I stormed up the stairs after my classes had finished, not caring how many precious Gryindors I barreled over. In fact, it felt good to knock them all down, like some life sized version of wizard's chess. I approached Dumbldore's office and whispered the password. Surprisingly, the headmaster hadn't change his password. And why would he, the only other people who knew it would be Potter and Weasley. And Granger. My stomach did an odd dip when I thought of her name, the way her face contorted with rage, then sadness as she looked at me. I realized that it was out of pity that she had reached out to me, that it was out of pity that she had been even minimally civil.

And suddenly, I felt her scorn more empowering. Having someone detest you with a great fervor enables you. Having someone pity you does not. I snarled viciously as I stamped up the stairs. I wanted Albus to have no false pretenses about the reason I was here. I knocked on the door, admiring briefly the ornate wood. It creaked open, and his cheerful face beckoned me in.

, I began, but he put up his hand. If you're scathing criticism and complaints have something to do with that recumbent woman over there, I'm afraid that she has reached me first, he said quietly. I looked where he ws gesturing towards a very heavily sleeping Hermione Granger. It was not hard to tell that she had been crying, from the way her cheeks flushed and small streaks marred her face.

What is she doing here!, I hissed, having half a mind to go and rudely knock her from her seat. She came to me, most distressed this afternoon after having what I gather to be quite the argument with you, he said, still observing her, his cheerfulness somewhat diminished. She taught my class without my consent. She has no reason to be upset with me. I was just lucky she did not proceed to explode my classroom or jostle my ingredients. It isn't just anyone who can teach potions, Headmaster, and I assure you that Hermione Granger does not qualify, I said. Dumbledore gave me a long, but not unkind stare. Was it not you, Severus, who had made the suggestion that she was one of Hogwarts' most brilliant minds in the first place?, he asked.

I fumbled with my robes, finding that I could not quite match Albus' gaze at the moment, feeling abashed at my own contradiction. The silence in the room was thick, and the only sounds for several minutes were Granger's heavy breathing and occasional utterances. I knew Dumbledore was a patient man, and that he would wait as long as he had to. I folded my arms, and tapped my foot impatiently, gesturing for him to start speaking. He raised an eyebrow at me, then pushed his hands slightly, as if encouraging me to raise whatever hell I felt I needed.

Why the hell is she in here, I blurted, pointing my finger at Granger who as ready to fall out of her chair. Because she was so very overwhelmed that she could barely speak. As you must know by now, Severus, dear Professor Granger is very prone to the expression of emotions, he said calmly. I frowned, Well couldn't she lay down in her own chambers, then? After all, she does seem to have an enormous bed in there. Enormous enough for two people. Two people such as Lupin and herself. Dumbledore chuckled very softly, but I had a feeling that if she hadn't been so soundly sleeping, he would have nearly doubled over in amusement.

Severus, if I was not so sound a judge of character, it would appear that you have succumbed to the most basic human emotion: jealousy, he said. He produced a lemon drop out of nowhere, and offered it. I made a grimace and backed away. Citrus tends to disagree with me. As do accusations of being smitten with former, overbearing students.

He nodded, and popped it into his mouth. Why would I be jealous of Lupin or Granger? Granted Lupin has landed the coveted position, but I really have gotten used to this potions business. And arithmetic was never my favorite or strongest subject, especially with that barmy old codger, Vector. Now that she's replaced with equally disagreeable woman, I find my liking of the subject further diminished, I said sourly, looking disdainful as Dumbledore by-passed an immediate reply to my comment by sticking another candy into his mouth.

So, I see that you do not believe Professor Lupin's perfectly valid explanation as to why he was in Professor Granger's chambers?, he asked carefully, watching my every expression. Why should I? Why so early in the morning? Couldn't he not find enough fully mended clothes to dress himself with that he must run and fetch Granger's help? And why that bloody smug look? He could have asked me for the potion, and I'm sure I would have it carefully prepared less than an hour later. And I am not in love with that damned impossible woman!, I ended up shouting the last bit, rousing the lovely, perpetually weepy Granger.

She sat straight up, looking thoroughly confused and irate. What's going on.....what in Merlin's name is he doing here?, she asked sleepily, gesturing at me with one of her long fingers. Dumbledore sighed, then put his hands up. I really do give up. You two must make peace, be it now or never. I'm not asking you to be excessively pleasant to one another, but to simply respect each other. And, I would appreciate it if you did not bicker so loudly in the halls. Several students find it more amusing than I. When I return, I expect both of you to be much more civil to each other than from when you entered, he said wearily. Granger looked extremely displeased, like a child being denied a coveted thing and who is about to throw a monstrous tantrum.

Dumbledore hastily left, leaving us to our own devices. I looked at her again, and cleared my throat. Now, where to begin?




















A/N: don't worry, this is mos def not the end of the chapter. Yes, yes, yes, Hermione and Snape will eventually both end up kicking boots, but good things come to those who wait. *wink*