A short chapter, but I haven't updated in a while and thought I'd just throw a bone out there. Enjoy!
Hermione leant on the rail on the side of the ferry. She took a deep breath as she watched the English coast get further and further away. Severus appeared behind her with two cardboard cups of coffee. He stopped dead in his tracks and watched her standing with her curly hair blowing in the breeze.
Eventually Hermione turned, saw him and greeted him with a warm smile.
This sweet girl is really testing my shield, Severus thought as he stood next to her, handing her a coffee.
'Stay warm, Miss Granger.'
Hermione's smile grew as she took the drink from him, nursing it's warmth. 'Thank you, Professor.'
'It's nothing,' Snape replied defensively.
'Professor.'
'Hmmm?'
'What is this place like that we're going to?'
Severus thought for a second. 'It's quiet, secluded…'
'So well hidden away?'
'Yes, out in a woodland area. But needs must, Miss Granger.'
'And we'll be all alone?'
'Yes.'
'That's fine, but…' Hermione looked into Snape's dark, cold eyes and lost her nerve. 'Never mind.'
Snape shrugged, slightly irritated. 'As you wish.'
Severus turned and focused his attention to the sea, although not really taking anything in. A few moments later, her peered to his left and saw a concerned look in Hermione's eyes. This pulled on his heartstrings a little and he decided to give in. 'Do tell me what the matter is, Miss Granger.'
Hermione took a deep breath. 'That, what you just did, is the matter.'
Severus screwed up his face with confusion. 'What on Earth are you droning on about, you silly girl?'
'And that too! We're going to be spending a lot of time together with just us for company. I'm not saying we have to be bosom-buddies, but I want us to get along. I want to feel comfortable with you. I want you to just…let me in!'
Severus sneered mockingly. 'No-one has ever been let in.'
Hermione looked out into the horizon, deep in thought. 'I really want to form a friendship with you. You're not an easy person to handle. You save my life, then you're rude and push me away when I only want to express my gratitude. I don't think you are aware of how hurtful that is to me. Do you even care? There's a good person inside you. A hero. Please let me meet you, Severus.'
Severus felt a little stunned when she used his first name. For Hermione, it was an attempt to get closer to him. Severus merely blinked and lowered his head.
'I can't change who I am. Believe me, there are solid reasons as to why I behave in such a way. I can't be who you want me to be.'
'Oh no, but bringing me a coffee was a good start,' Hermione said, urging him to realise his hidden good-nature.
Severus looked at Hermione and was met with a cute grin. He felt his insides melt and discovered that nothing terrified him more or posed a bigger threat to destroy him than a pretty young girl.
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