Chapter 3
"Good morning, class. Today, we will be brewing Amortentia, commonly known as the 'Love Potion,’” Professor Snape announced as he strode into the classroom, slamming the door behind him. At the same moment, Harry and Ron slipped inside, attempting to go unnoticed.
"But before we begin, I expect you all to hand in your essays. This assignment should be two feet long—sixty centimeters—and will count as your term grade. I assume everyone has completed it, as there will be consequences if you have not," he said, moving through the room to collect them.
Stopping in front of Hermione, he extended his hand. "Miss Granger, where is yours?"
Panic hit her like a wave. After last night’s incident, she had completely forgotten about the essay. As Snape loomed over her, the weight of his presence sent her heart racing. Cheeks burning, she struggled to find her voice. He smirked at her reaction before sighing.
"Miss Granger, a week of detention. Starting tomorrow. Eight o’clock. My office," he stated flatly.
She couldn't bring herself to look up. Everyone was staring, whispering about how Hermione Granger—the student who never missed an assignment—had failed to turn in her work. At the back of the class, Harry and Ron exchanged knowing glances, betting this would be both her first and last detention ever.
"Silence," Snape commanded. "Get out your cauldrons. We will begin brewing Amortentia. Miss Granger, you'll be working in front of me today."
Hermione’s head snapped up in shock. The front of the room? She could already feel his eyes on her. And sure enough, every time she moved, she caught him watching.
Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for the bay leaves, ready to drop three into the cauldron—
"Are we certain about that amount?" Professor Snape’s voice cut through her thoughts.
Eyes widening, she checked her textbook. It was supposed to be two.
"S-Sorry, Professor… I was… distracted." She quickly removed the extra leaf.
His gaze softened, just for a moment. "Something troubling you? Your boyfriend? Did he hurt you again?"
The concern in his voice startled her.
"Sir, he's not my boyfriend anymore. And no, he didn't hurt me. I'm fine, really." She hesitated before stepping a little closer, lowering her voice.
Snape faltered. His lips parted as if he had more to say, but instead, he cleared his throat. "I-I'm not worried, just… take care of yourself, Miss Granger. Physically and mentally."
Then, almost as if embarrassed, he turned on his heel and busied himself with other students.
Hermione bit back a smile, a quiet chuckle escaping her lips. Did he just… blush? She swore she saw a faint pink tint dusting his usually pale skin.
Shaking her head, she focused on finishing her potion. Minutes later, she raised her hand. "Professor, I’m done."
Professor Snape approached, eyeing her work. Then, a smirk. "Should we test it?"
Her breath hitched.
Test it?
Amortentia was the strongest love potion in existence—it created an obsessive infatuation with the person in front of the drinker. And with Snape standing right there, that meant—
"Sir… D-do I have to?" Her voice came out barely above a whisper.
His smirk deepened. "How else will I know if it works?
Heart pounding, Hermione hesitated, but Professor Snape had already moved, subtly blocking the aisle with his body. There was no escape.
With a deep breath, she brought the vial to her lips and drank.
Warmth spread through her veins. A dizzying, intoxicating sensation overtook her senses. The heat in her chest made her crave something—someone. Her gaze flickered toward the man before her.
The tremble in her hands didn’t go unnoticed. Professor Snape let out a small, knowing smile.
"Your potion worked."
He turned to walk away—
But she grabbed his hand.
"Pr-Professor…" Her voice trembled, though she wasn't sure if it was from the potion or something else entirely.
He looked at her, unreadable. "Yes, Miss Granger?"
"I-I… I don’t feel well…"
His eyes darkened slightly, but his grip was steady as he guided her out of the room, unnoticed by the others. They slipped into the ingredient storeroom, away from prying eyes.
With a surprising gentleness, Professor Snape pulled her into his arms. The warmth from his body only made hers burn hotter.
"Sir…" She barely recognized her own voice.
He stiffened slightly at how soft she sounded.
"Can you… Can you kiss me?"