Madam Pomfrey gave Severus a clean bill of health and he returned to his rooms that evening. He walked to his rooms slowly as to not tire himself out. As he walked, he looked up to see Hermione coming toward him from the opposite direction.
"What are you doing in the dungeons, Hermione, if I may ask?"
"Minerva has kindly set my rooms up in the dungeons because they are still working on the other rooms and, also, if you should need anything, I could be close enough to help you, sir."
"I am not an invalid; I can take care of myself!" Severus exclaimed, coughing slightly.
"Of course, you can, we just thought…"
He raised a hand to stop her.
"Forgive me, Hermione; I am not used to accepting another's help."
"It's okay, sir." Hermione responded shyly.
"Stop calling me sir, I thought we both decided Severus was fine."
"Sorry S-Severus. I am on my way to supper, but if you would like I can help you to your rooms."
"That will not be necessary. I am going to take a shower and I will head up to join you for supper."
"Okay, Severus, do be careful, please."
Severus began to roll his eyes and Hermione just laughed to Severus' surprise and he could not say that it was an unpleasant sound, which surprised him even more. They gave each other one last glance before parting ways.
What is it about that silly witch? I would almost say that there is a spell at work here, but I know there is not. I still don't understand why she wants to hang around the "dungeon bat".
Severus reached his rooms and took down the wards and stopped when the portrait beside his door began to speak.
"Ah, Professor Snape back from the dead I see."
"Ah, still annoying me, as always, I see, Sir Maynerd."
Stifling a guffaw, the portrait's door swung open for Severus.
He re-did the wards but this time the wards would be able to let Hermione in when she pleased, not that he would mention that right away but he was a bit hopeful to be spending some more time with her.
Severus went over to his bathroom and started to run the shower. He stripped out of his clothes and stepped into the shower. It felt good to shower and wash away the last two months, if not years of dirt and filth. He stayed under the spray longer than expected as his thoughts turned to Hermione. Severus' initial shock at how she had stayed with him in the infirmary and took care of him had subsided. He was ready to put the past behind him, especially, since he was given a second chance at life. He was in awe of her understanding of who he used to be and in even more awe that he let himself take this chance with her. It was going to be hard but he would endeavor to make this work, not only for him but for Hermione as well. He would take it slowly as to not get her hopes up, or his, but he knew he wanted more, but if he was being truthful he would take whatever she offered him.
Breaking from his thoughts, he turned the shower off and grabbed a towel and walked out of the bathroom. Dripping wet, He walked over towards his desk when he felt like he was not the only one in the room, reaching for his wand she whispered as to not startle him.
"Severus?"
He relaxed but only slightly and slowly turned around and sighed with relief, he noticed her face was flushed, and gazing along further, the flush seemed to reach down her whole body and then he realized that he still only in a towel. Severus licked his lips and let out the breath.
"What are you doing in here, Hermione?"
"I brought you your dinner, you know, in case you were hungry. You had taken longer than expected and I wanted to-to make sure you ate."
"That was nice of you, but you know I could have called upon a house-elf."
Hermione face twisted slightly, "Right, I, um, knew that. I just wanted to bring your dinner myself, since you had taken longer than expected." Hermione cursed inwardly at repeating herself.
He began to walk over to her. She froze.
"Is there a problem, Hermione," he whispered near her ear, teasing her.
She let out a long sigh and closed her eyes but immediately opened them as to not give him the satisfaction of knowing that he was getting to her.
"No, there is not, sir."
"Back to sir, are we," he asked in a low tone.
She went to lay the tray on his table as he was reaching out for it and they mutually brushed against each other and that spark they had sworn they felt earlier went through them again. They looked up into one another's eyes. He took the tray from her and set it down. He brought his hand up to her face to brush her hair back, he caressed her cheek ever so lightly and she sighed audibly again and closed her eyes.
"Do I really affect you so," inquired Severus, still not being able to bring his tone above a whisper.
"Yes, Severus, you do," Hermione whispered and she closed her eyes as his fingers slid across her lips.
Blinking her eyes open, Hermione realized that she needed to get out of there, quick! She took a step, "I guess I better be heading back to my rooms now."
Severus dropped his hand that was still raised and cleared his throat. He closed his eyes. "Yes, very well."
When he opened his eyes again, she was already gone. There was nothing to be done or said more tonight. So, he took his dinner into his library and searched a bit for a book and settled in.
Hermione fled to her rooms, once inside she leaned against the door and slid down. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She touched her lips where he had touched them. She could, almost still feel his fingers upon her cheek. She shook herself from her reverie.
Right then, Granger, let's study for those NEWTS, shall we.
A/N: Getting over the (almost) end of the season cold, and I was super busy this past weekend which is why I didn't get a chance to update. However, I have a better idea where I'm headed with this story. So, hopefully longer next time! Please R & R, it really makes my day!