Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter ... the great J.K.R does.
A/N: Just something I wrote a long while ago and thought I would share it with you all. Enjoy!

Hermione was sat in the common room, her nose in the recent potions book she had borrowed from her secret lover, when Ron came bursting in, Harry hot on his tail.

"You know what Hermione? I don't know why I ever liked you, you selfish cow!"

"What's all of this about Ron?"

"You and Snape. You got close to him just so you could heighten your grades!"

"I want to be a potions mistress Ron. He's helping me get there because of Professor McGonagall. It's not like I'm sleeping with him or anything!" Hermione stood, the book clutched to her chest.

"It wouldn't surprise me if you were, with your knew hair style and make-up! Malfoy's right, you're just a filthy mud-blood!"

Hermione started shaking in sadness and anger. She didn't want to say anything in fear of what would come out of her mouth.

"That, Mr. Weasly, was uncalled for." Professor McGonagall stated from her place in the door way, her lips as thin as ever and her Scottish brogue heavy. "Hermione?"

Ignoring her head of house and favourite Professor, Hermione ran, ran as fast as she could. She let her feet carry her, she didn't realise she had run to Severus' chambers until she go there.

"Sweetheart," Severus gasped as Hermione threw herself into his arms. "Hush now, petal. What happened?"

"Ron called me a mud-blood ... said I was just close to you for good grades ... and that I was as good as sleeping with you for them." Hermione got out between sobs.

Severus held his love as she cried. "Hush petal, I'm here. And you know what?"

Hermione shook her head.

"You're the most beautiful, intelligent woman I've ever met and nothing anyone says can even change the way I feel. I'm not even allowed to look at you NEWT work, Minerva does that."

"I know but ..."

"No buts sweetheart. Leave Ronald to me. I love you with all my heart, don't you ever forget that."

"I love you too," Hermione whispered. Then a thought came to her; "I think Minerva may have beaten you to Ron."

Severus chuckled. "I'm sure they'll be something left for me."

Hermione smiled weakly and snuggled close to Severus, the potions book now forgotten on the coffee table. "Can I stay tonight?"

"Of course. My door's always open, just come down, via floor of a night, if you wish to be with me. Or if you just want to be down here."

"Thank you," Hermione sighed.

"My pleasure my beautiful petal."

The end...