Let Me Hear You

[ Admissions of Guilt ]

I woke up to the feeling of Severus running his fingers through my hair. If you had told me two months ago that I would be lying in bed, wrapped in the arms of the notorious dungeon bat, I would have laughed. Now, however, I have never felt more at home. I shifted slightly and looked up at him, smiling. "Good morning." I mumbled sleepily. "It is four o'clock in the afternoon." He chuckled softly.

He lifted me off his chest and climbed out of bed. I sighed, pouting at the loss of contact. "Thank you for staying with me." I hoped he didn't regret it. "It seems we both needed to be near one another." He glanced towards my bathroom briefly, before scanning his eyes across my room. "You can use my bathroom, Severus." I smiled, sitting up. He nodded and excused himself.

I stood up with a groan and inspected myself in the mirror next to my wardrobe. I know I was on my deathbed not even six hours ago, but I look dreadful. Having not been able to walk for two days, my legs feel so weak. "You don't look dreadful. But you do look quite thin. When was the last time you ate?" I didn't hear him come out of the bathroom. "I'm not sure. Maybe Wednesday?" I clutched my stomach, noticing my ribs are protruding slightly.

"Shower. I will arrange some food." I realised I probably smelt quite terrible. I also haven't showered since Wednesday morning. I smiled and walked past him into the bathroom. I gasped as the hot water hit my skin. My body has been through so much in the last week; it is so fragile. Seeing as I haven't bathed in quite some time, I took my time scrubbing my body clean. I washed my hair with vanilla-scented shampoo. I have a feeling he likes it quite a lot. More than me, according to the amortentia.

As I dried myself, I realised I hadn't brought any clothes with me. Shit. I know he has seen me half naked, but this is another level of familiarity. I studied my reflection for a moment. The thought of being wrapped in nothing but a towel in front of him excited me. I bit my lip, hiding my nervousness and exhilaration in my drawers, and opened the door. He was standing by the fireplace, and as soon as I stepped out, his eyes shot to me and travelled down my still damp body.

"Sorry. I forgot my clothes." I tried to sound as nonchalant as possible. "By accident, I'm sure." Heat shot to his groin, and I felt my core throb. "I am offended by the accusation, Severus." I blushed. "Can you turn around, please? I need to change." I could have gone back into the bathroom, but this is my room, after all. He smirked and turned around. I could feel him tempted to catch a glimpse, but he fought the urge. I must admit, I was eager for him to turn back around, too.

I pulled on an oversized t-shirt and some tracksuit pants, purposely forgetting to put on a bra. He turned to face me again, and I walked to meet him in front of the fireplace. I smelt bacon, eggs, and fruit, but I also noticed he had changed his clothes, and I could smell sandalwood. "Did you change?" I couldn't tell if my mouth was watering from the smell of food or his cologne. "I also had not showered in quite some time." He wasn't wearing his usual robes with a thousand buttons. He was in a simple black button-up and black trousers. I laughed softly, realising this was the most "undressed" I had seen him.

"Thank you for organising breakfast." I conjured a cushion on the ground next to the coffee table, where the spread lay. "As it is 4:30, I believe it is afternoon tea." He laughed softly at my choice of seating. "I called on Pip, my house elf. She brought it here; I hope you don't mind." He sat down in the armchair closest to me. "You have a house elf named Pip?" I looked up at him and placed a slice of apple in my mouth. He nodded, and his eyes darted to my lips briefly. "Cute." I smirked, turned back, and started spreading butter on some toast. "Are you going to eat?" I asked. "I already ate. You were in the shower for quite some time." I glared up at him. "Good. You looked thin, too." I quipped, smirking. He rolled his eyes.

When I finished eating, the plates vanished, just like they do in the Great Hall. I smiled, internally thanking Pip. I would love to meet the house elf that has to put up with Severus. "She doesn't "put up with me". She has been with me since I was a student here. Albus hired her shortly thereafter." I laughed at his defensiveness. I stood up and spun the other armchair around to face him. He cocked a brow and smirked. I sat, crossing my legs, and waited for him to turn his chair as well. "Wait all you like, Hazel."