Subtle Strategy

Disclaimer: Alas, it's not for me. No money is coming my way. It's all for fun.

A big thanks to my beta, Charmed_Nay. :)

Hermione opened the door and sighed. "It's too early for this, Ronald." She looked past him into the common room and could see that it was deserted.

"No, it's not. I really want to talk to you, Hermione. Please, let me come in," he said hopefully.

She moved back into her room, going to lie on her bed. "It seems like I've just gone to bed. I really need some sleep."

"If it makes you feel better, I've been up all night thinking about what I would say to you," he said softly, sitting next to her curled up form. "Now I'm here, and I still don't know where to start."

"The beginning maybe?" she said sarcastically.

"Right then," he murmured. "May I?" He pointed to her bed. She simply nodded and scooted over. Like they'd done so many times before, he lay next to her for a long talk, looking at the canopy. "I love you, Hermione. Really I do. I've no excuse for what I've done. I've been thinking about good reasons all night, but I couldn't come up with any. There is nothing that I can say that will make you or me feel better."

"I was shocked when I realized what you'd been doing. I was also very hurt. That's when I started wondering what I could have done to change things, to keep you loving only me," she whispered.

"Mione, I do love only you. Pansy, well, it happened not long after we got our rounds. She and I were paired together. We got to talking, and she seemed interested in what I had to say. She kissed me first, Mione, and I know that's unacceptable-"

"Yes, very," she said, turning away from him. "Why?"

"I turned her away at first, but then she was saying how she'd like to have someone like me. She thinks I'm great because I don't care about appearances or family names. I'm just me, and I accept people as they are, mind I didn't really like her before. I told her that too," he said with a sad chuckle. "She said that made her want me even more. She said a lot of things: said I kissed great, said I knew just how to hold her. It made me feel good."

Hermione sniffed slightly. "And, I only complained about you being rough and not knowing what you were doing. So, you mean to say, a few snogs are worth more than anything we've shared?"

"Never, Mione. I told her that I would never leave you. I only wanted to see what it was like. I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say. I wish I'd never done it." He turned to put his arm around her. "I just thought that she could show me what to do, and then you would want me. I don't love her. I swear."

"How would you feel if you had come upon some guy and me in a corridor barely dressed?" Her tears were flowing slowly, and her heart was hurting. The love of her life had betrayed her.

"Honestly? I would have probably killed the bloke, yelled at you, and stormed away. Truth is, Mione, that I wish you'd have done just that. I would rather you had had a go at me, kicking and screaming, than what you did. You simply looked so...broken. It hurt knowing that I'd done that to you." He kissed her head. She pulled away slightly. "What are we going to do?"

"I don't know."

"Mione, I'll do anything."

"Well, I wanted to slap you, after I'd come back here of course and had time to think on it. I wanted to tell you how much I hate you for what you and that cow have done behind my back, but..." She sniffed loudly. "I still love you."

"We can work this out," he said quickly.

She shook her head. "When did you first start this with Pansy? Tell me everything."

"The first Saturday that we were here. It was when she and I had to patrol the North Tower that night. I was a little down because of Hagrid, and that is when she tried. After a bit, I gave in, remembering what me mum had said."

"Ronald, we had time alone since Professor Snape told your mum what he saw. You've never even tried anything. I would have still liked a few kisses," she said bitterly. "Why did you start slipping away?"

"Well, she was on about how I should respect you for being what she calls a good girl, she said you were marriage material, and she said that if I knew that you were the one, it wouldn't matter how long we waited before making love." He kissed her shoulder. "Mione, I still want you. I want this. You are the one."

"I'm the one, but you saw fit to test out Pansy."

Ron pulled away to lie on his back again. "It was a mistake, a few mistakes. My dad told me that he'd been with others before he and mum went at it. He said that a wise man inspected many cauldrons before settling on the first one he saw. I never meant for you to know. I just...I don't know."

"This is just too much right now," Hermione said honestly. "I want to go down and scratch Pansy's eyes out. I want to tell you that I never want to see you again. I want to thank Professor Snape for actually being nice for the first time in seven years."

"Strange isn't it? When he found me...er...when I was..." Ron turned red. "Last time, he took points away and gave me a lecture about controlling myself and trying to be more respectable. I ought to have listened to him, but the temptation was there. I just wasn't thinking clearly. Now I've likely lost my prefect position, and my mum is going to kill me." He turned to face her. "Have I lost you?"

"I don't know."

"What can we do?"

"How do you feel about me? Please, Ron, be honest."

"I love you," he said immediately.

"Are you in love with me? Does your stomach flop about when I'm near? Can you see yourself waiting for me until I am ready? Do you think that you could be with me and only me for all our lives?" she questioned.

"Yes, I mean, it's different than it used to be, but mum says that's because people grow comfortable with each other. Things change, but they get better." He took her hand in his. "What about you?"

"Honestly? You excite me. I love you. I could imagine only being with you forever, but as of right now, something has changed. Even before, there was something off. I became apprehensive when I knew we'd be alone because you'd become so pushy. I wanted to do those things, and at the same time, I didn't."

"I'm so sorry, Mione."

"Me too," she said wistfully. "I think we should break things off for now. Maybe you should check out a few other cauldrons, Ron, before deciding to have a brew with me."

"Mione...no, I don't want to lose you. Please," he begged. "I can make up for this, I can. I'll be a better bloke."

"You won't lose me," she said softly, squeezing his hand. "My mum told me that when you love someone that isn't ready to be loved, well, you set him free."

"I've heard it before. If we're meant to be, I'll be back," he said glumly. "Mione, I couldn't stand by to see you with someone else."

"Don't worry. I've no designs on anyone. I know how you feel anyway. I'm going to hate seeing you with her."

"I'm not going to be with her. It was never about trying to have anything more than a shag. We were just two people looking for comfort. Her mum being killed and Hagrid being killed just sort of gave us something in common. I guess the Slytherins aren't very supportive," he said bitterly. "Must be hard to be a Slytherin. Some of them probably want to care and would like to have friends, but they can't because of ruddy Voldemort."

Hermione nodded in agreement, thinking of Professor Snape. He, at least, seems to want and need my friendship. Even though I can never tell anyone, I will give that to him. I'm going to start by visiting him today. "Let's make a deal. Anything that you do should be kept to yourself. Same for me. That way we can taste the tea without actually having to fix an entire pot. Neither of us will be hurt that way. If one of us should decide that we are ready to come back, then I think it only right that it be said. If one of us should decide that they don't ever want to come back, then I think that should be said as well."

"Can't we just stay together?"

"If we are meant to be, we will be. We'll simply break things off, try to go on as if nothing has changed, and show everyone that we aren't failures," she said.

"Mione, is that what you think is happening? Do you think that we are failing? That you have failed?"

"Yes," she whispered.

"You've not failed," he said miserably. "I have. I'm scared that I'll lose you."

"We'll still be mates like before. Things will stay the same for the most part. We'll just not be doing any snogging," she said with a bitter laugh. "I guess I'm getting my wish, eh?"

He murmured a noncommittal sound and sat up. "Harry's probably wondering where I've gone off to, so I'll go. I'll let him know about our decision. I do love you, you know."

"I love you," she said, sitting up to hug him closely. He kissed her suddenly, and their tears mingled as their faces pressed together. "This hurts."

"Yeah," he said, voice full of emotion. "It feels like someone else has died."

"It does," she agreed. "If we don't do this, we'll always wonder if we should have."

"Sure," he said sarcastically. "Leave it to you to try to make things seem for the best. Something tells me that we'll never be together again. Is this your way of letting me down easy?"

Is it? No, I just want us to both be sure. "This isn't easy," she said honestly.

"Right then. I'm off," he said, not looking back as he left her room.

She noticed that he'd turned bitter near the end of their talk. Would things change? Be awkward? What would Harry say? What would the Weasleys say? What would Professor Snape say? "Bloody hell," she muttered. "When did he become so important?" She shook her head. He wasn't, not really. She'd just seen him in a different light. At that moment, a scratching at her window got her attention. She walked there quickly, opened it, and stepped aside as a large school owl flew in. It dropped something onto her bed and flew away again before she had time to thank it. She moved to her bed and found a single parchment next to a single, lavender rose. She gasped. That symbolized enchantment. "Who could have sent this?"

Hermione picked up the parchment, broke the seal, and began reading. She was uncertain about the handwriting. It was likely to have been written with a quill enchanted to disguise the scribbling.

Hermione,

Someone You've Enchanted

Her heart melted. Who was responsible for this? The words touched her more deeply than anything. "Inappropriate?" Why would it be considered improper to write to her of his feelings? Or, her feelings, if it were a witch? "Professor Snape?" she gasped. "No, he knows that Ron and I aren't together. Well, he had an idea that we wouldn't be anyway. It must be someone that I don't see much during summer term. I saw the professor often." She reread the letter again. "Definitely not Harry. Who though? He sounds well spoken." She gasped. "Malfoy? No, it can't be."

Confusion set it. She mentally listed possible Gryffindor students: Neville, Seamus, and Colin. Neville wouldn't be so articulate. Seamus seemed the type that would pull her aside to say what he had to say, but he didn't seem the type to covet a mate's girl. Colin would likely be afraid that Ron would find out.

She mentally listed possible Ravenclaw students: Terry, Michael, and Anthony. Terry was in a serious relationship with Lisa Turpin. Anthony seemed to favor blokes, and Michael was always hopping from one girl to the next. It was unlikely that he would take the time to write something such as this for her.

Mentally listing the unlikely Hufflepuff males, she sighed. Ernie was dating Hannah. Justin knew that she would never feel anything for him in that way. That left a load of younger students and the Slytherin gang, consisting of Zabini, Nott, Goyle, Crabbe, and Malfoy. She really couldn't see any of them sending it.

Hermione smiled to herself. Maybe the puzzle would soon be solved. Word would get around fast enough about her and Ron deciding to end things. Maybe they would be emboldened to approach her. She wasn't ready for a relationship, but just knowing that someone at school found her enchanting did much to mollify her. She lifted the lavender rose to inhale its scent. It was nothing spectacular, just a normal rose fragrance. It was beautiful nonetheless. Someone had charmed it to stay in its current form for always. It had been a long time since she'd seen one. Her mother had always been fascinated with the meaning of things, such as flowers, colors, and the like. She'd once told Hermione that this flower should be sent when someone enchanted you or you felt love at first sight.

Suddenly the thought of losing Ron and failing in her relationship didn't seem so horrifying. There was hope for her. She took comfort in knowing that someone wanted her. Someone appreciated her enough to send her an anonymous note on her birthday. No pressures added, only a gesture of good faith had been intended. She remembered Ron's exact words when she'd told him that what they'd been doing had felt wrong. Well, let me tell you this, Mione. If this feels wrong, I think we should break things off. I want you so badly that it hurts to have you around.

Would having her around after they'd broken things off still hurt? What would she do? What would Harry say? "Harry," she said softly. He'd been happy when they'd finally made things official. Whose side would he choose if it did come down to it? "At least I have my own chambers to hide out in." She thought back to their third year when they'd both turned against her for a while. She had no one, and it was hard for her. Before Halloween during her first year, she'd had nobody. They'd taken her in, and when she'd no place else to go, Hagrid had been there for her. Now she'd be alone. No. Not alone. Professor Snape, of all people, would be there for her. He needed her friendship as well. He was probably lonely. Ruddy Voldemort likely had spies all over. "Malfoy," she said distastefully. Maybe he would want some company later.

She quickly dressed and made her way out into the common room. The first person she ran into was Neville. "Hi, Mione," he said shyly. "Harry's just told us, Ginny and me, about you and Ron breaking up. I'm sorry to hear that."

"Thanks, Neville. It will be all right. It was a mutual thing," she said, trying to sound positive.

"Oh, was it? Well, I don't think Ginny's taking it well. Harry went after her to try to calm her down. I don't know where Ron ran off to." Neville smiled. "I'll be around if you need something. I promised to let Parvati read my palm and tea leaves as part of her Divination assignment."

"All right. See you."

"See you," he said, quickly leaving.

Nobody else seemed to be looking at her oddly, but she went back into her dormitory all the same. What would Ginny be upset about? How was it her business? What exactly had Ron told them? Neville seemed surprised that it was a mutual agreement. She'd have to find out sooner or later. Skipping breakfast, she decided to have a walk. Something didn't feel right with the situation. She made her way out into the corridor with a feeling of foreboding settling in. She hadn't gone ten feet when she met up with Harry. They simply stared at each other for a long moment before he opened his arms to her.

"Oh, Harry," she whimpered, running to him. He hugged her tightly to him. "It's all messed up, Harry. I've made a right mess of things."

"You only did what was right, Mione. Come. Tell me everything," he said, pulling her towards a small, empty room.

As Hermione began telling him everything, except for the things that she talked to Professor Snape about after catching Ron with Pansy, she felt a sense of relief. Harry wasn't angry. He seemed to have expected it. He seemed almost glad. Oh, no! It's Harry that sent the letter and the lavender rose to me.

As if confirming her thoughts, he said, "Happy birthday, Hermione." The smile froze on her face, but she accepted his strong embrace. "I'm sorry you've had such a rotten day so far. I only just remembered. I've a gift for you in my trunk. We'll have to fetch it later."

She pulled away to look at him uncertainly. Maybe he hadn't been the one to send it. "All right," she said. "Neville says that Ginny was upset. What's that all about?"

"Says Ron should have treated you better. Says she hates men that leave their women. I think she aimed to have a go at Pansy."

"Ginny isn't angry at me then?" she asked hopefully.

"No."

Hermione cried. "I thought I would be alone. I thought that maybe he'd told everyone that I'd done something wrong, and you would all turn against me."

"Never. There might be times when I try to take time to myself, but I'll not be upset with you for doing what you need to do to better your life. Mind, I don't think I could stand continuous arguing between you two, but I wouldn't ever choose sides. I learned a long time ago that you're the only one that has stood by me no matter what. I'd like to do the same."

"Thanks, Harry,' she said, sighing with relief.

"Anytime."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Severus looked at his schedule once more. She would be doing the late patrol near midnight. He'd be sure to run into her. It was always easy to find her location and to lure her to where he needed her to be if necessary. He'd taken the liberty of fashioning a special parchment. A bit of Dark Magic, a hair from her head that he'd found upon her pillow the morning after they'd slept alone, and a bit of his own hair bound together with a single parchment was like a telepathic link from his subconscious to hers. All he had to do was use a sneaky little potion that would substitute for ink. He'd write a message on the parchment to send a subliminal message to her. She'd never be consciously aware of him, but she'd still respond to his messages all the same.

When he'd seen Weasley and Parkinson sneaking about the corridor, getting too cozy, he'd known that they were going to take things a bit farther than they had before. He would have stopped the blighters, but he wanted to do something first. It was he that lured his destined lover down to the dungeons. He needed her to witness what was happening first hand if she was to make the break from the boy on her own without persuasion. It was simple. He'd first written take another patrol on the parchment. Next, he'd written a couple of turning directions. It brought her right to his location. He eyed the parchment next to him. Besides enabling him to lure her when he desired, it also told him exactly where she was positioned, no matter where in the Wizarding world she may be. He placed his palm over the parchment. "Locus Hermione," he said softly.

Almost at once, writing appeared before him. 7th floor corridor of Gryffindor Tower with Harry Potter. He smirked. Earlier she had been in her room with Weasley. He'd wondered what had become of the talk they'd shared. Had his plan worked? Were things called off? Was that why Potter was with her? Was he trying to talk to her about reconciling? He put the parchment down to think of the rose and letter he'd sent her earlier. He'd taken extra care in choosing the right rose. If she didn't know what the color symbolized, he knew that she was an inquisitive type and would find out. She was his enchantress and ever so slowly he planned to lure her to his side.

When he'd written the letter, he'd wanted to think of the right words that would touch her heart. One day when she'd find out that he had been the author, she would believe that he'd been fancying her for a long time. By the time that she realized it was he that sent her the letter, she would fancy him in return. She wouldn't see anything amiss with her older, male professor being in love with her. He'd purposely written it to confuse her slightly and make her wonder about the author. The only thing that bothered him was that after he'd read over what he'd written, he'd realized that it was mostly true. She had enchanted him, hadn't she? He did close his eyes each night and fantasize about her. It wasn't always sexual. Sometimes it was just of her laughing with him or talking to him about something interesting, which, of course, led to sexual fantasies. He chuckled to himself, putting the parchment aside.

Severus vowed to himself to never use the parchment to project feelings or opinions for him into her mind. That was not how he wanted her. If...no, when...she came to him, it would be of her own volition. He would, however, use his parchment to his advantage if he had to. One day, he would give her the second parchment that he'd created. That would only be when he knew she was his for certain. An additional charm would enable them to correspond with each other consciously. Turnabout was fair play, was it not? He took the special ink from his drawer, leant over the parchment with his quill, and scribbled a small suggestion. Go near the Astronomy Tower around midnight. Maybe some students will be sneaking about. He sat back smugly, watching the words seep into the parchment. "She'll be there," he said aloud.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione had a productive day. Harry had assured her that nobody held anything against her for the split with Ron. She'd tried to find Ginny to talk to her, but the redhead had been elusive all day. All of her assignments had been completed, and she'd received some gifts for her birthday. The feeling of complete aloneness had set in only when she found herself to be idle for too long. It was then that she'd think of Ron and wonder if she was doing the right thing. The rose and the letter that she'd received from her mysterious admirer helped to lure her thoughts away from Ron and what might have been. "And, what still might be," she whispered. She readied herself to make her rounds. Being a Saturday night, there would likely be students sneaking around the Astronomy Tower for a snog. She'd be sure to check near there.

Easily she made her way through the corridors and out onto the rooftop. The beauty of the night sky took her breath away. There was only a crescent shaped moon out, and it mostly hid behind the stormy looking clouds. Clear patches of sky could be seen every so often, and to her, it nearly looked as if the stars were twinkling brighter. "Lumos," she muttered. There was nobody out at this time of night. A creak behind her turned her around quickly. Someone had come through the door. "Who's there?" she asked, pointing her wand in the direction.

A dark figure came to her from the shadows, slowly taking the shape of Professor Snape. "Good evening, Hermione," he said cordially. "Lower your wand, if you don't mind."

"Sorry, sir," she said. "Nox." Damn! Why had she turned the light out completely? Her eyes took a moment to get used to the darkness again, and she realized that he'd come to stand next to her.

"How did you fare today after last night's excitement?" he asked.

She immediately felt comfortable and had no idea why. This man before this past summer had always been an arse to her and her mates. Why now? What had made him want to befriend her? Does it really matter, Hermione? You've lost Ron. You need someone to talk to. Hagrid isn't about any longer. "We broke things off for now. We decided that we should take a bit of time before committing to something permanent, especially since neither of us has ever really dated anyone else." Her voice cracked slightly.

"How does that make you feel, Hermione? Will you be all right?"

His quietly smooth voice seemed to slither through her veins and calmed her emotions. "I think I'll just need some time."

"You shall have it," he whispered, closing the distance between them. "Take this. You're shivering." He offered her his cloak. "The breeze is a little cool tonight."

Hermione was completely taken aback by this encounter. He was so sensitive and seemed to care even though he'd told her that he didn't. This respectable yet snide man truly did have a soft side and seemed to be reaching out...to her of all people! What was the war costing this man? "W-would you like some company tomorrow, sir?" She felt her cheeks flush suddenly. "I mean to say...if you aren't busy, I would like to come by for a talk."

"We're talking now, Miss-Hermione. I apologize. It's a habit to refer to you respectfully," he said.

"Thanks," she said softly. "It's all right if you don't want me to come. I understand, sir," she said, heart dropping.

"I suppose I would not turn away someone willing to have tea with me if she felt the need to talk about things. Would it make you more comfortable to talk to me then instead of here?" he asked. Before she could answer, he said, "Alone in the dark."

"Yes. I mean, no." She paused to catch her breath. "I'm comfortable with you, sir. Really. It's just late, and I don't want to keep you."

"Near three then?" he asked politely.

"That sounds nice."

"Where will you claim to be if someone should ask?"

"Reading in the library?" she offered.

"Excellent," he said. "I bid you good night."

"You also," she said, watching his silhouette disappear into the darkness. The closing of the door signaled his departure. She smiled to herself. What had just taken place between them? She hadn't been shivering from the cold.

Blast! She still had his cloak. Well, she could always return it to him the next day, couldn't she? No. He might need it. She quickly followed his path towards the dungeons. "Professor?" she called as quietly as she could. There was no reply. Once she neared his class and office, she caught sight of a black robe billowing ahead of her in the dim candlelight. "Sir?" she called softly.

"Yes?" came the reply a moment later.

"Your cloak," she said, nearing him. "I'm afraid that I forgot to give it to you."

"It could have waited until tomorrow," he said blandly.

"Sorry, sir." She took off the cloak and handed it to him. "Good night."

Hermione turned to walk away. "Whilst you are here, would you like to come in for a moment? I found something that you might find interesting."

"All right," she agreed, following him inside. She sat in the same chair she'd sat in the night before as he went about fumbling in his desk, with tea, and lighting a fire. He placed a cup of tea in her hands and sat across from her holding a small book. "What is that?"

"I went to Hogsmeade today and had a look at the used bookshop. There is a Muggle section there. Something about your password intrigued me, so when I saw this, I thought I would purchase it. I've read through it and would like to give this to you."

"Professor! A collection of essays written on Lord Byron's poems! This book is very old," she said, eyeing it fondly. "Brilliant!"

"I suppose we could call this a birthday gift. We've still got a few minutes left before it's no longer your birthday." She quickly hugged the book to her, setting aside her untouched tea, and smiled at him with shiny eyes. "Had I known that you'd be upset-"

"No, I'm happy! I've always loved literature from the Romantic period. And, he," she nodded to her book, "has always been my favorite. I love his themes and the characters."

"His characters?"

"Oh, honestly, Professor! I thought you've read through this."

"I have."

"Well, then surely someone has commented on the Byronic hero?"

He smirked slightly. "I did see that, yes. Why is it that you like this type of character?"

She laughed lightly, hair bouncing as her shoulders shook. "He's not the normal type of hero that most stories try to portray. He usually enjoys solitude and tries to be alone even with a group of people about. He's arrogant, confident, prideful, intellectually brilliant, and slightly sensitive about certain things. There's usually something dark in his past that keeps him from forgiving himself. More often than not it's a sexual crime. He's mostly a rebel and does what is right by him, sometimes accidentally helping people along the way." She smiled. "Sorry, I tend to get lost when I think of him. Most people think of this hero as repulsive, by certain standards, yet fascinating. I was drawn in quickly with the first poem of his that I read, Solitude. When I first heard of Time-Turners, I wanted to go back in time and save him from death." She blushed. "I suppose you think me silly."

"If this is the type of man that you are drawn to, what, may I ask, were you doing with Weasley?"

"Oh," she said, pausing to think. "I guess...well, I guess he was the only one who would have me. We sort of just grew on each other."

"You do realize that this Byronic hero that you've described sounds a bit like me? Right down to the repulsive bit."

"Oh...you are right! Professor, I am sorry! Have I offended you?" she asked worriedly. "I mean to say, I don't find you repulsive...fascinating yes, but never repulsive. I...oh, my." What had happened to her tongue? It was betraying her with jumbled words. Why was he moving closer? Oh, my God. He's going to touch me. His hand is nearing my cheek. He's going to kiss me.

Severus gently moved a lock of hair from her face, allowing his palm to linger on her cheek. "I am far from offended, Hermione." He was pleased that her eyes darkened, and she leant closer to him, as if preparing for a kiss. With an internal smirk, he moved closer, nearly brushing his lips against hers. The moment her eyes fluttered closed, he pulled away quickly. "Miss Granger! I apologize. I don't know what's come over me!" He stood and moved behind his chair, as if placing something between them. "I forgot myself."

He could see the look of disappointment mixing with surprise. "Sir, it's all right. We're just apparently two people that have connected on some level. If anything, I should apologize to you. I...didn't mean to carry on. I'll just go now."

"Wait. Miss Gran-Hermione, please. If I have frightened you," he began, "I can promise that it won't happen again. As I said before, I don't know what happened just now. I thought that you meant that I was fascinating. It felt like someone finally understood and saw me in a different light, an appealing one."

"Maybe I have and just didn't know it," she whispered. "I really have to go." Clutching the book to her, she sprinted to his door.

"Will you still come round for tea tomorrow afternoon?"

"Am I still welcome?" she asked in polite disbelief.

"You are most welcome here," he said. "Pleasant dreams."

He chuckled as she fled, slamming the door in her wake. "Well that worked out better than expected. She's extremely naïve." He smiled to himself as he remembered her thoughts about the Byronic hero. Nearly everything that she'd said had touched him in one form or another. He pulled the parchment from his desk, placed his hand over it, and said, "Locus Hermione."

Currently climbing a flight of stairs that lead to Gryffindor Tower, alone.

Severus chuckled again. He would have to let the Dark Lord know about this. They had a small meeting planned for the next evening. The next part of his plan would be put into action whilst they had afternoon tea together. The seed had been planted. She'd be thinking of him until they met again. He continuously checked the parchment until she was safely in her dormitory, and then he went to have a cold shower.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione threw herself onto her bed, still holding her book, breathing heavily. "I tried to kiss a teacher! No! He tried to kiss me!" She shook her head. "That's not true. He nearly did and thought better of it. My God!" She couldn't believe it. Professor Severus Snape had been drawn to her words and nearly kissed her.

There was no pressure, no fumbling fingers and rough hands, no begging for fulfillment, and no disappointment that she couldn't comply. Well, he seemed aghast that things had gone that far, but luckily, he hadn't held their lapse against her.

"I'll need to watch what I say, or I might find myself longing for his kiss." That much was true. She'd been disappointed that his lips hadn't pressed against her own. The look in his dark eyes had been one of gentle adoration, one of promises. His touch on her face had been so soft that she wondered if it had been real. "I wanted him to kiss me," she gasped, horrified. She and Ron had only been apart for the day, yet she was already trying to have a snog with someone. A very much older, authoritative someone. "I did and didn't want it to happen," she decided, grateful that it hadn't. Things would have been too awkward, and she'd have felt as if she'd betrayed Ron.

To hell with Ron! Betrayed him? How? He's the one off snogging and trying to shag Pansy Bloody Parkinson!

She held her book closely, as she allowed herself to drift off to sleep. Her last thoughts were of Lord Byron and his Byronic hero. The faceless hero now took the form of her Potions master.

A/N: Well, I hope the Ron/Hermione bit wasn't too boring, but I wanted to show that they do love each other. I'm thinking that it will be a little harder for her to fall prey to Severus, as she still has feelings for her ex.

Up Next: We'll see Ron's feelings, Ginny's feelings, the pair having tea, Voldemort's suggestions, and another part of our Potions master's seduction falling into place.