Author note: If you liked the last chapter, You will LOVE this one! Oh, by the way, I'm hugging the plot bunny!

A stifling hot breeze drifted through the empty corridors. Hermione stopped to look over the grounds of the school she held so dear to her heart. This was the last day she would see it as a student. She finally caught up to her classmates, passed her NEWTs, and managed to find the time to regain a few memories as well.

It didn't bother her anymore about how Professor Snape acted around her. She chalked it up to witnessing something personal and his embarrassment of said event accounted for his attitude towards her. Besides, it didn't matter anymore. Today, Hermione Granger was graduating Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry right along side Harry and Ron.

"Hermione Jane Granger."

She was lost in thought as Professor McGonagall called her name to receive her diploma. She slowly stood and took the steps that she had so longed to take all these years. With one hand grasping the Headmistress's, Hermione smiled to the crowd; her parents, Ron, Harry, and Ginny making the most noise. She passed her surly potions professor and smiled at him. She didn't expect it. It caught her by surprise to such an extent that she literally stopped at the end of the stage and looked back at him. He smiled at her.

She retook her seat and sat for a moment trying to comprehend what just happened. Never, in the seven years she has known him, has he ever cracked a smile other than a smirk. She watched him as the other students accepted their diplomas. He didn't smile at any of them.

"Harry James Potter."

The crowd's noise was deafening. Hermione could have sworn she heard the unmistakable cracks and pops of fireworks behind her, but turning to see the display, she only found two very giggly red headed twins giving each other high fives. She clucked her tongue with a smile and turned back to watch the rest of the class.

"Ronald Bilius Weasley."

Ron's long legs strode quickly to, across, and off the stage as he took the proffered paper and quickly resumed his seat. His embarrassment was apparent. The fireworks show was much larger this time around.

"Miss Granger."

She stopped pouring her drink and turned around to meet the man in black himself.

"Yes, Professor Snape?"

He cleared his throat. "I wanted to congratulate you on a very impressive recovery and your graduating Hogwarts with the third best NEWT scores this school has seen to date."

She smiled. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate that very much."

"Miss Granger, if I could have a word with you in private?"

Hermione set her cup down on the table beside her, poised her index finger in the air gesturing to Ron and Harry of her quick return, and followed Severus out to the hallway and down to his office.

Extending his hand, he motioned her forward. As soon as they were inside, he conjured up a bottle of his finest Firewhiskey and two glasses.

Offering one of the drinks, he said, "Salute, Miss Granger. I believe you deserve it after all you have been through. And, perhaps, we could make this a celebratory evening."

"A celebratory evening, sir?

He cleared his thought, took a swift swig of his alcohol, and looked her dead in the eye as he swallowed.

"Miss Granger, I brought you here to tell you something that you will indeed pass on to your friends, however, I didn't want to make a public display of my obvious embarrassment."

"I don't understand, sir," she interrupted.

"Severus."

"What?"

"You have graduated. You are an adult by wizarding law. And we work together as members of the Order. You may call me Severus now," he said. "If you wish."

"Thank you for that respect…Severus. But what is this secret you must tell me in private?"

"I am in need of an apprentice and you scored highest in your Potions work. If you are so inclined to accept, it would please me greatly to have you work with me."

She was speechless. This man, this brooding boorish man, was actually offering her compliments upon compliments, smiling at her, and offering to spend his non teaching hours with her.

"Thank you, sir… I mean, Severus. I don't… I don't know what to say."

"Say you will accept."

"I DO!"

Without inhibitions to whom she was doing it to, Hermione flung her arms around his neck and squeezed him within an inch of his life. She let go and placed her hands on either side of his face.

"I am so happy I could kiss you!"

"I don't believe..."

He was interrupted when her lips touched his for the briefest of moments and then, as quickly as they touched, pulled back.

She looked up into two rounded black eyes that were staring back at her in astonishment.

Something pulled. Something tugged at her. Something gnawed at her. There was something there that she couldn't place. Something familiar to her but unless she tried to go after it, it would elude her. So that is exactly what she did.

His eyes bulged once more as her mouth crashed into his; much harder and hungrier this time. Her arms snaked around his neck once more to pull him deeper into the kiss, and soon he found himself wrapping his arms around her.

They pulled apart.

"Miss Granger…."

"Hermione," she corrected.

"Hermione," he purred loving the way her name felt on his tongue. His entire existence seemed heady from her.

Her voice seemed just as sensuous as she responded. "Yes?"

"I can't do this."

He quickly took her arms and put them down to her sides, turned, grabbed his cloak off the nearby chair, and exited the room. Hermione stood there staring at nothing in particular across the room.

Author note: No, it's not rabbit hunting season. No killing the plot bunny. He let me in on the secret he has brewing for the next chapter. You will like it, I promise! I am saddened to say that, however, it will be the last chapter. SO.. I will take my time and make sure I get it right. Thank you all!