Chapter 10 - Trying something new.
No matter how hard Hermione tried, the daunting prospect of meeting with Snape that evening hung over her all day. Sunday evening couldn't have arrived quicker. Having warn her muggle clothes all weekend, she was less that willing to put on her robes for her meeting, but didn't want to give Snape any excused to start an argument. Finally settling upon her favourite blood-red ones, she charmed her hair into a bun and made her way down to the cold dungeons.
Hearing the chime of the school clock, Snape knew it was nearly time for their meeting. Sitting back in his chair. Snape allowed his mind to drift back to the previous day by the lake. Even though she made him question herself, she was the only one to show him any true kindness. Maybe he was wrong to distance himself from her, but then again it was in his nature to push people away, he never wanted to feel the hurt Lily made him feel ever again.
"Lacewing fly" she muttered to the door, but it remained shut.
"Lacewing fly" she repeated a little agitated, the door however still remained shut.
Sighing she knocked on the door. Almost instantly she was presetned by a tall black figure filling the door way. She watch as he turned away, his robes billowing behind him as he headed back to his desk.
Snape watch her as she marched across the cobbled floor and sat in her chair before him.
"I am assuming you have a new password by my failed attempt at opening the door" she seemed irritated.
"You are correct"
Snape watched as she folded her arms, she was getting defensive.
"And naturally you decided not to tell me?"
He could tell the anger was building inside her, but he couldn't help himself he snapped back.
"My apologies Miss Granger, I did not know I had to tell you of every change I make"
Hermione rolled her eyes and slumped down in her chair.
"Snape will you give these games a rest, if these sessions are going to always turn into arguments then I shall reconsider coming!"
Silence fell before him, it was like the calm before the storm.
Looking back at her, he thought of everything he heard her say the previous morning.
"Can I offer you tea Professor?" he said in a civil manner
There was no storm. Hermione seemed confused by his sudden change, she was convinced he had an ulterior motive.
"P-pardon Professor?"
Snape rolled his eye's "Do pay attention Granger, I asked you if you wanted any tea?"
"Oh...please Professor?"
She watched Snape as he walked over to a cupboard on the other side of the room. He swiftly turned around like he knew she was watching him.
"Sugar?" his face remained expressionless as he spoke.
"Just one"
He simply nodded his head and turned back to attend to the tea.
Snape put one spoon of sugar in her cup, and one spoon of sugar in his own before walking back to his desk. He handed her the cup before he sat down.
"Thank you Professor" She smiled back at him. He once again nodded.
Sitting down behind his desk, he watched her admiring the cups golden decor.
"They were my mothers" Snape spoke acknowledging her curious gaze.
Hermione seemed taken back that he had revealed something about himself, she was clever to hide this though. Composing herself she replied.
"They are lovely"
Hermione looked up at him meeting his gaze and gave a shy smile.
He nodded his face still unchanging, then he looked back down at his two of them sat there in silence drinking their tea, but the silence was not awkward.
Hermione took this opportunity to look around his office, as even though she had been here several times she had never payed attention to her surroundings.
"You enjoy reading I see Professor?"
He gaze lifted from the table returning to her.
"I am partial to reading in my spare time yes"
"Much like myself then Professor"
He did not speak but simply took a sip of his tea.
It was strange, he seemed more relaxed than normal.
"Professor, can I ask you something?"
Snape looked back at her hesitantly. "Go on"
"Can we drop the formalities, you have known me for many years, we worked alongside each other in the war and now I am your colleague I think we are capable of calling each other by our first names"
Snape met her gaze, he was starting to feel more relaxed around her. 'Come on what harm will it do calling her by her name, give her a chance, don't back out now' said the voice in Snape's head. He mused on the thought for a while before responding.
"If we must" he paused. "Hermione"
Hermione loved the way he said her name, his voice had such a rich tone it sent shivers down her spine. She would never forget the first time he said her name for the first time on halloween.
"I'm glad you agree, now shall we continue with the meeting?"
"Naturally, well as we did not get a chance to speak the other day, I wanted you to hear my review"
"Please continue I am intrigued to hear what you thought?" She smirked as she said it.
"I have to admit you are an adequate teacher, however I do have one issue"
"Is that almost a compliment Severus? " she said with a playful smile upon her lips. She didn't know why she felt so relaxed with him all of a sudden, the dynamics of the pair had seemed to change in a matter of minutes.
She watched as he took another sip of his tea. Before he gave his response he looked down at her lips.
"There were two Gryffindor students messing around, and I thought your choice of punishment was , how shall I put it to soft"
She laughed at his comment and seemed relieved he had ignored her comment.
"Would you care for me to take a leaf out of your book, and scare my students half to death?"
"I do not scare my students half to death, I simply assert my authority"
"If you say so, however I will bare you opinion in mind when I next have to deal with misbehaving students" she once more smiled at him. She didn't know what she was playing at but she decided against her better judgement to go with it.
Snape seemed ntrigued with Hermione's behaviour. She hadn't run, usually when he pushed people away they never returned.
"I'm sure you will" he said sarcastically.
"There is no need to be sarcastic" the playful smile reappeared on her face. Snape was aware of the teasing smile she kept flashing him, but kept his calm. His gaze lifted to her eyes, those blue eyes held so much, they reminded him of too much. Quickly he looked away. Snape couldn't deal with the lack of control any longer he needed her to leave.
"It's getting late and I assume you have lessons's tomorrow you should probably go"
Hermione could sense he was starting to get uncomfortable, fearing that she had pushed him too far she got up from her chair.
"Your right, it is rather late"
Reaching the door she turned to face him and smiled.
"Goodnight Severus" She said sweetly and left.
"Goodnight...Hermione" he whispered to the empty room.