A/N: Back at it….

A***A***A

Well, she certainly knew what the French meant by "the little death". She died twice this morning, once in the bed and again in the shower. The hot spray of shower sickened their bodies as Severus pounded into her. She clawed at his back, revelling in the feeling of Severus's strong hands caressing her soft, slippery skin. She tugged on his hair, breath mingling with her fianceè's as he panted erotic obscenities into her ear.

The steam was making her hair frizz in a way that it hadn't done since her makeover. Not that Hermione much cared when Severus was busy grinding into her clit with every pump. "My God, Severus," she cried flinging her head back as she felt her third death coming.

"As much….as it flatters me to hear that….my love, I am no deity," Severus purred knowing that she was close. He closed his eyes, nearly dropping her at the sudden clenching around his cock. Yes, she was very close indeed.

"Come with me Severus." Such a sexy, sweet plea. A strangled sigh, one of a with nearing completion and Severus was prepared to join her. And he did, in a matter of a few more thrusts. He grunted and she howled his name like a banshee. Gripping onto his shoulders as she lost the ability to breathe and her heart beat faster than she ever thought possible. Severus's own grip on her hips had been ironlike, but his legs were not and they collapsed to the floor. But they didn't care. Severus's kiss was like liquid fire and Hermione was quite overcome.

As they lay on the tiles Hermione couldn't think of anything more than marrying this man. This man whose kisses were fire and who understood her on a level that transcended expectations. "I love you," she whispered.

He kissed her again, "My dear, sometimes I think I'll be consumed by how much I love you, but the thing about being in love with someone is their love pours back into you. And it feels good."

Hermione didn't respond, but she hugged him tighter to her breast. It was easy to forget that underneath that tough exterior, lay a man who'd been broken down many times. She nipped at his neck, for the first time noticing the water's change in temperature. "We should probably get out now."

He agreed and now Hermione sat at the inn's vanity trying to tame her hair. "May I?" the Slytherin inquired gesturing towards the brush in her hand. She turned to him, quirking her brow up, but handed it over. Then he brushed her chestnut locks all the while muttering something that sounded faintly like a lullaby. She snuck a peek in the mirror and was shocked to see her frizz gone and silken tresses in their place.

She kissed his hand, "Thank you. That spell...it sounds like a song…" she looked up at Severus with questioning eyes.

"My mother," he replied gruffly, "Used it whenever she did her own hair. It's an old spell, passed down from generation to generation."

She stood, wrapping her arms around his waist, "Does it pain you to talk about her?"

Severus rested his head on top of hers, welcoming her comfort. "It hurts, just like most everything else connected with my past."

Hermione troubled her bottom lip as she fought back tears, "Severus, as your wife I promise to do my best to keep you from feeling that kind of pain again."

Severus pulled her chin up so he could look into her eyes, "I'm not used to people protecting me."

"All the more reason why I should. You don't have to be alone anymore, Severus."

They stared at each other for several moments, their words hovering in the air between them. Finally, Severus stretched out his hand to cup her face. "Indeed. And now-"

He didn't get a chance to finish that thought as there was a knock at the door. Severus frowned, sharing a puzzled glance with Hermione. Directing her to stay back, he went to answer the door and was infinitely relieved to see that it was only Mr. Potter at the door. "I uh, I heard about what happened between you and Mrs. Weasley," Harry said as he shuffled into the room. "I'm sure she didn't mean-"

"On the contrary she made her feelings abundantly clear," the former professor sneered.

Harry gulped, looking ashen. "So you won't help?"

Hermione sighed. "Of course we will, but it's obvious that Molly doesn't want us around. And I am not coming back just to be insulted."

Potter nodded, "I understand. And I will handle Mrs. Weasley. Grimmauld Place is my home and she is merely a guest."

"She won't like it."

Harry pushed up his glasses, "I don't care. What I do care about is Gin's health. And I will do all I can for her, regardless if her mother likes it or not."

Severus crossed his arms, "I dare say you just earned a bit more of my respect, Mr. Potter."

Harry's eyes widened, but he just smiled and said, "Good. Well, let's not waste anymore time. I'll leave you two to pack-in the meantime I have a mama bear to tackle."

Hermione winced. "Good luck with that."

A***A***A

Bags packed, they went back to Grimmauld and Molly was nowhere in sight. "I placed you as close to Ginny as possible. And you're free to use any additional rooms if necessary," Harry greeted. "You came at a good time, she's up and eager to see her best friend," he added looking at Hermione.

Hermione; however, wasn't prepared for how frail she looked. Her fiery hair had dulled and she was the thinnest thing in the room. Yet she still had a smile on Her face when they entered. She slowly brought herself up to a sitting position. "Hello 'mione, Professor Snape. Harry told me you were coming."

Hermione nodded, "How are you feeling Gin?"

"Tired. But better than I was yesterday."

Severus spoke next, "Miss Weasley, I understand that the Healers believe that you are under the influence of a curse…"

"Yes, but I don't remember anything."

"I could perform Legilimency. It may uncover things that have been blocked due to trauma."

"Okay...Now?"

He pulled out his wand. "If you're ready?" She nodded. "Okay, just relax. I'll try to be as gentle as possible." He took a breath, "Legilimens."