Ugh! As if my head wasn't spinning enough before he complimented me! I groaned. "Professor Snape? Do you happen to have any headache-relieving potion? My head is throbbing like mad"
He stood instantly. "Yes, in my private stores. I will be back presently"
I watched his retreating form and struggled to comprehend what exactly it was about this man that enticed me. Certainly I, Hermione Jane Granger, was above a foolish school-girl crush! And I was not fantasizing about my dark, mean, greasy, scary, and sometimes downright cruel Potions Professor! I have to talk to Ginny...but Madame Pomfrey won't let me leave the hospital wing!...I know!
I looked around furtively, making sure the Medi-Witch wasn't looking. Then, I cast a Calling Charm, and a silvery owl shot out of my wand, headed towards wherever Ginny was with a note tied to its leg, telling her to come to the Hospital Wing to see me.
Now, what to do about Professor Snape? He'll be back any moment with that potion! Thinking fast, I laid my head down on the pillow and feigned sleep.
I sensed, rather than heard, him enter. His scent (a mixture of several potions ingrediants, sandalwood, and spices) drifted over towards my bed, but still there was no sound. He must cast a charm on his boots so he can sneak up on students without being heard! Or (I saddened at the next thought) so he won't be annoyed by the sound while he works by himself in the dungeons. Then a strange feeling came over me, a kind of yearning in my heart, and I wished that someday, he wouldn't have to be alone anymore.
I heard him sigh, then set the potion on the bedside table. He drew a sharp breath, and I wondered what had made him startle. Then, the strangest thing happened. I could have sworn that I could feel his lips brush my forehead, ever so gently. It was so bizarre. I mean, I had never, ever, everseen him show so much emotion! And, I wasn't even the least bit weirded out. If anything, I found it rather sweet. Then, I heard the swishing of a cloak, and I knew he was gone.
Faking a yawn, I opened my eyes just in time to see Ginny enter the Hospital Wing, scowling. "That great greasy bat! Snape just took five points from me because I was running after your Calling Charm...Hermione!" she exclaimed, having finally noticed my condition. "What on earth happened? What did that git do to you? Oh, I'll get him"
I started to freak out. How could she have known that he kissed me? Does it show on my forehead! Then I remembered—all my friends were in the room when I got the owl explaining my detention.
After I composed myself, I told Ginny the entire story—well, I left out the part about him calling me by my first name, and the part where he kissed me. I had to figure out how I felt about them before I let anyone else know.
"Hey 'Mione! You have a note here! It looks like its from...Professor Snape," she said slowly.
I took it from her. On the front was my name, written in his characteristic spiky handwriting. I flipped it over, and on the back was a seal. It was two "S"s intertwined. Or were they snakes? I couldn't be certain. The seal was acid green. I slit the envelope and read.
Miss Granger,
Here is the potion you requested. I hope it will be useful to you when you awaken. Please take care of yourself—don't over-exert or put any stress on your shoulders for a while. I know you may think you are fine, but I don't want you to take any chances. You took quite a nasty blow to your head. After class on Friday, if you are in attendance (and if not, that is perfectly acceptable, you are weeks ahead of my lesson plans anyway) please stay after. I would like to speak with you. I hope to see you up and going again soon.
S. Snape
There's Chappie 3! Please, please, please review!