Thanks to those following along, I hope you enjoy.
Severus lay awake, in fact, he had lay awake most of the night. He could of course Occlude his intrusive thoughts and find sleep, but some overwhelming part of him couldn't bring himself to.
Every time he closed his eyes she was there, wild curls and full lips holding his subconscious captive. His fingers still tingled from where he had held her.
Covering his face with both of his hands Severus groaned, what had he done? He could have pushed her off, eviscerated her with his words, hexed her even. But no, his touch starved being instantly latched onto her like a pathetic love-sick teenager.
The girl was clearly intoxicated, there was no doubt in his mind that she would never dream of kissing him while sober. Beautiful young witches weren't interested in greasy, old, cruel men like him. Those that were, were more interested in the celebrity of dating a war hero, Granger being one herself had no need to bask in what little fame he had.
What was he to do now? He couldn't rightly demand Minerva replace her as his patrol partner after three weeks of no complaints, she would know immediately that something had happened. Perhaps Granger would request it, surely she would be distressed by her behaviour.
Casting a quick Tempus charm Severus groaned aloud again. Breakfast hour was approaching and as Deputy Headmaster he could no longer hide from his colleagues to sulk in his rooms, he was required to show his face at each meal. Pulling back his duvet he dragged himself to his feet, slowly he made his way into his bathroom.
Discarding his grey nightshirt into the washing basket Severus stepped into his shower and switched on the taps. A shower would help, that he was sure of. Grabbing at a bottle of his home-made shampoo he got a little in his hand and began massaging it into his scalp, this triggered images of Granger's fingers grasping at his hair.
"No, Severus, it's because, I don't want you to think of me as your student."
"Fuck!" he yelled, slamming his fist against the tiled wall.
Steadily ignoring his growing arousal he finished up as quickly as he could and dressed. Gathering himself for a moment at his sink, he scowled heavily at his reflection. Never had a woman willingly put her hands near his hair, never had Severus felt the simple pleasure of a witch's fingers tangled in his locks. Hermione hadn't even hesitated, she had held onto him like a woman possessed.
Shrugging into his robes and engaging his shields Severus made his way through the dungeon halls. Merlin save any student who even looked at him today, their house points would be in minus figures by the end of the afternoon. He hadn't felt the need to Occlude since Voldemort's demise. It felt oddly comforting to roam the halls as he had so many times before, completely detached from his emotions.
Arriving in the Great Hall he took his seat next to Minerva who had her nose buried in the day's edition of The Daily Prophet. Glancing at the front page was a mistake, a large photo of The Golden Trio in Hogsmeade filled the paper. Both Potter and Weasley held Granger in a tight embrace, Severus averted his gaze and poured himself a cup of coffee.
"Good morning Severus," Minerva said not lowering her paper. "How was your evening?"
Grunting noncommittally Severus buttered some toast, he was very aware of Minerva's watchful eyes on him.
"It seems like Hermione had a fun night, have you seen this?" she said thrusting the newspaper in his direction.
"You know very well I don't read that rubbish."
Thankfully the rest of the staff were making the most of the Saturday morning lie in. The hall itself was sparsely populated, mainly with elder Ravenclaw students. Detachment from his own emotions had the downside of Severus being hyper aware of his surroundings. Each creak and sigh was amplified to deafening level, how had he tolerated this for several years during the war?
When a body made its way through the open doors with cautious footing Severus was painfully aware but refused to look up. The uncertain shuffle had him on high alert, although the closer the presence got the more certain he became that it was just Lupin approaching. Chancing a quick glance, Severus had never been more relieved to see the wolf before. The other professor looked like death, Severus smirked.
"Good morning Remus," Minerva said as the Defense professor took his seat next to her. "Good night last night?"
"Hm, yes, very enjoyable," Lupin responded while grabbing a mug of coffee. "Hermione seemed a little distracted, but I think overall they had a good night."
"Ah the poor girl, it must be tough no longer having her parents around. Especially on birthdays."
"Yes," Lupin said through gritted teeth "I'm sure that's it."
"I hope you didn't imbibe Lupin," Snape said, "I don't brew Woldfsbane every month for the goodness of my health."
"He didn't," Hermione's voice came from behind them. "I wish I hadn't either."
Severus stiffened at the insinuation. The witch slumped into her chair and lay her head on the table. Grasping his mug with more force than was necessary he continued to look down at his plate.
"Oh deary," Minerva fussed, "a little overzealous with the celebrations I see? No matter, I'm sure Severus would be willing to provide you with something to perk you up."
Spluttering slightly into his mug Severus offered a slight nod and grunt. Down along the table Granger cradled her face with both hands and let out a faint whimper.
"I'm sorry for leaving so abruptly last night," Lupin said, "it's safe for me to assume you made it back to your rooms in one piece?"
"Yes," Granger's voice was tight. "Neville escorted me, although the walk from Hogsmeade helped to clear my head."
Minerva passed her copy of The Daily Prophet down along the table to Granger. The younger witch looked at the front page warily and opened to the page indicated by the headline. Severus watched as the witch stirred her tea with her eyes locked on the newspaper. As a brief moment of quiet fell over the head table he returned his attention to his own breakfast.
Small noises of distaste and familiar scoffs came drifting up the table from Granger as she perused the article. Severus had grown used to the subtle signs of her agitation and annoyance, she was usually slow to vocalise her displeasure. She was however, prone to an eye roll even if she seemed unaware of it herself.
"Hermione, I know you're suffering the after effects of your evening," Minerva said, "but unfortunately since Remus is out of action tonight I do need someone to cover his rounds with Neville. Would you mind terribly?"
Lowering the newspaper she held and folding it, Granger slid it back to Minerva before answering.
"No problem," her tone was uncharacteristically clipped.
Severus glanced along the table in her direction, the witch was toying with a slice of toast and worrying her bottom lip. Lifting her head and meeting his eye momentarily she smiled coyly before turning back to her plate allowing her curls to fall forward obscuring her face. Through the density of Severus' Occluding efforts her smile sent a small jolt through him. Excusing himself from the table he headed for the safety of his lab.
Hermione's head was pounding but that was the least of her worries upon waking from a restless sleep. Heart racing as she stared straight up at the canopy above her head, she pulled the duvet up over her face and recoiled. Three weeks into her new job and already she had jeopardised not only her new career but her relationship with a colleague. Not just any colleague, her most formidable and intimidating colleague.
She needed to talk with someone, keeping this bottled up would torment her even more. Who she wondered should she reach out to for advice? Certainly not Harry. She recalled a tipsy, embarrassing conversation with him regarding Snape at the bar the previous night. The thought of Flooing in and dropping this bombshell on him was mortifying after laughing off the idea that there was anything going on between them the night before. Ron was an even less viable option. Him being an ex-lover already made a conversation such as this incredibly uncomfortable, Snape being the centre of it made it downright impossible. Everyone had huge respect for the Potions Master since the end of the war, Ron however was still sore and petty over their professor's treatment of them during their education. Hermione had never been great with 'girl talk', in fact, most of her friends were men, but this seemed like the exact topic of conversation that required a female perspective. Which left her with no option but to reach out to Ginny.
Ginny was perfect, Hermione knew that she wouldn't divulge to Harry unless given explicit permission to do so. The issue was that Flooing to Grimmauld Place ran the risk of Harry answering or overhearing their conversation. Often times he played Quidditch with Ron and George early on Saturday mornings but she wasn't sure they would this morning after a night of drinking. Deciding it was worth the risk, she threw the blankets back from her face and sat up slowly.
Upon sitting her stomach lurched, wether from her mounting hangover or anxiety from her actions the night before she wasn't sure. It was still very early, far too early for a social call but she couldn't face leaving her rooms until she had talked this through. Fastening her dressing gown at her waist and popping on her slippers she made her way into the living room. Crouching and throwing a pinch of the green powder into her hastily light fire, she shoved her head in the grate and called out to Grimmauld Place.
"Hermione? Are you alright?"'Ginny's voice returned filled with concern. Gentle clanging of pot lids sounded and then a slow shuffle brought Ginny's knees and swollen stomach into view.
"I'm.. yes, I'm ok," Hermione hesitated, "but I really need to talk. Is Harry there?"
"He's still sleeping, will I wake him?"
"No!" she almost shouted. "I wanted to chat with you, can I come through?"
"You'll have to because I can't lower myself down to speak with you."
A moment later, after spinning through a dark void Hermione stepped onto the rug in front of the Potters' fireplace and patted down her front dislodging some soot.
"Sit down and I'll grab some tea," Ginny said eyeing her closely.
Hermione sat heavily at the long kitchen table, the same one she had sat at many times in the past. They had held parties here, wakes, weddings and everything in between. The wood was engraved with so many emotions, it felt comforting to lay her hand on the stained uneven surface. Moments later Ginny sat next to her, placing down a steaming mug of tea that Hermione knew would be made perfectly to her taste.
Gripping her usual mug with both hands and staring into the golden brown liquid Hermione was at a loss at how to start the conversation she was so eager for only moments ago. How could she tell one of her oldest friends that she had intentionally sought out her new work colleague and previous teacher the night before and kissed him, passionately, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even now while she contemplated her actions her stomach fluttered gently as she recalled images from the dark dungeon hallway.
"You're starting to worry me Hermione," Ginny reached across the table and placed her open palm in front of Hermione's which were still holding tightly to her mug. "Did something happen last night? Is everything ok at work?"
Hermione huffed out a laugh at Ginny's question, the redhead had no idea how on the nose she was. Deciding it was probably best to just come out and say what needed to be said the witch rolled her shoulders and pushed enthralling thoughts of dark eyes and hair back into her subconscious.
"Firstly, I need you to promise me that you won't say anything about this to Harry," Hermione waited for Ginny's affirmation which came in the form of a single nod. "Ok, well.." she trailed off.
"You can tell me anything 'Mione, I'm always here for you," Ginny assured her.
"I kissed Snape," she blurted.
Ginny laughed and slapped her hand on the table. After a moment, when she realised Hermione wasn't laughing with her she stopped, her mouth opening and closing a few times before snapping it shut and creasing her brow.
"Snape? Professor Snape? Severus Snape?"
"It's not exactly a common name Gin," Hermione said a little curtly. "Sorry, I'm a little hungover, I didn't mean to snap."
"Ok, so, ok…" Ginny stammered, clearly trying to gather her thoughts and figure out the best way to approach her next response. "Did he kiss you back?"
The question caught Hermione completely off guard. Taking a moment to sip her tea she started into a blow-by-blow account of the night before. She didn't divulge how even now, while relaying the encounter her stomach swooped and her pulse quickened. She didn't dare tell Ginny how disappointed she had been that he had pulled away leaving her lonely and longing. Certainly she wouldn't tell her how he'd ignited her skin like no lover had before and how she had wanted so much more than what he had given her.
Ginny's eyes were wide and her mouth agape as Hermione concluded her narration of the previous night. Not knowing what to do Hermione raised her mug to her lips, drinking without tasting. Her confidant seemed to be stunned speechless, needing to fill the silence she continued on.
"What am I going to do Ginny? I'm supposed to be at breakfast in the Great Hall shortly, how can I possibly face him?" she groaned. When her friend still didn't answer Hermione grew impatient. "Gin? I really need some advice here, unless you're willing to Obliviate me?"
"Sorry," was all Ginny managed to say.
"Oh Merlin, Obliviate me now, please?"
"Do you want to forget what happened?"
"No!" Hermione said a little too hastily and blushed at her own eagerness. Ginny gave her a little sideways smirk.
"Ok, then you know you just have to go face him," she said. Hermione groaned again, knowing Ginny was right but not ready to face the truth. "I mean, it's not like he turned down your advances," she finished.
"Initially, then he practically Apparated away," she said. "He's already so touchy, what was I thinking?"
"What were you thinking?" Ginny asked. "Is this some suppressed school girl fantasy you're living out?"
"No, I -," she thought back for a moment. She couldn't deny that she had always found the enigmatic professor fascinating but it couldn't be said that she fancied him. Only recently, since spending time with him had she noticed how striking his features were. Everything about him was a contradiction, the pale skin, the darkest eyes she had ever seen and coal black hair, thin face, lips and then a prominent nose. Not traditionally handsome but something flipped in her stomach now thinking about his features. "This is new," that was the only way to explain it.
Hermione could hear movement from the upper floors and stood quickly, in a panic. She was not ready to face Harry, not until she figured out her own feelings.
"I better go, thank you Ginny," she said grasping her friends hand. "I'll stay in touch."
"Good luck," Ginny replied squeezing her fingers with her own.
A moment later Hermione stumbled into her own living room and darted to her bathroom. A quick shower and a change of clothes later found her lingering at her own door hesitating to turn the handle. The pounding in her head suddenly amplified by the emptiness of her stomach, breakfast was a must.
When she arrived at the staff table she could hear Snape trying to wind up Remus and decided it was the perfect opportunity to announce her presence.
"He didn't," she said approaching the table from behind. "I wish I hadn't either."
Snape seemed cold and distant throughout breakfast, not engaging with anyone. Minerva's comments about him 'perking her up' were enough to make Hermione want to flee the table in shame. Instead she feigned interest the the rubbish printed about her and the boys from the night before.
When Minerva asked her to cover rounds that evening with Neville, Hermione recalled the awkward press of his thigh against hers in the pub the previous night and cringed. Reluctantly she agreed to cover. She felt the intensity of Snape's gaze before she turned to see it. Her heart leapt painfully in her chest at the sight of him. Not brave enough to speak, she smiled at him and quickly looked away lest he see her blush. Her hair obscured her view of him as he vacated his seat silently as only he could.
After breakfast Hermione paced the hallways trying to steel her courage. She would find him and apologise, it was the only way forward. Feet moving seemingly in slow motion she directed her path to the hospital wing.
A few of the beds were occupied with Madame Pomfrey fussing over them, she looked up and waved to Hermione before returning to her work. Making her way to the back she lifted her hand to knock on the laboratory door when it was wrenched open. There he stood imposing and intimidating and again her heart jumped. She needed to control herself, otherwise she might as well pack her bags and flee immediately.
"Um, hi," Hermione said avoiding his eye.
Without saying a word he held out a small vial for her. Immediately she recognised it as a hangover potion.
"Oh, thank you," she said taking the vial. He carefully avoided contact with her skin. "Can I come in?"
"I'm quite busy," he said.
"I won't stay long."
Sighing heavily he moved aside to allow her entry. She had forgotten how small his lab was, tucking herself to the back wall and fidgeting with a button on her cardigan she waited for him to close the door. Snape didn't immediately turn to face her once the door clicked shut, she did however notice the familiar buzzing sound associated with his Muffliato spell.
"I'm sorry," the words fell from her mouth before he faced her. When he did turn, his eyes penetrated her with such ferocity she almost cowered. "I don't know what came over me last night, I just…"
"Miss Granger," she deflated at his address. Disappointment flooding her.
"I implore you to cease what I'm sure will be a long winded and bumbling apology. It's not necessary."
Searching his face for a moment she simply nodded, deciding it best not to test his very limited patience. She wanted to tell him that she didn't regret kissing him, that more than anything she wanted to again. Instead she smiled a little sadly perhaps.
"Alright, well thank you for this," she said indicating the vial in her hand. "I'll leave you be… unless you require assistance?"
"Not necessary, good day," he dismissed her coldly.
Nodding again Hermione made her way to the door and opened it breaking the silencing charm as she did. She turned to say something more, but thought better of it and vacated the room, shutting the door behind her. Swallowing thickly she pushed herself away from the door and walked glumly back in the direction of her office.