As hard as it was, Severus kept his hands to himself after the night of the
first yoga session. Many times during the other yoga sessions and research
sessions that followed, however, he much felt like Dobby. Feeling like he
should iron his hands in punishment for wanting just one touch. If he
thought it was difficult after Christmas Eve to keep his control, it was
nearly unbearable now. But he didn't want a repeat of the hostilities, and
did manage it somehow. That, and he was getting better at yoga. He'd
almost given it up, but Hermione pushed him to keep trying it. With the
incentive of secretly watching her, it was almost no trouble at all to
continue.
The relaxation was doing wonders for him, also. He could feel himself becoming slightly more flexible as the end of the year neared, and he was more patient in class, much to the relief of many. He'd even snapped at Neville less, resulting in what Hermione had mentioned to him earlier in the year.
'He'd do better if you would stop flying up his ass every time he made a mistake.' She told him. Apparently, she was right. But that didn't mean that he would forgive mistakes that could melt metal cauldrons. Potions is a dangerous business, and mistakes could not be afforded. Now that NEWTs were so close, they'd agreed that they would wait until after they were over, spending the final week of the term continuing their research. After her exam was marked and her mark was recorded, you better believe he was planning on some 'hands on' research.
Hermione, on the other hand, was feeling quite smug. The control she had with Severus was intoxicating. She wanted to taste a bit more. It was a shame that the potion wore off so soon. She wondered what his answer to her actions would have been. But she had been unable to sneak that potion out of his closets, and he started to keep better track of it after that. In fact, he moved the remaining potion from where it was and hid it on her. 'Spoil sport.' She thought when she remembered. 'Soon. NEWTS start soon.' And than the week that followed those exams for marking. Once that potions exam was marked, she would no longer be his student. You better believe she was planning something.
~@~
The NEWTs week arrived, and Severus was more than thankful that Hermione had introduced him to yoga. The exercise really made this year a lot easier to handle than the ones before, even considering his newfound sexual frustration. He managed to get through the exams fine, until the Seventh Year Gryffindor-Slytherin class. As much as he tried to stop it from happening, his eyes wandered over to Hermione. Oh how he wanted to just throw her over his desk and take her right there. His imagination was in overdrive. But considering all the students were intently concentrating on their exams, he felt it was an acceptable risk.
He was wrong.
He didn't notice Harry or Draco looking up from their papers, catching the potions master with a look of absolute lust and longing in his eyes when he looked Hermione's way. Draco had a smile on his face. He would win the bet with Potter. Oh to see what Potter agreed to do when he lost.
Harry, on the other hand, was absolutely convinced that Snape would not touch Hermione until after graduation. But they never defined what graduation was. Did they consider it after the exam marks were posted? Or after the graduation ceremony? He'd have to have a discussion with Draco later to find out what he meant. If Harry was really smart, he would have asked about that before. Slightly worried over what the interpretation would be, he bent his head back down, trying with all his might to remember what exactly a ferret liver did without smirking.
Hermione, on the other hand, could feel Severus' gaze on her. She smirked inwardly. Let him think that she was oblivious. If only he knew what she was planning to do with him after the year was up. It was so close, she could taste it. If he thought that Valentine's was something. . .well, she had a few things up her sleeve.
Ron was trying to get through his exam, wondering how Dob- NO NO NO!! I'm sorry! Much to many of your relieves, I can't do it! I just can't! It was wrong than. It's wrong now!
~@~
Severus was never so happy to be marking exams before. The first one he marked was Hermione's, with no worries of him being subjective when doing so. True to form, she scored near perfect - couldn't let her go for anything that he would normally take marks off for. She'd understand. Maybe be a little angry - but that just adds fuel to the fire.
As soon as he finished marking it, he felt a huge relief come off his chest. Once her mark was recorded along with her classmates, she was officially no longer his student. He began marking the other exams, wishing he'd left hers to the last. The other exams felt like hell compared to her own, and by the twentieth, he was rubbing his eyes. Time for a break.
Getting up from his desk, he walked over to the fireplace where his boiling water was waiting for him. Making some tea, he didn't notice the door to his office open. However, he couldn't ignore the hideously strong odour mixed with an equally disgusting smelling perfume. 'What the hell is that smell?' He thought, crinkling his nose in disgust. The smell became even stronger, and his hearing picked up the sound of dainty footsteps behind him.
Turning, he came face to face with a woman - if it could be called that. The thing in front of him had overlong, extremely thick eyelashes. So thick, in fact, that he could count the number of them; both bottom and top. Over the eyes, there was a thick coating of a peacock blue. The cheeks were drenched in a bright pink with blood red lips. The hair was black, and put up in a ridiculous style. He looked taken aback, which she must have mistaken for something else. She smiled up at him.
"Severus Snape?" She asked breathlessly, breath smelling worse than the sorry excuse she called a fragrance. He nodded, hoping to be able to hold his breath until she moved away. Unfortunately, she didn't. She brought her hands up to his shoulders, leaning in closer and pressing her body to his. "Do you have a moment?"
Against his desire to get her out of his office immediately, but willing to do anything to get her off of him, he gestured the seat in front of his desk, muttering a shielding spell he used for particularly foul smelling potions to protect himself from the smell emanating off this woman as he walked to his desk. Instead of sitting on the chair, she sat on the edge of his desk, looking at him with something he didn't like.
"Was there something you needed, Miss - ?" He began.
"Ms Deniyah Moorehed." She said, holding out a hand demurely for him to kiss the back of. He reached out and simply shook it. He'd have to wash that hand after this. "I was just here with my ex-husband. I believe you know him. Craven Moorehed?" He nodded. "We were looking for a school for our youngest who is entering school, and were looking at possibly sending him here. I just had to meet all the Professors. I've heard so much about you."
"Was there anything that you wished to speak with me about?" Severus asked, wanting to get to the point and get her the hell out of there. "I fear that I cannot be detained long. I must finish these exams by midweek for grade postings."
"Of course. I understand." She said, pausing, looking down, and tracing an imaginary design on his desk. "I can imagine that teaching at a boarding school such as this, you tend to get rather busy and don't get a chance to go out much." She said. "I would like to get to know all of the professors, and I was hoping you could join me for a drink at the Three Broomsticks."
He was about to answer, when there was a knock at the door. "Enter." He said, thinking that whatever student was about to enter, was about to earn some points.
In walked Neville Longbottom. "Sir?" He asked, sniffing slightly in the air, and scrunching his nose.
"What is it, Mr Longbottom?" Snape said, snapping, but inwardly thanking Merlin.
"Um. . .ah. . .Hermione wanted to know when. . .when. . ." He stuttered.
"Out with it!"
"When you would be continuing your research since I was already coming down here." He finished quickly.
"Hermione?" Deniyah asked. "You're doing research with a student?"
"Yes." Severus said, than turned back to Neville. "Inform her that we will continue on Wednesday unless something comes to my attention." He said. Neville nodded, turning to leave. "Why did you need to come down here, Mr Longbottom?" He asked, hoping to keep the door open a bit longer to air out the room more.
"I. . .I. . .f-f-forgot something in the c-c-classroom, sir." He answered.
"Very well. Good day." Neville looked somewhat surprised at the pleasantness he was getting from him, and got away before he did anything else strange, or started snapping at him again.
"So, this Hermione. It's good to see that you are working closely with your students." Deniyah said, not missing the look in Severus' eyes when Hermione's name was said.
'You have no idea how closely I want to work with her.' Severus thought to himself.
"So about that drink?" Deniya continued.
"I'm afraid I simply do not have the time, Ms Moorehed. I also lack the interest. If you'll excuse me."
"Of course." She said, getting off his desk, and making her way out of the office, a bit angry about being rejected. Nobody rejects Deniyah Moorehed. She would have to find out who this Hermione was. Severus Snape was a very wealthy man, and one who could help her social status considering his 'war hero' status.
~@~
"Hey, Draco." Draco heard someone call after the final exam was written. "Question." Harry said, catching up with him and Jessica.
"Answer."
"Smart ass." Jessica muttered.
"Thank you." Harry said to her. "I was wondering, ferret boy, we never discussed what the definition of 'graduation' would be."
"Ah. Good point, Potty." Draco said. "I always assumed it would be the graduation ceremony."
"Not after exams are marked?" Harry asked. "It should be official when marks are posted."
"Yes, but the ceremony would make it absolutely, undoubtedly official." Draco replied.
"You're just saying that because it gives you an extra couple of days." Harry replied.
"Yes." Draco said, not bothering to deny it at all.
"Let's make this fair than. We'll ask somebody we both agree to ask, and we'll take their answer." Harry said.
"Very well, Potty." Draco said. "I say, Dannie." Harry thought about it a moment.
"Agreed." He said, shaking Draco's hand. "Let's go find her." And they split off in search of one half of the Hogwarts bunnies.
~@~
"Mr Malfoy." Draco heard someone call him. Turning to face the source, he spotted one of the women he wished he'd never have to see again.
"Ms Moorehed." Draco said, trying not to inhale too deeply.
"How have you been? My daughter's been asking about you. Wondering why you never return her owls." She said, giving him a piercing gaze.
"I'm afraid with NEWT's and senior student duties here, I haven't had much time to engage in social activities." Draco replied. "That and sorting through my father's things."
"Yes, shame about your father, Draco." She said, not quite believing his excuse. "Draco, I was wondering if you knew a girl by the name of Hermione." She said, cutting to the chase.
"Yes. She's a seventh year Gryffindor. Top of our class, as a matter of fact."
"An intellect?" She asked, scrunching her nose in distaste. In her views, study and serious academics were for the men. A lady of good breeding would never think of such a thing. She knew her place.
"Yes. Very much so. She's been working and researching with Professor Snape for most of the year. I have never heard of anyone earning that type of attention from him." Draco said. "I think they have a mutual respect for one another."
"Is that so?" She muttered. "Thank you, Mr Malfoy." She said more loudly, turning and heading for a deserted hallway, intent on using a locating charm and finding this Hermione. She would not have a little girl standing in her way.
~@~
Hermione was in the kitchen. Deciding that there were a few things she needed, she thanked Dobby for his offer of help, but insisted that she didn't need it. Mental images of how he was 'helping' Ron. . .well, as long as he was a willing partner. She just didn't need to know about it.
As she was about to open the door to one of the fridges, she heard the sound of the kitchen portrait opening. When she looked off to the side, she could see a woman that she had never met before. But taking one whiff of the smell that entered along with her in the room, she could tell who it was from Jessica's and Draco's descriptions - Deniyah Moorehed. Craven's ex-wife. Not looking too happy either. 'Maybe her nose is scrunched up like that because even she can't stand the smell of her.' Hermione thought.
Deniyah looked over at Hermione, looking a tad pissed, a bit miffed, a little angry (I told you this would come back), a spot sour, and extremely uptight and disgusted! "You are Hermione Granger." She said, not asking, but telling. Hermione nodded. "You are an enemy to be conquered." She continued, walking over toward her. "You are not good enough for him. I shall be the one to have him."
"What are you talking about, Miss?" Hermione asked, not knowing what was coming.
"Ms. Deniyah Moorehed." She said with a sniff of disgust. "And I'm talking about the affections of one Severus Snape. A child like you should be ashamed of going for a man old enough to be her father."
Hermione smiled, shaking her head, and rolling her eyes.
"Do you find something humourous?" Deniyah asked, annoyed that this sliver of a girl would not be intimidated by her.
"Only your attempts to scare me away. Professor Snape decides what he will do, when he will do it, and how he will do it." Hermione said. "I believe that he has a big say in this."
"You believe a lot of things, but it doesn't mean they're correct." Deniyah said. "He doesn't know what he needs right now. I do, however. He just simply needs a woman of more experience, a woman who knows what she is doing. And I will have him. Mark my words."
"F. Sorry, I failed you. But do come back and try again sometime." Hermione said. Both women turned around upon hearing a deep laughter come from the entrance to the kitchens. Severus stood there, looking at Hermione with amusement. Obviously, his sarcasm was starting to rub off on her.
Once he stopped laughing, his gaze turned over to Deniyah. "I told you before, Ms Moorehed. I'm not interested." He said. "I have never, nor will I ever be interested. Thank you for the offer though. I have my eyes on something else."
Deniyah turned to him. "You'll tire of your toy, Severus. And when you do, floo me." She said, walking towards the entrance, but her path leading closer to him than necessary. Just before she passed him, she grabbed his wrist, and pulled herself to whisper in his ear. "And when you do, just call me by whistling. You know how to whistle, don't you?" She asked.
"You are terribly unoriginal." Severus said, pulling his wrist from her grasp, and dismissing her with a flick of it. She harrumphed, but walked out of the kitchen, allowing the door to close behind her. Severus looked over at Hermione. "And what, may I ask, are you doing in here?"
"I just needed a few. . .things, Professor. I thought you would be busy with marking exams."
"Severus. You are no longer my student. The exams are marked and marks will be up soon." Severus responded, glad that finally finished. The rest of the week was his.
"I hope that's not the only thing that'll be up." She muttered, loud enough for him to hear.
"Indeed?" He asked, raising his eyebrow. Winky approached him, pulling on his robes, and drawing his attention away from Hermione. He glared at the elf, who looked down to the floor.
"Is Professor needing anything?" She asked.
"Nothing." He snapped.
Hermione spoke up. "I'd like some fruit, Winky." She said, remembering the piece of fruit that started it all. "Where do you keep it?"
Winky pointed over to a bowl at the counter at the opposite side of the kitchens. Hermione made her way over to it, looking over the fruit, and finally grabbing a banana. She began to walk slowly back to her position in front of the fridge door. Severus' eyes followed every move she made. He had a pretty good idea as to what she was up to. He wasn't sure he liked it. Well, with an audience, he wasn't going to like it. Hermione, true to form, peeled the banana slowly as she spoke.
"So how have you been, Professor?" She asked, pulling down one side slowly, taking another step. "Keeping up with the yoga?" Another side went down and another step. "I haven't spoken to you since before exams, and seen you since the potions NEWT, when you couldn't seem to keep your eyes off me." The final side went down, and she reached her destination, raising her eyes back up at him slowly, keeping her head slightly bent down. "Has Professor McGonagall been keeping you away?" She said, with a small pout.
"Will you stop it with Professor McGonagall?" He asked, shortly. She was trying to bait him. It would not work.
"I apologize, Severus." Hermione said, looking at him, and bringing the banana slowly to her lips. "Is there anything I could do to make it. . .up. . .to you?" She asked, bringing the tip of the fruit past her lips. She bit down softly. Severus could feel himself respond a bit.
"There is one thing." He muttered, not intending to have said it out loud.
"Hmmm?" She asked, almost groaning, a bit breathy at the end, bringing the fruit to her mouth again, allowing a large chunk of it to reach her throat almost. His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. He stood there, not taking his eyes off her while she finished the fruit.
It was then that Dobby decided to ask him if there was anything he needed, but that was precisely the wrong time to do it. At the tug to his robes again, Severus looked down, and glared at him.
"All you bloody house elves just leave me be! Go out and complete your other tasks!" He snapped. Hermione looked up at him in surprise.
A/N:
Does anybody here know what happened to the web site 'Whispers'? If you do, e-mail me please.
Dannie7: When would you define 'graduation' to be?
Vicsend: I've put everybody's mind in the gutter. It's a good feeling. As for Dobby and Ron, I think it's a mix of the two. I wonder what it would be if Winky joined in - other than adding a little S&M. . ."Winky bad elf!"
Zoe: She seems to like to get him all hot and bothered when there's an audience.
ChrishionoTenshi: I was alone at the time, with nothing but my imagination and my computer.
MadAboutHarry: It's getting close.
Jan McNeville: Fewer forms of alliterate formulae in former chapters? Forgive the faulted formation, please!
Gffgfgdfdgdfgd: Can I buy a vowel? Mmmmm. . .chocolate!
DragonRose: I like it when people are insane. They're fun to play with. So my friends tell me. I'm glad you're enjoying this, but please don't kidnap me. My fish would be ever so lonely, and would probably live up to his name. . .'You Dead yet.' Seriously, that's his name.
Vermore: I guess that our Severus is a bit too noble for his own good. Hee hee hee
The relaxation was doing wonders for him, also. He could feel himself becoming slightly more flexible as the end of the year neared, and he was more patient in class, much to the relief of many. He'd even snapped at Neville less, resulting in what Hermione had mentioned to him earlier in the year.
'He'd do better if you would stop flying up his ass every time he made a mistake.' She told him. Apparently, she was right. But that didn't mean that he would forgive mistakes that could melt metal cauldrons. Potions is a dangerous business, and mistakes could not be afforded. Now that NEWTs were so close, they'd agreed that they would wait until after they were over, spending the final week of the term continuing their research. After her exam was marked and her mark was recorded, you better believe he was planning on some 'hands on' research.
Hermione, on the other hand, was feeling quite smug. The control she had with Severus was intoxicating. She wanted to taste a bit more. It was a shame that the potion wore off so soon. She wondered what his answer to her actions would have been. But she had been unable to sneak that potion out of his closets, and he started to keep better track of it after that. In fact, he moved the remaining potion from where it was and hid it on her. 'Spoil sport.' She thought when she remembered. 'Soon. NEWTS start soon.' And than the week that followed those exams for marking. Once that potions exam was marked, she would no longer be his student. You better believe she was planning something.
~@~
The NEWTs week arrived, and Severus was more than thankful that Hermione had introduced him to yoga. The exercise really made this year a lot easier to handle than the ones before, even considering his newfound sexual frustration. He managed to get through the exams fine, until the Seventh Year Gryffindor-Slytherin class. As much as he tried to stop it from happening, his eyes wandered over to Hermione. Oh how he wanted to just throw her over his desk and take her right there. His imagination was in overdrive. But considering all the students were intently concentrating on their exams, he felt it was an acceptable risk.
He was wrong.
He didn't notice Harry or Draco looking up from their papers, catching the potions master with a look of absolute lust and longing in his eyes when he looked Hermione's way. Draco had a smile on his face. He would win the bet with Potter. Oh to see what Potter agreed to do when he lost.
Harry, on the other hand, was absolutely convinced that Snape would not touch Hermione until after graduation. But they never defined what graduation was. Did they consider it after the exam marks were posted? Or after the graduation ceremony? He'd have to have a discussion with Draco later to find out what he meant. If Harry was really smart, he would have asked about that before. Slightly worried over what the interpretation would be, he bent his head back down, trying with all his might to remember what exactly a ferret liver did without smirking.
Hermione, on the other hand, could feel Severus' gaze on her. She smirked inwardly. Let him think that she was oblivious. If only he knew what she was planning to do with him after the year was up. It was so close, she could taste it. If he thought that Valentine's was something. . .well, she had a few things up her sleeve.
Ron was trying to get through his exam, wondering how Dob- NO NO NO!! I'm sorry! Much to many of your relieves, I can't do it! I just can't! It was wrong than. It's wrong now!
~@~
Severus was never so happy to be marking exams before. The first one he marked was Hermione's, with no worries of him being subjective when doing so. True to form, she scored near perfect - couldn't let her go for anything that he would normally take marks off for. She'd understand. Maybe be a little angry - but that just adds fuel to the fire.
As soon as he finished marking it, he felt a huge relief come off his chest. Once her mark was recorded along with her classmates, she was officially no longer his student. He began marking the other exams, wishing he'd left hers to the last. The other exams felt like hell compared to her own, and by the twentieth, he was rubbing his eyes. Time for a break.
Getting up from his desk, he walked over to the fireplace where his boiling water was waiting for him. Making some tea, he didn't notice the door to his office open. However, he couldn't ignore the hideously strong odour mixed with an equally disgusting smelling perfume. 'What the hell is that smell?' He thought, crinkling his nose in disgust. The smell became even stronger, and his hearing picked up the sound of dainty footsteps behind him.
Turning, he came face to face with a woman - if it could be called that. The thing in front of him had overlong, extremely thick eyelashes. So thick, in fact, that he could count the number of them; both bottom and top. Over the eyes, there was a thick coating of a peacock blue. The cheeks were drenched in a bright pink with blood red lips. The hair was black, and put up in a ridiculous style. He looked taken aback, which she must have mistaken for something else. She smiled up at him.
"Severus Snape?" She asked breathlessly, breath smelling worse than the sorry excuse she called a fragrance. He nodded, hoping to be able to hold his breath until she moved away. Unfortunately, she didn't. She brought her hands up to his shoulders, leaning in closer and pressing her body to his. "Do you have a moment?"
Against his desire to get her out of his office immediately, but willing to do anything to get her off of him, he gestured the seat in front of his desk, muttering a shielding spell he used for particularly foul smelling potions to protect himself from the smell emanating off this woman as he walked to his desk. Instead of sitting on the chair, she sat on the edge of his desk, looking at him with something he didn't like.
"Was there something you needed, Miss - ?" He began.
"Ms Deniyah Moorehed." She said, holding out a hand demurely for him to kiss the back of. He reached out and simply shook it. He'd have to wash that hand after this. "I was just here with my ex-husband. I believe you know him. Craven Moorehed?" He nodded. "We were looking for a school for our youngest who is entering school, and were looking at possibly sending him here. I just had to meet all the Professors. I've heard so much about you."
"Was there anything that you wished to speak with me about?" Severus asked, wanting to get to the point and get her the hell out of there. "I fear that I cannot be detained long. I must finish these exams by midweek for grade postings."
"Of course. I understand." She said, pausing, looking down, and tracing an imaginary design on his desk. "I can imagine that teaching at a boarding school such as this, you tend to get rather busy and don't get a chance to go out much." She said. "I would like to get to know all of the professors, and I was hoping you could join me for a drink at the Three Broomsticks."
He was about to answer, when there was a knock at the door. "Enter." He said, thinking that whatever student was about to enter, was about to earn some points.
In walked Neville Longbottom. "Sir?" He asked, sniffing slightly in the air, and scrunching his nose.
"What is it, Mr Longbottom?" Snape said, snapping, but inwardly thanking Merlin.
"Um. . .ah. . .Hermione wanted to know when. . .when. . ." He stuttered.
"Out with it!"
"When you would be continuing your research since I was already coming down here." He finished quickly.
"Hermione?" Deniyah asked. "You're doing research with a student?"
"Yes." Severus said, than turned back to Neville. "Inform her that we will continue on Wednesday unless something comes to my attention." He said. Neville nodded, turning to leave. "Why did you need to come down here, Mr Longbottom?" He asked, hoping to keep the door open a bit longer to air out the room more.
"I. . .I. . .f-f-forgot something in the c-c-classroom, sir." He answered.
"Very well. Good day." Neville looked somewhat surprised at the pleasantness he was getting from him, and got away before he did anything else strange, or started snapping at him again.
"So, this Hermione. It's good to see that you are working closely with your students." Deniyah said, not missing the look in Severus' eyes when Hermione's name was said.
'You have no idea how closely I want to work with her.' Severus thought to himself.
"So about that drink?" Deniya continued.
"I'm afraid I simply do not have the time, Ms Moorehed. I also lack the interest. If you'll excuse me."
"Of course." She said, getting off his desk, and making her way out of the office, a bit angry about being rejected. Nobody rejects Deniyah Moorehed. She would have to find out who this Hermione was. Severus Snape was a very wealthy man, and one who could help her social status considering his 'war hero' status.
~@~
"Hey, Draco." Draco heard someone call after the final exam was written. "Question." Harry said, catching up with him and Jessica.
"Answer."
"Smart ass." Jessica muttered.
"Thank you." Harry said to her. "I was wondering, ferret boy, we never discussed what the definition of 'graduation' would be."
"Ah. Good point, Potty." Draco said. "I always assumed it would be the graduation ceremony."
"Not after exams are marked?" Harry asked. "It should be official when marks are posted."
"Yes, but the ceremony would make it absolutely, undoubtedly official." Draco replied.
"You're just saying that because it gives you an extra couple of days." Harry replied.
"Yes." Draco said, not bothering to deny it at all.
"Let's make this fair than. We'll ask somebody we both agree to ask, and we'll take their answer." Harry said.
"Very well, Potty." Draco said. "I say, Dannie." Harry thought about it a moment.
"Agreed." He said, shaking Draco's hand. "Let's go find her." And they split off in search of one half of the Hogwarts bunnies.
~@~
"Mr Malfoy." Draco heard someone call him. Turning to face the source, he spotted one of the women he wished he'd never have to see again.
"Ms Moorehed." Draco said, trying not to inhale too deeply.
"How have you been? My daughter's been asking about you. Wondering why you never return her owls." She said, giving him a piercing gaze.
"I'm afraid with NEWT's and senior student duties here, I haven't had much time to engage in social activities." Draco replied. "That and sorting through my father's things."
"Yes, shame about your father, Draco." She said, not quite believing his excuse. "Draco, I was wondering if you knew a girl by the name of Hermione." She said, cutting to the chase.
"Yes. She's a seventh year Gryffindor. Top of our class, as a matter of fact."
"An intellect?" She asked, scrunching her nose in distaste. In her views, study and serious academics were for the men. A lady of good breeding would never think of such a thing. She knew her place.
"Yes. Very much so. She's been working and researching with Professor Snape for most of the year. I have never heard of anyone earning that type of attention from him." Draco said. "I think they have a mutual respect for one another."
"Is that so?" She muttered. "Thank you, Mr Malfoy." She said more loudly, turning and heading for a deserted hallway, intent on using a locating charm and finding this Hermione. She would not have a little girl standing in her way.
~@~
Hermione was in the kitchen. Deciding that there were a few things she needed, she thanked Dobby for his offer of help, but insisted that she didn't need it. Mental images of how he was 'helping' Ron. . .well, as long as he was a willing partner. She just didn't need to know about it.
As she was about to open the door to one of the fridges, she heard the sound of the kitchen portrait opening. When she looked off to the side, she could see a woman that she had never met before. But taking one whiff of the smell that entered along with her in the room, she could tell who it was from Jessica's and Draco's descriptions - Deniyah Moorehed. Craven's ex-wife. Not looking too happy either. 'Maybe her nose is scrunched up like that because even she can't stand the smell of her.' Hermione thought.
Deniyah looked over at Hermione, looking a tad pissed, a bit miffed, a little angry (I told you this would come back), a spot sour, and extremely uptight and disgusted! "You are Hermione Granger." She said, not asking, but telling. Hermione nodded. "You are an enemy to be conquered." She continued, walking over toward her. "You are not good enough for him. I shall be the one to have him."
"What are you talking about, Miss?" Hermione asked, not knowing what was coming.
"Ms. Deniyah Moorehed." She said with a sniff of disgust. "And I'm talking about the affections of one Severus Snape. A child like you should be ashamed of going for a man old enough to be her father."
Hermione smiled, shaking her head, and rolling her eyes.
"Do you find something humourous?" Deniyah asked, annoyed that this sliver of a girl would not be intimidated by her.
"Only your attempts to scare me away. Professor Snape decides what he will do, when he will do it, and how he will do it." Hermione said. "I believe that he has a big say in this."
"You believe a lot of things, but it doesn't mean they're correct." Deniyah said. "He doesn't know what he needs right now. I do, however. He just simply needs a woman of more experience, a woman who knows what she is doing. And I will have him. Mark my words."
"F. Sorry, I failed you. But do come back and try again sometime." Hermione said. Both women turned around upon hearing a deep laughter come from the entrance to the kitchens. Severus stood there, looking at Hermione with amusement. Obviously, his sarcasm was starting to rub off on her.
Once he stopped laughing, his gaze turned over to Deniyah. "I told you before, Ms Moorehed. I'm not interested." He said. "I have never, nor will I ever be interested. Thank you for the offer though. I have my eyes on something else."
Deniyah turned to him. "You'll tire of your toy, Severus. And when you do, floo me." She said, walking towards the entrance, but her path leading closer to him than necessary. Just before she passed him, she grabbed his wrist, and pulled herself to whisper in his ear. "And when you do, just call me by whistling. You know how to whistle, don't you?" She asked.
"You are terribly unoriginal." Severus said, pulling his wrist from her grasp, and dismissing her with a flick of it. She harrumphed, but walked out of the kitchen, allowing the door to close behind her. Severus looked over at Hermione. "And what, may I ask, are you doing in here?"
"I just needed a few. . .things, Professor. I thought you would be busy with marking exams."
"Severus. You are no longer my student. The exams are marked and marks will be up soon." Severus responded, glad that finally finished. The rest of the week was his.
"I hope that's not the only thing that'll be up." She muttered, loud enough for him to hear.
"Indeed?" He asked, raising his eyebrow. Winky approached him, pulling on his robes, and drawing his attention away from Hermione. He glared at the elf, who looked down to the floor.
"Is Professor needing anything?" She asked.
"Nothing." He snapped.
Hermione spoke up. "I'd like some fruit, Winky." She said, remembering the piece of fruit that started it all. "Where do you keep it?"
Winky pointed over to a bowl at the counter at the opposite side of the kitchens. Hermione made her way over to it, looking over the fruit, and finally grabbing a banana. She began to walk slowly back to her position in front of the fridge door. Severus' eyes followed every move she made. He had a pretty good idea as to what she was up to. He wasn't sure he liked it. Well, with an audience, he wasn't going to like it. Hermione, true to form, peeled the banana slowly as she spoke.
"So how have you been, Professor?" She asked, pulling down one side slowly, taking another step. "Keeping up with the yoga?" Another side went down and another step. "I haven't spoken to you since before exams, and seen you since the potions NEWT, when you couldn't seem to keep your eyes off me." The final side went down, and she reached her destination, raising her eyes back up at him slowly, keeping her head slightly bent down. "Has Professor McGonagall been keeping you away?" She said, with a small pout.
"Will you stop it with Professor McGonagall?" He asked, shortly. She was trying to bait him. It would not work.
"I apologize, Severus." Hermione said, looking at him, and bringing the banana slowly to her lips. "Is there anything I could do to make it. . .up. . .to you?" She asked, bringing the tip of the fruit past her lips. She bit down softly. Severus could feel himself respond a bit.
"There is one thing." He muttered, not intending to have said it out loud.
"Hmmm?" She asked, almost groaning, a bit breathy at the end, bringing the fruit to her mouth again, allowing a large chunk of it to reach her throat almost. His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. He stood there, not taking his eyes off her while she finished the fruit.
It was then that Dobby decided to ask him if there was anything he needed, but that was precisely the wrong time to do it. At the tug to his robes again, Severus looked down, and glared at him.
"All you bloody house elves just leave me be! Go out and complete your other tasks!" He snapped. Hermione looked up at him in surprise.
A/N:
Does anybody here know what happened to the web site 'Whispers'? If you do, e-mail me please.
Dannie7: When would you define 'graduation' to be?
Vicsend: I've put everybody's mind in the gutter. It's a good feeling. As for Dobby and Ron, I think it's a mix of the two. I wonder what it would be if Winky joined in - other than adding a little S&M. . ."Winky bad elf!"
Zoe: She seems to like to get him all hot and bothered when there's an audience.
ChrishionoTenshi: I was alone at the time, with nothing but my imagination and my computer.
MadAboutHarry: It's getting close.
Jan McNeville: Fewer forms of alliterate formulae in former chapters? Forgive the faulted formation, please!
Gffgfgdfdgdfgd: Can I buy a vowel? Mmmmm. . .chocolate!
DragonRose: I like it when people are insane. They're fun to play with. So my friends tell me. I'm glad you're enjoying this, but please don't kidnap me. My fish would be ever so lonely, and would probably live up to his name. . .'You Dead yet.' Seriously, that's his name.
Vermore: I guess that our Severus is a bit too noble for his own good. Hee hee hee
