redemption - SOULBOUND I̲̅I̲̅ || SS/HG

7. Heat

As the day went by Hermione couldn't help staring outside the window, watching as the trees swung with the wind, their leaves battling with nature's blow. A few birds were chirping not far from where she sat - head resting on her hand - flapping their wings until they found their perfect height before allowing the wind to propel them elsewhere. Shifting silently in her seat to lean closer to the edge of the window, her eyes drifting downwards towards the ground were first year students were roaming around, giggling and enjoying their innocence while she sat in Transfiguration, McGonagall's voice lulling her to sleep.

Thrilled once the bell chimed the end of the class, Hermione bolted out of her chair and out of the class, feeling the burning ache in her heart pushing her to stroll to the dungeons where she had to meet Severus Snape. One foot after the other, her breath ragged as she tried to ignore the uncomfortable sensation at the back of her head - as if someone was watching her - Hermione skipped through the corridors until her nose was glued to a firm body.

"What's the rush?" She heard the amused voice of her teacher, the same ring that chimed through his vocals when he was about to deduce house points, "we have to stop meeting like this Ms Granger it's unbecoming."

Taking a deep breath, steadying her heart, Hermione instinctively snuggled into his arms, his scent reassuring her while the unknown presence still lingered behind her. To say Snape was overwhelmed with a rush of emotion was an understatement. He couldn't help but wonder what had gotten into Hermione to become so physical with her teacher. Yet her quivering made him drop his head to the top of her roots, staggered.

"What is it that is frightening you Her-Ms Granger?" His voice was smooth, like a rose petal tracing her skin, "how about we go inside you could be freezing."

As she didn't move Severus wrapped his own arms around her, trying his hardest to control himself, but he simply couldn't as she nudge him further, as if trying to merge herself with him. Arms now around her he rested his head on top of her, listening to her unsteady breathing while waiting for her to calm down.

He had missed this proximity, her scent and petit hands reaching under his cloak to his robe and pulling him closer to her form. He marvelled at how small she felt beside him, realizing how long it had been since he had been able to hold her, protect her and shield her from her own fears as he was doing now. No matter the level of his curiosity he knew he couldn't invade her mind - even though her walls were far too weak now for his skills.

The smile that drew on his face as her finger snuggled under his shirt was one of a happy cat, grinning from ear to ear. "Ms Granger tell me what is worrying you."

She stayed silent, her mind emptied from any rational thought as her body wondered at the rush of security her potion teacher purred into her by simply holding her in his arms. However, the instant her finger came into contact with his skin she flinched away, realizing what she had done.

"Oh Merlin!" She gasped, her hand covering her mouth while her eyes widened in shock. "I'm so sorry professor!"

"Something is bothering you isn't it?" He asked when she turned her head around, looking through the only corridor she came from - seemingly searching for something...or someone. "It would be wise to inform me if there is indeed something disrupting your daily life."

"What?" She asked realizing he had been talking to her. "Forgive me I'm not myself lately and neither Harry or Ron are telling me what's going on."

"Maybe they're trying to protect you," he answered, his smirk disappearing as he reached towards his hand before resigning and grasping her wrist. "When you love someone Ms Granger, you are willing to sacrifice your own heart if it means protecting the one you love."