A/N: Never fear there's a method to my madness…..also be prepared for fluff beyond function….

He was a fool to think that he could continue being in her presence and remain unaffected. If there was anything that those days apart from Hermione taught him it was that she made vulnerable. No worse, she made him lax. Sure, those first few days he'd been on his best behavior, doing nothing to cross the line. But yesterday…..

Severus knew it was all his fault. Playing with fire as he stroked her soft skin, feeling her squirm deliciously in his lap and her sigh….He would have kissed her. Would have partaken in any and every delight she offered that night. But when the guard came he pulled back as if burned. He should have left then, but Hermione asked him to stay and a night with her in his arms was infinitely better than one alone. Especially since he had fallen for her.

What a fool he was.

He dreamt of her. Of what could have happened had they not been interrupted. Things were safer in his dreams. Dream Hermione couldn't hurt him. She couldn't change her mind and decide he wasn't worth loving. Yes. What a splendid dream. Only when he woke that morning he realized just how much he enjoyed the dream. And Hermione….

He never imagined he'd feel her hands down there. He had to get up. To escape. He was so embarrassed. The evidence of his arousal was presenting itself proudly against his wishes. It's okay. That's what she said. And she crushed her womanly figure against him like the little siren he knew from his dreams. So if he spent the next few visits keeping her at an arm's length, that wasn't his fault, right?

Day 93:

The wall was up again. And it seemed firmly in place this time. In the back of her mind she wondered if he still hadn't quite gotten over the "morning incident" a few days ago. And now he was punishing himself for it. She wanted to yell at him. To demand that he pull his head out of his arse and snog her senseless. But she knew that he needed to come to his senses on his own. That was the only way he could ever fully receive her love, and allow himself to love her in return.

For the time being she'd settle for slightly less affectionate Severus. At least he still brought her kung pao.

What started as a normal morning for Severus Snape quickly went pear-shaped before he could even finish his scrambled eggs. Following his usual routine, Severus woke up, finished his daily ablutions and went to the Great Hall. He even returned a few greetings. However, as he chewed thoughtfully on his pancakes, an owl swooped in and dropped a letter right into his cheesy potatoes. All eyes found themselves on him-how could they not? Severus never received mail. Fan mail, and howlers, but not actual mail. Ignoring their eyes, he decided to open the letter-normally he would have done this in private, but that would only heighten their curiosity.

Wiping off the mess, he arched his brow seeing how their wasn't any sender, just his name scrawled across the front. He scanned it for any hexes or jinxes that might harm him, but he found nothing. Flipping it to the back, he was surprised to see the official Prince family symbol. Interest peeked, he opened the envelope:

Dear Severus Snape,

News of your survival has been a welcomed realization. While in the past the Prince family has behaved rather uncharitably towards you and your mother, a fact which I deeply regret, I am being sincere when I say welcome. That being said, in light of recent events, we would like to invite you back into the Prince family. Seeing as you are the last surviving male heir, once I pass away the fortune is yours; however, there are a few provisos. My health is failing and as a leader of one of the last noble houses it is my greatest hope that the Prince line lives on. That being said, in order to receive your full inheritance-you must marry and be expecting a child within a year. This is effective immediately.

Hope this finds you well,

Lord Cassius Prince

Clutching the letter in his hands, Severus schooled his features as he lifted his eyes from the parchment for the first time. Minerva met his eyes showing her own curiosity plainly on her face. He sneered. "Oh don't be a tease Severus," she clucked. "Tell us what it said."

"It's none of your business," he let out gruffly. "Now, excuse me, I have some business to attend to." And with that Snape rose from his seat and marched out of the Great Hall leaving the others to speculate what exactly the mysterious letter contained.

Day 106:

When he came rushing into her cell looking disheveled and slightly worse for wear, she was instantly on her feet. "What is it Severus?" She asked, brows knitted in confusion, she wasn't used to seeing him look this upset. Even at his most laidback he had always maintained a collected demeanor. Something must have really shook him.

"Here," he spat and Hermione found an envelope shoved unceremoniously into her hands. It was a letter. Scanning the contents quickly, she felt her stomach do an odd flip. "Well?" He demanded.

"I don't really know what to say….do you even want the money?" She asked deciding that it was the safest question.

"Until now I never believed it was an option; however, now that it is I can't say I'm not tempted. If the inheritance is truly as substantial as my grandfather would have me to believe than I could afford to start my own business."

"And be your own boss," Hermione added knowingly recalling their earlier discussions.

He nodded as his lips pulled down into a frown. "But I have to be married and expecting an heir within a year. A year! Not only would I have to find someone content to live in a civil, yet loveless marriage, but also someone who doesn't mind being forced to pop out a baby without so much as a by your leave! Who would resign themselves to such a fate?"

"I would."

The words slipped out of their own volition and Hermione felt her cheeks burn in humiliation. It made her sound desperate and pathetic. But it was the truth. He stood stock still with his back turned towards her and Hermione watched him nervously, gripping her thin clothes in suddenly sweaty palms. "Hermione-"

"Just forget I said anything," she rushed, wishing for all the world that she could turn back time once more. Just enough to prevent her from saying something so….so stupid. "It's not like it's even possible, right?"

"There is an ordinance…..that allows minor criminals to be released if married to a free citizen, on grounds of necessity. In theory, my need for both a spouse and heir should be enough." He turned to face her, "But would that really be fair to you? Regardless of your esteem for me, this is a very serious matter. Any woman I marry will need to be committed to me for life. You only have three years here, and then you will be free. Free to love someone else. Someone who could give you the love that you deserve."

Okay, so he wasn't rejecting her-at least not completely. She moved towards him and for the first time since their time together, he flinched. But she pressed on, placing a shaking hand on his pale cheek. And as he gazed into her eyes, she could read the wariness in his expression. "Don't you remember why I'm here? Trust me, my esteem, as you call it-isn't likely to disappear. I told you before that I'd do it again. Whether it's three years or thirteen. I knew how serious my actions were then, and I know how serious they are now. I'd much rather spend my life with you, than any amount of time here, no matter how small." Her other hand slid up his chest, resting there. "Now….I know that I'm not….the prettiest…"

He shushed her with two of his long, calloused fingers. She shivered at his touch. "You are gorgeous," he admonished. "Never doubt that. And even if you weren't-I'm certainly no Adonis. Looks were never a deep concern for me and if I am honest with myself, you are my ideal partner." He paused and as his words sank in, Hermione told herself not to get too hopeful. "I just….I'm afraid Hermione. My love has been spurned before leaving me with naught but sorrow and ash."

Things were clearing up and Hermione regarded the seemingly untouchable man in front of her. To have him admit something so deeply personal spoke volumes of their relationship. Wall or no wall, she recognized this was Severus putting himself out there. This was him being vulnerable. "You can trust your love with me," she replied praying that he believed her words. "Give me your heart Severus, for I have already given you mine."

"What if all I can give you is a heart that has been mangled and burned; left cold, black, and fragile?"

Hermione wanted to cry, did this man truly believe that's all he had to offer? She wouldn't address that right away, instead she answered, "If it's a heart full of your love, I will treasure it no matter what state it's in."