Title: Half the World Away
Author name: Calbee
Author email: Romance
Sub Category: Humor
Keywords: Snape Hermione psychological
Rating: PG
Spoilers: SS/PS, CoS, PoA, GoF
Summary: Severus Snape and Hermione Granger. A Slytherin and a Gryffindor. Who would have thought that this could happen when the results of a psychological love test are assumed to have gone horribly wrong...
DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. This fic is inspired by an idea provided by josette the black pearl.
Author notes: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed!

Sorry for updating so late. I had been busy doing some travelling, then taking a test for a job down in London, and then the preparation for Chinese New Year (the coming Sunday 29th January). Anyway, here's Chapter 8, and I wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year (if you celebrate it like me ).

Chapter 8 On the Contrary

The first thing that Snape felt was the enormous pain in his head.

"What in the name of Merlin... " Snape groaned when another wave of pain erupted in his head. He scrambled out of bed and searched through his potions box for a pain-killing potion. Once he had gulped down the ingredients and the pain begin to subside, he started remembering about last night. It was intriguing to find an attraction in another woman, DiDi, which would make Lupin's worries die down, not that he gave a damn about it. On the other hand, Snape was suspecting that there was more to DiDi than met the eyes. There is something there he found weird or strange about her behaviour, but there was time to find out what it was once this year finished, with Harry Potter and his sidekicks graduated, he could have more time for his own. Talking of which, he should better get going for the last potion lesson for the seventh year.

"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making. As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses...I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death -- if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."

Snape looked at his class possibly for the last time in this dungeon. "This is what I had said seven years ago when you all started your first lesson of potions here. I must say I am both disappointed and pleased about you all." Snape looked at Longbottom briefly before switching his attention, "Some of you proved to be dunderheads that I usually have to teach," then he cast a slight nod at Hermione, Lavender and Draco, "while some have proved themselves." He turned around and walked back to his working table. "Tomorrow, you will all leave here, as qualified wizards and witches. I don't expect you to make your memories of potion class your best ones, but I do hope you go away with some knowledge of this exquisite and effective magic. Class dismissed."

While the students were storming out of the dungeon, excited that it was finally over, Snape said, "Miss Granger, Miss Parkinson, Miss Zabini, a word please."

Apart from the three of them, all the students left as quick as they can, including Harry and Ron. When the room was finally empty aside from the four of them, Snape said, slightly menacing, "Miss Zabini, Miss Parkinson, you two owe me and Miss Granger an apology too."

Hermione stared at him in surprise, while Blaise and Pansy shot him daggers, but was shortly knocked off by Snape's snarling. "Don't glare. You know what you have done. It's not my concern to where you got that piece of information, but it has gone too far for what you two intend to do."

"We are not going to apologize to the Mudblood," Blaise spatted, "but I apologize to you, Professor."

"Me too, Professor," Pansy said. "But I..."

"I don't want any apology from you two, Zabini, Parkinson. Just for your information, I don't care. It was not me who made a fool of themselves. You did," Hermione retorted back. "I am sorry, Professor Snape, but I think I should go before I make a fool of myself." After that, not bordered to wait for Snape's permission, she left the dungeon, banging the door closed behind her.

Snape was a bit surprised. Again, that Granger girl had given him another shock. He didn't expect her to do that. He turned his attention back to Blaise and Pansy, with disappointment and anger in his eyes. "I think I might ask Headmaster to let you two to stay or another year or two. You two obviously behave like a ten year-old."

"Nice job, Granger," came a voice behind her after she closed the door to the Potions classroom. It was Draco.

"Is that all you have to say?" She turned around and started leaving for the Hall, but she was appalled by what Draco just asked her behind her back. "What did you just say?"

"I said dance with me at the Leaving Feast tonight."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Granger, it's the third time I said. Dance with me at the Leaving Feast tonight."

Hermione had never felt so puzzled before. "Is this another prank or chance of insulting me? Malfoy, cut it out. I am not dancing with you."

"Granger, do you really think you are that undesirable?" Draco asked.

"Malfoy, whether I am desirable or not, it's none of your business, and I don't BLOODY care. Now. Bugger off."

To Be Continued