A/N: Thank You everyone who is reviewing. I love reading them. It was pointed out to me that Hermione's potion she made in Snape's class wasn't the correct way but Snape's way. I've recently corrected that error so that it reads better.

Thanks again for the reviews and the alerts people are adding. Take Care all. Please Read and Review.

Chapter 4

It was now over a month since school had started. Hermione was just about ready to take her Herbology exam. She knew she was more than prepared for it, but since her grades were important to whatever field she chose, she wanted perfect scores.

She had been talking to Ginny more lately too, though they still didn't see each other much. She had told Ginny about her thoughts of Snape. Telling the redhead that it was her fault for making Hermione even think about him in that way. She had never seen him as anything other than her mean and rude professor before Ginny's comment about him being cute.

They were talking in the library, Ginny doing her homework as Hermione studied a few more exotic plants and their uses. Both girls the only ones in the library as late as it was. Madame Pince having told them she was going to her rooms for the night.

Ginny was once again talking about Snape, telling Hermione that it wasn't her fault if Hermione found herself thinking about him that way. Hermione pushed the book she was trying to read away from her in frustration.

Turning and glaring at her friend. "Ginny, if you hadn't said anything about him to begin with, I wouldn't be thinking about all these scenarios and what I'd do about them."

Ginny smirked at her friend. "What kind of scenarios?"

Hermione blushed. "That isn't any of your business."

Ginny started to laugh, covering the sound of soft footsteps heading their way. "Oh, come on, Mione, tell me about the naughty thoughts you're having about Snape."

The footsteps froze at the name, staying in the shadows and listening. What is going on now? What kind of thoughts is she having? Were they anything like the ones from detention?

Hermione glared. "No. I don't even want to be having them. I just can't seem to make them stop. If you had just kept your mouth shut about him, I wouldn't be wondering about him."

Ginny giggled again. "Maybe you just need to focus on someone else. When was the last time you had...someone?"

An eyebrow quirked in the darkness. Miss Granger, the third part of the trio of heroes wasn't a virgin any longer? He wouldn't have guessed with how she kept blushing all the time.

Hermione blushed again. "I don't want to talk about it."

Ginny nudged her friends elbow. "If you could tell me about Ron and I didn't even want to hear about that, then you can tell me about some other guy and you sweating in the sheets."

Hermione groaned as the person in the dark sneered at the redheaded boy's name and the images it produced. "I told you about Ron because I needed someone to talk to. I told you it was awful. It felt like I had sex with my brother. Yuck. I still have trouble looking him in the eyes sometimes. He thought it was great which only made things worse. I would have been better off sleeping with Harry right after the war if it wasn't for knowing you'd kill me for doing it. Assuming he even wanted me like that, which I doubt. It was just the heat of the moment, the war was over, we'd won, we were finally safe. We were grieving over losing so many people. It just kind of happened."

Ginny grimaced at her own thoughts about it. "I would have killed you over Harry. So no other encounters then?"

Hermione shrugged. "Sure a few, but nothing special or even that great either. I doubt I want to bother trying again with what I've had." Making the shadow smirk again.

Ginny sighed. "That's too bad, Mione. Its fantastic when its done right."

Hermione frowned at her friend. "Thanks, but that really doesn't help." She pulled her book back towards her, trying to read again. After a few moments, she paused. "I did learn a few things though from those encounters."

The eyebrow raised in the darkness again as Ginny leaned closer to Hermione. "What did you learn?" Her eyebrows wiggling suggestively.

Hermione laughed, the sound soft but husky in the quiet room. "Not like that. I learned that I don't want to do it in the backseat of a muggle car again. Not enough room, and I got way too many cricks and cramps. Plus, I don't want a guy I can't hold a decent conversation with. I dated this one guy that sure he was nice to look at, but I swear had the IQ of a turnip. I think that is insulting the turnip too."

A muffled chuckle came from the darkness, covered by Ginny's own giggle. Hermione shook her head. "I know I don't want a super scrawny guy either. I want someone that could lift me if I needed him to. I found that out the hard way. I fell and sprained my ankle and the guy couldn't even help me hobble over to a park bench to try to rest it. He was acting like I weighed four hundred pounds or something. I know I'm not light, I know I need to slim down a bit, but come on."

How could she think she needs to lose weight? She looks fantastic? The man in the darkness wondered shaking his head. She hadn't been heavy at all when she'd been on top of me. I could probably lift two of her at the same time without breaking a sweat.

"Mione, you look great, don't lose weight. I don't know where you'd lose it anyway." When Hermione went to speak Ginny cut her off. "If you say your butt or your boobs I might just slap you."

He never thought he'd live to see the day he agreed with a Weasley, but he found himself nodding his agreement with her.

Hermione sighed, not bothering to argue knowing it was pointless. "The other and most important thing that I learned is, three minutes of grunting is not worth the energy involved to get naked."

Both girls snorted with laughter at her statement. The man in shadows smirking as well as he fought is own laugh. Poor girl. If that was her only experience he didn't blame her for not wanting a repeat performance.

Hermione wiped the tears from her laughter away and tried to go back to reading. "You know Mione..." Ginny interrupted. "You could try out a few boys here. Some of the seventh years are hot."

The shadowed figure frowned, just like Hermione did. "Ginny, I can't date the seventh years. For one they're not old enough. I'm in my twenties."

Ginny frowned. "Mione, you're only eighteen."

Hermione shook her head. "I used the time turner a lot during and after third year. I used it all during my school years. Instead of aging only one year I gained almost two per year with all the times I went back to get to all my classes. So no, I can't date a seventeen year old boy. They're also just boys. I don't want a boy. Boys suck, look at all the stupid things they do. I want a grown man. Someone who wont last only three minutes. Someone I can talk to. Someone..."

Ginny smiled, her eyes going dreamy. "Someone to love."

Hermione snorted, causing the man hiding to raise an eyebrow again. "Love? Sure in the grand scheme of things, but now? No. I don't have time for love. I'm behind Ginny. I have classes to finish and I have to figure out what I even want to do after school. My parents want me to take a muggle job, but I can't. I can't live without magic, I tried it while living with them this summer. I couldn't even do my laundry without shrinking it. I want something that I can use my magic with on a daily basis."

The girls were silent after that, Hermione looking back at her book, Ginny sitting in thought. The hidden man knew now was the time to make his presence known.

He backed away and started walking much louder this time into the library. "Ah, Miss Weasley, Miss Granger. Isn't it past curfew?" He asked, his eyes on Hermione.

Hermione bit back a curse at being caught out past curfew. Ginny smiled sweetly at Snape. "We're sorry, Professor, we didn't realize the time with out homework. We'll get right to bed."

Hermione swallowed as she started to gather her books. Ginny waiting on her friend. Snape glared at the redhead. "Miss Weasley, I suggest you move it back to your room before I change my mind and assign you detention."

Ginny swallowed, glancing at Hermione before high tailing it out of there. She knew Hermione could handle things on her own. She ran the whole way back to her dorm, praying Hermione hurried to so as not to get into trouble.

Snape watched the pretty woman in front of him still gather up the multitude of books. "How is it you have more homework than the Weaslette?" He asked.

She paused, she hadn't realized he was still there. "I was studying for my Herbology N.E.W.T coming up. I didn't have any homework since I finished it earlier."

He walked over towards her. Making her stop again to look up at him nervously. "So you are ready for one of your exams then?"

She nodded. "I believe so, sir, yes." She went back to gathering up her parchments and quills, stuffing them haphazardly in her bag.

He continued to watch her. "You know you never did tell me how you managed to do the necessary changes to the living death draught in order to make it more quickly and do it more efficiently in my class."

She sighed not really wanting to tell him, not sure if she would get in trouble. Even if it had happened so many years ago. "I just read about it in another book." Her eyes not meeting his.

He frowned at her. "Do not lie to me Miss Granger." His arms folding. With a silent whisper, he looked into her thoughts and found her cursing once again. Not at him, just in general. He fought another smirk, it made him want to peek at her thoughts more often.

She took a deep breath. "I learned of the changes from...Harry in sixth year, and as for how I made the potion correctly...I made it once before." She said softly, knowing she didn't have much of a choice.

"Recently? Before the time in my class?" His silken voice asked her, having already guess how Potter was able to show her about the changes.

She raised her head, if he was going to punish her for it then she wouldn't hide from it. "No. In second year." She said.

His brows rose. "You made a potion that advanced in your second year?" He asked, surprise in his voice.

She nodded her eyes locked onto his. "Yes sir."

He frowned. "Whatever for?"

She dropped her gaze again. "I'd rather not..."

He cut her off. "I don't care what you'd rather, now tell me."

She sighed again. "I used it knock out Crabb and Goyle and take their hair for a pollyjuice potion I made."

His eyes showed his surprise. "You made pollyjuice potion in second year too?" That was a difficult potion even for someone of her age now.

She nodded, her eyes on her books. He took another step closer. "Did they work?"

She raised her head, hearing the surprise in his voice. "Yes, they did."

He smirked at her. "Interesting." He pulled out a chair at the table and took a seat as he continued to watch her, arms folding across his chest. "Should I ask what the pollyjuice was even for?"

She bit her lip. "I'd would not suggest you do sir."

He chucked at her, surprising her that he wasn't angry. "Very impressive." Enjoying the shock entering her eyes.

She frowned, putting the last of her books away. "Um, thank you professor. I'll...just be going back to my dorm, sir. Have a good night." Then she was gone, leaving him pondering this in the library still. She didn't hear him mutter goodnight to her.

She took her Herbology exam and was finally done with that class. She wouldn't know the results for a few weeks, if not months. She didn't know how long it would take someone to grade it and send her the test score back. She wanted an O of course but wouldn't settle for anything under an E. Especially with how well she always did in it.

She went about her classes. She enjoyed Hagrid's class immensely. She knew she was ready to test out for it, but didn't want to yet. She liked the time she was able to spend with him. She saw he liked her being back in his class too.

She avoided Snape and he seemed to avoid her too since that night in library. She was still shocked he hadn't docked her points or gave her a month of detention for being out past curfew. He was never lenient to anyone. If she didn't know better, she'd swear he wasn't a total bastard.

She was now studying for her Ancient Runes exam. It was a hard course and one she couldn't wait to be done with. She didn't know if she would ever really need the class unless she became an Auror like Harry was training to be.

Though, she wasn't sure that was what she wanted to do. She had fought in the final battle and didn't want fighting and the risk of death all the time anymore. She'd had her fill of it. Sure she would be great at it, and it would give her the magical aspect she wanted, but she didn't want the constant danger.

Sitting in her charms class, listening to Professor Flintwick droning on with his lesson. Her mind floating back to her potions teacher. He was starting to get to her and she wasn't sure she liked it. She found she was noticing him more. Thinking about him in more intimate settings with her.

She sighed, maybe Ginny was right. Maybe she needed to focus on someone else. She couldn't even imagine what Snape would say or think if he knew of her attraction. Her face turning red just thinking about it.

"Miss Granger, you look rather flushed. Are you alright?" Her tiny teacher asked her.

Hermione fought another blush as she assured him she was just fine. Cursing herself for her thoughts making others take notice of her. She had to stop this.

It was later in the day, during her potion's class that she had the hardest time focusing on the lessons. Her eyes on him as he spoke didn't help the images in her head. She tried to look away but her eyes always came back to him. She noticed he paused in his lesson, his eyes on hers for a moment before shaking himself and launching into it again, his voice a bit harsher than before.

Snape was trying to ignore her, but he kept noticing her fidget in her seat. He kept glancing at her, finally slipping into her mind and seeing the image in it made him pause for a second before going back to ignoring her. Cursing her in his mind for the image and cursing himself for looking.

At the end of the class, he called out to her before she bolted. She stopped and headed back his way. "Yes, Professor Snape?" What did I do now? She had paid attention, or least looked like she was paying attention to him this time.

He slipped in her mind again briefly, seeing her question. Why does she always assume she did something? Am I that much of a hateful bastard? He probably was, not the least bit regretful about it.

"Headmistress McGonagall said you might need some extra tutoring for your exams to speed things along with getting you out of here. Were you planning on scheduling the time with me any time soon?" He asked, knowing his silky voice sounded a bit snarky.

She frowned. "I hadn't needed it just yet sir. I'm focusing on one class at a time and I'm working on Ancient Ruins right now. Do you think I need some private time with you?" She asked.

Her choice of words made his nostrils flare slightly. Private time? It brought all sorts of images to his own mind that he didn't have see in hers. He cleared his throat. "You probably do if you want a decent passing grade." He said knowing she was doing better than any student he had ever had before.

She bristled at his insulting her skill at potions. "Alright then, I'm sure I can mange to study for both. When do you want me?"

Again her words brought instant images to his mind, making his eyes narrow at her in annoyance. Damn cheeky witch. Doesn't she know what she is opening herself up to with those words? "Friday nights at eight o'clock sharp." He didn't ask, it was more of a demand.

She nodded. "Is there anything else you wanted, Professor?"

You. The thought entered into his mind instantly, and he paused to wonder about something else. What would she do if I did say that to her? Pushing it away he waved her away, not trusting his voice.

She quickly left and headed to her next class. Wondering why he had to pick Friday nights. Since she had been given permission to go to Hogsmead, she had intended to start checking it out of Fridays. With a shrug she decided to just go on Saturday instead.

Her next class was Transfiguration. She knew the female students now loved coming to this class due to the new teacher. He was very handsome, had a sexy Scottish brogue when he spoke, and to top it off, he was actually very nice too.

Professor Justin McLeoud was in his early thirties and seemed to like a good teacher. He made his class not only educational, but a bit fun too.

Hermione took her seat, close to the front as usual. She had Ginny in this class with her so they usually sat together. While the professor went about his lessons, Ginny leaned over.

"Isn't he just dreamy, Mione?" She asked, looking at the very sexy teacher while Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Ginny, would you stop?" Hermione asked, hoping their conversation wasn't overheard.

"Look, you said you wanted a man. He is a very tasty looking man. I bet he can go longer than three minutes." Ginny smirked at Hermione turning a deep shade of red.

"Stop." Hermione hissed as the teacher made his way back towards them.

Professor McLeoud paused in his lecture as he saw Hermione. "Miss Granger are you alright there?" His brogue making all the other girls melt.

Hermione nodded, forcing herself to meet his ice blue eyes. "Yes sir, just a bit warm in here is all."

He nodded. "Alright then, if you start to feel to bad you can go to Madam Pomfrey, alright? You don't have to wait for me to tell you." She nodded again, so he went back to his lessons, keeping a watchful eye on her.

He thought she was a very bonnie lass, but she was his student so he knew it was hands off. He wondered if he could get her to test out of his class early so he could ask her to dinner. She wouldn't be his student then, just an adult with whom he could enjoy himself.

At the end of the class, both girls were gone before he had a chance to stop her and speak to her about it.

During dinner, Hermione found she was still annoyed with Ginny. The girl was going to get Hermione into trouble. Either from talking during class or with all of the things she was trying to talk her into. Why is it people that are in a relationship always wanted other people in relationships too?

Hermione sat facing the staff table, picking at her food once again. Her mind still on Ginny's comment about the Transfiguration professor. Cute or not, I will not be thinking about a teacher that way. Sure, I occasionally have images of Snape filter in from time to time, but what are the chances of that ever happening? Ginny tried several times to get Hermione to talk to her before giving up.

Snape sat eating his own dinner, enjoying the thoughts of a certain older student when the image of McLeoud popped in her mind. It was an innocent image, just of his face. Cute? She thinks McLeod is cute too? What does she mean what are the chances between her and me? None. Those are her chances. He wasn't dumb enough to actually get involved with a , he didn't like that she was thinking about the new Transfiguration teacher in that way at all. Is McLeoud dumb enough to get involved with his students?

He glanced down at the new professor. Slipping into his mind and making Snape's annoyance grow. The bastard is thinking about seeing if Hermione would test out early so he can ask her out. Realizing that Hermione wouldn't be his student after that, before pausing as a new thought hit him. Why didn't I think of that? It would certainly make things a bit easier. He shook his head, didn't want things easier with Granger at all.

He watched as the new Transfiguration professor slipped out of his chair and went over to the Gryffindor table. Pausing and squatting down next to Hermione, he whispered in her ear, and when she nodded at him, he left the Great Hall.

Snape fumed, not realizing his own jealousy. What was that all about? Has she just agreed to what he is thinking? He watched as Hermione slipped out of her own spot and headed out as well. He threw down his fork, startling a few of the staff and stormed out himself. He was half way down the corridor when he heard the new professor's voice.

"Miss Granger, I wanted to help you get your exam in my class done early. How about we schedule a few extra hours a week to go over what you might see on the exam?"

Snape couldn't see them, but he didn't need to since he heard Hermione respond. "Sir, I already am preparing for my Ancient Ruins test and picking up a few extra hours for another class too. I don't think I can study any harder for a third class right now."

Snape smirked. Good.

Then, he heard McLeoud speak again. "When do you think you'll be ready to test out of either one next?"

Snape rolled his eyes as he fumed more. Bloody git is trying to squeeze in time still.

Hermione sighed. "I need a few more weeks at least with Ancient Ruins, I want to go over them all one last time before I ask to be tested on it. There are so many that I don't want to forget them and get a bad mark on the test.".

"And with the other?" McLeoud asked.

"Not for a while sir, I think the professor might just hex me pretty badly if I get anything less than an O in his class."

Snape smirked. She had him pegged correctly alright. If she got anything under an O knowing what he did about her he would be shocked. Then, after he got over his shock he would have to indeed hex her, a lot.

"Alright, so come see me to get your private sessions scheduled after your Ancient Ruins exam is over."

"Yes sir." She said, fighting back a sigh. She had hoped to take a break after Ancient Ruins before cramming again. Sure she would still have Potions, but at least she'd have a break from one of them for a bit.

She went back to her room to finish studying, missing Snape in the shadows frowning.

A/N: I so love a jealous Snape. lol