Touched Starved Confused Cat energy
He looked down to see her small hand holding his. Her grip was firm although his had remained limp. “Granger, is there a reason you are holding my hand?”
“I just wanted to, sir. I’m not overly fond of the forest and with it being so late I don’t want to lose you in the darkness. The entire black ensemble already makes you look like a shadow on a normal day.” She responded unphased; her eyes were glancing around the dark forest.
“Did you not lead Dolores Umbridge into this very forest to be taken away by centaurs? The other thirds of your golden trio faced down acromantula your second year. Then of course Hagrid’s brother, who I am told is quite fond of his ‘Hermy’.” Severus allowed himself to hold her hand a bit more firmly as he helped her over a felled tree on the path.
“The Forbidden Forest has it’s uses. But the things I do in a bout of adrenaline cannot be used comparatively when I am at peace and have the mental capacity to worry about something besides the immediate future,” She responded, letting out a yelp as she tripped and he caught her, placing her solidly on her feet again in one swift movement. Their hands still entwined.
"Come along, Granger, the moon's nearly at its peak. We must get there before the flower blooms," Severus tugged her along, gripping her hand tightly as he confidently led her deeper into the forest.