I've decided that no longer will I apologize for being slow. Well, I will this once, but from here on out, I'm pretty sure it's just implied. I dunno where the inspiration finally came from for me to finish this chapter, and I know it's short, but I hope you all enjoy it anyway.

Still don't own 'em. I've been forgetting to say that. xD

Heat

Hermione cursed as she exited the bathroom. The following week would not be fun at all. Granted that time of the month is never fun, but currently her lioness form was in heat, and was letting her know it. She threw on a tank top and shorts to wear under her robes, hoping for the best when her friends came around. She was extremely glad that today was a Hogsmeade Day, Valentine's Day, no less. She knew her friends would understand her wanting to stay at the castle.

"Hermione!" The voice of the younger red head broke through her thoughts. "Are you about ready to go?"

Hermione opened the bedroom door to see Ginny standing alone. "Where are Ron and Harry?"

"Outside waiting. Come on."Ginny then noticed Hermione's attire. "It's freezing outside. Why are you wearing that?"

"I'm burning up, must have a fever or something."Hermione sunk down into the couch. "I'm just going to stay in. Besides, I'd rather not be the fifth wheel, again."

Ginny grinned. "Maybe you won't be the fifth wheel much longer. Have you noticed the way that man looks at you?"

Hermione shook her head. "He never looks at me. I don't know what you mean."

Ginny let out a sigh. "There is absolutely no hope for you." She turned and walked to the door. "I'll see you later then. Will you be in your rooms?"

Hermione nodded, fanning herself. "See ya later, Gin." Once the other girl left, she headed to the bathroom again, intent on a nice, cold shower.

Severus paced in his quarters. He didn't have to chaperon the trip to Hogsmeade, but that just meant there was nothing to distract him from his thoughts. Brewing a potion was out of the question, too, as he could not concentrate. He glanced at the clock, noting that the students and teachers should be well away from the castle. Making his decision, he grabbed his wand and stalked through the opening to his rooms.

Hermione dried off while checking the time. Satisfied that no one would be on the grounds, she quickly got dressed and headed outside. Today she decided to take a different route once outside. Instead of heading to the lake, she walked to the side of the castle, transforming at the corner.

Severus halted. He could smell her already, and she was enticing. Knowing he didn't have enough time to get back inside, he quickly transformed and slinked back towards the castle.

Hermione froze when she noticed the panther walking away from her. 'Damnit. He must have caught my scent.' She picked up her pace so she could catch up to him. "Wait up!"

Severus growled as he whipped around to face his student.

Hermione drew up short, suddenly afraid. "I, uh, just wanted to say hi?" She cursed herself for sounding like an imbecile in front of the powerful animal.

Severus sneered, his panther form baring more teeth. He slowly lowered himself to his haunches, but kept his muscles tensed. "You make a habit of saying 'hi' to random animals?"

Hermione's eyes widened. "Professor Snape?"

Severus scoffed. :And here we all thought you;re the smartest witch of your age."

Hermione narrowed her eyes. "Right, because I should be able to see right through your Animagus form." She shook her head and turned back towards the corner. As she disappeared around the side of the building, a smirk appeared on her face. She threw a quick "Happy Valentine's Day!" over her shoulder before scampering around the corner, leaving behind a bemused Potions Master.

Please be nice? *bats eyelashes* I promise it'll pick up now that she knows who he is.