I'm not really happy with this ending point, but I've left it hanging long enough. If school/work ever lightens up, I promise to revisit this fic, but until then, this is it!

Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter beling to JK Rowling. No profit is made from this work.

Chapter 3

Lost Marbles, and a Kodak Moment

"Miss Granger, while there is nothing I enjoy more than seeing steam shoot out of a Weasley's ears, I do have work to do, and it seems as though your companions are about ready to pounce. Should they make a move, I would surely welcome the opportunity to hex them into oblivion, but I don't think I could stomach another one of the Headmaster's lectures. Therefore, I suggest you enlighten the group of your little joke, and let me be on my way."

Hermione looked like she was vaguely aware of Snape speaking, but his words must have been taking a detour to her receptive center, as she took a good five minutes to register what he was saying.

What is she doing? I'm giving you a way out, Granger. How can someone so supposedly brilliant miss such a perfect set up?

"Miss Granger, I assure you that this bout of silence would be most appreciated at any other moment, but I really must be going, so if you would please disillusion your friends."

Good God, the chit has lost her marbles.

Hermione, dimly catching his meaning, plastered a slightly manic grin on her face. That, combined with her prolonged bout of silence gave Severus, and the room in general the impression that she had, indeed finally lost her marbles.

Finally, after about two minutes of the disturbing grin, her senses returned full-throttle.

"Ha! Got you guys! I wish I had a camera right then, it was a complete Kodak moment! Ron, the look on your face was priceless!"

Oh, thank Merlin she has her wits about her again. Took long enough, the little nitwit.

Potter was the first to comprehend what she was saying, "You mean, you didn't sleep with Snape?"

"Harry, do you honestly believe Professor Snape, or myself would do something like that? George's comment was completely inappropriate, and I decided to let you see just what effect hastily chosen words can have on people." She answered.

Turning to George, "I suggest you think twice before making rude and embarrassing comments about either of us again. Friend or not, I will not hesitate in making you regret it, and I'm sure an encounter with Professor Snape would be infinitely worse."

Looking thoroughly scolded, George muttered an apology, and found something extremely interesting about the glass that had previously held his pumpkin juice.

The rest of the room began to chuckle at Hermione's 'joke', but a few older wizards had noticed the extreme tension that surrounded Snape and Hermione.

The fury of Potter and the Weasley's seemingly abated, and not wanting to spend any more time than necessary in the horrid predicament, Severus began to inch toward the fireplace.

Please let me escape without any more idiotic occurrences.

"Well, now that my time has been sufficiently wasted, I will take my leave." Severus nodded curtly to a select few order members, his gaze settling on Miss Granger a bit longer than he would have liked it to.

Stepping into the fireplace, he announced the destination of his office, and vanished in a swirl of greenish smoke.

Molly, realizing the horrible state of the house, began bustling people out of the kitchen to help her tidy up the rest of the house from last night.

Not wanting any more attention, Hermione sidled over to the fireplace, stepped in, and waited for the room to empty before activating the Floo.

Luckily, everyone was either too annoyed by Molly, or hung over from the night before to notice her, and they quickly exited the kitchen to placate Mrs. Weasley.

Finally, the last two people stepped out of the kitchen, and the heavy door closed, silencing the voice of Harry trying to explain to Ron what a Kodak Moment was.

Hermione was now blissfully left with her thoughts.

That was one of the most embarrassing experiences of my life. Never again will I spout a reply without comprehending the situation. Severus was exceptionally helpful though. He could have just thrown me to the wolves, or Weasley's, as it were.

With that thought, Hermione decided she really must thank Severus for getting her out of that situation.

Throwing down the shimmering powder, she clearly said, "Severus Snape's office, Hogwarts." And with a swirl of green vapor, she was gone.

The End

Okay, I know its not much of an ending, but it leaves room for a sequel!