Good Morning

Disclaimer: All characters depicted belong to JK Rowling.

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A/N. First of all, apologies for the delay in posting this update – real life stuff, illness and a computer under the Imperius Curse all contributed. On the plus side, this chapter originally ran to over ten thousand words, which meant I had to split it. Hopefully, this should mean the next update won't take nearly as long.

As always, hugs and a year's supply of Chocolate Frogs to Snarkyroxy for her prompt beta-ing, help and encouragement.

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The early morning sun was streaming through the gaps in the curtains, nudging Severus' mind towards consciousness.

Hmmm... what? Something was tickling his nose. Instantly alert, Severus feigned sleep whilst he rapidly assessed the danger. Something warm, sweet smelling; someone breathing beside him. He relaxed, remembering.

Hermione.

Removing the offending wisp of hair from his face, Severus carefully propped himself up on his elbow and gazed at the sleeping witch lying next to him. It wasn't a dream, then; she was there, really there, asleep by his side. That Hermione trusted him enough to relax so completely in his presence was in itself miraculous to Severus. It was a touching show of faith, and one he had no right to expect. His eyes scanned the length of her body – the bedclothes having been long since kicked off during the warm summer night. She was more or less as he remembered her, perhaps a little less puppy fat around the middle and a little more muscular, but essentially unchanged.

The minutes ticked by but Severus did not move, content just to look at the young woman who had melted his cold, shrivelled-up excuse of a heart. He stared, captivated, at Hermione's sleeping form, motionless apart from the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest. How in Merlin's name had he come to be blessed by such good fortune?

Severus smiled. It seemed strange to see such a fiery and vibrant girl lying so... so still. Hermione looked almost childlike as she lay there, snoring softly; nothing at all like the warrior he knew her to be. This young witch had seen more tragedy and evil in her young life than anyone her age should ever have to encounter, and yet, there was something... untouched about her; a purity if not an innocence, something that held out a guiding hand to the darkness in him with the promise of salvation should he choose to grasp it.

Hermione stirred and Severus held his breath, hoping that she would not wake just yet. This was a memory he wanted to cherish for a very long time. Carefully, he picked up a tendril of her hair and wound it around his finger, delighting in its texture. It was amazing, he thought, how something that looked so coarse and frizzy could feel so soft.

Hermione sighed and turned away from him, causing her nightie to ride up and expose a haunch of hip and thigh in the process. Severus stifled a gasp as she moved back against him, unconsciously rubbing his morning erection. It would be so easy, he thought, to lift her leg and slip her one – indeed his cock was adamant that it wanted to be buried somewhere warm and wet and now. Trying his best to ignore it, Severus put his arm over Hermione protectively and pressed the length of his body against her. He would go no further without her permission. Besides, in the cold light of day, she might regret allowing him to stay the night. Severus buried his face in her hair, not caring that it made his nose itch, and prayed that would not be the case.

Somewhere along the line he had capitulated. There were no more thoughts of breaking all contact with Hermione; Severus could no more do that now than he could sever his own wand arm. If Hermione wanted him, and she had said that she did, then he was hers. He would fight it no longer. But that did not mean he could come to her as a beggar – Severus still had some pride left.

If I am granted my freedom, then I shall have to find employment – although Merlin knows where. He held Hermione closer, hoping by all that was holy he would be given the chance to prove himself worthy of her in the not too distant future.

* * *

Almost an hour later, Hermione awoke in the iron embrace of a very aroused Severus Snape. Hermione craned her head and half squinted at the man who was holding her as if she might make a sudden run for the door.

'Still here then, I see.' She grinned at him.

Severus stiffened. 'Would you like me to leave?' He loosened his grip.

'Of course not.' She wriggled around to face him, mentally kicking herself for being so insensitive. 'I was only teasing, Severus. I'm very glad you decided to stay.'

'I am not accustomed to being teased,' he said unsmilingly, although his eyes softened a bit. 'Do you make a habit of it?'

'Only with those people I care about,' Hermione replied, noticing the change. 'How long have you been awake?'

'About an hour,' he admitted.

'An hour? Why didn't you wake me?'

Because you looked so enchanting. 'I... I was enjoying watching you sleep.' He averted his eyes, embarrassed at making such a confession.

'Oh...' What could she say? That was really sweet of you? Could she call Severus Snape 'sweet' and live? She decided not to risk it.

There was an awkward silence as both wondered how to proceed. Hermione, realising Severus' usual self-confidence was notably absent, thought it important for his morale to make the first move. That said, a few words of reassurance wouldn't go amiss.

'I... um... it was nice waking up with your arms around me.'

Severus found himself tongue-tied. In spite of the fact that he was naked in bed with a scantily-clad and very willing witch, Severus was filled with anxiety and self-doubt. How many times had he imagined this scenario? How many times had he crushed her to his body and ravished those delectable-looking lips with his own? Now that the moment had actually arrived, he felt a lot less confident. It had been a long time since a woman had welcomed his advances. He was out of practice. What if she didn't like his kisses? What if... Get a grip man. You're behaving like a Hufflepuff on a first date. She said she wanted you. Get on with it!

'Severus?'

Severus swallowed hard and lifted his gaze. 'May I... kiss you?' he asked, a little uncertainly.

At last,Hermione thought with relief. 'Yes. Accio wand.'

Severus looked alarmed. 'What –?'

'Tooth Cleaning Charm,' she said. 'Open your mouth.'

Severus, though a little perplexed, obeyed without protest. Hermione cast the charm then turned her wand on herself. 'Sorry, you know... dentists daughter and all that.'

'Now may I kiss you?'

With her other hand, Hermione stroked the stubble on his chin. 'Here,' she said, handing him her wand, 'I can't stand having my face grated either.'

Severus took the wand and dutifully performed a shaving spell. 'Do you have any further objections?'

'None whatsoever.'

'Good.'

Hermione sighed and closed her eyes in hungry anticipation of a fierce, crushing kiss. She was somewhat surprised, therefore, when Severus merely brushed his lips very gently and fleetingly against her own. Now what was the matter? Opening her eyes again quickly, she caught Severus looking at her with such an expression of tenderness and something... else, it took her breath away. Before she had a chance to analyse it, however, Severus' mouth settled on hers again for another brief, if slightly more forceful, kiss. Bemused by his gentleness, Hermione threaded her fingers though his hair, grasped the back of his head and tried to pull him towards her. Severus was having none of it.

'Patience.'

Hermione's whimper of protest was muffled as Severus' pressed his lips to hers once more, only this time there was no retreat. A tongue was teasing her, tracing the outline of her mouth, restrained, biding its time; nothing hurried or demanding but a request, a plea of supplication. Hermione met his first tentative foray and returned the compliment, sweeping her tongue over his lips, desperate to explore the texture and taste of him. In response, Severus languidly deepened the kiss. Hermione moaned, experiencing a sensation not dissimilar to a Portkey activating as her body confirmed what her mind had long suspected. Call off the search. You've found him. He is The One. It doesn't get better than this. Her heartbeat quickened as she felt Severus brush his hand lightly along her arm, sending cascades of shivers down her spine. Dear God! He'd barely touched her and she was already turning to jelly.

Severus contented himself with stroking Hermione's arm between her elbow and shoulder. Much as he wanted to, there was no need to progress beyond that just yet. Besides, he was enjoying himself, lost in the almost forgotten intimacy of a simple kiss. This was going to be more than a quick fuck. Indeed, with their frantic coupling in the library at Hogwarts still very much on his mind, Severus was determined to take things slowly this time, determined to show Hermione that he could be a considerate and gentle lover. Hermione's obvious eagerness wasn't doing anything to help his resolve, yet he persisted in fighting the urge to get between her legs and bury himself inside her. He was going to do it properly if it killed him. This was for her; his needs could wait.

There was no longer any doubt in Severus' mind that Hermione wanted him. There was no way she could be faking this; she had meant what she said. The last twenty years of his life seemed to dissolve away, washed clean by that greedy little mouth beneath him and his heart soared with the joy of it. He was a teenage boy again – albeit a lovesick, randy teenage boy, who wasn't going to last very much longer if the growing damp patch on the sheet beneath him was anything to go by. Sweet Circe, she tasted divine; like all that was good in the world, like everything he could ever need or hope to have.

Hermione's impatience at Severus' agonisingly slow pace was increasing. The tug in her belly had turned into a burning ache; a need to be filled by that rather impressive feeling erection that had all too briefly pressed against her leg. She raked her hand down his back and squeezed a buttock. Severus moaned into her mouth, reached for the offending hand and placed it on the pillow above her head. Keeping it there with one hand, he dragged the other down her arm to her waist and up as far as her ribcage; close, oh so close to her breast, but not quite... there. Hermione squirmed on the bed, trying desperately to get his hand where she needed it. Panting, she broke the kiss and pushed her head into the pillow, baring her throat to him.

Severus groaned. Such a submissive act done in all innocence – she could have no idea of the effect such a gesture could have on a man like him. Severus accepted the offering, kissing the column of her throat down to her collarbone, occasionally nipping the smooth delicate skin. He could not help but notice a nipple straining through the material of her nightgown, and suddenly it was too much to resist. He covered it with his mouth and sucked.

Hermione arched into him and cried out with the sudden, sharp pleasure of it. 'Oh, gods, Severus, that feels so good.'

Severus continued to lavish all his attention on that one spot on her body until the sensation became almost unbearable. Hermione couldn't decide whether she wanted to pull his head against her or push him away. Unfortunately, she could do neither, since one hand was still pinned above her head and the other was trapped at her side by his body. She tried wriggling her hips, desperate for some sort of relief. Severus held her still with his free hand, giving her no choice but to endure. Torture? Agony? Bliss? It was impossible to decide.

As she wondered if it was possible to go mad with pleasure, Hermione became vaguely aware of a voice calling her name somewhere in the distance.

'Hermione, are you up yet?' Knock-knock.

'Mmm...'

'Moody's here. It's good news.' Knock, knock knock. 'Hermione? Are you decent? Can I come in?' The doorknob rattled.

'Yes. Ohhh, yesss. Hmm?' Oh, shit! 'Harry!'

Severus hastily grabbed a sheet as Harry stuck his head around the door.

'Herm... WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?'

'Harry, calm down.'

'CALM DOWN?' Harry yelled, 'RON ISN'T COLD IN HIS GRAVE AND YOU'RE SHAGGING SNAPE?'

'I am not – '

'Really? Well it doesn't look like that from where I'm standing.'

'I can explain– '

'I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!'

Slam.

Hermione covered her face with her hands in horror. 'I'm so sorry, Severus. I forgot to ward the door.'

Severus said nothing. He would have been rather amused by the incident – the look on Potter's face had been priceless – only there had been something about his tone that had bothered Severus, something that nagged at the back of his naturally suspicious mind. There was only one rational explanation he could come up with, and he didn't like it – he didn't like it at all.

Severus removed Hermione's hands from her face. 'Were you involved with Ronald Weasley?' he asked.

Hermione inwardly cursed Harry. She had wanted to tell Severus about Ron in her own time. Now he was looking at her accusingly. 'Ron was... my friend, Severus.'

Severus knew evasive tactics when he heard them. Stomach churning, he tried again. 'That was not my question, Hermione. Did you sleep with him?'

Hermione sighed. 'Yes. I did.' It was pointless denying it.

Biting back his anger, Severus moved quickly away from her. Hermione put her hand out to stop him.

'Severus, don't go,' she pleaded. 'I was going to tell you all about it today. I never had any intention of keeping it from you, I swear.'

Pulling the sheet around him, Severus sat up on the edge of the bed with his back to her.

'Were you... in love with him, Hermione?' he finally managed to ask.

'No,' she replied, 'I-I loved him but I was never in love with him.' Hermione scrambled over the bed and sat up next to him. 'Will-will you let me tell you what happened?'

Severus hung his head so his hair curtained his face. He nodded.

Where to start? Hermione let out a long sigh. 'Ron was always there for me, Severus,' she began. 'It happened not long after my parents were... killed.' She told him all about Harry's nightmares, and how Ron had come to her rescue the night Harry had tried to strangle her.

'Afterwards, he held me and it was... comforting. I felt so alone. I had given up all hope of ever seeing you again and ... oh, gods, I don't know how to say this, but you were a suspect in my parents' murder.' Hermione looked for some reaction, but there was none, so she continued. 'Ron felt big and safe and strong, so I-I kissed him. He was surprised – I'd told him about us, you see– '

'You did what?'

'Well, actually, he sort of guessed. I was beside myself after you left – I didn't know where you were, whether you were alive or dead. I remembered what you said to me, though, and told Ron that things may not be what they seem. Ron, being Ron, had already realised that things just didn't add up – and he saw straight through me – saw that I had feelings for you, so I told him everything. It was such a relief to be able to tell someone... I think I would have gone insane if Ron hadn't have been there.'

'I take it Potter knew nothing of all this?'

Hermione snorted. 'God, no. He would never have listened – even when the Horcrux arrived at Christmas, we kept our suspicions to ourselves.'

Severus' mind was reeling. Intellectually, he knew her actions had been perfectly understandable. He had no right to expect her to have waited for him – he had as good as told her that they could not have a relationship before he left Hogwarts. This, however, did nothing to quell the jealous rage gnawing at his insides. The thought of her being with Potter had been bad enough, but Weasley? And her parents? Had she really thought him capable of murdering her parents?

Hermione put her hand on Severus' arm. 'Ron and I clung to each other for comfort, Severus; we knew it was nothing more than that. The future looked bleak; I took what solace I could in the present. Besides, I made it perfectly clear to him that in a battle situation protecting Harry was paramount and that he could not allow any feelings for me to jeopardise any decision he might have to make.'

Severus turned his head to look at her. 'Answer me this, Hermione. If Weasley had survived the battle, would you be with him now?'

She shook her head and gave him a wan smile. 'No, Severus, I would not. I have no regrets, but I am so very sorry for doubting you and for hurting your feelings. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.' Hermione worried her bottom lip, praying she hadn't well and truly blown it. 'Well,' she sighed when there was no response forthcoming, 'I suppose I'll have to go and appease Harry.'

'You're not going anywhere.'

In a heartbeat Hermione was flat on her back, pinned to the bed by the body of a surprisingly heavy wizard. Dark eyes filled with anger bored into her own. A lesser woman would have recoiled in terror but Hermione did not flinch.

'Severus, you're squashing me.'

Severus adjusted his weight but remained on top of her while he battled with his emotions. Despite his injured feelings, things had not really changed. How could he be jealous of Ronald Weasley? The boy was dead. He was being ridiculous. Besides, who the hell was he to judge her behaviour? His anger slowly ebbed away.

'Hermione,' he said eventually, 'you must understand. I am not some... adolescent youth–'

'I'm well aware of that, Severus.' She grinned sheepishly at him.

'Insolent witch,' he said, trying to sound stern but failing miserably. 'I do not exist for your amusement.' Severus traced her cheekbone tenderly with his thumb. 'Hermione, you are so young. Are you really sure this is what you want?

'Yes, how many times–'

Severus touched her lips with his forefinger. 'Think, please. You saw Potter's reaction. There will be much opposition from your friends – not least because of our age difference.'

Hermione kissed the tip of his finger. 'I don't care what other people think.'

Severus smirked. 'Always the Gryffindor.'

'You're not going to bring House rivalries into this, are you?' She smirked back.

Severus rolled off her and lay on his back staring at the ceiling. 'Fire and water, Hermione,' he said. 'Opposites. Always attracting yet always in danger of extinguishing, or being extinguished by, the other – unless a careful balance is maintained.'

Giggling, Hermione turned onto her side and kissed his cheek. 'That would explain the steam coming out of your ears, then.'

Severus chuckled and kissed her back. 'You, madam, are incorrigible.'

'Would you have me any other way?'

'No, I would not.' He wrapped his arms around her. 'Now, lie with me a moment. Before we go any further, I wish to tell you of my exploits during the past year. You need to know the truth.'

Hermione put her head on his shoulder and waited, heart pounding, for him to begin. Hesitantly at first, Severus gave his version of the events leading up to his flight from Hogwarts. His voice faltered when he spoke of Albus' death, but with Hermione's encouragement he found the strength to continue. Voldemort, naturally, had been overjoyed and had rewarded Severus by elevating his position amongst the Death Eaters. Draco, however, had not been so lucky. His incompetence had almost cost him his life. Severus had intervened, not without risk, and offered to train Draco himself in order that he may better serve his master. Voldemort had granted his request and given Draco over to his charge.

'Thereby owing you a life debt,' Hermione interrupted. 'Is that why Draco changed sides?'

'Not entirely,' Severus replied, 'although it certainly helped. Draco is not a killer, Hermione. He tried to hide it, but he was distraught at Albus' death, and with the use of Legilimency, I could see that he wanted to make amends. It was he who located and sent Potter the Hufflepuff Horcrux, by the way.'

'What?'

'Although... Voldemort,' Severus still struggled to say the name, 'trusted me, in so far as he trusted anyone, the others still regarded me with suspicion. On top of that, my expertise to brew the potion that stopped his body deteriorating was constantly required, and so I rarely left the house.' Severus paused. 'Potter was right. Voldemort did want to take him over. The body he had was rotting away – literally.'

Hermione wrinkled her nose up. 'Yuck.'

'Indeed,' Severus continued, 'it was not a pretty sight. However, whenever I administered the potion – when he was at his weakest – thoughts would... leach out of his head. He did not seem to be aware of it –'

'Is that how you found out about the Horcruxes?' Hermione interrupted yet again.

'In... part,' Severus replied. 'I first learned about the existence of the Horcruxes from Albus. He had to tell me about the ring and the nature of its curse in order for me to help him. He hinted that there were others, but for my own safety decided not to give me any details.'

'In case Voldemort used Legilimency?'

'Precisely,' Severus concurred, 'but, presumably because Vo-oldemort's own mortality was very much on his mind, thoughts about his soul fragments were very close to the surface. I saw the cup and its location very clearly, but I only got a vague impression of diamonds for the other. I sent Draco to retrieve it, and the rest you know.'

Hermione said nothing, bracing herself for what was coming next.

'Now,' Severus said gently, 'are you ready to hear about your parents?'

Hermione squeezed him in response.

'After the breakout from Azkaban, Lucius Malfoy and the others were, as you can imagine, keen to re-establish their positions in the Da – Voldemort's favour.'

Hermione bit her lip and nodded.

'The raids on the families of Muggle-borns were planned and carried out by Malfoy and Avery.' Severus held her tightly. 'Please believe me, Hermione, I knew nothing about it until after the event. It was Lucius.'

Hermione's eyes started to fill up. Severus stroked her hair while he told her the rest. 'It was quick; they did not suffer. Malfoy only had seconds to cast the Killing Curse twice and Disapparate out. He had no time to torment them.' Severus remembered Lucius taking great pleasure in boasting how he had evaded the Aurors guarding the Grangers and gained entry to their house. He saw no reason to share this information with Hermione.

She began to sob quietly in his arms as he went on. 'If I had known, Hermione, I would have done everything in my power to stop him, please believe that.'

'I do, Severus, I do,' she gulped, raising her head. 'Thank you for telling me. I'm s-sorry for crying. I tried to put my g-grief on hold with the war and everything, you see and – well, I-I haven't had time to m-mourn properly yet.'

'There is no need to apologise,' Severus said, kissing the top of her head, 'take all the time you need, my love. Take all the time you need.'

Hermione laid her head on Severus' chest, taking comfort from the steady thump of his heart. She remained there a little while longer, smiling through her tears.

Am I really his love?

As if reading her thoughts, Severus said hesitantly, 'I think I ought to warn you, Miss Granger, that, as from today, I intend to... court you, in order to get to know you better.'

Still smiling, Hermione turned her head towards him. 'I think we flew straight past courting, Severus.'

'I am being serious,' he admonished. 'You must also understand that if our relationship is to continue, I will not share you with anyone. You will be mine and mine alone. Do I make myself clear?'

'Perfectly,' Hermione replied equally seriously. 'I won't cheat on you, if that's what you mean.' She kissed his chest above his heart and sighed. 'Am I your love, Severus?' At the shocked look on his face, she added hurriedly, 'Oh, I don't expect you to say I love you every five minutes, or anything. It's just that... well, I think we need to be completely honest with each other and um... I'd like to know where I – where we – stand.'

Severus had often wondered how he would ever find the courage to tell Hermione exactly how he felt, whether he could take the risk of being rejected, or worse laughed at. In all his imaginings, he had never expected her to ask him straight out. Panicking slightly, he swallowed hard, knowing he was laying himself open for all kinds of hurt, but that it was a chance he had to take. 'Yes, Hermione, I – I love you,' he stammered, 'I love you very much.' Severus pulled her head towards him and kissed her forehead. 'And I cannot bear the thought of you with another man.' The words slipped out before he had time to think. Gods, he hoped she wouldn't laugh at him for sounding so pathetic, so needy.

The vulnerability in his voice was heart wrenching. 'I'm glad,' Hermione said, stroking his cheek, 'because I love you too, Severus. You are all I want. There is no one else I want to be with, no one else that makes me feel the way you do. Please don't ever leave me again. I don't think I could bear it.'

'I won't,' Severus replied, 'I promise.' He was too choked up to say anything further, so he smothered her with kisses instead.

She loves me. Me. Not Potter or Weasley, but me. She loves me.

Hermione pulled away from him, gasping for breath. 'Make love to me, Severus. Now. Please. We've wasted far too much time as it is.'

'Very well,' Severus murmured, nuzzling her neck. 'If you insist.' He tugged at her nightie. 'Off. I will attend to the door.' He picked up Hermione's wand to ward it. 'There will be no more interruptions.'

Hermione sat up and slipped off her nightdress, giving Severus an all too brief glimpse of back, shoulders and neck before her hair tumbled down and covered them again. Then she was lying beside him, looking at him expectantly. Severus pushed himself up and knelt beside her, feasting his eyes on her nakedness. Silently, reverently, he savoured the sight this second time, noting every curve and indentation of her proportions, the creamy colour of her skin, her freckles. He scanned down her legs to her slim ankles and her feet. Such beautiful feet. How had he never noticed them before?

Hermione blushed under his intense scrutiny. This was different from the first time she had bared herself for him – more intimate, almost intrusive somehow. Then, she had been in control. Now, she most definitely was not. Feeling self-conscious, she crossed her hands defensively over her stomach.

'You are perfection, Hermione,' Severus said, taking hold of her hands and planting kisses on her inner wrists. 'Never hide from me.' He placed her hands above her head. 'Stay like that. Do not move.'

Severus smoothed his hands down the full length of her body from wrists to ankles. Sliding his hands under her knees, he pushed her legs up and out to the side then sat back on his heels. The evidence of her desire for him was all too plain to see. He wanted to delve his fingers into that wetness, taste it, smear it over his cock and then... The thought almost paralysed him. How could he do any of those things without losing control and making a complete fool of himself? Maybe she would – no, he couldn't ask that of her, not this time.

She loves me, he assured himself.

-Yes, but for how long? said a nagging voice at the back of his head. How long before she tires of you and goes off with someone else. Someone her own age?-

He pushed the thought aside. She will not.

'Severus?'

Hermione was feeling uncomfortably exposed, spread out as she was like some sacrificial offering, awaiting Severus' pleasure. Not being a submissive person by nature, Hermione found all this passivity rather disconcerting.

Am I supposed to just lie here?

Apparently, she was. Well, okay, if that was what he wanted then she could do this; she would play along – at least for the time being. Hermione shifted her hips wantonly, watching Severus' face as she did so.

'Please, Severus,' Hermione whispered, 'I want you. Now, please.'

Oh dear gods, on top of everything else she was begging. 'I won't last, Hermione,' he said ruefully, 'it's been too long.'

'Please,' Hermione tried again. 'It doesn't matter –'

'It matters to me.'

'Then let me–'

'No,' he said, 'I'd rather if you just watched. Would you mind?'

Hermione shook her head slowly. Wide-eyed, she watched as Severus cupped his balls with one hand and started to slowly stroke his cock with the other. It was a mesmerising sight, but why wouldn't he let her do it? Hermione wanted to touch him, taste the liquid that was seeping out of the tip. Instead, she watched as instructed, unconsciously noting for future reference just how he liked to please himself; she watched as his breath hitched and his hand pumped faster. He was going to come. Hermione moaned and moved her hips to match his rhythm, thinking he might like it. In seconds, it had the desired effect.

Severus sat, head bowed, recovering his breath, afraid of what Hermione's reaction might be. Small fingers gently lifted his hand and a tongue tentatively licked his palm. Incredulous, he looked up in time to see Hermione taking his index finger into her mouth.

'Mmm,' she said, 'you taste so good.'

'Oh gods, Hermione.'

Hermione dipped two fingers between her legs and offered them to Severus. He grabbed her hand and sucked greedily.

'More,' he begged, 'Please. I want more.'

'Soon,' Hermione promised, 'but I want to taste myself on you first.'

The kiss was ferocious, possessive. They tumbled backwards, gorging themselves on the flavours mingling on their lips. Severus broke away to quickly kiss, lick and nibble his way down her body, before stopping to make himself comfortable between her thighs. He looked up at Hermione and smirked.

Hermione held her breath as Severus gently parted her labia and began his explorations. He's certainly thorough, she thought, writhing in pleasure at his gentle lapping. Ooh, yes... I could easily get used to this. Suddenly, he sucked hard on her clit, and she shrieked. Oh shit, she couldn't take much of that. Hermione glanced down to see Severus slurping up her juices like a man dying of thirst.

He's enjoying this, she thought in astonishment, He's enjoying this and...oh... what's he doing with his nose? 'Oh, Severus!'

'Gods, you taste like heaven.'

'Don't stop...' How can I ever hope to keep this man? 'Don't stop... so close, so close.' Hermione grabbed his head and ground herself against his face. 'Coming... '

Severus licked her clit delicately until the aftershocks subsided, and she slackened her grip on his head. He was hard again. Carefully, he inserted one then two fingers into her pussy. She was more than ready for him.

Hermione squirmed on his probing fingers. She wanted more. A lot more. 'I need you inside me. Now.'

'As my lady commands.' Severus crawled up her body and kissed her tenderly. 'Guide me in, Hermione.'

Hermione reached down and rubbed the head of his cock against her entrance. With infinite care, as if it were her first time, Severus inched his way slowly into her body, searching her face all the while for any sign that he may not be welcome, but there was none. It was all right. Everything was going to be all right. He was home and it was glorious.

Hermione let out little gasps of delight as Severus slowly stretched and filled her, replacing her urgent need with a sense of peace. This was what she wanted. Just this, only this. It felt so incredibly right, so perfect she could barely breathe with the pleasure of it. Hermione wrapped her arms and legs around him and held on tight.

'Don't move just yet.' She could have stayed like that forever. Severus twitched inside her, and she clenched her muscles in response.

Severus groaned, willing himself to keep still. 'I won't last five seconds if you keep that up.'

He had that look on his face again, that breathtakingly loving, tender look of... hope? Yes, hope, and in a split second of intense clarity, Hermione saw and understood the terrible anxiety of this fragile soul she had been entrusted with.

He's scared, she realised. He's inside me and he's still terrified I'll reject him!

All his defences were down now. Severus was looking at her with what could only be described as undisguised devotion. He was beautiful. How could she ever have thought him ugly? Hermione touched his cheek and smiled. 'My love,' she whispered, 'my beautiful Severus.'

His face clouded as if she'd slapped him.

'Oh, Severus,' Hermione sighed, 'I'm not mocking you. Come into my mind and see for yourself if you don't believe me.'

Severus only hesitated a moment before slipping easily into her mind. Looking around quickly, he was slightly taken aback to be greeted by a small, somewhat dumpy woman with a mass of frizzy hair and overlarge teeth.

Dear Merlin! Severus thought, Is this how she sees herself?

'Yes, it's me,' Hermione said, 'now, look.' Hermione pointed to a large mirror.

If Severus had been astonished at Hermione's representation of herself, he was stunned at the sight that greeted him in the mirror. Before him stood a tall, imposing man with a rather regal looking bearing. She had not over-romanticised his appearance by any means, but it was nothing like the reflection he was used to. His prominent nose, though still big, did not dominate his face as he would have expected. In fact, it was his eyes that commanded his attention. Severus had always thought them rather beady, but to Hermione they were evidently deep, dark, entrancing and smouldering with integrity and intelligence. He had never given much thought to his eyelashes either, but Hermione obviously found them attractive. While he still would not have described himself as handsome by any stretch of the imagination, the overall impression was of a powerful and striking looking wizard.

'This is how you see me?' he asked, still staring at his reflection.

'Yes,' Hermione replied, 'like I said. Beautiful.' She placed her hand on his arm. The resulting jolt of electricity as their minds touched sent their senses reeling.

'Severus, I can feel– '

'Yes,' he said. 'I know. I feel it, too.'

'Oh Severus, is this what it's like for you?' Hermione gasped as Severus moved inside her. 'It's too much. How do you bear it?'

'I can't,' he replied. 'At least, not for long. Quickly, take my hand.'

With a gentle tug, Severus grasped Hermione's hand and pulled her into his mind. Hermione had a brief impression of a Potions laboratory before she was ushered through a door into a small library.

'Look,' Severus said, indicating a portrait.

Hermione stared at the vision before her. 'Severus, I'm not a– '

'Goddess? You are to me. Look again.'

Kneeling at her feet was a hunched, emaciated man with an enormous, crooked nose. Black, fathomless eyes chiselled into a gaunt and exhausted face looked up at her in adoration.

Hermione could have wept. 'Oh no, my love,' she protested. 'You are not like that. You were never like that.'

She kissed him, unleashing all the love she had so longed to give him. Severus shrank back slightly from the intensity of her feelings but there was no hiding place. Hermione's love swept through him, permeating every atom of his being. There was nothing he could do but open his heart to her and respond in kind.

The result was explosive. A dazzlingly bright light suddenly blazed around them, engulfing them, lifting them up and sending them flying to a place where time ceased to exist. Hermione felt Severus' orgasm building, fuelling her own burning need, spiralling ever higher out of control towards a peak where body, mind and soul fused together. Then they were falling, as wave after wave of pleasure broke and rolled over them. Hermione opened her eyes with a start just as Severus collapsed on top of her, fighting for his breath.

Words were useless, meaningless. Severus rolled onto his back, pulling Hermione with him. He hadn't a clue what had just transpired, but something had shifted. He felt different and so in all likelihood would Hermione.

'Severus,' said a small voice, 'what the hell just happened?'

'I have no idea,' Severus admitted.

'I'm tingling all over.'

'As am I.' Severus struggled to get his scattered wits into some kind of order. 'Whilst it is not unpleasant, I do not think we should attempt that again until we can be sure its effects are harmless.'

'I agree,' said Hermione, 'It was... weird – mind blowing, but weird. Next time I might not want to come back to earth!' She laughed, glancing at the clock. 'Good grief, look at the time! We've already missed breakfast and I'm ravenous. We'll miss lunch as well, at this rate.'

'I would much rather stay here,' Severus said, nibbling her ear lobe, 'wouldn't you?'

'Stop that!' Hermione giggled, 'I need to eat and so do you.'

'I am not hungry,' he said, investigating a rather interesting spot on her neck, 'not for food, anyway.'

Hermione broke away and prodded him in the ribs. 'Oh, no you don't. You need to get some meat on those bones, Severus Snape, and I intend to see to it that you do.'

Severus chuckled. 'Are you always this bossy?'

'Yes,' she grinned, 'I am. You may as well get used to it.'

* * *

On the landing, Severus clasped Hermione's hand and gave it a squeeze. 'Ready to face the music?' he asked.

'Yes,' she replied, 'but are you sure about this? I didn't think you were the hand holding type.'

'I think a united front is called for.' Severus smirked. 'I will allow it. Just for today.'

They descended the stairs in silence. As they reached the bottom, the door to the library flew open, and Alastor Moody appeared in the hallway.

'Ah, there you are at last, Snape.' Moody's magic eye gave Hermione the once over. 'Managed to tear yourself away, I see.'

'Moody,' Severus acknowledged.

'A word.' Moody looked pointedly at Hermione. 'In private, if you don't mind.'

Severus turned to Hermione. 'Do you wish to wait a moment?'

'I'll be fine,' she replied, 'you go.'

Severus followed Moody into the library. The old Auror handed him a scroll of parchment.

'Well, Snape,' he said, 'you managed to pull it off. The Wizengamot in its infinite wisdom has granted you clemency.'

Severus tried to appear indifferent. 'Indeed?' He kept his face carefully neutral as he unfurled the Wizengamot's verdict.

'Yes, indeed,' Moody replied. 'There were a few dissenters who still thought you should rot in Azkaban for Albus' murder. It was his portrait pleading your 'innocence' that swung it.' Moody reached into his sleeve and produced Severus' wand. 'Here, take it,' he said, holding it out towards him, 'but know this. I'm going to be watching you, Snape. One step out of line – just one and you'll be in chains faster than a Bowtruckle with its arse on fire.'

Severus grasped the precious length of wood and held it next to his heart, feeling its power surge through him. The relief on his face was palpable.

'My spying days are well and truly over, Moody,' he said, 'I swear on my wand that I will give you no more cause for concern. You have my word...' Severus nodded curtly to the man who had, in spite of his paranoia, been instrumental in ensuring his survival after Albus' death, '...and my thanks. If that will be all, I believe I am required elsewhere.'

'I'll come with you,' said Moody.

'That won't be necessary.'

'Oh, but I insist.' Moody's ravaged face contorted into an evil grin. 'I wouldn't miss this for the world.'