Chapter Four

A/N: Thank you all so much for your continued response! I'm so pleased so many of you are enjoying this little tale. A huge thank you to JenniferLupinBlack for being my fantastic alpha and to TrisanaChandler13 for being my fantastic beta.

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

Chapter 4

The first week passed by quickly. Every day was practically the same and Hermione was growing frustrated.

His formality was driving her up a wall. Everyone else called her Hermione, but not him. She remained Miss Granger, no matter how many times she tried to correct him. She would call him Severus, and he'd still respond formally. She didn't understand him. What was so wrong with him saying her first name?

Just once, she decided. Just once she wanted to hear that deliciously smooth voice of his say her name. She wondered if it would roll off his tongue perfectly or if he would stumble over the mess of consonants.

Severus Snape was driving her insane, and she was sure was sure he was doing it on purpose. He was constantly asking questions that she was sure he knew the answer to.

It was like Snape was turning into a teacher's pet, and she couldn't figure out why. Why in Merlin's name was he constantly vying for her attention? It was so unlike him and she just couldn't figure him out.

It was frustrating as hell. She felt like tearing her hair from her head in frustration. Every time she tried to ask him about his behaviors, he always made up some incomprehensible excuse before walking away. She just didn't understand him.

A small part of it was amusing. It was almost like their tables had turned. Just as she was always going the extra mile on her homework, he was going the extra mile with his baking. His skills continued to improve, and he was almost at the point of being a perfect baker. She was always making an excuse to taste his food. It was always delicious.

But today would be different. Hermione was determined to find a way to make him spill. The way he was messing around with her wasn't fair, and she wouldn't take it anymore!

As the class filed in, Hermione watched the door. She was waiting for him. He would always greet her first, sometimes cutting her off in the process. But today, she was determined to beat him to it.

He strode through the door, his messenger bag slung over his shoulder.

"Morning, Severus," Hermione cheerfully said, doing a victory dance in her mind.

He paused mid-stride to look at her. "Good morning, Miss Granger." Then, without a backward glance, he took his seat.

She frowned. That wasn't exactly the reaction she had been hoping for. She didn't know quite what she was looking for, but something would have been nice. A smirk? Or even a full hint of a smile? But no, she received a blank face.

Well, bugger.

Sighing, she turned towards her class. "Today we'll be making chocolate chip cookies. I know this seems like an easy recipe for most, but it isn't. It takes careful measurements and cooking time—April, make sure you pay attention today—in order to keep the cookies from burning, being too dry, etc. Now, come take a paper and begin."

Everyone began to move forward but she only had eyes for one person. Severus was sitting in his chair, his dark eyes watching her. She arched a brow in return, silently challenging him. He blinked, and then got up from his chair to collect his ingredients.

Hermione chose that moment to go over to the cooler as well. She loved chocolate chip cookies and had decided to bake some.

As she reached up for the milk, a hand brushed hers. Startled, she pulled back.

"Do you need any assistance, Miss Granger?" Severus asked, his body incredibly close to hers.

Hermione licked her lips, shaking her head. He smelt wonderful, absolutely wonderful. Like woodland spices and coffee all mixed together. It was unique. It was him.

"Miss Granger?" he asked, a small smirk appearing on his face. "Why, it seems I've rendered the infamous Miss Granger speechless once again."

She scowled. "Severus, you know it isn't nice to tease people."

"Then you shouldn't make it so easy," he retorted. He glanced at her and then back at the milk. "Are you sure you don't need my assistance? You are quite short, Miss Granger."

"No," she snapped, grumbling something under her breath. Getting up on her tippy toes, she reached up to the cooler shelf and grabbed a cartridge of milk.

Severus watched with an amused expression as Hermione moved around the cooler to gather her ingredients. Her lips formed the most adorable little pout as she shook her head, her curls tumbling all over the place. The fire in her eyes ignited something deep within him.

He had thought he'd never have felt such passion for anyone again. After all, the situation with Lily ruined any types of hopes he had about finding a partner. Life had been continuously cruel to him. It seemed only right that he would die alone.

But then Hermione walked into the classroom earlier this week and his life had changed. For the first time in forever, Severus felt something more than complete indifference. At first it was innocent. He enjoyed the way her hips would sway as she moved around the kitchen. Her nose would scrunch up when she was concentrating on a difficult baking task. And he loved the way she'd take the time to explain the steps to everyone, especially those two lovesick teenagers. Hermione would have made a great teacher.

But what got him most was the idea of her baking for him and him alone. He imagined her moving about the kitchen, making dinner and baking cake for dessert. Or maybe she'd make him Crème Brulée or some other succulent dessert.

And he knew what he felt was desire. He wanted Miss Hermione Granger, despite all the red flags and warning. Her age was a big one but he pushed that thought aside. She was an adult now, long past her Hogwarts years. To begin with, she had always been mature for her age.

So he set out with his mission to impress her. He used to mock her behaviorism during her students years, but now, he was trying to channel his inner teacher's pet. He wanted to impress Hermione enough so she would give him a chance. He wanted a chance with her.

"Miss Granger," he said, gaining her attention. He watched with eager eyes as she walked over.

"Yes, Severus?"

"I'm sorry to bother you, but could you show me how to properly cut my dough?" He had molded it into a long roll of cookie dough and had seen the perfect opportunity to gain Hermione's attention.

"Pardon?" she asked, disbelief written all over her face.

"May you show me how to cut it?" He held up the knife.

Hermione carefully took the knife, brushing her hand against his. "Like this," she said, cutting the end of the roll off to form a cookie.

"Ah, so I see, Miss Granger," he said, looking up at her. She had the most beautiful brown eyes. "Thank you for showing me; I don't know how I would have managed."

"Severus, what are you playing at?" Hermione hissed quietly, her eyes darting around frantically.

He shrugged. "I don't know what you mean, Miss Granger. I needed your assistance, isn't that what you're here for?"

She looked at him warily. "Yes, I suppose I am. Well, if that's all."

"For now," he responded, smirking at her. He watched as she huffed and stormed away.

It really was too easy to mess with her.