Stepping out of the fireplace in the Hog's Head at three am caused the few people in the bar to swivel to catch a glance of the new comer. The Hog's Head was open at all hours and served alcohol generously, something that was not wasted upon her as she walked past two men who seemed to be having a hard time keeping their heads up. Marching over to Aberforth who was tending the bar, she set her cat carrier down and began to fish around in her bag for her money.

"I'm in need of a room for a week." withdrawing the small pouch, she began to count out galleons.

Aberforth paused a moment to take in the sight of the woman before him. She looked underfed and ill but determined. Being a bar tender meant seizing up your customers and he couldn't help but feel she had something eerie about her. The ways she had looked at him seemed to speak of familiarity but he had never seen the woman before in his life. Taking a moment to scrutinize her further he noted her high cheek bones that seemed to draw attention to her brown eyes that were narrowed, calculating how much she would need. Her hair fell in soft, thick waves that she swatted back as it fell forward into her line of vision. Her clothing looked foreign. A long top and long sleeves decorated with intricate embroidery helped to draw attention to the way she grit her teeth like she was in some pain. Not sensing any outright danger, he resolved to watch her. With Voldemort on the loose it would be prudent to figure out whether she could be a threat or not.

"Fifty galleons." Raising an eyebrow at the way she smiled up at him before handing over the set amount of money he could not shake the feeling that the stranger was far too comfortable around him. Reaching back to take a key from where it hung, he placed it in her waiting hand. "Second floor, third room on the left." Her nod of understanding had him thoughtfully cleaning a glass with a dirty rag as she made her way up the stairs and out of sight. Yes, it would be best to watch her and find out what business brought her to his establishment for such a long time.

Turning the corner and away from prying eyes, Hermione stopped holding her breathe. Seeing Aberforth look so young had been shocking. When she had met him, he had been hardened by two wars and the death of everyone in his family. While his personality certainly seemed just as gruff now as it had been then, his face was more expressive. The way he had looked at her like he was not quite sure what she was had sent warning bells off in her mind. It was the middle of a war and she was smiling willy-nilly at, for all intents and purposes, random strangers certainly wouldn't be done. Pushing the key in the lock, she stepped into her room. Closing the door behind her, she let Crooks out who immediately leapt up onto the bed, surveying his new kingdom.

Chuckling at her pet's antics, she set about casting her protection charms on the room. While she hadn't seen any Death Eaters she knew in the bar, that didn't mean that there wasn't one there and they wouldn't be intrigued by the appearance of a foreign witch. Getting out her writing utensils, she got to work writing her letter to Dumbledore that she would mail the next day.

Headmaster Dumbledore,

I have seen you are seeking a Divination professor for the 1980/1981 school year. I would like to formally submit my interest in the job. I am currently residing in the Hog's Head and will be here for the next week. I would be amendable meeting here or at Hogwarts, whichever fits the best with your schedule. Included is a list of my qualifications.

Sincerely,

Maya Dunn

Nodding her head in satisfaction, she set the letter aside for the ink to dry. Reaching once more into her bag, she collected some spare clothing and a bottle of hair dye. It was time to fix her hair before she went strolling out in Diagon Alley in the day where the spots of chestnut would be easily seen in the sea of dark brown. Changing, she began to apply the dye careful to avoid getting it on her skin. Taking stock of her bathroom she concluded it would be best to clean it before she even attempted to use it. Half expecting doxies to attack her she began casting every cleaning charm she knew until the worn down bathroom look like it had been subjected to hours of a Molly Weasley cleaning Hermione was pleased with her work. She had always been something of a neat freak and going into the past and staying at a seedy establishment would not keep her from having her living area the way she liked it.

Washing the dye out of her hair, she was pleased to note there were no more tell-tale chestnut clumps and she would be believed as having naturally dark hair. Settling into her bed for a nap, she could feel Crookshanks snuggle up to her back. Smiling, she let herself drift off.

Waking to the sun streaming into her room, she took a moment to savor the feeling of calm before heaving herself up. Careful not to disturb the half-kneazle who was known to sit on her face after being interrupted from his sleep, she slid out of bed. Casting a quick tempus charm, she was pleased to see it was only eight am. Hearing the low rumble come from her stomach, she opted to skip a shower and instead tied up her hair in a messy bun and threw on some clothes. Opting for another kameez over jeans, she threw on a matching scarf. Remembering the dramatic clothing Trelawney had worn, Hermione had decided to keep a bit of an air of mystery around her clothing as well. A scarf would serve to bring about the image of mystics if dramatically draped over her shoulders. Feeling satisfied with her choice of apparel, she scooped up her letter and packed it away. The rumbling of her stomach letting her know in no uncertain terms that breakfast was a priority.

"I'll be back later, Crooks. Be a good boy." Chuckling at the affronted look her cat gave her, Hermione exited her room careful to lock up. Making her way past the bartender who was watching her like a hawk, she made her way to the Leaky Cauldron which had a wonderful breakfast as she recalled. The atmosphere of war hung heavy in the air as people scuttled from place to place, carefully not to linger too long. Spotting a young Rookwood strolling towards Flourish and Blotts, Hermione was careful not to look alarmed. Rookwood was a spy in the Department of Mysteries in the first war, something that as a fellow Department of Mysteries worker rankled her. Making a mental note to find out what room he worked in and if he could have anything to do with Voldemort's additional means of immortality she resolved to deliver a damning prophecy on him shortly after being imitated into the Order.

Entering the Leaky Cauldron, she was happy to see that it was early yet and few people were there. Grabbing a table towards the back where she would be better able to see who was coming and going she greeted Tom as he made his way over, menu in hand.

"Good morning and thank you." Accepting the menu from him, she was pleased to see that while he did not look as carefree as he did while she had been in school he didn't seem terrified as he had been in the midst of the second war.

"Tea would be wonderful." Reminding herself not to smile too much, she opted to read through the menu instead.

"I'll be right back with it and to take your order." She settled on a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, baked beans, and a fried tomato. While in Hogwarts she would ask the house elves to serve her mostly Indian cuisine, the occasional British fare could be explained away as her dad's favorites. Taking her time to assess who else was in the room with her, she settled on a family of four that looked to be out for a day of shopping with their young children.

Seeing the little boy try to fit everything in his mouth at once and his little sister's scandalized reaction had her smiling with suppressed laughter. It seemed like something she and Ron would do. Contrary to what many thought, Ron was not often remiss in his table manners. But, when he was particularly hungry he was known to slip up rather fantastically. Something she had always been quick to point out to him. Averting her attention before the family realized they were being watched, she continued her scan. An older couple sat not far from her, immersed in the Daily Prophet. Ignoring the headline of Four killed in Surrey she moved on. A man sat, his back to her, as he drank some tea and read the paper as well.

Feeling like someone had dumped a bucket of cold water on her, she mentally thought back to the ledgers. Yes, today would be the day that one Severus Snape would be out and about the town to collect potion ingredients. Cursing her luck, she weighed her options. She could leave him alone. Just eat her meal and watch as he walked out the door. However, he made no mention of going out in his journal for another few weeks. Well, of going anywhere besides Malfoy Manor and Death Eater revels.

"Miss? What'll you have?" Snapping back to reality, Hermione flashed Tom a quick smile.

"Ah, yes. I'll have the full breakfast." Handing back the menu, Hermione waited until Tom had left before turning her attention back to Snape. Yes, it would have to be now. Gathering up her courage she stood with her tea before she could reason her way out of it. Striding over to the man whom she would desperately need to turn to the Order's side, she spoke up.

"Is this seat taken?" Trying to make her voice sound deep and mysterious was harder than it sounded, Hermione thought.

"Yes." His response was instantaneous and filled with the biting tone she remembered.

Setting down her tea cup, she opted to pull out the chair anyway, "you have an aura about you." Hoping that he didn't feel like eviscerating her with witnesses present, she waited for him to look at her.

"If you want to turn tricks, Knockturn alley is not far and perhaps someone would be stupid enough to let you spread your legs for them." He sneered, still not looking up from his paper. Narrowing her eyes, she fought back a biting retort. Calling her a know-it-all was one thing but a harlot was quite another.

"That is not my trade." She settled on, hoping a diplomatic response would keep him from lashing out again. "I am a Seer." His snort of derision told her in no uncertain terms that it hadn't worked.

"A pity, at least a prostitute would know when she was not wanted." Sitting down in the seat did draw his attention as he folded up his newspaper and looked at her like she was the most repulsive thing he had ever seen. Ignoring the urge to contemplate how much younger he looked, she plowed on.

"You have an air about you. A touch of destiny, if you will." She felt like a loon. Talking about destiny with Severus Snape while he narrowed his eyes in loathing was the craziest thing she had done in a long time. "Please, test me. Ask me something only you would know. If I am wrong I won't bother you again." Leaning back, she waited for him to take the bait. It was a gamble but the best chance she had to get him to believe she was an actual Seer. She would just have to hope that between what she had learned about him in her school years and the ledgers would give her the answer to his question.

He considered her. Sliding his eyes up and down her face before his gaze landed on hers. She felt the subtle push of Legilimency against her mental barriers. Allowing her defenses down around her thoughts on their meeting and how important she thought he was, she waited. It did not take him long to try and push past, something that had her slamming down her mental barriers and booting him out.

"I allowed you to see my intentions; I did not give you permission to root around in my mind." She snapped. If an honest appeal wouldn't work then perhaps a show of strength would get him to take her seriously.

"You have strong barriers." While it was said casually, Hermione could see the glint of interest and mistrust in his coal black eyes.

Turning up her nose to the implied question, she took a dismissive sip of tea, "I am a Seer. I would be a poor one if I let anyone waltz into my mind and see what I have seen."

"What happens if you are right?" He asked, enunciating every syllable crisply.

"I would like to do a reading for you, another time of course. If the Fates are interested in you as they seem to be, you would benefit from finding out what they're trying to tell you." Setting down her cup she folded her hands together on the table, hoping that showing him she had no wand in hand would help to convince him she wasn't a threat.

"What is my moniker?" He asked, looking put upon and bored. Giving no indication that she saw the way his wand arm was shaking slightly she closed her eyes and placed a hand delicately at her temple. Feeling like Trelawney at her most dramatic, she began to hum slightly.

After a few seconds had passed, she fluttered her eyes open, "My gift of sight has shown me the answer to your question. You are the Half-Blood Prince." It was as if someone had placed a full body-bind on Snape. He went perfectly still. His hands no longer looking ready to grasp his wand. His facial expression that had once conveyed bored disdain was now carefully blank.

"You are mistaken." His voice was neutral, as if commenting on something as mundane as the weather. Lifting her chin slightly, she dared to give him a superior look.

"If you have not heard it before, perhaps it is in your future. Time has little meaning to the Fates." She was distracted from his silent gaze by her food being placed before her.

"There you are, enjoy." Tom ambled off, seemingly unaware of the tension that was radiating from the table. Starting in on her eggs, she avoided looking at the black-clad man as he placed money down on the table before sweeping away. Cursing her forwardness, Hermione went over the exchange. She had gotten it right. The Half-blood Prince was not something she would ever forget. He had asked her clearly expecting her to fail. While they had never formally agreed to terms, she had been hopeful she would spark his interest enough to get him to agree to a private reading. She would need a place to deliver her 'prophecy' where they wouldn't be overheard and she would have time to talk it over with him to plant the seeds of doubt in his current cause.

Allowing herself to be distracted by the food, she felt her resolve renew. He had not said she couldn't contact him. He had left the door open to future interactions and that was a small step in the right direction. Paying Tom for her meal, she started out to owl her letter to the Headmaster. Diagon Alley had filled up as more people were out shopping as the morning wore on. Passing by the shoppers, Hermione couldn't help but feel she was being watched. Careful not to draw attention to the fact she knew, she continued on making more stops in populated areas than she needed to. After a full hour of meaningless trips into the stores, she was certain of it.

Deciding it would be best to mail out her letter of interest now despite the threat than wait and potentially have Trelawney get the jump on her, she paid for a standard delivery owl and sent him off. Careful to keep her wand in hand but hidden in the sleeve, she went off the beaten track. Knowing her options were limited and unwilling to show where she was living, she resolved to draw out whoever was following her.

"Expelliarmus!" Hermione called out as she pivoted to catch a smear of black disappear behind a corner. Casting a quick protego she ducked behind some barrels that sat out behind a store. Calculating how long it would take to make a run for a more populous area she discarded the option. Slowly retreating towards a more defensible position, she fired off spells to mask her intentions.

Feeling her shield crackle as the energy of a spell dissipated along the barrier, she was unprepared to feel she cool tip of a wand in her throat. Before she had time to process what was happening, she was out cold.

Coming to left her to gnash her teeth in rage. She had been captured already, something that was decidedly not in the plans. Though, she had never thought her first day in the past would cause her to be a target. She was supposed to be laying low until she could reach Dumbledore and take the divination job. Cursing herself for getting in the fight in the first place she assessed her surroundings. It looked run-down with hardly anything in the room. There was no furniture and no tools she could use to get out of the ropes that encased her. Only a few books and a lamp in the opposite corner showed that the room was used at all. Worming her way over, she was halfway across the room when her assailant opened the door.

Freezing where she was, she took in the sight of dragonhide boots and black robes. Feeling like a fool, she narrowly resisted getting into a sitting position. While laying prone on the floor was hardly the dignified image she wanted to present it would be best not to irritate the man with the wand, she reasoned.

"This is hardly the private consultation I was proposing earlier." She spoke, hoping a blithe attitude would goad him into revealing why he kidnapped her.

"Legilimens." It was all the warning she had. Throwing up her mental defenses she clamped down on his invading presence. It was like trying to hold on to water as he flowed from her thoughts of meeting him in the Leaky Cauldron to their impromptu battle. When he began to near her memories of fighting other such pitched battles she ripped her eyes from his. Their labored breathing filled the room.

"Tell me how you knew." He sounded half crazed as he grabbed her by her bindings and hauled her up into a sitting position. Her head pounded as she moaned lowly. While she could protect her mind from most, Severus Snape was already better than most in the mind arts. She could only imagine how easily he would have broken through her defenses if he had the same skill he had in the second war. As it was the mental attack had left her with a pounding headache that made it difficult to think clearly.

"I told you, I'm a Seer." She answered, pleading with her eyes for him to believe her. It had never occurred to her that Severus Snape would kill her when she had thought about approaching him in the Leaky Cauldron. Now, it seemed like a distinct possibility.

"If you continue to lie to me I will use Veritaserum on you." Snape promised lowly. Feeling a tendril of rationality, Hermione was certain he would have already used it if he did have it.

"You don't think I'm lying. I was right. You're just afraid." The swift kick he delivered to her stomach had her wheezing and curling up into a tight ball. "I can't help what I See!" She howled. In her time, Severus Snape was a controlled and exact man. His fits of rage limited to the Mauraders. Now, it seemed the potions master was spinning out of control. She had seen it in his journals. His writing of turmoil and being both repulsed by what his brothers were doing but basking in their acceptance and inclusion of him. She had played with fire by goading him and now she had come out on the losing end of things.

"Let me prove it to you!" She implored, not daring to look up to see if it was working. The silence of the room suffocated her as she waited for another blow to rain down.

"Very well, but I will kill you if you are lying to me." Taking a shuddering breath, she tentatively sat back up, wincing in pain as she did so.

"You don't want to be a Death Eater anymore…" Before she could finish her sentence he was on top of her, hands at her throat. Conscious that in the state he was in if she did not do something soon he would do as he had promised and kill her. Rearing up enough to bite down on his arm she quickly bucked her body to dislodge him.

"The half-blood prince in blood shall end… if the flower perishes so too shall he. Those of cloak and dagger will trample under foot all that the Prince cares for if unheard goes the warning. Unite with the tricksters lest he himself be tricked… A spy must he be… Two masters shall preside over him, but for his trials love shall be his." Her voice scratchy from the attempted strangling, she delivered the prophecy and her only hope of escaping alive.

A profound silence settled on the room. Hermione held her breathe, waiting for the scales to tip one way or another.

"What does it mean?" His asked in a low growl.

"I don't know. The future isn't clear. We can try and make sense of it together." Turning her eyes to his hopefully, she was alarmed to see him tugging at his hair muttering obscenities. "I can help you. I can help you break free. You've known for some time that what you're doing isn't what you want. I can see it, it radiates off you. Remorse. Feeling. You aren't a bad man. You can protect what you love. You can be someone that she'll love. You used to. Please. Please let me help you." She babbled, trying to gage his reaction to her words.

"I forgive you. I forgive you. You didn't mean to hurt me. You got scared. It's okay." His haunted look before he fled the room stayed with her as she slumped onto the floor and let out a thankful breathe.

Well, they've met! :D Severus is no peach and a scared Severus that feels cornered is even less so. He's going to have to go through some intense self-loathing for what he's done as a Death Eater and the beating he gave Hermione before he can be anywhere near a decent person. However, he will be going through a personal transformation. It should be no surprise that it's gonna be awhile before they become romantically involved. Also, I plan on updating on Monday's.

I want to thank everyone who took the time to read, review, favorite, and follow the story!