Chapter Ten!
Dumbledore awoke hours later. He was still exhausted and felt as if he was going to collapse any moment. But pushing against his weariness he stood up and left to find Mcgonagall. He didn't have to look far, she was waiting right inside his office as he entered.
"Good Morning, Albus" Mcgonagall said.
"As to you" Dumbledore said sitting. After a moment he recognized the look on Mcgonagall's face. Feeling the blood drain from his face he finally choked out his next words, "How many?"
"Three" Mcgonagall said, "Not long after Fudge left. Severus tried to tell you, but you were asleep"
Dumbledore shook his head quietly, "This can't go on anymore" he said quietly, "I will not let this happen!"
Mcgonagall shook her head, "Albus, you're doing what you can!" she said, "Not even you can create miracles!"
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"Listen to you?" Hermione cried, "Give me one reason why I should listen to you!"
"Because until you and I reach an understanding of some sort, Voldemort will continue to have Albus distracted from him!" Snape said, "I'm not asking for forgiveness Hermione! But until you and I reach an agreement, more people are going to suffer through what you are going through right now! Is that what you want?"
Hermione shook her head slowly.
"Good!" Snape said, "There isn't any words or actions that can take back what I've done, or even make it up to you, but I'm willing to try"
Hermione looked at the floor silently, still not sure what she should say.
"I don't pretend that I'm a good man! I'm not!" Snape said, "You've no idea what it is like to have done the things that I've done and not be punished. I still wish I had gone to Azkaban like every other deatheater! That Albus killed me that night I returned to him! But instead I'm alive and free"
Looking up Hermione took his hand, "I don't understand any of this" she said softly, "And I'm terrified out of my wits, and I'll work with you to help stop Voldemort, but I don't think I can forgive you"
Snape nodded, "I don't expect forgiveness, Hermione"
Hermione's hand reached around his neck and she leaned in and quietly kissed his lips. Snape's eyes shut painfully before he managed to flinch away.
"Severus!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Stop! Whatever you think is between us, I assure you, its not there!" the words were rushed and unconvincing, but still stung.
"Do you mean to tell me that our kiss before, you didn't feel a thing!?" Hermione asked, "Is that what you are trying to tell me?"
"That isn't what I'm saying at all Hermione" Snape said with a sigh, "Hermione, please, try to understand this at least! Any unheard of emotions you think you may be feeling push aside"
"But why?"
"There are too many reasons, one being I'm over 15 years your senior, and you professor" Snape said.
The bitter reminder was enough to make Hermione burst into tears, but she withheld them and just nodded to say she wouldn't try to advance again.
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Authors Notes: Sorry its short again. I'm really low on ideas these days. But Im doing my best. Thanks for all the wonderful review though. And I promise, this story will not go unfinished. That's one of my biggest peeves on this site, unfinished stories. So anyway, please review, and if you have any ideas, feel free to e-mail at Rainbow_River_CS@yahoo.com