They ate in companionable silence while the school slowly trickled in. Hermione appreciated that Severus didn't feel the need to discuss her loss of temper. She noticed her students' looks of awe and weariness, and felt a little ashamed of her actions towards Ronald. When her colleagues approached the table to sit, they complemented her on her quick use of magic. She winced every time they said anything.
"Good morning Hermione," said Minerva merrily, sitting on the other side of Severus, "I trust you had a pleasant evening last night?" she smiled, looking between Hermione and Severus with a knowing twinkle in her eyes.
"It was quiet lovely, thank you," Hermione replied quietly, wanting to escape from all the eyes on her.
"Excellent! How about you Severus?" Minerva grinned like a child on Christmas.
"I agree with Professor Granger," he said, finding his morning coffee utterly enthralling. Before Minerva could say anything else, Hermione cut in.
"Excuse me Minerva, but Professor Snape and I have some serious matters to discuss, so, if you will just excuse us," Hermione stood quickly and walked out of the back teachers' door of the Great Hall, not bothering to see if Severus followed.
She didn't get too far before slim, warm fingers intertwined with hers and walked with her to her quarters.
"A light in the darkness," she mumbled to the ballerina. It swung open quickly and she pulled him in and sat heavily on the couch in front of the fire, "I'm really tired," she mumbled after a few minutes of silence.
"Then sleep," he fought the urge to roll his eyes as her obvious statement.
"I will," she stood and pulled off her robes, leaving her in her muggle clothes. She grabbed his hand, "Come on," she pulled him towards a closed door that once opened, revealed her bedroom.
"Hermione, I-" he started.
"All I want is for you to hold me while I sleep. I want to feel safe, and for most of my life, I haven't. Not since meeting Harry. The constant worry for the Wizarding world has kept me on edge since I was eleven. We both know that with each other around, we'll be able to sleep better. So for now, please just lay down with me?" she looked at him with pleading brown eyes that he no longer had any hope of say no to.
His response was to take off his robes, frock coat, and shoes before stretching out on the bed. She slipped her shoes off, and curled up next to him.
"Thank you Severus," she mumbled. He pulled her into his arms, and pushed the hair from her face.
"Sleep well Hermione," he held her close. She smiled, and after a few minutes, her breathing evened out.
Severus studied the enigmatic creature in his arms. She was lovely, enjoyed reading, sometimes talked too much to those whom she knew well, and sometimes didn't. She had proved how extremely powerful she was, cared too much about people who didn't deserve it, and could sometimes be more stubborn than him.
And she wanted him.
He was glad that Hermione had saved his life, only for the reason that he had finally found someone who could stand him, and keep an intelligent conversation with. Yes, he was glad to be alive.
Must stay on her good side though… was his last lingering thought as he let blissful sleep finally overtake him.
nox
Reviews are Love
Thank you to those who have followed this story! And to all who have reviewed, you have my heart.
To address almost everyone's complaint about the short chapters, I happen to enjoy leaving you all in suspense. At least you guys had the comfort of knowing that I updated often and had the story already completed.
Thank you again, laurawillows