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Chapter 3
Hermione grasped the door handle, opening the oak door slightly, taking a deep breath of morning air. A hand tapped her shoulder. She jumped and spun around, finding herself face to face with Severus Snape.
"Oh! Professor Snape!"
"Professor Granger." Severus said nodding. "May I ask why you are leaving the castle so early?"
"Last night I checked the Transfiguration stores and I need to pick up a lot of things from Diagon Ally."
"Would you mind if I accompany you Ms. Granger? I also need to re stock some items from Diagon Ally, as well as Muggle London."
"No! Of course I don't mind. In fact, I'd be glad for the company. But,"
"But, Ms. Granger?"
"If we're going to Muggle London, we might want to go incognito."
"A wise foresight. I shall meet you back here in thirty minutes Ms. Granger."
Hermione nodded, and swept down the corridors that lead to her rooms. Once inside she raked through her closet trying to find an appropriate outfit. Finally she decided on a white, sleeve-less, turtle-neck, and an almost knee length navy skirt, that had slits on either side reaching her thigh. Hermione mentally shook herself while she stood in front of a mirror as she pushed her hair back with a navy band.
Meanwhile, Severus had chosen on a plain white button up shirt, with black smooth pants. When they met in the entrance hall, both scrutinized each other's clothes with great interest. "Well, are you ready Ms. Granger?" Severus asked looking her up and down.
"Yes, let's go." Hermione offered secretly hoping that she wouldn't be so bad at apperating this time. Severus held the door open for her giving a small gentlemanly bow as she passed. They walked a short distance before Severus turned to her. "Let's try Hogsmead first." He suggested, calming her unspoken fears.
Hogsmead, right. I'll see you there." With that Hermione disapperated. When she re-apperated, she felt dizzy again. Her vision went spotty. She started to fall only to have Severus catch her again. When she was, once again standing, Hermione smiled weakly. "This seems to be becoming a habit Sev- uhh…Professor." She blushed furiously, looking at her feet, unable to meet Snape's eyes.
She's blushing! Why? Because we're touching…because she almost used my first name? "Alright Ms. Granger," Severus pulled Hermione up to her feet. "There's an easier way for two people to apperate long distances, do you want to try it?"
Hermione nodded, wrapping her arms around his neck to pull herself up. Severus put his hands at her waist, pulling her close. They closed their eyes and, together they disapperated.
When they reapperated, Hermione felt none of the usual dizziness that was normal for her after travelling such a long distance. Then, they both realized that they were holding each other in an intimate position. They held the embrace for another fifteen seconds, before stepping back. An awkward silence followed, ended by Severus clearing his throat.
"Oh! Umm, there's the apothecary. Do you need to restock some ingredients?" Hermione asked quickly.
"Yes. Right. Potions." As he browsed the shelves, Severus began to think about Hermione, and their conversation the night before. He started to feel guilty about his treatment of Crystal. After all, she was the one Voldemort tried his new torture spell on, and the one who sacrificed herself to Malfoy, and the one who got all of the wands back to their owners, even though she was being raped at the time. As he recalled, the summer after the final battle had also been really hard on her. Dementors and Deatheaters had run wild, and Potter, Abbc, the Weasley's, and Hermione had been stuck at headquarters again.
Flashback
Crystal tugged the long sleeves of her fuzzy black shirt down a little further. The cuts on her wrists stuck out, red against her pale skin. She hoped that no one would notice that, though it was nearly 100 degrees outside, and number 12 had no air conditioning, she only wore long sleeved shirts, usually of a heavy fabric. Only someone did notice. Remus Lupin noticed. He also noticed that Crystal kept the undersides of her arms close to her body. At Harry's birthday celebration, when Lupin had offered her a drink, she took it, but she only extended her lower arm, from her elbow, then quickly replaced it to it's previous position. Tucked defensively over her chest. Crystal's arms weren't crossed, but she was still in all-systems-on-full-alert-mode. Lupin whispered his observations to Tonks, who looked at Crystal and nodded.
After the other adults and even Fred and George had left and gone upstairs, Remus and Tonks stayed. When only He, Tonks Harry, Crystal, Hermione, Ginny, Ron, and Draco were left, Lupin put his plan into action. He asked Crystal to pass him a glass, and when she did, he held onto her wrist, and began to push the sleeve up her arm. Crystal jerked her hand back, dropping the glass, which shattered, and tucked it back against her stomach, like she was afraid that Lupin would hurt her. The room had gone silent now. Tonks stepped forward, speaking gently.
"Crystal, are you okay? Did you hurt your arm?"
"N-no I-I'm fine." Crystal was still staring at Lupin, fear etched all over her face.
"It's rather hot in here," Lupin spoke suddenly, his eyes never leaving Crystal's, "Why do you only wear winter shirt?" Lupin raised an eyebrow.
"It's… I just…" She was groping for an answer, some sort of explanation, but before she could come up with one, Tonks made her move. She grabbed Crystal's elbow. Crys tried to jerk away again, but Lupin had her other arm. Crystal left a tiny, terrified whimper escape her lips, before pulling her arms to her chest, slouching over them protectively. Lupin and Tonks continued to struggle, despite Crystal's screams. Then, in her mind's eye, she saw him. Malfoy. Malfoy holding her down. Malfoy pinning her arms so she couldn't fight. Malfoy stifling her screams with his tongue in her throat. Malfoy forcing himself inside of her, and she saw red. She remembered how Malfoy had held her arms, and she felt someone pulling at them now, and Crystal snapped. With a scream of fear, terror, and anger, she jerked the hand Lupin was trying to hold, freeing it, balling it into a fist, and smashed Lupin's nose. Adrenaline pumping through her body, Crystal jammed the same fist into Tonks' stomach. Tonks, caught off guard, stumbled back. Lupin tried once more to restrain Crystal, but kicked the back of his knee, and pushed him back. Draco ran behind her, and pinned her arms to her sides. She screamed, kicked, and struggled, but Draco wouldn't let her go.
"Crystal! Calm down! Tonks and Lupin don't want to hurt you!" Draco held on tightly, and leaned back, pulling Crystal's feet from the floor. She began to cry, and pulled her knees up to her chest, and stopped. Just stopped. Stopped trying to get free, stopped fighting, stopped screaming, and let the tears come. She just broke down, and cried. When Draco sensed she wasn't going to break away, he loosened his hold. Crystal collapsed onto the floor sobbing uncontrollably. Lupin, who'd already helped Tonks up, knelt next to Crystal's shaking form. He gently placed his hand on her back.
"What's going on? What's wrong Crys?" Draco asked softly, kneeling next to his best friend. Crystal shakily held out her wrists, and everyone saw the slits.
"I keep seeing him."
"Lucius Malfoy's been here?" Lupin asked sharply.
"Of course not Remus." Tonks said exasperatedly, and then she too knelt next to the sobbing form, picking her up. "Come on, let's go to the sitting room, we can talk there."
Once on the couch, Crystal began to talk. "I see him every night."
"Like in you dreams?" Ron cut in. Crystal shook her head.
"I don't dream anymore Ron, I have nightmares."
End Flashback
Hermione touched Severus's arm. "Professor are you ready to go?"
"Almost Ms. Granger, all that's left is Base Powder, and crushed Chimera teeth." He said kindly, noting that Hermione, no, Ms. Granger, Ms. Granger let her fingers linger longer than was necessary for waking him from his daydream state. But she was Ms, or Professor Granger, not Hermione. They were not yet on first name terms.
Together, Severus and Hermione wondered the aisles of the apothecary, searching for the elusive ingredients, when two jars labelled 'Base Powder' and 'Chimera Teeth, Crushed' came before them. To their dismay, both Jars were empty. Severus's heart sank, Hermione could tell, his eyes had just looked so disappointed.
"Hey, what's wrong?" her hand found his shoulder.
"I was hoping that this apothecary would have these ingredients, but if they don't, then they won't be restocked for another three or four months." Severus said dejectedly.
"You shouldn't stress out about it, there will be some later." Hermione patted Severus's shoulder reassuringly. His hand travelled to her automatically, and he was surprised to see that she was blushing. They left the apothecary and decided that some Florian Forticues was in order. Hermione got a Vanilla Hot Fudge Sundae, while Severus chose a chocolate 4 scoop. She followed him to a table where they enjoyed the frozen desserts.
"Hot fudge, nuts, ice cream, you certainly indulge yourself when it comes time for desserts." Severus said grinning. Hermione grinned back.
"I could say the same thing about you, because of the chocolate."
"My dear Ms. Granger," Severus put down his spoon and leaned across the table, "You'll find that none of this worlds many problems can not be solved by an abundance of chocolate." He lightly touched her hand. Hermione thought about what Severus had just said, then realized that he was gently stroking her hand. Severus saw hesitation and uncertainty in Hermione's eyes. He started to pull his hand back, thinking perhaps he'd misinterpreted her actions, perhaps she wasn't interested in him, but something was holding his hand. She was. She didn't think him an arrogant, greasy git. She was holding his hand! "Would you like to find the supplies you'll need for transfiguration?" he needed time to think about this. Pursuing a relationship in the academic world is chaotic at best. They walked to the Leaky Cauldron, and out into muggle London. "I never knew where Minerva got all those confounded buttons." Severus said casually.
"A muggle sewing store." Hermione answered absently. Severus raised an eyebrow. Hermione noted how his mouth slightly twitched very sexily. Wait! Why am I thinking that about Severus? He was my teacher! Oh yeah… link that mattered while he actually was our teacher. Am I mentally arguing with myself? I was holding his hand for Gods sake! And when did I start referring to him as Severus in my head? Since you figured out you loved him. WHO THE HELL ARE YOU? GET THE FUCK OUTTA MY HEAD! I'm you stupid. Your sensible, realistic side, you know, the one that's not being a hormonal teenager right now. Hermione decided to give in, argue with herself, and listen to what this adult side of her mind. Look… you love him right? Yes! So go for it. But… what if he hates me? What if he thinks I'm nothing more then a simpering know-it-all? What if he likes you? So tell me Oh-Smart Side, how do I find out if he likes me? …intelligent side? … where are youuuu? … On vacation. Oh right, sarcasm, just what I needed. Hey, right back at you kiddo.
As they came up on the store's door, Severus swept in front of Hermione, and held the door open for her. The chance had presented itself. Hermione let her fingers brush against his. She studied his face, searching for a reaction. He blushed lightly. She proceeded to the back of the store, and asked for the manager. A short, porky woman came before them.
"What can I do for you?" She asked looking between them.
"Well," Hermione began uneasily, "I'm Hermione Granger, and I'm the new Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts…"
"Right, Professor MaGonagall came in here about this time. Come on back, your order's waiting." The woman led Hermione and Severus into the back room of the store. Boxes, packed, unpacked, and in between, some piled precariously atop another, jammed together creating an intricate maze. Zippers, fabric, and button packets spilled out of one, while pincushions cascaded from another. They came to the furthest corner of the storage room where a shelf was loaded with boxes, all marked Trans. "Here you are Mr. And Mrs. Granger." The woman said.
"Oh! Umm… we're not…" Hermione corrected, gesturing wildly between Severus and herself.
"I'm sorry, I just assumed… never mind." The manager turned back to the boxes before speaking again. "I'll just deliver these straight to the castle then."
'That would be wonderful." Hermione smiled at the woman, before turning to Severus. "I guess that's it." Severus didn't respond, he'd been in his own world, completely oblivious to the conversation around him.
Why was Hermione just holding my hand? She doesn't… she can't… she doesn't want me, does she? Bingo, Bingo. You get the prize Professor. WHAT THE HELL! WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU? I'm you stupid. Or, maybe this will make it easier for you to understand, I'm the studly, yet romantic side of you, whose great intellect and cool resolve always show, but it's time for Hermione to see the lovable bits too. So tell me Oh- Smart one, am I in love with her? … Yes. Holy Shit! I the evil, greasy, heartless monster professor of Hogwarts am in love with the buck-toothed, flat chested, know-it-all of Gryffindor! Take a look at her Moron, Severus gazed at the woman walking purposefully to the muggle sewing store next to him. There's nothing buck-toothed or flat chested about her mate. I refuse to let this happen, I refuse to become a horney old man! If I'm going to fall in love with someone, I should love them, not just their body! That's deep, but smart. So? So, you can't say that you weren't impressed at least that she knew every answer. You can't fool me, I believe your exact thought was 'Thank God! At last! Someone who's awake and can read!' Okay, so I'm falling in love with her… what do I do now? Show her, with out scaring her. Look here's our chance, hold the door open for her.
Severus swept in front of Hermione and pulled the door open so she could enter the store. Her fingers brushed against his. He felt a blush creep up his cheeks. She was studying him, gauging his reaction. He decided to keep her guessing. When the manager of the store accidentally called them married, Severus felt his heart jump. But when Hermione rushed to correct her, his heart sank again. This storeowner knew quite a lot about Hogwarts. "Excuse me, but you seem to know a great deal about the castle, and,"
The woman finished his sentence, "… And you were wondering how I know so much?" she asked, leaning against a glass counter. Severus blinked, his eyebrow raised, telling the woman she was correct in her assumptions. "I'm a squib."
Once Hermione and Severus left the store, she turned towards The Leaky Cauldron, but Severus grabbed her hand, and began tugging her in the other direction. She turned to him, giggling. "What are you… where are we going?" the question wasn't accusatory, but light hearted, as if it were a joke. Severus grinned broadly, tugging a bit more. Hermione smiled too, slowly following her arm. "Come on, where are you taking me?" She laughed, walking a little faster. Severus didn't answer, just led her onward. "Come on, please tell me where we're going?" She begged as he took her other hand. Severus' grin broadened, but he shook his head.
As she got closer, he finally spoke. "What's wrong Ms. Granger, don't believe that the evil potions master could ever do anything nice for anyone?"
"What? No! …Just…"
"Just what, Ms. Granger, don't you trust me?"
Hermione froze. What was she supposed to say next? Idon'tknowwhattodo! Idon'tknowwhattodo! Idon'tknowwhattodo! Oh no! WhatdoIdo! WhatdoIdo! WhatdoIdo! Okay Hermione, get a hold of yourself girl, clam down. That's right, just breathe. Okay Breathing… now what? Now answer him.
Severus's heart sank, she was taking forever to answer. Crap! You're losing her, keep it together man! What now! Uhh… try stalling for time. Right! "Well Ms. Granger?"
"Hermione." She corrected automatically, staring at her feet.
"Beg pardon?"
She looked up, "Hermione. I'm Hermione. When you call me Ms. Granger, I feel like I'm a student again."
"Hermione then. Do you trust me?"
She grinned again. "Explicitly."
Severus's heart leapt. "Good. Then you won't mind if I take you to dinner."
"Not at all Professor Snape."
"Hermione, please call me Severus. When people call me Professor Snape, I feel like I should be in a classroom, that torturous room of hellish pain." Severus shut his eyes and shook his head to rid his mind of such unpleasant thoughts, reminding himself that he was taking a beautiful woman to dinner.
"So, where do you want to go?" She asked, tossing her hair back.
"I don't know, I personally, am feeling a craving for McDonalds.
"Hmm… I think you're right. A Big Mac sounds great right now." They entered the Mickey D's, then Hermione found a table, while Severus ordered their meals. As Hermione sat, staring out the window, a stranger approached the chair opposite hers.
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?" He asked, flashing a toothy, blindingly white smile that reminded Hermione of a DADA teacher she once had. She looked around the restaurant, noting that, herself, Severus, and this loser included, there was a grand total of five people. She looked back up at the stranger as if she were critiquing his looks. She pulled a classic smirk Draco would have been proud of.
"Yes."
"Pardon?" the guy's smile faltered slightly, before he replaced it.
"Someone is sitting there."
"If you don't mind my asking, who?"
"My invisible friend Bob. Now go away."
"I think the lady wants to be left alone." Severus said, walking over from behind her, carrying the tray with their food. The guy looked at Severus , sizing him up.
"Yeah, so who are you?"
"Her invisible friend Bob." Severus said smugly, just before he sat down. Hermione giggled as the guy stalked off. Severus also began to chuckle, and it was a little while before either could speak again. It was Severus who managed to regain his composure first. "So what was that all about?" The question wasn't jealous, but friendly.
"I'm not sure, but I think he was hitting on me."
"You ought to know, it must be relatively common."
"Actually, it's been some time since a man has hit on me."
"I find that highly unbelievable."
"And no one has ever used such crappy, clichéd pick up lines."
"That I can believe." Hermione giggled again. They finished their burgers in silence. When it came time for dessert, Hermione was amused that Severus had bought them ice cream. Chocolate.
"You really have a thing for chocolate, don't you?"
"Yes, I do." He replied easily, then added to himself, that's not the only thing I have a thing for. They returned to Diagon Ally, via The Leaky Cauldron, and prepared to apperate to Hogsmead. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck, and Severus wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close, just before they disapperated, straight to Hogsmead. They stopped for only a second before apperating to Hogwarts. Hermione opened her eyes, slowly, and saw the familiar castle. Then she noticed that she felt none of the dizziness that usually accompanied her apperations. Then she noticed that someone's arms were wrapped lovingly around her. Neither Hermione, nor Severus loosened their hold on the other. They felt themselves slowly grow closer. Hermione realized what was about to happen when Severus' lips were less than two inches from her own, and closed her eyes. They connected in a slow tentative kiss. Severus broke away first, he didn't let his hands drop from her person, but he did draw back apologizing. "I'm sorry… that was far too forward of me…" Hermione pushed a finger against his lips, cutting his words short.
"Shh… you don't hear me complaining, or telling you to stop, do you?" She asked softly, searching his eyes for any sign that he didn't want this. While Severus was searching Hermione's eyes for anything telling him that this was wrong, that he was going too far, that he needed to stop. But all he found was a plead for him to continue. He didn't, he couldn't. it was too fast, too soon. He didn't want to rush into anything. He would take his time. Hermione saw the hesitation in his eyes, and asked what was wrong.
"Nothing, I just don't want to rush into anything, it wouldn't be fair to either of us."
(A/n) Yukari is sitting against a building in some major city, sign next to her reads "Will write for spell checker". Dark: Hey everyone, sorry this chapter took so long. We had computer issues and writer issues. Yukari: I'm writing, I'm writing! Dark: Not fast enough for me! whips Faster! Faster! Yukari: Ahhhh! Ok, ok! Geeze. Dark: Yeah, so hopefully we'll get another chapter up sometime in the near future and hopefully the writer will write another chapter soon! This fic has not been abandoned! Please review and also look for a piece I shall be putting out soon, (I've already written a story called Wanna Bet? Dealing w/Stargate SG-1) and it deal w/Stargate Atlantis and Sherlock Holmes crossover so look for that coming! And, as always, please send us reviews! The more you review the more Yukari writes! See ya next chapter!