Hysteria

Thanks to s and h forever for her undying faith in this story, or, as we like to call it, my baby.

Thanks also, to those of you who have reviewed. It's nice to see my story being well received. I hope my story continues to provide enjoyment.

"It's bugging me, grating me, and twisting me around. Yeah, I'm endlessly caving in, and turning inside out." (Hysteria, by Muse)

Hermione's vacation was certainly not as relaxing as she had hoped it would be. Every minute she didn't spend skiing with her parents, she was thinking about her problems with Snape, the work she still needed to get ahead on, and her upcoming meeting with Dumbledore. With Harry and Ron staying at Hogwarts for the break, and Hermione's parents hardly able to understand what Polyjuice Potion was, let alone why her professor's references to it among other things were so humiliating, Hermione had no one to whom she could vent; the feeling of insanity she had wanted to be rid of slowly came creeping back. Not only was she still baffled by Snape's mysterious attitude and cryptic in-class comments, but she also became paranoid about what consequences complaining about him would bring. She was serious when she mentioned signing her own death wish to Harry, and had no doubts whatsoever that Snape very well could make her life even more miserable than it already was, should he find out that she had seen Dumbledore about him. She didn't exactly know how he would do it, but, if there were a way, she was sure Severus Snape would find it.

Hermione was an emotional wreck the night before her appointment with Dumbledore, and decided to calm her nerves by making note cards chronicling Snape's offensive behavior towards her since classes began. She soon realized, however, that it would be rather unimpressive to whip out note cards during a meeting with any Headmaster, let alone Albus Dumbledore himself, and she chose to get some much needed sleep instead.

Hermione woke the next morning buzzing with anticipation, going over everything she had to say in her mind until she reached the gargoyle that served as the entrance to Dumbledore's office. After timidly whispering Dumbledore's most recent password, Acid Pops, Hermione ascended the winding staircase and knocked on the great wizard's door. She immediately felt awkward, like she was somewhere she wasn't allowed, until her thoughts were interrupted by a soft "Come in," followed by a cheerful smile from Dumbledore. She hardly had a chance to greet the Headmaster before there was a loud and sudden knock on the door behind her, which caused Hermione to jump. She waited patiently in the chair Dumbledore had directed her to as he answered the door, trying to calm herself before he came back and saw her fidgeting. However, she soon lost all control after hearing him greet his newly arrived guest.

"Ah, Severus. Please come in. I believe I need to have an important discussion with you and Miss Granger."

Hermione's eyes went wide, and her mind immediately began racing. Merlin's balls, what is going on? How did Dumbledore know I needed to talk to him about Snape? Why would he invite Snape to hear how horrible I think he is? Oh great, now I'm dead. Okay, Hermione, calm down. Pretend you have no idea what's going on... It'll be fine... just freaking fine.

Hermione's attempt to compose herself was quickly interrupted by the Potions master himself. "Miss Granger, I assume that, after six years, you are accustomed to seeing me in your general presence. Would you be so kind as to stop gawking at me and close your mouth?" Snape replied, clearly not amused.

"Oh, I'm sorry, sir, I just didn't realize you would be here for my appointment with Professor Dumbledore. How was your holiday?" Hermione couldn't believe that she had been staring open-mouthed at Professor Snape and hoped that her question would take his mind off her inappropriate welcome.

"I assure you, Miss Granger, you would have missed nothing should you have chosen to stay at Hogwarts," was his only response, and an incredibly awkward silence fell over the room.

"Well then," Dumbledore began, "I believe I know why Miss Granger has arranged this meeting with me, and I decided to resolve her situation completely before the break was even over!"

Hermione normally would have been grateful to the Headmaster for his foresight in resolving her problem, but something about the twinkle in his eye warned that his plan was not something she expected.

Dumbledore continued, "The faculty and I have been noticing the slight slip in your grades, Hermione. It is our belief that the school's class material has become so mundane, for your level of intelligence, that you have stopped devoting your energies to academia. As a result, I have decided that a more advanced independent study is in order. Since you clearly have expressed a special interest in the field of Potions, your independent study for the rest of the year will be with Professor Snape. There are many ways that your research can help the Order in the war against Voldemort, and I trust both you and Severus to work closely together to help us."

"WHAT?" Hermione and Snape yelled in unison. Hermione couldn't believe what she had just heard. Though he hadn't mentioned it, Hermione was now positive that Dumbledore had known about Snape's treatment of her in class, but couldn't understand why his 'brilliant' plan involved forcing them together. She was convinced that Snape would tear her apart, but she would consent to participate in the independent study regardless. It was true that she loved Potions, and was happy that, since it was compulsory that she work with Snape, her efforts were, at least, benefiting the Order. She had long felt that she had a greater responsibility to the war effort than the help she was currently giving, and she would be grateful for the opportunity to do more.

Hermione wondered how Snape was dealing with the news, and she glanced across the room in an attempt to gauge his reaction. As Snape stared back at her, she saw that he was straining to hide his emotions. She couldn't tell exactly how he was feeling, but could only assume that he was livid.

Why is this man so damned hard to read? The years of spying have helped, I'm sure, but, still, he should let go once in a while... what am I saying? I'm trying to do the exact same thing he is. Maybe once this independent study starts...no, I can't begin thinking like that...

Hermione shoved her thoughts out of her head. She needed to be alone, to think on her own. She couldn't afford to lose herself in front of Snape and Dumbledore.

"Is that all, Headmaster?" Hermione inquired, eager to escape to the solitude of her room.

"Yes, I think that I've covered everything. You can set up the details with Severus personally. Anything to add, Professor?" Dumbledore's smile widened with every word, and Hermione couldn't understand where his enthusiasm was coming from.

"Miss Granger, please meet me in my office tonight after dinner to discuss the particulars of our work together. Shall we say eight o'clock?"

Hermione nodded in response, silently acquiescing to his request. She had no idea what to expect from him that evening and didn't want to admit that she was slightly excited by the idea of a Potions independent study, even to herself. It was finally her opportunity to seriously study something she loved, but...with Snape?

How the hell am I going to do this? I'm sure I'll get used to it... maybe it'll turn out that he's only bitter in class... yeah, in my wildest dreams. He's got to be like this all the time. Ugh, wait until I tell Harry and Ron that I'm going to be spending all my spare time for the rest of the year with Snape. They'll looooveeee me for that.

Hermione's train of thought was broken, yet again, by Dumbledore. "So, if that will be all, I'll see both of you later. Have a wonderful day!" Dumbledore's perkiness was really starting to bug to Hermione, and she exited his office through the door Snape was holding open for her.

Wait...what? Snape held the door for me? I'm sure it was just absent minded. He couldn't be going out of his way to be nice. No, not at all.

Hermione pushed her thoughts to the back of her mind as she made her way to the common room. She couldn't afford to be second guessing herself now and would need a clear mind to deal with a man as difficult as Severus Snape. She climbed through the portrait of the Fat Lady to find Ron and Harry already waiting for her.

"Wow, Hermione, it's about time you got here. We thought you'd never come! How was your meeting?" Harry was obviously interested in hearing about how Dumbledore was going to tell Snape off, and Hermione cringed as she considered the outrage with which Harry would respond to her news.

"Well, things didn't exactly go as I had planned. Ron, Harry...I have something to tell you..."