36- Alone At Last

Standard Disclaimer goes here as always.

Author's Note: Check my Livejournal at http://www.livejournal.com/users/pern_dragon/ for updates on the status of this story. Humble gratitude goes out to Ladyofthemasque who spent hours of her time betaing and lovingly tweaking this chapter with me. And thanks to Horserider, SnivellusSnape, Laela, and yutamiyu for their continued support! And you readers and reviewers rock my world!!! *fangirls the readers and reviewers* LOL Hope you enjoy this very citrusy chapter! :)

Chapter 36- Alone At Last

Even though she rapped fairly gently, the noise seemed echoingly loud to her hyper-sensitive ears. Worried that Snape might not have been able to hear that, she lifted her hand to knock again, but was startled by the door opening a crack. One suspicious black eye peered out through the narrow opening. Hermione breathed, "Severus."

At that, the visible eye widened and Snape whipped the door open wide, stepping out of the way for Hermione to scramble inside. As he felt her brush past him, he poked his head out the door and scanned the corridor, satisfied that it was empty. Swiftly, he shut the door again and spun, leaning against it. Hermione's head was visible, floating in midair. Ever paranoid, Snape jerked his chin at her and hissed, "Put it back on. Anyone could see you from the hearth if they Floo called. Come, follow me." He extended a hand to her and gestured toward the first door on the left. Hermione hastily pulled the hood back over her head and followed behind him.

Snape opened the door and stepped back, allowing Hermione to enter first. She stepped through, and almost immediately stopped. Snape nearly knocked her over running into her invisible form from behind. With a startled oath, he scrabbled to catch her and help her keep her balance. Out of the ether, her head appeared again, turning wide eyes to him. He could see the anxiety in her eyes as she licked her lips and swallowed at the sight of his bedroom.

Waves of conflicting emotions cascaded over Hermione. She was finally in his bedroom, and her attention was invariably drawn to the large bed dominating the centre of the far wall. But she didn't want to seem like she was staring, so she kept averting her gaze. Of course, Snape was embracing her again, and she revelled in the feel of his arms about her, but she was also terribly nervous about spending the night with him again.

Snape wondered if she could feel his racing pulse. He recognized many of the same feelings he was having playing across her features. In a low murmur, he said, "I apologize. I didn't realize you had stopped. I didn't mean to run into you."

Hermione flashed him a tight smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "It's okay. I'm fine."

Snape carefully relaxed his grip and released her, drawing back awkwardly. "It should be safe to take off that Cloak now."

With a startled "Oh!" Hermione slipped out of the Cloak and rolled it into a tight bundle. Her mousse was still clutched in her hand. Courteously, Snape extended his hand and said, "Would you like me to store those for you until you need them again?"

She glanced up at him and nodded. Faintly, she said, "Yes, thank you." He inclined his head and took the Cloak and the mousse, abruptly exiting the room. Hermione heaved a ragged sigh once he was gone, trying to regain her composure. Calm down! It's not like you haven't been here before. And you spent the night together already, so what's the big deal? She deliberately crossed to the bed, noting the rich velvet covers and the gleam of satin pillowcases. Her brows rose in surprise at seeing that his bedding was not Slytherin green or silver. Much like the brown tones in his sitting room, the sheets were a rich sienna, and the bedspread was a deep chocolate tint, with black edging. Remembering the seductive promise in his first letter, she closed her eyes against the throb of heat that spread from her centre out, renewing the wet pool in her knickers. At the sound of the door opening, she whirled around, looking very much like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Flushing, she looked down and bit her lip, worrying her hands.

Snape paused on the threshold, dazedly staring at Hermione by his bed. His gut clenched with desire, wanting to see her thus every day of his life. Still unsure of how to behave, he edged over to his wardrobe and muttered, "I daresay we've been clad in fine feathers for long enough. Would you like to change and get more comfortable?"

Swiftly, Hermione jumped on the idea. "Oh yes! That would be nice. May I use the bathroom to wash my face and take my hair down?"

Snape nodded. "Certainly. I shall take the opportunity to change into something more casual." He gestured for her to enter the bathroom, and she scurried past him, shutting the door firmly.

She sighed deeply as she gazed at her reflection. Eyeing her hair, she ended all of the charms and enchantments, finger brushing her tortured locks back to their normal bushy state. Grimacing at herself, she turned to the bath and retrieved a flannel. She let the tap run a bit until the water was hot, and then soaked the cloth. Once again turning to the bath, she grabbed the bar of soap and lathered up the cloth, wishing she had makeup remover instead. This is why I don't mess with it on a normal basis! After a few minutes, she dried her face and wrung out the cloth, replacing it in the bath. Looking once again in the mirror, she wrinkled her nose at the plain face reflected back at her. Shrugging in resignation, she opened the door to the bedroom again, peering out to see Snape standing there in his green satin trousers, his arms folded self-consciously across his bare chest.

The matching short robe was lying on the foot of the bed, and he jerked his chin at it. "I thought you might use that. It's really the only reasonable thing I have."

Hermione stared at him owlishly. "Oh. Right. Thank you."

Snape nodded sharply and muttered, "Well, I'll leave you in possession of the room to change. I shall be in the sitting room." With that, he sped past her and charged out of the room.

Hermione gazed about the room. She saw his opera coat hanging on the door to his wardrobe, and his white shirt was draped over the back of a chair near the wardrobe, lying atop his discarded trousers. She picked up the robe and let the satin run through her fingers. Then, in a sudden flurry of motion, she unzipped her dress and stepped out of it, clad only in her thong, suspender belt and stockings, and heels. Quickly, she shrugged into the robe, wrapping it tightly around her and tying the belt. Even so, she felt vulnerable. As she moved, the satin slid across itself and pulled looser than she felt comfortable with. Frowning, she tried to tuck one side back under the other again, but it kept slipping.

Scowling in pique, she picked up her dress and went to lay it on the chair with Snape's clothes. As she smoothed the dress over the back of the chair, on top of his shirt, her clouded expression cleared, and she smiled in satisfaction.

Snape paced the sitting room, paranoid that Dumbledore would somehow discover her presence in his quarters. He went to run a hand through his hair, only to realize that it was still pulled back. Irritably, he tugged the elastic from his hair, tossing it on his end table. In a move reminiscent of a dog, he shook his head violently, feeling somewhat more secure when his face was once again shrouded in his long locks. He still felt tense, and vainly cast about for something to do. Finally, he decided to summon a tea service. It would be nice to relax with a cuppa, wouldn't it?

As he was arranging the items on the tray, he heard a timid knocking on the door from his bedroom. Dropping the sugar tongs with a clatter, he hastily crossed to the door and entered. It was a good thing he hadn't tried to carry the tea service in at that moment, else he would likely have dropped it at his feet. He was struck dumb by the sight that greeted him.

Hermione was standing at the foot of his bed, hair once again long and bushy, with a shiny, pink, fresh-scrubbed face. She had chosen to appropriate his white shirt instead of the robe, and she was still in her stockinged feet, her heels kicked off and resting under a chair. Even buttoned almost all the way to the top, his shirt was far too big for her, and the yoke fell to one side, pulling the collar lopsided. The sleeves reached past her fingertips, and she had the cuffs shoved over her knuckles, once again worrying her hands. Snape had never seen a more innocently sexy vision.

Hermione looked up at him nervously and blurted, "I hope you don't mind. The robe just... wasn't right for me. This would work, though. Unless you don't want me to use it?"

Snape opened his mouth to reassure her, but found he couldn't speak. Frowning, he cleared his throat savagely and managed to rasp, "No! It's fine. As long as you're comfortable." They stared at each other in silence for a moment more, both etching the other's image in their memory. Finally, Snape shook himself and said, "I'll be right back. I thought it might be nice to have some tea." He raced out of the room and retrieved the tray, darting back in and placing it carefully on his nightstand.

He turned to face Hermione, and they stared at each other solemnly, both silent. Jaw throbbing from clenching his teeth, Snape gestured courteously to the edge of the bed. Faintly, he said, "Please, sit."

Hermione nervously turned to perch on the bed, and picked up the robe, moving it out of her way. Politely, she turned to Snape and proffered it. "I didn't know where to put it..."

Snape snatched the robe from her and hastily donned it, unable to completely conceal the relief that washed over his face. "Well, ah, since you sha'n't be using it, I may as well." He waited for her to sit, then sank onto the bed near the headboard, shoving his pillows up behind him. He started to reach for the teapot, but realized that his hands were shaky, so instead, he used his wand to pour the tea. Casting a glance at Hermione, he murmured, "Honey and lemon?" A ghost of a smile flirted with his lips. Hermione smiled wanly back.

Gamely trying to salvage the awkward situation, she ventured, "Only with you." Snape snapped his eyes to hers, his expression intense. Hermione's smile faded and she licked her lips reflexively. Snape inhaled sharply at that and returned his focus to the tea.

As he prepared their cups, Hermione squirmed further onto the bed, pulling her feet up and sitting cross-legged. She tucked the front panels of his shirt within the curve of her legs, and shoved her fists onto the bedspread between her legs, leaning forward on her knuckles.

Snape handed a cup to Hermione and noticed that his shirt was riding up her thighs, baring the tops of the stockings clipped onto her suspender belt. Closing his eyes for a moment, he picked up his cup and turned a heated gaze on Hermione, who was staring at him, wide-eyed.

"Cheers." He nodded at her and lifted his cup. She did the same, wrapping her hands...still shrouded in the too-long cuffs of his shirt...around the cup. As they sipped, Snape let his gaze linger over her and determined that she was the most endearing thing he had ever laid eyes on. A faint smirk surfaced, and he tilted his head. "Is it satisfactory?"

Hermione blinked and regarded him in surprise. "What? Oh! The tea! Yes, it's lovely."

His smirk widened and, in a sardonic tone, he said, "One would hope so. It would be a bit of an embarrassment if a Potions Master couldn't even brew a decent cuppa." As he sipped again, he cast a mischievous look at Hermione over the rim of his cup.

Hermione saw the humourous gleam in his eyes and finally felt herself beginning to relax. A grateful smile spread over her lips, and she took a deep, calming breath. Silence reigned again, but this time, it wasn't awkward so much as companionable. Snape, too, relaxed and resettled himself on the bed, leaning back on the pillows against the headboard. His left leg was curled in front of him, and his right leg was dangling over the edge.

Hermione seemed to be staring into her cup, and Snape queried dryly, "Attempting Divination, my dear?"

Hermione let out a bark of laughter and rolled her eyes. Her tone scathing, she retorted, "Hardly."

Pressing on, Snape said, "What's got you so pensive? Knut for your thoughts..."

Hermione looked at him thoughtfully and finally said, "It's just interesting to think that this is how all this got started."

He squinted. "'This'? 'All this'?" He tilted his head in perplexed inquiry.

Hermione lifted the cup and gestured to the tea service. "This." Then, her expression softened and she gazed at him shyly, gesturing between them. "And all this."

Comprehension dawned and Snape grinned delightedly. "Indeed! Our positions have changed for this go 'round."

A wicked gleam surfaced in Hermione's eyes and she ducked her head, glancing up at him through her lashes. Her voice playful, she murmured, "So, will they still be reversed for what comes after?"

Snape frowned in thought, computing what the devil she was referring to, but as he remembered their first kiss that night, his brows rose in appreciation of her subtle barb. One corner of her mouth quirked up at the sight of Snape's understanding. She tilted her chin up in a gesture of challenge. Snape's eyes darkened, and he resolutely put his cup on the tray. He extended his hand to her, and she primly handed him her cup, which he just as resolutely placed on the tray beside his.

He pulled his right leg up onto the bed and got to his knees, leaning forward to cross the distance between them. His eyes never leaving hers, he propped himself on his left hand and chucked her chin with his right, tilting her lips up to meet his. Gently, he kissed her, the barest brush of lips. Her eyes closed, and a faint sigh soughed out of her in response. Pulling back to look at her, he felt his chest tighten with love. She opened her eyes in inquiry. Sliding his hand up to cup her face, he purred, "Come, sit with me." Hermione nodded dazedly.

He backed away, piling his pillows against the headboard. Then, he sat back against them, his long legs sprawled down the bed, resting on either side of Hermione's knees. He reached toward Hermione and smiled. "Come here."

She scrambled to her knees and crept up to him, squirming to turn around and lean against him. Strong arms wrapped around her, and she felt him resting his chin on her hair. A happy sigh exhaled from her as she snuggled in his embrace, wrapping her hands over his forearms. "Mmm, you feel good..."

She could feel the vibration of his laughter. "Thank you." He squeezed her tightly and whispered, "You feel amazing." There was a contented pause, then he solicitously asked, "Would you like more tea?" He jerked his head back at her head shaking "no," pulling his nose out of range of being tickled by her hair.

Snape kissed her the crown of her head, revelling in being so close to her. She bent her legs, pulling her knees up and drawing his attention. The shirt bunched at the juncture of her thighs, and her suspenders were visible again, clipped onto her stockings. Snape felt a surge of lust pounding through his veins and swallowed.

Apparently oblivious to the effect she was having on him, Hermione said, in a conversational tone, "I don't want to mess these up, and they're starting to get annoying. I'll just take them off and put them with my dress." She briskly unclipped the stockings, shifting against Snape as she turned to reach the back clips. Snape was mesmerized by the smooth skin of her thighs as she moved.

Once the stockings were unclipped, she carefully began rolling them down her legs, leaning forward as she went. Her hands smoothed along her skin as she rolled the stockings, making Snape wish he were the one doing that. As she pulled one off, she flung it onto her dress at the chair, then proceeded to repeat the task with the other one. Having tossed both stockings to the chair, she furtively squirmed, sitting forward and reaching under the shirttails to unhook the suspender belt. Whisking it from beneath the shirt, she threw it to join the rest of her clothing.

Snape watched her actions with keen interest. His pulse sped up in desire, and he could feel his cock stiffening between them. With every item that she tossed away, he swallowed a groan. Finally, she leant back against him again, only to gasp in surprise at the hot lump gouging into her back. Her eyes rolled back in a heady response to his obvious reaction. As she settled back onto him, a low moan emerged from her throat, causing Snape to pull her tighter against his throbbing body, nuzzling her ear and neck from behind.

Wriggling back in his embrace, Hermione leant to one side and turned, finding his lips with hers. Her hands slid along his satin-clad legs as they kissed heatedly. After several moments of passionate snogging, Hermione pulled away. Blinking to clear her head, she panted as Snape continued trailing nips and kisses along her jaw and throat. She gripped his arms, pushing them from around her ribs. At that, Snape pulled back, wary.

"What's wrong?" His voice was rough.

"Nothing. I just want to turn around. Get a little more comfortable..."

He released her, his gaze smouldering as she crept forward and spun to face him. She watched his chest as it rose and fell with his laboured breathing, framed by the front panels of his green robe. Her eyes followed the thin trail of hair down his belly to where it disappeared beneath the waist of his trousers...which were quite obviously tented with his arousal. Hermione's eyes went wide and she gasped, sucking her lower lip between her teeth. Feeling the flush warming her face, she forced herself to meet his eyes again. He was still watching her, his dark eyes glittering, his hands fisted against the bedspread.

Feeling greatly daring, Hermione crawled to his side and tugged on a pillow behind him. He leant forward and she yanked it free, laying it at the head of the bed at his side. Swallowing nervously, she inched back until she was lying on her side, gazing at him.

When she had noticed his raging erection, Snape had heard the roaring in his ears increase. He watched her shift on the bed, pulling a pillow over to lie down beside him. The curve of her hip swelled up from beneath his shirt, and she bent her left knee up, displaying a length of creamy thigh. She had absently pushed the cuffs over her knuckles again as she settled, sliding her right hand under the pillow. Staring up at him, Snape knew she had no idea just how ingenuously seductive she looked. Acceding to the unspoken request, he slid down the bed beside her, settling himself so that he mirrored her, trying to ignore the delicious pangs of his cock rubbing inside the satin.

After a beat of silence, he rumbled, "Better?"

Hermione reached up and tucked errant strands of hair behind his ear, caressing his cheek. Snape turned to kiss her fingertips as she withdrew. She smiled at him shyly and whispered, "I love you."

His chest and throat tightened painfully. Edging closer, he stroked her hair. She lifted her arm to rest it over his ribs and run her hand along his back. As he lifted his head to hover over her, he murmured, "My love..." Then, as he descended to pin her with a deep kiss, she instinctively moved her leg to hook over his hip and curl behind his legs. When she pulled him against her with her leg, he groaned into her mouth, feeling her heat along his straining cock.

His hand travelled over her back, trailing fingertips over her neck and shoulder blades and revelling in the shivers and goose flesh it evoked. Her fingers spastically pressed his back, alternating with clenching into a fist, then dragging her nails across the satin in reaction to his ministrations. After several long moments of the same, Snape ventured further, letting his hand glide down her back and over the shirttails, where his fingers curved around over her hip. As she squirmed into him, he gripped her thigh, holding her tight against him and thrusting his right leg under her left one. A breathy moan met his ears as she bucked her hips on his leg.

Hermione felt the wet heat spreading in her knickers and was vaguely surprised to find herself grinding on his thigh. His cock pulsed against her front as they grasped and rocked, tongues exploring each other's mouths. She wanted more. Pulling him along with her, she rolled onto her back, freeing the hand trapped under the pillow. She snaked that hand around his neck, tangling her fingers in his hair. Impatiently, she slid her other hand down and around his waist, once again pulling on him. His bare chest was pressed against her breasts, and she insistently pushed her right leg against him, wrapping her left leg more firmly around his hip and tugging.

Eventually, Snape cottoned on and groaned as he shifted, allowing her to slip her right leg beneath him, curling it around his hip to match her other leg. He braced himself on his elbows as he found himself covering her body with his, her legs wrapped around him, one hand firmly enmeshed in his long locks, and the other sweeping long strokes up and down his back. She tightened her legs and rocked her hips, grinding herself against his trapped cock.

Snape closed his eyes in pained pleasure, hissing. When he opened his eyes again, it was to the sight of Hermione wearing the most wickedly wanton grin he had ever seen. He felt a pang of apprehension as well as a surge of lust. She grabbed his head and pulled him down to ravage his mouth with hers. Faint moans bubbled up from her throat and Snape responded with a low growl. He moved away from her lips, trailing kisses back to her earlobe, which he suckled and bit, delighting in the explosive little shrieks at his ear. As she breathed, "Severus..." he decided that he would leave her able to speak, since the quaver in her voice fired his passion.

He continued down her jaw line, laving her throat and kissing the hollow at the base. Inarticulate noises of encouragement spurred him on. Nibbling along her collarbone, he leant on one elbow and lifted his hand to caress her shoulder. Glancing up to see her eyes screwed shut in bliss, he smiled a feral grin and dipped his tongue to the skin just above the spot where she had buttoned his shirt. She twitched and rocked her hips against him in response.

Breathing harshly at the sensation, he gingerly undid the top button, exposing more flesh to his reverent kisses. When she felt his hot breath on her chest, her head canted back and she gasped, gripping her hands in his hair and pulling him tight to her. He traced his fingertip down the vee made by the opened button, looking up at her and waiting for her to look back.

Hermione felt a tingle and opened her eyes to find Snape gazing at her, his eyes blazing with desire. His finger toyed with the edge of the shirt fabric and Hermione inhaled sharply, involuntarily holding her breath. Watching her shrewdly, he murmured, "We're not invisible now..." She nodded in acknowledgement. Gently, he traced the next button. His voice deep black velvet, he queried, "Hermione?"

Her heart was racing, and she felt the throbbing deep in her centre. She understood what he meant. He had done amazing things to her, made her feel wonderful, but he hadn't been able to see her, or she, him. She wanted whatever she could get to try to quench the fire in her core. She opened her mouth to answer, but her lips were trembling, so she shut them firmly, sucking the lower lip between her teeth as she nodded.

Never taking his eyes off hers, he slowly pushed the button through the hole. She let out an explosive breath and he paused. When she had started breathing again, albeit rapidly, he ventured down to the next button just above her navel and prized that one free. At that, he lifted his body from hers and moved up again, hovering over her, his hair falling like a curtain against his cheeks. They stared at each other for a long moment, then he whispered, "Hermione... I love you." As he lowered himself to pin her with a consuming kiss, she strained up to meet him. After devouring each other for several moments, he tentatively balanced to one side and slid his hand up her side. She twitched beneath him and squealed. Instantly, he pulled back, concerned.

Sheepishly, she grimaced and muttered, "Sorry. Ticklish." His expression smoothed with relief and he dove in to kiss her more, firmly running his hand up her side and over her shoulder to her collarbone. Slowly, he inched his fingers lower, caressing her gently as he smoothed over the skin exposed beneath the unbuttoned shirt. He spread his hand out flat and slid under the shirt to mould his palm against her ribs. He could feel her heartbeat pounding quickly.

Once again pulling away from her lips, he nibbled back to her ear again, as his hand crept up to cup her breast, savouring the warm weight of it against his palm. A low groan issued forth as Hermione arched her back, pressing her breast into his hand. Carefully, he stroked his thumb against her skin, edging closer to her nipple each time. Her breathing grew even more ragged. When he slid his thumb up and over her stiff nipple, she shuddered and moaned. He could feel the tremors of her body where she pressed against his erection, and he buried his face in her neck, suppressing a sharp cry of pleasure.

Fighting for control, he re-focused on Hermione, circling his thumb around her nipple, feeling it contract even more. He lightly dragged his lips and nose over her throat and down her chest, into the valley between her breasts. Glancing up, he noted that her face was flushed, and it was slowly spreading to encompass her body. Swallowing for composure, he nudged the shirt with his nose, pushing it to the side, uncovering her breast where it was moulded into his hand. As the fabric finally pulled free of her nipple, she gasped and trembled again.

His breath was hot on her skin, and she pried her eyes open to look down. His dark head was pressed against her ribs, pressing fluttering kisses along the curve of her breast. Her hands gripped convulsively in his hair. She could see the stiff peak rising and falling as she breathed. Snape sensed her gaze upon him and glanced up, locking eyes with hers. Watching her, he circled her nipple with his thumb again, seeing her eyelids flutter.

Hermione saw the flicker of wicked intent in his black eyes and felt a pang of apprehension. It seemed to only serve to heighten her lust. Lips curving in a diabolical grin, Snape held her gaze as he moved above her breast, gently squeezing it in his palm. But then, he dipped his head and snaked his tongue out to flick against the hard nub. It sent a shock of pleasure straight to her centre, where it swirled with the mad desire that pulsed there.

She felt her insides clench as she watched him envelop her nipple in his lips and suckle. Afraid of what she might do, she flung her hands from his hair and gripped the bedspread, knuckles white. She felt as if she couldn't get enough oxygen, and her hips rocked involuntarily.

Her voice held a strained plea as she keened, "Severus!"

He didn't even move his lips from her breast as he mock-innocently queried, "What, love?" She trembled again at the vibrations of his voice on her sensitive flesh.

She narrowed her eyes at him and grabbed his robe, vehemently pulling him back up to her. Startled by her strength, Snape overbalanced and fell on her, his bare chest on her bared breast. She pounced on him with a kiss, and began shoving his robe past his shoulders, yanking it from under him, clearly wanting it off. Snape struggled to regain his balance, not wanting to crush her, but found he could only use one arm at a time, as she was pulling so hard on his robe. Trying to back away, he muttered, "Hermione... What... Careful!... Bloody hell, woman!"

She kept nibbling on his jaw and throat as he pulled away. Eyeing him fiercely, she paused and growled, "Robe. Off. Now!" Snape stared at her, stunned. In his shock, he stopped struggling, and Hermione succeeded in wrenching the offending garment from him and tossing it to the floor. Then, she snaked her hands up his back, caressing his shoulder blades and spine, once again kissing him deeply.

She gripped her legs around him tighter and squeezed him in a bear hug. Snape grunted and struggled to perch on his elbows again, afraid he would crush the air from her lungs otherwise. Finally regaining purchase on the bedspread, he resettled his body against hers, enjoying the feel of her hands roaming over his skin.

They explored each other with hands and lips and tongues, their pleasured moans and sighs filling their ears. Hermione tightened her legs around Snape's legs, her heels pressing against his arse, driving him against her. With every squeeze, his hard length was ground along her cleft, sending jolts of sensation straight through her. She found a rhythm, and her breathing started to come in tandem with her rocking and grinding. Snape kept gasping at the exquisite pressure on his cock as she moved. He recognized her reaction from the way she had sounded in the alley. The knowledge that she was going to bring herself to orgasm with him...on him...nearly sent him over the edge.

Hermione's eyes were screwed shut, and her face was deeply flushed. Her hands began stroking along his back in time with her rocking hips. He clenched his teeth as she dragged her nails across his skin. The pinch of them digging into his back only heightened his pleasure. He dipped his head to trail kisses and nips along the cord of her neck, laving the bitten flesh with his tongue to soothe away the sting. Her rhythm was growing faster, and more erratic. Her breathing was harsh, and inarticulate noises of increasing passion were bursting from her throat. Then, just as she seemed to be reaching a fever pitch, Snape purred against her ear, "Yesss, Hermione."

Her hands slid down his back to grip his arse hard, and Snape was taken aback that not only was she doing so, and pulling him even tighter against her, but that she had slipped under his trousers, digging her nails into the bare skin of his arse. Desperately fighting the urge to come with her, his eyes rolled back in his head and he grimaced. Hermione, in the meantime, had hissed his name in a voiceless shriek, shaking violently under him.

As her trembling eased, Snape regained his self-control, and he wickedly rocked his hips, thrusting his raging erection along her cleft again, making her jump and squeal at the aftershocks. He was keenly aware of her hands spastically gripping his arse, and he noted that they were slowly going slack.

Hermione was panting in the wake of her orgasm, and Snape simply watched her, hovering over her. I promised myself I would see how she looked in the throes of ecstasy... Oh, but she looks even better than I thought she would, much better than the way she looked the day she ran through the castle to meet me... He waited patiently until she opened her eyes again, her pupils so dilated that her eyes were almost black. He could see the uncertain shyness and embarrassment beginning to surface, and he eyed her firmly. In a low, reverent murmur, he said, "Incredible... Know that, Hermione. You are beautiful in your abandon. Never be ashamed or embarrassed for what you feel." He could see her struggling to accept his words, and he gently kissed her. It was a tender benison of comfort and love, very different from their earlier lust-crazed snogging. When he pulled away again, she was smiling at him, albeit with trembling lips.

"I-I'll try. Good gods, Severus. I don't know what to say, or think, or feel after that! It was... unlike anything I've ever experienced. Better than ever before..." She blushed and looked away in chagrin, but he gripped her chin and turned her back to face him, once again eyeing her sternly.

"What did I just say?" She blinked solemnly at him and took a deep breath, giving herself a good mental shake. Then, she set her teeth, tilted her chin up out of his grasp, and smiled firmly at him. His eyes warmed and a pleased smile crept across his face. She felt love pouring from him, and she basked in it. "Much better." He leant down to kiss her, and she deepened it to a more passionate snogging again. Chuckling to himself, he decided to go with the flow and enjoy the hell out of it.

Hermione marshalled her scattered faculties and persisted in re-igniting the passion they had just shared. However, in her afterglow, she realized that her hands were down Snape's trousers, and she moaned at the surge of pleasure that shot through her again. Determined that she wouldn't be so selfish again, she started to roll to one side, pushing Snape so that he could once again lie beside her, with her arm and leg wrapped around him.

Snape felt her pushing against him and rolled off her. He slid his arm behind her and kept her pressed firmly against his chest. He could still feel the stiff point of her bared nipple between them. As they rolled onto their sides, he once again thrust his thigh between her legs, which she squeezed. She had reluctantly removed one hand from his arse as they rolled, so her arm wouldn't be pinned beneath him, but the other one was firmly determined to remain where it was, rubbing and kneading.

Snape slid his hand up her back, under the shirt, dragging his fingers across her skin, raising goose flesh in their wake. In his travels over her back, he dipped low, colliding with the top of her thong. A guttural groan emerged from his throat, muffled by Hermione's lips on his. Hermione responded with an encouraging moan. She could feel his cock still hard and hot between them, and she began obsessing over it.

While Snape kept kissing her, pausing every now and then to turn his attention to her throat or her earlobes, his hand trailed lazy designs over her back, periodically toying with the edge of her thong. Hermione kept squeezing her legs on his thigh, rocking against him, pressing herself against his erection. She used the hand on his arse to pull him closer with every forward motion. Deep grunts and harsh gasps met her ears as Snape drowned in the sensations. She began idly rubbing small circles on his arse, feeling the muscle tension as he started to thrust toward her with every movement she made on his leg.

Heat coiled in her belly again, and she could feel the slick puddle soaking her knickers as she ground on his thigh. She hummed in pleasure and purred in response to every low growl from Snape. Her slow circles widened until she was caressing his sharp hipbone on each pass. Taking some initiative, she leant forward, pushing Snape back a little, tilting his body, so she could drag kisses down his chin and over his throat.

Snape bared his throat to her ministrations, canting his head back in bliss. His eyes were shut tight, all of his focus on the overwhelming sensations of Hermione in his bed with him. Hermione pulled back and glanced down...a little intimidated by the tenting of his trousers...while she gripped his hipbone and slid him a bit further back, his thigh slipping between her legs. She went back to nibbling along his collarbone, once again caressing his hip and arse. Finally, she gathered her courage and took a deep breath, grazing her teeth along his throat as she slid her hand around his hip, down through the patch of coarse hair, to rub along the sueded steel of his cock.

It was at that moment that several things happened in quick succession.

With a strangled roar, Snape shocked Hermione with another display of his astonishing speed and agility, ripping her hand from within his trousers and flinging her away from him before he twisted, jumped off the bed, and raced to the bathroom, somehow managing to snatch his wand from the nightstand as he went. Aghast, Hermione was too stunned to react, or to even make a sound other than the initial startled gasp at his abrupt actions.

Completely bewildered and impossibly confused, Hermione thought, What happened? What did I do?

Snape had slammed the bathroom door shut and had fallen back against it, panting in arousal and panic. He could still feel the spot where Hermione's hand had touched his erection, like a brand burning his skin. Shaking his head violently, his wand clattered to the floor, forgotten, as he thrust his hand down the front of his trousers, trying to wipe away the lingering sensation of her touch.

He let out an anguished groan at the jolts of pleasure that shot through him as he stroked his cock. One hand flew up to grip his hair, threatening to tear it from his scalp as the other one feverishly pumped along his length. He was so overwhelmed by the fervent build-up and the shocking sensation of her hand that it took only a few fierce strokes to bring him to completion. As he convulsed in ecstasy, spurts of come shooting over his fist, he dropped his other hand to press against the door, desperately trying to hold himself up. His legs were trembling weakly, and he slid to the floor in the wake of his startling orgasm.

Hermione was still on the bed, frozen in fear and uncertainty. She could hear Snape's groan through the door, and worried that he was hurt. Her heartbeat was echoingly loud to her ears as she strained to hear anything else through the bathroom door. After several beats of petrified silence, Hermione gingerly slipped off the bed and tiptoed to the door. Hands gripped into fists at her sides, she tentatively said, "Severus?"

Snape was sprawled on the floor against the door, his softening cock still enveloped in his sticky hand. Hearing her voice roused him from a stupor, and he blinked rapidly, shaking his head to clear it. Panic once again possessed him, and he frantically searched for his wand to clear away any traces of his indiscretion. Finding it near him on the floor, he cast a cleansing spell on his hand and the crotch of his trousers, furtively tucking himself back in. He could feel the heat suffusing his face in mortification.

Hermione waited a few moments, but heard nothing except some muffled muttering. Having not received a response, she tried again. "Severus?"

Snape grimaced and leant his head against the door. He passed a hand over his face and through his hair. Desperately trying to figure out a reasonable response, he was silent once again.

Hermione cautiously laid a hand on the door and placed her ear almost on the surface. Getting more and more worried the longer she went without an answer from Snape, she raised her voice. It shook with suppressed alarm as she said, "Severus! Are you all right? Please, answer me!"

Snape's throat was tight, but he managed to choke out a short, "Yes!"

Hermione heaved a relieved sigh, but she frowned in confusion again. "Then, what's wrong? What happened? What did I do?"

The last part came out as more of a wail, and Snape cringed at the sound. Resignedly gathering his feet under him, he stood, still leaning heavily on the door. His eyes were closed in thought as he said, "Nothing's wrong. I'm fine. Just a moment."

He stood still for a beat, then turned to the sink, turning on the cold tap. Cupping his hands in the stream, he scooped water onto his heated face, tossing his hair back before it fell into the water. He glared at himself in the mirror in disgust, watching rivulets drip off his chin and nose. With one last black look at his reflection, he buried his face in a towel, drying his face and hands reluctantly.

Hermione heard the water running and backed up. Not wanting to be caught eavesdropping, she skittered back to the bed, where she jumped onto the centre against the headboard, tucking the shirt between her legs and pulling her knees up so she could wrap her arms around them. Staring at the door, owl-eyed with apprehension, she waited for Snape to come out.

Snape gripped his wand in a tense, white-knuckled grip as his other hand rested on the doorknob. Steeling himself, he opened the door and glanced at Hermione on the bed. The way she sat...all curled up into a ball and wide-eyed...hit Snape like a Bludger in the chest. She looked small and vulnerable.

Hermione gazed at him, worried about what she had done to make him tear off like that. His expression was closed and tense, his posture was stiff and formal, and he didn't sit as he reached the foot of the bed. She kept trying to meet his eyes, a myriad of questions obvious in hers, but he kept avoiding her gaze guiltily.

Her voice was quavery as she said, "Are you all right?"

Snape cleared his throat and rumbled, "I told you: I'm fine."

Hermione felt tears start to prick her eyes at the curt tone of his voice. Lips trembling, she tried again, "What did I do? I did something wrong, didn't I?"

Snape glanced at her, noting the tears welling up, and cursed inwardly. Closing his eyes, he ran a hand through his hair and gripped the back of his neck, looking down. He ground out, "No. You didn't do anything wrong. Quite the contrary."

Hermione blinked in confusion. Frowning, she said, "What's that supposed to mean? I must have done something. One second, we're having a marvellous time...or at least I thought we were...and the next, you're vanishing like a demon was after you! I messed things up somehow! I'm sorry!" Tears clung to her lashes and she sniffed desperately, gulping air to maintain composure.

Snape felt horrible. Mentally kicking himself, he writhed at making her cry. He gingerly sat on the edge of the foot of the bed, and his voice was strained as he said, "Hermione, listen to me. You did not 'mess things up.' We were having a marvellous time. That was the problem."

Her voice climbed in pitch as she gasped, "What problem? I don't understand!"

Snapping, Snape yelled, "You didn't do anything wrong! In fact, you were doing everything right. Too right! I couldn't control myself. I had to..." He trailed off, uncomfortable.

"You had to what?"

Cutting an acid glance at her, he growled, "Leave. I had to leave before I lost control completely."

Verging on hysterics, Hermione spat, "Why? What would have happened? I thought you were enjoying things too!"

"Bloody hell, woman! What do you think I'm trying to tell you? I was! But I wasn't about to... do that to you!"

Hermione rolled her eyes impatiently. "Oh, for Merlin's sake, Severus, do what?" She pinned him with an exasperated, angry glare.

He stared at her through slitted lids, jaw throbbing. His voice was icy as he spat, "Climax. On you. Like that."

Comprehension dawned, widening her eyes. She stared at him, dumbfounded. Completely incredulous, she blinked. "Well, why on earth not?"

His brows shot up and his lip curled in distaste. "Excuse me?"

She shot him an aggrieved glare and said, "I said, why not? I did."

Snape blinked, taken aback. He didn't know what to say to that.

Hermione continued, "So what happened?" Snape glanced at her and looked away quickly, cheeks colouring in embarrassment. Her expression changed to one of hurt as she said quietly, "You took care of things without me? Was I not good enough?"

Snape made an exasperated move with his head, snapping, "Aren't you listening? I already told you. You were bloody well good enough to have me almost losing it like a randy teenager!" His voice dropped to a poisonous whisper, and he added, "And I will not allow myself to behave like that damned Potter."

Hermione jerked back like she had been struck. Her arms fell from around her knees. Gobsmacked, she stared at Snape. "You have got to be kidding me! Since when would I ever even think of Harry when I'm with you? Do you honestly believe I would ever compare the two of you? For gods' sakes, Severus, you know how awful I feel about that!"

There was a long pause, filled with crackling tension. Snape couldn't bring himself to meet her eye. Sadly, Hermione finally whispered, "I just wanted to make you feel good. Like you did to me. I know I don't know what I'm doing, but I thought it couldn't hurt to try. I guess it could..."

Snape murmured, "Hermione..."

She cut him off, her voice sharp with hurt and irritation. "And you know what? You have some nerve to do what you did to me, and say all those things to me, and then bolt like that when I try to return the favour!"

Snape exploded, "I didn't do those things to you to form some sort of obligation to me! It would kill me to see you look at me with revulsion, after I just... erupted all over you!" He clenched his teeth in humiliation. He really couldn't remember being more embarrassed and upset in his life.

Hermione's eyes blazed with indignant fury as she said, "I would never do that! I can't believe you would have such a double standard!"

Snape's brows climbed to his hairline in incredulity. His voice was almost shrill as he choked, "...Double standard?"

She narrowed her eyes at him as she hissed, "You tell me not to be ashamed of showing my feelings, and yet you run and hide! You think the worst of me! I love you, you idiot! I want to learn every part of you, including what it's like to make you come! Do you really think that I would be so repulsed by the evidence of your ecstasy? Shite, Severus, mine's all over your damned leg!"

Snape snapped his gaze down to his satin trousers, finally noticing the dark wet spot on his thigh where Hermione had been grinding while they had kissed. He froze.

Hermione launched forward onto her knees, leaning toward Snape in righteous indignation. "Should I be ashamed? Should I go lock myself in the bathroom, now? Is that the mature way to react, Severus?"

Snape turned wide, startled eyes back to her, once again struck dumb...not only by the sight of her, but by her piercing words. She was on her knees, hands on her hips and leaning toward him, eyes blazing in anger, and his shirt had fallen open, revealing the inner curves of her breasts. Her nipples were visible as protruding points under the shirt edges. Her hair was tangled and wild, and her eyes and nose were red from her suppressed tears. An errant thought wormed through his stunned consciousness. Gods, she's beautiful!

Snape went white in shock. He forced himself to breathe, trying to regain his voice. Finally, he managed to rasp, "Hermione, gods, I'm so sorry..."

Hermione blinked in surprise. She was wound up and ready for a row, and now he had apologized, looking like he had seen a ghost...well, something more disturbing than a ghost, as he was obviously used to them at Hogwarts.

There was a pause. Snape's mind raced. His eyes seemed to see something Hermione couldn't as he stared into the middle distance, thoughts obviously turned inward.

She's absolutely right. I was holding her to a double standard. If she's willing to open herself up to me in that way, it's only right that I do the same. ...

This is a good thing. Get over yourself and accept it! Stop holding back. If you want to make something of this, you have to give as well as receive... hell, receive as well as you give!

Hermione watched a rapid succession of expressions flicker over Snape's face. It was one confusing jumble, and she could sense the internal struggle he was having. She was surprised when he ended with a grim snort and a derisive smirk, finally meeting her questioning gaze again.

Colour crept back over his cheeks as he turned sheepish eyes to hers. He heaved a deep sigh and twisted to sit on the edge of the bed, both feet flat on the floor. Propping his elbows on his knees, he ground his palms into his eyes, then cradled his head in his hands. His voice was weary as he said, "I told you I'd cock things up on my own merits."

She gave a dismissive hiss. The bed moved as she crawled closer to him.

He felt her hand tentatively resting on his shoulder, offering mute sympathy and forgiveness. Snape shook his head in exasperation. Barely audible, he muttered, "I have no idea what I'm doing..."

Hermione exhaled gustily as she caressed his shoulder and trailed her fingertips over the protruding points of his spine. Wryly, she said, "I heard that." Snape shoved his hands through his hair and clasped them behind his neck, groaning and curling forward even more, his head bowing between his elbows. Hermione slid her arm across his back and laid her cheek on his shoulder blade. "Stop it. I don't know what I'm doing either. Didn't we say we'd explore this together?" There was a muffled snort in response. She squeezed his shoulder. "It's been pretty smashing so far! We can figure things out as we go. Just... talk to me, all right? Don't scare the hell out of me like that again!" She smoothed her hands over his back gently as she sat up again.

A non-committal rumble vibrated under her hand. Slowly, Snape eased back up, his head still bent forward, hair masking his face. He dropped his hands to his lap. Voice dripping with derision, he said, "I've been a right pillock. I regret that you ever had to witness that."

Hermione made an impatient noise and reached forward to brush his hair back from his face, trying to tuck it behind his ear. He wouldn't look at her, and she crept closer still. She cupped his face in her hands and turned him to face her. She could still see the shame in his eyes when he flicked a glance at her. Resolutely, she murmured, "Severus." He looked at her through slitted lids. Gazing indulgently at him, she smiled faintly and said, "I reserve the right to love you no matter how much of a pillock you are."

He scowled at her and she laughed. Huffing, he jerked his chin from her grasp and fell back on the bed, flinging his arms over his face. His voice was a sulky growl as he said, "You're not making this any easier."

Hermione looked down at his sprawled form, eyes lingering over the taut muscles of his torso stretched along the bed. Her attention was once again drawn by the line of hair wending its way below his navel and beneath the edge of his trousers. She caught her lip between her teeth at the pang of lust that tingled over her.

He's so damned contradictory! I have never been so frustrated in my life... Both ways! Gods, but I want to make him lose control. He's always so guarded... I know it must be hard for him, but we have to be open with one another!

A wicked smirk curved her lips as she realized the innuendo in her thoughts. Lying down on her side beside him, she propped herself up on one elbow and leant down near his ear. Her voice was low and sultry as she lilted, "But I'd like to make it harder..."

Snape stiffened at her proximity and the provocative tone of her voice. Lifting his arm, he peered down his nose at her, frowning. Formally, he said, "I beg your pardon?"

Hermione lightly trailed a finger down his chest and over his navel, following the line of hair to his waistband. As she did so, she purred, "You heard me..."

Snape glared at her in disbelief and swatted her hand away as he shot up and off the bed. Hermione was once again taken completely by surprise. As Snape paced agitatedly, she queried, "What? What's wrong? I thought everything was okay!"

Snape stopped and pinned her with a harsh glare. She cringed under his baleful look and drew her legs up again to wrap her arms around them.

His jaw was tight and she could see the tension in his frame as he clenched his hands into fists at his sides. After a long moment of charged silence, Snape spoke, his voice strained. She could tell that it cost him no little effort to speak.

"This... isn't just about fun and hormones, Hermione."

Eyes wide in earnest, she retorted, "I know!"

He narrowed his eyes on her and whipped out, "Do you?" There was a pregnant pause. Then, in a softer voice, he repeated, "Do you, really?"

She nodded silently. He passed one hand over his face and planted the other on his hip. He took a deep, cleansing breath and exhaled a long sigh. "I don't want to be with you simply for sexual release. Although I am exceedingly attracted to you in that fashion...witness every blasted time I get near you!..." he interjected ruefully, "I don't want you to think that's all I'm interested in." He locked eyes with her, his gaze sombre.

"You make me feel young again. It's like I can regain my squandered youth with you. But, I can't stand being anything even remotely like your teenage cohorts! I've spent far too many years catching students in their hormonal liaisons to not realize that we are exhibiting the same juvenile behaviour. And, as temporarily gratifying as it may be to experience a bout of heavy petting, I am more interested in ensuring that you understand exactly what I wish for between us." He closed his eyes for a moment, seeming to steel himself for further revelations.

"I found myself...moments ago, in the face of your ire...thinking of how bracing life with you would be. The future, Hermione. Our future. The last thing I want to do is jeopardize what is quite honestly the best thing that has ever happened to me by crossing the lines of decency and respect. I'll be the first to admit that I am completely beyond my ken. I'm sure you realize that no one has ever seen the part of me that I am baring to you. Falling in love with you has terrified me in a way that I have never experienced before. Do forgive me if I am particularly cautious." As he spoke, he stepped closer to the bed again, gazing down into Hermione's upturned face. He paused, his expression intense, and Hermione swallowed convulsively.

Never taking her eyes off his, she released her knees and slid her feet over the edge of the bed. She rose slowly, standing very close to him, craning her neck to maintain eye contact. He refused to back away and give her space. She could feel the energy pulsing from his body as she returned his fierce gaze.

Her voice low but clear, she said, "I want the same thing you want, Severus. Believe it. Why do you think I have given myself over to you so utterly? I trust you implicitly. In every respect. I merely ask that, if you truly want what you've described, you trust me the same way I trust you." She laid her hand over his heart and whispered, "Do you trust me, Severus?"

Snape's jaw clenched convulsively. He could see that she did understand, and he felt that he could weep with the relief of it. He held his breath for a moment before he breathed, "I trust you not to break my heart."

Hermione's face glowed as a beatific smile spread her lips. "Not a chance..." She slid her hand up his chest and around his neck, pulling him down to seal her promise with a kiss. His hands were trembling as he clasped her arms. She wrapped her arms around him and broke the kiss to bury her face against his bare chest as he tightened his grip around her, resting his chin on her head.

He could feel a wave of weakness washing over him in the wake of his relief. He silently urged her to drop to the bed again, and they sat, holding each other. Hermione lifted her head and peered at him. "Do you mind if I curl up with you for a little while?"

Snape shook his head and one corner of his mouth quirked up. "Not at all." He released her and stretched out on the bed, adjusting the pillows, then spread his arms out, waiting for her to join him. She crawled beside him, his shirt falling open again, giving tantalizing peeks at her flesh. She lay down within the curve of his left arm, pillowing her head on his bicep, resting her cheek against the side of his pectoral. Her right arm curled around her ribs, and she draped her left arm over his chest, snuggling close to him. Her left knee bent and she covered his leg with hers. As soon as she settled, Snape curled his arm around her, resting his hand on her shoulder. His right hand idly stroked her arm where it lay across his ribs.

Hermione's murmur stirred him from his contented daze. "This feels so right. I love how I fit so well against you."

Snape responded with a deep "Mmm."

Hermione released his ribs from her tight grip and began lightly tracing her fingers along his torso. She smiled at his sharp inhalation. Goose flesh popped up where she had touched. Lifting her head, she grinned impishly at him. "Are you ticklish?"

Snape glared at her from under hooded lids. Warningly, he intoned, "Don't you dare..."

Hermione wriggled back and propped her chin on her hand. Her other hand rested lightly on his belly, which she could feel was taut with tension as he eyed her warily. Wickedly, she purred, "I thought you trusted me."

His brows rose, but he narrowed his eyes. A dangerous spark lit within them. "Are you trying to manipulate me?"

She teased her fingers over his ribs up to his nipple. He did his best to suppress a shudder. As she circled his nipple, she glibly retorted, "Only in the most derivative sense of the word."

He closed his eyes and hissed through his teeth at the resurgence of desire at her feathery touch. He opened his eyes to shoot her a reproachful look, and she tilted her head, exasperated.

"Severus, I understand. But what you need to understand is that I have only a few hours to enjoy with you, and I very much would like to make the most of them." And with that, she deliberately leant forward and licked his chest. Snape's breath exploded out of him.

His voice was rough as he said, "Just what did you have in mind?"

Hermione grinned wickedly at him and dragged her tongue across his nipple. Her voice was throaty as she said, "I believe turnabout is fair play... isn't it?"

Snape's eyes closed involuntarily and he swallowed. Give and take. Equally. Take that step. Show her you trust her. Let her in. He opened his eyes to find her gazing at him hungrily. Another jolt sang through him. Breathing shallowly, he rasped, "I daresay you are correct, as usual."

Hermione's eyes flashed with triumph and she inhaled sharply. She pressed forward, slithering along his body until she was hovering over his face. They stared at each other heatedly for a moment before crushing their lips together.

They were snogging feverishly again, writhing against one another, when Snape pulled away and scrabbled for his wand. Hermione blinked at him in perplexity until he pointed it at his clock, setting the alarm. Then, with a deft flick, he doused the lights in the room, plunging them into darkness. Hermione voiced an appreciative squeal and pulled him into her embrace again.

Feeling somewhat more secure in the dark, Snape slipped his hands down Hermione's back, sliding under the hem of the shirt again. Then, as she curled her leg over his hip again, he boldly drew his hand along her thigh, dipping underneath it and brushing against her soaked knickers. A shuddery moan met his ears.

Hermione's fingers travelled over his throat and face, gripping his hair and pulling him to her. Her breath was hot on his ear before she hissed, "I was under the impression that I was getting a second chance." As she spoke, she rocked her hips against him, grabbing his arse and pulling him tight.

A groan bubbled up in Snape's throat as he felt himself growing hard again. Deliberately fighting his nervousness, he gave thanks that he had had the presence of mind to turn out the lights. He swallowed convulsively and steeled himself to step out on the proverbial limb. Unsure of his voice, he growled, "Very well then." He cleared his throat before adding, "Where were we before we were interrupted?"

Hermione gasped in delighted surprise at his capitulation. She smiled wickedly in appreciation of his provocative rejoinder as she resolutely slipped her hand down the back of his trousers. Kneading his arse, she breathed, "Oh, I remember exactly where..."