Anything recognizable is the property of J.K. Rowling. I do not make any claim to ownership, nor do I make any money from this.

Please do not read if you are not of legal age in your country. This is nowhere near being a happy go lucky romantic story.

Wake Me Up Inside

For three weeks the potions master cared for Hermione, administering potions, changing bandages, and touching her mind through legilimens. She quickly emerged from the cave she had hidden in, but rebuilding took longer. It took many long discussions and promises that the Aurors had arrested everyone involved to convince her to even allow the grass to grow again. Soon the ground was lush and the trees had begun to bloom again. He helped her construct walls around the tender areas, giving her a fortress to return to, a way to protect herself. The potions master abandoned his stiff attitude and doted on the younger woman, and she in return promised to smile again.

Madam Pomfrey visited after a week and was delighted to see the injuries healed and that the brunette would now look around the room, though she had yet to speak. Later Headmistress McGonagall entered the room and glowered at the potions master, clearly still angry at his refusal to leave Hermione's side but understanding at the same time.

"Severus, term ends tomorrow." She spoke gently

"I will vacate the rooms by the end of the week." He didn't want to look at the woman who had been his teacher, his friend, and his employer.

"You don't have to do that."

"I resigned, it would not be proper for me to continue residing here."

"Well, I do not accept your resignation, Professor."

Severus looked up at the older woman. "And why's that?"

"All of your students passed their exams this year, some of the highest OWL and NEWT scores overall despite not having a lesson in almost a month." She smiled down at the Slytherin. "You two make quite the pair, in and out of the classroom."

"Thank you, Minerva." Snape spoke quietly and rubbed the soft skin on the back of Hermione's hand.

When he looked back at the headmistress she had already left. He felt a slight squeeze of his hand from the younger woman and he looked back to her. For the first time in weeks full recognition shown in her eyes. Severus smoothed her hair and smiled as much as he allowed himself.

"I knew you could smile." Hermione whispered weakly.

For a moment the potions professor didn't know what to say. "You're back."

"Is it really finally over?" She suddenly became serious.

"Yes."

"Good. I'm tired of fighting." Hermione blinked slowly and studied the ceiling. "Do you suppose Professor McGonagall would let me stay here?"

"I don't think she'll have a choice in the matter." The Slytherin squeezed her hand and smoothed her hair.

"Would you hold me?"

He nodded and began unbuttoning his jacket before sliding into the bed next to the younger woman. Hermione instantly curled up against his chest allowing his arms to hold her tight. Severus inhaled the scent of her hair and placed a chaste kiss to her forehead.

"What do you think will happen now?" Hermione breathed against his neck, sending goosebumps crawling across his arms.

"I think you will get better, term will start again, and you can teach the students how to be know-it-alls." His voice started to trail off as she ran her lips across his trachea.

He purred for a moment, lifting his jaw so she could get better access to the tender skin of his neck. "What are you doing?"

"Kissing you." She nibbled delicately at his collarbone. "Are you complaining?"

"Not at all." He was quite happy to let her continue until she slipped one hand across his chest and brushed his nipple.

Severus grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. "I thought you just wanted to be held?" He nuzzled her hair and pulled their bodies flush together so she could feel the affect she had on him.

"Do you want me to stop?" Hermione ran her teeth gently against his earlobe.

"Merlin no, but I'm going to ask you to." It was the hardest thing he had ever willingly done, but he smiled when she slid her leg between his and nodded.

As Hermione fell asleep in his arms, Severus counted his blessings. "We have all the time in the world now."