The first two weeks of classes were tedious as ever. Severus however was surprised by Granger's company during their weekly rounds. Although she did talk a bit more than he would have liked, she often discussed interesting topics and engaged in lively debates. Shockingly, the witch was not afraid to disagree with his opinions. Her brow would furrow and nose crinkle while she patiently waited for him to finish before having her say on the matter.
Avidly she listened whenever he presented knowledge in regards to potion making, keeping her questions to a minimum. Although her subtlety needed work; her hints at another brewing session in his company might as well have been accompanied by a flashing Muggle neon sign. He of course refused to acknowledge her vaguely camouflaged suggestions.
Minerva looked suitably smug after the first week when Severus had not marched into her office demanding a new patrol partner.
During staff meetings the new recruit would sit obediently by her existing friends throughout. But once Minerva had given the final word Severus would find her loitering in his shadow once again, the headmistress looking on with a badly disguised smile and a slightly raised brow.
Longbottom seemed none the wiser to Granger's dismissal of him during these meetings, Lupin however, was a different story. Severus often noticed that the Defence professor would watch as the witch made her way over to him once the staff meetings had commenced. Severus had taken the opportunity in hand, donning a smug smirk and directing it in the other professors direction. He didn't necessarily want the witch hanging around him, but he liked the idea of annoying her deplorable friends.
Thursday night their patrol started as usual, beginning at the entrance hall and moving throughout the castle for hours unending. Coming near the end of the school week always promised more activity from misbehaving students, so their patrol length often increased. Severus had years before discovered it best to take a different path each night. If the miscreants knew you took the same route, they could learn to avoid you, but changing up the routine kept them on their toes.
"You know, I never realised just how many feathers Professor Flitwick went through each year," Granger said, her tone exasperated. "It's thoroughly exhausting."
Smirking Severus muttered about incompetent dunderheads under his breath.
"Well, they are only first years," she replied. "We should give them time before condemning them to dunderhead status don't you think?"
She was smiling up at him, giving him the impression that they were playing this unknown game again.
"Perhaps," he curled his lip in disgust. "However, having a great deal more experience than you, I feel I can sufficiently pass judgment on the level of ineptitude required to achieve dunderhead status."
Her tinkling laugh floated along the corridor they were patrolling, causing a few portraits to tut and hush the witch.
"Fair enough," she said. "Although, I think your expectations are just a tad too high for eleven year olds."
Snape rolled his eyes.
"Hey, so… it's my birthday today," Granger was looking down at her feet as she spoke.
"Many happy returns."
"Um, thanks," she mumbled, clearly embarrassed. "I j-just wanted to let you know that I'm celebrating tomorrow in Hogsmeade." She glanced up at him warily. "In The Three Broomsticks, i-if you're free, then you're welcome to come along."
Severus said nothing. He couldn't recall the last time a colleague, or anybody for that matter, had invited him to a social occasion. Besides Potter's invitations in the years immediately after Voldemort's downfall, which were always in writing. Somehow those didn't count to Severus. The silence stretched on, filling the space between them with awkward tension.
"Of course, if you're busy I understand," she said, breaking the unbearable silence. "Just know, I would like to have you there."
A curt nod was all he felt comfortable offering the witch. Clearly she wasn't in her right mind. Why would she want him there? He didn't make for good company, especially not in a crowd. Of course he wouldn't attend, wouldn't even consider it. The very thought of sitting around with Potter and the likes was nightmarish.
The remainder if their shift passed with little conversation, detentions were given, points were taken and by eleven-thirty the pair were standing outside her door. As usual she bid him goodnight from the doorway, watching as he swept away in the direction of the dungeons.
Once safely tucked away in his room Severus paced in front of his fireplace. Contemplating the witches words from that evening.
"Just know, I would like to have you there."
Making his way to his liquor cabinet, Severus placed both of his palms on the cold wooden surface and closed his eyes. No, he would not attend, of course not. He was mildly annoyed with the niggling thought in his mind, that maybe he might like to if the invitation was for a private drink, a reenactment of that Sunday afternoon a few weeks back. Taking a deep breath he opened his eyes and reached for the bottle of Firewhiskey. His eyes snapped to the bottle sitting next to it. A fine, aged, Elf-made wine. Fingering the neck briefly he picked up the bottle and made his way to his couch.
Teaching was thoroughly exhausting, Hermione thought while checking over her classroom once more before the weekend. She intentionally had given very little written homework this week, wanting to enjoy her birthday night out to the fullest.
It was going to be the first time she saw Harry and Ron since her appointment in Hogwarts. There was no way she was spending the weekend nursing a hangover while trying to grade clumsy, substandard essays. Her students seemed delighted with their lack of homework this week. She would be sure to make up for it in the coming weeks, she thought, smirking to herself as she shut up the room and engaged the wards.
Making her way to the Great Hall for dinner Hermione crinkled her nose in disgust at the state of her work robes. Dinner would need to be a quick affair this evening, she would need as much time as possible to get herself looking presentable. Catching a quick glimpse of herself reflected in the glass of a grandfather clock, her hair looked an absolute horror show. Her bun was lost in the midst of stray curls. Grasping the hair tie she pulled and let her wild frizz loose. Usually she tried to maintain some control over her mop but it would have to stay down for dinner, there was no time to tame it now.
Approaching the head table she quickly scanned to see who was present. Minerva sat at the centre with Professor Snape to her right, Remus sat on her left toying glumly with his food. He looked withdrawn and sulky, the full moon was due the next night. Remus had agreed to attend her birthday celebration but only for a short time as he was exhausted.
Settling herself next to Remus she poured a cup of tea and ordered herself a portion of Cottage pie from the elves.
"Happy belated Birthday Hermione," Minerva said, leaning slightly forward in order to look at the younger witch.
"Thank you Minerva, it's a shame you can't join us this evening, Harry and Ron would love to see you," Hermione said honestly.
"Alas, the joys of running a school, it leaves little to no time for extracurricular activities," she sipped her tea and turned back to her food. "In any case, you can assure Harry I will see him at Christmas for the annual get together. Of course, he's welcome to visit any time."
From beside the headmistress Snape scoffed, Hermione got the impression he was fighting the urge to roll his eyes. Turning his head slightly he noticed her looking at him, she offered him a friendly smile and suddenly he took great interest in his dinner. Next to her Remus stiffened in his seat, his jaw twitching.
"I understand completely, I've told Remus here that if he's not up to it that's perfectly ok too," Hermione looked up at Lupin with a kind, patient smile.
"Of course I'll show my face, for however long I can," he replied and patted her hand in a friendly gesture.
Further down the table Snape slammed his cup down with a little too much force causing each member of staff present to turn in his direction. He gave no indication that he was aware of their eyes on him.
"Happy Birthday Hermione!" Neville said joyfully pulling out the seat next to her. He draped his arm over her shoulder in a half hug and sat next to her.
Almost as soon as Neville took his seat Snape vacated his and headed for the staff entrance, closing the door forcefully behind him.
"Was it something I said?" Neville sounded hurt.
"Oh, you know Severus and his temperament," the headmistress replied dismissively.
Hermione frowned at her plate, confused by everyone's behaviour at the table. Besides poor Neville, who seemed completely oblivious to what he had done. She took a few more bites of her food and excused herself in order to get ready.
"I need time to tame the mane and make myself look somewhat human," she said in response to Remus' questioning look as she stood. "I'll see you guys there? Good night Minerva, I'll see you tomorrow."
Back in her rooms, showered and changed Hermione set to work on her hair. Choosing the same method as before, carefully curling rather than trying to make it straight. It took a while but she thought curls suited her better. With a strand of hair wrapped around her wand she poured herself a glass of wine. How she wished she could have a radio or CD player at Hogwarts. Pre-drinks went better with music, especially when one was alone.
An hour later she was ready to go. Grabbing her wand and bag she made for the front doors, pleasantly surprised to find Neville waiting there.
"Hermione, you look beautiful," he ducked his head in embarrassment.
Hermione looked down at her outfit, she had decided to go 'Muggle' for the evening. It only seemed fitting to celebrate her birthday that way. To a Muggle her outfit would likely be considered casual, she wore tight black jeans with a glittery belt, her crimson T-shirt was a little more fitted than what she usually wore but she was more than ready to let loose. She carried a black cropped cardigan with her in case she got chilly.
"Thank you Neville, you look quite dashing yourself."
Neville turned pink and smiled broadly, then offered his arm to her. Linking her arm in his they set off across the grounds. Once free of the enchantments they Apparated separately.
Pushing her way into The Three Broomsticks Hermione was greeted by a loud cheer from her friends. Both Ron and Harry tackled her into a three-way hug, she held them close until her need for oxygen overwhelmed her. Looking around, there was no sign of Ginny or Lavender, although she hadn't expected them.
"Happy Birthday Professor Granger," Harry said with a sly smirk.
"That's just too weird," Ron said frowning.
"I don't know, I think it suits her," George said sliding into place next to Ron with an expensive bottle of Muggle champagne in his hand. His smile was practically obscene, Hermione was no stranger to the twins bold flirtatious manner. Truth be told, she liked the opportunity to flirt harmlessly.
George hugged her, lingering slightly with his fingers on her sides as he pulled away.
A glass of bubbly was thrust into her hand as she was dragged to the rest of her friends; the majority of which were Weasleys. She was passed around like a gift at a children's party. Molly hugging her tightly, Arthur patting her in a fatherly fashion and wishing her well in her new position. Eventually she found herself seated with Harry, Ron, Remus and Neville.
"How is the return to Hogwarts treating you 'Mione?" Ron asked, slumping into a chair opposite her and sliding a glass in her direction.
"Oh, it's pretty stressful."
"Don't listen to her Ron, she's fitting in just fine," Remus interrupted. A glass of water sat in front of him. Hermione recalled a recent discussion with Snape about the effect of alcohol on Wolfsbane, a wistful smile spread across her face.
The ancient door to the pub creaked open, causing Hermione to turn in its direction, a small gathering of unknown wizards made their way inside. Turning back to her friends Hermione thought she hid her disappointment well.
"Are you expecting somebody else Hermione?" Remus' tone seemed a little pointed.
Annoyed at being called out in front of her friends Hermione chose to ignore his comment. Instead she turned to Neville and engaged in a discussion on their first few weeks in Hogwarts. Hermione explained how exhausted she felt and Neville showed great empathy, assuring her that she would adjust.
With each press of his thigh against hers, Hermione started to feel more and more uncomfortable. Was Snape right? Did Neville fancy her? The more alcohol he imbibed, the bolder his body language became.
Excusing herself from the table she made her way to the bar, more for air and distance than service. Harry soon placed himself next to her.
"Remus has been updating me on your progress," Harry said gesturing to Madame Rosmerta to bring a couple of Firewhiskey shots.
"Oh yeah?" she asked, genuinely curious. "What's his verdict? Will I survive the ferocious first years?" she laughed.
"Actually," Harry said clinking his shot glass to hers, "he reckons you've become friendly with Snape."
"Professor Snape," Hermione responded automatically.
Harry threw back his shot and placed the small glass on the counter. He turned to look at Hermione who proceeded to take her shot with a small grimace, she hated whiskey.
"So, not Severus then?" Harry asked. He sounded like he was holding back laughter.
"Excuse me?" Hermione replied, genuinely confused.
"You're not on first name basis with him?" Harry asked. "The way Remus was talking…"
"No, I asked him to call me Hermione, but most of the time he still calls me Miss Gr-," Hermione paused, frowning. "What do you mean; 'the way Remus was talking'? What did he say exactly?" She turned to search their table for the Defence professor, he was sitting alone stirring his water with a straw. Her anger melted upon looking at his exhausted expression.
"Um, he.. well, um," Harry faltered.
Hermione continued to probe Harry with her look. He shuffled his feet and cleared his throat before eventually answering.
"He just said, that you two seemed friendly in the staff room and that you had rounds together most evenings."
Hermione laughed, placing her hand on the bar to steady herself. She looked at Harry a moment later who also collapsed into uncontrolled laughter.
"What's so funny?" Ron asked approaching them. He gestured to Madame Rosmerta for more shots, his ears tinged slightly pink. This caused Hermione's laughter to turn hysterical.
"What?!"
"Sorry Ron, I'm not laughing at you," she said wiping tears from her eyes. "Remus and Harry seem to be under the impression that I've started up a passionate romance with Professor Snape," she explained. "Who in turn thinks I'm involved with Neville, I've never had so much interest in my non-existent love life before."
Ron looked horrified at the thought, Hermione shook her head dispelling the last of her laughter. The trio took their shots and embraced in another group hug. The birthday witch was starting to feel a little fuzzy and unsteady. The friends made their way back to the table, noting that Remus had left.
"No more Firewhiskey, please?" Hermione begged when George asked what she'd like to drink. She couldn't think straight enough to order a beverage she desired, she just knew that more whiskey would end with her head in a toilet.
"Wine for the lady," George said placing a glass in front of her.
Hermione hadn't noticed his approach, she was watching the pub door with great interest. Neither did she notice Harry and Ron's glances to each other or their badly disguised smirks.
Lifting her glass and missing her mouth by a few inches prompted Hermione to admit that she had had enough. She stood and wobbled dangerously, George's arm snaked it's way around her waist.
"Woah, Professor Granger," his voice was low and teasing. "Steady on."
"Who's going to side-along the birthday girl?" George asked the group.
"No! No side-along," Hermione protested. "I'll just vomit all over someone's shoes, please, let's just walk."
With Harry and Ron linked on either arm, the small group started in the direction of Hogwarts. The older Weasleys had bid them goodbye in Hogsmeade and Floo'd home. The Golden Trio, Neville and George all walked the familiar path from their childhood. Each one swapping stories along the way. George it seemed had spent several Hogsmeade afternoons hidden in the tree line with some willing witch.
"Pity the professor here got a little too tipsy tonight," he said gesturing to Hermione who was feeling a little steadier as they walked on. "I've been waiting for a chance to show her the bushes in Hogsmeade."
"George!" Ron scolded his brother while Hermione and Harry laughed.
By the time the group approached the castle gates Hermione could walk without assistance. When everyone was thoroughly hugged and the final birthday well wishes were done, Hermione and Neville made their way across the green toward the front door. Once outside her door Neville wished her goodnight and set off in the direction of his quarters. Thankful he hadn't hung around expecting an invite for a nightcap, Hermione closed her door with a soft click.
Inside her living room, Hermione removed her cardigan and slumped onto her couch. Toying with a strand of her hair she bit her lip. She was annoyed that Snape made no effort to show his face at her party after she extended a personal invite. Even poor Remus had showed up. Thrumming her fingers on the couch and frowning, just as she was about to untie her shoes and head to bed she decided against it.
Without a second thought the witch left her room in a hurry. The castle was dark and deserted, she hadn't ever roamed these halls alone after midnight. Fumbling with her wand she light a quick Lumos and continued on. The portraits along the way informed her of their distaste at being woken so late. Shushing them as she powered through the halls, she quickly found herself standing at the corridor leading to the dungeons.
What was she doing, she thought frozen on the steps leading into the cold underbelly of the castle. What was the plan? Find Professor Snape and scold him for not attending a birthday party filled with people he openly disliked? Well, he could at least apologise for not making an effort, she thought. Squaring her shoulders she continued on with a little less confidence than before.
"Miss Granger," she jumped at the sound of his voice piercing through the silent halls. "What are you doing?"
Heart thumping painfully in her chest, Hermione turned slowly to face the Potions Master. Reminding herself that she was not a misbehaving student that he could deduct points from, but an adult, a teacher, a colleague.
"I came to ask why you didn't come for a drink with me tonight?" She stepped forward closing the distance between them, causing him to take a step back. His back was against the cold, stone wall.
"You must not be as clever as you think you are," he hissed back. "If you truly thought I would spend what little free time I have at my disposal in the presence of Potter and the likes."
"Ok, so what has been filling your precious free time this evening?"
"Miss Granger…"
"I wish you'd stop calling me that," she said interrupting him and taking another step forward, lowering her wand and cancelling her Lumos.
"Why? Because it makes you feel inadequate?"
"No, Severus," looking up at him she watched his eyes narrow at her uninvited use of his given name. "It's because," she stepped closer again, he seemed to mould himself to the wall. "I don't want you to think of me as your student."
Using her wand free hand she boldly slid her fingers up the front of his frock coat, tugging slightly on the line of buttons. Using her grip on his front she lifted onto her toes and placed her lips against his.
Hermione's self awareness suddenly came flooding back as she held herself up against Snape. He hadn't moved an inch since she pressed her mouth to his. Just as fear and shame started to take over, his hand suddenly grasped her hip, his thumb slipping under her T-shirt. The touch of his skin on hers echoed through her like a song.
Hermione ran her tongue along the seam of his mouth seeking entry, to her utter delight he opened for her exploration. Tugging his collar to bring him closer then snaking her fingers into his hair she lost herself in his mouth.
Snape's fingers moved gently, further up her side, making contact with her ribs and Hermione couldn't stop herself moaning around his tongue.
Then, as quickly as it had started he pushed her away and fled.
She didn't know how long she stood, staring at the dungeon wall. Shame flooded her veins. Dropping her head and reigniting her wand she made her way back through the castle to her chambers.
Standing in the dim light of her living room with her fingers pressed against her lips, Hermione caught sight of something out of place on her coffee table. Making her way over and sitting down heavily on the couch she pulled the unknown item closer to inspect it. A bottle of Elf-made wine sat, wrapped in plain silver paper, beside it a note in familiar spiky script.
'Happy Birthday, SS.'