Chapter 5

Disclaimer: See previous chapters for clever response! :)

Thanks go to amsev for reading over this for me. What a gem! And thanks also to Felicius21 for helping out.

"Would you mind checking this over for me?" Hermione asked as she straightened and stretched, yawning heavily.

"If you're tired, you should just let me take over."

"Well, we've been at this for nearly two days. Don't you ever sleep?"

He smirked. "I don't think it wise for you to try to keep up with me, my dear."

Hermione smiled, arching her back slightly as she tried to soothe the ache on its lower section. "Standing and stirring all this while... ouch."

"It's not the right color."

Instantly, her fatigue slid away, and she gazed down into the cauldron. "It's orange."

"More of a yellow." He moved by her and opened the tome once again, flipping a few pages from the center. "Look at this." His index finger tapped a picture of what their finished potion should look like.

"You're right of course," she said with a frown. "Maybe if it sits a while?"

"Possibly. We shall see. Let it simmer."

"All right." She leaned down and adjusted the flame to where it was barely visible beneath the dark cauldron. "I hope this works." Again, she placed a hand on her lower back and rubbed.

"Come." He gestured for her to precede him out their lab.

Not needing to be told twice, she quickly led him down into the living room, sitting on the couch immediately and letting out a long sigh. "This feels great."

"I'll be right back," he said and went to his bedroom.

She closed her eyes and thought about how great it felt to let her lids rest. Why had she not listened to him and slept a little more? How come she, almost half his age, couldn't keep up with him?

"Hermione?"

She startled, having not heard him return.

"You were sleeping," he accused.

"No, just resting my eyes," she said with a small smile.

"And snoring, which indicates to me you were sleeping."

"I don't snore!"

"Yes, you do," he said with a smirk.

She looked over at Crookshanks in that instant and regretted it. His gaze seemed to be saying that she did indeed snore. "Clearly, I need my sleep," she grumbled. "I don't want to stop this though. I want to see if it will come out right."

"I've this," Snape said, shoving a tube of something into her hand.

"What is it?"

"If you rub it into your skin, it will soothe your aches," he said, moving to sit in the chair across from her."

"I... Would you?"

He paused before his bum hit the cushion and shot up awkwardly. "You want me to apply this?"

"Well, if you wouldn't mind," she began crossly, "I haven't anything you can catch from touching me, you know!"

With his eyes narrowed dangerously, he snatched the tube from her and made a circle in the air with his finger. "Turn over then."

She did so, sprawling herself along the length of the couch, hiding her face within the cushions so that he couldn't see the redness in her cheeks as he lifted the back of her blouse up...all the way up past her pink bra strap. Inwardly, she cursed herself for wearing pink that day. Why had she chosen something so... girlie? If she'd known that he would have seen her bra, she'd have picked something more professional... something he'd approve of and relate to maturity. She held in a snicker as a satiny, black bra with heavy straps, stiff cups and pesky underwires flashed through her mind. Luckily, she always dressed for comfort and not style.

However, all amusement left her mind when his hands began rubbing in the salve. It was quite warm, and the more firmly he pressed against her, the more she felt little jolts filter through her aching muscles beneath his kneading fingers. The effect was simultaneous. "Ahh... yesss, God, that feels so good," she said, not caring that she sounded as if she were having sex.

"If I..." His voice cracked slightly, and his fingers faltered. "If the wind of a fan would blow on this, it would heat up more... quickly easing your pain further."

Unable to resist and not sure why, she said, "Blow on it." His fingers stopped their firm circular motion. "Oh, please, don't stop." And then she sucked in a sharp, raspy breath as she felt him shift and lightly blow on her skin. She could feel the flesh of her back heat further, yet there were chills forming on her arms and a tingling in her stomach. It was probably the most intimate position she'd been in... in a very long time.

And then his fingers and palms began working her flesh again, coupling with the gentle breaths he blew. She'd never felt so at ease, so relaxed... so drowsy. "Don't stop," she whispered before drifting off into a much-needed rest.

Later, she awoke just as the first light of dawn was making its way across the sky. He'd placed a pillow beneath her head and had covered her with the duvet from the bed in her room. She wiped her eyes to grind the sleep away and sat up, body feeling refreshed, no pain remaining. The tube was on the table next to her couch, its top screwed on tightly. How much longer had he rubbed her aches away? Was he still awake? What had happened with the potion?

Picking up her pillow and the duvet, she made her way towards her door, noticing that there was a large opening in his door. Peering into the dark room, she was able to discern his form on his bed, thanks to the minute light filtering in from the side of his drawn curtain. Before she turned to continue to her room, she realized that he was still dressed in the trousers and shirt he'd been wearing. Wanting to return the favor, she quietly entered his room. Since he was sleeping on his duvet, she dared not wake him by trying to get it out from under him. Instead, she placed her own over him, knowing she could always grab a spare blanket from her closet.

She gazed down at him for a moment and smiled softly. A lock of hair had fallen over one of his eyes. She reached down to gently push it away from his face, letting her fingers linger for a moment on his cheekbone. They'd been getting on well enough since she'd returned from Grimmauld place a few days before. He chose not to speak of what she'd seen at his home, and she chose to not ask any questions. They'd been working together companionably, and he'd been keeping his bitter comments to himself. She'd not been able to visit with Harry or Ron, as she and he had been working on the potion for Ginny, so she couldn't help but to wonder if Harry had gone to the Ministry yet to get Severus his freedom. She hoped so, feeling as though he'd be pleased.

With a small sigh, she fixed his curtain so that the intruding light was snuffed out and made her way back to the doorway, her own pillow still under her arm.

As she closed the door, Severus opened his eyes and gazed up at the ceiling. He shouldn't have allowed her to cover him... or to touch him. Why hadn't he let it be known that he wasn't sleeping? That he'd only just come to bed moments before?

"Because you wanted to see what she'd do," he said to himself quietly, bitterness tainting his words. How ridiculous! He hadn't expected her to touch his face, and he hadn't expected to relish the feel of being touched... by a woman's delicate fingers...her fingers. Flashes of the way her soft skin moved beneath his fingers came to mind. And that voice! How long had it been since he'd heard a woman speak to him that way? Too long, which explained how it had made him feel.

With a nod, he closed his eyes. That was it. That was the answer. It had been a while since he'd had the company of a woman...things had been too hectic for the last couple of years. He'd need to find a way to visit one of his old partners and soon. Otherwise, he might do something stupid and... kiss the girl.

No. I will not. Not even I will be that desperate... or that lonely. This was a girl who thought that the best way to help him was to imprison him in her home and attempt to force him to work on potions for people he didn't particularly care for. Of course, he would have helped anyway, but they'd never given him the chance, had they? No, they'd simply assumed he'd let innocent people die and be unwilling to help.

It was then he thought of the long dead woman that had haunted his dreams and had invaded his mind for most of his life. What would she think about this? He turned over and tried to push those thoughts from his mind. However, it was hard not to think of Hermione Granger... as the duvet he was buried beneath held her scent so perfectly. He inhaled deeply and finally allowed sleep to come.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione woke again near noon and noticed immediately that Snape's door was still closed. As quietly as possible, she bathed, dressed, and went to the kitchen to prepare lunch. While she was turning the oven on to preheat, there was a knock at her door.

"Harry!" she said happily as she opened it and eyed her friend. "I've been hoping to come by, but I never had the chance." His visit could only mean one thing. He'd done it! He'd talked to the Ministry and had Severus' freedom granted.

He pulled a rolled up parchment from his robes. "Where's Snape?" he asked, looking behind her.

"Come in," she said before lowering her voice and adding, "the kitchen." She nodded towards Snape's door. "He's still asleep."

"At this time?"

"Yes, we had a late night... Busy few days actually."

"Doing what?" Harry asked, following her to her table.

"Working on the potion for Ginny of course. What did you think?" She grinned. "Things are working out all right. Better than I'd thought."

"Well, that's good," he said glumly.

"Yes, it is. What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing about that. It's just... Pansy and Daphne are driving me mad. And the worst of it is Pansy and Ron. All they do is argue and goad each other. I almost want to tell him to...er..."

"To what?" she asked encouragingly.

"Ah, nothing."

"Tell me."

He looked extremely uncomfortable for a moment, but then he said, "It seems like maybe they should have a shag already and get it out of their system."

Hermione's face paled. "Is he interested in her?"

"No, no," Harry said quickly. "It just seems that... you know... the tension." He waved his hand. "I shouldn't have said that, Hermione. I don't know what I was thinking."

"It's all right, Harry. He's not my boyfriend any longer." She frowned. "It does seem odd, though, the thought of him and someone else."

"He loves you still," Harry blurted. "It was you who..."

She held up her hand. "I know, I know. It's all right." To prove to him that she was serious, she smiled. "If something should come out of this, then I guess it was meant to be, right?"

"Here," he said, pushing the parchment over to her in an obvious attempt to change the subject. "Thought you'd like to see this and brought it over myself."

"Are these his papers?"

"Papers?"

"You said you'd give him what he wanted."

"And I have." He nodded to the parchment.

When she unrolled it, her smile faded. "The Daily Prophet?"

He beamed brightly. "Read it. First page, just there."

The Chosen One Speaks Out!

An Exclusive Interview with Rita Skeeter

Harry Potter contacted me, hoping that I had time to grant him an interview. Well, who wouldn't make time for the Chosen One, especially when he has something delicious to divulge? Of course, as he and I go back a long way, it is I he decided to contact, what with all of my connections and excellent writing ability. But enough about me.

Time is short, isn't it? And it makes sense that either Miss Daphne Greengrass or Miss Pansy Parkinson would make a suitable partner for him! What a way to prove to the world that the time of discriminating against people for old deeds is a thing of the past! Good luck to you, Harry Potter! And thanks for the exclusive interview!

Hermione set the paper down and met Harry's gaze squarely. "What the hell is this, Harry?"

He sat back, shocked. "What do you mean? He wanted recognition, and I gave it to him!"

"No, he doesn't want that, Harry! He just wants his respect and to be free. Now you've taken what he's done and made it into some..."

A cough alerted them to someone else's presence. "I could hear the two of your from across the room." He nodded at Harry, eyes narrowed. "Potter."

"Snape," Harry greeted in return before facing Hermione again. "Well, I'm sorry if that's how you see it. I thought it to be the best way to get the truth out there."

She tried to cover the Prophet, but Severus must have spotted something on it referring to him, and he snatched it away from her. He held the paper in front of his face, and she couldn't see his expression, but she saw the knuckles of his fingers whitening as his grip tightened.

"Severus, he didn't mean to..."

"It appears," he began, "that I should give you thanks, Potter."

Harry nodded. "Think nothing of it."

"Thanks for once again seeing to it that any good someone has done, no matter how grand, comes off as insignificant next to your life and problems. Thanks for discussing a most private matter with Skeeter and the world. Thanks for living up to my expectations and more, Potter."

Without another word, Severus turned on his heel and went to the attic doorway and disappeared. Harry turned to her, incredulous expression on his face, "Well, what the hell was that all about? I didn't want Skeeter to ask about Ginny! And she put a different spin on what I said anyway. He should know that!"

"That's not the point, Harry." Hermione sighed and put her head in her hands. All the progress she and Severus had made would be tossed out the window. She doubted he'd believe she had nothing to do with it. Well, she did have something to do with it, didn't she? If she hadn't gone to Harry, he'd still have his dignity in tact. "He just wants to be free. I thought you'd go to the Wizengamot and explain that he shouldn't be forced to do anything... that he wants to do it of his own accord... that he deserves to be treated with respect."

Harry stood and pushed his chair under the table. "You know how that lot is! I just thought everyone should know. Do you think they'll keep him this way now that it's public? I wouldn't be surprised if they aren't getting Howlers asking for Snape's release."

"But it's your word that matters to them, Harry."

"This is my bloody word, Hermione! Now they'll have no choice but to do what's right. Do you think I gave that cow an interview for my own gain?" He turned and stormed out, leaving Hermione alone and upset.

Sadly, she rose and turned off her oven, deciding sandwiches would be best. As she did so, she heard Crookshanks' loud screech and his little paws pounding down the stairs as he fled the attic. She ran out to see what had happened, but he'd already ran to cower under the couch.

Angrily, she made her way upstairs. "What the hell did you do to my cat?" she asked.

Severus, who was flicking his wand to clean up the mess of a spilled potion, paused and glared at her. "That beast is NOT to come up here! Look what he's done! He knocked over the cauldron, and nearly all of the potion is gone. We won't be able to test this on Miss Weasley with only half a phial's dosage!"

"He didn't do it on purpose," she retorted hotly. "And I believe you were the last one up, which means YOU didn't close the door to keep him out."

"We'll need a test subject, one whose body size can take such a small dose, and I know just which pesky cat I'm going to use." He made towards the doorway.

"You will not touch my cat!" she said, wand drawn. "I don't care how lousy of a day you're having, but what Harry did is not Crooks' fault! Nor is it mine! I just thought he'd do the right thing, and he only thought that what he did was..."

"You asked Potter to do this?"

"No! I told him how I felt and explained that you didn't deserve to be forced to live here, that you should be granted your freedom. I didn't think he'd do this. I thought..."

"I should have known! I told you already that I do not want to be any of your projects, Granger!" He put his wand away and pointed to the overturned cauldron. "This sets us back another few days. That's another few days I'll have to stay in this miserable flat you call home! Another few days I'll have to put up with your bloody annoying questions, and..."

"Piss off, you arse! This isn't my fault!" Hermione yelled, quickly turning and making her way to the couch to fetch Crookshanks. Once she had him, she went to her room, all thoughts of making lunch and working with Snape forgotten. How could she have been fooled into thinking he was anything more than the arsehole she'd just left upstairs. Sure, what Harry did wasn't the right thing, but he hadn't done it purposely.

Now they were both angry with her. "Fine," she muttered, cuddling her cat closer. "We'll get this potion done, and hopefully, he'll get out of our lives for good, Crooks. We don't need him."

Southern's Notes: Well, damn. That went south. More up soon. Thanks for all the feedback. I appreciate it. If you're bored, I have another WIP going at the moment ("Flight of the Prince"). There are more chapters in that one.