A/N : Oh my goodness! I want to thank all of you for your favorites, follows and reviews! They motivate me so very much! Thank you all so much!

"I didn't expect to make it out"

Hermione's mind reeled as she lay upon her gold and red adorned bed. She had pushed too far, told too much, drank too much. A frown pulled at her lips and she blinked. How stupid was she? She had just started at Hogwarts and she already felt like she was messing everything up. She and Snape had taken a step forward when he thanked her for her actions. Her big mouth took them two giant leaps back. Who was she to even hint at her troubles and nightmares of the war?

Insensitive.

She was insensitive. Guilt reared its ugly head within her chest and she felt immensely stupid. That man had been through so much, for so much longer than she had. She knew it was a touchy subject for him, how could it not be? However, his response was something she had never expected. He offered her his ear. To her that was a profound offer and it meant a great deal to her. His time was valuable and he offered a piece of it to listen to her complaints.

"Alright Hermione, stop this pity party." She scolded herself and dragged her body off of her bed.

She glanced at the clock and realized it was soon time for breakfast. It was a Saturday and she was not required to eat in the Great Hall, but she found herself looking forward to it. After a quick shower and charming her hair dry, she made her way to her closet. What attire would be appropriate for a Saturday? Airing on the side of safety she chose a set of ruby colored robes. The material was soft but resistant and accentuated her body modestly. She slipped on a pair of black boots and gave herself one more check in the mirror before making her way to breakfast.

"Good Morning Hermione" Madame Pomfrey greeted her warmly.

"Oh! Good Morning! How are you doing this morning?" Hermione inquired as the woman walked next to her.

"Very well dear, thank you for asking. Have you enjoyed your first weeks back?"

"Oh, yes I have. I have missed Hogwarts more than I realized"

"Well, it has missed you also! We are very happy you have returned." Madame Pomfrey paused "I am off to my wing, I have a few first years that got caught in the cross-fire dueling that I am tending to. Have a nice weekend Hermione."

"You too Ma'am!" Hermione waved softly.

The Great Hall was not as full as she expected, but there were still many students at each of their house tables chatting with each other.

"Hi Professor Granger!" A small group of first years waved excitedly.

"Good Morning Professor Granger. I have been working hard on my wand swishes!"

"Good! Practice makes perfect Miss Stinger" She patted the child on her head.

Hermione smiled at each student that stopped to greet her. Her first years were so adorable and eager to learn. Teaching had come relatively natural to Hermione to her great surprise. The handful of seventh years she had initially made her slightly nervous, as she was just a few years older than them. She quickly found groove and it had been smooth sailing so far.

As she finally made her way closer to the head table, she noticed that very few professors had come down. McGonagall sat in her middle spot, reading a book and sipping her tea, glancing up every few moments to spot any mischief that may occur. Hermione's eyes slid to the left and resisted the urge to turn around. Sitting in his usual spot was Snape. He regarded her stiffly as she sat down next to him.

"Good Morning" Her voice was more nervous today he noted.

"Hm"

In his prereferral vision he could see her shift in her seat. Focusing on his breakfast he reminded himself that he had done what was required. He had thanked her and in a rare moment of 'kindness' offered to listen to her more. He blamed the elixir of Euphoria that was been infused in the wine he had consumed. While he hated to admit it, he had slept better last night than he had in years. A burden on guilt had been lifted off his chest and was replaced with the pleasant warm feeling of the Euphoria. The shifting next to him caught his attention and he sighed audibly.

"Are you here to eat breakfast, Miss Granger? Or simply here to interrupt my morning." He snapped, watching as her fork pushed the platter of food around.

Shooting a glare his direction, she turned slightly. "Yes, actually I am just here just to annoy you endlessly with my presence."

"Do not act like a child."

Sucking in a deep breath of annoyance her eyes narrowed. He looked like he always had. Dark long hair hung slightly above his shoulders, thought it didn't look as greasy as everyone made it seem. His dark robes were the same as she always remembered. "I am no such thing. I was simply finding the words to tell you thank you for what you said yesterday."

He said nothing but nodded and continued eating his breakfast in silence. The loud flapping of wings brought them both to attention. The post had arrived and the owls began dropping letters from the sky. A stack of letters landed directly in her plate, causing eggs to splatter everywhere.

"Fuck..." She hissed quietly, slowly shaking the mess from her arms and robes.

Dark eyes darted to her form quickly as tingle ran down his spine at her vulgarity. He had never heard her mutter such a vulgar word and it had caught him off guard at how nice it sounded. He found himself shift uncomfortably in his seat, heat rising from under his collar. Thankfully, the witch in question had not noticed.

What in the hell was happening to him?

After shaking herself of the mess, she grumbled under her breath a few more moments. Ginny had sent her quite a long letter wanting to know all of the details of her first few weeks. Hermione smiled, she did not know what she would have done without Ginny all these years. Harry had sent his love in a short letter, asking how a few of the professors were doing, mostly questioning how Hagrid was doing and if he had acquired any more illegal animals. The last letter left her rigid in her seat and she let out a small groan. Attached to a folded copy of The Daily Prophet was a letter from Ron.

"Hero Ronald Weasley To Be Married After Ditching Disgraced Granger"

Severus frowned slightly as he caught the headline before she folded it quickly. He felt the inkling of annoyance bubble within him replacing his previously felt emotions. He turned his head, it was none of his business what heartache and problems the annoying witch was experiencing and he certainly did not want to get involved.

'Repulsive.' He thought to himself. The Daily Prophet had written many an article about the potion master also, none of them short of scathing.

With a sigh Hermione picked the letter up, debating on opening it or not. Finally resigning to her fate and curiosity what monstrous things he could say to her, she opened the letter. She had read and heard every awful thing he could think of she was sure.

Wrong. So very wrong.

"Hermione, I hope this letter finds you awfully. You deserve every bit of the shit you get. I want you to know that I am finally happy, she is everything you are not. She shags-"

Hermione's eyes widened. He had sent her a howler. She slammed it closed before it could continue spewing its contents. How could she have not noticed? His words echoed the now thankfully almost empty Great Hall. Anger and embarrassment crept their way into her body, reddening her face. Slamming the letter to the table and with a simple flick of her wrist the letter and paper were engulfed in fire.

Standing sharply, she snatched her other letters from the table and briskly walked from the table not bothering to say or even look at her breakfast partner to her right. She felt his eyes as she stomped her way to the exit. She was glad for his silence, she was not sure if she could handle his ridicule.

"Oh, dear. What in heaven's was that about?" McGonagall looked worriedly after her former student.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Severus stood from his desk. The day had succumbed to night by the time he finished brewing the required potions Madame Pomfrey needed. Granted he was used to being summoned for potion needs, but he had not anticipated such a large order, especially on a weekend. He would need to restock a few of his ingredients already.

'Dunnerhead first years…' He cursed

Stalking the dark hallways of the castle he made his way patrolling. Unlike his obvious lie last night, it was his assigned day to patrol tonight. A scowl crossed his face, he had not seen a trace of the witch since the incident this morning. She had skipped lunch and dinner. He could remember her doing the same her years as a student, often retreating to the sanctuary of the library. He found himself passing her classroom, noting the light that shone from the bottom of her office door. Setting his eyes straight he continued his patrol. He would not find himself in position he was in last night again.

He found himself uncomfortable with the feelings that settled into his stomach when she was around. He chalked it up to guilt at first, and some of it was indeed that. The relief he felt from expressing his gratitude for the witch lifted a heavy burden on his chest. The rest of the things he was feeling, he was not sure of yet.

'Maybe I am just desperate…' How long had it been since he had had a woman? Years, surely. A trip to Diagon Alley might be due.

A loud crash drew him out of his musings and he quickly dashed around the corner, wand at the ready. "Reveal yourself!"

Two sheepish looking Hufflepuffs crawled out from a hidden hallway, embarrassed that they had been caught snogging. "P-professor Snape…we were just…"

"Just what? Out for a midnight stroll?" He glared down his nose at the two fidgeting students.

"Is everything ok?" He turned at the voice, rounding the corner with her wand drawn was Hermione. "I heard a loud noise."

He paused as she slid into view and suppressed the urge to groan. She was dressed in what he presumed were muggle pajamas. A deep red pair of shorts and a white t shirt hung from her body and pink fluffy socks adorned her small feet. His eyes roamed her body from bottom to top, taking in as much detail as he could in the small amount of light that was provided. His dark eyes finally met hers and her wand lowered as many tense seconds passed. Swallowing a lump that had formed suddenly in her throat she took a step forward.

"You two should know better than to be out at this time!" She admonished "20 points from Hufflepuff. Each!" the pair groaned as her loud words echoed the hallway.

Casting one last glance at her, Severus turned and grabbed the two by their robes. "I shall personally escort you two back to your dormitory."

Hermione watched as he made his way down the corridor with the two students in tow. Rounding the corner from whist she came, she leaned against the way and took a deep breath.

'What was that look?' Her heart hammered in her chest.

Monday found her quicker than she would have liked. She had not left her office and quarters since her run in with Snape Saturday night and if given the chance would not move today either. She had no idea how to approach the man today. She had been thoroughly embarrassed in front of him and then she had met him in the hallway in her pajamas. What was she supposed to say?

'Hey, sorry for my insane ex and for running into you at night when I didn't have a bra on and have not shaved my legs in days? Perfect….' She groaned and shoved her head back in her pillow.

She stopped suddenly. Why did it matter? The howler had caused her great embarrassment sure, but why would he even care about the other stuff? She certainly should not care what the man thought. If he had a problem with how she looked, then he can just keep his damn eyes to himself.

Dragging herself from the warm bed she stood in the shower, the scalding water ran over her skin. She relished the stinging pain. She had wallowed in her embarrassment long enough, she was an adult with responsibilities and needed to act as such. She donned a black turtle neck top and grey slacks. Slipping on a long grey over robe, she made her way to the Great Hall for breakfast.

She was unsurprised to see that he was already seated, sipping coffee from a mug. Her eyes drew his attention and he caught her gaze. Her mind went back to the other night and the look he had given her.

'He was probably just shocked and disgusted to see you like that' Her mind whispered. Pieces of a puzzle fell together in Hermione's head. That was it!

His eyebrow raised a hair as she took her seat next to him. "Straying from your beloved red and gold robes?"

She pursed her lips and scooped a spoonful of eggs onto her plate. "I borrowed this from your closet. Hope you don't mind."

The side of his mouth twitched slightly in a smirk "I assure you, any of my garments would not fit you as such."

Hermione swallowed the large mouthful of eggs before she could choke on them. Had he just said what she thought he said? "Well, aren't you in a spry mood for your age."

He had to admit, her gall was one to be envied. Turning his attention back to his breakfast, he began to finish his last piece of toast.

"You mentioned the other day you would like to see my process of brewing wine. I have had a few orders from friends and I need to brew a batch tonight. You are more than welcome to come." Her words were soft again.

He rolled the offer in his head for a moment. "Perhaps. I shall let you know"

'Only because I am curious of her brewing techniques.' He assured himself.

Hermione nodded and took a sip of her pumpkin juice.

"Hey Hermione!"

"Neville! How are you today?" Hermione watched as the man took his seat next to her.

"Great! Bloody great actually! All of my sprouts have taken root and have begun to grow" He excitedly chatted.

"Wow! That is great Neville!"

A small snort next to her caught her attention as Snape stood from the table. She smiled slightly "Have a nice day of class sir."

Severus glanced back at her for a moment, before finally nodding. Hermione watched as his black robed billowed behind him as he exited the Great Hall.

"It must be weird for you two, huh?" Neville questioned quietly.

"Hm? Why would it be?" Hermione looked quizzically at Neville.

"Well…. because of…. you know"

Hermione pursed her lips and glanced at the man "No, I do not know. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a class in an hour."

"Was it something I said?" Neville called after her.

"He did what?" Ginny's head whipped around to glance at her friend.

"A fucking howler Ginny. I was stupid enough to open it in public." Hermione paced angrily in her office.

Ginny winced. Her brother had crossed a serious line with his new stunt and she was sure if Hermione did not kill him first, her mother would. "He is not in his right mind. Too many bludgers to the head."

"I don't care what mind he is in!" Hermione snapped loudly. "This could have gotten me fired."

Ginny nodded "I understand. Just wait until mum finds out, she is going to throttle him into next year."

Hermione sighed "I am sorry for unloading on you. I have your order ready!" Hermione walked over to a shelf and pulled out two wrapped bottles.

"Thank you so much! I don't want to take your last bottles though." Ginny observed the now empty shelf.

Hermione waved her friend off "Nonsense. I am brewing more tonight anyway."

"Mum and Dad think this is the best wine they have ever had. They will appreciate it very much! How much do I owe you?" Ginny waved the bottles gently.

"Nothing! Consider your ear as payment!" Hermione smiled at her friend.

"You always find something to get me out of paying." Ginny rolled her eyes and smiled. "I will accept though! Harry is waiting for me. It is our date night" Ginny winked.

Hermione laughed "Have fun you two! Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

"I will write you tomorrow!" Ginny declared as she stepped into the fireplace with a handful of floo powder. "Harry Potter residence." Green flames engulfed her friend as she disappeared.

Hermione found herself standing alone in her office once more. She quickly made herself busy by cleaning a table off in the corner of her office. Setting a large cauldron on the table, she began to collect her ingredients and set them out. Her mind wondered if the potions master would be joining her tonight. She had not even glimpsed at the man since she invited him this morning. She doubted he would be coming and a part of her chest felt heavy at the thought.

Two loud knocks at her door caught her attention and her head shot up in surprise.

"You may enter" She called from her position at the table.

To her shock, Severus stepped over the threshold and into her office once more. "Good evening sir, I did not expect you to come." She admonished.

"If my presence is inconvenient, I will take my leave." His eyes roamed her little workstation.

"No!" Hermione stood quickly "That is not what I meant!"

He found himself walking over to the table, reading each label from the various ingredients on the table. "Some of these are very rare." He was actually surprised. He had always known the witch had a talent for potions, he had taught her after all, but he found himself surprised at her imagination. The child he taught was a know-it-all direction follower, never daring to stay from the comfort of the book. A way to maintain control.

"I have good connections in Diagon Alley" She glanced up at him and smiled.

"This is not an appropriate setting to be brewing in." She could not deny his words.

"I know. It is the best I can do for the moment. I suppose I could go back to the girl's bathroom" She teased.

Seating himself next to her, he allowed his eyes to roll in annoyance "You were truly an awful student."

A smile crossed her lips. A genuine smile, not a polite one or one that was forced to the sake of conversation. She gasped and placed a hand over her heart in a fake gesture of hurt. "You are so mean!"

"I merely speak the truth Miss Granger. How many times did you help yourself to my stores?" His dark eyes roamed her face freely.

"Seven." She answered simply, catching his gaze.

"Seven?"

A loud laugh echoed and bounced off the walls, filling his ears with its melody. Hermione clutched her stomach and tilted her head back. He wondered again, if he had ever seen her so personally and up close. The way her nose crinkled as she laughed, the way her eyes lit up when he had come into the room, it was all becoming glaringly obvious to him when previously it was no where on his radar. He had never truly studied her face until the other night.

"I am sorry" She wheezed wiping away tears "Your face was priceless."

"How many others fell victim to your terrorization?" His voice was somewhat lighter she noticed, almost teasing.

Hermione shrugged and laughed a bit again. "Mostly everyone complied or never noticed. In my third year I did break Draco's nose. It was well worth the trouble."

"I do remember that incident. It is a memory you will have to share with me one day." A small smirk graced his lips. Draco was his godson of course, but he would be the first to admit he was a little prat.

Her hand waved absently in the direction of another corner in her office. A loud grinding peaked his interest as a small section of the floor rose. "You have been collecting your memories?" He stood and surveyed the small pensive.

"It helps me remember certain things and it takes the burden of others out." She answered and turned in her chair to face him.

He understood what she had meant. Memories from the war plagued him still and he had done the same as she with some of the more painful memories. There must have been over one hundred small vials in the small cabinet attached to the pensive. He found himself wanting to view each of them, to delve into the secrets of her mind and experience what she had. He wondered if she had any talent in Occlumency.

Testing his boundaries, his mind reached out and with the lightest touch he could manage he pressed his way into her mind. Her mind was wide open, not one ounce of protection in place as far as he could tell. He found that curious, he had expected at least some resistance. Traces of memories flashed in their briefly connected mind. Her mind had focused on him. Him. The look he had let slip in the hallway that night. Why was the witch keeping this at the forefront of her mind? He sensed no disgust in her memory.

Retreating from her mind quickly he cleared his throat "I appreciate your indulgence in my curiosity tonight Miss Granger." His words had a double meaning.

"Anytime! Thank you for the company."

He nodded and made his way to the door to her office and opened it. "Have a nice night Miss Granger."

Hermione smiled warmly at him "Goodnight sir."

Her door was soon snapped shut and she found herself alone once more. Her brows furrowed in confusion. She had felt him in her mind and knew exactly what he had seen. The question is, why? Why read her mind? Why had he reacted the way he had at her memory of him?

One thing was for sure, she would get down to the bottom of it.