Chapter Eight:

Hermione sat on the couch in her sitting room on Friday morning. It had been two days since Ginny's makeover, and she hadn't left her rooms once. She couldn't place why, just an uncontrollable urge to stay away from Snape. Frank was not too happy.

Why don't you just go out for…a walk?

A walk to his chambers? Honestly what do you want from me?

Actually, a nice jaunt to his bedroom doesn't sound like a bad idea! I knew I'd rub off on you!

Ugh! No! He's my teacher.

Technically he hasn't taught you in over a week…not that he couldn't "teach" you plenty here…

Shut. Up.

Oh, come on!

NO! Whenever I'm around him I start to stammer and my tongue turns to wood.

He he. Love, kid.

Oh, Bugger! Do you think that's him knocking on the door?

Most likely…. Considering he LIVES HERE!

Hermione sighed and went to answer the door, wishing she's already changed out of her pajamas. She swung the door open and waited silently.

"The headmaster wanted me to make sure you were still alive." Snape muttered.

"Oh, how thoughtful of him."

Damn. Frank what do I say?

I can think of a few winning phrases…. Most of them including 'take me, I'm yours'…

Be HELPFUL for once!

Ask why he's being such a loner.

Ugh! Ok, helpfulness isn't your strong point, Frank.

I try.

"Miss Granger, did you hear what I just said?" Snape snapped.

"Um, sir?"

"That's what I thought." Snape sighed, "Do you have any of your schoolwork completed?"

"Oh, yes!" Hermione muttered, running to her couch to gather up some papers. Se turned to run back to the door, and crashed into Snape's chest. He caught her by the arms and helped her steady herself.

"Sorry." Hermione muttered.

"No, my fault."

Hermione suddenly noticed that he hadn't let go of her arms, and she was entirely to close. He seemed to gather this as well, but his hands lingered a moment before he hastily removed them. She handed him the parchments and he gave a curt nod, before turning to go. When he reached the door he paused, and spoke without looking at her.

"You are more than welcome to attend meals, Miss Granger." then he was gone.

Hemione slumped onto the couch. This was bad, very, very, very bad. She couldn't have a crush on the teacher! No! And him of all people!

It's NOT a crush, dear.

What?

A crush is when you have feelings for someone based entirely on their looks. You admire his mind, love. Not that his scent doesn't drive you mad as well…

True. But, that doesn't make a difference.

You are blind. He is…hinting…. For lack of a better word.

Hinting?

"Hermione, love, you're more than welcome to a meal before I drag you off and shag you senseless." Frank 'said' in a silky and seductive impression of Snape.

Hermione giggled, but was still confused and miserable. What if Frank was right?

Love, Frank is always right.

I don't see his "hints" as anything more than being polite.

And the way he was looking at your legs was just 'polite attraction', correct?

Oh.

I win!

Shut. Up. Frank.

Well, at least you've made it more personal now.

Hermione couldn't help her smile. She went into the bathroom. She needed a very long, very hot shower.

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Once Hermione had showered, and relatively pulled herself together, she stood outside the Dining Hall, gathering her breath. She slowly pushed open the large wooden doors, and headed for her seat. Snape rose when she entered, and pulled out her chair for her.

Ahh! What the?

Whoa! Major Whoa!

Big help, Frank.

Geesh! Am I supposed to know everything?

Hermione quietly thanked him and received a nod before he returned to his seat. They ate in silence for a while. Hermione tried not to fidget, or let him know she was extremely uncomfortable. He glanced up at her just then, and broke the heavy silence.

"The Headmaster has been discussing various options on how to continue you education while you're away from school." he said." He has no doubts that you could easily pass your N.E.W.T.'s this week, and start on something else. He needs to know what your plans for college are."

"College?" Hermione squeaked.

"What do you plan to study?" Snape asked.

"Well, I hadn't really made up my mind yet…Harry and Ron both want to be Aurors, but I--"

"Do not let your friends choices dictate your life, Miss Granger." He snapped.

Shouldn't have brought up Harry, love. He's jealous.

Oh, please! He is not!

He's positively green with envy, dear.

"I was going to say that I don't want to go into that field." Hermione said boldly.

"Very good. It wouldn't suit you." Snape nodded.

"The problem is I don't know what would." Hermione mused.

"Anything that requires intellect and logic." Snape offered. "You have excellent Potions scores, if it helps."

Was that…?

A hint. Dead on, hint!

"I love Potions, but I don't know what I could do in that either." Hermione mused aloud.

"In order to become a Potions Mistress, which is the highest position, so I have no doubt that is where you'd be headed?" Hermione nodded, he continued, "Of course. In order to become a Potions Mistress you have to have an apprenticeship."

"Under a Potions Mistress?" Hermione groaned.

"Or Master. That is what the Headmaster suggested. I am here, so apparently I am the best option." Snape muttered.

"Would you…?"

"Yes, you are an excellent student, and it's not like we don't have the time. To tell the truth I'd be happy to, Albus asked yesterday if we'd started remodeling yet…"

Hermione took one look at his face and laughed. She was still laughing a few seconds later after his patented glare had been boring into her. The laughter was contagious, Snape snorted into his plate, and Hermione stopped abruptly.

You are good, girlie! Now you get to have some QT with the big, bad, Potions Man!

OT?

Quality Time, love. Quality Time.

Very Funny.

I know, I know…Shut. Up.

Maybe later. I'm too happy right now.

Shock!

"You'll sit your exams this week. The first will be tomorrow." Snape had just finished saying.

"Good! No, not good! I have to go study!" Hermione jumped up and ran from the Dining Hall, Snape shaking his head after her.

"Why she has to study, I'll never know…." he muttered, before getting up and leaving the Hall.