Chapter 8 - You Don't Fool Me
"It was her wish to sleep outside last night Headmaster so naturally I stayed with her to give protection." Severus Snape was attempting to keep all emotion from his face as he spoke to Albus Dumbledore. "And where have you been all morning Severus?" Snape shifted his feet. "She then wanted to visit Hogsmeade. I have no idea why but I decided to accompany her to, once again, give protection." The headmaster nodded but there was a knowing expression on his face. The potions master tried to change the topic of conversation. "So, do you suppose he's really gone this time?" Dumbledore was silent for a moment. "Yes, I'm positive. Harry and I ensured that all means of his return were taken care of." Snape sighed in absolute relief. "I suppose you don't want to tell me what those means were?" Dumbledore smiled. "As you very well know Severus, I most certainly do not." The corners of Snape's mouth twitched. "Well you can't blame a man for trying."
The headmaster chuckled. "You seem in a fairly positive mood this morning. Have you been enjoying Hermione's company?" Snape tried to think quickly. "She is erm, a competent potion brewer I suppose." Albus Dumbledore smiled widely. "I'm sure she is. Just understand that her emotional wellbeing will be rather turbulent for a long while because of the passing of Harry and Ron. Be careful with her." Snape looked incredulously at his companion and stood up. "I don't understand what you're…" He trailed off. "Anyway, I really must be off. Good day." He hurriedly retreated from the room with Dumbledore gazing bemusedly at his back.
When Severus returned to his quarters he was greeted with a rather confronting sight. Hermione Granger was seated on his hard stone floor with her face buried in her hands. Not wanting to disturb her, Snape tried to silently close the door but it creaked quietly. Hermione jerked her head in his direction. He noticed that her cheeks were very red and soaked with tears. Just as she opened her mouth to say something Snape spoke over her. "I can go." Hermione shook her head. "No. I thought that by now you would have learnt that misery loves company." Not knowing what to say he walked towards her and offered a hand to help her stand. She took it before Snape lead her to one of the armchairs near the fire. He noticed she was shaking slightly. With a flick of his wand the fire was blazing and warming the room.
Hermione gave a small smile of thanks before her companion spoke again. "I will take leave for a moment to procure a cup of tea for you. Do make yourself comfortable." He hurriedly retreated from the room only to return moments later, carrying a small wooden tray. He placed the tray on his desk before handing Hermione a small cup of tea and making one for himself. He then sat on the armchair opposite the young woman and sipped the warm drink in silence. After some time he could feel Hermione's gaze on his face. Snape looked towards her, expecting her to hastily fasten her gaze elsewhere, but she continued looking at him. "Why did you kiss me this morning?" Once again, Snape was lost for words. He suddenly became very interested in inspecting his tea. "Look at me Severus." He reluctantly obliged. "Why did you do it? Did it even mean anything or am I just another student who you think your can manipulate to get what you want." Snape felt her words cut into him and at that moment all he wanted was to make Hermione feel alright. "Of course it meant something. But you're not yourself and-" Hermione interrupted him. "I'm more myself now than I've ever been." She was almost yelling.
Snape looked at his cup of tea again. What was he supposed to say? He wasn't very experienced when dealing with emotions. Hermione took a few deep breaths before speaking again. "Do you feel anything for me?" Snape looked back at her only to find that her eyes were still fixed on his. "I don't know what I'm supposed to tell you." He said pathetically. "The truth." Hermione's voice was full of emotion. "I do feel something for you." He said uncertainly. "But I'm still trying to figure out what that something is." Hermione nodded. "Thankyou for being honest." She closed her eyes and was content to just sit and soak everything in. When she opened them she was surprised to see Snape out of his chair and standing next to hers. "What about you? Do you feel anything for me?" Hermione smiled. "I would have thought that was obvious." Snape smiled before sliding into her chair.
He placed an arm around Hermione's shoulders and placed his mouth against the side of her face. "Are you trying to avoid the question Miss Granger?" Hermione tilted her head back and inhaled sharply as she felt his lips brush against her cheek. "I suppose that's one thing we have in common." Her companion's smile widened. "Oh I don't know. I'm pretty sure I can think of a few more." For the third time that day Snape claimed Hermione's lips with his own. After a few moments of this gentle kiss Snape's tongue pushed gently against Hermione's lips. She opened her mouth and allowed his tongue to enter. As their tongues danced the waltz together Snape felt Hermione's hands on the back of his head, caressing his dark hair. When they pulled away they were both flushed and Hermione was grinning stupidly. Snape chuckled before speaking quietly. "I do believe that we've finally discovered something your capable of doing other than being an insufferable know-it-all."
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This is getting rather soppy, isn't it? But I do enjoy writing the romantic material. I hope that everyone reading is liking the story so far.