Chapter Four:

News of that kiss had spread like wildfire. The next morning at breakfast even students who weren't old enough o have attended the Ball were talking about it. Hermione looked up from her plate as a barn owl landed in front of her with the morning post.

Professor Granger,
I'd like you to speak with Miss Hersch. I did, but I believe that only frightened her. She looks up to you, also, I sent you this letter instead of speaking to you in person because I don't want to encourage any of the students rumors.
-Severus

"Herm!" Oliver had read the letter from next to her. "He called you 'professor'! and he only signed his first name!"

"So?" Hermione scribbled a reply and dropped it in Snape's lap when she passed.

I'll talk to her. WHAT rumors?
-Hermione

===============================================================

Snape sighed when he read her letter. He got up and left the Great Hall. Three minutes later he was knocking on the door to Hermione's classroom.

"Come in."

Snape pushed open the door to see Hermione sitting at her desk grading papers. She looked up when he entered and her expression turned grim.

"What rumors?" she asked.

"Apparently we had an affair when you were in school and Dumbledore didn't approve. After you graduated we continued our so-called relationship and I hired you so you'd be closer." Snape said bitterly.

Hermione looked at him blankly and then burst out laughing. Snape just glared at her. He thought she was insulting him.

"But you hate me!" Hermione laughed, "Honestly, where do they come up with this stuff?"

"I don't hate you, Professor, I--"

"Professor Granger?" a voice called from the doorway.

"Oh, Hello Danny, come in, the Headmaster and I were just laughing at some of the rumors about us. I imagine you've heard them?" Hermione smiled.

"Yes, they say you're…pregnant." Daniella muttered.

"Hilarious!" Hermione laughed, "Daniella, last night we happened o stand under some mistletoe. That's it. No affair. No baby. No anything. Be sure to clear that up for us."

"Yes, please do." Snape said before leaving the room. But he had a nagging feeling in the back of his mind.

Why I is it so funny? I'm not that damn horrible!

===============================================================

"Hermione!" Oliver grinned at lunch, "Why didn't you tell me? Congratulations!"

"Tell you? What?" Hermione asked.

"About the baby!" Oliver grinned, patting her tummy.

"Oliver!" She said with a look of horror.

"I heard some students talking. Don't worry I told them the truth."

"Thanks."

"No problem."