the erotic magazine she had been reading the night Snape had showed up after Dumbledore's betrayal. They had been lying on their sides, but this was what she had been watching while she had so brazenly fucked herself with her makeshift dildo. That was the first time she had experienced the wicked skill of Snape's tongue. Head swimming with delicious sensations, she thought, Fucking brilliant, indeed!

Snape couldn't get enough of her. Licking and sucking, his fingers holding her open for easier access, his groans of enjoyment were punctuated by surprised grunts as Hermione's mouth found wonderfully sensitive spots. Her bobbing head and stroking hand led him to a rhythm, and he found himself rocking his hips, thrusting into her grip as he circled her clit.

Panting, they began to move faster, their moans and gasps growing in intensity. Snape felt like he was about to shatter apart, delirious with pleasure, and his concentration kept fracturing. Head canting back, he voiced a raspy groan, unable to maintain his focus any longer, and came hard, grasping her thighs in a fierce grip as his body undulated beneath hers.

Hermione wanted to grin in triumph that she had broken him first. It was like a sensual battle of wills, each of them determined to get the other one off. Of course, with her lips stretched around his cock, she couldn't actually smile, but as she felt him spurting onto her tongue, she moaned in satisfaction. She continued to stroke him, drawing out his orgasm until his hands clenched and his body twitched in an effort to stop her ministrations.

Gently releasing him, she dragged her lips up to the tip, opening them and letting his come slide back down his length to pool in his coarse hair. Then...oh, yes, then...she grinned.

Snape's panting breaths tickled over her exposed flesh, cooling the wetness. Her throaty chuckle preceded her taunt. "Surely you're not done with your sampling?" She rocked her hips, drawing lewd attention to his unfinished business.

A ragged growl was her only warning before Snape tightened his grip on her thighs, pulling her down and spreading her legs further as he buried his face in her pussy, his nose teasing her cunt as he worked his lips and tongue on her clit.

Her cry of surprise turned into an ululating keen as he ground against her, his hands scrabbling up to squeeze her arse and guide her onto his mouth.

Hermione dropped to her elbows, her head sagging forward to rest her forehead on his tense abdominal muscles. Her hair cascaded around her, hiding her face and muffling her moans of delight.

Snape dragged his tongue back, angling her hips so he could fuck her with his tongue, making her give a hoarse yell. Desperately writhing and working one arm out from under her, he reached above him, her leg slotted against his armpit, and traced his fingers along her cunt. Hermione shuddered violently, and he held her in place with his other arm. Circling her opening, he angled her hips again to suckle her clit.

Hermione's gasps and cries took on a more fevered pitch as Snape's two fingers delved into her dripping cunt. Setting up a rhythm again, he circled her clit with his tongue, grinding against her and fucking her with his fingers. When she started rocking of her own accord, Snape knew he had won.

Thrusting back onto his fingers and nearly blinded by the searing pleasure of his lips locked around her swollen clit, Hermione's voice rose in a litany of, "Oh...oh...oh...oh...OH...OH...OH...OOOH...OOOOOHHH!" Her legs tightened around Snape's head and arm, and her cunt clamped down on his plunging fingers.

Snape revelled in the clutching of her pussy, reminding himself that soon he would feel that decadent squeeze on his cock. Her orgasm heralded a freshet of juices, spilling out to coat his hand and face. Groaning, he dragged his tongue over her dampened flesh, glorying in the taste of her ecstasy.

Hermione's cheek was lying on his belly and her legs were trembling in his grasp as she came down from her dizzying climax. Wearily pushing up onto her hands, she listed to one side, collapsing on her back in a sated sprawl.

Snape's hand lightly caressed her leg where it was bent near his shoulder. His face was still damp with her juices, and he lay there beaming at the ceiling in his success.

The silence stretched on, both of them basking in the afterglow, until Hermione heaved a deep sigh and squirmed, turning her body on the bed so she could lie beside Snape facing the same direction. Snape took her cue and inched back up the bed to her pillows, as they had migrated into the middle expanse of mattress in their enthusiastic endeavours. While she was getting situated, he Summoned his wand and cast a quick cleansing charm on the drying, sticky mess matting the hair of his groin.

Struggling to pull the covers back over them, Hermione curled against Snape's side again, like she had when they were talking earlier. Before she sank back onto his shoulder as her pillow, she stretched up to kiss him, tasting herself on his lips.

Snape's hands came up to caress her hair, tenderly cupping her head as they kissed. When they broke apart, he pressed his forehead to hers and whispered, "I've missed you so."

Hermione squeezed his ribs and murmured, "I've missed you. I'm so glad you surprised me tonight. I wish school were over already, so you wouldn't have to leave again."

His fervent, "Indeed," was muffled by her hair as she cuddled into his embrace. Once again thinking about his plan, he said, "You really like it when I surprise you?"

Hermione smiled. "Well, they've all been so lovely so far..."

Snape snorted softly. "Well, I doubt you'll be surprised now when I remind you that I should return to my quarters soon."

Hermione voiced a petulant whine and burrowed against him, scowling. "I know. But I don't want you to!"

His chuckle rueful, he said, "I don't want to either, my love. But we've already spent half the night together. The last thing I want to do is go back to my lonely bed. But it's risky enough taking this time as it is; we shouldn't fall asleep like this."

Huffing in resignation, Hermione said, "You're right. But you feel so good..."

Snape smiled and said, "So do you." Then, his voice dropped to a velvet purr as he added, "Trust me..."

Hermione chuckled and lifted her head to look at him, her smile turning wistful as she echoed his reply from earlier. "Always."

They exchanged a tender kiss before Hermione sat back, letting Snape sit up and perch on the edge of the bed. With a half-hearted wave of his wand, he Summoned his clothing, gathering it in a crumpled wad. Heaving to his feet with a sigh, he propped his bundle against his hip, looking at Hermione curled up on the bed.

His hair was dishevelled, his face still bore tell-tale traces of her juices, and he was blissfully naked, gazing at her with devotion in his eyes. A lump climbed in Hermione's throat at how much he loved her, and she drank in the sight of him, storing it up to sustain her until they could finally be together with no restrictions.

"Good night, Hermione. Remember what I said about meeting that Ministry woman."

Nodding, she said, "I will. Sweet dreams, dearest."

Snape's lips spread in a slow smile and he inclined his head in farewell before he Disapparated, leaving Hermione to burrow back under her covers, yawning as her exhaustion caught up with her.

***** *****

The next day, Hermione sent an owl to Audrey, requesting a meeting. She wasn't expecting to hear back from her until the following week, which was why she was surprised to get an owl at lunch with a reply. Brows rising, she opened the scroll and read the missive, flicking a glance up at Snape.

Closing the scroll again, Hermione stood and ascended the dais toward the High Table. Snape's brows lowered in wary curiosity, but she merely nodded acknowledgement at him and said, "Good afternoon, Professors," as she approached McGonagall.

McGonagall looked up at her Head Girl with a pleasant expression. "Good afternoon, Miss Granger. What can I do for you?"

Hermione brandished the scroll and said, "I was wondering if I could have permission to leave Hogwarts Monday for a meeting at the Ministry."

Frowning in confusion, McGonagall said, "A meeting? For what?"

Tilting her head meaningfully, Hermione said, "Remember the woman you took me to see? Well, she's asking if I could meet her and some other Ministry representatives Monday to talk about a possible job offer."

Eyes widening in shock, McGonagall said, "A job offer? What kind of job?"

Hermione shrugged, but said, "Something about a new department for the whole Fine Arts in schools thing starting next year. Apparently, since Hogwarts won the competition, and I'm a Muggle-born, I'm a good candidate for it."

McGonagall blinked a few times, processing the news, then she seemed to puff up with pride, beaming at Hermione. Casting a smug glance at Snape, who was pretending only mild interest, she said, "Of course you may go. Make whatever arrangements you need. You may Floo from my office if you like, unless you'd rather Apparate. Would you like an escort?"

Hermione almost didn't manage to stop herself from looking at Snape, and forced herself to close her eyes for a fleeting moment instead. Ducking her head, she searched for the right words. "I do appreciate the offer, Professor, but... don't you think that perhaps... it might come off the wrong way if I brought... well, you, I guess...another adult... I mean, I'm supposed to be an adult now, so I should probably go alone."

McGonagall pursed her lips in thought, then said, "You're right, Miss Granger. I didn't think of it quite that way. You are an adult, and I'm quite sure you can handle yourself." She nodded gravely at Hermione, who smiled back, then grimaced and added, "Just... don't sign anything! Be careful with those Ministry sorts, if you know what I mean."

Hermione grinned, ducking her head again so as not to look at Snape, even though she was sure he must be smirking. "I'll be careful. Thank you, Professor. So, I'll get back to you when I know what time I'll be gone."

McGonagall nodded and smiled. "Do that. And well done, Hermione." She leant forward and favoured Hermione with a proud smile and a broad wink. Hermione laughed and spun, descending the dais on light feet. McGonagall turned to Snape, leaning closer to him over Dumbledore's empty chair, and said, "I'm sure you heard all that, Severus." Snape turned a noncommittal expression on her. "I think Miss Granger is a wonderful choice! I'm sure she'll be hired; and I think she'll do quite well, don't you?"

Snape inclined his head politely and murmured, "No doubt she will; Miss Granger is a credit to Hogwarts and should therefore be a credit to wizarding Britain."

McGonagall blinked, still taken aback by Snape's lack of acid put-downs. Smiling at him, she said, "I don't know that I'll ever get used to you admitting such things."

Snape smirked and drawled, "Well, you won't have to worry about it much longer, Minerva. I plan on being out of here as soon as term is over."

McGonagall's smile faltered. "Oh. So you'll be leaving after the Feast is over? Or will you stay until the students leave the next day?"

Snape fixed his eyes on his plate as his gut clenched with anticipation. "I don't know just yet. I'm getting the house finished up this week, so I can move in right away. I may try and stay until the next day, but I may end up leaving right after the Feast. We'll see."

McGonagall flashed him a wistful smile. "I'm so pleased for you, Severus, but you will be missed."

Snape turned solemn eyes on her, his voice low as he said, "I hope you'll still feel that way when I leave." Rising, he said, "Speaking of... I have some more preparations to make at Spinner's End. Would you mind keeping an ear out for my House again?"

Nodding, she waved her hand. "Go on then. I daresay we can muddle on without you for the afternoon."

Inclining his head, he said, "Thank you, Minerva." With a parting nod, he Disapparated.

In his quarters, he changed into his Muggle clothes and Flooed to Spinner's End, where he concealed himself and Apparated to an alley near a shopping district. He was ready to finish furnishing the house, and he wanted to do a scouting mission for pieces he liked. Hopefully, he could make a list and then take Hermione back to see them and get her input before making the final selections.

***** *****

Hermione sent an owl back to Audrey that afternoon. Later that evening, an owl found her in the common room attempting a game of chess with Ron. He and Snape had continued their game in the library, and Hermione decided that she should learn to play better so she could play with Snape. Quite often, she had gone with Ron to his game with Snape, and he gave explicitly detailed answers on strategy and possible moves and courses of action in response to her queries.

Hermione paused to open the letter, and Ron sat back, lounging as he asked, "Anything interesting?"

Quickly skimming the words, she said, "Just telling me when to be at the Ministry. Looks like I'll be gone Monday."

Ron sat forward again in interest, his lopsided grin showing his pride in his friend's achievements. "Bully for you, 'Mione! That'll be something, eh? Running a whole brand spanking new department all your own?"

Hermione grimaced and demurred, "It's just a meeting, Ron. I don't know anything yet. We'll see what they offer me."

Ron smirked and said, "If they're smart, they'll offer you whatever you want to get you there."

Hermione laughed and rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "I appreciate the support."

He gave a mock bow and they returned to their game. When they were done...Hermione still lost, but Ron assured her that she was getting better...Hermione went to McGonagall's office, hoping to catch her before curfew.

McGonagall was there, grading end-of-term exams. "Miss Granger, what can I do for you?"

Waving the letter, Hermione said, "I just wanted to let you know that my meeting is scheduled for Monday morning. Ten o'clock."

McGonagall smiled and nodded. "Excellent. Shall I meet you here before ten?"

Flashing a grateful smile, Hermione nodded. "That would be lovely, thank you."

Her smile warming, McGonagall said, "Anything I can do to help, Hermione, just tell me, and I'll do it. Your future is important, and you deserve the best."

Hermione, feeling a pang of guilt at keeping her relationship with Snape a secret from her Head of House, ducked her head and said, "Thank you, Professor. I'll not keep you any longer. Good night."

"Good night, dear."

Hermione spun and hastened back to Gryffindor Tower to write a note to Snape to tell him the news. Using the disappearing ink again, she sealed the letter and set it on her desk, so she could send it by owl first thing in the morning.

***** *****

At breakfast, Snape was surprised to see an owl landing by his plate. He recognized the school owl, so the post wasn't from Fern. Hazarding a guess that it was from Hermione, he pocketed it without opening it. Finishing his breakfast quickly, he stepped away from the dais and paused at the staff exit, fishing the letter from his pocket and opening it. Smirking and casting Aperio on the blank page, he read Hermione's news, vanishing the ink as soon as he was done. Casting a glance at the Gryffindor table, he saw her with her mates.

Perfect.

He Disapparated, appearing in her empty room and making a beeline for her desk. Scrawling a note with his proposal in her disappearing ink, he cast Celo on it and sealed the scroll, propping it on her pillow, sure that she would find it when she came back. Crookshanks meowed at him, jumping onto the bed and rolling on his back, entreating a tummy-scrub. Grinning, Snape patted the animal for a moment, then Disapparated back to his quarters.

Later that day, Hermione returned to her room and saw the scroll. Frowning in confusion, she opened it, then smiled as she cast Aperio on it. He must have been up here.

Her eyes widened as she read, a delighted smile spreading her lips.

"Hermione,

I got your letter. Excellent news, my love. Now, I have a proposal for you: After your meeting, why don't you use the public Floo at the Ministry to come to Spinner's End? I've been shopping and setting up house, and I'd appreciate your input on some of the more major items. I've already narrowed down the options, but I'd like your opinion for the final choices. Surely McGonagall won't know how long the meeting should last, so we should be able to steal a little time, right? I'll be sure to be at the house from eleven on, as I expect the meeting to take at least an hour. If you're willing to take this chance, don't do anything. Only respond if you're to tell me no. I do hope to see you tomorrow.

Yours, Severus"

Secreting the letter in her drawer with the rest of her correspondence from Snape, Hermione laughed to herself. I'll just tell McGonagall that I'd like to visit my folks, as it's such an important occasion, and I want to talk things over with them, for guidance. Surely she'll buy it. Feeling a mixture of exhilaration and anxiety about the coming day, she peeked at the photo of her and Snape tucked in her drawer and thought, No letter from me tonight, Severus! Then, with another chuckle, she shoved her sunglasses into her curls...they were the whole reason she had come to her room in the first place...and headed back out to join her friends by the lake.