Severus Snape

Hermione's head was still reeling the next morning, and for the first time, she sought Ginny out, instead of the other way around.

"You must have had quite a date for you to be here," Ginny said, after Hermione didn't speak or do anything except fingering the rim of her teacup.

"It was...amazing," Hermione said finally. "I can't think of any part of the date that wasn't great. I still feel a little hesitant to trust Draco, but he opened up so much to me, how can I not?"

"What did he say?" Ginny asked, a little too eagerly.

"I'm not going to tell you," Hermione said sternly. "It's between us. But let's just say, he admitted to having feelings for me for a long time, and being too cowardly to act on it."

"Wow," Ginny said. "I can't even imagine Draco Malfoy being so humble...or honest."

"I know," Hermione said. "So, you understand why I am hesitant."

"Yes," Ginny said. "Maybe after your dates with Snape and Harry, you'll have a better idea."

"Part of me doesn't want to try and follow up yesterday with someone else, and part of me is dying to reconnect with Severus," Hermione said. "Does that make any sense?"

"Of course," Ginny said. "You've got six successful and attractive guys after you. It's natural that you'd be confused."

"But it's not just that," Hermione said. "These last three guys and I have serious history. I mean, Harry is my best friend. Severus was my professor, turned confidante in the war. Add Draco to the mix and I don't know what to think," Hermione sighed.

"Hermione, relax. You haven't even gone out with Snape or Harry," Ginny would never be able to call Snape 'Severus', it was too creepy. "Why don't you just take a deep breath, prepare yourself for your early date this evening, and stop stressing?"

"Have you met me?" Hermione scoffed. "All I can do is stress about this. What if I make the wrong choice and get my heart trampled on?"

"Then we will deal with that. This is something you need to grasp if you are going to join us in the sexual world," Ginny said seriously, "Sometimes we make wrong choices, but every experience makes us more whole and deeper individuals."

"Wow, Ginny," Hermione said, "that's pretty insightful."

Ginny just rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

Hermione blushed. "That's not what I meant, and you know it."

Meanwhile, Adrian smirked to himself as he went to the fireplace and discretely activated the Floo Network.

"Draco, I'm only telling you this because I actually care about Hermione. Just don't tell her I said that," Adrian said.

"Just spit it out," Draco sighed in frustration.

"I just wanted to let you know that, Hermione just informed Ginny that she was quite confused but had an amazing time with you," Adrian said.

"That, I knew already," Draco said. He'd hoped his friend would have better inside information than that. Though, why Adrian was being so helpful he didn't know. It wasn't a Slytherin's nature, even if he did have a witch he was head-over-heels in love with at home.

"What I'm trying to tell you, is that you have to play this carefully, Draco. She's got two more dates...with your biggest competition."

"Snape I'm not worried about. It's only Potter that will be a problem," Draco said, but Adrian shook his head.

"They have a past too. I'm telling you, Draco, you can't just hope this date coasts you through," Adrian insisted.

"Why do you care anyway? I'm sure you and Potter get on well now. Why not root for him? Why aren't you helping Theo or Blaise?" Draco asked, his tone irritated. What was Adrian's game anyway?

"Because she doesn't feel the spark with Theo, and Blaise is only interested in bedding her. And, maybe Harry's intentions are noble, but I have to wonder if he's doing this because he doesn't want to lose her. You, on the other hand, I know. You care about her. You always have," Adrian said simply.

"And apparently you do too, or you wouldn't be here," Draco said.

"She's alright," Adrian said, rolling his eyes, but both men knew that Adrian was taken with Hermione. Apparently, she was just one of those people you couldn't meet and not care about.

Hermione was less nervous and more excited about her date with Severus Snape. Sure, he was a bit foreboding, and she really didn't know what might come of the evening together, but she had to admit, she'd missed him and was excited to reconnect.

Really, Snape was one of the most brilliant people she'd ever known, and she loved the easy relationship they'd shared at Grimmauld Place together, reading and discussing academic articles and books. He never made her feel stupid for her overzealous interest in studying, and, in fact, welcomed it. In that way, she'd always felt them equals.

He never mixed well with the other members of the Order except for Lupin and Arthur, but part of her felt like Severus could relate to her alone, and that was intoxicating.

She was pulled out of her excited thoughts by a timid knock on the door. She pulled her hair back from her face and a messy knot, checking herself again in the mirror. She'd chosen a black cashmere sweater, charcoal dress pants and comfortable flats, already knowing her suitor would be dressed in black from head to toe.

When she was happy with the result of her afternoon's work, she quickly went to the door to greet her date. "Professor," she said with a bright smile, noting he was wearing all Muggle clothes; black slacks with a black button down shirt. He looked just as delectable as she remembered, and while she knew he was not conventionally attractive (Draco had him beat by miles in that department) he was sexy.

She felt awkward calling him 'Professor' given the nature of their date, but she hadn't yet become comfortable calling him 'Severus' to his face. Even in their Order days, the idea of calling him by his first name seemed off limits.

"Severus, please," Snape said, trying to smile, but it came out more pained than anything. "I brought you a small token," he said holding out a wrapped package, and Hermione wasn't sure if she was more surprised that he actually wrapped it or that he got her something in the first place.

"Come in, Severus," she said smoothly, opening the door wider to lead him in. They both sat in her living room. "I hope you don't mind if I open this now," she said, indicating his gift.

"I actually hoped you would," Snape said, seeming to grow a little more comfortable, but the tension was still there. Severus Snape was a very private and very closed off man. This whole thing must have taken him very much outside his comfort zone. She had to appreciate that.

She picked at the wrapping delicately, before opening one end and sliding out a leather bound black book. Looking inside she saw it was a journal with an inscription by Snape inside the front cover.

'Hermione, I hope you will use this to continue your research into life saving potions and medical advancements. Don't let your job get in the way of the true work you can do for our world.

-Severus'

Hermione couldn't help but smile brightly as she read it. Snape always wondered why she didn't just focus on potions, as she was quite good at them. She explained that she felt she needed to do more. He just shrugged, and encouraged her to continue looking into things like improvement of the Wolfsbane potion and things like that.

"It's amazing, Severus. I love it," Hermione said, looking up at him. He seemed very embarrassed by her praise but nodded his head in acknowledgement. "I have so many ideas for the new ward, whenever it gets built. This will help me with those medicines."

"I'm glad to be of assistance. You know, you can come to me for potions, if you need," he said seriously.

"Thank you," Hermione said again. "Would you like some tea, or do we have pressing time constraints?" she asked.

"Tea would be fine. I assumed my competition would have taken you out to fine restaurants, so I had a bit of a different date in mind," Snape said, smirking slightly. It was the first time he looked slightly confident.

"I am always up for a surprise," Hermione said with a smile. "Let me start the tea. Make yourself at home." Snape nodded and watched her leave the room before standing up and walking over to her bookcase.

It was quite extensive, though he saw a few holes that he felt like filling. Certainly, if she was going to take on the plight of House-elves and others, she should have her own copy of Potions for Halflings. He made a mental note as he continued to peruse her selection.

"It's really embarrassing, I know," Hermione blushed bringing in a tray of biscuits and teas. "Ron always used to tell me I had more books than shoes, and that was abnormal for a woman," she laughed, wincing slightly as she brought up Ron.

"Yes," Snape said, with a roll of the eyes. He was clearly getting more comfortable in her home. "Well, Weasley wouldn't know a good book if it hit him in the face. You're lucky to be rid of him. He never deserved you." His tone was firm and serious and Hermione trembled under his intense gaze. That seemed to be a sentiment many had shared with her of late, but the way Severus said it made her feel something inside.

"I'm starting to get that," Hermione said with a chuckle, inviting Snape to join her on the loveseat. He did, but sat further from her than Draco had. She smiled to herself, assuming he was much more uncomfortable with physical intimacy than Draco was.

Snape rolled his eyes as he began steeping his tea. "Please don't tell me that you've had a total change of perspective because a few Slytherins showed you interest," he said. "You're smarter than that."

Hermione huffed defiantly. "Excuse me, but you are a Slytherin, in case you forgot. And my confidence comes from a myriad of things, not just a few dates. Are you saying you shouldn't be trusted either?" she countered.

Snape smirked again, enjoying getting her riled up. "Should we really trust anyone, Hermione?" he asked, his deep voice rolling over every syllable as it left his mouth. It made her shiver, even in her irritation.

"I trust people. I'm not some blind moron. I don't trust everyone, but I can read people. Usually I can tell if they are lying to me or not," Hermione countered. "Besides, that's not an answer."

Snape smirked still and sighed. "Of course you can trust my intentions. I don't go around bidding on witches every day. In fact, I loathe this entire process, as you well know. But I'll play your game, if it's what you wish."

"It is," Hermione said with a smile. "Though, I must admit, I was shocked that you did bid on me. I'd be lying if I said I didn't notice the tension between us that year at Grimmauld Place, but that was six years ago. And I sort of felt that it was one sided," Hermione said.

"It wasn't," Snape said simply. "I'm not a man who wears his heart on his sleeve. I never will be. But I have cared for you for over six years. I cared for you, perhaps, when it was inappropriate to do so. So, I had to take this chance to reconnect with you." He stared at his cup, unable to look her in the eyes while he said something so revealing about his feelings.

Hermione smiled, and pushed his face up to look at her. "I'm glad you did. I've missed you. I missed our talks and the potions work we were doing. If I could pay you, I'd have you on my team when I start this new ward."

"You don't have to ask. I've got plenty of money," Snape chuckled.

"Let's see if it happens first," Hermione said with a laugh.

"I don't doubt that it will come together," Snape said. "Hermione Granger doesn't often take on a task she can't finish."

Hermione couldn't help it; her smile went from ear to ear.

It turned out that Snape's idea of an intimate, unusual date really was a surprise to Hermione. It was a nice evening in late summer, and he Apparated them to the sea, spreading out a blanket and pulling out a picnic basket he'd had hidden in his pocket with a shrinking charm.

Hermione couldn't believe it. It was beautiful outside and as strange as they both looked, dressed in black on the beach, it was very romantic. "It's a bit hot, I hope you don't mind if I take this off," she said, pulling at the hem of her sweater.

"By all means," Snape answered, his voice sounding bored, but Hermione could hear a tension underneath that made her smile. She pulled the sweater off, revealing a pink tank top underneath. It wasn't exactly fancy, but she couldn't wear the sweater any longer.

As they ate, it was as if no time had passed. They discussed potions and academia. Snape told her about the work he was doing and she talked about her plans for the hospital ward. He was actually very interested in her work, and offered his help in any way she needed him.

When they finished eating, Hermione asked if they could stay and watch the sun set.

"That was my intention," Snape said, cleaning up the mess they had made. Pulling out a bottle of wine, he uncorked it and poured them each a glass.

Hermione frowned at their seating arrangements, noting they were barely even close enough to touch if they wanted to. She moved closer to him, sitting right by his side. "I don't bite, you know," she said, teasingly.

He certainly wasn't used to being talked to that way, but he had to admit he wasn't opposed to her youthful teasing nature, especially if it got them closer. He hummed in contentment as she sipped her wine and moved her fingers over his, lacing them together. "I didn't want to be too forward," Severus explained.

"Severus, we have to talk about this," Hermione said, frowning again. "The fact of the matter is, you have bid on my virginity." She noticed Snape wince at this, but continued, "There is no need to act as if this isn't about sex."

"It's not," Severus countered, but when he saw the look on her face, he changed course. "It's not all about sex. If I won the auction, I wouldn't care if you didn't sleep with me that night. I wanted to reconnect with you. I wanted to see if what I felt all those years ago was some bizarre reaction to being cooped up in that house for months, or if it was real."

"And you've decided?" Hermione asked.

"It certainly wasn't just about the house. I feel connected to you. This isn't about the sex to me; though I assure you, I'd have no problem with that part of the deal," he said, blushing slightly. Hermione smiled at that.

"Look," Hermione said, "I'm not a kid anymore. I'm an adult, and I'm attracted to you. If you win, you'll be having sex with me, so I think a little hand holding and kissing would be okay." She saw Snape visibly swallow when she mentioned kissing and had to hold in her chuckle. He was so darn adorable, and he didn't even know it. She wasn't going to tell him either. He'd surely run for the hills if she did.

"Here," she said when she got silence in response. "Let's start with getting close. Spread your legs." Hermione laughed when he looked at her as if she was trying to take advantage of him. "I promise I won't defile you."

"Cheeky little witch aren't you?" Snape said, trying to regain a little pride. He did as he was told, spreading his legs out in front of him. Hermione moved in between them and sat down, leaning against his lean chest. She smiled when Snape's arms snaked around her middle without her encouragement and sighed into him continuing to drink her wine.

"See?" she said.

"This is nice," he agreed, smelling her hair, and reveling in having her pressed against him. He briefly considered whether she was one of those witches that bought her shampoo with Amortentia laced in it, but pushed the thought aside. Hermione was certainly not that kind of girl, and likely used Muggle hair products anyway.

"It is. Thank you for bringing me here, Severus. I haven't been to the sea since I was young," Hermione said with a contented sigh. She felt Snape shift under her, propping their weight up on one arm while keeping the other firmly wrapped around her waist.

"I don't do this," he said, quietly, finding the words hard to get out.

"Don't do what? Bid on young women's virginity?" Hermione laughed, trying to take some of the serious tension out of the situation. It didn't seem to work because Snape's voice was still serious when he continued.

"No," he said. "I don't do any of this. Wooing witches is not my forte. Often I spend my time alone, in my potions lab, or with the few friends I've kept after the war. But I don't...date. I haven't really considered a woman desirable since Lily Potter." He sighed. It was hard to talk about, but he knew that Hermione was the picture of discretion.

Hermione turned her head to face him, their noses practically touching. "Are you telling me you...I mean are you also...a..."

Snape chuckled at that. "No, I'm not a virgin, Hermione," he said, controlling the urge to laugh aloud. It wasn't something he did often, but the look on her face when she thought he was trying to tell her he was a virgin was priceless. "I've been with women. In fact, I'm told I'm quite adept in that area," he added, smugly. "What I'm saying, is that I have feelings for you. I've never been with someone I've had feelings for. Add to that my secluded nature, I just want to be honest with you."

"I know all these things, Severus," Hermione said relaxing in his arms. She wasn't sure she wanted to have her virginity taken by a virgin, as strange as that sounded. It would be almost too much. "You worry too much."

"I spent twenty years as a spy and double agent. You'll find that's part of my personality," Snape said with a wry smile.

"Who would have thought? A relationship where I'm the laid back one," Hermione chuckled, turning back around and settling in his arms. It was then that she noticed his fingers had slipped under the hem of her tank top, lightly stroking the soft skin of her stomach. She couldn't help but smile at the butterflies that erupted at the action.

Sure, this had been the most awkward date yet, but he still had the ability to put her off kilter in a totally intoxicating way. Perhaps it was the longtime schoolgirl crush she'd had on him, or the fact that they held similar ambitions, or the fact that there was still something forbidden about their pairing, but Hermione could feel a tingling in her lower abdomen at just his touch. She couldn't imagine how she'd feel if they were pressed together in the throes of passion. She quickly pushed the thought aside, not wanting to embarrass herself.

They watched the sun setting over the grey water, feeling no need to talk. Snape became more confident, allowing his finger to ghost over her skin, and when he reached the area around her belly button, she had to bite back a moan. It was dark now, the sun almost fully down when she turned on him, unable to control herself any longer.

He was quite surprised, when she turned in his arms and pulling his head to hears, planted a passionate kiss on his lips. His shock was short lived as her soft lips moved against his and he gave into the kiss, allowing both of them to fall back on the blanket as he moved his arms around her.

Fireworks exploded behind her eyes as his lips parted and his tongue darted out to taste her. She eagerly allowed him entrance, reveling in the feeling of his body against hers. She was half on top of him as they kissed like two horny teenagers. She couldn't believe this was happening she'd been dreaming about this moment for a long time. Some moments during the war, she thought it might happen, but every time they got close, Snape would pull back and make an excuse to leave the room. Not this time.

He moaned underneath her as her hands moved up his chest, feeling the soft cotton of his shirt under her fingers. His hand clinched around her waist, pulling her completely on top of him. She could feel his arousal pressing into her, and for the first time in her life, it didn't scare or repulse her, like it had with Ron.

But it also reminded her, this was going way too fast. She hadn't even had her date with Harry, not to mention there were still her very strong feelings for Draco to consider, as well as Lucius' sexual effect on her. She had to stop. Pulling back, she looked up into Snape's dazed eyes and smiled. "That was worth the wait," she said, her voice husky from kissing.

"I should say so," Snape said, trying to find his equilibrium again. Hermione rolled off him and lay on her side to face him. He did the same, taking a strand of her hair in his fingers.

"This is all a little unreal to me," Hermione admitted.

"I'll bet," Snape said. "Although, I think I'm a bit more out of my comfort zone than you," he admitted.

"Oh really?" Hermione said, cocking an eyebrow at him. "So, you think it would be easier to date six guys, and try and narrow them down to the one guy who will steal your innocence, than it is to go out with one, very attractive young woman?" she smirked, cocking an eyebrow at him.

"Well, you've got me there," Snape admitted. "But considering I have no idea who you are going to choose, I still think I'm in the tougher position."

"Perhaps," Hermione sighed, looking down at the space between them. "Can I tell you something? Even given this situation, I've always felt like I could talk to you."

"Of course," Snape said.

"I have no idea what to do," Hermione admitted with a sigh. "When I started this whole thing, I guess I thought there would be a spark with one of the guys and it would be an easy choice. I thought about meeting new people and stepping out of my comfort zone. I never considered I'd know all six guys. And I certainly didn't expect to have a history with three of them."

"Yes, and you are finding the whole thing a lot more difficult than you expected?" Snape said, stating the obvious.

"Yes, but its more than that," Hermione said, propped herself up on one elbow. "When I make my choice, I'll be hurting some. Sure, there are a few who I think would easily get over it. Their hearts aren't invested. But a few..."

"Like myself," Snape said.

"Yes," Hermione admitted. "For a few of you, I have deeper feelings, and they are returned. How can I just pick?"

"Well, far be it for me to hurt my own case," Snape said, "but in the end, I think your gut will tell you who to choose. I'd be honored if it were me."

"And what about after? Are you up for more?" Hermione asked.

"I think you already know the answer to that," Severus said, his voice deep and husky, making her shiver again.

"And if I didn't choose you? Would you fall off the face of the earth again?" Hermione asked, her voice tense.

"I can't answer that," Snape said. "But I don't want you to choose me because you're afraid I'll leave," he added.

"You see why this is confusing and difficult?" Hermione asked.

"Yes," Snape said. "I guess I don't envy you." He chuckled then, breaking the tension. "Do what you think it right," he finally said. Hermione just nodded and snuggled into his chest.

They stayed like that until the breeze turned cold, then packed up the blanket and Snape apparated them back to the spot outside her apartment. "I think I'll leave you here for the night," Snape said, squeezing her hand. He'd finally gotten accustomed to her closeness and would miss it when he returned to Spinner's End alone.

"I had a great night, Severus. I hope to see you again soon," she smiled. He nodded before kissing her quickly on the cheek and Disapparating away. Hermione took several deep breaths before entering her building and taking the stairs up to her flat. Once inside, she let the tornado of thoughts swirl around in her head.

What was she going to do? She thought when she went out with Snape, she'd feel like it had been an old childhood crush that had fizzled. That kiss told her something else. It was confusing. She had no idea what to do.

Her thoughts were quickly interrupted by two letters sitting on her kitchen table. Picking the first on up, she noticed Viktor Krum's heavy scrawl.

Hermione,

Had I received word of your intentions, I'd have offered my services to you sooner. You needn't do this. I'm more than willing to be the man to take your virginity and give you the immense pleasure I know you long for.

Please consider my offer. I remember we were good together once. I never wanted that to end, but I respected your wish to remain friends only. I'll be in England next week for a Quidditch match and I hope to see you while I'm there.

I've missed you,

Viktor

She sighed. Like she needed one more thing to add to her list. At least in this case, she was sure she was not longing forhim. Viktor had been a great first kiss, but he was too thick for her. He was sweet, but their conversations were not satisfying to her. She supposed she'd have to write him back, but she didn't want to consider that at the moment.

She picked up the second letter and smiled to herself when she noticed Draco's elegant hand.

Hermione,

I had an amazing time yesterday. I couldn't stop thinking about it all day. I just want you to know that I'm thinking about you, and I hope, even though you went out with another man tonight, you are thinking about me.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Draco

Hermione felt her lips pulling into a wide grin. He was good. He wanted her to think about him, even though she may have had a wonderful night with Severus and it worked. She did have a wonderful night with Snape, and here she was thinking about Draco. She had to give it to him, his Slytherin tactics, while completely unethical, worked like a charm.

Noting the time, she sighed. It looked like it would be another Dreamless Sleeping Potion tonight if she wanted any chance of being up and ready for her noon date with Harry tomorrow. Harry. This whole thing was getting out of hand. Of all the dates, Harry's would be the most trying, because she didn't know what it would hold for her. How could she choose between so many amazing and completely different men?