This took a little while. I got stuck... It was difficult to write. But, I did it. Don't hurt me yet! Just please read it.

Disclaimer: I still don't own this stuff. I wish I did. But, I don't. Oh well. I'm having a great time borrowing it.

Pumpkin Juice Fountain

The weeks flew by quickly and before they knew it, Harry, Ron and Hermione were facing their N.E.W.Ts. To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Hermione agonized over each of her subjects and then managed to get through each test with an ease that caused Harry and Ron much irritation.

During that time, Severus Snape had been rather withdrawn from Hermione. He had worked with her on many potions and allowed her to assist him during classes, but he refused to speak with her on anything even closely resembling a personal level. "I don't understand," Hermione said sadly to Ginny as they walked to the Great Hall for dinner. "He'll hardly even look at me." They sat down across from Harry and Ron. Ron was eating with so much enthusiasm that it seemed indecent, and Harry was watching him with mild interest.

"And you have no idea where you stand with him," Ginny added with a sympathetic look. "You'd think after spending two nights with him, the man would admit to having feelings for you and make some kind of commitment," she said in exasperation.

"You would think," Hermione said with a sigh.

Ron laughed, although he looked as if the topic made him nervous and slightly nauseous. "Well, you just want to have your cake and eat it too," he said with a slight smile.

Hermione's smile faded slightly as she looked at Ron with a raised eyebrow. "Honestly Ron, I don't know where you come up with such ridiculous things to say," she said.

"What?" Ron asked.

"What good is a cake if you can't eat it?" she said incredulously.

"Maybe you should eat Ron's cake instead," Harry snickered.

Ron's ears turned red and he said, "I just meant that you can't have everything you want. It has nothing to do with cake."

Ginny giggled. "Ron, I think they're joking," she said.

Ron grinned sheepishly. "So, how are things going with Snape?" he asked nervously.

Hermione looked at him sceptically for a moment. "Are you sure this is something you want to discuss?" she asked seriously.

"I'm trying to be supportive," Ron said, shifting uncomfortably.

Hermione smiled. "That's really nice Ron," Hermione began.

"But, you really don't want to know," Ginny said before Hermione could continue. Harry nodded fervently.

Ginny patted Hermione's arm sympathetically. "I don't know Hermione," she said. "Maybe he's just nervous about the whole thing. You never know what that man's thinking."

Hermione sighed and glanced shortly at the potions professor sitting at the head table. He appeared to be in a very sour mood, as usual. Professor Dumbledore had also apparently noticed a change in Snape.

"Severus, my boy, is something troubling you?" he asked peering at the younger man over his glasses. Severus merely sneered in reply. "I see," Dumbledore said with an understanding smile that only infuriated Snape even more. "You know, avoiding Miss Granger won't help."

Severus glanced down at the Gryffindor table where Hermione was sitting with Ginny. Hermione appeared to be unhappy and Ginny was apparently trying to cheer her up. He rolled his eyes when Ginny said something to Harry and Ron and then gestured to Hermione.

"Come on," Ginny said to Harry and Ron with a little smile. "You three only have a few days left at Hogwarts. We don't want Hermione to be sad when she has so little time left here."

Ron and Harry looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, mate," Ron said to Harry with a sly smile, "We'll just have to do something to cheer her up."

"Right," Harry said with a nod.

"Not another spoon interview," Hermione groaned.

Harry laughed at the memory. "I had almost forgotten about that," he said grinning widely. "We could always try it with a fork," he said picking up his fork and causing Ron to look completely horrified. "Just kidding. We'll come up with something else."

Ron took a drink from his goblet of pumpkin juice, giving Harry an idea. Smiling wickedly, Harry pointed his wand covertly at Ron and muttered a charm. Suddenly, pumpkin juice came shooting out of Ron's nose. "Bloody hell!" Ron sputtered, wiping off his face. Harry, Hermione and Ginny snorted with laughter, drawing the attention of many others in the Great Hall.

"Harry, I'm not a bloody fountain," Ron growled in irritation.

"No, you're not" Harry admitted with a grin. "But, you do a damn good impression of one," he pronounced, causing Hermione and Ginny to giggle even more. "And look. You made Hermione laugh. It was for a worthy cause."

"I don't see why I had to be the source of entertainment today," Ron muttered.

"Easy target," Harry replied cheerfully, taking a bite of toast.

"Oh dear," Dumbledore said chuckling, watching the Gryffindors laugh and clean up the pumpkin juice that Ron had squirted all over the table. He glanced at Severus who was smirking slightly as he looked over at the Gryffindor table. "Her friends are trying very hard to cheer her up. But, I rather think that she would prefer to talk to you," Dumbledore said quietly. Severus looked back at Dumbledore silently and then shook his head, almost regretfully, before he got up and left the Great Hall.

After a few moments, Dumbledore turned to Professor McGonagall. "Minerva, I wonder if you might accompany me down to the dungeons a bit later?" he asked politely.

"Whatever for?" Minerva asked suspiciously.

"I thought it would be nice to observe Miss Granger's progress with Severus," Dumbledore said with a smile. "She is his apprentice, and I only wish to make sure things are going smoothly."

Minerva smiled slightly. "Of course, Albus," she replied.

That evening, Hermione and Severus stood in the potions classroom preparing ingredients for the Wolfsbane potion. "Do try not to destroy this potion," Severus bit out coldly. "I don't have the time or patience to start a new one."

"I won't destroy the potion," Hermione snapped. "I can read and follow directions just fine."

"Mind your tone," he said silkily. "We wouldn't the little know-it-all head girl to lose house points and receive detention."

Hermione put down the knife she had been using and turned to face him furiously. "You terrible man," she said with quiet fury. "I have done nothing to deserve this. I've never given you a reason to doubt my ability to brew potions."

"You will not talk to me with such disrespect," he snarled.

Hermione opened her mouth to retort, but she was interrupted by someone clearing their throat from the doorway. The pair whirled around to see Dumbledore and McGonagall standing in the doorway. "Is everything ok?" Dumbledore asked with a wide smile and twinkling eyes. He looked at Severus and said "Come now, I'm sure Miss Granger is completely capable of following your directions. After all, you taught her."

"I know what you're doing, and you can stop right now," Severus snarled angrily.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Dumbledore said with a grin.

"Of course you do," Severus replied. "Minerva had told you before that there would be no more matchmaking but, as usual, you didn't listen. You've been interfering since Christmas and Minerva's been helping."

Dumbledore put a hand to his chest and gave a pained expression. "Severus, you are mistaken," Dumbledore said. "I've only been encouraging a healthy relationship between you and your apprentice."

Severus glared at Dumbledore. "Think about it," Minerva said quickly. "The first sticking charm was the fault of Mr. Malfoy. The mistletoe was Fred Weasley's doing, although," she added guiltily, "we did quite enjoy the results of such a prank. I did cast one temporary sticking charm on you, but that was to stop an argument. From there, all that we have done is shamelessly enjoy watching the two of you grow closer. We didn't want to push you into anything, because we knew you'd be stubborn."

Severus let out a long breath and glanced at Hermione. Willing himself to sound civil, he said "Miss Granger, would you kindly go into the next room and gather the remaining ingredients."

"Yes sir," Hermione replied quietly. She left the room swiftly and silently.

The classroom was silent for several moments. "Severus, was that really necessary?" Dumbledore chided him gently. "She works very hard for you."

Severus snorted. "She works hard for everyone," he retorted.

"But, it's your approval that matters the most to her," Minerva said, folding her arms and scowling.

"Don't be ridiculous," Severus said, looking away.

"I don't understand why you're fighting," Minerva said, not realizing that she was raising her voice. "After all this time, I think it's time that you're honest with yourself and with her."

"What are you going on about?" Severus said irritably.

"You are the most impossible man!" Minerva exclaimed. "You can't fool us. I've seen you with her. I have seen the way you seem to be a better person when you've been around her. You enjoy life more. You love her." Severus lowered his head slightly, unable to say anything.

"Severus, don't hide from her," Minerva prodded gently. "We only want you to be happy. This has never been about our amusement." She smiled mischievously. "That was an added benefit."

"She's my student," Severus protested.

"Well, not really," Minerva said with a sly smile. "She's completed her N.E.W.Ts. She's just your apprentice now. You'll be colleagues in no time." She folded her arms and fell silent, hoping he would consider her words.

"We'll leave you to your work," Dumbledore said smiling. "We'll see you at breakfast tomorrow." He led Minerva from the room, leaving Severus to his thoughts.

Moments later, Hermione re-entered the room. She was carrying a basket that contained the ingredients she had gathered from the next room. She set the basket down without looking at him and awaited his instructions. Severus looked at her silently for a moment. Her eyes looked a bit watery but she was preparing her work area silently with a determined expression. He thought back to the cruel way he had spoken to her. He sighed and closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Perhaps we should talk," Severus said quietly. Hermione's hands stilled and she looked up at him anxiously. "I do not wish for our working environment to be unnecessarily uncomfortable. So, I think it's best that we resolved our differences and cleared up a few things."

Hermione swallowed and nodded. He motioned for her to work on the potion as he began adding ingredients to the cauldron. "Perhaps I should not have been so short with you before," he began stiffly. "Your skills with brewing potions have been... adequate," he said hesitantly, as if uncomfortable giving any sort of compliment.

"Thank you," Hermione murmured.

"I'm not accustomed to viewing you as anything other than a student," Severus said, not meeting her gaze. "The headmaster's interference has been rather disturbing to say the least." Hermione snorted with laughter. Severus added the ingredients swiftly and stirred the potion as he collected his thoughts. "Of course, there's no use in blaming him for everything. Minerva has been toying with me for months. Moody has been another source of harassment. Miss Weasley has made it clear that she can be as much of a nuisance as Minerva. Have I missed anyone?" he asked with a smirk.

"Well, there was Fred's little prank with the charmed mistletoe," Hermione said with a little smile. "Although, that wasn't really intended for us."

"Indeed," Severus said with a scowl.

Severus finally looked up to meet Hermione's eyes. She blushed and looked down at the table for a moment before looking back at him, startled that he had moved a bit closer. "So, what's to happen now?" she asked quietly.

Hesitantly, Severus reached up to touch Hermione's face. She closed her eyes and leaned into his hand slightly. She looked at him again when he grasped her shoulders firmly. "You must understand that I am not a good man," he said forcefully. "I have a dark past. I've done terrible things. Evil things. I will never be like Albus Dumbledore. I have made far too many mistakes." He peered at her, determined to make her understand.

"But, you are a good man," she said quietly. "You made mistakes, but you've made an effort to make up for it. You've been spying for the Order. You've helped to protect Harry, Ron and myself despite your dislike for us." She smiled up at him a bit sadly. "You willingly go to those meetings and endure torture in order to come back and keep us informed on the Death Eater's activities and you risked your life to keep me safe in Hogsmeade. You've not given me a reason not to trust you. And I would never ask you to be Professor Dumbledore," she added with a grin.

Severus couldn't help smiling slightly. He was surprised that Hermione seemed to think so highly of him. He felt unsure of how to react. For a moment he just looked at her. Then, he turned back to the potion. "The potion is complete," he announced. The pair silently put the potion into vials and cleaned up their work area.

Hermione glanced nervously at the potions professor. He was looking at her with an unreadable expression. "You truly don't understand all that I have done," he informed her stiffly.

"I don't have to," she replied with a small smile. "What matters to me is the man you are now. The man you are now deserves respect as much as anyone else."

Severus looked at her silently, a bit stunned by her words. Her expression was so sincere. He marveled at the idea that someone that he had treated so terribly seemed to care about him. He leaned toward her and captured her lips in a gentle kiss. Hermione responded immediately and wrapped her arms around his neck. Severus broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. He let out a long breath while he ran his fingers through her hair.

"Perhaps I should escort you to your room now," he said with a slight smirk. Hermione smiled mischievously in response.

"You see, I told you," McGonagall whispered to Dumbledore as they peered through the door that they had conveniently left slightly ajar. "He just needed to be persuaded a bit."

Dumbledore chuckled softly. "Indeed," he said softly, taking a peek at the couple.

"They're coming!" McGonagall whispered urgently as Severus and Hermione neared the door. Dumbledore quickly pulled her with him into the shadows and cast a quick disillusionment charm. They grinned as the couple left the classroom and headed toward the head girl's room. "I wonder what will happen next," McGonagall said slyly.

"Perhaps an improvement is Severus' disposition tomorrow will let us know," Dumbledore said, chuckling again.

Next chapter we'll see what happens when Snape takes Hermione to her room. Hmmm... Could be exciting. One anonymous reviewer compared my story to tantric sex... You get really close and then you back off. lol That's an interesting concept but I hope I'm not distressing all of you too much with my methods.

slytherinsess: You growled at me? Soon. I'm not trying to kill you.

latinachikita: I'm glad you agreed with me. Some of the other reviewers seem to be a tad frustrated. I don't blame them, but I want to have it just right.

Portkeys Miss-Mione: He's not real confident about it, but I guess he just couldn't hold it back anymore. :) We can't complain about that. lol

SlytherinsDarkAngel07: ha ha. It's so funny to make guys listen to girl talk. You know, I hadn't thought of it that way. It is like having an imperius curse on all the characters.

Dancing Pickle: You had a tv dinner for breakfast? Hmm... Well... Ok. No, I didn't mean to make that line rhyme. Ugh... I'm turning into Dr. Suess.

CapnSilver: Oh, well don't choke. lol Your family will think that my story is hazardous to your health.

bootyful77: I cracked up when I read what you wrote. The part about her going "Yes! Yes!" and then she dies. How much would that suck.

LateNiteRomance: Awww... I'm sorry your mad at me. :( I will do my best redeem myself. I'm glad you're gonna keep reading though.

seamermaiden: Hmmm... Well, obviously Hermione didn't just stick around after she got well. However, don't think that situation is set in stone. Umm... Just keep reading. You'll see what happens as things progress. I think you'll like it. :)

firebanshee: Tease? Are you calling me a tease! lol

Cherbi161: Ice cream! Yeah! I'm glad that you agree with my methods on this subject. I want to do it the right way. It will make it even better when we finally get to it.

Chicoree: Oh. German is cool. I sang two songs in German recently... Widmung and Heiden Roslein. They're beautiful songs, and it's a fun language.

Paranoid Sarcasm: You are just too funny!

Humanity74: Wow. You must have been in a strange mood when you wrote that review. lol You had me laughing though.

RangerBlack: You're a Texan! How cool! I was born in Texas. That's where all of my family is.

Walking Through Shadows: Well, I'm trying to make it funny... But, sometimes I just get lucky. :)

cheshireduck: I can't wait to see the pictures. I'm glad you like the story so much. It makes me feel really good.

MrsPadfootVerona: I'm so glad that you did read my story. As for my upcoming wedding... I'm absolutely positive that I've found my soul mate. He's everything to me and I wouldn't even trade him for Severus Snape. :) Thank you.

lakskmiXshree: It probably is spelled Hogsmeade. I always make silly mistakes like that. My apologies. Thanks.