I really don't know if this should be rated "M". I'm not really good at ratings. I would really appreciate your advice. Drop in your comments!

CHAPTER 11

MASTER BEDROOM - WASHROOM

All Hermione wanted was a good night's shower. She had never imagined to find her 'husband' next to her nevertheless being naked. In a fit of panic, she covered the shower curtain around her.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

Seeing how annoying she was, he realized it was safe to open his eyes.

Seeing that he was silent and actually staring at her, she attempted to hit him, only to find her hand bound to him yet again. Well, as a change from yesterday, her right hand was bound to his left hand.

"Not this again," she grunted, still dripping wet.

Looking at the bound hands, he asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

"How am I supposed to know?"

"For starters, you work at Magical Law Enforcement and you seemed to know everything regarding marriage traditions last night."

Seeing that the shower was still on and drenching them, he glared at her, "For Merlin's sake, just switch it off."

She almost turned to switch it off, but immediately stopped remembering her state, "Use some spell to put clothes on me!"

He searched his robes to find that his wand missing, then he remembered must to his annoyance, that it was on his desk at school, "I don't have my wand."

"What? You have got to be kidding me."

"No, I'm not," feeling suddenly playful, sensing her predicament.

Why is he staring at me like this?

"You don't have to be shy around me, Hermione."

Why is he taking a step forward? No. No. No.

She stepped back, looking here and there, she managed to take the shampoo bottle with her free hand and fling it to his head.

"Ouch! What the hell was that for?"

"To keep you in your tracks. Now, get out of the shower."

"I was just going to switch off the shower!"

Grumbling to himself and rubbing the wound on his head with his free hand, he got out of the shower, "Woman, you do know that I can't take another step without you following me?"

"Unfortunately, I know. Just grab that towel for me!"

Still behind the shower curtain, she took the towel clumsily from him, and then looked at herself and then the towel. There was no way she could do this alone. Darn!

"Professor Snape."

Surprised, he turned to look at her and smirked, "Well, that's an improvement from morning."

Biting her lower lip nervously, she put on her best fake smile and said, "Could you please…?"

Knowing what she was going to ask, he replied, "In another life!"

"But, professor."

"Stop chewing your lips!" he said getting annoyed.

She stopped abruptly, teeth still on her lower lips, she started batting her eyes.

"Stop trying to be cute!" he added, losing his temper.

She sulked and looked at the ground.

They stood there in silence for a moment. By then, Snape realized the only way to escape this room was to help her with the towel. Cursing everyone he knew, he held out his hand, "Give me the towel."

With him holding one side, she managed to drape the towel around her. When she tried to tuck it in, it just came off. Panic struck, she looked up to find his eyes tight shut. She couldn't help but smile. At least she wasn't married to some pervert.

She tried again, invoking same results.

"I can't."

Still eyes closed he asked, "What do you mean, 'I can't', woman?"

She draped it around herself again and then taking in a deep breath of her air, she managed to tell him, "You have to tuck it in. You…you can open your eyes."

He opened his eyes to find her holding the towel in place. Her hair was still wet, tracing drops here and there. A drop trailing from her neck to her collar bone and further down caught his attention. Annoyed at where his gaze was going he looked up to her. Still holding the towel in place he took a step forward. He sucked in air, when he realized that this was the closest he had been with any women. Keeping his gaze as indifferent as possible he took one end of the towel and tucked it in, trying as cautiously as possible not to touch her, well, that's not possible is it?

She shivered at his touch, realizing he was not only cold on the inside. For the first time in years, she looked at him properly.

Snape had a strong, authoritative presence, as always. He was thin and tall, at least taller than her. His flowing black robes and shoulder – length, greasy black hair made him look the dungeon bat, he was. Then there were his penetrating eyes and lips, perfectly kissable lips. What? Knock it off, Hermione!

"Are you going to stand here staring?" he asked before strode towards his room, dragging her along.

MASTER BEDROOM

She put out her tongue. Just then, he turned around to see her tongue hanging mid air. Slowly and casually, she licked her lips and pursued them, trying to look normal. Grumbling, he took her wand and waved it and she was dry and dressed for the night.

"I didn't know we could use each other's wand."

"The insufferable know-it-all doesn't know something. Strange."

Scowling at him, she made way out of the room, pulling him, only to be pulled back into his tall frame. She was pressed against his chest. She inhaled, breathing in his scent. He smelled of old library books. Damn it, she liked it!

Slowly she looked up to find him observing her.

"I...I'm hungry. I need dinner."

"I need you to find a solution to this rubbish as soon as possible, is that understood?" he said in a low menacing voice.

When her voice failed her, she just nodded.

DINING ROOM

"Dobby will be going back to Hogwarts now. Missy is trained to looking after yous," said Dobby before disappearing in a 'pop', leaving a trembling Missy to serve the Snapes.

Hermione couldn't help but notice Missy's discomfort.

"Missy, would you like to go back to Hogwarts?" asked Snape taking his napkin in hand. Missy's eyes sparkled. Hermione looked in awe as Snape gave the napkin to Missy saying, "You are free to go!"

"Missy will always thankful."

Missy also disappeared with a 'pop'.

Mouth open, she stared not blinking her eyes.

"Will you stop staring, woman?"

Just then their Floo Network was activated and a panic struck Fred appeared.

"Fred?"

"Hermione!"

"Fred, what's wrong?"'

"Mione! It's mom! She was bit by a gnome in the garden. She is in a critical condition to be apparated. George has gone to get a Healer. Dad told me to come fetch you and…Professor Snape."

"You go ahead. We will be there soon."

Nodding, he apparated.

Before she could turn to ask him for help, he apparated both of them.

HOGWARTS – DUNGEON

Dazed, she held on to him.

"Why are we here? We need to go to the Weasley's."

"Will you stop talking, woman?"

He hurried towards his cupboard and grabbed a couple of vials and shoved in Hermione's free hands, before grabbing a couple more in his hands.

Before she knew it, he apparated them again.

BURROW

"This is a poison evaporator. This is a poison with-holder. This is a strength enhancer. This is a pain reliever," said Snape handing out each vial to Fred.

"What are you looking at? Give it to her. She doesn't have time."

Hastily, he went to his parent's room.

"Th…Thank you, Severus," Hermione whispered weakly, not bothered if he hated her calling his name.

He turned to look at her staring at him, yet again.

"Woman, you have to stop staring! You are creeping me out!"

Just then Ginny came out followed by all the others. She rushed and gave a tight hug to Hermione. She had to keep her balance from falling.

"Thank you Hermione. We were so scared."

She looked over Ginny's shoulder. Harry smiled. Ron just scowled. Luna also had a small smile.

Mr. Arthur came out, "Thank you, Severus. She is stable now. The Healers will take care." Nevertheless, he looked exhausted.

Ginny let go of Hermione as Snape nodded cordially.

"I think we should all head to dinner," he said looking around at the tired faces.

"No, Mr. Weasley. I think we will just leave," she said looking at Snape, holding his gaze to look at their bonded hands.

He smirked and said, "On second thoughts, we would love to have dinner here, Mr. Weasley."

Hermione closed her eyes in frustration, her free hand rolled in a fist, and murmured, "Kill me now" under her breath, just loud enough for Severus to hear and smirk at.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

On second thoughts, should I upgrade the story to real "M"? *wicked grin* Let me know!