When All is Lost, One is Found
Author: Rinoaebastel
Chapter 129: Corridor Confrontation
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and gain no profit from this fanfiction other than writing practice. JK Rowling owns Harry Potter.
AN: This story may contain scenes taken from the Harry Potter movies and books, but it's not exact dialogue, just rewording of dialogue or omission. It is not marked.
November 1998
He waved his wand to re-clean all the empty tables in his classroom. Despite his students doing so as well, he saw some missed stains. He would have to stress to students that a deeper and more thorough cleanse was necessary from now on and he'd be docking points if it weren't done.
His hand halted in its movements when he reached the last table.
"Come on, Hermione, you have to go see the Quidditch training I'm doing. Your question to Snape isn't that important," he said.
He could hear it clearly from where he was standing, and he'd know the whiny lilt anywhere. He remained where he was. He hadn't known Hermione was coming down today, but figured the reason for it was the red-haired fly that was pestering her.
Didn't the boy know his friend at all?
"For me it is, Ronald. And you should address him as Professor Snape. He deserves respect." Hermione's harsh response, made him curve his lip.
"You can't be serious." Weasley huffed. "All his tolerance and helpfulness this past year is just an act. He's just waiting to strike."
"What in the bloody hell does he have to strike at?" she snapped, and then sighed. "Just go away, Ron."
"You know, you've changed, Hermione. I think that boyfriend of yours is brainwashing you."
He lowered his hand but the grip on his wand didn't relax.
She had just matured and become a woman. Weasley was just an idiot that refused to mature himself. "I am different, and I'm proud of that. I have different priorities now."
"You liked to spend time with us before. Merlin, now you even spend more time with the bat here."
"Who I spend time with is none of your business. Harry has no issue what I'm doing. Neither does Ginny. And Professor Snape helped me when I needed it. He showed me how to cope. It was more than you tried to do. You vilified and shunned me."
"You don't owe him anything," Weasley said, ignoring her dig at him.
"Oh? And I suppose I owe you?"
"Yes, because I love you."
Silence. His rage stopped for a moment at the moronic statement. Even though the boy had an excellent example of what love was in the form of his parents, he had a poor understanding of it overall. And Hermione didn't owe anyone.
"I told you I don't see you that way."
"But everyone expects us to be together. It's Ginny and Harry, and me and you."
"This isn't a novel, Ronald. I don't owe anyone love. That has to be earned."
"And I haven't earned it?"
"I only think of you as a friend. Just because you love me doesn't mean I owe you. And it most certainly doesn't mean I have to mold my life to fit everyone's expectations."
He heard a footstep. He wasn't sure who did it and in what direction it was going.
"You could fall in love with me if you spent some time with your real friends. With me." He heard the Weasley boy sigh. "I bet you still hold a grudge because of the Siriu—'
"Don't you dare go any further with that!" Hermione snapped.
He felt sick to his stomach to know the boy almost tried to use that incident to sway her. He wanted to kill that insolent boy.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. You're right," he said, but the tone displayed that he didn't really feel regret.
"Ron, go ask out Lavender. You two match well."
"I don't believe you. Come on, that boyfriend of yours is not even here, and Lavender was never serious for me. She was a substitute of your place and you know it."
He had heard enough. How had she endured this kind of treatment? How'd she accept him as a friend? This was pure selfishness. Not only was he annoying Hermione, but he also was hurting other students. He knew that made Hermione feel terrible as well.
The need to do something took over him and his legs moved, taking him out of his classroom.
Hermione's rage-filled eyes were the first thing he saw. Her fists were clenched, and her jaw was full of tension. The Weasley boy's back was facing him. When Hermione noticed he was there, a relief flooded her eyes.
His boots halted at Weasley's back. The boy went rigid.
"Care to explain why you're here disturbing me with a stupid unrequited love quarrel, Weasley?" His voice had taken on the most dangerous tone he'd had in months. "Miss Granger has explained that she has no interest in you, boy."
"I'm not a boy."
"If you aren't a boy, then act like a man and accept rejection. Now, leave."
Hermione took a step back as Weasley turned around. "This is none of your business, Snape. Just because we saved your ass doesn't mean you're close enough to meddle in our affairs."
How dare he? This boy had nothing to do with his freedom or his new life. He owed Granger and Potter, not that miserable twit. This being was just basking in hero worship he didn't deserve.
"If anyone saved anyone else's ass, Ron, it was Professor Snape. You ran away when we needed you. Professor Snape has shown his bravery almost his entire life. You couldn't show yours for more than a fraction of it. If not for him, it's likely many of us wouldn't be alive right now."
"You are defending him again?" Weasley snapped.
"As much as you know I love talking about my time spying," he said with clear disdain for that part of his life, "I can intrude all I desire, Weasley. It is my business when you are in my corridor, insulting me, and harassing a student with your insufficient comprehension." He sniffed. "Though, I shouldn't be surprised considering you've never had enough brain cells to understand anything but quidditch." The boy's cheeks flushed as red as his hair. "I also have word that you are bothering other female students. You are to report to detention every day for the rest of the year with Filch. Maybe if you clean enough scum you'll learn how to differentiate yourself from it. Now, get out of here."
Weasley made his exit, but instead of fear, he saw rage flash across his face. It didn't worry him. There was no way Weasley would be able to strike him down, nor have the guts to do so. When he was sure the boy was gone, his facial features softened. "Are you okay?"
Hermione bit her lip and nodded. She wasn't. He sighed, looked around him, and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "Come with me."
They went inside the room, crossed his office, and entered his quarters. The moment they sat down on his couch, she rested her temple against his upper arm.
"I should have intervened before. I apologize."
"Ron is a thick idiot. It's not your fault. He'll give up eventually."
"If he continues following and pressuring you, it's stalking. Next time, hex him." He shouldn't have told her to do that, but he was sure no one would blame her when they discovered why she did it.
She chuckled. His hand travelled to her waist and pulled her closer to him.
He had to do something about his. He was sure that wasn't the first time Weasley had nagged his witch. Her body was tense, and the dark circles under her eyes showed her stress. He knew her state wasn't a result of studying too much. A plan formed in his mind, but it was interrupted when Hermione nuzzled his neck.
"Can I stay with you today?"
"Of course, whatever you need."
He felt half of her body move to rest against him. He put his arm around her and pulled her closer. They both stayed there, relishing in the silence.
AN: The red fly attacks. I hope you liked it and let me know what you think. If all goes well see you on Wednesday.
