The Serpent and the Lioness

Chapter 18

Severus opened his eyes straight into hers. His mind was a kaleidoscope of emotions, so many he could hardly process. No one had ever bared their soul to him in such a way before; he didn't know what to do. His lips twitched as he tried to think of what to say, as loquacious as he was, he found that nothing he could possibly say would bring justice to the moment they had shared. So instead, he listened to the small voice that came from deep inside his soul.

His hand rose slowly from her heart, his fingers brushing along the sensitive flesh of her neck before running along her jaw brushing back over her ear as he tilted her face up. He watched her eyelids flutter closed and felt her press into his palm. It was a feeling more than words could possibly express when she placed the faintest of kisses to the heel of his hand.

Severus swallowed thickly, his thumb moving to brush away a stray tear. He wasn't sure he'd made the proper decision until her lips curved up into that beautiful visage he had come to appreciate.

"Thank you." Her voice brushed softly against his wrist and he found he could only nod his head. When she moved closer, he didn't pull back, rather he adjusted so the both of them would be comfortable.

Hermione rested against his chest, the hand from her face moving yo wrap around the back of her head. She closed her eyes just enjoying the moment feeling his warmth seep through the fabric of his shirt. She was tired, having virtually relived her entire life in a span of a few hours. She felt him pull away a few loose strands of hair that tickled her nose before he too settled down. She felt his cheek press into the top of her head as she drifted off, a deep content sigh passing her lips.

Neither one noticed the silver tabby jump from the front porch railing.

oOOo

A soft growl roused Hermione from her meditative state. She groaned softly and carefully pushed herself up. When the arm that held her head slipped down her back she paused. When she tilted her head, long black hair brushed down her cheek and she couldn't help but grin. He was fast asleep. More so, he was so deeply asleep that there was just the faintest of noises coming deep from his chest. She wouldn't really call it a snore but it was definitely something new.

With a soft pat to his chest, she extracted herself, her own little catnap had left her feeling refreshed. Once on her feet, she looked back. His head was tilted to the side and his arm had readjusted closer to his side. He let out a deep sigh his eyelids flickering for just a moment before falling closed again. Hermione smiled at the sight, she very much doubted he would sleep around her if he felt unsafe, in fact, she was very sure.

With a lingering smile, she tiptoed out of the room toward the kitchen. Maybe she could surprise him with something to eat. The only question was just what could she possibly make that didn't take a lot of talent. As she entered the kitchen she scratched her head trying to remember what foods they had. She needed to make something simple.

Tacos! They were simple and you could make them to your own taste! It was perfect, the question now, did they have shells?

oOOo

"Are you sure Malfoy doesn't have like guard dogs or something?"

George had only agreed to go with Ron to keep him out of trouble and to portkey him back home if he became unstable. Harry had made each of them a portkey in the case that Ron would have a breakdown and would be unwilling to apparate. It was really a safety net for all parties and Ron had even agreed to the system.