Late in the evening Hermione had snuck back to the infirmary from the kitchens, a house elf named Trixie had helped her concoct a small bag of goodies. Also she had two books in her sachel to leave for Proffesor Snape to read at his leisure.

She checked that Madame Pomfrey wasn't around, as it was after visiting hours and approached the ill wizard with caution. "Professor Snape? Are you sleeping?" She asked as she saw his onyx eyes were hidden by the lids of his eyes.
"No, I'm just trying to keep Poppy away" he smirked slightly.

"I brought you some treats! there's a sandwich, some liquorice wands and a piece of chocolate cake.." she smiled, placing the small bag on his lap. He struggled to sit up so badly, he gave up and came to a half way position.
"Why? Why did you do this?" He asked sceptically. "Everyone deserves some goodies when they are unwell." She replied with a smile. "Thank you, you are too kind. Probably way to kind for what I deserve..." he spoke sadly.

"Don't let me hear you say those things again Mister, you are a good man wether you like it or not." Hermione chuckled, reaching over to help him unwrap the slice of cake. He had one hand completely paralysed.. one with limited movement and he could not walk. Madame Pomfrey said it was a matter of time, to see as to wether he would regain his abuility to use his right hand or walk.

Hermione believed in him though, and she was determined to see the day when he swished through the corridors with his robes billowing behind him, once again.

"Ooh! I almost forgot! I also brought you these.." she smiled, reaching into her bag and retrieving two books. One a muggle publication and the other from the wizarding world. Snape scanned the covers as she held them up. 'Ancient Potions of Africa' by Rudolph Xellius and 'Sense & Sensibility' by Jane Austin.

"You need not have gone to so much trouble Miss Granger, but I thank you, I have always wished to read Rudolph Xellius's works.. it's very thoughtful of you." Snape nodded Cooley. "The other book is one of my favourite books of all time, I hope you enjoy it as much as i do." Hermione added, placing the books on his bedside table.

"I'm sure I will give you an honest critique of it, Miss Granger." He smirked, taking another bite from his cake. "That's what I'm worried about.." Hermione teased, and he chuckled heartedly for the first time in her presence. She couldn't believe he would have such a gorgeous smile.

The evening passed by slowly, Hermione sat in silence as Snape lay there helplessly, he looked in deep thought and she didn't wish to interrupt.
Eventually, Snape looked over to her and saw that she was asleep in her chair. Her neck cocked at a strange angle, he sighed knowing she would defiantly have a stiff neck in the morning.

He decided to wake her, she needed her bed in his opinion. "Miss Granger...?" He whispered softly but was met by silence, only a gentle 'mmm' sound escaped her perfect lips. "MISS GRANGER!" He tried again raising his voice, Hermione jumped in surprise and looked rather worse for wear.

"Go back to your dormitory and get some sleep,
You cannot spent the whole night cramped up in that chair." He insisted, "I must have dozed off there, good night Professor." She smiled, "good night Miss Granger." He drawled slowly. Hermione could not help but get goosebumps at his deep and velvety voice.

After she had gone, he looked at her empty chair. He couldn't deny he actually enjoyed her company.. sometimes. He could still smell her presence, a mixture of Vanilla and Jasmine flowers. 'What the hell is wrong with you Severus!' He scowled at himself. He hoped to himself that it was all merely a side effect to the potions he had drank.