Disclaimer: Exclusively J.K Rowling owns everything in the HP Kingdom.
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Ch. 3
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After refusing the incredibly risky heels, Lavender 'generously' proffered, Hermione darted downstairs for the last five minutes of breakfast. Perhaps, thinking hungrily, she'd get a chance to eat a bit of something before going to class.
Not bloody likely. The head girl concluded with a snort
Ron had probably cleared the table by now and Parvarti would most likely tell on her if she ruined the work her roommate had done by eating anything remotely food like.
Vastly huge wooden doors a score high swung open giving her entrance into the great hall. And it really was a great hall, displaying a thousand of children chattering happily with their friends, enticing food lined up and down the five long house tables, birds of all magical sorts flying through the enchanted airways dropping letters and parcels onto their owners lap...or to be more accurate- near their owners lap. She witnessed several bits of rubbery eggs being catapulted high into space from the violent impact of heavy packages and shrieks of outrage from the people who were doused with the food. Her observations washed over the head table and onto the intended target. His eyes, she noticed, were focused solely on the coffee before him. His large callused hands gripping the porcelain teacup as if it were his very lifeline. Hermione wondered briefly if Severus might ever hold her in his arms like that, stare deep into her soul like he was doing to that china dish right now. It was a silly thought but it brought a widening smile to her lips.
" Miss Granger looks hungry, why don't you offer her something to eat." Albus murmured leaning into his good friend. The potions master blinked startled from his musings and looked up. The little chit seemed to be staring, trying to suck him into a black hole of uncontrolled emotions. Perhaps, (very very distantly of course) there was a trace of dementor blood in her family? Judging from the look in her eyes- Oh! His own eyes widened for the look could only be described as determination, deep desire and even hunger. Hunger for what exactly? The rubbery eggs, he hoped. Severus let his gaze travel away from her soul sucking eyes and down the slope of her nose onto her lips. He examined the wideness of her mouth all quirked up into a secretive smile, noting the rosy pink color and the glossy look the set had, it was infinitely different from how they usually looked.
Usually?! The older man jerked his eyes away and chastised himself. He never noticed them before. There was no "usual" with Hermione granger. Not now, not ever.
The head girl stood frozen in her spot. Severus had caught her eye and was looking at her in the exact calculating way that she'd prayed so hard for. It took all the strength in her body to stop her knees from giving away. And then, as if fates were against her, a wave of disgust past over his face and he looked away. She trembled when the bell rang, unable to do much more than stand there and look at the floor, flushing pink with shame.
" Hermione, there you are! We've been looking all over for you!" Harry called catching up with the flow of students and taking his place next to her.
" Ron's coming, where were you?" He said nudging her out of the way of traffic.
" Upstairs, getting ready." She finally said looking up and smiling at his concern. He grinned back twinkly eyed.
" Getting ready so soon? You look nice, but I'd lay off the blush, your cheeks make you look like an angry Weasley."
" What about me?" Ron surprised them both by jumping out in front of them. How he got ahead so quickly was a mystery.
" Nothing really- whoa! *Cough violent hack cough* What on earth is that smell?" Her voice raised an octave as she clamped her nose shut with a shudder.
" Aftershave. Hagrid lent it to me, you like it?" Ron asked pulling his robe open and sniffing a bit. She grabbed Harry for support and mumbled,
" Yeah...sure. *Cough cough* It's great Ron." Harry snickered, having cast an anti smelling spell ages ago. The red head smiled gratefully and continued on, oblivious to the fact many students' expression became greener when he passed.
" So, next Saturday then?" Dean was heard saying. He was looking at Blaise with a small grin of happiness, for without this bet, he'd never have got up the nerve to say hello. She smiled in her own Slytherin way and nodded, he bent his head catching a glimpse up her skirt when she turned around so quickly. Looking up, he caught the trio's eyes and smiled triumphantly.
" Ah #$&*@!"
" Ronald!"
" Sorry, but how can you just stand there and watch him win?"
" Patience Ron." The redhead made a face, while Harry contained his snort of amusement.
"You sound like my mother."
" At least someone does." She muttered, again turning pink.
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After several hours of watching Harry and Ron flirt shamelessly with their crushes, Potion's class began. Still extremely embarrassed about the encounter, Hermione contemplated to not even try anything more with him, to just wait until tomorrow to resume any further conquests. They all sat down and quieted when the professor entered the room like a bat out of hell. She heard her fellow conquistadors burst into hushed giggles. She turned and gave them severe looks that very clearly warned - silence or pain of death.
" 10 points from Gryffindor for interrupting my class." Severus snapped while picking up the roll sheets off his podium. Ron nudged her in the ribs and grinned as if saying 'Good luck with that one.'
" Today I haven't the time to teach you dunderheads about all of the communication potions; I've several papers to grade and won't be bothered. So Mr. Malfoy would you mind reading off the notes to the class today?" It wasn't a request but the blonde shook his head severely clutching his neck.
" Sir." He croaked in a pathetic tone that made the girls swoon and the boy's wonder how he did it. " I've got a sore throat, I'd love to help but I can't ." Severus eyed him peculiarly and looked around the class for another candidate, obviously ignoring Hermione's hand waving through the air. Even though she adored him, it was impossible for her to miss a chance to be a know-it-all; she was able to admit that freely without a shake to her pride. Professor Snape resigned after coming to the conclusion that Miss Granger was the only other student capable of teaching his class. He sighed loudly as if burdened by her persistence and spoke in an annoyed tone:
" Miss Granger, would you be so kind and read off the notes while I grade a few papers?"
" Of course." She said, not realizing her voice came out a bit more huskily that she intended. He didn't miss the implications of the tone, but rather chose to ignore it. Hermione jumped up and headed to the front of the class, taking the notes from his hand, and letting her fingers graze over his for a moment. He let go violently and stalked to his desk refusing to look back and into her eyes.
Strange girl. He thought, getting that oncoming-doom feeling again. Perhaps he should speak with Albus this evening just to be safe?
The Head girl turned around noticing for the first time how very different it was facing the students instead of being one of them. They looked at her expectantly; quills in place and ready for two hours of note taking. A deep respect for Severus flowed through her as she found her voice.
" Agrimony Cloves, Calendula, Pennyroyal, Angelica, Eucalyptus, Mullein, Rosemary, Basil, Frankincense, Myrrh, Spearmint, Calamus Root, Juniper Berry, Orange Peel, Tonka Bean, Cinnamon powder, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, Vervain are all components of Mind communication draughts. They are said to contain thirty-two percent of the power that an infusion of asphodel contains making the brew stronger than most -"
She, with time, became more excited in her lecture. She paced around the room talking adamantly with her hands, waving them about in illustration. Severus looked up too see the whole class - and even a few Slytherin's - watching her and listening as if she was the last thing they'd ever hear. She held the classes attention explaining everything thoroughly and when finished Hermione asked if there were any questions, everyone raised up their hands, participating like never before.
" Um... all right then, how about Crabbe." She said pointing to him
" Is this going to be on the test?" He asked in all seriousness, she blinked. Of course it was, why else would she of lectured for forty-five minutes on the damn thing if it wasn't.
" Mr. Crabbe, if you insist on being a dunderhead then try not to speak and save us from your idiocy." A smooth voice murmured from behind her. The class giggled as the boy turned red. Enraged at the professor for speaking to his own student like that Hermione leapt to the younger Slytherin's defense.
"You know, it was only a question professor, but then again you don't give much room for them in your own lectures." His eyes narrowed dangerously, sending shivers up and down her spine. She tried to be brave but failed miserably when he suddenly appeared directly over her, staring down in that particular way that made her knee's go weak.
" I suggest you take a seat Miss Granger. We'll speak after class." There was no room for argument, not that she would have tried. Hermione was busy with her own problems.
" I...I." She stuttered and sat down burning with embarrassment. Dear God. How was she supposed to seduce him? Especially when he was making it absolutely clear that he was disgusted by her, and the chilling fact that she couldn't keep her big mouth shut when he was only trying to do his job. Could she be anymore childish?
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Severus grumbled to himself as he took over the lecture. He spoke mechanically, letting his thoughts wander. How was it that a silly girl could get under his skin so easily, and a Gryffindor at that! She irritated him to no end with her endless questions and answers. Her stupid chivalry towards everyone except himself. She always seemed to tense up when he was around. (Not that I've noticed. He added) He wondered briefly if it was because she hated him. That was a sobering thought. Sure there were plenty people who loathed him to no end, but he couldn't stand the thought that she of all people might hate him.
" Damn it." The professor cursed out loud causing everyone to blink and look up. He caught Hermione's enquiring gaze. It was the same one, the bloodthirsty look. There was no breakfast in this room but by God there it was, the look. She snapped out and turned away acting as if nothing had happened.
" Class dismissed everyone out." He roared. The two houses packed up and left as quickly as possible, even Hermione tried to sneak out without being noticed but as the God's would have it she was caught.
" All except you Miss Granger. Shut the door will you please." She froze and closed the wooden panel just as the last student left. They then proceeded to eye each other with some trepidation.
" I... uh..."
" Today Miss Granger." It was easier to yell than it was to try and talk to her. He tried not to smile as he saw the fear disappear from her face and become replaced with quick anger.
" It was only a simple question professor, I admit that I was out of bounds in my outburst and I'll take whatever punishment you have, but I won't apologize for my feelings. Vincent Crabbe, no matter how stupid his question, was truly asking about something he didn't know. Would you rather have him not ask and not know what is going to be on the test? Would you rather him fail?" Hermione would have ranted more if not for the amused look on his face.
" What!"
" Nothing Miss Granger, it's just I've never seen you so adamant about protecting my students, Slytherin's no less."
" Well when it comes to you, I feel the need." She murmured not quite meeting his eyes. Her voice softening just a little. They sat in protected silence, but inside they were screaming out unspoken words.
'Kiss Me. She wanted to scream, and poor Severus couldn't even fathom a single thought, everything was becoming more strange whenever she was near. It was like having your soul strings plucked. A forceful push into the feeling pool. It was like being doused with cold water, but feeling warm all over. Neither one had the courage to voice their thoughts until it was too late. Several younger Slytherin's and Gryffindor's filed into the class at the sound of the tardy bell.
" Detention tonight Miss Granger."
Well that's not too bad, at least there might be a chance to where I can talk with him. She thought hopefully
" With Mr. Filch."
Damn.
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Author's note: It's been a long time since I've written a chapter but I'm on break now so expect a bit more writing.
Still apologizing for the grammar mistakes :)
