Disclaimer – Unfortunately, I do not own any of the places or characters in this story. I simply like to play with them.

It's been a long time since I've delved into my first true love – Hermione and Severus. Feels great to be back and hopefully you'll enjoy this as well! Obviously AU, but who doesn't prefer that for this pairing?!

Warning – Sexual content, languauge.

There was a series of unusual events that happened on the morning of June 28th. The sun rose slowly behind thick, gray clouds, overcasting the infamous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was unseasonably chilly, even the Whomping Willow remaining stationary. The grounds were silent, not even a stray bird flying over, as if all living things knew today would be a rare sort of day. The wind drifted across the vast lake, rippling the water and creeping into the pores of the castle's impressive magical protections.

That chilled morning found the new Potions Professor organizing her belongings in her brand new suite in the dungeons. It wasn't as if she was opposed to the space, but the draft was particularly bad that day. She longed for her warm bed, even though she had barely just pulled herself from it. It wasn't rare for a professor to have an extended stay at Hogwarts over the summer holidays, but she made no plans to leave whatsoever, wanting to take the next two months to truly get comfortable.

Hermione Granger had earned her teaching degree with two years at the Ministry University and through an apprenticeship with Horace Slughorn. He had been desperate for real retirement and more than happy to sign off within the first year of her assumed three year stint. But then again, Hermione wasn't your average witch. The potions were easy, the research enjoyable and the fact she could help mold young minds had her studying and practicing more than she ever had before. It was only once the Headmaster himself sat in on her classes and gave her the ending apprenticeship test personally did he release his classroom successor. He honestly was glad to see him go.

Severus Snape was never a fan of Horace. His blatant favoritism was never ending. On top of that, his teaching was truly subpar at best. Snape was impressed if any child could brew more than a fifth year level potion by graduation. He had more faith in Hermione than he cared to admit to even himself. She more than lived up to the 'smartest witch of her age' title and had no real competition. During her test, he thought that the title was quite a burden to be put on the young witch. She was expected to do well. She could not fail. But he needn't be concerned, as she flawlessly got the highest marks he'd ever seen on an apprenticeship exam.

Hermione quickly gained his trust in the classroom and with the supply of ingredients in both the Hogwarts stores and his own personal selection. He did not see the point in dimming talent now that she was no longer an insufferable student. Those qualities he previously found incredibly obnoxious turned into benefits. Her astute nature, the confidence she carried in her own knowledge, the precision in which she followed directions. She had an eye and a nose for it as well, easily able to distinguish the potions he'd put in vials earlier that week in an attempt to trip her up.

How he wished he had been able to apprentice her himself. But after the exam, he made a promise to himself to take her under his wing, show her things that he knew Horace hadn't. They'd carved out a few weeks over the summer holiday to meet, something Hermione was both looking forward to and dreading all at the same time. His knowledge was unmatched but the manner in which he delivered it hardly made the learning worth it. He had admittedly gotten much better over the years, yet still carried a very heavy presence. He did not tolerate anything less than perfect from her and they both knew it.

Hermione was aware that Severus gave her harder vials during her test than what was necessary but appreciated his faith in her. It was an odd feeling, knowing that the professor she looked up to the most thought her intelligent enough for advanced grading. He had given her extra points for it, ultimately giving her a very near perfect score. The relief she'd felt was beyond explanation. It was the aftermath of it all that had her on edge. Him offering her lessons and advice seemed so out of character she almost asked if he was alright. Instead, she'd simply nodded and they'd quickly worked out a schedule. Today was day one.

Hermione dressed in simple black robes, shortening her sleeves; it was one of the very few things he'd docked her for. She would never make that mistake around him again. She was just finishing putting her mane of curls up into a tight bun when there was a knock on her the door of her chambers. She grabbed her wand from her inside pocket and opened the door. She was mildly surprised to see Severus there, standing rod straight in the middle of the cold hallway.

"Good morning, Headmaster," she greeted, suddenly wondering if perhaps she misunderstood where these lessons would take place.

"Miss Granger," he drawled in way of greeting. "I know Miffy installed shelving units into your office and thought perhaps I would give you a few books to add to your collection."

He was correct – her office had recently gotten a makeover. Elves were the only ones able to structurally change the walls of Hogwarts, so Hermione had spoken to Miffy, the elf in charge of the interior maintenance. They came up with the plans together and Miffy had gifted her an extension on her office makeover as a graduation present. Hermione knew she could have simply bought shelves, but also knew it would also cause more problems in the long run between her and the elves.

"Thank you, sir. Would you like to come in?" she offered, moving to the side to give him room should he so choose to enter.

"Certainly," he murmured, brushing past her and into the office.

Hermione didn't miss the unexplainable mixture of his scent as it tickled her nose. She shook it off and closed the door silently behind him. It was an odd scene to her; Severus Snape, the epitome of dark, standing in the middle of her bright office. His hair, longer than she was used to during her school years, was pulled back into a ponytail at the nape of his neck. She found this oddly humanizing. She nearly laughed when she saw that their robes were identical. Basic, yes, but there was a certain thickness she never realized his robes carried until she'd purchased robes that repelled most potions. She watched him reach into his pocket and produce a handful of what looking liked little candies. He placed them on the desk and whispered a spell, his hand coming up briefly before the candies turned into a dozen or so books.

Hermione gaped at him. "Thank you, sir," she said sincerely, walking up to the edge of the desk and reaching for a random book. "You'll have to show me how you're wandless magic is so impressive."

"One day, perhaps," he replied nonchalantly. "Today, we are going through the many pantries of ingredients through this hallway that you now have access to."

She was shocked he hadn't immediately turned her down about teaching her wandless magic. Instead, he put it to the back burner and meticulously put the books on an empty shelf, only pausing to take the one from her hands to put it with the others. Hermione watched him with amusement, the care in which he settled the books side by side bringing a smile to her face. She idly wondered if they were his personal books or if he'd gotten them for her. The idea of him wandering the streets of Diagon Alley in search of books specially for her was very endearing. As if sensing her softness towards him, Severus spun around and walked past her, glancing back when she didn't immediately follow. She collected herself and followed him, the way in which he carried himself so graceful to her now.

Unfortunately, her school girl crush had returned in full force her first day of her apprenticeship. She'd blocked it out, knowing the potential of him ever finding her remotely worthy of his affections was less than none. She was shocked that he seemed to tolerate her. She may even go out on a limb to assume he didn't mind her company. He typically spoke briefly but easily with her, never bringing his voice over a mild disapproval when she said or asked something he viewed as foolish. On the contrary, he would answer her questions and debate things with her, even conceding once or twice that she was correct. Those were the days she wondered if perhaps the venom that had nearly ended his life messed him up a bit. She couldn't say she didn't like it, though.

Severus looked back as they neared the first hidden door, making sure the young witch was still following. He was pleased to she was practically on his coattails. He'd grown a certain fondness for her over the last year, his appreciation of her work ethic bleeding into respect and then to intrigue of her mind. She was a fascinating person, he'd come learn. The way she openly and shamelessly spoke about herself, her knowledge, what she wanted to know and how she felt did something for him. He found her so refreshing in a world full of people too afraid to contradict him, even years after the war.

There were periods in which he would go days without seeing her and then somehow find himself outside of her classroom. He made the excuse that he needed to keep an eye on her teaching days to gauge her abilities. He would slide into the classroom, his back staying against the wall the entire time. Every time, without fail, she would sense him and their eyes would lock the second he cleared the doorway. This did not go unnoticed by him. What he didn't know was how much she loved the way his eyes followed her as she walked between the tables, checking potions and making small corrections.

"Here we are, Miss Granger." He turned and she nearly ran into him. His hand shot out to catch her, his strong hand gripping her upper arm, steadying her instantly. He released her as quickly as he'd grabbed her. "Professor Granger," he corrected himself. "My apologies."

"Thank you, I really appreciate that."

Severus didn't miss the slight blush that crept up in Hermione's cheeks, assuming, however, that it was in embarrassment rather than from his touch. He was genuinely surprised that she hadn't recoiled in horror. He was glad he caught himself, feeling bad for continuing to not call her by her proper – and well-earned – title up until that point. He found it disrespectful and would not make that mistake again.

"In order to open this door I need you to place your palm against this spot just here," he instructed, gesturing to a slightly indented area of the dark clay wall. She did so and he placed his hand over hers. It did not go unnoticed by either how his hand was nearly twice the size of hers. She made to grab for her wand with her other hand but he stopped her. "Do not use your wand. Now close your eyes, imagine a black door appearing, five by seven. In your mind, say lortera verbrium."

Hermione did as she was instructed, focusing all her magical energy into what he told her to do, using the warmth of his hand on hers to push her to really project what she wanted. She heard his quiet but sharp intake of breath and her eyes flew open. She mimicked his gasp, the door she pictured in her mind now in front of her. They stayed still for a moment longer, both in shock at how easily that worked for her.

"Very good, Professor," he complimented, reluctantly moving his hand.

"Did you feel that, too?" she asked suddenly, unable to help it. "I've never felt an energy like that."

He tried to keep his face as neutral as possible, even though internally he was a bit thrown off kilter. "Not quite that strong before. It happens with wandless magic. I believe our combined efforts – yours on purpose, mine as an after effect – created some type of energy that only comes from dual magic."

"Dual magic?" she asked curiously. "As in two magical energies coexisting together? I've read about it, but it's very rare that you can actually merge yourself with another."

"It appears not as rare as we both thought," he murmured, knowing she was right. It was, in fact, extremely rare. Very few studies had been done, nearly all of them showing no results between pairings. She could tell he was uncomfortable.

"Perhaps that's something we can discuss another time," she supplied as nonchalantly as possible. "I'd like to see the ingredient rooms."

Hermione was glad that he seemed relieved at the change of topic. He simply gave her a curt nod and gestured for her to open the door. She pushed the large black door in, her brown eyes widening at the massive shelves filled with vials, baskets and varying sized boxes. It was easily ten foot tall and ten foot deep. She saw a small step stool in the back corner by the black boxes labeled 'dead lucaworms'.

"Do you mind?" she asked.

He shook his head, watching her while she took in all that was before her, reading every box she could, committing them to memory. Severus moved with her, adjusting so she could make circles, her eyes shifting back and forth. He found it oddly erotic how intrigued she was. He'd never met someone who would 'oooh' in excitement at seeing a rare, dried herb, or when she grabbed the stool and hastily jumped on it in order to take a closer look. He was thankful that his robes were very concealing.

"Is that Deranium?" Her voice went up a few octaves, telling him she knew just how rare the herb was.

"Indeed," he confirmed. "As I'm sure you're aware, it can only be picked on the sixth full moon of an even numbered year in very specific areas of Wales." She nodded, dumbfounded. "Perhaps I can show you."

It happened just then, as she turned to tell him she would love that. Her foot hit the edge of the stool and she made the mistake of bearing her weight onto it. It slid off. She tried to catch herself but her hand slammed into and broke a vial instead of grasping the shelf. Within the length of a breath, Severus had her around the waist, his reflexes fast enough to catch her before she hit anything else. With one arm around her, he reached out for a shelf and steadied them both with the other as he gently placed her back on her feet.

Their eyes locked and she looked both startled and grateful. He watched her pupils dilate, black taking over her light brown irises. He quickly realized it was too much so – something wasn't right but he couldn't look away. He felt cool liquid rolling over his hand, but not concerning himself with it, too taken with the way her eyes softened while looking up at him. A low buzz radiated up his arm and through his body.

"Headmaster," she breathed out, her voice taking on a husky tone.

"Professor," he responded. "Are you alright?"

Severus attempted to remove his arm from around her, but her hands shot up and clenched his robes. She looked as surprised as he did, but that didn't stop her. A sudden wave of uncontrollable need blazed through his stomach and straight to his groin. Somewhere in his mind screamed that this still wasn't normal but the way she stood on her toes to get closer to him shushed that voice into oblivion.

He was all reaction, his breath catching in his throat at the feel of her body purposely pressing against his. He now held her there instead of releasing her, the stiff fabric of their robes swishing together at the bottom doing something to his insides that he couldn't explain. Everything was undeniably heightened between them. He swore he could even smell arousal coming from her pores. Her lips looked so good he wanted to lick them as they parted in what seemed like slow motion.

Severus knew he should be stopping but he genuinely couldn't. He watched those delectable looking lips get closer and closer until finally he tilted his head and found them with his own. Hermione groaned in delight, his thin but persistent lips pressing maddeningly against her plush lips. There was a franticness that overtook them, their tongues meeting sloppily, both of them gasping at the sensation. His hand fisted the fabric of her robes, feeling himself losing any remaining control. It was both terrifying and thrilling.

Hermione was spiraling and she was loving every single second of it. The way his tongue slid against hers was almost enough to make her orgasm right there. She never imagined a kiss could ever turn her on the way it was, but she also never allowed herself to truly imagine what it would be like to kiss Severus Snape. He was giving it to her good, too, the arm holding her desperate and possessive, making it all the better. She clung to him for only a moment before blindly making fast work of what she could reach on his robes. Her skin hummed with anticipation, knowing she was only a few layers away from feeling him inside her spurring her on.

Severus had never been so turned on his life. The way her lithe body fit against him, her full breasts pressing enticingly against his chest. She smelled so good and he had no hesitation in dizzying himself with her vanilla and rose scent. His leg found a home between hers, groaning when she eagerly opened them to accommodate him. He could feel the heat from the apex of her sex against his thigh. His obvious arousal grazed her hip and she made an effort to push back against him.

"Hermione," he breathed against her lips.

She took that opportunity to pull back and continue her mission on his robes. She felt him turn rigid beneath under her fingertips but that did not deter her whatsoever. Before she could process what was happening, he was shoving her back, away from him. She practically growled at him, frustration filling her. She tried to break free, but he held tight.

"Lust potion," he said through gritted teeth. "Listen to me. Lust potion."

The haze that was settled in her mind cleared very briefly, understanding bringing some type of clarity. It did very little and she was back to wanting nothing more than his bare skin on hers.

"Hermione," he pleaded, working very hard to try to filter out the sheer need for her to try to remember where he'd have the antidote. A small piece of his mind screamed that it would be by the potion, but for the life of him he couldn't recall where it would be.

Their eyes locked once more and something in him snapped. Severus had a millisecond to decide what to do but she chose for him, pushing his hands off her arms and flying back into his embrace. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him to her and restarted their heated kiss. He only had one small hesitation before following her lead, his entire body humming with excitement. She broke the kiss as fast as it started, ducking her head so her lips were at his left ear.

"I've wanted you for awhile," she admitted lowly. "This is uncharted waters for me, but it's true. I can't stop, but I also don't want to."

Severus could feel the honesty in her voice even though she was distracting him by rotating her pelvis against his, eliciting a deep growl from the wizard. He shook the thoughts, this easier for him to rationalize that it was just a potion and not anything deeper. He wasn't ready to cross that bridge, but it did indeed make his chest tighten up just a little.

"I don't think I can stop," he admitted shamefully. "I want you desperately."

He sounded desperate in his own ears, making him cringe.

"Then take me," she hissed, feeling more brazen than ever.

A/N – Chapter two up soon! Please make sure to leave a review! Thank you!