Disclaimer: I own nothing. I make no money.

Snape leaned against a tree in the parking lot. The sun was high and kept him warm. He saw her walk into the grocery store a few minutes ago. He pinched the bridge of his nose and asked himself what he was doing.

If Lord Voldmort was gone, why did he care what Hermione Granger did with her life? Did verifying the rumors about her occupation satisfy his curiosity? No, it only led to more questions Snape felt he had to answer. Snape kicked at the tree and made waked into the store.

A quick search down the aisles and he found his prey. She looked so different from the woman he met at the gentleman's club. She wore close-fitting jeans that flattered her curves without appearing immoral. Her black button-up shirt highlighted her figure while making her look beautiful enough to be just outside his reach. Her soft brown curls danced over her shoulders, tamed and manageable. Apparently her line of work made her aware how her unkempt hair did not win over the opposite sex.

Snape compared the image of Hermione in a corset and stockings that was burned into his mind with the conservative clothes she wore in daylight. He could not help but think she looked more attractive now than she did in her work clothes.

Hermione stood in an aisle reading the nutrition label on a food package. She pursed her lips and knotted her brow in what Snape immediately recognized as deep thought. He could feel his stomach surge at the familiar sight. Despite her entrance into graceful womanhood, she still carried some idiosyncrasies from her younger years. Snape sighed.

Hermione could run from her fame. She could immerse herself in a radically different culture. But she could not hide her true self. Snape felt triumphant. She would surely lie about her past to continue a normal life. But he knew a special part of her before any of her current friends did.

Compared to the friends he was certain she had, he was the first to see her with this particular look on her face. He could recognize her look and guess what she was thinking. He felt proud to have this intimate knowledge.

Suddenly her posture changed. She became more alert. She replaced the box to the shelf and looked to either ends of the aisles.

Snape moved automatically. He ducked behind a stand of soup cans. He caught his breath and moved from his target.

What did I hope to gain by following her here? He asked himself. Snape shook his head and walked toward the exit.

"Severus!" He heard her voice and stopped himself mid-stride. This was not the outcome he wanted. Not that he planned anything, but he was caught off guard. Have I really lost so much of my practice? He wondered. This sort of laps in awareness would have ended his life for sure under Lord Voldemort's supervision.

Snape turned on his heel. His did not want to lose face. A strong desire to maintain control took over. Yes, it appeared he was in the wrong, but he would not allow her to gain the upper hand so easily. Without thinking, he grabbed a box from the shelf and tried to look busy reading the label.

She dropped her shopping basket on the floor beside him. "So are you stalking me now?" Hermione asked flatly. She tightened her mouth in what Snape recognized as frustration. Seeing her reaction, a warm feeling tugged at his stomach.

"Hardly." He said in bored tone. He avoided her eyes.

"You are following me!" She stated, her finger pressing to his chest. "And you better stop if you know what's good for you."

Snape could not help but feel admiration for her ferociousness. He felt proud, knowing any friends she might have made in the states never saw this side of Hermione before he did. While he admired her courage, he did not want to give her the upper hand so easily.

"Can I help it if you happen to walk into the same store I shop at?" A sneer automatically formed on his lips. "I might ask why you are stalking me."

"Really?" She grabbed his hand to read the box he was holding. Snape was embarrassed he was caught, but he enjoyed the touch of her hand on his. The top few button on her shirt were not closed. He could see her delicate collarbone and her slim neck. "Boil-B-Gone?" Her question snapped him from his revery. He looked down at the box: 'At home treatment for boils and carbuncles. Now with more absorbent puss towelettes!' Snape's sneer turned into absolute disgust as he returned the box to the shelf. He wiped his hand on his robes as if contact with the box would contaminate him.

Hermione smiled. "Not only do you have a case of puss-filled boils and/or carbuncles, but you lack the talent and knowledge as a Potions Master to brew a reliable serum." She knew she had him cornered. "Interesting." She put her hands on her hips.

The corners of Snape's mouth curled into what he managed as a smile. "It is a bit ridiculous." He admitted.

Hermione returned the smile. "A bit." She stood close to his body. "What are you doing here?" She asked.

"In the store, or in the states?"

"Is there a difference Severus?" He liked the way she used his first name so causally.

In the back of his mind, Snape could not help but admire her courage and charm. While she lacked any hint of subtlety, she got to business. "That is an answer I would rather explain in..." He looked down the aisles, "a more comfortable setting."

She knotted her brows, "What?"

His dark eyes locked with her soft brown orbs. "I would be happy to answer your question over dinner." He watched her reaction. "If you do not mind."

Hermione relaxed her shoulders and tilted her head in a playful manner. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

Snape could not stop the slight coloring in his cheeks. "Only if you accept my invitation."

"Where are you staying?" she asked.

"The Davis hotel. Do you know it?"

"Yes, on Fifth and Broadway. I know it." Hermione reached into her pocket and scribbled on some paper with a pen. "Here is my number." She handed him the paper. "I'll pick you up at seven o'clock."

She turned on her heel without another word and disappeared around the corner.

Snape tapped the paper in his hand. "Seven it is then." He said to himself.