A/N: Hello Everyone! To any of you who were fans of my Dramione fic, I apologize for deleting it, but in the end I just couldn't write something that cliché, I'm rather fond of my artistic license you know! :P Anyways, this is the first chapter of a slightly daunting project inspired by Bccaw. I sometimes get annoyed with plotlines that progress too quickly, and so I decided to write a complete story in the form of three separate stories ordered chronologically. Although I realize that some find the SSHG pairing slightly disturbing, I would also like to point out that Wizarding London is rather reminiscent of the middle-ages in which such age gaps were more than appropriate. I truly hope you enjoy my story, and your opinions and criticisms are most welcome. I own only the plot, nothing more.

Something More

Chapter 1: Fancy Meeting You Here

Severus Snape did not enjoy surprises, in fact the loathed them quite completely. It had been five years since the fall of the Dark Lord, five years since the death of Albus Dumbledore, and five years since the school had a true Transfiguration professor. Since Minerva had taken Albus' place as head of Hogwarts, there had been many who attempted to take the woman's place, but all had ultimately failed to please her standards. The feast would commence in less than an hour, and it had been announced only that morning that Minerva had finally found her successor, but was keeping it a secret until her staff could meet her for themselves.

There was much speculation at the staff table that night, and Severus found himself somewhat curious as well. Who had finally managed to impress the aging head mistress? At least he could be assured of the woman's intelligence if nothing else. He braced himself as Minerva stood to give her welcome speech. In just a few moments someone would walk through those doors, and be proclaimed the new Transfiguration professor. Though he had thought himself prepared for anything, nothing had prepared him for Minerva's next statement.

"Please join me in welcoming your new Transfiguration professor, Hermione Granger!"

Severus jolted in spite of himself, and his hand all but flew to massage his suddenly sore temples.

Granger?! The insufferable Gryffindor know it all? In retrospect, it made sense. One would have had to be completely daft not to notice Minerva's preference for Granger during her Hogwarts years, and her gift for Transfiguration had been obvious as well. None the less, the thought of dealing with Granger day in and day out depressed him. He looked up then, scanning the room for the bushy-haired Gryffindor princess.

What he saw shocked him, the woman who took the stage on Minerva's urging was not the awkward teenager he remembered. What met his eyes now was an almost completely altered image. Her hair was still thick and curly, but it had grown long, and time had tamed the unruly style into something smoother and more age-appropriate. Her figure had bloomed, and though she was not heavily endowed, her shape suited her studious nature perfectly. All of this Severus realized in a somewhat detached, analytical way, common to one of his profession.

She smiled, and he was shocked anew at the almost blinding white of her perfectly straight teeth, although in retrospect this should not have come as a shock to him, even muggles could do such things these days. She thanked Minerva softly, and the two women exchanged warm smiles before she took to the podium.

She cleared her throat gently before she began speaking. "As Professor McGonagal mentioned, my name is Hermione Granger. Though most of you know me for my role in the war", here she smiled in an oddly self-depreciating way, "it is my hope that we will get to know each other this year, and also that you will enjoy learning Transfiguration as much as I am certain I will enjoy teaching it, thank you all."

Her speech completed, Granger took a seat at the opposite end from Severus. Despite himself, his eyes followed her there. There was a maturity, a sort of sadness in her eyes that had not been there before, and he was curious about what had caused her such pain. As if sensing his perusal, she met his gaze, and he schooled his features into his trademark scowl. She gave him a look as if to say 'some things never change' before turning to acknowledge someone else.

He sighed, berating himself for his rudeness, though he was typically withdrawn, he normally saved such intimidations for his students, of which he was becoming increasingly aware she was no longer one. He resolved to welcome her properly, if only to salve his reputation. When the feast was over, the students dispersed, and he noticed that Granger seemed in a hurry to leave.

"Miss Granger", he drawled before she could make her escape. He noticed the slight tensing of her shoulders and was amused, he had not lost his touch after all.

Hermione froze, "yes Prof-err-Sev-um-Snape?" She didn't turn around, she didn't dare. She could almost picture the mocking smirk on his face in her mind's eye. Slowly, she forced herself to face him, and met his eyes with an almost defiant air. He was not exactly as she remembered him, life without the pressing stress of being a double-agent had done wonders for her former professor. He did not look, and Hermione realized was probably not a day over forty years old.

He was not smirking, though Hermione noticed a strange glint in his eyes she had never seen before. "I only wanted to welcome you to Hogwarts Miss Granger." Shocked, she searched his face for some sign of insincerity. When she found none, her face contorted into a cautious smile. "Thank you…" She groped for words again. He was no longer her professor, but calling him Snape reminded her too vividly of her years here with her friends. Thankfully, after watching her squirm for a few moments, he finally rescued her.

"Call me Severus" he said simply, and before she could respond, he left her standing there, mouth slack, staring bewildered at his retreating back.

A/N: I wasn't quite sure how to handle the different perspectives, but I think I've decided to simply divide the story equally between Hermione and Snape, most will be divided in some small way in order to make the transition apparent and less confusing. This may not always be the case, but I will do my best to hold true to my plan. I realize this was not the most exciting chapter ever, but I am doing my best to do both the characters and the situation justice. I will update no less than once a week, quite possibly more depending on my exam schedule. Any and all thoughts are welcome, so long as they are intelligent and constructive.

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