Chapter 12: A new house, a new beginning
Hermione settled quickly into Slytherin, becoming particularly close to Snape. They became close friends, both enjoying learning and knowledge. By becoming such close friends with him, she had somewhat ostracized herself from the rest of the house, but she didn't care. Snape was not well liked, and before she had arrived, he had been friendless. There seemed to be no one else who shared their interests, no one else interested in wisdom and education.
Time passed, and Hermione and Snape spent all of their time together, working on various projects. They both enjoyed brewing potions, and enjoying brewing the complex potions that required two sets of hands.
They slowly began to develop feelings for each other and as they came closer these feelings grew.
The tension between Ron and Hermione grew stronger each day, and Hermione felt that this was tearing her apart. The last straw was when Ron cornered her in the corridor and accused of being a 'filthy Slytherin' and he 'couldn't understand how he ever went out with her.' This had hurt Hermione deeply, and she went to the library to think things through. Severus found her there, and immediately became concerned. When she explained the situation, he became extremely angry.
"How dare he say that! I'm going to go find him right now!" exclaimed Severus, standing up.
"Wait! What are you going to do?" asked Hermione
"Teach that idiot a lesson. I'm sick of him ruining people's lives"
"No Severus! That will only get you in trouble, and I couldn't stand that. What if you were suspended, or expelled?"
"I don't care. He needs a lesson"
"Well, I do care! I don't want anything to happen to you. I care about you too much"
Severus sat down again, and turned to her. "You care about me?"
"Yes."
"I care about you too. Would you…"
"Would I what, Severus?"
"Would you…like to go to Hogmeade with me next weekend?"
"But we always go together" replied Hermione, confused
"I meant…as a date" Severus replied nervously
"Oh! Yes, I'd love to" replied Hermione with a smile.
Severus smiled back, and they left the library, hand in hand.