Disclaimer: See chapter One.

Author's Note: Thank you to all of you who have given me reviews, it's great to know that I'm on the right track (

Sonnet 130 - Written by William Shakespeare. Read by Alan Rickman on the Love Speaks album.

Unexpected Emotions

Chapter Four -Torture.

"Come to pity me have you?"

"Of course not Severus. I thought after this past year, we would become something known as friends." Hermione's eyes were wide with fear of rejection.

"I have no friends Miss Granger."

"Hermione."

"What?" Snape looked puzzled.

"My name, its Hermione, you used to call me it."

"Hermione, I am a man who likes solitude. I do not have time for friends."

"Then I pity you, not for your medical state, but for your blackened heart. Everyone needs friends Severus."

"If I had friends like Potter and Weasley, then I'd hang myself."

"Honestly, you just don't like Harry and Ron, because they remind you of James and Sirius. They are completely different people you know."

"Ha! Not likely. Potter was always parading around like he owned the school, both senior and junior."

"Fine, I think I will leave, but I'll be back tomorrow. I don't know if Albus told you, but I'm taking your classes for the next few weeks, until you get back on your feet again. I guess Gryffindor will be in running for the house cup again this year."

Snape's eyes blazed with fury as she walked out the room with a smirk plastered on her face.

"She's in love with you, you know." Dumbledore entered the room his hands clasped together.

"Don't be ridiculous."

"It's true, and I know that you are in love with her."

"Senility has hit you Albus. You've gone mental in your old age."

Dumbledore chuckled. "Severus, many things happened in the weeks you were unconscious. Miss Granger has kept a vigil by your bedside since the moment you were brought here. She read to you and got a better understanding of the inner man you are."

"There is no inner man, Albus, I am what you see. A mean, greasy haired bastard, ex-death eater and waste of breathing space."

"No Severus, she saw a man who is lonely, needing companionship. She sees you as a man of taste and refinement and last but not least, a man who is capable of love, but is afraid to let people close."

Snape grumbled and scowled. "And since when did you become a know it all?"

"Since the day of my birth, I was a terror to the teachers. Lemon drop?"

Snape shook his head. "How long until I can get back to teaching? I can't bear the thought of that woman being too light on my students."

"2 weeks, give or take a few days. Severus, you have been through a traumatic time, relax. Everything will still be as it is when you are able to return to scaring the students."