A/N: repost- but thanks to k8ebug for the earlier correction. (i really did know that...) also, thanks to whoever it was who gave me the inspiration for the mug- sorry i can't remember your username.

Disclaimer: not mine.

People do really strange things in the wee hours of the night. The lack of sleep prevents you from you from thinking logically. Most of all, the darkness is entrancing, and things shift into a seemingly alternate reality. Hermione and Severus both glanced sleepily, wonderingly at one another. Ever so slowly, their faces crept towards one another, until there was barely any space between their lips, and neither was breathing, afraid to move, fearing that if they did, the dream would end.

"Is Mister Snape still wanting his midnight snacksie tonight, Sir? Oh, I am very, very sorry for interrupting Sir. I did not knows you hads a guest." The house elf began smacking itself on the head with a book that had been lying on a nearby coffee table, punishing itself for the disturbance. Before Severus could say anything, Hermione got up and practically flung herself at the house elf, wrenching the book away.

"That is quite enough! You did not cause a problem; there is no need to punish yourself! What's your... Winky? We've gone over this before." Hermione lectured angrily. "Severus, I cannot believe that you would let your house-elf... they do have rights you know! How can you... wait a second," Hermione looked at the book she was holding a bit closer. "The Sonnets of William Shakespeare. I didn't know that Wizards read muggle books..."

"He was a wizard, actually. Quite strange though, he preferred to cavort around London masquerading as a muggle playwright."

"Really? That would explain the controversy around his...hold on. You read Shakespeare?!" Hermione exclaimed, in disbelief. "But he wrote... his sonnets are..."

"Romantic?" stated Severus, "yes, I read them. Although, I do prefer the tragedies... Hamlet is quite enjoyable." Hermione had no idea how to respond. So they both stood there for a few minutes in silence, until the house elf was remembered. "Winky," began Severus, "could you please send this note to Albus? Make sure he receives it immediately after waking up. And you may leave the plate of food here. That is all." Upon receiving orders, and the accompanying letter, Winky departed, leaving Severus and Hermione alone once more. Severus sat back down on the sofa, and began to eat the fruit and cheese lying on the plate before them.

"What was in the letter?" Hermione asked hesitantly, placing the book back down on the coffee table, alongside the food.

"Just a request to have a have a quick meeting before breakfast about a few student problems that require my attention, nothing overly important. You can have something to eat if you'd like."

"Why does Winky bring you a snack in the middle of the night?"

"I don't sleep that well." He replied shortly, offering no other explanations. "Well, I suppose you'll be wanting to try and sleep a bit more tonight. At least tomorrow is a Saturday, you'll be able to sleep in a bit." Severus got up and left Hermione to her thoughts.

So many questions... they'll have to wait for morning, I guess. I don't think I can sleep... not after all that's happened. Oh well, I suppose I'll resort to my usual activity. I cannot believe he owns this book...

She picked up the book of sonnets and began to read the flowery outpourings of adoration. She had always enjoyed reading Shakespeare, the language was so interesting and emotive, and the situations seemed more real... besides, where else would she find somewhat that would romance her, and not abandon her?

OoOoOoOo (time change.)oOoOoOoO

"Morning already?" Severus grumbled to himself. He was more of a night person, and hated mornings with almost as fervent a passion as he hated the oft-found stupidity among his students, but he had trained himself to wake up at 6:30 every morning, even on holidays. He hated those too- they always reminded those less fortunate of what exactly their lives were missing. He busied himself with his morning routine, slowly recalling all the events of the night before. He was still confused, perhaps more so than the night before, since he had had some time to think about what happened- what could have happened. Their almost-kiss was still looming in his mind. He could remember every detail so vividly... the closeness of their faces, the feel of her breath on his cheek. The sound of their hearts beating, and how he could almost taste her. Almost. But not quite. It hadn't happened- and what if it never did? I can't believe it. She can't like me, it's not possible. Last night... could not have happened. It was a fluke. We were both half-asleep. Or maybe it was just a dream. But another part of his mind protested that it really, truly had happened- how else could it be so prominent in his memory? Realizing that he had been standing in his room, mentally babbling to himself for several minutes, he left for his small kitchen, hoping that Hermione would still be asleep. The teacher's quarters did normally not have kitchens, aside from Trelawny's (who wasn't normal anyways, she almost never left her quarters, the superstitious bat), and his own, as he had specially requested one from Dumbledore. He didn't like having to find a house-elf to enjoy a cup of coffee, or to get some food after he had skipped a meal in order to continue work on a potion. Treading carefully past the sofa, he noticed that Hermione had fallen asleep reading the book of sonnets.

"Mmmm..." Hermione awoke with a yawn. Stretching her arms (they were stiff after having slept on a couch), the smell of fresh coffee began to waft past her. Getting up, Hermione fixed her crumpled robe and pajamas, and proceeded to follow the delicious scent. Arriving in the kitchen, she saw Severus, who was already dressed, reading the Daily Prophet. I should have known that he'd be dressed and awake by now. He's not exactly the type to be seen in his pajamas. If he even wears any at all. Hermione! That is sick and wrong! This is Snape! But memories of last night, one in particular, began to resurface in her mind, and she stuttered slightly as she politely requested a cup of coffee. "Profe... Severus. May I... May I please have a cup of coffee?" A bemused look crossed his face for a moment, but it passed quickly as he scuttled around the small kitchen, grabbing the first coffee cup he could find, filling it with coffee, and holding it out for her. Hermione attempted to stifle a laugh and failed. Seeing the look on his face, she held the front of the coffee cup out for him to see. The mug was bright yellow, with a smiley face adorning the front.

Severus growled slightly, muttering under his breath. Damned cup. "It was a gift from the staff last Christmas. Albus picked it out from a muggle shop; Flitwick charmed it, rendering it unbreakable; Minerva transfigured and charmed it to grow wings if I throw it away... what else? Oh yes, Sybil added a spell so that it will read my future in any tea leaves that might be found on the bottom of the cup, thank Merlin I'm a coffee drinker; and the rest of the teachers charmed it to spew out useless advice every now and then. Of course, Hooch and Sinistra tried to use a cheering charm, but they failed miserably. It was the easiest thing I've ever gotten rid of."

"You'd never hear me say it but... Sinistra really does have her head stuck in the stars, she can't teach a bloody thing. Not that there really is anything to teach, astronomy is almost as bad as divination... there's nothing useful. Oh well, at least it's not astrology."

Now it was Severus' turn to stifle a laugh. Here was Hermione Granger, Hogwart's top student, insulting her teacher's abilities behind their backs. "Finally, someone who sees things my way... Merlin! Look at the time... I must be going." He exclaimed, almost reluctantly. "I have a meeting with Dumbledore. See you in class tomorrow; I am assuming that you shall be going to Hogsmeade with your friends."

"Oh... yes... I assume I shall. Well, goodbye then... I'll make sure to clean up after myself and whatnot... and I'll see what I can do about the mug." Hermione smiled. Normally, Severus would have scoffed at the last comment; not many wizards could better his own skills- but this was Hermione, after all. Placing his cup on the counter, and taking a last glance at the room, he left, walking swiftly and purposefully toward his destination, not once looking back. If he had, he might have noticed Hermione watching him carefully, with an odd look on her face, as if he was a book she was reading, and couldn't decide what she thought of. But Severus Snape gave up looking back a long time ago.