"Miss Granger." Hermione opened her eyes to see Severus standing near
her. He watched her, his voice cold and devoid of feeling. He was
fully dressed, and he handed her her clothes. "I think it's time you
left." He spoke, his words chilling her. Hermione blinked. Surely
this was not the same man she had fallen asleep next to!
"Severus?" She asked, confused. He flinched. His eyes narrowed at her as she began to dress with a wave of his hand at her naked body.
"I am your professor, and you will not call me by my first name, Miss Granger. Now hurry up, I have things to do. I can't sit here and wait for you to wake up on your own time. Put your clothes on, girl!" He picked up a cup of tea, turning away from her.
"I don't understand, Professor." Hermione spoke softly, timidly. She quickly pulled her sweater over her head.
"I take full responsibility for our actions this morning, Miss Granger, but I expect that you will not speak of this occasion to anyone." Snape turned his head. He didn't want Hermione to see his eyes, or she would read his true emotions. He started to walk away.
"Severus!!" Hermione called, stumbling out of his bed. "Why are you doing this to me?"
"Last night was a mistake, Miss Granger. I apologize, but as of now I cannot be held accountable for your emotions. I have business to attend to. I assume you can find your way out." With that he shut his door, silently cursing himself for the lost look she had on her face. He heard her frantic footsteps behind him.
"Mistake my ass! You told me you loved me! Why are you doing this to yourself, to me?! It wasn't a mistake! I don't believe you!! What are you afraid of? I'm not going to let us go!" Her eyes were red, and tears streaked down her face. Snape paused, gathering his strength.
"One night in bed together does not constitute an "us", Miss Granger! Now, whether you believe me or not is not of any of my concern, however you might be well to know that we men know a few words to say to get a woman in bed with us. That was all it meant, Miss Granger, don't flatter yourself with words like love, words you don't understand. I want you out of my sight as soon as possible, and if you so much as breathe too loudly for my liking on your way out, I'll take 10 points from your house." Snape whirled away from her, ignoring the tears now soaking through her robes. Hermione stiffened.
"I am not a child, Professor." Hermione spat, emphasizing the title he now made her use. "And I know what love is. I know that I saw it in your eyes last night, and I know that you felt what I did. I love you, and I'm not afraid of whatever may stand in our way. Perhaps you'll realize that love is stronger than the both of us, Professor. I know you love me, and I won't give up until we can be together. You underestimate me, Sir." Hermione shoved past him, almost knocking him off balance. She broke into a run before he could utter the words to take away the points he had promised.
Snape listened as her cries echoed down through the castle, until there was only silence. He sunk to his knees, sliding his cheek along the icy, stone wall. He held his head in his hands, and for the first time in many years, he wept.
Hermione ran all the way back to her room. She ignored the strange glances from her classmates and locked her door behind her. She knew that Harry and Ron would be up to try to talk to her, but she just wanted to be left alone. She even pushed away Crookshanks, and buried her face in her pillow, muffling her cries of rage. Sure enough, there was a knock on her door.
"Hermione. It's Ron and me." Harry spoke sweetly, trying to cajole a reply from her. "Are you okay? You didn't come back last night."
"Hermione, we're worried about you." Ron chimed in, his voice next to the door. "Please let us in." Hermione sighed. It was not going to be easy to get rid of them.
"I just...I just really want to be alone right now if that's all right. Please just don't ask questions for once, and let me have a little peace. Ron, Harry, I'm begging you. I'll be fine, really." Hermione cleared her throat, attempting to sound like she was in control of her emotions. The boys looked at each other outside her door.
"Alright Hermione, we'll leave you alone." Harry spoke sadly. "But if you need someone to talk to you know we'll be here for you...anytime, Hermione, don't hesitate."
"Harry," Ron whispered, "I don't think we should leave her!" He had pulled his face away from the door.
"Come on Ron, Hermione knows we'll always be there for her. She just needs some time. Let's go, and I'll play you a game of wizard's chess." Hermione heard Ron's reluctant footsteps slowly recede, and she moaned aloud. 'It would make sense that loving Severus Snape would not be easy.' She picked up a book and began to read, forcing her thoughts away from her lover and his baffling reaction to her.
***********************************
The weekend went at a surprising pace. Hermione got pulled into going to Hogsmeade with Harry and Ron, and she thanked them for their unwillingness to take no for an answer. It had really helped her to enjoy herself. Night was different, though. At night Hermione continued her erotic dreams of Snape, but in these dreams he pushed her away, breaking her heart over and over each night. Soon it was Monday morning.
Hermione stared at her ceiling as her alarm went off. She had been awake most of the night, after a dream about Severus. Hermione sighed. She had no idea as to what to do with her situation. She was absolutely sure that he loved her; she hadn't doubted that from the first moment he kissed her back. Still, she could not figure out his motives for pushing her away. At first she thought he was indeed afraid, afraid of not being in control of his feelings, and even her rejection. That idea was dismissed the first night. Severus Snape was not a man to be easily frightened by anything, and Hermione had made her feelings for him perfectly clear. She surmised that he was probably trying some noble attempt to protect her, although from what she could not be sure.
Hermione thought. Voldemort had been close to her ever since she had befriended Harry. Just because the Dark Lord was after the man she was in love with did not mean that she would not see him. Snape had to know that. Hermione sighed. Perhaps Snape would not be able to live with himself if Voldemort went after Hermione, because she was too close to one of his Death Eaters. Hermione knew that if indeed that would happen, Severus would not be able to forgive himself, no matter if it was his fault or not...he would blame himself either way.
"Hermione, you really are going to have to get up now. I feel that today will be a better day for you. Up, up, up!" Hermione slammed a hand over the magical alarm clock. She would be willing to take any chance to continue her relationship with the potions master, and she was going to show him that. Hermione huffed, her mind set. 'This should be an interesting day.'
****************************************
Hermione waltzed into potions class exactly eight minutes and forty
nine seconds late. Snape whirled around at the sound of his door
opening. Every head turned to Hermione as she took her seat, smiling.
"Oh, I am so sorry, Professor. You see I was just slightly delayed in the library. I needed to check out this wonderful book for some personal enjoyment. It's entitled Men: What to Do When You Know They're Lying. Would you care to have a look, Professor? I think it might be rather good for you." Hermione licked her lips at that, seductively. Snape scowled. If Hermione didn't know any better she would swear he was creating icicles merely with his stare. She laughed at the thought as she remembered just how hot he could actually be.
"No thank you, Miss Granger, I would not care to waste my valuable time in your petty school girl affairs. Why don't you take it upon yourself to show up to class on time and save the excuses, as I don't think anyone in this room actually gives a damn." Snape smiled, cruelly. Hermione didn't flinch. 'My he plays the game well.' The Slytherins gave her smug looks, and the Gryffindors sympathy. Hermione ignored them both, and set to work on her potion. At least she knew she could take solace in this activity, because she guessed Severus would stay away from her, not wanting to further a scene.
Hermione had assumed correctly, as Snape had not even come to her side of the room, uncharacteristically choosing not to oversee his students' work and take the opportunity to cast fear into their little hearts. He allowed himself only one glance at her during the whole period, and Hermione had been staring at him unabashed the entire time. She saw him glare, his cold exterior present. He looked away quickly as she flashed him a full smile.
As the end of class drew near Hermione was distressed. She could not stay after class today, even if she knew there would be no chance of a repeat of Friday. A talk was all she required; a good, honest talk. Unfortunately she had Herbology directly after potions today. Not wanting to substantiate Harry and Ron's suspicions, she decided it would be best to go looking for Snape at night, since she knew the password to his quarters. Hermione squinted, straining to remember the myriad of turns and hallways she had gone through.
'Hmm, or I could just borrow Harry's invisibility cloak. If I create a scene no doubt Filch will get Severus, and then I could wait until I had him to myself and make him talk to me. Yes, that sounds like a good plan to me.' Hermione finished her potion with vigor, eagerly awaiting the night's adventure.
*************************************
Hermione sighed. It was almost midnight, but Ron and Harry were still playing wizards' chess in the deserted common room. She faked a yawn.
"Hey guys, I'm going in for the night. You coming?"
"Yeah, we should go to bed, Ron. We have a huge transfiguration exam tomorrow!" Harry announced. Hermione eyed them suspiciously. She was about to open her mouth when Ron caught her glance.
"Don't worry, 'Mione, we studied." He grabbed the chess pieces and started to put them away. "Honestly!" Ron choked, about to get worked up until he saw the smile Hermione gave.
"Alright," she laughed, convinced that they would be out of her way, "good night."
She retreated to her room in the deep of the Gryffindor tower, her mind working madly on her plan. She went into her room and sat by the door, waiting for the telltale footsteps of the two boys going to bed. At last she heard them, and Hermione grabbed the invisibility cloak, which she had acquired sneaking into Harry's trunk after dinner. She slipped it over her head and opened the door quietly, her wand lit. Hermione grinned as she left the common room...and spotted Peeves.
The timing couldn't have been better. Hermione slid the cloak over everything but the tip of her wand as she followed Peeves toward the main hallway. She spotted a large vase as they reached the steps.
"Wingardium Leviosa." She flicked her wand. Peeves turned at her voice in time to see the vase drop three floors and shatter. Hermione squeezed against a wall, suppressing a giggle at Peeves' confused expression.
In a flash Filch arrived, followed closely by McGonagall and Snape, both flustered.
"PEEEEVES!" Filch bellowed, "What is the meaning of this?! I'll send for the Bloody Baron, Peeves, I will!" Peeves cowered.
"It wasn't me, I swear! I didn't do nothing!" He flew off in a huff, indignant. Filch grumbled, eyeing the mess he would have to clean.
"Professors, you can go back to bed. I don't expect him to be back again. Thank you for coming so quickly." Snape scowled and backed away. He nodded as McGonagall bid him goodnight and began towards his chambers. Hermione, however, was already waiting for him a few doors down. She followed him towards his rooms, a few steps ahead the whole time. Silently Hermione glided along, being wary of the trick steps. But the world is not perfect, and not everything could go as expected.
Peeves floated around, now crankier than ever. He was throwing pieces of food around the main corridor. All of a sudden a piece of fried chicken smacked Hermione upside the head.
"Ow!" She yelled, the word escaping her mouth before she'd even realized it. Peeves started. He whipped around, throwing a watermelon that grazed Hermione's leg.
"Peeves!" She whispered. "Stop, please!" But the poltergeist was not one to be easily swayed. He had hit Hermione with a banana as Snape appeared from around the corner. Peeves froze.
"Professor Snape! I heard a voice, really! Someone's playing with me mind! I swear, I hit someone...over there!" He pointed two feet away from Hermione, who was crouched besides the wall. "It's like someone's invisible." Peeves breathed. Hermione flinched; he had hit the magic words. Snape's eyes sharpened, poring over the corner Hermione was in.
"Invisible..." he drawled, each syllable slow and deliberate. "Interesting. You're dismissed, Peeves." Snape replied silkily, all the while nearing the wall. The poltergeist muttered his thanks and a couple of words about rogue invisible characters before speeding upwards.
"Potter." Snape growled, his arms outstretched the tiniest bit. "I know you're there." He inched closer and closer to Hermione. "It's about time you learned that you are not above the rules...and you will be punished. If you try to move I'll hear you, and if you stay where you are I'll find you. You can't win Potter...not this time!"
Hermione shuddered. Every muscle in her body was tensed. She slowed her breathing, trying to hide. 'This is not what I planned at all.' Snape was less than a foot away from her now, and Hermione reacted, doing the first thing that came to her mind. She threw off the cloak in an instant and clasped her hand over Snape's mouth. For an moment Hermione saw surprise in his eyes, but the next second his cool exterior was back. He scowled, and roughly pulled her wrist away.
"Miss Granger. What a time for the Head Girl to be out..." he glanced down at her, his grip tightening. "and under an invisibility cloak. I was not aware that one had fallen into your possession. They are very...rare." His eyes flashed dangerously as Hermione yanked her wrist from his hold.
"It's Harry's." She muttered, staring up at him. "But you already knew that."
"Indeed."
"I'm not going anywhere until you talk to me." She kept her voice calm, but a fire was building behind her eyes. "You owe me that, at least." She spoke, a little quieter. Hermione took a step forward to emphasize her point. Snape stared at her, his arms crossed across his chest.
"Talk." He commanded in a tone that he knew with experience made students cower. Hermione gave the smallest smile. Her mind whirled with what to say.
"Let's think logically. If you and I both loved each other, because you know I love you, why wouldn't we work?" Hermione put her hands on her hips. Snape seemed to consider her for a long moment before he spoke. 'This is not going to be easy.'
"Fine," he sneered, stepping forward to loom over her, "if you presume as much, we'll start with the fact that it is only a presumption, and you have no proof. You will also not be able to find irrefutable proof. But like you said, IF, so I'll humor you for a few minutes." His sneer widened as his voice turned even colder.
"First of all I'm your teacher." He glared at her, a challenge in his eyes.
"While student/teacher relationships are indeed frowned upon," Hermione started almost instantly, "nowhere is it written that they are prohibited. And you know how much time I spend in the library, I know." Hermione smiled at her quick thinking. Snape, however, was not phased.
"I am a Death Eater. You would be in danger by being a part of my life." He raised as eyebrow.
"Voldemort has been after Harry ever since he caused his downfall. Being friends with Harry Potter has its risks. I've dealt with the close proximity of Voldemort for seven years now. I know that he can't be avoided...and I'm not afraid anymore." Snape considered her words as Hermione eyed him closely.
"I'm a man with a terrible past. I don't want to drag you into that. I've done things your young mind cannot even begin to fathom."
"You've told me this before." Hermione sighed. "Whatever you've done will not make me love you less. Try me." Hermione smiled and sucked in her breath, using all of her height. She saw something she'd never seen before flash in Snape's eyes...it was something like regret.
her. He watched her, his voice cold and devoid of feeling. He was
fully dressed, and he handed her her clothes. "I think it's time you
left." He spoke, his words chilling her. Hermione blinked. Surely
this was not the same man she had fallen asleep next to!
"Severus?" She asked, confused. He flinched. His eyes narrowed at her as she began to dress with a wave of his hand at her naked body.
"I am your professor, and you will not call me by my first name, Miss Granger. Now hurry up, I have things to do. I can't sit here and wait for you to wake up on your own time. Put your clothes on, girl!" He picked up a cup of tea, turning away from her.
"I don't understand, Professor." Hermione spoke softly, timidly. She quickly pulled her sweater over her head.
"I take full responsibility for our actions this morning, Miss Granger, but I expect that you will not speak of this occasion to anyone." Snape turned his head. He didn't want Hermione to see his eyes, or she would read his true emotions. He started to walk away.
"Severus!!" Hermione called, stumbling out of his bed. "Why are you doing this to me?"
"Last night was a mistake, Miss Granger. I apologize, but as of now I cannot be held accountable for your emotions. I have business to attend to. I assume you can find your way out." With that he shut his door, silently cursing himself for the lost look she had on her face. He heard her frantic footsteps behind him.
"Mistake my ass! You told me you loved me! Why are you doing this to yourself, to me?! It wasn't a mistake! I don't believe you!! What are you afraid of? I'm not going to let us go!" Her eyes were red, and tears streaked down her face. Snape paused, gathering his strength.
"One night in bed together does not constitute an "us", Miss Granger! Now, whether you believe me or not is not of any of my concern, however you might be well to know that we men know a few words to say to get a woman in bed with us. That was all it meant, Miss Granger, don't flatter yourself with words like love, words you don't understand. I want you out of my sight as soon as possible, and if you so much as breathe too loudly for my liking on your way out, I'll take 10 points from your house." Snape whirled away from her, ignoring the tears now soaking through her robes. Hermione stiffened.
"I am not a child, Professor." Hermione spat, emphasizing the title he now made her use. "And I know what love is. I know that I saw it in your eyes last night, and I know that you felt what I did. I love you, and I'm not afraid of whatever may stand in our way. Perhaps you'll realize that love is stronger than the both of us, Professor. I know you love me, and I won't give up until we can be together. You underestimate me, Sir." Hermione shoved past him, almost knocking him off balance. She broke into a run before he could utter the words to take away the points he had promised.
Snape listened as her cries echoed down through the castle, until there was only silence. He sunk to his knees, sliding his cheek along the icy, stone wall. He held his head in his hands, and for the first time in many years, he wept.
Hermione ran all the way back to her room. She ignored the strange glances from her classmates and locked her door behind her. She knew that Harry and Ron would be up to try to talk to her, but she just wanted to be left alone. She even pushed away Crookshanks, and buried her face in her pillow, muffling her cries of rage. Sure enough, there was a knock on her door.
"Hermione. It's Ron and me." Harry spoke sweetly, trying to cajole a reply from her. "Are you okay? You didn't come back last night."
"Hermione, we're worried about you." Ron chimed in, his voice next to the door. "Please let us in." Hermione sighed. It was not going to be easy to get rid of them.
"I just...I just really want to be alone right now if that's all right. Please just don't ask questions for once, and let me have a little peace. Ron, Harry, I'm begging you. I'll be fine, really." Hermione cleared her throat, attempting to sound like she was in control of her emotions. The boys looked at each other outside her door.
"Alright Hermione, we'll leave you alone." Harry spoke sadly. "But if you need someone to talk to you know we'll be here for you...anytime, Hermione, don't hesitate."
"Harry," Ron whispered, "I don't think we should leave her!" He had pulled his face away from the door.
"Come on Ron, Hermione knows we'll always be there for her. She just needs some time. Let's go, and I'll play you a game of wizard's chess." Hermione heard Ron's reluctant footsteps slowly recede, and she moaned aloud. 'It would make sense that loving Severus Snape would not be easy.' She picked up a book and began to read, forcing her thoughts away from her lover and his baffling reaction to her.
***********************************
The weekend went at a surprising pace. Hermione got pulled into going to Hogsmeade with Harry and Ron, and she thanked them for their unwillingness to take no for an answer. It had really helped her to enjoy herself. Night was different, though. At night Hermione continued her erotic dreams of Snape, but in these dreams he pushed her away, breaking her heart over and over each night. Soon it was Monday morning.
Hermione stared at her ceiling as her alarm went off. She had been awake most of the night, after a dream about Severus. Hermione sighed. She had no idea as to what to do with her situation. She was absolutely sure that he loved her; she hadn't doubted that from the first moment he kissed her back. Still, she could not figure out his motives for pushing her away. At first she thought he was indeed afraid, afraid of not being in control of his feelings, and even her rejection. That idea was dismissed the first night. Severus Snape was not a man to be easily frightened by anything, and Hermione had made her feelings for him perfectly clear. She surmised that he was probably trying some noble attempt to protect her, although from what she could not be sure.
Hermione thought. Voldemort had been close to her ever since she had befriended Harry. Just because the Dark Lord was after the man she was in love with did not mean that she would not see him. Snape had to know that. Hermione sighed. Perhaps Snape would not be able to live with himself if Voldemort went after Hermione, because she was too close to one of his Death Eaters. Hermione knew that if indeed that would happen, Severus would not be able to forgive himself, no matter if it was his fault or not...he would blame himself either way.
"Hermione, you really are going to have to get up now. I feel that today will be a better day for you. Up, up, up!" Hermione slammed a hand over the magical alarm clock. She would be willing to take any chance to continue her relationship with the potions master, and she was going to show him that. Hermione huffed, her mind set. 'This should be an interesting day.'
****************************************
Hermione waltzed into potions class exactly eight minutes and forty
nine seconds late. Snape whirled around at the sound of his door
opening. Every head turned to Hermione as she took her seat, smiling.
"Oh, I am so sorry, Professor. You see I was just slightly delayed in the library. I needed to check out this wonderful book for some personal enjoyment. It's entitled Men: What to Do When You Know They're Lying. Would you care to have a look, Professor? I think it might be rather good for you." Hermione licked her lips at that, seductively. Snape scowled. If Hermione didn't know any better she would swear he was creating icicles merely with his stare. She laughed at the thought as she remembered just how hot he could actually be.
"No thank you, Miss Granger, I would not care to waste my valuable time in your petty school girl affairs. Why don't you take it upon yourself to show up to class on time and save the excuses, as I don't think anyone in this room actually gives a damn." Snape smiled, cruelly. Hermione didn't flinch. 'My he plays the game well.' The Slytherins gave her smug looks, and the Gryffindors sympathy. Hermione ignored them both, and set to work on her potion. At least she knew she could take solace in this activity, because she guessed Severus would stay away from her, not wanting to further a scene.
Hermione had assumed correctly, as Snape had not even come to her side of the room, uncharacteristically choosing not to oversee his students' work and take the opportunity to cast fear into their little hearts. He allowed himself only one glance at her during the whole period, and Hermione had been staring at him unabashed the entire time. She saw him glare, his cold exterior present. He looked away quickly as she flashed him a full smile.
As the end of class drew near Hermione was distressed. She could not stay after class today, even if she knew there would be no chance of a repeat of Friday. A talk was all she required; a good, honest talk. Unfortunately she had Herbology directly after potions today. Not wanting to substantiate Harry and Ron's suspicions, she decided it would be best to go looking for Snape at night, since she knew the password to his quarters. Hermione squinted, straining to remember the myriad of turns and hallways she had gone through.
'Hmm, or I could just borrow Harry's invisibility cloak. If I create a scene no doubt Filch will get Severus, and then I could wait until I had him to myself and make him talk to me. Yes, that sounds like a good plan to me.' Hermione finished her potion with vigor, eagerly awaiting the night's adventure.
*************************************
Hermione sighed. It was almost midnight, but Ron and Harry were still playing wizards' chess in the deserted common room. She faked a yawn.
"Hey guys, I'm going in for the night. You coming?"
"Yeah, we should go to bed, Ron. We have a huge transfiguration exam tomorrow!" Harry announced. Hermione eyed them suspiciously. She was about to open her mouth when Ron caught her glance.
"Don't worry, 'Mione, we studied." He grabbed the chess pieces and started to put them away. "Honestly!" Ron choked, about to get worked up until he saw the smile Hermione gave.
"Alright," she laughed, convinced that they would be out of her way, "good night."
She retreated to her room in the deep of the Gryffindor tower, her mind working madly on her plan. She went into her room and sat by the door, waiting for the telltale footsteps of the two boys going to bed. At last she heard them, and Hermione grabbed the invisibility cloak, which she had acquired sneaking into Harry's trunk after dinner. She slipped it over her head and opened the door quietly, her wand lit. Hermione grinned as she left the common room...and spotted Peeves.
The timing couldn't have been better. Hermione slid the cloak over everything but the tip of her wand as she followed Peeves toward the main hallway. She spotted a large vase as they reached the steps.
"Wingardium Leviosa." She flicked her wand. Peeves turned at her voice in time to see the vase drop three floors and shatter. Hermione squeezed against a wall, suppressing a giggle at Peeves' confused expression.
In a flash Filch arrived, followed closely by McGonagall and Snape, both flustered.
"PEEEEVES!" Filch bellowed, "What is the meaning of this?! I'll send for the Bloody Baron, Peeves, I will!" Peeves cowered.
"It wasn't me, I swear! I didn't do nothing!" He flew off in a huff, indignant. Filch grumbled, eyeing the mess he would have to clean.
"Professors, you can go back to bed. I don't expect him to be back again. Thank you for coming so quickly." Snape scowled and backed away. He nodded as McGonagall bid him goodnight and began towards his chambers. Hermione, however, was already waiting for him a few doors down. She followed him towards his rooms, a few steps ahead the whole time. Silently Hermione glided along, being wary of the trick steps. But the world is not perfect, and not everything could go as expected.
Peeves floated around, now crankier than ever. He was throwing pieces of food around the main corridor. All of a sudden a piece of fried chicken smacked Hermione upside the head.
"Ow!" She yelled, the word escaping her mouth before she'd even realized it. Peeves started. He whipped around, throwing a watermelon that grazed Hermione's leg.
"Peeves!" She whispered. "Stop, please!" But the poltergeist was not one to be easily swayed. He had hit Hermione with a banana as Snape appeared from around the corner. Peeves froze.
"Professor Snape! I heard a voice, really! Someone's playing with me mind! I swear, I hit someone...over there!" He pointed two feet away from Hermione, who was crouched besides the wall. "It's like someone's invisible." Peeves breathed. Hermione flinched; he had hit the magic words. Snape's eyes sharpened, poring over the corner Hermione was in.
"Invisible..." he drawled, each syllable slow and deliberate. "Interesting. You're dismissed, Peeves." Snape replied silkily, all the while nearing the wall. The poltergeist muttered his thanks and a couple of words about rogue invisible characters before speeding upwards.
"Potter." Snape growled, his arms outstretched the tiniest bit. "I know you're there." He inched closer and closer to Hermione. "It's about time you learned that you are not above the rules...and you will be punished. If you try to move I'll hear you, and if you stay where you are I'll find you. You can't win Potter...not this time!"
Hermione shuddered. Every muscle in her body was tensed. She slowed her breathing, trying to hide. 'This is not what I planned at all.' Snape was less than a foot away from her now, and Hermione reacted, doing the first thing that came to her mind. She threw off the cloak in an instant and clasped her hand over Snape's mouth. For an moment Hermione saw surprise in his eyes, but the next second his cool exterior was back. He scowled, and roughly pulled her wrist away.
"Miss Granger. What a time for the Head Girl to be out..." he glanced down at her, his grip tightening. "and under an invisibility cloak. I was not aware that one had fallen into your possession. They are very...rare." His eyes flashed dangerously as Hermione yanked her wrist from his hold.
"It's Harry's." She muttered, staring up at him. "But you already knew that."
"Indeed."
"I'm not going anywhere until you talk to me." She kept her voice calm, but a fire was building behind her eyes. "You owe me that, at least." She spoke, a little quieter. Hermione took a step forward to emphasize her point. Snape stared at her, his arms crossed across his chest.
"Talk." He commanded in a tone that he knew with experience made students cower. Hermione gave the smallest smile. Her mind whirled with what to say.
"Let's think logically. If you and I both loved each other, because you know I love you, why wouldn't we work?" Hermione put her hands on her hips. Snape seemed to consider her for a long moment before he spoke. 'This is not going to be easy.'
"Fine," he sneered, stepping forward to loom over her, "if you presume as much, we'll start with the fact that it is only a presumption, and you have no proof. You will also not be able to find irrefutable proof. But like you said, IF, so I'll humor you for a few minutes." His sneer widened as his voice turned even colder.
"First of all I'm your teacher." He glared at her, a challenge in his eyes.
"While student/teacher relationships are indeed frowned upon," Hermione started almost instantly, "nowhere is it written that they are prohibited. And you know how much time I spend in the library, I know." Hermione smiled at her quick thinking. Snape, however, was not phased.
"I am a Death Eater. You would be in danger by being a part of my life." He raised as eyebrow.
"Voldemort has been after Harry ever since he caused his downfall. Being friends with Harry Potter has its risks. I've dealt with the close proximity of Voldemort for seven years now. I know that he can't be avoided...and I'm not afraid anymore." Snape considered her words as Hermione eyed him closely.
"I'm a man with a terrible past. I don't want to drag you into that. I've done things your young mind cannot even begin to fathom."
"You've told me this before." Hermione sighed. "Whatever you've done will not make me love you less. Try me." Hermione smiled and sucked in her breath, using all of her height. She saw something she'd never seen before flash in Snape's eyes...it was something like regret.