Chapter Four

Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing here except the plot. This is for entertainment purposes only. Happy reading!

A big thanks goes to my original beta, Charmed Nay, but kudos go to GinnyW for being my second beta.

"Are you real?" she asked softly. Her clouded eyes bore into his. What was she searching for?

"Yes." He smiled shyly, hoping she wouldn't change her mind now that he'd made up his. If that happened to be the case, he'd simply change it back again. He would have her this night.

"Good. You are making me feel so much right now. I can't explain it. I can't stand much more of this Incubus to be honest. I would like to..." she began, but then he saw her biting her lip. Her cheeks turned a shade redder.

"As would I." It was all he had to say. He bent down and began nuzzling her neck, using his tongue to taste and taunt her. Again, she began twisting and whimpering under his kisses and caresses. His free hand moved down, lazily stroking her inner thighs. His other hand was reaching for his wand. With a quick incantation, his nightshirt was gone. He was only in his boxers. He saw her eyes widen for a moment, but then she smiled faintly. He'd have to thank Hooch for poking fun that he didn't wear underpants most of the time. Since then, he'd been wearing them each day. If he had a lack of them now, his little one may have lost her nerve. She reached out with both hands to move over his chest. Her fingers were burning his flesh. He had never felt like he needed someone so much. Thoughts of Hooch and underpants were forgotten.

He groaned at the sensation she was giving him. He moved away from her hands to keep from losing himself through her mere touch. Kneeling up next to her, he placed his hands on her ankles and slowly felt his way up. At her thighs, he caught the hem of her nightgown with his hands and slid it up as well. When he neared her hips, she froze slightly. "Do not be afraid," he said silkily. He felt her relax under his hands. He pulled her nightgown up over her head and threw it on the floor. His breath caught in his throat. She did have the body of the Succubus. Feminine. Soft. Rounded. No flat planes or angles. "You are beautiful, Hermione." He saw that his words eased her. She had no bra on, and her breasts were begging to be kissed.

Dipping his head, he kissed a trail from one to the other before finally taking a nipple in his mouth. "Oh!" she gasped. His fingers dipped into the hem of her knickers, and he began to lower them. Sensing tension, he brought his lips to hers. As she lost herself in his kiss, he removed the last of her garments. He broke away from the kiss to gaze at her now completely naked body. He saw fear of rejection wash over her. She had nothing to fear. He wanted to kiss and feel every inch of her. All of her belonged to him now.

"Gods, Hermione, do you not know what you do to me?" He kissed her softly. "I want to make love to you this night. Will you let me?" Make love. He'd never called it that before. Words like sex, shag, and fuck didn't seem appropriate. Not with her. Not at this moment.

"Yes," she murmured. It was the only answer he needed. He pulled off his boxers, and she gasped when she saw his erection. Suddenly, she was scooting back on the bed away from him, and her face was full of fright.

He reached out to steady her. "What's wrong?"

"It's...that won't fit in here," she said in awe, eyes still looking at him. "It will hurt."

"Fit it will, Hermione. Easily. I'm going to get you ready for me first. As far as the hurt, it will only be for a moment, and then you will feel only pleasure, I assure you," he said seductively. She allowed him to pull her back down, and he went to work. His lips, hands, fingers, and body pressed over her expertly. He went down to kiss her between her thighs, and she tried to move away. He nearly groaned in frustration. He had to taste her. This had been one of his fantasies. He would have this.

"What are you doing?" She was panting raggedly. "That's...hey..."

"Shhh, Little One," he replied. "I want this. Let me." Before she could protest further, he parted her legs, and his tongue met her inner-flesh. She gasped, tensed, and then relaxed. He'd never get enough of her. Her completely innocent reactions were branding themselves into his memory. Her first experiences at becoming a woman belonged to him. She belonged to him. He let a finger replace his tongue as he lapped at her nub. She was moaning in an instant and convulsed right away! He felt her wetness wash over his finger and mouth. She had shrieked like a banshee, and it turned him on even more, if that was possible. She was wet enough for him to take her now. Kissing a trail to her face, he cupped her chin in his hand before kissing her. She didn't seem to mind where his lips had just been one bit. Or, did she even notice? Using his knee, he spread her legs even farther apart, moving into position. "You're mine, Hermione. My Mione."

"Is...are you going to...?" she tried to ask, moaning as his fingers slithered over her erect nipples.

"Yes, it's time that we become one. Are you ready for me?" he asked softly, licking her breasts one last time as a finger worked her wet sex.

"Yes," she panted. He kissed her neck, brutally sucking on her. He was marking her. Anyone who saw it would know that he had been there. Not to prolong the inevitable, he began pushing in completely, reveling in her tightness, and cringing at her pained cry. He had felt her body give way to him, but he hated that he had caused her pain.

"Shhh...it will be all right," he said after a moment. He kissed her deeply and began moving again within her. She was extremely tight; hell, almost too tight; so wet, just extremely slippery, and smoldering hot. The heat was driving him insane. "Gods, woman, but I want you always," he growled possessively. "You are mine." He began thrusting into her harder and faster. He grinned when he felt her arms wrap around him to pull him closer. He took this moment to pull her legs around his waist, and she began to move with him. He could tell by her breathing and gasping that she was building up again for release. "That's it," he whispered in her ear. "Feel me. Come to life for me, Little One."

"Oh... I... my God!" She screamed, "Professor!" That one word had him climaxing along with her. He grunted his release, and let his seed fill her. How erotic. No one had ever called him professor while having an orgasm. He felt particularly...naughty, and he liked it. He collapsed onto her for a few moments to catch his breath before moving aside. He pulled her to him, draping a leg over both of hers, placing a hand on her waist. They stared into each other's eyes without speaking. His only regret was that it had not lasted longer. Pent up need, desire built up from the Succubus' visits, the memories from the night of the party, the small kiss on the train...they had all collided, melded, and pooled into desire for her. It was inevitable that he wouldn't last as long as he had planned. Hopefully, she wouldn't mind. It was likely she wouldn't know any better. In fact, he wondered if she'd ever had an orgasm before. Surely a woman of eighteen would know how to pleasure herself?

He kissed her lips softly. Then he kissed her forehead and moved back a long lock of hair that had fallen into her face. A feeling of peace intruded his being. This is how he would always like to be before he slept at night. Sated and looking into the eyes of the woman he loved. No...not love. Not yet, but some day. He had no doubt about that. He'd never be rid of her. "You are perfection."

"As are you," she said meekly. He smiled. This smile thing wasn't so bad after all. He'd smile for her, but for her only. "I've never felt that way. Something just...came over me." She smiled shyly. "Professor..."

"Please, call me Severus. I think we can say that we are more than acquaintances," he murmured sleepily. She giggled, and it made him grin. "You little imp!" He kissed her until she was breathless again, and he realized that he wanted her once more before he'd let sleep take him. After snogging her senseless, he rolled her over again. "I need you once more," he murmured against her lips.

"Already?" she asked shyly. "I didn't know that it could be so fast."

"Most definitely, especially with a woman such as you. I just..." Forget words. Show her. He entered her again without giving her any warning. She cried out immediately, but he could tell it was a welcoming call. He was home.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione felt like purring. Though the fire had long burned out in the grate, the heated body enfolding her possessively had kept her warm and content. Her back was to his chest, so she couldn't see his face. She took the time to touch the hands holding her. She traced every long, tapered finger as softly as possible. These hands had touched every part of her body. They had been inside of her as well. She had never imagined such fulfillment before. The Incubus had aroused her, had made her feel things, but Severus Snape was no Incubus. He was her...what? Lover? He was immaculate. Everything he did was done with such precision, such patience, and such desire. Though the night before had been a foggy, dreamlike quality to it, she cherished every moment. Every caress. Every kiss.

She was glad that he had an illusion window. It gave her fake sunlight in which to view his room. She could just make out her wand on the floor near the fireplace. She'd never realized that she had dropped it. After removing the soot from her nightgown, her only purpose was to get to him.

"Can I take a bath?" she asked timidly once she noticed he was awake. His fingers had began to tentatively touch hers back. She felt his lips on her bare back for a moment.

"Just through there," he said pointing to the door with one free finger. She sat up, wondering how she could get from the bed to the door without him seeing her nakedness. Damn! He'd seen her anyway. He'd been with her twice the night before and once at some point earlier. He seemed to sense her dilemma and chuckled wickedly. "Nothing I haven't seen before." It was then that she turned to meet his eyes. He seemed younger, softer. She liked it.

She swatted his chest and laughed. To hell with it. With all the dignity she could muster, she got up, and speedily made way to the loo, picking up her wand from the floor on the way. She felt sticky and sweaty. Yes, she was in definite need of a bath. She set the faucets to the hottest temperature she could stand before getting in. She felt immediately relaxed. Laying back, she closed her eyes to remember what had happened the night before.

He had made love to her. His words. He said she belonged to him now. At some point in the past such a declaration would have made her bristle, but coming from him, she didn't mind. She wanted him to own her. Would things always be as they were the previous night? Would their nightly visitors stop now that they had been together? It would probably still try, but there was no way she would succumb to its seduction. She would definitely know the difference.

Deep inside her, she burned with a new emotion. She loved him. This man. Severus Snape...Snarky Potions master of Hogwarts. There was no turning back. She would not pressure him to return the feelings. Those would come in time she knew. Harry and Ron would die if they witnessed this side of him. Hmmm...that would never happen. As far as she knew, they were all straight, and she seriously doubted they would ever be in the same room naked. Giggling, she went about washing away all evidence of the night before. Only briefly did the dried smears of blood shock her. It was only natural. Her hymen had been broken with his first thrust into her. Her body quivered with remembrance.

After she got out, she chanted a drying spell on her body and hair. Damn! She had no clothes in here. A black shirt caught her eye. The house-elves had obviously not come in yet. She pulled it over her head without having to unbutton it. It smelled of man and spices...delicious...just like him. She felt arousal building, but bid it to go away. Her stomach was rumbling. She was hungry. She washed out her mouth and chanted a breath freshening charm. Looking into the mirror, she gasped. She had three passion marks on her neck. She was about to charm them away, but she decided she would leave them. It would be a reminder that he was her man. Her lover. She smiled brightly and opened the door. He was still in bed.

She jumped on the bed and startled him awake. "Happy Christmas!" She loved the grin he gave her. It was undoubtedly something that not many people witnessed. It made him appear so touchable.

He kissed her nose after he sat up. "Happy Christmas indeed, but only because you are here with me." Without another word, he made his way to the bathroom. Unlike her, he took his time, not minding that he was naked. She took a moment to admire his bum. Just like the rest of him, it was perfect. She had to resist the urge to sneak behind him for a pinch. His skin was smooth, unblemished, and pale, but not undesirably so. His dark hair on his chest and legs had been a favorable feature. She loved running her fingers through them. He came out about fifteen minutes later, and she had transfigured her nightgown into a long, warm dress. She wasn't able to find her knickers anywhere, and she was not going to ask him if he'd seen them. She would look around again before she left.

"I have no underclothes! Nor socks or shoes! What a sight I must be," she said nervously, as she took in his flawlessly dressed form. He was dressed head to toe in black as usual with only a splash of white near his neck and at the cuff of his sleeves.

He grinned evilly. "I think I saw your knickers under my pillow."

"Scamp!" She shouted, but laughed all the same. This relieved some of the trepidation she had begun to feel. They would have to have a talk, but what if she didn't like what he had to say? She pulled her knickers out and transfigured them into a pair of soft, slippers. He raised an eyebrow. "Well," she grinned. "Nobody will know I have no underclothes, but they will see I have no shoes."

"Are you...tender?" he asked awkwardly.

"Only just. It's not unbearable. The bath seemed to have soothed me. Thanks for asking," she said, glad that he cared.

Severus nodded, seeming to want to say something else. He looked at his dresser. "Ah, Christmas gifts. I wonder what I could have gotten this year," he said dryly. He always got the same gifts. Socks, candies, Scotch... He noticed a package on his dresser, immediately recognizing Hermione's small, loopy writing. "This one is from you."

"Oh! How did it get here? I mean...I didn't send it," she wondered aloud. She grinned as he took his time opening the gift as if he didn't want to rumple the paper. She saw his eyes widen before he gave her a smile.

"Hermione! You shouldn't have. These must have cost a fortune!" he exclaimed.

"Sorry. I saw that you only had a few left and figured you could always use a few more," she said softly.

"Don't be sorry, Little One. I love them. I just hate that you spent such an amount on me," he said. Her gift meant more to him than he was willing to let on. They would come in handy, and he was pleased that she had gotten him a gift in the first place, let alone one he could actually use. No love interest ever had. The staff would send him gifts, but they were never personal. Always generic. "Someone knows you are here. This is from Dumbledore. Doesn't miss a thing, does he?"

She noticed a slight tension in his face when he said that. He almost seemed bitter. Was he embarrassed? He couldn't get into trouble at this point. She was no longer a student.

He threw the package to her, and she unwrapped it. Giggling, she took off her newly transfigured slippers and pulled on a pair of the most ugly socks he'd ever seen. They were orange socks with purple fuzz balls scattered throughout. "Oh, look. There is a note. It says to please meet them for breakfast. How do you feel about that? I am hungry, but I'm not above staying here with only you." She hoped her words would ease the tension in him.

His eyes met hers. "Do you feel up to it? Meeting them all for breakfast, I mean." She noticed that he seemed to be hoping that she would. Was he ready for them to know? Really know. Because if she went to breakfast with him, they would know that she had spent the night with him.

"Severus, what is between us now? What is going to happen?" she asked suddenly.

He shook his head. "I don't know. I would like...I'm not sure. What do you expect from me?" He wanted to tell her that she would remain with him until his dying day, but he was afraid to voice such a thing in the light of day. Saying what you felt during a heated moment was something entirely different.

Hermione was slightly disappointed. After the things he'd told her the night before, she thought that he would see her as more than a fling. "I suppose I thought we would start seeing each other more regularly. It wasn't just one night for me. I hope you don't mind, but it's just how I feel."

He took the steps needed to kneel in front of her. "I had hoped you felt that way. I would like that as well." He kissed her lips softly before moving back to the gifts.

"If you wouldn't mind then. I'd like to go to breakfast. There is no pressure, I promise. I'm not embarrassed about us," she offered. It was up to him. He put another gift in front of her. She looked down, noting the spiky scrawl. It was from him. She read the inscription and tears sprang to her eyes. "I love it!" She exclaimed. "It's an original! Over a hundred years old! I can't believe it."

"I've made you cry. Why?" he asked incredulously. Were his scant words on the inside cover so harsh? What had he put anyway? Oh, right. Something to the effect of Happy reading, SS. That wasn't too bad.

She smiled easily. "They are happy tears. The gift is very thoughtful, and it overwhelmed me with feeling. Have you not ever felt that way about anything?"

"Almost," he whispered, thinking about how he'd felt after he'd made love to her. The gift of virginity. The gift of acceptance. He could have wept. Wept? No. But, there was that overwhelming feeling that brought forth such emotion. He hadn't known how to display it except to make love to her that second time.

"Well, then, please don't be offended. A book of poetry such as this is a magnificent gift, Severus. I love it. Honestly."

He kissed her. "I'm glad you like it, and I would be honored if you joined me this day." He meant every word. It would be his first Christmas spent with a lover. The staff would be surprised to see her, but he didn't care. They all knew what the Succubus and Incubus visits implicated. Why not start this now? It felt right somehow.

"Can I borrow some clothes to transfigure then?" She grinned with excitement. He went to his wardrobe and pulled out a couple of black pieces of clothing. Did he only own black clothes? She transfigured one into a black dress robe and the other into a black cloak. She pulled them on over her attire. Then she went to the mirror over his dresser. She brushed her hair out and let it fall over her shoulders.

"You are beautiful to me, you know," he whispered, coming up behind her to hold her to him. She met his eyes in the mirror and saw his honesty there. He had slight red splotches on his cheeks as if admitting that had discomfited him. She'd not tease him. Instead, she'd pretend not to notice.

"I feel like it today for some reason. Usually, I don't, but I think maybe you make me feel good about myself," she admitted. "Does that sound silly?"

He thought for a long moment before answering. "No, it's exactly how I feel. Shall we?" he asked, extending his arm to her. She took it and smiled. "Wait," he said, pausing at the door. "I feel I must warn you. The staff..."

She looked to him as if to say 'go on' when his voice trailed off, but no words came forth. She could feel that his palms were sweaty. "Pr...Severus, we don't have to do this today. I don't mind. We can stay here. Just the two of us."

"No, I want to do this, but I...the staff are very... Damn! How can I say this?" She could sense he was becoming very agitated.

"Just say it. Don't sugarcoat it for me. I think I've proved that I'm a big girl," she said with a smile, hoping to put him at ease.

"Well, they'll likely try to humiliate me...and you. I don't mind the things they tell me. Really, I don't," he said with a sigh. "That's a lie. I can't stand the things some of them say. Hooch for one!"

"That does it. We'll stay here. Dumbledore will understand. I don't want to upset you." Her stomach growled loudly. "Oh! Sorry," she said, laughing loudly.

"Was that you or me?" he asked. She could see he was fighting a grin.

"Definitely me. Come on. Summon an elf. We'll eat here," she said, pulling his arm back.

"No, we'll go to the hall," he said firmly. After a moment of fidgeting with the cuticles of his nails on one hand, he met her gaze evenly. "I didn't mean that you humiliate me. I only meant that they may find a way to joke about our situation. I only meant to save you from the shame."

"I told you already. I am not ashamed of this. We...it feels right. To hell with them. And, anyone else for that matter. All right?" she asked softly, realizing she meant it. What did she care what her new colleagues thought? What did she care what her friends and family thought? Her future was standing before her.

Severus interlaced his fingers with hers and stared at them for a moment. Her lightly tanned, smooth hands seemed to fit perfectly in his large, pale pair. She contradicted him in everything, but it wasn't bad at all. What he lacked, she made up for. If he didn't have the words, she spoke them. If she didn't have the know how to act on her words, he led the way. He was venom laced with subtle kindnesses. She was complete gentleness laced with just enough sauce to never actually be considered rude. She was a compliment to him. How is it that he had never noticed this? All those times that he had wanted to throttle her in the past...was he just frustrated that she would never be his own?

"What are you thinking, Severus?" she asked softly.

"I...we seem to go well together," he said quickly, not meeting her eyes.

She brought the hands to her mouth for numerous, tender kisses. "I agree with that. I think we are the right mix, you and I. Isn't it just strange? I mean, that we never noticed before?"

"Indeed," he agreed. He pulled his hands from her. "Shall we?"

"Let's."

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

Together they walked to the Great Hall. Hermione felt as if butterflies were taking flight in her stomach. The entire staff was present this morning along with a couple of younger students who had not gone home for the holidays. She felt Severus stiffen momentarily before relaxing. She glanced up at him only to notice that he seemed...proud. He was proud to have her with him. This gave her the strength to face those present. Everyone seemed to be smiling at them knowingly. Had everyone known she was here the previous night?

"Ah," Dumbledore greeted. "Professor Snape. Instructor Granger. Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas," she said, feeling suddenly embarrassed all over again. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Severus pulled out a chair for her, and she sat quickly. He took the seat next to her before mumbling his greetings to all. Hermione noticed how the three students were ogling. They couldn't believe she had shown up with their evil Professor Snape.

Madame Hooch was sitting across from her grinning slyly. "So...slept well, did you?"

Hermione blinked. She didn't know what to say. "Er...yes." She hadn't held many conversations with this woman. In fact, she hadn't had a class with her since her first year's flying lessons. The woman was always roughly edged and never minced her words. She could only wonder what she would say next.

"Dungeons not too cold for you this time of year? You know, this Scottish air and all," she said in a conspiratorial voice.

"It was fine," Hermione said briskly, not wanting to meet the woman's yellow eyes. She knew. They all knew. Damn. How embarrassing. Not that she minded, but she didn't know how Severus was taking this. When he spoke, she was relieved.

"How she kept warm is none of your concern, Rolanda," he drawled. Hermione thought that he sounded a tad smug. Was he enjoying this bantering? Perhaps the sneaky Slytherin was glad that all eyes were now on her instead of him.

Professor Sprout began giggling, and Flitwick chuckled loudly. "How indeed," Hooch said. "Well, what are you waiting for? Spill it for us now." They were having a laugh at her expense, and she found that she didn't mind if Severus didn't. It seemed that they all accepted it. Minerva, who was sitting to her right, patted her hand.

"Don't worry about them, Hermione. They are just trying to get some good gossip," her former Head of House said softly. "You have to answer nothing. However, you can always visit me privately in my chambers to disclose any information." The smile she gave Hermione made her feel much more relaxed. Looking at Dumbledore, she saw that his eyes were twinkling. So, this was to be the way of her first meal with the staff. They seemed to be trying to make her feel welcome...even though she was the butt of their jokes.

"You're Harry Potter's best friend," a young Hufflepuff stated.

"That's right," she agreed proudly, and she was flashed a toothy smile in return. She heard Severus groan. He leaned over to whisper to her.

"Always known as one of the Golden Trio, aren't you? I shall guarantee that I will never see you that way again," he murmured, nicking her ear softly. She giggled and looked down. She knew she was blushing. "What are you all gawking at?" Severus bellowed after a few moments. She looked up and saw them all grinning. Severus seemed momentarily mortified that he'd shown her such affection in front of them, but he pushed the expression away.

"Why, Sev, we've just never seen you so positively beaming," Vector said deeply. "I'd say this is the first Christmas breakfast you've ever been to."

"And, what, pray tell, are you doing here? Don't you have a husband at home?" he asked with a sneer. "Or, is it, Professor, that you would rather sit about the castle to intrude on my private business like the rest of them?"

Vector looked away quickly without answering. Madame Pomfrey decided to speak. "So, er, Hermione, having a nice holiday, then?"

"Yes, it's very pleasant. I've had a stay at the Weasleys' so far. How is your holiday so far?" She'd always liked the mediwitch. Poppy was straightforward and efficient in her duties.

"It's quite nice. And, I might add that it's simply endearing to see Severus with a guest."

"Blimey!" Hagrid bellowed suddenly, sloshing his mug about. "Are ye here wit' Severus, 'Ermione?"

"Well, where the hell have you been for the past fifteen minutes, you oaf?" Hooch asked. "Haven't you been paying attention?"

"Tha's uncalled for, that is," he said indignantly. "Sibyll here was telling me..."

"I was telling him," Trelawney said in her airy voice, "that I foresee a new creature coming to him."

"Well, there is a surprise," McGonagall snorted. "Took a lot of insight to see that, did it?" The Scottish brogue seemed to take new life as she directed a scandalized glare at the Divinations teacher.

Flitwick squeaked with laughter. "Well, that's nice, Hagrid. Always nice to know things to come, isn't it?"

"Too righ' you are, Filius," Hagrid said happily, returning to his private chat with Trelawney.

There was a momentary lull in the conversation before Madame Sprout finally spoke to Severus. "You two going to be sharing a room then?"

"Oh, honestly!" Hermione began. She wanted to tell the herbologist to mind her own business, but she didn't want to alienate anyone. She smiled when her lover came to her rescue.

"Madame Sprout!" Severus roared suddenly, throwing his napkin in his plate. "This has gone on long enough." He sneered in distaste at everyone present. "I bit my tongue at first, but I have had it. We have younger students present. Would it bode well for us to have the rest of the school knowing how you biddies carry on? I think it would be prudent for you all to mind your own affairs."

"Here, here," said Hooch. "Jolly good. But, first, let me ask a question."

Dumbledore cut in when he noticed Severus' severe glare. "I told Molly that you were here, Hermione. I hope you don't mind. She was particularly worried when she found Harry in Ginny's room instead of you. After searching the house, she thought maybe you were out for a visit."

"Oh! I forgot to leave a note," Hermione said. Damn! Poor Molly! She'd probably been worried sick all night. Poor Harry and Ginny! Molly had strict rules about that. She grinned all the same though. Serve them right for forgetting about her.

"Oh, so...you left in a hurry, did you?" Hooch's eyes were glinting. "Old Sev here tell you to hurry on over?"

"That's none of your concern, Madame," Severus answered for her. "Though if we are asking personal questions, tell us, did you keep company with a witch or wizard last night?" Hermione held a gasp in check. Surely, Madame Hooch would not let such a comment pass.

"Ah, but wouldn't you like to know, Sev," she said with a wink. "I could always give your mate some pointers on the way of things. Why, to be quite honest, the best pa..."

"That will be all," Severus said curtly. "I'll not have her young mind tainted with your stories. Enough."

Hooch winked at Hermione anyway. "Come find me any day, Granger. He doesn't scare me, the bully."

Feeling bold, Hermione agreed. "I might do that."

Severus smiled uncertainly. He had hoped that they wouldn't be too rough on her, but she seemed to be taking things in stride. The staff was rowdy at times though some students never witnessed this side to them. Was she putting on a show? Did she feel comfortable? He'd not openly admit it, but having her on his arm as he entered the hall had made him feel particularly conceited. Here was a lovely, young witch that wanted to spend the day with him. One that had spent the night with him. She had come to him. She had given herself to him. No other. Did he say young? Yes, he didn't care much about the age difference, truth be known. That only added to his pride.

Breakfast went on pleasantly, and before long, they bid their farewell to the still smiling staff. She was back down in the dungeons with Severus. They sat near the fire in his office, simply holding each other and talking.

"Do you think my Incubus will be gone now?" she asked softly.

"I think it might try to come back, but it will see it has no chance. Just tell him to leave, and hopefully he will. I shall do the same with my Succubus." He pulled her close for a kiss. It was getting easier to touch her with each minute she spent with him. He found that he wanted to know everything about her. He felt the need to maintain a physical link with her so as not to lose her.

"Yes, there is no way that I'd not know the difference now. He never made me feel the way that you do. What of you? Am I...different?" she asked hoping he'd share her sentiments.

"I hated the feeling of being stalked by a temptress. It was a new experience, and new things take time." She wondered if he was trying to give her a hint about their newfound relationship. His voice seemed so cautious. Why did he feel the need to withhold things? "I wanted to have her. She seduced me fairly early on. I then found myself...thinking of you as well. At some point, the two of you became the same to me."

Was this good? She wondered. "I see."

"You don't see. Let me think for a moment of how I should like to explain this," he said in an irritated manner. Finally, he said, "I've realized lately that I know the difference. You are what I like. You don't need to be as you were the night of the party for me. You appeal to me in your natural state. There is no need for glamours or tamed hair."

Hermione was touched. So, he did want her. He had meant all of the things that he'd told her. She would never want for any other words again. Those were enough. He cared for her. He desired her as she was. She would never have to worry about putting on a show to impress him. She needed only to be herself when with him. What more could a woman ask for? "I...thank you. I think those are the kindest words I've ever heard. You, Severus, are amazing. Do you know that?" She snuggled closer, not wanting to let go.

He made a noncommittal noise. A long moment of silence passed before he spoke. "Are you ready to go back to the Weasley home?" She felt a bit hurt. She was being dismissed. He didn't really want her here after all. Well, he did, but maybe it was just too much at once. He had said that it took a while to get used to new things.

"I suppose so," she said frostily. She hadn't meant to allow her bitterness to seep through, but there it was. This didn't go unnoticed by him.

"Hermione, don't be that way. I just thought maybe you'd rather spend the day with your friends." His voice sounded apologetic, yet hopeful. He was hoping she'd want to stay.

"I want to be with you," she said, not looking at him. That brought him more joy than he wanted to admit.

"Do you want to stay for the remainder of the holidays?" he blurted suddenly. "We could get you settled into your new chambers if you'd like," he offered as an excuse for her to stay in case he had misread what she'd said.

"I think that I would like that, Severus. I wonder where my chambers are going to be? I suppose that I don't exactly have to stay in them just yet," she said, hoping he would offer for her to stay with him in his chambers.

"No, I don't suppose you would have to," he replied, raising an eyebrow. "Are you getting at something?"

"If you'll let me, I would like to stay in here. I promise that I will be quiet while you work. I have to study for my N.E.W.T.s anyway. Would you mind?" she asked hopefully. "Besides, if the Incubus comes back, I mean...it would be safer to have you near me, wouldn't it?"

He smiled. "I think I would like that. Good point, by the way. The Succubus will likely make another appearance as well. Shall we go get your things?" She jumped up, pulling him up with her.

"You, sir, have just made my day. I didn't want to face the wrath of Molly Weasley alone!" They laughed. He knew full well that Molly Weasley was prone to not stop once she got started.

"Do you think they will mind if I accompany you?" he questioned. Actually, he didn't care if they minded or not. No, he wanted to know if she would want to be seen with him by her friends so soon. She had faced the staff with him, but what of her mates?

"Not in the least," she said waving her hand. "They may be a little surprised, but I think it will be fine. If you'd rather stay behind, I would understand."

"Not at all," he murmured. He wondered briefly if Potter had given his atrocious gift to the Weasley girl yet. He thought back to that day in Diagon Alley. Before he had been able to Apparate to Hogwarts' gates, he had met up with Lucius. His old friend had asked if he was truly interested in Potter's young associate. Never lying to Lucius, save for his years as a spy, he told him the entire truth of the Succubus visits. Draco had apparently told him as much as he knew, which hadn't been detailed. He only thought they were just beginning to have an affair. Lucius merely nodded, saying that he hoped he had luck, and he had felt it was time for him to settle down. If Lucius could accept a possible relationship, then the Weasleys could as well. "Ladies first," he offered, handing her a jar of Floo powder.

Hermione Flooed in first. She tumbled out of the fireplace, but she steadied herself. No one was in the kitchen. Severus came out behind her. She made her way to the living area.

"Happy Christmas," she called. Molly, Arthur, Fred, George, Ginny, Ron, and Harry all looked up in surprise.

"Young lady!" Molly exclaimed. "We were very worried about you. Why, I was beside myself when I Flooed the headmaster. I must say that I wish you would have stayed here. These two," she growled, pointing fingers at Harry and Ginny, "seemed to have taken advantage of your absence. Why did you feel the need to go to Hogwarts?"

"I just needed to see someone," she said mysteriously.

"You went to visit the great bat, didn't you?" Ron asked incredulously.

Severus stepped into view, and everyone looked at him in shock. "She was cared for, Molly, and she regrets not leaving a note." Severus raised an eyebrow. "She will be coming back as well. We are going to...get her chambers and studies in order." He then smirked at Ron. "Great bat?"

Ron blanched, shrugging sheepishly. "Well, uh, you know. I thought maybe Hagrid had something new for class that Hermione went to check on. She's always worried about poor Hagrid, she is." It was a lame cover up. Everyone could see through it, and even Severus seemed to grin.

"Oh," Molly said, realizing that the two had most likely coupled. "Well, of course, you will be going back then. Please stay for Christmas lunch. We have more than enough." Severus met Hermione's eyes and knew she wanted to stay.

"I think that would be nice," he offered as acceptance. He hadn't planned on visiting for that long. He'd had ideas of grabbing her things, going back to his chambers, and talking her into something entertaining.

"Hermione," Ron said suddenly. "Did something bite you? What the bloody hell are those...Holy shite!"

"Ronald Weasley!" Molly exclaimed. Ron went pink and looked away. Damn! She'd forgotten about his love marks. No wonder everyone at breakfast kept looking at her with knowing smirks. Severus looked at her with a smug expression. She elbowed him, and he swatted at her hand. Everyone took in this playful exchange before laughing after another shocked silence.

"Never thought we'd see the day when old Snape here acted like a normal man," Fred piped up.

"I'd say they would much like to skip lunch and be off back to their rooms," George said.

"Enough," Arthur said, coming to shake Severus' hand. "Sorry 'bout those two. Jokers, they are."

"Indeed," he agreed. "I had them in my classes long enough to know them."

"So, Professor Snape," a twin said, taking his arm to lead him to the couch. "What would you think of an ingredient that we made that would change a potion to be the opposite of what it was supposed to be?"

"Yeah, a person may be brewing a sleeping draught, but we add in a little something. Instead of sleeping, they end up awake for a few days," the other twin finished with a grin.

"I'd say that would be absurd! Why would you want to do that?" Severus asked, clearly appalled.

"Because it would be funny of course. We've not yet been able to create it, but it's our newest idea. Right funny, that is."

"Well, I hope you shan't figure out how to create it. I believe it would cause more harm that good," he replied tersely, pushing up from the couch. He made his way back to Hermione. "Those two are not right in the head," he whispered.

"At times, I agree," she whispered back, squeezing his hand in hers. They were interrupted by Ginny.

"Mione! Look what Harry gave me!" she said excitedly, holding up her chain.

"Oh, that's adorable, Gin," Hermione said as if she'd not seen it before.

"Yes! He is the most brilliant Seeker we've had in ages, and the lightning bolt! Doesn't that just scream Harry?"

"Definitely," Hermione said with a smile. "I'm glad you two are getting on so well. I hope your mum wasn't too mad about me being gone."

"Oh, just worried. She doesn't bother me. I think Harry was a bit upset, but he'll live," she said with a shrug.

Severus watched the exchange uneasily. He'd never had friends like this. His friends had always been restrained. One never gave something without seeking something in return. Had any of them ever been true friends? No. Never. Not even Lucius. There was always a price or a favor required. His Hermione was teaching him something new each minute this day. He was learning to smile. Learning to touch. Daring to hope for a bright future.

The meal was a long affair. Each of them talking amicably about something or other. Even Ron had cozied up to Severus at one point. "Sir, is it true that you and Dumbledore have a chess game going on that you've been playing for nearly four months?"

"That's right," Severus said. "He's a quite worthy opponent."

"If it's all the same, I think I'd like to challenge you one day, sir. I'm not too bad meself," Ron said proudly. Dumbledore had once told him that he played the greatest game of chess that he'd seen in a while. Of course, he could have only meant the reality of humans playing with the chess pieces.

"That might not be out of the question," Severus said, choosing not to readily agree. It would be prudent to not allow his students to become too friendly with him. After all, he was still their professor even if he wasn't Hermione's. He looked to his Succubus. She appeared tired. He smirked. Late night a bit much for you? "Are you ready to get your things?" he asked quietly.

"I think so. I am feeling a bit sluggish. Would you mind terribly if I had a nap once back at the castle?" She stifled a yawn.

"Certainly not," he replied. A nap meant she would be in his bed, wrapped in his arms again. He spoke to Arthur and Molly while she went off with Ginny to get her belongings.

Severus was surprised when Potter approached him, holding out a hand. "Sir, Happy Christmas."

He took the hand uncertainly. "Same to you, Potter."

The younger wizard grinned. "She means a lot to me, you know. I wouldn't allow her to go with you if I didn't trust you. Take care of her."

Severus was taken aback by these words. First, he wanted to give a scathing remark. Who did he think he was anyway? Wouldn't allow her to go? Second, he was surprised. Potter trusted him with her. "Of course. It's not as if you'll not see her again, Potter. She's just coming to settle in."

"Right," Potter said with a smirk. "I think you fancy her more than you let on, sir. That's all right though because I know she fancies you as well." Before Severus could respond, Hermione walked up.

"I'm ready. My trunk is just there. Care to shrink it?" she asked, looking between Harry and Severus. Harry had a broad smile on his face while Severus had narrowed eyes. Perhaps it was good that she had come back when she did.

"Ready?" Severus asked after a moment.

"Yes," she said, turning to wave at everyone. "Thanks for letting me stay over. I'll see you all soon."

"All right, dear," Molly said kindly. "Have you any thoughts on visiting your parents?"

Hermione paled for a moment. "Not just yet, no."

Molly nodded in understanding. "Go when you are ready. Hope the rest of your holidays are pleasant. Thanks for coming over, Severus. It was nice to see you again."

"It was pleasing," he agreed, nodding farewell. He stepped into the fire to Floo away. Hermione followed immediately.

"Well? How'd you fare?" she asked timidly.

"I daresay, I fared a sight better than you did for breakfast. At least there, no one dared question me or make light of our situation."

"Right. Can we have that nap now? I feel lightheaded," she said apologetically.

"Not at all. Come along, love," he said, guiding her to the room. She smiled to herself. He had called her love. She doubted that he even noticed the endearment that he'd used. It seemed to have slipped out. She vowed to not mention it. Severus would come around in his own time. There would be no pressure from her. It was enough that she was allowed to stay in his chambers. It was definitely the start of something great.

Southern's Notes: Everyone seems to be accepting them so far. I guess now we need to see what their nightly visitors have to say about the new union.