Chapter Three- A Midnight Secret

Snape stayed busy all week after his intrusion of Hermione's mind. He had a lot to do, that was certain, but he also didn't want his mind to drift back to the insufferable know-it-all that seemed to captivate his thoughts. Although it was true that she was in her seventh year, almost a woman, he was still her professor. Not only that, but he hated her. Or, so it would seem. Snape looked up at the clock on his wall, watching as the hand crept up to the twelve, marking it midnight. Another late night, grading these bloody papers. He thought, and then smirked as he looked down. The next paper was Hermione's. He began to read the paper, noticing the intelligence in her that rivaled is own. He smiled, placed an 'A' on the top of the paper, and moved on.

-x-

It was midnight again before she could leave the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry and Ron had both asked for her help on their homework, and she did it only to get them to go to bed faster. Once everyone had safely left the room, Hermione snuck out through the hole and closed the painting slowly. She walked silently through the halls, noticing how dark the castle was again. Night had strange effects on places, and she realized that the darkness of the castle comforted her more then the busy, bright castle she lived in during the day. It was as if the castle itself had fallen asleep, and she was trapped inside the great beast. For whatever reason, that thought comforted her. At least there is a bigger beast out there then one I am going to see. For the week since Snape had entered her mind, she had done nothing but think of him. She was careful, of course, to not be caught daydreaming about him in his class. But she couldn't help but let her thoughts drift back to the way he had entered her head that morning, the sort of kind tone he had used, and the way he let her speak (or think) freely. Walking down the stairs to the dungeon, she let her hand trail along the cold stone walls. Descending into what could only be a challenging situation; Hermione came at last the large wood door. Gather her bravery, she knocked on the door.

"Enter." Snape's silky voice snaked its way through the wood, caressing Hermione's ears with its sound.

Hermione pushed the door slightly and walked in. "Evening Professor." Hermione said.

Snape's eyes shot up at the young girl as she walked through the door and sat in the chair in front of him. "May I help you Miss Granger?" He said, careful to keep all emotion out of his voice. "If I am not mistaken, I did fix your grade."

"I am not here for matters relating to school." Hermione said, eyeing the professor with curious eyes. He's not that unattractive. Actually, he's kind of handsome in his own way. No Hermione, don't start that.

"Is that so Miss Granger?" Snape said, placing his quill down. "What are you here for?"

"Why did you enter my thoughts at breakfast?" She asked.

"Bluntness, mostly defiantly a Gryffindor." Snape said with a smirk. "I was bored."

"Is that all?" Hermione asked, pushing harder for some insight into why she felt as she did.

"Is there something more that you wanted?" Snape said, his eyes challenging her.

"No Professor, I was only wondering why you had entered my head. I suppose I am satisfied with your answer." She said, getting up to leave.

"Sit Miss Granger." Snape said harshly. Hermione did as she was told. "Was that the only reason that you came here tonight?"

Can he see into my head again? Why would he ask that? He wouldn't... unless he felt something too. No, who am I kidding. I am a student and he is a professor. A very hot, snarky, domineering professor. Stop it Hermione! "That's all I can think of, Professor." Hermione said.

"I do not believe you." Snape said, staring at her intently. "What else do you want to tell me? Or am I forced to use..."

"No!" Hermione said, noticing too late that she was proving his theory.

"Ah, I see. So there is something else." He said with a smirk.

"You are an arrogant bastard!" She said with anger.

"Twenty points from Gryffindor for insulting a teacher. Now, what else did you come here for?" Snape asked.

She didn't notice that in her anger, the two had stood up and were now standing very close together. She was looking up at him, realizing how tall he was. She stared deep into his eyes, but the black pools were empty. She didn't know what to say, but she was suddenly overcome with the urge to kiss him. "Uh..." She said speechless.

"Miss Granger I don't have all night." Snape said, although he knew he wished he could spend all night with her. She was so close that he just wanted to reach down and kiss her.

"There's really nothing else Professor. Your tone of voice surprised me that is all." She managed to say.

"Why was that Miss Granger?" He kept on, hoping she would break before he did.

"You were almost kind to me." She said, not noticing how he inched closer to her.

"You are surprised?" Snape said, almost touching her now.

"Yes." Hermione answered. "I always thought you hated me."

"It is quite the opposite I am afraid, I rather enjoy you sometimes." Snape said, knowing that the comment was just vague enough to break her but more then he should have said.

"Professor... I..." Hermione stuttered.

"I've always known you to speak your mind Miss Granger. Has something changed?" Snape said, knowing that he was messing with her now.

"No." She said.

He inched closer. "Why did you really come here tonight Miss Granger?" Snape asked.

As if almost entranced by him, Hermione said it. "I've thought about nothing but you all week." She said it before she could stop herself, knowing that if she hadn't crossed a line before, she had now. But I can feel it, the sexual tension. He has to feel something.

Snape raised his eyebrows when she confessed to him and acted without thinking. Reaching down, he captured Hermione's lips with his own. When she returned the kiss, Snape snaked his hands around her waist and pulled her as close to him as he could manage. His tongue darted out of his mouth, and to his surprise, she parted her lips. She was a great kisser, tasting of strawberries and honey and he heard her moan. He wanted her, right then, but it wasn't possible. Breaking away, Snape stared down at the girl. Her eyes were filled with confusion, her cheeks flushed with red, and her lips swollen from their kiss. He wished to kiss her more, but knew that he had already pressed the limits. "You should go Miss Granger."

"I'm sorry Professor... I shouldn't have..." Hermione said weakly.

"It is not your fault Miss Granger." He said, trying his hardest to be kind to the girl. "Now leave and tell no one." He said his voice meaner then he meant it to be. Hermione turned and ran out the door. What the bloody hell have you gotten into Severus?

-x-