He rushed into the room Dumbledore had given him not one week prior, slamming the door behind him.

"How dare she," Draco muttered to himself as he paced about the room, limping just a little bit. "How dare she defy me like that. Filthy little-" He stopped short realizing what it was he was saying.

What am I doing? He asked himself, I sound like the old me. The third-year, arrogant, idiot me.

"Oh God, what did I do tonight?" Once again he was talking to himself. He hadn't meant to act like such an asshole. He just wasn't used to women turning him down. "I've completely ruined any chance I could have had with Hermione." But that couldn't be. He wouldn't allow that statement to become true. He knew he just needed another chance. One more chance, and then she would see how sincere his feelings were. At least in his mind they were sincere.

He sat down on his tiny couch and settled into quiet contemplation. He had to fix this, he just had to. He would, but he didn't know how to go about doing it. He couldn't remember a time when he had ever actually apologized…for anything. He didn't just want her forgiveness. He wanted her to want him. And by God he was determined to do it. He would have no other. At least not until he had conquered Hermione. She would be the ultimate prize, and he would win her over, whatever the cost. He just had to keep his damn temper in check. How could he allow himself to lose his cool like that and be so…so…like his father. He couldn't, wouldn't allow that to happen ever again. If he did then knew he would never be able to live with himself. If he were to ever end up like Lucius he may very well have to take his own life. He would not let his temper stop him.

There's nothing standing in my way. He thought, She will be mine…

He didn't quite know what had just happened. He was almost sure he had just felt Hermione's lips on his, but he knew that could not be. It wasn't until the dead weight of Hermione's limp body registered with him that he became aware of his surroundings. Quickly he scooped her up into both arms and carried her over to the couch. It was amazing in how little time he had regained his strength. Not only had it been for Hermione's help, but, he thought, her presence had helped him along a great deal as well. He was rejuvenated, but not just in body. It was as if his soul had undergone a swift change. He knew his seclusion, and lack of contact with others had helped to deplete his energy. None of that mattered now, because she was there. What was he thinking, telling her to leave. That would have only hurt him, not her. He gently placed her down on the seat and examined her. It did not take him long to realize something was amiss and just as quickly as he had before, he scooped her up again. He acted as if he were carrying something as fragile as glass. He rushed out of the room with his robes billowing behind him. He ran so many things over in his mind, leaving his brain no room to go over the kiss he had just earlier experienced.

Within moments he found himself entering the hospital wing, and it did not take long for Madam Pomfrey to notice his presence. It also did not take long for her surprise to appear on her face. Not only was Snape making an appearance, but, it seemed, he was carrying an unconscious person. She had originally thought it was a student, but instantly recognized Hermione's face when she saw it. She let out a gasp before speaking.

"Miss Granger, but-but what…?"

"Excuse me Poppy," Snape hissed out, "But I do believe Miss Granger is in need of some assistance. So can you stop gaping and find me someplace to put her." The witch did not allow his rudeness to phase her. She had worked with him for many years, and found she had gotten quite used to it. Quickly, she bustled over to the nearest empty bed, and gestured for Severus to put Hermione down. She was surprised at how tenderly he did it, but she didn't have time to think about it. One look at Hermione and it was obvious something was wrong. She sat along the edge of the bed and began a quick examination of her features. Severus watched intently, his eyes following every move Poppy made.

"Why are her clothes wet?" She asked as she turned to look at Severus.

"She got caught out in the rain." He answered as if it was extremely obvious.

"Hm…" She said as she held Hermione's wrist, "Her pulse is weak, and her skin, extremely pale." Severus knew Poppy well enough to expect this from her. She had always spoken her thoughts out loud. At least when it came to tending a patient. "My goodness!" The nurse exclaimed. "This child is skin and bones. What has she been eating?" She inquired Severus now with a harsh glare. He was more concerned about the fact that Poppy had called Hermione a child. It only made him wince with embarrassment. His previous actions would most definitely have been looked down upon by someone like Poppy. Especially if she still considered Hermione a child.

"How should I know." He announced, "I don't keep an itinerary of the girl's food intake." He didn't catch on to what Poppy meant, but he began to realize when he saw the witch's expression. Soon he was sitting on the opposite side of the bed scrutinizing Hermione's appearance. It was plainly obvious that she had not been eating. Her skin was sallow, and so pale. Her body, as he had noticed before, was thin and frail. When she was up and standing it was less noticeable because of the way she carried herself. Her posture was always perfect, tricking the eye into believing there was more to her than there actually was. It almost brought a tear to his eye as he wondered why a girl as perfect as she would deprive herself of food. It was odd to him, but he knew there had to be a reason. The sound of her voice ran through his head…never good enough. He had overheard her say that not two nights ago. Why would she think that? He knew he could not ask questions now. Especially when they would not be answered.

"What can I do?" He asked Poppy, and the witch looked confused.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"To help Poppy." He said almost shouting. Hermione whimpered a bit, and not missing a beat, he lowered his voice. At least not before sighing. "What can I do to help."

"Nothing." She stated plainly. Now it was Severus' turn to be confused. "Nothing can be done Severus. At least not now, while she is sleeping. I'll keep her here for the night. She needs to be under a watchful eye." She paused for a moment, then continued, "So…Why don't you just go back to your rooms. I'm sure she'll-"

"No," Snape stated firmly, "I am going to stay here."

"But Severus, you yourself are not in the best of-"

"I said I was staying Poppy." He sighed, and Poppy, for the first and only time saw just how weary he really was. Seeing this weakness in him almost made her cry, and she wondered what it was that kept him at Hermione's side. She, without thinking, placed a hand gently on his shoulder. She was grateful he did not pull away. Instead he sat holding the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger.

"Fine Severus. If you wish to stay, it is not in my power to stop you." Poppy started to walk away, but she turned back around. "Oh, but do you think you could hold back from disturbing my other patients." It wasn't a question as so much of a command. He realized why she had said it when he saw her stroll over to a student. One who had obviously woken because of Snape's tone. Severus knew this because the child stared at him with a wide-eyed expression. A mixture of fear and awe. It almost brought a smile to his face. He still had it in him. Hermione hadn't driven all the malice out of him just yet. He made a sort-of laughing noise in the back of his throat. Quickly, though, the grimace was back on his face as his eyes scanned the whole of Hermione's fragile body. God, for being so smart she really was dumb. The dumbest smart person he knew. Again a smile threatened to creep onto his face, and again it did not succeed. The most beautiful, talented, moody smart person he knew. He ran all of her qualities through his head, and while there were some that would be bad, Severus had found them to be quite amusing. The sound of her voice used to drive him nuts. Like nails on a chalk board he used to say, but, it seemed, now when she talked he rather enjoyed it. And while she did have a habit of getting away from herself and talking too much, especially in heated discussions, he found it quite amusing, and dare he say cute. Cute, he'd be damned if he would ever use that word out loud, but in the sanctity of his mind he allowed it to pass.

Severus watched over Hermione's sleeping body for hours into the night. Every once and awhile Poppy would come to check on the two, always finding the same scene. A quiet, contemplative Severus sitting alongside Hermione's bed holding his head in his hands. At first glance you would think him to be sleeping, but if you were to look closer you would see his dark eyes, wide, and ever-watchful. At one point Poppy tried to make conversation with him, but it failed. He had quickly dismissed her, calling her a nuisance and a pain in the arse.

The moon was high in the sky, and Severus had just begun to drift off when he heard a familiar voice. One he could never forget, and one he would never wish to.

"Glad to see you two chatting it up." Said a scratchy, yet wise voice. It took Severus awhile to answer, but Dumbledore allowed him to take his time.

"One of my greatest annoyances in life, is seeing people speak to those who cannot hear them." Severus finally creaked out. Dumbledore stood behind him nodding his head.

"I suppose that would annoy you." He said, "But I assure you Severus they can hear you. And so can Miss Granger here."

"How can you be so sure." Severus asked, and in return received a chuckle from Dumbledore.

"Give an old man some credit here Severus. I know." The Headmaster said, "Just as I know you are in love with Miss Granger." Severus nearly choked when he said this.

"What!" He managed to exclaim without shouting.

"Oh come now Severus I may be dim-witted, but any old fool could see." He answered. After a long pause he spoke again. "Now tell me Severus, if I know that then can sleeping people hear you talk?" Again he paused and soon after Severus heard Dumbledore's cloak swoosh and a faint, almost whispered, "Goodnight Severus."

Under his breath so as to make sure no one heard him, Severus whispered a good night to the headmaster. He knew that if he didn't he wouldn't be able to sleep that night. If he slept at all. As he ran the Headmaster's words through his head he remembered a previous occurrence from that night, and he could only hope that, in the darkness, none of the stirring students could see his beaming smile.

This is short I know, but it was shorter before I reviewed it. I'm not really all that happy about it, but I felt bad for making you guys wait. Plus I've got a few readers threatening mutiny for leaving a cliffy in the last chapter. Hm I wonder what Draco has up his sleeve. Silly me for actually thinking he could be a good guy. No way I'd have no story, except for the whole hg/ss love thing. Alright everybody, do your duties as fanfic-ers and review. YAY!

Paradise Vanessa Carlton
Once upon a year gone by,
She saw herself give in,
Every time she closed her eyes,
She saw what could have been.

Well nothing hurts,
And nothing bleeds,
With covers tucked in tight,
Finally when the bottom drops out,
She forgets to fight,
To fight.

And it's one more day in paradise,
One more day in paradise.

As darkness quickly steals the light,
That shined within her eyes,
She slowly swallows all her fear,
And soothes her mind with light,

Well all she wants,
And all she needs are reasons to survive,
A day in which the sun will take her artificial light,
Her light.

And it's one more day in paradise,
One more day in paradise,
It's one more day in paradise,
One last chance to feel alright,
Alright.

Don't pretend to,
Hold it in,
Just let it out,
Don't pretend to,
Hold it in,
Just push it out,

Don't you try to,
Hold it in,
Just let it out,
Don't you try to,
Hold it in,
Hold it in.

Ohh oh ohhh,
Ohh oh ohhh,
Ohh oh ohhh,
Ohh oh ohhh,

One more day in paradise,
One more day in paradise,
It's one more day in paradise,
One last chance to feel alright.

Once upon a year gone by,
She saw herself give in,
Every time she closed her eyes,
She saw what could have been.