12

-Hermione-

"Are you sure about this dress, Severus?" Hermione questioned worriedly. She smoothed her hand over the glittery slate gray fabric. The dress was beautiful, long and flowing, yet molding to her curves well. Hermione had already done her hair in a posh looking ponytail and she wore classic makeup. Tonight was the night of the Dark Lord's ball and it could very well be her last night alive. The weeks that passed since they finalized their plan of attack went by quickly. Severus had been moody and distracted during that time.

Not that Hermione blamed him. There was so much riding on this. It was their last chance to be rid of the Dark Lord once and for all. If the New Order lost now then all hope was truly lost. "What's wrong with the dress, Hermione? Is it the wrong size?" Severus wondered, buttoning his dress robes with a deeply furrowed brow. In his agitation, he had skipped a button which was highly uncharacteristic of him. So much so that Hermione was beginning to worry about his performance tonight.

Would he be able to lead their forces when the time came?

Crossing over to where he stood, Hermione batted his hands away gently, unbuttoning his robes. "No, it fits well. The dress is gorgeous Severus. But that's the problem. I'm your slave remember? I just doubt the other slaves will be wearing something so fine," she explained as she started buttoning his clothes the right way. Normally, she'd be in her rooms, but Severus insisted on them getting ready together. Hermione thought he was being his overprotective self, but now she was starting to wonder.

Strong hands landed on her waist and Hermione tilted her head to meet his gaze. Her heart fluttered as two deep, obsidian pools stared back at her. "Trust me Hermione, how you look tonight will be the least of our problems. The Dark Lord knows that I'm different from his other Death Eaters. If anything he might be suspicious if I dressed you like a tart tonight."

The brunette frowned, but decided he knew best regarding this matter. Still, there was an air of unease in the master bedroom. Hermione had finished buttoning his robes and moved on to straightening his silver cravat. The silence between them stretched thin and she couldn't bear it any longer. Sighing, she slid her hands up his chest and rested her painted nails on his shoulders. "Okay, what is it, Severus? What's the matter? I know there's something on your mind. Can you please just let it out?" She pleaded, reaching up to cup his cheek. Her whiskey eyes searched his face for some sign of what he was thinking, "Please. I'm here for you."

The dark wizard tilted his head, rubbing his cheek into her palm. Hermione gasped when she noticed that his eyes were glassy as if he wanted to cry. Surely….. "A-aa-are you afraid, Severus?" She stammered, failing to hide her disbelief. Silently she prayed she didn't offend him.

He nodded solemnly, taking her hand from his face. She feared that she offended him until he said, "But not for myself. I'm afraid for you. I fear... losing you…." He squeezed her hand, tugging her towards the bed. "We are about to head into enemy territory. That spell we created was clever, but dangerous for us too. Should anything happen, it won't be easy for us to get away…" he stroked her hand tenderly. Hermione could tell that something was weighing heavily on his heart. It was as if he was gathering up the courage to say something. "Look, I know that you and I haven't….that we aren't….that we're not in an actual relationship," Severus began and Hermione tensed. That was definitely not what she was expecting. But he was right, despite the raw chemistry they shared, they hadn't really established a real relationship. How could they? These weren't ordinary circumstances.

She smiled in what she hoped was a reassuring manner, covering his hand with her own. "No, we're not. But I think we've come to an understanding. We're equals now. And I," she paused, not trusting herself to reveal so much and yet, looking into his eyes she could see something hidden in their depths. "I...I think I love you, Severus."

He leaned forward, staring deep into her eyes as one long fingered hand reached up to cradle her cheek. "Good. Because I find myself thinking the same thing about you." His confession caught her off guard, her heart pounding in her chest. Was it possible to feel this happy? Before she knew it, his arms had pulled her to him, and his lips had once again touched hers lovingly. This kiss, by far, was the most passionate of them all. Hermione felt herself melt into Severus as he commanded her lips with his. His fingers grazing the skin of her arms, the heat of his touch searing her as much as his kiss. She knew he wanted to make love, but they couldn't. There wasn't enough time.

Reluctantly, Hermione pulled away. "I'm glad we shared this before going into battle. I may have hoped, but it's better to know."

"Indeed it is," Severus purred, kissing her once more. This time it was even slower, his tongue caressing hers in a way that made her nether regions ache with need.

"Such sweet torture…" She murmured, clutching his robes. Her eyes were lidded with lust and love.

Severus chuckled. "Very true. But I don't regret it." His eyes stayed locked with hers as they smiled softly at one another. "I have something for you," he said in a soft voice, rising from his spot and walking to his drawer. He returned moments later with a blue box in his hands. When he opened it, Hermione could see the diamonds winking at her.

Her heart seized. "Severus, is that a….is that what I think it is?"

"Right now, it is just a ring," He replied, sliding it onto her left hand. Her amber eyes flashed him a puzzled look. "After…. If I am still alive, if we have won, and if you still feel the same way about me…. Then it shall mean whatever you wish. But please, don't answer until then."

She nodded. "Okay Severus. After."