"Indeed they are, and happily so," Severus answered, smiling fondly. Because now, removed from the war, he hadn't the need to practice any form of mind magic. It was a nice respite. Of course, he knew that Hermione was only teasing, but still -- he wasn't. He was glad to get away from all that, and would have been even if not for their budding relationship. Though he was certainly glad about their budding relationship, as well.
He shivered slightly at the way she toyed with the hair at the nape of his neck. But he couldn't help chuckling when she said she was all about thorough research. "That's one one of the things I love about you," he managed to whisper, in between progressively heated kisses. And it only dawned on him afterward that now he'd said 'love' in such a casual context as this. But in for a Knut, in for a Galleon, he supposed. And the next time he needed a breath, he added, "I just love you, full stop."