"I am proud of you. I'm so proud that even after everything you've been through, you didn't let it hold you back. You are a Handsome, and Strong, and Smart Man. I am proud that you are such a good man, I am proud of you Severus Snape, and I couldn't me more proud that you're mine and there's only one thing I want to say to you"
His chest was heaving with the breaths running through him as he met her soft gaze, tears fell from his eyes and he let out a sob of relief at her next words and held her tightly to him and kissed her deeply.
"I love you too , you miserable bastard"
She hadn't pushed him for any more details of his childhood, but she had told him that if ever he wanted to talk about it on his own terms, that she would be there for him.
And truth be told ? He actually considered it. That maybe one day he would be able to freely speak to her about the atrocities of his youth.
Because he'd realised something.
She loved him.
She actually loved him.
She loved him , Almost as much as he loved her.
He'd been afraid to tell her, afraid to admit to his devotion as he was afraid that he was just a passing dalliance for her.
But then he'd gotten ill.
Even without her saying the words to him , if he judged her on her actions it was plain to see.
He'd insulted her and made her cry in front of the whole school.
And she'd turned around and cared for him , without a moments hesitation.
She'd forgiven him his behaviour and she'd fought Poppy for his privacy.
She'd stayed up and cared for him for 3 straight days , while his fever raged. Forgoing her own sleep to ensure his needs were met.
She'd bathed him, fed him and even stood and soothed him while he was stuck in the bathroom for hours on end with chronic diarrhoea and vomiting.
Rubbing his back and giving him water to drink , casting air cleansing charms and doing anything she could to ease his suffering, no matter in how small a way.
She'd willingly shown him her memories of what he couldn't remember, and he'd been more than a little mortified when he discovered that particular memory of her comforting him while he sat on the toilet.
She'd discovered that he'd been abused as child , physically and sexually , through his delirious ramblings. And instead of being disgusted with him , she'd soothed him and held him and let him cry.
And after everything.
She stayed.
She stayed beside him , and told him she was proud of him, proud to have him and that she loved him.
He held the exhausted girl closer to him, and she happily snuggled into his chest.
After 3 days of her care, it was his turn to offer her some comfort in his embrace as the girl had fallen into an exhausted sleep in his arms.
But then he realised something.
Hermione had forgiven him, but the whole school had seen him berate her in public.
He began to formulate a plan.
The school had been told that he'd been sick and running a fever, so to disregard his actions and words.
And Hermione's absence had been explained as she had contracted the virus aswell.
It was widely accepted by the students en-masse, as many had fallen ill to the stomach bug aswell and the hospital wing had been fit to bursting with sick students.
However there was the odd rumour circulating that she'd been shut in her room crying over his treatment of her , and another that she had left Hogwarts alltogether.
Both were put to rest when she turned up her usual happy self , albeit a bit tired looking , after her short absence.
He'd left her a note that morning, saying he had to run an errand but would be back by Lunch and he would see her in the Great Hall.
She'd been sat at the Ravenclaw table when he poked his head through the doors, speaking with the spacey Lovegood when he decided to make his move.
He was more nervous than he could remember being.
About to do something he'd never done before.
He approached the seated girl , and did not miss the glares sent his way by a number of students and the forced hush that followed his route.
Though he and Hermione were 'all made up' as it were , they hadn't been seen in public since his collapse and the students didn't know about her caring for him during his illness, nor that they had made peace with each other.
Therefore , as far as they were concerned , this was the first time they were meeting since the encounter in the Great Hall.
Steeling his breath , he approached her , holding on to the package in his hands like a lifeline.
When she spotted the positively venomous looks that a number of students were giving him , she turned around to face him.
She offered him a slightly raised eyebrow at his approach.
"Miss Granger, I wondered if I might have a word"
"Of course Master Snape"
She'd made to get up but he'd signalled her to stop.
"No , do not get up"
Now she looked confused.
Well, it's now or never.
"Miss Granger , I asked you not to get up as what I am about to say to you needs to be said here. I didn't give you the courtesy of any privacy when I insulted you so publicly in the hall, so it seems only fitting that my apology should be just as public"
There was a number of gasps at that.
Severus Snape did not apologise.
For anything.
Ever.
"Sir?..." She was confused now.
"I owe you an apology for my behaviour Miss Granger"
"There's no need Sir, you were ill and I was too familiar-"
He cut her off.
"Nevertheless, I may have been Ill but I still knew what I was saying , and I had no right to speak to you in such a manner let alone in a public forum"
Most students jaws were on their feet at this point.
"I hope you can accept my apology..." He gave a formal bow then.
"...along with this token , to show my sincerity and regret for my actions"
He handed her the box which she looked at Dumbstruck for a moment before she registered the name on the box.
"Se-sir , is there where you went this morning ?"
A curt nod was her responce.
When she opened the box , there were a few raised eyebrows among the table surrounding her as she smiled.
She was still fighting a smile when she looked at him.
"So let me get this straight... even though you were violently ill and I was over familiar, you're asking for my forgiveness publicly for your harsh words"
Another nod.
"And not only that but you brought a gift which you long distance travelled to France for , to find my favourite bakery in Paris which you remembered despite the fact that I only ever mentioned it once in passing months ago and you bought me a ridiculously expensive box of my favourite desert ?"
He inclined his head "That is correct"
He was fighting a blush now , as the female students were staring at him for a whole new reason.
"Does this mean that you will forgive me ?"
She snorted in humour at that and dropped all pretences as she smiled widely at him.
"Severus... you went to Paris to buy me my favourite cakes... Forget forgive You, Hell at this point I'd marry you!"
His face lit up with a blush but he was secretly delighted at her happiness.
Marriage ? I don't want that ... do I ?
"In fact...Right now, I think you could take your pick"
He was mortified to notice a number of female students nodding in agreement with her words and giving him dreamy/appraising looks.
Shrinking and tucking the box in to her bag she stood and much to his shock , got on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.
In front of the whole school.
"Thank You, I accept your apology, and you're forgiven"
She looped her arm through his then with a bright smile.
"Shall we then, Master Snape ?"
He couldn't help but return her smile fully with his bright new one.
It was the first time he'd done so in front of the students , and they definitely noticed as there was a few more appreciative glances being sent his way.
He inclined his head to her.
"We shall, Apprentice Granger"
They walked out of the Great Hall to a chorus of mad whispers , and they both Chuckled when they heard a Ravenclaw girl berate her boyfriend.
"How come you've never done anything as Romantic as that for me?!"
Once in the hall she rested her head on his shoulder as they walked.
"You're a heart-breaker Severus, do you know how high you just set the bar ? The boys in this school are not going to hear the end of it from their girlfriends"
He only chuckled and pulled her into a one armed hug.
Once more , neither noticed the Jealous glare that followed them down the hall.
AN: Please Review , I'd love to hear your input on the story so far !
