Disclaimer: I obviously don't own it. It's all for fun.

Mak is of course my beta; who is amazing.

Alright, one more chapter, which I will be posting as soon as I get it beta'd; probably within the next few minutes. Let me know what you think, it would be a nice birthday present to see a bunch of reviews in my inbox.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter Fourteen

Internal Debates

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Severus had enjoyed dinner with Hermione. He was rather surprised at that conclusion. Their talk never seemed to linger for long and there were no gaps of awkward silence; they were perfectly fine being around each other without having to chat constantly.

As they walked back to the theatre Hermione tucked her hand in his arm. Severus stiffened up at the unexpected contact, but took a deep breath and relaxed his muscles; hoping what he did wasn't too obvious. If she knew, she didn't let on. His heart beat sped up as he looked down at her; again, realizing how she wasn't the student he remembered. Thank the Gods.

He was starting to fall even farther for Hermione Granger and he felt dirty about it. She was young and beautiful and he was old and ugly. Severus knew he would never be able to make the first move; he could only imagine what other people would think if they were to actually get together. Perhaps I can influence her to make the first move. Hmph, that's stupid; I'm acting like a Seventh Year. Get her to make the first move. How ignorant. No, I will simply have to 'woo' her. The thought of wooing her made him shudder inside. Severus Snape simply didn't woo.

His thoughts of Hermione were overridden when they arrived at the theatre. As soon as they arrived Hermione bombarded him with excited questions. He tried to answer them all, but it was a bit difficult to keep up with her. The corners of his lips turned up as he saw the excited look in her eyes as she looked all around the theatre, soaking it all in. He practically had to pull her back into her seat when the lights dimmed.

A cool crisp evening greeted them as they exited the theatre. Hermione had shivered slightly at the unexpected breeze. Severus held out his arm and she tucked her hand into his elbow and leaned closer to draw in some of his body heat.

"The opera was fantastic. Thank you for taking me," Hermione said as they walked along the square.

"You're welcome," he replied simply. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. It has been one of my favourites for quite some time."

They continued to walk around and discuss the opera. During lapses in conversation, Severus would tell her about the area, the history of a particular building, or silly insignificant things. They took the bus and metro lines back home where they continued to enjoy a peaceful walk home.

"Madam," he said as he let her first into the house, holding the door open.

"Thank you," she said looking down at her feet shyly as she walked inside.

Severus had checked Hermione out as he followed her inside and couldn't help but think how she would be in bed. Stop, he said to himself angrily. He needed a drink and he needed it now. Walking to the wine cabinet he pulled out a bottle of Merlot and poured himself a good sized portion. Swirling it around in his glass and smelling it, he took a long drink from it sighing as he finished swallowing.

Hermione had gone to the bathroom to change and emerged dressed in the same nightwear from the previous night. Great, he thought as she neared him. Severus was about to pass her the bottle of wine, thinking that was what she wanted; instead she placed her hand on his arms, stood on her toes and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you," she said quietly as she lowered herself.

He turned to look at her face, in disbelief. "You're welcome," he said a bit unevenly. She smiled wryly and walked to the living room to pull down the Murphy bed. Severus wanted nothing more than to go over there, pick her up and throw her into his bed to have his merry way with her. Even his hardening cock wanted it. Think with your brain, not your cock, Severus! He had to say it a few times for it to make sense. He couldn't do it; she would have to be the one to initiate things. It was going to be difficult but he would make it. I have my honour, if nothing else. I will not have people thinking I'm a cradle robber. Well, I suppose that even if she makes the first move, people will still think it. When have I ever cared what people thought anyways? This is ridiculous. He was still standing in the kitchen having a conversation with himself when he poured the rest of the wine out and walked quickly into his room.

Again, he had a sleepless night. Hermione invaded his dreams and each time he woke up hard as a rock. After the third time he couldn't take it anymore. He needed relief and if he couldn't get his release from her, he would have to take matters into his own hands. Literally. "Fuck," he said quietly as he started to stroke himself. Images of her filled his head and it didn't take long for him to come.

Once he was finished, he Scourified himself and stared up at the ceiling, eventually falling asleep from exhaustion and boredom.

XXX

Hermione had about as much trouble falling asleep as Severus. All she could think about was him and her feelings toward him. He intrigued her that was for sure. So, apparently all the work to get him to make the first move didn't work. I mean seriously, I knew he was checking me out in my shorts, swayed my hips A LOT right before I kissed him, aaaand I bent over more than necessary when I got into bed. What does he want; an open invitation? Men are so dense; he's just as bad as Ron! I suppose I shouldn't have figured he would read the signs and act.

She fumed for a few more minutes before she started to think a little bit more rationally. Well, maybe he just doesn't want to seem like he's pressuring me. OR, maybe he doesn't like the idea of what people will say. As if he cares what people think of him, right? I mean he didn't care what we said about him at school. But, that's just school, not adult opinions.

The blankets were strangling her and she pushed them off of her in frustration. He's a lot older, yes, but that doesn't matter. Not in the wizarding world at least. Doesn't he realize that? Perhaps that doesn't matter to him. So many or's or what if's surrounding this man. He's a Slytherin so that's where the mystery comes from, I suppose. He's been through so much already why would he want to jump into a relationship with a goody to-shoes Gryffindor?

It's not as if I have been subtle with my hints. I mean really, why would I kiss him goodnight if there wasn't something there. He has to know I'm interested. He has to be interested; I mean he held my hand in his arm as we walked around tonight. Oh, Gods, he's not gay is he? Have I been hitting on a gay man????? NO, NO, ok, ok, ok, no. He's not gay, he's just scared. There we go. That's it. He's scared. Severus Snape is scared of relationships.

That made sense to her. She had never seen him with anyone and while he was in Azkaban, no one visited him other than her, Minerva, and Narcissa. If anyone would know, it would be Narcissa. I could ask her. Ha! Yeah, that would go over great. So Narcissa does Severus have any hidden relationships? Because I'm kind of interested in him…Oh that would go over great. I know what that would earn me. A Slytherin sneer. I'm sure she would tell Draco, too.

Hermione stopped herself when she realized she was going a bit overboard. She got out of bed and did some yoga to help her relax. As silently as she could, she walked into the library and sat in the leather chair. A whiff of air assaulted her nose and she breathed in his scent. Logic, Hermione. Let's rely on logic before we start to act loony. There is no possible way I'm going to talk to Narcissa, so that takes care of that. And if that ferret ever jokes about this I will do more to him than punch him in the nose. Ok…caaaaaaaalm. I suppose if I want this to go anywhere I'm going to have to make the first move. He's made that pretty clear. How, exactly do I do that? Should I do the whole Gryffindor bravery thing or go with subtle Slytherin tactics. Hmmm.

She thought for a few minutes coming with nothing; eventually she rested her chin on her fist and stared at the books on the shelves. Alright, well I think that I shouldn't sacrifice who I am to get what I want. He would see right through me anyways. I'm too brass for anything too subtle. Well, it's not like I can just plan this out; I will just have to go with the flow and make my move when the opportunity arises. Right. Good plan. Go to bed.

As she was getting ready to stand up she was frozen in a stoop when she heard a moan following by "Hermione" coming from Severus' room. She stood and smirked. So, he has noticed. Good. With that thought she slipped into bed and into dreamland.

XXX

Severus woke up mid-morning to the smell of freshly brewed tea and eggs. He threw on a shirt and went to relieve himself in the bathroom. Walking into the kitchen he was greeted with the site of Hermione's ass in those little shorts. Shit. Just what I need first thing in the morning.

Hermione turned around and saw where his gaze was. He recovered quickly and turned his dark eyes onto her face. She smiled and brought him a cup of tea. "I made you some tea," she said brightly before turning her attention back to the eggs.

After he took a long sip he replied with a "thank you."

Keeping her back to him she said, "An owl arrived with a post for you. It's on your desk. He just kind of wriggled it off his leg and took off."

"Hmm," he said as he walked over to his desk. It must be from Narcissa, he thought as he gazed at the rolled up parchment. Only Osten would be able to shake off a post. Little shit of an owl always pruning his feathers and making sure they are perfectly in place. The perfect pet for Narcissa. He sneered at the thought of that pompous owl primping his feathers before flying off.

Ripping through the wax seal he unrolled the parchment and began to read:

Severus,

I do hope you are having a jolly time wherever you are. I suppose that young Gryffindor girl is keeping you plenty entertained. Well enough so that you can't even let your dear friend of over twenty years know where you are.

Onto other news. Draco and I are doing quite well, since I know you are wondering. The public, of course, has mixed feelings about our status, but when has that ever been abnormal. Of course, we were welcomed back into high society with open arms; though a few less than usual as you are aware. I believe I will enjoy watching all the lower class citizens who serve me sneer behind my back while they act insincerely friendly to my face. Not much of a change than before either, but for some reason it's entertaining nonetheless.

Unfortunately, the Ministry decided to take some of our assets as payment for the mayhem Lucius caused in our world. Honestly, it's as if living with him wasn't punishment enough, they have to take our most precious items! I won't bore you with the details as you would most likely just ignore the list of articles those blasted people took.

Your name has been in the papers. The press is still undecided on whether to label you a hero or a turncoat. Mostly, what is written about you is fodder. The whole world knows that; especially after your trial. No, your name mostly fills the gossip column. Theories about your whereabouts, whether or not you will be returning to Hogwarts to teach, and my personal favourite, your ongoing affair with a certain female Gryffindor. I jest about that last one, though it does give me a right good chuckle.

Though I do wonder if it far from the truth. You are very secretive Severus and I thought we were friends enough to confide in each other. I have no problems upholding that end of our friendship that is for sure. You on the other hand, are not doing so well in that department.

Undoubtedly, you are rolling your eyes at this letter, so I will end it here. Do keep in touch.

Narcissa

Severus was indeed rolling his eyes at his friend's letter. Narcissa certainly didn't mind speaking candidly with him. It was a surprise to him that the public didn't worry too much about his persona. How his name got dragged into the gossip column was beyond him; but he wasn't going to question it. So long as he wasn't considered a murderer, he would be fine. The fact that he was secondary news was even better for him.

Placing the parchment in his desk drawer he went to the library to start developing some methods for a new potion's idea he had floating around his mind. His research led him well into the evening and he eventually got weary of his chair. He had been so focused on his research he completely forgot about Hermione. After he stretched his back he found her on the couch looking at him. "Find what you were looking for?" she asked him.

"Yes," he answered with a tired voice as he sat down gracefully beside her.

"What were you researching?"

"Just trying to get my ideas organized to see if they are possible, no solid theories yet."

"Ah, well at least you have a start."

"Indeed."

They sat in silence for a few moments before Hermione looked at Severus and drew his attention toward her by touching his arm. He looked down at her in question when she leaned in and kissed him on the lips. Severus was surprised at the situation he currently found himself him. Hermione was kissing him and before he knew it, he was kissing her back with equal force.

After a few moments, he deepened the kiss and slipped his tongue into her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck and his arms snaked around her waist. They were lost in each other before they desperately needed to pull back for air. As he pulled back, he opened his eyes and stared in wonder at Hermione.