Disclaimer: I own nada, nothing, zip, zilch, zero, etc…
Here's chapter four. Although I am editing this for a second time that does not mean I may not miss something. So if you see a mistake in spelling or grammar please feel free to point it out.
Chapter Four
Operation: Win Back Ginny
It was Ginny's responsibility to make sure all the students went directly to their rooms after the start of term feast. She knew straight off it was going to be a late night. In fact the newly appointed Head Girl didn't get to bed to almost two am and was woken just before six by Tobias rubbing against her face, his tale swishing across her mouth.
"I'm up, I'm up. Ew, yuck." She spat as she picked the cat fur out of her mouth. "I really wish you would stop doing that, one of these days I'm going to end up coughing up a fur ball."
Ginny was lucky in that as Head Girl she did get her own room and adjoining bathroom. No more waiting for with a bunch of crazy self-absorbed girls spending hours in the mirror putting on layer upon layer of makeup and charming their hair. She took a shower, dried and brushed her hair and stuck it in a pony. She then quickly got dressed, pinned her Head Girl badge to her robe and headed down to breakfast. As Ginny sat down and began to eat her eggs and was soon joined by Luna and Jacob.
"Good morning." Jacob smiled sitting himself on Ginny's left, Luna on her right.
"Morning." She yawned.
"Didn't sleep well?" Luna asked.
"I slept okay; I just didn't get to sleep until two am."
"Insomnia?" Jacob asked.
"No. I spent half the night tracking down truants. Mostly older kids trying to sneak off somewhere to snog."
Jacob gave a small laugh. Luna just gave that dreamy far-away look that she always has.
Professor Flintwick soon passed out schedules, and after comparing, Ginny and Jacob both noticed they had many of the same classes together. Glancing over at the Slytherin table she saw Severus passing out schedules, their eyes met. She smiled, she had been hoping for one as well, instead he smirked. It was one of those 'beware of the dreaded potions professor' smirks. He never looked at her like that, that was a look she reserved for Harry or Ron.
Ginny's smile faded as she turned her eyes back to her breakfast.
"Did you notice Professor Snape's hair cut?" Luna asked out of the blue.
"Huh..oh, yeah."
"I like it. Makes him looks younger and less stressed. Don't you think?"
"Yes, it does."
Ginny soon finished up her breakfast and headed to Arithmicy along with Jacob.
"This is one of my favorite subjects." Jacob commented.
"It is?"
"Oh yes. What about you?"
"Potions."
"That's right Hermione told me you went to the annual conference they have. How was it?"
"Good." She answered vaguely.
Ginny's mind was not where it should have been that day, but she forced herself to focus, she had to. She had too much at stake not to. Her last class of the day however was Potions. She would have to stand face to face with the very man who she had been trying to avoid thinking of.
Heading into the class she found herself one of only nine people in total. Jacob was one, Luna another, two Gryffindor's and the rest were Syltherins.
Snape looked over the small group of seventh years, a decent enough bunch as far as skill in the subject goes, that didn't mean he would admit such a thing to them however. Sneering down at the students he began to lecture. "Well, I see some of you made it to my N.E.W.T's level, two less from last year, and both drop-outs were Huffelpuffs, how predictable". Professor Snape began to circle the room, looking much like a vulture waiting for his dinner to die.
"In this class you will be creating some of the most difficult and in some cases dangerous potions known to wizard kind. You should all know what you are doing by this point, so turn to page 25 and begin the Draft of the Living Death. I of course do not expect you to get it correct on the first try, but I would like to see how close you come. You have 45 minutes. Go!" Snape walked around the class, carefully observing his student. As he did, he made it a point of avoiding Ginny's desk area as much as possible. When time was up however he had no choice but to check her potion, he also had no choice but to admit she did an excellent job, at least to himself.
"Satisfactory, Miss. Weasley." Was all he said before moving on to Jacob's potion which was just as good as Ginny's, but received no comment but 'you pass'. When class was over Ginny told Jacob and Luna she would catch up with him later. She then took two books out of her bag and walked up to her potions professor.
"Professor."
Her voice was angelic, hearing it made his mussels tighten. Why won't she just ignore him, it would be easier that way.
"Yes, Miss. Weasley." His voice was even, his face blank, hiding his true emotions all too well.
"I have your books." Her arm slowly extended, he took them from her without a word. But Ginny didn't move she just stood there looking into his deep mysterious eyes.
"Was there something else you needed?"
"I…no, sir." Ginny turned to leave, but after only two steps she turned back around. "Professor, may I speak with you…in private."
Severus sighed shaking his head slightly. "I don't think that would be wise Miss. Weasley."
"Please Severus."
"Do not refer to me in that way Miss. Weasley I am your professor."
"Yes you are, but," She whispered "I want more."
Severus just stared at the witch across from him, but made no outward emotions. "We may talk in my office." She followed him into his office, closing the door behind her. Severus sat on the corner of her desk staring at her blankly waiting for her to say something.
"Severus I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For trying to put a condition on our relationship."
"We do not have a relationship Miss. Weasley."
"But we both want one."
Severus rubbed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I believe we had this discussion over the summer."
"Damn it Severus, I'm trying to apologize. I-I want to try and work things out. Please." It wasn't just her words that were pleading with him, but her eyes, and perhaps her very soul, but he couldn't let it get to him.
She was better off without him.
The end to their brief relationship made him realized how much of a fool he was to even think there was a possibility of one in the first place. She was a goddess and he…she deserved so much better than him, besides she had to be at least somewhat embarrassed of being in a personal relationship with him, why else would she have insisted they keep it quiet?
"Miss Weasley I think you should leave."
"So you're saying you don't want to be with me?"
"I'm saying that you made yourself clear, you wanted to hide your feelings for me from the rest of the world. I am allowing you to do that."
"I'm not trying to hide anything. I just don't want my parents to flip out."
"Miss. Weasley I really do not desire to go down this path again. I suggest you leave."
Ginny's face grew red with anger. She was reaching out to him and he was pushing her away. She was trying, honestly trying. But if he didn't want to make an effort, neither would she.
"Fine." She then stomped out of his office slamming the door behind her.
XXX
The weeks past and Severus and Ginny continued to ignore each other, and as such the red head decided it was time to move on, not only from Severus but Draco as well. One Friday evening as the pair studied in the library Jacob asked Ginny if she would accompany him to Hogsmead that weekend, she decided to accept. She had to admit she did have a good time. He bought her some sweets from Honey Dukes and bought her some enchanted flowers from a street vendor. By the end of the day they were holding hands. He had even kissed her on the cheek on the carriage ride back to the castle. Entering the Great Hall for dinner Severus didn't miss the affection that was being displayed between them.
His dark eyes narrowed to slits as he eyes the young Ravenclaw boy. The little foreign whelp!
How dare she see someone else? Especially that snotty little know-it-all who had managed to become one of the most popular students on campus in a matter of weeks. Severus stabbed his meat with his fork so hard the ends of the utensil scraped his plate.
"You okay Severus." Flintwick asked is colleague.
"Fine." He said through gritted teeth.
"Did Mr. Pallen offend you in some way?"
"What?"
"You keep glaring at him."
"I just don't like the boy."
"Why? He seems nice enough."
"I just don't trust him."
"I think you were a spy a little too long Severus. You suspect everyone."
Several more weeks past and Ginny and Jacob seemed to be the hottest couple on campus, or at least that was the gossip.
"Are you excited about the upcoming match?" Jacob asked his girlfriend one evening at dinner.
"Oh absolutely. We're going to scrush Gryffindor. Their new Seeker stinks."
Jacob laughed, nodding his head in agreement.
"So tonight I was planning on going to the library to study after dinner." Jacob said. "Do you want to come with me?"
"Sure. Luna, you want to join us."
"Thank you, but I can't. I'm going to help Hagrid feed the blast-ended skrewts."
"Why?" Ginny asked, not knowing why she would possibly volunteer for such a thing.
"He asked me to." Ginny just shrugged, she didn't understand half the things Luna did but that didn't stop her from being best friends with the odd ball. She may have been a little out there, but she was beyond perceptive as well as an incredibly loyal friend.
As Jacob and Ginny headed to the library, Severus headed to his quarters. When he arrived he was surprised to find a visitor at his door.
"Draco. What are you doing here?"
"I had some business in Hogsmead, so I thought I would stop by."
The two men stepped into Severus room. "Brandi?" Severus offered.
"No thank you. So still drinking?"
"Yes mother. I am still drinking." He said pouring himself a glass.
"Why?"
"Why not?" He said plopping himself on his couch.
"I thought you were going to work things out with Ginny?" Draco questioned, scratching on itch of the back of his head.
"What would give you that impression?"
"Maybe because you're turning back into a drunk without her."
Severus took a gulp of Brandi before taking shaking his head. "I was never a drunk Draco. That would make me my father, and I refuse to do that. Yes I get smashed on occasion, but not every night."
"Why tonight?" He asked sitting next to him.
With another drink he answered, "Ginny, has a new boyfriend."
The blonds brow furrowed, "Who?"
"Some Ravenclaw brat. Little snot is perfect."
"This isn't good. So you haven't even tried to talk to her since the summer."
"No, well she tried to talk to me once, but it didn't go well."
"You let your pride get in the way, didn't you?"
"Maybe. So what? She's better off with someone like him anyway." He said finishing off his drink and the summoning the bottle and re-pouring the glass.
"You don't really think that." Draco said taking the bottle from him. "Do you?"
"What does it matter what I think. She deserves better anyway."
Draco let out a low growl as he leaned in closer to his godfather. "Severus. You know my feelings for Ginny will never change, but if I have to see her with someone else I would rather it be you then some stupid Ravenclaw."
"He's not stupid or he would not be in that house."
"Stop Severus. You're not diverting the issue."
"There is nothing to divert this conversation is over." Severus attempted to get up from the couch however was halted as Draco grabbed his shoulder and pushed him back down on the couch.
"You did not just put your hands on me."
"I did. I will do whatever I have to in order to get you to pull your head out of your ass."
"Draco Malfoy. I have half a mind to wash your mouth out with soap."
"Severus." Draco put his hands on his godfather's shoulders, making sure he was looking him right in the eyes. "You will win Ginny back and you will do whatever you have to in order to make it happen. This is your new mission. Now war, no Voldemort or Dumbledore, but happily ever after and that starts with Ginny!"
"Draco. You have lost your mind."
"Better to lose your mind then your heart." Severus sighed at the boys bit of wisdom, he knew his Godson was right.
"What should I do?" He asked rising from the couch. "She won't even look at me at this point."
"Well. You'll need to get her alone."
"That would be somewhat hard considering she has the boy practically glued to her hip."
"Well, you could give her detention." Severus' eyes lit up.
"That is not a bad idea." He gave detentions on a regular basis, no one would suspect anything out of the ordinary.
"Are you kidding it's a brilliant idea!"
"That it is. Now I just need to think of a plan."
XXX
Severus stood at the front of the classroom as he watched the seventh years enter, his eyes followed Ginny and the Pallen boy as they sat together at a desk towards the back of the classroom.
"Today we are brewing a potion that is very volatile. One wrong move and your potion will not only be ruined but it could melt or even cause your cauldron to erupt. The directions are in your text on page 34. Begin."
Severus walked around the classroom checking on the student's progress. Standing behind Ginny he pulled out wand and cast a non verbal spell, changing some of the words in her textbook. He then continued to pace around the room. Within a minute Ginny's potion began to fizzle, pops of red liquid spitting out of the cauldron and spilling onto the floor. Severus cast a shield charm over the cauldron before it completely exploded.
"Miss Weasley. Do you care to explain what you did wrong?"
"I-I don't know." She said looking over her text. "I followed the instruction perfectly, I know I did."
"Obviously you did not. Detention, tonight at seven."
She sighed, closing her book shut. "Yes, sir."
Severus turned his back to Ginny, smirking at his Slytherin sneakiness.
XXX
"I don't get it." She told Luna as they walked toward the Great Hall for dinner later that evening. "I know I followed the direction, I very meticulous like that. I always double check before adding ingredients." Hours later and she still hadn't been able to get over what happened.
"Are you sure you didn't misread."
"No. I wonder if someone slipped something into my cauldron when I wasn't looking."
"I guess that's possible."
At dinner that evening Ginny sat next to Jacob, and Luna next to Ginny. Jacob kissed his girlfriend on the cheek before resuming his dinner.
"Do you know what time you detention gets over?" Jacob asked.
"No. Whenever Snape says I suppose. Why?"
"Oh, I just thought maybe we could go for a walk around the lake."
"That sounds nice. Hopefully I won't be too late."
"Tell you what. I'll wait in the common room until eight, if you're not back by then we can do it another day."
"Fair enough."
An hour later Ginny was knocking on Professor Snape's office door, not at all looking forward to whatever he had planned for her. Probably scrubbing filthy cauldrons, or if she was lucky writing lines.
"Enter." Ginny quietly opened the door and stepped in.
"You're late."
"Sorry Professor, I was attempting to stop Peeves from throwing chalk at some first years." She lied, in reality she had lost track of time while snogging Jacob.
"Very well. You will be recreating the potion you destroyed earlier today."
"Yes sir." That was a much better option than cleaning cauldrons.
"May I see your book please?"
Ginny's brow wrinkled. "Why?"
"Because I asked for it." He stated plainly. As Ginny handed Severus her book their fingers touched. She had missed the touch of his warm soft hands.
Severus turned to the page of the potion and glanced over it. He did a non verbal spell and changed the ingredients back, she didn't notice.
"Please try to follow the directions correctly this time." He said handing the opened book back to her.
"Yes sir." Ginny headed back out to the classroom and began her potion. A short while later Severus came out and stood beside her.
"Did you need something sir?"
"No. I am simply watching that you make no further mistakes."
"Yes sir."
"I have to say I am surprised. You do not usually make such errors."
"I am surprised too, sir." Ginny began to stir the potion clockwise as the directions indicated.
"You are stirring too fast Miss. Weasley." He practically purred into her ear.
Severus went behind her putting his right hand over hers, slowing her stir. She looked up into his eyes, he into hers.
"Sir."
"Yes Miss. Weasley."
"I…I think I have it, sir."
"Of course." Severus took his hand off of her and went back into his office, smiling.
"What was that?" Ginny whispered to herself. It was almost like he was…flirting. No, no she was just seeing what she wanted. He had made it clear he would offer no second chances.
Twenty minutes later she was done and the potion was perfect.
"Much better Miss. Weasley. You may go."
"Thank you sir."
"Miss Weasley."
"Yes sir."
"I will be brewing some simple potions for madam Pomfrey tomorrow evening. I could use some assistance if you would like to help."
He was asking for her help. Which meant they would be together, alone. "Um, sure."
"Good. Be here tomorrow at eight."
"Yes sir." Ginny smiled all the way back to her dorm. As soon as she entered the portrait hole she was greeted by Jacob.
"Your back." He grinned quickly stealing a kiss.
"I am."
"So we can go for that walk."
"Sure. Just let me put my bag up." Ginny put away her bag, grabbed a warmer cloak and headed out for an evening stroll with her boyfriend.
The next day went by much too slowly for Severus. Tonight he would put phase two of Operation: Win Back Ginny, into motion. He had seen the Pallen boy put his hand on Ginny's knee in class. To Severus satisfaction Ginny quickly removed his hand and then whisper something in his ear, something he did not seem to want to hear.
Ginny poked at her food at dinner, she really wasn't hungry, or maybe she was just too nervous to eat. But why was she nervous, she would just be making potions.
Making potions with Snape.
No, with Severus.
Yes. A man she was all too willing to admit she had feelings for. But she was dating Jacob. Why was she dating Jacob? He was a nice guy that's why. Nice, cute, smart, somewhat funny, very popular.
But Severus, he was nothing like that, well actually she did think him cute, but not in the boy next door way, more like the tall, dark, mysterious guy that you just can't resist way. His eyes were what attracted her the most. Eyes she noticed before she even realized she had feelings for him. Jacob was more like Draco. Wait, did she just think that? Yes, she had. With an inward sigh she thought of Draco, the lost love. What was it about Draco she loved? He was cute, and charming, and funny and popular. Merlin he was just like Jacob. So why was she in love with Draco and not Jacob?
This sudden revelation forced her to ask if she truly ever was in love with Draco. She had thought so. She couldn't stop thinking about him; he was in her dreams and even her fantasies. Draco was her Prince Charming, or at least he could be when he wasn't kissing his father's ass and not to mention that slut of a wife of his.
"Oh God I'm giving myself a head ach." She whispered to herself, attempting to shake the thought of all three romantic interests from her mind.
It was just minutes before eight as she stood outside Snape's office. With a deep, anxious breath she knocked on the door.
"Enter." His deep voice called out.
Ginny opened the door to see Severus standing at the front of the room. As she got closer to him she realized he wasn't wearing his usual black, bat-like robes but a pair of forest green ones. He also smelled amazing, like a cross between pine and lilac.
"Go-good evening professor." She stuttered.
"Miss. Weasley." He smiled. "Tonight we will be brewing pepper-up potion. You do not need my assistance for that correct?"
"No sir."
"Good. You will use the cauldron on the left. I will use the one on the right."
"Okay." Ginny put down her rucksack, and got to work.
"So how are you enjoying the term?" Severus asked politely.
"Just fine sir."
"Your Quidditch team is doing well this year."
"Yes, we are. Thank you."
"How are your Head Girl duties coming along?"
"Good, although the extra responsibility can be difficult at times. Not that I can't handle it."
"I'm sure you can." He then gave a small smile, his dark eyes which often seemed so cold and aloof were bright and warm.
"So how have you been?" She asked deciding to add to the conversation.
"Well."
"Good." Ginny paused for a moment. She wasn't sure if she wanted to say the next thing that was on her mind, not knowing how he would react, but she decided to anyway. "I like your new robes, sir."
"Thank you. I thought a change from black would be nice."
"The color…suits you."
Severus again thanked her.
After bottling up his completed potion, he then stood besides Ginny observing her.
"You have a very good rhythm in your stirring, this evening." He complemented her.
"Thank you."
"I don't know if you were aware but I occasionally brew potions for individual parties. If you would be willing to assist me I can split the profits."
Ginny's eyes widened at the surprising offer. "Do you really trust me that much?"
Smiling softly, his dark eyes transfixed into her brown, Severus took his hand and placed it gently on hers.
"I think you know that I do."
Ginny could feel her heart beating in her chest a mile a minute. He was doing this on purpose, she was sure of it. Had his priorities changed, had he decided to give their relationship a second go?
"Um, okay." She finally was able to answer.
Severus took his hand away from Ginny's and placed it behind his back. "Excellent."
Ginny left the dungeons that evening with only one thing on her mind. Severus. She knew that display was an attempt to win her over, and she had to admit she was indeed tempted. There were a couple of issues surrounding the possibility however, first off, her relationship with Jacob, second she knew he did not want to keep their relationship secret, or had he possibly changed his mind? If he could just wait until she was out of school and had her own place, it would be so much easier.
She had to talk to someone about how she was feeling, but who could she trust. Hermione was gone, and this wasn't something you could just write in a letter.
Luna. She suddenly thought.
She headed back to her dorm and was lucky to find Luna in the common room.
"Luna. I need to talk to you?"
"Okay."
"In Private." Luna followed Ginny to her head girl's dorm where Tobias was resting peacefully on her pillow.
"So what's on your mind?"
"I-I think I'm having feeling for another guy. Actually I know I am." Luna's expression was not one of shock or surprise. Instead she gave a small smile.
"Professor Snape." She said quietly.
"How-how did you know that?"
"I am a very observant person."
Ginny sighed. "I don't know what to do. I have been feeling like this since the Potions Conference over the summer.
"Why don't you just tell him you feel this way?"
"He knows. We talked about it over the summer, but decided against it."
"Why?"
"Luna, he 20 years older than me, and my teacher."
"Age is not that big of a deal, especially in the wizarding world. My dad is 25 years older than my mum was. As for him being your teacher, you are of age, and I do not believe there is any rule against it".
"But Jacob."
"I'll take him off your hands." Luna smiled again.
"You like Jacob?"
"He is rather cute, and smart. Yes, very smart."
"Okay, but I can't just dump him like that. It would crush him."
"Well, how about this. I will do my best to flirt with him, capture his attention, and perhaps he will lose interest in you and it will be easier to break up with him."
Ginny's eyes lit up. It was perfect. "Brilliant Luna."
"Yes. I Know."
A/N: Okay, very long chapter, I know. Hope you enjoyed it and I will try and get the next chapter out in a few days.