Hermione paced in Dumbledore's study. She had just come back from leaving the squib boy in Madame Pomfrey's care. The Medi witch had assured her that the boy would be fine, as the cruciatus damage didn't seem too intense. Now she waited for Dumbledore to finish questioning the boy. He had bid her to wait in his office. She thought with amusement that this was where she and Severus had started their mission. I really did not like him back then…..and now I want to be with him all the time. Hermione thought. She knew there was no point in deluding himself. Now that all the Death Eaters were being dealt with, she knew their 3 month mission was ending. Afterwards she would return to his Defense lessons, and they would once again be student and teacher. And if she made any move on him then, he would be fired. She felt sad at the thought of being unable to continue where they had left off during the mission. He feels something for me, I know it.

Dumbledore entered the office, cutting her musings short. "Well Ms. Granger, it appears that young Jamie – that is the young squibs name – was being held hostage in order for Voldemort to make negotiations with us. He was going to threaten this young boy's life in return for our young Mr. Potter. " He gazed at Hermione with intensity. "You and Severus have done a great service to the Order of the Phoenix and prevented a young boy from getting mixed up in our wizarding conflicts. That is no small feat. It seems you two were able to work together even better than I have hoped."

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief, and ran both hands through her messy hair. "Sir, Sev- I mean Proffessor Snape is still out there. I would like to go back and make sure he is okay. There were two death eaters left and –"

"Ms. Granger, do not trouble yourself. I just received a patronus from him informing me that he has modified the Death Eaters memories and sent them to Azkaban. The house elf he has also dealt with. He will be coming back shortly. Since he is sage, I suggest you go and get yourself settled into Gryffindor Tower once again. I should think you will enjoy a shower after 3 months in a tent with only a wand to cast cleaning charms." Dumbledore said lightly. Hermione laughed despite herself. That was certainly how she felt. And since Severus was okay, she could go.

She excused herself and headed towards Gryffindor tower, her black backpack swung over her shoulder and her entire body aching from the stress of the last three months. Suddenly she stopped short as a realization hit her.

I can't be his just his student anymore. I'm in love with him.

Her backpack dropped to the floor and she began to hyperventilate. Shit, shit, this can't be happening. What happened to it just being a bit of a crush? His dark eyes rose into her mind unbidden, and the deep rumbles of his voice in her mind made her shiver. She began to pace up and down the corridor, her heart racing at what she had just admitted to herself. She began to mutter and curse, alarming the paintings. A group of students walked by her, stragglers on the way to the Great Hall for dinner. They stared at her oddly. "What are you looking at, bugger off!" She snarled at them in a very Snape like fashion, and they scattered in fear.

Hermione cracked her knuckles, frustrated. She needed to tell him how she felt. Now, as soon as possible, the next time she saw him. If it was in a classroom, she would blurt it out in front of the whole class. She thought a while longer, then a plan formed in her mind. And she had an outfit to go with it.

During Hermione's small panic attack in the corridor, Severus Snape was quite unaware. He was tired to the bone, and just wanted a hot bath and a glass of wine. He stomped irritably up the stairs, and snarled at the unfortunate staircase that wanted to switch while he was walking up it. With a shudder it ceased all movement in fear, allowing him to keep stomping. Make that two glasses of wine, he thought darkly as he saw Dumbledore heading towards him with a cheerful smile. And the debriefing begins.

It wasn't until an hour later that Severus managed to escape Dumbledore's friendly advances. He had insisted upon them having dinner together to celebrate their successful mission. He dragged himself towards his quarters in the dungeons, wondering how Hermione was faring. It's Ms. Ganger now, he though sadly. He found he missed his companion more and more. He thought of some things he could have done to extend the mission, and didn't notice it immeadiatley. But then he sensed it. Someone broke through my wards! Years as a spy made him react immediately. His wand was up and every nerve in his body ready, despite his tiredness, to fight.

He nudged the door to the potions classroom open with his foot, and found it deserted and quiet. However, there was light burning behind the door that led to his personal quarters. Carefully he edged towards it, listening hard. He opened the door, wand aloft. He moved through the entrance towards the door to his living room, the only room that was lit up besides the entrance. Okay, get ready…. He kicked the door open and beheld-

"Hello Severus. I'm glad your back, I want to talk to you."

It was Hermione. But she looked…..what is she wearing? Severus stared. The slim figure that had always been hidden by black leggings and various sweaters was now hugged by a scandalous short black dress. Her hair, not restrained by the ponytail he was accustomed too, whirled around her head in wild curls, just brushing her shoulders. Her feet were bare, with deep red toenails. Merlin…

He could not find his voice. Never, in all his years, had a woman dressed like this just for him. Even though he was still speechless, warmth glowed in his heart before he tapped it down. None of that now.

Hermione gave a cat like grin. "Do you like it, sir? I wore it just for you….."

She approached him, light brown eyes locked with black. He backed away quickly, and almost tripped before he found his voice. "Ms Ms Ms MS GRANGER WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?"

She smiled, and turned in a circle. "You like?"

Oh yes.

"Ms. Granger, you know I am your teacher-"

"I know. " she cut him off.

She looked at him earnestly for a second.

"I know you are my teacher, I know you are older, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm in love with you."

Hermione's on the offense! Last chapter will be up soon! Let's see if Severus can get over himself ;)