He stared at the knotted wood on his desk. There is no possible way. None. Zero. He shivered and shook his head. I need sleep. He moved from desk and went into his quarters. Yes, this should really deter the 'Snape's a vampire' theory.
Severus slept for a few hours, but it was restless. When he woke, he continued his reading and took notes on his findings. The more he learned, the more confident he became in his theory.
He did not meet with Hermione again for several days. He was, immaturely, avoiding her. His classes with her were suffocating for him, but his demeanor did not convey any discomfort. It was business as usual to the outside world. After their Thursday class, he walked out of his classroom only to nearly bump right into the Golden Trio.
As he moved to avoid contact, he scowled and prepared to fire a scathing remark, but Weasley said, "Oh, c'mon, Mione. It's your birthday! You're 17 now! We've got to do something to celebrate!"
He flinched, but kept his pace moving away from them in long strides. It's her birthday? Selfish. I've... been a terrible Secret Keeper for her. I have put so many of my burdens on her and taken none of hers on myself.
He ducked into the next available classroom, grabbed Floo powder, and went to Diagonal Alley. He had a rather good idea for a birthday present.
After the purchase, he went back to Hogwarts. How the fuck am I supposed to give this to her? What the hell was I thinking? Sure, Snape, walk right up to her and give her a gift. That's appropriate and in character. Well, perhaps this could be an experiment?
He sat at his desk again breathing deeply and slowly. He focused on what her presence had felt like in his mind, the safety of it, how she demanded her shields to wrap him within them to protect him. He focused on the feeling of her shields. Steady. He could feel them now, encompassing him. The faint buzzing in his mind that signaled her protection and presence. The comforting hum of her.
Hermione? He called to her.
Professor Snape... I... What is this?
An experiment. Where are you?
We just got back to Hogwarts. We were at The Three Broomsticks.
If you can spare a moment and can get away, I'd like a minute of your time.
Of course, sir.
He had reached her all the way in Hogsmeade. That's promising. He sniffed. His nose had started running. A cold is just what I need.
Hermione caused him to jump when she walked in the room, "Professor?" That was quick.
He walked out of his office and met her in a row between desks, "I... have something for you."
"Professor, your nose is bleeding."
"It is?" He pulled a handkerchief from his frock jacket and pressed it against the underside of his nose. It was, indeed, bleeding.
"Are you feeling okay? You look unwell."
"I am fine. It was harder than I thought it would be to connect with you," he waved his hand dismissively, "I have something for you."
"Oh?" She questioned.
He summoned the book, wrapped in thick brown paper and tied up with twine. She opened it and smiled up to him, revealing beautifully white and straight teeth, "Professor! This book is wonderful. I have been wanting this book for a long time. This... must have cost you a fortune. How did you know I love Charms?"
He shrugged, "I have known you for six years," He raised that eyebrow.
She snorted, "Thank you."
"Happy Birthday, Hermione," He gave her a small smile.
She beamed at him, "Go back to your dormitory and celebrate with your friends. Congratulations on becoming an adult. Happy Birthday," He nodded.
Before he knew it, he was crushed in an embrace. Her arms were wrapped tightly around his rib cage and she still had the book in one hand. The spine poked into his kidney. He could smell her hair. Almond...and Shea?
His arms were restricted by her embrace and were pinned tightly to his sides, "Miss Granger. You shouldn't do this," She pulled away. Empty.
"Sorry. I was just excited," Her eyes went to the floor.
"Do not trouble yourself over it, Hermione. Go. Enjoy your birthday," he pointed his chin toward the door. She went.
Empty.
Shea.
Almond.
Empty.
Shea.
Almond.
Empty.
Empty.
Empty.
A knock on his door interrupted his strange feelings. He opened the door and expected to find a first year Slytherin year feeling homesick.
"You have been avoiding me, Severus," The old man stood in the doorway - a cold fire twinkling in his eyes.
"Oh, bloody hell..."
