Chapter 3 - Breakthru

All of the fifth, sixth and seventh year students were fortunate enough to have one week of cancelled classes prior to their end of year exams. Hermione Granger was thoroughly grateful for these extra five days of potential revision. On their third class-free morning Hermione awoke just as the sun was appearing over the horizon. Hoping not to wake anyone, she slipped out of bed and got dressed as quietly as possible. She then donned her cloak and left her dormitory.

Technically, she wasn't doing anything wrong. The professor had told her that if she had any need for the book she was to come and collect it herself. He never specified at what time she should do so. That's why Hermione found herself knocking quietly on the door leading to Severus Snape's private quarters at 6:30am on a Wednesday. There was a moment's silence before she heard the sound of approaching footsteps on stone floor. A centimetre of light appeared as the door swung marginally open. Hermione saw one of her professor's dark eyes, squinting at her, as if it were trying to figure out the identity of the person who had disturbed him at such an early hour. She noticed his eye widen before he swung the door completely open and ushered her inside silently.

As she entered the room Hermione took some time to soak in her surroundings. She stood on stone floor and the walls consisted of a similar stone. The fireplace was alight and there were two rather comfortable looking armchairs sitting within its warm glow. There was also a magnificent black oak desk, surrounded by a small number of chairs, towards the back of the room. There were various green and silver embellishments on the surrounding walls. Hermione thought it to have quite a pleasant atmosphere, which was most definitely uncharacteristic of the potions master.

She then cast her eyes towards Snape and he hurriedly looked away, obviously having been watching her. He awkwardly cleared his throat before speaking. "Did you come here with the evidently exhilarating intention of inspecting my room or did you want to speak with me?" Hermione gave a nervous giggle as her cheeks turned the lightest shade of pink. "I'm sorry to disturb you at this early hour Professor Snape. I just wanted to know if I would be able to make use of that potions book you told me would be available if I so wished to peruse it." Snape let out one his discontented sighs. "Would you like to take a seat Miss Granger?" He said, directing her towards one of the chairs sitting close to his desk. Hermione graciously accepted and took the weight of her feet. Snape sat down directly across the desk from her. He sighed once more. Although this particular sigh held seemingly deeper emotion than any of the immediate past. "I'm sorry Miss Granger. I had completely forgotten that I had informed you of this and have returned the book to the library. I've had other things on my mind recently and I haven't been sleeping particularly well." Snape suddenly came to his senses. Why on Earth was he telling this insufferable creature of his deepest problems? To add to his discomfort he noticed that she had an expression of concern stretched across her lovely facial features. Lovely facial features? He really needed to catch up on some sleep.

"Now if you will excuse me Miss Granger, I must prepare for my lessons today." Hermione nodded slowly and stood up. "I do hope that you feel better soon Professor." She turned away from him and headed towards the door. "Hermione, wait." Her eyes widened after hearing this informal address and she turned to face the potions master. "I must apologise again. I had not realised that today is the first day of the year on which I haven't got any classes to teach. You may remain in my quarters while you revise if you so wish. It will undoubtedly be more peaceful than any other area of the castle throughout the day."

Hermione's mouth dropped open at the sound of this generous offer. She nodded appreciatively and reclaimed her seat. After ensuring that she was somewhat comfortable he said, "I must leave for a moment. I wish to eat my breakfast before the majority of those repulsive students are able to wake up. I'll pick up that potions book from the library for you while I'm gone." Hermione began to protest. "Professor, there's no need for you to do-" Snape cut across her. "It's no hassle." Hermione smiled as she blushed. "Thankyou Professor." Snape nodded and hastily left the room.

To say that Hermione Granger was confused was an understatement. Why was the heartless potions master suddenly being so thoughtful towards her? She sat in pensive silence as she waited for Snape to return. As much as she desired to, she didn't dare stand up with the purpose of giving the room a closer inspection. Snape could return at any moment and catch her snooping around his room.

After almost ten minutes the professor returned, carrying a large book and a glass of pumpkin juice. He seated himself in his usual chair and passed both items to Hermione. She gave him yet another look of surprise as she thanked him. She then began to devour the book, occasionally pausing to take a sip from her pumpkin juice. Snape was content with simply watching her in silence. He observed the way her unruly hair was always falling in front of her face, causing her to brush it back behind her ear, only to have it fall in front of her face moments later. It was an interesting cycle and Snape felt himself becoming hypnotised by her movements. After some time, Hermione looked up from her revision and cast her eyes towards her professor. He held her gaze for a moment before embarrassedly looking towards the ground. She allowed herself to give the tiniest of smiles before returning to her reading. Snape looked once more at her reservedly before closing his eyes. He was having an internal struggle with the making of one particular decision. The professor had been thinking about it since the day on which he had shared some time with Granger in the library.

He suddenly came to a final verdict. His eyes slowly opened and he cleared his throat. "Miss Granger." Hermione looked up again from the heavy volume. Snape paused, and began to speak, obviously selecting each word with exceptional care. "I wish to ask for your assistance in completing a particular task. During these upcoming summer holidays I will be replenishing my potion stock as well as numerous other preparatory duties as I always do before a new school year. As I am expecting you to continue with the subject of potions during your final year at Hogwarts, I'm sure that your aid with these tasks will help you as much as it will help me." Hermione smiled, realising how hard it must have been for someone like him to admit that they need help from another human being. "I'd love to help out as well as advancing my potions knowledge and skill Professor Snape, but I'll have to contact and ask my parents in regards to your request." She smiled at the potions master. "I do believe that I have invaded your space enough for today. I might go and meet up with Harry and Ron. There's a slight possibility that they're awake by now."

Snape wrinkled his nose at the mention of two of his least favourite students. "Of course. Feel free to use this room for revision purposes over the following few days." Hermione smiled once more, feeling more excited than she had in weeks.

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And so the plot thickens! Well, not really, but I hope that anyone reading is finding this interesting.

Reviews are welcome!