A/N: Disclaimer: As you all know I own nothing of J.K.'s work, just borrowing. Anyway, this just sorta popped into my head and wouldn't go away….this might start slower than my other works, but hopefully it's equally as good. Oh and AU all the way, btw Hermione's a 7th year, but the war is still on…..
Thank goodness it's over. Severus Snape thought as he moved to hurry out of the kitchen of Grimmauld where the Order meeting was held. "You're not eating dinner Severus?" he heard the shocked and motherly concern of Mrs. Weasley. He inclined his head to her voice, pausing in the doorway.
"I'm afraid not Molly, there's…..something else that I must attend to," He answered formally. He had suffered through the long drawn out meeting sporting a massive headache. All he wanted right now was to relax. Ignoring his rumbling stomach he headed up the stairs-intent on getting a book to read from the library before holing himself up in his room. Yes, Albus had insisted he stay at Grimmauld over the summer. Why-he had no idea. Perhaps the old man thought it would be "good" for him. How staying in a house full of adults and teenagers who despised him was good, he'd never know.
"Good evening Professor." The kindness in the tone struck him before he recognized the speaker. It was Miss Granger, no doubt headed down to dinner herself. She wore a genial smile and Severus couldn't help but notice how much older she looked.
"Evening Miss Granger," he answered stiffly. Her expression alone prevented him from completely snubbing her.
"I take it you won't be joining us for dinner tonight," she stated and Severus frowned. Was she trying to start a conversation with him? He shook his head 'no'. "You're not hurt are you?" She replied quickly expressing concern. And her hand, it rested on his arm, just above his elbow. It burned him with its gentleness. He jerked away from her.
"That's none of your concern," He sneered, "enjoy your meal Miss Granger." His tone was cold and abrupt as he swept up the stairs and away from the intrusive little chit. His anger did nothing for his headache, but he couldn't help it. What on earth possessed her to touch him? It wouldn't have mattered except…..Severus hadn't been touched by anyone in a long time. At least, not in a way that spoke of kindness. Poppy-was the closest during those moments when he'd been too incapacitated to help himself. But even Poppy's ministrations had been mostly clinical. But her touch...well, he could still feel its warmth. Even now in the comfort of his room. And to think, it was a touch from a student. Someone who, Severus knew, had every reason to loathe him.
Hermione was feeling out of sorts. As the years passed she was growing more and more apart from her parents. It was inevitable really with the way she immersed herself in the wizarding world. Add to the fact that she was best friends with the Chosen One and well...she was deeply invested. But she loved them dearly and guilt settled into her stomach as she unpacked her bags in her room at Grimmauld. They had been clearly disappointed at her decision to spend her summer there instead of home. But Hermione also knew that they had been planning to take a trip to France and though she would have loved to go-she couldn't imagine being so far away from everyone.
And she was happy at Grimmauld. After unpacking she had hung out with Ginny and the boys. It was almost like old times. Almost. The war hung heavily on everyone's shoulders, Harry's especially. And Hermione often wondered if she was doing everything she could to help. She of course, realized that her powers were limited considering Professor Dumbledore wouldn't let them officially join the Order. Even when Hermione argued that the Ministry had sent her a letter telling her that: thanks to her excessive use of the time turner she was now legally of age. That knowledge had certainly thrown her for a loop, but she chalked it up to an unforeseen advantage. However, Dumbledore did not.
Which is why Hermione found herself upstairs with everyone else not allowed to attend the Order meetings. She had kept herself occupied with a novel she brought from home. It was only the escalation of noise that broke her from her trance. Dinner time. Ginny, Harry, Ron and the twins had all sped from room. Only Hermione straggled, marking her place in the book carefully, before rising with a stretch. She left the room, heading for the kitchen when she met Professor Snape on the steps. Something about seeing him made her smile. She greeted him, pleased to see that he didn't ignore her. But why was he headed upstairs? Surely he would eat dinner. She asked him and his negative answer made her pause. It was something about the crease in his forehead and his weary expression-maybe something was wrong. "You're not hurt are you?" She hadn't meant to touch him, but it had been so natural. Reflexive almost.
She hid her reaction to him jerking from her touch. She had seen a glint in his eyes before it was gone and the cold man was back again. "That's none of your concern," She heard him say with a voice twisted in a sneer, "Enjoy your meal Miss Granger." She frowned. What was that glint? Was it shock? Disgust? She didn't know, but she did know that it was a chink in the man's armor. Something she was sure he didn't want anyone to see. In particular someone like her. A student he no doubt loathed.
Severus was reclined on his bed, book nestled in his hands. An empty headache relief potion lay on the nightstand beside him. Only the pangs of hunger disturbed his otherwise peaceful accommodations. But he didn't really feel like getting up and going to the kitchens for something to eat. Oh well, it wouldn't be the first time he went without eating. A knock on the door, caused a frown to instantly appear on his face. Who could be bothering him at this hour?
He wrenched open the door wearing his customary scowl, preparing to rip whoever was on the other side of the door a new one. Instead he found a floating tray piled with food. Along with a steaming cup of tea. He checked the tray for any trace of jinxes and hexes. Finding none he took it gingerly in his hands, pulling it into his room. Further study found it to be safe to eat. At first he just stared at it, wondering what self-righteous Gryffindor was responsible for this. Was it Albus? Leave it to him to do something so…...meddling. Or maybe it was Molly? After all, she had seemed a bit thrown that he wouldn't join them for dinner. Yes, it was most likely Molly who did it. Finally, his hunger became too much and he greedily devoured the meal. Banishing the dishes to the sink, he grudgingly realized that he'd have to thank her in the morning.
That morning came all too quickly for Severus. After showering and putting on a more casual version of his regular robes he stalked down the stairs to the kitchen. As luck would have it, Molly was there sipping tea. Seated at the table with her was Remus, as well as Miss Granger. Helping himself to a cup, he began his somewhat pained appreciation. "Allow me to thank you Molly, for your thoughtful gesture. I was rather hungry last night." His words pricked the silence of the room.
Molly coughed, "Forgive me Severus, but I don't know what you're referring to."
Severus froze, "You didn't send a tray up to my room?" He asked and the Weasley matriarch shook her head. "Then who…" He frowned looking at his tea as if the answer lay there. Who else could possibly care enough to do such a thing. He looked up from his cup and found himself making eye contact with none other than Miss Granger. There it was-the slightest widening of the eyes in her otherwise neutral expression. It was her.
She averted her gaze, but Hermione knew she was caught. She never was very good at hiding things from him. An uncomfortable silence followed and not being able to stand it any longer, she excused herself. She went to the library-her sanctuary. Hopefully, she'd be able to hide away in the pages of a book. Then she wouldn't have to worry about his reaction. She knew it had been very presumptuous of her, but knowing that he wasn't eating…..well, she thought it'd be nice. She was browsing the titles on the shelf for the millionth time when she heard the door to the library creak open. Without turning around she knew who it was.
How foolish it was, for her to think that he would let it go. Especially now that he knew it was her. He was right behind her now. Closer than she was typically comfortable with but she also knew that no matter how angry he was she was still safe with him. "Why?" He put his arm up, as if to prevent her from escaping. His tone wasn't exactly cruel, but it let her know that he meant business. But underneath that, was genuine curiosity. Not everyone would pick up on it. It was the kind of thing only present to those who knew to look for it.
"Because it is my concern."
He growled, "Did Albus put you up to this?"
Hermione frowned. "No. Is it so hard to believe that someone truly cares about you?"
There she was touching him again, only this time he didn't jerk away. He just sighed. He brought his free hand to her shoulder and was surprised to feel her lean into him. "Miss Granger," he prompted in a lower voice, "perhaps it would be best to bestow your attention on a more grateful recipient, the wolf perhaps?"
"It's not about gratitude, Professor. You're an Order member and one of the people I respect the most. I just thought it would be a nice gesture-I don't seek accolades." He could tell she was being sincere and that made the situation worse. And she respected him?
Before he could change his mind he found himself taking his hand off the bookshelf. He then captured the hand that had rested on his arm, pulling it to his lips. "Just the same, I owe you my thanks Miss Granger."
Hermione's eyes fluttered shut. All the better to savor the feeling of his lips against the cool skin of her hand. It was a surreal position to be in. In the arms of her cold-hearted professor. "Y-y-you're welcome," she stammered breathlessly. She felt his hands slide down the length of her arms and she shivered. He hugged her to his lean frame and she let out a gasp of shock. She had never anticipated this. Feeling herself smile she placed her hands affectionately atop his. "Professor?"
That seemed to snap him out of his trance. He tensed before practically jumping away from her. "Forgive me," He said in a voice seasoned with desperation. What on earth had possessed him to do something like that? Was he that starved for affection that he would take liberties with a student?! He left the library in a flash not caring if he looked like a coward or not. That had been a close one. Too close. He'd have to keep his guard up even more around her. She was dangerous. Hermione Granger was so kind, so innocent, and so beautiful. Yes, she was dangerous indeed.