Snape closes the last textbook with a snap. "That's it, Miss Granger. NEWTs start on monday. I forbid you to study over the weekend, do you understand?"
Hermione smiles. "I do."
Snape looks surprised. "You're really not going to fight me on this?"
Hermione shakes her head. "Everyone else is going to be cramming like crazy. I'm looking forward to reading more of Proctor's book. The weather has been so lovely. I think I'll sit and watch the whomping willow. And take a walk around the black lake. Maybe visit Dumbledore's tomb. I haven't yet, not since-" She breaks off, suddenly, unsure of how much to say. They haven't talked about Dumbledore.
"I think, Miss Granger, that you are finally learning how to take care of yourself. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you, Professor," she says. And then, "When are we meeting next?"
"Meeting for what, Miss Granger? You have your tests all next week. When you're not testing, I want you to be resting, eating, or spending time with friends."
"Spending time with you replenishes my core," she says, and it's true. She stares right into his eyes. Her expression is frank, determined. She isn't trying to be flirtatious, or seductive, but it doesn't matter. Severus is completely and utterly seduced by her brown eyes staring directly into his black ones, all artifice discarded.
"Hermione," he says.
She sighs softly at the sound of him saying her name. Her eyes drift shut for a breath, open again.
"I promise I'll stay on this side of your desk," she whispers, utterly sincere. She doesn't want him to do anything that will cause him guilt and regret. They both already have enough to be getting on with.
"An hour straight after dinner every night. You can tell me about your tests and we will go over the following day's tests. I'll put a pot of tea on." He smirks a bit at that, as if to say, 'see how normal I can be?'
"Tea sounds lovely, Professor," Hermione says, rising from her chair. "Are we done now?"
Snape gives her a long look. The air between them is thick with unspoken innuendo. "For now, Miss Granger. Take one of the sleeping aids I gave you with your dream potion tonight."
"Yes, sir. Goodnight." Hermione leaves quickly while she still can, breathing a sigh equal parts relief and frustration as she slams the door to his office behind her. She leans against the door for a moment, composing herself for the walk back to her room. "I'm going to fucking explode before this is over," she groans quietly to herself.
Inside his office, Snape chuckles darkly to himself. Me, too, sweetheart. Me too.