Chapter Twenty: Avoiding the Issue

Disclaimer: They are not mine, and if they were, I'd keep them in my own toy box.

Chapter Twenty: Avoiding the Issue

Hermione

I think he got the message. I hope he got the message.

I'll just have to be patient for a while. Give him some time to get used to the idea.

Now, where's that book?

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Administration and Reporting.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Board of Governors' Responsibilities. Getting closer.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Charter of Regulations. That's the one. Now, what does it say?

...

...

Not much in that, just a load of boring rules, which anyone in their right mind would follow anyway.

'No flying of brooms is to be permitted inside the Castle.' Wouldn't have stopped Fred and George.

'The Prefects' bathroom is for the use of Prefects only. Bathing is the only activity permitted. Mixed bathing and licentious activities will be punished appropriately.' I can think of some licentious activities Severus and I could get up to in there... And I'm sure he could dream up a suitable punishment.

What's this? Appendices? Hmm.

Appendix Four.

Got you, Snape. No more excuses.

***

"What was so urgent it couldn't wait until tomorrow's staff meeting, Minerva?"

"I'm sorry, Severus. Did I interrupt something important?"

"Er... no. Nothing I couldn't suppress... I mean, put into stasis."

"What's the matter? You seem very tense."

"I'll be fine once I get back to my quarters and finish what I was doing. Now, you sent for me?"

"Oh, yes. This just came through the Floo from Kingsley Shacklebolt."

"Why doesn't that surprise me? Always interrupting... Don't tell me it's another case he and his cohorts cannot solve. I'm not interested. His last little problem caused enough trouble."

"Have you still not sorted out your relationship with Hermione?"

"No. Don't even ask. What did Kingsley want?"

"I don't know. I haven't opened it. There's one letter for you and one for Hermione. I imagine they are the final reports on your mission. I should ask a house-elf to fetch her as well."

"No, don't. Please, Minerva, if you value my peace of mind..."

"All right, Severus. I'll send for her once you have left."

"Thank you. If there's nothing else?"

"No, that was all. Good night, Severus."

"Good night, Minerva."

***

Severus

Well, I've survived the first week. Not having her in my class helps.

I never thought I would miss that bloody waving hand so much.

Just seeing her at meals is bad enough. She's so happy down there with her friends. If only she'd stop those furtive glances towards me. Every time I see that look in her eye my skin burns and my trousers tighten. Even Filius noticed yesterday. Had the cheek to ask me if I had a problem, just because I was a little restless. He'd be restless too, if he had a raging erection threatening to burst his seams whenever a certain witch looked his way.

She's only caught me in the corridors once this week. Just as well Argus came along when he did.

Saturday tomorrow.

Thirty-nine.

Lucky me.

***

Hermione

Gods, that man is elusive. I suppose twenty or so years of spying helps. Apart from meals, I hardly ever see him. How can I confront him about the Hogwarts Charter if I can't bloody find him?

So much for being available to your students, Snape.

I may have to call in a few favours.

...

Now, somewhere on this map there'll be a pair of footprints with Severus Snape's name on them.

Ah. There he is.

The Astronomy Tower. How convenient.

Don't you dare move, Snape. Your day of reckoning has arrived.

Good. He's still up there. A Do-Not-Disturb on this stairwell to prevent interruptions and a little Silencing Charm on my shoes, and he won't know I'm there until it's too late. Must remember to use that handy spell I found to seal the door, so the sneaky bastard can't escape.

***

"Good evening, Severus."

"Oh. It's you."

"Don't sound so disappointed. It's not good for a girl's ego, you know."

"Sorry. I was just leaving."

"No, you weren't."

"Miss Granger, what have you done with this door?"

"Nothing that can't be fixed once we have had a little talk, Severus. And stop calling me Miss Granger. That really is perverted considering where that mouth of yours has been."

"Very well, Hermione, what exactly do you wish to discuss?"

"The little matter of Appendix Four."

"Appendix Four?"

"Appendix Four. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Charter of Regulations. You know, the book you signed out a week ago. Don't play the fool with me, Snape."

"Oh. That one."

"Yes. Which part of the wording of that particular Appendix did you not understand? The part about the student being of legal majority? The mention of the relationship developing outside the school? Or was it that tricky little sentence referring to the student not being taught directly by the teacher? And to think I believed you were an articulate, intelligent wizard, who could easily understand a little bureaucratic babbling."

"Hermione, I..."

"You what, Severus? Think I would prefer callow boys when I've known a real man? Don't believe I mean it when I say I want you, Severus Snape, in all your black-robed, sharp-tongued fury when I've seen you naked, tasted your desire, and felt you explode inside me as I've done the same? Can't imagine how I can love you, the dreaded Potions professor and ex-Death Eater when I've seen your smile, heard your laugh, and felt your tenderness. I told you on New Year's Eve I was staking my claim. You're mine. I'm yours."

"Don't stand so close to me. I can't think..."

"Don't think, Severus. Feel. Believe. Live. I can feel your heart beating so fast even under all those layers. Let it free."

"I can't. I shouldn't. Hermione... no... Mmmmph."

...

...

...

"No! Please. Please, Hermione!"

"All right. But promise me you will consider what I've said. I love you, Severus, and that's not going to change. And I know you love me."

"Yes. Yes, I love you, exasperating witch that you are. But..."

"I know. You need more time. Oh, by the way. Happy Birthday."

"Thanks."

***

Severus

What the hell is wrong with me? I spent twenty years spying, risking my life and my mind time and time again, and I can't find the courage to risk my heart. I know she loves me. I just can't believe it will last.

I could have taken her right there on the Astronomy Tower. She had me almost exposed to her touch. Gods, it felt so right.

What kind of spell has she cast on me? One glimpse of her and I'm weak at the knees. One touch and I'm in heaven.

You're an old fool, Sev. A pathetic old fool whose cock has taken over his higher mental functions.

No, not just his cock.

His heart.

***

Hermione

So close. Why did he have to stop? One more button and I would have held him in my hand. He was so hard and desperate at first.

Dammit, Snape. Why?

How can I prove him wrong?

I can't.

I'll just have to wait until he realises I'm not about to run off with some idiotic boy who can barely tie his own shoelaces.

***

"So, 'Mione, how's the latest project going?"

"Project? What project?"

"The Triple-S project."

"Ron. I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Neither have I, mate. Are you sure there's not something extra in your pumpkin juice this morning?"

"Triple-S. S.S.S. Shag Snape Silly."

"Brilliant!"

"I thought it was clever."

"No, you've got it completely wrong, boys. It's Shag Snape Senseless."

"Or Shag Snape Silent. That would be good for avoiding detentions. Can you work on that one, Hermione?"

"He'd have to talk to me first. I haven't seen him outside of the Great Hall for a month. I'm sure he's been avoiding me since that night on the Astronomy Tower."

"What night on the Astronomy Tower? What have you not told us?"

"Nothing happened, Harry. Although it wasn't for the want of trying. Remember, I borrowed your map. He was up there alone, so I decided to insist on a little conversation. Unfortunately, he was as pigheaded as ever. The bloody man doesn't seem to think he deserves to be happy."

"Do you want us to talk to him, 'Mione?"

"No. But thanks for offering, Ron. It means a lot knowing you'd be prepared to risk his wrath for me. You two are the best friends a girl could have."

"Hey, guys! Why the long faces?"

"Nothing, Gin. Hermione here was just... er... complaining she didn't have a date for the Hogsmeade outing on Valentine's Day."

"Oh, that's not a problem. You can come along with us, Hermione. The more the merrier!"

"Er... thanks."

"Did I hear someone say the pride of Gryffindor is looking for a date for Hogsmeade? Whatever has the world come to?"

"Oh, bugger off, ferret. No-one invited you into the conversation. Don't you have some flies to pull the wings off?"

"No need to be unsociable, Potty. I've just come to offer my services to the lovely Miss Granger. Would you allow me to do you the honour of escorting you to Hogsmeade this weekend, Granger?"

"When you put it like that, Malfoy, I don't know how a girl could refuse. But I guess I'll have to be strong. No. Go away."

"You don't know what you'd be missing."

"Oh, I have a fairly good idea, and it makes me want to vomit."

"Your loss."

"Good one, 'Mione! He looked right put out!"

"Smarmy bastard. Just because his father bought himself out of Azkaban and back into the Ministry."

"Never mind Malfoy. Have you two done your Potions essays yet? Oh, don't give me those looks. N.E.W.T.s will be here before you know it."

***

"Ah, Granger, just the witch I've dreamed of meeting alone in the corridors."

"What now, Malfoy?"

"I simply wish to re-extend my offer for this weekend. Now you have lost those two hangers-on, I thought you might wish to reconsider."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why do you want to escort me? You've spent the last seven years insulting me, hexing my friends, and even trying to kill us all. What's changed?"

"Maybe I like a challenge, Granger."

"Maybe you like the idea of associating with a decorated War Hero. It's not going to work. I'm not going with you."

"Very well. But I'm not going to stop trying. You'll see."

***

"Hermione, my dear. Only two days left before the weekend. Rumour has it you're still lacking a partner. My offer stands. Come with me to Hogsmeade and the feast. I'm sure I can show you a good time."

"I'm sure my idea of a good time differs from yours, Malfoy. And do you mind not standing in my immediate vicinity. That nasty cologne you're wearing is quite overpowering."

"My cologne comes from the finest parfumerie in Paris, Granger. Unfortunately, some people do not have the taste to appreciate it. Here, take a good sniff."

"Eww, Malfoy. Get your face off mine."

"No need to get violent, Granger. Not that I mind a little spirit in a woman."

"Oh, go to hell, Malfoy."

"For you, anywhere."

***

Hermione

Well, that was another productive session at the library. I'm finally up to date with the work I missed in the first term. Pity I can't say the same for the boys. A week behind in their essays, and they have no excuse. They would have me believe they don't need me to tell them when to work. If they had their way, it would be all Quidditch and no study at all. I don't know why they bothered coming back if they weren't going to do any work.

I wonder if I stroll around a bit whether I will run into the snarky, avoidant one in a nice dark corner. Somewhere he can't get away from easily.

Like I'd be so lucky.

Someone is coming. Perhaps...

Malfoy.

Bloody marvellous.

***

"Granger."

"Malfoy."

"So, have you reconsidered yet?"

"Reconsidered what?"

"My offer."

"What, condescending to escort me to Hogsmeade?"

***

Snape

It's been a month, and still she watches me with that look in her eye. I could almost believe she was serious.

Bloody students are all behaving tonight. A few miscreants to traumatise would take my mind off Granger. I think I'll just check down this corridor. I'm sure I heard voices.

Well, I might have known. There she is, with young Malfoy of all people. I thought she had better taste.

Should I be pleased my prediction was correct, or insanely jealous?

I think I'll go with insanely jealous.

Fucking Malfoy.

Must get closer. There, a spot of Disillusionment should do it. Now, what's going on between those two?

Damn, if that boy gets any closer to her I'll hex those wandering hands to his sides.

***

"You will enjoy yourself. See, I know you want to."

"Malfoy, what are you doing?"

"Just getting a little closer. Mmm, your skin is so soft."

***

Snape

Fuck. Now he's running his hands down her arm. And she's allowing it.

I have to go before I do something I'll regret. She can't know I've been watching her... again.

Fucking Malfoy.

***

A/N: This was written for the Severus Big Bang Birthday Bash on LiveJournal. Many thanks to karelia, my beloved beta.