A/N – I like reviews

Disclaimer-The characters belong to jkr as does the world of magic. I just like to mess around a little.

Chapter 3

Hermione closed her book and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Severus Snape was desperately trying to sleep. He had tried everything, but Granger's laughter was ringing in his ears. He felt himself becoming hard.

'Curse her, stupid little chit.'

'She isn't little anymore Severus.' said an annoying voice in his head, 'In fact, I think that you rather liked her laughter.'

'SHUT UP' Severus screamed. But as is the case with most inner voices, it refused to leave and kept taunting him .

Severus was forced to walk to his potions cabinet. He drew out a vial labeled 'Dreamless Sleep' and gingerly took a sip. He had not required it since he had come here. Trust Granger to turn his world upside down.

'You know, her name's Hermione.'

'AAAARGHHH.'

He covered his ears with a pillow and waited for sleep.

The next morning Hermione got dressed and waited for Tonks in the Hotel lobby. She was trying not to sneeze, as tiny fairies in saris flew around holding burning incense sticks.

She almost jumped out of her skin when a sculpture of a dancing woman on the wall behind her spoke-

'Namaste, you are Miss Granger I presume.'

Hermione nodded.

'Miss Tonks has asked you to step up to her room for a moment.'

'Very well, thank you.'

The figure had become impassive again.

Hermione knocked on Tonks door.

A very sleepy Tonks opened the door, 'Come in'.

'Hi, so why aren't you ready? You know we have to meet the board of directors for the …..'

Hermione stopped, she knew immediately that something was wrong. Tonks eyes and nose were red, and she looked ready to cry.

'What's the matter?'

'It's Remus, he's been arrested….'

'Why?'

'He transformed near his home and ...'

'Oh no.' Remus lived in a predominantly muggle neighborhood, which was why he could not change there.

'He attacked a….'

'Oh no.'

Tonks glared at her, 'Will you stop interrupting?'

'Sorry.'

'He attacked a Tasmanian Tiger.'

'What? Aren't those things extinct?'

'They are, but the ministry is confident it is one.'

'Why are they arresting him? They should be grateful…'

'Because of Umbridge…'

'That cow, I didn't know she still worked there.'

'She still has some influence, she works in the muggle relations department now and managed to convince the members of the ministry that the it was his fault that muggles lost a live specimen..'

'Arthur….'

'He's outnumbered. Hermione, I need to see Remus.'

'Oh, don't worry. I'll manage the deal.'

'Thanks.'

'No trouble, just make sure he's okay.'

The deal had gone pretty well, they had been willing to supply her the materials required for the new potion she was working on. Only when they had asked her about the amount required, she had been stumped. One of the directors understood her dilemma and agreed to give her time, a week.

She just hoped Tonks would return in time.

Severus watched as Hermione slowly sat down on a reserved table. She seemed to be worried and tense. He strode upto her. She smiled and asked him to sit down. To his surprise, he did. They ordered two coffees.

She took hers with sugar and he without.

'Why are you so tense?'

She seemed startled by his question.

'How do you know?'

'Your eyes, they're very expressive.'

'A compliment! Thank you.'

'Not that I care.'

'I'm sure that you don't.' said Hermione dryly.

He seemed at a loss for words.

She rolled her eyes, 'Its okay, Severus , Its okay to care about why I'm upset.'

'I didn't give you the liberty of taking my name.'

'I took it myself.'

His eyes bore into hers. She had never noticed how intense his gaze could be, she was uncomfortable but unable to look away.

He broke away and laughed.

He had a deep, rich laugh. It reminded her of bitter chocolate and spice at the same time.

'Fine, I do care. So tell me.'

She told him everything, right from the potion she was working on to Tonks problem.

He frowned, then said 'I have a friend who might be able to help you with this deal. He is from Beauxbatons and a native.'

'What is his name?'

'Jay Joshi.'

'You mean, the guy who helped you set up your shop.'

'How do you know?'

'It's the Beauxbatons connection.'

'Miss Delacour?'

'Now she's Mrs. Weasley. She was still in touch with Jay and he happened to mention your name. We interrogated Draco and he admitted you were here.'

'Why would you want to know about me?'

'Everyone wants to know. You were pardoned. Why didn't you return?'

'I have a new life here. People here don't see me as a threat.'

'But London is your home. People there won't see you as a threat either.'

He looked at her.

'Fine, at least people who matter won't see you as a threat.'

'Like who?'

'Like McGonagall, Molly, Arthur, Harry, Draco, Ginny, Bill, me, Fleur, Ron…'

'No ,they won't be happy to see me. They won't forgive me.'

'You mean, you won't forgive yourself.'

The moment she said this, she bit her tongue. His eyes had darkened with anger.

'This is not supposed to be a soul searching discussion. You are not my shrink. You have no right to question my motives. Don't think I will take whatever nonsense you say to me.'

His voice was deathly low, yet she could hear each word.

'I don't want you to do that, I just want you to trust me.' Hermione cried.

'Why?'

'Because, I trust you.'

He took in a sharp breath. She was watching him intently.

'You have to trust me. You're a stranger to India.' He said

'I could've straightaway met Jay Joshi. I chose to meet you.'

'Didn't Nymphadora ' he pronounced the name with venom, 'try to talk you out of it.?'

'She did, but I wanted to see you.'

'Why?'

'I don't know. I had been trying to convince Draco to try to tell me about you, but he always declined. He used to te….'

' Yes.' Snape prodded gently.

'Forget it.'

'Please finish that sentence. I trust Potter has told you about leglimency. And where is all that Gryffindor bravery now?'

Hermione swallowed all the contents of the cup in one swig.

'What could it hurt?', she thought, ' Not like he's attracted to me anyway.'

'Fine, he used to tease me. He used to say that I had a thing for you.'

'Did you?'

'Well….'

His eyes had become, if it was possible, even darker. He gently brushed her cheek and her heart started beating frantically. His hands were extremely soft.

'I'm waiting…'

His thumb had started to rub across her lower lip, she was starting to shiver, not from fear but from desire.

'I might have.'

'You might have?'

'Yes, I mean, I missed your sarcasm, your skulking around in those robes, your comments…How should I know? I have to analyze and cross analyze my motives or get myself hypnotized or…..'

She was so busy talking trying to keep herself from loosing control that she scarcely noticed him walk to her chair.'

'That won't be necessary.'

'It won't?' she squeaked as she felt him pull her up gently by her arms.

'No.'

He held her hand and she felt so limp that he could've picked her up and she wouldn't have said a word.

Before she knew it, she was in a small room which was covered with shelves.

On each shelf there was a vial , before she could ask him what they were for he had covered her lips with his.

All remaining coherent thought flew out of her head.