Disclaimer: I do not own HP or "Big Girls Don't Cry." J.K. and Fergie do.

I hope you know, I hope you know

That this has nothing to do with you.

Hermione hadn't been herself in six months. Her mother's death had taken a real toll on her.

At the funeral, she had barely been able to walk down the aisle of the chapel. Severus had had to support her the entire way. During the service, she stared straight ahead, her eyes boring into the wall behind the casket. Her hand had rested under Severus's limply, and tears had fallen silently down her cheeks.

The rest of that day had been just as unbearable, as were the weeks and months that followed. Severus wanted nothing more than to make all her pain go away, but he knew that was impossible. Just as he had when his mother had died, Hermione would come around.

Today had marked the six month anniversary of her mother's death. It had been a terrible day. The past six months had consisted of nothing but going through the motions. She taught her classes, graded their papers, came home, spent a little time with Severus, and went to sleep. This day was proving to be no different.

Severus. She knew she wasn't being a good wife to him. Their relationship had been dealt this terrible hand, and she knew she wasn't doing a very good job of making the best of it.

She was afraid she was going to lose Severus. She had been distant for the past half year, and she knew it. But she still loved him as much, if not more, as ever. But did he know that?

/\/\/\

She was right. Severus was beginning to have his doubts about her love for him. While he fully understood the pain she was feeling, he wished she would let him comfort her. But she never did. She always wanted to be alone. But he wanted to be near her. Did she still love him?

/\/\/\

Hermione suddenly sat up in bed and stood on her feet more solidly than she had in six months. She had just realized something. Yes, her mother had died. But Severus hadn't. She loved him. She didn't want to lose him too. She had to let him know she still loved him, and she felt ready now to do that. She went into the closet and put on the nightgown Severus loved her in—the deep emerald green silk spaghetti strap one. She tamed her curls and smoothed the nightgown over her hips. She smiled at herself in the mirror for the first time in months. Her head turned to the left as she heard Severus bustling around in the kitchen. She took a deep breath and headed in.

/\/\/\

"Severus?" she said tentatively, putting her hand on his back.

He immediately felt himself stiffen at her mere touch. "Hermione?" he said, turning around to face her. "Are you alright?"

She nodded slightly. "Severus, sweetheart, I-I wanted to tell you that… I love you," she fell into his arms, "I love you so much and I am sorry for the way I've been acting," he opened his mouth to speak but she interrupted, "I have been devastated about my mom, but I just realized that I would be in a much worse state if I lost you too. Please know that the way I've been behaving has nothing to do with you. I love you," she finished, looking up at him.

Relief had flooded his face, and it was clear that he had been having different thoughts. He tightened his embrace and kissed her deeply.

"Hermione Jean Snape, I love you too," he whispered.

"Thank you, love, for being here for me through this whole thing," she said, putting her hand on his cheek, "even when I haven't been the most cooperative of people."

He nodded, then felt her eyes drop to the obvious bulge in his black silk pajama pants. She grinned at him for the first time since that fateful day.

"I guess I have been slacking in that department too, huh?" she teased, running a finger down his spine. He shivered and smirked at her. She took that smirk as a yes, grabbed his hand and led him swiftly to their bedroom.

"How about I make up for that right now?" she asked sexily, unbuttoning his pajama top. He sighed in relief and kissed her passionately.

Things were getting back to normal. Hermione was obviously still grieving for her mother, but at least she was starting to live her life again.

I'll be your best friend and you'll be my valentine

Yes, you can hold my hand if you want to

'Cause I want to hold yours too.

tbc

Please review:D Love, love!

-r