Chapter 7 – Through Severus' Eyes

He had not intended to see what he did, in fact, he really had no other choice.

Storming deeper into the darkness, Severus was irate beyond imagination. Every Saturday night, weather permitted, he would walk down to the tree, his tree, and read. He was usually secluded there, safe from all trespassers. This spot was far too far for students to linger to, and most everyone else feared what could lurk upon them so far away from the castle. As far back as his years as a student, that tree had been there for him to lean on, literally and figuratively, when he had no one else. It was his peaceful hiding place from the world.

Severus was fully aware of the picnic that Hermione and her friends were having. He had seen them on his walk down to his spot. Whatever happened once he was a ways away, he didn't know. Then came the interruption. Only once before had he been interrupted at his peaceful spot, and now Weasley was approaching his settlement unknowingly with Hermione at his side.

Had it not been for the squeals of laughter that escaped her when she was being tickled, he probably wouldn't have had to see. After all, his copy of "The Skilled Legillimens and Occlumens: Perfecting when to read a mind and when to keep one out" was devouring all of his attention. When he looked up at the sound of her laugh, the two were a good 10 yards away, and Weasley had Hermione pinned to the ground.

Realizing that any sound he evoked would capture their attention to his presence, Severus remained completely still. So still that he could've sworn that with the way his heart was pounding, it would be the only thing to give him away.

What's he doing to her?! She obviously doesn't mind because her shrieks are from laughter, not fear or pain. Severus thought. He stifled a gasp as Weasley leaned down and claimed her lips.

Granger and Weasley? Of course you idiot! Whatever provoked you to think she might ever share the same feelings for you is reason enough to have you put in the mental wing at St. Mungos. Why would she have feelings for you? You're an old, sarcastic, ugly git, and she's a young beautiful, intelligent woman. But those looks…

Severus' internal battle raged on, and he was beginning to let the anger get the best of him. Without thought, he shut the book he had been holding shut, which emitted a loud snap.

In the time it took the two younger adults to separate and scramble to their feet, Severus had already stood and took off into the darkness.

Now he was drawing nearer to the castle and his temper was beginning to peak. Those looks couldn't just be my imagination. All of those subtle moments when he would chance a glance at her, only to find her looking back. Then when their eyes would connect…

Severus shook his head as if to rid himself of the thoughts. Just my imagination he repeated in his head to assure his own understanding. Although… That night at Grimmauld Place couldn't have been my imagination. After topping off his 6th glass of wine, Severus had grown bold enough to speak the words he'd yearned for years, "Yes only now you're no longer my student."

Had it not been for all the wine he had consumed, he would never have dared. Severus had spent the entire night in the kitchen, away from the festivities, to ponder the close proximities in which he and Hermione would be working from now on. He was working on coming up with a tactful plan of self control.

But when he whispered in her ear, he didn't fail to notice the redness of the blush that settled onto her cheeks, which was accompanied by a trace of heat that was radiating through her soft, angelic cheek to his.

So many thoughts were rushing through his head as he made his way through the trees towards the castle. If there was one fact that he couldn't deny, it was that he cared deeply for Hermione. Though he doubted her feelings in return, he still felt betrayed by her actions.

Those were the last thoughts he allowed himself before he reached the castle doors and restricted to his quarters in the dungeons.