I know it's a short chapter, but don't worry: there will be longer chapters later on. Hope you enjoy reading this chapter.
Chapter 7 – Looks
Severus hurried out of his classroom after the last lesson of the day, into his quarters to change into something more Muggle appropriate (leaving his cloak for once and wearing a black sweater instead of his frockcoat) and went to Hogsmeade to disapparate to Edinburgh. Hogwarts term had started a week ago but today was Hermione's first day at university and though they hadn't scheduled to meet, he wanted to surprise her. So he went onto the campus of Edinburgh University and towards her dorm. He wasn't sure where she could be at this hour, for he didn't know her timetable or her routine, but he knew that sooner or later she would have to return to her room.
Instead of having to wait for her, however, he spotted her on his way towards the dormitory building. She came out of the main building, her arms full of books and her face bright. She was accompanied by two young men with whom she seemed to be laughing about something.
Severus' heart stung. Seeing her with these young, handsome men reminded him of his own self – an old, bitter, snarky piece of darkness. She didn't deserve him.
Realising that he shouldn't have come, that maybe he should stay out of her life for good, he clenched his fists and turned around, stomping away from her and her new friends. He hadn't reached the apparition point yet when he heard her call.
"Hey, Severus! Severus, please wait!"
Although he wanted to run even faster, he stopped and waited for her – he couldn't deny her anything, especially when she sounded happy to see him.
When she reached him, she stood in front of him and looked up at him, her beaming eyes starting to get worried. "It's a great surprise that you're here," she said sincerely, "but why were you leaving so soon?"
He evaded her gaze. "You should better get back to your friends," he spat though he had tried to stay calm.
"You're jealous?" she asked surprised and seemed amused. "Please, Severus, you have nothing to fear."
"But it would be better, wouldn't it?" he replied in earnest and stared into her eyes. "They are young, good-looking, have no darkness in them, and no one would question your relationship with them."
She stepped closer and took his hand into hers. "You know this is not how I see you, don't you?" When he didn't reply, she continued. "You are brilliant, kind, and brave. None of these other boys here could even fathom what you have done for years. You are and always will be my hero." She stepped on her toes and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek.
He wanted to stay firm but how could he if she looked at him like this? "Would you like to have dinner with me?" he heard his mouth say before he could stop it.
"I'd love to," she beamed.