Hello everyone! Here is chapter five. I know it took me a while to update, so sorry for that! School is terrible. Anyway, I hope you enjoy.
The morning after the "sexy song" incident, as Hermione had begun to call it, the young professor sat in her room awaiting the arrival of her two best friends in the world.
Her thoughts drifted to Severus Snape, as would be expected.
"I wonder what he thought of that little proposal I made at the end of dinner."
The idea of kissing him again was enough to immobilize Hermione for the moment. Then, her hand instinctively flew to her lap. "No, not now. Harry and Ginny will be arriving soon," she reminded herself reluctantly.
Her two friends walked in as if on cue.
"Hermione!" Ginny squealed. She ran up to her friend and embraced her in a hug. "You look astounding!"
"Thanks, so do you! Hello, Harry!"
"'Mione," he greeted.
The three sat on the bed together.
"So, who's the love interest? Ginny asked before they had even situated themselves. Hermione had to laugh at her friend's over eagerness.
"Well…" Although Hermione knew her friends wouldn't judge her too harshly for her feelings, she also had the gut feeling that they wouldn't understand. Oh well, you promised them. She took a deep sigh and said, "Severus Snape."
The two simply stared at her as if waiting on a punch line. When they realized she wasn't joking, Harry finally opened his mouth to speak.
"Really? I mean, how does he feel about this?"
"I'm not sure he knows the extent of my feelings. But I know he's attracted to me at the very least."
"Of course he's attracted to you, you're gorgeous!" Ginny gushed.
"Not to mention brilliant," Harry added.
"Stop it you two!" Hermione's face flushed bright red. "Enough about me, how are things back in Godric's Hollow?"
Hermione listened as they told her about the new friends they had made in the last year or so that Ginny had been touring across the world with the Holyhead Harpies, who had been world champions for two years in a row. Harry told Hermione about the dangerous wizards he had helped capture who were once supporters of Voldemort.
"I can't believe there are still witches and wizards like that out there," Hermione shuddered.
"I know. I mean, there have always been bad people in the world, but Voldemort supporters are the absolute worst, most vile creatures in existence."
Hermione offered her friends tea and soon they were sitting at the coffee table. Hermione felt a pang of loneliness as Ginny and Harry snuggled up together and held hands.
"I suppose Ron isn't coming," Ginny began.
"I suppose not. Did I tell you what he wrote back to my invitation?"
"No!"
Hermione showed them both the note. "Poor chap. He's been up and down lately. He can't seem to understand that you two simply didn't fit together."
"That's an understatement," muttered Hermione. In a louder voice, she added, "If only he knew I was falling for Professor Snape, he would probably have a heart attack."
"Probably!" Ginny laughed.
The three of them shuffled out of the room and into the Great Hall. It was dinnertime, the night the visitors from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons would arrive. "It's going to be packed," Hermione thought aloud.
Sure enough, the dining hall was filled to the brim. Harry and Ginny sat with a few other Hogwarts alumni at the centermost table, while Hermione made her way to the high table, feeling slightly more important than usual. Her eyes met Severus' and she immediately felt a wave of happiness.
"Severus."
"Hermione."
The sexual tension in the air was almost palpable.
"I've missed you since last night," Hermione said teasingly.
Her words had an enormous effect on Severus. Little minx. Once he was able to calm himself enough to speak, he said, "As have I. Does your proposal from last night still hold?" Bold move, Severus. Bold move, he thought.
Proposal from last night? She searched her brain for a clue as to what he was referring to. Oh.
"Let's do it again. Only this time, without soaking wet clothes or firewhisky."
"Yes, it still holds."
They both stared at one another with lust for a couple of moments before noticing the rest of the professors' eyes on them.
"Nothing to see here," Hermione said quickly.
Before much laughter could erupt amongst the teachers, Professor McGonagall stood in front of the dining hall. "Students and visitors, welcome. As you all know, this year's tournament will be hosted at Durmstrang. However, as is tradition, tomorrow night will be the Yule Ball, which is always held here at Hogwarts. We are very excited to have all the Triwizard Champions here with us for the next two nights, and we wish you luck in the week to come."
Applause ripped through the hall. Hermione caught Harry's eye from the crowd. His eyes darted to the double doors.
Amidst the chaos, in came Ronald Weasley with the look of death in his eyes.
…
Severus felt his hands tighten underneath the table. Why was that imbecile here? And why was he staring at Hermione like a mad man?
Severus glanced over at Hermione, who was biting her lip nervously. Don't worry my little minx, I'll protect you.
The redhead strutted his way to the front of the room. By now, there were some stares from around the room directed at him. One he reached his target, he stopped in front of her chair and looked her down.
"Hello, Hermione."
"Er, Hello, Ronald."
His face softened a bit. The Headmistress was looking on intently in case anything went awry.
"Listen, I didn't come here to make a scene, or beg for you to come back, or whatever. I just wanted to make sure your new 'love interest' is suitable."
Hermione drank in his words. "Suitable?"
"Yeah. I mean, I don't want you dating some loser."
Severus instinctively reached for her hand under the table. She stifled a smile.
"I still care about you, Hermione."
"I know you do, Ron. But I'm a big girl and I'm sure I know how to find a…suitable suitor."
Severus laughed. Ron's eyes darted to him, and back to Hermione, and then back to Severus.
"Wait a minute…"
Severus cleared his throat. Oh, this was going to be glorious.
"Mr. Weasley. It's so daunting of you to come marching in here like the chivalrous man you are and try to dictate Miss Granger's choices. However, I must agree with her in the sense that she is perfectly capable of making sound decisions."
By now, many students from the tables below were looking up and listening attentively. There had been rumors about Professors Snape and Granger for some time now, and of course, nearly all the older students knew about Hermione's previous relationship with Ron.
Ron stared at Snape indignantly. "It can't be. No way, Hermione."
"No way? I'll have you know that I absolutely adore Severus, Ronald. And if you don't want to accept that…well, the door is that way."
Severus would have happily paid ten galleons to see Ron's face fall like that again. He felt a smug smile creep up his face at Hermione's words. She absolutely adores me? Or perhaps she was only saying that to get the best possible reaction out of him. Either way, her words warmed his heart.
"Alright, alright. Just give me some time to adjust, alright?"
Hermione was relieved beyond measure to see her friend and ex-lover's face soften. She stood up and embraced him in a hug, earning a barely audible scoff from the man next to her. She rolled her eyes.
As Ron made his way down to Harry and Ginny, Hermione hit Severus playfully on the arm. "He is still my friend, you know."
"I am aware."
"What makes you hate him so much?"
Severus' eyes remained on hers. "I don't know," he replied slowly. "Perhaps it is because I am a jealous man, or perhaps it is something deeper. It is just as much a mystery to me as to you."
Hermione smiled. He is trying so hard to be open and honest with me.
"Jealous, hmm? Is that why you went crazy when Ray Thompson tried to morph into his hot teacher?"
Severus laughed. "Yes. Speaking of which, almost all of my potion cabinets have been reorganized by alphabetical order and my broom closet has never looked more sanitary."
"Oh, right! He's had detention with you every Thursday!"
"Indeed. He hasn't spoken one word to me."
"Is he ashamed of what he did?" asked Hermione hopefully. She truly hated seeing a Gryffindor student be so cocky and passive about school.
"No. He is as arrogant as ever. I swear, Gryffindors…"
"Hmf! I think you secretly love Gryffindors."
Severus raised an eyebrow to appear nonchalant, but his heart was racing. Love. She said the 'L word.' Does she know how quickly I am falling for her?
The thought came unbidden to his conscious stream of thought. Severus shook his head violently. No, no! Get it together, Severus Snape! You can't allow yourself to be so vulnerable!
"Severus?" Hermione mused. She could tell he was having an internal battle at the moment, and she hoped it had everything to do with her. "Do you love Gryffindors?"
"Perhaps."
…
Severus hated Thursdays. He sat at his office desk that night trying to focus on grading the papers in front of him. The stack had doubled in size since last week. If you hadn't spent all your time pining over that little minx of a witch…that beautiful, clever, flirtatious witch…
The sound of glass shattering on the floor brought the Potions Professor back to reality. "Ray!"
The boy came out from underneath the desk he had been cleaning. "Sorry, sir!" he squeaked, fixing the broken flask back to its rightful state. Severus smirked, glad that he was still able to instill fear in even the most difficult of students.
Thankfully, this was the last Thursday before finals week, so Severus would not have to deal with this lazy boy again until next year. Next year…he sighed.
"I'm finished now, professor. May I go?"
"No. Come here."
Severus examined Ray closely. His tousled brown hair and teenage heartthrob face made Severus cringe. He knew deep down that it wasn't fair – that his bias came from deep within, from the days he attended Hogwarts as a student and was constantly overshadowed by pretty boys like Ray Thompson. Still, Severus couldn't help but loathe the teenager standing in front of him. He was sure his disgust showed on his face.
"Have you learned your lesson?" he seethed.
"Yeah."
"Really?" Severus stood. "Because I don't think you have. I think you need to learn to respect. your. professors."
Ray gulped audibly. "I do, sir. I just find Miss Granger attractive, is all."
Severus' hands clenched. I really need to stop doing that, he reminded himself.
The action did not go by unnoticed. Although Ray was a 'bad boy,' he was far from stupid.
"Professor Snape?"
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry. I really am. I felt the same way back when Gregory tried to steal Kelsey from me. I had no idea."
Severus tilted his head in confusion. "I don't understand what you're getting at."
"It's obvious, professor. You're in love with her, aren't you?"
A thick, dead silence filled the room.
Severus opened his mouth to speak and shut it. The two stood there staring curiously at one another.
"It's okay, I don't think anyone else has caught on. Well, the students at least," Ray smirked. "I only know because I'm friends with Daniel, so I know how the Muggle music device works. We've been hearing the songs that play at meals. Want some advice?" Ray paused, and before Severus could answer, he continued. "You should ask her to the Yule Ball. 'Course, it being tomorrow night and all, it's sort of late notice…"
A very bewildered Severus stood in place, mouth agape, wondering how on earth this child had the audacity to give a grown man romantic advice. Was Severus' inexperience that evident? He resisted the urge to ask Ray this question. Instead, he said, "Your time is up. You may leave."
As Ray opened the door to exit the Potions classroom, Severus remarked, "We are going to the dance together."
Ray turned around and smiled.
Maybe Gryffindors weren't so bad, after all.
…
While Snape was busy with Ray, Hermione had been entertaining her three friends with the Muggle mp3 for hours. They all sat on her bed talking and laughing.
"I swear, Muggle music is the funniest thing ever!" Ginny giggled.
I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and I laughed.
"Who's song is this, anyway?" Hermione wondered.
"Not mine. Maybe none of us are feeling particularly strong about anything at the moment, so it just picked a random song to play," reasoned Harry.
"You may be right. Why didn't I think of that?" Hermione wondered.
"You can't always be the genius, Hermione."
The four of them laughed. They stopped to hear the next song that played.
There she goes again
The girl I'm in love with
It's cool we're just friends
We walk the halls at school
We know it's casual
It's cool we're just...
I don't wanna lead you on
No
The truth is I've grown fond
Yeah
Everyone knows it's meant to be
Falling in love, just you and me
'Til the end of time
'Til I'm on her mind
It'll happen
I've been making lots of plans
Like a picket fence and a rose garden
I'll just keep on dreaming
But it's cool cause we're just friends
They were all doubled over with laughter once again. Well, all except Ron, who was looking at Hermione intently. The moment she realized what this meant, she deadpanned and sat up straight.
"Ron…"
"Don't. Just don't, Hermione."
She felt a pang of sadness looking at his pained expression. He was still in love with her, that was for sure. But she knew deep down that she could never forgive him for those fateful words years ago. "Who could ever love you? You're a pathetic excuse for a girl! All you care about are books and being smarter than everyone else! Stop being so fucking arrogant for once!"
The memory still haunted her dreams from time to time.
It was during a heated argument about sex, oddly enough. Hermione felt used by Ron, who on impulse would take advantage of her anytime he was in a good mood, which was seldom ever. Hermione knew he just didn't understand. That's why I needed a man, Ron, she wanted to say. That's why I need Severus, not you.
I'm holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground
And I'm hearing what you say
But I just can't make a sound
You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down
But wait
You tell me that you're sorry
Didn't think I'd turn around
And say
That it's too late to apologize
It's too late
I said it's too late to apologize
It's too late, too late
I'd take another chance
Take a fall, take a shot for you
I need you like a heart needs a beat
But it's nothing new
I loved you with a fire red
Now it's turning blue
And you say
Sorry, like an angel
Heaven let me think was you
But I'm afraid
It's too late to apologize
It's too late
I said it's too late to apologize
It's too late
I'm holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground
"Well, I suppose it's time for us to leave," said Harry awkwardly. Ginny gave Hermione a sympathizing look and put her arm around a distraught Ron, leading the three out of the room. Hermione buried her face in her hands and cried.
…
A soft knock on her door caused Hermione to jolt awake. She had apparently fallen asleep sometime after her friends departed. Her wand clock read 9:30.
"Come in," she called hoarsely. I do hope it isn't Ron again. Instead, the one person in the world that she wanted to see most at that moment stepped in.
"Thank Merlin it's you." Hermione stood and practically ran into Severus' arms. At this point, she didn't even care that they weren't really together; she didn't care that she was probably making a fool of herself. She just needed him – it was as simple as that.
Severus stilled for a split second before embracing her as well. He had just come over to ask Hermione about the upcoming dance and ask if she wanted to apparate from Hogwarts for dinner tomorrow night. He did not expect her to throw herself into his arms the moment he walked in. He knew this could only mean she was upset.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" he whispered in her ear. His breath tickled and she let out a small giggle, feeling mortified as ever.
"I'm sorry," she said, pulling away. "I just…Ron…the mp3…"
And she was crying again. Severus stood immobilized as if he was hit by petrificus totalus. What did the Weasley boy have to do with this? Was she wanting him back? Severus felt his stomach drop.
"Talk to me. Please," he practically begged.
So she told him everything. She even told him about Ron's harsh words to her four years ago. When she finally finished speaking in between her sobs, Severus pulled her into him once again. She relished in the feeling it brought about.
"I had no idea," he said simply. What was he supposed to say to that, anyway? He had always assumed she had had sex with Ron, and the thought had made him want to strangle the redhead. He knew this was wrong, but he felt so strongly about it. Obviously their relationship was toxic. No need to make matters worse, Severus.
He ignored his reason. He leaned in to kiss Hermione and she responded, to his relief. It was soft and brief, but it was certainly the most perfect kiss he ever had.
His heart swelled with three words that he was unable to mutter. He wanted to be absolutely sure about this before he confessed to Hermione. He didn't want to hurt her any more than she had already been hurt, anyway.
Hermione longed to kiss him more, touch him more. You need to take this slow, her logical brain reminded her. Make sure he feels the same.
They fell back on Hermione's fluffy bed and she fell asleep silently while Severus' hand caressed her soft hair.
"I am falling for you so hard, little minx. If only you knew," he whispered before drifting off.
…
A/N: Songs in order are: I'm Yours by Jason Mraz, Just Friends by the Jonas Brothers, and Apologize by OneRepublic.
Sorry about the slight Ron bashing, but I really, really dislike Ron! Haha I have always hated the fact that he ended up with Hermione. Who's with me?! Anyway, this was sort of a transition chapter before the big dance! Also, I promise I will try to update sooner next time!