Chapter 6

Severus was not there. Hermione was crestfallen; she really needed him right now. He's probably in Diagon Alley, she thought, hoping he would come back to the flat before heading back to Hogwarts. Errol was back at the cottage, and there was no Floo access, so she had no way to find Severus. There was only one option left: she'd have to Apparate to Diagon Alley. She paced the length of the sitting room several times, trying to decide if she should wait or go find Severus herself.

"Sod it!" she said as she gathered her thoughts and Apparated to an alley next to the Leaky Cauldron. She entered and, after giving Tom a short nod, made her way into Diagon Alley. Now, where did he say he was going... ah, right, replenish his stores. So the apothecary first. She made a beeline for the apothecary shop that Severus used most often. Searching up and down the aisles, she saw no sign of him.

"May I help you, miss?" said the clerk behind the counter.

"Yes, has Professor Snape been in here today?"

"Yes, he was here just a bit ago. You missed him by about ten minutes, I'd say."

"Thank you," Hermione called out, hurrying to the door. The next stop was Flourish and Blotts; she hoped he was still there. "Excuse me," she said to the witch stacking books on a display in the window. "Have you seen Professor Snape come in here?"

"Yes, just a few moments ago. He was headed towards the Potions section."

"Thank you very much." Hermione's heart was fluttering, now that she knew Severus was close by and she hadn't missed him. As she turned the corner, he was standing there, reading. Taking a deep breath, she smiled and approached her love.

"Severus."

"Hermione, what are you doing here? I thought you were going to be with the Weasleys all day."

"It's a long story. Was there something you needed to get here? I'd rather talk someplace a bit more private."

"No, I was just looking, trying to kill some time before going back to Hogwarts. Did you want to go back to the flat?"

"No. How about we go to that little tearoom down at the end of the alley?"

Severus nodded. "That's fine," he said as they headed out the door.

They settled at a small table toward the back of the room and awaited their order.

"Now, what is this about?"

Taking a deep breath, she began, "Well, I lost my temper with Molly. We both said some very nasty things to each other. Harry and Arthur stepped in before we both drew our wands."

"Oh, to have been a fly on that wall, I can imagine the scene that must have been."

Hermione laughed. "I'll put the memory in a Pensieve one day so you can witness it."

"I'll hold you to that, continue."

A pot of tea appeared on the table; they each fixed a cup for themselves and sat in silence for a moment while Hermione gathered her thoughts.

"Anyway, Harry sort of figured out that I was seeing someone. He doesn't know who, though, and I didn't volunteer that information. He took it better than I thought he would. We talked, and he convinced me that I needed to make a decision and that I needed to talk to Ron. So I went to Ireland..."

Severus took her hand, giving her support so she could finish telling him what had happened.

"When I got there, the match was already over, so I waited for Ron outside the players' entrance. He finally came out, and we went up in the stands to talk. Well, to make a long and emotional story short, he now knows that I've been seeing you for two years. I told him I wanted a divorce; he's filing for dissolution of marriage with the Ministry tomorrow morning. I need to go to the cottage and get my things.

"Would you come with me? I doubt Ron will be there. Knowing him, he'll be at the Burrow for a few days, sulking, while Molly coddles him. "

"You know I will. Where are you going to live?"

"The flat. I don't have anywhere else to go."

Severus smiled. "If I could get Minerva to cooperate, I'd have you move into the dungeons with me."

"I doubt Minerva would ever allow that!" said Hermione with a laugh.

"Ahhh, at least I'll be able to see you more often than at the flat."

"You had better come to see me every chance you get!"

"I guess we won't have to keep us a secret for much longer, then. Who else did you tell?"

"No one, though I am sure Ron will tell anyone who'll listen that his wife turned out to be a slut who cheated on him with you, and that he left me, instead of it being a mutual decision."

"Does it really matter, love, what others think?"

"No, I couldn't care less; I just want to be with you."

He brought her hand up and kissed it. "That is what I want too. I think it would be best if we went to Hogsmeade now and retrieved your belongings."

Hermione nodded her assent as Severus signaled to the waiter for their bill.

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They Apparated in front of the gate outside the cottage. It was spring, and the ivy was starting to make its way up the walls; by summer the cottage would be covered with ivy. She had, at one time, been happy in this little home. She and Ron had done much to fix it up, and they had been proud of the results of their efforts. Now, she was here for the last time to gather her things, leave, and never look back.

Severus watched her out of the corner of his eye. He knew this would be hard for her, but the sooner it was done the better. "Your things won't get packed by just standing out here, dearest."

"I know. Let's just get this done."

"You know, you can always tell Weasley you changed your mind and you want to keep this cottage, if it means so much to you."

"I'm moving to Spain with you, so why would I want to keep it? It would just get run down again," she said as she opened the door and stepped in; Severus followed her inside.

"I kept the boxes for all my books in the cellar. Boxing my books will probably take longer than anything else."

"Help me get the boxes, show me where your books are, and I'll get those. You take care of your clothes and whatever else you want, okay?"

"That will be fine, Severus. Thank you," she said as she stood on her toes and kissed him.

Even with magic, it took them both well over two hours to pack and shrink the boxes holding all her possessions. With all the shrunken boxes tucked into every available pocket they both had, they left the cottage and Apparated back to the flat.

"Perhaps you should just unpack your clothes and whatever else you will need for the next few months."

"I agree, since we'll be moving again soon."

Severus kissed her on the cheek and then removed all the boxes he had in his cloak pockets, placing them on a nearby table.

"I'll make dinner tonight, you go unpack."

"Thank you, love," she said as she went to the bedroom.

As she busied herself with hanging her robes and putting things in their place, Hermione went over the events of the day in her mind. She had finally done it: she had left Ron; however, the feelings of guilt were weighing on her conscience.

No, I refuse to feel guilty anymore just because I did what was right for me. Hell, it was right for both Ron and me. We were miserable together, whether anyone else wanted to see it or not. I should go see my parents tomorrow and tell them before they hear about it from someone else. Damn, I should have owled Harry while I was in Hogsmeade... I'll have to go to Diagon Alley tomorrow and send him a letter, although he probably knows by now, if Ron has made it back to the Burrow. Ugh, I can just imagine the scene that'll occur there when he tells everyone.

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While Hermione was in the bedroom, Severus was busy preparing dinner. Nothing extravagant, just heating up stew from last night with a little wine added for flavour, a salad, and a fine bottle of wine. On the table, he placed candles and the single red rose he transformed from a sprig of parsley that had been growing in the window box. Today was, for him, a milestone in their relationship; she had finally left Weasley, and they could now move forward.

Hmm, something is missing... he eyed the table and the room, trying to figure what it was he missed. AHH, yes! Music! Must have soothing music. He turned the Muggle radio on to a classical station. Perfect!

Placing dinner on the table, he went to let Hermione know it was ready.

He found her sitting on the chair, staring out the window. She seemed to be lost in her own thoughts. Standing just outside the door, he watched her, wondering what he could do to help her with this emotional turmoil. It took years for him to learn to deal with is own emotions, after having to bury them for so long. He could listen, if she needed him to, but he doubted he could offer any advice. What would Albus have done in this situation? Offer her a lemon drop, of course, and then just listen until she was all talked out and then give some sage wisdom. Well, the sage wisdom he couldn't give, but he could listen.

"Hermione, love... dinner is ready. Come, you probably haven't eaten since breakfast."

She walked over to Severus, a smile on her face as she took his arm, and he escorted her to the table.

As they entered the kitchen, she drew in a breath. "Oh, Severus, this is wonderful! Thank you," she said as she drew him into a kiss.

"Well, this is a special night," he said as he pulled out her chair to seat her.

"How so?"

"Tonight is the first night in over two years that I no longer have to wonder if you'll be coming back here again. No more sneaking around, no more hiding our relationship, no more..."

"No more wondering when or if I was going to leave Ronald?"

"Yes," he responded with an inward shudder. "No more sharing you with a man who never deserved you in the first place."

He poured the wine and raised his glass in a toast. "To Spain and to our new lives together," he said as he looked into her eyes and then took a sip of his wine.

"Mmmm, this wine is lovely."

"I've been saving it for a special occasion. Shall I serve?"

"Please. This is all so thoughtful of you, Severus. The candlelight, the rose, the music... You make me very happy."

"I'll endeavour to make sure you stay that way."

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When dinner was done, he took her in his arms and danced to a romantic instrumental playing on the radio. They held each other close as the moonlight shone down upon them in their little flat. His hands were moving up and down her back and sides, etching each curve of her body into his memory.

They swayed together in time to the music, arms wrapped around each other, and Hermione laid her head on his chest and listened to the sound of his heartbeat increase every time she pressed harder against him.

His hand moved up to her shoulder, then her neck, as he drew his fingers across her jaw to her chin. Gently, he lifted her head so he could see her face, her eyes sparkling at him as he held her gaze. Severus tilted her head back as he brought his lips to hers, the contact sending waves of desire shooting through them both.

His tongue licked at the seam of her closed lips, seeking permission to enter. She opened her mouth, submitting to his exploration as their tongues entwined, their breathing grew heavier. The need to touch, to taste, to become one became an all-consuming obsession.

Severus' other hand found its way to her still-clothed breast, cupping it in his hand as she moaned her approval. His experienced fingers made quick work of the buttons holding her robe closed. As he exposed each inch of her skin, his fingers skimmed over it, taking in the warmth and softness that drove his passion even further. His lips moved from hers, making a path along her jaw to neck, to shoulder and back to her ear, sucking the soft lobe into his mouth. "Hermione, Gods, what you do to me."

Hermione had brought her arms around his neck, her fingers running through his now silky hair. Sometime after the war had ended and he was cleared of the charges of treason and the murder of Albus Dumbledore, he began to take better care of himself and his appearance. The efforts clearly showed in his hair--it was no longer lanky and greasy, but clean and silky. She loved the feel of it slipping between her fingers, the citrus scent from the shampoo he made to keep his normally oily hair clean and shiny. "Severus," she sighed, "Take me, make me yours... forever."

Taking her hand, he led her to their bedroom, where with a flick of his wand and a muttered spell, candles placed around the room lit up. Severus then slowly undressed the witch before him, touching, kissing, and tasting every bit of her. When she, at last, stood before him in all her naked glory, he picked her up and placed her on their bed. He stood up and looked at the sight before him, his erection threatening to rip open his trousers if he did not join her in that same state.

"Are you going to join me or are you going to stare all night?"

Hermione watched as Severus slowly stripped, not saying a word. As he bared his chest, she purred in approval, and when his trousers and pants made the journey down his long legs, Hermione licked her lips as she took in the sight of his cock. She wanted to show him, not in words, but in actions, how much she truly loved him--all of him.

Severus watched as her eyes traveled about his body, stopping at his erect cock. When she licked her lips, he felt it jerk at the thought of those luscious lips wrapped around it. Taking himself in hand, he moved his fist up and down the shaft, watching her reaction as she writhed, moaned, and spread her legs in invitation to him. He walked to the end of the bed, and she spread her legs wider to him as her hands skimmed down her body. The scent of her arousal reached his nose, and it took all of his control to not dive between her legs and taste her thoroughly.

"Touch yourself, love... Show me how much you desire me."

Reaching between her thighs, her fingers slid between her lips; she was so wet for him, so aroused by him. She played with her sensitive clit, rubbing it gently in time with Severus' stroking of his cock. She surprised him when she slipped two fingers inside herself and began showing him what she wanted him to do to her. Her eyes were on Severus the entire time, watching as his fist moved quicker over his shaft. A bead of pre-cum appeared on the tip, and Hermione wanted to lick it off.

Severus moved closer to the bed, his hand touching her calf, stroking her soft skin as he progressed up her leg. His knee was on the bed as his hand continued upward. Hermione watched his every move as he stared at her centre watching her fingers dip in and out. His mouth came down on her thigh, licking and kissing the sensitive area, but his eyes never strayed from the show she was putting on for him. When she removed her fingers, he finally spoke, "Don't stop, vixen, not until I tell you to." Slowly, she reinserted her fingers; she was becoming more and more aroused, she needed... wanted, craved the fulfillment only he could give her.

Hermione didn't know how many agonizing minutes had passed before Severus took hold of her hand, stopping her ministrations. When he put her wet fingers in his mouth, she almost came as he licked and sucked her juices off her fingers. "So delicious," he moaned as his tongue made contact with her sensitive folds before licking down and back up again. Hermione grabbed a fistful of his hair, holding him in place as his talented tongue set a fire in her blood, her body tightening, her hips bucked with every stroke of his tongue. She was aware of the fingers he now had inside of her, those long, amazing fingers stretching and filling her in a way hers could not. Harder and faster they moved, his tongue not stopping until she reached her peak and fell over into her own personal paradise.

Severus loved the taste of her, how responsive she was to him, and most of all, how she made him feel. As she recovered from her first orgasm, Severus slowly and methodically worked his way up her body, bestowing kisses on her still quivering pussy and on her belly. Cupping her breasts in his hands, he kissed, licked and sucked each hardened nipple, causing her to arch up towards him.

"Gods, Severus... please," she said in low, breathy voice.

"What do you want, my wanton little witch?" he said with a smirk firmly planted on his face.

"You know what I want, Severus"

"Say it for me, Hermione."

His face mere inches from hers, he looked into her eyes and spoke, "Say it, witch."

Hermione could feel his hard cock pressing against her lips, waiting to be buried deep inside her.

"Take me, Severus... make me yours."

As he entered her wet heat, she clamped her legs around his waist, drawing him in deeper. "Mine," he whispered.

"Mine," Hermione whispered, wrapping herself around him.

With a practiced rhythm, Severus moved in and out of her warm, wet channel, fanning the flames of her desire. He alternated between hard and fast to slow and easy, bringing her to the edge and then allowing her to come down, until he was ready to come with her.

Panting and sweating, Severus removed her legs from his waist, hooking the back of her knees with his arms and drawing them towards her, opening her up to him as he drove hard into her.

"Come with me, Hermione... my love... come with me," he rasped.

"Oh Gods... Severus... I LOVE YOU," she screamed out as her world exploded once again.

As Hermione came, the rippling of her walls sent Severus over the edge. "Hermione... oh, FUCK YES... I LOVE YOU," he yelled out as he joined her in their mutual bliss.

Easing his body off Hermione's, he lay at her side and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close to him as they both fell asleep.

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