A/N: I don't own Harry Potter or any related characters
This is for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Word Count: 625
The cool breeze tugged at the edges of Hermione's robes as she leaned against the stone railing of the astronomy tower. The world was so quiet tonight. Most of the students were home already, the Christmas holidays had just started. She sighed, watching her breath become a little cloud of wispy white smoke. It didn't feel cold to her, but then again, she'd grown so numb to most things by this point.
She'd returned to finish out her schooling, and then stayed after that for lack of anything else to do. She knew what the world expected from her, to marry Ron and live happily ever after. She smiled slightly at that thought. It wasn't for her. She'd just kept learning, taking on apprenticeships with Professor McGonagall and Professor Vector. They were both thrilled to have her. She wasn't sure if she'd even pursue a career in either subject, but it gave her a reason to remain here.
She was debating heading back inside when she heard footsteps climbing the stairwell. They weren't steady, one foot heavier than the other. Smirking, Hermione turned to face him. An expression of surprise crossed his face upon seeing her. Slowly they came together, he nodded as he leaned against the railing, looking out at the sky. Hermione leaned against the railing next to him, her hand sliding into his.
She had never thought coming back here would result in finding someone with whom she felt so complete. He turned his gaze from the sky to her. She shook her head, a sad smile crossing her lips. He nodded, putting an arm around her and holding her tightly as the tears started to fall from her eyes. She'd finally gotten word about the fate of her parents. She'd spent a year searching for them in Australia to no avail. Apparently they'd been murdered in the war, a rogue Death Eater having found them, realizing who they were.
Severus didn't say a word, only held her as she cried for them, for the life that she should have had. He handed her a tissue, smirking slightly at the loud sound her nose made when she blew it. Silently he cleaned it and tucked it back into his inner pocket. She looked out at the grounds, watching as the sky started to darken, she knew the night would be colder than the day, but she also knew she'd never feel it, the cold never seemed to touch her anymore.
Severus simply held her as night descended on them, sweeping her back inside when the cold became too much for him. Without a word, he walked her to her chambers, kissed her forehead and bid her good night. She clung to him, to his arm, as he allowed himself to follow her inside. She led him to her room, her bed.
He tried to protest, but it was weak even to his own ears as Hermione kissed him and continued kissing him, seeking comfort in his arms. She vanished her clothing wordlessly and looked to him to do the same. He debated it, debated admitting that he wanted her as much as she wanted him, but in the end, he couldn't. He laid her chest against his, holding her as she cried.
He didn't bother promising her it would be alright. It wouldn't be. Nothing would ever be alright again, not for her, not for him. Realizing he wasn't going to give himself to her, Hermione settled down slightly. She curled against him, tracing her fingers over his chest, before letting the exhaustion of day claim her. Severus kissed the top of her forehead, holding her tightly as she slept, knowing that at least he could be of some comfort for now.