A/N: Starting to have fun with this. As always, thanks for your reviews and follows.
As they lay in his bed, Severus could tell that his young lover had not yet fallen asleep. Weaving a hand through her hair he asked, "Are you ready to tell me why you were crying earlier?"
"Do you realize that it's been a year and I'm the only one who's not doing anything? Harry's in auror training, Ginny's playing quidditch, Draco's taking over his father's company-Luna too. And what am I doing? Making horrible blankets for children." Her tone was bitter. And self loathing. And eerily reminiscent of himself.
"No one's rushing you. And I doubt anyone has noticed."
"Ginny did. She said that I sit around the house all day." Severus held her tighter, quietly wiping away the tears from her face and his chest. For someone used to achieving this had probably hit her hard. Added to that was the fact that Hermione always wanted to be a help not a hindrance and well, that equaled a sobbing witch.
"Miss Weasley's words were tactless and untrue," He insisted. "Aside from Kreacher you do majority of the cooking and cleaning around here. You're always there to assist someone, should they need it, and you're like the resident therapist. And personally speaking, you are the brightest spot in my day."
"I am?"
Severus kissed her brow. "Yes, of course you are. You're the end to my loneliness. A healing balm for a heart too used to heartache and disappointment. So what if you're not working right now? Whatever you eventually decide to do I'm confident that you'll be amazing at it."
He heard her sigh. "Thank you for being what I need. You are my bright spot and my balm as well." She stroked the soft hairs of his chair, "It's partly why I love you so much."
He didn't respond. No, his heart was too busy beating a wild rhythm in his chest. With shaking hands he brought her lips to his own, capturing them in a tender lip lock. Hoping that while he could not yet repeat the words, the sentiment would translate just the same. He was overwhelmed. It was the first time those words had ever been directed at him. So he shut his eyes and vowed to never take the woman in his arms for granted.
CCCCCCC
The next morning Hermione was feeling marginally better but she still wanted to find something for her to do. She just needed a little inspiration first. "I hate it when you leave in the morning," Severus grumbled sitting up and watching as Hermione searched for her things.
"And so do I, but this isn't my room," she replied.
"I know. I know. It was just a comment." Something about his tone didn't sit right with Hermione, but she decided to let it go for now. She had a long day ahead of her seeing as she was responsible for planning Luna's surprise party.
She crossed over to where Severus sat and gave him a quick peck. "You're still meeting me for lunch right?"
"Yes. At one o'clock," he confirmed. Hermione pecked him once more and was almost out the door when he stopped her, "Remember what I said, 'whatever you decide to do, you'll be amazing at it.'"
That made her smile. "Thanks Severus."
You'd think Hermione would be used to shopping with Harry Potter, but unfortunately that was not the case. Luna's party was in a less than a week and she was getting everything finalized. "All I'm asking you to do is settle on which flavor you want her cheesecake to be: Apple strudel or raspberry?"
"Um, she likes both. Sorry 'mione, but beyond the fact that Lulu loves cheesecake I'm drawing a blank."
Hermione sighed. "I suppose I could make both flavors. Which equals four cakes for me to make."
"Not to mention the pudding."
"Right. And the shipment of beads and party glasses came in this morning so no worries there. Honestly, I'm a bit surprised you went with a Mardi gras theme," Hermione remarked scribbling notes in her planner.
"She told me about a time where she went to New Orleans with her father. It was the best thing I could come up with. Unless there's a Crumpled Horned Snorkack themed party I don't know about," Harry quipped.
Hermione grinned. "Okay, and you're sure no one's allergic to shellfish?"
"Yes. I checked."
"Perfect," Hermione drawled. "Well, I'll be going now. Here, take the groceries back home, I don't want to be late for my lunch with Severus."
Harry adjusted his glasses. "So Gin wasn't mistaken? You and Severus are dating?"
Hermione nodded. "I know you're worried about me, but Severus treats me well. Our relationship is very new, but he means a lot to me."
"I can't say I understand, but I respect your decision," Her best friend relented. "But I'm still gonna worry. You're my family 'mione."
She gave him a warm smile. "You're my family too Harry."
CCCCCC
Lunch was at a popular bistro and Hermione waltzed in looking radiant in her dusty rose teacup dress and nude heels. Her hair was pulled back in a sleek chignon that matured her face. Severus greeted her with a half smile and pulled out her chair. Once the waiter left with their orders Hermione spoke: "Busy day?"
"Yes and no. More frustrating than that is to be expected when you are experimenting."
"With what?"
Severus looked around the room before motioning for her to lean in. "A cure for lycanthropy."
Her brows shot up. "That's rather uh, ambitious of you. Any leads?"
Severus grimaced. "None that I can find."
"Could I take a look at your research? A fresh pair of eyes might be what you need."
Severus smirked, her willingness to help was a good sign. He was afraid she'd be in a funk like yesterday. "I'd like that. What about you? Aren't you planning Miss Lovegood's surprise party?"
"Mmmhmm," She answered taking a sip of the water that had just arrived. "Harry's been….well, Harry, but everything is on track. Except that I have to ma-"
"Well, well, well, I guess the rumors are true." Severus knew that voice anywhere and it nearly made his blood run cold.
"Leave us, Lucius," he sneered.
Malfoy tutted his lips. "Ah, ah, ah. Is that any way to treat an old friend? Besides, I came all to congratulate you both." Here he bowed to Hermione, going so far as to grab her hand gently. Severus's jaw twitched as he observed Malfoy kiss her hand. "Miss Granger, may I be so bold to say how beautiful you look this afternoon."
Hermione looked at him with fear in her eyes and likely anger too. "Thank you," she let out through gritting teeth. Under the table he felt Hermione grip his knee tightly.
"What do you want Lucius?" Severus nearly barked. There was a time where he considered the man a friend, but Lucius had no real loyalty except to himself. Like Severus, he that egotistical mind frame led to him making some horrible mistakes as a young man, but unlike Severus, Lucius had a greater propensity for evil.
Suddenly Malfoy's face changed and he looked less like the aristocratic prick, Severus knew him to be. "Please Severus, it's Cissy. She's sick."
"Have you told Draco?"
"He's not speaking to me."
Severus sighed and Hermione squeezed his knee again. Their eyes met and he could read her concern. Whether it was for Lucius or himself, he didn't know. "Give me a day to consider. And I'll owl you with my decision."
Malfoy looked desperate and stricken, but he nodded anyway. "That's fair. Could you please tell Draco for me? He may hate me, but I know the boy loves his mother." Severus agreed and then just as quickly as he came, Lucius left.
