I don't mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved
Severus knew the only way to stop the pain was to answer Lord Voldemort's call, which they obviously couldn't do. He wrapped his arms around Hermione in an embrace, trying to console her. After a few minutes the pain stopped.
"Professor," Hermione stammered, "I'm not a Dark witch! Why is this happening to me?"
"I don't know why or how Miss Granger, but it seems that the Dark Lord is trying to capture you so Potter will play the hero and come to save you."
"But I thought Lord Voldemort was gone..."
"Apparantly not Miss Granger!" Severus spoke sharply. "I will alert Dumbledore about this. Meanwhile, I want to see you every evening to check your mark."
"Yes Professor," Hermione answered.
"Also," Severus began, "if the pain starts up again come to me immediately. The Dark Lord may try to get you to do otherwise."
"But in that instance shouldn't I go to Dumbledore?"
"You know I have been called by the Dark Lord before and I know how to resist him. No more questions! You may go."
Severus sighed to himself. There had been so many instances when he had thought Potter had destroyed the Dark Lord for good. But it had never happened. Why? And now he was back and seemed very strong. There must be something he just realized that no one else had figured out yet. And how could Hermione have gotten the Dark Mark? She was never one of his followers! Severus felt so badly for her. He knew what she would endure if people found out. He was beginning to get a feeling about her. A romantic feeling. He told himself it was wrong. But she reminded him so much of Elysia, and yet was her own self. He wanted to tell her how he felt.
Hermione understood. As she lay in her canopy bed that night she knew how Snape must have felt having the Dark Mark. She hadn't even told Harry and Ron about it. She was surprised at herself for being so ashamed. She fell into an uneasy sleep filled with haunting dreams
The next day Hermione was unusually quiet and self-concious. Harry and Ron kept asking her what was wrong but she insisted that nothing was. During Defense Against the Dark Arts (taught by Lupin), Draco noticed that Hermione was trying to hide her arm under her desk.
"What are you trying to hide, Mudblood?" he asked. He grabbed her arm and saw the Dark Mark there. His eyes widened and a slow smile spread over his face.
"Looks like the Mudblood we always thought Granger was is a dark witch!"
He looked at her menacingly.
Hermione ignored the stares she received all day until dinner, when everything was too much for her to handle. She was getting taunts and stares from people who had always been nice to her. She felt like such an outcast. Harry and Ron were civil and understanding, but at the moment she didn't care. She hated everyone. She ran down the hallways to Snape's classroom. He was the only one who would understand. This time she didn't knock, but flung the door open. Snape was brewing a potion.
"They all found out," she sobbed, and threw her arms around his shoulders.
"Shhh..," he whispered, trying to calm her down.
When the tears stopped he instructed her to have a seat.
"I'm so sorry Professor," Hermione began. "I know what you must have gone through! People thinking you're evil when you're not. Being horrible to you. Acting like you aren't human and don't have feelings!"
She stopped, realizing this was what she had done to him.
"I'm so so sorry."
"Apologies accepted Miss Granger," Severus began softly.
He opened his mouth to say something else but closed it. Instead he leaned forward until finally his lips met hers. Hermione was extrememly surprised at herself, but kissed back.
When they pulled away Hermione whispered,
"I have to go. I'm so sorry but this doesn't feel right."
"Well excuse me Miss Granger but I do believe you kissed back."
"I wasn't thinking! A teacher and a student!? It's wrong!"
"If you haven't noticed Miss Granger you are about to graduate and are practically an adult."
"And that's another thing! Why don't you ever call me Hermione?"
"Because," Severus said sarcastically,"that's how a teacher and student should interact.
Hermione bit her lip.
"OK, I admit it. I do feel something for you. But what if people found out?"
"You're honestly worried about what people think?"
"You used to be!"
Severus realized Hermione was in tears again.
"I'm sorry," he admitted and embraced her. "We'll just be friends and see where things go.
"OK"
Hermione turned to leave.
"Wait," Severus spoke. "Let me see your arm.
The mark was still there and Hermione cringed when he touched it.
"OK," he spoke softly, feeling badly about the way he had spoken to her. "I'll see you tomorrow.
A/N--Thanks to those supprting this story! It might not be one of the best, but maybe someday when I finish this I'll write another better story. For now, I'm just enjoying writing this one, so enjoy!