Chapter 8
“Well, well, look who’s here. Mione, I missed you so much.” The tall, skinny man smirked as he walked toward Hermione.
She immediately shrank behind Professor Snape, gripping his cloak tightly.
“Stay away from me, and don’t you dare call me that,” she spat, her voice trembling. Her hands shook, and her face had gone deathly pale.
Snape turned slightly, his dark eyes narrowing. “Who is this?”
Hermione swallowed hard. “He’s… my ex,” she whispered.
“Ex?” Max chuckled darkly. “Babe, what are you talking about? We’re still together.”
“We broke up ages ago!” Hermione shouted, her eyes burning with unshed tears. The anger and pain inside her rose, and before she could stop them, hot tears rolled down her flushed cheeks.
Max stepped closer, completely ignoring Snape’s presence. He reached out, brushing his fingers toward Hermione’s face—
She flinched violently and dodged, letting out a sharp scream as she bolted straight into Snape’s embrace.
“I don’t appreciate you touching my girlfriend’s face,” Snape said at last, his voice low and threatening. “Nor do I appreciate you speaking to her.”
Max sneered. “Girlfriend? I’m her boyfriend. Who the hell are you?”
“I’m Hermione’s boyfriend. But that’s not the point.” Snape’s expression darkened. “Tell me, did you abuse my girlfriend?”
“W-What?” Max stammered, suddenly stepping back. “I—I don’t remember anything like that.”
“Oh? Then let me remind you.” Snape’s voice turned razor-sharp. “You gave her a massive black eye. You hurt her whenever you were in a foul mood. She begged you—repeatedly—to end your toxic excuse of a relationship, and yet you ignored her, pretending to be some loving, gentle boyfriend while treating her like trash.” Snape took a step forward, his presence overwhelming. “I suggest you leave her alone. Now. Before I make you.”
Max’s face turned pale. His mouth opened, then closed, before he spun on his heel and bolted.
“Hermione Granger, you’re a cheater!” he screamed over his shoulder before disappearing.
Snape let out a long sigh. “He’s impossible.” Then, noticing the silent tears still streaming down Hermione’s face, he gently wiped them away before pressing a soft kiss to her damp cheek.
“Thank you, Sev.” Hermione breathed out, her body still trembling slightly.
“You’re welcome.” Snape exhaled, but then arched an eyebrow at her. “Though, I must say… I cannot believe you dated that filthy excuse of a man for an entire year.”
Hermione let out a small, watery laugh.
“Granger, your taste…” Snape shook his head, smirking. “It’s a bit… special.”
“Shut up,” she chuckled. “He was… a mistake.”
Snape hummed in agreement, and they continued walking peacefully along the pavement.
After a few moments of silence, he glanced at her. “I hope I’m not a mistake.” His voice was quieter this time.
Hermione stopped and turned to him, her warm brown eyes meeting his. “You’re definitely not, Sev.” She smiled before rising on her toes to kiss him softly on the lips. Then, without warning, she grabbed his hand and bolted forward, pulling him along.
“Walk faster! I want to get some sweets!”
Snape sighed but let himself be dragged, shaking his head fondly.