Severus was in the burrow garden in a rare moment alone sipping tea. He had been avoiding Hermione since her release from the hospital wing; He broke his own rule and allowed emotion to rule him. He could not look her in the eye and see her disgust at the idea that he wanted her. He did not hear Hermione enter the garden he was alerted to her presence when her fingers found their way to his temples and massaged the stress away. A content groan and silent thanks for Hermione’s small mercy replaced the words of protest.