30- Correspondence

Standard Disclaimer goes here.

Chapter 30- Correspondence

Sunday morning, Hermione flopped onto the bench at the Gryffindor table across from Ron. "Morning, Ron."

He looked up at her and absently rippled his fingers in greeting as he mumbled, "Hey, 'Mione." His expression was thoughtful and he looked as if he hadn't slept well. Hermione rather thought she had an inkling of why.

"Everything all right?" Hermione gazed at him as she dished up some eggs. He blinked at her and frowned.

"Yeah, sure." He looked sharply at the doorway, scowling. Hermione reached across the table and laid a hand on Ron's arm. He jerked his eyes back to her. "What?"

Gently, Hermione said, "Ron, please don't be like this. You know it will just make everyone unhappy. Look, Ginny never really got over him, and she's been hoping to get back together for some time now. It's for the best, really. Now that he's got Ginny, he'll finally stop trailing after me. And we all know that's for the best too." Ron looked at her with mutinous eyes. Hermione sighed. "Please, Ron? Give them a chance. Let them make each other happy."

Ron scowled at his plate. "She's my baby sister!"

"Who is anything but a baby now. She's a young woman, Ron. She knows what she wants, and after all we've been through, she can handle it. She's not a child. None of us have been for a while now." Her voice was tinged with sadness for their lost childhoods. Ron made an impatient movement with his shoulders.

"It was weird the first time they were together, and it's weird now. He's my best friend. I love him, you know? But she's my sister. And I know that if anything bad happens, I'll be on her side, and that kills me!"

Hermione sighed in exasperation. "Why do you think something bad will happen? The war is over..."

Ron cut her off with a hiss. "I mean, if he hurts her, I'll have to hurt him!"

Rolling her eyes at his theatrics, Hermione leant forward. "Dear, I must remind you that if he hurts her, she'll be the one to hurt him, not you. Have you forgotten her hexing prowess? No? Well, neither has Harry, I guarantee it." She snorted. "They have a history, Ron. It's complicated, but it's theirs. Don't interfere. Please." She gazed at him eloquently and Ron finally sank in on himself. He nodded his capitulation and sulked.

After a moment of silence, he muttered, "I just can't believe he had the gall to come in so late last night after I'd already all but caught them in the common room." Hermione's eyebrows shot up.

Musingly, she murmured, "But, I caught them in the common room..."

Ron squinted at her and said, "What time? And how did you catch them?"

Hermione leant in again and whispered, "I had to use the Cloak and they were there when I came back. I just tossed the Cloak on... the couch and went to my room. I must have got back around 12:00 or so."

Ron scowled and growled, "He didn't come to bed until after 1:00. Gods, I don't even want to think about what they were doing... ugh!"

Hermione closed her eyes in sympathy and patted his arm ruefully. Ron shook himself and applied himself to his breakfast again, obviously determined to distract himself from that image. Hermione fought a smile and began spreading jam on her toast. She glanced up to the High Table, but Snape wasn't there yet. Well, it was early, so she wasn't too surprised.

She had pretty much finished her breakfast a while later, but she was dawdling, hoping to see Snape before she left. That was why she was still there when Harry and Ginny walked in together. They had been holding hands and smiling as they chatted, but when they saw Hermione and Ron at the table, they furtively dropped each other's hands and awkwardly approached the table, flushing uncomfortably.

Hermione, in a valiant effort to ease their feelings, smiled brightly at them and offered a cheerful "Morning, you two!" She was greeted by muttered, "Hi, 'Mione"s. Ron clenched his teeth and stiffly turned to them.

Harry sat by Ron and Ginny by Hermione. Both of them were warily glancing between the other two. Hermione lightly said, "So, did I see you two holding hands on the way in?" Ron's jaw line throbbed and he stared at his plate stoically. Ginny and Harry turned uncertain expressions on Hermione. She smiled reassuringly and added, "I hope so. You two really fit well together." She tried to ignore the furtive glance they exchanged that resulted in renewed blushing.

Ginny looked at Harry inquiringly and he bravely retorted, "Uh, yeah. We were. Um, we're... together again." He shot Ginny a soft look and a lopsided smile. She relaxed and smiled back, before glancing at her obviously uncomfortable brother and sobering again. Harry sat tensely beside Ron.

Pointedly, Hermione said, "That's wonderful! Isn't it, Ron? Aren't you glad that two people you care so much about are happy?" She eyed him sternly. He rolled his eyes petulantly and huffed.

Finally, he ground out, "Yeah. It's spiffing." Ginny rolled her eyes at Ron, but cast a grateful gaze at Hermione. Hermione nodded and squeezed Ginny's arm under the table.

They all sat, frozen, for several long moments. Finally, Hermione ventured, "So, are you all going to practice Quidditch today, since yesterday was busy?"

The other three slowly began to discuss the merits of the idea, and Hermione fell back into the background as usual, relieved that they were at least talking. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a flash of black. She turned her head to see Snape stalking to his seat at the High Table. He sat and began serving himself from the platters before him. After a moment, he looked up and saw Hermione watching him. She saw the faintest ripple of acknowledgement cross his face before she saw an odd succession of expressions that she didn't quite understand.

His eyes had widened a bit, before narrowing again. His shoulders tensed and his lips thinned. She could see his breathing get faster and shallower. Then, a faint flush of colour stole over his cheeks, and he shook his hair forward almost sheepishly. But, it was when he averted his gaze and blinked rapidly that Hermione was really confused.

What was that all about? Puzzled, she reached for the teapot and began making her "tonic." Snape furtively glanced up again and saw it. The tension in his shoulders drained away, and he took a deep breath, regaining his composure. Offering him a tiny smile, she took the first sip of her tea, as he was hastening to prepare his cup. After they had both partaken of their brews, she sighed and realized she should get started on her work. She stood, noting that the other three were apparently back to normal, animatedly talking about Quidditch, and tossed them a, "See you all later."

They all turned to say goodbye, but Ginny jumped to her feet and followed Hermione quickly. Casting a glance over her shoulder at the boys who were watching them, Ginny whispered, "We're going to wait till Tuesday evening's practice after all, and I was wondering if you'd be around later. I'd kind of like to talk to you, if you don't mind." Her bright brown eyes begged silently. Hermione smiled and nodded.

"Sure, just come by whenever. I'll probably be studying in my room today." Ginny squeezed Hermione's arm gratefully and flew back to the table, jumping back into the conversation. Hermione glanced one last time at the High Table and was startled to see Snape staring oddly at Ginny. He suddenly flicked his eyes toward Hermione and started, looking... guilty? Snape averted his gaze and seemed absorbed in his breakfast, making Hermione look around hurriedly, afraid someone had seen them looking at each other. She didn't see anyone staring at her, so she made her way out of the Hall and back to her room, wondering why Snape had seemed so...odd.

******* ***************

Later that day, Hermione was interrupted in her studies by a knock at her door. She opened it to find Ginny standing there, full of pent-up nervous energy. "Hi, Gin. Come on in." The younger girl stood awkwardly until Hermione sat cross-legged on her bed, her back against the headboard. Ginny glanced at the armchair at the foot of the bed, but shook her head. She bounced onto the end of the bed, tucking her feet under her, facing Hermione. The two girls stared at each other silently.

Finally, Ginny said, "Thanks."

Quietly, Hermione asked, "For what?"

Ginny grimaced and looked about the room, flushing, "Oh, you know. For last night. And for this morning. And, well, just for helping. I know you talked to Ron... Oh, bugger, 'Mione... thank you for not wanting Harry! If you had, I'd never have got him back." She looked at Hermione, both defiant and ashamed. "Are you really okay with it? I mean, really?" Hermione could see the girl steeling herself for the worst.

Laughing, she said, "Ginny! I think it's wonderful! And I hope Harry realizes what a great thing he's got this time and doesn't cock things up again." She smiled at the abject relief in Ginny's eyes.

Ginny chewed her lip and murmured, "We... we were... together again... last night." She glanced up at Hermione and her eyes glowed with remembered joy. "It was better than I remembered!" Hermione looked away, slightly embarrassed. Ginny leant forward. "'Mione, I wanted him so much. And he wanted me again! It was incredible. I can't tell you how perfect it was, being with him like that..." Hermione suddenly felt all of her inexperience weighing on her. She felt left out. Glancing up again, she saw the rapt light in Ginny's eyes being drowned by tears. Concerned, she reached out and gripped Ginny's hand.

"Gin? You okay?"

Ginny sniffed and smiled. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she said, "I'm great! I've never been better. Gods, I know now... I love him, 'Mione. I really love him." She sniffed again, gazing at Hermione in delighted wonder. Hermione smiled back.

She scooted closer to Ginny and hugged her friend, murmuring, "I understand. I know how you feel. It is amazing..."

Ginny pulled back and blinked at Hermione in confusion. "You know? Are you in love with him? I thought you said you weren't..."

Hermione's brows shot up and she hastened to reassure Ginny. "No! No, I'm not in love with Harry. He's all yours, and may all happiness be yours..."

Still unconvinced, Ginny cut her off, "Then how do you know? How can you understand?" Hermione looked away, flushing. She backed away from Ginny and began rooting around for a handkerchief to give her. Ginny tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. "Who are you in love with?"

Hermione jumped and turned her back on Ginny, making a show of searching for a handkerchief. "Nobody! I just meant that I can imagine how you must feel, and I'm happy for you." She turned and thrust a clean hankie at Ginny. Desperate to change the subject, she eyed the redhead sternly and said, "However, I cannot condone you two getting busy in the common room! What if a first year had walked in? Or Ron? What if he had come back down while you two were practically wearing each other?"

Immediately distracted by the need to defend herself, Ginny retorted, "You're the one who covered us with the Cloak!"

Hermione added, "But that doesn't stop sound, and it could easily have moved off you!"

Ginny tossed her head and glared at Hermione. "Well, for your information, we didn't do it there in the common room anyway. We're not completely stupid! We used the Cloak to find somewhere more... private." She lifted her chin and eyed Hermione pointedly.

Hermione's eyes widened. "You were out after curfew?"

Ginny smirked and drawled, "Spare me the Head Girl tirade, 'Mione, or need I remind you that you were the one coming in from your little jaunt after hours?"

Hotly, Hermione spat, "But I wasn't off having sex!" She gasped at the thought of sneaking to Snape's quarters to seduce him. She so stunned herself that she almost missed Ginny's vehement retort.

"It wasn't just sex! I love him! We were making love! There's a difference, you know!" Tears glistened in Ginny's eyes as Hermione blinked at her blankly.

Hermione crossed to her friend and sat gently by her, laying an apologetic hand on her arm. Chastened, she said, "I know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way. I just don't want you lot to get in trouble. After everything that we've all been through, it would be criminal for you two to get expelled now for shagging, of all things!"

Ginny calmed down and sniffed again, nodding. Impulsively, she hugged Hermione and whispered, "I'm sorry I yelled at you. I know you're just trying to be a good friend. I promise we'll be careful."

Hermione pulled back, her brow creased with worry. "Ginny! Speaking of careful, please tell me you took precautions and you can't get pregnant!"

Ginny grinned and mused, "You know, Harry asked the same thing. Isn't he wonderful? It's okay. I've been on the weekly potion since the first time we were together." Hermione exhaled gustily in relief.

"Oh, thank Merlin..."

Ginny snorted. "Come on, 'Mione. Give me some credit. I'm not a little girl." She smirked at her.

Hermione quirked one corner of her mouth at Ginny and said ruefully, "Funny, that's just what I said to Ron this morning." Both girls laughed, and harmony was restored. Ginny stood.

"Thanks for everything. I'll let you get back to it. Um, can I talk to you about things? You know, if I need someone to talk to? I mean, you know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

Hermione smiled and nodded. "Of course. But, please don't be offended if I don't want to hear the gory details."

Ginny laughed and waggled her eyebrows at Hermione. "Fine. But don't be offended if you get with someone and I do want to hear the gory details!" Hermione affected a look of outraged dignity and Ginny snorted. "I'll see you later."

Hermione watched Ginny leaving and called out "Bye!" as the door shut behind her.

Wearily, Hermione sank into her desk chair and heaved a deep sigh. Mercy! I can't believe how close she got to finding out that something's up! She ran a hand over her face and through her hair. I hope she'll get distracted enough now that she won't be so damned keen on everything! Silently sending a kiss to Snape, Hermione bent back over her desk, getting back to work.

*********** ***********

Monday morning, Hermione got some responses from some of the photo shops she had contacted. Ginny eyed her interestedly again, saying, "So, are you going to be getting mail all the time now?"

Hermione just shrugged and said, "I told you I'm working on some stuff for Christmas. So, unless you want me to forget about giving you anything, I'd advise you to stop bugging me about it!" She cast an aggrieved look at her friend, seeing the other girl wrinkle her nose and stick her tongue out at her. Hermione snorted and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, that's the way to convince us of your maturity..." Ginny made another face at her, and they both laughed.

******* ********************

Tuesday morning, Hermione was pleased when an owl dropped a package from Fred and George on her breakfast plate. Gingerly wiping fried potatoes off the package, she smiled that Slytherin smile again.

Perfect! Opening the package, she read the note included and shook her head fondly at the twins.

"Hermione,

As for discretion... You wound us! Having to mention it? Really, Hermione, have you met us? We're the poster children for discretion! How long did we keep our business a secret from Mum? And that's saying something, since she's so blasted suspicious. Thestrals couldn't drag it out of us, honest! There, having reminded you of our utter trustworthiness, we'll leave off with a wish for you all to have a Happy Christmas, and, any time you want to send any business our way, feel free! Thanks for your order.

Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes"

Hermione hurriedly stuffed the package in her bag. A frisson of anticipation ran through her as she thought about writing letters to Snape. Inordinately pleased with her stop-gap solution, she went about her business that day with a bounce in her step.

*********** **********

That night, she secluded herself in her room to write her first letter to Snape. She dug out the package and read the instructions that came with the ink.

"Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes' Disappearing Ink is specially created for ease of use. What good is it to write something with ink that disappears while you're still writing? Once you've cast Aparecium on our competitor's ink, it's revealed for good.

Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes has taken that problem into consideration and has come up with an ingenious solution. Write with our ink, finish what you're writing, and then simply tap the page with your wand and say Celo. Instantly, the page looks blank! Your correspondence is completely safe from prying eyes until the counterspell is cast. To reveal the hidden ink, again tap the page with your wand and say Aperio. Everything will instantly reappear! The added benefit of Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes' Disappearing Ink is that the spells can be used more than once. So, you can write, conceal that writing, reveal it, and then conceal it again to keep it safe.

Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes sincerely hopes you find our product to your liking. We offer a complete 100% satisfaction guarantee. If ever you are dissatisfied with a Wizarding Wheeze product, send it back for a full refund. We are confident that you will enjoy your purchases, and hope to do business with you in the future. Thank you for your patronage."

Hermione chuckled to herself and began writing, humming happily under her breath. It seemed that her Potions homework just might have some extra parchment along with it when she turned it in the next morning.

********** ***********

Hermione struggled to hold in the grin that kept threatening to erupt on her lips as she entered Potions Wednesday morning. She waited stoically until Snape had given the class instructions and everyone moved to gather ingredients and turn in their homework. Discreetly letting others ahead of her, she stepped up to his desk and paused after she deposited her homework parchment on the stack.

Snape, of course, was completely aware of Hermione's presence, even though he was managing to not watch her. As she stepped up to his desk, he involuntarily inhaled deeply, trying to breathe her in. When he noticed that she hadn't moved away after turning in her homework, he glanced up, his scowl in place, puzzled. In an icy tone, he drawled, "What is it, Miss Granger? Why are you standing here instead of following my instructions?" His black eyes held hers questioningly and he could sense her suppressed excitement.

In a properly polite voice, Hermione spoke, holding out a small box that held a bottle of ink and a folded paper. "Sir, I wanted to thank you again for lending me your ink when mine ran out. I would like to repay you for your kindness. Please allow me to replace the bottle I used. This is for you, sir." She cast her eyes down, the model of submission, but after her little speech, she looked up and sent him the tiniest of winks.

Snape's brows rose in surprise. Blankly, he stared at the box. He was perplexed, but he knew, especially after that wink, that he should accept the ink. He still felt a pang of guilt about what he had done to her ink, but he quickly masked it. Slowly reaching to take it from her, he murmured, "Very well, Miss Granger. I must say that I am surprised that you managed to display the common courtesy of restitution. Perhaps there is a modicum of hope for the manners of your generation." He rolled his eyes scathingly and Hermione ducked her head again, hiding her dancing eyes.

Bobbing a curtsey, she said, "Yes, sir. Thank you." Then, she spun and proceeded to gather her ingredients for the day. Snape opened a drawer and placed the box of ink in it. But, before he closed the drawer, he unfolded the paper, reading the instructions on how to use the ink.

Disappearing ink? What the blazes... Snape's brow furrowed. He glanced up through his hair to watch Hermione beginning her work. A small, rather smug smile was hovering on her lips. She suddenly looked up and caught him peering at her. One corner of her mouth quirked up higher and one eyebrow twitched at him meaningfully. She inclined her head in the slightest of nods. Snape looked back down at the instructions. His eyes widened in astonishment as a surge swept through him.

That little minx! Oh, she's clever... He closed the drawer thoughtfully and gazed at the stack of homework. Sour sneer firmly in place, he gathered the stack and dragged it in front of him. He saw Hermione pause and glance up, tense with anticipation. He began thumbing through them, matching up each assignment with each student in class. As he came to Hermione's, he noticed that it was even thicker than usual. Pulling it from the stack, he flipped through it, noting that there were several blank pages at the end. Shaking his head at her audacity, he took that moment to begin a trek through the room, checking progress. He saw Hermione shrink in on herself in disappointment. As he passed her, he paused and said silkily, "Focus, Miss Granger. Don't let your distraction lose points for Gryffindor."

Hermione nodded and set her teeth in determination. Snape glided away, but cast a glance back at her, satisfied that she was working with her usual precision and grace. After a few acid, barked comments, some lost House points, and several aggrieved sighs, he made his way back to his desk, where he sank into his seat languidly. He was pleased to note that Hermione was no longer watching him, but was instead absorbed in her task. Covertly, he pulled his wand out and barely intoned, "Aperio," as he tapped the parchment. Hermione's clear, crisp handwriting filled the page with a suddenness that made him start in alarm. Hastily, he tapped it again and muttered, "Celo." Instantly, the page was blank. He exhaled in relief and appreciation of her subterfuge. He gazed about the room again, looking for distracted students, before he turned his attention back to the page. Furtively whispering "Aperio" again, he rocked back in his seat, tingles of feelings threading through him as he read the first words in amazement.

"Severus my love,"

He glanced up at Hermione, his chest and throat tightening. A love letter? He had never in his life received a love letter! He felt a suspicious prickling in his eyes and blinked furiously. Deliberately rebuilding his composure, he looked back at his first love letter in cautious wonder. As he read, he continually flicked his eyes between the page and the class, hyper-paranoid that he would somehow be caught.

"It's so hard to just look at you and not be able to talk to you or be close to you! Just like last Saturday, when I left dinner early, I couldn't tell you why, and I wanted to so badly. But, I guess it's a good thing after all, since that's what gave me the idea to get this ink so I could at least write to you. It may gall you to believe it, but Fred and George are good for something!"

He glanced at Hermione, who was working, chewing her lower lip, and snorted disdainfully. He swept the room once again before dropping his gaze back to the letter.

"I can just hear you snorting now."

Snape's surprise was betrayed by a slight jump. His eyes widened dazedly and he sent a rather aggrieved glare at the oblivious Hermione before he continued reading.

"And I can picture that eyebrow arching too. Mmm, I love that eyebrow. Like I said before, you're sexy when you're snarky."

Snape consciously lowered his eyebrow, piqued that she had him so pegged. Then, he blinked rapidly, assimilating the fact that she had just written that he was "sexy when he's snarky"! He felt his lip curl in scathing denial, but he stopped as he realized that was precisely what she was talking about! He felt his palms start to sweat and his pulse increase in his unease about reacting exactly how she thought he would. Trying to fight his natural impulses, just to prove her wrong...she was right when she said he "so liked to have the upper hand"...he kept reading.

"I can't wait until rehearsal Friday. More importantly, I can't wait until I get to come to your quarters to do your hair. I really miss you."

He paused, inhaling against the constriction in his throat. He eyed her through his hair, silently answering her. Gods, Hermione, I miss you as well. He held back the indulgent smile that wanted to surface and turned back to the letter.

"I have a confession to make... I kept the nightgown I wore the night we were together to sleep with it under my pillow. It smells like you, and I love it. I just think about being close to you, and how perfect it felt when you were wrapped around me, and... it does things to me. I feel that tingle deep inside, and I relive our liaison in that alley."

Snape closed his eyes at the memory. He felt the heat building in his loins. His nostrils flared as he remembered her scent, her warmth, her softness, her taste, the sound of her voice as she reached orgasm under his hands. He stifled a groan at the tight pinching of his trousers against his now throbbing cock. Swallowing against a suddenly dry throat, his eyes opened and returned inexorably to the letter.

"I don't think you fully comprehend just how eagerly I am anticipating finishing school! Mmm, I can just picture the intensity in those incredible black eyes of yours. You make me feel so good... and I can't wait until you can make me feel that kind of good again."

Snape felt his breathing go shallow and he glanced at Hermione, his eyes blazing. Shaking her head a bit, she glanced up at him and gasped at his expression. They locked eyes, and Hermione felt her knickers get drenched as she shuddered under his fiery gaze. Hermione licked her lips and took a deep breath as she vainly tried to focus on her work again. Snape smirked as he watched the flush creep up her neck to suffuse her cheeks. Shifting against the uncomfortable tightness of his trousers, he looked down again at the letter.

"You know, I'll bet you've got the wickedest little smile on those talented lips of yours right now. Gods, I want to feel them again!"

His smirk vanished. Scowling that she again had gauged his reaction so well, he had to reread the second sentence before he comprehended the meaning. Then, he felt another surge of sensation and he unconsciously licked his lips. He wanted to oblige her desire to feel his lips, sweet Merlin, how much he wanted to do that...

"You must be so smug that you've got me so completely under your spell... Gee, I can just hear my mum now, 'Oh! Under your spell! How ironic!'"

He snorted again and shook his head, rolling his eyes at the unfortunately true absurdity of it.

"Don't roll your eyes, dearest...it isn't dignified."

Finally, he huffed and rocked back again in his seat, crossing his arms, annoyed. Damn her anyway! How did the little minx get in his head so easily? Because you want her there? Oh. Well. There is that. He watched Hermione again, pensively. She looked up periodically and flashed him tentative smiles. She didn't quite know what to make of his speculative gaze, but she kept her mind on her task as best she could, knowing he would be quick to chastise her otherwise. Eventually, Snape turned his attention back to her letter.

"I wonder when you'll read this. Are you at your desk in class? Are you in your office? Or are you lounging in front of your fire?

Have I told you how much I love your quarters? You really have quite elegant taste. Those tapestries are beautiful. I'd love to sit across from you in one of those comfy chairs and just enjoy the silence with you, reading one of your innumerable rare books. It would be so comforting to look up and see you, those long legs propped up on an ottoman, your hair shadowing your face in the glow from the fire, and those amazing fingers caressing the fragile pages."

He took a deep breath and sighed. His mind wandered over the images she had created. The tranquil domesticity was enticingly attractive after his life of tense intrigue and espionage. Just like that time when she had made his tea and they had sat together so comfortably. Was that really how this all began? he mused. His face was almost peaceful as he thought about spending time with Hermione like that. His lips not quite smiling, but definitely relaxed, he read more.

"Oh my... those fingers! Just... wow. I remember the feel of them yet! Gods, you've got me squirming here..."

Suddenly, the erection in his lap gave a vehement jump. All thoughts of tame, domestic joys were quashed by thoughts of intimate, sensual delights. The very fingers she talked of gave an involuntary twitch along the parchment.

"I had no idea I could feel like this. It's hard to believe that it's been barely one short month since I realized my feelings for you. I'm going to have to send a thank you to the Ministry..."

The force of his love for her felt as if it would burst from his chest. He clenched his jaw to hold in the indulgent smile that threatened to appear, especially since he had echoed her sentiment previously. Indeed. This time, the Ministry did something good for a change... His eyes sparked with amusement as he looked back at the parchment.

"I can't wait for rehearsal. Of course, we'll have to do our best to tamp down our feelings, with Dumbledore right there."

His amusement dissipated quickly at the sobering thought of the headmaster figuring out what was between them. He closed his eyes tightly and summoned his inner discipline, willing his inopportune erection away. As he regained control over his body, he swept an inscrutable gaze around the room again. Sternly reminding himself to stay disciplined, he returned to the letter.

"But, no matter what the situation is that calls for it, I will always welcome the chance to be near you, especially if you can touch me. Do you feel the tingle and spark when we touch? It sings through me."

So much for control. An answering flash of sensation washed over him, revitalizing his erection and obliterating his meticulous façade of self-control.

"And I love the way I can feel you looking at me. How else could I have known where you were hiding in the Hall at rehearsal, or known you were watching me from the dungeon stairs when I was talking to Ginny?"

He shook his head in wonder. I remember that! It was strange. She's just full of surprises...

"I've never felt anything like it before, and I can't help but think it must be something special. Then again, I think you're something special, so it must come with the territory."

Snape sat back and closed his eyes. His fierce affection for her was fraught with the sickening fear that she would leave when she found out he wasn't anything special after all. Fighting down the panic that rose at the thought of being without her, he swallowed and doggedly read on.

"Stop it. I know you're doubting me. Just stop it! I can just see you getting all grim again, not believing the way I feel about you."

He shot a piercing glance at her, unnerved by her ability to read him, even before he had the chance to react! Feeling the small hairs on the back of his neck stand up, he warily looked back to the letter.

"I love you. All of you. I know you have done things in the past that you're not proud of, and that's okay. It's in the past, and you're a different person now. Like I've said before, I forgive you everything. You made the right decisions when they counted, and that speaks volumes about who you are. I've always respected you, but now, I admire you more than ever, and I love you in a way I have never felt before. I don't want it ever to end, Severus. I can only hope you feel the same..."

Goose flesh rose along his body, joining the hairs on the back of his neck at attention. He felt like he couldn't breathe. Once again, he was reeling on a precipice, ready to tip forward and drown in the love and affection he felt both for and from Hermione. His soul screamed his devotion. I do feel the same, my love! I've never felt like this before either. I hope it never ends. I don't know what I would do if you left me... He screwed his eyes shut in pain at the thought and sighed deeply. Swallowing against the lump in his throat, he continued reading.

"I had no idea I could feel this happy. I just want to yell and laugh with joy, and tell the world I love you. The only thing keeping me from perfect contentment is that we have to keep us a secret and I can't be with you like I so want to be."

It was like a balm to soothe his soul. To think that he, the black-hearted bat of the dungeons could make someone happy...

"And I do want to be with you, Severus. I think about it far too much. It's quite distracting to find oneself going about with damp knickers all the time..."

Snape nearly choked at the electric jolt in his groin. The fervent desire to experience Hermione in the most intimate way possible throbbed in his veins.

"Ooo, I think I heard that sharp inhalation, my love. You like that idea, don't you? I do. Shall I share something with you? Hmm, I think I will..."

Snape tore his gaze away from the parchment to stare incredulously at Hermione. Good gods! I can't believe her! Merlin, help me, what is she going to say now?

"I know I already told you how much I like your quarters, but I hadn't yet mentioned how divine I think that rug you have before the hearth is. It looks so rich and soft and luxurious. Just the sort of thing I'd love to feel against my skin as you press me to the floor with the weight of your body covering mine..."

Snape cradled his head in his hands and stifled a groan. He could hear the roar of his blood rushing in his ears. Erotic images flashed against his closed eyelids. It was a torment of the best kind. Steeling himself, he repeatedly took calm, steadying breaths, until he was at least at a point where he wasn't about to launch himself across his desk to snatch her up and deflower her right there in front of the rest of the Advanced Potions class. Practically mesmerized, he was drawn back to the letter.

"What's wrong, beloved? Is your throat dry? Mmm, that's what comes from such panting, you know. I wish I were there to find out whether or not you want me right now. I know just how to check... If I pressed my body against yours, would I find something hot and hard between us? Every time I've felt that, it's sent shocks of pleasure through me. You make me want you more and more."

Violently propelling himself away from the desk, Snape agitatedly ran a hand through his lank black locks. He glowered at the swift, apprehensive glances the students cast his way at the noise. Hermione glanced up, and her brown eyes glinted with a knowing look. She tilted her head forward again, but peeked up at Snape through her lashes as she continued working.

Snape was breathing raggedly, and he was discreetly trying to adjust his painfully pinched cock under cover of his desk. Desperately, he glared around the classroom, until his erection subsided enough for him to circulate again. He avoided looking at the parchment again, almost afraid of what else she may have included. As he stood to begin his circuit of the room, he furtively tapped the letter and uttered, "Celo." Heaving a relieved sigh as the writing disappeared, he stepped off the dais and glared at Hermione. Studiously keeping her expression blank, Hermione crowed with delight to herself at the success of her plan.

A while later, Snape arrived back at his desk. Curtly reminding the class of the time remaining, he gracefully sank into his seat, scanning the room again. He toyed with the idea of reading more of the letter, but he realized it was likely a dangerous prospect, given the turn Hermione's writing had taken. Idly, he stacked the other homework with it and stalked to his office, leaving them on his desk there. He spent the rest of the class period lightly drumming one hand's fingers on the desk while resting his chin in his other hand, apparently lost in thought. Finally, as the period ended, and the students were cleaning their stations and turning in their samples, he swept to his office door, glaring from that vantage point.

Hermione was surprised that he had vacated his desk like that, but as she glanced at his agitated expression, she smothered a smirk that he might be eager to get out of there to finish reading her letter. I wonder how far he got... Acceding to his supposed wishes, she briskly gathered her things and exited the classroom with the rest of the students, not even attempting to remain behind to talk to him. Snape watched her leave with a mixture of feelings. As the room emptied, the foremost one was relief, and he locked the door and retreated to his office. Eagerly grabbing her letter, he distractedly strode through his office, through his lab, and into his quarters.

As soon as he saw the alpaca rug before the hearth, he groaned and felt his cock throb again. Feverishly, he dropped onto his favourite chair and revealed the writing again. His aching cock twitched as he read the next words.

"I want to explore you. I want to learn the details of your flesh, the secrets of your body. I want to know what will drive you mad with desire, and what will quell the hunger I create. I want to memorize every contour of your muscles, feeling them flex and twitch under my touch. I want to turn you into a shuddering bundle of nerves, until you can't bear it any longer and you snap, exploding with passion and taking me to dizzying heights of rapture!"

Snape's head rolled back and he exhaled harshly, his need growing along with his desire. Gazing ruefully at the dark stone ceiling, he thought, Bloody hell! Have mercy! Reaching within his robes to adjust his straining cock, he closed his eyes and hissed at the jolt of pleasure he evoked.

"Are you all right, love? Have you a problem, the solution for which you may need to take matters into your own hands?"

His hand was still resting on the bulge in his trousers and his eyes narrowed. Bloody teasing minx! That's cold...

"Don't glare at me like that, Severus; it wouldn't do if your face got stuck that way."

His lip curled in a mocking gesture and he rolled his eyes, his hand squeezing and stroking against his confined erection.

"I have to say... I've found myself in the same predicament as you many times over. The only way I've managed to keep from throwing myself at you in front of everyone is to... take matters into my own hands. Let's just say that my evening baths have become much more relaxing, in a different way, and that it's a good thing the house-elves who change the bedding are discreet."

His eyes closed involuntarily. The images of Hermione pleasuring herself in the bath and in her bed flooded his mind, and his stroking became more urgent. Knowing that she was aroused like that, because of him, and that she succumbed to the need as well served to heighten his arousal such that he found himself coming, crying out in surprise and relief. The wet warmth spread through his trousers and he came down from the peak of his lust, rueful that he had just shot in his pants like a randy teenager. Sheepishly casting a cleansing charm on himself and his clothes, he slowed his laboured breathing and hoped his face wasn't flushed from his unexpected activity. Noticing that he only had about ten minutes before his next class arrived, he turned his attention back to her letter, hoping he could finish it before he went back to the classroom.

"Mmm, that makes me wonder about your bedding. That's the one room I haven't seen in your quarters. Will I get to see it, dear? When? Is it too much of a temptation to let me in there now?"

He snorted. Damn right it's too much of a temptation!

"I wish I knew what it looked like, so I could picture you in bed. You're so peaceful when you sleep. Did you know that? I want to be able to imagine you in those delicious satin trousers, sprawled in a comfortable bed, sleeping soundly, those long locks spread across the pillow, the lines of strain and worry in your face smoothed away. And I'd love to picture myself there with you, curled up beside you, blissfully watching you sleep. I want to see you wake up. I want to see those deep black eyes open and find me smiling at you."

He found himself smiling at the wonderful thought of doing exactly as she said.

"I want to see your normally stern face transform into that delightful smile you have. You really should smile more, dearest. It's truly charming."

Embarrassed, he tried to wipe the grin off his face at her compliment, but couldn't. Instead, he felt heat rising to his cheeks as he grinned like an idiot, and barrelled on.

"Gods! I hate having to be patient! How ever did you manage all you did over the years? You must have more patience than I could ever dream of having. That, and self-control. I am in awe of your self-control. I know you're brave enough to be a Gryffindor...oh, stop grimacing!...but your ability to think under pressure and consider all the angles is distinctly Slytherin."

He huffed in dark amusement at her interjection, reflecting that she was right to think he'd be insulted to be compared with a Gryffindor. Smirking in unconscious pride at her appreciation of his Slytherin talents, he thought, Patience is a virtue, and it's pretty much the only one I have, love. I thought it best to refine it and perfect it over the long, hard years. Be glad you never had to suffer the circumstances that necessitated such persistence... His face drooped almost sadly and he read on.

"Perhaps I need some tutelage in the wily ways of the snake from the best of the lot. What do you think, my love? Can you help me learn to be more methodical and... calculating? I think it would serve us in good stead in our current situation."

Unexpectedly, Snape threw his head back and laughed aloud. Still shaking with chuckles, he mused, Oh, my dear, I would love to teach you the ways of the snake, but I doubt it's the same snake you mean! He snorted and regained his composure, only a faint smirk lingering on his lips. You're on the right track... a letter such as this is worthy of a Slytherin, you tease. He pressed on.

"Oh, I suppose I should tell you: I'm almost certain that we won't have to worry about Harry any longer. And, unless I miss my guess, I think Ginny will be rather less interested in our doings as well. In case you hadn't noticed, it seems they are back together."

Snape's jaw clenched, and he felt an uncomfortable heat staining his cheeks. Swallowing nervously, he thought, Trust me on this one: I noticed. He shook himself to stop replaying the scene in his mind.

"Frankly, I'm relieved. It's better for everyone involved that way. He stops chasing me, she stops chasing him, they keep each other occupied and don't notice us! I'm glad. They do make such a cute couple. And she's really besotted with him. Hopefully, he'll realize what he has this time and won't be so stupid as to throw it away again."

Snape sighed and rolled his eyes. Spare me! I couldn't care less about the Potter brat and his love interest! And I can't stand anything "cute"! Really, Hermione, what a way to spoil the mood...

"I know, you really don't want to hear about it. But, since it did have some bearing on us, I thought I'd clue you in. Fine, from here on out, unless it has something to do with us, I won't mention The-Boy-Who-Gets-On-Your-Last-Nerve again."

Instantly, Snape's characteristic glare surfaced and he thought acidly, Oh, really? Wouldn't that be a boon?

"There goes that eyebrow again! Oh, Severus, I love you, even with all your grim snarkiness! I suppose I should end this letter. I'm sorry to inflict...what was it you called it? Oh, yes, 'the Granger extra'...on you. But, you had better get used to it, because until we have a better way of keeping in contact, this is it. However, if you have any brilliant ideas about how I can get letters to you outside of Potions class, I'm all ears. I wouldn't want to draw suspicion by handing you parchments just anywhere or anytime. I suppose I can always give you a letter when I come to do your hair before rehearsals, but I'll be able to actually talk to you then, so they're not as vitally important at that point. At any rate, I miss you terribly, and I love you more than I can adequately explain!

Yours, Hermione"

Snape's expression softened as he read the last of the letter. He recognized the need to come up with something to discreetly exchange letters. But, as one part of his brilliant mind began pondering that point, another part was focusing on how amazing Hermione was. It didn't take much to see that he was likely as besotted with Hermione as Potter was with the Weasley girl. His gaze lingered on her sign-off. She signed it "Yours." She's mine. She wants to be mine. I can't believe my good fortune. Merlin, what kind of karmic debt will I have to repay for her wanting me? Please, clue me in now, you gods, so I can get started right away! I don't want to take any chances to lose her. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me... His fervent gratitude was evident as he glanced back at the letter.

"p.s. Hmm, I think I may go take a bath now... Wouldn't it be nice if you were here to join me?"

Once again, a rush of heat flashed through him and incited a raging desire, noticeable in his lap. He glared at Hermione, railing at her in his head. Again with the teasing! That girl is behaving like quite the hussy. Well, we'll just have to see what can be done about that...

"p.p.s. Keep scowling like that, beloved, and I'll just have to kiss it away..."

Snape closed his eyes. That was it. The letter was finished. He felt a sort of let down, having finally reached the end. Then, his delight at receiving his first love letter resurfaced, and he relaxed in his chair, smiling contentedly. Noting that his next class was about to arrive, he stood and crossed into his bedroom. Gently caressing his fingers down the parchment, he tapped it with his wand and murmured "Celo." Glancing about surreptitiously...even though he was in his own room, it was force of habit...he tucked the letter under his pillow, smoothing the covers back over the pillow. Heaving a regretful sigh, he turned and strode briskly back through to his classroom, unlocking the door with his wand and preparing for the influx of students.

His students the rest of that day were cautiously surprised at the lack of usual Snape orneriness. He still deducted House points and flayed students with his sarcastic comments, but everything was delivered with a distinct decrease in venom. He seemed rather bemused, lost in thought, as he roamed the classroom or sat staring from his desk. Had anyone been looking, they might have keeled over at the smile that crept across his face as he opened a drawer and looked at the bottle of ink so innocuously nestled in the box Hermione had given him.

Shoulders actually shaking with suppressed wicked mirth, he traced his mouth with one long finger and thought, Turnabout is fair play, my love. You may have exhibited some distinctly Slytherin tendencies, but you are no match for me...

When his classes for the day were over, he eagerly caught up the bottle of ink and retreated to his quarters, intent on penning a letter to Hermione that would visit upon her twofold what he suffered at her hands that day.