Disclaimer: See chapter One.

Author's Note: Inner Smile is a song by Texas.



Unexpected Emotions

Chapter Seven - Inner Smile

"So how do we prepare the meticulous howler?" Hermione asked looking at the strange plant. The meticulous howler was the size of a pumpkin, but was bright blue in color and when sliced in half it let out a wolf's howl.

"We need to cube it then, simmer it in mandrake juice for 45 minutes."

Hermione nodded and began to prepare the cauldron of mandrake juice, whilst Snape prepared the howler. She watched as his strong hands worked chopping the tough plant. Suddenly Hermione got this funny feeling wash over her. It was hard to explain. She felt as though she wanted to cry and laugh at the same time and she had the overwhelming urge to throw herself at him. Looking in to the cauldron she saw small bubbles forming in the clear liquid. "The mandrake juice is ready."

Snape finished cutting the last piece and gently dropped the meticulous howler in to the simmering liquid. He watched her delicate fingers wrapped round the spoon stir the developing potion. Slowly he traced his eyes up her arm and came to rest upon her eyes of liquid amber. 'Dumbledore was right, she is beautiful. Why hadn't I noticed it before?'

Hermione spoke knocking Snape out of his reverie. "Is there a problem Severus?"

Snape shook his head. "No Hermione, I was just thinking."

"About what?"

"Strangely enough, you."

A mixture of amusement and shock appeared in Hermione's eyes. "I hope they were good thoughts."

"I'm not sure, to be honest. I was wondering why you don't seem to have a boyfriend. I thought women your age did."

"They still do and I did have a boyfriend, we broke up just before the war ended."

"Oh, I guess I should say I'm sorry." His eyes became downcast.

"Don't be. It was mostly my choice. I wanted to spend more time on my work, and Ron didn't like it."

"Weasley?"

"Do you know any other Ron's?"

"No, I thought you'd end up with Potter."

Hermione laughed. "Harry? Where do you get these ideas? Since when has Harry thought of anything but Quidditch? Why the sudden interest in my love life?"

"Well I guess, Oh I don't know how to do this!" Snape stormed to the far side of the room. "Hermione, I want to be your friend. There I said it. Happy now?"

"Hermione left the potion and walked over to Snape. She placed her hand on his shoulder. "I would be glad to have you as a friend."

Snape turned slowly to look at Hermione, making sure that she was not making a joke of him. "Thank you."

Hermione smiled and walked back to the potion. Looking at the clock she extinguished the flame under the cauldron. "Ready for the next part?" Snape and Hermione worked diligently until the potion was complete. "I guess now we just have to wait until the next full moon."

"Mmm. I think I'll send Lupin a note." Snape scrawled upon a piece of parchment. Standing up, he re read his note and grabbed his cloak. "Coming?" Hermione nodded and followed Snape to the owlery. Opening the door, several owls gave Severus and Hermione disapproving looks for disturbing their sleep. Tying the note to a sleepy tawny frog mouth, Snape gave his instructions. "Phantom, I need you to give this to Remus Lupin." The bird stretched its wings and flew out the window. Snape stared after the bird until it was long out of sight.

"Dumbledore is expecting us at dinner. We best be going."

Snape turned to Hermione and the pair headed to the great hall.

~*~

"How is the potion coming along?" Dumbledore looked to Snape.

"It is complete. I've owled Lupin. We should find out if it works by next full moon."

Dumbledore nodded. "I'd like to see you and Hermione after dinner; I have some things that need discussing."

"Certainly Albus." Replied Snape.

Hermione smiled and nodded. She remained silent through out the meal. Her feelings were tumultuous after Severus' earlier confession. She wanted his friendship, but she was beginning to feel something more, but she was unable to understand why.

The meal was over in what seemed like hours, but was only minutes. Hermione followed Severus and Albus to the gargoyle outside his office. "Jelly slugs." The gargoyle sprung open, and Hermione grimaced. Dumbledore always had peculiar tastes. Seated in the office Fawkes flew over and perched himself on Snape's shoulder. The dark haired man stroked the bird. Fawkes lapped up the attention then flew back to his perch when Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Now that the potion is complete, I gather you'll want to return to teaching Severus."

"Of course Albus." Snape replied.

"That means that Hermione will no longer be needed here and can return to working for the order. Unfortunately, things are slow with the order now that Voldermort has been defeated and I feel that your mind will be wasted with meaningless paperwork Hermione. So, I am offering you the charms position."

Hermione looked shocked for the second time that day. "But what about."

Dumbledore raised his hand in a silencing manner. "March Flitwick has wanted to retire for some time; there just hasn't been a suitable replacement. The war took a lot out of him, and now he struggles with some of the more complex charms that the seventh years need learn. He requested you specifically Hermione."

"I am honored, and would love to teach here."

"Then it is settled. You can either take a room near Gryffindor tower or near the charms room if you like."

"Actually Albus, I would prefer to keep my room near the dungeons. I've made it quite comfortable there and it quite feels like home."

"Very well, if you wish. Congratulations Hermione. You can start teaching charms from Monday, I am sure that you and Severus need to go over the potions class plan."

Snape nodded. "If that is all?"

"Yes, Severus. Goodnight then."

Hermione and Severus left the room. Hermione was beaming and Snape wore his usual expression. "Are you busy tomorrow evening Hermione?"

Hermione shook her head to indicate 'no'.

"I was thinking after dinner we could go over the potions class details."

"That will be fine Severus." She stood on tiptoe and kissed Snape on the cheek. "Goodnight Severus." Whispering her password she went in her room leaving a stunned Severus Snape standing outside.