22- A Hard Day's Night

Standard Disclaimer goes here.

Author's Note: For those of you wanting smut, check out my one shot "Eve of Battle" if you haven't already, since it will be a long time coming (no pun) in PoH. *wink* More epiphanies come up in this chapter, and we have sweetened lemonade, what with all the sugary realizations... Hope it doesn't rot your teeth, but if it does, I hear the Grangers are good dentists... Cheers! -Nicole aka Good_Witch

Chapter 22- A Hard Day's Night

Hermione pensively removed her choker and slipped out of her dress. Her cheeks flushed as she carefully removed her stockings and suspender belt, remembering Snape's expression as he eyed her thigh, and the warm feel of his hand caressing her leg. She sighed in frustration. Scowling, she put on her white cotton nightgown and climbed into her frilly bed, setting her alarm.

I really need to do something about my nightclothes and this room! Mercy, I'm an adult, and I feel like a little girl! No wonder he was horrified when he walked in here! But I think I may have managed to convince him that I'm not a girl anymore... A faint smile hovered over her lips and she felt a pulsing in her centre. She squeezed her legs together and realized anew how soaked her knickers were. She snorted. As if it's any wonder with all that happened tonight... She rolled onto her side, staring at her door in the darkness.

After almost an hour of staring...she knew how long because she kept watching the clock...she realized that she was not going to fall asleep any time soon. Her mind was racing too much, and every fibre of her being was awake and burning with feeling. All she could think about was wanting to be with Snape... and wanting to be with Snape. And that thought both titillated and terrified her.

I can't sleep. I wonder if he's sleeping. If he is, that's not fair! How can he sleep after everything that's happened? I can't believe that he just dragged me up here and shut the door! I mean, this is our chance to be ourselves... together, and he just goes to bed? We won't be able to let our feelings show when we get back to Hogwarts, so why not make the most of the short time we have now? She rolled fitfully onto her back, slamming her hands onto the bed. Irritably, she looked at the clock again. Maybe I'll be able to sleep if I can just be near him. I can't stand thinking about him just across the hall, so close!

Determined, she sat up in bed and grabbed her wand. Her pulse racing in response to her risky venture, she carefully tiptoed to her door and opened it. Poking her head out into the dark hallway, she pointed her wand at her parents' door and whispered a Silencing Charm. With a nervous swallow, she padded lightly across the hall to Snape's door and gripped the doorknob. Her hand was trembling and she took a deep breath to calm herself. Slowly, carefully, she turned the knob, hoping it wouldn't make much noise. Once she had it turned all the way, she pushed the door in, millimetre by millimetre, until she could squeeze through the gap and just as slowly and carefully close it again. Holding her breath in the darkness, she leant against the door, listening to see if Snape was awake or not. Gingerly, she crept toward the bed, listening hard.

Snape had fallen into a light, uneasy sleep. He had dressed in his lounge wear and slipped into bed after flicking the switch by the door to turn off the lights. The glow from the clock on the nightstand was enough for his eyes...accustomed to lurking in shadows...to see the bed. Irritably tugging on the short robe to smooth it out under him, he pulled the covers up to his chest, slid his wand under his pillow, and stared at the ceiling. Now that he was in bed, albeit an unfamiliar one, he could try to think through everything that had happened that night. His mind spun with all manner of confusing thoughts, but they all seemed to coalesce into the overriding one that he had finally discovered something...someone...that actually made him feel happy for the first time in far too many years. He rolled onto his side and closed his eyes. Dazed and worn out by the jumble of emotions he had raced through that evening, he quickly dozed off.

Snape's breathing continued to be slow and steady. His eyes stayed shut. But suddenly, every cell of his being was on red alert, attuned to some impending danger. He strained to hear something, anything. Something had awoken him, and he was trying to determine what it was, without letting on that he was no longer asleep. He sensed movement near him and his eyes opened a slit, seeing nothing but darkness. With incredible speed and precision, he grabbed his wand from under his pillow, flung the covers back and leapt to his feet on the bed, shouting, "Expelliarmus!" as he went. In the split-second blast of light from his wand, he saw Hermione being slammed back into the door, her wand flying across the room. Then, all was dark again.

There was a beat of electric silence, immediately followed by Snape's strangled curse as he barked several spells to illuminate the room, none of which worked as there were no candles or fireplaces to light. Hermione heard the bedsprings creaking as he trod on the bed trying to turn on the bedside lamps. There was a sound of fumbling followed by a heavy crash and Snape spitting, "Blast and damn! How do you work these confounded Muggle contraptions?"

Suddenly, the room was lit, and Snape was blinking furiously in the glare. Hermione was huddled against the door, but her arm was stretched up to flick the switch by the door. She gazed up at Snape, eyes widening at the sight. He was standing on the bed, poised on the balls of his bare feet, clad in his green satin lounge wear, his chest bare and framed by the short robe, his hair loose and dishevelled, hanging about his face, his wand clenched tightly in his hand, and his expression one of confused alertness and pained horror as he took in the sight of Hermione in a heap on the floor. After a beat of staring at her in mute shock, he bounded off the bed with feline grace and landed in front of her, gripping her upper arms and gazing intently into her face, assessing damage.

"Bugger all! Are you all right? Did I hurt you? Hermione, talk to me!" The urgency in his voice intensified at the sight of the tears that clung to her lashes.

In a shaky voice, Hermione said, "I'm okay, I think. I hit my head and it smarts a bit, but I think I'll be okay." She lifted a trembling hand and gingerly touched the back of her head, where a lump was forming under her fingers. She winced and Snape hissed in wretched empathy. He frowned and started to reach up to caress her hair, but stopped and gripped her arms again, this time more forcefully, and Hermione winced again.

His eyes had widened in horror and he went white as he whispered, "Bloody hell, Hermione, your parents! They must have heard us! You have to get out of here!" His hands tightened spastically and Hermione made a pained noise in her throat. Snape realized what he was doing and released her as if he had been burned, hastily backing away from her. Hermione reached up and tentatively touched the lump on her head as she started to get to her feet. Snape rushed back to her and lifted her bodily off the floor. He set her on her feet and held her upright by her arms again. In a panic, he hissed, "Get out now! Before they find you here and all hell breaks loose!"

Hermione grimaced at him and murmured, "It's all right. They won't have heard anything. There's nothing to worry about."

Snape's eyes seemed to bug out in his incredulity. "I shouted, you slammed into the door, and then I broke your blasted lamp! What in blazes do you mean there's nothing to worry about?"

Hermione winced again as she said, "Because I put a Silencing Charm on their door. They can't hear anything beyond it."

Snape seemed frozen, staring at her blankly, until the information seemed to sink in. Dazed, he reiterated, "You... put a Silencing Charm on their door? Why would you do that?" His eyes bored into hers.

Hermione glanced up at him and then looked down again, flushing. In a small voice, she faltered, "Because I didn't want to take a chance that they might hear me going to your room..."

Snape stared at her, owl-eyed, and abruptly released her arms again, spinning and striding a few paces away before turning to face her again, his hands running through his hair to clasp behind his neck. He levelled an intense gaze at Hermione and she crossed her arms defensively under her breasts, her eyes darting around the room.

Hermione felt silly for having caused so much commotion. Her head ached and she was afraid Snape would be angry with her. Embarrassed, she finally looked at him, and was struck dumb at the sight.

He stood, his hands clasped behind his neck, the loose sleeves of his short robe falling past his elbows, revealing the white scar of the Dark Mark on his forearm. She goggled at his bare chest, her eyes trailing down his body to see his satin trousers hanging low on his slim hips. A thin line of dark hair wended its way from his navel down beneath the satin. Hermione felt a throb in her centre as well as in the lump on her head. She swallowed against a suddenly dry throat.

With a sigh, Snape let his hands fall back to his sides as he stepped closer to Hermione. His expression unreadable, he gazed down his nose at her and asked in a low voice, "And just what did you think you were doing, sneaking in here?"

Hermione scowled and chewed her lip petulantly. This was not what she had had in mind! Her head throbbed fiercely, and she felt humiliated. Unbidden, tears started to well up again, blurring her vision. She saw the hazy image of Snape move away from her, and heard a muttered, "Reparo." The bed springs creaked again and she felt a tingling along her scalp, as Snape's low voice uttered a healing charm for her head. Closing her eyes in grateful relief, she sighed. Hanging her head, she turned and trudged to the door, her voice tremulous as she said, "Thank you."

When she reached for the knob, Snape murmured, "What are you doing?"

Hermione refused to look back at him, unwilling to let him see her tears, and said, "I'm going back to bed. I'm sorry I disturbed you."

She started to turn the knob, but a whispered spell from Snape locked it, and it wouldn't budge. Hermione froze. Desperately sniffing, she furtively wiped her eyes. Behind her, she heard, "Accio wand." Suddenly, she realized that her wand had flown from her hand when Snape had blasted her, and now he had it. Squirming in mortification, she tried the door again. No good.

Snape's voice was gentle as he said, "Don't you want your wand? You'll need it if you want to leave so badly."

Hermione squared her shoulders and said, "Not if you unlock the door."

Soothingly, Snape said, "Not yet. There are some issues we should discuss. Come here. I won't hurt you again. I promise."

Hermione slowly turned toward him, seeing him sitting on the bed, his back against the headboard, one leg curled in front of him, the other hanging off the side of the bed, his toes on the floor. He idly caressed her wand as he watched her. Reluctantly, she crossed to the bed, standing just out of reach. Snape patted the edge of the bed beyond his foot. "Come. Sit."

Gingerly, she sat on the edge of the bed, her hands worrying together in her lap. Snape sat forward and cast a look of concern at her. "How's your head?"

Hermione shrugged and mumbled, "It doesn't hurt anymore. Thank you."

Snape scooted closer and reached for her hair, pulling back slightly as she cringed. Firmly, he said, "Hold still. I just need to see how badly you cracked your skull. I already promised you, Hermione. I won't hurt you again." He gazed at her soberly, and she nodded, letting his long, nimble fingers graze her scalp, feeling the lump that formed. She heard him murmur another spell and felt the lump tingle as it shrank away. His hands continued stroking her hair, and she fought to suppress the shiver that coursed through her.

"Accio handkerchief." Snape held out his other hand as a soft white handkerchief, the initials "SS" embroidered in green, flew from his hanging coat to his grasp. He offered it to Hermione gravely. She took it and wiped her face and nose.

Crumpling it in her hands, she murmured another, "Thank you."

Snape's hand stopped stroking her hair and slipped under her chin, lifting her face to meet his eyes. His gaze bored into her as he said, "Now, would you please answer my question?"

Hermione pretended ignorance. "Which?"

Snape raised one eyebrow at her and favoured her with an aggrieved stare. Doggedly, he repeated, "Just what did you think you were doing, sneaking in here?"

Hermione scowled again and wrenched her chin from his grasp. Snape pulled away from her, surprised. She stared at the handkerchief in her hands as she bit out, "I... just wanted to see if you were sleeping."

"Why?"

She huffed. "Because I couldn't."

"Why not?"

Finally, she pinned him with a frustrated glare and grumbled, "Because! I couldn't stop thinking about you! I couldn't believe that you just dragged me up here and shut the door! I mean, this is our chance to be ourselves... together, and you just go to bed? We won't be able to let our feelings show when we get back to Hogwarts, so why not make the most of the short time we have now?" She paused and looked away again. In a voice barely above a whisper, she added, "I just wanted to be with you."

She was startled by a low chuckle. Incredulous, her eyes snapped up to him, seeing the delighted wonder in his eyes. Bemused, Snape rumbled, "I'll wager that you had no idea 'being with me' would include a concussion..." His eyes softened, and he grimaced as he stroked her hair again.

A rueful smile tugging at her lips, Hermione admitted, "You'd win that wager..."

In one fluid movement, Snape stood, gathered her in his arms, tucked her head under his chin, and said, in a voice thick with emotion, "No one's ever wanted to just 'be with me' before..."

Hermione felt her humiliation and frustration dissolve at the feel of his strong embrace. Her face was pressed against his bare chest, and she was reeling with the sensory overload. He smelled divine, and his skin was soft and warm. She felt her pulse pounding in response and surreptitiously slipped her hands under the folds of his robe, sliding around his waist to hug him tight.

Snape's skin tingled at her touch and he jumped, pulling her away from him and looking down at her, his expression one of startled wariness. Hermione smiled up at him.

"Well, has anyone else ever seen you like this? If they had, they might change their minds..."

Snape glanced down at himself, suddenly realizing how indecent his attire was. Flushing, he backed away from her, wrapping his robe around him and crossing his arms tightly against his ribs. Hermione frowned and followed him, tugging at his arms. "Stop that!"

Snape was immovable. He drew himself up formally and said, "I apologize for my indecent attire. Forgive me for my rudeness."

Hermione rolled her eyes and made an exasperated noise in her throat. "For Merlin's sake! I'm going to stop complimenting you if you keep acting like this!" She scowled up at him and he eyed her, brow furrowed in scepticism.

Hands on her hips, Hermione glared at him. "You. Look. Good. Understand?"

Snape's eyes widened and his grip relaxed slightly. Uncomfortable under her frank gaze, he cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair, his cheeks stained with colour. "You don't have to flatter me..."

Hermione launched herself at him and dragged him to the bed, where she pushed him to sit on the edge. He blinked at her, taken aback by her aggressive behaviour. Standing in front of him, she closed the gap between them, gripping his shoulders as he tried to lean away from her. She pushed her knee between his and stepped close to him, running her hands through his hair and wrapping her arms around his neck. Millimetres away from his face, she paused, eyes locked with his. In a whisper, she said, "Look if you have to. Believe me. You look fantastic. Why do you think I couldn't stop thinking about you? I can't get over how much you make me want you." And with that, she closed in and kissed him.

Snape was reeling. As much as he had seen the signs, he still couldn't believe how much she was attracted to him. And for her to just say it, so bluntly... His stomach lurched and his hands reached up to slide along her back of their own accord.

The intensity of their kissing grew and each felt the other clutching as if for dear life. Finally, after what seemed like ages, Hermione pulled back and looked at him, her eyes glazed with passion. Her voice trembled as she said, "Please, let me stay with you..."

Snape swallowed convulsively and fought a battle within his mind.

You have to send her away. You cannot pursue her...

That's beside the point! Does she even know what that statement could mean? Of course not! She's a virgin!

So? You can control yourself. Just because she wants to be near you doesn't mean you'll defile her! You do have some self-restraint!

This is foolishness! You're going to make the second biggest mistake of your life if you continue this...

Fuck off! No! I will not force her away! I want to be with her too! I... care about her.

No it won't! It can't be...

Snape looked up at Hermione, his inner turmoil evident, and she held his gaze, hers hopeful and imploring. After several moments of tense silence, during which Hermione's heart thudded faster and faster, Snape blinked, swallowed, and reached up to cup her face in his hands, looking at her with eyes as deep and black as a velvet well. Hermione chewed her lip anxiously, steeling herself for disappointment, remembering how he had sent her away before.

Snape leant up and pressed his lips gently against hers, pouring his feelings through them. After a long moment, he backed away and whispered, his lips brushing hers, "Nothing could please me more."

Hermione felt dizzy with joy. An inarticulate cry of relief emerged from her throat as she kissed him fiercely. He wrapped his arms around her and stood, lifting her off her feet. He felt her surprised squeal against his lips and smiled. Slowly, he let her slide down his body, until she was on her feet again. As he straightened, she trailed kisses over his chin and down his throat, continuing down his bare chest, causing him to hiss in pleasure. She caressed his chest and belly, humming in appreciation. Snape closed his eyes at the moisture that threatened before he clasped her hands in his and held her away from him.

Hermione looked up at him apprehensively, but Snape smiled at her and tilted his head toward the bed. In one lithe movement, he backed onto the bed on his knees, pulling her with him, until she clambered up as well, facing him on her knees in the middle of the bed. Locking eyes with her, he sank back onto his heels, as she did the same. He reached out and caressed her cheek, smiling in awe. Hermione grimaced at the light and scrambled over to turn on a lamp, grinning raffishly at him. With an impish look, she picked up her wand, pointed it at the light switch, and turned off the lights. Looking back at Snape, her breath caught.

His skin glowed in the softer light from the bedside lamp, and his hair cast shadows across his face. She blinked owlishly and crept closer to him. Her fingers shook as she reached out to slide her hands under the edge of his robe, sweeping up over his pectorals and across the points of his shoulders, pushing the soft material off him, baring his lean frame and wiry arms.

He could feel his heart beating madly and struggled to control his erratic breathing. Her tentative touch inflamed him more than he could ever have dreamt. Her hands were cool and soft on his heated skin, and she watched in rapt fascination as her hands roamed his body, feeling the different textures of his skin, smoothing the smattering of dark hair on his chest. One hand slid up to cover his chest and she raised an eyebrow at him, feeling the harsh heartbeat under her palm. Snape covered her hand with his and leant closer to her, his other hand tangling in her hair. He kissed her, trapping their hands between them. Then he released her hand and propped his hand on the bed, slowly lowering them to lie on their sides, facing each other.

Hermione felt like she was drowning in the heady rush of sensations. Her body was clamouring for more. Her mind was still reeling in stunned amazement that she was actually there with him, and he wasn't throwing her out. As they sank onto the bed, Snape straightened his long legs, inching closer to her, his robe a forgotten pile of fabric beyond them. Hermione's hands travelled over his shoulders and across his shoulder blades. As he moved, caressing her and pulling her closer, she thrilled at the play of his muscles under her questing fingers. She began squirming against him heatedly. Finally, she flung one leg across his hip, pulling him against her with the strength of her leg muscles. He groaned at her seductive move, feeling the surges in his groin, knowing how hard he was for her.

Hermione felt the hard heat trapped between them again and moaned. Tingles washed over her; her clit throbbed. She probed Snape's mouth with her tongue passionately. By sheer force of will, Snape backed away, breathless. Gasping, he panted, "Hermione... I have to ask you... something important."

Covering his face with kisses, she asked distractedly, "What?"

Snape moved back more, resolutely grabbing her hand as it began another sweep of his chest. Holding her hand still, he sought her eye until he had her attention. Hermione calmed her frenetic assault on his person, sobered by his expression.

"Severus, what's wrong?"

Snape closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. "What... just what is it you want?"

Hermione's eyebrows rose and her mouth fell open in surprise. Then, she licked her lips and narrowed her eyes calculatingly. "I've already told you. I want you. I want to be with you."

Snape inhaled sharply. His brow furrowed and his gaze bored into her. "Do you know what you're saying?"

"What do you mean?"

Snape exhaled steadily and clenched his jaw. Studying her lips like they were the answer to existence itself, he ground out, "There's being with someone, and then there's being with someone..." He flicked a glance at her and then looked down again. "And from what you said earlier, you haven't been with anyone before...."

Hermione inhaled harshly. Flushing in embarrassment, she retorted, "No, I haven't. Is that bad?"

Snape hurriedly stroked her hair and hugged her tight, raining kisses on her heated cheeks. "No! I just need to know what it is you want... from me. I need to be clear on this."

Hermione buried her face in his neck and clasped him tightly. "I... want you. I do want to be with you. I just... feel so stupid..."

Snape's chest tightened at her words. Completely incredulous that she meant what she said, he took a deep breath and resolutely said, "You're not stupid. You're the cleverest witch born in ages." Then he pulled back from her and tilted her chin up so he could look her in the face. "I would be... honoured... to be with you. But, I cannot allow that to happen until you are no longer my student, no matter how we feel about each other." Regret coloured his tone. Hermione made a moue of protest, which he covered with a gentle kiss.

In a wheedling tone, Hermione ventured, "No one would know. There's nothing to stop us here..." Her eyes were bright with emotion. Snape shook his head gravely.

"No. I can't believe I've allowed this much to happen. I cannot allow us to cross that line." He gripped her arm tightly, searching her face as he said, earnestly, "Do you understand, Hermione? When we return, everything must be as it has been. If, after the school year ends, you still want to be with me, then we will be free to pursue whatever relationship we want. But now, we can't. And I will not compromise either of us by succumbing to...quite formidable...temptation."

Hermione sighed in disappointment. Resigned, she said, "I understand. I may not like it, but I understand." Then she smiled gently at him before she added "I can't help it. You're just so sexy that it drives me mad."

Snape blinked. "Excuse me?"

Hermione grinned. "You. You're incredibly hot. You're even sexier when you're scary, do you know that?" Snape arched a disbelieving eyebrow. "In your long billowing robes, you go sweeping around, glaring balefully at people. You're very sexy when you're snarky." Her fingers marched up his chest to twine in the hair at the base of his skull. She pulled his head back, baring his throat, which she laved with her tongue, nibbling on his Adam's apple. "And that voice... Gods! I don't know how I'm going to get through the play without falling down, you make me so weak in the knees." Snape let out a strangled groan.

Hermione pushed against his shoulder, pressing him onto his back. The leg she had curled over his hip slid out of the way, coming to rest on her knee, so she had him pinned under her, straddling his hips. Her nightgown was bunched up around her thighs as she triumphantly sat up, looking down at his stunned expression. Smirking at him, she continued, "And have you any idea how delicious you look in green satin? Mmm... The moment I saw you standing on this bed, I had to have you." She leant down, her hair falling to curtain her face on both sides. She brought her lips to his ear, nibbling at it, smiling at his gasp, then wriggled her hips, grinding against him, feeling his hard cock between them. "I can tell that you want me too, Severus. No one would be any the wiser... Why even have that line that you say shouldn't be crossed? I've dreamt about you. I've fantasized about being with you. Haven't you? Don't you want to try the reality?" Hermione was riding the rush of hormones, high on the power she felt, knowing she had aroused him, feeling it hard and hot against her.

Snape felt her rocking against him and felt a flare of impatience that she would so quickly push the issue, and after he had just explained his position! He was hit with a burst of inspiration and acted immediately. He grabbed her upper arms and rolled, coming to rest over her, throwing one leg over hers, pinning her to the bed with the length of his body. She squeaked in surprise at the abrupt switch. Her eyes flew open wide as she gazed up at him, his face shadowed by his long dark locks tumbling about his cheeks. She could see his lips curling in a feral grin and felt a pang of dismay.

He pressed his bare chest against her, feeling her stiff nipples under her cotton nightgown, then nuzzled his nose against her ear, hearing her startled gasp. With a deft twist of his hips, he rocked against her cleft, grinding his cock on her. His breath was hot against her face as he purred, "You're right. Who cares?"

Hermione exhaled on a shuddering note as she felt one hand scrabbling down her side and over her thigh, yanking her nightgown higher. Hermione squirmed, and Snape pressed her harder into the mattress. Suddenly not quite so sanguine about her impending deflowering, Hermione grabbed at Snape's shoulders, trying to push him away. He claimed her mouth with a forceful kiss as his hand slid up her inner thigh and cupped her mound.

Snape had a moment's shock at how soaked her knickers were, but regained his composure quickly. He could sense the panic growing in Hermione and knew his plan was working. Breaking the kiss, he whispered against her ear again. "You want me? You can have me..."

But Hermione squeaked, "S-stop!" Snape instantly complied, but kept his hand where it was. Backing away to look her in the eyes, he saw the fear mixed with the desire, frustrated confusion whirling amongst them. He stared at her, immobile, until she calmed a bit, eyeing him warily.

"Do I scare you, Hermione?"

He could feel her heart racing under him, and could see her lips trembling. Her voice caught in her throat as she rasped, "N-no."

He narrowed his eyes at her and thinned his lips. Pointedly, he said, "But you said I was sexy when I was scary... The thing is, you don't strike me as particularly interested right now. Instead, you look petrified that I was about to take you."

Hermione closed her eyes in confusion. Her lips twisted and her brow furrowed. Snape could feel her shaky breaths and finally relented. Carefully, he removed his hand and lifted his body off her. He tenderly caressed her hair again, murmuring reassurances in her ear, kissing her face gently.

"Hermione, I would never hurt you. I swear. I'm sorry I scared you, but I think it made my point pretty effectively, don't you? That's a line we shouldn't cross, for a myriad of reasons..."

Hermione nodded, her eyes still closed, but tears managed to leak from under her lids. Snape crooned in empathy and kissed her tears away. Ashamed that he had made her cry, his voice broke as he tried to comfort her. "I'm sorry. Please don't cry. I'm so sorry..."

Hermione opened her eyes and looked up into his worried gaze. Sniffing, she took a deep breath and grazed her fingers along his cheekbone and over his lips. Snape ducked his head to kiss her fingertips. He grimaced as he said, "Please forgive me..."

Hermione gave him a watery smile as she said, "I already told you; I forgive you for anything you think you need forgiveness for." Then she sobered and added in a low voice, "I'm sorry I pushed you. I just have to learn to control myself. I do want you. Very much! But I'm afraid too. It's all so overwhelming..." She looked away. "I'll understand if you want me to leave now."

Snape turned her face toward his and gazed vehemently into her eyes. "No. I don't want you to leave me." He paused, then added in a barely audible whisper, "Ever."

Hermione felt like her heart was about to burst. Solemnly, she answered, "I won't." She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Snape returned the embrace for a moment, then he disentangled himself and sat up. He gazed warmly at Hermione.

"We can still get some sleep before we have to be up for the tour..."

Hermione sat up and smiled. "Do you snore?"

Snape affected outraged dignity and sneered at her. "Impudent baggage!" His sneer turned into a mischievous smirk and his eyes flashed dangerously as he agilely got to his hands and knees, ready to spring at her. Hermione laughed delightedly and spun off the bed, out of his reach. She whirled on him at the nightstand, flashing him a challenging grin as she turned off the lamp. Snape lunged after her as the room was plunged into darkness.

She shrieked as she spun away from his grasp. He growled as he chased her in the dark, his sharpened senses giving him a decided advantage. He could hear her breathless giggle and see her silhouette. Slinking noiselessly toward her, he pounced and grabbed her, securing her arms at her sides as she yelped in surprise. He growled in mock ferocity, "I've got you now..."

Hermione twisted in his arms to face him, sighing, "Yes, you do." Her lips sought his and caught him in a stealthy kiss. Snape relaxed his hold on her and her arms snaked up around his neck again. She pulled him as she stepped backwards. "Come to bed..."

She flung the covers back, pushing his robe out of the way. Then she crawled under the covers and settled herself on a pillow. She felt the bed move as Snape slipped in beside her, pulling the covers over them both. His arm draped across her and she wrapped her hands over his lean bicep. Snape inched closer and leant over her to kiss her. Ever practical, he drawled, "I suggest you set your infernal alarm. And make sure you set it early enough that you can make it back to your room before your parents might discover your defection."

Hermione giggled and rolled on her side to reach over and set the alarm for half an hour earlier than the one in her room. While she was on her side, she felt Snape mould himself behind her. His chest was flush against her back, and his legs bent under hers, as if she were sitting in his lap. One arm snaked up under her pillow and the other wrapped snugly around her middle, coming up between her breasts to rest his hand against her collarbone. His breath was warm against her neck after he pushed her curls above her head so they wouldn't tickle his nose. His chin rested on her shoulder, and he exhaled a long sigh of contentment. Hermione burrowed back against him, having never felt quite so comfortable, so warm and safe and protected.

She felt the vibration of his voice as he rumbled, "Mmm, you feel good."

Hermione smiled and chuckled. "So do you. This is nice."

Snape kissed the hollow behind her ear and murmured drowsily, "Good night, love."

Hermione froze. Galvanized by the endearment he let slip, she felt the quaking joy bubbling up in her heart and felt like crying again. She lay there, silently fighting for composure as she listened to his breathing slow into a steady rhythm. She was touched that he would surrender to sleep so quickly with her. He must trust her to let his guard down so easily.

Once again, Hermione lay awake in the dark, staring at the clock, but this time, her thoughts were much happier and enticing than the frustrating ones from earlier that night. Eventually, comforted by the warm body enveloping her and lulled by his slow, rhythmic breathing, she sank into a contented sleep, determined to have sweet dreams.