Chapter 7:
When Hermione finally made her way down to the dungeons, her anticipation of that evening was skyrocketing. But as she strode into the office, she found it, disappointingly, empty.
Deciding that she didn't need to distract herself with the professor anyway, she set to work on her own. She examined and researched everything, gathering any information that would contribute to the structure of the potion they were aiming at.
Pages and pages and pages. Hermione's eyes were getting heavy. She couldn't believe that Snape would be such a coward that her wouldn't show. She kept telling herself that something had happened. //That's it, something *must* have happened.// The rigid Potions Master would never stand anyone up, especially if he had made the appointment! Granted, he was probably embarrassed, but he had faced Voldemort for Christ's sake!! Researching with the brainy Head Girl of Hogwarts should pose no problem for him.
It was getting very late, and Hermione was convinced that Snape wasn't going to show himself. She carefully put the old, tattered books back in their place on the bookshelves and collected her research supplies, all the while anger simmered inside her. The Potions Master had asked for her 'assistance' on this, but he sure as hell wasn't doing anything productive by not being present. She might as well be in this alone.
With a few muttered words, a swish, and a flick, Hermione extinguished all of the candles that had been flickering in the shadows. Making her way out of the office, frustration was more than obvious in her stride. Or, it would have been had she actually gotten two steps before smacking into something warm, cold, soft, and hard, all at the same time. As she lost her balance, two unwavering hands seized her upper arms, steadying her back on her feet.
"Miss Granger," Hermione trembled beneath his piercing stare. "What are you doing here?" he hissed in apparent agitation.
With all of the confidence she could muster, she shot him what she desperately hoped was a withering look. "If I recall correctly, Professor," she ventured, disappointment apparent when he did not wither before her. (but then, who could picture Severus Snape withering?) "I was the one who was in the right place at the right time. I have been here researching, as you requested." Hermione stated tersely. "Of course," she continued bravely, "When you said that I was to be an assistant, I did think that that generally implied that there would be someone for me to assist-"
"You have made your point, Miss Granger. Although I was not aware that a, what is it now?, seventeen year old girl would need a babysitter to watch over her," he spat angrily.
"Bloody HELL!! Just because you can't admit that this is your fault doesn't mean you have to blame this crap on me!" Hermione lost her temper and shouted. Snape recoiled sharply and took a step away.
"Miss Granger," he drawled, "There no need to get temperamental. I can hear you perfectly fine without shouting." He took a small step closer. A very small step indeed, but Hermione still noticed the space between them grow smaller.
She paused, waiting for him to inform her as to exactly why he hadn't been present that evening, but after a few moments she realized how incredibly stubborn her Potions professor could be. //Fine, if you're not going to provide an explanation.//
"So, *Professor*, do you have an excuse for your absence, or did you slip up and actually make a mistake?" she tried her best to imitated his sneering voice.
The Potions Master looked surprised at her courage. Obviously, not many people had bothered ever arguing with him, once they realized how futile their actions would be. His face suddenly contorted into a horrible, twisted smile. "Thirty points from Gryffindor, Miss Granger, for your inexcusable cheek towards a member of Hogwarts staff."
Hermione felt the fury and aggravation burning inside her, so much that it felt like she was going to explode. Knowing full well that she would explode and lose more points for Gryffindor unless she left, she shot Snape a disgusted glance and brushed past him, out of the office.
//What on earth have I been thinking? I couldn't possibly have real feelings for that bloody git. ARG!!!// she shouted at herself in annoyance. // . But I do, I know I do. Hermione, don't deny it, that'll only make it worse. Oh, fuck.//
She stormed through the halls, tears streaking down her pale cheeks and leaving glistening trails behind them. Letting out a sob, Hermione realized that she didn't have the slightest idea where she was going. Her feet were carrying her across the school, and they seemed to have a mind of their own-winding through the labyrinth halls so swiftly. Turning a corner blindly, Hermione let out a startled cry as someone grabbed her from behind and yanked her into a darkened classroom.
She whirled around to face the one that she had just been running from. "Wha-- How? How did you--, I just left.?" She trailed of naively.
"Miss Granger," Snape hissed, witnessing with a sense of satisfaction that Hermione was shrinking away from him with every word. Then there was a deafening pause, almost as if the Potions Master didn't know what to say.
"Y- Yes, Professor?" she answered with a certain degree of uncertainty. Why would she even be here, submerged in shadows of an vacant Charms classroom, if he didn't know what he needed to say to her? //Gods, this is frustrating. He is such a git sometimes! Okay, scratch that, *all* of the time.//
"Yes. well," he stammered. Hermione's whole mood turned around with those words. She almost crowed in success. She had made the evil, slimy Potions Professor speechless. And if not exactly speechless, well then *pretty darn close*.
She could sense his uncertainty and obvious discomfort. //He probably did have a plan pertaining to what he would say to me// she mused gleefully. //He must have forgotten! -And the fun begins!!//. With a surge of bravery she didn't know she possessed, Hermione sauntered over to where Snape was stationed, locking her eyes with his. With what she desperately hoped was a sultry expression on her features, she peered up at him through her dark, lengthy lashes.
"Yes Professor?" she chided in an intensely effective voice so low it was almost a whisper. She could almost swear that she could sense the fine hairs on the back of his neck standing on end, and a crisp round of new goose bumps slithering along his already icy flesh.
Hermione was only about a foot away from his lean form now. She tilted her head invitingly, and traced a small index finger along the defined muscles of his chest. Parting her lips tenderly, Hermione breathed in his scent and forced herself even further into this interesting predicament she was in. "Professor, was there something you wished to tell me?" Her words came out a whisper.
The space between them was slowly but surely diminishing, and she heard a sharp intake of breath and a barely audible gulp from the older wizard. There was no turning back now, she decided. This was it.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
A/N: ARG! *Bangs self on head with heavy, solid object.* This chapter did not turn out at all the way I wanted it too. It sounded, and felt, much better in the confines of my own mind. I'm sorry if it was a bit fluffy and meaningless, and a little unbelievable, but hey. Deal with it and move on. Writer's block sucks. I'll tell you that much. So do final exams!!! They are finally done!! *skips around and does touchdown dance* I'm a much happier person now, if I could only get this story down better. Oh well, there's always chapter 8. well, I guess not always. just 'til I get it done. Never mind. My thoughts are not coherent today, or any other day for that matter. okay. yeah.
PS~ I'm so glad everyone loved the Popsicle! I wasn't even planning on doing it, but then the muses can to me and threw it in my face!! Yippee! So many reviews!! I love you all!! Sorry if the response to the reviews is so long, but so many of you responded. I don't want to leave anyone out.
PSS- I need a beta!! I suck at proofreading, as you all, no doubt, have noticed. email me if you are interested!!!
~Raven @----
Potions Mistress: Thanks!! Chapter 6 has turned into my pride and joy!!
Jen :-)(MattsLittleJen@aol.com): You have no idea how much I wish I could just skip school and write for you, but see, there's this problem concerning the law, so I'm not gonna do that. But I would if I could! I will try and write fast. Maybe even have another chappie up by Monday, but I'm not sure??! no promises. but I'll try for you!
Tracy (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=210826): So glad you loved the Popsicle. Hehehehe, *evil grin*. you can thank my somewhat deranged muses. they have their ways.
Marisa Raven: Hermione's thoughts were a really important factor in my opinion, because otherwise it gets sorta 2 dimensional, and no one wants that!! Thanks for the support!
kiki-0303 (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=314603): Here's part of the reaction you were looking for. But, what's on the horizon? only time, and snoggage, will tell.
Severus Snape (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=241715): Hehehe, thank you!!! I agree, the Popsicle made it perfect.
Military-Brat (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=252028): sorry about the "Return of the evil cliffes", I will try not and leave you hanging too often, although it is fun to hear you beg. (J/K)
plastic (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=297157): Who ever said you couldn't play with your food? okay, a lot of people. but still. Who says you can't use it to torture your Potions Professor? not lots of people. I'm glad you approve!!
ScurrySevvy (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=283231): "Great"? *blushes and looks away* aww, you really think so? I do my best.
Hexmeisterin (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=223438): Sheesh? Your boyfriend kicked your computer? Jeez, what did it ever do to him? well, I guess hostility toward inanimate objects is better than, say hostility towards me, or some other helpless fan fiction author. I'm trying to make my story go places, but I think I may need a U-haul or something. I can't get the darn thing to move!!!!
CiNdY (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=316030): I'm sorry if I left you on the edge of your seat too long, I hope you weren't holding your breath!!! 8-P Yeah, Harry feels something towards Hermione, but it's not a really big thing now. sorry if that wasn't clear. All my fault!! *shamefully looks at toes and scuffs new leather on ground.* *swears.* *new leather shoes ruined.*
Erica: EXACTLY!! I really wanted to give Hermione something a little mischievous. You are soo right, Ginny usually does get all the fun. Thanks for the constant review-age, it really helps!!
wrenny: I'm super-happy you're having great fun. I'm cheering right along with you!!
Jessicat1982 (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=290272): Such a good point. See, I was thinking of whether to do Snape's PoV too, but then I was already into chapter 3, and I just said, screw it. but if get enough requests, I'll try and sneak something in. it would add to the story, I agree.
cAn_YoU_gUeSS??(?????????????????????): Hmm. well, yeah. Interesting. *clears throat* you may want to refrain from love declarations over the internet. Sorta strange. (okay, a teensy bit more than 'sorta'.) But anyways, *sideways glance* So glad you enjoyed the story!!!
Lana Riddle: Thankx so much!!
Michiru-san (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=84417): I've tried so hard to make it believable, but I'm extremely worried that I ruined it all in this chapter. *sniff, sniff, tear*. I hope you like the update!!
madam-pyro (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=308072) : hehehe , your review made me giggle!!
BurningIce(Icecubejuice25@aol.com): *bows down to the extreme ruler of all flattering reviews*. Thank you so much. You exaggerate, but I love you for it!!!
Quirk: You are definitly not the only one with an imagination wandering towards a certain potions professor. Many dreams of snoggage. yes siree. yum!!
When Hermione finally made her way down to the dungeons, her anticipation of that evening was skyrocketing. But as she strode into the office, she found it, disappointingly, empty.
Deciding that she didn't need to distract herself with the professor anyway, she set to work on her own. She examined and researched everything, gathering any information that would contribute to the structure of the potion they were aiming at.
Pages and pages and pages. Hermione's eyes were getting heavy. She couldn't believe that Snape would be such a coward that her wouldn't show. She kept telling herself that something had happened. //That's it, something *must* have happened.// The rigid Potions Master would never stand anyone up, especially if he had made the appointment! Granted, he was probably embarrassed, but he had faced Voldemort for Christ's sake!! Researching with the brainy Head Girl of Hogwarts should pose no problem for him.
It was getting very late, and Hermione was convinced that Snape wasn't going to show himself. She carefully put the old, tattered books back in their place on the bookshelves and collected her research supplies, all the while anger simmered inside her. The Potions Master had asked for her 'assistance' on this, but he sure as hell wasn't doing anything productive by not being present. She might as well be in this alone.
With a few muttered words, a swish, and a flick, Hermione extinguished all of the candles that had been flickering in the shadows. Making her way out of the office, frustration was more than obvious in her stride. Or, it would have been had she actually gotten two steps before smacking into something warm, cold, soft, and hard, all at the same time. As she lost her balance, two unwavering hands seized her upper arms, steadying her back on her feet.
"Miss Granger," Hermione trembled beneath his piercing stare. "What are you doing here?" he hissed in apparent agitation.
With all of the confidence she could muster, she shot him what she desperately hoped was a withering look. "If I recall correctly, Professor," she ventured, disappointment apparent when he did not wither before her. (but then, who could picture Severus Snape withering?) "I was the one who was in the right place at the right time. I have been here researching, as you requested." Hermione stated tersely. "Of course," she continued bravely, "When you said that I was to be an assistant, I did think that that generally implied that there would be someone for me to assist-"
"You have made your point, Miss Granger. Although I was not aware that a, what is it now?, seventeen year old girl would need a babysitter to watch over her," he spat angrily.
"Bloody HELL!! Just because you can't admit that this is your fault doesn't mean you have to blame this crap on me!" Hermione lost her temper and shouted. Snape recoiled sharply and took a step away.
"Miss Granger," he drawled, "There no need to get temperamental. I can hear you perfectly fine without shouting." He took a small step closer. A very small step indeed, but Hermione still noticed the space between them grow smaller.
She paused, waiting for him to inform her as to exactly why he hadn't been present that evening, but after a few moments she realized how incredibly stubborn her Potions professor could be. //Fine, if you're not going to provide an explanation.//
"So, *Professor*, do you have an excuse for your absence, or did you slip up and actually make a mistake?" she tried her best to imitated his sneering voice.
The Potions Master looked surprised at her courage. Obviously, not many people had bothered ever arguing with him, once they realized how futile their actions would be. His face suddenly contorted into a horrible, twisted smile. "Thirty points from Gryffindor, Miss Granger, for your inexcusable cheek towards a member of Hogwarts staff."
Hermione felt the fury and aggravation burning inside her, so much that it felt like she was going to explode. Knowing full well that she would explode and lose more points for Gryffindor unless she left, she shot Snape a disgusted glance and brushed past him, out of the office.
//What on earth have I been thinking? I couldn't possibly have real feelings for that bloody git. ARG!!!// she shouted at herself in annoyance. // . But I do, I know I do. Hermione, don't deny it, that'll only make it worse. Oh, fuck.//
She stormed through the halls, tears streaking down her pale cheeks and leaving glistening trails behind them. Letting out a sob, Hermione realized that she didn't have the slightest idea where she was going. Her feet were carrying her across the school, and they seemed to have a mind of their own-winding through the labyrinth halls so swiftly. Turning a corner blindly, Hermione let out a startled cry as someone grabbed her from behind and yanked her into a darkened classroom.
She whirled around to face the one that she had just been running from. "Wha-- How? How did you--, I just left.?" She trailed of naively.
"Miss Granger," Snape hissed, witnessing with a sense of satisfaction that Hermione was shrinking away from him with every word. Then there was a deafening pause, almost as if the Potions Master didn't know what to say.
"Y- Yes, Professor?" she answered with a certain degree of uncertainty. Why would she even be here, submerged in shadows of an vacant Charms classroom, if he didn't know what he needed to say to her? //Gods, this is frustrating. He is such a git sometimes! Okay, scratch that, *all* of the time.//
"Yes. well," he stammered. Hermione's whole mood turned around with those words. She almost crowed in success. She had made the evil, slimy Potions Professor speechless. And if not exactly speechless, well then *pretty darn close*.
She could sense his uncertainty and obvious discomfort. //He probably did have a plan pertaining to what he would say to me// she mused gleefully. //He must have forgotten! -And the fun begins!!//. With a surge of bravery she didn't know she possessed, Hermione sauntered over to where Snape was stationed, locking her eyes with his. With what she desperately hoped was a sultry expression on her features, she peered up at him through her dark, lengthy lashes.
"Yes Professor?" she chided in an intensely effective voice so low it was almost a whisper. She could almost swear that she could sense the fine hairs on the back of his neck standing on end, and a crisp round of new goose bumps slithering along his already icy flesh.
Hermione was only about a foot away from his lean form now. She tilted her head invitingly, and traced a small index finger along the defined muscles of his chest. Parting her lips tenderly, Hermione breathed in his scent and forced herself even further into this interesting predicament she was in. "Professor, was there something you wished to tell me?" Her words came out a whisper.
The space between them was slowly but surely diminishing, and she heard a sharp intake of breath and a barely audible gulp from the older wizard. There was no turning back now, she decided. This was it.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
A/N: ARG! *Bangs self on head with heavy, solid object.* This chapter did not turn out at all the way I wanted it too. It sounded, and felt, much better in the confines of my own mind. I'm sorry if it was a bit fluffy and meaningless, and a little unbelievable, but hey. Deal with it and move on. Writer's block sucks. I'll tell you that much. So do final exams!!! They are finally done!! *skips around and does touchdown dance* I'm a much happier person now, if I could only get this story down better. Oh well, there's always chapter 8. well, I guess not always. just 'til I get it done. Never mind. My thoughts are not coherent today, or any other day for that matter. okay. yeah.
PS~ I'm so glad everyone loved the Popsicle! I wasn't even planning on doing it, but then the muses can to me and threw it in my face!! Yippee! So many reviews!! I love you all!! Sorry if the response to the reviews is so long, but so many of you responded. I don't want to leave anyone out.
PSS- I need a beta!! I suck at proofreading, as you all, no doubt, have noticed. email me if you are interested!!!
~Raven @----
Potions Mistress: Thanks!! Chapter 6 has turned into my pride and joy!!
Jen :-)(MattsLittleJen@aol.com): You have no idea how much I wish I could just skip school and write for you, but see, there's this problem concerning the law, so I'm not gonna do that. But I would if I could! I will try and write fast. Maybe even have another chappie up by Monday, but I'm not sure??! no promises. but I'll try for you!
Tracy (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=210826): So glad you loved the Popsicle. Hehehehe, *evil grin*. you can thank my somewhat deranged muses. they have their ways.
Marisa Raven: Hermione's thoughts were a really important factor in my opinion, because otherwise it gets sorta 2 dimensional, and no one wants that!! Thanks for the support!
kiki-0303 (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=314603): Here's part of the reaction you were looking for. But, what's on the horizon? only time, and snoggage, will tell.
Severus Snape (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=241715): Hehehe, thank you!!! I agree, the Popsicle made it perfect.
Military-Brat (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=252028): sorry about the "Return of the evil cliffes", I will try not and leave you hanging too often, although it is fun to hear you beg. (J/K)
plastic (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=297157): Who ever said you couldn't play with your food? okay, a lot of people. but still. Who says you can't use it to torture your Potions Professor? not lots of people. I'm glad you approve!!
ScurrySevvy (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=283231): "Great"? *blushes and looks away* aww, you really think so? I do my best.
Hexmeisterin (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=223438): Sheesh? Your boyfriend kicked your computer? Jeez, what did it ever do to him? well, I guess hostility toward inanimate objects is better than, say hostility towards me, or some other helpless fan fiction author. I'm trying to make my story go places, but I think I may need a U-haul or something. I can't get the darn thing to move!!!!
CiNdY (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=316030): I'm sorry if I left you on the edge of your seat too long, I hope you weren't holding your breath!!! 8-P Yeah, Harry feels something towards Hermione, but it's not a really big thing now. sorry if that wasn't clear. All my fault!! *shamefully looks at toes and scuffs new leather on ground.* *swears.* *new leather shoes ruined.*
Erica: EXACTLY!! I really wanted to give Hermione something a little mischievous. You are soo right, Ginny usually does get all the fun. Thanks for the constant review-age, it really helps!!
wrenny: I'm super-happy you're having great fun. I'm cheering right along with you!!
Jessicat1982 (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=290272): Such a good point. See, I was thinking of whether to do Snape's PoV too, but then I was already into chapter 3, and I just said, screw it. but if get enough requests, I'll try and sneak something in. it would add to the story, I agree.
cAn_YoU_gUeSS??(?????????????????????): Hmm. well, yeah. Interesting. *clears throat* you may want to refrain from love declarations over the internet. Sorta strange. (okay, a teensy bit more than 'sorta'.) But anyways, *sideways glance* So glad you enjoyed the story!!!
Lana Riddle: Thankx so much!!
Michiru-san (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=84417): I've tried so hard to make it believable, but I'm extremely worried that I ruined it all in this chapter. *sniff, sniff, tear*. I hope you like the update!!
madam-pyro (http://www.fanfiction.net/profile.php?userid=308072) : hehehe , your review made me giggle!!
BurningIce(Icecubejuice25@aol.com): *bows down to the extreme ruler of all flattering reviews*. Thank you so much. You exaggerate, but I love you for it!!!
Quirk: You are definitly not the only one with an imagination wandering towards a certain potions professor. Many dreams of snoggage. yes siree. yum!!