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“Can we get out of here? Maybe go for a walk?” Severus asked, finding Hermione in the living room of Grimmauld Place. “It’s a little loud and I’m about ready to call it a night.”
She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. "Let me just get my things and say bye to Ron and Harry. Then, we can get out of her." Summoning her jacket, she put it on, along with a scarf, hat, and gloves before saying goodbye to everyone. Taking Severus’s hand, she allowed him to lead her outside.
The two walked along the street, holding hands tightly as they went. Hermione enjoyed the breath of fresh air as they observed the various houses decorated for the holidays. She squeezed Severus’s hand, smiling as she glanced at him from the corner of her eye. He looked relaxed and happy, even more so now that they weren’t in Grimmauld Place with everyone else.
As they walked, she reflected upon her relationship with Severus and was grateful that she had him in her life. The two had grown close after she took the position as the librarian at Hogwarts, where he remained as the Potion’s professor. Two years later, she couldn’t be happier.
"The snow is beautiful," Hermione commented as they walked, the cold starting to nip at her nose. “Thanks again for coming to the Christmas party with me. I know you’d rather be at the castle, cuddled up with just the two of us.”
Severus pressed a kiss to her cheek as he took her hand in his. “You’re lucky I love you.”
“You love me?” Hermione asked, pulling him to a stop. She looked at him, eyes wide.
Severus’s gaze softened. “Of course I love you, Hermione.” He cupped her cheek gently. “How could I not?”
“You’ve just never…” She swallowed. They’ve never said the words before, even though they both felt the feelings. To hear it out loud, however, warmed her in a way she didn’t know possible.
“Hermione, I let you keep your things in my room and at Spinner’s End…I wouldn’t do that if I didn’t love you.” He looked at her, suddenly appearing unsure.
“I just… Severus, I feel the same way.” She admitted as she peered up at him, eyes wide.
Severus pulled her close, pressing his lips against hers. He kissed her softly and tenderly, pouring his love into the kiss, letting her know just how he felt.
“Love you,” he said softly.
“Love you, too,” she repeated. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck. "Take me home, Severus. I have one more Christmas present that I’d like to give you."
"Oh?" he asked, pulling away. His eyes burned with desire. "And what present would that be?"
"You can undress me and find out," she said suggestively, grinning at him mischievously.
Severus let out a growl as he wrapped his arms around her and Disapparated them both to Spinner’s End, where they spent the rest of the evening celebrating Christmas in their own way.