STORIES TO BE TOLD - CHAPTER 7 (Beta'd by Snakeyez82)
I own nothing but the plot.
Hermione woke up feeling very calm. It had been days since she woke up and wasn't in a frenzy. She could tell the air was chilly, but she could feel heat radiating under her. She opened her eyes and realized her head was laying on someone's chest and their arms were draped around her. She remembered the night before, wrecking Snape's living room, but he comforted her when she broke down. She vaguely remembered pleading for him to stay with her when she fell asleep. She looked up and saw Snape's sleeping face, it looked soft and calm. She laid her head back on Snape's chest and took a deep breath; she smelled his manly yet sweet scent. It made her feel safe, so she snuggled back into his chest.
Snape woke later, feeling someone snuggled into his side. He took a moment to take in his surroundings, but still felt very relaxed. He opened his eyes, and saw the top of Hermione's head. Last nights events flooded back to view and he remembered laying with Hermione, with all intentions to get up after she fell asleep. He realized his arms were wrapped around her and she had her arms on his chest. He'd forgotten what it was like to hold a woman in his arms, it had been some years, and the last time ended with his heart getting broken. They laid there for a few moments, unaware the other was awake.
Snape spoke first, "Hermione, are you awake?" he asked.
"Mmhmm," she responded sleepily.
"How are you feeling this morning?" he asked while rubbing her back.
"Alright", she said.
Snape continued, "Are you hungry?" She didn't respond, she was hungry, but she didn't want to leave the comfort of his arms.
He began to twirl her hair, "I believe you should eat something for breakfast."
She nodded, "Ok."
Snape smiled to himself, he was glad she was finally coming around. They laid there for a few more moments, then Snape finally got up.
"I will summon the house elf, you can shower while we wait," he said, walking into the living room.
Snape stopped outside the bedroom door and leaned against the wall. He could feel himself having some sort of romantic feelings towards Hermione. No, she is a student, and has been through so much, I can't add more to her problems, he thought to himself. He gave himself a
few minutes to collect his thoughts and then he went to summon the house elf and take a shower himself.
Hermione watched Snape walk out the door. She paid close attention to how toned his body looked in regular clothes and not the school robes. Why am I admiring his body, it's Professor Snape, I'm thinking about, she thought to herself. She retreated to the bathroom and took a shower.
When Hermione was finished she walked through the bedroom and into the living room. Professor Snape wasn't in sight, but the house elf had already delivered the food.
"Ms Granger, I see you're feeling better," a voice came from across the room. Hermione screamed, not realizing anyone else was in the room with her.
"I am sorry child, I didn't mean to frighten you," Dumbledore said. Snape's door flew open and he rushed out. All he had on was a pair of pants.
"What, what happened!?" he said in excitement.
"It was my fault Severus, Hermione didn't see me, and I merely frightened her." Snape looked at Hermione and then was heard mumbling ".. old bat," as he walked back into his bedroom.
Hermione couldn't take her eyes off Snape. His chest was toned, his abs were tight, and his arms had enough muscle to make him look very strong but they weren't overbearing. He's so hot! She thought to herself. She immediately made a face, trying to figure out what she was thinking.
"My dear, do you care to sit down, while we wait for Severus?" Dumbledore said, watching Hermione stare as Snape walked back into his room. She nodded and sat down.
"I've heard you made some progress last night," Dumbledore said.
"Yes, sir." Hermione said, now looking at Dumbledore.
"Very good, I'm sure Severus is happy as well, he said the past couple of days were hard for you. He said, how do muggles put it, you gave him a run for his money?" Hermione smirked.
Snape walked out of his bedroom, now fully clothed, and had a seat.
"Severus, I can't stay, but there are a few things I need to discuss with you, and I think Hermione also needs to hear them." Dumbledore stated. He continued, "There are many rumors flying around the castle about the events that happened on the night of Luna's death, and the night proceeding."
"Like what?" Hermione questioned before Snape could open his mouth.
"Well, some of the Slytherins have been calling you a murderer, and of course your Gryffindors have been defending you, but they are still at it." Dumbledore said.
"Is there anything else?" Snape asked.
"Well, there are rumors about Hermione being suspended, being sent to a mental hospital, and her actually being dead. Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley are the only ones that know where she truly is." Dumbledore stopped and looked at Hermione.
"I know this is going to be hard for you, but you must trust that we are here for you, and if you need us I insist that you report to someone immediately.
She nodded, "When do I go back to classes?"
"Well, I will leave that up to yourself and Professor Snape, but I believe the sooner the better, tomorrow would be good," Dumbledore said. Hermione just nodded, not saying anything.
"And there is one more thing, when you do start back in classes and begin sleeping in your room, you will be having sessions with Professor Snape each night for a while to just let him know how you are doing. We will call them detentions, no one else needs to know what is going on," Dumbledore said standing.
"I must leave, I will leave you and Professor Snape to discuss this," Dumbledore said, walking out the door.
Hermione was silent, Snape watched her. She had an expression on her face but he couldn't read it.
Snape finally spoke "Hermione, tell me what you're thinking."
-Review please!! Thanks for everyone who has reviewed so far!
