Chapter 4

The rest of the week passed fairly quietly. On Friday morning, owls arrived with letters. Hermione looked expectantly for Victor's owl. It did not arrive. She was disappointed, but understood. His vampire hunting duties kept him busy. Ron received an owl from McGonagall:

Mr. Weasley

As you are captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team, I am relying on you to lead the team to the same level of excellence that was achieved last year. Please see Madame Hooch today after lunch to reserve the pitch for tryouts, as you are in need of a beater and chasers. She will also arrange the practice schedules at that time. I've grown fond of seeing the championship trophy in my office, and I hope it remains in it's place another year. Good luck in this year's competition.

Professor McGonagall

Ron stood up. "Alright! Hey listen up you lot! It's quidditch time! I'm to see Madame Hooch today to get the pitch for tryouts. I'll post the announcement on the Gryffindor bulletin board when the tryouts are!" Ron said exitedly.

Hermione grinned at the announcement. She knew she was going to surprise the pants off everyone when she showed up for tryouts. The warning bell sounded that it was ten minutes to start of classes, and the great hall emptied as the students departed.

That evening at dinner the great hall was buzzing with chatter about the first Hogsmeade visit this year. Soon food was forgotten. Shy glances were exchanged among hopeful couples. The predictable gossip and teasing was heard. While wardrobe plans were being discussed at the Gryffindor table, an owl arrived and dropped a letter in Ginny's lap. She opened the letter.

Hello beautiful!

I would be honored if you would accompany me on the Hogsmeade trip tomorrow. Please say yes!

Draco

Ginny giggled at the simple honesty of the request. She turned around to the Slytherin table to find Draco looking at her hopefully. She took out her quill, turned the letter over and spelled out Y-E-S in big letters on the back and held it up for Draco to see.

"Hermione, coming tomorrow? It'll be fun." Harry asked.

"I don't know. I'll just probably stay in my room and study," she said absently.

"Aww come on Hermione. Study? Merlin's robe, it's Saturday! We can't leave you behind. Give yourself a break," Ron asked grinning at her.

"Yes, Herms, please, I need another girl to talk to. Plus I might need help with Draco," Ginny said trying not to laugh.

Hermione barked a single laugh. i Ginny is perfecting the art of bullshit like her brothers. God help us/i she mused.

"First Ginny, please don't call me Herms. You know I hate it. Second, since when do you need help with Draco? You seem to be doing just fine on your own on that front!" Hermione replied with a smirk.

"Oh I know that. You know how full of baloney I am. I just want you to come. We all do. Please say yes," Ginny replied. Hermione took out a quill, spelled out Y-E-S on a napkin and held it up for the group to see. They laughed.

9 a.m. Saturday morning

The boys and girls dormitories were bustling with excitement as clothing choices were made. This was an important part of the trip, as everyone who had dates wanted to make a good impression, and those who didn't have dates wanted to make good impressions to hopefully attract a date. Hermione got ready with the rest of the girls in the Gryffindor common room. She helped Ginny pick out a pale blue sundress that showed off her curves in all the right places. No heels were needed, she said, as she was tall enough at 5'8". Ginny looked lovely and was seemingly unaware of her looks. That's what Draco loved about her. As Hermione felt she had no one to impress, it didn't take her long to get ready. She dressed nicely but simply in a white lacy tank top and snug black leather pants. She let her hair hang hang to her hips and applied just enough lip gloss to make it noticeable. She questioned the decision of the pants considering how hot it was outside.

At nine thirty the girls left the dormitories to join the boys and professors in the role as escorts already waiting outside. Since death-eaters were out and about, no chances were taken with the safety of the students. Snape and McGonagall were the lucky winners again of the the drawing straws to see who would be the student escorts. Snape rolled his eyes as the teenagers set off towards Hogsmeade. The last thing he wanted to do on a day off was spend it with giggling, hormonal teenagers. He got enough of that during the week. He scanned the students and his eyes rested on Hermione, who was flipping through this month's Potions Monthly. The group chatted and snickered amongst themselves as they looked ahead to Ginny and Draco walking ahead together. The day was hot and he saw Hermione pause, take out a handkerchief and pat the perspiration off her forehead, cheeks, and neck. His heart skipped a beat when she patted the kerchief on her chest then ran her fingertips across her chest. Harry and Ron glanced at each other. They were thinking the same thing:

Does she have any idea how sexy that is?

"Alright there 'Mione?" Harry asked.

"Can you believe this heat?" Hermione absently wondered aloud, continuing her reading.

"Yes, this heat will be murder at quidditch tryouts," Ron said glancing at Hermione's chest, earning a slap from Harry.

At Hogsmeade

They arrived at the The Three Broomsticks. Tables were claimed and ice cold lemonade and sandwiches were passed around. When a half hour had passed, Snape thought he had had enough. He would rather face a little Crucio than have to do this again. He was looking at the lemonade, complete with a little umbrella that Draco had given to him. Although appreciative of the gesture, he did not drink lemonade or any drink for that matter, adorned with frilly nicknacks. Tiring of looking like a wallflower, he looked around to find a seat. He made his way to the only available seat, one by Hermoine. Draco and Ginny were also sitting at the table with her, but Hermione was politely leaving them to themselves. Harry was at the bar chatting with a pretty Ravenclaw and Ron was discussing quidditch with the Hufflepuff captain. Hermione was flipping through a small photo album.

Hermione stood and told Ginny, "Hey, I'm headed to Scrivenshaft's. I heard that they have some good books this year, I need a some new quills too."

"Want us to come?" Draco asked.

"Goodness no. You two seem just fine where you are at. I won't be long," she replied.

"Can you pick me up a quill while you are at it?" Ginny asked.

Draco quipped, "You, Hermione won't be long? With books? Yeah right."

Turning to Ginny, "Now what were we talking about?" Hermione rolled her eyes and left.

A few minutes later Snape decided to follow, trying not to appear as if he was following her, he was a spy after all.

Damn, what am I thinking? I'm turning into a stalker. he mused. But he couldn't help himself, he was drawn to her for some reason.

At Scrivenshaft's, Hermione picked out some quills then scanned the selection of books.

Ah hah, a potions book. she thought.

She flipped through it, becoming aggravated as she was bumped into occasionally by a careless student. Snape entered the store. Casually making his way around the store, he caught the hem of his robe on a shelf as he approached her. Jerking it loose, he didn't catch himself in time and bumped into Hermione, knocking the book out of her hands. Fed up, she started with,

"WOULD YOU KINDLY TAKE YOUR CLUMSY ARSE AND," then turned around to see Professor Snape picking up the book.

Eyes wide, "Oh, Professor, I didn't realize it was you. I assure you sir, I would never purposely speak that way to a professor," stammered Hermione.

He gave the book back to her, holding his hand up.

"Not necessary Miss Granger. My fault entirely. But I'm curious, you are reading a potions book on your free time?"

"Ummm..yes…I'm working on a project," she replied.

"And what sort of project what that might be?"

"No disrespect intended sir, but I'm not at liberty to discuss it at this time."

Snape nodded in return.

"Of course, as is your right. However, if you are in need of assistance, do not hesitate to call upon me."

He left a puzzled Hermione.

He quickly left feeling like a bumbling fool. Heading back to The Three Broomsticks, he needed a drink, and not lemonade. He rapped his knuckles on the bar and placed his order. While Hermione was at Scrivenshaft's, Victor appeared at The Three Broomsticks. He spotted Harry and Ron and made his way to them.

"Gentlemen, good day. Have you seen Herm-ee-own-ee? I wanted to surprise her."

He was holding some daisies and chocolate covered raspberries.

"Oi mate, you've got her favorites. Smart bloke!" Ron declared.

"She went over to Scrivenshaft's. She should be back anytime now. She will be glad to see you, Victor," Harry said. "Lemonade?" he offered.

"I can't wait to see her face when she sees you!" Ginny said.

They didn't have to wait long. A squeal was heard from the door. All in the room turned to the sound, surprised ans amused that Head-Girl-Prim-and-Proper Hermione Granger had made the sound. She dropped her package, dashed across the room and threw herself onto Victor, hugging him and wrapping her legs around him. Snape almost choked on his drink.

Murmurs were heard around the place. "Lucky bloke."

"Like I said fellas, hottest witch at Hogwarts,"

"…wish those legs were wrapped me like that."

Snape reluctantly found himself agreeing with the murmurs.

I'm getting ridiculous. She's twenty years younger than me, is a student, and belongs to someone else. he thought.

The two held hands and made their way to the door, whispering to each other. Snape caught the last bit of soft talk from Krum,

"and yes I want to see just how big this bed of yours is, my dear."

When he saw Hermione playfully nip on Victor's ear, he was successful in choking on his drink.

Snape managed to finish his drink then decided he wanted some licorice from Honeydukes. On the way out he stopped to pick up the book and quills that Hermione had dropped.

Must be quite a guy to make her forget her books! he thought wryly.

The last thing Snape heard before he walked out was "…at least someone will get laid tonight. Go Granger go."

Teenagers. he thought succinctly.