Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to the lovely J.K. Rowling. Only this plot is my own, where I can make the characters my puppets XD

AN: Sorry the chapters are pretty short. I'll try to write more for the next few chapters. Review please!

Hermione collapsed on her bed after returning from the kitchens, thoughts running wild in her mind. First and foremost was the fact that Snape had not been cruel or unkind to her. Secondly, she had actually enjoyed talking to him.

Ever since the war he had changed. He was still rude and sarcastic, but he was not generally cruel without reason. He wasn't as slumped as he used to be, as if a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders, which she now knew was the case.

She blushed as she remembered that he had only been wearing a dressing gown in the kitchens. It was gaping just enough at the top that she could see a bit of his chest hair and strong wiry chest. She frowned as she remembered the way he ran out of the kitchens, unsure if she had done something to cause it. She shrugged it off and burrowed under the covers hoping to get a few more hours of sleep.

The next day she spent most of the day in her rooms before finally leaving to go to the library. She had just made herself comfortable with a book in one of the libraries many overstuffed chairs when she heard a cough.

"In the library again Miss Granger, I'm shocked." Severus said dryly.

Hermione looked at him, surprised to hear him actually teasing her. "It's quite the struggle being in here professor, you know how I hate reading," And then with a long suffering sigh "but someone has to do it. For the good of the students you see." Hermione finished with a grin.

Severus' lips twitched slightly upwards at that before bending down to see the title of the book she was reading. "Poetry? That's a surprise indeed." He said raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, I'm a rather big fan of Edgar Allan Poe. What about you professor, do you read much poetry?" Hermione inquired innocently.

Severus frowned "I have things to do," then abruptly turned on his heel and left Hermione, once again wondering what she had done wrong.

Severus quickly made his way to his potions, lab irritated at the fact that he was getting far too friendly with the Granger girl. He was teasing her for Merlin's sake! Severus Snape did not tease and laugh with students! He slammed the door to his lab shut after walking in and proceeded to immerse himself in his research intent on forgetting Granger.

The rest of the day thankfully passed by quickly. Severus was so engrossed in his research that he didn't even leave the potions lab for dinner, instead he called for Winky to bring up some food for him so he could eat as he worked. Eventually, close to midnight, Severus put away his things. He stumbled back to his chambers and changed. He fell asleep as soon as he hit the bed.

"You have failed me Severus. You have outlived your usefulness. The Dark Lord has no need for disloyal followers."
The Dark Lord smiled pityingly as Nagini advanced on Severus. He backed away quickly "Please no! No!" Nagini pulled back and struck!

"No!" Severus shouted. He gasped as he awoke, his hand grasping for his wand. His eyes darted around the room searching for any sign of threat. He relaxed somewhat on realizing there was no danger, but needing to get out of his dark and lonely rooms he stood up and pulled on his robe. After he tied his robe shut, he left in search of the kitchens.

He walked in to find Hermione sitting at the kitchen table again, this time with a book to go with her snack. She glanced up briefly as he walked in and he found his heart beating faster as she smiled at him. He walked over and sat down across from her searching for something to say. "If you enjoy Poe, I have a first edition copy of 'The Raven' in my rooms if you wish to read it."

Her eyes flew to his in shock that he would offer such a thing to her.

What the hell Severus, why did you say that? Great, now she thinks you're some sort of pervert. Wait, why do you even care? Never mind, quick play it off somehow. Severus argued with himself before shaking himself mentally and looking back up at her.

Hermione watched Snape in amusement. Apparently he was just as shocked as she was when he made that offer. He was clearly embarrassed and Hermione thought it was kind of adorable to see the blush spread over his pale cheeks.

"I meant of course that I could give it to you to borrow next time I see you." He quickly said before she could say anything.

"Of course Professor. That is very generous of you." Hermione replied grinning at him.

His eyes narrowed at her "Something amusing Miss Granger?"

"Only you Professor." Hermione winked at him, then, closing her book, stood up and walked out of the kitchens leaving Severus to stare after her in disbelief.

As soon as she made it back to her room, she shut the door and fell on her bed smiling and giggling like a fool. She admitted to herself that she could very easily see herself having feelings for the Potions Master and quite enjoyed flirting with him. Maybe these late night meetings in the kitchens [would] could develop into something more? She thought he might be feeling something for her as well, but thought he might hold back because of the fact that she was still a student. But she was already nineteen and would not be in school if it had not been for the year she took off during the war. In her mind she was an adult fully able to have an adult relationship. Hopefully Severus would see it that way.