Always Kiss Me Goodnight

Chapter Two - Light in the Darkness

(Chapter two at last! Thank you for all your kind comments. I'm absolutely loving doing this. As always - reviews are greatfully recieved)

Shuffling could be heard coming from Severus's kitchen. A small house elf appeared carrying two mugs of steaming tea. The elf, who was called Rose, lifted the tray to Severus but did not make eye contact before quickly shuffling over to Hermione.

"Your tea Mistress" she mumbled while looking slightly sheepish.

Hermione lifted the mug off the tray and said thank you politely.

"Mistress is a lady. Mistress is Rose's friend. Mistress is the Masters new friend?" She asked curiously.

Hermione knew that elves were friendly but liked a bit of gossip. She smiled and giggled slightly as Severus glared.

"ROSE! you can leave now!" He barked while coughing from the smoke inhalation. She hurried off back to the kitchen.

Hermione was shocked. She could understand him talking to humans in that way but not defenceless house elves. All they want to do is please people and most of them get treated so very badly.

She sipped her tea and slightly burnt her tongue. The tea was a bit sweeter than how she would have liked it but she thought the sugar boost would not do her any harm. Severus has now managed to manoeuvre himself in a normal sitting position. The colour had come back to his face and he started to look his normal cantankerous self.

"This won't be a regular occurrence Miss Granger. I have never had anyone else visit my private rooms apart from Albus. I live a solitary life and I enjoy my own company. Actually...you invited yourself. I was perfectly capable to make my own way back" he said with a touch of sour in his deep voice.

"Professor, please understand that I was only trying to help you. You were passed out cold and had no balance whatsoever. I couldn't have left you in that state. Besides that you have offered me a lovely mug of tea which I am enjoying" she said in her usual tone.

He looked at her. She was so very beautiful. The way her hair was starting to come away from its pins when they struggled down the stairs framed her face. He looked at her small frame and was drawn to her shapely legs that were partially hidden by her teaching robe. What a woman she had become. It stirred dormant feelings within him yet he felt bad for thinking like this. She was twenty years his junior and there was no way she would feel the same about him. 'Helping me out of pity' he thought.

"Well I suppose I better get back to my room. It's getting late and tomorrow is another full on day" she said breaking the silence.

"You suppose correctly Miss Granger. You are free to leave" he took the ward off the door which opened. A cool rush of air came in that blew her hair softly. She got up and made her way to the door. Turning round to see him watching her.

"Thank you for the tea. It was very kind. If you need anything I'm happy to help" she said sweetly.

He remained expressionless and shook his head. She looked beyond him and could see Rose peeking behind the kitchen door. Rose lifted her hand and gave a small wave. Hermione left and the solid wooden door slammed shut behind her. The cold air swept round her feet as she hurried up the stairs.

Severus finished his tea. Placing a both hands on the arms of the chair he levered himself up. Stiffness radiated up his spine. He thought he had hit the bookcase when the explosion happened. He knew he would be sore in the morning.

"Rose, turn down my bed and lay out a new teaching robe for the morning. I won't have a bath tonight. I need my sleep" he ordered.

"Master, will Miss Granger come back again?" She asked, head bowed low.

"Most definitely not. Just do as I asked and finish for the night" he barked back.

He walked over to the bookcase and picked out 'Potions and Solutions Volume Nine'. 'Bed time reading sorted' he thought.

He carefully lowered himself onto the bed and removed his clothing leaving them in a neat pile on the chair. As he lay down in bed his mind drifted to Hermione. He could t understand why she had been so kind to him as nobody else bothered. Even when he was a boy he did not have anyone he could trust. His father was a violent drunk and his mother had left years before things became worse. Hogwarts was his escape even though the children were cruel.

Hermione had used her grace and charm to lightly touch his heart and it worked. He felt warm inside and regretted all those years he had been a complete sod to her. However, he could not show this straight away. Besides that he twenty years her senior and needed to keep his authorative presence in check.

His eyes became heavy. The thought of reading was pushed to the side as he shut his eyes.

The sun shone through the huge stained glass windows of the school hall. Tables were filled with students tucking in to their breakfast. Hermione saw Severus making his way up to the main table. He didn't look any worse for wear but she knew he would be hiding it well.

As he walked behind her to pull out his chair he felt his robe catch her shoulder. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and she could smell the light scent of his cologne.

"Miss Granger" Came the deep voice.

"Professor" she replied sweetly as a slight hint of pink reached the apples of her cheeks which she was sure he noticed.

They did not say anymore but the atmosphere was much better than the previous day. Hermione hoped that in some way she could tame the beast he has within him and try to etch away at the surface to reveal his vulnerable side. She wanted to know what haunted him as there was much depth in his eyes. She knew he had seen unimaginable scenes during his time as a Deatheater but she was willing to listen if he talked.

Breakfast ended quickly and both staff and pupils exited to their relevant classrooms. Severus and Hermione were last to leave. Whilst walking next to him she realised how much taller he was. The robe he wore was brand new. The silk reflected the sunlight well.

"After you Miss Granger" he said as he stretched an arm out the door.

She was taken back by this unusual chivalry that was being displayed. With a nod of her head she walked down the corridor, the click of her shoes making a slight echo. A slight smile crept onto his face which he quickly corrected to his usual scowl.

"Severus, are you feeling okay? I heard about yesterday's potion mishap. Miss Granger came to your aid I hear" the voice was from Professor McGonagall who was standing right next to him.

'Those damn elves!' He thought.

"Minerva, there was no drama. I simply over exaggerated my addition of crocus root slip. Miss Granger would not take no for an answer...as usual" Came the curt reply.

"Severus, she is just what you need. Don't throw this away" she whispered in his ear. She walked away and left him standing at the door with his arms folded.

(To be continued)