A/N: I own a cat, who hates me, but I do not own Harry Potter.
A faint pink glow spread across the sky.
"Kiss me," Hermione whispered.
"We shouldn't."
"No, we shouldn't," she agreed sliding her hand on top of his.
"This war" he started. His thought disappeared as she pressed her soft lips against his.
"This war is an excuse. You're too scared to admit it." Severus looked out at the lightening sky. The pink had faded to a soft orange mixed with the blue of the coming day.
"I am not afraid."
"Then why Severus? You and I both feel it, can't you deny even that?"
"Hermione, no I can't deny I having feelings for you."
"Then why?"
"My loyalties are in question. If he found out, we'll both be dead."
"The order can protect us." Severus laughed.
"Half of them hate me. Dumbledore promised protection for so many. We both know what happens to those he promises to protect. You've placed him on a pedestal. He's just as flawed as the rest of us." Hermione sighed leaning against the stone balcony.
"Running's not an option? Just disappearing, starting over?" Severus wrapped his arms around her. She smiled almost sadly.
"No, not an option," he agreed pressing his lips to hers. The colors of the sunrise had entirely disappeared.
"We'll have to figure this out. I can't wait forever, can't hide forever. Neither of us know how long this war will last."
"You shouldn't be forced to hide because of me. I'd understand if you left."
"You're not getting rid of me that easily." Hermione smiled at him, looking out at the now blue sky.
"You'd really stay up here, with me? Even though I'm..."
"Too afraid to face your own feelings?"
"Yes."
"I love you, Severus. Forget this damned war, it has no right to keep us apart. I'm willing to risk the danger, if only to be with you," Hermione's voice rose, tears forming in her eyes. A flock of birds, startled by her voice, took flight around the tower.
"I love you too," Severus whispered kissing Hermione passionately on the lips as the sun lit the sky and a flock of birds circled the pair.