Love...War...What's the Difference *COMPLETE*

Love…War…What’s the Difference?

Fights and Dreams

September flew by. Hermione and Severus had established a schedule and quickly set to work. As she worked on her project, he worked on his. The first week of October, things began to unravel for Hermione.

“How’s the project coming?” Ginny asked.

“It’s coming along. Hopefully I can begin brewing it by December,” Hermione answered.

The two girls were sitting in Gryffindor Tower studying. A few minutes later, Harry and Ron came in from their Quidditch practice. They grabbed their books and joined the girls in front on the fireplace.

“How was practice?” Ginny questioned.

“It went well. I think our chances are good at winning the Quidditch Cup,” Harry smiled as he kissed Ginny’s cheek and began on his Charms essay.

“Hey Mione, have you finished your potions essay?” Ron inquired.

“Yes, why?” Hermione replied.

“Could I look at it? You know just to see that I didn’t miss anything,” Ron said.

“No Ron. All you want to do is copy my work. Just do it for yourself,” Hermione shot back.

Hermione grabbed her things and stormed out of the common room She still had three hours before she had to meet Professor Snape in the potions classroom to work on her project.

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Severus sat at dinner and studied Hermione. It looked as if she, Harry, and Ron were arguing about something. Ten minutes later, Hermione finished her meal, threw he napkin on the table, said something heatedly to Ron and Harry, then left.

“I fear those three are on thin ice,” Minerva sighed.

“I agree. I just hope this doesn’t effect her work in my class,” Severus said.

“It won’t. She’s a lot like you. When things go bad for her is when she does her best work. That’s how she deals with things,” Minerva added.

A few minutes later, Severus made his way toward his classroom. His thoughts going over what Minerva had said at dinner; about he and Hermione being alike.

‘I guess Minerva’s right. If so, then Miss Granger’s work will be flawless,’ he thought as he rounded the corner to his classroom.

He came to a dead stop a few feet from his door. There, sitting on the floor was Hermione. She had her face buried in her arms and her shoulders were shaking slightly. He walked over and knelt beside her.

“Miss Granger? You all right?” he asked.

“Oh Professor. I’m sorry. I finished dinner early and decided to come on down here,” she answered as she jumped to her feet and wiped her tears away.

Severus fell silent and opened the classroom door. Instead of leading her into the lab, he led her into his private study. He looked behind him and saw Hermione looking at the bookcases crammed with books.

“Would you like some tea Miss Granger?” he questioned.

“Huh? Oh tea, yes. With some lemon and honey please,” she said, coming out of her stupor.

“Please, have a seat,” he said smiling slightly.

Hermione sank onto the sofa while Severus fixed their tea. Whatever she was expecting his study to look like, it sure wasn’t this. His study looked like it belonged in an 18th century manor house. The smell of leather and a faint trace of pipe tobacco. The study was cozy and warming.

“Here you are,” Severus said as he handed her a cup of steaming tea.

“Thank you. Your study is beautiful,” Hermione replied.

“It is. I had it decorated to match my own study back at Snape Manor,” he commented, a wistful smile playing on his lips at the mention of his home.

“Sir, I thought we were suppose to be working on my project?” she questioned, a confused look on her face.

“Yes, but after finding you crying outside my classroom, I felt you and I should have a chat first. What happened at dinner between yourself, Potter, and Weasley?” he asked.

“Well, Ron is angry because I told him I would no longer help him with his homework. He became furious and said I wasn’t his friend. Harry wasn’t arguing against me, but against Ron. Ron is unwilling to do his own work, at least Harry does. I simply told Ron if he doesn’t want to be friends, that’s his choice,” she explained as tears began to well up in her eyes.

Severus moved and sat beside her. He then handed her his handkerchief. “Here,” he said.

“I’m sorry for crying. I feel like a weakling,” she replied quietly.

“You’re not weak. It’s hard to lose a friend. It’s also hard when you are like myself and you. More interested in learning and mentally more mature than our peers,” he stated.

“Yes it is. Well, I’ll just take it one day at a time. Thanks for the tea, but I would like to continue with my project,” she said smiled softly.

“Of course,” He nodded.

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Hermione sighed as she sat on her bed and began towel drying her hair. She had made a lot of progress on her project. She knew come December, she would be able to begin brewing her potion. As she sat there, her thoughts turned to her potions Professor.

‘Tonight I saw a side of Professor Snape that I doubt many get to see. I got to see what I felt when he kissed me. A fierceness, but a tenderness as well. Oh for Merlin’s sake! This it my professor!’ She hopped off her bed and dropped the towel into the hamper. She then climbed back in bed and turned off the lights.

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Hermione looked around. She didn’t recognize where she was. The room was bathed in soft candle light and a slow waltz was playing. After a few moments, she looked down at what she was wearing.

It was a beautiful strapless dress that fell to her ankles. On her feet were dainty two inch red heeled shoes that matched the red gown she was wearing. On her left wrist was a stunning diamond and ruby bracelet. She also wore matching earrings and a necklace.

“Hello my dear,” a man said as he stepped out of the shadows.

“Who are you? Where am I?” Hermione demanded.

“This is your dream. As to who I am, you already know that answer,” he said.

Hermione studied the man. There was nothing threatening about him. He did seem familiar, but his face was hidden in the shadows. He held his hand out to her. Without hesitation, she placed her hand in his. Slowly, they began to dance. Her held her close and firm, yet tenderly as well.

“You say I know you, but I can’t see your face,” she said.

“You won’t see my face till you’re ready,” he replied.

“Well, you’re a divine dancer whoever you are,” she smiled.

The two dance for hours. The music stopped as somewhere, a clock chimed the hour. 6 a.m. The man pulled away from her as the candles and the room began to fade away.

“Wait! Where are you going?” she asked.

“It is time for me to go. Don’t worry my dear, we’ll see each other again. Until we meet again,” he answered as he too faded away.

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Hermione sat up in bed and stretched gingerly. Her mind still lingering on her dream. With a blissful sigh she headed to the bathroom for a warm shower before she began her day.

‘Who was he? He seemed so familiar,’ she wondered as she began shampooing her hair. ‘Maybe next time I can see his face,’

Fifteen minutes later, she was dressed and made her way to breakfast. Today was Sunday and she had planned to spend the day in the library doing a bit of reading to hopefully help her on her project.

T.B.C