Hermione woke up slowly, slamming her eyes shut once the bright sun slight hit her, she panicked realising it must be late morning. "It's ok, it's Saturday." A velvety voice drawled from the doorway. "Severus..." She spoke softly, looking up to him. "Did you manage to get some rest?" He asked with concern, "I did, thank you." Hermione replied, trying to give a small smile.

"I'd better go..." She explained, jumping out from the bed then quickly realising she was only wearing a night shirt. "Theres no rush." He chuckled, looking at her as she tried to think of a plan. She knew she couldn't be seen leaving his chambers in her sleepwear.

Severus smirked and left the room, returning shortly after with some of her clothes.
Hermione looked at him with a mixture of gratitude and surprise, "I went very early." He explained, "But how did you...?" "Get in? Really Hermione you especially should know how by now." He grinned, and left her to change in privacy.

Once changed Hermione left his bedroom, she still could not believe she had slept in his bed. And he had actually let her....
"I'd better go." She explained, "you don't have to go." He sighed, taking a a few steps towards her. He stood before her and looked at her longingly, running his cold calloused fingers across her cheeks. "I really should, I'm sure you have things to do. Thank you for everything."

She tried to turn and leave but he grabbed her and pushed his lips to hers, she relaxed a little and kissed him back. He pulled away and gave her one small peck on the lips and waited for her to speak, but she didn't. She just squeezed his hand and left.

He was confused, one minute she's kissing his face off, and running to him when she needed somebody. The next she couldn't get away fast enough, 'I don't understand' he thought to himself. He hoped he was reading to much into it, and that she just needed time - she had issues of her own to deal with after all.

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Hermione's POV

I know that he wants me, and deep down inside I want him too. Why is he the one I run to when I need someone? Why do his kisses make me loose myself? Of course I want him!

I just can't, because there is nothing here to love, there is nothing within me left to care for. I can see he's desperate to not let me end up a cold, lonely person like him, but maybe that's my destiny. I don't want to bring him further down then he already is, he's been kind to me, and I lov.... I respect him too much to give him a relationship with a complete failure of a human being.

There was a war, I supported my best friend all of the way, to protect him. all I wanted was to play a part in the downfall of an evil man, and yes I did play a part, I would tap myself on the back proudly if it didn't cost the lives of some of my dearest friends and superiors.
That's the problem, I'm here, Harry is here, the dark lord is dead... but I still see Molly's face as she cradled her son. I still see Remus lying lifeless beside Tonks and their unborn second child laying dead in her womb, I still see Dumbledore... And worst of all, I still see Severus, so close to his death after all he had sacrificed.
How on earth could I award myself with happiness?
How can I just ''Move on' like nothing ever Happened?

Of course I want Severus, I long for him like an addict longs for its drug.
My heart longs for its home and my body longs for his caress...

If it was just sex I would give him what he desires, but I can see in his eyes it's so much more than that.
He thinks he sees exactly what his heart deserves but I know that he deserves so much more.