Hermione Riddle

Late Night Snacks

"Severus?" Hermione whispered against neck, where her head rested on his shoulder. Hermione was comfortable but she was slightly hungry; she had skipped dinner. Instead she went to the room of requirement and paced across the floors of a small study. She had discovered that it was connected to the library and could be used a reading room. She found herself drawn there rather frequently now, in order to do her own work without people swarming her for help. She mentally scoffed at herself. Help. If one could even truly call what they were asking for help; they just wanted her to do the work for them, to sit there and give them the answers.

Severus was waiting for her to continue; perhaps she drifted off to sleep. He didn't want to wake her, but he did want to know what she had needed. "Hermione?" His voice was soft and soothing, if she were asleep, it probably wouldn't rouse her. Hermione shifted against him and let out a sigh as she went back to playing with his hair. Severus realized she must be lost in her thoughts; which, taking in the current circumstances, may not be a good thing. Severus moved his face away from her the most he could without his neck being forced to an odd angle. The movement drew her out of her thoughts long enough to pull her face back and look up at him.

"Severus?" She asked quietly, her brow furrowed in confusion and there was perhaps a bit of uncertainty there as well. She searched his features and Severus raised an eyebrow at her. Hermione seemed to remember herself and ducked her face; he probably wanted her to move off of him; or, even more realistically, to go back to her own room, or just get out of his. This was probably extremely uncomfortable for him, she was a student, one he had known since she was eleven. But did he not say he would not be object to anything happening; that was probably only to keep you from crying once more. Her mind supplied her with further reasoning that she was not pretty, or skinny, and her hair was a wild mane, that at times could threaten to rival her house mascot. Had he not called her insufferable and not able to think for herself, but, and it was the usually annoying optimistic side of her bright mind that spoke, had he not then said to not take it to heart, and he called her dear, and kissed the top of her head. Hermione was at war with herself and Severus could plainly see the conflict through her eyes, hell he could practically feel her magic shouting that she was losing her mind's battle. He brushed out with his own magic to sooth hers and Hermione let out a soft sigh of pleasure. She did not seem to notice it, but soon enough he saw her honeyed orbs become sharp once more with focus.

"Are you back with us now, little lioness?" He mentally scolded himself for the slipped use of the name he called her. He only used that name when speaking with Minerva, or Tom. But never Dumbledore; the old tosser would try to find something there to use to his advantage. He focused back on Hermione and she was looking down at him fearfully. "Do not battle with yourself," and another soothing brush of magic. "It will only cause for more confusion and hurt for things that are not there." He brushed her cheek and Hermione let out a sigh that sounded like the end to a long suffering before melting against him. She relaxed completely and Severus felt her go completely limp against his chest. Her magic brushed back against his in what he deciphered as a thank you of some sorts.

"M-may I get something to eat, please?" Came her soft breathy voice. She was calm, no tension left, except maybe a few knotted muscles; she couldn't remember the last time she felt so weightless. It was as if some unseen force had taken all of her stress, her worries, and insecurities, and taken them from her. The world no longer felt as if it were hanging over her head, she was now standing very much, or rather lying, on top of it and thus on top of all her problems.

"Of course, my dear, what would you like?" Severus moved his hand from her face to the back of her neck and gently applied pressure on each side with his nimble fingers. Hermione could not help the moan that left her mouth; she did not even seem to care.

"That feels amazing, Severus." She managed quietly. Severus chuckled and tried to distract himself with other thoughts before other parts of his male anatomy responded to her small noises of pleasure. "Do you want any food? If you are not hungry I do not really want anything." She paused here to let out a small gasp as he worked down to her shoulders as she melted further against his body. "I do not wish to be a bother." She admitted meekly; she did not want to bother him or anyone, she could wait until the morning, besides with Severus working on her shoulders like this she would be out in no time.

"Never." Severus stated with more conviction than he meant and kissed the top of her head once more. He was in a tough predicament; he could see himself falling very hard for the young, intelligent, witty, woman in his arms. She was just too sweet for her own good. Bloody hell, get control of yourself, man! His mind yelled at him, but he could not quite find a convincing enough reason to listen to it. "I may steal a little off your plate, but I was satisfied enough with what was being served for dinner, so I already ate. What would you like? Rook!" He called and waited for the pop.

"How may I assist you Master Severus?" He bowed and then noticed the young woman in his Master's bed. "Mistress." He bowed again and Hermione blushed deeply.

"May I have some fish and chips?" She whispered to Severus and he looked at her before chuckling deeply.

"Of course, my dear, anything you desire." Severus kissed her temple and Hermione blushed, but smiled and nuzzled against his chest to allow him to take care of it. Severus smiled as she laid against him and focused on his house elf. "Some fish and chips please Rook, and some drinks. I do not really care what, just whatever you think is best." He ordered and Hermione felt desire pool low in her stomach at his authoritative voice. Rook bowed then popped out of the room to take care of his Master and Mistresses desires.

"Thank you, Severus." She smiled up at him before steeling herself and kissing his jaw. She laid back down and was proud that she managed as much without a blush. Severus kissed her forehead and pulled her closer.

"You are quite welcome, my dear." He sighed and closed his eyes; he would only rest a little, just until her food got here. Hermione saw him close his eyes and moved up slightly to smooth his hair from his face as he rested. Severus' eyes snapped open and he glared at her before relaxing once more, realizing she meant him no harm. He rolled over slightly to lay his head on her chest and Hermione wrapped her arms around him, carding her delicate fingers through his inky locks. She smiled down at him and realized she felt safe with his arms around her, and hers around him in turn. She closed her eyes and almost groaned as Rook popped back in with the food.