A/N: Just editing.

Disclaimer: Just borrowing the brilliance of JK Rowling.


Chapter 7: Snooze you lose

There were two weeks until the school year started. Two whole weeks to get along with Severus Snape before their minds could be occupied with work. At least she had Remus to be able to talk to. For now Snape has set her up doing research in the library for certain potions. When Hermione and Severus weren't busy with writing the classes curriculums, they were working on assignments for the Order of the Phoenix.

Hermione was in the library when a shadow covered over her notes. She turned around to find a scowling Professor Snape standing behind her.

"Is there something you need, Professor?" She asked lightly.

"First off…Hermione I thought we agreed to a first name basis. Secondly, it is time for dinner. Someone's got to look after you."

"I can take care of myself perfectly fine Severus. I'm not one of your annoying students anymore!"

He smirked. "Be as it may, the Headmaster is concerned that if someone doesn't watch you, you'll end up in the hospital wing, due to a lack of sleep and nutrition. As I am your mentor the responsibility stands on my shoulders." Again Hermione opened her mouth to spit back a retort, but Snape continued. "If you insist on arguing then I will have no choice but to drag you to dinner. Come." He whipped around and stalked out.

Hermione quickly packed up her textbooks and notes. When she got to the door they walked in silence to the Great Hall. He burst through the doors and strode across the room. Hermione followed closely to try to hide her red face. Does he always have to make a scene?

"He just loves making a scene doesn't he?" Minerva said.

"Of course, otherwise it wouldn't be Severus." Dumbledore chuckled.

Remus watched the pair come in. Severus was scowling and Hermione was blushing slightly. He frowned. I wonder what happened between them. Remus, this isn't right. Your too old for her anyway. Why would she choose someone like you? Well, she is a grown women now. He couldn't help taking notice of her curves when she walked, and the way her hair fell across her shoulders and framed her face. To his delight Hermione sat next to him, instead of Snape.

"How are you Hermione?" He asked.

"Oh, I was in the library doing some research for the Order when somebody interrupted me and insisted on bringing me to dinner."

Severus rolled his eyes. "Will you get over it already?"

"When you stop treating me like a child."

He snorted. "I'll do that when you've stopped acting like one. Learn to take care of yourself first, woman."

"Well, it sounds like you two are getting along just fine." He said evenly, but inside he was glaring daggers at Snape.

"You don't know the half of it Remus. I don't know how you haven't hexed him already." But, Hermione's tone was lighthearted, with possibly a hint of amusement.

Severus ate in silence listening to Hermione and Lupin chatter away. He didn't know what he was thinking taking her on as an apprentice. She obviously hadn't grown up one bit. Now he was going to have to look after her and a school full of dunderheads.

Snape glanced over at the two of them, and saw something in Remus' eye that caught him off guard. He had never seen the werewolf like that before. There seemed to be a hint of lust and desire in his eyes. Severus narrowed his eyes at the wolf. He didn't like how Lupin was looking at her. Hermione was still a very young for a witch and although she had experienced more than many wizards she was still very ignorant about the ways men. He was going to have to watch the wolf closely. At the same time, something deep inside of him stirred. He didn't know it then, but he would later come to recognize it as a sense of overprotectiveness for something he already deemed as his to protect.

When dinner was over Hermione promised Remus she would visit him for a cup of tea soon. Then, she followed Severus out of the great hall and to their chambers.


In his office Dumbledore popped a lemon drop in his mouth. "She is a very intriguing witch so I don't blame either one. Just the fact that so two very different people have the same taste will make the outcome, and process, all the more interesting."

"Albus I hope you aren't going to mess with this. They are both formidable wizards. You don't want anything to happen because of your meddling. I think you should let it play out. Hermione has no clue whatsoever. They will do what's best for her."

Dumbledore sighed. "Minerva, my dear. Since when do lustful men ever think rationally?" Her silence was enough for him. "I think I'll just help her along the way. It will be her choice in the end."

"So your going to pair her up? With whom may I ask?"

"Why, it seems that Severus needs someone in his life."

"Really Albus? Now see here. Don't you think that Remus would be better for her? After all, he's kind, caring, and has always been friendly towards her. You don't expect Severus to fall in love with her, let alone Hermione for him!"

"Ahhh, but he already has."


"What kind of crackpot idea is this? Has the old man gone insane?!"

Hermione was reading in the den when she heard Severus. She walked into the kitchen and saw him reading a letter.

"Is something the matter?"

He glanced up at her and shoved the letter across the table. "He's off his rocker if he expects me to show up."

Hermione picked up the letter.

Hermione and Severus,

I would like to invite you to a ball in celebration of the new school year. It will be held outside on August 22nd. This is somewhat formal so you are to bring a partner.

Regards,

Albus.

P.S. Severus this is a required event so don't bother asking me.

She glanced up to see him scowling. "So…what's the problem?"

"The problem here Granger, is that I have to attend his stupid ball and bring a partner. As you have read this is a required event and I will be forced to go and…."

"Socialize?" He glared and she smirked.

"Well, it says we have to bring a partner. I guess I'll ask Remus." Hermione thought outloud.

"No." Snape cut in.

"Pardon?"

"No. You are not going to take Lupin as your partner. You are going with me."

"And when did this happen? I don't think that you have the right to just tell me that I'm going with you!"

"First off, you are my apprentice and I am your mentor. Second, do you expect me to ask someone else?"

Hermione thought for a moment. Him asking anyone was a sight to see. She smiled.

"Professor Snape are you asking me to the ball. If you are I'll consider going with you."

He sat there. Damn her! What a vixen. Now he was trapped. It was either take someone one else or…ask her. Seeing no other option, Severus took a deep breath and replied. "Miss Granger, would you accept my invitation to accompany me to the ball?"

His silky voice washed over her and sent shivers went down her spine. "Professor Snape, I accept your offer." She smirked at him and went back to her research.


There were three days until the ball and Remus was in his chambers, pacing. Do I ask her or not? What if she says no? There are only three days left and you don't have a partner. If she says no you can always go with Hooch.

He didn't have time to plan it out, because his problem came to meet him. He opened the door to see none other than Hermione Granger standing in front of him.

She smiled up at him. "Hello Remus. May I come in?"

"Of course." She walked past him and sat down on in one of his chairs. "Tea?" He asked.

"Yes please." They sat in silence for a while.

"So, I suspect this wasn't just a social call. What's on your mind?"

Hermione took a deep breath. "Did you get an invitation to the beginning of the school year ball?"

He nodded. "I assume the whole staff did." He suddenly smirked. "How did old Snape take it?"

"Actually that's what I came here to talk to you about."

Remus started to panic. "The fact that there is a ball or Severus' reaction?"

"Well…both." There was a pause in the air. Then she burst into speech. "Well, first off I asked him what was wrong because he was scowling at his letter. Apparently he is required to go. Then to make matters worse we are to go with a partner. So he demanded that I go with him, but I refused. But then he asked me…so I said yes…"

Remus took a gulp of air and tried to steady himself. "So, what's the problem?"

"Well…the fact that he asked me. I mean he pointed out that he couldn't asked anyone else and that I am his apprentice but…it's just not him. Do you think he's been drugged or something?"

At that Lupin burst out laughing. He couldn't help himself. Just the thought of the potions master getting drugged was unthinkable. Seeing as potions was his profession.

"It's not funny Remus Lupin! What if he's not in his right mind? I mean do you really see him saying anything of the sort?"

Then it hit Remus. Severus Snape had asked Hermione Granger to the ball. His Hermione. This did not suit him at all. Snape didn't even like the girl. And the worst part was…she had accepted his offer. If only I had asked her as soon as I had gotten the letter. Damn it all Remus! Now you have to watch her on Snape's arm the entire night.

"When did he ask you Hermione? To the ball I mean."

"As soon as we got our letters."

So he never had a chance anyway…

Hermione glanced at her watch. "Oh, my gosh! I'm sorry Remus I have to go! Severus and I have to start the second stage in our potion. Thank you for listening. I really appreciate it." She threw and smile his way as she rushed out the door down to the dungeons.

Remus watched her sadly. There she goes, running back to Snape.