Two

Chapter Two

Hermione leaned against the wall just inside the common room. She was out of breath, and it wasn't just from running all the way back. She'd been assaulted by two Slytherins, saved by Snape, and then she'd tried to seduce him. What was she thinking? God, she was insane. Why'd she ever let him know how she felt?

He so much as said he'd only responded to her because she'd been half naked. Lord! He'd seen her. Most of her anyway. She couldn't help it. She'd seen how mad he'd been when he'd found her. And then the look that had been in his eyes! It was one that said that if anyone was to touch her in such a way, it would be only him. She'd thought he needed her. She'd misunderstood completely.

Her feelings were more along the lines of happily ever after. His were more along the lines of getting one and being done. She'd been crazy to kiss him. It was all her fault of course. She'd kissed him first. What was he supposed to do? He was only a man after all!

"Hermione, where have you been?" Harry asked.

She looked around, puzzled. "Eh?"

He was no place to be seen at first, but then he materialized, having been under his cloak.

"What are you doing, Harry?" she asked.

"I was just off to look for you. Ginny came back down and said you'd never been up tonight since you went on your rounds. I was worried," he said softly.

She saw his eyes narrow as he looked at the shirt she was wearing and the torn blouse, bra, and robe in her hand.

"What happened?"

"I... I messed up my clothes. I borrowed a shirt," she said lamely.

He pulled her to their favorite chairs by the fire.

She sighed. "You know me better than that, don't you?"

He nodded. "Just tell me the truth."

She told him everything. Even though she hadn't wanted Snape to tell him, she'd done so. His first reaction had been wanting to run out to find the two Slytherin gits. The next was anger at Snape for taking advantage of her.

She had to soothe him. "No, Harry. He was just trying to help. I... I am the one who tried to take advantage. You were right. It's silly of me to want him. To feel for him. He sees me as just a girl."

That alone calmed him. He pulled her close and hugged her. "Mione, what's he got that Ron doesn't have? I mean, Ron's our age anyway."

"My heart. I don't know how, but when we kissed the last time, it was all I'd ever expected. Do you feel that way when you kiss Ginny? Does the world just explode?" She pulled back to look into his eyes.

He smiled. How she had once loved Harry. But he would never hurt Ron that way. To save his friend's heart, he'd opted to date Ginny and not touch Hermione.

"It does now," he confided. "It didn't always."

She nodded knowingly. He used to love her as well. Used to. Now he only wanted her to be with Ron. In his own way, she knew he wanted her to be with Ron so he hadn't given her up for nothing.

"Harry... I don't feel that way about Ron. I might have once, but then I just grew up. I saw things for what they were. You and I could never be together because of his feelings. He'd just think that he lost to you again. And maybe I resent him still for our not having a chance." She smiled at his worried look. "Don't get me wrong. I'm happy you've found Ginny. You were meant for each other. I see that now. But now, I'm just attracted to someone who is more like me."

Harry shook his head. "All these years of hell that man has put us through. All the things he's done to you. To us. You are nothing like him. He can be a bastard, Mione."

She smiled. "But you've said it yourself. He can be, but he isn't always. There is more to him than we see in the classroom. You see how he is for the Order. I'd like to get to know that side of him better. He is a bookworm, same as me. He is interested in things, just as I am. Just please don't tell Ron."

He pulled her face to his. He was lowering his mouth to kiss her. Suddenly, he pulled back.

"Sorry!" he said shyly, a bit embarrassed. "I don't know what happened just then. I... I'll not tell Ron."

"It's all right. I almost do it sometimes as well, but it's just old feelings." She ruffled his already untidy hair. "And, as far as Snape, it seems my feelings were unreciprocated anyway. Very foolish on my part. I had hoped he felt something. Hoped some feelings were there."

"Maybe one day they will be there, Hermione. He has a lot on his plate right now. Not all of us may survive this war. Maybe that's what he is thinking of. Or," he said sadly, "maybe he thinks you are too young. I mean, being a student and all."

"You're right. He won't hold this against me. I'll just try

to move on. Get focused on my priorities. Good night, Harry. Love you," she said softly, kissing his cheek.

"Night," he said and made his way up to the boys' dormitories.

****SS**** O_o ****HG****

Hermione noticed that Snape was not at the table with all the other teachers for breakfast that morning. One quick glance at Slytherin's table told her that neither Crabbe nor Goyle were present either. She hoped they were getting expelled. How dare they wait around a corner and disarm her that way! She shivered at the thought of Goyle's hands on her. Thank God Severus had come to her rescue.

Severus! Since when did she think of him by his first name?

"WuswrongMione?" Ron asked, chewing a load of food.

She crinkled her nose in disgust. "I think I've lost my appetite." She sighed. "You know, Ron. Parvati was looking at you just a moment ago. I heard her talking to Lavender about you. She fancies you. You ought to close your mouth while you chew. Never know who could be watching."

He swallowed his mouthful. "Fancies me, eh?" He looked sideways at his newest interest. Though Ron claimed to be pining away for her and continually tried to get her to date him, it had not stopped his 'social' life. He was very active indeed. "Oi, there, Parvati," he called suddenly, grinning at Hermione.

"Er... yes?" she called back.

"Want to take a run to Hogsmeade with me today?" he asked calmly. "I want to go check out the newest shipment in Fred and George's shop."

Parvati looked at Lavender and giggled. "All right then," she agreed after pretending to think it over. "I'll meet you at the gates in about thirty minutes."

"I love that seventh years can visit Hogsmeade on any weekend they'd like." He raised his eyebrows up and down conspiratorially. "Well, that's it then. I think she's a nice girl. I'm going to have a go with her. Last chance to snag me, Mione."

He looked hopeful, but she had a feeling he only pestered her out of habit anymore. And out of loyalty to Harry. He knew Harry would like to see them together. "Sorry, Ron, but you know I think we don't mesh."

He nodded. "All right then. My quest for you is officially over."

She saw something like relief flash through his eyes. Perhaps he'd been turned down one time too many. Or perhaps the thought of having a girl like Parvati at his side was too alluring. Whatever his reasoning, she was glad of it. She only had eyes for an older wizard. One that was extremely confident with himself. Smart. A bit rough about the edges, but caring underneath it all.

What am I saying? I have to forget about him. For now at least. She smiled at Parvati as she saw her whispering excitedly. Good for Ron. He needed someone who wouldn't resent him. Someone not in love, infatuation as Snape had said, with someone else.

Now that Ron had a date for Hogsmeade and Harry was going with Ginny, she had no idea what she was going to do. She didn't want to tag along as a fifth wheel. She supposed she could go out by the lake for a bit to read or go to the library. It would be nearly deserted no doubt. She had studied so much for her N.E.W.T.s that she really didn't have much more to do other than review.

A good book near the lake it was.

"Have a good day," she told her friends.

Harry smiled. "Will you not come with us?"

She shook her head. "I'd like to do some reading. Go on without me. It will be fun."

Ginny spoke. "No, I'd like you to come. There's no reason you can't just come for a little while. It's Saturday for heavens sake!"

"Well, I suppose I could use a new quill then. I'll meet you all this afternoon at the Three Broomsticks, say about four?" she asked. If she changed her mind, they'd probably not notice anyway.

They all agreed.

****SS**** O_o ****HG****

Severus needed to relieve this frustration that had built up inside of him. He'd had nearly a half of a bottle of Scotch already. The hour was late enough for him to slip off unnoticed. Not that Dumbledore would not mind if he had a little excursion. Madam Rosmerta's helper, Denise, was a long time 'friend' who enjoyed a good roll in the hay--the way he liked it. Nothing soft and sweet there. Just pure sexual intensity. Yes, he'd made the right decision by turning little Hermione Granger away, tempting as it had been.

He first flew to the Hog's Head Inn to make arrangements for a room for the night. They asked no questions there. He simply needed to go to the Three Broomsticks after and let Denise know he was in town. Room secured, he bought a firewhisky for his walk and made his way over. Ah. There was his girl. He drained what was left in his glass and made for the bar.

"Severus," Denise purred in greeting. "Are you in town all night?" she asked.

"Yes, I am," he said seductively. "Room 5."

She nodded and refilled his glass. "I'll go as soon as I can get off tonight. Wait up for me," she said softly, touching his arm.

Ah, yes. Life was good. In just a few hours, he'd have Granger's kiss and body out of his mind for good. But then... What the fuck is she doing here?

There was his nemesis... sitting not three feet away from him, staring at him oddly. Had she heard his little exchange with Denise? Yes, she'd heard. He could tell by the way she glared at him.

"Cheers," he said with a smirk, holding up his glass to her and hoping it hurt her feelings. How the bloody hell could he get rid of her if she always turned up? He had purposely stayed away from the Great Hall all day just not to see her.

He looked in her direction again. She was downing something that looked like firewhisky. He couldn't believe it. She must be feeling just a bit rebellious. Severus followed her gaze. She was glaring at Denise. Was she jealous? Yes, he'd suppose she was. She'd been shunned by him only the night before. She was just upset that he'd come to be with another woman. He turned back to his drink, but he could hear Potter clearly.

"Hermione, that's the fifth one." The boy sounded irritated. "Do you want us to have to carry you back?"

"Don't worry about me," she slurred. "Fred said that I can stay over at their flat. As head girl, I have the right to invoke two night passes per year. All you have to do is tell McGonagall for me."

Sleeping at a Weasley's flat was she? Well, apparently she wasn't waiting all that long to get on with things either! Snape smirked to himself, but something irked him. Perhaps, he was jealous. To a certain extent. She claimed to have feelings for him, yet here she was about to sleep at another man's place. He ordered another drink.

"Here you are, Sevvie Baby," Denise purred.

He nodded in response.

"Professor Snape!" It was Weasley, the worst one. "Imagine you being here! And drinking at that!"

He turned to look at the happy little group and felt sick. Can't even have a drink without the little prats bothering me, Snape thought in irritation. Weasley sounded half-cocked himself.

"Carry on, boy, unless you want detention," he said in what he hoped was an intimidating voice.

To his horror, however, Weasley laughed uncontrollably. "You can't do that! We're not at school. HA HA HA."

Snape made a disgusted face. "Potter, get this drunken idiot out of here!" he bellowed. He noticed that his voice sounded slurry as well. He noted how Parvati was helping to hold Weasley up.

"Sir, I have two of them to worry about. Hermione," Harry raised his eyebrows, "doesn't care to leave either. I'm going to tell Fred to come back and get her. She'll be staying at their place tonight."

Had she told Potter about what happened after all? He'd find out later.

"Get this lout out of here, and I will escort Miss Granger to her destination." What the hell? Why did I say that? He nearly groaned outloud. What was he thinking? He noticed Harry's hesitation.

"Er... well, I don't know, sir." Harry looked back at Hermione's laughing face as she spoke to some other students. .

Snape raised an eyebrow. Yes, the boy must know something.

"Are you implying that I am not respectable enough to see her safely to her destination?"

Weasley nearly fell over. Both Ginny and Parvati were holding him up now.

"All right. I'll just tell Hermione," Potter agreed.

He watched as Hermione was told the news. She grimaced and said something snide. Snape imagined she was not happy.

After all, as far as she knew, she was being pushed off on someone that didn't want her. He smirked at them and downed his drink. The room was practically swaying for him. He'd have to cut down if he'd be any good in bed this night.

"She's about done for, Professor," Harry said softly.

Snape had the feeling that the little hero was pretty uncomfortable about this.

"She'll allow you to take her to Fred's."

Snape merely nodded. He ordered a drink for the walk to his room and told Denise to come as soon as she could.

"Ms. Granger," Snape acknowledged. He saw the others look up, clearly intimidated by the sound of his voice. "I think it's time to see you off to your friend's house now."

She glared at him. "Sorry, not ready to go just yet, thanks," she said immediately.

The girl to her right, Bones, gasped.

He pulled Hermione up by her arm. "Need I remind you that I gave my word to Potter? Come along now," he said, practically dragging her. Once outside, he told her to show him the way to the flat.

"Just there behind the store." She slurred the words slowly. "You insufferable git!"

The smirk on his face froze. He turned on her. "What did you just call me?" He'd heard that before from a woman's lips. It had been so long ago though.

"Are you deaf?" she asked angrily, swaying on her feet.

"Come along, Granger." He sneered and pulled her forward. He'd not waste his time arguing like a teenager.

"That's right." Giggle. "You've a hot date, haven't you?"

"Yes. I have," he said coldly, knowing it would hurt her. To his surprise, she pushed at his hand. In his tipsy state, he nearly tripped. "Here you are, Miss Granger. Please have a great night." His voice was dripping with sarcasm. He couldn't believe the audacity, her pushing on a teacher.

Come on, Denise, he thought in an irritated manner. He needed to relieve the frustration damn Granger had built up in him. He didn't even look back to see if she had gone in. He'd wasted enough time babysitting this evening. A wicked grin played on his face as he went to his room. He'd leave the door unlocked for her as he always did and turn the candles out completely. He needed complete darkness for his game this night.

****SS**** O_o ****HG****

Hermione watched through narrowed eyes as the object of her affection walked away from her. He had treated her so coldly. "You'll pay for this, Severus Snape!" she said to herself. She looked at the flat above the shop. No lights were on. It was fairly late in the evening. They must have assumed she'd gone back to Hogwarts with the others. No doubt they were out themselves.

"Damn!" she mumbled.

In her drunken state, she was not able to get all the way back to Hogwarts alone. She wasn't that stupid... just a tad intoxicated. Then a thought occurred to her. Snape was staying the night in the rooms off the Hog's Head. He'd told his 'friend' which one. She could just go there. An evil thought came to mind. She would ruin his little night; that was what she'd do. He was too good on the inside to turn her out into the cold and darkness of night. She'd show up and beg to sleep on the floor. Then as soon as she'd slept enough, she'd sneak back to Hogwarts unnoticed.

First, she had to ensure that his 'friend' would not show up and ruin things. She slipped her hand in her pocket. She'd bought a fresh quill and memoparchment earlier. She'd have just enough ink to jot down a small note.

Something has come up. I will have to see you next time. SS

That will show him! She grabbed an older wizard about to go in and asked him to give it to the young barwench. She watched through the window as it was delivered. The chit didn't seem all that disappointed. Looked like she'd moved on to the next guy already anyway, even hugging the drunken wizard. Probably looking for money.

Moments later, Hermione found herself outside of Snape's room. No light shone through the window. She tried the handle. It was unlocked. He was in there. In bed. Waiting for her. She could feel it. Feeling confident, thanks to all her firewhisky, she walked in quickly and closed the door behind her. Barely enough moonlight shone in the room to show her the way to the bed. She had every intention of waking his drunk arse up to give him a piece of her mind.

But this is Snape! She knew deep down that she couldn't keep talking to him in such a nasty way and get away with it. Perhaps, she'd only sit in the chair. There was no fire, but she could just make out his robes on the back from a splash of moon shining through the window.

He must be naked.

The dark room seemed to be blurring around her. She could hear his even breathing. He must be asleep.

"Sev-Severus?" she whispered, trying his name. She heard the bed move and an inaudible grunt. "Severus?"

She heard two feet hit the floor and then froze as he spoke.

"I need you badly. Come to me, girl."

Hermione gasped. Was this how he treated his friend? No lights. No kissing. She moved numbly to him.

He spoke again in a sexy voice. "Don't speak. I need to pretend that you are someone else tonight. I'll pay extra for the insult."

She couldn't breathe. He was to pay that woman to sleep with him? And he was going to pretend she was someone else! Shite! She bet she knew exactly which person he would ask her to pretend to be.

Severus Snape was going to be imagining that he was making love to Hermione. Just the thought made her insides tingle.