Sunlight poured through the cracked windowpane, drenching the room in a golden glow. Hermione felt very warm and comfortable, and thought lazily of returning to sleep. Stretching luxuriously under the clean, white sheets, she tucked a golden brown strand of hair behind her ear before turning over on her side.
How nice it was to be back at Grimmauld Place, she thought. Then, as if recieving an electric shock, the events of the past night came crashing home. Hermione sat bolt upright, her peaceful morning shattered. There was only one thing for it- she had to find out what had really happened.
Hermione hastily threw on a t-shirt and jeans and bounded into the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley was there, along with Tonks, Lupin, and- to her horror- Snape. She was suddenly quite aware of the flyaway strands of brown hair now that she was being stared at- rather rudely indeed.
Snape looked as if he was just about to leave. With a sneer, he turned on his heel and left the kitchen without another word. Hermione was not about to give up so easily. Ignoring the stares of the other three at the kitchen table, she sprinted down the front hallway, past the house-elf heads mounted on the walls, and skidded to a halt in front of the door. Hermione put her hands on her hips, and narrowed her eyes fearlessly at the potions professor, as if daring him to try to get through.
"Miss Granger," Snape hissed, looking quite vicious, "Get out of the way."
"No," Hermione said defiantly, matching his glare for every ounce of anger.
"Excuse me? I believe I told you to move. Now." Snape's said, his eyes glinting dangerously, "Or it will be detention."
"What's happened to Harry?"
Hermione was quite confident that she had nothing to fear. After all, it was the summer holidays. Snape had no power whatsoever over her. She had to admit, though, it looked as though she'd went a step too far.
"Detention, Granger," Snape said softly, his lip curling maliciously, "In my office this evening. Yes, at Hogwarts. I have a fireplace connected to the Floo Network. Six o' clock."
And with a sweep of his black cloak, Snape pushed past Hermione, who- for once- was at quite a loss for words. He stepped outside, looking out of place in the sunshine.
"Do not be late."
Hermione slammed the door behind him, positively fuming.
Damn that bloody Snape...