A Delicate Obsession

Chapter Three – Fancy Meeting You Here

It all belongs to Rowlings, except what you don’t recognize.

“Miss Granger! You will cease whatever you are doing and retrieve that periodical.” Madame Pince shot Snape a dirty look and muttered under her breath. Snape shot back an even nastier look and said, “I heard that. And believe me I shall remember.”

Hermione was in her usual library spot with about 15 books all around her. It was Friday night and most of her friends were out snogging somewhere, except for Harry, who was sitting in the Gryffindor common room reading a biography about a famous Quidditch player named Wronski.

“Well, where is it?” He bent over the desk and one particularly tall stack of books started to wobble.

Hermione was searching her bag. “With all due respect, sir, Madam Pince says that the periodicals here are ordered for the students’ benefit. And how do you know I have it anyway?”

“Because only Miss Know-It-All Granger is interested in reading Alchemical Arts Weekly. Heaven only knows why, it is way beyond you.” Snape smiled in a cold, mean way, “I’m sure you only read it to show off, since that seems to be your goal in life.”

Hermione felt her temper begin to rise. “I understand it perfectly well.”

“I am not going to discuss this with you. If you do not produce it right now,” he said in a deep, smooth voice, “I’m going to deduct points.”

“Give me a chance.” Hermione started to look around the various books, which were all piled up on her desk. Finally, buried under an Arithmancy textbook, she found the magazine. Snape snatched it out of her hand. “At least bring it back so that I can read it. I haven’t finished the article on Sugarloaf’s new theory of the Serendipity Paradox.”

Snape snorted loudly and stalked out of the library. Hermione slammed her book shut, gathered her other books and stalked out as well. Fortunately, he’d already disappeared or Hermione would have hexed him.

&&&

“I hate him, Harry. I hate, hate, hate him. How dare Prof. Snape take away my magazine?” Hermione threw herself in the chair in front of the Commons Room fireplace.

Harry looked up from his book. “Don’t say things you don’t mean. You know how I feel about him, and yet you’re still trying to get his approval.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Come off it! You’re always sticking up for him. Even after what happened to…” Harry set his mouth into a grim line. Over a year later and it still hurt.

Hermione came over and hugged him. “I’m sorry Harry. Really. It’s just that he’s the only person in the whole damn school who even knows about the Serendipity debate. It’s not something I could discuss with Ron, Ginny or you.”

“What went on?”

“Snape took away the school’s only copy of Alchemy Arts Weekly. I get it first because it arrives by special owl right while he’s teaching and I have a free period. It’s been going on since the start of term. I read it before he gets it, because once he gets it, he never returns it. I’ve complained to Madam Pince, but she can’t do anything about him.”

“Why not use a copying spell?” Harry yawned.

“He should just bloody well get his own subscription. I’m sure he can afford it.” Hermione didn’t want to admit that she had made copies of all the articles already. It was easier to read the original because the copies always came out light.

“Well, I’m heading to bed.” Harry got up and gave Hermione a peck on the cheek. It was only 8:00.

Hermione stayed by herself in the Commons Room staring into the fire. She admitted to herself that maybe, just maybe, the reason she hadn’t put back the magazine after copying it was sheer bloody mindedness on her part. He still hadn’t looked her in the eyes. Nor was he in the least bit interested in any sort of discussion on the debate that had been raging in its pages for the past six months. Hermione wondered why she cared. Though it had been several weeks since the incident, and the details were fading from her mind, her memory continued to be drawn to that afternoon at Diagon Alley.

&&&

“Happy Birthday, Hermione.” Hagrid got up from the table at The Three Broomsticks and gave her a hug. “Got to be goin’ now. But that was a lovely cake, thanks for invitin’ me.”

Hermione smiled and watched as the half Giant ducked low to leave the pub.

It was just the four of them now.

“Try on Harry’s present.” Said Ron as he took another sip of Butterbeer.

“Oh yes, please do, we’ve heard so much about it,” added Ginny.

Harry smiled, “I’d like to see it again, too.” He finished his beer and took a handful of crisps.

Hermione opened the envelope. It was a much more complicated and higher quality spell than the sample. She read the instructions through twice and then performed it on herself. There was a collective gasp around the table.

“Harry, you must have dropped a bundle,” said Ron.

“It’s a basic enhancing spell; it just takes what Hermione already has and improves it.” Said Harry.

“No, Harry. Her eyes aren’t anywhere near that color, nor her hair. It’s not an improvement spell.” Ginny stated.

“Here it is,” said Hermione reading the back of the card. “It analyses what eye color, hair color, hair style, make-up, perfume and vocal tone would suit a person best. It’s entirely individualized. It’s called the Laura Enchantment.”

“Well it’s got you spot on. Just wait. Hopefully there will be a Ball this term and then you’ll shock everyone. They’ll all be wondering who she is.” Ron was trying to be extra nice, seeing how Hermione had been down for months now.

“Thank you Harry. I love it.” She gave his hand a quick squeeze.

“I know it’s not very practical. Just have fun with it!” Harry looked at Ron and Ginny. They nodded. “Well, it’s time we’re off. Don’t want to be late to Quidditch practice. Would you like to come watch?”

“Right,” said Hermione reaching down for her parcels. “Oh, no. Look, I’ll be along shortly, I have to run over to Dervish and Banges, I left my purchases there.” She’d spent all her birthday money on various magical supplies and couldn’t believe she’d forgotten them there.

&&&

Snape was walking along High Street in Hogsmeade when a young lady rushed out of Dervish and Banges and ran directly into him. She fell, scattering a half dozen boxes and bags. He was about to give her a sizable piece of his mind for her lack of attention to where she was going, when he saw it was her!

“You!”

“Professor Snape?” Hermione looked up from where she was gathering her items. She immediately scrambled to her feet.

“So you went to the effort of discovering my identity?” Snape didn’t know whether to be pleased or afraid of the chit.

“I, umm, yes. I saw you go into the Leaky Cauldron. I didn’t mean any harm by it, I was just—“ her face felt red hot and she couldn’t quite find her voice. She was keenly aware of his black eyes not just meeting hers, but boring into them. She licked her lips, which suddenly felt quite dry.

“And now you have the advantage of me.” His mouth quirked into a small smile at the sight of her pink little tongue nervously wetting her lips. Somewhere inside of him a rapid tattoo began to beat.

“Oh, yes. I do.” Hermione swallowed and picked up the remaining boxes. “Well, I must be off.”

“Allow me to help you with those.” He reached forward to take some of the precariously balanced items.

“Umm, no thanks.” She deftly reduced them and stowed them in her pockets. Which is what she should have done in the first place if she hadn’t been in such a hurry to catch up with her friends. She attempted to walk past him, but he casually blocked her way. She tried again, with the same results. Gathering herself she stammered, “look, please let me get going, -- please. There is nothing we can possibly say to one another, and, no, I haven’t changed my mind about being on sale.”

“Allow me to apologize. It was a mistake, I’m sorry. There is that better?” He had about as much sincerely as an eel.

“Yes, that was fine. Cheerio.” Hermione turned about face and attempted to leave, only to find that his hand was resting gently on her shoulder. Her heart was pounding. Suddenly, she asked herself ‘why am I so afraid?’ He doesn’t know it’s me. She turned around and her eyes blazed.

“Excuse me, Professor Snape. I know where you teach and no doubt, if you do not stop harassing me, I could cause trouble for you. You have an unsavory reputation for having an awful disposition, and I do not wish to gain better acquaintance of you! Now, let me pass, because no matter how dangerous you are suppose to be, I don’t think you want me having to complain to your superiors.” Hermione stood her place and congratulated herself. Perhaps a bit long winded and stilted, but still she told him, all right.

He chuckled. “So the kitten has claws. Yes, I’m trembling.” Inside though, Snape was mush, attempting to buy time, trying to think about how he could get her on his side. He drank in every aspect of her. Seeing her was like being transported back in time decades. He used a wistful tone of voice that only Tara had ever heard. “Let me take you out ta. a. You’ll find that I have another side. I won’t argue that my personality is lacking in many aspects, however, I’d like the opportunity to… chat?” His voice went up innocuously at the last word. “I really would like to make amends.” The yearning was very clear then to both her and him.

“You don’t take ‘no’ for an answer, do you?” It was something of a shock that his voice could be so gentle. It felt like a soft caress on her skin. And there was another feeling, too -- empowerment. He wanted her? Probably. He also wanted to make amends. He was willing to, what, abase himself? He’d already apologized; something that he’d owed her for such a long time. Hermione felt her determination waiver. “I shouldn’t be seen with you, you’re much older than me,” and my teacher, she added silently.

“I know a place which is public and yet totally private.” He produced a nub of a pencil and a piece of paper from his pocket. “I will meet you there in ten minutes.” He wrote out an address and handed it to her. He then swept past her into Dervish and Banges. He was good at getting what he wanted and he’d be very surprised if she didn’t show. He just had to let it seem to be her decision. He thanked whatever Gods there were that he’d been given a second chance.

Hermione looked at the name on the paper:

“The Lepidopteron Tea House,” she murmured. She’d never heard of it, but it was located on a small lane just off of High Street. It was practically around the corner. She knew she shouldn’t be doing this, but here was an opportunity that would never come again. She could finally discuss the Serendipity Paradox with the bastard. Yes, it was worth the risk. Hermione started to walk toward her destination.


A/N: I wanted to take a moment to thank all my reviewers: Jessicat, Ezmerelda, Laureate, Yuri, Uptosomething, Karena Elizabeth, Tegan, Iris, Giovanna, -E- and Jean. Big hugs to you all. You girls are just great and your encouragement is needed and appreciated. â¦