It was a typical May afternoon at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy, the sun was shining from the Great Hall's ceiling, students were laughing at the tables with their friends…. Severus Snape was storming towards the head table with his cloak billowing behind him.
But today was slightly different, students eyes could be seen flicking towards the potion master more than usual, whispers and giggles following him down the corridor like he had something on his back. He didn't, he had checked.
Doing his best to ignore the odd behaviour he tugged at the ribbon holding his hair at the nape of his neck but soon after re-tied it. It was a hot day after all.
Professor Granger never showed up for lunch that day, which was odd, she had never missed a lunch before.
After seventh year potions class last lesson he was in the foulest mood. Having students (and several teachers) smirking at you all day didn't help. Crossing the path of the Transfiguration classroom on the way towards the Great Hall for tea Hermione Granger came barrelling out the classroom, quite flustered.
'Oh, Severus!'
'May I ask why you look like a hippogriff in headlights?'
'Well, umm, you see…'
'Shush you're babbling, let me escort you towards the Great Hall.'
'Severus….'
'We will talk later.'
And with a smirk turned to walk down the corridor waiting for her to follow.
During dinner many eyes could be seen in his direction, elbows nudged and fingers pointed. One cannot say what went through the Potions Professors mind when the Headmistress's eyes cast down to his neck with a look of confusion on her face.
'Severus, is that… no it wouldn't be… of course not… but… oh never mind.'
'Stop that babbling at once Minerva and tell me what it is already.'
'What is that on your neck?'
'There is nothing on my neck you daft woman.'
'Oh, I think you'll find there definitely is Severus.' Handing him a spoon to check his reflection.
With a quick glance at Hermione who looked absolutely terrified he held the spoon out in front of him.
'Fuck…' Was all that was herd from the man when he saw the decent sized bruise on his neck, standing out like some kind of statement.
'Excuse me Minerva, I must go to my rooms.'
'No, problem. Be sure to grab some food from the kitchens later.'
'Yes, yes. Of course.' With a death glance at Hermione he swept from the hall.
You see, this is where everything now makes sense. The Potions Master was believed to be lonely, never even seen with a woman. So when he appeared with a love bite upon his neck that sunny day it shook Hogwarts and all the inhabitants. Only one woman with the answers could be seen hiding her face behind the Daily Profit.
Making her way towards the dungeons she prepared for an angry pacing man ready to unleash hell. Definitely not the sight that greeted her instead.
As she pushed open the door Severus Snape was leaning against his desk casually, white buttoned top undone and hanging loosely from his shoulders. An array of purple bruises cascading down his chest. His voice was calm when he spoke.
'Sometimes I regret not looking into a mirror before I leave my rooms.'
'I'm sorry Severus really'
'Do not apologize, I quite like them.'
This was not how the conversation was supposed to be going. So when he pushed of the desk and starting casually walking towards her like prey, fear and excitement bubbled through her.
'Here, is were I repay the favour my dear.'
With a growl he dove towards her.
Despite the hot weather the next day Professor Granger was seen walking into the Great Hall wearing a nice new scarf.
