besnaped - Yes, Sev needs some nice memories to replace the ones of his skanky former love, heh heh.

BethAnn, Strega Brava - Yes, Sev is a bit darker in this one (or rather, more cold and calculating) but our Herm plans to do something about that.

hellsong, Tegan - I'm glad you think Sev is in character - I always try and keep him as canon as possible.

JoeBob1379 - Sev, sweet 'n innocent? smile Not in this story!

Rosmerta - Perhaps it's not the Done Thing for Snape to pursue students (well, that hasn't stopped other authors, heh) but there's an explanation in this story.

Mykerinos, not really here - I'm glad you're enjoying the story!

Saavik - Yes, Sev is planning on using Hermione. But things could get interesting..

Chapter Three

Hermione refused to show any apprehension on her face when she eventually skated back to the edge of the lake, surprised that Professor Snape had continued to wait for her. But then again, he had a stubborn nature so perhaps it wasn't that surprising...

She glided to a stop and then cautiously made her way to the log where she had left her boots. Professor Snape was sitting on the other end of the log, looking as though this was something he did every day.

His expression was sardonic but he made no move to hinder or help, nor did he speak as Hermione unlaced her skates and put her boots back on. She was acutely aware of his nearby presence and wondered if he felt this weird chemistry between them which, when she thought about it, had been there for a while.

When she had her boots on she heard him say dryly, "Now that you've proven you can skate - though only adequately - will you listen to me?"

Seething inside, Hermione looked at him coolly. This wasn't the classroom and she wasn't in a mood to be polite. "What do you want?"

He gave her a look that could mean anything. "I did not thank you properly for your Christmas gift, Miss Granger."

"Oh, I thought it was a bribe," Hermione said lightly, refusing to make it easy for him.

"If it had been a bribe you would have left a name tag on the cake," Professor Snape said calmly, "and you had planned to leave it anonymously, didn't you? I daresay the cake will not do anything for my waistline, but I will take pleasure in eating it anyway."

The truth be told, part of him was touched by her gesture. Few people gave him Christmas presents (though Dumbledore always gave him a bottle of the finest wine from his own personal cellar). It wasn't something Severus encouraged, for then he would be obliged to give something back.

Only Hermione had, without any thought of a gift in return. This could mean..

Watching her intently he smiled to himself when he saw the faint flush of pink on her cheeks. It would seem that she had feelings for him, a crush perhaps. This would certainly make things easier. He did not feel any of that love rubbish for her of course, only an unwelcome desire that had started to affect him at times in the last year whenever he saw Hermione. What was equally unwelcome was the odd sense of connection to her - hadn't he learnt anything from Clara? Love and connection to a woman only led to betrayal and despair.

But he would be kind to Hermione in his own way, for he could be kind when it suited him. He would make sure things were..mutually satisfying (and have a pleasant Christmas season for once), and then when he had had enough of her he would give her a generous parting gift of jewellery.

Liaisons were not encouraged between teachers and students, but the unofficial policy of the Ministry of Magic (who were always eager to see babies born of wizard parents) was that if the student was over 18 and in her last year, with no coercion involved, then there would be no reprimands.

Sirius, as Severus knew well, had taken advantage of that and had happily seduced a number of students, at least until he had actually married a pretty Ravenclaw student he had bedded. She had recently given birth to twins and Sirius would show off the numerous baby photos to anyone who breathed.

Taken aback at his apology, Hermione felt her cheeks turn pink, to her embarrassment. It appeared he had noticed for there a tiny, amused smile appeared on his face, which served to make him look sexy in a dark, dangerous kind of way.. [Stop thinking like that!] she warned herself. It was one thing to have a crush on him, another to actually do something about it. Besides, it wasn't as if he felt anything for her in return.

Telling her mind to get back on track, Hermione focussed on the main fact to hand - Professor Snape genuinely liked her present. If she could bring some small joy to him this Christmas she would think it worthwhile. Hermione wondered if there was a way to make him smile again.

"I'm um, glad you like the cake, Professor," Hermione said awkwardly.

"Thank you, Miss Granger," he replied smoothly. "I have nothing to give you in return, but perhaps you would like to assist me in a potions experiment I will be running in two days time. Would 10 am suffice?"

Hermione blinked. To have the chance to assist in his experiments - many seven-year students would do anything for that privilege, despite his irritable temper.

There was no sign of her former bad mood when she looked at him with eager assent, her eyes glowing. "Yes, I would, Professor," she responded.

Professor Snape smiled thinly and rose smoothly to his feet. "Then it is settled. Now if you will excuse me, I believe I have used up my quota of time outside."

Hermione tried to smother a giggle and failed.

Professor Snape snorted, then looking at her thoughtfully reached out a hand as if he was going to touch her hair - then he withdrew his hand abruptly and turning around walked back towards Hogwarts.

Hermione stared after his retreating form. He was going to touch her - but had changed his mind at the last minute. Despite his tragic past did he have the capacity to feel emotion again.and towards her?

Professor Snape felt unsettled and angry with himself as he returned to the castle. He had had the ideal opportunity to kiss her, but something about the shining happiness on her face had made him feel it would be wrong to do so at that time. What was wrong with him?

He shook his head impatiently. Never mind. All was not lost, and she would be coming to help him with his experiment. Events would work out just as he had planned.

A/N: OK, review - you know it's good for you! grin

Next Chapter: Snow Means Snowballs..