Hi everyone! Thank you all so much for your kind reviews. Please feel free to tell me if I am being too OOC.
So, without further ado, here is Chapter 5!
P.S. Did anyone catch what the entrance to Severus's chambers was? Here's a hint as to what it relates to...ah, what the heck, I might as well just tell you--Phantom of the Opera! There's something new for ya!
RECAP OF CHAPTER 4.
He opened his mouth and said...
HERMIONE'S POV
...nothing. Severus opened and closed his mouth a few times, and I was secretly thrilled that I had made this eloquent man speechless. Deciding it would be terribly mean of me to continue this awkward silence, I spoke.
"Um, sir, if it's alright with you, may I ask you a question?" I asked timidly, very unlike me. But then again, all the events of this morning were very fresh in my memory, and I was feeling a bit odd about being in Severus's chambers.
He seemed pleased that I had broken the silence and nodded his head.
I took a deep breath and then took the plunge. "Professor Snape, would you mind terribly if I asked to be your apprentice? I mean, I know you are busy with everything for the Order and whatnot, but I do know quite a bit about Potions and I could help you brew some of the more basic ones, so you wouldn't have to," I said quickly so he wouldn't interrupt me.
He looked startled, then he mulled it over for a few moments. I didn't realize I had been holding my breath until I released it when he accepted my proposal. Well, now that I had accomplished my main goal, I was going to tell him how I felt about him.
I cleared my throat again to get Severus's attention. "And, um, just one more thing sir," I said. "About what happened the other day," I began, but was cut off by Severus's voice.
"Yes, Miss Granger, that is what I called you in here for, and what I was so nervous about. Oh yes," he said, looking at the surprise on my face,"I can read emotions too. Now, as a way to make an apology to you, I have a gift certificate for dinner in Hogsmeade for 2, at the Firm Stone Cafe. You can invite a friend to go with you, if that is your desire..." he trailed off, almost dejectedly. I took the opportunity and spoke.
"No sir! I mean, how do I say this?...um, why don't you go with me?" I wished I could take the words back, but at the flash of delight that passed over Severus's face, I knew I had made the right choice. "What day is the reservation for?" I asked.
"September 19th."
I gasped. "Are you joking? That is amazing! That is my birthday!" I exclaimed. Severus looked interested.
"REally? And how old will you be turning, Miss Granger?" he asked inquisitevly. Come to think of it, that sounds like a question I would ask of him if he were to say it was his birthday. I guess great minds do think alike. Or maybe I was just falling for him even more...
"Well, Professor, that really is a difficult question to answer. You see, I normally would be turning 18. But in my 3rd year, I used a Time-Turner. I carefully marked down all the days I redid, and so I could keep my same birthday, I redid 912 days, 21 hours, and 53 minutes. So, I suppose my age will be 20," I explained, a little out of breath.
He was a little overwhelmed at all the information I threw at him, and I took advantage of his silence to continue the train of thought I was on before I was interrupted. "Just one last thing, sir. Um, when you took me to the Hospital Wing, and all that jazz, and when you kissed my forehead, well, I didn't mind. And I figure that since it is my last year here at Hogwarts, and that I am weeks ahead in all of my classes, well, that I would loosen up a little. And, um, sir, forgive me if this is too bold of me, but I think I may kinda, sorta, maybe, a little have feelings for you. I understand completely if you don't reciprocate, and if that is the case, then I ask you to forget this whole conversation. SInce you obviously are speechless, I'll leave right now, and give you the weekend to sort things out. I'll see you in class on Monday, sir."
I finished my speech, stood, and left Severus Snape's chambers through the mirror with hopes in my heart.
There ya go! R&R s'il vous plait!
Your obedient servant,
A.L.
(A/N: another POTO reference! I love that movie!)