Hermione\'s Revenge

Chapter 10

The next night, Severus couldn’t believe what possessed him to ask her out. He was clearly attracted to her, but to ask her out? She was still a student and he was her professor. The only thing he could figure was his new leash on life and not wanting anything to pass him by. She was such an incredible woman and he wanted her to know more about her.

There was a knock on his dungeons door.

“Enter!” he growled. Albus walked in, wearing a big smile realizing Severus was wearing his dress robes.

“Severus, you look handsome tonight.”

“What do you want Albus?”

“I want to know how you are doing since the new term has begun, but clearly you are doing well enough to entertain,” he smiled with his twinkling eyes. He sensed Severus hesitation. “Severus, you have isolated yourself for most of your life. While others were experiencing everything life has to offer, you were busy sacrificing everything to finally win the war. And when you did, you still almost lost your life because of the Cruciatus curse.”

“What are you saying Albus?” he hissed.

“You deserve to be happy, even if you think otherwise. I think the woman you are taking out tonight is very lucky.”

“Even if it’s Hermione Granger,” Severus sneered, waiting for Albus to forbid him from taking her out. Albus took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

“I believe that Hermione is mature enough to make her own decisions and since she chose to accept your offer, than so be it.” Severus looked at him, clearly having expected a different answer. “Severus, you asked her out because you don’t want to miss another opportunity in life. You deserve to be happy, therefore I give you my approval.”

~*~*~*~*~

Hermione wore her deep violet dress robes and spent an hour charming her hair so it wasn’t frizzy. The only other time she spent this long on her hair was for Viktor Krum, but he turned out to be a conceited jerk. She looked at herself in the mirror and rolled her eyes, knowing she wasn’t the most beautiful thing in the world, but it was only a thank you dinner, not a date.

She headed to the main entrance to find Professor Snape already there, dressed in his black dress robes and looking almost decent. ‘If he just wouldn’t look like he was pissed off with the world,’ she thought.

“Good evening Professor,” she said pleasantly.

He looked at her from head to toe and said, “Let’s go.” Hermione wasn’t surprised, after all it wasn’t like she was expecting Prince Charming.

Since it had been a mild winter, they walked to Hogsmeade and entered a small restaurant. He led her to a table and they both sat down. Without saying one word, he ordered for the both of them. He was staring at her, but every time she looked back at him, he quickly looked away. When the food came, they ate in silence. All the time she had worked with him in the lab, they rarely spoke, so it wasn’t a surprise to her, but she did wish he would say something. He paid the bill and they left.

Walking back to Hogwarts, Hermione was a bit disappointed. She did not know what to expect from him, but she did assume that he would at least say more than what he did.

They were almost halfway back when - “Stop,” he said.

“What’s wrong Professor?” she asked, looking at him while he avoided her eyes again.

“This is not how it was supposed to be,” he finally said, looking at her.

“How what was supposed to be?” she asked, puzzled.

“This was supposed to be a date where we talk and get to know each other better,” he said quickly. Hermione bit her bottom lip, trying to conceal her shock, realizing it was a real date. “I just don’t know how to do this.” He was clearly frustrated.

“Lets just get back to the castle and you can forget that this entire night ever happened,” he spat and started to walk away.

Hermione quickly reached for him and took his hand in hers, stopping him in his tracks. She couldn’t let it end this way.

“Severus,” she said softly, “Can we get some ice cream?” She did not know what else to say because she felt his frustration and embarrassment.

“Are you sure?” he asked, not wanting to make things worse.

“Yes, please,” she answered.

“Okay,” he said and they both turned around. She kept her hand in his and laced her fingers with his, holding his hand on their way to get some ice cream.

His insides turned to mush, realizing she was holding his hand. He tightened his grip on her as they walked on.

They entered an ice cream parlor and took a seat at a booth waiting till a waitress came to take their order.

“What would you like Hermione?” he asked her.

“I would like a hot fudge sundae with chocolate ice cream,” she said with a smile.

“I’ll have the same,” he told the waitress.

“I didn’t know that you like chocolate,” she said, trying to start a conversation.

“I don’t. I just couldn’t think of anything else to order,” he said with a slight smirk. She was well aware that he was uncomfortable starting a conversation, so she tried to ease him into one.

“Well, I love chocolate. I think I always have. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?” she asked while the waitress brought the sundaes and sat them down on the table.

“I like vanilla,” he said after giving it some thought.

“Why?”

Normally he would have snapped at anyone who questioned his answers, but he reminded himself that he did want to have a conversation with her.

“Because it is basic,” he said flatly.

“Basic? Is that the reason you only wear black? Because it is basic?” she asked, trying to help him relax.

He glared at first, then softened his look, “Yes, I suppose I do wear black for that reason. It saves me time from having to coordinate my outfits.”

They ate their ice cream and talked about nothing of importance, but nevertheless they were talking. After about an hour, they decided to leave. Once again, Hermione took his hand and held it while they walked back to Hogwarts.

When they approached the main entrance, he let go and turned to face her.

“Thank you Hermione,” he said, quickly kissed her on the cheek and left without looking back. Hermione was surprised by the kiss, but smiled for several reasons. One, the Potion Master showed he was human after all, displaying his insecurities, two, with the exception of dinner, she did have a good time, and three, of all the witches at Hogwarts, he asked her on a date.

Back in the dungeons, Severus changed from his dress robes to his regular robes. There was a knock on his door.

“Enter!” he growled.

Sirius Black walked in.

“What the hell are you doing here?” hissed Snape.

“Well, I was in the neighborhood, visiting Harry and I thought I would stop by,” smirked Black.

“Leave!” growled Snape.

Sirius ignored him. “You know, I was outside on the school grounds and I saw the most interesting sight. “I saw you walking hand in hand with Hermione. At first I thought I was seeing things, but as I got closer, I saw you kiss her on the cheek.” He waited for a reaction from Snape, but Snape’s expression was cold as ice.

“You aren’t dating her are you?” asked Black in a disgusted voice.

“That is none of your damn business,” hissed Snape.

“You are dating her,” smiled Black, “That surprises me.”

“What surprises you?” asked Snape.

“Oh, that Hermione would go out with you, but then again, she was always one who had a soft heart, pitying those in need,” said Black who was well aware that he hit a nerve with Snape and continued talking. “Doesn’t she still help that Longbottom kid who can’t even tie his own shoelaces? I doubt she does it because of his charming personality. It’s just Hermione’s nature.” Black eyed Snape. “Yes, that’s Hermione, helping out the poor helpless creatures.”

“Get the hell out!” yelled Snape as he charged Black. Black knew he pissed him off and left without hesitation.

“She pities me,” Snape spat, suddenly realizing that the date meant nothing. “It was ludicrous to think she went on the date to be with me,” he muttered as he left to patrol the corridors. That night Snape was ruthless in taking away points from everyone that had the misfortune of running into him.

~*~*~*~*~

The next day was Saturday and Ravenclaw was playing against Gryffindor on the Quidditch field. Hermione was wearing her winter cloak with her Gryffindor scarf and gloves. Since both, Harry and Ron were on the team, she was walking with Ginny.

Snape watched her from the distance, still distraught from what Black made him realize. He was watching her walk with Miss Weasley when Black ran up to her.

“Hermione!” yelled Sirius.

“Sirius! How are you?” she asked excitedly and she gave him a big hug. He knew Snape was watching, so he picked her up and swung her around as she held onto him.

“Sirius, put me down,” she giggled.

“Sorry Hermione, I’m just in a good mood,” he said, “Hello Ginny. It’s good to see you again.”

“Hi Sirius. Are you here to watch Harry?” Ginny asked.

“Yes, I have been promising him all season and I finally managed to get here,” he said, “Will you ladies care to walk with me?” He offered each an arm and they took it.

Snape seethed in anger as he watched Hermione leave to the Quidditch field with him.

Sitting down in the Gryffindor section, Sirius turned to her and asked, “So, what did you do last night Hermione?”

She was immediately suspicious by his question because he had never before inquired about her activities before. It was also a well-known fact that he and Snape were sworn enemies, leading her to believe that he knew more than he was willing to show.

“Sirius, you are Harry’s godfather, not mine. I have my own parents to interrogate my whereabouts,” she answered smoothly, avoiding the question.

The match began and Hermione was relieved because she did not want to answer any questions asked by Sirius that had to do with Severus. She noticed that Severus was sitting with the professors, but was watching her instead of the match. She tried to smile at him, but all he did was glare. Assuming it was because she was with Sirius, she gave up and returned her attention to the match.

After a grueling eight hours, Harry finally ht tht the Snitch, ending the game. Hermione, Sirius, and Ginny headed to the field to congratulate him and Ron.

“Let’s go to the Three Broomsticks!” suggested Sirius.

“That sounds great,” said Harry and Ginny nodded ‘yes.’

“I could use a butterbeer,” grinned Ron.

“And I really need to get back to the castle,” objected Hermione, “I have some Head Girl things to do.”

“Are you sure Hermione?” asked Sirius.

“Yes, now go ahead before everybody beats you there and you don’t have a table to sit at,” she said, waving them off. The four took off and she returned to the castle. For some reason, she thought it was a bad idea to go to the Three Broomsticks with Sirius because of the cold stares Severus was giving her.

Entering the castle, she decided to head to the library to take advantage of the lack of students there. She settled down in a corner chair and read one of the many assigned books for her classes.

“Why did you go out with me?” a dark voice hissed.

Startled, she looked up from her book and saw Severus standing in front of her, glaring at her.

“What?” she asked.

“Why did you go out with me?” he tried again.

“Because you asked me to,” she answered honestly.

He wanted to believe her, but was afraid to. “You went out with me because you felt sorry for me, right?” he hissed.

She was shocked by his words. Putting her book down, she stood up to face him.

“Severus, I did not go out with you because I felt sorry for you. I went out with you because you asked me to,” her voice was convincing.

‘If she was telling the truth,’ he thought, “Will you go out with me again?” he asked.

“Are you really asking me or are you testing me?” suestuestioned him.

“I am really asking you. Will you have dinner with me again?”

Without hesitation, she answered, “Yes, I will have dinner with you again.”

As much as he wanted to grab and kiss her, he retained his composure and said, “I will meet you at the entrance at seven o’clock tomorrow night.” He turned and left before he could make a bigger fool of himself. She smiled, watching his robes billowing behind him while he stormed out.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning at breakfast, Sirius was invited to sit at the High Table as a guest of Dumbledore. Luck would have it, Severus was seated next to him.

“So,” began Sirius with a mouth full of eggs, “Did you figure out why Hermione went out with you?”

Severus ignored him as he ate his breakfast.

Sirius noticed her glancing up at Severus and smiling.

He asked, “Maybe she does like you. Did you give her flowers?”

“What?” asked Snape, realizing that he had not.

“Did you give her flowers? You know, a bouquet of roses or something,” answered Sirius.

“No,” he said quietly.

“Well, did you at least complement her?” Sirius asked again, “Compared to what her hair looks like today, she clearly spent a lot of time on it for you.”

‘Oh gods, he’s right,’ thought Severus.

“I also noticed that you left her standing at the entrance of the castle. A true gentleman would walk her to her door to tell her goodnight,” continued Sirius.

Severus continued to eat, thinking about what Sirius had told him, realizing he had already done everything wrong.

“I am meeting her at the front entrance for dinner,” Severus said, not knowing why he told Sirius, but for some reason needed to make sure he was doing it right.

“No, go to her door, pick her up, and escort her to dinner,” he told Snape, “My gods Severus. Do you need me to tell you how to kiss her too?”

“Fuck you!” hissed Severus and Black laughed, but Severus’ stomach turned at the thought of kissing Hermione. It had been a long, long time since he had kissed a woman and even then it had been just a quick peck on the lips. The women Voldemort provided were whores for sex, not for kissing.

‘Maybe she will be too repulsed and I will not have to worry about it,’ he thought, but he did want to kiss her. He left the Great Hall before Sirius could say anything else.

~*~*~*~

Hermione was in her Head Girl room getting ready for her date when a large, black owl flew into her room and landed on her desk.

“Hello there,” she said to the stern looking owl while untying the scroll. The owl immediately flew off without requesting food. She broke the double SS seal and unrolled the scroll.

Hermione,
I will pick you up at your room instead of the main entrance.
Severus

She giggled because she was thinking back to when she had gotten detention and he left a note for her then. It was just as impersonal with the only difference being that, this time, he used their first names. ‘That was his style of writing, short and straight to the point,’ she smiled.

At exactly seven o’clock, he knocked on her door. Hermione answered it and was surprised to see him holding a bouquet of beautiful red roses.

“Hello Hermione,” he said as if he was waiting for her to announce that she had come to her senses and no longer wanted to go out with him. “Um, these are for you.” He handed her the roses. She sensed that this dating thing was as new for him as is was for her.

She took the roses and closed her eyes, smelling them. “Thank you Severus,” she said, “They are beautiful.” She took out her wand and quickly transfigured a cup into a vase with water and placed the roses in it.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“Yes, I am,” she answered, shutting her door behind her and took his hand in hers.

She was almost afraid to ask, “Severus, I have nothing to hide and I am not ashamed to be seen with you, but I have to know. Will we get into trouble since I am still your student?”

“Normally, yes,” he said. “But I spoke with Albus before asking you out and he granted me permission because you are of age.” Severus turned to look at her and almost tripped, noticing how beautiful she was.

“He also charmed the halls so we will not run into any students while we are together. He did not want to make our being together awkward for anyone but,” he added, “I am not ashamed of being seen with you either.”

She smiled as he escorted her to Hogsmeade. This time they actually had a conversation during dinner. It amused her that he was still harsh with his tone, but his words were far kinder. The whole situation was still a little awkward because he was so nervous, but Hermione realized that she was enjoying his company.

While he escorted her back to the castle, he casually said, “You look nice tonight.” He quickly cursed himself because he wanted to tell her how exquisite she looked but the word ‘nice’ was all that came out.

“Thank you,” she said, blushing.

He escorted her to the door of her Head Girl room and she let go of his arm. They stood there looking at each other for what seemed like hours, but actually it was only a few seconds. He wanted to kiss her again, well if you wanted to call a peck on the cheek a kiss. She smiled at him, hoping he would kiss her right now. He slowly lowered his mouth to hers as she raised her lips to him and closed her eyes. She suddenly felt a quick peck on her cheek and when she opened her eyes, he was half way down the hall, robes billowing behind him.

‘Maybe next time,’ she thought, a little disappointed.


~*~*~*~
A/N: I have accepted the challenge from Whispers to make Severus more of an insecure man when it comes to romance, because he has been socially reclusive for years, so the likelihood of him being able to make Hermione melt at their first kiss is unlikely. I know, I know – I am suddenly talking about keeping them in character when the entire story is OOC. It’s like some huge oxymoron. Let’s just see what happens. You know me, my Severus may be OOC, but he’s still a sex god!!!