Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the Harry Potter series of books. I am making no money from the distribution of this fanfiction. Anything you recognize is not mine.

Author notes: Sorry this one is short, but i promise a longer one is to come. Rating will go up for the next chapter due to scenes of torture and mutilation. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 4: In the Dungeons

Severus swept quickly through the dungeons trying to avoid all possible magical contact, especially his students. He'd had almost two days off without them and it had been a much-needed break. His mind reeled over the previous days and how they had made him feel things and do things he hadn't imagined for years. Upon entering his office, he opened his agenda and wrote his plans for the week. He needed to speak with Remus Lupin as soon as possible to talk over the effects of the of the wolfsbane more thoroughly so he would be able to send more material to aide research at the ministry. He tried arduously to keep thoughts of Hermione from his mind, but she paraded about as she pleased wreaking havoc in every crevice. Her confessions had left him dumbfounded, for lack of a better word, he was wasted. He had known that his presence had made her uncomfortable, but he had no idea that she felt the way she did. Four years ago, he had been rather controlling and less submissive; yet he knew that had always tried to show her adoration. Perhaps he should've shown her that he loved her, as she obviously hadn't felt that he had. The brisk taste of the Canterbury wine he had poured laced his lips like poison (poison of the mind, he thought). After starring absentmindedly towards his bookshelves, he reached into the last drawer of his desk, on the left-hand side, and pulled out a dusty old photograph. He remembered the two people so severely that his temple began to ache. This had been a more peaceful time full of hope and less separation. He looked at the two people celebrating their triumph; their new serum to protect the positive nature of the werewolf. Hermione's laugh echoed throughout his brain as he stared at her. Her head rose and fell in a fit of laughter, so beautiful and alive. No scar on her cheek, no grimace at his touch. He himself was smiling. A real smile full of teeth and dimples he had tried to hide for so long. He hadn't thought of that moment for a while and it was nice to visit it again for a period. He remembered thinking no one could bring that side out in him. He also remembered how innocent Hermione was before he tainted her as he always did with the ones he loved. He had simply loved her, but now he knew that page, as in the many books on his bookshelf, was dusty and overlooked. He felt somehow that they both had to change their current relationship or finally close the book and put it to rest. Alas, a Snape is never a quieter. Before putting the picture back in the drawer, he swallowed the last of his wine and slipped into his bed. There really was nothing left to lose now, but that didn't make him feel any better or worse.