A/N: Hopefully you guys like where things are going…..

- Severus -

He watched the scene with barely concealed smugness as the witch stood by his side, unflinching. Severus had just gone through a lengthy discussion about the Dark Lord's ball and the potential to strike the Death Eaters and Voldemort unawares. Somehow, the conversation had dissolved and found its way to his charge. Severus had been adamant about keeping her and that's when all hell broke loose. Severus was not one to fight typically, but he was a very capable man. Hence his injuries were mild in comparison to his opponents. And that's when Hermione jumped in.

Her hand holding his own was a new, but not unpleasant addition. Part of him was shocked. Severus assumed she would desire to stay with her friends. Be rid of him. But she was choosing him! He hated how happy this revelation made him. Severus knew that he was not supposed to care. To want her presence. And yet, he knew how lonely he'd be without her.

How much he'd worry…..

There was quiet after Hermione's rather firm stance and then a series of murmurs and objections from the crowd forming in the kitchen. Her hand never left his; however, and he was inwardly moved by her unwavering support. Must be her Gryffindor martyrdom, but part of him hoped it was more. A part he tried to stuff deep, deep down.

"Hermione, are you sure? I'm sure there are perks with being with You-Know-Who's frontman, but think of the danger…." Arthur Weasley tried to reason with the witch. And Severus glared at the insinuation. Yes, being a spy had granted him an unforeseen boon given the circumstances but he used most of his money to fund the new Order's operations. Clothes, food, supplies. Even entertainment. Just because he lived in a mansion didn't mean he didn't do more than his fair share. And the rest of it….. Well, he planned on saving it for his future. If he had one.

The witch by his side stiffened. "Do you really think so little of me? I'm not trying to play Lady of the Manor. My concern is for my Master," Miss Granger declared, her eyes glinting reminding him very much of a lioness who just spotted her prey. He was oddly turned on by her defense. Normally such a thing would be annoying, but he couldn't ignore that she was indeed going against all of her friends in order to stay with him. "He can't be seen to have suddenly lost his 'prize'," she explained, her tone almost scolding. "He's already put himself in jeopardy by freeing Ginny and Luna. What if the Dark Lord randomly wishes to drop in on Master Snape? He needs to be able to produce me with ease. Having me stay here isn't practical and I think we all know just how even more important Master Snape's wellbeing has become. Am I right?"

Severus couldn't hide his smirk now. And to add insult to injury, he turned to Miss Granger and removed his arm only to curl it around her waist. He tracked the eyes of the room's occupants and his smirk turned devilish once he knew they spotted the movement. And it helped that Miss Granger merely relaxed into his hold. "If this is settled, I think it's best we get going. I need to show Miss Granger Badger Cove before we go back home."

A hand on his chest drew his attention back to the witch at his side. "May I have a moment to say goodbye to my friends?" She petitioned and Severus could scarcely say no after what she did for him. Plus, there was a cloying sound to her voice, and the way her finger stroked his buttons…. Honestly what was this girl playing at?

"You may," his deep voice rumbled. Letting go of her slim waist, he stormed out of the kitchen in his typical fashion.

- Hermione -

Her friends were sad to see her go, and even with everything she said in the kitchen, Hermione was sad to leave them as well. Still, Snape was right, they had another stop to make. Badger Cove was an abandoned apartment building and she saw a lot of D.A. members and a few families that had supported from outside the Order there. They all seemed so happy to see that she was alive.

Hermione never would have imagined she would be so important to them. Harry was the Chosen One, not her. She said as much to Snape when they returned home. She was shocked when he stretched out his arm and cupped her cheek, the glint in his eyes…. Was that care? It was certainly not love but she knew it must be something near it. Hermione nuzzled his palm as his deep voice rolled over her, "You are far more important to this fight than you believe. Just being who you are flies in the face of the Dark Lord and everything about his pure blooded agenda. You are brave, intelligent, beautiful, and powerful, all wrapped up in a person of supposedly inferior blood. But there is nothing inferior about you at all."

Fresh tears dropped from her eyes, "Master Snape….I…." She couldn't complete her sentence because his lips were on hers in a fierce kiss. She moaned, and wrapped her arms around his neck, her body crushing to his. His hands left her cheek and slid down to her arse which he groped. They were still in the vestibule and Snape seemed to be intent on pinning her against the wall. Naturally, her legs wound around his waist and he ground into her middle, causing Hermione to gasp in pleasure. Eventually, their mouths parted, their tongues quitting their intricate dance.

Master Snape rested his forehead against hers, effortlessly supporting her weight in his arms. "Never," he breathed, confusing the witch until he continued, "No one's ever defended me so fiercely. Or cared enough about me to ensure my safety at the expense of their own. Thank you."

"Master Snape, you don't-"

Again, he cut her off. "No please. Call me Severus."