It had now been just over a year since that night Severus found Hermione in the woods. Today he was at the train station, having just come into the city from the little town near his house. He could have apparated here but had wanted to enjoy the ride on the train. He was walking up the stairs, his thoughts on the witch when someone ran into him.

Looking down at the person on the ground with books and papers scattered he recognised it to be the young woman of his thoughts. Without saying a word he bent down and helped her to pick up all her items. She took them off him then looked up and smiled.

"Hello Professor."

"Miss Granger, you seem to be in a better state than last time."

Just as she was about to reply a voice spoke over the speakers announcing that train 147 would be late by an hour. Hermione looked to the Professor who did not say anything.

"Well I now have an hour spare. Would you like to get some coffee?"

Her suggestion startled him for a moment before he slowly nodded his head. This was the last thing he would have expected to happen today. Together they walked out of the station and down the street. Severus led the way into a small cafe and picked a booth away from the few other patrons.

They had only been there for a minute or two when a waitress came over and asked what they would like. Once their orders were given Hermione turned to Severus and asked the question she had been wondering since running into him.

"What brings you into London Professor?"

"I have some shopping to do before the school year starts. It can be hard to get time off once term begins."

"You're still teaching potions I take it?"

"Not still but yes I am." He paused as the waitress placed their drinks down.

"I took a year off from teaching last year. I needed the break and the school was still being rebuilt in parts. What have you been doing with yourself?"

"Well after leaving your home I took my N.E.W.T.s at the Ministry and then went on to get a degree in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. It was difficult but certainly rewarding."

The two remained sitting there talking for the next forty-five minutes, until Hermione had to leave. Severus walked her to the train station and waited with her until her train arrived. She turned to face him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before she got on the train. He watched her as she sat down and gave him a small wave, a blush on her cheeks. He rose his hand and waved as she left.

Shaking his head he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt and putting his hands in his pockets he walked out of the station. A light smile playing on his face and he strolled down the busy streets of muggle London. It had been a chance meeting with the witch but he felt that he had rather enjoyed it.

After strolling through the streets he went into one of the bookshops and purchased some blank books for his notes. He was doing a lot more research now that he did not have two masters trying to control him.

Collecting everything he had set out for he went into a Chinese shop and got himself a discounted dish for dinner. Normally he liked to cook for himself but occasionally it was nice to treat himself to a meal as well. After he had returned home and eaten he headed into his living room and sat at the desk to begin a new train for a research project.

Hours had passed before Severus realized this fact and left the desk. Heading into the bathroom he took a long shower. Walking into the bedroom he cast a tempus charm. It was five in the afternoon. Quickly dressing in his pants and white undershirt he packed all his items away. Deftly his hands worked the buttons of his frock coat and he put his shrunken trunk in his pocket. Going out the front he apparated to the gates of Hogwarts.

Minerva was going to kill him, he was late for the beginning of the year feast. Striding up the path to the front gates he turned and walked into the hall through the teachers entrance just as the food appeared on the tables. Moving quietly he took the only available seat at the end of the staff table. The sight of the person sitting next to him was a complete shock.