Chapter Three

A/N: I seriously appreciate all the reviews! I'm so pleased that so many of you are enjoying the story. A huge thanks to JenniferLupinBlack for being my alpha and to TrisanaChandler13 for being the best beta a girl could ask for. I hope you all enjoy the next chapter of our story!

Disclaimer: JKR owns the world and characters of Harry Potter, not me. I am making no money from the posting of this story.

Chapter 3

"Hermione, it's so early. Why in Merlin's name are you Flooing me so early?" Ginny said through the Floo, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"Early? Ginny, it's nine o'clock in the morning. It's not exactly a crazy hour," Hermione retorted with a laugh.

"Early enough for your pregnant friend. This baby won't stop moving," Ginny complained. "I can barely sleep at night; he won't stay still."

"Well, I'm sure James is just eager to be born," Hermione said. "Speaking of babies, Martha had hers!"

Ginny smiled. "That's exciting! Send her my love."

"I will," Hermione promised. "But that's why I've messaged you. You'll never guess who's in the class I've agreed to teach for her."

"Who?"

"Severus Snape!" Hermione said with an air of excitement. "After all this time, I've found Snape!"

"What?" Ginny hissed in disbelief. "You really found Professor Snape? Has he been living as a Muggle?"

"Yes!" Hermione responded. "I won't tell you where, of course, because that's his secret." She paused for a moment before saying, "Don't tell Harry. I don't want him to know just yet."

"I won't," Ginny promised. They both knew if Harry found out he'd stop at nothing to ask Snape about his memories. "How is he?"

"He looks healthy, Gin," Hermione responded, a light blush forming on her face. "He's gain a bit of weight since the war."

"Well, I'm sure not being a spy anymore has something to do with that," Ginny retorted. She sighed. "Poor man."

"I know," Hermione agreed. "He was nice, though. It was a bit strange, but he wasn't opposed to my presence. We talked the whole way to our cars."

"Cars?" Ginny asked surprised.

"He drives a Jaguar!" Hermione said. "Can you believe it? I practically had to scrape my jaw off the floor."

"Really? Oh, Hermione," Ginny said with a laugh.

Hermione frowned. "I was so tongue tied yesterday, Ginny. I don't know why, but it was embarrassing."

"Tongue tied? Hermione Granger, no you didn't!" Ginny let out a squeal that made Hermione cringe.

"What are you going on about?"

"You like him!" Ginny shrieked. "Oh my goodness, Hermione! You fancy Snape!"

Her brown eyes widened. She shook her head fervently. "No, no way! I do not fancy Professor Snape!"

"I know you, missy, and you definitely do. I see it all over your face. You never get flustered around anyone, Hermione. This is a sign!" Ginny continued to mumble something under her breath.

"Well, I've got to go. Thanks for nothing, Gin," she huffed, closing the connection.

As Hermione stood, she shook her head. Ginny was wrong. She did not like Professor Snape. Nope, no way in hell. Her reactions yesterday were just due to the surprise of seeing him, that's all.

Grabbing her things, she drove to the community center. At least she wouldn't be late today. Parking her car, she looked around the lot, immediately cursing herself. There was no reason for her to be looking for Snape's car.

Making her way to the classroom, she placed her bag on the table. Slowly, her students began to walk in.

"Good morning, Miss Granger," Snape said, walking past her. He nodded towards her.

"Good morning, Severus," Hermione responded.

As everyone took their seats, Hermione began to grow uncomfortable. Snape was staring at her, his hard obsidian eyes pining her down. What the hell was he doing?

With a jolt, she realized he was trying to read her mind. That sneaky, little bastard. Hermione made sure to strengthen her shields, forcefully pushing him away. If he wanted to know something, he'd have to work for it. No easy way for him.

"Well, today we're going to make vanilla cupcakes with a chocolate ganache frosting." She passed out the instructions. "Why don't we get started?"

As everyone was moving to get ingredients, Hermione noticed April and Dave were too busy wrapped up in themselves.

"April! Dave!" Hermione reprimanded them, causing them to jump apart. "If you two are here to cook, then get going. If not, there's the door. Feel free to use it."

April blushed, bowing her head forward, her hair forming a curtain around her face. Dave bolted upright, fixed his glasses and moved to gather their ingredients.

Hermione watched as everyone began to cook. She read through the steps, making sure everyone was following along properly.

"Miss Granger."

Looking up, she saw Snape looking at her expectedly. "Severus? What is it?" she inquired, moving towards him.

"Come here," he said, his voice smooth and demanding.

Hermione ignored the way his voice made her stomach turn. Approaching him, she tried to see what the problem was. "Yes?"

"There. Why did my ganache do this?" he pointed one of his fingers towards his cupcakes.

"Ah," Hermione said. "The ganache was too warm. When you poured it on the cupcakes, it simply ran right off. If you had waited for the ganache to cool a bit longer, it would have been perfect, Severus." She looked at him, smiling. "May I?" He nodded, and she reached down and took a cupcake.

Severus watched as Hermione picked up a cupcake and took a bite. He stared as she swallowed, shifting in his seat. Placing the cupcake down, she beamed.

"Well done, Severus. It's very moist."

Her words made him feel uncomfortably tight in the pants. It was then he noticed a small drop of ganache on the corner of her mouth. "You've got a little something there," he said, pointing to her face.

He enjoyed the way her face turned pink from embarrassment.

Severus narrowed his eyes at the witch, startled by the sudden erection he was sporting. Her pink tongue darted out, sensually licking the ganache from the corner of her lip. Desire ran through him, making it feel like he had been electrocuted.

"Are we done today?" he asked, his voice scratchy.

Hermione was startled. "Er, yes, we're done for today."

He stood, grabbing his things and practically bolted from the room. Hermione watched him go, wondering what on Earth had just happened.

"He's a bit of a strange one," Dave said, watching the abrupt departure.

"But he's dreamy," April said, a smile on her face. Dave made a sound of protest. "But don't worry, baby, I've only got eyes for you." She planted a kiss on his lips.

Hermione shook her head. She would never understand some people. It seemed that Severus Snape might be one of those people.