Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

...After Happily Ever After	By : Lissa & snowblind12 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 25739 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 5
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Harry Potter or J.K. Rowling. I make no money off of these stories. This is just fun for me.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
Chapter 6
“My schedule has a pink slip on it,” Hermione sighed, showing Ron and Ginny. “Where’s Harry?” her eyes roamed the crowd of students in the Great Hall.
“He was going to put up the Quidditch flier before coming down,” Ginny told her, rolling her eyes. “And of course the poor guy can’t go ten steps without someone wanting to talk to him. I hope it dies down soon, I mean, ah!” she shook her head, burgundy locks tumbling in pretty waves, exasperated.
“I don’t think it’s so bad,” Ron shrugged, ears turning pink with pleasure. He was getting quite a bit of attention himself, though not nearly as much as Harry was.
“That’s because you’re a conceited git,” Ginny declared waspishly.
“Hey!” Ron’s face was starting to turn purple.
“G’morning!” a sweet, American accented voice rang. Elizabeth Williams was sidling up to them. “Tell me that I don’t have to live at the Hufflepuff table. I can sit with you guys, right?”
“Right,” Hermione said quickly, sliding over so Lizzie could sit between her and Ginny, across from Ron. “How was your first night?”
“Not gonna lie, a bit disappointing,” Lizzie sighed. “I thought for sure I’d get Gryffindor after having so much in common with you guys,” she shrugged. “Hannah and Susan seem really, nice, though. So hopefully I can hang with them sometimes, too.”
“Well, we’re all allowed to co-mingle,” Ginny told her.
“Good!” Lizzie nodded one. “I got a pink slip on my schedule, what about you guys?”
“Nope,” Ginny and Ron responded together, while Hermione nodded.
“Wonder what that’s all about,” Hermione sighed. “The start of the year and I’m ending up in the Head office already.”

“What didga do, ‘Mione,” Harry materialized out of nowhere, plopping down next to Ron and hurriedly scooping a massive pile of scrambled eggs on his plate. “I’m starved,” he growled, shoving a bite in his mouth while reaching for the tray of sausages.
Hermione watched him gorge himself with a small look of disgust on her face before shaking her head to clear it. “I got a pink slip on my schedule, Lizzie did too,” she added, tossing a look at the American. “Do you want to go now? I won’t be able to eat until I know what the deal is.”

“Yeah, that works for me,” Lizzie stood, pulling her bag onto her shoulders. “Lead the way, Head Girl.”
“We’ll see you later!” Ron almost knocked Harry over in his haste to rise to his feet and see the two girls off. Hermione snorted at his attempt at gallantry, but Lizzie seemed to find it charming.
“Bye, Ron!” she winked and followed the brown eyed girl out of the hall. Lizzie hurried to catch up with Hermione, familiarly linking her arm through the older girl’s. Hermione looked startled for a moment, and Lizzie smiled kindly. “I’ve been told by a few people already that I’m way too touchy feely for all you stiff English folk,” she chortled. “If it bothers you…?” she trailed off, making a move to pull her arm away.

“No,” Hermione smiled back, she didn’t mind the simple and friendly gesture. It just surprised her how quickly she was warming up to this girl and thinking of her as a friend.
“This place is ginormous,” Lizzie’s wide eyes looked around as she let Hermione lead her up the stone stairwell. “I’m never going to find my classes,” she sighed, looking down at her schedule.
“Let me see,” she held her hand out and Lizzie handed it over. Hermione scanned the sheet quickly, while making sure they skipped the trick step. “We have almost all our classes together! Which I guess isn’t super surprising as we’re both N.E.W.T. level seventh years, but you’re taking almost all the same classes as I am,” she exclaimed excitedly. Glowing brown eyes met green. “You have Care of Magical Creatures while I have Ancient Runes, but that’ll be easy to find, as it’s out on the grounds. I’ll point out Hagrid’s hut for you while we’re at lunch this afternoon.”
“That’s great!” Lizzie sighed happily. “I’m so happy we’ll have lots of classes together, I’m really enjoying getting to know you. It’s been a while since I’ve had a good girlfriend,” she gave Hermione a searching look with a small smile.
“Why’s that?” Hermione asked, suspiciously.
“Remember how I told you all on the train that my dad is U.S. Military?” she asked. Hermione nodded and directed them up yet another moving staircase, Lizzie was completed lost now. “I’ve moved no less than ten times in my life,” the blonde continued.
“Ten?” Hermione was flummoxed. “Wow, that’s a lot!”
“Yes, assignments, you know,” Lizzie whispered, removing her arm from Hermione’s to pull on her hair. Hermione was starting to recognize that Lizzie played with her hair when feeling insecure. “As good as I am at moving and making new friends, it doesn’t always make the transitions easy. Other girls often get jealous, no matter how kind and open I try to be. Most of my friends around the world are male or past teachers. I haven’t really had a close girlfriend since I was around twelve.”
“That’s a long time,” Hermione conceded, stopping. She searched the girls’ face for a moment. Hermione knew what she meant, though. She and Ginny hadn’t gotten super close until the red-head started dating Harry. It wasn’t always easy being friends with boys. “I can tell Ron likes you, and I have a sneaking suspicion you find him attractive as well,” she watched with amusement as Lizzie’s eyes widened slightly and she started to say something, but Hermione stopped her. “Yes, we have a past. I can see that you know that.”

“Ron told right away,” Lizzie responded carefully. “So I decided it would be more prudent to be your friend first. Listen, I’m just not one to stir caldrons, and -” she stated.
“Hey,” Hermione put a hand up to stop her. “It’s okay,” she told the girl. “Yes, Ron and I have a history. It’s a really stressful history, filled with a lot of fear and a need to just survive. Of course we glommed on to each other to help make it through.
“Nothing serious ever happened between us, though,” she finished. “We’re friends first and foremost. Good friends, more like siblings. I love him,” she hoped her honesty was transparent. “I’m not in love with him, though.”
Lizzie watched her for a moment before a tentative smile turned up the corners of her mouth. “How did he feel about that break up line?” She was grateful the Gryffindor was being candid with her.
Hermione didn’t know whether to laugh or feel offended, but the look on Lizzie’s face said she wanted Hermione to laugh. “How did you guess I broke it off with him?” she was trying not to smile back, but crossed her arms around her stomach to try and hide the fact she was a bit put off at the girl’s ability to read her like a book.
“Well, for one – he told me. Second, what you just said to me sounded quite rehearsed,” she shrugged. “I’m assuming it was really hard to say,” she reached a hand out to lay on Hermione’s arm when she saw the anger rising in her face. “I don’t mean to upset you, that’s not what I meant by it. You do love him, I can see that. I can see how close all four of you are – Harry, Ron, Ginny, and you. I’ve been there with the ‘love, but not in love’ mentality. I totally get it,” she paused, relieved as the brunette took a calming breath.
“I’ve read about you guys. I never thought I would actually get the chance to be a friend. You have experienced more than some do in a lifetime. I know your ties with Harry and Ron run deep. Everyone does, the way you three are together screams it. Not to mention it’s all anyone is talking about around here. It almost makes you unapproachable…almost,” she squeezed Hermione’s arm as the girl looked prepared to say something again. Lizzie’s honesty had a way of getting her in trouble sometimes. She hurried to continue. “Hermione, you have obviously shared something that will be carried with you your entire life. I refuse to come between that. I won’t be the person who makes Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley hate each other.”
Tears filled Hermione’s eyes. This girl was so incredibly insightful. She made Hermione feel almost transparent. “I hate myself for hurting him the way I did,” she choked, and attempted to cover her face as a couple of third years were passing them in the hall, looking at them curiously.

“Piss off,” Lizzie glared at the two girls, who looked comically affronted before quickly scattering. She pulled the weeping girl into a more secluded alcove and cast a silencing charm.
“He did want to keep going,” Hermione continued once realizing they weren’t being snooped on anymore. “But I couldn’t. Something changed in me after the dust settled and it wasn’t him I wanted anymore,” a sob broke.
Lizzie was unsure what to do or say, so she gently pulled the girl into her arms and squeezed. Hermione froze, surprised with the intimate gesture. “If you want to tell me anything,” Lizzie said, pulling back to let Hermione see her candor, still grasping her elbows in her palms. “I’m happy to listen. I promise that anything you say to me will stay with me.”
Hermione’s suspicions rankled again, and she searched the American’s eyes with her own. All she saw was earnest uprightness. After so many years of holding so much burden and having to keep so many secrets, she let go. “I…I think I’ve fallen in love with someone else,” she breathed. “I d-didn’t want to keep it going with him and have it ruin the friendship we share,” a cry hitched in her throat. Lizzie conjured a bench and guided Hermione to sit.
Settling onto the cool stone, Hermione sighed. “I can’t tell you who, because he doesn’t even know. I don’t think I can tell him, either,” a blush crept up her face. “It would be a very inappropriate relationship,” she murmured. “He’s a lot older than me.”
Lizzie stayed quiet, just listening. “He’s a hero, what he did during the war most likely saved our live. Most definitely saved a lot of lives,” her arms finally relaxed away from her middle and she reached out to clutch the blonde’s hand in her own. “If you like Ron, don’t let me stop you from having a go with him,” she said suddenly. “I’ve never seen Ron look at a witch like he looks at you. I want him to be happy.”
Lizzie was startled in the turn of conversation. “Only if you’re sure, Hermione,” she was hesitant. “It’s not like I would move too quick with him. I’d like to get to know him as a friend first.”
“I’m sure,” Hermione stood abruptly and watched Lizzie slowly get to her feet. The blonde disappeared the bench and removed the silencing charm. “Let’s get up to see Professor McGonagall or we’ll be late for our first class,” all trace of discomfort gone, Hermione looped her arm through Lizzie’s this time.
Lizzie felt warmth spread through her chest at the sweet gesture as they continued to the Headmistress’s office.
“Tabby cat,” Hermione announced to the gargoyle. Lizzie watched with fascination as the stone figure jumped out of the way and a spiral escalator turned up the hallow column. Hermione let Lizzie go and jumped on the first step, beckoning her to follow. When they reached the top, Hermione clanged the knocker.
“Enter!” came the Headmistress’s Scottish lilt.
“Good morning professor,” Hermione greeted as she entered the room; Lizzie, a step behind, looked up at all the portraits. “Elizabeth Williams and I wanted to come see you straight away to talk about our pink slips.”
“Yes, yes,” McGonagall gestured for them to sit down, they obeyed. “Well, as I’m sure you have guessed it’s in regard to the muggle born disappearances. I’m speaking with the handful of students who fall into this category to let them know I will be having a staff member assigned to keep a bit of an extra eye on you. I will be expecting your assigned staff member to be in contact with you a time or two per week and monitor your schedules. Do you ladies have any questions?”

Hermione and Lizzie exchanged nervous glances. “Do you really feel this is necessary?” Hermione inquired.
“I do, and so does Shacklebolt,” McGonagall’s lips were tight with concern. Hermione slumped back in her seat.
“Do they know what is happening with the victims?” she whispered. Lizzie felt the atmosphere change. Instead of the professor and the pupil, it felt as the exchange was happening between peers. Nonchalantly, Lizzie averted her gaze and tried to busy her mind with other things so they could have a bit more privacy, she wasn’t very successful.
“They do not,” McGonagall replied tersely, her eyes closing as if to give herself a moment to think. “Miss Grang – Hermione,” her tone softened. “We are terribly concerned for your wellbeing. I, amongst other of the staff and Ministry officials, intend to keep you safe. No harm will come to you here.”
“Professor, I’m not worried about my safety at Hogwarts,” Hermione whispered. “It’s safer than home, even.”
McGonagall nodded. “I wish to have Professor Snape be your advisor until the culprits are apprehended,” she told the wild haired girl. “He alone, above all the staff, has the experience and skill with which to keep you best protected.”
Hermione swallowed hard, and Lizzie couldn’t help her curious glance at the girl’s reaction. Hm. “He’s a lot older than me,” her brain buzzed the connection with the flush creeping up Hermione’s cheek bones. “I don’t think he’ll be pleased to hear that, Professor,” she argued feebly.
“I’m sure I can provide sufficient incentive for him to take on this task,” McGonagall sniffed dismissively. “I just wanted to make sure you would be okay with the arrangement. I know Professor Snape is a bit…rough around the edges.”
Hermione snorted. That’s an understatement. “No, Headmistress, I don’t mind Professor Snape helping out with this. Perhaps he’d be willing to give me some independent potion lessons while we meet? You know I’m planning on going to University next fall, and I really want an Outstanding in Potions so I can pursue a degree as a Healer,” she hoped her excitement about spending one on one time with Snape wasn’t obvious. She thought her voice was shaking and she clasped her hands together to keep her body from trembling. She didn’t notice the smirk Lizzie was giving her.
“Miss Granger, I’m sure that could be arranged,” McGonagall turned her attention to Lizzie. “Miss Williams, do you have any questions?”
“What about our families?” Lizzie responded quickly, her dazzling smile in place. “I appreciate the extra effort that is being taken for my safety. Is anything being done to protect our families?”
Hermione looked surprised at this question and turned her face back to the Headmistress.
“Miss Granger’s parents are being kept under surveillance, due to her fame,” McGonagall reported. “We thought it for the best. The Minister did take the time to inform them what has been transpiring and they agreed the safest place for you is at Hogwarts until this is over. Miss William’s, being your family is relatively new, the Ministry is just doing a daily check on the house.”
Lizzie nodded her understanding, but Hermione spoke. “I’ll be expected to stay here for the Holidays?” she was disappointed. She missed her parents and had been looking forward to spending Christmas with them.
“For now,” the professor replied. “I’m sure you’d also be welcome at the Burrow. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley would be adequate protection for you, as well. Any additional questions?
Both girls shook their heads.
McGonagall gave a tight smile and a brief nod. “Very well, ladies, you are dismissed.”
“Okay, now,” Minerva McGonagall said, weariness seeping into her voice as she removed her spectacles to rub tired eyes. Around her the teachers of Hogwarts exchanged guarded expressions. Seeing Minerva so troubled was not something new to them, but something they all hoped this year would lack. The sixteen solemn staff members exchanged worried glances before looking at their Headmistress expectantly, none of them really eating their lunches. A few quiet murmurs of concern rippled before she spoke again. “I have been instructed by the Minister to assign a staff member to each muggle born student,” she declared. “They will be in charge of knowing their student’s schedules, extracurricular activities, and location to the best of their ability at all time.”

“It’s an admirable idea, Minerva,” Sprout replied.
“I also think that’s a grea’ idea, Prof,” Hagrid agreed in his gruff voice. “I volunteer to wa’ch af’er He’mione.”
“While I know you care for the girl, Hagrid,” came Snape’s low, languid voice from the shadows of the staff room. “I believe that someone with a little more experience and magical talent should mind the ‘Golden Girl.’”
Hagrid growled and was about to argue when Minerva cut in. “I know how much you love Miss Granger, Rubeus. However, I must agree with Severus. I worry about her being a target in this madness. She’s the most famous muggle born of our time. We do not know why this is happening, only that it is. I wish I could watch after the girl myself, but I just fear I do not have the personal resource of time available to me while maintaining my Transfiguration schedule and Headmistress duties,” she huffed, abruptly dismissing them with a wave of her hand.
“Back to the topic at hand. I have a total of ten muggle borns on my roster this year. Of course, you all know Hermione Granger. Then there is Justin Finch-Fletchley, Dennis Creevey, Elizabeth Williams – the transfer student from the United States…” she continued on. Total there were three Gryffindor’s, five Hufflepuff’s, and two Ravenclaw’s.
One by one, the students were taken on by individual staff members. McGonagall left Hermione as the last student to be paired, hoping Snape would step forward. She was disappointed.
“I can take on Miss Granger,” Professor Babbling volunteered grudgingly as her name hung out over the group; everyone hesitant to be assigned to her for fear of failing. “She is a remarkable girl, I do so hope we can keep her safe.”
“Please do not take offense to this, Bathsheda, but Severus…?” she trailed off, meeting his eye across the room. She noted his shoulders tense and jaw clench. “Severus, I am wishing you to be assigned to Miss Granger.”
You have no idea the problems this could cause, Minerva. Severus grumbled to himself. He had volunteered to take on the William’s girl and both Ravenclaw students; she had assigned each one to someone else and now he understood why. He didn’t want to get stuck with Granger. His tenuous hold over his…desire, he spat the word in his head, for her wouldn’t do well to be subjected to the enticing little nymph in a one on one environment. “And do you think it would please her to have an old nemesis breathing down her neck all year?” he countered, a vain attempt to sway her. Everyone knew how the girl and her friends had advocated for him at his summer trial.
“Miss Granger and I have spoken briefly about this,” she detailed plainly. “I do not believe she sees you as a nemesis, Severus. Far from it. She is agreeable and I think you are the best match against anything or anyone that would attempt to harm the girl. She even implored me to ask you if she could potentially get extra potion lessons out of the deal. She’s ambitiously questing an Outstanding on her N.E.W.T.’s as she is planning on attending University next fall in hopes of becoming a Healer.”
Snape bit back a groan. How the hell was he supposed to say no to that? “You have got to be kidding me,” he grumbled. “I take it you have already agreed to this arrangement, Headmistress?” he addressed her formally, outwardly displaying his displeasure.
“Yes,” McGonagall bit out firmly. “I have your assistance in this matter?” When Snape dipped his head grudgingly she gave a sharp nod of satisfaction. “Good.”
“I wish you all to set up meetings with your students at least once a week to check in with them,” she instructed. “I’m not asking you to follow this student twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. However, please make it clear that if they need to change their schedule they should confer with you,” her shoulders slumped. “Let’s try and make this term a good one. There are several students who very much deserve an uneventful year,” she heard several murmurs of agreement ripple through the room. “Very well, enjoy your meals,” she exited the break room. No one was eating.
“Double potions after lunch on the first bloody day,” Ron moaned, plopping down at the lunch table with Ginny and Harry. “Could we have worse luck, mate?” Harry grinned at his friend.
“It shouldn’t be as bad as the past seven years,” he tried to encourage his friend. “I mean, he’s got to be a little different, right?”
“I should hope so,” Ginny’s face darkened. “You and Hermione did save his bloody life!”
“Hermione did,” Ron corrected. “She was the one so anxious to get to him. Harry and I thought we were going to collect a body. Hermione insisted on taking a Healer with and was the first to reach him. You should have seen the way she reacted.”
Ginny avoided her brother’s eyes. “I’ve heard the story,” she drawled. “Look,” she nudge Harry, changing the subject. “Hermione and Lizzie,” Harry looked in the direction she was pointing. “They’re getting awfully chummy,” Ginny muttered, taking in the two girls walking arm and arm and giggling.
“What’s so funny?” Harry asked as Hermione settle down next to him and Lizzie sat across from her next to Ron.
“Nothing,” they said together, exchanging a look that had them both tittering again. Ginny harrumphed.
“We’ll tell you later, Gin,” Hermione assured her friend, raising an eyebrow. “It’s nothing the boys need to know.” Ginny let a wicked grin cross her face, glad she was being brought into the circle.
“The three of you have double potions this afternoon?” Ginny asked.
“Four of us,” Lizzie said, flipping her long golden hair over her shoulder as she settled in next to Ginny. Hermione sat across from her next to Ron. “I have Potions, too.”
“Brilliant,” Ron said around a mouthful of corned beef sandwich. “You can suffer with us.”
“You don’t like potions?” Lizzie said. “I find it utterly fascinating.”
“It’s not so much the subject as it is the instructor,” Ginny filled in their new friend. “Snape is a hard ass.”
Hermione choked on her pumpkin juice letting out an explosive cough. “Oh, my goodness,” she wheezed. “I’m so sorry!” Lizzie was wiping spittle off her face with a bemused expression.
“Scourgify,” Lizzie said calmly, watching the juice disappear from the table top.
“You all right?” Harry patted her on her back and Hermione waved him off assuring him she was.
“Tough teacher?” Lizzie eyed Hermione with a continued hunch.
Hermione attempted to clear her throat, eyes streaming. “Tough, but good. He knows his subject.”
It was Ron’s turned to choke. “What?”
“You know what, Ronald,” Hermione demanded seriously, finally regaining her composure. “I think we owe Snape the benefit of the doubt this year. After all, he did save our sorry arses last year!” Her eyes blazed with defiance and Ron shrank at her reproachful glare.
Lizzie watched the exchange with a bemused expression. Hermione was being awfully defensive.
“Well, I never –” Ron started, but Harry interrupted.
“Hermione’s right, Ron,” he simply stated. “We do owe Snape a lot, let’s give him a fresh start. After all, he did agree to allow us to continue with our N.E.W.T.s even though we only got E’s on our O.W.L.s.” Ron looked properly abashed.
“Okay, okay,” he muttered.
“Open your books to chapter sixteen,” Snape snarled. Lizzie was thus far not disappointed with the performance she had been warned about. She almost burst out laughing when Snape had barged into the dungeon class room, frock coat billowing behind him like the bat everyone described. She attempted exchanged a look with Hermione, but the girl had her chin in her palm. Her other hand holding open their Advanced Potion Making book to chapter sixteen. She quickly hastened to get hers to the same page, watching her new friend’s dreamy face out of the corner of her eye.
“It appears we have a new student joining us this year,” Snape looked the pretty, beach blonde Barbie doll up and down. “Miss Williams, I hope you can keep….up,” his insinuation of her inferior intelligence would have been insulting enough to make her stand up for herself if she hadn’t been warned about him.
Instead, she thought it would be fun to take his obvious bate. She rolled her eyes. “I’m sure I can sir, I looked over this book the previous weeks before school started. Most of it I have already studied.” The silence that rang through the dungeon was stifling. A pretty, blond boy across the way looked absolutely stunned. Green tie, Slytherin, she noted.
“Did you just roll your eyes at me, Miss Williams?” Snape’s voice was dangerous, and Hermione reached out to place her hand over Lizzie’s and shook her head imperceptibly.
“Yes, sir. I apologize for that, it was a gut reaction,” she stated sweetly, smiling brightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Snape blinked, momentarily put off his game. As his reputation usually proceeded him, he had never had a student tease him before. He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. It was certainly shaping up to be an interesting year.
“Ten-points from Hufflepuff, Miss Williams, for your snarky cheek,” he succeeded in keeping his face like stone. “Detention on Friday, I will let Professor Sprout know to expect you.” Lizzie’s eyes widened with startled surprise. Uh-huh, Snape mused to himself. My reputation did proceed me. She just likes a challenge.

Oh, my. I can see why Hermione finds him…alluring. So authoritative, domineering. He’s kinda sexy. That profile is awfully chiseled, the nose is quite regal, even if a bit big…broad shoulders, tall. It works…if you’re into the older man, anyhow. “Yes sir. I truly am sorry sir,” she replied with honest frankness. This seemed to throw him off and a smirk tugged at his lip.
He studied her with feigned indifference for a moment. Was she checking him out? “Your apology is duly noted, Miss Williams,” he nodded, starting his lecture by tapping the blackboard with his wand. A list of ingredients and directions for a Calming Draft appeared in neat, slanting lines. Out of the corner of Lizzie’s eye, she saw Hermione bite her lip. Her big brown eyes were full of surprise at his reaction. She looked at Lizzie, mouth agape, as did many other student around the room; Harry and Ron even turning in their seats to stare at her. “Miss Granger,” he refocused his attention back to their two-person table. Lizzie turned her laugh into a cough as she noticed all students in the room snap back to attention. “You are not to help Miss Williams with this potion today, we shall see if her abilities can back up her smart mouth,” he drawled lazily.
Hermione agreed. “Yes, sir.”
Lizzie did her best not to chortle at the complete look of submissive desire on Hermione’s face. She had her number.
The class passed quietly. Lizzie was at a bit of a disadvantage due to not having a partner to help ready supplies, but she hummed quietly to herself while persevering through the potion. Hermione was looking utterly bored off her rocker. Because of this, Lizzie assumed that she did not realize how longingly she was staring at the oblivious man at the front of the classroom. “You’re practically swooning, Hermione,” she whispered, trying to catch her attention.

“Hmm?” Hermione’s eyes were glazed over. Suddenly, she realized what Lizzie had said. She took in Lizzie’s smirking face, startled. “What did you say?” she demanded in a hoarse undertone.
“I know you heard me,” Lizzie muttered, trying not to grin manically at her. “Pretty sure I know who your older man is.” Hermione whimpered in fright and Lizzie’s smile vanished. “It’s okay,” she whispered, trying to reassure her new friend. “Nothing to worry about. Secret’s safe.”
“The chattering I’m hearing from your table is only assuring me that I will be less than impressed with your potion, Miss William’s,” Snape snarled, not looking up from his scroll work. “Ten minutes,” he addressed the entire class.
Lizzie didn’t flinch. She only needed two and the potion was clearing just as described in the book. It would be perfect. Hermione had averted her attention to reading the chapter to be covered in their next potions class.
“Bring your labeled vials to the front,” Snape instructed in a bored voice when time was up. When Lizzie handed her vial to him he noted the bubbly handwriting on the label and did his best not to roll his eyes. “Well, Miss Williams,” he drawled, arching an eyebrow. “Perhaps you’re not a lazy American idiot after all.”
Lizzie grinned and thanked him, going to collect her things. The attractive blond boy was waiting by her table, while Ron, Harry, and Hermione waited for her at the door.
“Miss Granger, I would like you to stay after class,” Snape’s voice rose above the clatter in the room. “We have some things to discuss.”
Lizzie was disappointed she would be unable to watch Snape and Hermione interact, but her overt politeness had her nodding and greeting the Slytherin boy instead. “Hello,” she smiled.
“Hi,” his tenor voice was as nice as his smile. His shoulder length white-blond hair was impeccably groomed. “I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to the girl who almost got Snape to smile,” he reached out his hand. “Draco Malfoy.”
She shook his hand, startled at a current surged through her fingers.
“Oy, Lizzie,” Ron called. “You coming?”
“I’ll catch up,” she called back, feeling guilty as a murderous look flooded his face and he glared at the back of Draco’s head. Malfoy did not turn to look at him.
“Will you walk with me?” Draco asked her politely. She hesitated for a moment, he made her slightly uncomfortable, then acquiesced.
“I suppose I could do that,” she agreed and followed him out of the classroom.
“Yes, Professor?” Hermione asked as she approached his desk. She did not miss the way Harry had to grab the back of Ron’s robes and steer him out after Lizzie told them she’d see them later. She needed to warn Lizzie about Malfoy.
“It appears we will be spending some quality time together this year,” he told her, not meeting her gaze. His tone sounded bored.
“That was my understanding as well,” she murmured quietly, trying to keep the giddy twinge at bay.
He looked up to study her face. His breath caught in his throat when she met his gaze, and then quickly averted her eyes. “All right then, my office Friday at seven o’clock,” he said simply, dismissing her with a wave of his ink stained fingers. Hermione hesitated. “Yes, Miss Granger?” Snape pushed back in his chair this time, leaning back with interest while crossing his arms over his chest.
“I wanted to apologize for what happened this summer, Professor,” she whispered, unable to meet his dark gaze.
“What exactly happened this summer, Miss Granger?” he retorted coldly. Her eyes flew to his with noticeable surprise.
“Sir?” she was confused. She had expected some sort of reaction from him. This cold indifference he exuded was almost insulting after the hours they’d spent together in his hospital room for weeks on end.
“I have no idea what you are referring to, Miss Granger,” his voice was gruff and impassive. “My summer was quite…boring. Nothing of significance or importance occurred. Certainly nothing worth an apology.” His face was a mask of ice and Hermione felt her heart sink. She had ruined the tenuous friendship they had built by assaulting him in his hospital bed. Tears pricked her eyes.
“I’m sorry to hear that, sir,” she mumbled. Turning her face away.
Was she upset? He thought she would prefer he not bring up what happened this summer. “I will see you Friday evening.” She exited the room without being dismissed. He watched her go, a growing panic clawed his stomach. He rose and was about to make after her before coming to his senses. He threw himself back down in his chair, brooding. He could not pursue a student. It was reckless to even think about it. He growled in frustration and swiped up his quill, returning to his scroll work, doing his best to dismiss her from his mind.
If you're enjoying the story, please review. As a writer I find reviews help keep me motivated and I always make sure I take the time to review works I read as well. I welcome constructive feedback as well as positive feedback. XX <3 ~*LissaDream
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...After Happily Ever After