A/N: Here we go kiddies. Hope you like. Please review.

Chapter 25: Recovery

Severus returned to the Hospital wing in the early morning hours, Leo's tiny body cradled in his arms. The kitten's pelvis had been broken, along with three ribs. Severus healed them easily, but the kitten was still sore and exhausted. The man smiled, seeing Hermione sleeping with Draco doing the same horizontally at the bottom of the bed. He placed a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder, and he awoke right away.

"Go out and sleep in one of the beds, Draco," he said, his voice gentle. "Thank you for staying with her."

Draco yawned and nodded. "Of course, Severus," he said, heading out to the Hospital Wing.

Severus shut the doors behind the boy and placed the kitten at the end of the bed. Severus washed his face and pulled off his pants and shirt, laying down next to Hermione in his boxers.

Hermione startled when Severus's arms wrapped around her. She awoke with a gasp and pushed him away roughly.

"It's okay," he said quietly. "It's just me."

Hermione turned and put her arms around him, kissing him full on the mouth.

"How are you feeling?" he asked when she finally pulled away.

Hermione shrugged. "Alright, I suppose. You just scared me," she admitted.

Severus smiled. "I'm sorry...Why don't you sleep?"

"Wait...what about Leo?"

"He's fine...he's sleeping on the end of the bed."

Hermione smiled and sat up to see the kitten. Satisfied, she laid down and pulled Severus's arms around her, snuggling into his chest. "I...I love you."

Severus smiled. "I love you too."

Severus awoke late that morning, shaking his head. Leo was asleep on his chest; Hermione curled up at his side. He smiled and kissed the top of Hermione's head gently.

"Good morning," she said, looking up at him.

"Good morning. How are you feeling?"

Hermione shrugged. "I'm fine..." she said, smiling weakly.

Severus frowned. "You're not fine...please don't lie to me."

Hermione sighed. "I'm sore," she admitted. "And I feel like I'm going to lose it again..."

"Lose what?"

"My sanity, Severus! I dreamt of it all night."

"Why didn't you wake me? I would have gotten you something."

Hermione shook her head. "I didn't want to wake you."

"You shouldn't worry about something like that. Do you want something for your pain?"

"I'll be fine."

"Let's get some breakfast," he suggesting as he stood and pulled his clothes on.

"I'm not hungry."

"You have to eat something..."

Hermione looked at him with pleading eyes. "Stop. I just need some time..."

Severus nodded slowly. "If you need to talk, you know you can talk to me. You can't bottle this up. It's not healthy."

Hermione nodded. "I won't. I promise," she smiled and kissed him gently. "I just want to go back to sleep for a while. You go get breakfast."

Severus nodded hesitantly.

"If it will make you happier, bring me back some toast."

Severus smiled and nodded. "Of course."

"By the way, Severus. We have to go to my parents's house for New Year's Eve," she told him as she laid back down, Leo moving to snuggle into her side.

"We? Why does it have to be we?"

"Because I love you...and I want them to meet you."

"Lovely," There was no hiding the sarcasm in his voice.

A/N: Oh my. So short. I wanted to get you guys something. Next chapter: New Year's Eve. Might get a little heated...we shall see. PLEASE review. :)