A/N: I really want things to go slow between them but y'all know me, I can't help myself lol but I'm trying!

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She stayed in his arms much longer than he anticipated. He relaxed his hold marginally, but it was still secure. She shifted against him and mentally he prayed that his body wouldn't react to the soft curves flush to his hard frame. Did she really have no idea of the effect she had on him? It was like a sweet torture. "Did I ever tell you why Ron and I broke up?" She murmured softly, her eyes seeking his. The salve sat on the table, momentarily forgotten in the intimate moment.

"No, but then again I never asked. It didn't seem like it was my place," he explained, somewhat uncomfortable. Where was she going with this? But at least she hadn't left his arms yet.

She nodded, a long sigh leaving her mouth. "Of course, you are first and foremost a gentleman. I appreciate that. Ron and I...well, we didn't have what it takes to be long term, you know? That kiss during the final battle seemed so overdue and like the start of something more. But as the days passed and the less we feared for our lives the more I began to see that our paths were not aligned. Grief changes people. I love Ron, but he has become a different person from the boy I knew at school. He's always been jealous of Harry's popularity and wealth and now that he's had a taste of his own it's gone to his head. But even that wasn't enough to make me leave. After all he saved my life and fought valiantly, endured great loss, he deserves to enjoy life. We've all lost so much I could not rightly judge him for indulging. But as mucha s I was accepting of his changes; he could not accept mine. He-well, he…"

""What is it, Hermione? What did he do?" Severus urged, fear forming knots in his stomach. The thought of that weasel doing anything to hurt mate both sickened and enraged Severus and he was afraid of what he might do once he found out.

Hermione seemed to shiver in his grasp and Severus rubbed her back, encouraging her to continue. It couldn't be that bad; right? Surely he would've heard something if it was? "Well, after that kiss, our relationship moved slowly in the uh, more physical aspects… But there came a time when it seemed; I don't know, logical-to go the next step. When I started t-taking off my clothes….my scars….he…" She didn't continue but she didn't have to,it was in her eyes. Those beautiful whiskey brown eyes filled with tears and Severus wanted nothing more than to offer his love and comfort fully. But again, he held back. "I have more than the word on my forearm. There's...a big, long jagged one, down my chest. He asked me to use a glamor and, I know that it shouldn't have been a big deal, but I guess, I was hoping…"

"That he would love you anyway. That your scars...wouldn't matter," Snape supplied, his voice tender and soft.

It was enough to melt and not for the first time Hermione wondered if he used this voice especially for her. She nodded once more, the tears finally falling down her cheeks. "Is it wrong of me to want that? To have my first time with someone who loves me? The real me? Flaws and all?"

He lifted his hand to her face, wiping her tears away with an inscrutable look in his eyes. "No. There is nothing wrong with wanting that. And Ronald Weasley is a fool of the highest order. The right man will cherish you, your body and the trust you granted him. Please, don't let Ronald Weasley's actions hinder you another moment. That was the callous response from a boy who did not deserve you. But, someday….someday that man will be there and he will love you, all of who you are with every fibre of his being."

For a moment, Hermione was utterly speechless. She really hadn't expected for their little foray into her laboratory to go this way. She was supposed to show him the salve and get his feedback. Not this. But maybe Harry's wedding had her feeling maudlin. Or more likely, having it confirmed that Severus was her soulmate after all made her want to open up to him more. To further the intimacy between her and her best friend. She'd been in love with him for a while and this only made her feel that love all the more acutely. And Severus….once again he managed to say the words she'd needed to what should she do about it? He was obviously only offering his comfort as a friend….right? But then there was this look in his eyes... An intensity there that promised more than his words on the surface. In fact his gaze was so full of heat she thought it might scorch her skin. And if it meant finally having him she didn't mind the burn… Slowly, timidly, Hermione raised up, tilting her head back slightly, her lips poised to press against her former mentor's when the sound of her floo interrupted the tense moment. Blinking, she jerked back, her face heating up, "Oh, uh, I should probably see who that is," she murmured and a flustered looking Snape just nodded.

There really could not have been a more inopportune time for someone to be floo calling her. She had half a mind to simply yell at whomever was calling. Needless to say, she was shocked to see the Malfoy heir's head floating. "Sorry if this is a bad time 'mione," he said in lieu of greeting. "But I figured you'd be home. Can I come through? Ginny and I kinda went in on the booze last night and you know how i can venturing out in public hungover. I figured someone like you has to have some hangover relief."

"Sure, come on through," Hermione acquiesced with a small grin. It seems everyone indulged last night. Presumably more so than her and Severus. Shaking her head she stood up and moved away from the fireplace, lest Draco tumble into her upon his arrival. In the corner of her eye she could see Severus emerging from her makeshift lab, he motioned with his wand, asking if he should leave and she hurriedly shook her head no. "It's just Malfoy looking for a hangover cure," she explained just as the pure blooded blond appeared.

"Thanks again Hermione, you're a lifesaver," the young Slytherin said whilst dusting off his clothes. "Oh godfather, I didn't expect for you to be here."

"Indeed," The dark haired wizard acknowledged with an impatient nod. Hermione fought a giggle at the dark look in his eyes. Guess she wasn't the only one peeved about being interrupted.

Before the silence that followed could get tense she added, "Well you know where my bathroom is, there should be a few bottles in the medicine cabinet. Grab two and get out," she ordered with a none too friendly shove towards her bathroom door.

"Easy Gryffindork, I'll be out of your hair before you know it," he grumbled, walking away with as much dignity as one could have whilst hungover and wearing their silken pajamas.

This time Hermione did laugh.