After reaching the Gryffindor dormitory, Hermione gathered up her things and moved to the library. She spread all of her books and notes out, only to find she couldn't concentrate. She frowned at her Potions homework, only being able to see Professor Snape's face. Sighing, Hermione packed up all of her Potions notes and book before attempting to focus on her Transfiguration work. Every time she tried to focus on the words in front of her, her mind strayed to her encounter with Professor Snape.

Hermione gave up trying to concentrate and loaded everything in her bag. Head down, she walked briskly to avoid having to speak to any of the other students. Glancing up, she realized she was heading towards the Astronomy tower. She quickened her pace to reach her destination.

She stepped through the doorway and then paused to take in her surroundings. The sun was close to setting and cast shadows on the landscape below. The world around her was tinted orange with the fading light, and the sky seemed to have been colored by an artist's paintbrush. Glancing around, Hermione shifted to the right of the door so she could put her things down before sitting to watch the sunset. She took in a deep breath and sighed. Why couldn't the world always be so peaceful? Why couldn't the world show the beauty in everyone? Most importantly, why couldn't it make people see the beauty in others?

A tear slid down Hermione's cheek. There was none she felt she could completely confide in. Harry and Ron talked about almost everything to each other, but Hermione could never fathom herself opening completely up to either of them. When she needed to get another girl's perspective, she would talk to Ginny. Really, though, she and Ginny weren't all that similar, and Ginny was having a stressful year.

Then again, Hermione was having a stressful year too. It was her sixth year, so she needed to start preparing herself for her N.E.W.T.s the following year. She was also worried about whether she would be Head Girl or not. She hoped she would; it would help tremendously to get a job if she had that recognition.

At the back of her mind, there was also the constant worry about Harry's safety. She knew that one day he would have to face Voldemort, and she knew that only one would walk away from that battle. Sudden chills attacked Hermione, and she held her legs to her chest to keep warm. Worrying about Harry wouldn't help anyone right now. Especially since Harry was safe right now, with Dumbledore at the school and all.

Another tear fell down her cheek. Before Hermione could stop herself, she was sobbing. The boys hated seeing her get emotional, so she tried not to get that way in front of them. All she could do was bottle it all and deal with it later. Unfortunately, it had been awhile since she had, and it was all now pouring out.

There was a sudden movement, and then Hermione was wrapped in someone's arms. She didn't even know who it was, but she threw her arms around him and sobbed into his shoulders. She didn't know how much time had passed before her sobs started dying down, but after awhile she become conscious of the person stroking her hair. Sniffling, Hermione pulled back to see who had been comforting her.

She had to keep herself from gasping as she saw Professor Snape sitting in front of her, nothing but concern written across his face. "Professor?" was all she could manage to choke out. He smiled gently back at her as he brushed a stray hair away from her face.

"Are you ok, Hermione?" he queried softly. She blinked, surprised that he had addressed her by her first name.

"Yes, Professor Snape. I guess everything just caught up to me, and I just needed to let it out." He nodded slowly, studying her face. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she suddenly felt self-conscious about how she looked. Hermione tried to flatten her hair down a little and rummaged around her bag to find a tissue.

"Are you sure you're ok?" Snape asked gently.

"Yes, sir," Hermione replied. She paused, trying to find a way to word what she was thinking. Instead, she could only whisper, "Thank you, Professor. I appreciate your concern."

He smiled again. "I worry about you, Hermione. More than you know." Hermione's heart pounded faster, and her breathing quickened. Professor Severus Snape cared about her? Someone here actually cared about her? Her eyes watered before a single, solitary tear rolled down her cheek, glistening in the setting sun's light.

"I didn't know you cared about my feelings," Hermione whispered. Professor Snape slowly lifted his hand towards her face, wiping away the tear before cradling his hand again her cheek.

"As your teacher, I'm not supposed to show to what extent I care for you," he responded carefully. Hermione's breath caught in her throat before she could release it shakily. She looked deeply into his eyes and saw feelings in there that she never before knew he could possess. There was something in his eyes that captivated her. Without thinking, Hermione slowly leaned in and softly touched her lips against his. Eyes closed, she pulled back just as slowly. When she opened her eyes, she saw feelings for her on Severus Snape's face that she had never seen before. She saw feelings she was certain no one knew existed deep inside him.

He cupped his hand against her cheek before leaning in to kiss her back softly. After breaking the heavenly kiss, Hermione leaned against Severus. With his arm wrapped around her, the two sat silently and watched the sun sink below the horizon.