-=I do not own Harry Potter etc., I am not she, who had this illustrious honour.=-

Cheap Thrills

An Afternoon of Anxiety

*

"Thanks, Denis." Hermione gave him a silver Sickle, and unfurled the small scroll.

Dear Ms. Granger,

I wish for you to come to my office, there is a matter I wish to discuss with you regarding Professor Snape. Please attend me at 3p.m. The password is Loyalty.

Best,

Professor McGonagall

Headmistress

Hermione was nervous about the impending interview. Had Snape talked to her? It wasn't likely to be good, in any case. Forfeiting her lunch she went out to the lake. The sun was shining, the lake was placid. Hermione sat near a thicket of reeds at the lake's edge. The second half of her day was a free period, she wouldn't be able to study, so she didn't try.

~*~

"Headmistress, you wished me to come." Hermione said stepping off the stairs.

"Yes, Ms. Granger. Thank you for being prompt. Have a seat dear." Hermione took the chair offered.

"I wish to speak to you about Professor Snape." There wasn't anything in McGonagall's attitude to suggest anything as terribly 'out-of-order'. The was moderately reassuring.

"Yes, Professor?" Hermione relaxed in her seat.

"It has come to my attention, that you have some interest in the Professor. In the past, such matters have been strictly prohibited. I know Ms. Granger that you are nineteen years old and have a perfect right to make your own decisions, both in the Muggle and Wizarding worlds. However, I feel I must discourage this. While you are at Hogwarts, you are still under the care of the Professors and myself. The possibility for abuse in this type of situation charges me to speak." McGonagall paused in this disconcerting discussion.

"Professor, I wouldn't abuse the situation and I hope you share my confidence that Professor Snape, is as Professor Snape always is."

McGonagall's face betrayed her bewilderment. "Ms. Granger, I'm at something of a loss to understand the attraction. Beyond that, I was under the impression that you and Mr. Weasley were involved."

"Mr. Weasley, is a fine man. Though Professor, you must realize that we are not suited to be more than friends, one thing and another." McGonagall had seen as much, she had been surprised to see them take more than a friendly interest in each other in the first place. "As for Professor Snape, he is brilliant and studious, I respect him very much. Age is no bar. You, yourself are no doubt aware that the history of such considerations of age have been very recent, in both the Muggle and Wizarding worlds."

"Yes, of course."

"I realize that there are those who would use such a situation to their advantage, both students and teachers. My character is impeachable, I shouldn't like to think I've given any other impression." Hermione waited for McGonagall to respond.

"Yes Ms. Granger, certainly. You've proved your maturity and I've know you to be very responsible, not only to yourself but to others as well. As I say, I will not stop you Ms. Granger. Be aware that I charge you with all discretion, and care in this delicate matter. I shouldn't like to think my trust was misplaced." The Headmistress was grave.

Hermione beamed, "Professor I will take all care in the matter. Thank you. Know too, I appreciate your standing with the governors and do not wish to disparage the school's fine reputation. Professor Snape and I do not at the present have a standing relationship. Given the opportunity I would change that. I do not want to leave Hogwarts without formally completing my education, nor have Professor Snape forcibly removed for our actions. I respect you Professor, your guidance and tutelage over the years have meant so much. I won't let you down."

"Ms. Granger, thank you for your candour. I won't keep you."

"Thank you for everything, Professor." Hermione stood up, shook the Headmistress' hand, and left.