3
The Crossing of the Paths
Walking down the hall with Harry and Ron on their way to classes, Hermione began to have a weird feeling. She was just about to comment when Ron spoke.
"This is our class, Hermione. Have fun in arithmancy," Ron said.
"Yeah, see you later," interjected Harry.
"Okay, I'll see you later, listen to Professor Trelawny, and don't sleep in class," instructed Hermione.
"Yes Hermione," the boys said together.
Hermione watched them go and then headed off to arithmancy. She was five minutes away when she turned the last corner on her route. It was almost always deserted, save a few people. She was on her way when a Hufflepuff boy ran down the hall and threw her off balance.
"Sorry" the boy called behind him, but Hermione didn't hear it. All she knew was that she was stumbling backwards, about to fall. In a last effort to stop her from falling, she turned around and screamed. Because instead of feeling cold, hard ground, she felt muscles underneath soft fabric. She looked up and found herself looking into the face of the last person she expected, Professor Snape.
Good Lord, thought Severus, one minute I'm minding my own business, the next I' m saving a damsel in distress. Severus looked down and had a hard time controlling the gasp that had come to his lips. In his arms was his love, staring back at him. "Are you alright Miss Granger?" he asked. It was all he could think to say that would be keeping in character.
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you," said Hermione sheepishly.
"What ever for?" quizzed Severus.
"For catching me when I was falling," answered Hermione
"You are most welcome," replied Severus. "Why, are you surprised, did you think I would let you fall and then laugh? I'm not as bad as you think."
"Of course not, I am very grateful," Hermione said
"Well, off to class then, you'll be late," said Severus. Hermione just stood there staring. "Well Miss Granger, I said go, now!" exclaimed Severus.
"Yes, Professor," replied Hermione, and with that she continued on her way.
A/n: thank you to my beta, fadingfaze, for her wonderfull work.
