Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, I have just borrowed the characters and will return them to the great J.K.R. unharmed. A/N: This is just a short drabble that popped into my head last night and I thought I'd share it with you. I hope you enjoy!
Hermione flopped down onto her bed and closed her eyes. The Yule Ball was little under 24 hours away and she had yet to decided if she was going to go with Krum or Severus. Sighing, Hermione relaxed completely and allowed images to run through her mind of what she wanted of the following night. After playing the images, she decided to go with Krum, even though she saw herself with Severus, she just didn't want to get him into trouble.
The next night, Hermione slowly walked down the stairs, her pink dress bouncing slightly behind her. She met Krum at the bottom and took his proffered hand. They walked together into the Great Hall with the other champions and stopped on the dance floor in front of the students and staff. Hermione smiled at Severus and he nodded to her as started and Krum whisked her across the dance floor.
Hermione and Severus very rarely lost eye contact through the dance. It wasn't until the band started to play that they lost sight of each other. Hermione danced as the band played, stopping only a few times to get a drink and get her breath back. When the band finally stopped playing, Hermione went over to Ron and Harry to strike up a conversation, but Ron snapped which then caused a tired Hermione to snap which then led to Ron storming up the stairs with Harry by his side, leaving Hermione on the stairs, crying.
Hermione didn't notice when Severus sat next to her until he held her hand. She smiled through her teats and Severus put an arm around her shoulder and gently pulled her close. Hermione lent into him and sighed. Severus held her, not wanting to let her go, but knowing that he would have to soon, pulled at his heart.
After ten minutes of comfortable silence Severus asked, "How are you feeling?"
"Tired. Fed up. I just want to go to sleep." Hermione rested her head on his shoulder. "I want to be with you." It was more than a whisper, but it meant the world to him.
"I'd love you to, sweetie." Severus held her closer and smiled slightly. "We'd have to check with Albus though."
"No need, my boy. Take her to bed, we could all use an early night." Albus said from behind them, Minerva in his arm.
"Don't hurt my daughter, Severus." Minerva warned.
"Would never dream of it, Minerva." Severus informed the Deputy Headmistress before lifting his young love into his arms and taking her to his bed.
He gently placed her under the sheets after transfiguring their clothes into night wear. When he joined her in bed, he held her to him and she rested her head on his chest.
Closing her eyes she whispered, "Don't let me go."
"Never, sweet heart. I promise." Severus smiled as he held a content Hermione in his arms. "I love you 'Mione."
"I love you too, Sev." Hermione murmured as she dozed off to sleep.
The End