Heal Me Chapter 4: New Side of Me

Author's Note: Okay from now on I'm writing the disclaimer first before I forget to: I'm not a British woman whose name is J.K. Rowling. She's a brilliant author and all of her characters belong to her.

Right now I'm pretty excited, holding a party this long weekend. Who here doesn't enjoy good wine, champagne, music, food, and company? My friend who's staying with me is helping me cook. God, he better not ruin the food and poison us. Wish us luck with the cooking since he's a beginner in culinary.

Thanks for reading, follows, and reviews and please continue doing so. I hope you enjoy the new chapter! _

The crazy, first week passed and Snape finally managed to complete with work. He looked outside the window, it seemed like he finished right on time. The weather seemed perfect too for the weekend. It was sunny with lots of clouds which didn't make the temperature too hot. He walked to his favourite spot. How he loved this weather but for the season it was difficult for him to say he liked it. He enjoyed the weather it brought the cool breezes, fresh, crisp air and the refreshing rain; he welcomed it all. Yet that incident it also occurred during this season and it also brought in the irritating students. He sat and leaned onto the strong tree that supported him. Today, he could relax and nap without any distractions like work or students. He closed his eyes and began tapping his index finger on the soft grass in a slow beat. Calmness surrounded him and he dozed off into a nap.

Snap. Crackle. Crunch. A small crease formed on his forehead. He had always been a light sleeper and his hand automatically slid to his wand. He could hear something, he kept his eyes closed and concentrated to the weird sound. It was distant but the sound was quickly getting louder. Whatever it was, it had to be approaching him. Suddenly something fell out of the sky and landed on top of him. His eyes flew open and forced whatever it was beneath him. Granger? The girl looked so flustered. Her cheeks were flushed red and her hair was a complete disaster; it was scattered in every direction possible with twigs and leaves decorating her curls. She was out of breath and she looked bloody ridiculous. He slowly withdrew his wand away from her throat while attempting to hold back his laughter. His shoulder shook lightly; one of his calmest, intelligent, composed witches he's ever met was looking totally out of character.

"Pfftt," he couldn't hold back the laughter anymore. He laughed, when was the last time he's ever laughed? This situation itself was bloody ridiculous. He was considered to be one of the most authoritative, stoic, dangerous teachers to mess with in Hogwarts yet this young witch has managed to make him laugh. When was the last time he laughed like this? He couldn't remember and that meant it's been a long time since he laughed. Currently he was laughing at himself but he finally stopped laughing as it turned to a quiet, low chuckle. He couldn't believe himself.

"Um, professor, may I please get up," Hermione timidly asked.

He still had a small smirk on his face but he got his composure back. He got off of her and helped her stand.

"So why did a young Gryffindor fall out of the sky, Ms. Granger," he asked. He was genuinely curious to know why she fell on top of him. He expected her to be with the other Gryffindors.

"I got permission from Madam Hooch to practice flying," she admitted.

"Well you clearly need it," he bluntly remarked to Granger who in returned cringed in shame.

"I found this place two days ago and I really liked it here. Nobody comes here and it's peaceful here so I thought it was the perfect place to practice," she explained.

He had to agree with her, this place was a nice, serene, and quiet which made him like this place. He leaned against the tree again.

"You are already an insufferable know it all, must you endlessly practice for a class even on the weekend," he asked. He meant to make it come out as a compliment but he obviously failed to do so. The girl was glaring at him but held her tongue.

"I don't particularly enjoy flying, thank you very much. It just happens that we are being tested in two weeks. I tried asking Harry but he's utterly hopeless in teaching anything. His explanations makes no sense and Ron, I refuse to ask him. I beat him in every subject so he's so proud of himself that he's better at flying than I am. It's far too infuriating," she snapped.

Note to self, so Lily wasn't the only female Gryffindor with the temper of a fire cracker.

He smirked, so she wasn't too close with the Potter and the Weasley boy.

"Um, aren't you going to deduct points?" she asked shyly.

He was amused and didn't feel like deducting points but since she reminded him.

"If you so wish it, Ms. Granger," he gave her a small, wicked smile, "10 points from Gryffindor."

"Wait, only 10 points? I thought you'd take off much more since I practically landed on you," she commented.

He raised his eyebrows, was she so stupid to be testing him or was it in her Gryffindor blood to be so called bold and brave. To him those two qualities were separated from foolishness by a thin line.

"Extra 25 points taken off," he replied coldly. He didn't back down from any challenges especially one from a 13 year old witch.

Her mouth dropped open. Guess she didn't expect 35 points to be taken.

She was about to argue but he teased her, "Would you like more points off?" Her face paled as she furiously shook her head. He smirked at her reaction.

"By the way Ms. Granger, you've got a lot of leaves and twigs stuck in your hair," he pointed out.

"What?!" she shouted. Her cheeks reddened again from the embarrassment. She began to run her fingers through her hair.

"Damn it," he heard her whisper. She excused herself, "Excuse me professor Snape, I've got new things to do." She stormed off indoors and he watched her walk away. He hated to admit it but he enjoyed chatting with Granger. He returned to his nap with a small smile playing at his lips.