Dinner and a game

"Yes, which is all the more reason to show that you are the bigger person and attend dinner before Severus shows his face. Don't let him force you into isolation."

"He is not forcing me into anything. I am just trying to keep the staff from being forced into our conflict."

"Well then, there is no debate. Severus has stayed away as much as you have, my dear. Now I am ravenous. If we don't leave, I may have to eat you."

"Remus, I'm going to kill you."

"After dinner. I hear the house-elves have prepared a delicious roast."

...

By the time Remus had managed to hog-tie and drag Hermione to the Great Hall, there were only three seats left at the community table. Hermione was instantly suspicious. Remus purposefully sat in one of the outside chairs. Seconds later, Severus burst through the doors still not able to regain the calm he had mastered in the snow. Of course, the only seat open happened to be next to Hermione. As repayment for his merciless and purposeful act, Hermione subtly stomped on Remus's foot. She decided that the best way to handle this was to say as little as possible.

...

"Miss Granger."

"Severus."

"Lovely weather."

"Indeed."

"I think we should play a game!"

"Remus, shut up!"

"Now, Hermione. Okay, everyone at the table must give their two neighbors one compliment. Ouch!"

"I think that's a wonderful idea."

"Thank you, Minerva. I'll start. I will compliment you, and then you do me and then Severus, and then Severus compliments you, and we go all around the table. Hermione, I like how well you think outside the box. "

"Remus, I like how well you can take a hint. Severus, I think you are one of the most adept peoples in potions."

"Hermione, you are one of the least unintelligent people I have taught."

...

Hermione was obviously shocked at the backwards compliment. He thought her intelligent. She was absurdly happy. She didn't completely understand why. Most of her teachers would have said the same thing. But it came from him. Unfortunately this made their argument more perplexing. It wasn't her hair denying her access. He didn't think her dull enough to cause an explosion. There must be a reason beyond him being Severus Snape, famous recluse of the dungeons. Maybe she should go apologize to him. It was highly unlikely that he was going to be beating down her door with an apology.