Concurrence!

Disclaimer: Not my characters (sigh), but I would love to own them.

A big thanks to my beta, Charmed Nay!

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Hermione pulled her hair away from her face and fastened it. She felt the need to make herself a little more attractive for breakfast. It would be the first of many mornings that she would sit with her lover. Severus had left before dawn as quietly as he could, but Hermione had been awake. She'd watched him through slitted eyes as he'd dressed. He'd gone towards her door, and as if he'd had an afterthought, he'd made his way back to her still form to run his fingers along her cheek.

The memory caused her stomach to tingle. It was one of his rare displays of affection, and she would relish it always. Things were changing between them. She could feel it. She had decided not to harass him about sitting with her for a while. She knew that he would ask her about it if she kept quiet. She had to be sure to not put any pressure on him. Things would change even more. Today would be the start of something new. She checked her appearance once more before making her way towards the Great Hall. With each step, her heart beat a little more wildly, and it felt as if butterflies had taken flight in her stomach.

She looked to the table, and to her relief, she saw that neither Rolanda nor Harry had come down yet. Severus was there though, speaking with Minerva. She walked towards the table, afraid that he'd changed his mind. What if he embarrassed her? What if he asked her to move away? She had to sit there, or he would believe that she had changed her mind. It might even anger him. She had rightfully negotiated for this. She'd won this small victory, and she would have it.

Pulling the chair away from the table, she sat next to her lover. He turned to her and nodded once. "Good morning," she said softly in return.

"I trust you slept well?" he asked in a polite tone.

"Yes, thanks," she replied while pouring herself some juice.

"What have we here?" Rolanda asked, plopping down next to Hermione. "You've inherited my chair?"

"If you don't mind," Hermione began, "I would like to sit here from now on."

Rolanda looked from Hermione to Severus. A broad grin spread across her face. "Well, all right then. No harm done. Whose idea was this?"

"Oh, well, you see..." Hermione sputtered. She wasn't sure of what to tell her.

"Rolanda, that isn't really any of your concern, now is it?" Severus' voice commented.

"Well, I've just lost the seat that I've sat on for the last five years. I was a bit curious, you know," she said. After a moment, she said, "Well?"

Severus put down his drink and glared at her. Hermione spoke before he could. "Being his companion, I would prefer to sit with him, but if you honestly have a problem with that, we can change back."

Rolanda eyed them both oddly for a moment. "Companion, you say?"

"Are you deaf?" Severus asked brusquely.

"Oh, well, pardon me, Sev, old boy. I didn't mean to touch a sore spot." Rolanda chuckled. "Looks like someone forgot to tell Potter the great news."

Hermione looked to see Harry's shocked expression as he made his way to the table. She smiled lightly and turned her attention back to the breakfast before her. She took a couple of slices of toast. She could feel Harry's gaze on her, but she didn't dare look at him. The slight confrontation with Rolanda was bad enough. She didn't want Severus to be any more uncomfortable than she knew him to be. As she ate her toast in silence, she looked out over the tables. Some of the students were looking at her occasionally, but other than that, nothing seemed to be amiss. She wanted to tell Severus that all was well, but she dared not.

"Is that all you are going to eat?" he asked a few moments later when she put her napkin in her plate.

"Yes, I need to get to the library early," she commented.

"I think not. Have some fruit at least," he insisted.

Touched that he was concerned, she agreed. After eating another slice of toast, a few strawberries, and an orange, she pushed her plate aside. "I really must go. Have a pleasant day."

"I shall." Severus looked back at his paper whilst she exited the hall. He saw Potter sprint off after her and smirked. The brat was probably gobsmacked with the turn of events. It was apparent that Hermione had truly kept their talk to herself. Good girl, he thought condescendingly. It will bode well for her to keep our personal business between us. She is learning so much.

"Severus, I must admit that I am glad that you and Hermione have reconciled." Minerva said.

"Reconciled?" He sighed. What in the world? "We are just two people having relations, Minerva. Nothing more." Your weakness is showing, Severus.

She gave him a stern glare before saying crisply, "Relations, is it?" She scoffed. "If that's what you want to call it, who am I to point out the obvious to you?"

"The obvious?" he asked incredulously. "Please, do tell me what you've discovered with your newfound skills of Legilimency." I'm not weak. She is only prying.

"Oh, enough, Severus," she said shortly. "I'm referring to your relationship. It is apparent that you two care about each other. She more than you, but all the same, you care for her."

"Really?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "How is it that you've come to this conclusion?" Wishful thinking, Minnie dear.

"You just made her eat more."

"So? I didn't want you badgering me." Not to mention, I don't relish making love to someone too thin. MAKING LOVE? What the bloody hell is wrong with me? Sex...having sex with a skeleton was unappealing.

"You are allowing her to sit with you, and you are talking to her."

"I see no reason why I can't indulge in one of her requests," he said acridly. "You know, Minerva, I should wonder why you are taking such an interest in this." You should have denied the little witch's request! See where it has landed you? Hmmm?

"Severus, as I've told you before, I care about you, and I care about Hermione. I would just like to see you two happy. If that happiness is being together, then so be it."

"Oh, I have no complaints; I assure you of that," he said suggestively. "I will take my leave now. Have a good day."

"You also," she said, watching him leave. She turned to Albus. "Well, he didn't deny that he cared for her."

Albus smiled. "I think we both know something that he doesn't. He'll realize it soon enough."

"I hope so. It seemed as if he was having some sort of internal struggle. I think part of him would like to care, but something isn't allowing it," Minerva said thoughtfully. "At any rate, I think it does more harm than good for either of us to openly meddle with them. Who knows what damage I may have just done by pointing out what I see?"

"It's unlikely, Minerva. He knows you mean well," Albus said quietly.

She nodded, but she wasn't so sure. He seemed slightly offended that she'd said that she believes that he cares for the young woman. A calculating look had come over his expression before an amused one replaced it. She secretly vowed to not comment on things again, not as she just had anyway.

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"Hermione, what the hell is going on?" Harry asked when he caught up to her. She was walking extremely fast. "Stop for a moment, Mione. You don't open to the students for another forty minutes!"

She stopped. "I just have a few things to do, Harry. Come with me if you'd like."

He followed her silently, but he'd let her have it as soon as they were inside. What had she been doing with Snape? Rolanda had given him a pair of eyes that told him volumes. They were seeing each other again! This had to stop! He'd be sure to talk her into ending things. "Out with it. What the fuck do you think you are doing? You are back with him, aren't you?" he asked as soon as she warded the door behind them.

"Yes, I am, Harry."

"He is using you."

"It's a mutual thing. He has me. I have him. It's a satisfying arrangement. Why are you so angry?"

"You are better than this, Hermione. What has happened to you? He treats you like a harlot from Knockturn Alley! He goes to your room, takes what he wants, and then leaves. You've told me that yourself!" He shook his head in disgust. "Just because you love sex with him, Hermione, doesn't mean you love him."

"Look, Harry," she said furiously, spinning around to face him. "I don't want to be rude to you, but I need for you to mind your own business. I know what I am doing. As far as him treating me like one of those women, did you not notice where I was sitting this morning? Did you not see us talking? He cares about me, Harry."

"Oh, big fucking deal. So, the great bat is letting you sit by him, and he talked to you just enough to ensure that you'd be available later for a shag! Hermione, he looks at you as if he detests you. Why can't you see what we see?"

"Who is we, Harry?" she asked. She was still angry, but the pain his words were causing was taking its toll on her heart.

"Anyone! Why don't you ask Rolanda what her opinion is?"

"I have. She thinks that Severus does care about me," she said, finding the strength to argue.

"What's so damn good about him, Hermione?"

"Everything, Harry. He needs me."

"He's been doing fine without you all this while. What he needs from you, he can go out and pay for! You're just saving him a few Galleons and a trip from the castle." Hermione slapped him. Harry brought a hand to his cheek. He'd deserved that. "Sorry."

She looked down at her hand. "Harry..." She couldn't believe what she'd done. "I'm sorry."

"No. I acted no better than Ron did for a minute there. It's just that I love you, Hermione. I don't like that ruddy bastard having his way with you and then smirking about it when he looks at me. It's like he thinks he's getting away with something. Hermione, don't you want to marry and have kids? Don't you remember the talks that we used to have? You wanted those things."

"I may still have them," she whispered.

Harry guffawed. "Mione, has he said that he will give those to you?" She shook her head. "Then why bother with him?"

"He will love me, Harry. He's been changing slowly. I can't really explain it to you, but I do believe that for now, my love is enough for the both of us."

"Good Lord, Hermione. You sound like someone else completely! Where is my fiery friend that told Dean to sod off when he'd been bragging about shagging Lavender? Where is the witch that tried to talk people into freeing House-elves? Where is the woman that used to have aspirations, goals?" He pulled her to him and whispered. "Who is this weak-willed girl that has replaced her? I never pegged you for someone who would let someone walk all over you, Mione."

"Harry, why was it okay for us to trick Severus in the beginning, but it's not okay now? I mean, I never expected for him to find out and continue a relationship with me. Why is it so wrong now? It's what I want, Harry. Please don't fight me on this. I love him. I need your support," she pleaded softly.

"It was different then," he said immediately. "I'd thought it was about time for you to loosen up a bit. You needed a good shag. If I had only known that this would be the result, I would have never gone along with it. I was horrified that you'd chosen Snape, but who was I to interfere? I understood the tall, brooding, mysterious thing that you were going on about. But now...You are too clever to let this bastard use your body. It's about respect." He kissed her hairline. "Please don't let him break you. It seems that love has blinded you."

"I won't, Harry. I'm just biding my time. Things will change. I can feel it," she said softly.

"And, if they don't, what then?"

"Then, I will let him go. I've covered that already. All I have to do is tell him that I'm not happy with things, and we'll part ways."

Harry pulled away. "I'm going to get ready for my first class. I'll support you, Hermione. You know that. I just don't like who you've become lately."

"I'll keep that in mind. I'll be fine," she said, smiling reassuringly. He nodded, unwarded the door, and left her alone. Her smile faded immediately. He was right. She knew he was, but that didn't mean that things wouldn't change. She had much to do. She pushed the thoughts away and began her day.

She worked through lunch and was surprised to find a plate of sandwiches on her desk. Hermione assumed that Dobby had been sent with it and quickly devoured two. "Delicious," she murmured after she'd washed her meal down with some water. "Good Lord! I'm as full as a stuffed pig."

"I wouldn't compare you to a pig, but I do believe the word delicious comes to mind," a silky voice whispered. She jumped and spun around in her chair. He was standing right behind her.

"Severus! You startled me. What are you doing here?" she asked, putting a hand over her beating heart. Had he watched her cram those sandwiches down? Damn. He waved a hand towards her door. It closed and locked. He reached down to begin unbuckling his trousers. "Right now?" she asked in disbelief.

"Yes, I have a free hour, as do you."

"Someone may come in," she said worriedly.

He pulled his wand out and warded the door. "They'll decide that they need to come back later." She simply nodded and reached down to unfasten her robes. "No," he commanded. "Leave them." She looked at him, clearly puzzled. He moved to her, dropped his trousers and underpants, and pulled her up from her chair. "Lean over the desk." She did as she was told and felt him spread her legs further with his knee. "Severus Snape, Potions Master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Her knickers unfastened and fell to the floor. His fingers immediately began to probe her inner flesh. After a moment, he lifted her partially to slide in with a deep groan.

"Ah," she exclaimed from the sudden intrusion.

"I know you like it," he said between grunts. His hands were gripping her thighs tightly as he pounded into her. All too soon, she felt his strokes become erratic, and he exploded within, groaning with release. "Ungh!" As an afterthought, once he pulled out, he snaked his hand around to stroke her crux, applying the right amount of pressure and fondling with precise speed.

Hermione felt the familiar wavy sensations begin, and before long, they came crashing over her. She bit her lip to keep from crying out, instead opting to whimper and moan lightly. She didn't want to risk any student or fellow staff member hearing anything. It wouldn't do to be reported to the headmaster for inappropriate behavior.

"Scourgify!" Severus said, cleaning himself. He repeated the spell for her. "I shall see you this evening. I must say that this little tryst was most satisfying." Without a backward glance, he unwarded the door and left.

Hermione pulled up and fastened her knickers. She sat in her chair, stunned for a moment. She appreciated that he'd thought to bring lunch to her, but he'd been motivated by the need for a quick shag! He hadn't talked to her. Well, not unless you considered the sexual instructions and moaning as an actual conversation. He hadn't kissed her or touched her either. "I was lucky he even remembered to pleasure me."

They would definitely have a talk about this. It was time that she stood up for herself. She didn't feel as if he respected her. It was as if... Bloody hell! Harry's words from earlier came back to slap her in the face. I'm a whore. Nothing more. "This has gone on far too long," she muttered angrily, straightening her robes as she stood. "He'll see me tonight, will he? Well, I'll just have a few words for him!"

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Severus watched as his young lover approached. She seemed to have a new determination about her. He nearly chuckled to himself, but hid it behind his napkin as a fake cough. She must be angry about the way he'd treated her earlier. He had to do it that way though. He needed to put things into perspective. It was for her own good, really, and for his as well.

The conversation with Minerva had replayed in his mind all morning. The woman had ultimately pointed out that he was weak. He couldn't have that, now could he? Minerva had likely seen some smug expression on Hermione's face, though he hadn't detected one. Hermione hadn't tried to overdo their conversation either. He'd thought that it had gone well. He didn't even care that Rolanda had tried to ask questions. Potter's expression had made the switched seating arrangement worth it. He'd tried to think about anything that he might have said or expressed that would have made Minerva think that he cared about her. He did care for her, but he didn't care to show it to anyone else. Those were personal feelings that should be between the two of them.

Perhaps he was being slightly paranoid about the witch's words. No matter. He had gone to her on his free hour, even though he had other things to do. He had played the honorable lover by ensuring that she'd had something to eat, and then, he'd taken his reward quickly. Well, to be quite honest, he hadn't planned on having her until after the evening meal, but there was something so alluring about her, something different. He'd wanted her the moment that he'd had her alone. He looked at her face closely. Yes, she'd worn her hair differently. I will not be weak. She probably fashioned it that way for me. "You seem to have restrained your wild mane today. Any particular occasion?" he asked by way of greeting. Fuck! Why did I comment on her hair?

Her facial expression softened slightly. "None. I just wanted to try something different." Her voice was a bit cool. "Is it all right?" She reached up to smooth away a single escaped tendril.

"It's acceptable," he said, turning back to his plate. She had had a stony expression when she came in, but the moment he'd commented on her appearance, she'd softened. When he admitted that it was agreeable, she softened even more. He smirked slightly. Soon her resolve to remain angry would be diminished. There would be nothing wrong with telling her a few niceties now and again. That was not weak. It was a perfectly Slytherin thing to do. He swallowed deeply and steadied himself. He could give a compliment as well as the next fellow. "I think it frames your face nicely." Severus nearly choked as he said it, but he forced the feeling back as he looked at her. She smiled immediately.

"Thanks," she said with a grin. A moment later, her smile faltered, and her brow furrowed. She turned her attention to her meal, leaving him to wonder what had gone through her mind.

He took a sip of his drink. He'd done his duty once again. That should soothe away the bitterness she may still feel from their earlier interlude. Severus looked back at her. She was leaning over Rolanda to speak with Potter. Potter directed a glare in his direction, which he answered with a sneer of loathing. The little bastard! He'd probably gone to her to try to change her mind. Considering that she'd allowed him to have his way with her after lunch, he knew that Potter's ploy didn't work. How dare she sit there and speak with Potter as if he was the only one worth talking to? What was the point of sitting next to him if she intended to still converse with Potter throughout the meal?

Severus had almost changed his mind about staying away from her rooms as another form of punishment for Minerva's comments, but he now realized that he should stay away. He should never have decided to give her pleasure earlier. She didn't deserve it! He would leave, not say a word, and she would waste her night waiting for him. That would serve her well for talking to Potter. He wiped the crumbs away from his mouth with his napkin, nodded to Minerva, and left the table.

Hermione watched as her lover left without so much as a goodbye to her. She smiled to herself. He was probably angry that she'd ignored him to talk to Harry. It served him right! She felt slightly guilty about it though. He'd given her a rare compliment. Damn it! She had nearly forgotten that she was angry with him for a moment. If she hadn't seen Harry's annoyed expression, she would have allowed most of her anger to recede. What was this hold that he had over her? She'd never felt this way about anyone. It was more like an addiction. No matter. When he came to her later, and she knew he would, she would continue to be abrupt. He would eventually give in to ask why she was treating him rudely. She would pass the comment that had he not treated her so rudely, she wouldn't have developed an attitude.

Five hours later found Hermione furious. The bastard hadn't come to see her. Oh, he would definitely regret putting her off. He'd told her that he would be over when he'd shagged her in her office earlier. She paused in her angry pacing. No, he hadn't said that. He'd only said that he would see her in the evening. That could have meant at the meal. He'd purposely made it sound as though he would be coming to her chambers. She couldn't throw this in his face, could she? That infuriating man was just too damned clever for his own good! If she mentioned this, he would simply say that she had misunderstood him, and he would quickly point out that nothing during the meal should have given her the idea that he would be over. Two could definitely play at this game.

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"Where the fuck is she?" Severus roared at his empty office. She had gone to the Great Hall for all three meals. She'd seemed fine. At the evening meal, he'd told her that he would see her later, and she dared to not be in her rooms? He had even passed down the corridor near Potter's rooms, but nobody was about. The library was locked up tight, and Rolanda was in the staff room with Pomona and Filius. Why hadn't she told him that she had other plans?

He paused for a moment. "So, this is her revenge. She thinks that this will be her retribution for yesterday and last night?" He slammed his fist down on the table nearest him. "I shall not stand for it." He strode out of his office to search for her. No! He was searching for students that may be out after curfew. The little dunderheads had better hope that he didn't happen upon them. House points would dwindle, and detentions would be issued.

An hour and three sobbing students later, Severus went to Hermione's chambers again. The ruddy witch in the portrait tried to taunt him, but he threatened her with his wand. Hermione was still not in her chambers. It took more willpower than he cared to admit to keep him from going to Potter's chambers. Deciding that he needed to cool off, he opted for a walk out to the lake. Out near Hagrid's, he noticed a small fire, and he could hear slight laughter. Stealthily, he made his way forward, keeping to the shadows as he neared. His eyes narrowed in disgust. She was there. She and her berk friends, both Potter and Weasley.

"Bloody hell! Did you hear that noise? Sounded like a growl of sorts!" Weasley, obviously afraid, looked around uncertainly. "I've gone mental I think."

"You've been mental," Hermione said, flinging a twig at him.

Potter, who was laying near her feet on his back, said, "Watch where you are kicking, you! And, Ron, I think that was your stomach that was growling. You're hungry again, you berk."

"I think I would know if me own sto...right then. Should we go raid the kitchens? You know Dobby would be happy to see us together again, us three," he said hopefully.

Hermione giggled. "I'm not hungry, but maybe I should eat to clear my head. I think I'm a tad inebriated."

"Why don't you trot on down to your lover's lair and ask him for some Headache Potion. I'm sure he'd be happy to help you out," Ron said.

Harry kicked at him. "Shush."

"Oh, it's all right, Harry. He's probably sleeping by now," Hermione said with a giggle. "Maybe I should go wake him up."

"And, you'd likely get hexed into next week," Harry commented. "The ruddy git never cuts anyone any slack. Well, that might not be entirely true. I'd bet that he'd give you a Stunning Spell while giving one of us an Unforgivable Curse."

"Right," Ron agreed. "Don't think I want to be creeping down there anytime soon. The bloke nearly had my head the last time I had a slip of the tongue."

"You deserved it though for what you said to Mione," Harry said sharply. Hermione tsked slightly. "I'm no better, mate. I told her something along those lines yesterday. She hits hard, doesn't she?"

"I'll say," Ron commented. "Well, hang on! Why didn't Snape jump from the shadows, Apparate you away, and hit you?"

"He didn't hear me, I guess," Harry said. "It was just anger talking. I had hoped she was done with the git."

"Excuse me," she said, sounding irate. "I am right here, you know. There is no need to talk about me as if I'm not even here!" She giggled. "I have forgiven both of you."

"Wonder if he'd be peeved to know that you were out here with his two most hated students of all his 100 years of teaching?" Ron ventured. "Oof!" Hermione hit him squarely with a small branch. "All right! Maybe only twenty years. Bet the bloke would come down here and attack both of us."

Harry laughed loudly. "No, you don't see him as I do, mate. He'd just give us one of those scornful glares, say something foul, and expect us to take off."

"If you're quite finished," Hermione chided, "I would like to say that I doubt he cares where I am right now. We hadn't made any plans for this evening."

"Or, maybe," a seething Severus said, stepping out of the shadows, "I might come down to check on my intoxicated lover," Ron groaned, "whilst she gallivants with two young males in the middle of the night." He glared at each of them, but his eyes rested on Hermione's guilty face. "Once I saw that she wasn't being taken advantage of, I would simply return to my rooms to continue marking essays." He turned on his heel and strode towards the castle, purposely making his robes billow out menacingly behind him.

She would pay for this disloyalty. How dare she go out onto the grounds with two men? He'd wanted to do exactly as Weasley had said. He wanted to hex them, all three. But, to prove that he was a better man than that, he played the part of the concerned, yet annoyed lover. That would have her feeling guilty, and it didn't prove that he was jealous. Jealous? No, that wasn't the right word. Angry. There that was better. Just as he finally reached the door to his chambers, he heard hurried steps behind him. He pulled his wand and spun around. "Hermione."

"Severus," she said, breathing quickly. "Why did you leave so quickly?"

He looked around to be sure no student or Filch had overheard her disrespectful question. "Get in here," he said, roughly pulling her in by the arm. He released her after he'd locked and warded his door. He began taking off his robes. "Do not question me, Hermione. If I had wanted to stay with a group of imbeciles, I would have." He brushed past her, throwing his discarded robes onto a nearby chair. He walked to his bedchamber and pulled off his boots just inside the doorway before moving towards his bathroom. She had followed him into his room and was looking around.

"Why didn't you ask me to come with you?" she asked, sounding determined.

"I had no desire for company," he remarked unkindly, giving her a pointed look.

"Right then," she said. "Good night."

He waved his hand to close the door before she could exit his bedchamber. "You may stay since you have already come here." A moment later, he sarcastically added, "Uninvited."

"Why stay where I am not wanted?" she asked cheekily. "Why can't you just admit that you came down there for me?"

"Why indeed?" he asked with a snarl as he pushed down his trousers. He eyed her slowly from her furious expression to her petite feet and back again. "I retract my previous statement. You are welcome here." He nodded to his bed. "Get over there." He entered the bathroom to prepare for bed. When he came back out, she was not in his bed. She had remained rooted to the spot she'd been in before he'd gone to the loo. He was completely naked. "Are you deaf, Hermione?"

"Why did you come down to spy on us?" she asked quietly.

"I believe I have disclosed my reasons for being there," he said blandly, moving to his bed. "Come here."

"I am tired, Severus. I think I'll go back to my chambers, thanks," she said softly, shifting uncomfortably.

Severus chuckled lightly. "I think not. Undress and get over here." Hastily, she came to him, throwing off her clothing. She lay down next to him and cringed slightly when he cupped one of her breasts. Her breathing was uneven. "Do you not want me to touch you?" he asked silkily. An annoyed sigh was his reply. "So, you don't want me then?" He rolled her hardened nipple between his index and thumb. She bit her lip in reaction. "I told you that I would see you. Why did you not wait for me?"

She looked away for a moment. Once his hand trailed down to cup her sex possessively, sliding one finger in, she looked back at him. The resentment on her face was obvious. "I think I waited long enough for you last night," she bit out.

He chuckled slightly. "I never said that I was going to your chambers last night," he said softly, leaning down to nip at her nipple with his lips.

"Y-you never said that you were coming tonight either."

His eyes met hers for a moment, and he saw a flash of triumph in them. "Too right," he admitted. "I didn't go to your chambers last night because you seemed upset with me for some reason. I just assumed that maybe Potter was whom you needed to spend time with."

"Upset?" she shrieked suddenly, bolting upright. "You shagged me!"

"As I've done on many occasions," he said, lowering his mouth back to her breasts. He began licking a slow circle around the pinkish areola on her breast. He moved to nibble the underneath of her breast, as he knew she liked, and she began squirming. He purposely sucked hard and left a mark.

"But, you left me," she said finally, twisting away from him slightly. "You didn't even talk to me."

He looked up at her. "We hadn't the time," he said with a slight shrug, moving his face back down to allow his tongue to sweep through the valley between her breasts on its way down.

She pulled his face away. "Severus, I don't want you to treat me that way again." Remembering Harry's words, she added, "I don't deserve that."

Severus took in her earnest expression and noted the firmness in her voice. If he wanted to avoid a row, it would be best to simply agree with her. His hard cock needed to be buried within her. The angry witch was turning him on. He especially seemed to like the fact that she was trying her best to not succumb to his caresses. "Hermione, many couples have trysts such as those."

"I felt like a...harlot. I don't and won't feel that way," she said. "I mean, do you see me that way?"

He gently pushed her back down. You are my woman. I can do with you as I please. "Of course I don't. Is Weasley not proof of that?" He smirked for a moment. "If I'd heard Potter's words, I would have done the same to him. You are mine, Hermione. I have you now, and this," he moved over her, digging his erection into her soft belly, "is where you belong." Noting the narrowing of her eyes, he dropped his lips down to brush against hers lightly. He could taste some sweet wine upon kissing her. It was quite pleasant. Don't kiss her. You're giving in, Severus. Fool! He pulled away, noted the submission in her eyes, and moved back to ravish her lips again. His hand slid down to guide his erection into her.

Severus inched in slowly, kissed her languidly, and savored the feeling of becoming one with his lover. Once he was completely in, he stilled and continued kissing her. Stop kissing her! If she believes you to be soft, she'll take advantage of you. He moved his mouth away to whisper in her ear. "I do enjoy your company at times such as these." He pulled nearly entirely out before slowly pushing back in. It felt too good, and he couldn't be bothered with doing it slowly. He began thrusting into her repeatedly and roughly. It wasn't long before his forceful jabs had her panting and tearing away at his flesh. "Look at me," he murmured. Her glazed over eyes met his. "Call out for me." The second his hand snaked down her body to caress her, her insides exploded around him.

"Severus!" she yelled loudly, beginning a long list of moans, whimpers, and broken phrases. The last thing he heard before she went silent was something about love. Her eyes closed and her face went slack. He triumphantly began his orgasm. Hermione's open admittance of love gave him a feeling of power. He had her. He had all of her. Her heart, mind, and body all belonged to him. Whereas he wouldn't have liked to hear her admission in normal conversation, he didn't mind it in the throes of ecstasy. It seemed to seal their relationship and put things into perspective.

"Hermione," he ground out just before he peaked. With a few grunts, his seed completely filled her, and he collapsed atop her. "Very good," he whispered belatedly.

"Mmmmhmmm," she murmured in agreement.

He moved to his side, and instead of holding her, he placed a hand upon her abdomen. He began to ponder a few things. Should he ask her to leave? This was his private space, and he'd never allowed her to grace his sheets. It wasn't that he minded all that much, but he simply didn't want her in his bed. Because you are weak, Severus. Now that she's been in your bed, you'll never be able to sleep in it again without thinking of having her there with you. Even after you break things off, you'll still think of her. As if reading his thoughts, she moved away from him and went to shakily put on her clothes. He could tell that her anger had come back. "You don't have to leave." What? "I suppose you could stay a while if you'd like." What the hell? "Or not," he added, seeing her determination. He reached over to his bedside to grasp his wand. He quickly unwarded his bedroom door and cleaned himself.

"Thanks for the shag," she said, sounding bitter. "I'll see you around."

He didn't try to stop her as she left. He heard his other door slam loudly as she departed. He chuckled slightly. "So, she thinks that she is punishing me by leaving and acting indifferent." I know that you are many things to me, little Hermione. Indifferent is not one of them. Severus turned over and tried to go to sleep. His hand reached out to touch the spot next to him. He realized that he truly wouldn't have minded if she had stayed with him. At least for a little while, that is. There was nothing wrong or weak about taking comfort in a warm body. You don't need comfort, Severus. Only you can take care of yourself. Anyone else will betray you. Never trust anyone.

The voice was right. He'd let her play her little game. He'd let her think that she had gotten away with something and punished him for the way he'd treated her. So, in the morning at breakfast, he would resume the air of politeness whilst they ate together. He would try to have a genuine conversation with her, and that alone would stopper any resentment she harbored.

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FIVE DAYS LATER

Hermione smiled as Severus pointed out a passage to her from The Evening Prophet and chuckled lightly. "What will they think of next?" he asked incredulously.

She shook her head in disbelief. It appeared that the Ministry of Magic was trying to have a new law approved that would allow them to place only Ministry approved Apparition and Portkey points across the continent. They wanted to be able to monitor everyone entering and leaving. This was not a bad idea, but they wanted to charge the Wizarding community excessive fees to pay for the wages of those that would have to keep the wards up and work the stations. They didn't want to pay anything for the upkeep. "I think if it's their idea, they should at least pay for most of it. Besides, I'm sure some families would gladly donate large sums of money to gain standing with the Ministry."

"I agree," he said snidely. "They are backwards. If they want something to appeal to the public, they should learn new ways to approach us. Anything that sounds more like a command than a request is likely to be met with disapproval."

Hermione went back to her meal. It had been nice since she'd gone down to his chambers that night. He seemed to be treating her with more respect. They had been having decent conversations for each meal. He'd even gone to the library once to ask her opinion on a book that he was searching for. It seemed almost pleasant. He hadn't asked to join her in her chambers one time. While this made her happy, it also disappointed her. She missed him and wanted him. It seemed as though she was incomplete without his physical closeness. She was almost afraid to ask him to join her. What if he was waiting for her to do so? What if he turned her down? She would be crushed. Ridiculous, Hermione! You are a grown woman!

It was Friday evening, and she had nothing to do. Harry was going into town to meet Ron and Draco for a guy's night out. She had been invited, but being that she was a woman, she declined. They would likely end up in pubs that would make her feel uncomfortable. She'd told him to give her regards to Draco though. He'd just come back to town after a long hiatus on the mainland. Harry had been puzzled when he got Draco's owl. He'd sounded as if he hadn't seen any of them in months. Harry figured that he was trying to pretend that the mishap with Snape's trickery hadn't happened. Hermione sighed and decided she'd go have a read in one of her Muggle novels.

"I'm going to go on to my chambers," she told Severus. "I'll talk to you later."

"Here," he said, rising as well. "I'm finished. Allow me to escort you."

She nodded her agreement and followed him out the back exit of the hall. As they approached her chambers, her stomach began fluttering. Would he ask to stay? She hoped that he would. It had been five long days since she'd been with him. It was not just the sex she missed, but she missed the closeness she felt with him. She'd regretted not remaining with him in his chambers that night. He had told her that she was welcome to stay there, but she had been too intent on teaching him a lesson. Was that what had changed his attitude towards her? Was he sorry for treating her like his personal whore? It didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was that things had changed. He and she were sharing real conversations publicly and learning things about each other. It was time to work sex back into the relationship. If he missed it as she did, then they were both suffering needlessly.

"Well, here we are," he said as they neared her portrait. "Do have a good evening." He took her hand in his and placed a kiss on her palm.

Before he could release her hand, she closed her fingers over his. "Stay with me."

For a brief moment, it seemed as though he would decline. "Perhaps I could come in for a moment."

"All night, Severus," she said huskily. "I need you." The swift reaction caught her by surprise. He seemed to pounce on her. Her body was sandwiched between the stone wall and his body. His hands were on either side of her head as his lips, mouth, and teeth abused hers possessively. She vaguely heard her portrait scoffing about her open behavior in the corridor, and she felt Severus lift her up. Before long, they were on the floor before her fire in her living area, frantically coupling. Both were still partially dressed and panting. It didn't take long for either to find release.

"Would you care for a bath?" he asked.

"I would like that," she replied.

He stood, discarded his remaining clothes, and held a hand out to her. Once she was standing, he removed her remaining clothes as well and guided her to the bathroom. He began filling the tub and stepped in. He reached up to pull her down with him, allowing her to rest against his chest.

"Severus?"

"Hmmm?"

"I've missed you." She hoped he wouldn't withdraw his arms from her. He stiffened for a moment, but he relaxed again.

"I thought it best to give you some space since you were unhappy with our arrangements," he said evenly.

"To be honest, I was unhappy with the way I was treated that day, but I suppose it's in the past. There is no need to whinge about it now, is there?" She pulled up one of his hands to place a kiss on it. "If you want a tryst during the day, I'll not deny you... unless I am busy, that is." She kissed his hand again and smiled as his other arm tightened around her. "I simply request that you go about it differently."

She heard a slight rumble from his throat. She was unsure if it was a growl or a sigh. "I suppose I could concede to you on that point, as I can see where you may have felt slighted by the blatant disregard I had for bestowing affection on you." A few moments later, he added, "Hermione, I warned you about the type of man that I am. More than once."

"I know that, Severus." She pulled his arms tighter around her. "What would it hurt you to make me feel good so long as you knew that I understood that you were doing it only for my benefit?"

"I thought I had been attempting to show more affection," he said indignantly.

"You have, but you know what I mean. What would it have hurt to kiss me that day in my office? If not that, then why couldn't you have had a seat for a few minutes?"

"Enough, Hermione. Leave it in the past," he said firmly.

"This week has been nice though, our talking and such," she ventured after some time had gone by. She reached for the bar of soap and began lathering a washcloth.

"Mmmm," he murmured.

She turned in his arms and began scrubbing his chest lightly. "Did you not like it?"

"I truly did enjoy our chats," he admitted. She noticed that he seemed slightly surprised by his revelation. Had he not realized that they'd been getting along better? She shrugged the thoughts away. She wanted to make up for lost time.

"Let me make you feel good," she said softly, lowering the washcloth to his groin.

"By all means," he said smugly.

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TWO WEEKS LATER

"Potter! What are you doing here?" Severus asked suspiciously. There was no need for him to be leaving Hermione's chambers at such a late hour.

"Mione is really bad off. Something must not have agreed with her. She is sending me down to Poppy to get a potion," Harry said snidely. "You know, Snape, if you'd ventured out of the dungeons today, you might have noticed how miserable she's been. Guess some things are more important, eh?"

"Not that it's any of your concern, Potter, but she knew that I would be completing the end of term assignments today. Otherwise, I would have noticed." He sneered at the arrogant brat. "There is no need to send for Poppy. Being the school's Potions master should account for something."

"All right," Potter agreed. He paused and looked at Severus for a moment. "Just take care of her. She doesn't need any harsh remarks or pressure to have sex."

"Good Lord!" Severus said indignantly. "I would flee, Potter, before harm has a chance to come upon you. Our personal business is none of your concern."

"Whatever, Snape. No matter what she says, I still think you don't deserve her." Potter turned and left, not looking back.

Severus seriously debating following the brat, but he decided that seeing to Hermione was more important. He found her on her bed with a cold towel pressed to her head. She seemed to be sleeping. He placed a hand on her cheek to try to gauge if she had a fever.

"Hi," she said, barely audible.

"Hermione, what is it? How long have you been like this?" he asked, not liking the sound of her voice or the miserable expression on her face.

"Off and on all day," she replied. "Just after breakfast I felt faint. I wasn't all that hungry, but I did have a slice of toast. When I sat down for lunch, the beef stew nauseated me. I had to hurry away to retch. Since then, I've just felt horrible."

"Your skin is clammy, but I don't think you've a fever. Would you like for me to get you a potion to quell your nausea?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

"I would."

"I'll go down and get it. If you don't feel any better by tomorrow, perhaps you should see Poppy." He quickly made his way to his office, got a vial of the needed potion, and made his way back to her. She was sleeping when he finally returned. "Hermione," he called, lifting her head slightly. She simply opened her mouth and accepted the liquid he brought to her lips. Severus lay down beside her after he undressed. He pulled her close, allowing their bodies to touch, but he didn't hold her. There was no need to since she was sleeping.

Things had been going fine between them. They talked more often, he bestowed small gestures of affection privately, and he'd allowed her to sit with him in the staff room on occasion. The sex had improved since their bath time talk, much to his liking. It seemed that a few small gestures went a long way. However, something had been bothering him for the last couple of days. He was beginning to feel as if things were turning into a routine, becoming too familiar. He didn't like that. She thinks she has you transfixed. Show her that you will never be a henpecked man. You run your own life. He sighed, wishing the niggling voice of his father would leave his mind. Things would be much more peaceful.

He would have to end things soon. It wasn't that he was tired of her. Hell no. Sex had never been more abundant or better for him. It was just becoming monotonous. He didn't like feeling as if he was committing to her, and that, to outward appearances, was exactly what was happening. Severus was no fool. He could see everyone smiling at them with knowing expressions. They all thought them to be in love or in the midst of a serious affair. He would prove them all wrong. "I am not weak!"

"Mmmm?"

"Nothing. Go to sleep," he said. The summer holidays were nearly upon them. He would spend time with her until it was time for the next year to begin. Then, they would end things. Spend the summer? You've gone soft! He shook his head. "Not soft. Just making the most of a good thing." With that said, he leant towards her and kissed her shoulder lightly. What the hell? He sighed and pulled completely away from her, not wanting to risk the temptation to touch her or kiss her. That would not do. He didn't need to display such liberties whilst she was sleeping. There was nothing to benefit from it. He wondered again what would have her so sick. Perhaps the Potter brat was right. Maybe something from dinner the night before had not suited her.

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A/N: Well, I certainly hope that you've enjoyed this chapter. Maybe some of you that hated Hermione for a while might see that she is getting a bit stronger and is now able to voice how she feels. She has a plan to not pressure him into anything, but alas, it appears that he wants to end things.

Do you think he is treating her better? I wonder if he is falling in love with her and not realizing it. I wish that ruddy voice would get out of his head. Unfortunately, I have one of those. I can always hear my mum telling me things. : ) More up soon.