The death of a git, the rise of a hero...

The thin novel stared up at them, teasing them as they both turned a light shade of pink. Hermione slowly raised her eyes to see Snape's expression, and found he was doing the same to her.

For a moment Hermione wondered if Snape had even heard of the book, it being Muggle and all. But judging by the scarlet appearance on his cheeks he'd indeed read it and perhaps dog-eared a few pages in his time.

Oh God...Snape and his...mini Snape... Hermione though unsettled. Although she wasn't as disgusted as she had been before. In fact, she was rather confused at the thought of Snape and sex. To her he'd almost seemed detached from such primal urges and instincts.

But now it was starkly obvious that her Potion's Professor was nothing like she had presupposed. She allowed herself one sparing look at his trousers in perverse curiosity before turning pink in shame and looking away.

The two of them looked humiliated away from one another. This was far too intimate. They both backed away from the book and one another, refusing to speak.

Sweet Merlin. Snape thought humiliated as his neck flamed. How dare Lucius give me such things? Undergarments and a dirty book. Miss Granger is probably more horrified than before.

He looked up to see her eyeing him curiously before looking away. Curious.

Snape looked to the door of the living room readily- his salvation- and then took a daring look back to Hermione. He gave her a once over, making her skin crawl and suddenly without warning he offered a brisk,

"I'm going to bed."

With that he left the room in a swish of black robes leaving Hermione to sit on the sofa, trying to stop the laughter that bubbled within her as she recalled her surly Professor's expression.

* * *

"What do you think they're doing now?" Harry wondered aloud to Ron as they sat in the common room. It whe the thirtieth time he's asked the same question and Ron answered with the same response.

"Playing Wizards chess probably." Ron muttered boredly, marking some notes in his Quidditch diary. He looked over to where his old friend sat, gazing into the embers and looking frightfully depressed.

"It's nothing Harry." Ron said reassuringly, "I bet they even have separate rooms. They left the reception early to avoid suspicion and today they probably sat at either end of his flat hating each other."

"You think?" Harry asked with hope.

"I guarantee it." Ron boasted nodding, his red freckled face looking cheery. Harry nodded, suddenly a bit more hopeful. He'd been a bit worried that somehow Hermione had begun to like the formidable Professor.

But how? When would Hermione have started actually liking the git? When would he start liking her? Sure she'd stuck up for him during school and such, but now stuck with him he hadn't heard her stick up for the overgrown bat once. Plus, he saw the looks of loathing they shot each other. Hermione's virginity was safe.

"Why does it matter?" Ron suddenly broke in softly. "They're to be married forever Harry. They can't have lovers and such, I heard my Mum talking about it with Dumbledore."

"I know." Harry said darkly, recalling he and Hermione's almost intimate affair. "It's just, I can't stand of the greasy git trying to touch her. My Hermione."

"Not yours." Ron argued gently, "You'd best stop thinking of her as such."

"If the war was over their marriage would be annulled."

"Yeah well the war isn't over."

Harry didn't answer, instead preoccupied himself with looking into the flames of the fire and ignoring Ron who had tried so hard to be tactful. He was nursing a broken heart. She was gone forever.

"Well why don't we do something about this?" Harry demanded angrily, standing and pacing the room in a fever pitch. "Why are we all just sitting around and waiting for something to happen? We should be out there fighting Voldemort ourselves."

"That's probably just what he wants." Ron said defiantly, "Just another reason to have you blindly go into battle. You don't think that was part of his plan? Besides, I don't know about you Harry but I trust Dumbledore, and you used to as well."

Harry's jaw clenched at the thought and he nodded, lowering himself into the couch. It was true. He was acting on blind emotion; he'd be much too weak.

"Anyway," Ron said glancing around suspiciously. "We really shouldn't be talking about this here. " He quickly mouthed the word Spies.

"You're right." Harry agreed solemnly, leaning back in the common room chair and gazing at the fire. But still a plan hatched in the back of his mind that readily began to eat away at him.

Hermione Granger would be his in the end.

* * *

Hermione awoke the next morning to find that her back was beginning to get used to the narrow cot she was confined too. She saw that once more Snape's bed was made and he was gone, and she was beyond thankful. Last night was the most awkward moment between the two.

"Pr - Severus?" she called lightly from her bed, listening for any sound that would indicate he was there and miserable. Nothing. She glanced at her watch. 6:00 a.m. on the dot. Quite early. She never got up this early unless there was a test to study for.

She looked to Snape's empty bed and deduced that he must be getting ready for classes in the lab. Figures that he'd be up before the sun, skulking around in the shadows. Bloody bat.

With that reassuring thought she clamored out of bed, still bleary eyed and yawning as she padded to the bathroom.

A nice bath'll cheer me up. she thought happily, thankful that Snape wasn't there.

She walked to the bathroom and in a roundabout fashion pushed the door open, about to drop her nightgown. She'd just stepped into the bathroom when she realized that it was quite foggy and damp.

It took her a good second to realize that Snape was in there.

When she did realize it was him she was about to scream, to walk out but became transfixed with well...his member, there in the water floating listlessly. Her virgin's curiosity aroused, Hermione gaped at it a moment, it's size and length. She wanted to look away, but seeing Snape in such a vulnerable state was compelling.

Snape lay submerged in the clear water with his eyes closed, obviously relaxing himself for the school day. Some peace and quiet without those dunderheads, and that Granger girl. Honestly. The Kama Sutra book. Suddenly an image from the said book he'd read as a boy flashed into his mind, and he felt himself growing hard.

It was about then that he felt the cool breeze washing over him and heard a sharp intake of breath from a few feet away.

What the-?

Suddenly on edge with those Deatheater instincts of his he whirled around and saw Hermione standing by the door gazing at his member as if it were the key to the Restricted Section of the Library.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN HERE!?" He bellowed, reaching for a towel to cover himself and failing. He was beyond furious and humiliated, and it seemed his loud octave in voice startled her back into reality.

"Oh God God God." Hermione nearly screeched, immediately covering her eyes with her hand and groping for the door handle in humiliation.

Snape in a burst of passionate anger bravely dove out of the bathtub, grasping a towel to cover himself with and proceeded to slip on some of the spilled water from the tub. He let out a bumbling growl before slipping backwards and onto his rear on the cold tile. Hard.

"GET OUT!"

Hermione was still shaking with fear as she nodded, grasping at the door handle behind her and speaking in sharp little breaths of confused anxiety.

"Oh God. I-I'm so sorry Professor. Dear God. Oh God. I-"

She found the door handle then -much to her and Snape's immediate relief- and still uttering curses intermingled with apologies she rushed out and slammed the door after her.

Not before a large bar of soap, aimed beside her head made a resounding smash against the tiles.

* * *

Hermione was early for breakfast, having skipped the morning shower, gotten dressed instantly and rushed down to the nearly empty great hall. She had at least a half hour before everyone came rushing into the room for breakfast.

She slumped into her seat, her face still burning and her eyes set on the table in front of her. As if the bloody Kama Sutra book wasn't enough, now she'd gone and seen Snape naked. All of him. Her mind flashed back to his long, hardening shaft in the wate-

"Hermione?"

The voice made her jump and squeal, ashamed at her dirty thoughts for the greasy git. She looked to the twinkling eyes of Dumbledore and pasted a small smile on her face.

Don't let him know you saw Severus naked. Don't let him. You'll never be able to face any of them again.

"Good morning Headmaster."

"Good morning Mrs. Snape." Dumbledore said smirking and taking a look at his pocket watch. She nearly threw her milk in his face for the casual way he was addressing her.

"You're quite early for breakfast." seeing the strained look on Hermione's face he could only assume Snape was being his overbearing self. "But I suppose that comes with the territory."

Hermione nodded as Dumbledore seated himself on the chair next to Hermione. He noticed she looked a little sickly and wondered if Snape ha bee been extra cruel to her.

"How's Severus?" he asked quietly, looking around suspiciously.

"He's fine." Hermione asked breezily.

"Mmmm." Albus said with a nod. "Not too cruel I hope?"

"Not too bad at all." Hermione answered truthfully. "The first night was horrific, but it's getting better."

Albus nodded, patting her on the shoulder. "Thank you for being so mature about all of this Hermione." he stood creakily, wincing at the pain in his joints. "I'm not three hundred like I used to be." he joked lamely.

"And Hermione," He added lowly as she looked to him. "I wouldn't worry too much if I were you." his blue eyes gave ary try twinkle that Hermione put so much stock in.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Have a nice morning Headmaster."

"You too M'dear."

Hermione went back to her soggy breakfast when he stopped a few steps away.

"Is Severus joining us for breakfast?" Albus asked on afterthought as he began to walk off. Hermione went a pinkish shade and shook her head as she looked to him.

"I doubt it."

* * *

"I can't believe it." Snape was growling beneath his breath as he made his way to the classroom, glaring at those who happened to be in his way. "She bloody well walked in on me!"

Severus Snape was completely confused as he made his way to his first class. Confused and angry and really just befuddled in general. He stopped the urge to rub his sore rear, angry that he hadn’t any potions on hand to soothe it.

Had Miss Granger, know-it-all prude just walked in on him in the bath and stared at him? He felt his pulse beating in his ears at the thought of it. She'd nearly been gaping at his manhood.

As if it were something so amazing. he thought beguiled as he glided down the halls, narrowing his eyes in concentration. She'd looked at it as if it would slap her. As if it were... Suddenly he got a rather oily smile on his face, a look of a man that has just realized that he's rather well hung.

As if it were huge.

He could barely contain the sudden glee welling up within him. She thought he was huge? Truth be told he'd never reacompcompared it to any others, when would he? In his Deatheater days everyone was so busy themselves they really hadn't bothered with prick measuring. Besides, the women were hardly talking...

Maybe I am huge! He thought as he took an absent look down at his trousers, almost unable to contain the smirk that fixed itself on his face. He was suddenly quite elated at the fact that he might just be the most well endowed Professor at Hogwarts.

Then again, this was Granger he was talking about. The well-known virgin Gryffindor. What would she have to compare it to? Potter? He almost snickered out loud at that one, almost to the door of his classroom.

Suddenly he stopped as he imagined her face that morning. Was she amazed at the size.... or was she just plain disgusted and he hadn't been able to differentiate? A horrifying thought occurred to him just then.

Was Potter's bigger?

"No." he said aloud lowly before marching into his classroom.

"It's just not possible."

* * *

Hermione rushed into Snape's flat after her time in the Library. She couldn't bear to see Harry or Ron or anyone else that afternoon. After her Transfiguration, Herbology and Defense against the Dark Arts classes she was exhausted...and not only because of that.

She'd been inundated wquesquestions about Snape. Romantic, which soon lead to his play in the bedroom. By the end of all the questioning all she wanted to do was shout, "IT'S ALL FAKE! I ONLY SAW HIS PENIS BY ACCIDENT SO JUST SOD OFF!"

But of course, that may just cause some disturbance. Instead she'd made a small coy face to them in which she answered, "A lady doesn't tell." Which of course sent all of the female populace of Hogwarts assuming that Snape was a demon in the sack.

"I should have known." Padma giggled with Lavender as they walked back to Gryffindor tower. "Those lovely fingers of his."

Now in the flat Hermione locked the door behind her and brought her bag into the living room. She dropped the offending bag and brought out her books, preparing for a long night of studying.

She finished her first assignment in about an hour, sighing as she waited for the parchment to dry beside her.

Looking to her planner she saw she had an essay to begin on. It wasn't due for another two weeks, but she might as well start on it now. It wasn't responsible to leave things to the last minute.

She opened her notebook, scanning the guidelines and closing the book once more. She had to write a response paper on the proper way to defend oneself against a banshee. Fairly eto dto do, but where would she get the books? She didn't dare use the public Library for fear of more questioning.

The study! Why hadn't she thought of it before? She hadn't been in the room since she first saw the flat, and with a small trek to the large door she was there, preparing to walk in.

It stayed closed.

She noticed it was fairly heavily warded, and she tried to think back to any warning he might have given her in regards to the room. Nope. Nothing. He never said she wasn't allowed in.

"He probably forgot to take them off." She delegated, unwarding the door and pushing it open. It was a beautiful study. Very open and inviting. She assumed this is where Snape spent most of his time, judging by the array of papers with failing grades on them strewn about the desk.

She walked to the bookshelf, her eyes widened in the mystery of the room. She felt shrouded in excited anticipation as she looked to the books, determined not to be swayed by staying in the room all evening and reading.

Instead she looked around the shelves, climbing in the stepladder until she found the one she liked. My life as a Banshee by I.M. Ded. Perfect. Another A+ paper on the way!

She grasped it tightly in her hands and prepared for the door, it was then that she glanced to the side of the room, something almost calling to her. Begging her to glance over.

It was that black curtain.

The black curtain that hung off to the side, billowing seductively and hiding something of interest surely. It almost called to her. She was beyond intrigued, but had better sense than Harry to go rushing off into something she didn't understand.

Not now. she told herself harshly, You have a paper to do.

With that she turned, marching out of the study with the books in her arms and closed the door behind her.

She set to work on the paper, working until her hand ached and she felt she couldn't write anymore. Placing the quill down on the table by the sofa she stood and stretched. She'd written a good five pages which was fair, considering it only had to be a one paragraph response.

She waited for the ink to dry before she gathered her papers up in her hands, bringing them with her to her room. She slid her papers under her cot, making sure that it was neatly made. She didn't want Snape any angrier at her today.

She'd just finished putting the last of the papers away when she saw the edge of a book poking out from her cot's meager mattress. Kama Sutra. Oh right, how could she have forgotten? She took the slim novel into her hands, blushing at the shame of it all.


She gave a worried glance around the room before shutting the bedroom door, locking it and coming back to rest on the edge of her cot, still blushing shamefully.

It wasn't that Hermione was ignorant about the ways of the world. And it wasn't that she was a sex fiend either. She was a curious young woman who had certain needs.

She had opened the book after Snape had left that evening, flipping through the book and finding the most erotic pictures she'd ever imagined. She'd heard of the book from her Muggle friends from time to time, but now she had actually seen it for herself.


She'd taken the book and hidden it under her shirt as she came into the darkened bedroom, thankful that Snape's curtains had already been drawn. She had slipped the book under her cot and laid upon it, trembling at her brash actions.

Now on the edge of her bed she opened the first page and gasped. The explicit pictures of a man and woman mid coatis were surprising, graphic and a little much compared to her daily reads of Hogwarts A History.

My my... she thought in wonder as she looked to a rather impressive pose. Is that even possible?

She lay on the cot lazily, looking to the pictures in complete and utter surprise. So this was what real sex was like? Hmm...seems she and Harry had been going about it all the wrong way.

She flipped another page and came to a graphic one of a man with a rather large member, looking quite pleased with himself. Hermione wrinkled her nose as she squinted at it, trying to understand how a pose like that d bed be pleasure educing.

Don't knock it until you've tried it. a voice rang in the back of her mind. She grinned, the blush fading a bit as she became more at ease at seeing the interesting pictures.

She took another look at the picture of the well-endowed man and couldn't help but have her attention drawn back to Severus that morning in the tub. My, it had been a horrifying experience surely, but an informative one at least.

When it had stood up and began growing a bit in the water all of a sudden Hermione had felt her mouth go dry. She had had the utter desire to have a closer look, perhaps even touch it. Now in the confines of her room with rational thought taking over she realized it was a stupid idea completely. Touching Professor Snape's...thing. My Lord.

He'd scream. she thought with a laugh. He'd scream, swat my hand away and push me away before running to his .
.

She decided that she had merely been curious, and like any good student wanted to read up and research her subject. Not as if she'd ever discover such information first hand.

Maybe he wouldn't run away...maybe he'd enjoy it of I touched him there. she thought absently, then with a quite shake of her head she cleared it of such stupid thoughts. Snape enjoy being fondled by me? Good Lord! I can't even be in the same room with him! Besides that's just creepy...

She turned the pages, growing heated in her blouse and tugging at the collar a bit until it was loosened and she was cooled a bit. My my these were interesting pictures. There was one of a man nearly on top of his head as the woman administered some fairly obvious sucking power.

I wonder if Snape ever did that with a woman.

She felt her hand absently drawing circles on her skirt as she flipped the pages, maksmalsmall 'hmmms' to herself as she took mental notes. Soon the amorous hand was traveling down her skirt until she hit her bare leg and began to slide up, fuzzy images of Snape in the bath teasing her.

Hmmm...maybe he's not so horrid after all.

She found she was quite aroused after seeing the pictures, and now with Snape in her memory - against her better wishes of course - she was a bit randy. Her hand traveled higher, feeling the sudden rushing heat from above-

"Granger!?"

"AH!" Hermione yelped as the book dropped from her hands and onto the floor. She noticed her nipples were sticking quite prominently out of her blouse and she crossed her arms in horror.

Oh God. Don't let him come in!

She sat up straight, pushiown own her skirt and looking stricken to the closed door. Snape bashed his hand on the door again, worried at the sound of her screams before.

"What are you doing in there?!"

"NOTHING!" Hermione nearly shouted, her eyes wide and her body trembling in shameful fear. What if he came in and saw her getting off on the book? God she'd never live it down!

"Er...I'm just changing." she added panicked, "Just starting. So please don't come in. Please."

Snape stood on the other side of the door, confused at the shiver that ran down him as she announced she was getting changed. As if he'd come barging in. He scowled at her admonition and looked to the closed door once more.

"Fine then." he said crossly as he leaned against the closed door. He'd promised himself he'd be patient. "I've brought some dinner up. I thought we might have a talk in the living room."

"Sounds fine." Hermione said scratchily he ghe grasped the book and shoved it under her pillow hurriedly. He wanted to have a talk? "I'll be there in a minute."

She heard him mutter something before the sounds of him stalking off allowed her to breath again. That had been far too close. She stood then, making sure her clothes were straightened and that her cheeks weren't too flamed.

She eventually walked to the living room where Snape sat waiting for her and scowling. Large plates of chicken, potatoesggieggies and milk lay spread out in all their decadent glory.

She saw that he'd transformed the table to be longer and she assumed this was so that they'd be quite far away when they spoke. She pulled out her chair, gathering some things for her plate and began eating.

"Hermione." Snape said with a slight quake to his timber as she looked up to him.

"Yes?"

Gods...how can I even say it to her? 'You know this morning when you saw me in all my naked glory Miss Granger? Well, I was wondering if perhaps we could move past that...pretend it never happened. What do you think?'

No, he'd have to be smooth, tactful and above all; patient. She was obviously in awe of his large member (that's the reason he'd decided upon.) and was now a bit angry at the fact that she couldn't have him. How pathetic on hert.
t.

"What occurred this morning," Snape said lowly, looking to Hermione with a level gaze as she blushed furiously. "Must never happen again."

Hermione ducked her head in shame. "I know sir." She said with a slight grimace, "It was an accident."

"An accident? You just happened to walk in when I was in the tub."

"Yes sir."

"And stay and stare?"

Blush. "Yes sir."

"You needn't be ashamed Granger." Snape said superciliously. "It's quite natural for a young woman at your age to beuriourious about the male...body."

"I said it was a mistake." Hermione uttered lowly, wishing she could melt into the table. This was worse than ten of her dad's safe sex talks. She wanted this whole night to be over.

"Of course." Snape said lowly, patronizing and showing that she wasn't fooling anyone. "But in the future, I demand my privacy."

Hermione bit her tongue before a hateful comment could come out. A patronizing Snape was be tha than a furious cold blooded Snape. He didn't even seem all that angry.

"Fine sir."

Snape noddshowshowing that their talk was indeed over for the evening. The sound of clattering utensils and gulping drinks were all that was heard. Suddenly Hermione's voice broke in.

"We really should write thank you notes."

"Ah," Snape said nodding patiently. "For those gifts I despised."

"Well you couldn't have despised all of themermiermione argued with a smug look on her face. "I noticed both boxes of chocolates were gone."

Snape didn't answer, merely making a small shrugging motion with his shoulders. "How is that of any concern to me?"

"Well, I didn't have any."

"What are you insinuating?"

"Well, two whole boxes of chocolates went missing and I didn't have any."

"Must have been the house elves then." Snape said lowly, his irritation all too apparent.

The gall of the girl! Accusing him of eating all the chocolates they'd received. Even if it was true -which it was- she had no business throwing it in his face. She was his bloody guest! He'd been endlessly patient with her and for what?

Hermione saw that he was getting slowly worked up and decided against saying anything.

"You left your quill and inkpot out." Snape suddenly broke in, motioning to the said items resting by the fireplace before his steely black eyes were upon her own. "I'm not your house elf Granger, I advise you keep all your things tidy and together or I'll have them thrown out."

"I apologize sir." Hermione said calmly, refusing to get all angry over something so stupid. It was difficult getting used to his flocculating emotions. "I was just working on an paper for my Defense Against the Dark Arts class."

At the D.A.D.A. term, Snape's attention was drawn ovo heo her, suddenly looking quite interested. Anything having to do with that class was of interest to him.

"What's it about?"

"Pardon?"

"The paper Granger," Snape snapped irritated as Hermione nodded in recognition.

"Oh right, sorry. It's about banshees."

"Hmmm." Snape said thoughtfully, "I assume you've already covered their origin and so forth?"

"Yes."

"And their purpose?"

"Yes."

This went on for a few minutes, the two of them discussing Hermione's paper at great length before Snape -looking decidedly impressed with Hermione- looked to her and said almost shyly.

"I have some books on the topic if you'd care to see them."

Hermione had nearly choked on her milk, amazed at this new side of Snape. When they got along and talked about certain topics he was almost a changed man. Here he was, non malicious and offering to lend her things from his study.

"Oh, thank you for the offer." She answered with a sip of milk and a small smile in his direction as his face fell as he scowled and went back to eating. Oh bugger...just when we were finally getting along a bit.Trying to get his spirits back up she added;

"I already found a helpful book in your study."

His eyes glimmered dangerously at the words she spoke, and suddenly she felt her stomach drop as he spoke softly.

"You've been in my study?"

* * *

"I'm worried about Miss Granger, Albus." McGonagall said with a frown as she sat in his office. "Severus has such a bad temper, and lately he seems to be furious at everything."

She was of course referring to the major loss in house points to Gryffindor, and the sudden overflow of detentions. "I only sneezed" claimed on recipient.

"I know I know." Albus said rubbing his temples roughly. "But how do we know Miss Granger isn't just baiting him?"

Minerva looked to Albus in shock. "You're accusing our once prominent choice for Head Girl, being rude to Snape on purpose? Getting him made purposely? That she's the cause for all this disruption?"

"When I saw her this morning," Albus said with a frown at McGonagall’s awed face. "She looked rather guilty."

"About what?"

"She wouldn't say." Albus said softly, "But when I mentioned Severus she went flushed quite brightly."

"So what are you saying?" McGonagall said with a frown, leaping to the defense of her most ambitious and successful student. "That Hermione Granger is causing deliberate trouble for Severus?"

"No no no." Albus said with a dramatic shake of his head. "Not at all. I'm merely suggesting that Severus may not be...used to a woman like Hermione."

"Meaning?"

"Compassionate and more brilliant than any we've had here in a long time." His eyes suddenly twinkled, "And most importantly Minerva, she doesn't stand for much."

"That's true." McGonagall said, remembering the infamous slap against Draco's cheek. He'd been asking for it that one. She smirked slightly, imagining Miss Granger giving Severus a sound slap across his own face.

"Personally," Albus said fondly, "I don't think Severus really knew what he was up against."

McGonagall smiled softly, her worried lines slowly clearing until she stood and nodded, still looking uncertain. Albus gave a soft chuckle, looking to Minerva with compassion.

"I understand you're still worried Minerva, but you shouldn't be. I'm sure things are going fine for the two." Albus said with a twinkle in his eyes, "In fact, if it makes you feel better I'll just check on them now..."

* * *

"You silly little girl! Who gave you permission!?"

"No one. I didn't know I needed any!"

"I specifically forbade you to go into my study!"

"You did not!"

"I most certainly did!"

"No! I asked you if I could read your books before and you said, maybe."

"You lying little chit!" Snape was bellowing at the top of his lungs as he and Hermione stood on opposite ends of the table. He was so furious tle tle flew from his mouth as he yelled. "I never share my belongings!"

"You never said I wasn't allowed in there!" Hermione countered, making sure he didn't get close enough to grasp her arm tosstoss her in that suffocating room of theirs.

"Well...I MEANT TO!" Snape growled, lunging at her over the table. His rough calculations had ensured that he'd grasp her just in time, but due to minor miscalculations in judgment he'd lunged and ended up with a face full of mashed potatoes.

And gravy.

Hermione didn't even stay to laugh; already she'd rushed to the bedroom, praying he wouldn't catch up with her. She heard the sound of Snape's running footsteps behind her, causing her to squeal in fright as she slammed the door behind her, locking it and leaning against it for support.

"OPEN THIS DOOR NOW!"

She felt him banging against it, threatening her to open it. She shook her head, frantically begging him to go away for a bit. He was beyond reason now. If she opened the door...she shuddered at the though. There would be carnage.

"No!" She screamed worriedly. "Just go away for a while. Cool down. We can talk in a moment, when you're-"

"I WANT TO TALK NOW!"

More furious bashing against the door ensued as Hermione stood against it, her body trembling in fright over her fate. Snape was going to kill her. He was going to take her to the Astronomy Tower and throw her off of it.

"THIS IS MY HOME!" Snape bellowed, banging on the door harder, feeling her body on the other side as she tried to shut him out, only infuriating him further. "I DEMAND YOU OPEN THIS DOOR!"

Oh God...what if he turns me over to Voldemort?

Suddenly the bashing ceased and Hermione felt her strength coming back. Snape had stopped. He wasn't bashing the door. He wasn't yelling. Maybe he'd taken her advice.

Or maybe this was the calm before the storm

On the other side of the door, Severus had taken out his wand and was preparing to smash the door in front of him to pieces. He wouldn't even warn her either.

It didn't matter that he'd forgotten to tell Granger to stay out of the study. She should have assumed. She should have figured it out. She should have known.

He was holding back a maniacal and rather unmanly cackle as he glared at the closed door in preparation, his wand raised menacingly. He'd had enough of her silly little games.

It was time she was taught a lesson.

He raised the wand to the door, the end crackling with intensity as he spoke.

"Now you asked for it you little Mudblo-"

"What's going on Severus?"

Oh sweet Merlin...

Snape's blood ran cold as he turned around slightly, looking to the fairly peeved face of Dumbledore. Oh shit. He backed away from the door, lowering his wand and swallowing thickly. There went all the respect Dumbledore once had for him.

"Nothing Headmaster." Snape said smoothly, trying to play their fight off.

"He's lying!" Came Hermione's muffled voice from the door. Severus discreetly cast a silencing spell.

"Nothing's the matter sir." he said silkily, hoping he looked more composed than he felt.

"Is that so?" Dumbledore asked bemused. "Then may I ask why you have potatoes and gravy all over your face and clothes?"

Snape clenched his jaw as he looked down at his food-laden robes.

"Oh that." he said offhandedly. "I just...love...potatoes."

He winced as the words pushed past his lips and he instantly wished to have them back. He imagined Miss Granger was laughing herself into hysterics on the other side of the door to his bedroom.

"Severus." Dumbledore said coming over to the still seething Potion's Master, dripping in potatoes and gravy whilst he tried to look intimidating. Albus shook his head lightly, motioning for the younger man to follow him, which he did reluctantly towards the living room.

"I think its time we had a little talk."
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