Author's Notes:
J.K. Rowling owns everything related to Harry Potter and its characters. This story is merely an attempt to bring together my favorite characters Severus Snape and Hermione Granger. You are all welcome to give your reviews. This chapter is rather an introductory one; the main story starts with the next chapter. Please Follow for the updates.
Headmaster Severus Snape was pacing in his study. He had a strange feeling that something was going to happen tonight; he just couldn't put his finger on it yet. The school term was finally over and the students had all gone back to their homes two days ago. The castle was almost empty now, except for the teachers who had remained for a few more days in order to complete their grading.
Severus was glad he was no longer a teacher. Even though he was proficient enough at his subjects and he had no trouble keeping the students in line, he detested teaching some rather senseless children who couldn't understand his instructions, however plainly he delivered them.
It was now over five years since the day Harry Potter had vanquished the Dark Lord and Severus Snape after surviving the war miraculously had been reinstated as the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He had been enjoying his position thus far, only bothering to interact with the students when necessary. He delivered the notices, sat in the Great Hall at the meals and kept an eye out for any suspicious things that happened at his school. So far, nothing except the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes products had come to his attention.
Severus had been content with his quiet life. Of course, he missed the good old days of adventure sometimes, but the feeling of peacefulness and nonviolence was better than the constantly looming threat over life any time of the day. Besides, Severus thought that he had grown too old for adventures.
Although the portrait of Albus Dumbledore always nagged him about starting a new life of his own, Severus was happy to be living alone. After Harry's public declaration of his role in the war, he had been the center of attraction among the witches. A Death Eater-turned-spy, clever enough to fool the Dark Lord, Headmaster of Hogwarts and single; the romanticized article in Daily Prophet had further increased his fan following, much to his annoyance. He hated attending the public events and he'd even have to make special provisions for his mails in order to thaw the many unwanted proposals he seemed to be getting.
Severus had approached the Wonder Boy Potter, who saw no harm in his misery, and like his mentor thought it was good for him and that he should give a chance to his admirers to express their feelings. Of course, he could not understand his troubles, because he had announced his relationship with the youngest Weasley. Even his sidekicks, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger had announced their courtship out in the open, leaving him to become the sole victim of all the unmarried witches in the country.
Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley were suited for one another, but what Severus couldn't understand was the second pair: Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. How could a brilliant mind like Granger fall for the dunderhead Weasley, who he distinctly remembered was never once able to brew a single perfect potion; was beyond his wits. Perhaps that's what the phrase 'Blindly in love' meant. And anyway, the subtle matters of love were never his strong suit, he himself had been foolishly holding onto a false sense of 'love' for too long.
Severus sighed, as he heard the school Bell chime nine times. Perhaps, it was time for him to go out for a bit of fresh air. He usually chose a muggle location for his night-outs; the muggle women who sought him at the random bars never recognized him or had any other motives of luring him into a marriage. He didn't even need to Obliviate them, he could tell without his Legillimency they were more than gratified. He never stayed longer than necessary, knowing they would forget him the next morning as a satisfying dream.
Severus moved to his personal chambers and sought out his muggle attire. He chose a plain black shirt and his favourite black jeans; somehow they always worked for him. He had a quick shower, which left him fresh and energetic. He smirked when he checked his wet hair in the mirror; a woman had once complemented him saying she couldn't decide which was darker, his hair or his shirt. He couldn't remember her name or her face, but he did recall her sultry body, as that was what had mattered to him.
Severus decided to pour a glass of his own FireWhiskey before heading out. He always liked the magical drink better than the muggle ones. He lounged on his armchair leisurely and just when he was about to take his first sip, an intruder alarm blared in his ears.
Feeling disgruntled as well surprised, Severus walked into his office to find the cause of the disruption.
A disheveled looking Hermione Granger stood in his office, squinting at the portrait of Albus Dumbledore. She was clad in muggle clothes; black jeans, a striped t-shirt and a red jacket. A small beaded bag hung across her shoulders. The young witch had certainly grown more attractive since he last saw her, which was just after the war. Her bushy hair was gone, and the soft brown curls that framed her face instead brought out her features. Yet, Severus couldn't decipher the meaning behind the sudden appearance of the witch in his office. But, before he could ask her anything she squealed, rather excitedly.
"Fancy seeing you here, Professor Dumbledore. I must say I wanted to see Professor Snape. You know, the one with the greasy black hair and constant glaring looks." Hermione touched her hair and pointed her fingers at her eyes, trying to emphasize her words.
Severus stared at her in shock. This was the least expected behavior from the young witch. The Hermione Granger he knew would never insult a professor, never in her senses. So, that's what it was then. She was probably drunk.
He imagined what the sober Hermione Granger would think about this situation, she would probably be horrified. He had never liked the girl personally and thought she didn't like him back either, yet she was surprisingly here seeking refuge with him when she needed it.
He cleared his throat in an effort to bring her attention from the crackling Dumbledore to him. "Ahem, Miss Granger?"
Hermione turned to him, appraising him from head to toe. "And who are you? I am looking for professor Snape, and no way in hell are you the surly professor I know. You are actually a handsome bloke. Are you single?"
All the portraits of the chamber were now following the conversation with great interest. Some were even congratulating him with their silent gestures. Severus tried to ignore the twinkling blue eyes of his mentor, and focused on the young witch. He hoped it was because of the scarce light that she didn't recognize him, not because of his muggle attire. He also noticed her reddened eyes and traces of tears on her cheeks. Had she been crying?
"Miss Granger, if you would kindly come with me, I will lead you to the professor you seek." Severus said in his most charming voice, hoping the witch would follow him. He intended to continue this conversation in his private study, away from the old prying eyes.
"Ah, and you are charming too. Tell me, is the Headmaster your friend? Why don't you teach him some of your manners, then?" Hermione drooled on.
Severus then started walking her towards the back door and she followed. There were a few protests from the portraits but he ignored them. He couldn't be forced to provide the old fools with entertainment at his own cost.
Once in his study, Severus gestured towards the armchair, motioning for the witch to take a seat. The witch in question however went straight for his full glass of FireWhiskey, left on his table.
Before Severus could stop her, she had gulped down the entire glass.
Severus didn't know how many drinks she'd had before she had arrived at the castle, but after the current glass, the witch passed out sprawled on his armchair.
He sighed, knowing his plans for the night had been cancelled. He carefully removed her jacket, her bag which was much heavier than it looked and then her sneakers. Then, he proceeded to pick up the drunken witch from his armchair and moved her to his own bed. She clung to him just when he was about to leave her, sobbing and murmuring something about being 'afraid to be alone'.
Severus groaned, knowing this was another helpless situation he'd gotten himself into. He was not used to sleeping with a woman, in fact he had not shared his bed with anyone in years. He slid in beside her reluctantly, mentally cursing his rotten luck. He had never liked the big-mouthed girl who always spoke in his classes without her turn yet she seemed more tolerable when she was silent. Even though there was nothing unpleasant about holding a young (and judging by her curves) attractive woman to sleep, he concentrated specifically on the part that the woman in his arms was his former student and the one who had saved his life at that fateful night at the Shrieking Shack.
