Disclaimer: HP belongs to JK. This is for fun, not money. Don't sue, please.

A/N: Welcome to all new readers, and thanks to every one of you who have taken the time to leave a review! They truly make my day. They also keep me writing. I have just finished chapter 23, and I'm particularly excited about the next several chapters. I think they are my favorite, and I hope you like them too! Please let me know. As promised, starting with a bang...

Chapter 14: Waning

All Severus was aware of were his hands. Clasp inside them were soft, feminine hands. Her fingers were thin things, but gracefully curved with neat nails at the tips. He clasped and unclasp his palm beneath them so her nails barely scratched his thicker skin. It almost tickled.

Then, he moved his hands up, wrapping his fingers all the way around her wrists with ease. His fingertips touched. At the base of her hand, he could feel the faint thumping of her vein. He smiled as he felt her pulse even out and slow, calming. Tap, tap, tap, tap.

Gliding his fingertips along the top of her hand, he could feel the tiny bones just underneath the silky skin. They were so delicate, he could snap them easily, he knew, so he held them gentler.

He squeezed the palms slightly, rubbed the muscles there in small circles. A slight moan came from the woman across from him. His eyes were closed, but the dark room smelled of lavender. He smirked, massaging harder. He alternated between barely stroking her soft skin and tightly squeezing her muscles there. He could feel he was smirking more as her heart sped up and she hitched a breath in the dark.

And then, so suddenly he almost choked, he felt lips on his own. He did not open his eyes, though. If he looked, he might see something that made him stop. He did not think. He just kissed, passionately, with anonymous tenderness. The small mouth on his own was warm and eager.

The woman tasted so better than he remembered a woman tasting…perhaps she tasted better than other women…there was something familiar in the taste though.

"Lily?" He asked. Hair lightly brushed his face, another small sigh, a giggle. Someone, not Lily—he knew her too well—perched on his lap, thighs on top of his, hovering above him. She placed a kiss on his ear, making him shudder.

Their hands danced, fingers intertwining, down at his side. He opened his eyes, inches from the warm brown ones. Her full lip was bit in her perfect teeth; she sucked on it. His gut wrenched in horror so violently he woke with a thrash as if he were falling.

Ripping his covers off himself with a fury, he cursed, "Granger!"

Hermione Granger was relieved when she was finally back within Hogwarts. That fact should have worried her. After all, in a few short months this would no longer be home. But she did not have time to think about it.

She rushed happily into preparing for the first week of classes, reading ahead as much as possible, organizing her things, and putting down her schedule in the incredible life planner Harry had gotten her. Later, she planned to finish all the work Snape had hoped she might get started over the break. Some things never changed: she wanted to impress her teachers. She had to take a break to go down to dinner. Snape might be watching and she had to write down her dinner for Harry, she recalled rolling her eyes. It was a clever idea, she had to admit.

The tables were filling back up with students strung between excitement and homesickness. Everyone was discussing their gifts and holiday trips. Hermione was thinking of the time she had her family went skiing when someone called her from her reminiscing.

"How was your holiday?" Quidditch-boy, Rex, asked politely. Hermione forced a smile back. On the one hand, she was technically single. There was no harm done if anyone noticed them talking—well, no new harm, damage done after the article. On the other hand, his interest in her seemed to be more than friends.

"Fine." She answered.

"Were you with Ginny?" He asked, sitting close to her.

She nodded. "And her family. And Harry and Luna Lovegood."

"The Quibbler lady?" He arched an eyebrow.

Hermione nodded, defending her friend. "She's…creative, but brilliant. Did you know she was a Ravenclaw?"

He nodded. "I remember." She felt bad; she had never really noticed him before.

"Quite a party." He commented.

"It was a full house. What about you? Big extended family?"

He shook his head. "My dad and I usually take a trip together. We don't get to see each other much."

"Oh that's nice. Where did you go?"

"Ireland."

"Was it beautiful?"

He nodded, smiling. "We stayed in Dublin mostly. The city at Christmas is amazing." She listened to him list the things they saw. When he seemed to be finished, he looked at her as if she were turning into a brussell sprout. "What?" She asked.

He shrugged. "People don't ask stuff like that. I have a lot of friends and we talk a lot, but people don't ask personal stuff. They're afraid or they don't care."

"Well, you are pretty frank yourself." She was glad he confided in her, that she was easy to talk to, but she did not want to lead him on into thinking she was interested in him. Rex was right; had a lot of friends. He was very pretty, she'd say. But she just not interested. Not like that.

Ginny was surrounded by a number of students in her year, her teammates as well. A social butterfly, as some said, Ginny flourished in the increased popularity and fame. She stayed herself, true to her friends, not entitled or demanding, but she liked the attention. There was no denying that. Where it made Hermione feel uncomfortable and self-conscious, Ginny, and Rex too it seemed, felt at home in the center of a crowd.

"Was it awkward?" he asked.

"Was what awkward?"

"Being around your ex."

"Not really. We're still friends."

"That's good." He sounded unsure whether he was glad or not. "Thanks again for your notes. I got an Outstanding."

"I doubt it was my notes." She said nicely. He smiled broadly. Uh-oh. Was that flirting? Did it look like flirting? Ginny spared her a questioning glance. She shrugged.

"Get anything special?" He asked.

"Huh? Oh, yes, well, books mostly."

And then it hit her. The ring. She had gotten a gift from a secret admirer. She'd been careful with it, setting it aside for later. "And well, something anonymous."

"Anonymous?" He seemed intrigued.

"Well, don't tell anyone," She heard herself say quietly. It was nothing really, not even the first. She had forgotten it soon after it arrived, packing hurriedly for the Burrow. But if he had confided in her, it was only fair to tell him something too. Rex scooted closer, and she instantly regretted dropping her voice. She caught Ginny's eyes lingering on them while she was deep in conversation. "But I did receive a very nice gift from someone anonymous, but I have to be careful. It could be cursed or hexed."

If it was from him, he was faking surprise well. "What was it?" He breathed, his breath rustling her hair.

She swallowed, fighting the urge to squirm. "A ring. A nice one." To be precise, it was a ruby in a gold band, the edges around the gem carved to resemble a lion's mane. She half thought it might be from McGonagal or Ron, but he had given her the bracelet…

"Wow. Someone must really like you." He said simply, taking a drink. Perhaps. Perhaps it was the exact opposite.

She was in the library the next day when the owl found her. She took the note from it expecting to hear from Harry or Ron. Instead, she got a bit of a shock.

Miss Granger,

I will no longer be able to continue our current arrangement. Please see me for your potion. My apologies.

Severus Snape

She stood up. She sat back down. Again, she read the note. When she had finished, she read it over again. And again.

What did he mean he could not continue their 'current arrangement'?

It seemed so brief and polite she thought at first he was just apologizing for not being able to continue that night or that week. But no, he had said 'any longer'. That meant it was permanent. Did that mean he simply could not help her sort out her mind anymore? Or did it also mean he would not be needing her assistance anymore either?

It was just so…unexpected. When she had left for the holiday, things between them seemed fine, friendly even. Yet again, she had managed to either completely misinterpret that man's actions and tone or had run afoul of another Severus Snape massive mood swing. What could she have done to deserve to be cast aside, denied his help? Surely, she would have had to have greatly offended him.

Was the Christmas gift perhaps overstepping? Maybe he did not catch her meaning. She did not think a couple of books could be taken so offensively, but she did not think kissing her constituted insulting either.

He was unpredictable, alienating, and hurtful. And she had half a mind to march down to the dungeons and tell him just that.

The suddenly, she had whole mind to do it. Hermione Granger had marched halfway to the dungeons before she had thought anything further. She had better do some thinking fast, as she had already knocked on the door.

"Come in." His deep voice resonated through the door. He did not turn around as she entered. Nevertheless, he greeted her, "Miss Granger."

"What. Is. This?" The biting demand made him turn. He had the nerve to look puzzled for a moment, then resigned.

"I have prepared some of the potion for you to take once per week for the next few weeks. You are to continue as we have been on your own. I have a book that might assist you further—l"

"I deserve an explanation." She cut him off.

He sighed. "I'll be right back." He disappeared into his private quarters. She was confused and frustrated, but she absolutely refused to cry. She refused.

He re-entered, his expression apologetic as he offered her a book and several vials in a protective holder. He offered no explanation. In fact, his face seemed to be begging her not to ask for one.

When she spoke, it was more of a breath than words. "What did I do?"

He almost winced, turning away. "You have done nothing. It is my fault."

"But-but you were helping me."

"And I will do everything I can to help to you."

"And what about your work?"

He raised a hand, gripping the wall, head hung slightly so that his curtain of hair fell around it, obscuring his face even though she moved closer. "Unfortunately I will have to continue that without your invaluable assistance."

"But why? Everything was fine and now, you're—you're—this is exactly what I was talking about! You're impossible. One minute you're the most logical, calculating, kind and gentle—" She stopped herself from going further. "And the next you're cold. No, worse than cold. You're mean. And you know it!"

His head pivoted towards her. "Miss Granger, please lower your voice."

"No." She narrowed her eyes.

"Then leave." His tone was icy.

She folded her arms obstinately. "No. If I've offended you enough to have you throw me out, then I deserve to know what it is and have the opportunity to mend it."

"I told you." He tried to bit back the words. "The fault is mine."

She shook her head, not moving. "Then, tell me."

He stood his full height, lips irrevocably pressed together.

"I don't deserve this." She said.

"There, at least, we agree."

"Are you so intent on remaining unreadable and aloof that you would chase away everyone, even someone who just wanted to your help, to work with you, be a polite friend? Is your solitude so important to you that you let people enjoy your company only to send them packing?"

He took a step forward, his voice soft but deep. She knew that tone. "You overstep." He warned her.

She scoffed. "No. I'm not McGonagal. She might put up with your distance and your cruelty, but I will not be treated this way, to be invited in and dismissed with so little consideration as to—"

He had taken another step forward, bearing down towards her eyes searing. He hissed out the words, "It's for your protection."

"W-what?" She fumbled.

Something flickered in his eyes. She could not read it. "Did you find out something? Did something else happen?" She whispered.

He paused a moment. "It's for your protection." He repeated. He sounded tired. She knew she would get nothing further from him. She knew she should accept the vials and book, but she felt betrayed. She felt angry. She felt abandoned. And that made her feel stubborn.

"No thank you." She set them down on his desk and made to leave.

A hand wrapped fully around her wrist, stopping her. She let out a little gasp as his tug spun her back around. They were inches apart, her wrist brought to his chest. His touch was gentle, but his face was fierce as he sneered, "Don't be a fool. Stopping your process could cause serious damage. If you want to hurt me, slap me, don't harm yourself."

He said it with so much vehemence she only swallowed and accepted his gift.

"I'm sorry." He murmured, letting her go. Neither one of them had moved. She knew once she stepped away, he would not be as close or person again. It was step apart, physically and otherwise, between them. Knowing this man, it was permanent.

All she could was stare a moment, then turn and leave.

It was only once she left the dungeons that the weight of what he said hit her. If you want to hurt me, hurt me, don't hurt yourself. Of course, any teacher worth his salt would not want a student to harm themselves. But he had accidentally said that if she wanted to cause him pain it could be accomplished by harming herself.

Was it possible that in his bitterness and coldness he had actually communicated that he cared more than he wanted to reveal? Or was that just wishful thinking on her part.

Leaning against a window to look out at the frosted grounds, she sighed. Why on earth would she want Snape to care for more than he perhaps should? Was it curiosity or respect?

Or was the potion still working in her system somehow?

She could not just tramp down there and barge in again to ask.

Whatever Snape had uncovered, she would just have to uncover herself. She paced the halls, thinking. If she were in danger, the man knew her well enough to warn her, give her instructions at least.

So she was right. The danger was to him. He must have confirmed her suspicious by something that happened over the break. That was the only thing that happened since she left, the break. He had no obligation to share his personal problems, like a threat to himself, but distancing her from him 'for her protection', now that made sense.

Severus was in trouble. She must write to Harry!

Seeing his name in mass print was something Severus Snape thought he would never get used to, even after the many times it was printed following the war, trying to get the story out. He had to hand it to The Quibbler, they at least got it right and got there first. But then, the owner and editor of that magazine was actually present at the battle and no one from the Daily Prophet, or Daily Puppet, as he called it, bothered to be there.

Whenever he saw it—his name—he first thought: 'Oh, another Severus Snape. What are the odds?' Then, he realized they were talking about him. Once he read through the material, he was quite sure he had been mistaken and it must be about another Severus Snape, since most of it was inaccurate.

The strange looks he received from along the staff table and from the sea of students on their first day back made sense once he sat down with his paper. Of course, it took a moment. At least, the codswallop was back in the gossip column where it belonged.

Potions Master Mystery Man?

Tall, dark and intriguing, Hogwarts Potions Master Severus Snape had long intimidated students, but emerging a hero, heralded by ever Potter the Vanquisher as a savior, master spy and brilliant brewer Severus Snape may be the newest interest of Hermione Granger. Sources say the professor has been giving Miss Granger private tutoring, and while not uncommon—Mr. Potter assures us—it certainly is eye-catching, especially when rumors have reached us that Severus Snape fell victim to Miss Granger's advances. What is this brilliant witch up to and she found a magical way to woo powerful wizards? It must be an unfinished product, for it certainly does not seem to last.

She was right. He could very well be ruined.

Unfortunately, he was forced to sit through a very long series of potions periods before he could take his leave without causing an outright panic. He expected giggling, whispering. What he received was worse: unparalleled silence. Only when death had touched the castle had the students been this subdued. Then they often slipped up, forgot why they were being quiet. Not that day. He could not even take out his frustrations by shouting at them to shut their mouths!

Still retaining enough of his self control, he was able to pass as utterly unbothered. He knew he was successful when he heard one student murmur to another as they left, "Do you think he's seen it yet?"

"Do you think Headmistress has? He'll get the sack for sure, hero or not."

"I don't know. She is an adult."

"But she's a student. Parents will freak."

He cursed Granger again. She was right. This could be an attack on him. The question at hand now was different… He burst into the Headmistress' office without warning. She was waiting for him, transforming from her tabby cat form as he slammed the door shut behind him.

"Severus," She greeted, her face stern.

"How many?"

"I beg your pardon?" She sat down her glasses.

"How many owls have you had already, Minerva, asking me to be sacked?"

"None, which is precisely the number I would respond to." She firmly maintained. "I will not lose Hogwarts' best potions master, disrupt the school year, punish a valiant man, and betray a friend," she added gently. "Over a mere rumor."

"But it is not all rumor…"

"An ounce of truth in any lie," She waved her hand dismissively, sitting back in her chair. "We have more pressing matters."

"Someone told."

She nodded. "I'm aware. Have you talked to Hermione?"

He shook his head.

"We need to know exactly who she told. Both Potter and I are adamantly rebutting the accusation, as I believe is Draco Malfoy, but the Prophet is less interested in that story. Unsoiled reputations do not sell papers, apparently." She said bitterly. "Actually, I think Potter is threatening them, which may scare them into printing a correction, but we can't rely on that."

"I could give a statement." He said, pained.

To his relief, she shook her head. "You could only deny it, which would not help. It's best if you do not acknowledge it. Hermione could explain the lessons,"

"I won't ask her to do that. It's personal."

"Then, our only options is to ignore it. Treat it as the rubbish it is. I won't have it. All teachers will deal with perpetuators of the rumors harshly. I'm sure your Slytherins will defend you. Miss Weasley will defend Miss Granger. If parents hear nothing from here to substantiate it, then perhaps it will dissipate in time."

"Perhaps? And if not and they come demanding my head?"

"As I said, we will take care of it. I won't fire you over an outlandish rumor. Miss Granger is…anything but what they have made her out to be. Meanwhile, it's important you change nothing. Continue your lessons as if nothing has happened."

"There we have a problem."

"What?"

"I have canceled our lessons."

"Why?" What could he say? Because after you stuck your neck out for me, I had a wet dream about Hermione Granger. "You must reinstate them at once."

"Mi—"

"It will look suspicious, Severus!"

"You're right." He admitted. But he could not put his hands on her now. He could barely look into those warm brown eyes, at that small puckered lip. What was wrong with him? Was it possible the potion had a continued effect?

"Have you told anyone except for me?" She asked.

"Of course not."

"Then you need to talk to Granger about who she told. The truth. Any suspicious?"

"You won't like it." He told her. She waited for his answer anyway. "Mr. Weasley." He spat. "He already hit me, and I believe she ended things with him over the break. The news hit as soon as she returned."

Minerva said nothing, but gave a single curt nod. Her eyes were saddened.

He approached the Grffyindor table with his face as expressionless as possible. His plan was to mention to Miss Granger in passing that there lessons were back on for the night, hoping he could find a way to help her at a distance. But he was forced to stop mid-step to avoid running into a Gryffindor quidditch player, the potion master very nearly knocking the boy to the floor just as he shouted, "She would never with that greasy, old—"

It was rather insulting, though nothing he had not heard before. He gave no great reaction, though the words stung. The student's face, on the other hand, paled instantly and slackened in horror, looking up at his 'greasy, old' professor. Severus glared at him.

Hermione failed to notice. She was busy shouting at someone else.

"HOW DARE YOU? How bloody dare you! If you want to call me a slut, then fine. But you have no right to disrespect that man by accusing him of abusing his position. He has done things…incredible things. Things you will never be capable of in your pathetic existence. And not only that, but he's also dangerous. Yes, dangerous." She laughed. "So if you do think of making those sort of allegations, you'd be dafter than I thought."

She whipped around, hair flying, and walked directly into his chest. His instincts screamed at him to catch the unsteady young woman, but with all eyes on him, he kept his arms at his sides.

"P-professor Snape." She said shyly as she might have years ago, blushing a bit, he noted.

Detached as possible, he kept his voice cool as he inclined his head. "Miss Granger, I will see you Saturday evening for your lesson and assistance with my project, will I not?"

"Yes sir." She replied with confidence.

He nodded and left, suppressing a smirk. Let them talk. They would never prove anything. There was nothing to prove.

A/N: Sadly, there is nothing to prove...for now. Thanks for your patience in building this story. I know many of you said you appreciate the gradual progression of their relationship. I promise the next several chapters are going to get exciting. Hope you enjoyed this one! Let me know in a review. What did you think of Snape's dream? Who slipped word to the paper? And what about that ring?

The greater response I get, the faster I write more and up-date. You have my word next chapter has a LOT of Severus/Hermione time. Thanks so much for reading!

Yours,

Elsie