When Snape read the note, his face dropped in shock at her outburst
But deep down he knew he deserved it
'She actually wants my friendship? The nasty dungeon bat?' He though to himself
Shaking his head in disbelief
He felt guilty because he knew she was right, he was kind to her and then pushed her away
Like he always has with people her cares for.
'I'm no worse than that bloody Weasley' he groaned
Snape knew he needed to change his behaviour, but he was unsure if he could
He was set in his ways, and had personally hand built the wall he kept around him
He put so much effort into building it he was not about to knock it all down just to have to rebuild it again when someone decides to piss on him again

The next day Hermione met up with everyone at breakfast
"How did it go last night?" Harry asked "I'll tell you later" she smiled
He nodded in understanding.
"Hey 'Mione you look good today" Ron smiled "Thanks Ron" she said narrowing her eyes at the ginger scoffing his eggs
After breakfast Harry and Hermione went for a walk down to the black lake and she told him everything that happened the night before.
"He said that? Really?" Harry was shocked

"Yes, he actually said that and then he backtracked just like Ron does" she told him
"Yeah but it's kind of different with Snape, he has to control himself where as Ron... well Ron is just Ron" Harry picked up a stone and threw it into the lake
It bounced along for a few seconds before plopping in

"How did you get it to do that?" Hermione asked
"You need to use flat ones, and throw then from an angle like this.."  He demonstrated
She finally mastered it and headed back to the castle, they actually had class this morning as it was Friday.

After class had finished Harry and Hermione just hung out in their common room
"I was thinking you know..." Harry began
"You remember Fart gate at the beginning of term? Well, when you argued with Snape down at the black lake you told him to enjoy his farts...."
"Yes Harry I'm aware" Hermione rolled her eyes
"Well you said he blushed afterwards so he must have known that you were out that night"
"Yeah, so?" She quizzed
"So why didn't he ask you what you were doing out that night?"
"I don't know, maybe because he is embarrassed, just like he would have been after the twins
Prank" Hermione sneered
"Jeez Hermione don't get your knickers in a twist, you really do have it bad don't you" Harry jibed

"I so do not, it's just a tiny crush"
Harry arched an eyebrow.
"So do you know what you're gonna get in Hogsmeade tomorrow?" Hermione asked determined to change the subject
"Not much really, maybe some new quiddich gear, some player cards, some sweets...you?"
"There's a book I want about modern magic, plus a few clothes and stuff"
"I just can't wait to get out of this place, it's like a prison when there is nothing to do" Harry laughed
"That's what I told you weeks ago!" Hermione beamed, he finally got it

"I'm going to lunch are you coming?" Harry asked Hermione
"No I'm just gonna stay here, I'm not that hungry i had way too much munch at breakfast
I could have rolled to the black lake" she laughed
"Ok, well I'll see you later" Harry said smiling as he bounced out of the door

That evening after dinner Hermione headed to the dungeons
Snape was just arriving at the door himself so she called out "Professor"
"Call me Severus" he groaned and opened the door letting them both inside
'Did he just offer me to call him Severus?' She couldn't believe it

"Hermione, before we do any marking I just want to talk to you for a moment if I may?" He said calmly
Hermione nodded and took a seat next to his.
"Last night, your owl was full of anger but everything you told me was correct as always
So I have decided we should be on first name terms when in private. Also, I meant the things I told you and I'm glad that I made you feel better. In fact I could possibly stretch to doing so more often" he sighed searching her eyes for a reaction

"Thank you Severus" Hermione smiled trying to hide her blushing
"No need to thank me, that's what friends are for" he smiled
"I know it's hard for you to be kind, I know you feel vulnerable Severus"
"What?" Severus looked at her questioningly, and also unsure of how much of his history she knew
"I mean I can see you've had a tough life, people don't just become cold and hard, and terrify their students for no reason" she nudged him in the arm with a laugh
Severus chuckled and wondered how that girl understood him so much

"Right, let's make a start on the papers we have a lot to go through" he snapped in his usual cool tone
Hermione wasn't upset by it, because she knew now, She knew it was not the real Severus.
Silence filled the room as they marked 1st and 2nd year essays for well over two hours
Occasionally they would look at each other, but not at the same time
When Hermione finished marking the final paper she placed down the red pen and sat back in her chair. Severus looked at her and smirked
"I do not envy you Professor, I really don't. I have no idea how you do it"

"Yes and on so little sleep, you could say I'm a superhero" he joked
"What do you mean on so little sleep?" Hermione asked rather worried
Severus saw the worry in her eyes and felt at ease
"I haven't slept much in the last 20 years" he said sadly "I guess one could call me an insomniac"
Hermione placed her hand on his and squeezed it

"Do you want to talk about it?" She asked
"No" he said pulling his hand away, he looked up at her and gave her a small forced smile
'At least he's trying' she thought to herself

"Well, I will see you tomorrow night Severus although I might be a little late because I'm going into Hogsmeade" he nodded in understanding and saw her to the door
She said goodnight, and he said goodnight in return.
Just as she began to walk away she heard him call her "Hermione?"   
"Yes?" She asked turning her head back to him,  
"Nothing, it doesn't matter" he told her with sad eyes and closed the door.

Hermione could not believe what happened, she felt like he was crying out for someone
It was as if he was hurting in some way, she wished he would open up
She decided to send an owl before she went to bed, he wouldn't be asleep after all
So after she showered and read a few chapters of her favourite book, she wrote the owl and sent it.

******
Severus

What is it that you wanted to tell me?
Please be honest

H.G
*******

Hermione waited for hours and she still hadn't heard back, she sighed and decided to give up for the night, her bed was calling her and she was tired.
She walked into the girls bedroom and saw Severus' beautiful owl on her bed with its back to her.
'Must have left the window open' she thought and approached it to retrieve the note
But the bird flew off out the window into the night sky
"No, come back" she called after it but it didn't return
She turned back to her bed and her mouth dropped open in shock

The owl had left something on her pillow

A single red rose.