Disclaimer: I own nothing! Just playing in J. K. Rowling's amazing universe!

Thank you for all reviews, follows and favs! I love you all! :D

I have a cover photo! Made by my darling boyfriend! Isn't it great? :D

Alright, after all the angst, it's time for some fluff :)

~o~

Hermione's POV
The next day Hermione was getting ready to go to London. She had spent all day yesterday cleaning the bedroom, and it was now only lacking furniture. Minerva had given permission, if Severus came with her, and Severus had rolled his eyes and agreed. He had agreed right away without objecting the slightest though, so she suspected he was secretly pleased.

She had spent the night on the sofa. When it was time for bed, Severus had looked at her frightened face, sighed, and picked up a book before sitting down to read next to where she was lying. She had almost giggled when she saw what book he was reading; Pride and Prejudice.

With Severus' calming presence, she had fallen asleep in minutes. And she had no nightmares.

When she woke up this morning he had still been sitting there, but she saw he was wearing different clothes and his hair was slightly wet, so he had showered. When she had asked him later, he said that; yes, he had been sleeping. Yes, in his bed. He just woke up before she did.

What amazed her most though was the way she had woken up; she was lying in the corner sofa with her head in the corner part, and Severus was sitting next to her head. He had his arm on the back of the sofa, and his hand was touching her hair, playing with it. She hadn't dared move at first, enjoying the feel of it too much. After a bit she had moved, while pretending to still be asleep and he had, as expected, jerked away from her.

Finishing getting ready, she headed out of the bathroom. Her own bathroom none the less. After she was done with the bedroom yesterday, she had taken a turn on the bathroom as well, and was quite pleased with the result.

She put on her good robes today. They were winter robes, with fake, white fur on the inside. She didn't like using real fur. The fabric was grey, with purple embroidery. It even had a big hood. She loved it. They had been expensive, but totally worth it. She looked really good in them; they clung to her body in all the right places. She was going to London after all, and didn't feel like walking around in school robes. She had even put on a tiny bit of makeup and put up her hair in a messy, but suitable bun. She had used hairpins with silver snowflakes on them, so she now had a snowflake-covered bun of hair on her head. She had let one curl hang down along her face. She felt, and looked really nice.

Walking into the sitting room, she saw Severus standing there with his back to her. Bloody Hell, he looks good. Even from behind he looks good. He had on a winter coat she hadn't seen before, dark grey, with a high collar. It reached down right over his knees. It looked a bit like the one he used to wear under his black robes, but this one was much nicer, obviously tailor-made. His hair was smooth and shiny, and he stood with his back straight and arms crossed over his chest. She could feel her heart twinge from the sight of him.

He heard her approach and turned around. When he saw her his eyes widened. I hope that's a good sign, she thought. "Miss Granger.. You look.. Different.." She smiled at him. "I hope you mean that in a good way?" He looked uncomfortable. "Definitely. Now let's go." He almost seemed annoyed, and she smirked. She counted his reaction as a very good Severus-Snape-compliment.

She started to walk towards the usual exit, but he stopped her. "No, we actually have an exit down here. The only people able to use it are me, and the Headmaster. And that probably mean you can use it too." He smiled a bit before walking towards the door to the dungeon tunnel. At the end of the tunnel she could see a door. Severus opened it, and they were outside, with the edge of Hogwarts Grounds close by. Practical, she thought. This must be the entrance he used as a Death Eater. She pictured him walking to the edge of the grounds to answer Voldemort's summons. He didn't even know where he was going or what he was going to face when he arrived. Or if he would survive. It had to have been horrible. She shivered at the thought.

"Where would you like to do, Hermione?" She snapped out of her thoughts and looked at him. "I have no idea to be honest. I've never gone furniture-shopping before." He raised one eyebrow and gave her a dry look. "That will not be a problem, Miss Granger. Believe it or not, I am quite familiar with the stores of London. Side-along Apparition?" She nodded with a smile, and he stepped closer to her.

Even though he only had to hold her hand, he embraced her, much to her surprise. Then she felt the familiar dizzying feeling of apparition, and they arrived in London. She was dizzy, and grabbed on to him, even though he still had his arms around her. She decided to use her chance, and leaned into him. He tightened his embrace, and she could feel something touch her hair before he released her. "This way, Miss Granger." He walked off, and she stood there, feeling a bit perplexed. Did he just kiss my head? She snapped out of it, and jogged after him.

They spent all day furniture-shopping. He showed her store after store, and in the end she had bought a big four poster bed, a small table and two small, but comfortable chairs, a big bookshelf, a night stand, several lamps, and tablecloths. She had then went and got blankets, pillows, and linens for the bed. She was pleased. For once I'm truly happy about my filled vault at Gringotts.

Severus' POV
Severus followed Hermione around all day. He had expected to hate this, but was surprised to find that he enjoyed it. She was so enthusiastic, and looked so happy that he could not find it in him to be negative. He took her to all the stores he could think of, and in the end she had found several beautiful pieces of furniture and had asked to have them delivered to Hogwarts.

He felt his stomach rumble. Merlin's beard, I forget everything when I'm with this woman. He walked towards Hermione, whom was standing in front of a bookstore, gazing longingly into the store. "We can go there afterwards if you want, but you should eat. I'm hungry, and that means you probably are hungry as well. I know of a nice restaurant down the street, they have excellent food. Do you want to go?" He felt a bit nervous. I feel like I'm asking her on a date and am afraid that she will say no. Christ, I really need to get a grip. He looked at her and realized she was watching him. "Severus? Is something wrong?" Get your shit together, Severus Snape. She manages to read you like an open book. It's ridiculous. He shook his head. "No, nothing is wrong, Hermione. Do you wish to go eat?" She nodded, and followed him down the street.

They entered the restaurant; it was a cozy Italian place, with soft music and a calm atmosphere. They were escorted to a secluded table by the windows, and sat down. There were almost no other people in the restaurant, so Severus felt relaxed as he studied the menu. He looked up, and met Hermione's eyes. "What should I order? I rarely go to restaurants, maybe you have a recommendation?" She smiled, and his heart skipped a beat. Really? She's just smiling and you get all worked up about it, stop it.

Realizing she was waiting for a reply, he leaned over the table and looked at her menu. "What do you like? Do you prefer fish or meat? Or pasta perhaps?" She thought about it for a second. "I like pasta. I like meat too though. Am I being helpful? I also like fish, but I don't do fish on the first date." She giggled, and winked at him. He was utterly speechless and just stared at her. She started to fidget as she looked increasingly uncomfortable. "Uhm, I didn't mean it like that, I'm just an expert on very inappropriate jokes. Never mind, I'm stupid, and not at all funny. Really UNfunny even. Sorry." He was still staring at her, frozen in place, leaned over the table with his hand still on her menu. If only you meant it like that, he thought. Stop staring at her; she is going to fall off her chair from fidgeting.

Finding his voice again, he raised his eyebrows at her and gave her a wicked smile. "Slightly inappropriate yes." He immediately regretted calling in inappropriate. "I don't fully agree with the unfunny part though." He did actually find it quite funny when he got over the shock of it. "I would choose one of these." He pointed at three different pasta dishes. "And they make excellent pizza here." He leaned back, smile still on his face.

Then a sudden realization hit him, and he was glad she still gazed nervously down in her menu, because his jaw dropped a bit before he could stop himself. Snapping his mouth shut and setting his face straight, he thought; she flirted with me. That was indeed a joke, but it was a flirty joke. She just flirted with me. What is happening to the world?

The waitress came over and took their orders for food before asking. "And what would you like to drink?" Hermione's answer came instantly. "Wine! White wine!" Severus raised an eyebrow at her, before looking back at the waitress. "White wine it is." He opened his menu and found one of his favourite white wines. It was expensive but very much worth it. "This one. And please bring a mug of water." The waitress left and he propped his elbows on the table, leaning his chin on his folded hands.

"Wine, Miss Granger?" She blushed. Gods, she is lovely when she blushes. He inwardly scolded himself at the thought. Hermione answered. "I was old enough ages ago, it's Christmas and I am off school property. I am allowed aren't I?" He nodded. "Indeed you are. I am still surprised, though. I didn't picture you a wine drinker. Or a drinker in general." She blushed even more. Don't even think about it. You hate blushing, remember? He tried to not roll his eyes at himself before Hermione answered. "I am not, usually. But today I am." She cocked her head as she studied him. "Do you mind if I am?" Lifting his head from his hands, he shook his head at her. "Not at all. I happen to enjoy wine. And we are off school properties, and I find no reason why we shouldn't indulge."

The waiter arrived with the wine, and it was indeed delicious. Severus watched Hermione as she was about to take her first sip, curious to see if she would like it or not. He was not prepared for her reaction though. When the wine hit her tongue, her eyes closed and she leaned her head back and went mmmmmh. The sound was very close to a moan of pleasure that made him think of something else entirely. He could feel his entire body respond to the sensual sight of Hermione Granger drinking her wine, and he silently gave thanks for the way his clothes were tailored, firm seams and no stretchy fabric that could give away his current condition.

The food arrived, and they ate and chatted. Hermione would from time to time repeat the mmmmmh part, and he would completely lose the ability to think every time. The fact that they were halfway into a second bottle of wine did nothing to improve the situation. The wine had planted a permanent but flattering red blush on her cheeks, and he found her astonishingly beautiful.

They had ordered dessert, and were now waiting for it to arrive. Severus was listening to Hermione talk, watching her vigorous hand motions while explaining, and her eyes positively shining with enthusiasm. She stopped talking for a moment and looked at him."Aren't you going to say something?" He cocked his head at her. "What do you want me to say?" She wrinkled her nose in a positively adoring way while thinking and he couldn't help himself from smiling. "I don't know, Severus. Say anything."

He didn't think. "You are beautiful." He froze on spot when he heard himself say the words. Hermione's jaw dropped. Now you've done it. Merlin's beard, why can't you keep your mouth shut.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I didn't mean that. Or I meant it, but I'm not supposed to mean it. Kindly forget that I ever opened my mouth."He glanced at her. She was still staring at him with her mouth open. He was panicking, trying to think of something to say. Giving her a Stern look, he continued. "Hermione. It's not such a miraculous thing for you to hear, now is it? I stated a fact. Now forget I did, or I will obliviate it from your mind." She snapped her mouth shut at that.

Then the dessert arrived, and he was relieved. Hermione picked up her dessert fork, and took a bite of her dessert. While he had ordered vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, she had ordered chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce, topped with pieces of chocolate cake. All things chocolate in other words.

She tried one of the pieces of chocolate cake, and as predicted, went mmmmh. She proceeded to lick her lips, and the sight made him feel like he was going to lose his mind.

She opened her eyes and picked up another piece of the cake. "Oh Gods, Severus, you need to try this! Here!" She held out the fork at him. He rolled his eyes at her before he leaned in and plucked the piece of chocolate off her spoon with his lips. It was truly delicious. Severus enjoyed chocolate, and this was beyond excellent.

"I have to agree with you. Or as you would put it; mmmmmmmmmh." He mimicked her, exaggerating slightly. Hermione cringed. "Oh Gods, I do that?" He gave her a smirk. "Oh yes. Frequently. And I'm quite sure it is considered a crime in several countries." She looked puzzled. "If you get any more intense with your food, you and your chocolate cake should probably get a room somewhere." She blushed furiously. "And you let me sit here, virtually moaning at my food all evening?" He nodded at her. "I would say literally, not virtually. But yes. And what was I supposed to say? Miss Granger, please stop making love to your dessert?" She cringed at his words. He gave her a wicked smile. "It's been an interesting evening, Miss Granger. More wine?"

She pouted her lips at him, which he reluctantly found to be lovely, and nodded at his offer of wine, before stealing a strawberry off his plate. He raised an eyebrow as she closed her eyes when she bit into the berry. Her eyes instantly snapped open when she realized what she was doing, and she narrowed her eyes and gave him a don't-you-dare-say-anything stare. He looked back with an expression of utter innocence before giving her a smug grin. The image of Hermione Granger with the red strawberry between her soft, pink lips would not be leaving his mind any time soon, though.

After dinner, they left the restaurant, and went to the bookstore Hermione had seen earlier. Hermione found several books she wanted, and had them sent to Hogwarts like she had done with her other purchases.

Hermione was obviously quite tipsy, and Severus found her highly entertaining. She looked at him with a blissful, happy look. "You done? I'm done. I bought books! I love books! I even found one on old magic, and I saw something about White Magic in there. Not as much as I would like, but still!" He smiled at her, unable to really help himself when seeing her beaming face. "That's great news really. We should look at that later. And yes, you bought books, so did I, and now it's time to leave."

Just as he reached the pavement outside the book store, he was stopped by two small hands grabbing his coat. "You are leaving?" He could hear the panic in her voice. He looked into her eyes and realized how little it took to make her go into a state of distress. "Hermione, of course I'm not leaving. You can put the thought out of your mind, trust me. At least trust the binding charm." He put his arm around her shoulder. "And no, I am not leaving. What I meant was that we are leaving. I told you a few days ago that I will never leave you, and surprisingly, I meant it. As long as you want me here, I will be here. Do you understand?" She nodded, and leaned into him while walking. What am I going to do about you, Hermione Granger?

Deciding to cheer her up was a good plan as any; he took a more firm hold on her shoulder and changed directions. "Severus? Where are we going?" He looked at her and saw her sad face, and it made him even more determined. "We are going to cheer you up, Little Lion. We cannot have you returning to Hogwarts in this state. That would be unacceptable." She giggled. "Little Lion?" He cringed, realizing he had called her that out loud. He sighed. "It's quite fitting, don't you think? You have the courage and the hair of a lion" He smirked at her. "But you would be a quite tiny lion I'm afraid. So, Little Lion made sense. Now, shush, and follow me, Miss Granger." He let go of her shoulder, and presented his arm to her. She locked her arm in his, and gave him a smile. "Where are you taking me, Professor Snape?" He raised an eyebrow at her. "The Cheerful Tome." She looked utterly confused and he continued. "It's a book bar, Hermione. Now come along."

The stepped into The Cheerful Tome, and he was happy about the decision to come here when he saw Hermione's eyes shine with excitement. She beamed at him "This is amazing!" The bar was the size of a small library, with bookshelves filling every wall. Further in they saw a bar, with a man standing behind it, cleaning the counter. Severus looked at Hermione. "Would you like something to drink?" He raised an eyebrow. "It's against my better judgment, but I think the night requires it." She giggled. "Yes I would definitely like a drink. Do they have apple martinis you think?" He nodded. "I am pretty certain they have. Do sit down somewhere while I get drinks."

Severus watched Hermione sit down at a booth in a corner, which meant she had bookshelves both behind her and to the left. She scanned the book titles just as Severus sat down, carrying an apple martini for her and a fire whisky for himself.

Severus placed their drinks on the table, and raised his eyebrows when Hermione gave him a stern look. "What did I do to deserve such a look?" Hermione sighed. "You gave me Christmas presents." He was about to object, but Hermione raised a hand to stop him. "No, I mean it. Really, Severus? Diamonds? I can't believe you!" He smirked at her as she continued. "It is the most astonishingly beautiful thing I have ever received, or owned at all, but really. Diamonds? I can't believe you! I can't accept it!" He was pleased to hear she liked it, and amused at her reaction. He grinned at her. "Of course you can accept it. Did it work?" She rolled her eyes at him "Of course it bloody well worked, it's diamonds." He chuckled at her. "You will keep it. And we will figure out exactly why it reacts to you." Hermione looked like she was about to protest, and he stopped her. "No, Hermione. I have more money than I can spend in several life times. You will keep it." His expression softened, and he felt warm on the inside when he continued. "I have forgotten to thank you for what you gave me. With everything that has happened since, it has escaped me. So thank you. It meant a lot." She sighed. "I give you a blanket, an old book and some figurines, and you give me diamonds. Quite embarrassing to tell you the truth. But it was no trouble. But alright, I will keep it." She reached over and took his hand, and he almost flinched. She smiled at him and held his hand, stroking it with her thumb. "Thank you, Severus. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever owned." She smiled at him before letting go.

They finally left the Book Bar several hours later, with Hermione giggling, as tipsy as ever. They had talked about books, life, pretty much everything. The subject of her magic had come up quite a lot, and he was actually excited at the thought of continuing their research on about the day, Severus was amazed. He had never been able to talk to someone as easily as he did with her.

He looked at Hermione, and his heart skipped a beat when she smiled at him. "I don't think I should have had so much to drink. It's been a lovely day, though. Thank you, Severus." He smiled back at her. "Indeed it has. And much needed, considering the recent unpleasant events. Though, I think you may be right about the drinks." He grinned at her. He felt quite tipsy himself, and didn't really want the night to end, but knew they had to return to Hogwarts soon. Thank Merlin for the dungeon entrance; it would have been a sight to see us walk through the front gates at this point.

Hermione wanted to get some fresh air before they returned to Hogwarts and they took a walk, which ended up in a park. It was late night and the park was deserted. It started snowing, and Hermione was excited. "I love it when it's snowing! It's so beautiful!" Severus looked at her. "Indeed it is." Not as beautiful as you though. His mind had constantly circled around the same type of thoughts all night, and he was going slightly insane from it. Get. .

Hermione started removing the hair pins from her hair. "Gods, these pins are a pain after a long day. They need to go." She struggled with one of the ones she had fastened close her neck, not being able to get it out. Severus couldn't help himself. He walked over to her, stood in front of her while reaching his arms around her head to take the pin out. He looked down on her, and she had an unreadable expression on her face. He managed to remove the pin, and then decided he could just as well continue at this point. He started to remove another one, and when he looked down at her again, he could see that she had closed her eyes. And she glowed faintly. Merlin's beard, she is truly otherworldly.After removing all the pins, he gave them to her before hesitating for a second. He wanted so much to touch her hair. So he did. He untangled her hair, letting it flow down her shoulders and stroking his fingers through her curls. She sighed happily. He snapped out of it from that, and took a step back. "We should return to Hogwarts, Miss Granger. Are you feeling up to it?" She instantly stopped glowing, and gave him a sad nod. He took her hand, and apparated them away.

They arrived outside Hogwarts grounds at the same spot from where they had left, and Hermione, tipsy as she was, lost her balance. Severus was still holding on to her hand, so before she could fall, he pulled her to him and put his arms around her. He held her for a moment, to make sure she regained her balance, and looked down at her. She was staring at him again, with a look in her eyes that made him weak in the knees. Her lips were slightly parted, and she glowed faintly. He wanted more than anything at that moment to kiss her. Do not do it, Severus Snape. You have both been drinking, and you will never forgive yourself if you take advantage of her. She will hate you for it. He sighed, knowing it was the truth. He settled with pulling Hermione to him, and she instantly complied, leaning her head on his chest. They stood like that for a moment before he sighed again, and Hermione raised her head to look at him. He gave her a small smile. "Are you ready to go inside?" She nodded reluctantly. He wasn't able to stop himself from leaning down and kissing her forehead. At his surprise, her glowing increased quite a lot. He stepped back, and still holding her hand, they headed for the castle.

Lying in bed that evening, Severus couldn't sleep. His mind kept spinning, picturing Hermione's face when they were standing outside Hogwarts. Maybe I should have kissed her? No, it would be too complicated. And of course she wouldn't have wanted me to. He shook his head, and turned around to try to fall asleep.

~o~

AUTHOR'S NOTE

I originally had a totally different ending for this chapter, but I changed it. I was appalled at Severus everytime I read it. It was excessive, and unforgiveable. And had way too many consequenses. But I would like to share it with you anyway, so what do you think? Did i make the right decision?

The part in bold is from the chapter I posted, so you know where it changed. Anyway, this is how the chapter originally ended:

She was staring at him again, with a look in her eyes that made him weak in the knees. Her lips were slightly parted, and she glowed faintly. Gods forgive me, he thought. And then he slowly bent his head down and pressed his lips to hers.

Hermione's POV
The kiss only lasted for a few seconds. It was soft and careful, and Hermione felt her head spin. She wanted more than anything for him to continue kissing her, she wanted to put her arms around his neck and pull him towards her, and kiss him until they were both out of breath. At the same time she knew this was a bad idea. He was still holding her, and she opened her eyes and looked at him. He had a pained look in his eyes. "Hermione, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me, Love." Then he put his wand against her forehead. "Obliviate."