Hey, I am trying really hard to fix the punctuation problem, so please do
not flame about it, I am aware that it is there (unless you know how to fix
it). I have figured out that it puts weird symbols wherever I put an
apostrophe or a quotation mark, so I took out all the apostrophes, thinking
that that might help, but I wont know until it gets posted. I am also
substituting quotation marks with one of ^ these, so whenever you see one
of those. its supposed to be a quotation mark. Its not like this in my
word document, it just screws up when I upload the file. Anyway, either
come back later, or read around it.
Remember: ^ = quotation mark
*I think it should be easier to read now that ive made those changes. Let me know if I missed anything.
~~~~Chapter 4~~~~
She woke up in a cold sweat. The room was as black as her dreams had been. She had been suffering from bad dreams a lot lately. The strange thing was that she could never remember exactly what her dreams were about. All she ever knew about them was that they left her with a distinct feeling of emptiness.
After taking a shower, brushing her teeth, and putting on some lotion she was feeling much more like herself. Her room was back to blue green, the way it usually was. She could tell by the window that it was still early. It wasnt a real window; it was an enchanted spot on the wall; more or less like the ceiling of the great hall.
Over the summer she had read the Hogwarts rules from cover to cover. The sole reason for this was that she wanted to know her limits when it came to her clothes. The truth was there wasnt really a dress code. The only rule was that all students had to wear full length robes at all times unless in the privacy of their own rooms.
Hermione suspected that a teacher somewhere along the line had started the black Hogwarts robes and they had slowly become a tradition. She had had to look pretty hard to find an actual rule book. She doubted that many if not any of the teachers had an official rule book to go by.
She was thrilled to learn that there was no dress code. She had always thought that black was such a dull color, and that few people could pull the color off. Unlike professor Snape, she was not one of these people. She hated to wear the color.
The only reason she had worn black for the feast was that she was sure that most of the teachers would not be happy that she was making waves, and she hadnt wanted to ruin the sorting for the first years. But now it really didnt matter what they thought because the rules were on her side. As long as she had the Hogwarts crest on her robes, she was in the clear.
Now for the real question. How did she want to dress? She was so sick of Gryffindor colors she could puke. God help her the day she ever dresses as a wimpy Hufflepuff. Ravenclaw was so bland; definitely not the way to go if you want to go in with a bang. Black and white perhaps? Or maybe something outstanding and blinding like yellow or orange.
In the middle of her thought process Arbaon coiled himself around her ankles. She smirked. She had a devilishly traitor like idea. There were four houses and she had eliminated all but one. Slytherin. It was perfect. The colors were great for her. The green was an earthy tone which would match her hair and eyes nicely. Silver looked better on her than gold did; she had learned that when she was picking out her jewelry.
When she was finishing dressing, she had on a similar silky black skirt to the one she wore the other day. She also had a tight low cut white satin blouse. Her robe was green silk with a silver collar and silver trim that went all the way down the front and around the bottom. When she stood in the light you could see a fine Celtic design imprinted on the green.
She had her hair pulled up in a loose twist on the back of her head, with a row of silver pearls fastening it in place. There were a few stray strands that curled down around her face.
Hermione had found out that it was simple to change the color of anything, and for this she was grateful. She could modify her jewelry as much as she wanted without paying a dime. The jewels in her platinum were now diamonds and emeralds that accented her ensemble nicely.
Silver boots laced all the way up to her knees with silky green laces. Her white stockings were held up by a green garter belt that complemented her silver thong and bra. She looked like a genuine Slytherin. The thing that really set off the silver was her tan. It stood out against the dark skin; it would have blended in with her skin a few years ago.
She was about to close her jewelry bow when she saw her assortment of belly button rings. Among them was one that a very good muggle friend had given her. It was a silver snake wrapped around a green crystal sword that dangled from the bar. She had forgotten all about that one. In a matter of minutes she had used a spell to put a slit in her shirt so that her belly button was in clear view. Then she charmed the snake to slither around the crystal sword.
After putting it in she glanced over herself in a full length mirror. It was definitely a change. Her friends probably wouldnt even speak to her; maybe not even recognize her.
The truth was the trio had sort of split up. After their 5th year, things just werent the same. It was a short war, and after that it was hard to come by any real good adventures that used to be plentiful for the three friends. Harry and Ron were still as close as ever, but that was only because they shared more interests like quidditch. Hermione just didnt share their same interests. She had her own group of girls that she spent time with who were interested in more feminine things.
They still spent time together; shared their problems, ate lunch together, and studied with each other. Other than that though, she had her own life to live that didnt directly involve the two boys. She wasnt worried. They were still good friends, they just didnt spend every waking moment in each others presence like they used to.
She also knew that all groups grew apart; like the Marauders for example. Just thinking about them made her shudder. She hoped to the gods that they never ended up like the Marauders. Sirius and James were dead. Peter was missing; no one knew if he was dead or alive, and no one really cared.
Remus was doing all right. He had accepted that all his life time chums were dead, and was trying to move on. He was still sad a lot of the time, but Hermione couldnt blame him. He had teached DADA in their sixth year, and would be doing it again this year. People had come to grips with the fact that he wasnt a danger to their children. Hermione figured that Dumbledore wanted him close by, afraid that he might go suicidal. Remus was also playing serigate godfather to Harry now that Sirius was gone.
It was an hour before breakfast would begin, so she decided she would take Arbaon for a walk and maybe visit some of her teachers. From the common room she could hear Terry sleeping; he wasnt exactly snoring, just sort of rattling.
The corridors were empty; the clicking of her heals resounding, trapped with no other choice then to bounce off the cold stone walls. She liked it better this way, without the bustling and deafening students to disrupt the peacefulness of such a wonderfully mysterious place as the dungeons.
Severus was up in his classroom. He had always been an early riser, because he liked this time of day so much. It was his time to be alone when every one else was asleep. He also enjoyed this time of morning because there was no one to see what he was wearing; he shedded his robes whenever he was alone. Even in the dungeons where it was cool he preferred not to wear the robes; he wasnt exactly sure why.
Anyway, he was decked out in green trousers and a black muscle shirt. His hair was combed back and tied at his neck with a strip of leather. He hated it down in his face, but thought that it looked more intimidated when he wore it that way.
He had an acute sense of smell, so he was aware that someone was in the corridor outside his classroom before he ever heard the clicking heals. He figured it was some slutty girl out to meat her boyfriend for a quick snog before anyone woke up. He looked out the door and saw the girl with her back to him. She turned around, obviously sensing his eyes on her.
^Professor Snape! How was your summer?^ she asked. Hermione couldnt believe she had said anything to him, much less asked him a question. You dont just talk to the greasy git like that.
^Do I know you?^ He was confused and frustrated. She obviously knew him, but he couldnt place this girl. Surely she wasnt a student.
^Yes, you do,^ she said. She smiled and held out her hand to shake his as if they had just been introduced. He took it in his hand, turned it up, and kissed it. She hadnt expected this but thoroughly enjoyed it. ^7th year Gryffindor student, Hermione Granger.^
What had he done? He had kissed the Gryffindor know-it-alls hand. He hadnt even recognized her! ^What are you doing up and why arent you in uniform?!^ he practically spit at her. He had to make a recovery.
^There are no rules that say I cant be up now.^ She reached in her pocket and pulled out the miniature rule book. ^There are also no rules about the dress code. The black robes are not required, just a tradition. The only rule is that all students must wear robes. You can read it if you like.^
His reaction made her smile. For the first time in her entire life Snape was at a loss for words. ^I would also like to point out that you are up this early, and are not even wearing robes.^
^Im an adult.^
^So am I.^
^No you arent.^
^Yes I am.^
^How?^
^Time Turner.^
^How old are you then?^
^From my use of the time turner in my third year I gained two years. That makes me twenty for about sixth months now.^
^Very well then. What brings you to the dungeons? I would have thought that you would be snogging with Ron in the Gryffindor common room,^ he sneered at her. She may know her rights but so did he. He could be an asshole if he wanted.
^My room is down here. Im Head Girl, remember? Oh, and I believe Ron will be snogging with Lavender. I, on the other hand, will not be snogging, because my boyfriend, or ex boyfriend now, will be snogging with someone else,^ she replied, with impressive ease on such a personal subject.
^Well, its about time he realized you werent worth his effort,^ Snape retorted in his usual snide voice. She looked stricken. Maybe he should not have said that. Tears were forming in her eyes. He usually didnt make people cry. This whole situation was making him uncomfortable.
^Look, Im sorry. I thought that after Voldemort was defeated I would be able to go back to the way I was before I joined him. Believe it or not I wasnt always this way. But Ive been gone so long I dont know if I can find myself again. Just dont take me seriously when I say things like that. I dont mean them.^ This apology took all he could muster.
What am I doing? Im apologizing! To her of all people! Why had he said that in the first place? ^Because you are the meanest teacher she has and you cant let her find out otherwise!^ he reasoned with himself. But on the other hand, part of him was saying ^You said it because you are jealous of anyone who holds her affection^.
And he knew which one of these was true. He couldnt remember when he had started to like her. Sometime during 5th year he had realized he not only liked her in a purely friendly way. He had a crush on her; or it had started out as a crush. Now he was almost certain that he was in love with her. He felt alive around her; like she radiated energy that he had learned to take in.
^You must have really liked this guy. Victor Krum wasnt it?^
^Yes. It was Victor Krum. I dont think he really meant that much to me though. I liked him, but I certainly didnt love him. Its just a reminder that I am alone when I think of him,^ she whispered.
She noticed one of his eyebrows raise when she had finished the part about being alone. ^I dont know why, I just feel so alone some of the time. Harry and Ginny are in love. Ron and Lavender are getting together. And Im alone. Its depressing. I want what they have.^ She was sure he thought she was crazy. She was pouring herself out to him for no real reason at all.
^You dont have to tell me all this. Its really none of my business. Im not forcing you to tell me like I might have a few years back.^ He secretly hoped that she wouldnt leave. He enjoyed her company.
Thats when he realized they were still standing in the corridor. ^Would you like to come to my office for tea?^ She smiled and nodded her head.
She was behind him as they walked through his classroom. She laughed when they stepped into the light. At ounce he decided that he loved her laugh and would have to hear it more often. ^Whats so funny that you find it necessary to laugh behind my back?^ he asked.
^I couldnt see you all that well in the dark corridor, but now I can. You look different. Thats a good look for you; you should wear it more often. It makes you look much younger.^
She wouldnt tell him, but she thought he was very attractive. She could tell through his shirt that he had just the right amount of muscles; not enough to look like a body builder, but enough so that she was sure he was as fit as Harry. She suddenly felt a lot warmer. It had been a long time sense she had been aroused, and she couldnt believe Snape was causing it.
^I look like this every morning. I would hope that my other clothes make me look older, not these making me look younger. Im not that old you know.^ He turned around to face her and she ran into him.
Instinctively he wrapped his arms around her waist when she started to fall. After holding her for a second longer than he probably should have, he let her go and stepped back. She was beautiful. Golden brown hair, flawless tanned figure, and chocolate brown eyes.
^How old are you?^ she timidly asked. She had always imagined him being about fifty or so.
^Thirty-eight. Well only thirty-seven but that will unfortunately change soon,^ Severus answered with a sigh. He started towards his office again. He sat behind his desk and she took the seat across from him.
^Well, how was your summer? Did you do anything interesting?^ Hermione asked. She would have been content just staring at him, but she figured he had invited her for tea to talk, not stare.
Just then Winky came in carrying a tea tray. She would have preferred coffee but didnt think it would be proper for her to ask for it. She was his guest after all, and if he was drinking tea, she would as well.
^I didnt do anything worth telling. I spent most of the time shut away in one of my estates in France.^ He said. He couldnt believe how lame that sounded. ^How was you summer?^
^I spent the summer with my uncle John. He lives in Salem Virginia on the banks of the Roanoke River. His house is basically a shack. He doesnt have a stove, oven, doors, beds, or a sink; it was pretty hard living. I did all my summer homework while I was there. Anyway we stayed there for a week and kayaked down the Roanoke a few times,^ she explained.
^After that we went on a road trip to all the best white water with nothing but a tent, food, and our kayaks. To end our summer with a bang, we kayaked down the Grand Canyon for twenty-one days with eight of our closest muggle friends. It was great!^ she continued.
^Oh, I almost forgot, I am now an Animagus!^ After saying all this she was quite out of breath, but still managed to add, ^dont tell anyone about me being an animagus, I havent had time to register yet.^
^Kayaking?^
^Yeah, its. its.. Well its hard to explain. I will have to show you pictures sometime. Oh yeah, I went Hangliding for the first time this summer as well.^ She smiled. ^Ive got pictures of that too.^
^You make me feel like such a square with all this stuff that you did.^ He said.
^I went Ice Skating too.^
^Good grief! Anything else?^
^Besides eating my grandmas delicious home cooking, no.^ She looked at her watch. ^Its time for breakfast. Are you coming?^
^Sure.^ Severus pulled on a black robe that had been draped over the back of his chair. He pulled the leather strip out of his hair and shook it into its usual position around his face.
^You should really consider wearing your hair back like that more often, its very appealing,^ she said as they walked to the Great Hall. She wasnt sure but she could almost swear that he had smiled. When they walked in, all talking ceased. All eyes were on them. Hermiones clothes were already an eye catcher, but walking in with Snape at her side was even worse.
^Ten points from each house, for staring,^ Snape said. He had quickly composed himself into the mean teacher that most were familiar with.
Snape was not happy to see that all the boys, including Malfoy, had forgotten all about their breakfasts and were staring at Hermione as if she were a Veela. He had to admit that she was certainly pretty enough to be one, but that still didnt warrant them staring like that. He was sure she must be uncomfortable.
He was grateful when it came time to pass out the schedules; anything to get the boys eyes off of her. He smiled inwardly when he saw Hermione give the same practiced answer about her apparel that she had given him to Minerva.
^Double potions with Slytherin,^ Ron whined. ^Have we ever started a year any different than that?^
^Nope,^ Hermione said bluntly. She was glad to have potions first. She knew she probably wouldnt feel the same way if she was as bad as Harry and Ron at it though.
^Hermione, why are you wearing Slytherin colors?^ Harry asked. A devilishly devious smile spread over her face.
^Because I like these colors. They look better on me than any others. Its just a plus that it bothers you,^ she teased.
Before Harry could defend himself, Neville interrupted. ^I think you would look good in any colors.^ Ginny elbowed him. Neville was dating one of her best friends, and she wasnt going to let him flirt just because her friend wasnt around. ^Sorry,^ Neville offered to Ginny.
^Thank you Neville. Its nice to know some people can appreciate beauty no matter what color it is,^ Hermione practically spit the last part at Harry. She got up and went to her room to get her books before class started.
Snape started his class like he always did. While the class was making their first, and probably easiest, potion of the year, he spotted something that he couldnt take his eyes off of.
Hermiones skirt had ridden up her thighs exposing her garter belt. He was incredibly aroused. He couldnt help but think what a pervert he was for even thinking of her like that. He was old enough to be her father.
Suddenly, a shattering noise came from his office. ^Ms. Granger, come with me. You are the most capable student in this class, should I need assistance with whatever has happened in my office.^
He opened the door and they both slipped in, shutting the door after them. He didnt want whatever was in here to get out. Hermione looked around the room. She gasped.
^I am so sorry! I was wondering where he had gotten off to.^ Hermione said quickly. Snape cautiously approached the snake.
^Arbaon?^ he read off the collar.
^Hes my pet.^ He had slithered off somewhere early this morning. She had been looking for him when Snape had started to talk to her and she had forgotten all about him until now.
^I like him. Hes much better than that orange monster you called a cat.^
^I think he likes you too,^ she said. Arbaon had made himself comfortable on Snapes shoulders. ^Thats weird; he is usually pretty cold towards strangers.^
Hermiones eyes locked with Snapes. His eyes were dark and soothing; like a mid-night rain storm. She was so close she could smell the coffee on his breath. She inhaled deeply. ^I love coffee.^
^Me too,^ Snape whispered. He leaned in towards her. Hermione wanted him to kiss her so badly. He stopped when his lips were only centimeters from hers. He couldnt believe what he was doing; he shouldnt be doing it. But he wanted it so bad.
Hermione panicked when he started to pull away. She quickly leaned forward; it was now or never. When their lips met she was surprised; they were soft and warm. He couldnt believe it. She was kissing him, on purpose. Thinking that it must have been a momentary lapse of judgment, he started to pull away.
She reached up and wrapped her fingers in his hair urging him to stay and deepen the kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her body closer to his. She parted her lips, giving him permission to enter. She let him explore her mouth for a minute and then fought him until she had full access to his mouth. After what seemed like an eternity they reluctantly broke the kiss.
He was about a foot taller then her, so that he was basically holding her up. When he finally loosened his grip on her waist she gracefully slid back down to the floor. On the way down she rubbed against his now painful erection. Hermione lifted an eyebrow and a devilishly mischievous smirk spread over her face.
^French Vanilla with a little cream. You also had some Hazelnut not to long ago that there is still a hint of,^ she said.
^Youre good.^ Severus replied.
^Of coarse I am Professor. After all, I do love my coffee,^ she teased.
^You can call me Severus when we are alone you know.^
^But it sounds so much more scandalous if I still call you professor.^ Hermione was having fun now.
^Its scandalous no matter what you call me. Im old enough to be your father,^ he snidely remarked. Hermione wrapped Arbaon around her shoulders and turned to go back to class, making sure she rubbed against him again.
He groaned. ^Im never going to be able to teach your class again without having a hard on. Especially now that I have seen a hint of what you have on under those clothes.^
^Whats that supposed to mean?^
^Mr. Malfoy wasnt the only one who noticed your skirt riding up your leg. Have you always worn a garter belt?^
^Wouldnt you like to know,^ she whispered under her breath so that the only person who heard her was Severus.
The rest of the class time was spent doing small, unsubstantial flirting. Just small things like licking her lips or leaning forward so he could see down her shirt. She normally wouldnt have been this slutty, but she felt a special connection between her and Severus. It wasnt a new feeling either. She had always felt different when she was with him; like they were meant to be together.
She was last to leave the class, and she rubbed against him again. ^You ought to do something about that, or people will start to notice.^
^It wouldnt be a problem if you werent so damn attractive.^
^Maybe you should close your eyes then,^ She said. He did this just to humor her.
With his eyes closed he said, ^Nope. It doesnt help. I can still smell you. Peaches?^
^Yep. Do you like it or should I smell different next time?^ she asked.
^Its just peachy,^ he said, smiling at his little joke. ^Really though, you smell superb. Dont change a thing.^ His eyes were still closed. She stepped closer to him. ^I also detect a hint of cucumber. Am I right?^
^That would be my shampoo and conditioner.^ She kissed him lightly and then turned to leave.
^Come by tomorrow morning please,^ he said as she skipped out the door. As soon as she had gone he practically ran to his private quarters to do something about his problem, thinking of Hermione the whole time.
He couldnt believe it; it had happened so quickly. It wasnt even lunch time of the first day of the school year and he was already in a relationship.
He had imagined for two years what it would be like to be her lover. Lover? He hadnt really thought of himself as being in love, but it was true. He had fallen for the Gryffindor know-it-all.
Meanwhile, Hermione was drifting through her classes having similar thoughts. She was in love with her Potions Master.
*I think it should be easier to read now that ive made those changes. Let me know if I missed anything.
~~~~Chapter 4~~~~
She woke up in a cold sweat. The room was as black as her dreams had been. She had been suffering from bad dreams a lot lately. The strange thing was that she could never remember exactly what her dreams were about. All she ever knew about them was that they left her with a distinct feeling of emptiness.
After taking a shower, brushing her teeth, and putting on some lotion she was feeling much more like herself. Her room was back to blue green, the way it usually was. She could tell by the window that it was still early. It wasnt a real window; it was an enchanted spot on the wall; more or less like the ceiling of the great hall.
Over the summer she had read the Hogwarts rules from cover to cover. The sole reason for this was that she wanted to know her limits when it came to her clothes. The truth was there wasnt really a dress code. The only rule was that all students had to wear full length robes at all times unless in the privacy of their own rooms.
Hermione suspected that a teacher somewhere along the line had started the black Hogwarts robes and they had slowly become a tradition. She had had to look pretty hard to find an actual rule book. She doubted that many if not any of the teachers had an official rule book to go by.
She was thrilled to learn that there was no dress code. She had always thought that black was such a dull color, and that few people could pull the color off. Unlike professor Snape, she was not one of these people. She hated to wear the color.
The only reason she had worn black for the feast was that she was sure that most of the teachers would not be happy that she was making waves, and she hadnt wanted to ruin the sorting for the first years. But now it really didnt matter what they thought because the rules were on her side. As long as she had the Hogwarts crest on her robes, she was in the clear.
Now for the real question. How did she want to dress? She was so sick of Gryffindor colors she could puke. God help her the day she ever dresses as a wimpy Hufflepuff. Ravenclaw was so bland; definitely not the way to go if you want to go in with a bang. Black and white perhaps? Or maybe something outstanding and blinding like yellow or orange.
In the middle of her thought process Arbaon coiled himself around her ankles. She smirked. She had a devilishly traitor like idea. There were four houses and she had eliminated all but one. Slytherin. It was perfect. The colors were great for her. The green was an earthy tone which would match her hair and eyes nicely. Silver looked better on her than gold did; she had learned that when she was picking out her jewelry.
When she was finishing dressing, she had on a similar silky black skirt to the one she wore the other day. She also had a tight low cut white satin blouse. Her robe was green silk with a silver collar and silver trim that went all the way down the front and around the bottom. When she stood in the light you could see a fine Celtic design imprinted on the green.
She had her hair pulled up in a loose twist on the back of her head, with a row of silver pearls fastening it in place. There were a few stray strands that curled down around her face.
Hermione had found out that it was simple to change the color of anything, and for this she was grateful. She could modify her jewelry as much as she wanted without paying a dime. The jewels in her platinum were now diamonds and emeralds that accented her ensemble nicely.
Silver boots laced all the way up to her knees with silky green laces. Her white stockings were held up by a green garter belt that complemented her silver thong and bra. She looked like a genuine Slytherin. The thing that really set off the silver was her tan. It stood out against the dark skin; it would have blended in with her skin a few years ago.
She was about to close her jewelry bow when she saw her assortment of belly button rings. Among them was one that a very good muggle friend had given her. It was a silver snake wrapped around a green crystal sword that dangled from the bar. She had forgotten all about that one. In a matter of minutes she had used a spell to put a slit in her shirt so that her belly button was in clear view. Then she charmed the snake to slither around the crystal sword.
After putting it in she glanced over herself in a full length mirror. It was definitely a change. Her friends probably wouldnt even speak to her; maybe not even recognize her.
The truth was the trio had sort of split up. After their 5th year, things just werent the same. It was a short war, and after that it was hard to come by any real good adventures that used to be plentiful for the three friends. Harry and Ron were still as close as ever, but that was only because they shared more interests like quidditch. Hermione just didnt share their same interests. She had her own group of girls that she spent time with who were interested in more feminine things.
They still spent time together; shared their problems, ate lunch together, and studied with each other. Other than that though, she had her own life to live that didnt directly involve the two boys. She wasnt worried. They were still good friends, they just didnt spend every waking moment in each others presence like they used to.
She also knew that all groups grew apart; like the Marauders for example. Just thinking about them made her shudder. She hoped to the gods that they never ended up like the Marauders. Sirius and James were dead. Peter was missing; no one knew if he was dead or alive, and no one really cared.
Remus was doing all right. He had accepted that all his life time chums were dead, and was trying to move on. He was still sad a lot of the time, but Hermione couldnt blame him. He had teached DADA in their sixth year, and would be doing it again this year. People had come to grips with the fact that he wasnt a danger to their children. Hermione figured that Dumbledore wanted him close by, afraid that he might go suicidal. Remus was also playing serigate godfather to Harry now that Sirius was gone.
It was an hour before breakfast would begin, so she decided she would take Arbaon for a walk and maybe visit some of her teachers. From the common room she could hear Terry sleeping; he wasnt exactly snoring, just sort of rattling.
The corridors were empty; the clicking of her heals resounding, trapped with no other choice then to bounce off the cold stone walls. She liked it better this way, without the bustling and deafening students to disrupt the peacefulness of such a wonderfully mysterious place as the dungeons.
Severus was up in his classroom. He had always been an early riser, because he liked this time of day so much. It was his time to be alone when every one else was asleep. He also enjoyed this time of morning because there was no one to see what he was wearing; he shedded his robes whenever he was alone. Even in the dungeons where it was cool he preferred not to wear the robes; he wasnt exactly sure why.
Anyway, he was decked out in green trousers and a black muscle shirt. His hair was combed back and tied at his neck with a strip of leather. He hated it down in his face, but thought that it looked more intimidated when he wore it that way.
He had an acute sense of smell, so he was aware that someone was in the corridor outside his classroom before he ever heard the clicking heals. He figured it was some slutty girl out to meat her boyfriend for a quick snog before anyone woke up. He looked out the door and saw the girl with her back to him. She turned around, obviously sensing his eyes on her.
^Professor Snape! How was your summer?^ she asked. Hermione couldnt believe she had said anything to him, much less asked him a question. You dont just talk to the greasy git like that.
^Do I know you?^ He was confused and frustrated. She obviously knew him, but he couldnt place this girl. Surely she wasnt a student.
^Yes, you do,^ she said. She smiled and held out her hand to shake his as if they had just been introduced. He took it in his hand, turned it up, and kissed it. She hadnt expected this but thoroughly enjoyed it. ^7th year Gryffindor student, Hermione Granger.^
What had he done? He had kissed the Gryffindor know-it-alls hand. He hadnt even recognized her! ^What are you doing up and why arent you in uniform?!^ he practically spit at her. He had to make a recovery.
^There are no rules that say I cant be up now.^ She reached in her pocket and pulled out the miniature rule book. ^There are also no rules about the dress code. The black robes are not required, just a tradition. The only rule is that all students must wear robes. You can read it if you like.^
His reaction made her smile. For the first time in her entire life Snape was at a loss for words. ^I would also like to point out that you are up this early, and are not even wearing robes.^
^Im an adult.^
^So am I.^
^No you arent.^
^Yes I am.^
^How?^
^Time Turner.^
^How old are you then?^
^From my use of the time turner in my third year I gained two years. That makes me twenty for about sixth months now.^
^Very well then. What brings you to the dungeons? I would have thought that you would be snogging with Ron in the Gryffindor common room,^ he sneered at her. She may know her rights but so did he. He could be an asshole if he wanted.
^My room is down here. Im Head Girl, remember? Oh, and I believe Ron will be snogging with Lavender. I, on the other hand, will not be snogging, because my boyfriend, or ex boyfriend now, will be snogging with someone else,^ she replied, with impressive ease on such a personal subject.
^Well, its about time he realized you werent worth his effort,^ Snape retorted in his usual snide voice. She looked stricken. Maybe he should not have said that. Tears were forming in her eyes. He usually didnt make people cry. This whole situation was making him uncomfortable.
^Look, Im sorry. I thought that after Voldemort was defeated I would be able to go back to the way I was before I joined him. Believe it or not I wasnt always this way. But Ive been gone so long I dont know if I can find myself again. Just dont take me seriously when I say things like that. I dont mean them.^ This apology took all he could muster.
What am I doing? Im apologizing! To her of all people! Why had he said that in the first place? ^Because you are the meanest teacher she has and you cant let her find out otherwise!^ he reasoned with himself. But on the other hand, part of him was saying ^You said it because you are jealous of anyone who holds her affection^.
And he knew which one of these was true. He couldnt remember when he had started to like her. Sometime during 5th year he had realized he not only liked her in a purely friendly way. He had a crush on her; or it had started out as a crush. Now he was almost certain that he was in love with her. He felt alive around her; like she radiated energy that he had learned to take in.
^You must have really liked this guy. Victor Krum wasnt it?^
^Yes. It was Victor Krum. I dont think he really meant that much to me though. I liked him, but I certainly didnt love him. Its just a reminder that I am alone when I think of him,^ she whispered.
She noticed one of his eyebrows raise when she had finished the part about being alone. ^I dont know why, I just feel so alone some of the time. Harry and Ginny are in love. Ron and Lavender are getting together. And Im alone. Its depressing. I want what they have.^ She was sure he thought she was crazy. She was pouring herself out to him for no real reason at all.
^You dont have to tell me all this. Its really none of my business. Im not forcing you to tell me like I might have a few years back.^ He secretly hoped that she wouldnt leave. He enjoyed her company.
Thats when he realized they were still standing in the corridor. ^Would you like to come to my office for tea?^ She smiled and nodded her head.
She was behind him as they walked through his classroom. She laughed when they stepped into the light. At ounce he decided that he loved her laugh and would have to hear it more often. ^Whats so funny that you find it necessary to laugh behind my back?^ he asked.
^I couldnt see you all that well in the dark corridor, but now I can. You look different. Thats a good look for you; you should wear it more often. It makes you look much younger.^
She wouldnt tell him, but she thought he was very attractive. She could tell through his shirt that he had just the right amount of muscles; not enough to look like a body builder, but enough so that she was sure he was as fit as Harry. She suddenly felt a lot warmer. It had been a long time sense she had been aroused, and she couldnt believe Snape was causing it.
^I look like this every morning. I would hope that my other clothes make me look older, not these making me look younger. Im not that old you know.^ He turned around to face her and she ran into him.
Instinctively he wrapped his arms around her waist when she started to fall. After holding her for a second longer than he probably should have, he let her go and stepped back. She was beautiful. Golden brown hair, flawless tanned figure, and chocolate brown eyes.
^How old are you?^ she timidly asked. She had always imagined him being about fifty or so.
^Thirty-eight. Well only thirty-seven but that will unfortunately change soon,^ Severus answered with a sigh. He started towards his office again. He sat behind his desk and she took the seat across from him.
^Well, how was your summer? Did you do anything interesting?^ Hermione asked. She would have been content just staring at him, but she figured he had invited her for tea to talk, not stare.
Just then Winky came in carrying a tea tray. She would have preferred coffee but didnt think it would be proper for her to ask for it. She was his guest after all, and if he was drinking tea, she would as well.
^I didnt do anything worth telling. I spent most of the time shut away in one of my estates in France.^ He said. He couldnt believe how lame that sounded. ^How was you summer?^
^I spent the summer with my uncle John. He lives in Salem Virginia on the banks of the Roanoke River. His house is basically a shack. He doesnt have a stove, oven, doors, beds, or a sink; it was pretty hard living. I did all my summer homework while I was there. Anyway we stayed there for a week and kayaked down the Roanoke a few times,^ she explained.
^After that we went on a road trip to all the best white water with nothing but a tent, food, and our kayaks. To end our summer with a bang, we kayaked down the Grand Canyon for twenty-one days with eight of our closest muggle friends. It was great!^ she continued.
^Oh, I almost forgot, I am now an Animagus!^ After saying all this she was quite out of breath, but still managed to add, ^dont tell anyone about me being an animagus, I havent had time to register yet.^
^Kayaking?^
^Yeah, its. its.. Well its hard to explain. I will have to show you pictures sometime. Oh yeah, I went Hangliding for the first time this summer as well.^ She smiled. ^Ive got pictures of that too.^
^You make me feel like such a square with all this stuff that you did.^ He said.
^I went Ice Skating too.^
^Good grief! Anything else?^
^Besides eating my grandmas delicious home cooking, no.^ She looked at her watch. ^Its time for breakfast. Are you coming?^
^Sure.^ Severus pulled on a black robe that had been draped over the back of his chair. He pulled the leather strip out of his hair and shook it into its usual position around his face.
^You should really consider wearing your hair back like that more often, its very appealing,^ she said as they walked to the Great Hall. She wasnt sure but she could almost swear that he had smiled. When they walked in, all talking ceased. All eyes were on them. Hermiones clothes were already an eye catcher, but walking in with Snape at her side was even worse.
^Ten points from each house, for staring,^ Snape said. He had quickly composed himself into the mean teacher that most were familiar with.
Snape was not happy to see that all the boys, including Malfoy, had forgotten all about their breakfasts and were staring at Hermione as if she were a Veela. He had to admit that she was certainly pretty enough to be one, but that still didnt warrant them staring like that. He was sure she must be uncomfortable.
He was grateful when it came time to pass out the schedules; anything to get the boys eyes off of her. He smiled inwardly when he saw Hermione give the same practiced answer about her apparel that she had given him to Minerva.
^Double potions with Slytherin,^ Ron whined. ^Have we ever started a year any different than that?^
^Nope,^ Hermione said bluntly. She was glad to have potions first. She knew she probably wouldnt feel the same way if she was as bad as Harry and Ron at it though.
^Hermione, why are you wearing Slytherin colors?^ Harry asked. A devilishly devious smile spread over her face.
^Because I like these colors. They look better on me than any others. Its just a plus that it bothers you,^ she teased.
Before Harry could defend himself, Neville interrupted. ^I think you would look good in any colors.^ Ginny elbowed him. Neville was dating one of her best friends, and she wasnt going to let him flirt just because her friend wasnt around. ^Sorry,^ Neville offered to Ginny.
^Thank you Neville. Its nice to know some people can appreciate beauty no matter what color it is,^ Hermione practically spit the last part at Harry. She got up and went to her room to get her books before class started.
Snape started his class like he always did. While the class was making their first, and probably easiest, potion of the year, he spotted something that he couldnt take his eyes off of.
Hermiones skirt had ridden up her thighs exposing her garter belt. He was incredibly aroused. He couldnt help but think what a pervert he was for even thinking of her like that. He was old enough to be her father.
Suddenly, a shattering noise came from his office. ^Ms. Granger, come with me. You are the most capable student in this class, should I need assistance with whatever has happened in my office.^
He opened the door and they both slipped in, shutting the door after them. He didnt want whatever was in here to get out. Hermione looked around the room. She gasped.
^I am so sorry! I was wondering where he had gotten off to.^ Hermione said quickly. Snape cautiously approached the snake.
^Arbaon?^ he read off the collar.
^Hes my pet.^ He had slithered off somewhere early this morning. She had been looking for him when Snape had started to talk to her and she had forgotten all about him until now.
^I like him. Hes much better than that orange monster you called a cat.^
^I think he likes you too,^ she said. Arbaon had made himself comfortable on Snapes shoulders. ^Thats weird; he is usually pretty cold towards strangers.^
Hermiones eyes locked with Snapes. His eyes were dark and soothing; like a mid-night rain storm. She was so close she could smell the coffee on his breath. She inhaled deeply. ^I love coffee.^
^Me too,^ Snape whispered. He leaned in towards her. Hermione wanted him to kiss her so badly. He stopped when his lips were only centimeters from hers. He couldnt believe what he was doing; he shouldnt be doing it. But he wanted it so bad.
Hermione panicked when he started to pull away. She quickly leaned forward; it was now or never. When their lips met she was surprised; they were soft and warm. He couldnt believe it. She was kissing him, on purpose. Thinking that it must have been a momentary lapse of judgment, he started to pull away.
She reached up and wrapped her fingers in his hair urging him to stay and deepen the kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her body closer to his. She parted her lips, giving him permission to enter. She let him explore her mouth for a minute and then fought him until she had full access to his mouth. After what seemed like an eternity they reluctantly broke the kiss.
He was about a foot taller then her, so that he was basically holding her up. When he finally loosened his grip on her waist she gracefully slid back down to the floor. On the way down she rubbed against his now painful erection. Hermione lifted an eyebrow and a devilishly mischievous smirk spread over her face.
^French Vanilla with a little cream. You also had some Hazelnut not to long ago that there is still a hint of,^ she said.
^Youre good.^ Severus replied.
^Of coarse I am Professor. After all, I do love my coffee,^ she teased.
^You can call me Severus when we are alone you know.^
^But it sounds so much more scandalous if I still call you professor.^ Hermione was having fun now.
^Its scandalous no matter what you call me. Im old enough to be your father,^ he snidely remarked. Hermione wrapped Arbaon around her shoulders and turned to go back to class, making sure she rubbed against him again.
He groaned. ^Im never going to be able to teach your class again without having a hard on. Especially now that I have seen a hint of what you have on under those clothes.^
^Whats that supposed to mean?^
^Mr. Malfoy wasnt the only one who noticed your skirt riding up your leg. Have you always worn a garter belt?^
^Wouldnt you like to know,^ she whispered under her breath so that the only person who heard her was Severus.
The rest of the class time was spent doing small, unsubstantial flirting. Just small things like licking her lips or leaning forward so he could see down her shirt. She normally wouldnt have been this slutty, but she felt a special connection between her and Severus. It wasnt a new feeling either. She had always felt different when she was with him; like they were meant to be together.
She was last to leave the class, and she rubbed against him again. ^You ought to do something about that, or people will start to notice.^
^It wouldnt be a problem if you werent so damn attractive.^
^Maybe you should close your eyes then,^ She said. He did this just to humor her.
With his eyes closed he said, ^Nope. It doesnt help. I can still smell you. Peaches?^
^Yep. Do you like it or should I smell different next time?^ she asked.
^Its just peachy,^ he said, smiling at his little joke. ^Really though, you smell superb. Dont change a thing.^ His eyes were still closed. She stepped closer to him. ^I also detect a hint of cucumber. Am I right?^
^That would be my shampoo and conditioner.^ She kissed him lightly and then turned to leave.
^Come by tomorrow morning please,^ he said as she skipped out the door. As soon as she had gone he practically ran to his private quarters to do something about his problem, thinking of Hermione the whole time.
He couldnt believe it; it had happened so quickly. It wasnt even lunch time of the first day of the school year and he was already in a relationship.
He had imagined for two years what it would be like to be her lover. Lover? He hadnt really thought of himself as being in love, but it was true. He had fallen for the Gryffindor know-it-all.
Meanwhile, Hermione was drifting through her classes having similar thoughts. She was in love with her Potions Master.