In Every Sense

Disclaimer: JKR owns it all. I'm just having fun.

Chapter Eight

In Every Sense

With a loud crack, Hermione and Severus appeared in the small, unkempt square near Order headquarters and walked along the pavement until they stood in front of numbers eleven and thirteen, Grimmauld Place.

Hermione concentrated, The headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix is located at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London. Before she had completed the thought, the house materialised before her eyes. Unlike the first time she had seen it, the house now exhibited the evidence of Harry's pride of ownership. After the war ended, Harry had completely renovated both the interior and exterior of the house; the outer walls and front door had been brightened by fresh coats of paint, the windows cleaned until they sparkled, and the old worn steps had been replaced with new ones. The serpent-shaped knocker on the door had been torn off by Harry personally and replaced by a golden griffin.

Not yet ready for the evening to end, and wishing to spend more time with Severus, Hermione glanced up at him and asked, "Would you like to come in for a bit?"

Severus appeared to be surprised by the question, and Hermione realised she had never asked him in before. She was about to apologise for ... something, when he spoke.

"I would be delighted," he said, an odd smile upon his lips.

They walked up the stone steps, and Hermione tapped her wand on the door, allowing them to enter the house. The main hallway was dark, indicating that the other current occupants had not yet come home for the evening. With a wave of her wand, the gas lamps ignited, illuminating the long hallway and casting a warm glow along the neatly wallpapered walls and gleaming hardwood floors with their brightly-coloured rugs.

Hermione felt awkward for some reason now that it was just the two of them – in her home. They had been alone many times – at work and at his flat – but this evening felt different. Now that she had him here, what should she do with him? I can think of a few things I'd like to do with him, a little voice whispered in her head. If Severus noticed her reddening cheeks, he did not comment – thank Merlin.

"Would you care to join me in the library for a drink?" she finally asked, her head bowed as she fiddled with a loose string on one sleeve.

Warm fingers closed over hers, lifting her hand to his mouth, and he pressed a kiss into her palm. Hermione lifted her eyes to his, expecting to find amusement but instead found herself drawn in by the same inscrutable gaze she had seen when they were standing in front of Lady Hamilton as Circe. She felt her breath hitch and her body hum with anticipation.

"Come," he murmured, placing her hand on his arm as he led her to the library.

Soon enough, they had settled themselves on the sofa in front of the fireplace, sipping brandy and discussing the recent Potions Monthly article on the properties and uses of moondew. Hermione enjoyed the intellectual discussion, as Severus was as up to date on the most current research in the field as any of her University professors had been.

Eventually, the hour grew late, their conversation punctuated by Hermione's yawns. "I'm so sorry," she said, yawning once again.

Severus stood, offering his hand to assist her to her feet. "It has been a long evening for you. Whilst I have enjoyed our discussion immensely, I believe it is time for me to return home and for you to sleep."

Hermione nodded; she was feeling quite tired. "I'll walk you to the door," she said, accepting the proffered hand and rising from her seat.

Her hand still enveloped by his much larger one, they walked down the stairs to the main hallway.

"I will see you at Renevatio in the morning?" Severus asked as his thumb lazily stroked the top of her hand.

"Yes, of course," she affirmed softly, thoroughly distracted by his caress.

"I will see you tomorrow, then. Good night, Hermione."

As he lowered his head, Hermione prayed to every deity she could think of that this time he would actually kiss her mouth as opposed to her cheek. Apparently no one was listening because just as she began to think this was the moment, Severus moved his head to the right so that his lips would land upon her cheek.

Hermione almost groaned in frustration; after several weeks of chaste and friendly kisses, she was ready for more. Thinking quickly, she waited until the last possible moment, then minutely turned her head to the left, and – finally – his lips brushed against hers.

Severus immediately pulled back, the dim light of the gas lanterns partially casting his face into the shadows, making his expression difficult for Hermione to read. Even so, she could feel the intensity of his gaze. Was he angry? Upset? Horrified? The ensuing silence was nearly unbearable, until at last he spoke.

"With a little forewarning, I can do better."

He slowly advanced toward her, causing her to step back until she came up against the wall, his close proximity forcing her to crane her neck to meet his gaze. Her breath caught in her throat, and she was incapable of looking away from him.

He raised his hands, resting them upon the wall on either side of her head as he lowered his own, his hot breath wafting across her cheek as he moved to murmur in ear, "Shall I consider myself forewarned?"

She gasped, then whimpered when he lightly nipped her earlobe with his teeth.

"Y-yes!" she breathed, her eyes drifting shut.

"Good." He retreated from her slightly, causing her to cry out in desperation, but then his mouth was on hers, and she was lost in a wave of overwhelming sensation.

***

Severus exulted in her surrender as he pressed his lips to hers once, then twice before removing his hands from the wall. She melted into his arms easily, her hands clutching the front of his robes as he drew her to him. Giving in to the desire that had plagued him for weeks – or maybe it was years – he plunged his hands into her hair, angling her head to allow him to deepen the kiss. He slipped his tongue in between her parted lips, slowly tangling it with hers. Ambrosia, he thought vaguely, the word somehow penetrating the fog of desire that was clouding his thinking. So succulent, so sweet. He wished he could taste her forever.

After several long, languid kisses, he lifted his lips from hers, a small smirk appearing as Hermione's mouth attempted to follow him.

"Hermione. Look at me."

She did as he asked, her gaze hazy and disoriented. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and pulled her closer to him, resting his cheek on her curly head, his thumb stroking the soft skin at the side of her neck. He breathed in her scent, burying his nose in her curls and enjoying the feel of her pressed against him. Finally, he pressed a kiss to the top of her head and released her from his embrace, cradling her face in his hands.

"I will see you tomorrow. Yes?"

"Yes," she whispered, her eyes still somewhat unfocused.

He couldn't help but grant her a soft smile before leaning down to brush his lips against hers once more. "Good night, Hermione."

Blinking, Hermione answered, "Good night."

Severus opened the door and left the house. Once the door had closed behind him, he had to restrain himself from bounding down the steps like a love struck fifth-year. As soon as he was under the cloak of darkness, however, he allowed himself a broad smile; things were definitely going according to plan.

***

Hermione gently closed the door and then turned around, leaning her back against the wood as she pressed the fingers of one hand to her swollen lips. Suddenly, her face lit up in a bright smile, and she ran up the stairs to her room, unable to contain the squeal of delight that burst from her mouth, the joyful sound echoing off the walls of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.

Severus cursed as he flung open the door to his flat above Renevatio. Hermione had taken the afternoon off, and it had been a long, hectic day. When he had finally closed up the shop, he had been more than ready to go home, have dinner, and perhaps take a nap in front of the fireplace, preferably with Hermione beside him. Unfortunately, in his haste to clean up the laboratory, he had spilt a phial of his most recent experiment down the front of his robes, the gelatinous, putrid liquid sticking to him as if it were glue. Disgusting.

Heading toward the bathroom, Severus began disrobing, anxious to rid himself of the odious clothing. Soon enough, he was standing in the shower, vigorously scrubbing away all traces of the malodorous substance. As he rinsed the soap from his body, he thought of all the changes the past few months had brought.

The shop had been particularly busy of late, his staunch dedication to having only the best and freshest ingredients paying off in the number of customers walking through his door. Of course, his status as one of the leading Potions masters in all of Britain did not hurt matters. As he had hoped, his new reputation was beginning to supersede his previous one – well, at least now no one believed he was lacing his elixirs with poison. Most people considered Severus Snape to be an excellent Potions maker, a fine businessman, and a surly bastard – and that was just fine with him.

The biggest change had been in his relationship with Hermione. Four months ago she had been his friend and employee, and now she was his ... what? He shuddered at the thought of using such an adolescent term as girlfriend, yet technically speaking they were not lovers – yet. If she had been any other woman, he would have already had her in his bed, but Severus wanted more than a quick shag between the sheets; he wanted her heart, her devotion, her love. And so, he was waiting for a signal from her that she was ready to take that step in their relationship. Gauging by her enthusiastic reaction to his kisses, he was certain the right moment would come soon enough. In the meantime, he was enjoying the limited physical intimacies in which they currently indulged.

Stepping out of the shower, he briskly dried himself, then picked up his wand from the counter and Summoned a new pair of trousers. He pulled them on and buttoned the fly before turning to face the mirror. Studying his reflection, Severus was reminded once again that he was not a handsome man – although apparently Hermione found him attractive enough. Shrugging, he was about to dry his still damp hair when he felt the wards shift, followed by the sound of Hermione's voice.

"Severus? Are you here?"

Blasted girl, he thought somewhat affectionately, always has to be right on time, if not early. "Just one moment," he called.

Walking into the bedroom, Severus grabbed a white shirt from the wardrobe, pulling it on but not fastening it, before he padded barefoot into the sitting room. He found her in the kitchen placing two bags upon the counter.

"You are early," he intoned.

***

Hermione spun around at the sound of his voice, her breath catching at the sight of his unclothed state – or at least as unclothed as she had ever seen him. She forced herself to meet his eyes rather than stare at the glimpse of bare chest his open shirt afforded her.

She rolled her eyes at his knowing smirk. "Aren't you going to ask me about my interview?"

Crossing his arms, he indulged her and asked, "How was the interview?"

"I think it went fairly well," she responded primly; then she grinned. "I got the job! You are now looking at the Ministry's newest Potions researcher."

His smirk transformed into a smile as Severus stepped forward to pull her into a warm embrace. Hermione wrapped her arms around his waist – it was purely accidental, of course, that she happened to find her way inside his shirt rather than out.

She felt him kiss the top of her head before he murmured, "Congratulations, sweet. You should be very proud of yourself – I certainly am."

"Thank you," she said into his chest as she snuggled closer to him, inhaling his clean, masculine scent.

She felt more than she heard his brief laugh. "Did you just sniff me?"

Her cheeks flamed. Under normal circumstances she might have buried her face in his chest until her embarrassment faded, but given that doing just that was the source of her discomfiture, Hermione slipped out of his embrace and walked briskly into the kitchen.

"It isn't my fault you smell so good," she grumbled as she began to remove the foil take-away dishes from the bags she had placed on the counter.

She knew he was behind her even before his strong arms encircled her waist. "I smell good, do I?" he murmured as he nuzzled her neck. "So do you – like sunshine and honey."

With a soft laugh, Hermione twisted around in his arms, allowing him to draw her to him once more. "Don't be silly."

Severus held her a moment longer before releasing her and gesturing at the bags she had been emptying. "What do we have here?"

"Dinner. I picked up an Indian take-away on the way here. I hope curry sounds good to you. I thought we could celebrate my new job," she said as she returned to the task of setting out their meal.

"That sounds perfect. I'll retrieve the beer."

After their hunger was sated by the delicious meal, they adjourned to the sitting room, Hermione reclining on the dark blue sofa as she read a book, her feet in Severus' lap. She might have thought him to be asleep; his eyes were closed and his head leant against the back of the sofa. She only knew he was awake due to the long-fingered hand slowly stroking her lower leg.

Hermione took advantage of the unguarded moment to study his face. He looked exhausted. It must have been a busy day at the shop, especially as she had not been there to help with the necessary brewing. Severus had been working especially hard of late, and she was concerned about the extra work her leaving would undoubtedly cause.

"You look tired," she said, laying aside the book she had been reading.

"Hmm? Yes, I suppose I am – I was missing an extra pair of hands today, after all." One eyebrow arched mockingly although his eyes remained closed.

Ignoring his teasing admonition, she asked, "The shop has been gaining quite a bit of business. What are you going to do without me there, Severus?"

"I'm sure Renevatio will survive somehow," he drawled, the effect of his sarcasm ruined by a large yawn.

With an impatient huff, she replied, "Yes, I'm sure it will." Worrying her lower lip between her teeth, Hermione contemplated how she might help to alleviate some of Severus' work load. "Perhaps I could stop by the University and talk to a few of my old professors. There have to be a few excellent Potions students who are looking for part-time employment. Actually, considering how busy the shop has been lately, you may want to think about hiring two part-time brewers."

He was silent for a moment as he mulled over her suggestion. "An acceptable plan."

Grinning in satisfaction, Hermione removed her feet from his lap and sat up before sliding across the cushion to curl up against him, tucking her legs underneath her. Severus wrapped his arm around her back, pulling her tightly to his side, and Hermione rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes in contentment at being near him. She was about to drift off to sleep when a thought came to her.

"I have an idea," she said. "You've been working so hard lately, and I have two weeks before my new job begins. What do you say we take a holiday together? I have a lovely summer cottage in Dorset. We could go there for a few days and just relax." Severus opened his eyes to look at her questioningly. "It was my parents'. I sold the house and the practice, but I couldn't bear to part with the cottage." She cleared her throat in an effort to hold back the sadness she felt whenever she thought of her parents. "Anyway, what do you think about a short holiday?"

"An excellent idea, sweet. Perhaps a little time away will do us both some good."

Hermione shivered at the slightly suggestive purr to his voice. It really was not fair of him to call her "sweet" – it completely turned her insides into mush – but when he used that velvety, seductive tone ... dear Merlin, she wanted him more than anything. Happy that he had agreed, Hermione raised her eyes to his and lightly ran her fingers along his shoulder. "So ... are you going to snog me senseless now?"

His eyes darkened, glaring at her mockingly, before he hauled her into his lap. "I do not snog," he growled as he dipped his head. "I kiss." He gently pressed his lips to hers. "I taste." He nibbled on her bottom lip. "I savour."

He then proceeded to snog her senseless.

"This is it!" Hermione exclaimed.

They had Apparated a short distance from the house into a nearby copse of trees in case a random group of Muggles happened to be walking past the cottage. It was doubtful, but one shouldn't take too many chances.

The cottage was much different than Severus had expected; it was a traditional brick structure with a thatched roof and a dry stone wall, which lined the front of the property. He noted several chimneys, indicating multiple fireplaces, as well as plenty of windows which allowed for excellent views of the rolling countryside. There was no other word for it – it was enchanting.

Entering the house through the bright blue front door, he crossed the threshold into the light and airy sitting room. It was readily apparent that the cottage had been lovingly restored, and Severus was immediately at ease in the cosy space. As he explored the room, he heard Hermione performing several Cleaning Charms. She must not come here often, he thought, taking in the welcoming feel of the room with its cream walls and comfortable furnishings.

Walking to the fireplace, he noticed the mantle held several Muggle pictures of Hermione and her parents, as well as a few wizarding photos from her days at Hogwarts. He couldn't help but smirk as the eleven-year-old picture-Hermione saw him and scampered out of the frame before peeking around the edge at him, her eyes widened in trepidation. So she had been frightened of him; thankfully, that hadn't been the case for quite a few years.

Hermione's nervous babbling broke him from his reverie. "It's been a while since I've been here – last summer I believe. Sorry about the bit of dust. Erm ... this is obviously the sitting room – it is my favourite room in the house – and the kitchen is through that door over there. There is a small study over this way, and up the stairs are two b-bedrooms."

Severus covered his amused smile with his hand as he listened to Hermione stumble over the word. Perhaps it was time to determine her expectations for this holiday.

"It is already three o'clock," he said. "Why don't we unpack and settle in a bit. We can go exploring tomorrow." He was careful to keep both his tone and expression completely neutral.

"Oh, of course! Yes, an excellent idea, really," she mumbled, fidgeting with her hands. She raised a slightly unsteady hand toward the staircase, her cheeks a lovely shade of pink, before she hastened up the steps and into the hallway, Severus following closely behind her.

"This is my room," Hermione said, indicating the door to his immediate right. "Across the hall is the guest room, and the other door is the loo."

Severus said nothing; instead he simply nodded, the ornery side of him wanting to see what she would say or do next. He was not to be disappointed.

"You may put your things in whichever room you like."

His lips twitched as she steadfastly looked anywhere but at him, the pink in her cheeks deepening to a flaming red. He needed to know more, however.

"Exactly what is it you want, Hermione?" he asked, intentionally deepening his voice to a devastating purr.

She appeared as if she wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole. Her eyes were screwed tightly shut, and her blush spread down her neck to the exposed skin of her chest. She took a deep breath and straightened her spine; she then opened her eyes to resolutely meet his gaze.

"I want us to share a bed."

Well, that was better, if not quite specific.

Wishing to ease some of her discomfort, Severus pulled her into his arms, gratified at the ease with which she came to him. Stroking her back soothingly, Severus buried his nose in her hair and asked, "You wish to lie with me?"

He felt Hermione nod against his chest. With a small smile, he threaded the fingers of one hand into her hair, and with a gentle tug, tilted back her head. Tenderly, he kissed her. "I believe that can be arranged."

***

After they had enlarged their shrunken luggage and placed their belongings in the bedroom, they walked back down the stairs to the sitting room. Severus ensconced himself in one of the comfortable red and white toile chairs to read a book whilst Hermione made them each a cup of tea. Safely hidden in the kitchen, she hastily pulled herself together after her bumbling request regarding the sleeping arrangements. Dear Merlin – she couldn't have acted like more of a ninny if she had tried. It wasn't as if she were some shy, young virgin – although around him she seemed to feel like one. Shaking her head at herself, she poured the tea and returned to the sitting room.

Hermione handed Severus his cup and placed hers on the table between the two chairs before seating herself. Once settled into the chair, she stared out of the window at the landscape she so loved as she sipped her tea. Summer in Dorset was beautiful, and she was thrilled to be able to share her favourite place in the world with the man who quickly was coming to be such an important part of her life. She smiled at the domesticity of the two of them enjoying a cup of tea and reading in her cosy little cottage.

Wrapping the tea cup in both hands, Hermione blew along the surface in a vain attempt to cool the steaming liquid. "I've always loved it here. I considered moving into the cottage after the war ended, but in the end, I opted to live at headquarters instead."

Setting his book aside, Severus turned to her and asked, "Why didn't you, if you don't mind my asking?"

"I needed to be with people for one thing. I would have been lonely here all by myself, and the loss of my parents was still so fresh that I thought I would be better off closer to my friends, to people who care about me." She shrugged delicately. "And headquarters was closer to uni and to Renevatio. It all worked for the best really. Now that I've completed my schooling, maybe it's time to live here year-round. I could Apparate to London for work and to visit friends. It would be nice not to have to live in a place with people coming in and out all of the time. What do you think? Good idea?"

"Where you live matters little – as long as I know where to find you."

***

Hermione smiled at him, knowing her heart was in her eyes, but unable to hide from him. He watched her face, his gaze becoming more intense as his eyes drifted from her eyes, to her mouth, to her breasts, to her legs, and back up again.

"Come here," he said, holding out his hand.

She stood as if mesmerised, placing her hand in his and then moving to stand in front of him. Severus stopped her as she began to seat herself in his lap.

"Not yet, sweet. I wish to look at you."

Her eyes widened in surprise, and she desperately wished she had worn something a bit sexier than the tee-shirt and comfy skirt she had selected that morning. Severus, however, seemed content to simply look his fill of her.

He began at the top of her head. The day was hot, and she had worn her hair up in an effort to keep somewhat cool. "Take down your hair, please," he murmured, watching through hooded eyes as she pulled out the clips and bobble until the wild mass of curls fell almost to the small of her back. "Lovely."

Hermione snorted indelicately and rolled her eyes; although her cheeks had taken on a pinkish tinge under his scrutiny, she met his intense gaze with one of her own. There was the look, she realised with a start – the one she had seen at the gallery and on the night he first kissed her. He longed for her – for her ... love?

They stared at each other for several moments, each completely entranced by the other. Finally, Severus tore his gaze away, his eyes instead roaming over her face, appearing to memorise each feature – her eyes, her nose, her mouth. She felt her breath quicken as he pronounced, "Beautiful."

His eyes lazily drifted to her breasts, the indention of her waist, and the slight curve of her tummy, before sliding all the way down to her bare feet. "Delectable."

"Delectable?" Hermione asked with a small giggle. "Do you want to eat me?" The moment the words left her mouth, she recognised her unintended innuendo and flushed in mortification. "I didn't mean ... I ..." she stammered, closing her eyes and praying he would just forget her momentary loss of sanity. Why was it she was always blushing whenever he was near?

Severus tugged her hand gently until she tumbled blindly into his lap. With his mouth at her ear, he murmured, "Perhaps later, sweet."

Even without seeing, she could hear his smile. Suddenly, she realised that he really did care for her, that he wanted her, just as she was, imperfections and all. He knew her – the real her – and he cared for her, desired her. This was what she had been wanting ever since she had heard that stupid prophecy – to finally be loved and desired, not in spite of who she was, but because of who she was. And with that realisation, she knew: she loved him, and it was true, and it was deep, and it was everything her mother had said it would be. She didn't want to change him; she didn't want to turn him into someone else. She loved him.

No longer willing to be a passive participant, Hermione decided it was time for her to take the lead. She wasn't ready to tell him of her newly-discovered feelings, but she could certainly show him. She placed her hands on either side of his face and drew his mouth to hers, instantly opening to him and deepening the kiss for several long moments.

Gentling her ministrations, she kissed his forehead, his cheeks, his neck, his mouth – even his overly large nose, earning her a glare and a snort. Saying nothing, Hermione simply gazed at him, her eyes utterly serious as she traced the lines of his face, tenderly caressing his harsh features with loving fingers.

At last, she spoke her heart's desire. "Make love to me, Severus."

***

Such simple words, plainly stated, and yet they took his very breath away. She had seemed nervous and somewhat jittery, but suddenly she was confident and unafraid. Pleased with the trust she was placing in him, he pressed his lips to hers, coaxing her with gentle kisses until her mouth relaxed once more, her lips parting slightly. He suckled her full lower lip, caressing it with his tongue before slipping into her mouth.

Severus had always been a man who rigidly maintained his self-control – his life had often depended upon it – but now, he wanted to lose himself in her, to find himself in her. In this moment, he simply wanted her, in every way, in any way, for always.

His hands began to move as if of their own accord, one stroking her hip, the other her back as he continued to explore her mouth with his. Wanting more of her, he helped her to move so that her knees fell on either side of his hips, straddling him. The long skirt bunched in between them, and Hermione pulled at it, tugging until the only thing between her sex and his hardening erection was a few scraps of thin fabric.

She clutched his shoulders, her fingers twining into the fabric of his shirt as he placed open-mouthed kisses down her neck before returning to plunder her mouth once more. Slowly, he slid one hand up her side until he reached the swell of her breast. He ran his thumb over her nipple once, then twice, before cupping her breast in his hand and squeezing gently. Severus smiled as she dropped her head to his shoulder, her breath coming in short gasps as he repeatedly stroked the hardened peak.

Without warning, Hermione began to move, pressing her centre against him as she rocked back and forth, and Severus felt his desire rise to a feverish pitch. As he had wanted to do the first time he saw her bare legs, he ran his hands up her calves, underneath her skirt to her shapely thighs, his thumbs skimming along the smooth, soft skin of her inner thighs, causing her to gasp. Avoiding the place where he knew she wanted his touch the most, he instead slid his hands around her hips to palm her cotton-covered arse. Hermione's breathing was coming in soft pants now as his hands slipped under her knickers to knead her flesh, and when he began to aid her efforts by guiding her hips as she moved against him, he delighted in her guttural moan.

Whispering into her ear, he said, "Come to bed, sweet."

***

Later, in the privacy of her bedroom in the small country cottage, Severus lay above her; he entered her willing flesh and began to move, his slow, deep thrusts filling her again and again. Hermione could not tear her eyes from his; it was as if she were seeing his very soul. As they reached the pinnacle of their passion, she was filled with a sensation of utter perfection, of total completion. He was hers and she was his. They were one body, one mind, one heart – one soul.

***

Severus held Hermione tightly to him as she slept, his fingers stroking the silky skin of her arm. He was no novice; he had been in sexual relationships with women in the past, but nothing compared to the repletion he felt with her, as if he could be all that he was with no fear of ridicule or rejection. The prophecy had said that he would enrapture her, that her heart would be his reward – and he had wanted that more than he had ever wanted anything. Now, as he held her in his arms, he knew it was she who had enraptured him, and his reward was not in gaining her heart, but in loving her. And so he would do for as long as she would have him.

A/N: Up next ... the return to London, confrontations, and the conclusion.

My never-ending thanks to my wonderful betas.