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."You were asking Snape for career advice!?" "Yes, for your information, I was.And he's been very helpful; told me that Stockholm and Brisbane should be at the top of my list for Mastery programs." "I thought McGonagall already told you that?""Yes, but it's nice to have a second opinion.Besides, I need all the help I can get to figure out if I should pursue Arithmancy or Runes.""He's a Potions Master.What would he know about that?" Ron asked in disbelief."A great deal, Ron.Professor Snape is remarkably well read on the current research in both fields.He's quite amazing, really," she added a bit wistfully."I just read his most recent publication in the Proceedings of the International Academy of Potions�it's revolutionary." Harry stared in fascination as Hermione recited Severus's scholarly achievements, many of which he himself was not aware of.By the end of her speech, Ron was looking positively livid and Harry couldn't suppress his amusement."Geez, Hermione," Harry teased, "if I didn't know any better I'd say you fancied Severus." A quick glance at Ron's expression told Harry that his friend did not share in the hilarity of his joke.Instead, he seemed to be grumbling something unintelligible under his breath.Sensing Ron was feeling more than a little left out, Harry suggested, "Why don't you come down for a bit and have a drink? I'm sure Severus wouldn't mind." Harry knew that was probably not true, but he'd have to deal with it.But Ron seemed completely horrified by the idea."Oh, no way! You must think I'm as barmy as you two.No, you two go off and have your fun." And with that, Ron marched away in a furious huff."Ron! Ron!?" Harry shouted, trying to call after his best friend.Hermione grabbed his arm and directed him down the corridor towards the Hospital Wing."Don't mind him, Harry.He's being an utter arse.""What is his problem all of a sudden? I've been spending the past several weeks with Severus and he hasn't been this bad about it.""He's not angry at you, Harry.I mean, he is, but he's really much more angry with me.""Because you're spending so much time in Severus's library?" Harry asked in confusion."Well, that�and I suppose I have been going on about how wonderful Professor Snape is and�""No, really?" Harry asked with heavy sarcasm.These days, it seemed Hermione raved more about Severus than he did.Taking a handful of Floo powder, Harry stepped into the fireplace and said, "I'll go first and let you through the wards."A few moments later they were both in Severus's sitting room and Hermione took the seat Harry offered her."Looks like Severus isn't back from the faculty meeting yet.You want something to drink?" Harry asked, pouring himself a glass of juice."No thanks.""So you think Ron's annoyed you're not against Severus? One less person to convince me to leave him, is that it?""Maybe that's part of it.But I think this has less to do with you and more with me.""I don't get it.""I think maybe your comment earlier hit a little too close to home.I think maybe Ron's, well�.jealous.""Jealous? Of Severus?" Harry asked incredulously."Yes."Harry nearly choked on his pumpkin juice."I can sort of understand why," Hermione continued."I've been down here nearly every night or so getting books and I've been on about how helpful and brilliant and wonderful he is�""Ron thinks you have the hots for Severus?" Harry asked, his eyes bulging now."I don't know if I would go that far, but basically yes.""Just because you've been down here so much lately?" Harry couldn't quite wrap his brain around this.He knew without question, however, there was no truth in this whatsoever.Ron was just being Ron again, jumping to insane conclusions in order to explain Hermione's behaviour.But only Ron could believe such utter nonsense."Well, I suppose it all started when I was defending your choice of him as a partner�and I guess I might have mentioned that he was an attractive man.""Oh.Ron must have loved that!""Right.I suppose that rather pissed him off.And then from nowhere he brought up that comment I made a few months ago about how I could imagine Professor Snape having sex.Do you remember that?""Oh yes!" Harry said, now laughing heartily at Hermione's predicament and Ron's ridiculous assumptions."I remember that very well.""Do you?" a dark voice drawled.Hermione blushed the moment she caught sight of Snape standing in the doorway of his quarters.Bolting up from the sofa, she made to leave."Don't go on my account, Miss Granger.Please sit."Snape walked over to the sofa and took a seat next to Harry.To Harry's surprise, Severus leaned over and kissed him on the lips in greeting.It was chaste, but Harry tensed nonetheless - it was the first time he'd ever kissed Severus in front of anyone else, but he found, after a moment, that he was not uncomfortable by the prospect.Hermione, on the other hand, seemed to find it difficult to know where she should direct her eyes, and her face was now a deep shade of crimson.Snape broke the kiss and continued speaking as if nothing out of the ordinary had transpired."It seems I've interrupted a rather fascinating conversation.Please continue."Sensing Hermione was still too flummoxed to speak, Harry began, "Well, this was in October, I think.Ron said something nasty about you�""How unexpected," Snape interjected dryly."And then 'Mione mentioned you having attractive hands and I started to think about them and then�" Harry stopped as a thought suddenly occurred to him."You know, come to think of it, that's about the time I started obsessing about your body.""Well then, Miss Granger," Snape said with a spark in his eye, "it seems I owe you a debt of gratitude.""Oh.Uh, thanks." Unsure of what else to say, Hermione glanced about the room and spotted Severus's Pensieve lying on his desk.With a distinct lack of subtly, she changed the topic, "I've been meaning to ask you about the Runes on your Pensieve, Professor.""I've just begun the rather tedious process of deciphering them, Miss Granger.Their meaning will likely prove critical in the brewing process for the Pensieve amalgam.""Really? That sounds fascinating," Hermione replied with sincere reverence.Snape seemed deep in thought for a long moment before he added, "In fact, I could use some help in the matter.Runes was never my favorite field.And besides, I'm rather curious to know if Minerva and Bathsheba have been exaggerating your aptitude in the subject."Hermione blushed."I'm not that good at it," she replied modestly."But I am flattered you'd permit me the opportunity, Professor.I'd love to help in any way I can."Snape made his way towards his library."Well then, I can pull some texts for you to begin reading.Perhaps we can meet in a few days to discuss what you've unearthed�"Harry interrupted, "While you two ransack the library, I'm going to take a shower.I'll see you tomorrow, 'Mione.""Goodnight, Harry."------------------------------------------Harry showered quickly.He was looking forward to spending the evening with Severus.His thoughts centered wholly on the kiss his lover had given him earlier in the sitting room in front of Hermione.It had taken him completely by surprise [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]