The books mounted in a heap in Hermione's arms wobbled forebodingly, threatening to spill over. She smoothed her long strides and continued walking, watching the books carefully if they swayed too far to one side. In the end, she tried placing one hand on the bottom of the stack and the other hand on the top, but this caused all of the books to topple out of her hands and fall to the floor. She sighed exasperatedly, stooped, and began to pile the books up once more. Because her head was bowed, she had not seen the man that approached and knelt opposite her. However, she looked up when he began assisting her in placing the books on top of the new stack that Hermione had created.

When they had finished, Severus took one half of the stack without having to be asked, and Hermione took the other half. He paused, waiting for her to go first, and then he followed behind her closely. Not a word was spoken between them.

Hermione walked through her classroom, and then into her office, leaving the door open and gesturing for Severus to enter. However, he did not follow when she entered her chambers. He had not been invited, and he feared that it would be inappropriate for him to enter without invitation. At that moment, Hermione returned to him and gathered the books out of his arms. She subtly, but intentionally, allowed their hands to touch before she took the books and disappeared into her chambers once more. Then she reentered her office and stood across the room from him.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

"You're welcome."

"You are sober now, I see?"

"Well, it has been nearly four days; I should certainly hope so," he said.

There was a long silence before Severus finally spoke again. "Herm- Professor Granger, I am truly sorry for my behavior. I should never have laid a hand on you, ever, and I regret it. Honestly, I would take it back if I could, but…"

Hermione looked into his eyes and smiled inwardly. "The bruises have faded more by now," she said, keeping her tone even.

"I'm sorry, Professor Granger. I sincerely apologize."

"You may call me 'Hermione' again, if you like."

Relieved intensely, he replied, "Thank you."

She nodded and smiled at him in spite of herself.

"You forgive me, then?" he asked her.

Hermione pretended to consider her answer for several moments, and then nodded slowly. "Yes," she said. Again, she smiled at him. He returned it with a grin.

"Thank you," she said quietly, gazing fixedly at the carpet, suddenly serious.

Severus' eyebrows drew together. "For what?"

"For telling me that you were sorry."

"Repeatedly."

Hermione chuckled. "Yes. I mean, I know how hard it is for you to apologize."

Once she had looked up at him, he searched her face for any indication of an insult, ready with a defense. However, he could find no trace of sarcasm. As she looked into his eyes, he unearthed nothing but honest sincerity.

Nodding at her, he turned to leave, but felt a hand on his shoulder. He did not turn around, though her voice was enough.

"Why?" she asked softly.

He could not turn to look at her, even though she had granted him her forgiveness. Severus only shook his head and replied, "Later, Hermione. I promise you. I'm sorry."

Hermione rotated him to face her, her hand still on his shoulder. Her other hand she cupped on his cheek. "Severus…" she breathed, clearly desiring a more sufficient answer.

However, again, he repeated, "Later." His eyes silently pleaded with her to simply leave it at that, and reluctantly, she dropped her arms limply to her sides.

With once last glance toward her, Severus left Hermione's office quickly, not even bothering to shut the door behind him.

Well, here you go: They finally made up! (Even though Severus is still acting strangely.) And I am sorry that this chapter is so short! Sorry, sorry, sorry!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed! It makes my day to read all of your reviews!

eriksangelofvoice- Wow, where do I get my inspiration? What a question! I get it from everything around me! Sometimes, even you guys!

olivialynlee- Yeah, because I am so sure that everyone gets tired of hearing their work described as "great." Right… Lol. Well, here is the chapter a little early! Yay!

SeverusSnape'sLove- Of course they don't! Jeez, what weirdos! Just kidding. Hehe. Thank you.

KellyRoxton- Neville will appear later on in the story sometime, I think-not quite sure yet- (and Remus will be appearing very soon). And thank you, for that "last line" compliment! And that thing Hermione said: it was meant to imply that because she wanted to make him suffer and walk all the way to the Hospital Wing with a hangover, she had removed all of his headache potions. And I think I also agree with that other thing you said- Minerva probably should have said that to Neville! Lol. Thanks!

Chapter 19 should be up by Thursday. I have so many different things going on in my mind about this story, however, that it may take me a day or two to completely sort them out. So possibly even Friday. But knowing me, of course, it will probably be tomorrow morning. Well, maybe not that early, but you get the general idea, I guess. Ya know what- I'm just gonna stop talking now and quit boring you with my insane ramblings, which I tend to do a lot. Great, here I go again.

Disclaimer- (See Chapter 14)

Remember: Review, Please! Come on, I mean, it takes like 45 seconds. Even if you don't like my story, tell me what you dislike about it and I will try to work on it! Thanks!