The carriage ride home was blissfully quiet. Hermione had passed out as soon as it took to the air. Her head resting on Severus' shoulder, her arm moving in her sleep to take hold of his. Severus twitched when her fingers curled around his hand and stared down at them for a long time. His breathing tight, he tried to remember the last time anyone had held his hand. He frowned when nothing came to mind.

With great hesitation and a twinge of curiosity, he wrapped his much larger fingers around her own. It felt so small, so frail, but he knew the strength that it held. His cheek was a great testimony of that fact. But more than that and what frightened him more than anything else; was the way it fit perfectly inside his palm.

His dark eyes moved to her face when he took hold, taking note of her long lashes resting against her cheek. She looked completely at peace. It was surreal after the long day they had had and seeing that brow furrowed with deep concentration. Her nose was small but perfectly completed the symmetry of her face. He tilted his head just a bit more taking in her lips.

They looked soft, lightly pink in color, no doubt from her chewing, a soft smile hidden at the very corner. His jaw twitched at the long-forgotten feeling growing in his chest. He felt sort of warm and a bit soft in the head. He blinked to clear his mind turning his head away to watch the clouds pass by through the window.

His hand didn't leave hers.

oOo

The jostle of their landing sprung open Severus' hand like a mouse trap. He felt Hermione take a deep breath before lifting her head. She untangled her arm from his rubbing at her eye.

"We home?"

Home. Snape paused, he supposed it was a home. At least for the time being, though he would never describe the place as his home; to him, it was merely a place to stay until he could move on. He watched her sleepily rub her face trying to re-coordinate her body. She gave him a lazy smile running her hand through her hair.

He gave her a noncommittal hum pulling his satchel around his shoulder before stepping out. He came around the side as she stepped down. She stumbled just a little but held fast to the door to keep from face planting. Hermione saw his offered elbow and took it without comment, pressing her side into his arm as they made the short walk back into the house. Once there, she allowed him to lead her through the kitchen; though as they reached the landing she made a soft noise.

"I'sti'll wanna work..."

He gave her a look, there was no way she was going to be able to be of use with her words slurred like that.

"We have time."

Hermione let out a soft noise but finally relented to his gentle pulling. They made it upstairs without injury and he started to lead her into her room. She made another low whine, trying to put her feet down. She didn't want to sleep, she wanted to work, she didn't want to deal with the persistent nightmares.

"Pleass..." She tried to turn back but he simply caught her and guided her to sit on the bed. Her eyes were no longer open as she mumbled her protests. Snape ignored her, pulling off her shoes, setting them neatly under the edge of the bed. It took little to no effort to push her back, though her hands pulled on his arms weakly, they eventually fell away near her head. The last words from her lips lingering in the room.

Severus paused. Clearly he hadn't heard her correctly. He dropped the blanket over top watching her sigh heavily and roll onto her side. She couldn't have wanted his bed. More so, she couldn't have wanted him to be in bed with her. She was clearly delusional from exhaustion.

He gave her one backward glance before leaving. He left her door cracked casting a charm to alert him when she woke and set of back downstairs intent on making a light dinner as he'd completely ignored his lunch. He was also curious to look at her corrections without her watching his every move.

First and foremost, Severus unpacked the potions box he had taken with them. Setting everything back into its proper place he realized he hadn't given her her afternoon potions and cursed silently to himself. He weighed the pros and cons of waking her just for that purpose, knowing surely she'd be awake after they started to take effect. He decided a natural rest was just as good for the body and vowed to give her the potions when she woke. He set them out on the table taking note he only had two more doses left.

Severus continued on with his chores, setting out their research on the table. He settled down with a bit of coffee and a light sandwich. He pulled out her corrections first, curious to see what she'd done. His brow furrowed as he read.

Her correction was complex in its simplicity, a minor change that snowballed into something much bigger. He compared them side by side checking and rechecking the equation before he fell back heavily. A look no one had ever seen before crossing his features. He was, completely in awe. She'd done it. She had solved the equation, with no reference, no questions. She had taken one look and was able to solve what he had been fussing over for more than an hour prior to their swap. He glanced up at the ceiling, impossible.

Severus leaned forward, slowly picking at his sandwich. He had thought he knew Hermione Granger: bushy-haired, one-third of the Golden Trio, insufferable hand waving, proud know-it-all, best friend to his constant pain in the arse—but no, it was like he was seeing her—just her—for the very first time.

oOOo

A large black owl swooped low over the Hogwarts grounds before climbing up high. It landed on the open window ledge of the headmaster's tower before hopping inside.

Draco stood gracefully, lightly adjusting his clothes before turning to address who had summoned him. His face was cool with a bit of a smirk at the corner as he came around and sat in the chair facing the desk. He pulled out a shrunk book that he had in his jacket.

"Are they well?"

"Appeared that way." He placed the now resized tome on the desk lightly pushing it toward the witch.

McGonagall raised her brow leaning forward to read its title. She turned her inquisitive glance toward the blond and slowly opened the book.

"Page 394." He murmured, lightly pushing one of her decorative cats, a gift no doubt, along the edge of the desk.

Minerva turned to the correct page pursing her lips as she read. "Do you think it's possible?"

Draco gave a careless shrug, "They did look rather similar today, hunched over the desks."

"I see...May I keep this for now?" She looked over her reading glasses.

"Keep it forever, if you want." He gave her a dismissive wave. "Was that all?"

"For now, yes. Thank you, Mister Malfoy."

He pushed himself up moving toward the window.

"I'm sorry about your Mother."

"It's alright..." Draco didn't turn.

Minerva paused, her mothering instinct was telling her that the boy desperately needed a hug. That he needed someone to care for him but she also knew he was much like Severus in some regards. That any show of weakness would turn him away from her. She settled on something neutral.

"Do let me know when you need the cleaners. I'm sure they'll be able to bring your house to its original magical state."

He nodded his head with a muttered thank you before taking flight out of the window.

Minerva sat back pulling her glasses from her tired eyes.

"He's becoming quite the trust worthy young man." Dumbledore hummed behind her.

Minerva pulled her fingers from her nose, "Yes...so it would seem..." She looked out the window. He just needed the opportunity. Minerva recalled Dumbledore's sage words, thinking back to when she first set out to find the boy. She wasn't used to trusting Slytherin's but she had seen where that road had led her before. Her eyes shifted to the forever sleeping portrait of Severus Snape.

oOOo

Severus looked up when a bell chimed. He grimaced as he continued to stir. He was in the middle of another batch of muscle salve. He couldn't step away now or he'd risk ruining the potion. He decided instead to reach out through their connection. His eyes narrowed as he concentrated on two tasks at once.

Hermione had woke calmly, it was a nice change of pace. She hadn't dreamed and for that, she was immensely grateful. She ran a hand down her face and into her hair pulling herself over the edge of the bed. Her stomach was growling in great protest and mother nature was calling to her. With a groan she pushed herself up. Her legs felt more tired than usual but she forced herself forward into the bathroom.

Severus listened to her inner thoughts, deeming her well, he cut off the connection to focus back on his potion; telling himself when he got to a stopping point he would fetch her from upstairs. He knew that she'd feel weak after having missed her afternoon potions but was relieved that she was able to move somewhat reliably on her own without them.

Hermione made it to the sink turning on the water, she washed her hands before looking into the mirror and gasped at the state of her hair. It was sticking out in rebellion at every possible angle. She hadn't slept that hard had she? With a terse look, she grabbed the comb sitting in the toothbrush holder and set to work trying to tame her mane.

She settled for a loose ponytail just as her legs started to tremble. Hurriedly, she snapped the elastic in place before she felt herself slowly sinking down. With the aid of her arms, she rested at the base of the pedestal sink and took a breath. A growl left her throat and she thunked her head back against the hard porcelain.

"Ow...okay...not your brightest idea Hermione..." She hissed and rubbed the back of her head, rubbing where her ponytail had pushed into her skull. Forcibly calmed, she turned looking between Severus' door and her own. Logic dictated that his was much closer, though reason told her it was a dangerous choice.

Going on the simple fact that her ever present caretaker hadn't come to check on her, she assumed him to be sleeping. She watched his door for what felt like an eternity, trying to hear anything on the other side; during which a cold feeling of fear washed through her. What if he hadn't come because he couldn't? What if he was injured or worse? What if the creature had somehow gotten from her mind into his?

The rising panic spurred her onto her hands and knees towards his door. Using its handle she dragged her uncooperative body to its feet and pushed through. She clutched the door frame, her eyes shooting to his bed. It was empty, that thought brought little consolation as she released the door frame sliding back down.

"Professor?" Her throat was too tight to be heard downstairs.

She crawled over to his door, it was partially open and she swung it out of her way, "Professor?"

She could hear nothing but the blood rushing through her ears as she crawled to the landing. Pausing, she looked down the steep steps before shifting so she was sitting at the top. Using her legs and arms she started to slide her way down over the steps.

"Proffe-" Her words died in her throat as the man appeared at the base. Her ragged breathing slowly released and she sagged back. He looked fine, extremely cross but alive. She closed her eyes tight, letting the fear roll out of her.

"What are you doing?" Snape's heavy steps shook the floor beneath making her eyes pop open. He reached down taking her by her arm.

Hermione squeaked, trying to get her legs to support her, still coming down from her panic, a new fear growing inside.

"What did I say about the stairs?" He growled in her ear as she pressed heavily against him trying to orient herself.

"I know, I'm sorry I just-" she rambled gasping when his arm went under her knees. She clutched tighter to his coat as her world turned on its end.

"You what?" He huffed turning to take the rest of the stairs. "Suddenly remembered your insatiable need for rule breaking?"

His words hit her like a punch to the stomach. It wasn't what he said but how he said it. Her face fell and her throat clenched, she could feel the tears coming to the corner of her eyes before anger took over her tongue.

"I was scared!" She released his shoulder, hitting his chest with the bottom of her fist.

Snape halted, her blow hadn't hurt him but it suddenly became very clear that his lash out had hurt her. He took a slow breath looking down at her.

Her eyes swam with a variety of emotions all of which he could see she was holding back. The one that bothered him the most was the hurt. He swallowed down his shame, lowering the girl onto her trembling legs.

"I was scared..." She repeated, her words softer now, her hand resting flat against his coat. Her eyes traced her fingers path unable to look him in the eyes. "That...that the creature had somehow gotten you..." She swallowed down the rest of her emotions, her breathing still excited.

"A nightmare?" He asked as she slowly slid down to the floor, stuck in place by the hold she had taken on his trousers.

Hermione shook her head. She wondered if it was wise to reveal what she had thought. She wasn't too keen on another verbal blow, so she just released his pant leg wrapping her arms around her stomach.

Snape watched her retreat into herself, the sight making his heart twinge. He opened the connection listening in on her reasoning, shocked to find the girl cared not only for her own health but his as well. She was guilty, an emotion he knew very well but also determined to make sure that he wouldn't be injured in any way for helping her. That he would remain even if she couldn't. The last thought struck him hard. The girl was more than willing to sacrifice herself for him.

Stuck at an impasse, he remained standing over her until a muted boom followed by a thick puff of smoke caught his attention. He hissed stepping around her quickly, ripping open the back door so the smoke wouldn't spread through the house. He pulled his wand from the table quickly stabilizing the mess that his potion had turned into. It would be useless now and he growled low vanishing its contents and turning off the burner beneath. His eyes shot accusingly at the girl who remained in the hall and his glare dissolved away almost instantly. It was his own fault, he knew. With a controlled breath, he cleared away the residual mess letting the girl come to him when she felt ready.

Hermione held herself tightly, her fingers rubbing along her sides as she wished it were someone else holding her. She closed her eyes tight as she pushed back everything inside. She could feel her emotions bouncing about inside her empty space. She wished so much she could have just one memory of comfort.

Anything to help her; she searched and searched inside, trying to bring herself any consolation. Her inner eye rounded on a memory that felt a lifetime ago, there was no image but she could feel his body pressed against hers. It was the first time she had entered his mind, she had rested back against him on the lounge. The feeling of his arms coming around to keep her head still and focused.

She held herself a bit tighter, focusing on the feeling he had given her in that moment. The feeling of unadulterated safety and confidence. That memory melted into another—still, no image came to her but the sensation of his arms wrapped against her back, her head pressed lightly into his chest as he slept washed over her. She inhaled deeply, she could almost smell him. The warmth from the memories flooded through her senses and she no longer felt alone. His harsh tone melted away revealing the care beneath. She had scared him, she realized.

Her eyes opened to the deep wood floor and she raised them up. Feeling stronger now, she unwrapped her hold and turned to push herself up to her feet. They trembled but didn't give way as she cautiously moved into the kitchen. Hermione paused, watching him clear away the destroyed potion; her deep golden hues taking in everything about him.

The way he moved was precise and held no wasted effort. His hands held long thin fingers and large palms. They moved with practiced ease over everything they touched. His back was straight and stiff but his movements retained a sort of snappish grace. His hair was lank with a light curl around the bottom that moved only slightly when he turned. His nose was his most striking facial feature but she felt it fit his face perfectly. His narrowed square jaw that held those forever thinned lips gave way to the deepness of his eyes.

Hermione swallowed as she caught them in her own. His posture straightened as if he was preparing for battle. She simply watched all the minute changes to his face as his mind turned. To most, he was surely a wall of indifference but to her, she could see everything so clearly. She gave him a sorrowful smile.

"I'm sorry."

His words struck her a bit off balance. Her brows rose as she didn't believe to have heard him correctly. Not with a face that looked truly remorseful. She carefully came closer, using the chair to keep herself standing. He met her halfway and she half expected him to touch her, it did appear like he had thought about it before his hand moved firmly back to his side.

"I...appreciate... your concern over my well being." His eyes searched hers for any sign that he had read the situation wrong, that he had misunderstood.

Hermione felt something entirely new welling in her chest as she watched the exceedingly powerful man bow his head to her. It was so much more than she ever would have expected from him. She couldn't stop herself from running her fingers through his soft, surprisingly thick hair, pushing it back from his bowed head to gently rest behind his neck.

"I forgive you." Her voice gentle and kind, she caught his dark gaze before carefully moving herself closer. She slipped her hands down wrapping them around his back as she held him tight.

Hermione held him until she felt him start to relax, she'd never noticed how firm his back was until it started to release the tension it held. She was just about to speak when her stomach growled loudly shattering their beautiful moment of humanity. She shook her head letting her arms drag against his waist as she tried to suppress a giggle.

She sat down heavily, thankful that the chair was actually behind her and still giggling, wrapped her hands around her stomach. She chanced a glance up and blinked in surprise as she saw the man's lip threaten to join her frivolity.

"I'll find you something." Severus' tone had never felt so light as he turned away to make her a roast beef sandwich.

Hermione thanked him between her giggles drawing in a breath to try and calm herself down. She noticed her two potions at the corner of the table and reached for them.

"May I?" She asked not wanting to ruin the man's obviously much better mood. He glanced over his shoulder before nodding his head.

Hermione smiled and pulled them closer uncorking one she tipped it back grimacing as the small bolt ran through her. It felt stronger, leaving a lingering tingle over her nerves. She shook out her head before taking the next one.

The sound of a vial shattering against the tile floor made Severus' blood run cold.