Chapter XXIV

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[Warning: Mature content]

Snape stirred, opening his eyes and was surprised upon finding Hermione right beside him in bed, still clutching onto his shirt, like she was afraid that if she loosened her grip, he would be lost. He marvelled at his good fortune that someone cared for him so much. As he tried to extricate himself, she woke with a start.

"It's okay. I'm not going anywhere." He kissed her knuckles and gently put her hands away. "I'm just going to use the bathroom."

Hermione looked around with groggy eyes as he left; she had woken up unable to get a bearing of her surroundings at first. Now she climbed down from bed and pulled the heavy curtains aside to reveal a window. She wondered why he kept it drawn, since it helped bring some light into the room. It had snowed during the night and everything was glistening white in the midday sun.

They had fallen asleep quite late and therefore were late in waking up as well. She treaded across the hall softly and plucked out fresh clothes and better innerwear from her trunk. And grabbing the bag of toiletries, she entered the restroom after Snape was done.

She held onto the sink to stop her hands from shaking; thinking of the possibilities made her skittish and she fidgeted while trying to make herself presentable, without making it look obvious. When she came out, she looked radiant, with simple dewy makeup, clothes that enhanced her figure and a vanilla and peachy aroma emanating from her.

Snape smiled. "I arranged for an early lunch. I hope you don't mind?"

She hesitated a little and he understood.
"For God's sake, don't embarrass me anymore. I promised I would never do such a thing again..."

"No. Sorry..."
She didn't mean to offend and thus, gladly joined him on the table. He was still wearing just his shirt and trousers and seemed to be a lot more open and free; like he had come out of his shell.

"Master, I'm sorry about last night." The house-elf squeaked, standing mousily by the table. "I didn't mean to-"

"Apology accepted." Snape simply said, not looking away from Hermione.

"I meant to do no-"

"You may leave now, Cobblepot." he dismissed, rolling his eyes.

Cobblepot looked back and forth between Snape and Hermione a couple of times, calculating something mentally and then smiled to himself.
"Ok...I'll leave you to it then."

Hermione felt her cheeks burning and she couldn't even look up from her plate. While nibbling her food, she stole glances up at Snape and found him staring back at her with an odd expression. No matter how generic the food was, his every move seemed sensuous, without him even trying hard. He felled her with just a look- with his brawny hands and lean figure and his eyes- so libidinous.

He finished his meal first, then sat back and continued to gaze at her in a way that made her heart flutter. His black eyes were lustful in a way that she hadn't ever seen before; previously when he looked upon her with those same eyes she thought it was hatred, but now she knew how wrong she had been. Her stomach flipped and she couldn't bear to eat anymore.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked shyly.

"Because...you are beautiful."

She peeped up at him through her lashes and realised he was sincere. A sudden daring spirit took possession of her and she swept the plates aside and climbed over the table like a hungry cat. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes lighting up in mischief as she crawled over to his side and fervently took possession of his mouth. She held his neck with both hands and kissed him feverishly and he controlled her zeal by supporting her firmly by the back but not holding back in his kiss.

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