For age is just a number challenge. Enjoy.

Curious.

She was always curious and always wanted to try new things. But then, she was a Gryffindor.

Curious.

But this time, it was different and she felt scared and alone, yet so in love with him.

But he didn't love her back.

Her heart yearned for him, yearned for him to welcome her with open arms. But she knew that would never happen.

"Come on Hermione, you can do better than that!" A voice in her head echoed and she shook herself awake, trying to get rid of the leering voice.

She was betrayed by Ron with Lavender again and she had stayed away from love for so long she wondered what love felt like.

But love was a bitter word. It takes forever for someone to fall in love and a couple of seconds to break someone's heart.

A flash of lightening appeared outside Hogwarts and the rain pitter-pattered against the window. Mourning for her.

Yet, she had nothing to mourn for.

She walked out of the common room and took a walk. Her long bushy hair lose and her brown eyes looked down.

Couldn't she admit her feelings for him? Couldn't she pluck up the courage to talk to him?

She heard voices and she hid behind the pillar and Professor Dumbledore and Severus walked in front and she held her breath.

Her lover back was in front of her and she dared not turn round. Oh, she'll be in so much trouble!

"You know it's wrong Severus," Dumbledore said disappointedly.

She could imagine Severus nodded. What were they discussing?

"I know it's wrong Albus. Don't you think I have already thought of that already? She is so young and who would ever fall for someone like me?"

Me. She thought desperately.

"You very well know she has feelings for Mr. Weasley." Warned Dumbledore and Hermione's heart fell.

"I don't care."

"That is very selfish thought of you Severus,"

"Selfish? Expecto Patronum!" A blue light erupted from Severus's wand and a silver otter flew past Hermione and she had to hold her gasp of surprise.

So he did love her.

"After all this time?" Dumbledore whispered.

"Always,"

And Hermione knew she had hope.