I wish to state I do not own Harry Potter; I just borrow the characters to dance for me. If the characters in this story seem a bit off continue to read to find out. All will be reveled in due time.

Stormy Weather:

The air was crisp on the first weekend of august. Hermione enjoyed the breeze; it countered the abnormal heat wave that had been happening. Her parents decided instead of Paris or New York they would just visit the coast for vacation. Hermione was entering her 7th year at hogwarts and had altered greatly since the end of the year. Her height was still 5'6 but there was a difference to her look. She now actually took care of her hair better and began wearing make up, to fit in with the rest of the teens in her neighbor hood. She now wore a pair of glasses as well. Her eyes had been affected all those nights she stood up late and studied under dim lighting. The glasses were of a rectangular shape but suited her face well. On the top of her head she took to wearing a black hat. She had gotten it for the vacation and needed on a day like the one she was experiencing. The trim of the hat was the most endearing. White rim above the brim dawned with red crepe roses brought elegance to her red sundress. The belt she wore was black as well. She thought it was like a movie star's attire from the 50's.

She scurried across the shoreline ahead of her parents. They had rented a house on the edge of a small beach area, which turned in to rocks about a ½ a mile away. She wanted to walk there to see the cliffs, and the waves that crashed below. It was a thrill to her, the whole intense moment of the calm sea thrashing about passionately. It stirred an intensity in her that no book could do. She realized seeing it was much more than reading about it. She wanted to make things happen not to read about them happening. She was not studious because she wanted to know but because she wanted to do.

When she had finally arrived she began to climb over the rocks. She went as far as she could. She could hear her parents calling her from a far distance. When she turned a gust of wind blew her hat of her head. She went to try and grab it, but nearly fell because of this. She carefully got down; luckily the hat had landed on a rock and not in the sea. Not only would the sea carry it out, it would destroy the crepe roses. Before she could get to it, it blew away. She held her breath as it passed over a small part of water where the rocks and the sand mixed. It finally seemed like it was going to land on the sand when the wind started up again. She carefully hopped down to the sand rock mixture and started to take off after the hat. She tried to cover her eyes to block out the sun a bit. She squinted and saw the hat land at the bottom of some stairs. The stairs lead to a plank walkway. The plank walkway went up to an enormous house, bigger than the houses surrounding it. There was an iron fence that surrounded it and made it seem more out of place than it already seemed. As she gazed up to the house she forgot about the hat. She stood for a good while before turning her attention back to her new prize possession. It didn't matter for it had already been picked up. She squinted to see who the figure was and let out a gasp. She figured she must be suffering from dehydration or that her glasses were incredibly dirty.
I believe this is yours, A distinctly male voice stated.
Hermione dear don't run a head, Her mother yelled still from quiet a distance.
Miss Granger? The voice said almost curiously.
She stood there with her eyes wide not moving a muscle. When she finally did she took her hat from his hand with a bit of hesitation.
Miss Granger, I realize you're from your expression you are scared witless. I cannot take points from your house; I cannot issue you detention so you really have nothing to be scared about. I also take my vacation away from Hogwarts.
Hermione you should thank the man for catching your hat, Her mother said.
The Grangers finally caught up with their daughter.
We thought it was to be ruined by the ocean.
Thank you, She said silently.
Well Miss Granger, I assume these are your parents?
Do you know this man Hermione? Her mother asked.
Yes mother, this is one of my Professors at school. This is Professor Snape, he teaches potions. Um Professor Snape these are my parents, She said.
Hermione might has been saying a tongue twister for she took more time saying that polite statement than she did in correcting Ron's grammatical errors on his essays. She was sincerely wishing to be hit by lightning at that moment.
I must profess Hermione is one of the best students I have seen in years but apparently her memory is a bit faulty out of shock. I am not the potions teacher anymore, I teach defense against the dark arts. Your daughter excels at both and more the Headmaster himself assures me, Snape stated.
A compliment for Snape was more shocking to her than actually seeing him on break! Hermione wanted to craw under the rocks that were behind her. Her parents continued the conversation for quite some time. To Hermione the conversation seemed like an eternity. When she finally tuned back into the conversation it was just pure horror.
Friday night sounds wonderful! I can't believe Hermione has never said a word about you before, Her mother stated.
Thank you for being so kind to my daughter, she appreciates it greatly, Her father added.
Were her ears working right? Did she just hear her father say Snape was being KIND? She did not wish to reflect on this statement because she knew she wouldn't be able to keep her mouth shut. He soon left the family standing on the sandy beach. Hermione's parents started to leave and called for their daughter to join them.
Well Hermione, That was very unusual but pleasant none the less. I bet you're looking forward to dinner on Friday. You'll finally be able to converse with someone about your studies without the use of owls, her mother said.
What? What? What happened? We're going to dinner with him? With professor Snape! She said in a loud voice.
Hermione were you not paying attention! Of course we are, he seems like a good man and we never meet your teachers.
Her stomach churned. When she got back to the hotel she drank a flat ginger ale and started scribbling furiously. She was writing to Ginny, who should have sent an owl a day ago. When she finished she felt a lot better. All the panic that was in her stomach now went to her head. She thought about how to get out of going Friday. Unfortunately Friday was only two days away and in the morning she was going to an amusement park. That meant she couldn't make an excuse of sickness. She sighed and figured it couldn't be that bad. The only punishment she would receive is her parents yelling at her if she didn't behave nicely. She read over the note one more time.
Ginny, I have never in my life been so mortified in my life as I have today. As I had almost lost my hat but only to be rescued by a man who lives here. Who that man was, was the greatest shock of my life! It was Professor Snape! I could not believe it! My parents met him and we are supposed to have dinner Friday. Yuk. I need some excuse that will spare me from the dinner but not the activities before hand. I can't believe this is happening. Love, Hermione
Ps. don't tell Ron or Harry!'
She sealed the note tightly and threw it under her pillow. Her mother had a habit of opening mail that was not for her.

Friday day came and went. The evening Hermione had been dreading was about to begin. They actually had walked to the house due to the gorgeous evening sky. Hermione was wearing a purple plaid skirt and white shirt that was covered by a purple vest. She felt childish with her Mary Jane shoes and knee high socks. She had brought nothing else proper to wear. When they had reached the house they knocked on the door. Snape opened it without the requirement of a second knock. He then invited all of them to come in. When they had entered the first thing that struck them was the space in the house. It was decorated with antiques but yet provided comfortable floor space. They gazed at the dark woodwork on the floor. It was a checker pattern. They then were lead into the kitchen, which was warm and cold at the same time. It felt like nothing had been in the room for decades but yet it was exceedingly warm from the stove. The stove was quite old and looked like it burned wood. Everything was very old in this house and there was not a modern convenience to be seen. Mr. Granger had also noticed and remarked on it.
Well I only inhabit this house during summers, it seemed ridiculous to add unnecessary machinery in it. I have a friend rent it out in winters, it's a romantic notion to some people, Snape had replied.
Hermione had not said a word, but her eyes were wide as a cat. She was still not used to this almost friendly manner he used with her parents.
Isn't that right Hermione? her mother asked.
I'm sorry what were you talking about? Hermione mumbled.
You'd be delighted to come and read in Severus's library, Her father said.
Oh! Um err she began
I know how hard it must be for you to be away from such a reference section that the school has, Snape stated.
What Hermione really wished to know is where all this kindness had come from all of a sudden. She was not used to it from him. She looked at her parents who seemed to be enjoying themselves. She scowled deep inside herself. She decided this summer would probably bring the worst out in her.
When they sat down to dinner Hermione got a sick feeling in her stomach like two days before. She stared at her plate filled with some sort of green salad; she could never remember the certain terms that they held. She started at the tomato but decided no tomato for her that night. She pushed the tomatos to the side. The lettuce was shades of deep green and lighter green, the deeper green lettuce she never liked so she pushed it to the side. Before Hermione knew it half her plate was to the side. She let out a sigh.
Hermione! What's the matter? You haven't touched your salad yet and you love salad! Her mother bellowed.
I'm not that hungry, She replied.
Is everything aright? You haven't touched any food since we got here! ARE YOU ANOREXIC? Her mother exclaimed.
Hermione felt her face turning a hot red out of embarrassment. She couldn't believe her mother could be so over protective in front of others.
No Mother, even if I was what would make me think I'd tell YOU anyways? I'm just not that hungry! It's not like I can eat on command whenever you want me to!
Don't take that tone with your mother, her father interrupted.
I wasn't taking any tone with her. I was simply stating a fact! Why is it you must make such insipid questions! And for future reference I do not wish to be dragged along to all your gatherings and whatnot! They are borring, tedious and I'd rather stay home!
We thought this gathering would be nice for you! Her mother piped up.
OH you would like to think so wouldn't you? If you had half a notion to listen to what I've been saying for this past month than you would realize that there is nothing more in my life I loath more than that man, She said pointing at Snape.
After this incident she stormed out of the room. Then she began to run from this hideous mansion after she had gotten out the door. It was already dark and she ran quiet a ways back before stopping. She then looked at the moon's reflection on the ocean and decided to take a swim at night when she returned. The only thing that could calm her was the cold frigid water.

It took Hermione about a week to break down. Her lack of companions within the last two weeks had torn at her so much that she would grovel just to get a book of history on the Salem witch trials, which had nothing to do with wizardry at all. She found herself traveling early and alone on the beach. She left no note to her parents for she figured she'd be back within the hour. The only thing she took was her hat and a bag, to carry books.
As she walked she cursed her curiosity. She cursed her thirst of knowledge as well. The words that were going to come out of her mouth were tossing around in her head. She had it all planed out from the start of the small journey. When she finally neared the end of it, panic almost drove her to walk back. Books though were worth more than disdain from a certain teacher. She soon found herself at his door and remarked under her breath that she was crazy. She gave one, two, three knocks and waited. The door soon opened right when she was about to turn back.
I have come to see if I could borrow some books, She pronounced before she even made eye contact.
She looked at him. He gave her a look she was familiar with Harry getting. They both stood there, she could see his mouth turning into a frown.
Well, we've become a bit more direct over the summer haven't we?
Well, I've become more direct over the summer because I've no one to fear, not even you. Now if you have not taken your kind gesture back than I would like some books, Hermione stated.
This statement was partly true, but right now she was shaking on the inside. He looked surprised by what she had told him. Hermione Granger was not some little girl easily put to shame anymore. She seemed to him to grow determined not to be bossed around.
My gesture is still in effect, please come in.
Professor, don't think I came here out of pleasure. I have come out of necessity. I wish to raid whatever books you have and then be on my merry way. I have come in order to suit my happiness not please whatever sadistic idea's you might have.
Hermione was blunt with this statement, which stunned him greatly.
Well please follow me, don't touch anything! Snape stated.
He turned on some lights in the hallway. The lights were the only electric things in the whole house, although it was hidden well with the ornate fixtures that hung from the ceiling. She glanced at the portraits within the halls. They were not incredibly large, but some of them must have been at least 200 years old. At the end of the large corridor was a room with an ornate door. The door was soon unlocked and opened to reveal three stories of books that wrapped around the entire room. Hermione's jaw dropped as she saw how many there were. She figured although it could never meet any school library it had to be one of the biggest privet collections.
I'm afraid the third story is off limits. The books up there are not the sort of material to be read by anyone. I will be back in a short while, look around, Snape said gravely.
She was in heaven. At home she had so few books that weren't school related. She didn't have the resources to get more until she was at school. This was turning out to be a better vacation for her than she though. Quickly she found the whole right side of the bookcases was potions books. Although she did well in the subject it didn't have the charm of others. She quickly found some good books that had to deal with the History of Wizardry, charms, and transfiguration. She tended to like history lately. She smiled at the smell of the worn old books. She thought it was better than the smell of lilacs on a summer's day. Her thoughts though were interrupted when Snape had returned with a silver tea set.
Would you like some Miss Granger? he asked.
I'm not much of a tea drinker, She said.
It's not tea, it's chai.
She scoffed inside due to the fact she wanted to leave as quickly as possible. Unfortunately chai was one of her favorite drinks that she rarely had. She walked over and the smell got stronger. It was a sweet and creamy smell that lingered in her nose.
Well it won't hurt to have one cup, She said adding, As long as you promise you won't stick me in your oven.
I'm not a monster, He said.
It was a joke. A fairy tale where a boy and a girl fall upon a house of sweets where an old lady invites them in feeds them and then sticks them in her oven to eat them.
Doesn't sound like much of a fairy tale, Snape replied.
Well it's a children's story with some sort of moral. Don't be greedy, or don't take candy from strangers I forget what it is. It's probably don't trust adults who live in candy houses.
He smiled at this and Hermione took notice. She remarked it was the only time she had seen him smile that didn't involve her or her friends getting in trouble. She soon found herself sitting in front of a man that she supposedly loathed. They both were soon drinking chai and staring at each other with bitter looks upon their faces.
You seem to be different from June, Snape said.
I've been thinking a lot about what I want to be. After what had happened this passed year I felt trying to hide all my vulgar feelings actions didn't matter, She said.
So you stopped being polite. Stop feeling that you had to prove yourself?
Yes. Acceptance I've decided is the death of one's self. It hasn't worked yet so why try to be perfect now? I've just given up, Hermione stated, No matter how much it displeases my parents.
They don't like the new you?
Their tones were kept quite cold but civilized. Their conversation was more out of politeness than curiosity. That was the one thing that Hermione noticed about Snape, he felt he had to be proper' to other adults. He would only abuse the children at hogwarts not the teachers with his spirit.
No not really, they wonder what happened to their sweet wonderful daughter. Even if I could explain it to them I wouldn't want to. The circumstances of last year would be beyond there capability to comprehend. They are fascinated with the magic world but they can't understand it by words. They would have to know, Hermione said frowning.
They both had a level of understanding about the subject and the reference it made to he-who-should-not-be-named. It had changed all the parties involved, including Snape. She was beginning to see she was not the only one to be affected. In fact it almost seemed as they switched personalities. He was quieter than before, why she was more vocal about her bitterness.
She sighed as the she put down the saucer and cup.
It is to be expected
Anyways do you have any arithmancy books? She asked.
I believe they are on the second floor, oh I would guess you would need a ladder for that, Snape replied getting up.
She watched him move out of the room. It wasn't like before, he seemed to be a lot lighter without the heavy robs. His posture seemed more natural than before. It was odd seeing him in such normal clothing, but then again it was probably odd to him seeing her more dressed as a grown woman rather than some schoolgirl. He seemed more human to her now. Her hatred of him she felt when walking to his house had dissipated.
He soon returned with a ladder for her. She mumbled her thanks and soon was climbing it while he held it. When she had gotten up to the top she moved around to find the section with the arithmancy books.
I forgot I reorganized the library a few summers back, the ladder is normally in here. I put the most used down here and the least on the second floor, he called.
She figured as much seeing the amounts of potions books on the first floor. She quickly found a few books to take with her. As she climbed down the ladder she found herself loosing a grip. Her sandals had no traction whatsoever and she found herself falling. She let out a yelp. She soon found arms wrapped around her. When she opened her eyes Snape was looking down at her. He let her down gently.
Ah sorry, my shoes are well not the best Sorry, She said blushing a bit.
That would have been a terrible fall, he said.
There was an awkward moment between them. Hermione had not realized how strong he was. She collected the books from the ground feverishly. She turned rushed to the table and started filling her bag.
Thank you for the chai and the books. I will return them by the end of the week. I'm afraid I have to be going, I didn't tell my parents I had left. They'll start to worry, She said.
Oh yes than you must go, he said quietly.
She soon found herself outside, staring at the horizon. She quickly returned to the rented house to find pig on the kitchen table, with her parents sitting around it. They looked incredibly annoyed.

It was the end of the third week and Hermione found that she was making the journey she had at the end of the second week. She would be returning to Hogwarts soon and needed to return Professor Snape's books. Last time she left hastily because she had gotten too close for comfort, stirring uncomfortable feelings within her. She feared what feelings would come about this time but she promised to return the books. She knocked on the door when she arrived. She always knocked in three's; it was an odd habit she picked up. Once again Professor Snape opened the door.
I've come to return your books like I promised, she said.
Ah thank you, Please come in, He said almost cheerily.
This was incredibly odd to Hermione to see him in an almost cheery state. For a man who spends half his time between showing his hatred for others and his annoyance towards them this was a drastic change. Although her head told her to decline she accepted for some reason.
If you would like some more you're welcome to take some.
No, we are to be leaving Tuesday for Diagon Ally. It's quiet a trip from here, by car anyways, Hermione sighed.
Well have some tea with me, I've just made some.
You seem if you, don't mind me commenting but, egger to keep me around. It's rather disturbing to me.
Oh yes well it's hard to come by any intellect, so I didn't want to squander the little chance I have. For all this time I thought you were some bookworm but I see you can rationally think as well. Some people retain knowledge but don't fully think about it.
Well that makes more sense, She said following him to the kitchen.
He poured two cups of tea for them. They sat just outside the kitchen on a small patio like area. It was a bright sunny warm morning. There was also a small breeze coming from the ocean, which was pleasant.
Miss Granger, I hope I did not get you in trouble for keeping you too long, He said in more of a composed tone.
Nothing to sever. A good talking to by my mother who was afraid I had been kidnapped. A good talking to by my father about not to worry my mother. He is not happy if my mother is not happy; it's horrid how they live off each other's happiness. To live for another is so empty, for one day one will be gone. What are the chances of dying together? Slim to none.
So is this your view on love? Or is it some notion that was stolen from some book? Snape asked.
Love doesn't exist because it can be described by using other emotions. Empathy, Happiness, Sympathy is a few more common terms. I don't believe that love really exist in everyone. For some love is loveless, especially those ruled by their mind.
It's surprising to me your views on the subject. At one time I thought you had love on your mind.
Yes one time maybe I did, or what I assumed to be love. It's just hard to ignore the loneliness, Hermione stated.
I hardly think you're alone with your friends.
Opposites might attract but it's hard to find common ground. The only thing that keeps you going is fascination or a need. Mine is a need, I need to be there for them and vice versa. We're not hated but I am not popular with others. I have always been a know-it-all as some people have put it. Books have been my only friends.
She stated this bitterly reflecting on some of the past years. She knew she didn't have to hide herself in front of Snape. If there was anyone who understood bitterness it was he. He certainly wouldn't turn away in disgust from her stinging confession.
Books as friends, a statement from a true intellect. It's quiet amusing how words can resonate more deeply than any human emotion, He said.
She smiled at this statement. She knew exactly what he was talking about. She soon began tracing the pattern in the metal table. It was filled with very intricate details. Suddenly she stopped as she heard a couple of small squeaks. Before they knew it Pig had flown into the table and the cups fell to the ground. Snape scowled deeply, Hermione let out a sigh.
One of the Weasley's birds I presume? Snape said angrily.
Pig I swear! You should have waited at the house. I would have come back eventually! Will you please go back!
Pig looked angry and soon took off.
That owl has and always will be a menace! I am incredibly sorry, Hermione said.
Snape was trying to dry the tea on his sweater, while Hermione picked up the pieces of her broken cup. Hermione went around to the other side and started to pick up the other cup. Snape bent down to help her.
I swear those Weasley's cause more trouble than anyone else! Even their birds cause trouble! Snape grumbled.
I'm sorry, Hermione said standing up.
After this statement Snape stood up as well. They were once again a little too close for Hermione's comfort. She began to blush as she dropped the pieces into his hand. They couldn't tear their eyes off of each other. Hermione found herself on the tips of her toes bending in and then kissing him. He pulled away shocked. She felt flustered and then realized what she'd done. She quickly ran inside and grabbed her empty bag. Afterward she ran out to the street and down the street. The beach was no longer any fun for her.
When she finally reached her house she ran into the bathroom located right next to the back door. She started brushing her teeth. Her sleepy father stopped to look at his daughter brushing furiously.
Good to see you still are taking great care of your teeth Hermione! he said happily.
Hermione would have rolled her eyes if she were not so repulsed by her actions. Afterward she decided that it be a good idea to write to Ginny about her unnatural feelings for a certain teacher.