The time had come for one of their training sessions. Meanwhile Snape had been upholding his promise by training Potter to the best of his ability. He had to admit, the boy was something of a failure. He was curious to see how Hermione faired and whether the potion would continue to stake its claim over her mind during his occlumency. It had been about a week, and the girl had stuck to her usual school routines. However, she did not raise her hand as much to recite blocks of text. Perhaps she had learned the value of experience. Without that constant interruption, he had found her presence more enjoyable in class. He glanced at the clock. She was late, and he did not like to be kept waiting.
At first he thought she had lost track of time. Then he remembered whom he was dealing with and grew something similar to concerned for the girl. Just as he exited the room to find and berate her, he caught her limping and bracing herself against the wall towards the dungeon. His anger abandoned him and he rushed towards her to offer an arm. She looked up at him shyly. Her didn't wait for her reply and decidedly swept her up and set her down on a potion table. He closed and charmed the door. He knew who was responsible. "Let me see your feet." He instructed. She hesitated until his dark eyes met hers and she held one out. "Umbridge." He said under his breath noting the burn marks around her heals. "She said I needed to be more ladylike and made me wear these stupid burning pumps." Hermione was strong, but he could hear the tears building from indignation. "I tried to be here on time-"
Snape interrupted, "As you would have been if that toad hadn't-"
Hermione laughed as a tear streaked down her cheek.
"What's so funny?" Snape queried.
"You called her a toad." She smiled.
"You're right," Snape responded, "that would be insulting to amphibians."
Hermione laughed again and her tears seemed to be drying.
Snape admired seeing this new perspective before speaking, "I'll get the dittany. And I assure you, you're already womanly."
He returned with the salve and helped apply it to her wounds. "Do you, really think so?" He heard Hermione ask meekly.
Snape felt uneasy, why had he been so open towards this girl? That always led to bad things. He needed to cover his tracks. "I'm just pointing out that the punishment was inappropriate and unwarranted."
Hermione could see the visible change in his demeanor; he was stolid and almost mechanical in his actions. He had closed a door and she wanted it open again. He was kneeling by her feet; packing up the ditanny while one free hand was on the table. She grasped it gently and when his eyes met hers she smiled warmly, "Thank you."
He nodded curtly and stood up. Now towering over her, he felt he had returned to his usual self. "Well Miss Granger, we should not waste a perfectly good evening of practice. Are you ready?"
They were at it for what seemed like hours. She tried to think of anything but Severus Snape but the memories felt as if they were attracted to his hand. Then something new, he began to view one of the fantasies she had about the Potion's Master. They were in the supply room, and he barely got a glimpse at it before her mind became a smooth surface. They were both back in their respective heads.
"That did not happen, Miss Granger." He said with a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"No, sir." She blushed.
"But, you would like it to?" He questioned.
Either way it was a trap. "No, sir." She repeated, casting her eyes away from his examining glare.
"Look at me Miss Granger." He commanded and she obeyed. "Then, why would it be on your mind?"
The silence was broken by an announcement by Umbridge throughout the castle. "Hem, hem, attention students, it is now curfew and anyone seen roaming the halls with or without an escort will be punished accordingly. That is all, nighty night."
Hermione's jaw dropped in panic and she started speaking quickly, "I can't get back! It'll be ten times worse than those heels! What do I do?"
Snape put a hand over his mouth and chin in thought. This was certainly an awkward predicament; he thought he had gotten used to that with working under Dumbledore. He listened to Hermione rattle on for a while before barely stating, "Miss Granger, there is a couch."
"Couch?" She sounded confused. He couldn't let her go out after she had come in damaged by the deranged defense against the dark arts teacher. Gods.
"Yes. Under these extreme circumstances it is a viable solution. That is unless you prefer your chances in the halls." Hermione blushed. Snape swallowed. He needed to maintain control to help her feel safe. Perhaps professor mode was best. "You and I have no choice in the matter, and don't believe that I enjoy this anymore than you do."