A/N: I don't own Harry Potter or any related characters

This is for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Word count: 528

"No," Severus stated, staring at the witch in front of him. He wasn't even sure why she was here. He hadn't asked for her, he'd never have asked for her if he had a choice.

"You're hurting and I know you can't reach your own back. Let me help you," she offered, holding up a small glass tub of salve. He recognized it as one of his own brews, not that it really mattered.

"If I let you rub the salve on my back, you'll want to stay and keep an eye on me. Then you'll fall hopelessly in love with me and confess those stupid feelings over the cup of tea you made me because you've gotten the house elves to strike, so no," he replied, knowing she was right about him not being able to reach his own back and that the salve would take the pain from it.

"Wow, that is an extremely well thought out fantasy, sir. Especially considering this is the very first time I've ever offered to help you with anything in your chambers."

"It is what will happen," he stated, pinching the bridge of his nose as he unbuttoned his white shirt and let it fall to the floor. He hated to admit she was right about things, but the pain was starting to get to him.

"And you know this how?" Hermione asked gently rubbing the salve onto Severus' back. He almost moaned at the cooling effect it had on his skin, taking the burn and pain from the crucios he'd been forced to endure.

"A seer."

"Luna? She is usually right about these sort of things. She did tell me to come here tonight and help you. She said I needed to make sure your back was treated promptly because then you'd not have a scar on the beach during our honeymoon," Hermione said, finishing up his back and looking at it. Severus growled slightly.

"We are not going to a beach for our honeymoon!" he declared. Hermione laughed.

"That wouldn't be my first choice either, sir. Now, you know what I'm going to say next."

"That you're staying," Severus sighed, putting on a kettle.

" Yes, I'm going to need to stay to make sure you don't suffer any side effects. And I know, I always dreamed of seeing the northern lights. No beaches there."

"You are not staying!"

"Delusions, temporarily spiking a high fever, you could have an allergic reaction. I need to stay. Just to make sure nothing happens. Besides, you've already put the kettle on and it would be rude to leave now," Hermione pointed out. Severus sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose again. She was right, it would be rude. And even though he'd brewed the salve and knew it most likely wouldn't have any side affects, one never could be too careful.

"Fine, but absolutely no declarations of love," he stated, grabbing two teacups from the shelf.

"Promise," Hermione smiled, taking one wondering if maybe she should thank Luna for sending her here tonight, not that she was going to declare her love for Severus, at least out loud she wouldn't anyway.