A/N: I don't own Harry Potter

This is for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Writing Club April

Fabulous World of Comics: 2 - (plot point) surviving an attack

Amber's Attic: 16 - "Don't let the darkness surround me. Lift me up, I'll let you in."- "I'm Bad News, In the Best Way" by blessthefall

Sophie's Shelf: 3. Brainpox Cobra (The Cobra Event) -Prompt: (scenario) Having a nightmare

Scamander's Case: 5 - (action) running

Marvel Appreciation: 5 - Wasp/Hope Van Dyne - Prompt: Write about someone shrinking

Lyric Alley: 18 - This is where we both go numb now

Word count: 625

"Severus, um, could you maybe keep the light on?" Hermione asked, looking over the edge of the blanket. "It... it helps keeps the nightmares away," she added in a soft whisper. Severus looked at the girl, well woman now. She had been staying with him about two weeks now. Two weeks since they'd both been medically cleared. It had been over a month since the war ended. He nodded.

"I can do that," he agreed, looking at the witch in his bed. Right now, she looked nothing like the brave warrior witch who had fought in the Battle of Hogwarts. She looked nothing like the strong witch who had managed to save his life and pull him back from the brink of despair. Right now, she looked like a scared child. He nodded.

"Of course I can, Hermione," he replied. She gave him a small smile before burrowing beneath the black blankets. He waited a moment to see if she needed anything more. When it appeared she didn't, he left her to her sleep.

The fact Hermione Granger was sleeping in his bed would never cease to amaze him. He'd seen her at her strongest and now, now he was seeing her at her weakest. For a moment, he wondered if there was anything he could for her now.

His eyes landed on the black curtains hanging on the only window in the room. It matched the rest of the décor. He realized, maybe Hermione would like something brighter? She had never said anything about it, well, she'd teased him about that being the only color he knew.

He made the resolution that in the morning, they'd talk about redecorating his chamber. If that would help her feel more at home here, then he was willing to do it. Well, as long as she didn't insist on making everything red and gold. He smiled wondering just how far he'd go for this girl.

The girl sound asleep in his bed. The girl who wanted the light left on because she still had nightmares.

He knew only time would heal some of the wounds. Time would cause the memories to fade. Time would lessen the emotions attached to every little thing. For now, he wanted nothing more than for her to feel safe, like she belonged here.

She'd saved him. He'd ended up saving her, twice now actually. He sank into a chair, planning to read an article about the travesty of the laws surrounding cauldron thickness. He'd only just turned to the page when he heard her cry out. Wand in hand before he even thought about it, he was standing in the doorway.

Hermione was tossing and turning under the blankets. One of the pillows flew across the room, nearly hitting him. A knot formed in his chest. Another nightmare. He crossed the room in three steps.

"Hermione, Hermione, wake up, it's alright. I'm here." When she didn't respond to his words, he climbed into the bed next to her. Slowly, he reached out and touched her shoulder. She froze, her body relaxing under his touch.

"Shh, shh, I'm right here," he whispered, stroking her hair. Slowly, she blinked her eyes open. She looked over at him.

"Severus, I'm sorry," she whispered. Severus pulled her over to him, wrapping his arms around her.

"You have no need to be sorry, Hermione."

"I... I had another nightmare, you shouldn't have to take care of me."

"Hermione, I care about you deeply. You saved me. Let me be there for you, like you've been there for me?" he asked. She nodded, curling against him.

"Thank you," she whispered, falling asleep in his arms. He held her as she slept, just happy she felt safe around him.