Disclaimer: Must we really do this? Okay i don't own it...happy?
Trying to keep a neutral expression on his face Severus asked "Ms. Granger may I ask who you were looking for when you had your run in with Malfoy? I may be able to summon him for you." 'my kingdom for a dragon to eat me'
"No sir, I'd rather not say. I am starting to feel as though maybe I was wrong. Wishful thinking perhaps." Hermione replied her head bowed.
Severus took his hand and gently lifted Hermione's chin so that he could look her in the eyes."Hermione, lets forget for a moment that most of the school refers to me as 'the bat of the dungeon's' You can trust me."
"You'll laugh at me." She whispered.
"Trust me Hermione I will not laugh." 'weep maybe, but not laugh'
Hermione once again looked down so that she was staring at her hands. "It's...um...you." She said in a whisper so low that Severus almost missed what she said.
Once Severus remembered how to use his voice he asked "Hermione, what makes you think that I am in love with you?" 'because I am' he added silently to himself.
Hermione blushed a deep scarlet "As I said before wishful thinking. It just seemed like you were trying to be nice to me. Not making snide comments about me in class, you even tell me when I am doing a good job. Once or twice I thought I saw you starring at me in class or in the hallways."
Severus stood from the chair he was seated in and moved to sit on the edge of the bed next to Hermione, who refused to look at him.
"Hermione, I am a teacher, you are a student..."
"Yes I know" Hermione interrupted. "It was wrong of me to say anything. It's just that I have always respected you. Your intelligent, far more than anyone I have ever known. Your brave and loyal, I mean you were a spy for the Order at great risk to your life, and well your handsome. I just read more into things then there really was there. I guess what happened tonight was my fault. I just needed to find someone who would believe me."
Severus smiled slightly. "Hermione you were right"