Snape leant against the book case eyeing up Dumbledore. Naturally the old man wanted something from the both of them, they were only pawns in his grand plan after all. Snape turned his attention to Hermione, she was nervously biting her lip. How he wanted to go over then and... no he must stop these ridiculous thoughts. Now angry with himself he pushed this anger towards Dumbledore who had yet to reveal why he had visited the pair.
"Well..."
Dumbledore looked up at Snape, his eye's twinkling over his half moon spectacles.
"My apologies Severus, I appear to have got lost in thought"
Snape snarled in response.
"I would like to view the memories of your time in Malfoy Manor, specifically when you two were together"
"And why on earth do you need these memories?! what use are they to you" Snape snapped.
"Something has recently come to light and I believe that by viewing each of your memories will confirm something that is rather beneficial for the war"
"And I suppose we are not going to be told what this something is"
Dumbledore chuckled.
"In time my dear boy, but for now it remains best for you both to stay in the dark"
"Obviously" Snape drawled.
Dumbledore withdrew his wand from within his robes and turned his attention to Hermione.
"Miss Granger, if you wouldn't mind I would like to view your memories first, if you would come here"
"Yes Professor"
Hermione got up from her seat and walked towards the Headmaster.
"Would I be correct to assume you have never removed a memory for others to view before"
"um no I haven't Professor"
"No matter, I will simply use legilimency and remove it myself at a later date, if you are ready Miss Granger I will begin"
Snape watched as Hermione gave a small nod, how he prayed she would hide there little indiscretion, the last thing he needed was a lecture from Dumbledore. Dumbledore went on to raise his wand towards Hermione.
"Legilimence!"
Snape turned his attention towards the scotch bottle, and poured himself a glass.
"All done Miss Granger, Severus would you prefer legilimency or to simply hand over the memory"
Without a word Snape took out his wand from his sleeve, and with drew the memory. Dumbledore held out a small bottle, and Snape carefully placed the memory into the bottle.
"Thank you Severus"
Dumbledore turned his attention back to Hermione.
"Hermione, would you be ever so kind as to make this old man a cup of tea, I'm parched"
"Of course Professor, milk and sugar?
"Yes please"
Snape watched this exchange and knew Dumbledore had wanted to get him alone for a reason. God how he hoped the girl had not shown him the memory from the previous night.
"Severus, take a seat"
"I'm fine standing"
"As you wish"
"I'm assuming you sent Granger away for a reason"
"You assumed correctly, how are things between the two of you Severus?
"Fine, considering I am probably the last person the Gryffindor Princess would like to spend time with"
"You are wrong Severus"
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Snape snapped in return.
"When I entered her mind her emotion towards you was all to clear, she cares for you Severus"
Snape laughed.
"Yes, as much as she would care for the Dark Lord himself"
"Why do you continue to put yourself down like this my boy"
Snape ignored Dumbledore and poured himself another scotch.
"Drinking never helped you Severus"
"You aren't my father Albus"
"Alas, I am not, but you need to take a long hard look at yourself Severus, this girl cares for you and I believe that if you just let her in, she could bring back some light into your life"
Snape knocked back his scotch and stormed out of the room, almost colliding with Hermione who was bringing in the tea.
"Watch where you are going you stupid girl"
Snape did not wait for her response but stormed towards his office, slamming the door behind him as he entered. Who the hell did Dumbledore think he was, I'm better off alone, there is no need to drag her down with me.
Some time had passed since Snape had left Dumbledore in the living room, and he knew he would not be left alone indefinitely, and with that there was a soft knock on the door.
"Professor?" she called out gently.
Snape debated ignoring it but Dumbledores words hung in the air.
"Enter"
He watched as Hermione walked into his office, her hair was tied up in a messy bun and she was wearing a fitted jumper and skinny jeans, revealing her womanly curves.
"I don't mean to intrude..."
"Well it is a bit late for that" he interrupted.
" Sir, I'm did something happen between you and Dumbledore?" she asked bluntly ignoring his remark.
"Ever so perceptive aren't we Miss Granger"
She looked deep into his eye's.
"It's Hermione, please call me Hermione"
"That would be inappropriate" he responded looking away from her.
"Forgive me, but it appears that we are going to be in this situation for a while and I feel the formalities are ridiculous, I am no longer your student"
Snape sighed and considered this for a moment, addressing each other on first name terms couldn't cause to much trouble, could it?
"Very well... Hermione" he responded.
It was the first time he had said her name aloud, and Snape enjoyed the way her name had rolled off his tongue with ease.
"Thank you, Sir"
"If I am to address you by your first name then you must do the same"
"Okay... Severus"
A shiver ran through Snape's body as she said his name.