A/N: Greetings, here is chapter 11. Honestly, I had fun writing this one, and I hope you will like reading it. Thank you everyone for your reviews, and I wait for more.

casper22: I hope this chapter will cover at least a part of your wish..:P

Zoe: I think that 'forth' is correctly written when you say 'back and forth', or 'bring forth', and 'fourth' is correctly used when you say 'second, third, fourth…' if I'm not mistaken. If I am…I apologize for the misspelling, and I will ask for someone to beta read it after it's finished.

Thank you all, again, for the wonderful reviews, and I'm glad you approve of 'Hermione' as I see her.

On with the story then!

Disclaimer: I said I would write it only in the first chapter, but I'll say it every few chapters. NOT MINE! J.K.R. is a very lucky writer. HP belongs to her.

Chapter 11: Tension.

'Bloody fool. Hah! How the hell did he came to the conclusion that I, of all people, could follow the boy? Talking of knowing everything that happens in the school…bloody liar that's what he is.'

Severus understood when Dumbledore told him years ago to keep an eye on the boy, but to ask him to follow the boy wherever he went…that was too much. Potter certainly won't like it.

Thoughts of a huge three-headed dog and a sixty foot Basilisk swam trough his mind, fueling his anger once again. Dumbledore claimed that Harry Potter must be kept alive and well, and yet every bloody year there was something or someone attempting to kill him under Dumbledore's crooked nose.

Rounding another corner, still deep in thought, he failed to notice a very pissed off Hermione Granger…resulting of course in barreling into each other head first.

''What the hell…''

''Damn it…''

Quickly regaining his senses, Severus glared at the girl. No matter who it was, he hated it when that happened. Making sure they were alone in the corridor, he turned to her. ''What the hell was that for? Why can't you pay attention?'' he growled.

''Well excuse me 'milord' for not bowing down instead. If I'd seen you I wouldn't have run into you now would I?'' Hermione glared in return.

Severus watched as she kneeled down to gather her books…and once again lost himself in her features. She was a more than pretty, but when she was angry she was downright beautiful. ''What happened to you?'' he asked, lofting an eyebrow.

''Ronald bloody Weasley, that's what happened. After weeks of not talking to us, he just thought I could help him with his Charms essay.'' she sneered. ''And when I refused, he started feeling me up, thinking that if he seduced me I would comply. Honestly…I don't know what the hell he has in that head of his, but it certainly isn't a brain.'' She huffed in annoyance and stood, arms full of books.

Red.

Severus' eyes weren't able to register any other color besides red. Anger started bubbling in his chest worse than Longbottom's cauldron before exploding. How dare that idiot redhead touch her? And where the hell was Potter at the time? As much as he'd love to squash the dunderhead's head under the heel of his boot, he knew he couldn't. It wasn't his place. Taking a deep breath, trying to reign over his anger, his eyes fell on hers once again.

''Are you alright?''

''Of course I am. I can't say the same about Ronald though, but that should be a lesson not to forget. So, what did the headmaster want?''

Of course, she knew everything. Damn know-it-all. ''Come with me.''

Hermione nodded and followed him inside the first empty classroom they found. It was lunch time so the majority of the students would be in the Great Hall along with the teachers, giving them easily at least half hour without disturbance.

Hermione followed him silently in the empty classroom and waited for him to ward and silence the room. Placing her books on a chair, she discarded her outer robe and climbed on top on a desk, crossed her legs and waited for him to turn around.

She always thought that diving inside people's minds without permission was wrong, but seeing the look in his eyes the moment he saw her on the desk sparked her curiosity. Of course, what she found in his surface thoughts shocked her into stillness. Also years of Occulmency helped her mask said shock.

Desire. Burning desire and lust.

Her breath hitched when he started walking towards her. Measured, precise steps. But that slow approach made her very conscious of one fact…she was attracted to him, more than she'd like to admit. She'd never thought of him that way until Lillith mentioned it. But she had to admit…he was handsome. His robes hid his body well, but she could clearly remember the way his wet shirt had clung to him the day she woke up in his chambers, she'd always thought his hair was greasy, but it was in fact soft and silky to the touch, his lips were just kissable…and those eyes. Oh those liquid Obsidian pools that looked beyond any hard shield, or wall that protected the most secret thoughts and feelings, seeing inside the depths of the soul.

Those black eyes that were almost literally burning with desire at the moment.

Tilting her head a little to the left, she fought a grin as a sudden thought hit her. It also seemed that the slight move broke his train of thoughts and he cleared his throat.

''Dumbledore asked me to follow Potter around the castle. He thinks the boy is up to something and wants me to keep an eye on him. At all times.'' His low, husky voice sent a shiver down her spine, but she didn't avert her eyes away from his.

Perfectly conscious of what it would do to him, she folded her arms beneath her breasts, pushing them up in the process, giving him a pretty view from where he was hovering above her.

''What the hell is he thinking? Doesn't he know that if Harry finds out he'll get angry? Meddling goat. Well, we'll just have to feed him some imaginary training somewhere…It wouldn't be that big of a lie since he is training, but he doesn't need details.'' Hermione said, watching him swallow hard, looking at her exposed thigh.

When he didn't say anything for more than a minute, Hermione leaned forward, her eyebrows furrowed.

''Something wrong Professor?'' She wanted to laugh at her own question, it was bloody obvious that he wasn't ok. Beads of sweat had started forming on his forehead and his breathing had quickened a little. The game was fun for her, but she had to wonder…she'd never seen him act like this, and this wasn't the first time she was alone with him…it was odd.

Clearing his throat once again, Severus looked away. ''Just a bit too warm in here, I think. So, will you tell Potter that he may see me around him in the corridors, more than usual I mean…''

''Of course, Professor. You know, you might be right about the heat. You should at least try to unbutton the top of your shirt…'' Hermione made a show of stretching her hand towards the top buttons of his shirt, but quickly pulled away blushing. ''I've always wondered…Never mind.'' Jumping off of the desk, she picked up her cloak in her hand and bent down to retrieve her books. ''I'll tell Harry that Dumbledore is watching him, but you have to play your role too. See you around professor.'' Winking, she headed towards the door, swaying her hips a bit more than necessary. If there was nothing to it, she wouldn't complain about it. Severus Snape was a brave man, brilliant in potions, powerful wizard, handsome, not too old…and he wasn't ignorant as most of her peers. They matched and she knew it. Damn you Lillith.

What the hell just happened? Severus asked himself. Yes he wanted her, but the desire and lust that hit him the moment he saw her perched on top of the desk…What the hell was happening to him? Was it her doing? Well, she certainly knew how to flirt… The air around him cracked with his frustrating thoughts. At least she left before his mind started abandoning any logic and started imagining things that…things that were inappropriate.

Shaking his head, he swept out of the empty classroom and quickly made his way towards the dungeons. The corridors were a dangerous territory for him at the moment, Seeing her again might just break his control.

The wheels in Hermione's head were turning at an alarming speed. It couldn't have been a lust potion, he would have smelled it, neither a spell, there wasn't any spell that could do that…what was it then?

''Hermione…''

Turning around, Hermione saw Harry running down the corridor towards her, his hair more disheveled than ever, his cheeks red and his Quidditch robes wet and muddy. ''Training?''

''Yeah, listen, Dean told me you got in an argument with Ron. What happened?''

Hermione snorted. ''It wasn't that much of an argument, don't worry about it.''

Harry eyed her disbelieving. ''Mione, you broke his jaw and nose. If that wasn't a rough argument, I don't know what is.''

''Well, the bloody idiot deserved it. Now that I think about it, I should have hexed his bollocs off. I didn't want to help him with his essay, then he started seducing me, hands and everything. He really pissed me off. I told you what happened to me Harry…I just can't bear it when someone touches me like that…Especially him.''

'You didn't mind Snape touching you.' a little amused voice in her mind told her. She mentally shook her head and looked back at Harry.

''Never mind that now…'' making sure they were alone, she waved her hand casting a quick muffiato and continued. ''…Snape told me Dumbledore ordered him to follow you around. So if you see him around a bit more than usual, don't freak out.''

''He what? What the hell does he want from me?'' Harry yelled.

''Dunno Harry…but we're lucky he asked professor Snape. Now, changing topic, do you think the Room of Requirement would provide us with swords if we ask for them?''

''Tezrian, what are you planning?''

''Alastor, my dear brother, you know very well that whatever I'm planning it will suit us well. Tom Riddle is nothing but a fool. A tool. He's helping us and he doesn't even know it. But we have to take care of the Angel.'' She finished seriously, flipping her fiery hair over her shoulder.

Alastor laughed. ''You know very well that no Angel is an obstacle for me. Didn't I finish off all other Angels that existed in the past? Yes, the king and queen weren't pleased, but every angel is alone. No one to miss them, so why keep them? They would only be a burden. Don't worry sister, this one won't be tougher than the others. Arioch was just weak. I should have gone first, ended it so we wouldn't have any problems now. Doesn't matter, all in good time.'' He waved his hand, dismissing her worries and took a big gulp of wine from his golden goblet.

''You're right brother, besides, maybe she had help this time too. Remember when we sent the werewolves, she wasn't alone. No matter, next time she won't have any help. Everyone will have their own battles, no one will be free enough to aid her.'' Her feral smirk could frighten everyone, everyone but Alastor that is, and besides, weren't they working together?

''Most of them are useless you know. We are used to our stile of battle, these ones use only spells. Afraid to get their hands dirty, afraid to ruin their pretty faces…it's pathetic if you ask me. I'm particularly glad that Malfoy fella is out of my way. He was stepping on my nerves.'' Alastor shook his head disappointed.

Tezrian nodded and laughed. ''Yes, well, he was both useless in combat and an idiot in matter of mind. Now, how long yet to have them trained and relatively ready for battle?''

Rubbing a large hand on his hairless skull, Alastor sighed. ''Honestly, they would need a whole year, at least. But seeing as Voldemort wants to finish it quickly…I believe we can do with four months.''

''Acceptable. Since you are the one training them, I have faith. We will succeed brother, and when we do we will rule the mortal realm. Our own rules, our own hell. Our own kingdom. We will be the ones to give orders, we will decide what happens to each and every one of these pathetic mortals. Soon, brother. Very soon.''

''May I have your attention please…'' Dumbledore said, tapping his glass with his knife to attract the students' attention.

All the buzz and whispering that was going around at the tables that evening slowly decreased, until silence ensured and the headmaster continued.

''Thank you. I wanted to tell you about the upcoming Yule Ball. I know it is next month, but this announcement will give every student from third year and up that wishes to attend time to write their names on the list. Besides, there will be a contest, if you will, for the seventh years. As from tomorrow morning, until the last week of term we await ideas as to what the theme should be. We have decided to give you an opportunity to chose what your last ball will be. Your idea will be voted by both staff and students. The winning idea will be of course used when decorating…''

Hermione tuned the Headmaster's voice down as she thought of the possibilities. True, they could have some fun with this…especially if she wanted to go on with her plan. Stealing a glance at the Heads Table just in time o see Snape avert his eyes from her. She smirked. Of course it was still weird the way he had acted earlier that day, but if she could take advantage of it…why not. She wouldn't find a match in the boys in her year anyway, besides only he and Harry knew of her, and Harry was a brother to her. A shiver ran trough her body as she thought of any actions that might involve kissing Harry…

Taking another bite of her dinner, her thoughts flew towards the lesson she would be giving both Snape and Harry later after curfew. After the last DA meeting they had snuck in the Chamber of Secrets and cut as much Basilisk skin as they could carry. Hermione had read about the properties the skin possessed and knew it protected the body even better than Dragon skin. Taking advantage of the unused skin, they started making protection suits for every DA member. Robes were particularly difficult to manage in a wands duel, let alone a swords, or any sort of combat. So, no matter the gender, they would have comfortable Basilisk skin trousers, boots, undershirt and cloak. Better safe than sorry, seeing as the skin would protect the wearer of almost everything safe from the Unforgivable curses, and some other curses as equally dark.

It had also been a surprise to see how well preserved the snake had remained, giving Severus the opportunity to acquire some of the rarest and most expensive ingredients there were. When his eyes fell on the dead snake, Hermione noticed a maniacal glint in his eyes. She would have sworn that if the man wasn't Severus Snape, evil, bastard potions master, he would have danced right there. Well, that would have been a show…

A slight tap on her shoulder brought Hermione back from her thoughts. Turning around, her eyebrows shot skywards.

''May I have a word with you Granger?''

Without feeling any remorse, Hermione quickly entered the blonde boy's mind. Honestly surprised of what she saw, Hermione wordlessly stood and started following the boy out of the Great Hall, after giving Harry a shake of her head, telling him she didn't need assistance.

Severus huffed in annoyance from his seat at the Head Table. What the hell was she doing? Didn't she learn from the previous encounter? Looking back at the Gryffindor table, he saw Potter look at him and shake his head unnoticed by others but him. What the hell…

Excusing himself, Severus exited trough the teacher's door, behind the table, and quickly made his way towards the Entrance Hall, sticking to the shadows.

''…really now? Are you sure of this?'' he heard Hermione's voice. She sounded amused…by what?

''Granger…believe me…after seeing you…that way…I still have nightmares. I'd leave everything behind than face your wrath.''

Severus' eyebrows nearly touched his hairline. This was interesting. The proud Malfoy heir was abandoning his place amongst the Dark Lord's men to join a muggle-born. Or was he? Surely Hermione could sense if he was truthful or not. Sure, Hermione was a force to recon, but would the boy truly set everything aside? Well, if it implied surviving the war, he would.

''Look, why don't you come tomorrow after dinner in professor Snape's office, and we can talk some more about this.''

''Sure…of course. Thank you.'' Draco said and quickly scurried away.

''Interesting isn't it?'' Hermione's voice startled him from behind.

Whirling around, he came face to face with an amused Hermione Granger, smirking at him. ''You know, I would have told you everything, there was no need for you to follow me.''

Soundly slapping himself mentally, Severus swallowed hard at seeing her with her arms folded the same way she had been in the classroom. He needed to get away from her before he did something wrong.

''I wasn't following you. I finished dinner and left. I heard you talking with the boy and waited. That's all.'' 'Idiot, what the hell were you thinking? She's a bloody EMPATH!' his mind yelled at him.

''You know…if I weren't a human lie detector, I would believe you…but no matter…'' Severus straightened his back and glared at her.

''You know…I don't really have to tell you what I'm doing or why. I'm still your professor.''

''Yes, yes you are. What are you going to do about it?'' Hermione asked, narrowing her eyes and taking a step towards him.

It wasn't the fact that he was afraid of her…he wasn't…too much…anyway, something made him back away a step, but quickly returned with two forward, towering over her with narrowed eyes.

''You know Miss Granger, lately you've taken a bit of liberties, don't you think?''

Hermione's face betrayed nothing as she made to step back, moving her hands behind her back. ''My apologies professor, if I offended you in any way. It won't happen again.''

Severus blinked, taken aback by her reaction. She usually had a smart ass answer to give him. He had to admit he liked their playful bantering, ever since that faithful Halloween evening, he had gotten used to her sarcasm, much like his, playful, but sharp like a blade when needed. And this back and forth exchange amused him and challenged him at the same time. She couldn't stop now.

''Well…make sure it doesn't.''

Hermione nodded and turned around heading for the Great Hall again, his eyes following her. Severus sighed heavily and turned towards the dungeons when he heard her calling him. Looking over his shoulder at her, he saw Hermione with an unusual spark in her eyes and a smirk playing on her lips.

''Oh, and professor…don't forget your armor. I'm definitely going to kick your arse.''

'Oh…I'm in trouble.' Severus thought, as he watched, wide-eyed, the girl return to her table. 'Shit.'

A/N: Liked it? Hated it? Leave me your thoughts.