Morning light came too soon, hitting Severus directly in the face causing  him to groan and  roll away from the intruding light. He rubbed his face as he tried to go back to sleep, though mother nature had other plans. He growled lowly, maybe if he was quick he could fall back asleep before the warmth left the bed. With a heavy sigh he pulled his body up onto his elbows, he wasn't a graceful waker but who really was?

He sighed once more as he shifted his legs over the side sitting himself up. As his legs went a bit lower he nearly jumped out of his skin. His foot fell on something very soft and warm. He jerked his foot back his eyes snapping open. Still out of focus, he tried to see just what his foot had landed on.

Leaning over carefully, a blanket slowly came into view. He paused curling his hand in his own comforter that was still very much on his bed. He blinked a few times before an intermittent purring met his ears.

Shocked was the understatement of the year as he realized just what, or rather who, was laying on the floor at the side of his bed. Though her head was completely covered by her rather impressive attempt at a forming butterfly he was easily able to identify that faint purr.

When, no more importantly, how had she come to his room without him even noticing? He wasn't a heavy sleeper, too many nights waiting for someone to come hex him in his bed had sought to that. His body gave a twinge of need halting his inner monologue.

Mindfully, he stepped over her tightly wrapped body. His needs then hers, it was only fair given he hadn't been expecting her presence in his room.

He shut the door to the bath casting a silencing charm as he moved to answer the call. It took very little time, dragging himself to the sink he washed his hands quickly. With a heavy yawn, he lowered the charm and opened the door. She hadn't moved an inch, it was a partial relief as his morning brain tried to decide just what on earth to do with her. It was way too early for civilized people to be up and about and his bed called loudly for him to return.

He stood for a few long seconds, the chill in the air was starting to wake him more than he cared, forcing him to move. He leaned down hoping that he picked her up on the proper orientation and laid her on his bed. There was a small wiggling when he pulled his arms back but the soft purring quickly returned. Satisfied, he moved to the far side crawling under the now cold blanket. It was a bit further from where he normally slept but he found he just didn't care. With more than a person's width between, he nestled back down slowly falling back asleep.

oOOo

The sunlight was no kinder as it rose over the trees, luckily Severus' rooms faced the sunset but that didn't stop the force of light from increasing all around them. Severus grunted and pulled his pillow over his head, just five more minutes...

The girl next to him was completely shielded but was woken by something else entirely. He felt her body go a bit rigid before she quickly tried to untangle herself. Severus rolled lazily watching her emerge from her cocoon like some wild haired butterfly only found in the deepest jungles. She stood on shaking legs akin to a baby foul, stumbling forward towards the bathroom. He was just about to help when she caught herself on the doorframe. He blinked slowly as she disappeared into the room, the door didn't shut with enough force so he could still hear her fumbling towards her goal.

He flicked his hand quickly casting a silencing charm before sighing heavily as he realized his five minutes were about up. He rolled back onto his side away from the door. If she didn't come back in five more he would check on her.

Near the end of the extended time, the door reopened but Snape stayed still; curious to see what the girl would do. He followed her heavy steps and heard the sound of fabric being pulled away. The floor creaked as she turned to make her escape.

"That's not very Gryffindor of you Miss Granger. What would Minerva say?" He really was a cruel man. He rolled over, a forced disappointment on his features.

The girl froze, her bottom lip quivering. She looked stuck between a tirade and tears. His look, however, pushed her over to the side of waterworks. She did her best to keep them back as she spoke.

"I... I'm sorry...I had another nightmare..." Her voice sounded strained as she clutched the blanket tighter.

Severus' face relaxed. It really was too early for her to start watering the garden. Slowly, he slid to the edge of the bed his shoulders slumped and he waved her over to him with one hand.

Following Draco's advice, Severus waited for her to shuffle closer. When Hermione was in reach, he pulled the blanket, making her stand between his knees. He waited for her to regain her stance before very cautiously wrapping his arms around her. His body tense with the unfamiliar motion. It was awkward at best but when she lowered her head to his shoulder, he felt the tension leaving her body.

Hermione hadn't known what to expect when he beckoned her closer. She was entirely focused on not losing it again in front of him. Though when he pulled her closer her heart gave a heavy thump. When his arms moved feather light and tense around her back, she felt the warmth of his forearms.

A mixture of shock and relief keeping her in place. She lowered her head down hesitantly and let his touch soothe away her anxiety. His hands didn't move or rub her back but it was more than she knew he was normally capable of and that thought alone gave power to the moment.

His shoulder felt extremely warm through the thin layer of his dress shirt and a fleeting thought graced her mind on what his skin would actually feel like. She pushed the thought away, startled at herself for even thinking it. He was her professor! A man who had repeatedly sought to make her cry!

Her brained reeled over their first argument over calling her by name and she felt a sadness wash throughout. Part of her wanted to thank the creature inside, for giving her a fresh perspective of the man; while the other half, reminded her that there was still so much more that she had to recall about him.

She silenced both sides with a heavy sigh focusing on the present. She allowed her heart to beat in time with his. Letting the chips fall where they may. She was so sodding tired of thinking and the day hadn't even started yet.

Snape listened to her inner dialogue; it was both relieving and disturbing. He had hoped he had done what she needed but even he was a bit confused with her conclusion.

"Coffee...?" Hermione's voice was much calmer as she breathed against his shoulder. She heard him grunt his agreement before he pulled back quickly. She sniffled, she hadn't let any tears fall but her eyes were still glassed with the remnants. Hermione took a few steps back watching his face. It looked more relaxed than she could ever remember and she fidgeted a bit before looking to the bathroom.

"Dress for travel, do not worry about taking anything we will return here at night." His tone was light but he refused to look at her squarely.

Snape pushed himself up adjusting his twisted shirt. He gave her a glance and a raised brow that sent her scurrying off. He smirked a bit, yes, he still had it. He heard her half of the bathroom's door shut firmly and he moved to shut his own just as tight. He ran a hand through his hair with a heavy sigh. What a way to start the day.

Severus dressed in no time feeling safer behind his layers. He waited outside her door, he knew she hadn't forgotten his warning about the stairs. He was growing impatient; how long did it take to get dressed? He was just bringing up his fist when the door slowly pulled open. Finally.

Hermione looked up from her eyelashes. She could see his impatience but just blushed softly. "Sorry, everything I tried was too big..."

Severus rose a brow taking in her attire. She was wearing a nice deep blue and grey striped sweater. It hung a little loose but not overly so, he could see a shirt underneath at the collar. Her jeans hung down rather low, stuck by the flare of her hip, a tiny slip of skin peeking out where the shirt didn't quite go far enough. The girl squirmed under his gaze and tried to pull the jeans back up, it was a vain effort as they slipped back down. She sighed heavily.

"Alright. Point taken." Don't get your knickers in a twist. She gave him a small scowl having heard his quip. He pulled out his wand giving it three taps on the waist of her jeans. The material shrank to the more appropriate size and she wiggled them back up into their proper place.

"Thank you." She smoothed out her sweater and checked down her body. Deeming herself presentable she finally came into the hallway. She still felt a bit frumpy, but overall she the feeling of some sort of normalcy settling in her chest. She pushed a loose strand that had fallen from her braid behind her ear before taking Severus' offered elbow.

When they made it to the first floor landing the smell of something burning made her scrunch her nose. She pulled her arm from his so he could go investigate the smell. She used the wall occasionally to keep her feet steady but overall walked normally to the kitchen.

A small giggle left her throat when she looked at Draco backing up into his chair petrified, his burnt eggs on toast sitting on the table while Snape brandished a burnt pan at him like a sabre.

"You better replace this." He growled and tossed the now scorched pan into the sink heavily.

"How can you even mess up eggs?" His face was a mixture of annoyance and disbelief only making the young blond shrink back more. Hermione suppressed another giggle as he snatched the plate away, "Don't eat that, I don't need you poisoned before we get to your Manor."

Draco looked affronted and opened his mouth to retort, only for his jaw to snap shut when Snape tossed his breakfast, plate and all into the garbage. He sunk back into his chair with a very good impression of a toddler as the man ripped open his cupboard looking for a suitable skillet.

Hermione rolled her lips to keep her laughter inside as she slowly took her seat, her eyes dancing with mirth as she glanced over to Draco. He gave her a glare and stuck out his tongue at her completing the impression perfectly. She stuck hers out in turn and hid her giggle behind her hand watching the very agitated man move sharply about the kitchen.

After about ten minutes Snape's thumping and clanging subdued and Draco felt it was safe enough to talk, "So how'd you sleep?"

He could tell by the way she was resting her head on her arms that it hadn't been all that restful. Though his eyes did wander down her back to a bit of skin that been exposed, he could see the base of a scar marring her lightly freckled skin and shift uncomfortably in his chair.

She mumbled something incoherent into her arms and he leaned forward a bit. "Huh?"

"Please don't ask me questions before coffee..." She said on the intake of breath as she sat herself up. It was perfect timing. She smiled taking the cup that was placed in front of her.

Draco raised a brow his eyes shooting up. He shook his head at Snape's unspoken question, he didn't really care for coffee himself. His eyes went back to Granger nearly moaning into her cup as she took a long sip.

"Right..." He shifted back a bit suddenly very interested in the dynamic between the two. Something had happened before they came downstairs, he was sure of it. He remained quiet as he watched the both of them drink their coffee as the fresh toast browned in the toaster. A smirk tugged at his lips. Snape had done something nice. Something nice for her. He tried to think of all the possibilities his mind spinning in directions that held no merit.

Hermione glanced to Draco furrowing her brows at the haughty smirk on his face. 'What?' She mouthed keeping one eye on Snape as he started plating their breakfast.

Draco waggled his brows and smirked suggestively. Flicking his chin towards Snape. 'What'd he do?'

Hermione looked a bit cross at his innuendo. She didn't think Snape would appreciate the quip and she found she didn't like the way he was looking at the both of them. She was about to toss a napkin at him when Snape turned around. Both young adults sat up a bit straighter.

Severus didn't miss the exchange but he did like the way Granger responded to his Godson's goading. As a sign of appreciation, he set her plate down first before pausing at Draco's setting. He leaned down close to the boy's ear whispering something that only the two of them were privy to.

Hermione raised her brow taking a bite of her eggs watching the smug look disappear from the blonds face. He even winced slightly when Snape set the plate in front of him. With a rushed 'Thank you' he hurriedly put something into his mouth that wasn't in danger of being his foot.

Hermione smirked slightly sipping her coffee, she kept a watch on Draco from the corner of her eye. Serves him right. She turned her gaze forward as Severus sat across unaware of just how much her face mirrored his own.

Breakfast continued on with little to no conversation. Hermione was content with that as her brain started coming to life. She allowed herself to go into deep thought. A small tapping at her plate reminded her to finish eating and she bent down to abide the request.

Draco finished first, hastily taking his plate to the sink he wiped his hands on his trousers. "The carriage should be here in about 20 minutes." He excused himself through the backdoor.

Severus watched him run with his tail between his legs. With a smirk, he turned back towards Hermione finding her lost in thought again and tapped her plate with his fork once more. She had only two bites left. She started then went back to it.

He stood taking his plate to the sink, he cast a charm for the dishes to start washing themselves and moved towards the cabinet, he pulled her potions out first setting them beside her now finished plate before pulling a few other things out. Since he wouldn't have immediate access he brought a little of everything in case she fell ill while they were out. He set them neatly inside his magically expanded box making sure they were secure.

Hermione fidgeted slightly in her seat watching as he placed the salve for her back into the box. Her back twinged wantonly and she bit her lip before taking a slow inhale.

"Could...could you put that on before we go?" Her voice felt small to her ears.

Severus paused and pulled the salve back out. He supposed sleeping on a cold floor hadn't been conducive to her healing and didn't really find anything medically wrong with the request. He noticed her fidget and set the jar onto the table.

"I see no reason why not." He turned slowly, "If... you agree to not sleep on the floor anymore."

Her brow twitched in time with her back and she lowered her eyes looking at the table. She had wondered how he had felt about the matter but hadn't found the proper time to discuss the issue. She swallowed, as she tried to decide the proper course.

Severus watched her closely, he had been planning to discuss her little sleep over during the carriage ride. He listened in on her thoughts, she was leaning closer to just suffering through the pain if it meant she could sleep in the same room with him. It unsettled him just how much the girl was so infatuated with his presence.

His jaw ticked, "Instead," he drawled catching her eyes, "I would prefer if you..." He lingered, what did he truly prefer? "Make your request for my presence known." It was the best he could do. Even he didn't like the way the words tasted on his tongue. His arms tightened against his side.

"I...agree." Hermione couldn't have asked for more, not from him. She had felt exceedingly guilty for sneaking into his room. Though she hadn't forgotten how she'd woken on the bed, she was fairly sure she hadn't done that in her sleep. She gave him a gentle smile as he swept passed. His movements sharp as he moved into the sitting room. She heard the groan of the lounge returning to its original design and pushed herself up.

Hermione followed him into the sitting room after downing her two potions and placing her empty plate in the sink. She shuddered as she stood. He was just pulling his chair closer and adjusting the table out of his way when she stepped in. She bit her bottom lip a bit as she came around.

"Thank you...for...not being angry at me..." She felt it needed to be said but was also aware that it needed to be said very carefully. She knew he probably wasn't elated to find her camped beside his bed. But he had made the conscious choice not to throw her out head first.

He accepted her apology with a nod of his head stepping back to allow her to move onto the lounge. He took a seat in his chair setting the salve on the arm.

"Same as yesterday." He instructed watching her tuck her arms into her sides. She kept her head facing him and her golden eyes seemed to be watching his every move. With practiced ease, he let his face fall perfectly blank as he ran his wand down the back of her sweater. The first layer parted easily and he started on the second, as it fell away he paused. She was wearing something she most certainly wasn't wearing yesterday. He made a bit of a face when he looked a bit closer. The hooks over the clasp were pushing into the frail skin, he could already see a small tear along the seam, the blood being soaked into the band. His lip curled as he set his wand onto the lounge.

"What?" Hermione didn't move as she noticed his grimace but her brows furrowed in concern. She tried to look over her shoulder jostling the hands that had come near.

"Keep still." He growled moving to the edge of his chair. He let out a small breath, his large fingers slipping under the band. She gasped when the metal was pulled from her skin. It was easily unfastened and it slipped away under the other layers he'd parted sending a tingle all along her sides. A small bubble of blood grew in the hole and he pulled one hand back pulling his handkerchief from his pocket. He grumbled under his breath and he pressed the white clothe into the small wound.

Hermione was doing her best to keep her breathing even. It didn't hurt, in fact, she'd hardly felt the metal being pulled out, it was just the idea that he had unfastened it that was grinding her mind to a halt. Her eyes searched his completely passive face. His hands didn't linger or move anywhere they shouldn't have, he was as clinical as a doctor as he pulled back the clothe checking the severity of the cut. It wasn't that deep and the blood had already slowed to a near stop. He didn't even blink as he picked up his wand pressing it near the wound, her skin gave a little spark of protest before neatly knitting closed.

"You'll want to remove that after we're finished." He said placidly setting his handkerchief on the arm taking the salve in turn. He kept himself closed completely off, from her and himself as he dipped three fingers into the salve. Deciding to get on with it as fast as possible he leaned forward again.

Hermione snapped her jaw closed, her eyes going wide as the first swipe was made. It was cold! She curled her toes inside her trainers arching her back. She shook her head a little and hid her face in her hand, only peeking out from time to time from between her fingers whenever he pulled away.

When he reached the base of her spine he pulled back closing the jar with a snap. He stood going around the edge of the chair. "Stay." He warned as he started towards the kitchen.

Hermione wasn't going anywhere, despite the warm relaxing feeling growing in her muscles her mind and eyes were on full alert. She waited until he was around the kitchen door frame before giving her hips a little wiggle testing out her lower back muscles. Then glanced over her shoulder to try and see the mark her bra had left behind.

She huffed, there was no way to possibly see it without a mirror. She hadn't wanted to even put it on that morning but she figured she needed to be somewhat decent as they were going to be leaving the house. She was greatly regretting the decision, she was sure the man was nearly ready for a stroke having to touch her so much.

She glanced back over her skin finding curiously, she was completely okay with the idea. She knew he wasn't trying to take advantage of the situation in the slightest. He was, as he had always been, her caretaker above all else. She let out a small puff of air as she relaxed back down into the lounge. She was starting to wonder if that was all she wanted from him anymore.

Severus tucked the salve into the box, his movements sharp and precise as he snapped the small chest closed, strapping down the locks. He was staying blissfully neutral and he quite liked that very much. He had kept the connection between them closed this time, relieved that she didn't moan like a cat in heat. It was very grating to his senses. The day was still too young for this sort of distraction. He shrunk down the chest slipping it into his pocket. The sooner they had a solution, the sooner he could return to his solitude. That's what he wanted right?

Hermione opened her eyes when his sharp heels echoed into the sitting room and stayed perfectly still as he instructed. She watched him come over, his face was still blank and it made her want to slap him. Her fingers twitched ready and waiting to abide her thoughts. She held herself back and focused instead on their theories from the night before. Her skin tingled as the cloth of her shirts were pulled back together. When he slipped his wand back into his sleeve she took his offered hand.

"Downstairs bathroom, door to the left of the stairs." He guided her partially towards the direction.

"Got it..." She walked much more steady with her back not behaving as if it were tied to a spiked pole. She left the entrance way of the sitting room turning her head, she'd never realized there was any other part of the house before.

There was another doorway near the entrance way and she curiously wondered what it held inside. Her eyes noticed the door right where he said it would be and decided not to linger more than necessary. She moved into the bathroom, it was tight, with only enough space for the necessities.

She wiggled her arms under her shirt slipping the offending material off with practiced ease. She pulled it back examining the small amount of blood that had soaked into the warped clasp. It was then she wondered just on earth he wanted her to do with it. A blush was coming to her cheeks now as she thought about asking him that very question.

What was it he insinuated this morning? Something about courage? She smirked at herself in the mirror for a moment before slowly dropping her face. She couldn't do that to him. It wasn't in her nature to be cruel. Her fingers thumbed over the material before glancing around the room. She pulled a small hand towel from its place wrapping the bloodied material into it snugly and completely tucked away. It took far more courage to be kind, she knew that more than anything else. It was the core of her very being. The devil himself could never take that away from her. She glanced at herself once more in the mirror. What was happening to her?