The Crush – Part Three
The library was quiet this afternoon. No wonder so since it was the first days of spring with actual sunshine outside and almost everybody was out there relaxing somwhere on the Hogwarts grounds. Almost everybody except Hermione. She was sitting in the back of the library next to the restricted section her head burried in a thick old book about sleep potions with several others still on the table in front of her. The only thing you could see was her bushy brown head and every now and then she scribbled notes furiously on a sheet of paper. The only other person in the library leaned against a book shelf nearby and watched the girl with something bordering on amusement.
Which was rare for Severus Snape, Potion Master and Head of Slytherin, and generelly considered evil by all students- and some of the teachers. He was wearing as usual his black robe which made his skin in contrast seem even paler.
Typically Gryffindor know-it-all.
It was the first day without rain and the only persons in the castle were professors. Every student was outside probably causing all kinds of mischief he was sure. Why was she here still working? She had top marks in all her classes- even in potions so he tried in vain to change that. Every assignment that she handed in was flawless, every potion she brew was perfect and even all her answers were accurate. The only way he could deduct points fom her was when she helped this totally talentless boy Neville Longbottom or for 'showing off'. It was quite frustrating most of the time and if he was really honest with himself, which mostly he wasn't, he admired her. She was clearly one of the brighest students in Hogwarts in years and the real problem was not that she was Gryffindor. No truly not. Even so possibly nobody knew it Severus Snape could even respect a brilliant mind in another house. Had done so in the past. The reason why he disliked her so much was not even Potter. Even so he sincerely disliked the boy and his sidekick Weasly. He might have been able to live with that.
No it was the girl herself. She was not only smart but also a decent person. The way she smiled could lit up even the dungeons when she stepped into the classroom there. The way he just knew she was looking at him with barely concealed sympathy. And compassion. Nobody was allowed to pity Severus Snape. She was probably the only person except Dumbledore who thought that he was a good person inside. He both dreaded the mornings he had her in class and longed for them.
He hated it.
Shifting his weight from one leg to the other he tried to make out what book she was reading. Tilting his head to the side he read the title. Sleep potions? So she was studying for his class tomorrow. He had given them an assignment about the differences in sleeping potions and the possibly anitdotes which no doubt would be done sloppy by most and give him the oppurtunity to give out bad marks to no end. But of course not Hermiones Granger. No she was sitting here preparing the assignment with her usual care. It would be perfect again.
How he hated it.
With grace he moved a couple of steps to her table until he stood directly in front of the girl without her noticing. He carefully sat down opposite from her and leaned back. Still she was engrossed in the book and had stopped taking notes.
That was possibly the worst about Ms Granger. She was sincerely interested in the sublject. She wasn't only working to get good marks but because she enjoyed the lessons.
He sighed softly wondering again why she wasn't out there with Potter and Weasly creating no doubt chaos.
The soft sound was enough for Hermione in the silence of the room to drop her book soundly in surprise. Her eyes scanned the room alarmed and then rested on the professor sitting on her table.
"Professor Snape?" Her voice was high and she tried to hide her shaking hands under the table.
As usual the professor noticed.
"Ms Granger." He let the word linger in the room to scare her a bit more. "Tell me why are inside here when everybody else is not?" His voice sounded silken with a bit of amusement thrown in.
The girl blushed and looked down.
"I had to finish my assignment Professor."
Snape grinned devilishly. "Twenty points from Gryffindor."
"Why?" Her eyes flew back to him and he saw a flicker of anger in them.
Snape sneered and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Because you were slow. You should have been able to finish it before. Since all your classmates are outside I figure they have already done so. I deduct the points for laziness."
Now the flicker had turned into a raging fire.
"But the date to finish it was tomorrow. How can you deduct for that?"
His voice was soft like a caress.
"Because I can."
Without looking at her he got up and made a few steps. Then her voice held him back. It was soft as if not meant for his ears.
"Why do you hate me so?"
He slowly turned around and to his horror he saw tear in her eyes. Covering his emotions behind the mask of the evil bastart he sneered at her.
"Because you are you Ms Granger. That is the only reason I need."
With that he left and the tears began to fall freely down he cheeks now.
"I love you for the same reason."
Outside Severus Snape leaned against the door frame and listend to the girl crying inside. One phrase repeating itself over and over in his mind.
I love you for the same reason.
The stupid girl.
[ Okay that was rather angsty I think but it's getting more fluffy next chapter. I think they are ready for some snopping don't you think. ]