Sorry it's late! This is a chunky chapter.. I hope you enjoy.

Hermione realised quickly that friendship with Severus Snape was not unlike his usual indifference. It was similar to Harry's friendship, of course she would never say that to Snape, but it was true. Harry was a great friend, the best, he would do anything for the people he loved. He was however prone to long silences and little to no contact. Honestly, if Hermione didn't write, Floo or pop in on Harry, she might never hear from him, even if he really needed her.

Ron was similar of course, maybe a little more 'selfish' than Harry in the sense that if he needed her she might hear from him. Things between her and Ron were a little different, having been in a romantic relationship previously. Hermione knew from very early in the relationship that it wouldn't last, she loved Ron, still did, just not in that way. Looking back on her feelings for Ron and looking at how she felt now about Severus, she didn't understand how she ever thought there was something deeper there.

Severus was still standoffish with her, she reminded him constantly to use her given name and no matter how many times she invited him to her chambers for tea he always refused. He never invited her into his living space at all. She worried that her kiss had cemented this kind of awkward, half-friendship dance they were currently engaged in. But if she could continue to maintain a decent rapport with Ron after sleeping together multiple times, a simple kiss shouldn't be enough to stunt their budding friendship.

She liked to think that maybe he was hopelessly attracted to her and feared he might lose control of himself if they were alone together for too long. It was a lovely fantasy, but it made no sense. Why would he hold back? Surely her passionate snogging had made her feelings perfectly clear?

So she settled with the notion that his was a friendship similar to Harrys.

With Harry in mind she wrote out three letters, one each for Harry and Ron and a third, — with a little more gossip —, for Ginny. The Halloween feast was due that evening and of course Harry was always on her mind at that time of year. Usually the friends would gather for a miniature version of the Hogwarts feast at Grimmauld Place, Hermione being the fifth wheel but never made to feel like one. This would be the first year since they started Hogwarts that they would not spend Halloween together, it was after all where their friendship began so many years before.

Hermione wondered if since becoming a father himself, Harry might be more affected by the anniversary of his parents untimely demise. She wished that she could be with him, so she mollified herself by writing letters to her friends.

She didn't own a costume for the party, it wasn't really necessary to dress up anyway so she didn't think on it. Instead she decided to straighten her hair, just to do something a little different. Minerva had informed her that the faculty usually had a little get together after the feast in the staff room, nothing wild since it was only Thursday but just a few festive drinks.

She could admit to herself that she had been neglecting her friendships with Remus, Neville and Hagrid. But cementing a friendship with Severus was important to her. This might be a nice opportunity to chat and mingle with the others.

The Great Hall was fluttering with live bats and floating jack o' lanterns, the students seemed in good spirits, some of them in costumes. Being a Muggle tradition the sight of it made Hermione smile. A few of her students waved to her and she waved back enthusiastically.

The staff table was much the same atmosphere as any other week day. Hermione sat in her usual seat and greeted her colleagues. Snape she noted was not yet present.

"Your hair is lovely Hermione," Minerva said looking past Remus to speak directly to her. "It's a pity we can't have a proper party tonight."

"Between all the different parties coming up in December, I think it might be good to pace ourselves," Hermione replied "and thank you, I didn't have a costume, so I came as a well groomed witch for once."

"Oh dear, we never appreciate our beauty when we're young," the Headmistress said tutting at Hermione.

Flooding with affection for her mentor, Hermione had long accepted the loss of her parents. Their memories were too far gone to recover without damaging their minds. She had found them in Australia, they were happy and healthy and that was enough for Hermione to decide she had done right by them. Although some days she missed having a mother to fuss over her unnecessarily.

While chatting amicably with Minerva, Remus and Neville, Severus arrived at the table. Quiet and sullen he sat down heavily in his seat without greeting anyone. Hermione opened her mouth to say hello when she caught Minerva's eye. The older witch gave her a sympathetic look and shook her head ever so slightly in warning. The friendly greeting died on her lips and she busied herself with her dinner instead.

Hermione hadn't even considered that today might be difficult for Severus, some friend she was shaping up to be. The woman he loved, possibly the only woman he had ever loved had died on this day. Of course Snape was touchy on his best days, so perhaps she should leave him to grieve in peace.

After the feast finished the faculty made their way to the staff room where the elves had laid out some festive drinks and finger food. Hermione stood close to the fireplace with Neville and Hagrid, a moment later Remus pressed a smoking orange coloured beverage into her hand, which turned out to be a delicious cocktail of pumpkin juice and spiced rum.

"I keep askin' Minerva 'bout gettin' some dragon eggs for the older classes," Hagrid was saying. "She's not keen."

Hermione was a little distracted, shifting from one foot to the other and scanning her eyes around the room. She hadn't seen Snape come in and she was worried about him, he shouldn't have to be alone today. Just as she was about to excuse herself and seek him out the fire next to her flared green. Harry, Ginny and baby James came through first, closely followed by Ron, Lavender and baby Fred.

"What the-," Hermione stood, mouth agape, lost for words.

"Hey 'Mione!" Ron pulled her into a bone crushing hug, which soon morphed into a three way embrace with Harry as they usually did. Hermione couldn't stop the tears rolling down her cheeks as they pulled away.

"What are you doing here," she asked, "does Minerva know? Do you have permission?" she added in a worried, slightly scolding tone causing both Harry and Ron to burst into laughter.

"Yes," Harry said through his laughter. "She knows, we explained that our Halloween traditions were sacred and she was more than happy to have us visit."

"And," Lavender said approaching the group, "you had to meet your new god-children before they're all grown up and arriving on the Hogwarts Express."

A small, warm bundle with a shock of red hair was pressed into her arms. Being an only child Hermione had no experience with young children or babies so stood rigidly, afraid to hurt or drop little Fred.

"Haven't you held a baby before?" Lavender giggled.

"Actually, now that you mention it," she said, "I don't think I have."

"Well, just relax, he's not going to jump out of your arms," Lavender smiled at her uncertain glances. "Your hair is lovely by the way."

"Thanks, it's my lazy attempt at being festive without a costume."

Ginny approached with baby James, another tiny bundle of blankets but this one with a tuft of black hair poking out. Looking up from the children Hermione caught a glimpse of Snape, he had just pushed through the door and froze on the spot at the sight of unexpected guests. Tilting her head slightly around Ginny's form, Hermione offered him a small smile. His eyes narrowed slightly as he pierced her with a look of disgust, then turned and walked back out the door.

Knowing she couldn't escape just yet Hermione likely did a terrible job of keeping her disappointment off her face. Baby Fred was traded for baby James who eventually was traded for another drink or two. Remus and Minerva were fawning over the children while the new parents took the opportunity to chat and mingle. Ginny cornered Hermione and probed her with questions.

"Come on, tell me everything," she whispered excitedly. "I've been going nuts since our last chat, has anything happened?" Ginny lived for gossip, a trait she had inherited from her mother.

"Nothing," she could hear the blatant disappointment in her own voice. "He did call me Hermione a couple of times, but other than that, nothing. I just don't think he's interested Gin."

"Not interested? In you?" Ginny scoffed. "Has he seen you? Have you seen yourself? There's no way that's it. There's got to be another explanation."

A warmth spread through Hermione's chest, smiling she pulled Ginny in for a hug.

"Can you cover for me for a little while?" She whispered into Ginny's ear, "I'm going to go check on Severus, it's a difficult day for him too."

"Of course," Ginny replied, "Severus, huh?"

"Oh do shut up," Hermione said lovingly breaking away from their embrace.

Severus detested Halloween, he had never had a singular positive experience on the holiday. This particular day had started in much the same fashion, him moping around his chambers long before he should have been awake. Classes filled with Dunderheads working his last nerve, dolling out detention after detention. The only slight beacon of hope this year was Granger, Hermione he reminded himself.

Perhaps having her attention would distract him from his all consuming self-loathing and misery. He didn't choose to examine why Hermione's friendship might divert his thoughts when Minerva's never had. Try as she might to cheer him up the Headmistress had never succeeded in relieving his dark moods.

Generally when Hermione was near he was too busy fighting with his own subconscious, hoping she might kiss him again and scolding himself for wanting it. Several times since she had pressed her lips to his, he had been tempted to accept her offer of tea in her quarters but fear of what he might do, or worse, what he might not do kept him at bay.

Disappointment flooded him when he sat through the dreaded Halloween Feast without so much as a sideways glance from Granger. Of course he made himself completely unapproachable, but that was not out of the ordinary and usually did nothing to stop her from greeting him any other day. Once the meal was finished Severus returned to his own quarters instead of the faculty lounge, Minerva would never expect his presence there, she knew better.

Pacing in front of his fireplace with a Firewhiskey in hand Severus reflected on Grangers lack of communication throughout the feast. He presumed that maybe Minerva had given her a heads up about his dark moods on this holiday and maybe the witch was afraid to upset him further. Or maybe she thought it best to leave him dwell on thoughts of a long-lost love. Scoffing at the thought, he downed the last of his beverage and crossed his chambers with the staff room in his sights.

The halls were blessedly quiet as he made his way, he was already uncomfortable enough with the idea of spending time with the staff on this day without adding the frustration of wayward students in the halls to deal with. The urge to turn back and wallow in self pity was overwhelming, but that tiny beacon of potential hope kept his footing on track.

A moment later saw Severus standing outside the staff room door, reluctant to push it open and face the looks of surprise at his presence there. The chatter from within was more animated than he had been prepared for, never having frequented this particular gathering before he was uncertain what to expect. Thinking on it wasn't helping, so he pushed into the small space.

One thing he was not expecting and certainly knew was not a regular occurrence on this holiday was to be greeted by the sight of Potter, Weasley and their families mingling with the staff. Granger stood near the fireplace holding one of their brood and talking happily with her friends, her real friends. She did notice him and even smiled, but his disgust at the sight of her friends overtook any other emotion her kind smile might stir up in him.

Before anyone else noticed him he fled, quickly, back to the safety of his dungeons.

Slamming his living room door shut with a bang Severus made his way to his liquor cabinet and poured himself a fresh drink. He was livid, with Minerva, with Hermione and mostly with himself. That witch had no space in her life for an old, temperamental grump like him. He'd read far too much into her intoxicated mistake, she would never want him. Not to mention that he didn't deserve her, or anyone.

Draining his glass and refilling it Severus continued to pace. Today likely cemented her views that he was some pathetic lovesick fool, still pining over a dead woman. The fact that he actually cared what she thought of him came as a surprise and not a pleasant one. He'd been too cruel to her over the years and couldn't take that back. How deplorable was he that he even thought of her in such a way, an ex-student almost twenty years his junior.

Merlin curse Minerva for hiring the witch, for pairing him with her and for allowing this to happen. She knew, he was certain that she knew this would happen. Minerva, like Albus before her was far too meddlesome for her own good. Merlin be damned to all the Gryffindors he had ever known. Throwing his glass against the hearth of his fire and relishing in the jarring sound of breaking glass on solid stone, Severus slumped into his armchair and cradled his face in his hands.

He didn't know how long he sat, dwelling on his emotions and allowing himself to fully immerse himself in toxic self-disgust when his wards shimmered causing the fine hairs on his neck to prickle. He looked up in agitation, it must be a mistake, nobody would dare interrupt him today. Years of tucking himself away had made sure of that.

Standing with the intention of gathering a new tumbler and a fresh drink he felt the shimmer again. There was someone in his office, attempting to gain entry to his private quarters. Seeing red he strode across the room and yanked the door open viciously, wand in hand, ready to eviscerate whoever had decided to breach his privacy.

The acidic words of warning died on his tongue when he came face to face with Hermione Granger, clearly startled by his duelling stance and scowling face. He wilted at the sight of her, slumping his shoulders and closing his eyes, wand dropping to his side.

As quickly as her legs could carry her Hermione threw herself up staircase after staircase. Hogwarts really needed to rethink their policy on staff being allowed to Apparate within its walls, what if there was an emergency? A discussion for another time with the Headmistress. Upon arriving in her rooms she quickly located the bottle Severus had gifted her for her birthday and made her way back into the quiet hallways.

The journey from the third floor to the dungeons was generally quiet at this time, she passed a couple of Prefects making their rounds and the Fat Friar floating along the entrance hall who nodded to her in passing.

The dungeon hallways were deserted, she smirked to herself thinking about how the students likely knew better than to prowl around here with Snape in close proximity. Her stomach swooped excitedly just thinking about the man who she had set out to find.

"Get a hold of yourself Granger," she muttered aloud to herself.

The closer she got to his office the less inviting the butterflies filling her gut became, suddenly the sensation felt more like a swarm of wasps ready to attack. This was a foolish idea, dangerous even, yet her feet carried her onwards regardless.

His office door opened without issues, that was unexpected. She had thought his wards would be impenetrable. Crossing the room she approached the solid wooden frame she assumed lead to his living space. Lifting her hand to knock she felt them; his wards. They rippled across her knuckles and gently pushed her hand away from the door before she could make contact.

Frowning at the door she pulled her shoulders back and steeled her courage. Reaching out again, this time with an open palm, trying to coax the wards into allowing her to alert Snape to her presence. The door opened suddenly and without warning, Severus filling the space with his wand pointed menacingly at her.

Swallowing her fear Hermione allowed him a moment to relax his stance, hopelessly trying to ignore her heart which seemed to be desperately trying to lodge itself in her throat. To her immense relief he softened his posture and lowered his wand.

"Hi," her voice was barely above a whisper.

He didn't react, just stayed motionless, black eyes boring into her skull. Hermione bit her bottom lip, unable to tear her eyes from his. Irises almost melting into the black of his pupils acted like tar, holding her captive. She needed to say something, the silence was deafening and crackling with electricity all at once. Slowly she raised the bottle of wine.

"I never thanked you," she whispered. "For the gift, I thought.. maybe, we could," why was this so difficult, words were everything for her and now they had failed her. "Share?"

He said nothing, just continued to pin her to where she stood with that icy black stare. Not knowing what to do she stayed, rooted to the spot and searched for the right words.

Eyes closing and face falling in defeat, he stepped aside allowing her entry to his private chambers. Hermione frowned, if he didn't want her company he should just tell her. She didn't intend on being a burden, she wanted to lessen his misery that day, and every day after.

Her body moved forward, the door frame made it almost impossible to get by without brushing against him, so she did. A sizzle ran up her arm as her pinky brushed lightly against the exposed skin of his forearm. Clasping the wine bottle more firmly in her hand she took pause just inside the entrance to his living room.

Hermione stood in awe of the space, every surface was stacked with books, more than she could hope to consume for the rest of her days, although she'd be willing to try. A soft gasp escaped her as she took it all in, hardly noticing when the door closed behind her with a soft click. Dragging herself back from her fascination she turned to face the dark man still lingering by the door. He looked like a feral animal ready to bolt at any second. Holding the bottle aloft for him she smiled weakly, hoping he would make the next move.

Snape's face gave nothing away as he moved slowly in her direction. She wished that he would say something, fill this stifling silence that had fallen over them. Surely he must have felt the air crackling between them too?

The world seemed to tilt as he reached for the bottle that she held out for him, his fingers brushing hers as she relinquished control. Her breath caught in her throat at the contact, he must know the effect he was having on her, it was painfully obvious she thought. Too soon his fingers left her skin and he busied himself with glasses and pouring measures.

Too intimidated to sit without prior permission Hermione stood, a little awkwardly and waited for her host to nod her onto his couch. Disappointingly he settled himself on the armchair to her right. She longed to have him pressed against her, too close for colleagues to sit appropriately. Briefly her eyes lingered on the shattered glass that lay on the hearth of his fireplace, momentarily causing her to rethink her being there.

"Won't your friends miss you?" he finally said.

She thought on it for a minute, In all honesty, she hadn't given her decision a second thought. She just knew instinctively this is where she longed to be in that moment.

"Probably," she said dismissively, "but you're my friend too and I wanted to have a drink with you."

He huffed out a brief, dark laugh and pierced her again with that gaze. Shifting in her seat she returned his look and tried with all her might to communicate everything she couldn't say through her words with her eyes instead.

"Because my company is astounding," he scoffed. "Simply riveting conversations."

"I thoroughly enjoy conversing with you Severus," she said with a smile. "But also, I thought that perhaps you could use a friend today, it's a difficult day for you too." Hermione was nervous at broaching the subject of Lily with him, there was no telling how he might react. "Lil-," he cut her off before she could say more.

"Do you consider me some love-sick fool still pining over a woman who has been dead longer than she lived?" he snapped, lip curling. She chose to remain silent, afraid to incur his wrath further. "This day no longer represents the death of a woman I once loved," he continued, his tone dangerous. "It represents all of the bad decisions I made, the irreparable damage I caused and that I must live with for the rest of my days."

"But you've done so much good," she argued back, unable to contain herself.

"Don't try to paint me as some misunderstood hero," he spat.

"I'm not," she said jutting her chin in frustration. "But I was there, remember? I witnessed all you did first-hand and it greatly outweighs whatever mistakes you made in your youth."

His laugh was unfamiliar, nothing like the dark, delectable chuckle she had heard only a short time ago. This was jarring and terrifying, it reminded her of just how intimidating the man before her was.

"And of course your observation of the situation cannot be argued with, being our resident little know-it-all," his words dripped with disdain, there was nothing playful about this jibe.

She stood suddenly, he followed, both panting with anger. Hermione clenched her hand into a fist and tried to maintain her composure before speaking again.

"You have no right," he whispered icily, "to come into my private rooms-,"

"You didn't have to let me in you know!"

He didn't answer, just levelled her with his dark stare, penetrating her. She shifted under his gaze, her anger not quite deflating but coiling around her lust, taunting her. Hermione was used to blazing rows with Ronald, but never had she contemplated pinning him down and having her way with him throughout, considering this further proof that she was never truly attracted to Ron. She could not claim the same for Severus.

It did not escape her notice when he took a step forward, not much, just enough to bring him within arms reach.

"If you're only here to bestow me with your pity, then save it and leave."

Hermione studied his face for a moment, anger still overwhelmed his features but there was something else there, a weariness or perhaps a sadness, well disguised with years of shutting himself away. She wondered if he truly wanted her to leave, he could force her to if he really didn't want her company any longer. His magical power was undeniable and completely overwhelming.

Uncertain feet moved her forward, closing the distance between them until they stood toe to toe. She looked up at him, eyes wide, extending an invitation. When he didn't openly dismiss her or recoil Hermione decided it might be time to push a little more. Extending her hand forward she allowed her fingers to rest against his crisp white shirt, only noticing for the first time that he wasn't wearing his frock coat. Moving her palm slowly up the solid planes of his chest she lifted up onto her toes and slowly snaked her hand around his shoulder to stabilise herself. Gently she pressed her lips to his.

Severus didn't react, he was startlingly still, so she moved forward pressing her body to his. Coaxing his lips to part with her tongue earned her a reaction, two strong hands found her hips firmly bunching her blouse in a tight grip. Too slowly his lips parted and allowed her entry, for a moment she faltered, worrying that he didn't want her attention, until his posture softened and his tongue met hers eagerly.

Allowing herself a moment to relish in his fervour and forgetting herself Hermione rocked her hips against his, causing his grasp on her to loosen and his lips to pull away leaving her wanting again.

"Go," he gasped, eyes downcast.

"No," she said, determined. Pulling harder on his shoulders she manoeuvred him until his calves made contact with the sofa she had abandoned. Leaning harder she let her weight push him into a seated position. For a moment she stood over him, allowing her magic to pool into her before she lost control of it.

"Why?" Snape questioned her.

Without answering she lowered herself onto his lap, running her fingers up his chest, onto his scarred neck and finally settling on his face.

"Because I want you," boldly she met his eyes. "I have wanted you for a while now and honestly? I think you want me too."

Black eyes met amber and held her motionless.

"What have you done?" he asked fingering a lock of her straightened hair.

It took her a moment to understand what he meant, then another moment to find her voice again. "Halloween," she gasped, unable to fully answer his question.

"I like it better," his pause pulsed through her, "natural."

"Finite Incantatem," he whispered. Feeling his magic at such close contact caused her body to react without consent, grinding down onto him. She could feel his interest, firm beneath the junction of her thighs. Hermione felt her charmed hair shorten and frizz into its regular state, bracing herself against his strong shoulders she tried to compose herself.

His mouth grazed hers without prompting, igniting a fire within her core.

"Are you intoxicated?" he whispered against her lips.

"No," she replied unable to piece together his words as her body lamented in longing. The pulse between her thighs reaching new heights of discomfort. She needed him to stop asking her questions that she couldn't possibly answer in this state, so she started popping open buttons on her own blouse while his tongue captured hers passionately. Shifting the soft material down her arms and letting it pool on the floor behind them drew his attention away from her mouth.

Pulling back from her he leaned against the sofa while running his eyes over her scarred chest. A long finger followed the same path his eyes had just set out, beginning just below her collarbone, running between her breasts and ending on a sensitive spot near her ribs.

Grasping her hips firmly with both hands, Severus continued to watch as she reached back and unclasped her bra, letting it fall down her arms and discarding it, onto the floor with her shirt. His chest was rising and falling rapidly as his eyes lingered on her bare breasts. Reaching forward Hermione began unbuttoning his shirt, thankful that she didn't have to do battle with his frock coat, although truth be told, she often fantasised about that endless line of buttons.

Exposing his pale chest, more scarred than her own seemed to ignite something in him. With a feral sound, he lunged forward, mouth clamping around her nipple, teasing it with his tongue while his fingers found the other.

"Oh Merlin," Hermione gasped and arched into him further. His free hand blazed a path up her spine resting between her shoulder blades, encouraging her enthusiasm.

Trailing her fingers down his front Hermione found his belt buckle and swiftly undid the fastening, continuing on to undo his fly. She longed to remove his trousers but mourned the thought of his mouth leaving her.

"Please?" she whimpered, hoping he might help with her task.

Looking up at her, with a pink nipple caught between his teeth was almost her undoing. She moaned loudly tipping her head back. Severus removed his mouth and ran a finger down between her breasts until it met the waistline of her trousers.

"Up," he growled. His two hands lifting her off him.

When he had her standing before him, his fingers hooked into her trousers and dragged them down her legs, slowly, leaving only her flimsy black underwear in place. Hermione watched as he perched forward in his seat then leaned his forehead against the soft flesh of her abdomen, his staggered breath huffing against her most intimate area. His fingers dug into the flesh of her hips just above her knickers. He looked up, eyes hooded with lust, nose trailing along her stomach.

"Are you certain?" he asked, voice filled with trepidation.

"Yes," she replied with conviction. "Please, Severus."

With one last searching look of her face he tugged at the material and with a single motion removed her final layer. Hermione shuddered when Severus kissed his way from her bellybutton down until his mouth was level with her slit.

"Exquisite," he whispered against her.

Threading her fingers into his hair as he lapped and sucked at her, Hermione willed her legs to remain solid. Two fingers joined his tongue causing her to rock rhythmically until stars exploded behind her eyelids. A strangled cry escaped her, rebounding off the stone walls. She could feel Severus groan against her as her orgasm washed over her.

"I need you," she croaked. "Now."

Without further hesitation he stood and captured her lips with his own, allowing her to taste her own lust on his tongue. Hermione pushed his trousers down his legs hurriedly, she couldn't wait any longer to feel him inside her. Finally removing his boxers she moaned at the sight of his fully naked form. He was lean, as she had suspected, battle scarred and pale. Taking him into her hand she began to gently caress, but he stopped her almost immediately.

"Not if you want more," his voice was strained.

Nodding in understanding she pushed gently on his chest until he resumed his seated position. Straddling his thighs Hermione lined herself up and lowered until she could no more. Taking a moment to look into his eyes and relish in how full she felt, how complete, she kissed him deeply until her hips would no longer still, circling gently.

"Oh Severus," she moaned, lifting her hips and pushing back down quickly. "You feel so good."

His rumbling moans and gasps electrified her already sensitive skin. His mouth covered her areola again, sucking deeply on one nipple she moaned in ecstasy. She had no control over the pace of her hips, her need was too strong. When his thumb pressed against her little bundle of nerves Hermione cried out again, Severus' name on her tongue as her orgasm crested. His hands held her still as he followed shortly after, his cries muffled by her breast.

Panting hard and holding each other tightly felt so right, but Hermione feared the moment he realised what had happened between them. Was he likely to regret it? Perhaps even kick her out and never speak to her again?

Deciding it best to get ahead of the situation she flattened his hair down and placed a hand on either side of his face pulling him in for a kiss. Warm palms skimmed her sides gently as he kissed her back.

"That was," she searched for a word but could think of nothing to describe how she felt in that moment.

He smiled gently at her, and huffed out a tiny laugh causing her heart to flutter. Her clammy skin was starting to prickle in the frigid dungeon air.

"You're cold," he said shifting beneath her. "You should return to your friends, they're probably wondering where you are."

"I'd rather stay."

He fingered a lock of her hair again and looked into her eyes. She had never seen him look so open and vulnerable.

"Another time perhaps," he finally said.

A few awkward moments later saw both of them fully dressed and standing in his doorway. Hermione dawdled idly, looking for a reason to stay.

"I'll be back to share that wine," she finally said.

"Alright," he said a little stiff and awkwardly.

Lifting onto her toes again she placed a light kiss on his lips and turned to leave, as she did he pulled her back for a quick embrace and kissed her again, a little more deeply, making her head spin.

Alone in the dungeon hallway Hermione allowed herself a moment to gather her emotions as she leaned against the cold stone wall just outside his door. Finally finding her footing she knew she should seek out her friends who had come specifically to see her on this day. Walking in a dreamlike state she soon found herself approaching the short corridor leading to Neville's quarters and the kitchens.

"'Mione?"

Hermione's blood ran cold at the sound of Ron's voice. Breathing hard she turned to face him.

"Ron," her voice was unnaturally high. "W-what are you doing?" A stupid question considering he had an armful of baked goods in his arms from the kitchen.

"What happened to your hair?" he questioned, frowning deeply at her.

"Um.."

"Where were you? Ginny said you had gone to your rooms to collect something," he shifted around and looked in the direction Hermione had just come from.

Understanding dawned across his face and his mouth popped open. His eyes looked her over, from her suddenly frizzy hair to what likely was a flushed and satisfied look on her face to her wrinkled shirt.

"Were you," he whispered in a disbelieving voice. "With Snape?" he hissed out the name like a dirty word.

"Ronald," she started, taking a step closer.

"Oh no, don't you Ronald me! Are you fucking Snape?"

"Oh Merlin," she said covering her flaming face with both hands.