AN: I want to take the time to give some hearty thanks to all those whom have taken the time to read, review, and enjoy my stories so far. You're all rock stars! Special shout outs to my regulars! You guys/gals know who you are. Annnnnd now….on with the show!

Usual Disclaimers apply. Durrrh.

Also….please review! Even if it's just a smiley/winky/whatever facey thingy. I love them so!

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Chapter 3: Contamination

Hermione pulled back from Severus' kiss and stared at him with wide eyes. Her tea colored depths met his dark ones and she nearly rolled her eyes when she saw the almost hopeful, scared, regretful look on his face. It was such an unusual mix of emotions from a man who otherwise seemed to have two modes: Snarky and snarlier, that she began to giggle. Uncontrolably. So much that she dropped the vials of potions in her hands onto the sofa cushions and had to brace herself on her knees. Severus frowned then and tried to get into somewhat of a sitting position.

"That's not exactly a bery heartening reaction from a woban when a ban's just kissed her," he mumbled, his head looking down and his hair falling to cover his face in lanky waves.

Hermione instantly felt quite ashamed at herself. Really, her behavior was indecent considering this man had just done what she'd been wanting to do for ages! "Oh Severus!" She exclaimed as she sat down on the sofa beside him, seeing him take a tentative peep at her out from between the locks of his dark hair. "I'm so sorry that I laughed, but perhaps you'll laugh too when I explain to you why it is that I'm laughing! It's just so silly! So incredibly ridiculous that one would have to be quite a sourpuss not to laugh.

"Pray tell." He rasped, his voice still obviously affected by his illness. He sat back against the pillows again, reluctantly bracing himself to hear her tell him how hilarious it was to be kissed by her mouldy old potions teacher, how amusing it would be to tell all of her little friends later about how the greasy git had snogged her in her chambers…whist being rather indisposed, if he could say so himself. But he was taken very much by surprise when Hermione said none of that. In fact, she didn't say anything at all. For once, this woman, he mused, seemed to be at a loss for words. At least that's what he thought.

Hermione was sitting there just looking at him, mirth in her eyes, but also something else, something he could not quite identify. And then, very gently, very slowly, she closed the gap between them. With their faces almost touching, she brushed her soft nose against his own hooked one, the edges of it raw from too many blows in his handkerchief. She gently moved her head to the side then, and kissed him lightly one first one cheek, then the other. And then she pulled away, her eyes shinning, her cheeks high in color. He thought she looked wonderful.

"Severus, I've been wanting to be close to you for years now. It is…unfortunate that it had to come to a head this way, what with you being so sick and all…" she smiled at him lightly as she gathered up the vials of potions and began to administer to them. "But really, I have a feeling that nothing about our relationship is going to be orthodox or usual at all."

Severus nearly choked on a potion and he sat up clutching at his throat as he tried to clear his wind pipe of the offending liquid- which unfortunately tasted of pickled squid. "Relationship? I don't remember beer saying anything about a relationship?"

Hermione pounded his back affectionately as she summoned a tea service. "You're right. You didn't. You also said that you weren't sick." And with a slow smile Severus quirked and eyebrow at her.

"Well played, little Witch. Well played."

…

Hermione and Severus were more than eager to embark on their new "relationship." Severus still refused to call it that, but it honestly didn't matter anymore. They kept their newfound love for each other a complete and total secret. Which meant, of course, that the whole school knew. Unfortunately for the both of them, their physical relationship had gotten off to a rathe rocky start. After several days of recuperating, Severus was highly anticipating getting to know absolutely every inch of Hermione now that he didn't feel like the bottom scrapings of a cauldron. He'd gone back to teach his classes and had a lovely evening all planned out, and he had really gone above and beyond. Dinner in muggle London at a very expensive restaurant and then dancing afterwords. And then after that, he had smiled to himself as he'd made his way back to his quarters after Friday classes, well, they'd just let the mood take them. He retired to his rooms and showered, taking extra special care to pay attention to the very important bits. No reason not to be absolutely squeaky clean for later. He shampooed his hair thoroughly, assuring himself that it would not be greasy tonight, and he even used a bit of his special aftershave. He dressed and took in his appearance. Not bad, he thought, as he surveyed the sight in his mirror. Not bad at all for an old man.

His muggle suit was not his usual attire, but the midnight black silk suited him and the dark, almost forest green tie he wore over the equally black collared shirt was fitting as well. He thought to himself, he looked almost handsome. He set off with an unusual spring in his step, and though he did his best, there was no hiding the small smile on his face. He reached Hermione's chamber door at precicely the appointed time, seven o'clock on the dot, and with a perfunctory knock he awaited her answer. When it didn't come he began to become perturbed. He knocked again. Now he was worried. Deciding that safety was more important that privacy at this point, he pointed his wand at her door and whispered the password and entered Hermione's chambers. He was thankful that she'd given him the password days ago, otherwise he would have felt like a complete intruder. Severus was many things, but nosey wasn't one of them.

The sight that he saw as he entered her sitting room nearly caused him to crumple with laughter. Hermione was sprawled on the sofa, bundled up in what appeared to be ten blankets, a hot water bottle at her feet and a bag of ice on her head. Tissues were strewn about the room as the rubbish bin at her side was completely overflowing with them already. There were several vials of healing potions on the side table. Hermione's arms were crossed in front of her, defying him to say one word.

"Oh Hermione…."

"Don't say it!" She said hoarsely, her voice coming out like a weak croak. It wasn't very intimidating, and she did, he thought, look rather adorable like that.

He sighed and removed his suit jacket, took out his cufflinks and rolled up his sleeves. "Let me take care of you." He said softly, and that he did.

TBC!

It just wouldn't have made sense to me if she hadn't gotten sick. Don't worry. There is definitely a lemon in their future. They deserve it!

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