Verse 4

Consciousness returned to me easy and slow. I opened my eyes and stretched languorously, mindful of the pleasant warmth snug against my side. I stole a glance and bit back a laugh. Her hair was sticking out all over, matted behind her head and looking, all in all, like a particularly creative rat's nest. Her face was peaceful and angelic, with her dark lashes creating perfect half moons on her cheeks. My stirring must have awakened her, because those soft, dark petals fluttered and opened. Sleep-drugged amaretto orbs gazed at me and I was treated to a soft smile. It completely melted the hard cauldron of my heart. What I should've realized is that an explosion always accompanies a melted cauldron.

My sweet-tempered Hermione sprung upwards. I had no idea she was capable of such athleticism, or what magnificent set of lungs she possessed.

“Oh My God! It's morning! Oh shite! Oh shite! I'm still here! Oh God... what are we going to do? I can't very well sneak back into my room now! I'll be expelled... you'll be sacked... Oh God... this is all my fault!!”

Truthfully, I was slightly disappointed when she finally ceased her ranting and slid to the floor with a sob. All that jumping around nude had my tadger trying to bore a hole through the duvet... She had wonderfully pert breasts. Tasty, if I remember correctly, but I was getting side-tracked. I narrowed my eyes and sat up as authoritatively as I could while hiding my arousal; she really had hurt my feelings.

“So, Miss Granger,” I intoned coldly, “regretting your decision already? Can't wait to leave the greasy bat, can you...”

“Don't be ridiculous.” She had the nerve to interrupt me in an irritable tone. “The only thing I'll regret is us getting caught.” Her amaretto eyes flashed as she stood defiantly and jutted her stubborn little chin out.

Oh. I had to pause and collect my wits and make sure I didn't look the part of the surprised idiot.

“My apologies then, Hermione, but you have no need to worry. I will ensure no one finds out.” Very good, Severus. Calm her down, she can be hasty with hexes.

She sank into the soft mattress next to me and drew her knees up, wrapping her arms around them. “Prof- Severus, you don't regret anything do you?” Her quiet voice cut through my thoughts.

“No, I make it a point to regret very little lately.” Her small hand intertwined itself in mine. “I have some questions, though, as we were a might hasty last night...” She nodded. “Are you taking any contraceptives?” Her sharp intake of breath answered the question for me before she shook her head. “If something should happen, Hermione, you'd tell me, wouldn't you?” The thought of children put a damper on my amorous feelings, and the tented sheet smoothed out once more.

“Of course, Severus!” She seemed surprised I'd even ask. “Besides, I get the feeling you have a kind of fatalistic attitude about the war,” her voice cracked. “It would be an honor to... to...”

“Shush, Hermione,” I pulled her into my arms and kissed the top of her head. “Looking to carry on the Snape line are you? Plan on taking after Mrs. Weasley?” At that she sat up and glared at me. “Then let's not repeat this until after everything is over. If you still feel the same, and I survive the war to torment future generations, we can try again,” I murmured all this quietly, baring more of my soul than I intended. Her eyes were sparkling through her tears as she nodded and leaned forward to kiss me.

“However, I will put a provision in my will to care for you if you wind up with my child.” She looked surprised when I said that. I brushed her tears with my thumb and tried to smile in a way that wouldn't frighten her.

On the not so dark side... she no longer had the fear of death haunting her eyes.

My beautiful Gryffindor.

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