A/n: Hello! Thank you for reading! It has been a veeeeery long time since I have even read any fanfiction, let alone think about writing. I recently have gotten back into the swing of things! Reviews and CC are welcome. I will do my best to make sure this is not to OOC!

A distinct frown wrinkled Severus Snape's face. Many things had changed in the two years since the fall of Voldemort. The biggest, at least to him, was his own survival. He was still shocked he had somehow made it out of the Shrieking Shack. He had been prepared to die, even expecting it. What he was not prepared for, was the absolute desperation he had experienced in the last few moments of consciousness. He did not want to die. Every atom in his body screamed in a desperate plea of survival and the universe granted his plea. He was very much alive- and exonerated from all charges. Thanks to Harry Potter and the other two members of the 'golden trio'. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. The last thing he wanted was to be dead or in Azkaban, however, coming in a close second was being indebted to said trio.

'Duo really' The Weasley had never done shit for him.

Standing from his desk, he placed a stasis charm on the potion he was working on. It was the third day of summer break and he was already being summoned for staff meetings and other engagements. Tonight, however, he was being required to attend Filius Flitwick's retirement party. The small man had managed to survive the war, but it was outstandingly clear he was very much ready to rest and relax away from Hogwarts. Pondering, he wondered if he would ever retire and live out his days in peace.

'Unlikely'

The retirement party went off without a hitch with all attending. Flitwick seemed more alive and jovial than he had in the last years. He took the time to talk to each of his colleagues, wishing them well and promises to keep in touch. Even volunteering for some if they ever needed a substitute.

"Ah, Severus, thank you for coming!" The small man smiled. Truly he had been surprised the potion master had made the trip up from the dungeons. Studying the dark-haired man in front of him "Contact me if you should ever need anything. "

"That will not be necessary, but I will keep that in mind." Snape replied simply.

"Of course." Flitwick smiled. "I hope you find happiness now Severus, you truly deserve it"

Frowning, Snape glared down at the small man. He had heard that line many times by many different people. It was always an empty statement. "Thank you for your concern"

Thankfully Flitwick was pulled away by Minerva ushering him to the front of the Great Hall. "Please, join me in thanking Mr. Flitwick for all of his service and acts throughout the years he has been part of Hogwarts"

Applause and even some cheering echoed in the large room. The ghosts floated and danced to the music that had begun. Turning away from the party and loud chatter, Severus made his way back to the dungeons. He had made his appearance as required, now it was time to get back to the large amount of work he had waiting for him.

"Geez Hermione, those look amazing!" Ginny gasped.

Hermione emerged from a large dressing room, spinning in a circle. The dark wine-colored robes billowed behind her. The dress fit her perfectly and was made of durable material. Hermione had insisted on work robes. She was completely against the idea of buying more clothing, but Ginny had convinced her she needed new ones. She hated to admit it, but Ginny had been right. Most of her clothes were neither appropriate or in any shape to be worn much longer.

In the two years since Voldemort fell Hermione's life had been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Instantly propelled to fame and fortune she never fully grew accustomed to seeing her face in The Daily Prophet or reading the scathing articles written about her. The first year was very hard for Hermione, of course she and Ron had immediately gotten together. Just like they were expected to. It quickly dawned on both of them that they were not the match made in heaven like everyone dreamed.

Brutal arguments lead to resentment that ran deep between them. Hermione focused on her career while Ron was content with living off the fame and fortune that had been bestowed upon him. He didn't want to do anything with his life other than play Quiddich. Hermione was unable to live a life as such. She had not worked her ass off to just not do something fulfilling.

Ginny was the only one in the beginning to understand and accept their separation. Harry did not speak to her for many months following the incident. Ginny had finally gotten him to come around after a while. Last she heard Ron was with a muggle woman and was 'the happiest he had ever been'.

She had pondered her options. Ministry work? Auror training? She could have gone anywhere at any department. None of the options brought her any excitement or fulfillment. She didn't want a boring desk job, she was Hermione Granger! She went through a war! A war she was unsure would have ended the way it did without her help.

She had been very surprised to receive an owl from Headmistress McGonagall offering her the opportunity to apply for an upcoming position as the charm's professor. McGonagall had been very clear that she would not show favoritism toward her if another applicant was more qualified.

Hermione pondered the offer for many days. Would it bring satisfaction? It had been two years since she had stepped foot in the castle. She was allowed to study and complete her N.E.W.T's off campus. For which she was eternally grateful. A part of her was afraid of the memories that lie waiting for her there, while the other half screamed at her this was the perfect opportunity. Hogwarts was her home. She relented and applied for the position. Weeks passed before she received word that she was deemed to be the best fit for the position. Ginny and Harry congratulated her with a small celebration at their home.

"Are you nervous?" Ginny asked, bringing Hermione out of her thoughts.

"Honestly? Yes. I would be lying if I said I wasn't." Hermione smiled weakly

"It will all fall into place Hermione. Don't worry! You are a hero!"

Rolling her eyes, she responded to her long-time friend "Please Ginny, we all did what was right. You would have done the same thing as we did, now how about you help me carry all of these robes to the counter so we can get out of here?"

What she would never tell anyone, was that she was nervous because she hadn't seen him since the battle had ended.

Summer had flown by too fast for his liking. They would be welcoming students back tonight and it hardly felt like he had accomplished anything. He had managed to restore all of his storeroom and personal stocks and complete his lesson plans for the upcoming year. Severus sat down in his quarters with a sigh. A bottle of firewhiskey was procured with a simple flick of his wand and he savored the burn as he sipped it.

It would be the first year they were accepting first years back to Hogwarts since the war. McGonagall had insisted that the castle be repaired and be in a normal routine before they allowed any new students to attend. He begrudgingly agreed that it was a good idea. Voldemort has left a nasty scar on the wizarding world and only time would be the cure.

'My first two classes are first years' He tossed back the rest of his glass's contents at the thought. He had never been a morning person and he absolutely hated teaching first years. They were…. Imprudent. Not of their own accord but many were not interested in the least in potions. They were interested in waving a shiny new wand around. Snorting to himself he briefly wondered who would fill Flitwick's station. Charms was his least favorite subject, learning how to wave a wand and cite incantations was useless unless you understood what you were really doing.

Waving away his glass and bottle, he relished the last few minutes of silence he had before he was expected in the Great Hall.

The Great Hall was decorated from ceiling to floor. Large candles floated above each of the four tables, casting a bright light throughout the room. The sorting hat placed on a chair in front of the large podium McGonagall now stood at.

"As you well know students will be arriving soon" McGonagall spoke loudly "I am sure each of you is ready and prepared to accept the first years back. It is a delight to welcome them again!"

"With the retirement of Professor Flitwick we will also be welcoming a new professor to the castle. Although I do not think much introduction will be needed" She continued, eyes gleaming and arms outstretched.

Severus didn't bother to turn when he heard additional footsteps enter the Great Hall. He could care less about the new professor. He wanted to get this night over with already. Several gasps of surprise from his peers echoed the room and he resisted the urge to roll his eyes. But it was Hagrid's loud booming voice that had forced his attention to the new guest.

"Er'mione!"

His dark gaze focused on her approaching form. She looked the same as she always had and at the same time, she looked completely different. Her once frizzy unruly hair had been tamed into manageable curls that fell down her back. Her face slimmed and became less child-like and she held an air of certainty and confidence. Perceptive brown eyes scanned the room, taking it all in. They landed on his dark form and Hermione smiled softly. To his great displeasure his stomach churned uneasily and his mouth suddenly felt a little drier than it had previously.

This had to be a joke. A really bad joke.

'What the fuck' He growled.

He had not laid eyes on the witch since she had thrust herself into what he assumed would be the last moments of his life. He could still envision her tear-filled eyes frantically looking down upon him.

'Professor! Stay with me! Help is coming' Her words echoed in his head.

"Hagrid!" Her familiar voice rang out as she was picked up and hugged by the large man. "I missed you so much! How have you been!"

"You know me Er'mione, how is Harry?"

She chatted with Hagrid for multiple minutes. Relaying messages from Harry and the Weasley family, save for Ron.

"It is so nice to see you again Miss. Granger!" McGonagall embraced her former student in a tight embrace.

'Of course, she would pick her favorite Gryffindor' It should have been obvious.

"Oh please, call me Hermione!" She smiled "Thank you so much for considering me and accepting me for this position. I won't let you down!"

'Still a damn Know-It-All over achiever' Severus thought bitterly. He would be the first to admit the little twit was brilliant, but her Gryffindor nature made her intolerably brazen and confident. Her readiness in class to flaunt her knowledge irritated him and he was positive it still would. He was unprepared to face her again. He had never thanked her for her actions in the shack. He was not even sure how to broach the topic. Did he even want to?

Hermione made her way around the room, chatting happily with her now peers. She was doing her best to avoid the dark blob to the side of everyone, but she soon caught herself staring at him.

'Where is that Gryffindor courage? You have to say hello to the asshole at least' She thought to herself. She was a little hurt he never tried to contact her, but then again, she never reached out to him either.

"Professor, I am happy to see you well" Hermione smiled sweetly at him.

'Just be normal you idiot' She screamed at herself.

"Miss. Granger" He acknowledged "what a pleasant surprise to see you here again"

His implication did not go unnoticed. "Ah, and here I was hoping you would be happy to see me"

Severus' eyes narrowed a degree and he crossed his arms. "And here I was hoping you wouldn't be as insufferable as previously"

Her quiet laugh ghosted across his ears "I am glad to see you are still yourself" Her hand reached out and rested gently on his arm for a brief moment.

'What the fuck' Had she actually touched him? On purpose?

Scowling, he assessed the feelings that settled into his chest. He knew he owed her a conversation at the very least. Perhaps that is what is driving these feelings he was unable to pinpoint.

'Guilt is a heavy motivator' He agreed with himself, happy with his conclusion.

He found himself walking to his designated seat at the Head Table and cursed his luck once more.

Hermione's head was reeling with thoughts and emotions as she sat down at the table. Her name prettily scribbled on a place card. She glanced to her right and was pleased to see she would be sitting next to Neville who had taken the place of Professor Sprout. A familiar face gave her some comfort, however any comfort soon diminished faster than it had come.

"It seems I will have to endure you at meal times" Severus stiffly sat to her left "Try not to be so insufferable"

A small smile graced her lips. Is this how he was going to be? She could play his game also. "If I did not know better, I would say you missed me Sir"

Her silky voice slipped over his ears and he felt her lean a hair closer to him as she spoke. What was she playing at? He certainly did not appreciate it.

"Hm, what does Mr. Weasley think of your new post? Teaching does not leave sufficient time for romance." That would shut her up.

Sucking in a gasp of breath, she glared at him. If he was under any other circumstances, he would be impressed at the harshness of her gaze. Of course, he knew the Weasley lost his chance with Granger. He never deserved such a brilliant witch.

'Brilliant?' He scoffed to himself. Since when did he give compliments?

"You ass "She hissed

Her gaze was averted as masses of dark robed students loudly made their entrance to the Great Hall. Many students taking their designate house seating, chatting happily with each other. The small first years huddled in a group in front of Headmistresses podium, quietly looking around.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" Minerva spoke loudly, her thin lips pulled into a smile. "As most of you may know, we are welcoming back new first years! Welcome! There have been a few staff changes that we will address shortly! Let us commence the sorting ceremony!"

She felt hundreds of pairs of eyes on her suddenly. Murmurs whispered throughout the hall, causing her to shift a small bit in her seat. The fallout with Ron had left her image slandered thanks to Rita Skitter and apprehension over came her. She had not thought of the possible repercussions of her fallout.

"Stupid woman" Severus muttered next to her "Minerva has called your name"

She had? Hermione realized quickly she had been in her own mind for the whole sorting ceremony.

"Professor Granger, who will be taking over for Mr. Flitwick's charm's class. We are very happy to have such a bright and talented witch fill this station" Minerva smiled as she looked at the table behind her.

Hermione stood quickly "Thank you so much, I look forward to teaching you all" she smiled kindly, trying with desperation to swallow the knot that formed in her throat.

Cheers erupted through out the hall. Loud clapping and whooping echoed off the walls loudly as she sat back down. They were clapping for her? Feeling her normal confidence slowly returning, she smiled and waved once more. Glancing to her left, she spotted Severus slowly clapping for her also.

Frowning slightly as she remembered his hushed barb minutes before she shot a look at him. "How sweet of you"

"Being polite is not the same as being sweet Miss Granger. It is a lesson you are sorely overdue for."

"Stupid Man-You have missed your name" He could feel the smirk in her tone. Shooting a glare at the woman next to him he briefly stood and nodded. Damn this witch.

"Professor Snape, Head of Slytherin and our long-time resident potions master" Claps erupted from his houses table and a few scarce ones from other tabled joined.

"Long time is correct." Hermione snorted under her breath amused.

What in the fuck was he doing? What was she doing? The questions circled in his head. Why was he even engaging her in conversation? Why was she?

It had been a week since the semester had started, and it was as much of a nightmare as he thought it would be. His first and second years were utterly helpless. No comprehension of basic skills and lack of interest had drove him to assign a fifteen-inch homework assignment on the third day. He regretted that decision with each passing moment. Not one of them managed to get above a 'D'. He stood from his desk, placing his quill down a little more forcefully than he meant to.

He was going insane.

That was the only rational conclusion he had been able to come up with. He could not get Granger out of head. His thoughts flashed images of her sweet smile she had given him in the Great Hall. He had grown accustomed to the brief rare flash of her horrified tear-stricken face when she had found him on the floor of the shack, but this new development left him looking for answers. He had thought he had been hexed or poisoned without noticing but as time went on that was less and less likely. He would have known or felt other effects. The final conclusion he landed on was again, guilt. He was subconsciously guilty he had never thanked her for what she had done.

He would remedy that immediately.

Sighing as she leaned back in her chair, Hermione nodded as she finished her first round of marking. Her students were doing excellent! Well most of them at least. Her first years were so eager to learn and she smiled at the feeling. She was just as eager as they were, if not more when she was their age. Distinct memories of hand waving and answering out of turn swam in her mind and she giggled to herself. Snape was absolutely correct, she really was a Know-It-All back then.

Teaching left her feeling with an unexpected warmth and satisfaction that she had not felt in years. The nervousness and apprehension left her as quickly as it had come. She was so glad she had applied for this position. Standing from her desk she made her way over to a small table that housed her favorite alcohol. Selecting a bottle of red wine, she poured herself a glass and made her way back to her desk. Savoring the tart liquid, she quickly set to completing next month's lesson plans. Hours passed by without notice, and two more glassed found themselves being drank.

A loud rap on her door made her peer up from her papers. Who would be needing her at this hour?

"You may enter."

To say she was surprised would be an understatement. Snape stepped through the threshold of her office and she had forgotten how intimidating his presence could be if caught off guard.

"Ah Professor, how can I help you?" Her sweet voice tickled their way into his ears.

Glancing around her office and found himself unsurprised. It was an organized chaos. Books and papers stacked high and parchment and quills lined a shelf haphazardly. Her office was large, equipped with a large fire place and mantle that held various pictures. His eyes swept to her desk and found it just as piled high. His eyes made their way to the half full glass of liquid and then to the woman. She was leaned back in her chair, glancing at him curiously with a peculiar look on her face. Severus studied her face for a short moment, taking in the rosy hue of her cheeks and devilish bun on the top of her head.

"Yes, as a matter of fact Miss Granger I-"

"Hermione" She interrupted him.

He narrowed his eyes at her "As I was saying, I wish to speak to you about something. Something I have neglected to do."

Her eyebrows shot up and she leaned forward. "Oh? Would you like a drink before said conversation occurs?" Her hand waved slowly to the corner table.

"Please." He did not know why he accepted her offer of a drink, but in any case, he knew he would need it to make it out of this conversation. Slowly he sat down in one of the dark red plush seats in front of her desk.

"Hmm, I have firewhiskey, vodka and wine" Her words were silky soft

'I am just being polite' She reminded herself. The warmth in her cheeks and wine in her blood gave her extra confidence.

"A glass of wine would be appreciated" He watched as she smiled and got up from her desk.

"Of course," She smiled as she poured him a generous glass "this is my favorite also"

He watched as she made her way to him, the glass placed delicately in her hand. Catching his gaze, she smiled at him and extended the glass to him and he took gladly.

"What kind of wine is this?" The tart flavor rolled across his taste buds leaving a warm sensation behind.

"It is of my own brewing, of course. Similar to Elven Wine but infused with a bit of euphoria"

She was brewing wine? But Elixirs of Euphoria also? He had never taught that, it was a particularly hard potion to brew correctly and if misused could lead to serious repercussions and dependency.

"It is quite acceptable Miss. Granger. You will have to show me your process one day." Damn his curiosity.

She took a long sip from her glass "Now, what did you wish to speak about?"

After a brief pause, he finally muttered "I wish to express my thanks for what you did for me"

"Oh! Of course, Professor. I could not have left you there. You know that." Did he know that? Why hadn't she left him?

"Why not? Many students would have left me to my death Miss Granger. Your wonderful friends sure did." His voice bit a little harsher than he meant.

A frown crossed her face, her plump red lips forming into a line. His eyes traveled down to them immediately. "I do not believe that was the case. I think they were just as scared as I was."

"Scared?" He sneered, taking another sip from his glass. "That is what war is like."

"Do not presume to lecture me" She clipped out looking at him sternly. "I know exactly what it is like."

His eyebrow raised a degree at her shift in mood. "Indeed, you do, Miss Granger. However, you could have been killed if you had been found tending to a near dead man."

"You are just as insufferable as I am." A huff escaped her lips "However, I would save your ass again if I was given the chance."

He had been caught off guard by her declaration.

"Perhaps your insufferableness has rubbed off on me, after all these years." A glimmer in his eyes hinted at amusement.

Holding his gaze, Hermione smiled. Here they were, chatting and throwing loose insults at each other. Somehow this was going better than she could have ever dreamed.

"Would you like another glass?" She offered standing.

"That would be appreciated Miss Granger" He found himself standing also.

Curiosity bubbled in his chest and he made his way to the mantle atop of the fireplace. Several magical pictures contained Hermione and various friends. Watching as a picture containing her and who he assumed was Weasley's sister replayed a scene full of smiles. He had never been in a picture like this. He wasn't even sure if he had ever been that happy in his life, besides for the times he spent with Lily. His eyes finally found the last picture on the mantle. It was an older muggle picture containing a child sized Hermione with two adults. He came to the conclusion they had to be her parents.

"Your mother and father must be very proud of your achievements."

Handing him his refilled glass, she took a rather large gulp from hers that did not go unnoticed. "I would like to think that they would be too."

He turned slightly to face her. She was standing inches from him, looking sadly at the picture, the sides of her lips pulled down in a frown. "I apologize if I have upset you. I did not know they had passed"

Her eyes turned to him, the fire casting a light on her honey eyes. Had he ever noticed her face as such? He could see every detail, the small freckles that dotted across her face, the tint on her cheeks due to the wine, the sadness that swam in her eyes for a moment before she finally spoke. "I obliviated them. I did not expect to make it out of the war and I did not want them to become a target."

His spine stiffened and he turned to her fully. 'I didn't expect to make it out of the war' the words rang in his head. She was really prepared to sacrifice herself in the war. He found himself wanting to delve into her mind, to see every memory she stored and held sacred.

"To be honest, this is a little bit of a relief. I have not had anyone who wished or was willing to speak about what happened during the war." She spoke again.

"It was a very admirable and selfless act" He commented quickly. It dawned on him suddenly that she was not what he thought. "If there is anything you wish to speak about…"

Her gentle laugh stopped his words and he glanced back at her "Thank you very much sir. If that should ever arise, I will let you know." Her hand settled on his forearm again for a brief moment.

What in hell was he doing? He questioned himself for the hundredth time it felt like. Why did he offer his ear to her? A churn in his stomach left him feeling slightly uneasy. This was supposed to remedy his problem, not make it more intense.

He had to get out. Somewhere. Anywhere except for here.

Clearing his throat, he took a step back "It has grown quite late, I am expected to complete rounds tonight." It was a lie. At this moment he did not give a damn.

Her lips fell in a small pout "I see. Well, thank you for your kindness"

Kindness? Had he ever been kind to anyone?

He nodded curly before quickly billowing out of her office.