By


Disclaimer: All items relating or pertaining to the Harry Potter Universe belong to J.K. Rowling, Scholastic Inc., and the Warner Brothers Co. Please don't sue me, I have no money.

Author: Joy

Title: Black Cadillac

Rating: PG-13

Summary: In answer to the 'Snape's Wheels' plotbunny on WIKTT. The year is 1999, and the war rages on. But for two of wizarding kind's brightest minds, the time has come where survival is priority. Can they find escape together? Will they find it in one another? SS/HG.

AN: The title is inspired by Jordan Avenue's song 'Blue Cadillac'. A great song to listen to while reading this fic! Check out the artist at jordanave.com

Also, I'd like everyone (unless you're from another country and/or really don't give a shite) to bow their heads and say a short prayer for the families and victims of 9/11/01. May they rest in peace, and God Bless the USA.


--------


The kiss ended as quickly as it had started, but they were no longer surrounded by woods, wild flowers, or a shabby cottage. Severus and Hermione found themselves locked in an embrace, down a narrow, deserted alleyway. Far off sounds of honking horns, trains, sirens, and the gentle murmur of voices reached their ears. When it finally sank in that they had arrived, and in such a precarious position no less, the two jumped apart.

"I'm sorry." Hermione murmured, looking guiltily at her feet, which were currently shuffling noislessly on the dirty pavement. For his part, Severus was shoving his hands in his pockets and hunching his shoulders.

"That's quite all right." He spoke gruffly, obviously uncomfortable with the events of the past few minutes. The silence was deafening; the sounds of the city falling away as they both glanced up and locked gazes. Hermione blushed wildly, as Severus cleared his throat and nodded towards the street. "We should, uh, go."

"You're right." Hermione nodded fervently, snatching her wand out of an inner compartment to her robes. After quickly shedding the heavy black garment, the young woman slipped her wand up the sleeve of her burgundy sweater. She quickly straightened out her black, linen slacks, and ran a hand through her untidy hair. "I'm ready." She stated, walking forward to stand beside Severus, who had been straightening his own attire.

"We should be about a block away from City Hall." Severus explained as they emerged into the traffic of the sidewalk. A short distance away, the majestic Boston City Hall loomed into veiw; with Faneuil Hall in the distance. The sight was truly breathtaking to both Europeans.

"Wow." Hermione breathed out with a grin on her face. She'd always wanted to visit the states; and her earlier doubts were quickly brushed aside. "What now?"

"How about we fetch a cup of coffee and discuss what needs to be done?" Severus asked, gaze locked on a nearby Starbucks. He'd visited the States many times before, and had become rather obsessed with the Seattle based company's various brews. His blatant staring drew Hermione's attention to the small shop, and a huge grin spread across her face. Coffee was her one true love. It's powers to keep one awake was better than any potion, in her opinion. Plus it tasted at least ten times better.

"Sounds great!" She answered at last, grabbing his hand and practically skipping over to the coffee shop. A little bell tinkled as Hermione pushed the door open and pulled Severus into the crowd. The aroma of a hundred different flavors assaulted their senses, and almost on instinct, they both took a deep breath; exhaling with a contented sigh.

"What would you like?" Severus inquired while placing a soft hand on her back to guide her into the small line.

"Double mocha latte with whip cream." She answered almost automatically, staring up at the menu with a dreamy smile on her face. Severus chuckled quietly at her expression before stepping up to the counter and repeating the order.

"And I'll have the same." He added, also ordering two rasberry danishes. The order was prepared quickly, and the duo found themselves sitting at one of the round tables, sipping at their steaming cups and muching happily on the sugary delicacy. Hermione finished her danish quickly, whiping her mouth and fingers, and taking a sip of her coffee before talking.

"So why such a big city?" She asked softly, shooting paranoid glances around her. The patrons seemed to be too involved with themselves and their coffee to notice the unlikely couple, so she was able to relax and shifted her gaze back to the man across from her.

"With so many inhabitants, there is bound to be a large population of... our people. We can use our talents, if only sparingly; but with a so many others, it'll make it harder for us to be tracked." Severus explained, finishing off his own treat and utilizing the pile of napkins in the center of the table.

"That makes sense." Hermione nodded absentmindedly, lifting the cup to her mouth. She pondered for a moment, before continuing. "So, where do we go from here?"

"Let's continue this conversation elsewhere, shall we?" He subtly nodded his head to a small group of surly looking teenagers who had taken a fancy to their conversation. Hermione flashed Severus a dazzling smile as she stood, picked up her coffee, took his hand and led him from the Starbucks shop.

They wandered silently for a while, before happening on a large park. Finding a deserted bench, the two sat down and picked up where they had left off.

"We have to assume different identities. Something that will give us an excuse to stay together without drawing too much unwanted attention." The older man looked pointedly down at the young witch before him. She had a bright mind, and hopefully would be quick on the uptake. He hoped that what he was hinting at wouldn't repulse her too much; that she would think only of their safety and agree.

"You mean like husband and wife?" She asked with genuine curiosity. Snape was surprised to find no trace of regret, disgust, or anger in her eyes or expression. He let out a soft, relieved sigh and nodded. "All right. That would work."

"We need new names." He prompted, hoping that she may have something in mind.

"Well..." She trailed off, looking around the park. She looked at street signs, buildings, anything that would give her an idea of what a proper Bostonian last name would be. Finally her gaze locked upon a sign advertising an exhibit at a nearby museum on two former Presidents; John Adams and John Quincy Adams. "How about Adams?" She suggested at last, whiping her head around to look at Severus.

"Adams. I like it." He smiled, his own gaze drifting over to the sign. "It sounds English as well; so our accents won't seem too out of place."

"I almost forgot about that." Hermione laughed lightly; a tinkling sound that caused Severus to stop breathing momentarily. Shaking the rising thoughts from his head, he ran a hand through his hair. "We need first names." Her soft probing broke brought him back from whatever alternate plane of existance his mind happened to have traveled to.

"Oh, that's right." He pondered silently for a moment. "How does Heath and Sarah Adams sound to you?" Hermione raised her eyebrows and studying Severus carefully. She was recalling Heathcliffe from 'Wuthering Heights', and Severus definately reminded her of Heathcliffe.

"Heath suits you well. Do I look like a Sarah?" She straightened her shoulders and sat up, a coy smile upon her lips. Severus gazed at her intently, before chuckling.

"Very much." Hermione nodded, a big grin on her face.

"Heath and Sarah Adams it is, then."


-------


Sorry to leave ya'll hanging there! Next chapter will get more indepth to their excursions around Boston; attempting to settle in and whatnot. Just close your eyes and picture Hermione dragging Severus around a muggle clothes store. Grocery store...

:grin:

I'll try and get the next chapter up later on tonight, or tommorow morning. Till then REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!