Disclaimer: I clearly don't own this.

A/n: this has just been on my computer for so long, I figured I'd post it. I like it a lot. A friendship-beginning story.

When she had settled into her new room, Hermione reached into her bag and pulled out a book shaped package – which was not unusual for her. She sat on the bed for a second and stroked the cover absentmindedly, before she mustered up the trademark Gryffindor courage and walked down the hall, quietly knocking on Severus' door.

"Yes?" he said. His voice was soft, but not without irritation.

She gently pushed the package into his hands. "This is for you."

He glanced at the present, then back at her. "Hermione, you were under no obligations to purchase me a wedding gift."

She smiled, somewhat sadly, and shook her head. "I know, Severus. I didn't purchase it. Open and I'll explain."

"As you wish." He leaned on the door frame, not about to let her into his abode, and deftly opened the package, hoping to end the awkward moment as soon as possible.

His pale fingers contrasted with the ghastly floral print of the thin volume, which upon examination, revealed itself to be a journal. Quirking an eyebrow at her, he read the inscription on the front page. "'To my dearest husband…' Darling, I had no idea," he drawled.

She blushed, but carried on. "When I was ten, I began a diary, but instead of it being for my thoughts, I chose to make it a series of letters to my future husband. I've written a letter a week for the past ten years." She sighed, but continued, knowing that if she paused too long, he would counter with some comment on maudlin females. "I always intended to give it to my husband on our wedding day, and I know that our marriage is neither one of choice or of love, but it seemed a shame to let all those years go to waste."

He stared silently at her.

"Besides," she said with a slight smile, "if you have to live with me for the next forever, you might as well understand something about what makes me think."

The ghost of a smile flitted across his face, but he otherwise remained stoic, pondering what she had just given him.

"Well, goodnight, Severus," she said. She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek, just as she would have Ron or Harry, and headed back towards her room.

"Hermione…" she turned to see that his gaze had followed her. "Thank you for your gift."

Her smile was radiant. "You're welcome, Severus. Good night."

He nodded and withdrew into his room, still staring at the book in his hands.