Finally, the last chapter! Please everyone tell me what you liked/disliked about the story so that I can improve next time! And thank you so much to those who reviewed/favourited/followed so far (:

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The next morning, as Hermione sat down at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall for breakfast, she found a piece of parchment appear on her plate. Hermione, it read, my quarters. Tonight at 8. Severus Snape.Hermione knew that this was Professor Snape's way of inviting her for a drink. She chanced a glance at the Head Table, but Snape was seemingly engrossed in the Daily Prophet. She wondered what it could be about. He had never invited her to his quarters like that before. For the rest of the day, she was nervous and on edge. She knew that it must be something very important, and she both looked forward to and dreaded 8pm.

At 8pm sharp, Hermione rapped her knuckles sharply on Snape's door, a vision of calm but her heart hammering. Immediately, the door swung open, and Snape invited her in, looking – could he be nervous? Hermione stepped cautiously into the room, feeling that for some reason her life was going to change dramatically that night. Not for the first time, Hermione wondered at how homely Snape's room looked. There were bookshelves lining most of the walls, with books on all topics piled up to their highest shelves. In front of the fire were three comfortable-looking armchairs and a couch that Snape, Harry and herself so often occupied. She had always felt safe and at home here. This night, however, something felt different.

"Please, sit." Snape gestured towards the armchairs and turned to get a drink for them. Hermione observed that while his face remained impassive, his hands shook ever so slightly as he handed her a glass of Firewhiskey.

They sat there in silence for a long time, Hermione waiting for Snape to speak and Snape trying to muster the courage to actually talk. "Hermione," Snape began. Hermione looked up into his eyes and Snape stopped short. For the first time, he could see the honesty and adoration shining in her eyes.

He was beginning to get lost in those beautiful chocolate pools when Hermione ducked her head, smiling shyly and said, "You called me Hermione, Professor. That's the second time now if you include the note from this morning."

Warmth erupted in Snape's chest as he returned her smile. Taking hold of her hand, he said, "Then call me Severus."

Hermione gasped and looked up. Snape forced himself to let go of the walls that normally surrounded his heart and allow his own emotions to shine through in his eyes. Hermione searched his face for a long time, and then as though finding what she was looking for, she nodded, eyes shining. "Severus," she said slowly, as though tasting the sound of it. Snape smiled and cupped her cheek, asking for permission with his eyes. When Hermione leaned forward, he met her in the middle as their lips met for the first time in a slow, gentle kiss.

Snape was in heaven. He had never really enjoyed kissing a girl before, and in truth he had never felt the desire to do so after Lily had died, but now he felt as though he could stay this way forever, reveling in the feel of the soft lips on his. Hermione, too, was lost in the kiss. Snape was unexpectedly gentle, his arms holding around her protectively, his lips soothing and unhurried. Before things got too passionate, however, they pulled back, breathless and blushing. Guiding Hermione to sit on the couch with him, Snape couldn't believe how affected he was by her. Hermione snuggled closely to his side, feeling truly happy for the first time in months. There were discussions to be had and decisions to be made, but for now, they were content to simply hold each other.

When Hermione got back to the Common Room, she found Harry waiting up for her. He was grinning at her, looking very pleased as he said, "Seeing as you are looking happier than you have for months, I take it that you are together?"

Hermione blushed and nodded. "We have to keep it quiet for now though, we don't want people talking. We'll wait until after I graduate." Harry agreed and bid her goodnight, happy that his matchmaking was successful.

Over the next few months, Hermione returned to her studies with renewed fervour, and the friendship between Harry and Snape blossomed while the relationship between Hermione and Snape grew beautifully as they got to know one another even more and fell more and more in love with each passing moment they spent together. While Hermione was still a student, however, they refrained from doing anything that if found out would jeopardise their reputation, and so they waited impatiently for Hermione's graduation day to arrive.

NEWTS were over and Hermione's graduation day finally arrived. She was both nervous and excited. It was the day when Snape and her would finally show the world and each other that they belong to one another. The entire year threw their hats in the air in celebration and magical fireworks exploded above their heads, when Hermione felt a strong arm wrap itself around her waist and pull her gently towards a warm, solid body. She turned, eyes sparkling when she saw Severus smiling down at her, and witnessed by the whole school, kissed him soundly on the lips, ignoring the gasps and giggles. Pulling back, Snape smirked as swept her up bridal style, and without a word carried her into the castle and into his quarters.

Once inside, Snape set Hermione down gently and pushed her against the door, one arm holding her still, the other arm picking up his wand and casting Silencing spells and Anti-intruder spells as his eyes bore into hers. Hermione gasped when she saw the smouldering look in his eyes, and her stomach fluttered in anticipation as the familiar heat pooled in her core. Snape leaned forward and captured her lips with his. When Hermione immediately opened up to allow him entrance, his nostrils flared and he pressed hard against her. Hermione moaned when she felt his hardness pushing against her stomach. She couldn't wait any more. She reached forward and started unbuttoning the many buttons on his robes, fingers fumbling. Seeing this as an unspoken invitation for him to undress Hermione as well, he began unfastening her robes. Before long, they were both standing in just their underwear. Silently, Snape led Hermione into his bedroom.

They stood facing each other, suddenly feeling nervous and shy. "May I?" Hermione asked, gesturing to the last piece of clothing that hid Snape from her. He nodded and closed his eyes. He was uncertain of what to expect. Surely a beautiful witch such as Hermione would have been with quite a few impressive men. He needn't have worried, however. Hermione gently lowered his boxers, her expression intent. "Wow," Hermione whispered, her eyes shining with admiration. Snape let out a breath he didn't know he was holding as relief flooded through him. Hermione wasn't disgusted by the body that was so much older than hers. In fact, the flushed cheeks and bright eyes told him that she was very much enjoying the view.

Slowly, almost reverently, Snape reached behind Hermione and unclasped her bra, letting it fall to the ground. His eyes widened as he took in her perfect globes in front of him. "Beautiful," he breathed. Hermione blushed even harder under the attention. Snape's hands landed on her hips and gently began to peel off her panties. He smirked when he saw how they clung to her wetness.

Finally completely naked, they stood back and admired the body in front of them. Suddenly, Hermione couldn't wait anymore. "Take me now, make me yours," she implored softly.

Snape swallowed and nodded. Gently, he picked her up and laid her down in his bed. Positioning himself at her entrance that was slick and wet and ready for him, he looked into her eyes and asked quietly, "Are you very sure about this? Once we do this, I won't be able to go back. You will be stuck with me forever. I-I love you."

Hermione smiled softly, tears glistening in her eyes, and replied, "I've never been more sure in my life. It's forever. I love you." She lowered her head, gazing at him through her eyelashes and continued timidly, "Be gentle, you're my first."

Snape's eyes widened as he realised how precious a gift Hermione was offering him, and his heart swelled with love for the beautiful woman in front of him. Determined to make this experience amazing for Hermione, he nodded and said, "Trust me."

"With all my heart," came the quiet reply.

The End.

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