Chapter 2
Hermione burst out of Professor Snape’s office, heart pounding, breath uneven. She rushed to the bathroom, gripping the edge of the sink as she stared at her reflection. Her black eye was still there, but that wasn’t what caught her attention. Her cheeks were burning—bright red.
Did he really just make me blush?
“Hermione, are you okay?”A loud splash echoed through the room as Moaning Myrtle shot up from the toilet.
“Hi, Myrtle… I… I don’t know if I’m okay or not.” She ran a hand over her face, feeling the lingering warmth.
“What happened?”
There was a long pause. Then, hesitant and unsure, Hermione finally spoke. “Myrtle… if a boy t-touched my face, why do you think he did it?”
The ghost tilted her head. “Because he likes you,” she said simply, then disappeared back into the toilet with another loud splash.
Hermione froze. Professor Snape… likes me? The thought sent her mind into chaos. Confused and bittersweet, she hurried out of the bathroom, heading for the Great Hall.
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“Hermione! Where have you been? We couldn’t find you anywhere—we thought you were in danger!” Ron exclaimed, moving his knight across the chessboard.
“Urg, Ron!” Harry groaned as his king toppled over. “Checkmate again?”
“I—I was in a meeting with Professor Snape,” she said quickly, hands trembling. “Nothing special, just discussing my grades.”
Ron finally looked up. “Wow! Your black eye looks way better—less… well, less black.”
She pulled out a small mirror and blinked in surprise. The swelling had gone down significantly. “Must be the cream,” she murmured.
“Anyway, I need to study in my dorm—wait… where are my books?” Panic set in as she realized she had left them behind in Snape’s office.
“You should probably go get them,” Ron said. “That essay is due tomorrow, and Snape yelled at me last week for not finishing mine—said I’d get Sunday detention for a week.”
“Oh no,” Harry groaned. “I haven’t even started mine. Nah, guys, I’m heading back to finish it. See you later.” He bolted toward the dormitory.
Hermione blinked. “Wait—due tomorrow? I thought it was next week!”
“I’m super sure,” Ron said with a smirk as she shot up from her seat and sprinted away.
“No, no, no… this can’t be happening,” she muttered under her breath.
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She reached Snape’s office and stopped just short of knocking. Her entire body was trembling. Hands hovering over the door, she hesitated.
“Am I really that terrifying, Miss Granger?”
“AHHH!” She jumped and spun around.
“P-Pr-Professor!”
“It seems our little princess has been startled by her Potions teacher. Just joking,” Hermione knew he never joked, “How can I help?”
Avoiding his gaze, she cleared her throat. “Um… I think I left my books in your office. Can I… get them back?”
“Of course.” He pushed the door open, and she darted inside, grabbing them quickly.
“Slow down, Miss Granger. We wouldn’t want another black eye, would we?” He placed a hand over her books before she could rush out. “Let me carry them for you.”
She swallowed hard. “Th-thank you…”
Hands still trembling, she walked beside him as he escorted her back. Every step felt agonizingly slow, her heartbeat drumming against her ribs.
Why is this happening? Why does he make me feel like this?
“Miss Granger? We’re here.” His voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
“Oh! Right. Thank you…. Professor. Uh - have a great evening.” She grabbed her books and hurried into the dormitory as she tried to hide those red, blushing cheeks
“You’re welcome - ”
The door slammed shut before he could finish. Professor Snape stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door, then sighed.
“Well... goodnight, Hermione.”
They both knew tonight was going to be a long night, and Hermione, completely forgot about the potion essay, giggled to herself on her bed.