Severus placed his long arm out for her to take. The feel of her delicate arm enclosing around his did terrible things to his insides.
As before, he wouldn't push her to talk, but he also wanted to make sure she knew that she was able to confide in him.
They walked at a leisurely pace, until they were enclosing on the Black Lake. The trees danced around them causing the bronzed leaves to fall gracefully to the ground. With each sweep of a the light wind more fell and swirled around them.
Severus peered out of the corner of his eye at the young witch, the wind blew her hair lightly, making her curls caress her face.
He stopped at the edge of the lake, releasing her arm so he could turn to face her.
Now that he could take in the full sight of Hermione, it registered again at just how beautiful she was.
Thoughts he still wasn't comfortable thinking about. It didn't help that the lovely Miss Granger acted well beyond her years.
His eyes swept over her face, seeing she held a soft blush on her cheeks, framed by her chestnut hair.
Without thinking, he tucked a stray curl behind her ear, holding his hand there, he cupped her face gently, and was pleasantly surprised that she seemed to push into his touch.
"You don't have to talk about what happened with you a Mr. Weasley, I won't force you or use my...talents to find out." Even though he was close to doing just that in Minerva's office. He was curious to know why the two were at such odds, he had assumed they finally were together. Now he highly doubted it.
"I do want you to know that I am here to listen if you so wish."
He dropped his hand, a little reluctantly he noted. He was trying to gauge her reaction. Snape could almost see the wheels turning in her head, most likely trying to decide if she wanted to confide in him or not.
"Ron…" She drew in a large steadying breath. "He did, something over the summer holiday while I was staying with him and his family."
Severus had to clamp down on his tongue to stop himself from growling. The thought of anyone hurting her unsettled him more than he liked to admit.
"I don't think I am there yet to tell anyone what exactly happened." She steadied her breathing again, keeping her eyes cast down.
"But I want to tell you, just...not yet." She sighed, as if just saying those words made a heavy weight lift off of her. Before Severus could respond the witch let out a light giggle.
"And for reasons I can't explain, I feel...safe with you." Her thick lashes rose quickly so she could meet his gaze, he knew she was worried about his reaction and was waiting for some sour retort from the potions master.
"I'm glad you do, even if I don't deserve it. I'm sorry for the way I treated you while you were caring for me."
His heart raced, as he took in the somewhat shocked Miss Granger. He wished he could tell her all of his feelings, an odd sensation for him, but none the less true.
"There is no excuse for my behavior, and while I hope you'll forgive me, I also want to explain why I acted like such an arse."
He stepped a forward so he was closer to the young witch. He noticed how the red flare of her cheeks were more prominent and he hope it was a welcomed sign to his presence.
"I have never been close to anyone, for the obvious reason of the danger it posed while I was a spy, and unfortunately it was harder to let go of my previous tendencies than I thought." He brushed his fingers down her face, trying to sooth her, he could see the worry that his confession had etched into her forehead.
"So being the prick I am, I tried pushing you away when all I really wanted to do was pull you close, but because of my stubbornness and pride I drove you away before I realized I did not and would no longer do that." His fingers kept up their light strokes on her soft cheeks, but now it was solely for the purpose to touch her.
Hermione had taken her lip into her mouth, trying to bite back a grin. He was relieved that she wasn't afraid or put off by his confession.
"I forgive you Severus." His pulse jumped every time she said his name. He knew he was getting dangerously close to having more powerful feelings than just friendship towards her.
Though he couldn't be bothered to care at that moment as he wrapped his arms around her bringing her close to his chest for a hug.
Severus Snape hugging...truly what was this witch doing to him.
A/N: Please review...it makes me ever so happy! ;) ~Enchanted21
