The length of silence grew between them as they stood watching one another for a reaction to his words.

"You told me to act, Severus." Hermione's quiet voice admonished, sounding loud in the small room that they were facing each other in.

"I did." Severus acknowledged. "But perhaps I was mistaken."

"Mistaken in what? You said your Desire did not change and you longed for Death." Hermione breathed out.

"It was that and I assure you that I desire Death no longer." Severus growled out.

He pulled her to him and held her tightly against him. "Not now, not with you in my arms here in your own house."

Severus whispered into her ear, silky words making her body tremble in his arms. "I performed Desirus twice after I left you in my classroom. Both times it revealed you Hermione, approaching me with love in your eyes, and well." He paused. "I was sure I was revealed again in your Desire. But remember my words. You have to act. I wanted you to think and act…and decide on your own…."

His words trailed and came silent when Hermione smiled up at him.

"You set this up on purpose." He growled out. "You did not plan to off me. Well done with your Slytherin plan to make me declare my Desire." Removing her arms from him and turned his back to her.

She reached out and placed a trembling hand on his shoulder. "I don't understand." She whispered.

"Brightest Witch of her age." He huffed out. "Think Hermione. I am your Master for the next four years. If there were whispers of an inappropriate relationship with my Apprentice, it would ruin you. Doors of opportunity will close on you and you would be…..left adrift. I do not care for myself, but you? I will not be the pawn to allow that to happen!"

She gently turned him around and faced him, cupping his cheek with her hand. "I did think about that Severus. Remember I said that it would remain between me and you. Think of the next four years as courting and I did what you planned on. I made the first move so that you would not be hurt, or so your reasoning goes."

Reaching with her other hand, she pulled him to her and gently kissed his lips, amazed at the chasteness though she knew both their bodies wanted more.

He broke the kiss and observed her flush cheeks, slightly smiling. "Apprentice Granger, we will come back to this in four year's time. If you do not hate me now, you certainly will in years three and four of your apprenticeship."

Slightly bowing to her for a moment, Hermione watched him turn his heel and Apparate away before she could respond back.

She touched her lips with a finger, enjoying the after effect of a very chaste kiss that promised more

Smiling to herself, Hermione made her way upstairs to her bedroom. There would be time enough to plan as they knew each other's intent now.

She took a shower and climbed into her bed and drifted off to sleep, wondering who else in her class other than Ron would be so bold to approach their Desire and realize it.

AN: I promise there will be a sequel. I know this story did not pan out the way I planned it, or you expected it. I have a lot going on in my life right now and hope to post the next story in the next two months or so.