Disclaimer: Yeah, you see JKR still hasn't willed me HP, so I still don't own it.

A/N: First bit's a little choppy, I needed to provide some information for you so this is the most efficient way to do it I suppose. I'm still trying to work on dialogue.

Severus Snape couldn't understand what had happened, and he was terribly confused about his life. The dark mark had disappeared when Voldemort was finally eliminated thanks to Mr. Potter who had taken care of him early last year. What was he going to do with himself now? He was of no use to anyone. At least when Voldemort was still a part of the lives of the magic community Snape had a purpose. Now, he was useless. He had begun to think that now that all this business with the Death Eaters had been over that he might think about meeting someone, starting a family. But the two dates he had been on had been disastrous so he had resigned himself to a life of solitude. He had his books at least. Severus sat in his office and looked in his desk for something to amuse himself with before beginning his evening rounds. And then, he thought of her.

Over the last few months, he began to think more and more of Hermione Granger. At first it was pity, then he strangely turned into almost a crush for the girl. He knew it was childish and ignorant of him but he was still astounded by her beauty and intelligence. He longed to be closer to her. He thought that perhaps Viktor was out of the picture completely, that he might try to approach her and talk to her. After today, he realized that he had been foolish. The only thing he could offer her was a broken down, ex-Death Eater, who was the most disliked teacher at Hogwarts. His infatuation with her was building and he remembered the smile that she had given at the Halloween feast, one that briefly charged the room with such intensity that the whole room began to spin out of control. He realized at that point that his mind was wandering to other things, other parts of her, and parts of him were responding in time. He had to do something, anything. The first thing he would do is to try and talk some sense into the girl.

He walked up to her rooms and knocked lightly on the door. He waited a few moments then knocked a bit louder. He heard her move from the bed and walk softly across the room to open the door.

"Professor?" she asked sleepily.

"Yes, Miss Granger. I was wondering if I could have a word with you?"

"I guess."

"Well, are you going to invite me in or not?"

"No, I'm not. I'll meet you in the library in ten minutes, I need to freshen up a bit."

"All right, I'll see you there," he whirled away berating himself for being so forward with her. It's not like he wanted to come in and shag her. Well, he did, but that wasn't why he wanted to see her today.

Hermione joined him promptly in ten minutes downstairs in the empty library. She had tamed her hair enough to pull it back into a full ponytail, soft curls escaping at her temples. Gods, she's gorgeous. I wonder if she knows that, should I tell her? No fool, calm down, keep the party in your pants.

"Yes sir. What can I do for you?"

You can leave that twit of a boy and let me show you how a lady should be treated. "I wanted to inquire about your well-being."

"Ah, I'm fine sir, thank you. Yourself?"

Twisted in knots thinking about you every waking moment. "Good, good."

"Is there anything else sir?"

There are so many things that I could show you, share with you. "Yes, I was wondering what you planned to spend your time at Christmas doing?"

"Uh… I... uh," she fidgeted unsure of his intent.

"Well, I just thought that if you were to be here that you might be interested in doing some work in the dungeons, Potions of course. You were always a good potions student. Thought you might want to explore some new areas."

"Yes, I'll be here, that should be fine. When do you want me?"

Here, now, forever. "Well, I hear that you're pretty well finished for the semester, perhaps we could start at the first of December?"

"That should be fine."

"I'll send you some more information on what you'll be doing."

Hermione stood up to walk away. Severus quickly stood up and asked, "Are you all right? Really all right?"

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" she tried to convince herself as much as she was trying to convince him.

"I saw what happened between Mr. Krum and yourself earlier and was concerned."

"Oh, that was my fault. Don't worry Professor, I'm fine."

"Not to be a prat, but you don't look fine. Your cheek is a bit red under your eye there."

Hermione drew her hand up to her face. "Oh well, nothing to worry about. I have to be going."

Minerva was right, there's nothing I can do. She definitely doesn't want to talk about it. Gods, that girl is going to drive me crazy.

A/N: I like being able to be in Snape's head… it's really fun to be mind controlling.