July 17&18, 2000

It was a stormy night, a cold, stormy night. I found myself shivering in the wind and rain. Most people would have gone inside like the muggle cliché, but neither was I a muggle anymore; nor trying to prove my intelligence. I was, after all, the smartest witch or wizard to graduate Hogwarts in 500 years.

Not, that that was helping me with my current dilemma, mind you. Oh no, I was certainly not looking through books or using my cleverness to solve this problem. I was using raw sex appeal, the basic of desires. I was turning myself into a forbidden fruit, if you will, for one Potions Master. Once I set my mind on something, I make it mine. Severus Snape was targeted and he was about to find himself in my crosshairs.

So, here I am, in the rain, preparing myself for the game that begins tomorrow by partaking in a mental catharsis, to make sure my thoughts were focused and decisive.

I closed my eyes and turned my head to the heavens for one last cleansing breath and to enjoy the peaceful moment marked by the gentle pattering of water on my face. After a moment or two, I turned and headed back into the Leaky Cauldron. Tomorrow, I would be home for the first time in three long years.

I woke the following morning to the warm light of day. My room was cast with a poignant golden hue that harshly called me from my slumber. I was a quick riser, no loitering in bed, especially today. It was time to implement phase one and it was going to take every moment I had until I was to arrive at Hogwarts during the noon hour.

I quickly grabbed a new outfit from my new wardrobe; or as I had been calling it, the instigator.

Essential rules of psychology, in college, had taught me that to win the war you need the upper hand. Apply this to the male psyche, and it means knock them for a loop at first sight and the war is half over. So, my first battle will be a battle of vision; that hopefully, will be followed either by a battle of wits or sex. Either way, I am sure to be enticed.

I completed my female rituals by applying my lipstick, a quick blot of the lips and I am off.

I apparate to the outer gates of Hogwarts and walk the familiar path to the main entrance.

It is mid-July so no students are around, but teachers are arriving to begin their preparations for the September first start date.

The large, oak doors open as I walk up the entrance stairs and I once again find myself immersed in the castle with its terrific magical aura.

I hear my name and I turn to find several of my former Professors approaching in obvious greeting. Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick and Hagrid were asking how I had been and was I happy to be back. I assured them I was while slyly looking for the object of my desire. As I expected, he was nowhere to be seen. I like it when I know my prey and its habits. His not being there was a confirmation of my knowledge and my game plan; I consciously found myself standing taller and prouder. Dumbledore offered his arm with a great flourish, and escorted me into the Great Hall. As we approached the Head Table, Dumbledore covertly leaned closer to my left ear and informed me that I might want to sit to my right, Severus is notoriously habitual.

I don't know why, I really don't, but I found myself simply responding with a startled gaze at the Headmaster. He took a second to wink in jest at my surprise and eloquently placed me at the appropriate seat to be by Severus. I nodded my head in thanks and acknowledgement and began my wait.

To my left was Professor Black, of course, he would always be Sirius to me. Dumbledore had hired him as soon as he was exonerated to be the DADA professor.

Sirius nodded in acknowledgement and I soon found myself in a roaring conversation about Harry and Ron's latest antics for the Ministry of Magic.

I have to admit, at one time, I actually considered Sirius to be a potential prey. However, I soon assured myself that while he is extremely appealing on the physical level (what woman wouldn't go for a 6'2" dark-haired Greek god?); he was not my equal in the intellect department.

Now, please don't think I am an intellectual snob, far from it. But, to tie myself to one like Sirius Black would be akin to shacking up with Harry or Ron. My life would have revolved around dangerous endeavors to prove one's bravery without the foresight to think of a plan followed by a regaling discussion of quidditch and its illogical rules. How would I stifle all those yawns?

No, I needed a man that would challenge me, make me think and stimulate me on every level. The only man to succeed, thus far, I now called "my prey."

As I finished my internal pondering, I noticed a movement out of the corner of my eye. Yes, it was him. The man, who was going to make me come alive in so many ways, was finally within my grasp. I took one more relaxing deep breath and I turned as he pulled out his chair.

"Hello Severus" I calmly purred.

Upon hearing his name, he glanced in my direction. He raised an elegantly arched eyebrow and sneered, "Back so soon Miss Granger? Real world too hard for you?"

"No," I gleefully informed him. "I was so successful they let me out a whole year early!"

He snorted elegantly. In case you have not noticed, I find a lot of what the man does incredible classy and graceful, even his sneers and snorts.

So, there I sat during the entire dinner, pretending to listen to Sirius, but actually keeping tabs on Severus out of the corner of my right eye.

It was everything I expected and more. I knew him to have long, graceful movements that were efficiently executed. But to see the movements up close was as poetic as Shakespeare's finest sonnets. I felt the desire to reach out and touch him, but I stymied myself with thoughts of the plan. It was too early for touch. Remember, the first battle is that of vision.

While I made no outward advances during the beginning courses of dinner, I could no longer contain myself when the dessert arrived. It was simply too perfect.

There in front of me was a Twinkie. I know you think I'm joking, don't you? My only response to that is that Albus Dumbledore IS the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ahhh, I see you remember now! Good. So, you see, I could not allow this superb opportunity to pass. Yes, you know what is coming; down to the creamy filling. I am somewhat ashamed to say that I was a bit more vigorous than I intended and caught the attention of more than "my prey." Many a male professor left the hall that night with an odd gait. I admit I also slightly betrayed myself by allowing my cheeks to be tinged with a hint of red. I really must research how one can control that particular human reaction.

So now, after filling you in on the last two days, I am off to bed. All in all, I believe it to be two fairly successful days. Good Night.