(Okay. Here's another chapter. I realize that Snape is acting OOC again but I'm starting to like this side of him. It's kind of cute!

It's a longer chapter and I could really use some feedback on it. Constructive criticism is a must! I live to rewrite and revise! And the best critics I have are the people who are reading! DZMom always does an amazing job at writing her reviews and I often make changes based on what she says! Thanks! That's the only way I get better at writing! I read your comments, ladies and gents!

Please and thank you. I'm on break for school now so expect even more chapters and a new story altogether is in the making! I'm not sure what kind of fanfiction it'll be though. Perhaps Smallville or Superman (which are the initial shows that got me into writing fanfictions).

I am going to warn you though... The Chapter 15 is going to be on the mature side. I've hinted at it so far but haven't been brave enough to really get into it. I'm not entirely confident in my erotic writing abilities so be nice! lol You don't want to scare me away from writing for a while, I hope!

Anyway, enjoy! Another chapter should be up tomorrow!

Light and love to everyone!

I don't own anything!)

The next day was a strange one for Hermione. For one, she slept through breakfast and brunch, refusing to wake up until nearly noon. Harry's early-morning persistent knocking didn't have an effect and she didn't budge when Madame Pomfrey charmed her door open to check on her. When she did awaken, she was disoriented because her vision didn't clear up right away, as it normally did. It took her a few minutes of panic to remember what happened the previous day and that she had been excused from all of her classes, as well. Once she was calmed down, she remembered the dittany and applied it right away.

Her vision improved again, but the light streaming in through the windows hurt her sensitive eyes and with a wave of her wand, she closed the drapes. After that, she showered and then bustled about the room, cleaning and dusting, knowing full well that she was only trying to distract herself from the memories of the previous night.

By around three in the afternoon, she was beginning to go stir crazy because she wasn't accustomed to staying inside her room for so long. She took another dose of the dittany and her eyes dramatically improved. Though fuzzy, she now felt like she just needed a strong pair of glasses instead of feeling completely blind. Hermione still couldn't read, however, and this was the part that bothered her the most.

She was looking forward to Madame Pomfrey bringing her supper, even if it was just to have someone to talk to.

Snape wasn't as lucky to sleep in. When the sleeping draught wore off, he woke up in a groggy state and showered to make him a little more alert. He held classes during the morning, doing his best to ignore the darker stares of Potter and Weasley. He assumed that both of them were informed of the incident and that explained their sudden increased hostility. He did his best to overlook them though, especially because his eyes often came to rest on the empty seat beside Potter.

Holding his classes, as per normal, was required to distract him from the coming evening. Much to his dismay, he hadn't forgotten about his resolve upon waking and he bound himself to the plan. He knew he wouldn't go through with it if he thought too much about another excursion to her chambers. The idea itself was foolish to even consider, but he felt strangely excited, almost like he looked forward to it. You're stepping into dangerous territory… He told himself that more than once as a free moment allowed him the time to think. You're stepping into dangerous territory and you're doing it willingly. You're mental.

His classes were all finished by four in the afternoon and he retreated to his chamber to scrub the frog guts from his skin. He had been instructing the third years by the end of the work day how to disembowel the amphibians correctly for potion work. A migraine had formed from listening to the sounds of squealing, squeamish females complaining about touching the raw flesh. His throat was a tad bit raw from raising his voice, as well. He marveled at the immaturity he was forced to deal with.

When he was done cleaning himself up, he went through his private stores, throwing out old ingredients and making a list of what he needed to acquire for upcoming brews. It was busy work, really, something to make the time pass. It was failing epically, in any case. Eventually, he lost his patience and started handwriting the lesson he gave to the seventh years that day. The Granger girl was sure to fear falling behind in her courses while she was out of class. Besides, it was another prime excuse for him to visit her.

When the clock rolled over to seven, Snape made a beeline from his quarters to the Hospital Wing after diligently cleaning himself with another shower. He fought against the crowd of students that were coming from the Great Hall and was rather pleased to find that Madame Pomfrey extremely busy with a hoard of students who had come down with the flu-like symptoms.

She barely looked at Snape as she searched for fresh linens and he explained why he was there. "What? Granger? Yes, of course. Thank you for your help, Severus. I'm not sure what it is but everyone is getting sick. I can't leave right now. Yes, you're right. We mustn't let her starve. The tray is by the door. Thanks again."

With a small smile to himself, he picked up the tray and headed towards Hermione.

"Again?" The Fat Lady was exasperated at seeing Potions Master entreating entrance into her tower. "When did you start making house calls?"

"When Madame Pomfrey became busy and needed the assistance." His answer was short but polite. The Fat Lady narrowed her eyes.

"Are you sweet on the Healer?" She cleared her throat. "I've been hanging here for a long time and I hear things. The students talk, you know. You never leave the dungeons. And never help any of the other professors out. And if the students don't fear you, they hate you. Not really the sociable or personable one, are you?" She crossed her arms.

"Need I explain myself to you? I think not. Higgle-pig."

The Fat Lady hesitated before swinging open to admit him. Once again, Snape climbed into the portrait hole.

Thankfully, today, the common room was devoid of life and he was able to cross to the stairs without encountering the confused faces of the dunderheaded students. He paused outside of Granger's door, holding his breath. Then, he kicked the bottom of the door frame with his foot to alert her of his visitation.

Around seven in the evening, Hermione was growing hungry. A hour earlier she had taken a relaxing bubble bath in chamomile tea. Ever the studious seventh year, she was still a woman and missed the more Muggle aspects of her life. At Hogwarts, she was always moving and had little time to enjoy the finer things in life. Today was the first day in a long time that she had a chance to sleep in and she thought that the warm bath would be a great way to end it.

Afterwards, she spent some time conditioning her hair, trying to cut down on the frizz that had built up over time. She used her wand to gently dry her hair and then she brushed it until it was smooth.

Knowing that Madame Pomfrey would be the last one to visit her, she donned another nightie. This one was pink and made of silk. She took another dose of dittany and felt her eyes heal further. Two more, she thought, holding up the vial to a candle, and I should be completely back to normal. Three maybe.

She was cleaning the residue out of the tub when she heard a bang at her door. Assuming it was Madame Pomfrey, she called "It's unlocked! Come in!" With her head in the tub, she didn't look up as she heard the door creak open and then close again. "Thank you for bringing me my supper. I'm sorry that I wasn't awake this morning, I don't know what happened." She looked up to see Snape gawking at her.

The two just stared at each other for a moment. Snape was in shock at seeing her… barely dressed and it took Hermione a few seconds to focus on his face. "What are YOU doing here?" She stood up and strode toward her bed, trying to hide her cleavage with crossed arms. She got there and threw her robe back on. Tying it, she glared at him. "Well?" She noted that she could feel her face burning with embarrassment. No male ever saw her dressed like that.

He cleared his throat and then diverted his eyes. "I-Um… brought your supper again." He put it on the desk. "And the notes that you missed in class today." He pulled them out of his robe and dropped them beside her tray. "How is your sight?"

"Better." Hermione regarded him sternly. "Who took the notes? Hopefully not Harry or Ron. I can't read their handwriting." She kept her arms crossed and went to pick up the folded parchment. The fluid script was blurry to her but she could tell it was written by practiced hand. She didn't recognize it.

"I… rewrote the lesson plan. I was sure that you wouldn't want to fall behind in your coursework." He broke eye contact with her, feeling almost embarrassed. He wasn't fond of these emotions and he sought to replace the scowl that often lived on his face. It didn't quite work.

"Are you alright?" She could see his contorted expression and she arched an eyebrow.

"Fine."

Hermione looked at him strangely before she folded up the notes and placed them on top of one of her text books. She glanced at the tray of food and then back at Snape. Reaching for her wand, she conjured another plate, more silverware and a goblet. She also silently replaced the lock charm on her door. Snape didn't notice the latter.

"Professor, thank you for the notes. Have you eaten yet?"

He watched her wand movements intently, focusing on the flick of her wrist and the gentle, yet firm grip she held. She's graceful… Why didn't I notice that before? And… for someone who works so hard she has such delicate and soft hands… When she spoke, he blinked to clear his thoughts. "What? No, I haven't. I have food back in my quarters."

She sat down at her desk and another chair appeared. "Why don't you share a meal with me? I'd like to thank you for being so kind… I know it's… unusual." His ears detected an almost-insult but a soft smile played across her lips.

He didn't answer her, unsure of an excuse to use. He settled for accepting without words and sat in the empty chair beside her.