52- Valentine's Day... of Doom? Part One of Two

Standard Disclaimer goes here.

Author's Note: As usual, life continues rearing its ugly head and keeping me from updating as quickly as I'd like. But, this chapter ended up being so long that I once again had to break it into two parts. elfTLG made this lovely wallpaper of PoH: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/elfTLG/ph-of-hog01.jpg

It's so awesome! :) Thanks again elfTLG!! And, as always, thank you to my wonderful beta Ladyofthemasque (who has finished her Book 3, YAY!!) and to SnivellusSnape for pre-reading and sounding board action. Plus, I can't thank you fabulous readers and reviewers enough for making me a very happy Good_Witch! I appreciate your support more than I can express. *genuflects to all the fine folk out there* Don't forget, you can always keep up with me on my LJ: http://www.livejournal.com/users/pern_dragon/

Cheers! :)

Chapter 52- Valentine's Day... of Doom?

Part One of Two

Hermione awoke early, snapping awake as she remembered everything that the day promised. Smiling and humming to herself, she bathed and dressed, preparing to go to the owlery before breakfast. Finally ready, she crossed to her desk to collect her missives, only to find another scroll atop them. Brow furrowing in perplexity, she picked it up and opened it, blinking as she saw that it was blank.

Where did this come from? This wasn't here when I went to sleep, and it's not mine; they're right here, ready to go. It has to be Disappearing Ink...

Chewing her lip, she tapped the parchment with her wand and whispered, "Aperio," watching Snape's familiar scrawl appear. Sucking in a breath that he had somehow sent the note to her while she slept, her eyes raced over the short note.

"Hermione,

...O.G."

Eyes widening at the little thrill of anticipation that washed over her, she smirked at his sign-off. "O.G."? How funny! I wonder if he sent a house-elf up with this. Then, with a tiny sigh, she vanished the writing again and tucked the scroll in her bureau, snatching up her letters and heading for the door.

The common room was empty as she hastened through it, a fact for which she was grateful, as it meant she didn't have to worry about fending off Colin. Briskly heading to the owlery, she smiled to herself about her plan to send Snape's favourite dinner to his quarters. She sent two school owls off with her notes, one to Dobby in the kitchens, and the "blank" one to Snape. It would likely arrive with the morning post, but she wasn't too worried about it, since the writing was invisible anyway.

With a definite spring in her step, she made her way to the Great Hall for breakfast. A few students were already there, obviously excited about the upcoming trip. As the meal wore on, her friends showed up, laughing and jostling. Hermione couldn't help but wonder if Snape was going to come to breakfast, as it was getting late, and he hadn't arrived yet. Stifling a sigh that she hadn't seen him, she made her tea anyway, gazing about the Hall at the people pairing off for the day.

Seamus, with a very pink face, had ambled over to the Ravenclaw table to ask Luna if she'd like to go to Madam Puddifoot's with him. Luna, smiling serenely, acquiesced, and gestured for Seamus to sit by her until it was time to leave. Ron was already over at the Hufflepuff table, practically attached to Susan. When Dean sniggered at Seamus, Parvati and Lavender berated him again.

In a lofty tone, Parvati said, "Really, Dean, I'm wondering if maybe you're just jealous, and that's why you keep taking the piss."

Dean flashed a grin at Parvati. "I'm not! I'd rather not be tied down. You know, be able to play the field. I like being single if it means I can be free to do what I want."

Lavender and Parvati exchanged darkly amused glances and Lavender said, "But what if what you want to do is snog someone? You can't do that if you're single."

Dean's grin widened into a mischievous smirk. "Oh, really? So, was I making all that up in my head on New Year's Eve?" He cocked an eyebrow at Lavender's tell-tale blush. Parvati snorted at her friend's discomfiture.

Neville, who had been watching the byplay with gentle amusement, interjected, "Being single's not that bad. At least you don't have to worry about disappointing someone special on Valentine's Day. I tell you, it's nice not to have that kind of pressure."

Dean piped up, "You got it, mate. There's always so much pressure to be part of a couple on Valentine's Day. Stress is not fun! And I'd rather have fun." He suddenly lit up. "Oi! I've got an idea: let's all band together today, in defiance of the couples all around us." He paused, laughing. "We'll be the 'singles club,' and not the kind where the point is to meet people to pair off." Beaming at everyone, he tilted his head and said, "So? What d'you reckon? You lot in?"

The other seventh-year Gryffindors exchanged bemused looks and cracked conspiratorial smiles. Slow nods met his challenge.

Neville chuckled and slid down the bench toward Hermione, who was absently swirling her tea, looking pensive. "Hermione?"

Starting up straight, Hermione blinked and said, "Wha...?"

"Dean and the girls had a fun idea. We're all going to band together today as a singles club...and not the kind where the point is to pair off, you know? So, I wanted to see if you wanted to join us." He smiled.

Hermione bit back her retort that she wasn't single, mind racing. I'm not single, but at least if I join them, there'll be safety in numbers. I hope they haven't invited Colin in, too. And, if we "revel in our singlehood," that should hopefully be enough to keep Colin from approaching me. I'm sorry, Severus, but this façade is for the best!

Glancing at the others further down the table, she swallowed and said, "That sounds good. Thanks, Neville." She patted his arm and smiled fondly at him.

Beaming, Neville said, "Excellent! We'll gather on the way there. See you later." With that, he slid back down the bench toward the others.

Breakfast was drawing to a close, and the post owls arrived. Hermione watched a school owl winging its way toward the High Table, only to circle a few times before exiting again.

I bet that was the owl with my letter to Severus. I do hope he gets it in time.

******* *********

Down in his quarters, Snape was doggedly contacting shop after shop, ordering what he could get and arranging for Floo-delivery that day. After several Floo calls, he realized how much of the morning he had already spent in his task, and he ordered a tray of tea and toast to sustain him, as he wouldn't be making it to breakfast at this rate.

He was in the middle of another call when he heard the chime at his door, indicating that he had mail. Straining his neck in his ill-timed attempt to turn to look at his door while his head was firmly entrenched in the Floo, he stifled a curse and shot an aggrieved glance at the shop representative as he mumbled, "I beg your pardon; there's an owl at my door. I'll be but a moment." Ignoring the half-formed protest on the woman's lips, he extricated himself from the Floo and heaved to his feet, barrelling across the room to his door, where the indignant bird was hovering, hooting around the scroll in its beak. As soon as Snape took the mail from it, the owl screeched in rebuke and whirled, arrowing down the dungeon corridor. Calling an acid "Thanks" at the retreating form, Snape rolled his eyes and slammed his door, rushing back to the Floo, where he sank back to his knees and ducked his head back into the connection.

The clerk was glaring at him in pique, drumming her fingers in an irritated staccato, and he offered her an ingratiatingly sheepish smile, saying, "I do beg your pardon. Thank you so much for waiting. Now, I was just about to order all the gardenias and plumerias you have in stock, to be delivered by Floo today, for which I am of course willing to pay whatever fees may be attached to such a rush order." He snorted inwardly at her swift change in demeanour, particularly when she realized how much he was willing to spend.

Eventually, he had the desired amount, and he had arranged for all deliveries to come to him directly. It wouldn't do for the house-elves to possibly gossip about heaps of flowers being sent to his quarters.

Sinking into his chair with a weary sigh...Really, wizards should look into a more comfortable mode of long-distance contact, as Floo calls can get to be hard on the knees!...he fished the scroll out of his pocket. Unrolling it, he was surprised to see it was blank, but then a tiny smile quirked his lips as he cast Aperio on it, watching Hermione's script taking shape.

"Severus,

Yours, Hermione"

Mystified, Snape re-read the short note. He glanced at the time, realizing with a pang of regret that she was well on her way to Hogsmeade by now. I didn't get to breakfast, you won't be at lunch, and now you want me to miss you at dinner, too? Hmph... It's a good thing I have my plans already, or I'd be rather put out at not being allowed to see you at all. Eyes flashing at the thought of the evening's surprise, Snape vanished her writing and secreted the scroll with the rest of her letters.

He strode out of his bedroom, realizing he was wandering aimlessly. His stomach kept roiling with the anticipation and worry about surprising Hermione. Well, I had better stay here for any deliveries. They're all guaranteed to arrive before five. Briskly stepping through to his office, he collected a stack of assignments to grade, taking them back to his chair by the hearth. Feet propped on the ottoman, stack of papers on the side table, he focused on grading, trying to ignore the dreadful fluttering in his stomach.

That afternoon, parcels began arriving as shop clerks Flooed him to send over his orders. By five, he had a towering stack of boxes beside his dining table. The sweet scents of the flowers exuded from them, stealing through his sitting room.

Glancing anxiously at the time, Snape Apparated to Hermione's room, as usual hunkering down behind her armchair. As he peeked beyond the chair, he saw Crookshanks eyeing him sleepily from her bed. Smiling at the animal, who stretched and purred at him as Snape stood, he murmured, "Good evening, Crookshanks. I shall be right back with a surprise for your mistress." Crookshanks yawned. Snorting, Snape inclined his head at the beast and Disapparated.

Carefully gripping a large armful of boxes, Snape popped back into Hermione's room. After several trips, he had transferred all of the flower parcels, and he set about opening them. From his pocket, he brought out several shrunken potions bottles, which he restored to their original sizes. Hastily tidying her desk and bureau, as well as the tops of her bookcases, he lined the bottles along the surfaces. Muttering, "Aguamenti," he half-filled each bottle with water. With exquisite care, he picked the blooms from the boxes, arranging them in the bottles. The cloying fragrance wafted through the room, and Crookshanks meandered over to one of the boxes, sniffing at the petals.

"I wouldn't recommend trying to eat any of that, friend." Snape was busy arranging flowers in a bottle, but he tossed that advice over his shoulder to the cat. Crookshanks sniffed again, then, tail twitching, settled back to simply watch the dark man work. As Snape returned to the bed to collect more flowers, he cast a lopsided grin at Crookshanks and scrubbed him behind the ears. "Good lad." Crookshanks rumbled and flopped to one side, writhing on his back and quite obviously entreating Snape for a tummy-scrub. Snorting, Snape said, "Perhaps when I'm done..."

When he had finished filling the bottles he had brought, he gazed about the room and tugged drawers open a couple of inches, propping more flowers inside them, spilling out. Then, Vanishing the empty boxes, he gathered a large handful of flowers and cast Diffindo, watching the petals separating from the stems and falling onto the bed. Scattering the petals over the pillow and bedspread, he tacked up some other stalks along the bedposts, using Temporary Sticking Charms. By then, there were only a couple of handfuls left, and he shrugged, cutting the stems short and casting a Hover Charm on them. They floated in the air, wafting about on the faint air currents.

Crookshanks narrowed his eyes and crouched, watching them. Snape saw the cat's predatory intent and pointed an admonitory finger at the animal, saying, "Don't you dare. I'll not have you attacking Hermione's gifts." They locked eyes, and finally Crookshanks blinked, relaxing from his pouncing posture. Exhaling gustily, Snape said, "Thank you." This time, when Crookshanks flopped over and exposed his belly, Snape chuckled and gave in.

"All right, you maddening beastie. Here. Is that what you wanted?" He stroked the cat from throat to belly, skritching along his ribs and under his chin. Crookshanks's eyes closed and he purred loudly in bliss. Snape allowed a few minutes of sating the animal before he sighed and said, "I have to go. Hermione said I was to wait for Dobby tonight. I can't imagine why. Hopefully, I shall see you later." And, with a final pat, he stood and Disapparated. Crookshanks slowly blinked, still lulled by Snape's caresses, then closed his eyes and dozed off, content to wait until he'd see the man with the delightful fingers again.

Snape arrived in his sitting room to find Dobby anxiously awaiting him. "Sir!" Dobby cried, washing his fingers together. "Oh, it's so good to see you, sir. Dobby didn't want to leave your dinner without knowing where you wanted it."

Snape frowned in confusion. "My dinner?"

Dobby nodded fervently, pointing at the dining table, where a covered tray sat. "Everything should still be hot, sir. There's plenty for Dobby to do in the kitchens, as it's dinner time, sir, but Dobby doesn't shirk his duty. When the request came down this morning, and with Dobby asked for in particular..." The elf paused, chest thrust out with pride and eyes huge and round in awed gratitude. "Such a very important task for Dobby; and is Professor Snape pleased?" He gestured toward the table again, nervously pulling on his ears.

Snape, utterly baffled, crossed to the table and yanked the cover from the tray. Steam billowed up, and when it cleared, his eyes went wide and his breath caught.

There, on the tray, was a platter with a roasted chicken, golden brown with crispy skin sprinkled with savoury seasonings. Beside it, a bowl of fried potatoes and caramelized onions sat next to another bowl of shredded green beans, glistening in butter and pepper. A small plate with fresh rolls and pats of butter was on the other side of the platter.

Snape stared, frozen. Dobby squeaked, "Is it to your liking, sir?"

Fighting the moisture that threatened, prickling under his eyelids, Snape blinked furiously, rasping, "Yes. Yes, it's perfect, Dobby. I'm very pleased, thank you."

Dobby trembled in an excess of relief and happiness. "Thank you, sir. Would you be wanting tea with your dinner, sir?" At Snape's faint nod, Dobby snapped his fingers and set the tea service he had just conjured beside the tray. With a little bow, he said, "There's honey and lemon for Professor Snape. Dobby and all the house-elves know Professor Snape takes his tea with honey and lemon."

Snape gave a little bark of laughter. Smiling faintly, he turned to Dobby. "You do your job well, Dobby. Thank you."

Dobby's eyes rolled back in an agony of rapture. "If Dobby can ever be of service, Professor Snape has only to ask, sir. Thank you for allowing Dobby to serve you."

Snape nodded gently. "Run along back to the kitchens, Dobby. You have fulfilled your task admirably. Good evening."

Dobby trilled, "Good evening, sir!" and popped out of existence.

Snape tugged a chair from the table and sank into it, still staring at the meal before him. Good gods, she's clever! And so thoughtful. I tell you, ol' chap, it's a damned good thing you did what you did... How low would you feel if you hadn't done anything after all, and she had managed this for you? So sweet... I shall have to thank her most profoundly. With that, he sampled a bit of the potatoes and beans, closing his eyes as he savoured the tastes that brought back memories. Then, grinning like a child that he didn't need to mind his manners in front of anyone else, he pulled a drumstick off the chicken and tucked in, fingers and lips shining with grease.

The simple enjoyment of the food washed away the nervousness in the pit of his stomach, and he relished the wholesome flavours. Eating more than was his usual wont, he finally sat back, replete, and wiped his greasy fingers and mouth on a napkin, sighing in contentment.

That was absolutely delicious, love. I daresay that you'll be one to spoil me when given half the chance. A delighted grin spread over his face, and he bounced up from the table to wash up, absently Banishing the tray back to the kitchens.

******* *******

Hermione and the rest of the "singles club" tramped into the Great Hall that evening, with windblown hair and faces stinging with cold. They laughed as they filed in, all linked arm in arm in one long train, tugging and pushing each other as they shuffled down the aisle and flopped onto the long bench. Disentangling themselves from each other, they all reached for the hot drinks set on the table, cupping their chapped hands around the mugs and blowing on the surface of the liquid, sighing in relief as the steam clouded up, warming their frozen noses.

Sagging against the table on his elbows, Dean closed his eyes and sighed, "Ah, much better! Bloody hell, it gets cold after dark!"

Lavender smirked and shot a mischievous glance beyond him at Parvati before reaching up and tucking her cold fingertips beneath his collar against the warm flesh of his neck. Dean yelped and shot up, frantically batting at her hand. Everyone else laughed at his reaction, and he managed to catch Lavender's hands in his, glaring at her.

"That wasn't nice at all!" Indignant, he scowled, still gripping her hands. Then, as she smirked at him, he seemed to suddenly notice how chilly her fingers were. Blinking in concern, he murmured, "Wow, your hands are cold." Releasing her fingertips from his tight grasp, he wrapped his hands around one of hers and began rubbing it, chafing it to restore circulation and heat. "This should help..."

Lavender's smirk wilted, and she regarded Dean with round eyes. Taken aback by his solicitude, she stared at him as he ministered to her frigid fingers. Whether or not his actions warmed her hands, they certainly warmed her cheeks, as a blush stole over them.

Parvati elbowed Neville, who in turn tapped Hermione, and they all turned amused eyes on the pair. Leaning past Neville, Parvati whispered, "So much for 'not pairing off,' eh?" The three stifled sniggers and went back to their dinner.

Hermione slowly sipped her soup, enjoying the warmth it sent through her body. Glancing at the High Table, she noted that Snape wasn't there, and she fervently hoped that he had received her message and was enjoying his dinner in his quarters.

Harry and Ginny appeared later, but they were so engrossed with each other that they sat a little ways down the table, by themselves. Seamus was sitting with Luna, and Ron was beside Susan. Parvati and Neville were chatting blithely, and Hermione suddenly felt very alone. Of course, Colin was seated with his mates further down the table, and he had periodically cast faint smiles in her direction, but that way lay danger, and she was not fool enough to encourage him.

Quietly finishing her meal, she cast a long glance around the Hall, seeing couples sitting close together, bodies touching, fingers entwined. Even those who weren't in relationships still had mates to chat with. She could have interrupted Neville and Parvati, but she was loath to butt into their conversation, particularly when she had noticed that Neville was being much more confident and lively. Parvati would likely not have spent such a long time with the old Neville, personally liking boys with more grit and personality, but this new Neville had improved beyond measure, and Hermione didn't want to derail the other girl's appreciation for how Neville had matured.

So, with a wistful sigh, she pushed back from the table, slowly spinning in her seat to rise from the bench. Neville, to his credit, immediately looked up and said, "Leaving already, Hermione?"

Hermione flashed a wan smile. "I'm just tired out from all the excitement today. And, I'm feeling a little run down. I'm just going to settle in early and get some rest. I had a good time today with the 'singles club.'" She grinned at Parvati and Neville, who chuckled. Dean and Lavender were oblivious to the rest of them, so focused were they on each other in their conversation.

Parvati said, "It was fun, wasn't it. See you later, Hermione. Get some rest."

Neville squeezed her hand and gazed at her earnestly. "You do look a bit worn out. Promise you'll let us know if you need anything?"

Hermione smiled fondly at him, idly thinking how lucky some girl would be to eventually land such a sensitive fellow, and said, "I will. I promise. But, I really just want to rest. So, if anyone asks, just spread the word that I don't want to be disturbed unless it's life and death, okay?" The others nodded, and she chuckled. "Good night."

With a murmured "Good night," Neville released her hand and watched her go, before turning his attention back to Parvati. But, before they resumed their conversation, he said, "Excuse me a moment," leaning past Parvati to poke Dean. As the other boy turned to look at him, Neville said, "Nobody bother Hermione tonight. She's not feeling too well, and she doesn't want to be disturbed."

Dean nodded hastily. "No worries, mate. Sure thing." Glancing at Lavender, who nodded agreement, he nodded sharply at Neville before turning back to his conversation.

Neville flashed a grin at Parvati before lobbing a wadded-up sweets wrapper at Harry and Ginny. Snorting at their bewildered expressions, he called over to them, "Hey, listen up! Hermione's not feeling too well, and she doesn't want to be disturbed, so don't bother her tonight, all right?" They shrugged and nodded.

Neville turned his attention back to Parvati, smiling attentively and saying, "Now, where were we?"

Parvati, impressed with his protective streak, tilted her head and beamed at him. Neville, distracted by how pretty she was with that dazzling smile, didn't notice Colin's thoughtful expression as he had listened to Neville warning the others.

Hermione mounted the stairs to Gryffindor Tower on reluctant feet. She knew there was nothing for it; she couldn't spend the holiday with her love. But, that didn't stop her from being sad about it. It wasn't that she wanted to spend time alone...being alone wasn't really at the top of her list...but she couldn't stomach watching so many other couples enjoying their time together. It was like they were rubbing her nose in it, even though they couldn't possibly be doing that, since they had no idea she was in a relationship. But, envy made her over-sensitive, and she just wanted to get away from the whole atmosphere.

Even the Fat Lady was simpering and blushing at a knight who had entered her frame, and Hermione sighed heavily as she clambered through the portrait hole. The common room wasn't empty, but the students occupying it were spaced away from each other, paired off in dim nooks and corners, murmuring and giggling or snogging. Hermione rolled her eyes and scowled as she hurried past them. Bordering on morose, she dragged to her door and opened it, only to be frozen to the spot in shock.

The thick, sweet aroma of gardenia and plumeria engulfed her like a wet blanket, and her mouth fell open at the veritable bower of blooms that was her room. Struggling to breathe, she forced herself to blink; and, panicking that someone would see, she lurched through the doorway and slammed it shut, falling back against it with shaky knees. Her eyes nearly bugged out of her head as she glanced wildly about, seeing virtually every surface covered with blossoms.

Sweet mother of Merlin! How? Her heart thundered in her chest, and she took a deep trembling breath, trying to assimilate all that was before her. Pushing off from the door, she dazedly staggered through the room, lightly brushing her fingertips over the bottles and flowers, dragging her hands through the loose petals on her bed. A fierce joy spread through her chest, making it tight, and she felt tears welling up.

Sniffling vainly, she sank onto her bed, gathering a purring Crookshanks in her arms and burying her face in his fur. In a choked voice, she said, "It's so beautiful! Like in a story... How in the world did he do it? And he remembered what flowers I like! I love it... I love him! I do, I do, I do..." A delighted laugh bubbled up, and she wiped the tears from her eyes, beaming around at the unexpected Paradise that had been created for her.

*************** ******

Snape kept looking at the time, waiting until dinner was almost over. When there were only a few minutes left, he shot to his feet and Apparated to the Great Hall, quickly gazing over the tables, seeking out a familiar bushy brown head. Eyes narrowing in triumph, he saw that Hermione was not there, and he inhaled sharply, Disapparating again.

Back in his quarters, he strode nervously into the bathroom, making sure he was presentable. Looking at his reflection, he noticed the pale stain of colour on his cheeks. Smoothing a hand through his hair, he swallowed hard and closed his eyes.

******* ***************

Hermione had swept petals aside and snagged Snape's shirt from under her pillow, curling up and burying her face in it. Crookshanks lay half-sprawled over her waist, and she absently stroked his fur, lulled by the vibrations of his purr on her belly.

She was lying there with her eyes closed, touring her memories of time with Snape, when Crookshanks meowed. Giving him a little extra scrub, she otherwise ignored him. So, when he meowed again and squirmed from under her hand to trot down to the end of the bed, she frowned and opened her eyes, wondering what was bothering him. She nearly did a double-take, eyes snapping wide open as she gasped in astonishment.

At the foot of her bed, lounging on his knees, Snape was stroking Crookshanks, smiling shyly at her. Locking eyes with her, he barely intoned, "Surprise."

Hermione clamped a hand over her mouth as she struggled to sit up, tears overflowing her lids like the dizzying joy that overflowed her heart. A faint keening noise was muffled by her hand, and she panted, trying to maintain control of her body, which was tightening and shuddering with rising sobs.

Shaking her head, she dashed the tears from her eyes and sniffed, gulping back a cry before croaking, "Severus?"

Snape straightened swiftly, gliding around to sit on the side of her bed at her feet and reaching forward to wipe the tear tracks on her cheeks. Gently, voice full of the same emotion that was pouring from Hermione, he whispered, "Happy Valentine's Day, my love."

With an incredulous whimper, Hermione launched herself at him, nearly bowling him over as she wrapped herself around him, hugging him tight. His hands smoothed over her back, caressing her hair as he murmured soothing nonsense into her neck.

For several minutes, Hermione shuddered as she spent her sobs on his shoulder. Snape simply held her, unsure of what else to do to help. Fortunately, he had made the right choice. As she calmed, he fished a handkerchief from his pocket and murmured, "Here."

Hermione slowly released him, taking the handkerchief and wiping her face, turning away to blow her nose. Snape stroked her hair again. His worry was plain in his voice when he said, "Hermione?"

No longer soggy, Hermione faced him again, still looking gobsmacked. Shaking her head in wonder, she rasped, "How are you here?"

Snape smiled faintly and said, "I Apparated, of course."

Rolling her eyes at such an answer, she retorted, "How? You can't Apparate somewhere you've never seen!"

Snape's lids lowered in a smug, secretive expression, and he rumbled, "I am a Slytherin, love; I have my ways." He snorted softly at her dangerous glare, then glanced around the room, querying, "Do you like it?"

Hermione closed her eyes and a laugh burst forth. "Like it? I love it! It's perfect. Stop being so damned smug and tell me: how did you manage all this?"

The joy in her eyes was a balm to his soul. Lips spreading into a pleased grin, he drawled, "I got a little help from a friend."

Hermione's eyes went round. "Ginny knows?"

Snape shook his head and one corner of his mouth quirked higher than the other. "No. I was completely circumspect in gathering the information needed." He cocked a wicked eyebrow at her and added, "You know how the Pensieve works..."

Pieces fell into place, and Hermione sucked in a breath, goggling at him. Her voice was almost a squeak as she said, "You've known ever since then? That's been over a month! Why haven't you come here before?" A spark of offended reproof lit her eyes, and Snape bit back a laugh.

Leaning forward to thoroughly kiss her, he eventually pulled back and, lips brushing hers as he spoke, purred, "Who says I haven't?"

Hermione really didn't know if she could handle so many shocks in such quick succession. A flash of heat coursed through her at the thought that Snape had been in her rooms without her knowledge, and she ached to know when he had visited. She lunged at him again, framing his face in her hands and snogging him desperately. At his instantaneous response, she moaned, falling backward onto the bed and pulling him with her.

Snape's ears were roaring with the pulse of his blood as it raced in response to her fervent kisses. Feeling his chest tightening with love...and his trousers tightening with lust...he slid onto the bed, covering her body with his. Finally breaking away from her intoxicating mouth, he nipped along her jaw and down the cord of her neck as she gasped, "You devil! Oh, gods, how I love you..."

Snape instantly pulled up, gazing intently into her eyes as he breathed, "I love you, Hermione. You've given me life. Even with such little thoughtful things as sending me dinner tonight." He paused, eyes bright as he surveyed her in awe. "I wanted to give you whatever you wanted, and if you wanted to be with me, then here I am."

Hermione's lips trembled as she whispered, "But why not before?"

A smouldering smile spread his lips as he retorted, "I thought it might be a nice gesture to save the surprise for something special. Forgive me; I'm rather new at all this. Was that not a good choice?"

Hermione laughed in delight. "It was magnificent! And very romantic, dear heart."

Snape pretended to scoff, but he couldn't keep back the satisfied smile that crept over his lips. He lifted his body from hers and rolled to the side, pulling her to roll toward him and rest her head on his chest. She flung a leg over his, and he wrapped his arm around her, under her head. Snaking her arm across his chest, she squeezed him tight, burrowing against him with a rapturous sigh.

Snape watched the flowers floating above them and smiled. Eventually, he broke the contented silence, asking, "Are you sure you won't be disturbed?"

Hermione nodded. "I told people I was tired and worn out from today, and I didn't want to be bothered unless it was life or death!" Snape's chuckle vibrated under her cheek. "I can't believe you did all this. When did you first come here? How often have you visited? I want to know everything!" She lifted her head and beamed at him, eyes sparkling.

Snape grunted at her chin poking him, and murmured, "Very well then, I'll tell you." Hermione hummed in pleasure and settled back against him.

"Once Dumbledore gave me the ability to Apparate, I immediately thought of sneaking up here. But, like you said, I can't Apparate to a place I haven't seen. So, when Ginny had detention, and she told me why you were so upset about my birthday, I entreated her to let me see the memory of your conversation in the Pensieve. Not only did it show me exactly what was bothering you, it gave me ample time to memorize this location. I first came up here one morning while you were in class, to get a better feel for where everything is. That's when I met Crookshanks."

Hermione twitched. "Was that before or after you asked me about him?"

Lightly, Snape replied, "Before. And, I already knew about you taking my shirt before you confessed." As Hermione reared up again in surprise, Snape quickly added, "You can thank your familiar for that, as well. He's the one who showed it to me."

Hermione cast an affronted glare at Crookshanks, who was placidly watching them, curled up at the foot of the bed. In a low voice, she snapped, "Tattle-tale!"

Snape chuckled, squeezing her shoulder and urging her to lie down again. "I'm just glad he didn't sound the alarm, and that he seems to like me."

Loyally, Hermione hugged him and said, "Of course he does. Kneazles are brilliant judges of character. And, of course, he already knew your scent."

"Indeed." He paused, remembering the other things he had found on his first visit to her room. A knot of uncomfortable anxiety formed in his belly, and he swallowed hard. Knowing that there was no better time to broach the subject, he ventured, "Hermione..."

"Yes?"

Clearing his throat, Snape ground his teeth and rumbled, "I... happened to run across some other... things... that same day."

Hermione frowned in curiosity. "Like what?"

"Well... it was... some...ahem...reading material."

Comprehension dawned, and Hermione was awash in mortification. A startled "Oh!" squeaked from her, and she sucked in a breath. Flushing madly, she shrank away from Snape, wriggling out of his embrace and dashing for the refuge of her bathroom.

Snape sat up, reaching for her, but she was too quick. By the time he had made it to the bathroom door, Hermione had slammed it in his face. Snape sagged against it, grimacing at her reaction and at the fact that he was sure to cock things up since he had no idea how to approach things delicately.

Rolling his head back along the wood, he said, "Hermione, love, I'm sorry. Come out, please?"

Her wail was muffled as she said, "No! It's too embarrassing!"

After a beat, Snape glanced about the room and snorted. Turning to lean his forehead against the door, he said, "Hermione, surely I'm not the only one with a ridiculous sense of déjà vu?" At her silence, he added, "Weren't you the one to rail at me about hiding in the bathroom not being a mature way to handle things?"

He jerked off the wood as he heard a click. Backing away, he watched her open the door a crack, peering out at him. He returned her gaze solemnly. After a long moment, she rolled her eyes and huffed, "I hate it when you're right!" With that, she opened the door further, arms crossed petulantly over her chest.

Snape gently drew her to him and enveloped her in his arms. "There's no need to be embarrassed. It's normal. I just... have a question."

She kept her face pressed against his chest as she said, "What?"

Snape's face burned as he ground out, "What if I don't measure up?"

Hermione's head snapped up, and she stared at him with indignant eyes. "How could you think that? Even if I read those things, all I think about is you!"

The relief and desire that flooded him made him giddy. Gazing at her under hooded lids, he murmured, "Were you thinking about me when you read that erotic book and fell asleep atop your covers, so splendidly, enticingly bared to the night?"

A stab of heat raced through her core and drenched her knickers. Almost dizzy at the thought that he had been there that night, she blinked at him with glazed eyes and whispered, "Gods, yes. I wanted it to be us. All I wanted was you."

Snape slid his hands into her curls at the base of her skull and descended on her with a consuming kiss. Hermione's hands scrabbled over his back as she pressed herself against him, tingling with need. Panting, Snape wrenched himself away from her, resting his forehead on hers as he rasped, "It will be us, by all that is holy, I swear by my wand. I wanted you so much. So delicious... So wanton..."

Hermione rocked against his cock, hard and hot between them. In a sultry whisper, she said, "You can have me. I'm yours. Here. Now."

As she attacked his lips with a greedy kiss, Snape's brain screamed in protest of her words. You gave your word!

With a tortured groan, he backed away from Hermione, breathing harshly as he desperately tried to maintain control over his mutinous body. "No! Not now... We can't!"

Still reeling from the heavy emotions crashing over her, Hermione gasped, "Why not? I love you!"

Snape spun and charged to the window, gazing into the night. His shoulders were tight. "I love you most dearly, Hermione, which is why I must keep my word. Please don't ask me to break a vow. I don't want that to be part of who I am."

Chagrined at the effect her impetuous words, Hermione crossed to him and laid a gentle hand on his back. "I'm sorry. I won't be so cavalier again."

Snape stood for a long moment, calming his breathing, letting Hermione's touch soothe him. Eventually, the silence changed, and he spun, gathering her in his arms and resting his chin on her hair. The less-charged silence stretched on until Snape dropped a kiss on the crown of her head and murmured, "Why don't we just get comfortable and relax a bit?"

Hermione nodded, and they turned as one to brush more petals aside so they could stretch out on the bed again. When they were settled, Snape cleared his throat and said, "About this reading material of yours..."

Hermione buried her face against him and groaned, "Do we have to talk about it?"

Snape snorted lightly. "Well, if you feel that you would like to explore such things with me, shouldn't you be able to discuss them, as well?"

Hermione lifted her head enough to scowl at him, cheeks red. In a petulant growl, she said, "Fine. What do you want to discuss?"

Snape cocked a gently admonitory eyebrow at her, and she dropped back against his chest. "Have you been able to find answers to all your questions? Is there anything you've run across that sticks out in your mind? If there are particular things you are interested in, then it would certainly behove me to find out, wouldn't it? The last thing I would want is for you to be dissatisfied with me."

Hermione snorted, once again lifting her head and flashing a wicked grin. Her voice rippled with suppressed laughter as she said, "I daresay it's been pretty obvious how 'satisfied' I've been, Severus."

Snape rolled his eyes and shook his head, lips twitching in self-satisfied amusement. In a sardonic drawl, he retorted, "I am ever at your service..." Hermione burst out laughing, and he smiled at the sound. "In all seriousness, Hermione, you know what I mean."

Hermione sobered, growing pensive. "It's interesting: the sheer volume of information and variety out there. I imagine one could take an entire lifetime exploring all that's available."

In a tone of studied mock-gravity, Snape interjected, "Indeed. Such an awful prospect..."

Hermione grinned again and poked his ribs, eliciting a grunt and a quick tussle in which he captured her hand, eyeing her in explicit warning. Hermione gazed back at him for a long moment, her playful expression melting into a more thoughtful one. "I do have a question."

Snape relaxed his defensive posture and affected polite interest. "Go on."

"How much do you know?"

Snape blinked. "I beg your pardon?"

She quirked her lips in a moue of impatience and repeated, "How much do you know? I mean, what all have you done?"

Incredulous, Snape said, "You want to know about my... sexual experience?"

Hermione's brows rose and she gazed at him primly. "I'd say it's only fair, seeing as how you know I haven't any to speak of!"

Snape blinked again, swallowing hard. When he didn't respond right away, Hermione amended, "All right, I'll make it easier: tell me about your first time. Perhaps I'm making an assumption that I'm the only virgin in the room..."

His male pride stung, Snape frowned at her and retorted, "I'm not a virgin."

Hermione squirmed away enough to lie on her stomach beside him, her chin in her hands as she propped herself up on her elbows. In a matter-of-fact tone, she said, "So... tell me about it!"

Snape cut an acid glance at her before mumbling, "It's not like stuff you've probably read in these books..."

With a sigh, Hermione said, "Severus, I can appreciate the difference between idealized scenes in a work of fiction and reality. I already told you I want to know all about you. This included. How old were you?"

Staring at the ceiling, Snape uttered a clipped, "Seventeen."

"All right. And where did it happen?"

"Here."

"At Hogwarts?"

"Well, it bloody well wasn't in your room! It was in a rather private nook off one of the corridors."

Hermione's eyes widened in awed interest. "Why there?"

Snape shifted on the bed, realizing that Hermione's dogged persistence wouldn't let the subject go. Deciding to just give in rather than draw out the process as painfully as possible, he heaved a deep sigh and said, "Fine. It was a Hogsmeade weekend in late spring of my sixth year. Considering I didn't have any money to spend, I saw little point in going, particularly when Potter and his gang would be there and would likely enjoy any opportunity to harass me. I elected to stay at the castle."

Hermione laid a comforting hand on his arm and squeezed.

"A seventh-year girl in my House was not allowed to go. She had been kept behind as a punishment by McGonagall. I was wandering the grounds, enjoying the weather and the chance to roam about unimpeded. Apparently I wasn't the only one who was restless, as I happened across her near the lake. We exchanged pleasantries, and she joined me on my trek back to the castle. We were simply walking along corridor after corridor, taking random turns and staircases as we felt like it, and at one point, we passed a particularly hidden nook. I hadn't even realized it was there, and she pointed it out, grinning and commenting about it being a brilliant spot for a shag."

Hermione's brows shot up, and she bit her lip to keep from interrupting him.

Snape snorted. "Well, as you can imagine, I didn't know how to respond to that, and apparently I flushed, quite uncomfortable at that moment. I was hoping we could just move on and forget about the awkwardness, but she stopped and just stared at me. I didn't know what to make of the calculating look on her face, and out of nowhere, she grabbed my robes, pulled me into the nook, and shoved me against the wall, snogging me."

He paused for a beat at Hermione's gasp. "I was quite stunned, and I had no idea how to respond. I mean," he hastily amended, "I knew how to snog, but I didn't know that I should. I barely knew this girl beyond knowing any of my House on sight, and she'd certainly never expressed any interest in me before. But," and he sighed ruefully, "I was a seventeen-year-old boy, and my hormones weren't all too fussed about it."

Hermione coughed in her attempt to stifle the giggle that erupted at his frank admission. Snape rolled his eyes.

"When she started groping me... let's just say that really got my attention. There I was, pressed against a wall by some girl who was quite aggressively accosting me. I had no idea what to do...well, more like what was acceptable for me to do, as I didn't want her to hex me. She grabbed my hand and guided me under her robes."

Hermione's breath caught, and she felt a tingle streak through her.

"She had placed my hand under her skirt, and when I apparently didn't continue quickly enough, she grabbed my hand again and slid it within her knickers. That was the first time I had touched a girl. I thought I was going to pass out right then." He snorted at his youthful folly.

"She used my hand for her pleasure. I wasn't even in control of my own fingers, as she was the one who moved them and positioned them. Needless to say, when she brought herself to orgasm, and I could feel her reaction, it made a... lasting impression."

In a faint croak, Hermione voiced a dazed, "I'd say so."

"As I'm sure you can imagine, I was quite aroused at that point, and she resumed groping me. When she shoved my robes aside and opened my trousers, I don't think I could have stopped her if I had tried. Of course, at the time, I didn't want to stop her anyway." He uttered a short bark of self-deprecatory laughter.

"As soon as she had me untucked, and she touched me, I thought everything would be over. But, somehow, I managed to maintain control. She stroked me for a short while, then dragged me to the floor. I was flat on my back on the stones and she climbed over me, hiking her skirt up and straddling me. I lost my virginity right there on the floor just off the corridor in the middle of a Saturday afternoon with a girl I hardly knew."

There was a pause, and finally he continued, "Considering the circumstances, it shouldn't come as a surprise that it didn't take very long before we were done. But, she kept snogging me afterwards, and she was kind enough to cast all of the needed charms."

Hermione couldn't stop herself and queried, "Charms?"

"Yes. Contraceptive, cleansing... I was in no condition to even think at the moment." He blinked in remembered incredulity. "Not long after we had finished, we had to make ourselves scarce. We heard one of the caretakers coming down the corridor."

"One of the caretakers?"

"Mm-hm. Pringle was getting ready to retire, and he had just brought Filch on. Filch was training, and he hadn't yet learnt all of the shortcuts and secret passages through the castle. Plus, he hadn't yet got Mrs. Norris. I still don't know which one we heard, but as soon as we heard the footsteps echoing, we took off...in opposite directions. I headed back outside, and I think she went straight back to the dungeons."

There was another long pause, as Snape's story was patently done. But, Hermione was pensive, and finally she asked, "So, what happened after that?"

"What do you mean? Nothing. We weren't caught."

"No. I mean, did you see each other again?"

Snape snorted. "Hermione, we weren't 'seeing each other.' We acknowledged each other in passing as usual. Like I said, it was spring, and she had to focus on her N.E.W.T.s before long. Term was over in a couple of months, and she was finished. The next year, I came back for my final year at Hogwarts. Nothing more came of it."

Hermione looked crestfallen. "Oh. That's too bad. So... did she have a name?"

Snape shot her an aggrieved glare. "Of course she had a name. Her name was Maggie Palev. Short for Magda."

"Was she pretty?"

Snape thought for a moment. "She was attractive. Dark hair, dark eyes, olive complexion. Not a beauty queen, but pretty enough. In all honesty, I still can't fathom what she was doing with me. She was far out of my league." He shook his head in puzzlement, then looked at Hermione. His expression softened and he said, "As are you, love. And, I'm still trying to fathom what you're doing with me."

Hermione smiled at the warmth that filled his black eyes as he looked at her, and she felt a throb in both her heart and her knickers. Seizing on his words, she murmured, "I'm not doing anything yet, but that may soon change..." With that, she crept forward and descended on him with a hungry kiss, enjoying his surprised expression.

*please proceed directly to part two*