Hey guys! I apologize for the lateness of updating this fic, but school has been hectic than ever. What with the events before graduation going on, the projects and thesis, and I just survived from a crazy week.

Anyway, I know the plot of the story's been obvious, but still, not everything is what it seems. And the reason why I made the summary the way I did was because some were expecting this to be a tragic story about how Severus broke Hermione's heart. But let me just clarify that this is a Romance between HGSS, just bear with me. I know some of you are confused with how the story runs, but trust me, everything will clear out eventually. I have plans to make this story longer than I originally planned, but I need your opinion if I should go on with it.

Enjoy!

The usual disclaimers apply.

Chapter 21

Hermione poked at her pancakes at breakfast, playing back in her mind what had transpired last night. She was convinced Severus still cared for her when he at least mended her bandages, but she didn't expect to be kissed, least of all in the manner he did last night. But the fact remains, Severus did care for her. Was she really just some passing fancy for him until that day when he had to face reality? But why won't he speak with her? And if he did care for her, why didn't he tell her about his marriage? And why did he kiss her knowing full well he was a married man? Her mind was baffled with these questions. She hated having so many questions and having no guarantee of ever obtaining their answers.

Normally, Hermione didn't care as much when Viktor Krum's (or Ron Weasley for that matter) affection had been taken away from her. Although she felt its sting, it was just a small scratch compared to what she had to face now. It's as if her heart had been ripped apart from her chest and stomped mercilessly on the ground.

Severus was many things to her. Mysterious a man as he was, she knew him well enough that he would never be a coward to just simply drop her out of his life like some useless tart. Severus had a hidden compassion that she never saw nor felt in anyone else; it made her body flare immensely with desire. She felt herself to be too optimistic upon concluding that maybe she could get through this with him.

Married or not, she was going to get to the bottom of this somehow.

Without her knowing, she was now stabbing at her pancakes with her brows drawn so closely together. Her friends were looking at her with bemused looks on their faces with her sudden change of mood. Harry cleared his throat loud enough for her to hear. She set her fork down and was somewhat embarrassed by her public display of less than discreet anger.

"Sorry, I just…my hand just started to ache again."

"Are you going to be okay going to Hogsmeade, Hermione?" Harry asked from over his goblet of pumpkin juice, hoping to change the topic. He didn't want to venture further on what seems to be continually upsetting Hermione. He already knew why. Ever since he found out about Hermione and Snape, he couldn't get a wink's sleep. It felt weird for his best friend to be involved with someone such as their professor, especially if that professor was Severus Snape.

"Of course I am. And I'm looking forward to get out of this castle this weekend. I've been thirsty for some butterbeer."

"And Fred and George said they were going to introduce a new product. Can't wait to see it." Ron said after swallowing a bite of pancakes.

"Finally, Ronald, you've managed to listen to me for once." Hermione smirked.

All of Hermione's classes had been pleasant, well, all except for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Just one step into the classroom and already she felt tense. Ginny was beside her as usual, but still, she couldn't help but flinch when Madam Snape entered the room. She couldn't look her professor in the eyes as she discussed their current lesson.

Hermione felt a mixture of guilt and pleasure. She felt guilty that she kissed him, knowing that he was a married man. But then again, he was the one who kissed her first.

No! It's still wrong. She thought. But…it felt wonderful. And I love him. I miss him.

She didn't know how they were going to go on about this, after what happened. She didn't know if he'd be angry with her and push her away. Hermione felt her heart sink again.

Once their classes had concluded for the day, Hermione excused herself from her friends and bolted out the door.

"Hermione! Wait!" Ginny called out.

"What is it?"

"Everything alright?" she asked worriedly.

Hermione nodded.

"I'm fine, Ginny. I just…I'll tell you all about it later. I just need some space to clear my head for a bit."

Ginny bit her lower lip and contemplated Hermione's answer. She knew when to pursue Hermione when she had problems and when to back off; this was one of those times. When she heard Harry and Ron's footsteps approaching, she nodded her understanding to Hermione. Not a second later, Hermione bolted out the door.

She needed time to think alone.

Weekdays were the perfect days to spend some time out in the Black Lake. Most of the students were inside the castle, which she was thankful for. Her favorite spot under a tree facing the lake was the kind of solitude she needed on times like these. Times when her head was like rippling water and the sound of the calm lake cleared it out for her.

Setting her book bag down, she placed a Cushioning Charm on the ground and sat with her legs stretched out before her. Hermione took a few moments inhaling and exhaling deeply, closing her eyes and reveling in the fresh air which she could hardly get in the castle.

She gasped when a pair of clawed feet landed on her right leg.

"Ow! What the—" Hermione stopped in her sentence when she recognized the black barn owl as Aries; Severus' owl.

The owl hooted at her cheerfully, evidently happy to see her, and stuck out his right leg to her which bore a letter. Hermione untied the letter from the owl's leg; her fingers fumbled as she did. Her heart was practically drumming loudly now. Once she retrieved the letter, she quickly opened it with still trembling fingers and quickly read the short note.

We need to talk. Room of Requirement. Tonight.

-Severus

Relief washed over Hermione as she reread the letter. There truly was a God and it finally heard her prayer.

Severus finally wanted to talk.

If Severus was going to tell her he made a mistake last night, she was sure to give him a piece of her mind. Mistake or not, she wasn't going to lose him.

She clutched the letter on her chest for a second before tucking it inside her pocket safely. Drawing out a small piece of parchment from her book bag, she scribbled out a hurried reply, telling Severus she agreed and tied it securely on the bird's leg before giving it a treat.

Hermione smiled and patted the owl's head; that was still perched on her leg a bit painfully. But she welcomed the pain. She knew it was Aries' way of showing affection, by branding the skin of people he tolerated, which were, in fact, only a few. Normally, he'd just storm at other recipient's his master sent letters to and didn't even bother with the courtesy of handing them their letters properly.

Just like his master. Wonderful, sadistic git.

"Just a little gently next time, if you would."

The owl hooted in reply and flew away.

Hermione was practically almost skipping as she made her way back to the castle. She felt her spirits rise immensely, now that she had something to look forward to. Just a thought of seeing Severus alone would put a smile on her face that would last the entire day.

Even her friends noticed this change. Ron was confused as usual, but Harry and Ginny were even more so. The couple only looked at each other as Hermione took her seat beside Ron in the Great Hall.

"What's up with you?" asked Ron.

"What do you mean?" Hermione replied, not noticing the slight pitch in her voice as she piled sausages and mashed potatoes on her plate.

"I can practically feel you sulking the past few days and now…well…now, you're…"

"I'm what?"

"A bit cheery."

"So? Are you saying me being cheery is a bad thing then?"

"No, course not. It's just not normal for you to be like this. Having mood swings and all."

"If we start living a normal life, Ron, let me know."

Harry and Ginny giggled at Hermione's remark, while Ron smirked. Anyone who looked closely could see the faintest blush on his freckled cheek.

"How's the hand, 'Mione?" Harry asked, for which Hermione was thankful of. Harry always knew the perfect moment when to circumvent on awkward situations.

"It still hurts occasionally, but not as often as it once was. It's actually feeling better now, thanks."

As Hermione started eating her meal quietly with her good hand, she felt a pair of eyes piercing the back of her head. Shifting slightly in her seat, she turned to her right where she got a clear view of the staff table. Right then and there, her world stopped as black eyes met her hazel ones.

Severus was cutting through his steak with dexterous hands and ate in silence while Heather chatted incessantly with the Headmaster and Minerva. He continued to eat as Hermione picked out her selection for dinner until she shifted in her seat. And his world stopped as his eyes met hers.

They were both lost in each other's eyes. Something they've never experienced with others, but only with each other. It was like their unspoken connection. When they couldn't openly display their love for each other, this was one of their ways to tell the other of their affection in a semi-public way. The look in their eyes says it all.

"Don't you agree, Severus?"

Severus was awoken from his reverie when Heather's face came into view.

"What?" he asked, with a deer-caught-in-the-headlights look.

"I said 'wouldn't it be wonderful if Albus and Minerva stayed some time with us at mansion in the summer?'"

"If you insist." He sighed.

Heather smiled brightly at his reply and turned back to the Headmaster and Minerva to continue their discussion.

Severus growled inwardly at the interruption and turned back his attention on the Gryffindor table. He frowned when he saw Hermione was looking away from him now and was chatting cheerfully with her friends. He cut into his steak with a bit force than necessary and finished his meal.

It wouldn't be long before he could talk to her.

Hermione tried her best to ignore the pain that was slowly biting away the happiness she felt earlier. Seeing Severus with Heather smiling at him like that just made her want to hex someone. She felt the green ugly monster sticking his head out again and chucked him away before she did something irrational again. The thought of seeing Severus later, thankfully, helped maintain her sanity throughout dinner.

Reviews please, if you'd be so kind