AN: Well, after Part V, there might be a delay till the next batch. And as always, the standard disclaimer applies: not my characters, they're property of much richer people than me.
Part IV: What in the name of Circe...?
1.
Life settled down surprisingly well after their third date. The news spread throughout the school, but it actually benefited the pair. Everyone felt a profound sympathy for Hermione, being forced to date Snape, whereas Snape gained status with his Slytherins for currying favor with Circe through her granddaughter. Everyone was convinced that neither enjoyed their dates.
The reluctant couple, however, were finding they weren't totally adverse to each other's company. Once they discovered safe topics to discuss, they engaged wits most satisfactorily.
By the end of their fourth date they were equally surprised just how quickly the time had passed.
2.
"Oh!" Hermione said as she looked at the chiming clock. She looked back at Snape who seemed slightly startled, but masked it quickly. "It seems as though time has flown."
"Indeed," said he. They stood up in tandem, walking over to the door awkwardly.
"Well, er, thanks," she said.
"What for?" he asked.
"Talking, and, you know, treating me like an equal, I suppose."
"It seems I have little choice until these dates are done," he sighed.
"Er, right," she agreed a tad nervously.
He bent down to kiss her and withdrew quickly, leaving before any questions could arise within.
3.
Their next date started mostly in silence, the conversations they had being stilted and awkward. After fifteen minutes of being uncomfortable, Snape suggested they make it an 'out' date, and visit a muggle cinema. Hermione, feeling as discomfited as Snape, readily agreed, wondering if there were any movies they would both enjoy.
They argued in front of the theater for thirty minutes before agreeing. Hermione insisted on buying popcorn, even though Snape looked disgusted at the yellow goop they poured on it.
"And they call me greasy?" Snape muttered as he eyed Hermione's hands.
Hermione giggled then offered to share.
4.
Hermione mused after their sixth date that something had changed between them. No longer did they need revenge for a topic to keep the conversation going. She was almost alarmed at how much she was enjoying their dates, not that she'd ever admit it.
Snape, too, had noticed a change. He found himself humming on his way to her room, then he almost smiled when she opened the door, grinning at him. He was unnerved by it and vowed to investigate, after their date ended. He needn't ruin a pleasant evening with moralistic musings.
Their kiss that night was guarded.
5.
Circe observed them at the Three Broomsticks their next date. She smiled at the progress they seemed to be making. They weren't comfortable with each other yet, but it was now an embarrassed air that surrounded them, not malicious. Acceptance of their new feelings was just around the corner.
Her smile broadened as she saw Snape pull out Hermione's chair, then let out a satisfied sigh when Hermione blushed becomingly. She didn't miss Snape smirking with pleasure. .
Circe's drinking companion turned to see what she was looking at, then turned back to her and grinned, blue eyes twinkling agreement.
6.
The stubborn nature of two fools will often decide their fate. For Hermione and Snape, however, other mitigating factors interfered, rendering their pigheadedness for naught.
By their eighth date they individually knew they were attracted to the other, but neither was willing to make the first move. Snape refused for matters of integrity. She was a student still, and he her teacher. He had promised Dumbledore that no lines would be crossed, though he snorted at that, thinking goodnight kisses would not be considered regulation.
Hermione, however, refused to make a fool of herself, not with so many dates remaining.
7.
Their night ended with a new tension, both suppressing their feelings lest they get hurt. They avoided contact as they made their way back, even eschewing conversation.
When they reached her door, she said, "Well," but stopped as Snape spoke at the same moment. They each gestured for the other to continue, neither taking the initiative.
"Screw this," Hermione huffed, and impatiently leaned forward to finish the date. When her lips met his, however, she noticed how soft they were when not fraught with tension. Looking up, she noticed he seemed shocked at her move.
Before he blinked she fled.
8.
Hermione hid her embarrassment successfully around her friends, but she couldn't help turning beet red when Snape picked her up the next time. She was grateful he pretended not to notice, acting cool and distant as per normal.
By the time they reached the gates, she realized he was not acting normally. His face and shoulders were tense, and his stride too quick.
Before she could stop herself, she said, "I'm sorry."
He stopped short, turning so quickly she ran into him. Grabbing his cloak to keep from falling, she looked up at him. His dark eyes burned into her.
9.
"What are you sorry for?" he asked, his voice unusually soft.
"For last night, sir. It wasn't my intention to be forward."
He raised an eyebrow and smirked. "I thought a Gryffindor would apologize for running away, not rushing in."
Hermione frowned, looking down. She realized she was still grasping his cloak. Letting go and stepping back, she looked back up at him contritely. His gaze had returned to normal: completely unreadable.
"Even lions get scared, sir," she said. She thought she saw a flicker of emotion in his eyes, but before she could interpret it, he turned, continuing on.
10.
They were quiet throughout their entire date, seeming lost in thought. Hermione's thoughts kept revolving around the flicker of emotion she saw, trying to determine what it was. She became so consumed by her thoughts she didn't notice her professor watching her.
"It's time to go," he said, breaking her concentration.
Hermione looked up, startled, then wordlessly prepared to go.
Neither said a word on their trek back to Hogwarts, though just as Hermione was about to step out of the secret staircase into the corridor, Snape stopped her with a hand on her arm.
"Wait a moment," he said.
11.
Hermione looked up at Snape curiously, patiently waiting for him to continue. It was difficult to see in the dim light, but he seemed agitated even though he stood still before her.
"I didn't mean to frighten you," he finally said.
She frowned in thought. "You didn't, sir, or at least, it wasn't your fault."
"I don't understand," said he, looking confused.
"Neither do I, sir. That's what scares me."
He looked at her shrewdly for a moment, then stepped forward to open the passageway to the corridor.
His kiss that night was softer than normal, though just as short.