Christmas Magic (Snamione) **COMPLETED**

Chapter 7 - Christmas Eve Eve!

Severus and Hermione climbed wearily back to their rooms, both exhausted from the previous night's work.  Entering the communal lounge a small breakfast had been laid out for them and the smell of hot coffee and pastries filled their nostrils.

"Oh my!" Exclaimed Hermione "That smells amazing!" She almost trotted to the table.  Severus removed his dinner jacket and threw it onto a nearby chair.  He rubbed his hand through his hair and stood back for a second drinking in the vision of the witch who stood before him.  Her hair was a little dishevelled and her face had small smudges of potion soot but to him she was still the most beautiful being he'd ever feasted his eyes on.  She turned holding out a plate to him and caught his gaze.

He took the plate she handed him and unable to resist any longer reached for her pulling her to him. His breathing became shallow as he put his hand around the back of her head, gently tipping it backwards so she would look directly at him. He discarded the plate and moved his hands to either side of his face. When he finally dipped his head and kissed her Hermione felt she had been holding her breath for the longest time. His kiss started off slow and but soon got more demanding, his tongue probing to gain entry to her warm and inviting mouth.

Finally breaking apart for some air Hermione felt light headed and continued to hold onto Severus to stop her knees buckling.

"Incredible." He said simply, his forehead resting against hers.  "You are incredible." Hermione smiled.

"You're not too shoddy yourself." She laughed. "Now how about breakfast?"

"Mmmmm" Said Severus nuzzling her neck "whatever do you have in mind?"

"Croissants and Danish?" She moved back away from him. "I'm starving." Severus looked at her with one eyebrow raised.

"Oh me too" he grinned lasciviously and she smacked his arm playfully.

"I'm going to have some breakfast then I'm going to go to bed for a few hours."  He raised his eyebrow. "To sleep. I'm shattered" she laughed.  After breakfast he kissed her briefly before she waved goodnight and they both agreed to go to their respective rooms and try to sleep until lunch. 

Although exhausted sleep eluded them both.  Severus lay on his back with his hands behind his head, trying not to think of the beautiful witch who was lying not 25 feet from him.  All he wanted to do was hold her in his arms as she slept.  Would she want that too?

Meanwhile Hermione was having similar trouble sleeping, her thoughts continually turning to Severus and the kiss they'd just shared.  She turned over her pillow and gave it a thump, trying to get comfy. In theory Severus Snape was totally wrong for her; the age gap alone could be problematic but Oh when he looks at me with those black eyes I almost drown she thought, still tossing and turning and that voice! She shivered involuntarily when she thought of the deep rumbling baritone drawing her to him like a siren luring a sailor to his death. She could no longer resist him as fly without a broom!

Eventually tiredness overtook them and they both slept fitfully. At midday Hermione, who was freshly showered and wearing a dusty pink cashmere jumper and light blue jeans, knocked on Severus' door. Not receiving any response she pushed the door open a fraction. Severus was sound asleep with only a small sheet to cover his modesty. Hermione couldn't help but stare; his body, whilst clearly scarred was taut and muscular, without an ounce of unnecessary fat. He was truly magnificent. He must've sensed she was there as he stirred and before she could beat a hasty retreat he opened one eye and cocked his eyebrow.

"Professor Granger," he spoke lazily "Are you spying on me?"

Hermione turned a shade of scarlet. "I.... I'm sorry" she stammered "I was wondering if you were awake as it's lunchtime. I did knock."