AN: Aww, how sweet was that? He made it better! This chapter sees Hermione making some very pointed remarks about Severus's character and Severus regressing. Sad times.

And for those who spotted it, yes I did just rewrite the whole chapter in the past hour. Hush now. I wasn't happy with it. xD

Let me know what you think. I still have so much love for reviewers. It warms the cockles of my heart, truly!

Chapter 10:Wednesday afternoon

He'd set the Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff OWL class to work on a Rano potion with nettle root. In the corner of his eye he caught Eleanor Vondel about to add sliced Deathcap to her cauldron.

"STOP!" he called.

All hands instantly stilled. He was pleased at the class's prompt response. He had them well trained.

"Chopped, Miss Vondel, not sliced. We wish to cure the symptoms, not prolong them."

"Yes, professor. Sorry, professor."

An hour and a half later 16 vials were standing on his desk, all neatly labelled. He picked up Eleanor Vondel's. The colour was spot on, the consistency acceptable.

"Satisfactory, Miss Vondel. I expect you to learn from your mistakes and it appears that you have."

Then he spotted the Arithmancy apprentice leaning in the doorframe, arms crossed and grinning.

"Miss Granger?" he questioned.

He would not be seen to call her Hermione with the students present. Never that.

"Please, finish. I don't think I've ever heard you give praise like that. I'm quite enjoying the show."

"12 inches on other variations of the Rano potion for next week. Dismissed," he wrapped up.

Before long the students had slipped out. Her eyes roamed the bare room.

"You really should decorate in here."

"I think I've been more than clear on my feelings towards your yuletide unrest. I will have no part in it."

"Some people might say you're just a grumpy old codger. Personally, I think you're scared Santa might overlook you. Perhaps you haven't been awfully nice this year and now you're worried so you're pretending it doesn't matter either way. I think, Severus, that that grumpy old codger is just a mask for a very insecure little boy."

"Miss Granger! That's preposterous. How dare you? How dare you presume that you know me at all? You, Miss granger, are still an insufferable chit and I shall not stand here and be insulted by your insinuations. Did you come down here just to get on my wick or was there an acceptable reason you wanted to speak to me?"

"Hermione. I believe we agreed on that. And point taken, Severus; I don't know you at all. For a moment, I assumed there might be a person inside that shell but unfortunately you are still nothing more than a greasy git. I did have a message to relay to you, but now I'm not sure I want to."

"Your childish bullheadedness, Hermione," he emphasized her name. "is rather unbecoming."

"Fine. Molly says she's invited you for Christmas but you haven't replied. She wanted me to enquire about your plans."

"I shall be celebrating at Old Ogden's oubliette," he alliterated.

"Is that Snapish for drinking yourself into oblivion? Charming," she said sarcastically, "but not unexpected. Why your presence is desirable to anyone is something I can't get my head around right now, but if you change your mind, the Weasleys would be happy to have you, I'm sure."

"I'm sure," he muttered disingenuously and silently vowed not to attend the merry gathering of the Order of the Phoenix. "If there is nothing else?" he suggested, gesturing to the door.

"Yes, dear." With a frown on her face she left.