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The next morning when Hermione awoke, she stayed in bed, wrapped in her own thoughts and trying to keep her muscles as still as possible. She knew it was a Saturday morning due to the fact that Severus was still in bed, sound asleep.

Crookshanks began climbing over her, repeatedly.

"What?" Hermione finally groaned to the ginger cat.

Pulling herself from bed, and groaning at the pain, Hermione went into the living room to feed the fuzz ball that seemed glued to her feet. Once Crookshanks was happily eating to his heart's content, Hermione curled up on the couch, and after a moment discovered that Severus left his cloak there. Without a single thought, Hermione pulled the fabric over her body, inhaling his scent with immediately allowed her to fall back asleep. Hermione drifted off without a thought of the pain in her body, but rather the spicy scent mixed with a small amount of smoke filling her head.

When Hermione awoke again, she could hear people bustling around above her, sounding extra cheerful being that it was the weekend. On the table in front of her, there was a small tray of breakfast, which she immediately dug into.

Severus was gone nearly all day, and Hermione spent most of hers trying to move as little as possible and sleeping through the pain. As things became quiet around the castle, Hermione checked the time, seeing that it was past eleven. Sighing deeply, she returned to bed and consumed a light sleeping potion.

When Severus returned, Hermione woke up again, listening to his whispers, but was confused that she wasn't hearing a response. After another few minutes, Hermione climbed from the bed and crept to the door, noticing the small amount of candle light spilling under the door. Quietly she peeled the door opened and peered out, noticing there was a single light on the desk Severus used to take care of business.

She immediately noticed Severus sitting at his desk, and saw Crookshanks on the desk, staring intently at the feather quill Severus was using to viciously scribble a reply to someone. The ginger cat attacked the feather, viciously batting it. Severus immediately pulled the feather away, glaring at the cat.

"This quill cost more than you did; I'm not going to tell you again: stop attacking it,"

Almost immediately the animal attacked the feather again, causing Severus to throw the object into the drawer and slam it shut. Crookshanks had settled himself on the paper Severus was writing on, and stared at the man, who was staring right back.

"What?" Severus muttered to the cat.

The ginger cat stood and hopped into his lap, rubbing against his chest affectionately. The small action caused the harsh exterior Severus kept up to crumble. Instantly Severus began to stroke the cat with a sigh.

"What am I going to do with her?" Severus muttered to the cat who was still turning circles on his lap.

"It's too dangerous, and I can't…I can't have a repeat of last night," he sighed as the cat sat down looking intent.

Hermione's heart broke as she looked at his face in the candlelight. He was desperately trying to keep himself hidden away from the world, and Hermione wanted to help him with everything that caused him trouble. No matter what Severus Snape had done over the last twenty years, he could no longer hold this burden alone. But she wouldn't intrude on this moment, no, she would watch from afar as the man dressed in black revealed his true nature, which had been buried beneath years of guilt and bitterness.

"I don't know what to do," Severus mumbled to the ginger cat, who stared at him with undivided attention.

"Keep your eye on her when I'm not here, okay?" he murmured, scratching the cat's chin.

The cat gave a small meow, and Severus smiled.

"Time for bed,"

Hermione instantly darted from the door and slipped beneath the covers and waited for Severus to get ready for bed. When he was finally settled in beside her, Hermione wanted nothing more than to hug him, but she knew he wouldn't want that. So, instead, Hermione turned her back to him, and fell asleep with a smile on her face.

The next morning, she awoke with a start as Severus climbed from the bed.

"Where are you going?" she asked in a panic.

"For a walk," he muttered while running his hand through his hair and heading to the bathroom.

Hermione saw Crookshanks dart into the bathroom before Severus could fully make it there.

"Would you like to join me?" he asked, turning back to her as he turned on the light.

She smiled at him and nodded.

"Be ready in ten minutes," he said before walking into the bathroom.

Hermione jumped from the bed, her limbs feeling better than they were yesterday, and quickly dressed. When Severus left the bathroom, Hermione walked in to brush her teeth. When she was done she darted from the room with Crookshanks on her heels, just in time to find Severus pulling on his cloak. Hermione copied his movements and soon they were climbing through the portrait hole and climbing the stairs.

Severus pulled out a pocket watch and quickly checked the time.

"We only have a few minutes," he said, quickening his pace.

"For what?" Hermione asked.

"You'll see," he replied quietly with a smirk.

Hermione was quiet as they left the castle and began heading towards the Quidditch pitch. The morning was hazy and cool, causing a light frost to cover the grass. Hermione pulled her cloak tighter around her body as she looked into the brightening sky. Her eyes strayed to the man beside her, who wore a determined look on his face as if he was concentrating on something very difficult. They entered the arena and Severus looked up at the sky.

"We must hurry," he said, heading to a doorway that lead to the stands.

They ascended the stairs and Hermione was grateful that they had finally reached the top. Crookshanks ran through the bleachers as if he was looking for something, and Severus headed to the top most pew. Hermione followed him and took a seat beside him.

"What are we doing up here?" she asked quietly, afraid to disturb the peace that was consuming them.

"Just watch," he murmured, staring across to the skyline.

Hermione tore her eyes from his face, and focused them on the small orange spot on the horizon. After an uncertain amount of time, the sunlight broke the tree line, spilling over and immersing them in a deep orange glow.

"Oh," Hermione gasped sitting up as the light surrounded her.

The minutes ticked on and the two remained silent, soaking in the beauty of the moment. Eventually, Hermione turned to look at the man beside her. He had his back resting on the wall, with his eyes closed and lashes fanned out across his cheeks. His face was calm and peaceful, almost as if he were asleep, or time had erased all of the lines in his skin. His breathing was deep and his hand gently stroked the cat who had taken up a spot in his lap. Hermione had never seen anything so wonderful before in her life. There was no doubt about it, she was in love with him, and would forever be in love with him.

She took his arm and lifted it slightly before sliding herself against his side. He took the hint, and wrapped his arm around her body, holding her securely to his form. As time stretched on, Severus rested his cheek on her head, and Hermione felt more peaceful than she had in months.

"It's beautiful," she whispered after a long while, the first words either had spoken since they sat down.

"Mmm," he replied quietly.

"Do you come here often?" she asked, snuggling closer to him.

"Whenever I have a lot on my mind," he said, lifting his head.

"I wish that we could just stay here, in this moment, forever," she murmured.

"Not here," he said, causing Hermione to lift her head and look at him.

"Why not?" she pushed.

"To many memories in this field with people I'd rather forget,"

"But it shouldn't be bad memories,"

"I used to enjoy flying,"

"You fly?" Hermione asked slightly shocked.

"Yes, but its been years since the last time I've flown for enjoyment rather than being forced to," he murmured.

Hermione jumped up and began heading down the bleachers quickly.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Come on,"

He groaned and she turned to him.

"Please? I promise, it won't be bad,"

Hermione could see the reluctant way he stood, but that didn't stop her from dashing down the stairs faster than he was moving. When she got outside, she waved her wand once, and instantly a broom came whizzing towards her. By the time Severus emerged from the doorway, she already had the broom in hand and was smiling. His eyes locked on her before he shook his head.

"No, absolutely not," he said.

"Severus, you haven't flown for fun in years. What's the harm? You need this,"

"No," he said resolutely.

Hermione walked up to him and grabbed his hand before dragging him to the middle of the field.

"Take it," she said holding out the broom to him.

Hermione could see the longing in his eyes as they traced the profile of the broom. Extending her arm a little more, Severus sighed and snatched it from her hand. For a moment he simply held it, as if he was re-associating himself with a particular task. Finally he climbed onto it, and Hermione smiled. His eyes lifted to hers and suddenly he was holding his hand out to her, causing her to panic.

"I can't, I'm not really good with heights," she stuttered.

Severus raised an eyebrow at her, but she shook her head. In a flash he was suddenly gone, and Hermione turned around, thinking he was circling her. Several things happened before Hermione could register them. There was a whoosh behind her, followed by an arm wrapping around her waist from behind, yanking her backwards. Once her thoughts caught up with her, Hermione realized that she was seated sideways on the broom with two arms wrapped around her body; the hands grasping the broom handle tightly.

"Severus, no!" she instantly cried.

"Hold on," he said, breathing against her skin.

"To what?" she cried just as he took off from the ground, causing her to scream and lock her arms tightly around his waist.

The wind whipped around them, and Hermione instantly buried her face into the black material, wishing desperately that she could have solid ground beneath her feet once more. Ever since her first flying lesson, she vowed she would never willingly use a broom again. Now, she was soaring however high, praying to a higher power that she didn't die.

Eventually, the broom slowed and came to a stop.

"Are we back on the ground?" Hermione mumbled into his shirt.

"Open your eyes,"

Hermione shook her head and clung to him tighter than before.

"Do you trust me?" he asked.

"Yes," Hermione instantly said.

"Then open your eyes,"

His soothing voice caused Hermione to loosen her grip on his body and lift her head. Slowly, she slid her eyes opened. She looked out and saw that she was at eye level with the highest tower of Hogwarts, causing her to gasp and wrap her arms around him tighter than before.

"There's nothing to be afraid of," he mumbled against her neck, causing her to shiver and grasp the clothing on his back tighter in her fingers.

The broom began to move again, and Hermione refused to release her tight hold on his form. The orange sunlight consumed them, and Hermione's eyes strayed up to his face, tracing his jaw line with her eyes before prying her fingers from his clothing and bringing them to his face. She allowed her fingers to trace his clean shaven jaw before drifting back to gently touch his cheek. Hermione noticed that his eyes seemed several times darker due to the light as they kept themselves locked on her face.

Hermione found herself leaning up and brushing her lips across his jaw, and then his cheek. She could feel his pulse beating beneath his skin. Just as Hermione went to press her lips against his, the broom jolted beneath them, causing her to gasp and bury her face in his neck.

"Sorry," he muttered as he began lowering the broom down to the ground.

Hermione kept her eyes lowered as the ground came closer, bringing with it the harsh truths of reality. When Severus landed, Hermione quickly moved away from him and stood awkwardly looking at anything but him.

"Thank you, for this," he finally said, looking at the broom.

Hermione offered him a shaky smile. Severus held out his hand for her to take, and she pulled her cloak tighter around her form.

"I think I'm going to stay out here a little longer, everyone's still asleep," she said.

Hermione caught the motion of Severus' head as his eyes looked away from her. He held out the broom to her, and she took it, hugging it to her form. After a moment passed, Severus turned his back to her and began heading towards the school. Without another thought, Hermione mounted the broom and shot straight into the sky, leaving her heart with the man dressed in black.

Why couldn't he see? He had to see how much she cared for him! Hermione allowed her eyes to slip closed as she remembered the feeling of his soft face on her lips. He smelled of aftershave, and the aroma lingered in her senses, tantalizing her, but always out of reach.

Hermione peered back at the ground, wishing he was still there, but wasn't surprised that there wasn't a spot of black in sight. She sighed deeply, looking at the sky, the orange now dimming slightly as the morning progressed.

What was she going to do?

A sudden pop sent her sailing off the broom handle and plummeting towards Earth. Hermione screamed as her stomach dropped and her hands aimlessly reached for the broom that was spiraling to the ground.

Her wand!

Desperately she dug for her wand, but the ground was coming too fast, and her hand was moving too slow. She was going to die, here, on the field where she watched her best friend catch his first snitch…

A moment later she was hovering a few feet in the air. A second later, she was dropped to the ground with a thud. Hermione groaned as sat up holding her stomach. When she raised her eyes, her heart jumped into her throat.

Standing in front of her, dressed in black menacing robes was Amycus Carrow.

Hermione instantly scurried away from him, but instantly she was thrown back to the ground face first.

"Now, now, let's not make this any harder than it has to be," his smooth voice whispered into the morning.

Hermione remained on the ground breathing heavily, feeling the fear pounding through her veins. Why did Severus have to leave? Why did she decide to stay out here? Why was she so far away from the school?

Suddenly she was flipped over and was forced to look at his face.

If he wasn't a Death Eater, Hermione would think that he was handsome in a way, but years of cruelty had twisted his features, making his eyes cold and his lips constantly twisted in a frightening way.

"And who are you?" he purred, as his eyes raked her face.

Hermione couldn't find her voice, so all she did was gaze at him with a frightened stare. He didn't say anything as he grabbed her arm and yanked her to her feet.

"What is your name?" he snapped, pointing his wand at her. "And don't lie! I know I haven't seen you here before, I would have remembered a face like yours,"

Hermione's brain was frozen. She couldn't even think of a single logical lie she could make, or a single way she could get out of her current problem. As her brain jolted and stuttered, failing at concocting a single clever plan, he had apparently become inpatient.

The back of his hand collided with her cheek before she had even registered that he had raised it to her. Hermione's head snapped to the side as the taste of blood suddenly filled her mouth.

"You are to answer when asked a question!"

The first reaction she had was to spit, and he immediately knocked her to the ground.

"Despicable!" he snapped, towering over her. "We'll see what the Headmaster has to say to this,"

His hand was tangled in her hair in a flash and then he was dragging Hermione back to the school. Even though she was in pain, Hermione was glad that they were going to Severus. He would be able to get her out of this current predicament. She almost had to force the smile off of her face as the climbed the stairs to Severus' office. Amycus kicked the door in and forcefully shoved her inside, still holding tightly to her hair, causing her to whimper.

Immediately she found his eyes and he stood from the chair, nearly knocking the large piece of furniture over.

"I found her flying out on the Quidditch field, even though the field is off limits to students, and the game was banned,"

"Take your hands off of her," Severus gritted through his teeth.

Amycus made no move to release her.

"Not this time, Snape. This one is getting the rightful punishment," he snapped, tightening his hold on her hair.

"I will not hesitate to curse you right now if you do not take your hands off of my wife,"

"Wife?" Amycus stuttered. "The Mudblood?"

Without another word, he shoved her away from him as if she was suddenly infected. Hermione instantly moved away from him, putting as much distance as she could between the two. She risked a glance at his face and saw that he was sneering at her as if she was garbage.

"I'll deal with you later," Severus said in a deadly serious tone, staring straight at Amycus.

Hermione risked another glance up and saw that he was glaring at her.

"Get out, now," Severus growled through his teeth.

A swish of black robes filled the room as Amycus was suddenly gone from the room. Hermione instantly went to the bathroom to clean out her mouth. The first thing she noticed was the red print on her face. Before Severus could enter the room, she pulled out her wand and cast a quick spell to lessen the swelling and redness. As he walked into the room, Hermione began to wash her mouth out of blood.

"Let me see," he said once she spit in the sink.

Hermione turned to him and he instantly took her face into his hands.

"Healing spells shouldn't be done quickly," he said pulling out his own wand.

"It's fine, really. I've had worse," she said, smirking at him slightly.

"He doesn't have the right to touch you, no matter what the circumstances are,"

"I'm fine," Hermione reassured him again.

"No man has the right to touch a woman," he mumbled while dropping his hands from her face and leaving the room.