Power in All its Glory

Chapter 12: Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

Hermione raced down the staircase, her robes flying behind her. She slowed down as she neared the Great Hall. There was no need to get in trouble already this morning. A glance at the head table confirmed that Professor Snape had not yet arrived. Good. She really was not in a mood to deal with him.

Actually, she wasn't in a mood to deal with anyone. She had been able to avoid them all yesterday. She needed time to think, to sort out her thoughts, so she told her friends that she wanted to study and shut herself in her room. Thankfully, they had left her alone. Of course, Snape never ventured out much on the weekends, anyway. He prefers his solitude. You can never be too careful, though.

She tried to hurry as she ate her breakfast. She was supposed to meet Neville before class to go over their plan. In fact, she was surprised he wasn't already there in the Great Hall, eating. She was glad he wasn't though. She needed to figure out how she was going to act when she saw Professor Snape again. She did not want him to see how much he affected her. She was really afraid she was going to be so nervous she wouldn't even be able to talk. Hermione smiled a little at that. He would probably like that. He was always telling her she talked too much.

"There she is!" Hermione looked behind her at the sound of Ron's voice. She had purposely sat with her back to the door, trying to discourage any one from talking to her. Obviously that didn't work. "We went to get you for breakfast and you were already gone." Ron continued. It sounded like an accusation to her so she just ignored it.

"Hey, Mione" Harry sat down beside her. He was always the calmer of the two. "Why are you up so early?"

"I have to meet with Neville in the library before classes." She stated coolly and continued eating her breakfast.

"Are you still helping him with his homework?" Ron sat down across from her. "It's our last year. You would think by now he would be able to do it by himself. What is he going to do after graduation without you?"

Honestly, sometimes Ron sounded just like a parent.

Okay, this is where she needed to explain to them that she and Neville were together. Instead, she shoveled her food in faster.

Coward.

A prickling sensation went up her back. "Your table manners are appalling, Miss Granger." Professor Snape's silky voice reached her ears. "I suggest you eat slower."

Damn. Damn. Damn. She needed more time. She wasn't prepared. Panic filled her. Her heart beat wildly in her chest. Her mouth was dry as she turned toward him. She quickly looked up at his face and then down again. He was very close to her. Too close for her peace of mind.

"Yes, sir." She said demurely. Although she could not see his face, she knew his eyebrows were raised in a questioning look. It wasn't often she was so acquiescent.

"Miss Granger, look at me when I am talking to you." His voice was soft but firm.

Bloody hell, Hermione thought. Just take off points and get on with it. Nevertheless, she obeyed his command and looked up into his scowling face. At that moment, she caught the scent that was uniquely his, and it catapulted her thoughts back to the kiss. The unbidden images and sensations invaded her mind. The feel of his lips, the taste of his tongue, the smell of his skin. Hermione held on tightly to the side of her chair to keep from falling. Get a grip, Hermione. You can do this. She looked up at him once again, her breathing rapid.

Snape stared at her, his mouth slightly open. His breathing also seemed to have increased during their exchange. Suddenly he clamped his mouth shut and glared at her.

"Ten points from Gryffindor." He barked and then with one last scathing look he turned and headed for the head table.

"What a way to start the morning." Ron shook his head at Snape's retreating figure.

Indeed.

****

Draco Malfoy watched his head of house glide up to the head table. He wondered when Professor Snape would be conducting his 'interviews'. He knew Professor Trelawney was really worried about it. Draco was also concerned. She was a basket of nerves when it came to Snape, and he had a feeling it would not take much more than a stern glance for her to confess all to him. They had to prepare, but he had to wait for her to make the next move. He was not patient. He didn't like to wait.

His gaze moved from Snape to Professor Trelawney. She was picking at her breakfast. She had recently started coming down for meals. Draco didn't think it wise to change their routines, but it was already done now. Perhaps Snape wouldn't notice. Not bloody likely. He notices everything.

His thoughts were interrupted by the rush of owls flooding into the Great Hall. A letter dropped into his hands and he opened it in surprise.

Meet me in the classroom after class, today.

It was not signed but Draco knew it was from Professor Trelawney. Finally, they were going to plan something. He would have to talk to her about taking so many risks. He quickly glanced up at her. She was watching him. She gave him a little smile and then focused once again on her breakfast.

Draco had to smile. She was so clueless. He usually hated that, mostly because he felt women used it as a tactic to manipulate men. He had to admit that in her case it was because she was always focusing on something going on in her own mind. He wondered what it was that she thought about. He wondered if she thought of him at all.

Okay enough of that. Draco tried to focus on the day ahead of him. First, he had Transfigurations and then DADA. In the afternoon, he had Potions and then Divination. He was glad it was the last class of the day. That would give them plenty of time to plan.

****

Neville stared intently at the girl sitting next to him. Hermione was telling him what they should do now. She was so sweet, so gullible. She was also intelligent and beautiful. He could stare at her forever. She paused in her speech, and he nodded and smiled encouragingly at her. He really should listen to what she was saying. Not that it mattered. He was the one pulling the strings. They would follow his plan. Let her think she was in charge. That was okay. For now.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Snape enter the library. Perfect. Now they could practice their new roles. He was going to enjoy this immensely.

Neville leaned toward her. At the same time, he gently grabbed the hand she had on the table. "Don't look now" he whispered, "but we have an audience."

She laced her fingers in his and smiled at him. Since she didn't know it was Snape behind her she didn't tense up.

A stray hair had fallen in her face and Neville reached up and tucked it behind her ear. He let his finger trail down her face. Her skin was so soft. Neville watched as the Potions master stopped and scowled at them. He could see the anger in his eyes that was quickly masked by indifference. Interesting. He figured this plan was devised by the dark professor and yet Snape was clearly not happy with the situation. This just gets better all the time.

Neville watched as Professor Snape stormed over to them.

"The library is not the place for this juvenile display, Mister Longbottom, Miss Granger."

Neville saw Hermione stiffen in response. He squeezed her hand reassuringly before looking over at the irate professor.

Snape noticed the small gesture and looked even angrier, if that was possible.

Hermione obviously felt his anger was misplaced as a determined glint appeared in her eyes.

"Sir," she began as Neville mentally settled back to watch the drama unfold. "We were just studying."

"I did not require a response, Miss Granger." He scowled as he crossed his arms across his chest. "Don't you have classes to attend?"

Neville watched in glee as Hermione's eyes grew darker. This was the signal that she was getting really ticked off. From the look on his face, Snape must have also recognized the signs.

"Of course, Professor," she began. "You are correct. I need to get to class." She stood up and turned to Neville. "I will see you later, then." She leaned over and kissed him before gathering her stuff and heading out of the library.

What a great exit, Neville thought. Of course, she didn't get the pleasure of seeing the look on Snape's face. Amazing. Snape was furious but trying not to show it. For a brief second Neville felt a small amount of pity for him. They actually had something in common. A weakness when it came to a certain Gryffindor.

Snape then turned his anger toward the only target left. "Fifty points from Gryffindor, Mister Longbottom, for inappropriate behavior."

Neville gaped at him. Greasy git!

He was back to feeling his usual hatred for the older man.

That was better. He didn't like feeling any connection with Snape. After all, he had plans. Big plans.

Hermione, Ron, and Harry walked together out of Transfigurations class.

"I can't believe Professor McGonagall gave us all that homework." Ron complained. "Our own head of house."
Harry smiled as Hermione started up. "Ron, she also gave homework to the Slytherins. She can't just favor her own house."

"Why not?" Ron questioned crossly. "Snape does."

"Is there a problem, Mister Weasley?" None of them had heard the approach of the Potions master. They all turned toward him with apprehension. He gave them a questioning look.

"No sir," Ron turned red, but she wasn't sure whether it was from getting caught or anger at Snape.

"Then I suggest you get to your next class." They all turned to hurry away, but the deep voice continued, "Miss Granger."

Hermione knew from the tone of his voice that she was in for it now. "Go on ahead," she told the boys. "I will catch up with you."

As they rushed off, she turned back toward the scowling professor.

He leaned in closer to her so that she was the only one to hear him. "Do not forget your mission, Miss Granger."

"I haven't," she told him furiously. If she could just stay angry with him she could stay away from the scarier emotions she was feeling.

"You could have fooled me." He whispered fiercely.

Obviously, he was going out of his way to make it easier for her to stay in this agitated state. Hermione glared at him.

He ignored the look she gave him. "Defense Against the Dark Arts is your next class."
Hermione noticed it was not a question. As such, she did not feel it deserved an answer.

Obviously, he didn't expect one. "Just make sure you get detention with Black. Today."

His dark eyes bored into hers. Although she returned his gaze without flinching, inside she was a mass of nerves.

Suddenly he turned on his heel and strode away from her. Hermione watched his retreating figure. Now what was she going to do? She had forgotten about trying to get detention.

Then she remembered her anger. It was there, lurking just below the surface, waiting for her to retrieve it.

She would not let him order her about. With that thought, she rushed off for DADA class. After all, she would not want to be late and get in trouble with Professor Black.