Chapter 13 – Sweet day

"Here are your meals. Just ask if you need anything. Enjoy your meal!" The Waiter placed their meals in front of them and poured some wine into their glasses and then left.

"Thanks." Hermione mumbled, still confused of what Severus had said.

"You don't believe me, do you?" Severus asked, looking slightly amused.

"I don't know… I…Well…Um…Gosh…"

"Calm down." Without thinking he grabbed Hermione's hand and squeezed it gently. "How are you? You don't seem to feel very well."

"Can't stand the food. Everything's spinn…" Hermione didn't finish the sentence. Suddenly she fell down on the floor, landing on her right arm. She'd fainted.

"Shit. Hermione!" Severus stood up and lifted Hermione up from the floor. Luckily she woke up after a few seconds. "How are you?" He said, really worried.

"What happened?" She looked at him, very confused when she found that he was carrying her. He put her on the chair again, but holding a firm grip of her body.
"You fainted… Drink this." He passed her a glass of water.

"Thanks…" Hermione tried to take the glass from him but her arms weren't that strong.

Severus noticed that she wasn't able to pour the water into her throat so he did it for her.

"How are you feeling?" He asked in a strange voice.

"I'm good thanks. Just a little bit... dizzy. I'd like some fresh air."
"Of course. Head Waiter?" Severus called through the open door. A few seconds later the waiter appeared in the doorway. "We're leaving. Here, take this. Keep the change." He handed some money to the waiter.

"Thank you, Sir. Anything I can help you with?"

"No, but thank you." Severus quickly added as he saw Hermione's glance.

"Come here." He offered a hand for Hermione. "Can you stand up?"

"I'll try." Hermione took his arm in a firm grip and leaned on his shoulder. "Yes…"
"Now let's get the hell out of here."

"How are you doing know? Are you okay?" Severus asked as they were outside, sitting on a wooden bench in the nice September-weather.

"I'm okay. I'm sorry I ruined your lunch." Hermione apologized.

"Don't be. It's alright. I won't yell at you know, but…" He sneered. "But you know what I think of your eating habits."
"You're right. I just felt so sick when I saw all the food in there. And I was, I am, kind of tired."
"I see. I think we should go back to school now. Poppy will love to take care of you…"

"Don't tell anyone… Please. You won't tell anyone, will you? Please don't. There will just be loads of questions. I can't stand it. Please." Hermione begged.

"Okay then. I won't." There was something in her voice that made him do as she wanted.

"Thank you so much. But do we really have to go back to school already? I'd like to do some shopping; I'm not in London every day…" She sneered.
"Miss Granger, do I have to remind you that you fainted for like ten minutes ago? No way am I letting you out shopping. You have to sleep. At least rest. Let's apparate." He sighed.

"Seriously, you're acting like a father to me." Hermione muttered.
"I'm sure both of us are certain that I am not your father, nor do I wish to be." Severus retorted dryly and his face tightened.

"Then don't act like one. Okay, you win. We'll go to Hogwarts…" She shrugged.

"Yes." He nodded and offered Hermione his hand so he could apparate them back.

Luckily, no one saw when they entered Hogwarts, since everyone was on their lessons. The last thing Severus wanted was to draw attention to why he'd been away from the school with Hermione.

Their footsteps echoed in the long corridor, as they headed through it. Severus quarters were as inviting as always, Hermione totally loved that place, when they entered them.

"So, I suppose you're going to rest." Severus muttered and sat down on the chair next to his desk. He sighed and started sorting out piles of papers.

"Nah. I'm fine. I think I'll study." She answered and went to her room to get some books.

"Fine. But don't blame me if you'll faint again." Severus retorted as she entered the living room again.

"I won't." She assured him.

"Let's postpone the spy class again. You shouldn't risk your health." He said without looking up from the desk.

"But…" She stopped when she saw Severus' glance. "Fine. As you want."

"Good. And, the Headmaster asked me this morning why you never are in the Common room. Apparently he thought I was forcing you to stay here. I guess I could stand one visit in the Common room if you'd like that. I just don't want it to be a habit." He sneered.

"Oh. Um well. No thanks. I'm rather here." Hermione blushed nervously.

"You are?" The Professor gazed at her for a second, raising his eyebrows.

"Yes, Sir…"

"For Merlin's sake, you don't have to lie to me. I'm pretty sure you'd rather hang out with your mates than keep me company here." He muttered.

"Why d'you think I'm lying?" Hermione protested.

"Because I do think it's pretty strange that you would prefer my company before your friends'." Severus explained simply.
"You're not my friend, then?" Her eyes went blank. "Then who is my friend?" She added.

"I-I…Well...You..." He stuttered.

Hermione had never seen her Professor in such a loss of words. It was very unlike him. She stood up and made her way towards him.

"You are afraid of love, aren't you?" She whispered softly.

"Why do you think that?" He didn't dare to meet her eyes.

Hermione didn't say anything; instead she placed herself in Severus' lap and wrapped his arms around her. To her amazement, he embraced her tightly like he was afraid to lose her.

"You know, I do prefer your company…" She mumbled.

"I see." His grip of her lightened and he saw right into her eyes. "Why do you do this?"

"Because I want to. I do want your body next to mine." Hermione smiled slightly.

"I'm your teacher…" He added after a pause.

"I don't care." She shrugged.

"Just don't do anything you may regret later."

"I'm glad you're not my Dad. I'd hate that." Hermione giggled.

"I'd hate to be your father." He smiled a little.

"Right. You know, there is one thing I'd like to do…"
"Go ahead." The man rolled his eyes.

"Yeah…" She leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on his mouth. The rough lips felt way better than she'd ever dreamed about. "You don't have to say anything…"

"Indeed." He mused. "Maybe we shouldn't take this any further… You're only 15. And you are my student."

"So what? I am old enough to decide over my actions. I'm 16 soon."

"But, I... You were right, I am afraid of love. I just..." His voice disappeared.

"So am I. It's nothing to be ashamed of."