Chapter 9- "Hate is a strong word"

He let the hot water run down his skin. His body had turned to ice overnight. He felt chilled to the bone, and exhausted. He had not slept well. He remembered dreaming of Granger. She had asked him more about his past.

That had sparked the nightmares. Horrid images of Voldemort had taken shape behind his eyelids. A chill ran down his spine at the mere idea of him

The water began to warm his body. He yawned through the wall of water cascading off of his face and felt his muscles relax. He'd be damned if he'd let thoughts of that monster scare him now.

IIII

"Did you have another dream?" Ginny whispered into Hermione's ear. The Gryffindor table was alive with buzzing talk that Thursday morning. Every one was down to breakfast and enjoying the light blue, crisp spring morning that awaited them outside the great doors.

"Yes, It was very short though." Hermione told her. She momentarily considered telling Ginny about the strange comfort between her and Professor Snape while in the dreamscape.

"What happened?" Ginny asked enthusiastically. Overnight, Ginny had decided that this strange experience in her friends' life was the most interesting thing Hogwarts had to offer.

"I just asked him to tell me about his past. Of course, he didn't. But he didn't get defensive either." Hermione said happily. She ventured a glance toward the head table as the owls flew in to deliver the mail.

Severus sat there a burst of black amongst the cheerful spring hues. He, for once, did not wear a scowl, but looked up to the owls with a strange look. None of the owls came to him. Maybe it was hopefulness Hermione had seen cross his face. She couldn't recall a time when she had ever seen him receive a letter.

Hermione felt a tap on her shoulder and whipped around to see Ginny holding a letter out to her.

"It's from Bulgaria." Ginny said quietly. She guessed it was from Victor Krum, and she did not wish to see Ron react to this news. Hermione opened it quietly and read the short note.

Dear Hermione,

It has been a long time. I've missed your letters. How have you been? Still chasing after that silly Ronald? I'm happily seeing a muggle girl. She has no idea I'm a wizard. It's extremely exciting to think I may be found out by a muggle! I hope you are well.

Love Forever,

Victor

Hermione folded the letter up in disgust, The mere thought of him jeopardizing the wizarding world's secrecy for a bit of dangerous fun made her sick. Never had she thought that he could be any less like her. For a minute she wondered what Professor Snape would do in her position. Hermione imagined the sneer of revulsion upon his face. He would think Krum's behavior immensely ignorant and arrogant, she thought, satisfied.

Hermione grabbed one more piece of toast, gathered her belongings, and joined Harry and Ron on the way to Double Potions.

IIII

They took their customary seats near the back and it felt as though the dungeon was colder. Hermione looked for Professor Snape who slumped in as he always did. She began to memorize his movements and actions. In an odd way, he was almost graceful.

Class passed without any unordinary behavior between Hermione and Severus. It was as though nothing was truly happening between the two.

Harry watched Hermione closely. He wondered if the caring he had heard in her voice just a few days before was imagined. How could she care for Snape? She carried on normally; unaware of his gaze and thoughts that did not concern Harry's potions work.

Ron did as he always did. Watching Hermione's face as she concentrated on perfection. How her fingers moved gracefully between vials and ingredients. She was fast and ingenious while working. Her eyes focused only on her work... except, Ron noticed, for the ever-so-slight glances towards the front of the class.

Hermione worked professionally. Trying to finish the dulling potion so that she may concentrate on things more important, such as Snape. She wondered if he would approach her about the dreamscape. Now that he knew that she also knew... what would he do?

IIII

Snape noticed her eyes that day. They were focused and serious, but they always had a bright gleam. It was as if she were always keeping some secret from everyone; always smiling, even if the smile was only with her eyes.

He noticed how the others reacted to her. No one paid her much attention, except for the rare glance or groans as she corrected something or shot her hand into the air excitedly. She didn't notice them though. That seemed to be the important thing. Snape remembered how he once hated the image of Hermione Granger. The idea of her know-it-all attitude made him sick.

He tired to pinpoint how he felt about her now. Confusion flooded his system as he thought. Curiosity had replaced some of his deep hatred, he decided.

IIII

"Hermione! Please hurry." Harry urged.

"I'm trying, Harry," she said slightly upset for being rushed, as she cleaned her workstation after Potions class.

"Miss Granger, please stay after class. It's about your essay." Professor Snape said, barking as he walked by.

"Don't worry guys." Hermione said looking apologetically at Ron and Harry. "I'll see you at lunch." As she watched them walk away, her heart was pounding in her chest.

IIII

"That's really weird. Hermione's essays are always perfect... even for Snape." Harry mused as they walked away from the dungeons.

"He better not give her another detention. I can't stand Hermione fretting about it for weeks." Ron groaned.

Harry couldn't help but think something strange was going on. Why would he not want her to leave as quickly as possible? Why did she not seem to care? There must be more to the story, he thought.

IIII

"Yes, Professor Snape?" Hermione asked warily. She wondered if this was what she was hoping he'd approach her about.

"Yes," He said, tossing the parchment unceremoniously onto the nearest table. "What is the meaning of this?" Hermione looked at her notes on dreamscapes. She waited for him to speak again.

"Dreamscapes was not the assignment," He spat out.

"I'm sorry." She said, She was scared. Had she made a mistake?

He noticed her change in behavior. Good, he thought. Severus hoped she would say something.

"I'll do the proper essay." Hermione whispered as she rose from her seat.

He almost felt guilty for making her feel so horrible. Color had flushed her face.

"Although," He said quickly, making her turn, "tedious to read though, it was helpful to the current situation." Severus wondered if it was wrong to say such a thing.

She looked up from the floor, surprised. When they locked eyes she smiled. He grimaced. "Glad I could help." She said happily.

"You are dismissed." He said emotionlessly.

IIII

"Can I ask you a question?" She studied his face for a reaction. She sat on the emptiness with her knees pulled tight to her chest.

When he heard her speak, he felt sure she would ask him more about his past. He wasn't read to share his deepest secrets with anyone.

"Miss Granger," Snape said.

"Hermione." She said.

"What?"

"My name is Hermione." She stated matter-of-factly.

"Hermione," He said slightly uncomfortably. "If this has to do with my life before you knew me..." His voice sounded strained and tired. He met her eyes and she gave him half a smile.

"It doesn't." She said, grateful. She had feared asking him anything in the dreamscape. Tonight she noticed there was a chill in the air, and less comfort between the two.

"Then what is it?" He asked, relieved. He hadn't intended coming to the dreamscape, but he realized he had no control over such things.

"Why have you always hated me?"

Snape whipped his head up. He had been fiddling with his cloak buttons but upon hearing these words he became surprised.

"Hate is a strong word." He stated. She would not look at him. He thought of a way to answer the young girls question. There she goes, showing her vulnerability again, he though. When she didn't say anything he continued. "But, that is not how I feel for you... Hermione." He liked the way her name felt in his mouth.

She looked up at him, meeting his gaze. "Then disgust? Do you think me despicable?" She asked. Her voice croaked, unable to hide the emotions from showing. He laughed.

"I am disgusted with Weasley. I think Potter despicable. But you... merely annoying." He looked away. Why not be honest with the girl? She deserved it, did she not, for having the courage to ask? "And Granger, I only find you intolerably annoying when you insist upon perfect. The rest of the time..." He tired to think of the proper way to phrase what he had to say.

"What about the rest of the time?" She asked eagerly, edging toward him.

"I suppose I respect you."

""Respect? For constantly correcting your every mistake? For not respecting you? For showing off?" She asked confused.

"No. I respect you fro being intelligent when the company you keep is not. I respect you for trying when everyone else has given up. I respect you for not listening when people are always putting you down." He sighed as he finished. He felt stupid and sentimental. He despised sentimentality.

She searched his eyes for sincerity. When their eyes met, she saw it.

"Thank you." She stated plainly. He snorted, then stood. He now despised the dreamscape. It made him say things he never would have.