I'm sure, by now at least, you should know that I could never own it. It belongs to people who actually have money, not one that won't be paid for another four days!

Small AN: I didn't want to burden my beta, so all the mistakes you see are mine, and mine alone.
Ch. 4 Temptations, Frustrations

Granted the sun was bright outside and that the weather was brisk but pleasant, he wasn't happy. Why should he be, he was a stupid twit anyway. He needed to learn how to harden his resolve; he needed to learn how to keep his emotions in check. He needed a drink.

He had begun to like the burning sensation that made his throat constrict in rawness. He already loved the aroma that came out of the decanter; in fact he thought he was about to fall in love with the bottle itself. A dry laugh came from his chest, he had gotten himself into a drunken stupor last night, why not do it again this sunny morning? And it was all over that damn girl, the one who had done something so utterly unexpected that he had fled the field of battle quicker than he had entered. She was encouragable. Muttering to himself the man rose, he had a meeting in an hour, one which he needed to be sober.

"Come on, old boy. Rich Severus Snape has to present his cold, unfeeling side to the world," After all, he was an unfeeling arse, wasn't he? The man who called himself Severus dragged himself to his feet and stumbled across the room to the sobering potion. As his head cleared, Snape pulled his clothes off. Wrinkled black robes and muggle pants and shirt fell to the floor, left for the house elves to deal with. Shivering in the cold, he ignored the many scares that spoke of his life as a spy, he quite certainly believed that he deserved every one of them. The hot water and clean clothes revived the rest of him enough to stay awake, but his mind was wandering. Cursing all the gods in the heavens, he grumbled his way out of his room.

Damn that sunshine.

~o0o~

A small giggle, then a deeper laugh, not loud enough to be disturbing, yet enough to show that they were enjoying themselves. Her smile as bright as the sun, Hermione leaned back into Ron's arms, trying to forget about last night. Somehow, though, fate was conspiring against her, "So," Ron gathered her farther into his arms, "What did that git Snape do?"

The brunette in his arms sighed. "He gave me detention. Again. I swear, if that man could have, he would have kept me from being Head Girl." She didn't have to tell the whole truth, she was protecting Ron. It was for his own good, right?

"Well, he just didn't enjoy catching us. We did give him a pretty good show though, didn't we?" She swatted him as well as she could and muttered something about him being a lecherous exhibitionist. Another laugh from the redhead. "At least I'm not like Seamus, he is the biggest voyeur I've ever saw."

"That's true, we were rather involved last night weren't we? I guess we did give the man a shock to his system." As Hermione gave a nervous laugh she hoped that Ron would get off the subject, and soon.

When he didn't comment any more and rested his chin on her head, she snuggled down. Hermione felt like she was using Ron, but for what she couldn't tell herself. For once though, a boyfriend was her hold on the earth, not something to flee from. The brunette saw Harry walk up and take a seat in front of them and pulled a face. "Come on you two, this is getting sickening, always seeing you together."

"Don't dog us out, Harry Potter, you should see you and Draco. It makes 'Mione and me look tame."

"Alright then," Harry grinned broadly. "I guess you're right. But then again, we never see each other."

Hermione out right laughed at her raven-haired friend in front of her and Ron. "Only everyday, and then Quidditch, and almost every spare minute you have. You really need to start telling the truth." And so did she. Harry just grinned back at the Head Girl, he was great at evading the full truth, very well, in fact. She could remember when Harry had been caught in the girl's dorm and easily lied about homework, which just happened to be an after thought. No one had known he was gay then. He had just snuck back to talk to Hermione about kissing Draco. When she laughed quietly, Harry looked at her quizzically.

"I was just thinking of when you snuck in the girl's dorm."

Now it was Ron's turn to look puzzled. "Oh, come on, Ron, you remember. When I had first kissed Draco?"

From the redness of Ron's face, Harry was sure he did.

"Harry! That was something that I was purposely trying to forget about, have pity. You snogging our former arch-enemy is not the easiest thing on a guy." All had to agree, even though it was commonplace now, it had been a real shock to the wizarding world. Now, whenever they saw Harry and Draco together, Ron and Hermione had to admit that they seemed happy together.

"Now, how was last night?"

"Aren't we sticking out nose in someone else's business." Hermione admonished the green-eyed guy in front of her.

"I can't say that I'm not curious. I mean, after Draco and me, you two are couple of the year."

"My," Ron looked down to his girlfriend. "Guess we'll have to kill 'em. Don't you?"

Hermione grinned and nodded her head in a fervent yes. "Yeah, I mean, we are so much more interesting than Wonderboy there. It's going to be funny when Draco finds out that you've secretly lusting after America's seeker. He'll be heartbroken!"

"That's cruel, Herm. I only said he was attractive, it's not like I'm going to fly off to America to make him my boyfriend!" Hermione had no doubts as to if Harry could have him outside of Hogwarts, but he was also firmly attached to Draco.

"As I recall, I believe you said he was hot."

"You agreed with me!"

Ron turned Hermione around, "What's this? Gonna leave me for some rich guy?" While Ron had said it jokingly, she couldn't help but feel that she would do exactly that. Why was it that happiness never seemed to frequent her household, especially when it came to men.

~o0o~

"Daddy? Daddy, please! Don't leave! Mommy didn't mean it, she's just upset. Daddy." Tears were streaming down the little girl's face, leaving shining streaks in their stead. When she tried to grab a hold of her father's pant leg, the man shook her off. "Daddy!"

She grabbed at him again, but was slapped across her face for the effort. "Keep back you little brat! If it weren't for you, none of this would have happened. You were a mistake, a filthy, horrible mistake. You should have been killed at birth, but your mother actually wanted to keep you. You and your filthy, stinking mess." He slapped her across the face again, for good measure, and slammed the door behind him. He left the young girl behind him, the tears now cascading in an emotional agony of knowing she wasn't mean to be here. She managed to carry herself off to the living room where she curled up in a corner and a day later she was found by the social service's people.

After bouncing around from home to home for two years, she nearly lost it, until she met the Grangers. They took her in and adopted her, from that moment on, she called them Mum and Dad, as far as they were concerned, Hermione had never been an Allen. When they had been murdered, she had barely coped, after trying to take her life, she lived with a cold resolve that she would help defeat Voldemort, her only reason for life.

~o0o~

Snapping out of her melancholy, Hermione put a bright smile on her face. Damned if she was going to upset Ron or Harry. "Well you two, I'm going to go back to Hogsmeade. I feel like blowing some cash before my detention spoils my mood beyond redemption!" Harry and Ron laughed along with her and with that they trooped down to Hogsmeade, all trying to ignore the fact that the place was crawling with Aurors.

~o0o~

"The dark has been growing more and more each day, and each day Voldemort gains more power than we can defeat. The phoenix is falling, ladies and gentlemen, I am getting on in age, and while I have been training our young Mr. Potter, if something happens to me he will need to your guidance." The old man who was speaking paused and Severus tried to block him out once more. Besides, he knew the speech already, Albus had told it to him word for word before, days ago in fact. Everyone knew the inevitable would be coming, at least Albus Dumbledore was trying to ease the burden that would eventually make itself present.

A word occasionally breaking through the mental barrier, Severus sighed, thinking about everything that had come into play. Hermione's recklessness, her profound tenderness. Also that stubbornness and down right Gryffindorness that was an essential part of her character. He had to admit that she was very attractive, she didn't realize the attention she got, Snape was sure, but a man would have to be blind or a eunuch to not notice her. Hermione was smart too, no, not smart, she was intelligent, she was. Severus stopped this certain train of thought, she was a student for Gods' sakes, while many before him had taken advantage of this situation, he decided that he was a man of character. He would not have a relationship with this young woman.

Although the professor knew Dumbledore's planned exposition, he needed something to occupy his mind for a while. Besides, he was going to have to give his own speech to the Order soon enough. "I cannot stress enough just how important this is to the Light, to the entire world. Godric Gryffindor's sword still lies in its case, the dust is gathering, but not for long. The Dark Lord is preparing his forces in earnest, I'm suspecting that it will happen during the summer, this final battle, and I for one want to be prepared. If there are no questions, I will turn the floor over to Severus Snape."

The dark haired man took his place at the podium, showing his respect for Albus with a slight bob of his head as they changed places. Without much pomp or his usual dramatic cape flaring , Severus mentally organized his notes and tried to pointedly ignore Black's eyes. "I'm afraid that the Lord of Dark already knows of my work, so I can no longer gather information for our side. Although we have many spies, our information has become scarce, and if we do not learn more we will be lost." He paused to make a point, the looks on their faces were grim, however, they looked determined. "We do know that the dark is planning an attack on Hogwarts." That was a major understatement, they planned on totally destroying it. "We must strike back soon."

After the other segments of his speech, Severus left, the meeting was going to be long and he had a detention to serve. Thinking of his time to spend with a certain Granger, he disapparated to Hogsmeade. The man could at least have something other than school food before he had to sit through his self-imposed torture.

But then again, she wasn't that bad. Maybe if he was nice to her for once.No, definitely not, he had to be a complete bastard as per norm. what was wrong with him, something must have been in that room.

He was never nice.

That had to be the worst decision he had ever made.

~o0o~

Hot and stuffy, but comfortable, maybe a bit noisy, but they were wizards. Hermione glanced around at the Three Broomsticks, this was the best place to drink and eat, except maybe Hogwarts. After putting up with Harry and Ron's antics in Zonko's, an almost permanent encampment in Honeyduke's and an all to short stint in the Dusty Tome, the trio had left to partake of a well-deserved Butterbeer. One saw all sorts of people in Hogsmeade, and the local pub was no exception. Hagrid with some friends, the standard wizarding populace, a few professors, including Snape.Wait! Professor Severus S. Snape, here? Eating dinner and complementing Rosemerta on the food? It was impossible!

When he eventually left, Hermione realized why, she had to go to detention. She said goodbye to Harry and Ron who were by now over with Hagrid, and trudged her way up to the castle. The air was crisp and she pulled her cape around her. A clear sky filled with stars twinkled from above and put on a glorious show. It took Hermione's breath away. Gazing up at the universe, the young woman marveled at its sheer beauty for a long while. She gasped when heaven graced her with a shooting star, the brunette had never believed in Trewaleney's predictions, but maybe it was an omen.

Perhaps tonight wouldn't be so bad.

~o0o~

She didn't even let the words get out of his mouth when she walked him. Hermione wanted to get the beratement over with. "Yes, I know I'm late, Professor. I'm sorry." His jaw nearly dropped to the ground. Was this some sort of preemptive strike?

He felt obligated to return the favor and was actually polite. "It's alright, Ms. Granger. Just don't let it happen again." Now it was Hermione's turn to be stunned. Instead of saying something appropriately sarcastic, she just shrugged. Severus was proud of himself, but he just had to add in the last bit. "I have some work for you, don't worry either, it's potions brewing. Dumbledore needs a certain potion for Harry, a strength potion. The recipe is over by the cauldron, help yourself to the stores." Yep, his resolve had definitely crumbled away like dust. What was wrong with him, he wasn't supposed to actually be polite, not ever. Good Gods, was he losing him mind?

Whether or not the brunette found anything odd, she didn't remark, only set diligently to work. After about an hour, though, she gave up silence, "Professor? This step, it says to add the florc seeds with the feverfew, but wouldn't that make the potion lose its strength? I thought it would be better to add them separately." He may have been in agony from her presence, but he somehow managed to get to her side. She pointed it out, pushing a strand of hair back behind her ear. Severus couldn't help but notice the way her neck curved gracefully and her hair gently floated. Not realizing that she was doing so, Hermione shifted closer to Severus. Her curiosity got to her, he smelled like he looked, mysterious: a hint of asphodel, expensive muggle cologne and his own intoxicating scent. She leaned in closer. Snape tensed at her side, ready to bolt like an animal if needed.

Don't stand so close to me.

A strand of hair had worked its way loose and fell down to hit her cheek playfully. Hesitantly, ever so unsure, Snape reached out and pushed the piece back, his fingers brushing against her cheek. Instead of a shudder, or an outright yell, Hermione leaned into the touch. Neither accepting nor declining. She could feel her heart beating heavily, the brunette knew it could be heard clearly in the stone dungeon, positively reverberating off the walls. His hand still on her face, Hermione turned to gaze into her professor's eyes: dark pools that were brimming with something. Fear, maybe? Apprehension? There was surprise, for sure. If nothing else, it was surprise, it was amazing that she could stand his touch.

Deciding there was nothing else to do, Hermione returned his caress, gently resting her hand on his cheek. Then she did the most unbelievable of things: the girl stood on tiptoe and gazed once more into dark eyes. There was no way back now, and she knew it. Severus, the brave spy for the order, stood before Hermione confused and practically shaking at the knees. What was she doing? Apparently she knew very well what she was doing and reached with her other hand and placed it on Severus's other cheek. Hermione smiled shyly and placed her lips upon his, proving her intentions to him.

He couldn't explain it, she felt so right. Severus pulled her into his arms, locked in an embrace she would have never wanted to break free from even if she had to. As she put her slender arms around his neck, Hermione knew she had been called home to his arms. To both it was indescribable, it was sheer bliss. They were so involved with each other that they didn't even notice the knock on the door, or the person who accompanied it until the person entered.

"I'm sorry, Professor, but I forgot my-" Blaise Zabini stopped dead in his tracks and gaped at Snape open-mouthed. Only when Blaise nervously cleared his throat did the couple look up. Apparently the boy thought it prudent to be elsewhere, and Hermione had to agree. She had not even thought over her actions, she had just done, not evaluated.

"I should probably go," Hermione said.

Snape looked to her in obvious puzzlement, quickly followed by a look of understanding. His voice turned cold, aloof. "Yes, I believe you should."

Hermione felt tears down her face as she shut the door behind her with an ominous click. She should have never expected the acceptance Snape gave her, and with that the cold excuse was hard to bear, much less understand. It was a good thing that when she crept back into the common room no one was there.

She couldn't bear to see Ron tonight.

~o0o~

Deep down the lower levels of Hogwarts a candle was lit, sending strange, flickering shadows upon three faces. Two countenances practically giddy with the subject of gossip, the other nodded his head sagely. "No, you're kidding!"

"I mean.Hermione?" One of the two snickered. "She's a Gryffindor for magic's sake. And then the professor?" This time he down right guffawed.

"I swear it. I walked in on them, plain as day!" The sober one broke down his façade, replacing it with a smirk.

"Oh, I believe you, Blaise. But God, Hermione Granger and Severus Snape? If I didn't know you, I'd think you were shittin' me!"

The other's head bobbed in agreement. "No one is gonna believe this!"
Now to the thanks:

Cassandra: It usually makes me sick, but my head is twisted, I can't help it! I lived in Germany for a while, and though I can speak a little, I can't spell worth a darn, and as I said---he's a putz. It's okay to call your teacher stupid, only if he is though! ; )

CiNdY: I will update, promise!

Eternal Queen: Do you make a habit of flattery? Thanks for the complement.

Potion's Mistress: Don't be late to class, even though I have been in the same boat. Stories are much more interesting than school work.

Slytheringal: I tried to add in the tension, this is my first fic I haven't chickened out on, so.. I'm glad you think it's shaping up well, I do my best!

Lea: He might, depends on how he behaves!

Thanks once again, but one thing I want to eleborate on: I was going to make this a weekly update, but, if I get ten reviews I will post the next chapter sooner. Okay? Thanks for reading!
Her Lover's Spy