6. Restless

After muttering the name of the Headmaster's latest favoured confectionary item, Severus strode heavily up the winding stone staircase that led up to Dumbledore's office. The room was empty and the only sounds that filled it were the snores and sleepy mutterings of the many portraits on the walls.

"Interesting time to call," remarked a voice. Severus whirled. Phineas Nigellus was smirking at him from the left of Dumbledore's desk. He scowled at the portrait but said nothing.

"What brings you here at…" He peered over at the handsome clock ticking merrily on Dumbledore's desk "…Three thirty in the morning?"

"I don't recall it being your business," replied Severus shortly.

A thin, spindly sort of witch, who had just awoken to the right of Phineas, tittered irritatingly. "Touchy, isn't he?"

Phineas nodded. "You should have seen him a few years ago; he was always in and out, on about Dark Marks and Dark Lords and the like. It's a wonder Dumbledore got any sleep at all."

"Severus?"

Dumbledore had just entered the room from one of the other doors. Severus ignored the fact that the Headmaster was clothed in violently purple night robes and a pointed sleeping hat to match.

"I need to speak with you."

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. "Is something wrong, Severus?"

Severus nodded. "Perhaps I should come back at a more reasonable hour."

"Why not tell me now since I am up? And, if you don't mind me saying, you don't look like you're fit frame of mind for sleep." The elder wizard smiled kindly at him and pulled up a chair for Severus, before taking a seat himself.

"Now, what brings you here?"

Severus decided he might as well get right to the point. "Miss. Granger is in my rooms."

If Dumbledore was surprised, his eyes didn't betray him. "And how did that come about?"

"She came earlier this evening…wearing a bruise. Of course, I realised that it was the work of her boyfriend. I told her it was unwise to return to her flat, although she had Stunned him, but she wouldn't listen and insisted on returning to fetch her cat and her other belongings. Naturally, I accompanied her." He paused, and Dumbledore, who was listening intently, nodded for him to continue.

"We had a nasty surprise when he turned up again. I imagined leaving and taking Herm- Miss. Granger with me, away from him." Severus sighed heavily. "He began to insult Miss. Granger…and before I knew it…my fist was in his face and he was knocked onto the floor, unconscious. We came back here and now she is asleep."

Dumbledore watched him carefully. "So you have not talked to her about it?"

"No," he answered shortly. "But I imagine that conversation will come about in the morning, once she wakes."

"I apologise Severus, but what exactly is troubling you?"

Severus was staring intently at the marks on his hand, left over from the injury he had been dealt from his punch. "I shouldn't have lost control like that. I should have just walked away." He suddenly looked up at the Headmaster. "I don't know why I let what he was saying effect me like that."

Dumbledore stood and crossed over to the window, gazing out at the Hogwarts grounds for a while. Severus watched him, irritated and impatient.

Finally, the Headmaster turned.

"Severus…as much as I know you hate to hear it, at times you do seem to have the heart of a Gryffindor. Even during your school years, especially in the first year, you displayed very defensive tendencies towards anyone who was treated unfairly. I'm sure you remember an incident with the mother of Miss. Fawcett in Ravenclaw?" The Slytherin grunted affirmatively.

The elder wizard sighed. "Sadly, for a while that personality was extinguished, but it returned when you sought me out and became allied with the Order. I think, that maybe you were simply acting naturally, and not necessarily unjustly given the circumstances."

A ghost of a smile flitted across his lips. "But perhaps…you care for her?"

Severus stared. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm not doing any such thing," he continued, even a little indignantly.

"It was just a suggestion," Dumbledore seemed to be laughing at him, before his face became serious. "But it really isn't the pressing matter, Severus. "What perplexes me is that Miss. Granger would allow herself to get into, and stay, in such a situation." He watched Severus, frowning a little. "But that's something I expect you to find out soon enough, yes?"

"I hope to in the morning."

The Headmaster nodded and laced his long fingers together, watching Severus thoughtfully.

"It's perfectly fine to leave Miss. Granger in peace tonight, but I suggest you give her the other free room in the dungeons tomorrow. I expect she will be staying for a while."

"Goodnight Headmaster," replied Severus and turned to the door.

"Oh, and Severus?"

"Yes?"

"Tell her I insist she stays."

When Hermione awoke the next morning in the chair, she groaned. Her neck was stiff and her back seemed to be stuck in the position she'd slept on it.

She soon forgot about the pain when she caught a glimpse of herself in the tall mirror opposite. Her eye had become a worse shade of purple, making her look like someone who had definitely come off worse in a bar room brawl. She winced, but stood up to examine it more closely, throwing off the green blanket as she did so.

Hermione bent to look at the obvious Slytherin-orientated covering and smiled at his attempt to give her some warmth during the night.

Thinking of Severus, she crossed to the door that led to his bedroom and opened the door quietly.

He wasn't in his bed, but sprawled on the sofa, his raven hair falling in unkempt waves across his pale face, which had vague hint of stubble. Forgetting caution, she slowly took steps across to the sofa and looked down onto him.

It was strange, she thought, to see him like this, so unguarded, so defenceless. What surprised her most was the look of absolute peace in his settled, calm features. She had barely ever seen him in such a way, so relaxed, not looking over his shoulder. Ceasing thought, she stretched out a hand tentatively and rested it on his brow. He did not rouse and his breaths were as deep and serene as before. Gently, she ran her fingers trough his hair. It was extraordinary to her that a man who had suffered so much, and still seemed to torture himself in silence, could be so tranquil in sleep, instead of rolling in unease, or being in the throes of restlessness.

It startled her, when he turned onto his side, evidently on the voyage out of slumber. Quickly, she left him, and with a backward glance, went to use the shower.

A/N: Yes, a little short I know, but I put in all I needed. I had a bit of writer's block with this one- I wasn't sure what note to strike with Dumbledore. I hope I'll be quicker next time! Hopefully you'll enjoy this one and you'll review again! Thanks to the following reviewers:

Evanescence, Zagzagael, someone28, mysticalfairy-05, KDarkMaiden, Atiannala, BIW, evil purple cliffie bunny, Casiana Joy, RebelRikki, Akasha Ravensong, RunningPadfoot, Deb, Stellar Snape, WinterSolstice1, Anarane Anwamane, kurtfan5678, caitlin19, MoonRunner2003, Kes

CrazySwimmer27- You may well see more of him, but we'll have to see how it goes. Thanks for your review!

Talio- Lol, Thank you for the "it has a plot' comment- I'm glad to know it shows. *Grins *

HarryPotterFreak1234- No problem- I'm glad to answer questions. Thanks for your review!

Mickat- Good things come to those who wait…no, seriously, I will be telling soon, although I gave the basic idea of it last chapter. Thank you!

Angel- *Big grin * Thanks!