A/N- Illness, technical difficulties, my birthday, my Mum gettting engaged and planning my trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London next week *squeal* got in the way of this chapter.

Also, I wrote this a few times and it originally covered a larger timescale but it seemed rushed. I should be back to my normal schedule and we are coming up for the section where I have wrote a few chapters so I may even speed up a bit!

I don't own nuffin' *said in Stan Shunpike voice*

I love my betas. Thank you worrywart for laughing at my bad jokes and appreciating my Alan Rickman Photo Spree. Do not blame goldiechik for any errors as she is being a good little Hermione and working on her coursework just now!

Thank you all so much! x

X~X

The Christmas holidays were nearly upon the students of Hogwarts; the school was festively decorated for the last few weeks of term and provided a cosy, warm atmosphere. Signs had been placed around the school this morning, alerting the students to the news that they had permission to visit Hogsmeade the following weekend. This announcement, in addition to the heavy snowfall which had occurred overnight, meant that spirits were high at breakfast. As Hermione made her way through the corridors, she was surrounded by hyperactive teenagers wrapped up in warm woollen hats and energy and noise levels were exhausting just to witness. As Hermione headed down to the dungeons, trying her best not to hex the next giddy fool that bumped into her, she found her path blocked completely by a solid chest which she rebounded off of. Two strong hands gripped her round each arm, stopping her from sprawling to the floor.

"Thank you," she mumbled absentmindedly before attempting to walk around the obstacle in her path without even checking to see who it was, or reprimanding them for not watching where they were going.

"Hermione, what's wrong?" She looked up and found herself under the scrutinizing gaze of Dean. He was still holding onto her and was slowly rubbing her upper arms reassuringly with his thumbs.

"Oh, I'm sorry Dean. I was miles away." She offered with a genuine yet lacklustre smile.

"Are you ok? You look really upset; is it to do with what Ron said yesterday? That was well out of order. I gave him a piece of my mind and so did Harry. Don't worry; I don't think anybody took it seriously. I think he was just showing off because you looked so hot yesterday, you know, like he was marking his territory or something? I think you should-"

"Dean! Stop talking!" Hermione said with a laugh.

"Oh…yeah, erm sorry bout' that." He grinned in embarrassment. "Are you sure you're ok?"

Dean's concern was enough to weaken her defences; she felt tears build behind her eyes and was likely to burst out crying as soon as she tried to speak. She was momentarily halted upon the realization that he was still rubbing her arms affectionately and was just about to speak, when she was interrupted.

"Mr Thomas, has Miss Granger been hexed?" The dangerously soft voice of Professor Snape pulled the two teenagers out of what had turned into a rather awkward silence.

"Eh…no, Sir?" Dean stuttered hesitantly, not quite sure what he was supposed to say.

"Forgive my ignorance Mr Thomas, was that the answer or another question?" Snape scoffed at his nervous and unsure reply.

"Eh…-"

"Never mind, I do not have all day to wait on your feeble mind to catch up with current events," he stated impatiently before his eyes flickered down to where Dean's hands were gripping onto Hermione, harder than ever. "I was merely curious as to why you find it necessary to hold Miss Granger as though her arms may fall clean off her body if you do not? Has she suffered an injury of some sort? Slicing hex? Can I be of any assistance?" He finished his questions with a sarcastic raise of one eyebrow and an accompanying smirk.

Hermione shivered and decided perhaps Dean having his hands on her was a tad inappropriate. Especially if it makes me shiver like that, she thought. She pulled away from him and noticed a slightly hurt expression cross his face before she spoke, "I'm fine Professor Snape; Dean just stopped me from falling over by grabbing my arms."

"Oh yes and I suppose his ridiculous fondling of your person was merely to improve the blood circulation in your arms?" He asked in mock confusion. "Miss Granger, if you can pull yourself away from your saviour, for an hour, I have some work for you to do in the lab. You have four minutes until the appointment we arranged is upon you; if you find yourself late, you will find yourself locked out." And with that he swept off in the direction of his classroom.

Hermione stared at his retreating form, wondering if he suffered from some kind of multiple personality disorder. She shook her head and turned to Dean, ready to laugh with him over Professor Snape's ridiculously over the top reaction. The laugh died in her throat when she spotted Dean's surly expression.

"Ehh…well as long as you're ok, I'll let you get to your appointment." Dean shoved his hands in his pockets and turned to leave.

"Wait, Dean! What's wrong?" Hermione asked as she curled one of her delicate hands around his wrist. She watched as his eyes flickered down to her hand before his expression softened.

"Nothing Hermione, I'm sorry. It's just Professor Snape can be such a….dickhead!" Dean exclaimed. "I don't want that dickhead to lock you out of whatever it is your supposed to be doing though so I'll let you go. But Hermione, I want the full story later, yeah?" He asked as he turned his wrist and grasped her hand in his own, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Of course Dean. I'll meet you in the common room after lunch?" She squeezed back before letting go and upon receiving Dean's nod of confirmation she took off at a sprint.

She ran down the corridor and knocked on the door with thirty seconds to spare. Ha, three and a half minutes, no waiting, no billowing! Beat that Snape!

"Enter."

She opened the door tentatively and was just about to offer her thanks for him agreeing to help her, when his cold voice interrupted her.

"Twenty points from Gryffindor, Miss Granger," his voice stated dispassionately as he continued writing on a piece of parchment he had on one of the work benches, his tall body leaning casually over it.

"What on earth for?" Hermione spluttered indignantly.

"Five for running in the corridors in your rush to get here, five for inappropriate behaviour in the corridor with Mr Thomas, five for not taking your responsibilities seriously and not focusing on punctuality, and the final five were for the inevitable cheek I would receive upon docking those earlier fifteen points. " He did not stop his writing or look up once; until he heard her laughter that is.

"Is something amusing, Miss Granger?" He spat every syllable out as he narrowed his eyes in contempt.

She attempted to stifle a giggle, but failed. "I'm so sorry Sir; it's just kind of funny how you knew I would be incensed. Am I that predictable?"

Severus looked at the young woman in front of him. She was standing with one arm folded across her stomach, the other was covering her mouth in an attempt to hide her amusement. Her smooth curls were pulled back in a ponytail, and she wore a little light make up. She was wearing her robes but they were open so he could see that she had a pair of black jeans and a wine-coloured t-shirt which was just short enough to show a glimpse of a toned stomach.

"Unfortunately you are as predictable as a wasp on speed Miss Granger; however, every wasp will eventually sting when provoked," he straightened his posture and crossed his arms over his chest, smirking gleefully.

"I don't know what to be more shocked by, a Professor mentioning drugs, a powerful wizard quoting a Muggle darts commentator or you…just you… admitting you provoked me?" She aimed for humorous but by the end of her speech her genuine amazement shone through.

He rolled his eyes before smirking almost good-naturedly at her and then said, "Professors are people too, Miss Granger; some of us watch Muggle television, some of us can admit our own part in a disagreement and…" He tailed off before Hermione jumped in, attempting to finish his train of thought.

"And some of you take recreational drugs?" She raised an eyebrow at him before laughing.

"And some of us are aware of recreational drugs and the effects they have on people. Mentioning speed does not make me a-"

"Junkie? Addict? No, you don't seem the type," she smiled; delighted that he seemed to be talking her comments in jest.

"Well unless you deem my coffee addiction as a dangerous drug habit, you are entirely correct Miss Granger. Now are we quite done with this little heart-to-heart?" He drawled as he stalked off in the direction of his store cupboard, leaving her running behind him. As she ran to catch up, not wanting to miss anything, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, and she ran straight into him.

Man, Professor Snape is well built, Hermione thought as she rebounded off his back and landed sprawled on the floor. He turned and looked at head level as if expecting to see her there before looking down at the floor, his lip curling in a terrifying sneer before he spat out, "Miss Granger, why are you lying on the floor in such an unladylike fashion?"

"I fell over…" She stammered, uncertain of what answer he actually expected her to give.

"Obviously," he drawled. "Do you plan on getting up anytime soon, or will you be requiring a cauldron down there?"

She let out an exasperated sigh as she tried to get up, wincing slightly when she put weight on her left wrist. She shifted all her weight on to her right arm and attempted to get up before her Professor unceremoniously offered her a hand to help her up. She paused and looked at his hand before looking up at his face. He merely raised an eyebrow and pushed his hand closer to her. What is with the multiple personalities? Hermione never knew what to expect from her Potions professor. She gingerly slipped her right hand in to his own and he abruptly pulled her to her feet, dropping her hand the instant she regained her balance.

"I take it you have injured yourself?" He enquired gruffly, glancing at her left hand thatshe was nursing with her right.

"I think I landed on it; I'm sure it will be fine in a moment." He rolled his eyes before once again offering his hand to her. Once more she found herself tentatively placing one of her own hands in her Professor's. This time he waved his wand over it, muttering softly under his breath. She felt a tingling sensation in her wrist before a sharp jolt of pain shoot through it, and then it was healed.

"Better?" He locked eyes with her whilst still holding on to her previously injured hand gently.

"Yes, th..thank you, Sir." Hermione maintained eye contact with him as long as she could, but despite her best effort her eyes eventually fluttered down to their joined hands. His reaction was instantaneous; he snatched his hand away and stalked over to his desk before unceremoniously throwing himself in his chair.

"Why are you here Miss Granger?" He asked as he clasped his hands together in his lap.

Hermione wanted to say 'Because you told me to come? It was your suggestion, why are you being so obtuse, you strange man?' She knew what answer he was looking for and thought at this particular moment in time it would be in her best interests to play along.

"I am here because I have reached a point in my studies of this subject in which nothing further can be learned from a book." She raised her chin and tucked an unruly curl behind her ear before continuing. "I am lacking in some of the more practical skills necessary to become more than a merely competent brewer."

"Indeed. Why are you dissatisfied with your current abilities? Surely the level of work you produce is satisfactory for any witch or wizard who is not particularly interested in a potions career?" He was observing her with genuine curiosity; there was no cruelty or malice in his words, only interest. He had barely moved since he sat at his desk; his self-control astounded Hermione who had only recently mastered not bouncing up and down and waving her hand in the air.

"Truthfully Sir, I strive to be the best at everything I do." She folded her arms across her chest. "I am disappointed with my standard of work because I set myself very high standards. I am also bored rigid by this year's curriculum and I believe that you alone can provide me with the challenge I need in order to be satisfied."

He stared at her for at least two minutes, he barely blinked and for a moment she was worried that he had slipped into a catatonic state. Resisting the urge to fidget and wave her hand before his face she waited for the moment to pass. Noticing that he had not spoken, she wondered if he found her answer unsatisfactory.

"It is important that you know I also have a genuine interest in the subject and had it not been for my less than perfect skills I may have considered a career in this field." She noticed him come back to life as she had spoken. He studied her intently for another brief period before offering her an almost unrecognizable nod. He then cleared his throat before turning his attention to the board that satbehind his desk. He waved his wandand his elegant script appeared upon it.

"Brew these three potions Miss Granger. As you encounter difficulties write down what stage you are at, what has or has not occurred and how you rectify the situation. This will allow you to really examine your strengths and weaknesses."

"Of course Sir, thank you," and with that she began to gather the necessary ingredients and equipment.

X~X

Merlin, what is happening to me? I'm having some sort of breakdown, Snape thought as he watched the seventh year student in front of him work diligently on her task. He found himself puzzled by his behaviour during encounters with the 'brightest witch of her age'. I'm practically kind to her, he thought in disgust. He couldn't begin to explain when or why his attitude towards Hermione Granger had changed, but he could not deny that it certainly had changed.

He found her to be a fairly sensible, mature and witty young woman. He felt that they were both going through themotions; done with Hogwarts but not entirely sure what direction they should head in next. Well, if I can't figure out what I am supposed to do with my wretched life, I can certainly assist Miss Granger in figuring out her purpose. His eyes lingered on the student in question; observing her, analysing her. She reduced the heat under her third and final cauldron to simmer, took a seat and began to write manically on her parchment. He watched as she scribbled away, biting her lip in concentration. Her hair had grown wild as she worked due to the heat and steam surrounding it and Severus found himself remembering Ginny Weasley's earlier comments about her looking 'effortlessly sexual'. Effortlessly sexual, he thought with a snort.

He was interrupted from his thoughts when Hermione suddenly got up from her seat and began carrying her cauldrons over to the sink area. She placed them in the sink and began to fill it with water. She wandered back over to her workstation, took off her robes and carried over a few knives and stirring rods also requiring a thorough clean. He watched as she began to scrub the cauldrons, noticing that her Muggle clothes highlighted just how much she had matured. Yes, Miss Granger has matured quite nicely, Snape thought with a predatory smirk. Oh gods, what is wrong with me? This is a student, a Gryffindor student, a very annoying, Gryffindor student. He returned his focus to the essays in front of him thatwere waiting to be graded.

Xxx

Hermione had finished tidying up her workstation when she noticed there were still ten minutes of simmering time left on her final potion. She sat back down in her seat, looked over her notes and found them satisfactory. She glanced up at her Professor and noticed he was currently furiously grading what seemed to be a substandard essay. He was concentrating fully on destroying the self-esteem of one poor student, and so Hermione took the time to study her serious professor.

Being around Professor Snape, without Harry and Ron constantly referring to him as the Greasy Git, had led to Hermione forgetting all about that particular accolade. She noticed that his hair did not seem to be particularly greasy; it was very fine and dark, but it seemed shiny rather than oily. He did seem to be taking better care of his self these days. He was a much healthier colour; I suppose spying on the Dark Lord would make anyone a little green around the gills, she thought as she remembered the strange sickly pallor he used to be inflicted with. His nose doesn't seem as overpowering a feature as it used to be, it's merely well-defined or even noble, she thought as she pulled her hair down from her ponytail and ran her fingers through her unmanageable curls. As she massaged her tense scalp she closed her eyes briefly, enjoying the soothing sensation of freeing her hair from the constraining ponytail. She opened her eyes and noticed Professor Snape was watching her with a raised eyebrow.

"Do you have a headache Miss Granger?" He didn't seem to be mocking her, but Hermione did note the way his mouth quirked as if he was fighting the urge to smirk or sneer.

"A little, it's nothing compared to the ones I usually suffer from," she groaned.

"Do you need to visit the hospital wing? We can continue this little experiment tomorrow." He began shuffling the papers on his desk before standing.

"No Sir, I'm fine to discuss the results of my work today," Hermione spoke eagerly, scraping her curls back into a ponytail and flipping through her parchment.

"I think perhaps it would be best if you took some time to consider how this morning's brewing session played out. Take some time to read over your notes tonight, and we will discuss it tomorrow." He seemed disinterested and so reluctantly Hermione began gathering her belongings. "I also think a quick visit to the hospital wing would not go amiss. There is no need to suffer in silence, Miss Granger," he finished with a smirk which lacked its usual vindictiveness.

"Yes, you're right Professor."

"Obviously," he drawled with an accompanying eye roll. He looked startled when Hermione laughed softly.

"Thank you Sir, "she said kindly. "I appreciate you giving up your time like this."

"Yes, because my leisure time is usually jam-packed with numerous social events," he drawled sarcastically. "Working with you on your meagre potions skills is slightly more tolerable than spending time listening to the faculty gossiping all weekend. You, Miss Granger, are an excellent excuse for hiding in the dungeons." He smirked wickedly but sounded genuinely thrilled at his freedom.

"Glad to be of service Sir!" Hermione smiled and offered him a mock salute before laughing awkwardly at her silly behaviour.

He chuckled softly and Hermione felt a pang in her chest when she realised it was a sound many people would never hear. She was interrupted from her thoughts when her Professor suddenly spoke up;

"I feel I must let you down next weekend Miss Granger. I have the odious task of chaperoning your peers to Hogsmeade. I also have a few matters to attend to; however, this will only affect Saturday."

"Oh..," Hermione began, sounding genuinely disappointed. "Well I suppose, I do have some research to be getting on with.

"I presumed you would be meeting up with your little band of misfits; Potter and Weasley. Or are you worried they won't be able to find their way back home from Hogsmeade? I hear a trail of breadcrumbs usually works well enough for those who are so moronic their I.Q does not measure above room temperature."

She drew herself up to full height and found herself bristling at his biased opinion of her two dearest friends. "I suppose it would be a good opportunity to spend some time with friends." She hadn't meant to place such a heavy influence on the word 'friends', unfortunately she had practically sneered it.

"Of course, I can't imagine it is particularly enjoyable spending your weekends with your loathed professor," he spat out, after trying to hide the way he had flinched at her insult.

It's fairly enjoyable when you're not being a complete dickhead, she thought uncharitably; although she did feel guilty when she recalled his reaction to her snide comment.

"Actually Sir, I am looking forward to working with you. Truthfully, I hadn't even considered cancelling next Saturday's session in order to go to Hogsmeade." She spoke with sincerity, trying to keep her temper at bay. The man was unbelievably difficult but she was speaking the truth, she really did appreciate his help.

"Well, Miss Granger, you are as pathetically dedicated to your academic career as everyone says you are." He attempted to mock her but succeeded only in sounding weary. "You are dismissed." He rubbed his forehead and grimaced slightly.

"I am extremely dedicated Sir, but I don't see that as a negative quality. I hope you will take your own advice and stop by the hospital wing if you have a headache. Thank you again for your time." She had stated all of this as kindly as she could, considering the man was infuriatingly moody.

Professor Snape was torn between telling her to mind her own business or thanking her for her concern. When he looked up from his desk, he found it was an irrelevant issue, as she had already noiselessly left the room. He let out an exaggerated sigh and wondered how long they could work together before they ended up hexing one another.

X~X

When Hermione entered the common room an hour later all she wanted to do was crawl to the nearest couch and have a quick nap. Working with Professor Snape had left her feeling physically and emotionally drained; conversing with him politely was an extremely exhausting task. She was halted in her plans when she stumbled across Dean halfway to the couch. So close and yet so far, Hermione thought as she eyed the couch longingly.

"Hey Hermione, thank godsyour back. I've been so bloody bored," Dean grinned at her. "How'd it go with Snape?" His grin shifted into a concerned frown. She offered a wobbly smile and Dean grabbed her hand and pulled her over to the couch. "That bad?" He questioned her with a grimace.

Ahhh couch, how I've longed for you. Now if I could just get rid of all other human beings, I could close my eyes and drift off to sleep, Hermione thought bitterly. She eyed Dean speculatively. How quickly can I end this conversation? "It was fine, a little tense at times, but fine. Professor Snape wasn't particularly mean so…yeah, it was fine." She smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

"Woah Granger, that was one too many 'fines'. So, not good then? Why were you working on a Saturday morning anyway?"

One of the things Hermione loved about Dean was that he was such a friendly guy; kind and welcoming to everyone he meets, always shows an interest in others, and unfortunately, at this moment, chatty. The only way to get him out of her hair anytime soon would be to talk. And talk she did. Hermione told him everything; how she had been feeling a little lost and lonely, how she had been focussing on improving her brewing skills and that Professor Snape had somehow picked up on this and offered her a lifeline. When she got to this point she decided to leave out a few of their more friendly encounters. She felt odd, like she would be betraying her professor's trust if she revealed his more human side. She actually found herself feeling better when she began discussing this morning's fairly bizarre experience.

"I just….urgh! The man is infuriating!" She jumped up from her seat and began to pace back and forth in front of the fireplace, gesticulating wildly. "One minute he's Professor Snape- evil, snarky, mean and selfish. The next minute he's Professor Snape- offering assistance, helping me when I injure myself, cracking the occasional joke." She barely noticed Dean attempting to talk as she continued to rant furiously; her hands taking on a life of their own, flapping around as if attempting to bat away the awful experience. "And then suddenly he's back to being mean Professor Snape, with his spiteful comments and grumpy demeanour!" She threw herself back on the couch dramatically.

"Professor Snape cracked a joke?" Dean stared at Hermione incredulously and gasped when she nodded the affirmative. "Blimey, that is something I need to see."

"No Dean you don't," Hermione began manically, "because just when you think he is a semi-normal human being he turns into his usual snarky self."

"Well, I don't know what to tell you Hermione. Pull out of these sessions?"

"I can't. He has offered me his time and expertise, and I do want to learn from him. I also really appreciate having something to focus on. I'm being terribly ungrateful aren't I?" Hermione bowed her head and picked at the hemline of her t-shirt.

"I don't think so," Dean offered kindly. "I think you're nuts for wanting to work with him, as well as nuts for wanting to attend extra classes, but if it makes you feel better and you are learning something from it then go for it. Just don't expect him to be nice and if he ever is, just enjoy the moment and then move on."

"You're right, of course you're right! If I lower my expectations of him and expect him to behave no better than he has since I first came to Hogwarts, then any good behaviour will just be a bonus!" Hermione sighed happily before turning her head to smile at the boy beside her. "I don't know what I'd do without you Dean, I'm so glad we've got to know one another better this year. You are a wonderful friend."

"Uh…yeah. You know I'd do anything for you Hermione, you've come to mean a lot tome," Dean offered sheepishly.

"I hate to be rude Dean, but I could really do with a nap." Hermione stretched, arching her back and finishing with a previously supressed yawn.

Dean gulped and then said "Yeah, sure. You goin' up to your room just now then?"

"Oh actually, I prefer to nap in the common room. The noise level seems to keep me from falling too soundly asleep. If I go up to my bed I'm likely to have nightmares," she smiled sadly.

"The nightmares still bad?" Dean reached out for her hand and grasped it reassuringly.

"Yes, horrid; I thought they would get better with time, but I suppose experiencing a war never really leaves you. Being near Ron would always help me over the summer," she smiled fondly, "I either wouldn't have a nightmare or he would wake me up before it got too upsetting." Hermione was shocked out of her reverie when she felt Dean pull his hand away from her.

"Yeah, Ron can be a twat but he's a good guy." Hermione watched Dean as he spoke; he seemed to be confused about something.

"Sometimes…" Hermione said non-committedly, feeling she couldn't possibly be any more generous at this moment in time; her anger towards Ron's boastful lies was taking it's time to fade.

She didn't notice the small flicker of a smile grace Dean's face when she refused to praise Ron any further. "Do you want me to stay nearby? That way you're doubly protected; the noise in here should stop you from dreaming, but if you do start to get distressed I can wake you up?" Dean asked this enthusiastically before he suddenly stared down at his feet and rubbed the back of his neck anxiously. "Or… I mean, we could go to your room? I could sit in a chair,and if you have a nightmare I can wake you up?" Dean never once looked up as he made this suggestion, and Hermione couldn't help but consider what this could mean.

Shit, that is the last thing I need. Dean doesn't, I mean he couldn't… gods I hope he doesn't fancy me. No way, he wouldn't, Hermione attempted to reassure herself mentally, I'm Hermione Granger, none of the boys see me that way, except for Ron.

"Eh no, that's fine Dean. I really do prefer to nap down here, but thanks!" She added, noticing his disappointed and embarrassed expression.

"Yeah, it's cool. Do you mind if I stay here and read?" Dean leant forward to pick up an Advanced Arithmacy book from the coffee table.

"No, of course not. No bother at all. Sorry if I snore!" Hermione joked before curling up at the other end of the couch, trying desperately to ignore the facts her brain insisted on screaming at her. As she drifted off, she couldn't help but wonder why Dean would be reading that book when he hadn't set foot in an Arithmacy classroom in several years.

X~X

Miss Granger looks decidedly confused, Professor Snape thought as he observed her eat her eveningmeal half-heartedly. Surely this isn't about this morning's brewing session? Nothing went disastrously wrong. He watched as she sat playing with her food, ignoring those around her. She looked as if she was deep in thought, and he noticed she occasionally took a deep breath. Severus tried to ignore the feeling of concern he felt building within him. She's just an annoying little girl, why should I care if she can't handle her life. Yet, it was as if he had no control over his eyes; they kept flickering back to the sombre Gryffindor. He cursed inwardly when she raised her head suddenly and looked straight at him. He was utterly baffled and a little grudgingly disappointed when she quickly looked back to her plate without offering him any kind of polite acknowledgement which she usually favoured him with. He stood from his chair and bitterly swept out of the hall, wondering all the while which part of the morning's disastrous encounter had offended her most.

Xxx

Gods why is nothing ever simple?Hermione thought as she attempted to swallow down her chicken along with the lump in her throat. I feel like screaming; I don't know how I feel about Ron or how he feels about me for that matter, I have an awful suspicion that Dean's feelings are changing, and if I don't feel the same way, I'm going to lose the person who has come to mean so much to me this year. And to top all that off nicely, I have no bloody clue how to deal with Professor Snape; how on earth can I gauge what is appropriate behaviour when his behaviour towards me changes every ten minutes?Her breathing was coming out in short gasping breaths; great, a bloody panic attack, that's all I need. Without any awareness of her actions, Hermione looked up and sought out the figure of her brooding professor at the head table. As soon as she spotted him, she locked eyes with him noting that he had already been looking at her. Not a single flicker of recognition that he had been caught staring crossed his face, so Hermione decided to listen to Dean's earlier advice. Expect the worst Hermione, that way you can't be disappointed by him. Well if the miserable bastard isn't going to acknowledge me why should I acknowledge him?Hermione thought huffily as she returned her gaze to her plate. He was looking at me first, it's only fair that he should greet me first, Hermione argued as the guilt began to sweep through her body. That really was appallingly bad manners though, and he is a professor. Shit, I'll look back up and smile briefly and then I want to get the hell out of here. With a feeling of dread she raised her head and returned her glance to the faculty once more. Oh, he's gone. Well, I am not going to seek him out and apologise; he won't thank me for it if I do, she thought stubbornly. And with that, she got up and fled the Great Hall, desperately willing her breathing and her life in general, to regulate.

X~X

When Hermione awoke the next morning, she just wanted to bury herself under her covers and hide from the world. She didn't know what to deal with first; her suspicions concerning Dean and his possible feelings for her, Professor Snape and their strange working relationship or the letter currently sitting on her bedside table. The letter had been delivered last night; she had let the bizarre owl, (who was cross-eyed and hooted like he was giggling) in last night, to find he was delivering a letter which had Ron's handwriting on the front. As she dressed, preparing for her second appointment with Professor Snape, the letter seemed to catch her eye every few seconds. No Hermione, do not open the letter until after your, no doubt catastrophic, potions session. Dean can be dealt with later too, she thought as she finished getting ready. Twenty minutes later Hermione was heading down to the common room, determined that today would go better than yesterday.

"Hermione, have you got a minute?" She tried not to wince when she heard Dean's voice.

Well, so much for today being better than yesterday. She turned and greeted Dean with a fairly false smile. "Yes, of course. Although if it's going to take any longer than a minute we'll need to chat later, I'm popping down for breakfast early. Don't want to be late for Professor Snape!" She giggled nervously, annoyed that suddenly talking to her friend felt like the most awkward thing in the world.

"Oh it's just, it's kind of important." Dean looked crestfallen.

Shit, shit, shit! Hermione thought desperately, trying her best to school her features into a suitably concerned but not anxious expression.

"Well, tell me what it's about andI'll tell you when the best time to talk is." No Hermione, bad Hermione, run away and avoid him for a few weeks, don't confront the issue head on.

"This is a little awkward…"he began nervously. "I have this friend, and I think they are having some relationship troubles."

"Ok, so you don't know what to say or how to help them?" Hermione asked thoughtfully.

"The thing is, my friend is a girl and lately I've been feeling a bit protective over her. I have been thinking that no matter how much I like the guy she's dating, she could do so much better. And well…somehow my stupid mind has decided that I would be better for her; that she should be with me."

Hermione had tried not to react, but she was pretty sure her face said it all right now. She was dumbfounded, nervous and a little freaked out.

"Dean…I…I d-don't know what you want me to say." Hermione spoke gently, hoping it would soften the blow.

"Gods…it's fine Hermione. Don't say anything. I know what you're thinking and your right. I am being a terrible friend. Just forget I ever mentioned it ok? Good!" He exclaimed without waiting for an answer or response of any kind. "Anyway, I'll see you later yeah? Cool!" He answered his own question again and scarpered off, leaving Hermione completely shocked and dreading how the rest of the day was going to pan out. Well, the Dean issue has only got worse; let's hope the rest of the days obstacles aren't quite so painful.

X~X

When Hermione finally made it to her room that night she was exhausted. She changed into her comfiest pyjamas before slipping under her covers and sighing. Several events of the day flashed before her mind;

*Dean confronting her a second time beginning ominously with, "Hermione you have to talk to me about this…I can't pretend nothing is going on. Please talk to me."

*Opening the letter from Ron to find it began;

Dear Hermione,

Crazy birds just aren't worth the hassle, you know? I am sorrier than you'll ever know but I have no choice…

*Professor Snape greeting her with;

"Thank you for your punctuality Miss Granger. Before we consider going any further with these sessions there are a few things we need to discuss concerning appropriate behaviour and our personal opinions of one another…"

As Hermione lay in her bed attempting to process the day's events she felt the moment when it shifted. When it just became too much, her eyes filled with tears, her chest was heaving with gasping breaths and before she could help it, she lost control.

X~X

A/N- The bestest late birthday gift of all is your reviews! I have sexy photos of Rickman for those who review and then PM me their e-mail address. Go on...you know you want to. Ahhh blackmail, delving into Snape's mind has turned me into quite the little Slytherin.