Prologue

He couldn't remember what it was like to have someone in his life. To feel the warm caress of fingers across his cheek, the warmth of another body snuggled up against him. It had been over a decade since he had last allowed himself that simple indulgence. But things not remembered were ones never missed.

Or so a one, Severus Snape, believed.

- - -

January dawned bleak and cold, like many before this year's. Not even the wamrest wool robes and cloaks could keep the chill from his bones. But the days still moved in and out, reminding him of waves crashing upon cliffs. At the same time, he could feel the waves slowly chipping away at him, shaping him to their will. The people who came in his life were like boats passing by. The ones who came too close almost always got smashed upon the cliff. Sharp and jagged he was, and it was just the way he liked it.

Severus slowly wound his way up the stairs towards the headmaster's office. His boots made echoing noises up and down the stone hallways. It was still too early for many students to be up, so the sound was only partially muffled by the aged tapestries hung upon the walls. He attempted to warm his hands in two of the many pockets within his black woolen cloak. It hardly helped.

When he reached the stone gargoyle which guarded Albus' office, he barked, "Strawberry sorbet," at it. Immediately jumping aside, the gargoyle granted him entrance. Severus stepped onto the staircase which was winding its own way upwards. Once at the doorway, he knocked upon the strong maple door. The sound reverberated through the small antechamber, so that he could barely make out the call from behind the door.

"Come in!" he heard Albus' voice call. With a grunt, Severus opened the door. He turned around to close it before facing the headmaster. He was smiling at Severus, his blue eyes twinkling in the maddening manner he had. Severus suppressed a groan, because he knew the old codger had nothing good up his sleeve.

"Good morning, Severus. I hope the sun finds you well?" Albus asked.

"As well as it will ever find me," he replied, stiffly sitting down in the armchair across from the desk. Albus merely nodded and poured Severus a mug of coffee, and a cup of tea for himself.

They sat in silence for a few moments, and Severus reveled in the warmth the coffee mug brought his icy hands. He sighed and spout out the question which burned within him.

"What is it you need from me, this time, Albus?" His black eyes gazed up at Albus, a furrow forming when he saw the smile on the older man's face.

"Why is it you think I always need something from you, Severus?" he started. "Can't I just invite you into my office for a cup of coffee?" For all purposes, he did look innocent, but Severus knew better.

"You always give false pretenses," was Severus' only response. Albus chuckled before placing his teacup back onto its saucer with a clink.

"I suppose you are correct, my friend. I do have something to ask of you, although I am afraid you are not going to be pleased with it."

Severus scoffed. "I'm never pleased with what you ask of me." With a sigh, he continued. "What is it, this time?"

"It's been three years since Voldemort was defeated." At that, Severus stifled a snort. "Many of the members of the Order have had to go into hiding, for many reasons, as I am sure you know. Some of the younger ones have come into conflict, and are now forced to hide from their peers whose parents were death eaters."

Severus glared at Albus, knowing where this was going to lead.

"Who?" was all he asked through the intense glare he was giving Albus. Albus merely smiled back.

"Hermione Granger."