A Brief Explanation: I wanted to write a Hermione/Snape fan fiction but I also wanted to show how the relationship would evolve slowly. I doubt very much that Snape would rush his way headlong into a relationship with anyone. So, the Stage is set right after OotP with an AU where I will endeavour to use the personal information learned about the characters in the last two books in order to make a believable storyline.
I don't own the world or characters, all I can claim is the plot, the rest is J.K. Rowling's.
... Chapter One: A Glimpse of the Plan
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore was considered "quite mad" for a reason. At least that was what Professor Severus Snape thought to himself while sitting across from the older man. His garish clothing annoyed Snape's sensitive eyes and his manner offended. Not the least of which, none of the Headmaster's plans ever made sense.
"Severus, I simply said that I would like you to give Miss Granger personal instruction over the summer holidays. Certainly that isn't too much to ask." Snape's glare stated very clearly that it was. "I believe next year could become a bit problematic. You already heard that the Death Eaters cornered Horace last night?" A curt nod motioned the Headmaster to proceed. "Then you understand the need. No one is willing to take the Potions position."
"Sir?" Snape's voice held his usual sarcasm as well as a faint hint of something more.
"Well, since you'll finally be getting the Defence Against the Dark Arts position, you can hardly remain the Potions professor." The elder wizard's eyes were twinkling with mischievous glee over his half-moon spectacles. "It was hoped by both Minerva and myself that you would teach Miss Granger enough so that she could instruct at least those students that are younger than she." The noise that issued from Snape would have been a snort on any other man, but on him, it was quite nearly a howl of silent rage. "But, I must admit letting Harry teach Defence Against the Dark Arts might work slightly better. He does have an impressive knowledge of practical applications for spells."
Snape knew that he was being baited. Albus seemed to have made it into a sport over the years. A sport, he mused, that was even more dangerous than Quidditch.
"And what am I to tell the Dark Lord when he asks why I am instructing Miss Granger?" He had not given up yet. But, teaching the know-it-all would be preferable to letting the post he coveted fall into the hands of an undeserving Harry Potter.
"You may tell him that you are trying to earn her trust. I doubt that Tom will mind having you placed even closer to Harry's group of friends. He might even suggest that she could be used as a hostage when the Final Battle comes." Dumbledore withdrew a quill and parchment from the letters of apology that covered his desk. Apparently many of the students' families had realized that the Dark Lord was indeed back. "I'll inform Miss Granger to prepare for your arrival sometime within the next week. Your other duties excluded of course."
A nice way to say that if the Dark Lord summons me then I am to spy first, teach later.
"Arrival?" The tone Snape used dripped with acid.
"I should think it would be obvious." Snape realized that the twinkle had transformed into a maniacal gleam. "Miss Granger is not yet old enough to take her Apparition test. So, I was hoping that you would instruct her in her home."
"No," Snape's denial was firm, "If I am to be stuck teaching that dunderhead of a girl over my holidays, I will be doing it right here." Despite, or because of, sounding like a spoiled child, Snape absolutely refused to back down.
"Very well, I'll owl her parents for permission. And I'll tell Minerva the wonderful news."
No news could be as wonderful to the Headmaster as knowing that he at last had found a sufficient reason for having at least one student at the castle over the summer holidays. For Severus Snape, no news could be as frightening.
...Author's Notes:
This is my first legitimate attempt at fan fiction, besides from a rather strange collection of stories I wrote when I was younger. So, if you have any comments, questions, or flames, review. I can't improve without your help. I hope that my version of Snape is snarky enough for you all. If I ever get too OOC with the canon characters, feel free to tell me. I want to make this as believable as possible.