Chapter Four

I hugged my school bag to my chest as I strode down the dungeon corridor, untouched by the sun. I let out a sigh of near exashperation and stopped to lean my shoulder against the wall. I knew I didn't need to think on the topic, but since he'd insisted I did...

The previous night was nothing short of magical. I knew even proud as Severus Snape was, he would admit to that. Though I was completley unexperienced in the love making department, I believe I learned rather quickly, or at least I hoped so. He was rather...skilled. It was almost as if he knew exactly what I'd find pleasurable. Where to kiss, where to touch...

Yes, I was relieved to see a different side of Professor Snape, rather than his snarky, sarcastic side. I'd seen a raw, passionate side. Tender, even.

On the downside, At age 35, he was more twice my own age and I was infact a minor. The last thing I wanted now was to see Professor Snape wind up in Azkaban because of conspiring with me.

But then again, I'd never realized how...attractive he was, how eloquently he spoke when he wasn't sniping at you, how full and sensuous his lips were, How graceful his touch was.. Even his aqualine nose now proved to be adorable, rather than just oversized.

When the bell rang a few minutes later, I stopped weighing the evident pros and cons and set upon the fact my answer would be that I would infact want to carry on a relationship with him, despite all the risks. Being one to read muggle romance novels and watch the daytime Soap Opera's, I thought risking everything for love would be worth it. Maybe I was just naive in that sense.

Maybe this had more to it than any muggle romance novel or trashy Soap Opera ever could.

My classes seemed much longer than they usually did that day, and I didn't feel...there. My mind was in other places. I spent most of my time contemplating how I'd react if he ended up turning me down. I had a distinct feeling he'd argue with me about it, try to convince me that it was wrong for us to associate romantically, though I knew he wanted me. I knew how he felt, for he'd said them, plain as day. He was in love with me. He wanted to be with me, but felt there was too much to risk. It was a depressing thought that maybe, I'd lose this battle with Professor Snape. Maybe he'd prove the victor on this topic.

The lunch bell rang, and I proceeded on my way to the great hall, slinging my bag over my shoulder, with an abnormally heavy heart. Professor Snape had told me to think on it, and I came to realize I was thinking on it too much.

"Hermione, hey, wait up!"

I nearly spun around on my heel to see Harry and Ron running down the hall waving their arms. They stopped upon meeting me, catching thier breath. "Hey Harry, Hullo Ron.."

"We've been trying to catch up with you all day." Harry stated. "There's a trip to Hogsmede in an hour.."

"Really." I stated dully.

"We've noticed you've been a bit off today, Hermione.." Ron stated, putting a friendly arm to my shoulder as we walked nearer to the Great Hall. "Why don't you tell Uncle Ronny and Auntie Harry what's up?"

I gave a small chuckle, seeing the expression of distaste on Harry's face. "Its nothing. I'm just kind of stressed today."

"Well do us a favor Mione.." Harry said. "Calm down, You're no fun when you're like this. We've barely talked since Snape gave us all detention..I didn't even see you come up to the common last night..."

"What does he have you two doing?" I questioned curiously, cutting him off.

"We've got detentions with Filch. He makes us do all sorts of rotten things..." Ron said, screwing up his nose. "Clean out Mrs.Norris's litter box, Wash out the toilets in the lavatories with toothbrushes..Things like that." Ron told me, nodding.

"What kind of torture is Snape putting you through, Hermy?" Harry asked, holding the door to the hall open for me.

Torture. That was exactly what he was putting me through today. Torture. Cruel and unusual punishment. "All sorts of things." And I left it at that. They questioned me no further, and we sat at the Gryffindor table, having a nice, civil, lunch.

The Hogsmede trip, I hoped as I rode the train, trying my hardest to be cheerful for Harry and Ron, Would maybe take my mind off of what I had to face later that evening.

I strolled with Harry and Ron to a few shops, then decided to part from them, taking a walk of my own, just to clear my head.

The breeze that sunny day was slight, and the heat index I deemed comfortable. I looked up from staring down at my feet to the clear blue sky, with thin, whispy clouds littering it. I had to smile, despite my situation, it was a beautiful day.

I probably should have been paying more attention to my surroundings, but the sky was so beautiful...

CRASH.

I fell to the ground, straight onto my back, after knocking into someone. Tears came to my eyes, but I blinked them back, rubbing the back of my head. I was offered a hand that I gladly took, because I wasn't too sure I could get up on my own, still being a bit disorented. I stood and tried to shake off the throbbing pain in the back of my head. "Really sorry, I didn't see-" I looked up and gaped. "Professor."

And there he was. Today just wasn't my day. Of course it'd be the day Professor Snape would decide to go on the Hogsmede trip, I shouldn't have expected anything besides that...

"You should watch your step, Miss Granger." He told me quietly, looking down at me from his comfortable height of around six foot two. "I wouldn't want you to injure yourself, I was looking forward to tonights detention.."

I couldn't help but smile. "I'm sorry,Professor." I said, genuinely apologetic. "I..just didn't see you."

"All is forgiven, Miss Granger." He put. "Are you alright, then?"

"I've got a terrific pain in my head, actually." I told him honestly, hand still to the back of my head as if I could take the pain away by holding it there.

He frowned slightly. "May I suggest a drink? Maybe that will take some of the pain away until we arrive back at the castle and you can see Madam Pomphrey about it.."

"Are you offering or suggesting?" I question, slyly.

"Offering." He said, defeated.

"Well you didn't have to run around the question, it would have been a lot easier if you would have just-"

"Miss Granger, Would you care to join me for a drink?" He reinstated.

I giggled, taking my hand away from my head and putting it to my side. "Of course.."

We took the seats in the corner farthest to the right of the Three Broomsticks, near a window, and simply ordered two Butterbeers.

I tapped my foot anxiously as we sat in silence. I examined Professor Snape. He looked completley enthralled with the whole situation. I knew how much he loved public places, and he loved them even more when he appeared in them with someone like me.

I wasn't too much more happy. I was miserable to tell the truth. I just wanted the day to end. I wanted to get my answer and go on with life, with or without him.

Our drinks came and after a few a couple more minutes of complete and utter silence, I cleared my throat. "Professor...I just wanted to apologize for trying to coax you into something you don't want..." I chewed on the inside of my bottom lip like I'd seen him do so many times. "I guess I was thinking only of myself.."

He took a long drink, finishing the contents of his mug. He looked at me and nodded. "I think I need a cigarette."