Where Do We Go From Here

A/N: Much thanks to my betas: Gemma & Kat

Also many thanks to those that have read & reviewed

Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling

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I’m in love, Hermione thought with a silly smile. She knew both Severus and Ron didn’t seem pleased by her declaration in the slightest, but for some reason, that just couldn’t make the smile on her face disappear. Lowering her head so a curtain of bushy hair fell over her face, she raised her eyes to look at the two men who stood across from her. The pair seemed to be arguing in hushed tones, both stopping for a moment to glance over at her. A slight wrinkle marred her forehead as she tried to reason why Severus and Ron would be trying to keep their conversation from her. They’ve argued in front of me before. Why are they trying to keep it quiet now?

She continued to watch the pair as they grew more animated in their gestures, though they were keeping their voices down lest they attracted Madam Pince’s attention. Pursing her lips, Hermione’s mind continued to try and work out how she could politely ask Ron to leave, so she and Severus could continue their talk. Not to mention dragging Severus down to his rooms to find what he’s been hiding under all those buttons, she smiled impishly.

Her brows came together as another thought wandered through her head. Wait... why do I suddenly love Professor Snape? Yesterday I would have barely admitted to having fancied him during seventh year. What’s suddenly changed?

~~~

“What do you mean she’s taken a love potion?!” Severus growled out from between clenched teeth.

To his credit, Ron only flinched slightly before looking Severus straight in the eye. “Just what I said, Professor. That Fred and George planted a love potion here in hopes that Hermione would drink from it.”

“Ah, and just why, pray tell, would they do that, Mr. Weasley? Aren’t you practically engaged to the little chit?”

“Don’t call her that,” Ron said with a warning. Severus sighed.

“Just where is this supposed love potion anyways?” Ron pointed to the water pitcher.

“It’s in there.”

Both turned to look at Hermione, noticing the out-of-character smile on her face. Taking charge, Severus asked her while pointing to the pitcher, “Miss Granger, did you drink anything from that?”

“Please, call me Hermione,” Hermione said with a flirtatious smile.

Severus sighed in asperation, “Very well. Hermione, did you drink anything from that?”

Hermione smiled brightly as he said her name, “Yes. I thought the house-elves had put it there. Why?”

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. “Because, we think Fred and George might have given you something other than water,” he explained like one would to a small child.

“Like what?”

“That’s what we’re trying to find out, Miss Granger.”

Severus looked over at Ron who had been quiet during this whole conversation. You’d think the prat would show a bit more concern about her as her beau. Frowning, he barked at Ron, “Hand me the pitcher, Mr. Weasley.”

Ron glared daggers at Severus but moved to pick up the pitcher and hand it to Severus without making any retorts, as Hermione watched from her chair. Severus looked in at the liquid inside before moving the pitcher under his nose. Sniffling the contents carefully, he set the pitcher back down.

“Well?” Ron asked looking rather impatient.

“Ah, further tests should be done to check but it would seem that this is no ordinary water. There seemed to be a very faint aroma of Belladonna and Ashwinder eggs. I trust you remember what those ingredients are capable of, Mr. Weasley?” Severus sneered at him.

“Ashwinder eggs are used in most love potions, where as Belladonna is used in some sleeping draughts,” Hermione promptly answered.

“Indeed.” Running a hand through his dark hair, Severus sighed. “I believe it would be in Miss Granger’s best interest if we bring this before the Headmaster.” Let him decide what to do with the love-stricken chit, he thought before continuing. “Also, both Mr. Weasleys should be found. The sooner we find out what they used to brew that, the sooner an antidote can be made.”

“Yes, Professor. I’ll go find Fred and George,” Ron offered.

“Very well. Please take Miss Granger to the Headmaster before looking for the dunderheads.”

“But, Severus, I want to stay with you,” Hemione pleaded.

“Miss Granger, haven’t you heard a word we have been saying? You are under a love potion. Whatever feelings you might think you have for me, are nothing but an illusion. Now please, go with Mr. Weasley.” Ron leaned closer to Severus.

“I’d be careful, Professor. She can have a bloody awful temper.”

“I heard that, Ronald. And I do not have a temper.”

“Yeah, and those canaries just flew at me for no reason,” he quipped.

“Oh for Circe’s sake,” grumbled Severus. “Very well. Mr. Weasley, inform the Headmaster what is currently going on. Then proceed to track down your errant brothers. Miss Granger and I will proceed to my office where I will try to formulate the appropriate antidote.” Looking unsure, Ron shuffled his feet.

“Are you sure I should leave, sir?”

Leveling a look at the boy, Severus answered, “I can assure you, Mr Weasley, that I won’t take advantage of Miss Granger’s condition. Now please go.”

As Ron left the library, Severus looked at Hermione. “I would suggest you gather what books you need and then follow me.”

“Yes, Severus.” Hermione smiled as she gathered her books together.

Severus made a face. No use correcting her, she thinks she’s in love, he reminded himself. Picking up the water pitcher, he began to make his way out of the library