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Chapter 2: An Accident Gone Good

He was looking at her. He didn't think I'd notice, did he? How utterly boyish that is. Although is tis kind of cute.

"Professor Snape?" Who said that? Oh. Albus. "Professor?"

"Yes, Headmaster?" Severus rubbed his eyes. This had been a very long day.

"I was hoping you could show Miss Granger to her new quarters, Severus. They are just down the corridor from your own, aren't they?" There is that bloody twinkle in his eyes again. I wonder how much he knows or guesses about. "Then maybe you can escort her to dinner."

When did Albus start involving himself in the private affairs of his teachers? Snape couldn't afford to be thought soft, by anyone, so he barked over his shoulder "Hurry up, Miss Granger, or we won't reach the dungeons before this time tomorrow!" I hope she doesn't take that the wrong way, he thought.

"Yes, Professor. I'm sorry." Damn him for forcing her back into a student's status! "Although, if I remember right, you are supposed to be treating me with respect. Not like I'm still a first-year for you to terrorize." That should be enough to remind him of our agreement, she thought smugly.

He stopped abruptly, then started to whirl around to face her, when she collided with him, causing them both to stumble. God, I hope she didn't hurt herself. He put an arm around her waist to keep her from falling, and she grabbed his arm to steady herself.

She looked in his eyes and saw something there. Was it . . . concern? It couldn't be. It was gone too fast. Did she imagine it? She breathed a soft "Thanks" to him. She was too lost in his coal-black eyes to say anything else.

Severus heard her soft thanks, but he was too busy looking into her beautiful brown eyes. Suddenly, he felt her go limp. He sank to the floor with her dead weight. "Hermione! What's the matter? Are you ill?" He suddenly pictured her as Sleeping Beauty, and he as her Prince Charming. He slowly lowered his head. Just as his lips touched hers, her eyes fluttered open.

When she saw him so close, she brought her face up to his. He began to pull away when he realized that she was awake, but she put her arms around his neck and drew him back down to the floor. She was glad that they were so close to the dungeons so that no one would come by and catch them. She waited for him to deepen the kiss. She could feel his tongue probing for entry. She opened her mouth to allow him to enter, but suddenly she felt him stiffen.

I can't believe I did that! Severus thought angrily. She's 20 freakin' years younger than me! He stood up suddenly, knocking her hands off him. "Come, Hermione. I shall drop you off at your chambers, but then I'll retreat to my rooms until suppertime." He began to walk swiftly, if somewhat stiffly, down the corrider.

What did I do? Hermione was confused. He was the one who started it! All I did was continue the kiss. "Severus, please, wait!" He was confusing her! Thankfully he stopped and waited, but he didn't turn to face her. Well, she'd take what she could get.

He didn't want to face; not right now. He stopped when she asked, but he was not going to talk to her, not yet.

She hurried to catch up to him before he changed his mind and left her to fend for herself. She caught up and put her hand into his. "Severus, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you." He squeezed her hand, then dropped it. She gave him a confused look.

He looked at her when she apologized. It wasn't her fault that he was upset. He wished he could be more verbal. He looked into her eyes and then wished he had looked at the floor. "No, Hermione. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have allowed that kiss to happen. I'm not that low as to force my attentions on to you. If you find my presence detestable, as do many of your fellow students, then merely tell me so. I will immediately withdraw. It must now be evident my feelings for you. Tell me now if you would like for me to leave you in peace." He held his breath, waiting for her answer. Please don't let her think me repulsive, he begged God silently.

Does her really think that I find him grotesque? I love being in his presence! Can I tell him that without giving away my secret? She pondered this for a moment, then looked at him, sucked in a breath, and said "Severus, please, don't go. I find your company quite pleasurable, unlike the others." She paused for breath, then gushed "I'd like for you to sit by me at dinner. If you don't mind, I mean." She colored slightly. "I don't want to intrude on any plans you might have." I don't even know if he has a girlfriend, she thought.

Did she just ask me to spend more time with her? Wait! Did she just invite me to sit next to her at dinner! "Hermione, thank you for giving me a chance. Not many would give me that after the way I treated you all those years. If you like, I will pick you up at 7:30 for dinner?" He waited, hoping she'd say yes.

"Yes, Severus. I'll be ready." At that time they reached her new chambers.

"Remember, Hermione. If you need me I'll be right down the hall. The password to my rooms is Acid Pops. It is a hidden door just to the left of the bookcase in my office. If you need anything, come to me. I'll give you anything you need. Understood?"

"Of course, Sev. I understand perfectly." With no further explanation she turned and entered her rooms with a quick "7:30, Severus!" thrown over her shoulder. That gave her two hours to get ready.