Chapter 11

In the fallowing weeks, time went by in extreme slowness for not only Severus and Hermione, but those around the two.

Late one night near the end of September, Severus sat in front of the fire, scotch in hand.

Remus sipped on his brandy as he softly spoke, " I spoke with Hermione today." He closely watched Severus' expression change from self-pity, to guilt, shock, anger and then finally to curiosity.

"Really and what did our lovely. Er. little Ms. Vanderhorn have to say?"

Severus grunted in annoyance and downed the rest of his scotch. "Remus this is my business, not yours and she had no right to speak to you about it."

Remus stood abruptly, beyond anger, "You're a blind fool Severus!" He scolded the dark haired man who sat in utter ignorance of what he was putting himself through. Taking a deep breath to sustain himself he spoke again this time with conviction, not anger. " I have a proposition. How about me and you fence? I win you apologize to Hermione."

Severus nodded, " And if I win?" his tone full of curiosity.

Remus narrowed his eyes, " That doesn't matter,.I'll win."

Severus grunted in disbelief.

~~~~~A little while later~~~~

"Ouch damn it Ronald Weasley that hurt!" Harry grumbled from the intense pain at the back of his head. "Why'd you hit me with that book?"

Ginny and Cho who happened to be sitting close to them, rolled their eyes and in unison said, "Harry shut up!"

Hermione sat sullenly talking to Paige and her twin Nic. " You guys really shouldn't act like two year olds. I men I don't like Malfoy any more then the next person but honestly. Shh!" She gasped, catching everyone's attention. She stained her hearing. she could hear what sounded like metal clashing metal, and muffled words.

Harry, Ron, and Nic stumbled to the door and looked down the hall. Ginny, Paige, Cho, and Hermione made their way to see what was happening also.

Hermione Pushed people away to get into the hall. Her heart stopped in her throat or so it seemed.

Severus cornered Remus towards a wall emerged in shadows. "Rem. give it up."

Hermione looked over their appearances, Remus had discarded his usual tattered robe and was in a long brown sleeved shirt and black trousers. Severus fallowed with the same fashion, except his white dress shirt was unbuttoned down to his midsection, they were both sweating.

Hermione closed her eyes and turned towards her group of friends gawking from the door way. She motioned for them to leave and get back to their common rooms, so they didn't get caught.

The obliged her and headed in appropriate directions, while Hermione stood and watched the display of men fence aggressively.

Remus caught sight of her but didn't let it on to Severus, who had his back to her. "You know I'm right when I say that you should apologize to her."

Severus growled, "I'm not apologizing for something I didn't do!" He turned and stopped dead in his tracks. There Hermione stood her face stone like. He rounded on Remus, "Why the hell didn't you tell me she was standing there?" He swung around to face her again, "And what are you ding out after hours... Hmm. snogging in the shadows with God knows who." He grinned evilly and advanced on her, "You, here to give us a little of what's going around? Don't think I didn't see Misters Weasley, Potter and Cook hanging out the door. Are they paying you?"

Hermione raised her hand to meet Severus' face in a slap but he caught a hold of her wrist. "You're a disgusting bastard Severus!"

He laughed, sarcasm dripping from his deep voice, "Oh Yes, but I can't be a bastard my mother was delightful enough to be married to my father before I was born."

Remus moved to stand next to the both of them, "Stop being a jealous prick Severus."

Severus sighed and let go, "Get the hell out of my sight."

Hermione turned, she knew the exact time her heart broke. It had just sounded 2 chimes from the invisible grandfather clock. She walked away slowly, and heavy hearted. Just as she was turning down the corridor she heard Remus scold the other man.

"You're a damn fool Severus! Why'd you go an push the only person who would ever love a stubborn fool like you?" Remus took off towards his quarters leaving Severus alone to his thoughts.

Hermione rushed to the common room, safe from more hurt.

Meanwhile in the corridor Severus gazed into space regretting things that he'd done, but he thought what he had just done, beat the rest.