I felt an odd tightness in my chest as she said this. I gave her no answer, only sighing sadly, realizing that if I came for peace in the library, I would not find it. I swept out the caged hallway, feeling her hot eyes still staring after me. Perhaps she felt as much of a hungry need as I. Or, perhaps more fearfully, she did not.

Either way, she was much too tempting, a delicious morsel I was positively forbidden from touching. I walked morosely down the corridor, feeling much more depressed than normal. Even Filch gave me an odd look, with his ridiculously oversized cat winding itself around his heels. Everything all right, Professor?, he asked nervously, twisting his greasy chin hairs between his stained fingers. I made a face at the cat before I replied, There was a giant spill in the Gryindor corridor. Anyone seen loitering, immediately take 10 points off, with my permission. His ugly face lit up in a malicious parody of glee. He trotted, in his bandy legged way, down the hall.

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. This school was becoming too much, with its crowd control and lusty teachers. I realized it was time to lunch, and the last thing I felt like doing was watching Granger sit there, and eat her food in an extraordinarily sordid manner. Why, at the last meal, she was running her long, pale fingers up and down her knife, while speaking quite candidly to Lupin. It made sweat bead upon my forehead, quite a feat considering I'm constantly cold.

The teacher's table seemed even more unreachable than ever, and wading my way through hordes of children is not exactly an appetite enhancer. Dumbledore patted the place next to mine, and for once, I was relieved to see that someone was glad to see my presence. His grandfatherly smile was suspiciously wide tonight, though his saucer-esque eyes were completely devoid of guilt. He greeted me amiably, further solidifying my suspicion that he knew more than he would divulge.

I had always found it hard to become angry at the old man. He was too jolly, too welcoming. Too warm, too genuine. He reminded me of what my grandfather should have been like, instead of the rigid old goat that I had been served with. I knew of Dumbledore's inherent strength, and his ability to summon it when needed. His steely resolve to battle all evils was the strongest I had seen yet, and the great look of triumph on his face when Voldemort cowered at his feet was somewhere in the ranks of enlightening. If there was someone that embodied pure good, in its most potent form, Dumbledore was surely it.

I sat gratefully beside him, ignoring the glances that both Lupin and Granger insisted on sending me. Things are better, Severus?, Albus asked, leaning towards me on the pretense of reaching for biscuits. Fine. Has my behavior proved otherwise?, I asked tightly, making sure that my voice was steady enough. You seem less sober than usual, he replied, an amused glint to his expression. Really? Perhaps my students will disagree. Speaking of, have you not yet expelled Bartlet or at least suspended him?, I said quickly, changing the subject. Dumbledore sat back in his chair, surveying the children with an air of a man who has been granted his every request in life.

It was harmless, Severus. The potion would have proved a fluke at any rate, he said. He was still planning on breaking into my stores and wasting both my ingredients and time, I snapped. Granger glanced up at the severity of my tone, and watched my face carefully.

I hardly think it would be worth an expulsion, she said nervously, her eyes dancing wildly between both Dumbledore's face and my own. I turned to her, my expression withering, Please, Professor. I hardly have time for your useless, socially motivated input. She looked slapped for a minute, but colored and turned away, spending the rest of dinner obstinately flirting with Lupin. I rolled my eyes, and resumed my conversation.

It was an illegal substance, even in the muggle world, I protested. Dumbledore raised his hand, signaling no more arguments. I forced back a tirade of petty debates and comments. I have dealt with it as I see fit, Severus. The matter is exhausted, the finality in his tone absolutely immovable. I sat back in my seat, almost sulkily. I became even more ill tempered when I saw Granger give a very satisfied glance in my direction.

Dinner was over, and I survived with only replying with grunts and gestures. No one seemed particularly put off, I suppose they were all used to my being an ass. The only person who seemed distressed was Lupin, who, at every opportunity, shot my an annoyingly concerned peek. I had the childish urge to make a hideous face, until I remembered how hideous I already was.

I shuffled through the corridor, languidly deducting points, until there was no one left to bully. My shoulder's sagged. Today had felt endless; each period longer, more dull than the last, and my hopes that my future was placed securely in the hands of our youth was even more quickly dwindling.

I was on my way back to my chambers, when I realized someone was standing in front of me. I couldn't see them, even though the torches were lit. My eyes were starting to water in the darkness and also from trying to grade papers in a subterranean office. Someone was breathing beside me, there breaths quicker and more feverish than mine. There was also an unmistakable odor of excitement.

Who's there, I demanded, clawing wildly at the air. Suddenly, Hermione Granger materialized in front of me, red cheeked and bright eyed. I almost hexed her in shock, for I had thought myself mad.

She put a finger to her lips, signaling my silence. Because I was so disoriented, I obeyed. She smiled nervously, and beckoned me to come towards her. I crossed my arms, extremely irritated and puzzled, shaking my head. She rolled her eyes, and I'm assuming placed her hands upon her hips, because I could only see her head. Can you just simply comply, Snape?, she whispered, and reached forward to grab my arm. I uttered a very, very foul curse word as one of her arms emerged from whatever was hiding it. She looked positively stunned, Really, Professor, muggle language doesn't suit you. I had an amusing urge to stick my tongue out at her, but I pressed the thought back.

The invisibility cloak!, I hissed, feeling slightly surprised. After all, I did use the bloody thing in her third year. She nodded in the manner of a teacher pleased with a normally dull witted student. Thought it would be a nice touch, she said, and threw it off her shoulders

If, dear reader, you expected Hermione Granger to be wearing a negligible teddy or some other vulgar nightdress, I'm afraid you shall have to remain disappointed. It would be highly out of character for the woman to be seen in something other than oceans upon oceans of robes. She was wearing perfectly normal muggle jeans and a high necked sweater. On the whole, I preferred her muggle clothes. They seemed to suit her better. I nodded appreciatively and she looked disgustingly reminiscent of a dog being complimented. I wrinkled my nose.

What's wrong?, she asked, her face falling, I thought you would like it. I was debating whether to prance about naked. I gave her a very alarmed look, and she laughed good naturally. Nothing, Miss Granger. The look...accommodates you. Very tasteful. Unlike your other muggle counterparts, I said, rather disparagingly. She gave me a pained smile, and suddenly threw herself up against me.

I staggered beneath the added weight, until I realized that she was giving me an overly enthusiastic embrace. She felt quite nice, a softish, curly haired blanket. And, because my male libido can never be fully repressed, a pair of very fine breasts. I stood there stiffly, not knowing exactly how to return such a blatant display off affection. I reached up and absent mindedly brushed a curl from her face.

She stood on her very tip toes and tried to kiss me, but found she could only reach my nose. I still remained unmoving, trying to see if this little witch was clever enough to find a way to easily kiss me. She frowned and bit her lip, looking like a charming gamine. Should I shrink you?, she asked at length, her wand ready. I shook my head vehemently, Absolutely not. For all I know, Granger, you could shrink me to the size of Longbottom's toad and keep me in your pocket. She threw her head back and revealed her long, white neck. I was sorely tempted, but decided to remain standing for just a while longer.

Not that I wouldn't mind being so close to your ample bosom, I said playfully, running my finger down the seam of her sweater, I've always wondered what you kept beneath those robes. She shivered dramatically, and crouched further into me. The heat she was radiating was very tangible, and she seemed to become ten times more aromatic.

Her arms slowly twined themselves around my waist, and her adept fingers ran themselves up and down my spine. She had a featherlight touch, and it was my turn to shiver. Do stop it, I said, pushing her away, wishing that she didn't know how to push my boundaries so effectively. She laughed throatily, and I could feel the reverberations echoing in my own chest. She pushed herself up again, and I leaned down.

The minute she began kissing me, it was like a frenzied tsunami. All the pent up passions seemed so clearly expressed in a wordless exchange. I wrapped my own arms around her, with one hand tangled carelessly in her hair. Her fingers, far too sinuous for their own good, were caressing, instead of ruthlessly scratching my neck. I relaxed beneath her touch.

We spun around, and I found her backed up against the wall, a very feral expression in her eyes. She kissed me harder, her perfectly sized teeth grazing my lip. I didn't even care, in fact, I encouraged her with a growl. She smiled into my mouth, a delightfully curling of the corners of her mouth. It felt unnervingly beatific.

She reached up and flexed her hands against my chest, and I leaned my head against the wall, bemusedly observing her face.

, she said suddenly, and dropped her hands, giving me a desperately helpless look.

Don't swear, girl. What in the devil is the matter?, I asked, slightly annoyed that this was somewhat of a mood spoiler.

I can't find the sodding buttons.














A/N: Heehee. Somewhat of a cliffie, but maybe this time they'll go all the way? Hmm....*strokes beard intently*. You'll have to read to find out! Thought it would be a funny way to end if she couldn't even find the entrance to his superflous robes. *Laughs hysterically* Ok, so maybe it wasn't that funny, but I'm not going to completely spoil it all by indulging everything in one chapter!