Say You Love Me

Chapter Four
No Hermione

It wasn't entirely unusual for Snape to give out detentions on the weekend, but Severus fully expected Hermione Granger to show up for hers later that evening.

When he returned to the dungeons, Ecclestia was gone. That brought a malicious smile to Severus' face. At least for the moment he wouldn't have to listen to her. He skipped tea that evening. He wasn't especially hungry, and he had to admit that he was looking forward to putting Miss Granger on the defensive.

He was sitting at his desk promptly at eight o'clock, waiting. He occupied his time by grading papers, most of them the drivel he had expected that it would be. Severus was so involved in his work that when he looked up he saw that it was eight thirty and still no sign of Miss Granger. That was not like her at all to be tardy, and it further angered Severus that she was obviously ignoring him for the second time that day.

He dropped his quill into the holder and stalked upstairs. On the way, he deducted points from two Ravenclaws and a Hufflepuff that were loitering in the halls.

He tapped impatiently on the door to the Head Girl's room.

"Open this door immediately, Miss Granger," he commanded.

Hermione cowered on the bed. She had not been able to make herself go downstairs, not when she was feeling so hurt and confused.

"Miss Granger. Do not force me to open this door."

"I'm sorry, Professor, I'm not feeling well," she lied.

"Do not lie to me." Severus blasted the lock with his wand, and the door blew open, soundly slamming behind him.

The girl was curled up on the bed, an Arithmancy text clutched to her. She looked pale and red-eyed.

"I demand an explanation for your behavior," he hissed, bending over her. She shied from him, scooting backwards until she met the headboard of the bed.

"As I said, I am unwell," Hermione's lower lip trembled, and her eyes were troubled.

The Professor's black eyes were fathomless pits that assessed her to the very core, causing curious warmth in her center. Hermione clutched the book tighter, fighting the urge to stroke the high cheek that was so close to her and shadowed with light black stubble. The herbal smell of the potions lab clung to his person.

Another tap on the door, and Dumbledore entered.

"Good evening, Severus, Miss Granger," he said. "I understand that you did not report for your detention this evening."

"I was just explaining to the Professor that I have not been well," Hermione slid off the bed, taking the opportunity to remove herself from Severus' gaze.

For once, Dumbledore's eyes weren't twinkling, and he was somber, as he looked her in the eye.

"Severus, I will address this issue, If you will excuse us," Dumbledore said, opening the door and motioning the angry potions master out.

"Albus, I am most capable.." Severus began.

"Thank you, Severus." Dumbledore closed the door in his face, causing Severus to mutter curses under his breath about the golden trio.

"Now Miss Granger, I would trust that you care to tell me the truth as to why you did not report for your detention." Dumbledore turned to face Hermione.

~*~
Dumbledore was not happy with the explanation that he had gotten from Hermione. The girl had lied to him, and that he did not like at all. He was not pleased. It seemed as if things were falling apart. Ecclestia had gone to Voldemort this afternoon after Severus left her on the lab floor. Lucius Malfoy had been snooping around, ostensibly to speak with Severus, when he had come across the vixen, freeing her from her bonds.

He could not and would not force Severus to make the bond with his wife unbreakable. Ecclestia was a danger not only to the school but also to the Order as long as she stayed on the grounds. Dumbledore wanted to see Severus happy, but so far that was impossible given his current position with the Order and the Death Eaters.

And then, there was the issue of Hermione Granger to add to his problems. She had grown into a lovely young woman, Dumbledore thought, as he returned to his office. Therein lay the problem. She was suffering through the emotions of a young woman, and her intelligence made her oblivious to the males Hogwarts had to offer.

It had come as a shock to him that Hermione cared for Severus. It had been written on her face plainly, when he'd walked into the Head Girl's room in the middle of their confrontation. Severus was ignorant to her feelings, and more interested in his anger at her for ignoring his commands. Hermione had not admitted anything to Dumbledore, but he'd known just the same, in fact, had felt it radiating from the girls' heart.

He would not allow such a thing to happen under Hogwart's roof. Powerful as he was, he could use magic to change Hermione's feelings, but that would be against his principles. Dumbledore would have to hope for the time being that her attention might turn elsewhere, considering that the object of her heart's desires was wed.

~*~

When Monday came, Hermione was dreading potions, which was the last class of the day. She dawdled so that she was nearly late, sliding into her seat as the door to Snape's office burst open.

"Ten points from Gryffindor for nearly being late, Miss Granger," Snape hissed.

Hermione bit the inside of her cheek to keep from snapping back. The Professor had opened his grade book and was making the necessary notation when he stopped and stared at her, seemingly paused, waiting for a response. When there was none, he raised a solitary brow and at last dropped his gaze to his grade book again.

"I trust that most of you imbeciles have your reports completed and ready for my review. I will expect them to be placed on my desk upon the conclusion of class today. Your assignment for today is on the board. You may begin immediately, and Miss Granger, you are not to aid Mr. Longbottom or Mr. Weasley in their pitiful efforts at potion-making."

Hermione took a deep breath and ignored Snape, opening her potions kit instead.

Severus was wondering to himself what had gotten into the usually outspoken know-it-all. She was ignoring him as if he didn't exist. He was used to at least one argument a day from her and this was not like her at all. This would never do. First she didn't show for detention, and now this.

Snape broke the students into pairs to work together and put Neville with Ron, much to Hermione's dismay. She was put with Harry and was measuring milkweed pods when the Professor came to stand directly behind her, watching.

Hermione didn't have to turn around to know that he was there; she could feel him, and her hand trembled slightly.

"Here, let me," Harry took the glass vial with the pods away from her and added them to the cauldron.

"I'm quite sure that Granger doesn't need your help, Potter," Severus said.

Hermione couldn't stop herself from looking up at him.

"Gods," she whispered under her breath.

"Yes, Miss Granger?"

"Nothing, Sir."

"Five points from Gryffindor for being a poor liar and see me after class," Severus replied, noting again how her eyes were still slightly red before moving on to the next cauldron.

The hissing noise from the corner erupted suddenly, and Harry grabbed Hermione, jerking her to the floor.

Before Snape could turn, blotchy green potion exploded, spattering those students whom were closest to Weasley and Longbottom. The Slytherins in the back of the room had scattered, and Draco was calmly stirring the last of his ingredients into his own cauldron, waiting for Snape to let loose.

"Detentions for both of you," Severus glared. Weasley was dripping from head to toe with sticky green goo and Longbottom was trying to wave his wand to clear up the mess. "And take yourselves off to the hospital wing before the potion takes effect and your flesh begins deteriorating."

"That could be an improvement," Draco muttered, grinning.

"Five points from Slytherin," Severus said, stalking past Draco and tossing his wand down in disgust. "All of you, get out. Class is dismissed."

"Come on, Hermione," Harry helped her up and grabbed her book bag.

"That does not include you, Miss Granger."

Hermione looked at Snape, then at Harry, biting her lip.

"It's okay, go ahead. I'll be along in a few minutes."

"I'll wait for you outside," Harry said, glaring at Snape.


Hermione stood before the Professor, looking at the floor.

"I do not understand you, Miss Granger," Severus said. "I did not, needless to say, receive a sufficient excuse from the Headmaster for your failure to report for detention this past weekend. I would remind you that this is your final year and that it is important that you pass this class."

"Yes, Sir." The toes of his boots were shiny, and his nose was reflected in them as well as his lips, she thought idly.

"I am not going to make you repeat the detention, but I would ask that you remember that next time I deduct points, you will receive a week of detentions for any infraction of the rules."

"Do you like it, Sir?" Hermione asked abruptly.

"Like what, Miss Granger?"

"Being married." The girl looked up at him, eyes curiously bright.

"I find that to be none of your business," he hissed.

"I know it isn't. I just wanted to know if you were happy."

"I do not know what happiness is, nor do I have time to waste on such foolishness," Severus growled unhappily. Whatever had gotten them on this course of conversation?

"I see." Hermione looked at if she was going to say more, and then she stopped herself, sighing instead.

"You are dismissed. And stay out of my business," Severus stomped back to his desk and sat down, not seeing the wistful look Hermione gave his head.

~*~

Professor Snape was right, Hermione thought later that night. She should not be sticking her nose into his business. He was a grown man, and she was still in school. He was her teacher, and she should not be upset that he had gotten married.

She was acting as if she was in love with him and he had betrayed her.

"Don't be so stupid, Granger," she said aloud. She was sitting on the bench in the upper hall, waiting for Ron to finish his detention. Snape would be sure to make things hard on he and Neville. Besides, the man was married and that was all there was to it. She must move on and accept things.