(A/N Hey guys! so I've decided that this story is going to have a soundtrack. I'm sure you will recognize some of these songs throughout my story, but please don't hate lol it goes really well with the storyline. Of course right? ;) Whenever I don't suggest a song, please play the meadow. It's the natural theme. It's all mostly background so you don't have to have it too loud. Think of the music as a story enhancer lol without it it'll be kinda hard to really feel the emotions going on through the story.From the moment Severus left the burrow please play I know what you are by Carter Burwell. Thank you! Enjoy!)
The search for Hermione.
Right after Severus had left the burrow, he returned home. In case Hermione had come back before him. But she was no where to be found.
"What a cowardly woman!," Severus growled bitterly to himself with disconsolate eyes, and a morose expression before he marched out his front door, and flew up into the air into a mass of pitch black smoke. ;)
He hasn't done that since the war, but he only knew of one place where Hermione might have gone, and he wasn't patient, nor calm enough to apparate.
Apart from how angry, and hurt he was, he was much more apprehensive, and worried about Hermione being out there all alone in her fragile state. If she Killed now they would have to start all over.
He wasn't nearly as fast as her in his cloud of smoke, but he finally returned back to their hunting spot a short time later. The same patch of woods he had taken her to weeks earlier for her first hunting session.
"Lumos Maxima," Severus muttered under his breath as he swiftly flicked his wrist, and a bright white light illuminated from the tip of his wand. Lighting up the pitch blackness that surrounded him.
He then cautiously began to walk further up into the woods. Listening to every sound with his wand at the ready as it lit his way.
"Bloody hell, why am I doing this?, Why is this damned woman making me wander the woods at night," Severus grumbled mentally a few moments later with a sullen expression as he continued marching through the woods.
"Oh, that's right, because you bloody fancy her!," Severus berated himself as he stepped over a large branch with a frustrated stomp of his foot.
Even if he didn't like it, He had to accept it. Because after today he had no choice. He couldn't really deny his attraction to Hermione any longer when she could hear what he was thinking anyways. It'd be a pretty pointless effort.
All of a sudden, as he was walking further into the woods, grumbling to himself. He stopped dead in his tracks when he heard a loud twig snap somewhere to his right. He then quickly turned and pointed his light in that direction.
"Hermione?, is that you?!," Severus called with caution as he waited in apprehension for a reply. But no reply came, and the forest became unusually quiet. More so then before, and it was unsettling.
However, just before Severus was about to call out for her again, he suddenly heard something unseen charging him from a distance.
He frantically tried to spot it. Pointing his light in every direction, untill he was violently shoved, and pinned to the ground as his wand flew out of his hand. Just out of his reach.
He could feel its weight on top of him. Weighing him down like there were a tone of bricks piled onto his upper torso. Now completely in the dark, except for the rays of moonlight. He could just make out the large sharp teeth that gleamed down at him, and the large feline yellow eyes as it stared him dead in the eyes. It was then that Severus finally realized what had jumped him.
His eyes widened in fear as he stared into the murderous eyes of a two hundred and twenty pound male Puma as it growled down at him.
Then as soon as Severus made a rash move to reach for his wand, the puma snarled as it whacked him in the chest with its large claws. Making Severus holler in pain as he suddenly felt this overwhelming burning sensation on his chest. He struggled harder to reach for his wand as it continued thwacking his upper body. It took all his might to hold in his cries. They seemed to anger it even more.
Soon they were thrashing about as Severus frantically tried to wriggle free from it while it tried to claw him in the neck and face. But it was no use. It was much stronger then him, and he didn't know how much fight he had left. Without his wand.
Then, just when it was about to strike him, Severus heard a loud thud close by, and then the wild cat was suddenly lifted up and violently thrown off of him with an angry growl of protest. A pericing wail soon followed, then all was silent
Severus rolled onto his side, and staggered to his feet while clinging to his chest as he limped forward to pick up his wand.
"Lumos," He muttered just as the white light illuminated from the tip of his wand again, and he turned to see the cat laying lifeless on the ground fifteen feet in front of him while something was leaned over it with its head buried into its neck.
Severus gasped when the figure finally gazed up at him. Gold eyes bore into his black orbs, and he stared in shock while she stared back at him with her fangs covered in blood as it dripped down her chin.
"Hermione?," Severus exclaimed incredulously as she slowly stood up. Her eyes never leaving his. They nearly glowed from the light of his wand. Like when you shine a flashlight at an animal at night.
All his anger had been knocked out of him and all he felt was shock, and relief.
"You came back," Severus remarked breathlessly as she nodded at him.
"Your cent of fear was too overwhelming to ignore. It's probably what attracted the cat in the first place," Hermione rejoindered wittily through her fangs with frigid eyes as she motioned to the lifeless cat at her feet.
"You saved my life," Severus declared in slight shock as he ignored her snide comment.
Hermione's eyes softened at that, and then her fangs disappeared in one sharp inhale. Though she still had it's blood on her chin.
"I owed you that much," She replied solemnly as she slowly stepped over the cat.
It was just then that Severus hissed in pain as he felt this searing pain on his chest. His hand swiftly flew to his chest and he instantly realized his hand was covered in his own blood. It had started to seep through his frock coat.
Hermione's eyes widened and she inhaled another sharp breath when she began to smell it.
Severus tensed apprehensively as he cluthed his chest to try and stop the bleeding. It continued to burn and he dropped to his knees by the intensity of it.
Hermione was at his side in less then a second with panic written all over her face.
"Severus, you're hurt!," Hermione exclaimed frantically.
"I'll be fine, just go," Severus groaned pleadingly in apprehension, but not for himself, but for her. He couldn't care less what became of him as long as she was far away from temptation.
Hermione looked at him like he was out of his mind as he sat there taking in raspy breaths. His hand still tightly clutched to his chest.
"I am not going to leave you here to be eaten alive!," Hermione retorted stubbornly with fierce eyes as Severus glared up at her.
"I could smell you from a mile away, who knows what other animal your blood will attract!," Hermione added worriedly as Severus continued to glare at her.
"For merlins sake, for once in your damn life, do as you are told!," Severus snarled urgently.
Hermione's jaw tightened as she shook her head.
"No," She stated firmly.
Severus rolled his eyes in frustration.
"Dammit! Hermione! I am trying to help you!," Severus growled furiously.
"Because if you give in now, its all over!, everything I have done will be for nothing!," Severus hollered helplessly as Hermione's eyes widened in shock, and her jaw tightened again.
"If you have not noticed by now, Severus, I am not going to!," Hermione exclaimed brusquely in a shaky voice.
"Now stop being a pain in the ass and let me get you home!," She quickly added as she held out her hand to him.
Severus regarded her with a stubborn, scolding gaze before giving in with a heavy breath as he reluctantly grasped her hand, and she carefully pulled him up. Letting him lean on her for support.
She pressed her hand firmly onto his chest to keep pressure on his open wounds. Which made Severus grunt in surprise. She couldn't deny his blood was starting to get to her, but she was going to be strong enough to save him.
"You might want to close your eyes," Hermione suggested awkwardly as Severus glanced down at her in befuddlement.
"Why?," He asked questioningly with his usual raised brow. Then he realized it.
"Oh, hell no, absolutely not," Severus protested in disapproval as he shook his head dismissively.
"Well how else am I going to get you home?, you are too weak to apparate!," Hermione exclaimed defensively.
Severus grimaced in disdain, but he knew he didn't have the strength to fight with her. He was loosing blood.
"When are you going to learn to trust me?," Hermione asked briskly as she held down more pressure onto his chest.
Severus raised his eyebrow at her ironically, than groaned in disinclination before reluctantly closing his eyes. They would have this conversation when he was strong enough to stand on his own two feet.
"Just do it," Severus grumbled as he tightened his grasp around her shoulder.
Then without warning, she swiftly lifted him into her arms, and sped off through the woods. Returning home nearly a half an hour later.
(Remember, his flat in London is two hours away. She's a quick one lol)
Hermione stopped on his front step and carefully let him down, but kept a firm hold onto his chest as he tried to compose himself before reaching forward to open his front door.
They staggered to his room, and Hermione helped him onto his bed before Severus started unbuttoning his torn frock coat, and white under shirt to reveal four deep claw mark gashes.
"What should I do?," Hermione asked hurriedly as she eyed his open wounds with concern.
"First, I need a pain relief potion from my lab," Severus replied with a grunt as he moved to lean against his headboard. "And a wound healing potion, its purple," He added as he hissed in pain.
Hermione nodded before rushing out of the room, and into his lab. Once there, she opened his potions cabinet and scanned every bottle in sight. She pulled out his two requested potions, then she spotted another vial that she knew all to well. Essence of Dittany. ;) A brown liquid known to heal, and replenish open wounds.
She closed the cabinet, than hurried back into his room. Severus gazed up at her when she returned, then at the potion vials in her hands as she approached him. Right away she handed him the pain reliever potion, and he downed it in one gulp before grimacing at the after taste.
Hermione took the empty vial from him, and set it on his night stand, then she slowly sat down next to him on the bed as he eyed her curiously when she took out her wand.
"First things first," Hermione murmured as she pointed her wand at his chest.
"Tergeo," She muttered as she slowly twisted her wrist counterclockwise just as a small blue light glowed from the tip of her wand.
Immediately, all the blood on his chest disappeared.
After that she took the top off the vial that contained the purple liquid. Known as the wound cleaning potion. She glanced up at him once before cautiously bringing the tip of the vial to his bare chest and slowly dropping a few drops into every gash.
Severus hissed at the stinging sensation as it started to smoke. And without thinking, Hermione swiftly leaned forward and softly blew onto his chest.
Severus tensed in surprise before staring at her with an odd expression as she continued to lightly blow onto his wounds. Her breath was so cold. It soothed it almost instantly.
She glanced up at him again, and blushed.
"Whenever I would get hurt as a child, my mum always did that to ease the pain," Hermione remarked sheepishly in explanation as Severus regarded her thoughtfully.
Than she picked up the vial of dittany, and turned it thrice in her hands.
"Essence of dittany," Severus proclaimed in slight admiration as he knitted his eyebrows together.
Hermione nodded.
"It has always been my number one go to," She responded with a small smile before popping off the top.
"Now it will sting a bit, but I'm sure you are aware of its effects," Hermione added with a sheepish smile as he raised his eyebrow at her.
"Merlin, I had absolutely no idea. I have only been teaching potions for the last twenty years," Severus stated sarcastically as a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
Hermione chortled as she shook her head. Then she leaned forward once more as Severus tensed uneasily. Just Waiting for the pain to start.
Hermione carefully tipped the bottle, and dropped a few drops on top of his wounds, and almost instantly, Severus gritted his teeth at the stinging sensation it made as new skin started to form as it worked to heal, and close all his wounds.
Once the stinging stopped, and his wounds finally closed, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. Then she looked down at her hands and realized that they were covered in his blood.
Severus, now fully healed. Leaving only a few new faded scars, finally sat up when he noticed her disconcerted expression. That's when the tension in the room changed.
"Perhaps you should go clean up?," Severus suggested earnestly as he eyed Hermione up and down. She was still covered in blood when she had killed that puma to save his life.
"Hermione?," Severus called to distract her.
"Yes," Hermione answered as she nodded her head before awkwardly standing up and rushing into his bathroom.
Severus watched her till the door closed behind her. Then he sighed as he massaged his forehead. Tonight was beyond mental. He'd been so angry with her, but as soon as she saved him from that puma, none of that mattered anymore, and just now when she had risked temptation to heal him, he felt nothing but gratitude, and respect towards her.
But deep down he was still hurt. Therefore he knew they would have to discuss what happened sooner rather than later.
About twenty minutes later, Hermione emerged from the bathroom, wearing a pair of transfigured black satin pajama pants, and a black thick strapped tank top. Her hair was still wet when she walked out of the bathroom as she gently combed her fingers through her long hair before stopping in her tracks at the end of his bed when she caught Severus's questioning gaze.
Hermione sighed as she shifted her feet before placing her hands on her hips while she waited knowingly for Severus to speak.
"I have not thanked you, for saving my life," Severus remarked gratefully as he set the book he was reading onto his bedside table.
Hermione tensed in slight surprise. She was not expecting for him to thank her at all.
"Like I said, Severus, I was just returning the favor," She dismissed as she awkwardly crossed her arms over her chest.
Severus's jaw tightened as he raised his head. Then he got up out of bed to pull his black bathrobe out of his wardrobe before draping it over his broad shoulders, and tying it neatly around his waist. Then he turned back around to face her as she abruptly tore her eyes away from his back when she felt a slight sensation of heat rise in her frozen cheeks while she scowled at herself.
"Well, you very well...could have let me there to die, so...thank you," Severus spoke solemnly in oblivion of her sheepish demeanor. Only catching her golden stare for a second before slowly approaching her as she turned her head away from him.
"You know...we have to discuss what happened earlier tonight," Severus stated soberly a moment later as Hermione shook her head.
"Please don't," She muttered dismissively as she squeezed her eyes shut.
"I just want to forget that this night ever happened," She added quietly in shame.
"Well I can't!," Severus retorted brusquely as Hermione flinched at the sudden harshness of his voice.
"You should have seen the look on Potters face when he realized that you were gone, again," He added coolly as Hermione's eyes began to water.
"How could you do that to him? to all of us?," Severus demanded inquiringly as Hermione furiously wiped away her tears. But she said nothing.
"Your idea of trust...is ludicrous," he scoffed scornfully under his breath.
"You abandon us, and then you expect us to put our trust in you," he added while shaking his head as more tears welled up in her golden eyes.
"I never would have thought you to be a coward, Hermione Granger," Severus proclaimed a few seconds later as Hermione quickly looked up at him through her tears in shock. But there was no spite, nor coldness on his face anymore. Only disappointment.
"This is not just about Harry, this is about you and me," Hermione declared knowingly as Severus raised his chin before he turned his back on her.
"Because I left you...after I practically gave you no other choice, but to admit to yourself that you had feelings for me, that's what this is really about!," Hermione exclaimed shakily as Severus's shoulders stiffened, but he didn't say a word.
"But if I hadn't been able to read your mind, your pride would have never allowed you to admit it on your own, you would have kept it to yourself!," she continued in a blunt manner in a knowing, and bitter voice as he fists clenched, then unclenched. But he still refused to respond.
"You agreed!, so why won't you leave this alone!?," Hermione frantically exclaimed when he did not acknowledge her.
"Because I can't!," Severus abruptly retorted as he turned back around to face her with furrowed eyebrows.
Hermione inhaled, then puffed out a shakey breath as she gazed into his dark, ardent, and confused eyes.
"I know not...if this is another one of your...perks," he started in a deep tone of voice while taking a step forward as Hermione dropped her eyes to his feet before peering back up at him through her long eyelashes.
"But you have me under some sort of spell, and I cannot get you out of my mind, literally," Severus added before smirking in slight amusement as Hermione titled her head back just as she took a couple steps back to put some distance between them.
"Severus, we can't do this," she murmured as she slowly shook her head at him when he moved to approach her again. Causing him to stop in his tracks as his smirk vanished, and he knitted his eyebrows together.
"Why?, because you don't WANT to believe in the slightest possibility...that you might find happiness, within your...cursed life," he replied in a witty rejoinder. Emphizing want in a serious tone as Hermione's lips straightened into a tight line.
"There is a big difference between don't Believing, and not wanting to believe, Hermione," Severus stated sternly. As a matter of fact as he dared one more step closer until she snapped.
"How can it be possible?!, I could never grow old with you," Hermione exclaimed in discountenance as tears pricked behind her golden eyes.
"Who said anything about growing old?," Severus indirectly implied as Hermione's eyes widened knowingly.
"No," she firmly dismissed in terror as she shook her head once more.
"No, you cannot ask that of me, I would rather go to hell!, before ever doing this to you!," she fiercely declared insistingly as her voice shook.
Severus's face hardened as he stood up straighter.
"So be it. There are...other ways," he remarked suggestively with a knowing gaze at Hermione before he made his way towards his bedroom door.
Hermione's teary eyes widen in horror as he left the room.
"Severus!, no!, you can't!," She shrieked as she sped out of the room after him. Stopping him in his tracks out in the hallway by firmly grasping his arms in her hands.
"Stop!, you are acting like an impulsive school boy!, why are you doing this!?, why do you want me, when you could have a real woman...bowing at your feet!?," She frantically commanded before letting him go to motion her hand at herself, then at his feet as she gazed up at him in perplexity, wonderment, and almost longingly. For she couldn't deny, this man was brilliant. Captivating. She just couldn't understand why in Merlin's name would he pick her. Despite the big sempiternal barrier standing in their way.
"Why?!," She demanded as she crossed her arms over her chest again. But Severus remained nonchalant. Though when he finally spoke, his voice ached with passion.
"Because..that is how badly..I want you, Hermione, you are far more woman...then any other..that I have ever laid my eyes upon," he fervently proclaimed as Hermione gasped softly. Gaping at him as she shook her head incredulously.
"And quite frankly, my existence has fulfilled it's purpose, it has no further meaning. But for the first time in years. for some reason, whenever you enter the room, my heart..starts to race, every moment...that I am with you, the hole in my heart grows smaller," Severus added earnestly as he stared intently into her gleaming, golden, wet eyes.
Hermione had an "oh no" type of expression on her face as she squeezed her eyes shut to stop the tears. Then she inhaled a sharp breath. She could feel herself quickly falling for this man, but she had to try and talk him out of it. For his sake.
"I know you think you might fancy me, Severus, but that is not enough to become immortal with me for all eternity!," Hermione asserted vehemently as she backed away from him.
Severus frowned.
"I do not know what this is, but I know it was no coincidence that we both ended up outside that pub that night," Severus responded patently as Hermione gazed at him in shock.
They haven't spoken about that night since.
"What are you saying?, you think that fate let this happen to me... because it wanted us to be together?," Hermione asked in confoundment, astonishment, and disbelief.
Severus's expression softened.
"It would seem so, would it not?," Severus said with his usual brow as she blinked up at him.
"You don't...seriously believe that do you?," Hermione asked disbelievingly.
Severus only stared at her.
"I do," Severus replied with such certainty in his eyes it made Hermione utterly speechless.
"N-, no, it-, it can't be," she stammered in denial. Shaking her head once more while turning her back to him as she hugged herself.
"I know you are scared, Hermione-," Severus said in a gentle voice as he went place his hand on her shoulder, but Hermione cut him off before he could.
"That's an understatement!," She retorted with furrowed eyebrows as she whipped around to face him with vivid eyes.
"I am terrified!," Hermione exclaimed admittedly as she tightened the grip on herself.
"What if I were to lose control?, I would not be able to live with myself if I ever hurt you," Hermione continued earnestly in apprehension. Dropping her eyes to the floor as she started to sway back and fourth on her bare feet.
"Immortality is a curse, not a gift, Severus, I did not get a choice, but you do, and you can't choose this," Hermione stated as tears welled up in her eyes once again when she gazed pleading up at him. Only for him to scowl down at her.
"It sounds like I'm not getting much of a choice either," he countered in a sullen manner as Hermione turned her head from him in sorrow. But there was no remorse when she glanced sadly back up at him with obstinate eyes.
"Severus, please," She begged for the last time with another sharp inhale. Hoping it would put him in defeat as Severus stared crestfallen. But she clearly didn't know how stubborn he was.
"Why did you come back?, You were free, did you come back only to torment me?," Severus asked accusingly in anger, and stumped confusion as he furrowed his eyebrows at her.
"What?, no! of course not!," Hermione exclaimed defensively in shock that he would even suggest such a cruel thing from her.
"Then why did you come back?, why not just leave me there?," He demanded as Hermione goggled at him.
"I-, I could-, I couldn't let you die," she sputtered shakily as her tears finally escaped, and trickled down her cheek when she bowed her head slightly. She knew fully well what he was attempting to do, but she couldn't just stand there and let him think that awfully of her. Even if it meant coming clean herself.
"I wonder..why that is," Severus quipped knowingly with a quirk of his eyebrow. Which made Hermione suddenly become tense as he slowly took a step closer.
"Out of all the places you could have gone to, you chose to return to our...hunting spot, where you knew...I would come looking for you," He proclaimed evidently as she shifted before turning her head from his burning gaze with pursed lips to keep them from quivering.
"Why won't you just admit it, Hermione?," Severus asked softly as he watched her remove her arms from around herself to fiddle with the ends of her long, drying wavy hair.
"Because that would make it real," Hermione whimpered reluctantly as she stared down at the pale skin of her bare feet. Refusing to meet his fervid black eyes.
Severus's expression softened again in empathy as he slowly reached forward to gently tilt her brisk, but enlivening chin up before softly wiping away her tears with his thumb.
"Do you want..to be with me?," Severus asked assiduously as he ever so gently cupped her chilled cheek in his palm. Afraid that if he was not careful, her jaw would fracture like a glass doll.
Hermione swollowed the lump in her throat as she nodded.
"Of course I do," She whispered eagerly with her eyes closed while sniffling as she leaned into his hand with her hand covering his before gazing solemnly up at him through her long eyelashes.
"Then why does any of this matter?," Severus asked gently. Emphasising her new profound abilities as he pulled his hand back to lightly trail his hands up and down her arms before gently squeezing her shoulders.
"You know why, Severus," she replied in slight irritation of his persistence as she tensed under his grip.
"Your scent gets harder and harder for me to ignore the more that I am around you, more than anyone else, I couldn't even kiss you without being tempted," Hermione admitted blatantly with a despairing expression as she shook her head.
Severus raised his eyebrow thoughtfully at the mental picture in his mind. Which made Hermione blush.
"Hermione, must I remind you, that nearly an hour ago, you were covered..in my own blood," Severus postulated with a small smile as Hermione thumped her bare foot on the floor in frustration.
"Yes, I was, but, you don't know what I could have done once I had shut that bathroom door!, I could have licked every ounce of it off before coming back for more!," she cried vehemently out of fear with fierce eyes as Severus cocked his head to the side with an expression on his face as if he thought she was overreacting.
"But you didn't, did you," he implied as he gently grasped her hands again, to which she quickly pulled them back.
"That's not the point!," she spat brusquely.
"I am not that sanguine, devil may care school girl anymore, Severus, I am dangerous for you," Hermione asserted warningly as Severus frowned down a her in puzzlement.
"And I'm not?," Severus countered as he motioned his hand at himself with a raised eyebrow.
Hermione huffed.
"Well no, to be frank, I am much more stronger than you now, you know what I can do, and you saw what I did to that puma, if I were to attack you right now, you wouldn't be able to stop me this time," she helplessly declared as a matter of fact as she shook her head before adding in a voice above a whisper.
"Without having to kill me," she muttered as she hung her head in disgust towards herself.
Severus remained quiet for what seemed like a long time, and Hermione didn't dare to look up at him to see the hurt in his eyes. But as soon as she thought he had finally given up, he finally spoke, but his response was not what she was expecting at all.
"I trust you," Severus earnestly proclaimed Moments later after deciding with himself as Hermione snapped her head up to look at him as if she had misheard him.
"What?," she murmured after being caught off guard as he took another step closer to grasp her freezing hands in his warm ones before she could pull away again.
"I trust you, Hermione," he relayed as he gazed deeply into her golden, taken aback eyes.
"But earlier..you said-," Hermione uttered softly in awe while knitting her eyebrows in disbelief before Severus cut in.
"I was upset, I should not of said that, I was being a jackass," he explained apologetically as he gently caressed the top of her hands.
Hermione shook her head after a moment.
"You shouldn't," she murmured warningly one more time. Though she couldn't find the will power inside her to back away from him when Severus took one last full step towards her to gently grasp the front strand of her hair with a soft smile as he trailed his fingers down the length of it while she closed her eyes in content at the gentleness of his touch.
Then Hermione inhaled suddenly. She could practically feel his hot breath on her face. He knew he was pushing it when he lifted his hand to caress her cool cheek, but he wanted to prove his sincerity to her.
"You are entering into serious territory, sir," she purred dangerously when he cupped her jaw tenderly into his hand. Cocking it slightly to the side as he brushed his nose across her cheekbone to smell her hair.
"Then attack me," he whispered tauntingly into her ear as she snarled under her breath, but still couldn't find the urge to push him away. That's when she realized that she didn't want to.
Then all of a sudden, her lifted her up roughly by her shoulders, and pinned her up against the wall. Knowing fully well it would not harm her like it would have a year ago.
Hermione gasped in surprise as her eyes flew open, but his intuition proved right. She was not hurt.
"Bite me," Severus growled in a deep, silky voice, and as her breathing quickened, it got heavier. That's when she started to become painfully aware of how close his neck was looming, until her lips nearly grazed it.
At that moment, Hermione could feel her entire body begin to tremble against him with her bloodthirsty desire as he held her there. Then before she knew it, she was involuntarily leaning closer to the center of his neck with her fangs bared. She had four sets of purely white teeth. The first two were rather small, and the others slightly larger and razor sharp beside her front teeth, and lastly, she had two sets of smaller ones next to her bottom teeth. Which were mainly used for draining.
However, just as she was about to sink her teeth into his flesh, she abruptly stopped herself by snapping her mouth shut with a violent shudder before hesitantly pressing her lips to his neck in a sort of forced, but sweet kiss as a whimper escaped her.
Then she swiftly turned her head from him. Nearly choking out a sob as she dropped down to her knees onto the floor. Only then did she reach up to feel the tears that she had no idea when had started to fall.
Severus finally stepped back to gaze proudly down at her before crouching down to see her panting behind her fangs. Realization seemed to have dawned on her because when he had slowly reached forward to tilt her chin up to look at him, her eyes were lit up as if she had finally found a small bit of hope to cling onto.
The smile that formed on Severus's face when their eyes met only confirmed it.
"You're only as dangerous...as you believe you are," he cooed as he lightly trailed his thumb across the whole of her top lip whilst the bottom half of his thumb brushed against her two top fangs.
As soon as he said that, Hermione exhaled breathlessly as she leaned forward with her head down to press her forehead gently against his while tears of relief trickled down her cheeks. Then she began to chortle through her razor teeth.
Severus knew any normal person should be afraid. For she truly was death, disguised as a daemon. A divinity, or supernatural being of nature between a goddess and a human. Though some would believe to say that she was reborn from the pits of hell, but to him she was a gift to him from somewhere much greater.
However, he couldn't deny that when she had first came to him, he was afraid. Like any other sane person would be, when having someone you once knew stand before you, as something you'd only hear about in a scary story, or a nightmare.
But those days were gone, and he thanked whatever higher power that brought them to that deserted street in the dead of night. For now his life finally had meaning again. It had found a reason to thrive.
After the tension between them ceased, Hermione finally felt calm enough to retract her fangs. With one quick intake of breath, they were gone in a blink of an eye. As if they were never there.
Hermione then bit down on her bottom lip with where her fang would have been as she gazed sheepishly into Severus's warm eyes.
"What do you say?, you want to give happiness a try?," Severus purred as he raised a playful eyebrow at her. Which made her giggle like a school girl with her chin nearly touching her chest before throwing her head back with a load sigh.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but," she began before pausing to stiffle more laughter from escaping her pursed lips as Severus smirked. Waiting expectantly for her to continue.
"Yes," she cooed with a nod of her head as she tensed slightly in trepidation.
Severus's eyes lit up at her response, and he eagerly lifted her hand up to his lips to place a gentle kiss on top of her hand as she watched him longingly.
The moment his lips touched her hand, she instantly felt heat coming off of him as it momentarily warmed up that one spot on her ice cold hand, and she couldn't help the fond smile that appeared on her lips at the warmth that radiated from him from one single touch.
"I'd almost forgotten what it felt like to feel warm again," Hermione thoughtfully remarked in a soft, but saddened voice. Though more to herself as Severus lifted he head back up to gaze at her in sorrow, and admiration.
When Hermione caught him looking at her, she blushed. Looking down as she rubbed her lips together simultaneously when she stuck her tongue out slightly to wet them. Then she chortled as she brushed her drying hair out of her face before Severus got to his feet, and offered her his hand to help her up. Which she eagerly accepted as he pulled her back up onto her feet. Their eyes never straying from one another's.
"Now, I know you may not be fond of this," Severus remarked a moment later as he gently grasped her other hand in his while she waited cautiously for him to continue.
"But I suggest we floo Molly, and let them know that you are home safe," Severus suggested as a warm gleam flickered in his eyes for just a second before his face grew serious again.
Hermione tensed.
"They're probably furious," She murmured with a sigh. wincing as she glanced down at the floor between their feet.
"They are just scared of loosing you again, this year has been hard on everyone," Severus claimed in desolation as Hermione glanced up at him with guilt in her eyes before dropping her head with a sigh while gently squeezing his hands.
"I know, it wasn't suppose to be like this," she countered knowingly as she glanced helplessly around the narrow hallway, then at herself to emphasize her statement.
"We can't change..what happened, Hermione, no matter how.. much we wish to. We have to find the will..to move on, or else this world..will only plummet deeper into it's grief and darkness," Severus responded regrettably as he reached up with one hand to softly tuck her silky smooth, non frizzy curls behind her ear before caressing her cheek with his knuckles.
"I know," she murmured in despair as she closed her eyes once again at his warm touch before gazing up at him to find his lips slowly turn up into a soft smile.
Then he offered his hand to her, and she smiled nervously at him as she accepted his hand. Her cold tempture didn't seem to phase him anymore as he returned her an encouraging smile before leading her into his sitting room.
Hermione kneeled down in front of the fireplace as Severus reached up on top of his mantel to grab a handful of floo powder before kneeling down next to her. But just when he was about to toss it into the fire Hermione suddenly grasped his arm.
"Severus, wait," Hermione uttered as he swiftly turned his head to glance down at her.
"What is it?," He asked curiously in concern.
"Can I ask you something first?," Hermione asked anxiously as she slowly let go of his arm.
"Of course," Severus replied softly with knitted eyebrows.
Hermione took a deep breath as severus waited for her to speak.
"If I had never been attacked, and became a vampire, would you have even given me a second glance?," Hermione asked questioningly as she gazed up at him from underneath her long eyelashes. Moments later.
The question took Severus by surprise as his eyebrows shot up.
"What sort of question is that?," he asked in bewilderment, but with intent solicitude as Hermione shifted on her knees in slight impatience.
'Please, just answer, I need to know," she eagerly demanded as he stiffened before instantly becoming lost in thought. She was aware that she could just look into his mind for her answer, but she wanted to hear it truthfully from his own lips.
"I think...fate..would have found a loophole," Severus answered solemnly with a reassuring smile after a few moments in thought.
"That's not answering my question, Severus, would you still want me?," Hermione asked softly with inquiring eyes as Severus sighed before he spoke.
"Of course I would. Though I will confess..., your immortality is captivating, but it is not what attracted me to you, I assure you," Severus stated earnestly before reaching out with his free hand to gently squeeze her hand to assure her.
"It is your kindness, your selflessness for others, and your resolute..consideration of life. Your personality alone is...hard to deny," Severus declared wondrously with a warm smile.
"You are witty, highly intelligent, stubborn, and above all, a beautiful, strong woman," Severus continued in admiration with intent eyes as Hermione smiled in relief before blushing uncontrollably.
"If things had..turned out differently, I would have fallen for you regardless," Severus added candidly with a raised eyebrow as Hermione gazed up at him in awe before biting her lip.
"Does that..satisfy your questions?," Severus asked softly with a smirk as Hermione chortle before nodded her head.
"So let me ask you this," he remarked a moment later as his smirked slowly faded to an expression of serious curiosity just as Hermione glanced expectantly up at him in trepidation.
"Would you not think twice about me, had we met again...under different circumstances?," he asked as Hermione looked down at their hands, and blinked at them in thought before a smile grew on her red stained lips.
"I think I would," Hermione cooed while looking back up at him with warm, golden eyes as she nodded at him.
"Then may I ask why?, after how horrible I have been to you, why would you...fancy me?," Severus questioned in regret with slight self loathsome in his deep voice as he raised his eyebrow at her.
Hermione huffed at him in response, but it came out as a soft breath.
"Severus, you haven't been horrible!, I am the one who has been horrible, and selfish," she exclaimed in remorse as she swollowed the forming lump in her throat whilst Severus's eyebrows quirked unexpectedly at her.
"You have been absolutely amazing, no one, would of had the courage to do...what you have done for me," she declared wondrously as she shook her head before bowing her head to their hands once more.
"No one else would of had the stomach for it," she muttered in disdain towards herself. Though the tone in her voice also sounded as if she was talking about someone else. Someone they both knew. Who would most certainly go off in a fit if he were here now to hear them.
"I never told you," Hermione started again before he could comment as her shoulders tensed.
"But even though I did..use to hate you, I have always admired you in some way to," she admitted as she slowly glanced up at him with guilt ridden and apologetic eyes just before his eyebrows shot up once more in surprise. Though she could see the slight flicker of hurt in his dak eyes. But it was only there for a moment. Then it was gone as he lifted his chin slightly. He couldn't blame her, she figured. But she still felt awful.
"Everytime I saw you, you were so...determined, so intimidating, and powerful, I was always jealous of how clever you are," she continued with a slight blush upon seeing the expectantly keen, and waiting expression on his face. Though only for him to quirk his eyebrows again in astonishment before furrowing them incredulously while frowning in thought.
The brightest witch of her generation, was jealous of him? He just couldn't fathom it. His said power had been handed to him through access to AVANCED magic. He wasn't doubting himself. He pined for knowledge just as much as her, and gained it, but Hermione actually worked hard, and went to extreme lengths for her knowledge all on her own. She was damn near brilliant in everything. For Merlin's sake she could give him a run for his money, and a mighty debate at no doubt. So why on earth would she have a reason to be jealous of him, when it's he, who should be jealous of her.
Hermione seemed to have known what he was thinking, because she had suddenly gazed sheepishly down at their hands before squeezing his hand. Which brought him out of his reverie with a jolt. Then realization began to grow on his face before he rolled his eyes as a smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.
"But above all those other things, I see someone now who is, kind hearted, vulnerable, caring, perceptive, loyal, and incredibly brave," Hermione proclaimed firmly in adoration as tears began to well up in her eyes at the thought of her next confession while Severus shifted to face her with a warm, yet confused look in his eyes.
"But you are also a thief," she added in a voice just above a whisper with a soft intake of breath. Which made him furrow his eyebrows. That wasn't what he was expecting.
"I'm sorry?, how am I a thief?," he asked in bewilderment as Hermione closed her eyes for a second to gather her courage, but a stray tear escaped down her cheek before she took another deep breath.
"Because you have stolen what is left of my undead heart," she confessed in a soft whisper as she gazed up at him with her vulnerable, tear gleaming, yellow eyes.
Utter shock coursed through the length of his entire body, and his face softened in awe at the vulnerability that this immortal, invulnerable woman was showing him.
"Sometimes I swear..I feel like it's still beating, whenever you are close to me, and then I have to tell myself that it was just my imagination," she cooed through her watery eyes as she lightly placed her other hand over her soundless heart
"But it's not!, it is real," she gushed fervently with a broad smile as she placed her hand on top of his, and squeezed it.
"And even though, we are both in way over our heads, I am falling for you, Severus Snape, and I can't stop it," Hermione insisted helplessly while shaking her head as Severus pulled his hand back to cautiously cup her jaw in his palm. Causing her to sigh immediately while closing her eyes as she leaned into his touch.
Severus's once cold heart, melted as he lightly wiped away another fallen tear from her seemingly radiant face. It was practically glowing from the reflection of the fire beside them. The flames looking as if they were dancing off her pale complexion. And as Severus gazed down at the heavenly creature in front of him, he instantly felt this overwhelming urge, telling him to kiss her, but he quickly thought better of it. He knew he had already pushed his limits for one day. He was lucky that he was not dead.
"You got me to admit it, are you satisfied now?," Suddenly came her angelic voice a couple moments later. Pulling him once more from his thoughts as she opened her eyes to stare up at him with an ironic smirk. To which he returned.
"Immensely," Severus answered solemnly before drawing back is hand as she chuckled to herself.
"Are you ready?," Severus asked as he clenched his fist of floo powder before hovering near the fire.
Hermione took a deep breath before nodding her head as they both turned fully around the face the fireplace.
After that, Severus threw the dust into the flames, and stuck his head through to call out for Molly. Even though Hermione couldn't hear through the other side, she sat there nervously as she waited for Molly to respond to him. After a minute, Molly came into Severus's vision. Entering her sitting room in surprise.
"Severus!," Molly exclaimed. "Did you find Hermione?," She asked worriedly.
"Yes," Severus replied with a nod of his head as Hermione stiffened when she heard him address someone.
"Where did you find her?," Molly asked before Severus beckoned her into the fire as he pulled his head out of the flames, and Molly's head appeared. Making Hermione jump back slightly.
"Hermione," Molly exclaimed in relief as Hermione flashed her a sheepish smile. Then Molly turned her head to look at Severus.
"What happened, Severus?," Molly asked in concern as Hermione slowly took her golden gaze off Molly to glance anxiously at Severus. Who had turned his head simultaneously to look at her.
"I found her..two hours north of London. It is where I take her to hunt," Severus answered as a matter of fact while turning back to Molly as she stared at Hermione in amazement.
"How did you find her?," Molly asked curiously as Severus smirked at Hermione. Who blushed down at her hands.
"It was not hard...since she could already smell me coming," He stated slowly with a knowing look at Hermione.
"I wasn't the only thing that could smell you coming," Hermione countered awkwardly in defense as Severus rolled his eyes.
"I'm sorry?, what?," Molly chimed in, in surprise. "What does she mean by that, Severus?," Molly inquired apprehensively.
Severus gazed down at Hermione as she flashed him an apologetic look. Then he sighed.
"I was attacked by a puma, and Hermione saved my life," Severus proclaimed with a small smile at Hermione as they stared at one another. Almost forgetting Molly's presence until she spoke in shock once she had found her voice.
"What!?, she exclaimed as they both swiftly turned to face her.
"Are you hurt!, do you need to go to St. Mungo's?," she added frantically with worry as Severus shook his head while holding his hand up to silence her.
"There is no need. I have been healed," he stated politely before flashing a wink at Hermione. Making her look down to the floor with another blush. Only to eye him out of the corner of her eye as he pretended not to notice.
Molly narrowed her eyes at them, but decided to drop it.
"Well, I'm glad that you two are alright," Molly Finally spoke a moment later in relief as Hermione glanced up to address her.
"Molly, I am so sorry," Hermione declared apologetically in guilt with sad eyes as Severus turned to watch her before turning back to scowl at Molly upon hearing her put the blame on him.
"Don't worry, dear, I know that Severus took a hand in it. I know that he said something to upset you, and it scared you off," Molly replied reassuringly before flashing Severus a stern look as Severus rolled his eyes at her.
"It is not about Severus, Molly," Hermione quickly declared in Severus's defense before he could snap back at her.
"It's about me," Hermione stated as both Severus and Molly turned their heads to look at her.
"Yes, he said some things that opened my eyes...but, I ranaway because I was scared of myself," She confessed with a short pause as she closed her eyes for a few seconds before glancing down at her hands. Then she turned to look at Severus.
"You were right, Severus, I was..standing in the way of my own happiness, I was a coward, and I am sorry," Hermione stated sincerely in regret with remorseful eyes.
Severus cocked his head slightly as his face softened. Then he flashed her a warm smile as he tried to discreetly lay his hand on top of hers, and squeeze it gently, but Molly had already been suspicious long before Hermione had glanced down at their hands, and smiled.
"Hang on, what is going on here?," Molly questioned with furrowed eyebrows as she stared down at their hands.
They swiftly turned to look at her again before glancing at each other once more as Molly waited intently for them to answer her.
"I guess there is no easy way to say this," Hermione murmured awkwardly as she slowly turned back to Molly's floating head while Severus tilted his chin up slightly to prepare himself for the bomb.
"Molly, Severus..and I...," Hermione started cautiously before stopping in hesitation as she closed her eyes to gather her strength.
"We're a couple now," she softly revealed as if tearing off a bandage before gazing up at Severus in awe, and smiling at him as she wrapped her hands around his left forearm. Where she instantly felt his pulse quicken slightly in his arm in excitement at hearing those words come from her lips.
Molly's eyes widened at that, then she turned to scold Severus.
"Severus, you can't do this!, she's a child!, for Merlin's sake!," Molly exclaimed scoldingly as Severus's face hardened upon turning to scowl at her while Hermione watched them in shock.
"Hermione is a grown woman, Molly, capable...of making her own decisions. Not that we need your approval," Severus retorted coldly as Hermione squeezed his arm warningly, but went ignored.
"Hermione!-," Molly started before Severus abruptly cut her off.
"Is not your daughter," Severus stated coolly as Molly pursed her lips in anger.
"But she is young enough to be yours, Severus!," Molly exclaimed furiously.
"ENOUGH!" Hermione roared in exasperation as she gazed fiercely at the two of them. Both instantly going silent at the strength, and athorative intensity in her voice.
"I appreciate you trying to stand up for me, Severus, but I can take care of myself," Hermione asserted assuredly after she had taken a moment to calm down before smiling gratefully up at him as she squeezed his hand to reassure him.
"And Molly, I love you, you have always been like a second mother to me, but I am going to see this through...because I really like him. I wish you could understand," Hermione continued Solemnly with a discouraged expression as she took ahold of Severus's forearm again.
Molly's face fell as she sighed. Causing the fire to make a crackling hissing sound.
"What about Ronald?," Molly sadly inquired for an explaination for her son as Severus scoffed knowingly. But before he could open his mouth to speak Hermione cut him off.
"Severus," She murmured sternly to stop him before turning back to Molly as he stuck his tongue to the roof of his mouth. Looking anywhere but at the two women.
"He's in love with you," Molly stated as Hermione looked down in disconcertment.
"I do love Ron, Molly," Hermione said as she gazed back up at her while Severus's shoulders tensed slightly in jealousy.
"But the feelings that I get when I am with Severus are completely different, I couldn't even begin to explain it to you," She added helplessly. Shaking her head as she flashed Severus a soft smile. Which he returned.
"This is dangerous," Molly asserted in a reprimanding voice in concern as Hermione glanced knowingly up at Severus.
"I know, and that's why I had to tell Ron to forget about me," Hermione replied in lamentation with a sense of urgency in her voice.
"But you are alright..with risking Severus's life?," Molly retorted scornfully while scowling at her as Hermione's eyes widened in shock.
"No!, of course not!, I-," Hermione tried to explain to defend herself before Severus cut her off to scold Molly.
"Bite your tongue, for once in your life, woman!," Severus barked furiously as Molly turned to look at him with wide eyes, then she huffed. Making the fire hiss and crackle again while Hermione watched them in dismay.
"I am well..aware...of what I am getting myself into, do not forget yourself, Molly, nor will you treat Hermione..so unfairly..for something that she had no control over," Severus proclaimed patently in a low, warning tone with knitted eyebrows as Hermione dropped her freshly teary eyes from Severus's dark form, to the ashes beneath the logs in the fireplace before they flickered up to meet Molly's stern eyes of disapproval, and solicitude.
"This is a suicide mission, Severus, and you know it," Molly warned. Despite Severus's ominous glare as Hermione bowed her head in shame before swiftly, but silently wiping the tears out of her eyes.
"Indeed, but you would still rather have her courting with your son," he bit back in a sardonic tone before adding.
"Who, on the contrary, would get himself killed within the first day," he claimed as Hermione snapped her head up at him.
"Severus!," she exclaimed before Molly had the chance to respond as Severus turned to look down into her wide eyes, only to arch his back slightly at the scolding look he saw in them.
"Forgive me, Hermione, but you and I both know..that boy couldn't keep his mouth shut, and his hands to himself if his life depended on it, which in this case, it does," he earnestly declared. However hard the truth might be for her to hear.
Hermione glanced knowingly at Molly's floating head, who sat there watching their exchange with a deep frown.
"After all this time...you don't think I have any self control?," she spoke softly with a hint of hurt in her voice as she turned back to face him.
"No, I know you do," Severus stated assuredly as he raised a mischievous eyebrow at her. Making her blush slightly before making sure she was listening to him through his mind.
"It's him, I don't trust, if he were to break you, you would lose everything you worked for," he thought fervently before nearly jumping with a start in shock when he suddenly heard her voice in his head reply to him.
"Severus, the only one that could break me is you," she mentally replied as she gazed up at him with a sad, yet longing expression in her golden eyes before sheepishly looking away with a sharp breath. Leaving Severus all flustered to address a very bemused Molly as he tried to compose himself.
"What was that?," Molly demanded as Hermione shook her head at her.
"Nothing," she answered dismissively.
"This is why I didn't want to do this, I didn't want to hurt anyone," Hermione continued in regret she shot them both glances of sorrow.
"But Severus was also right about another thing," she continued as a matter of fact as Molly pursed her lips at her.
"Something brought us face to face outside that pub that night, and wether this is right or wrong, I can't change what happened to me, but nor can I wallow in misery for all eternity, not ever knowing what bliss feels like either," Hermione ardently announced. Looking back and fourth between the two of them as tears welled up in her eyes.
"Even if it's just for a minute, we have to move on, and the only way that we can do that is if we take it slow, one day at a time," she murmured as she closed her eyes to allow her tears to trickle down her frozen cheeks before gazing up at Severus, who looked down on her In awe. Simultaneously as Molly's face finally fell in dejection.
"But what if it's not?, what if you two actually...-," Molly chimed in before stopping mid sentence. Finding herself unable to finish at the thought of them falling deeply for one another. But they knew.
"What happens then?," she asked as they glanced at each other.
"Are you willing..to change him?," Molly questioned inquiringly as Hermione tore her eyes from his to tense in discomfort.
"I-, I-," Hermione stammered just before Severus cut her off again by placing his hand lightly on her shoulder. Like he had done before. After having fully composed himself back to his usual, impassive self.
"You don't have to answer that," he protested. As before as Hermione turned helplessly to face him.
"But, Severus-," she started before he interrupted her again by closing his eyes as he shook his head.
"You already know..my opinion on this matter, if it meant...being with you always, there wouldn't be a choice. Not for me," he pronounced wholeheartedly as Hermione gaped at him in disbelief. As if her expression were saying, "are you kidding me?." But his face displayed no jest.
"Severus, have you gone completely mental?, becoming a vampire for all eternity!?," Molly exclaimed brusquely, but neither one of them acknowledged her.
"Perhaps..I have," he responded as plainly as day with his eyebrow raised. Not looking at her, but at Hermione. Who stared wonder struck into his avid black eyes.
"Severus, please reconsider," Molly begged as he finally turned to glare at her when Hermione had tensed before bowing her head in discomfiture at how concerned Molly really was for Severus's well being.
She couldn't blame Molly though. I mean the woman had only just found out that Hermione had not only been alive the entire time, but have come back completely changed. Not to mention she was the cause for all of the deaths in the UK. She really was dangerous.
It was only befitting that Molly would still have some slight remaining trust issues. It hurt Hermione, but she understood.
Severus did not answer her. But when he felt Hermione shift in discomfort next to him once more, he decided to bid Molly a goodnight. Only to have Molly beat him to it.
"I'm not going to be able to change your mind, am I?," Molly claimed hopelessly as Severus tightened his jaw.
"Afraid not," he curtly replied with his usual stoney expression.
"Now, we all have had a very...long day, but all that matters now, is that Hermione is back home where she belongs. There is no need for further..discussion," Severus announced with a serious look at Molly. Just daring her to continue as Hermione continued to stare down at the floor in front of them.
But she didn't. instead she sighed in defeat. Making the fire sizzle.
"Very well," Molly spoke tiredly as Hermione flashed a thankful glance at Severus before cautiously addressing Molly.
"Please, don't tell him," Hermione begged urgently. "I should be the one to tell him," She added with pleading yellow eyes.
"You're right," Molly stated coolly.
Hermione winced.
"Molly, please don't be angry," Hermione pleaded with a sharp inhale to stop her voice from shaking.
"I'm not," She replied in a firm voice. Then stopped as Hermione waited anxiously for her to continue.
"I am disappointed," She stated sadly with a disgruntled expression as Hermione's eyes widen slightly before looking back down to the floor, and blinking away the tears that pricked at her eyes. Then she nodded as Severus snarled his lip at Molly.
"Goodnight," Molly said as she nodded at the two of them.
"Goodnight, Molly," Severus spoke briskly when he knew Hermione was not going to reply. Then her head disappeared from the fire with a quick hissing sound.
As soon as Molly's head disappeared, Hermione let out a loud sigh as if she had been holding her breath.
"She's disappointed," Hermione whimpered with a sniffle. More to herself than to Severus.
"Hermione, don't you listen to her, you have done nothing..wrong," Severus declared in a pertinacious tone to reassure her.
"Besides murder a dozen people," Hermione muttered in disgust before she looked up in time to stop Severus's next excuse as he opened his mouth to reply.
"No, Severus!, she's right!," Hermione spat abruptly with fierce eyes.
"This is dangerous. We are literally fighting fire with fire!, and not only am I a murder, but if the ministry finds out that I am alive, and that I am the one responsible, they could execute me for this, and you could be thrown into Azkaban as a liability for harboring a killer!," She added frantically in fear before Severus swiftly grasped her hand in his to pacify her.
"You are worth..all of it," Severus stated resolutely in sincerity.
"Am I?," Hermione exclaimed incredulously in a shakey voice before Severus quickly got up with a huff, and swiftly strode over to his muggle music collection as Hermione watched him in surprise.
He pulled out a certain record, and he put it on his phonograph before turning around to face her as he slowly approached her with his hand held out to her.
"What are you doing?," Hermione asked curiously in trepidation as she slowly slipped her hand in his as he gently pulled her up from the floor.
"If you will not listen to me, perhaps..this will convince you," Severus remarked in slight irritation as he led her into the middle of the room, then turned from her to go pick up the stylus, and move it onto the disc. Immediately, music started to play.
He remained there with his back to her for a couple seconds until she realized what it was, and she gasped in shock.
Coming out from its speakers was the musical talent of the one and only Can't help falling in love by Elvis Presley.
Severus turned around with the utmost earnest gleam in his eyes that Hermione's started to water as he held out his hand to her once again, and she accepted as he slowly pulled her in close. Wrapping his arm around her waist as she placed her hand lightly onto his shoulder.
"You have some explaining to do," Severus stated as they had slowly began to pace from side to side.
"About what?," Hermione asked as she blinked up at him.
"I think you know what," he replied as he raised his eyebrow at her in amusement of her seemingly oblivious expression.
"You just happen...to fail to mention..that you can also communicate through the mind," he implied knowingly with a smirk as her eyes instantly widened in realization.
"Oh, um," she chortled sheepishly as she dropped her eyes to look nervously at their conjoined hands.
"I just..didn't want to shock you more than I already have," she explained with a shy smile as Severus scoffed with a chuckle. It was low, and deep. It matched perfectly with the tune of the song, and Hermione couldn't deny, his laugh was like music to her ears whenever she heard it.
"You're smidge late for that," he teased as she looked down. Biting her lip to hide her smile.
"Severus, listen," Hermione spoke seriously a moment later as he slowly twirled her around before pulling her close again.
"If Lucius tells anyone about what I did...-," Hermione intoned in apprehension before stopping mid sentence with a sigh as they slowly spun in a circle.
"Muggles believe from their stories of vampires, that a steak through the heart will kill us, but they are wrong. A piece of wood will do nothing..to our immortal body. The only way to kill a vampire, is to decapitate it," Hermione continued thoughtfully in a low voice as her eyes dropped to his chest when he furrowed his eyebrows at her.
"Or if they mean to torture, they could leave us out in the sun," she added quietly in disquietude.
"Don't talk like that," Severus retorted brusquely as he gently twirled her around again before holding his hand out to her for her to accept. Which she did at the same time the lyric played as she gazed deeply into his eyes in contrition.
"I can't help it, I'm scared," she whispered apologetically in apprehension another moment later as she rested her head against his chest simultaneously as he brought his hand to the middle of her back. Then she sighed softly at the sound of his heart beating in her ear with the music.
"If Lucius decides he wants revenge, he will turn me in to the ministry," Hermione mumbled worriedly into his chest as Severus moved their hands down to rest against his shoulder, where he gently squeezed her small frozen hand in the warmth of his own.
Either way..I am dead," She murmured hopelessly as they spun around in another slow circle together.
"I will never let anything happen to you, Hermione, you have my word," Severus whispered solemnly into her ear before she pulled back to stare at the intensity in his dark eyes as he slowly went to dip her by the small of her back.
Hermione exhaled a deep breath as he gently pulled her back up to stare longingly into her golden eyes. Then just as the song was nearing the ending, and the last lyrics played, Severus started to sing along with him. His voice was so deep, and rich, that it astonished Hermione greatly as she gazed wondrously into his fervid dark eyes. And she thought his laugh was music to her ears.
Hermione was nearly breathless when the final tune faded out, but they had yet to let go.
"Who are you, and what have you done to Severus Snape?," she breathed. Slightly opened mouthed in incredulity, and wonder as Severus smirked amusedly down at her.
"Now do you see?," he spoke gently as he raised his eyebrow at her.
Hermione chortled.
"I think I'm starting to," she cooed sweetly as he smiled down at her. Then after another moment they slowly stepped away from each other.
"Well, I think that I will retreat..back to my room now, it has been a long, and eventful day," Severus remarked tiredly with a sarcastic smirk as he went to move the stylus off the record player.
Hermione beamed at him.
"Yes, it has," She agreed as she nodded her head as he slowly approached her.
"Promise me...that you will try to get some sleep," Severus suggested hopefully with a soft smile. He knew it was a long shot, and he was right. He Smirked when Hermione responded with an obstinate sigh.
"It was worth a try," He said as Hermione chewed on her bottom lip.
"Goodnight, Severus," Hermione said with soft smile.
"Goodnight," Severus replied as he bowed his head before making his way out of the room.
Hermione giggled disbelievingly in amazement as soon as he left the room. Unaware that Severus had heard from the hallway. He chuckled to himself as he made his way towards his bedroom.
Severus turned his head one last time to glance down the hallway, only to see Hermione walking across the hall. She smiled at him as she rolled her eyes before entering his lab and shutting the door.
He shook his head with a smug smirk as he to, entered his room and closed the door behind him.
(A/N Ugh finally! Sorry it's taken me so long! and also I apologize for some of you who will have to read this again. I've been through a lot lately and haven't had the ambition to write. So by the time I got back to it, I have already rewritten most of this chapter lol so I decided to rewrite the whole thing. I made it extra long for you guys though! and all of them will most likely be that way so, I hope you all liked it!
Things got intense quick lol I know you all are probably sick of their fighting, but remember she is a gryffindor and he is a Slytherin. Plus they are both quite stubborn people lol They are going to butt heads at times, but they still care for each other! No worries there!
Please don't be scared to review! I appreciate your comments and support! but as I've said before, I look for positivity when I write, but if you have any worries about it, please and politely let me know! and keep the negativity to yourselves. Thank you for reading! and I will try to have chapter six posted as soon as I can.
Till next time! Byeeee!)
(To be continued...)