Chapter 4: Hello, Lovey

January 1982

"She's living with Alona, and my witch says she trusts her. But are you certain that we could tell her about our friendship?" Kingsley asked him for the third time.

Severus and his friend were at his family home in Spinner's End, Cokeworth. The house was located in a Muggle area. A poor area, actually. His house was old and unhandsome outside, but it was furnished and well-kept inside. No Death Eaters had attempted or bothered to visit him at his place because of its location. The only friend he had invited here had been Kingsley.

And now, he wanted to invite Hermione. He told his Auror friend about it.

"Yes. She is someone I adore, and I want her to trust me."

"Haven't seen you like this, my friend. I must say, this is a good change in you," Kingsley smirked. "But would you let me look into her background? You know, just to make sure she can be trusted."

He shook his head. "You wouldn't find anything. She was privately educated by Master Dagworth-Granger. People know little about that wizard."

"You're right. And with the master's cousin being the Head of the Department of Mysteries… Hmmm…" Kingsley ran a hand on his beardless jaw, giving him a suspicious look.

He frowned. He didn't like what Kingsley was thinking. In the past, yes, he would agree with him when he was being suspicious. But this was about his Hermione. He would not allow his friend to think that his dear Hermione could not be trusted.

"You know, Alona says she knows little about Hermione Puckle."

"And yet, your witch trusts her."

Kingsley ignored what he said, and his eyes narrowed. He had this suspicious look. "I wonder what secret she's been hiding."

"Kingsley," he called his friend's name in a firm tone. "Everyone has secrets. She will tell Alona whenever she's ready. Leave her alone."

Kingsley held up his hands in surrender. "I'm all about constant vigilance, my friend. You know very well that we wouldn't be able to keep this friendship for a decade if it weren't for constant vigilance."

He sighed and gave his friend an apologetic look. "I am aware. Forgive me. However, this is my Hermione, and I know that we can trust her."

Kingsley shrugged. "If you say so. By the way, your birthday falls on a weekday, so why don't we celebrate it on Sunday instead?"

He shrugged. "Drinks? Sure."

.

Hermione was standing outside an old, brown, terraced house with a very sad neighborhood, holding a round cake covered in white frosting and a single candle at the centre. Alona was standing behind her, holding a tray of mini quiches and mini sausage rolls. Last week, it was their colleague Martha's birthday, and Hermione decided to bake her a mini cake. Just a plain round cake with white frosting. Also, last weekend, she made quiche and sausage rolls for her and Alona. Yes, she could be a good baker, but not a good cook, enough to cook her everyday meals.

Her roommate had an idea. Apparently, Kingsley's best friend would be celebrating his birthday, as well. Alona asked her to bake the cake she made for Martha. She agreed and Alona took care of the ingredients and with Alona's help, she was able to make mini quiches and mini sausage rolls for Kingsley's best friend.

She could not believe it when Alona and Kingsley confessed that the Auror was secret friends with Professor Severus Snape. Of course, she didn't tell them how surprised she was. She just asked a few questions, like how they managed it, and if it was true that he was a spy. Alona and Kingsley assured her that Severus Snape was a good man.

She knew that. Otherwise, she would not agree to bake for him. Now, it was time to deliver.

Holding the cake with one hand, she knocked on the door.

.

"Get up and open the door. It's your birthday cake," Kingsley grinned.

He rolled his eyes and got up. "I'm a grown man. I don't have a need for a birthday cake," he muttered as he went to open the door. As soon as he met the most beautiful witch he had ever laid eyes on, Severus took his words back.

"Professor Snape." Hermione greeted with a curt nod. Severus took her appearance in. Her lips were slightly painted pink, and her cheeks were red. Did she put on makeup, or was she blushing? She was wearing a brown winter coat and brown boots. Under her coat, she was wearing a pair of Muggle jeans that made her look shapelier.

He smirked and opened the door wider for her. "Hello, lovey. It's Severus. Please call me Severus, and please do come in."

She was clearly expecting to see him on the other side of the door because she didn't look shocked. She raised an eyebrow at him. "I thought you said you don't need a cake."

"Well, I didn't know it would be delivered by you."

"Baked and delivered by none other than Hermione Puckle," quipped Alona behind Hermione. Kingsley's witch was holding a tray of food. "Move along so we can eat these goodies made by her."

He took the cake from Hermione and took her hand with his free hand to lead her inside. He wasn't going to let her escape. Not until they shared a meal.

.

Severus's hand was sweaty, but Hermione's heart jumped at the contact. She felt rather giddy but did her best to hide it. Severus Snape should not know she liked him, too. And when he used that pet name – lovey, she almost lost it. Her lips wanted to break into a grin.

He was still holding his hand when they arrived in the dining room. He released her hand for a moment to put the cake on the table, then reached for her again. "Thank you for this. I'm certain it's delicious," he muttered affectionately.

She raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Are you? You don't think I'm trying to poison you?"

He chucked and his other hand touched her curls that were free from a ponytail. He twirled a curl in his finger. "I'm a potions master, love. Not to brag, but the best in Britain. I can put a stopper to death."

Her smile disappeared just like that, picturing Professor Snape dying alone in the Shrieking Shack. Her younger self wanted to help him on that day. Yes, she tried to stop the bleeding and reach inside his pockets for potions – anything. But they could not do more than that, and they had to hurry because someone was coming and then they heard Voldemort's voice.

Hermione went back to the Shrieking Shack after Harry defeated Voldemort, but he was gone.

He didn't put a stopper to death. His death was Nagini. No one anticipated how venomous that monster of a snake was.

She pulled away from him. "Happy birthday, Professor," she said despite him asking her to call him 'Severus'. "I must go. I have somewhere I need to be."

.

He wanted to stop her while she was saying goodbye to Alona and Kingsley, but he didn't. He respected her decision to leave. He savoured the cake she made, and stared at one piece of mini quiche, imagining her making it, before eating it. He pictured her beautiful hands making the sausage rolls. He pictured her in his kitchen, wearing an apron, her hair in a loose bun and she was smiling at him.

I'm not giving up, Hermione, he decided. I won't stop until I make you mine.

.

February 1982

"Hogwarts needs our help. There has been poisoning on Valentine's Day and with the teaching and Head of House duties, Professor Snape needs another hand with Potion brewing, according to Professor Dumbledore," their Head Potioneer, Madam Avery, explained that day at the meeting.

There was silence in the room. Clearly, no one wanted to work with Professor Snape.

"So, who among you is willing to work at Hogwarts for three days?" asked Madam Avery.

"Madam," came Alona's professional voice, "I think if there's a person who could work with Professor Snape, it's Miss Puckle. We all saw how she worked under pressure last week there was an urgent and peculiar case of poisoning."

Last week, one Magizoologist had been poisoned by a rare kind of snake in the Continent. The Healers were shouting at them – the entire Potions Department – to quickly find a cure for the patient. Hermione had been yelled at, but she continued working – researching, brewing, and testing.

"I agree with Alona," quipped Martha.

Madam Avery gave her a questioning look, and she nodded. "Excellent, I shall send a letter to the headmaster."

Alona pulled her aside after their meeting. "Enjoy three days with your suitor," she whispered and winked at her."

.

Two days later, Hermione traveled by Floo to the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts where Professor Snape was already waiting. Professor Dumbledore greeted and welcomed her to Hogwarts. It was a warm yet brief welcome and just like the others in Hermione's past, he offered her Lemon Drops, to which she politely refused. After the pleasantries, she was escorted by Professor Snape into his Potions laboratory. The wizard did not say anything, and they just walked in silence until they reached his office.

He placed his right palm on the door. "Hermione," he whispered.

She turned to him with a questioning look, then she realized that her name was his password because the door opened as soon as he whispered it. Professor Snape opened the door for her and let her inside.

"How are you, lovey?" he asked in his gentle tone with his signature smirk when they were finally inside.

She faced him with her arms crossed over her chest. "Creeped out because of your password."

"You have a beautiful name, and I really like saying it more often," he smiled, and it looked sincere.

"Then why don't you stop that pet name and call me by my name?"

Professor Snape walked towards her slowly, never breaking eye contact. Then, he raised a hand to touch her curls. "Because I like giving you a pet name as well," he whispered, his breath fanning her face. She inhaled a lemony scent, and it wasn't weird or unpleasant.

Hermione's heart was thumping enormously, and she could feel something between her legs. It was like a tickle.

He placed his other hand on her back, holding her to him firmly. "Go on a date with me," he breathed. His lips were almost an inch closer to hers.

"The puzzle," she murmured.

Professor Snape smiled and released her, then took a step back. "Right. Forgive me. I almost forgot that."

She composed herself and gave him a challenging look. "Professor Snape, forgetting something? Shall I alert the headmaster? A Potions Master's forgetfulness might place his students in danger."

"You make me forget myself," he teased.

She rolled her eyes at him and pretended that she wasn't amused by him. "Now, where's your laboratory? I'm here to work, you know."

He smirked and waved his hand to the left of the room. "This way, my lady."

She followed him to the laboratory. There were already potion recipes on the table and some ingredients. They worked in silence for a moment, and thirty minutes later, he announced that he had to leave for his classes.

Hermione worked on the potions and focused on brewing. She always had a sense of urgency. She did not stop until the potion she was currently working on was done. She did not even go to the Great Hall for lunch. She only touched the plate of roast beef sandwiches and a pitcher of pumpkin juice, that suddenly appeared earlier, when she was finished bottling her potion.

At dinnertime, she was invited to eat at the Great Hall, and there was a seat for her beside Professor Snape's. The members of the staff interacted with her and mostly asked her about her educational background. But Professor Snape made a 180-degree turn. He did not acknowledge her in public, at all.

When she was done eating, she politely said goodbye to the members of the staff and walked to his office. It was time to go home. She felt Professor Snape followed her. When she entered his office (it was weird saying her name for the password), he quickly caught up.

"I'm leaving. Good night, Professor," she announced stiffly, not looking at him. In private, he was persistent in asking her out, but in public – in front of his colleagues—he would not even acknowledge her. Was he just toying with her?

"Hey, Hermione," he called when she was about to step into the fireplace.

She turned to him with a cold stare. "Yes, Professor?"

"I have two movie tickets…" he said cheerfully.

"Oh, nice," she deadpanned, cutting him off. "Watch the movie twice." She went to the fireplace and left.

.

"How was your day with Severus?" asked Alona when she finally made it home after Flooing to the hospital, then Apparating home. Her roommate was smiling like the Cheshire Cat.

She scowled. "He wouldn't even acknowledge me in public. He isn't serious."

To her surprise, Alona giggled. "Hermione, he doesn't acknowledge Kingsley in public, but they have been friends for a decade now!"

She was still scowling when she sat on their plush sofa. Inside, she felt like an idiot. Whatever happened to your brilliant mind, Hermione Jean Granger? She berated herself. Of course, he's still a spy and he's the Head of Slytherin House. He can't be seen going soft and looking in love with a witch from Nowhere.

"Stop laughing at me," she threw a pillow at Alona, but her expression was soft.

"You like him. Just admit it!" Alona said, still giggling.

"I don't peg him as a family man," she admitted, her cheeks warming.

Alona stopped laughing but grinned when she saw her face. "Are you telling me that you are looking for a serious relationship?"

"Why? Does Professor Snape only want a short, amorous relationship?" she snorted.

"Of course not," Alona assured her. "But I didn't think you were. Don't get me wrong. It's just that, you rarely say anything about marriage and love."

She shrugged. "It would be nice to have a family someday."

"But not with Severus," Alona said, rather forlorn.

"I just don't see him as a family man."

.

That night, when she went to bed, she dreamt of him. In her dream, she was sitting on his worktable in his private laboratory, wearing her usual work robes, and Severus was standing between her legs. He was kissing her and reaching inside her robes. Hermione felt good and excited, so she reached for his frock coat's buttons and responded to his kiss. His tongue grazed hers, and they shared wet kisses. His hands moved from her thighs to her cloth-covered pussy and hip. Hermione arched her body as if offering herself to him. His lips left her mouth, but only to lick her neck. He sucked at the skin there, and his hands worked on her robes, opening them. He pushed her onto the table and pulled down the cups of her lacy bra –

Wait, when did I buy a lacy bra?

— and licked her nipples before sucking them.

"Please," she pleaded.

And then, the scene was different. Her body was separating from the one underneath Severus. She was moving away, and now, she was a spectator. The woman's hair underneath Severus turned from brown to auburn.

"I love you, Lily," she heard Severus say after releasing the witch's breasts and he kissed her on the lips.

Hermione woke up with tears in her eyes. Lily Evans. It'll always be her until he takes his last breath.

.

The following morning, Professor Snape was already in the Great Hall for breakfast when Hermione arrived. There was a note for her at the worktable – the very worktable in her dream last night. She felt a pang of pain and anger. Anger to whom, she didn't know.

Lovey,

Here's a coin with Protean Charm for our communication. Please utilize this to inform me about the progress of the potions and if you simply need something.

I'll be in the Great Hall having breakfast by the time you arrive. Don't try to miss me too much.

Yours,

Severus

Hermione, still fuming and angry at the desk – yes, she was now mad at the desk, picked the coin and sent him a message.

Hermione: Got your coin. Thanks.

His response was instant.

Severus: Just finished breakfast. I'm heading to the greenhouses to pick out some daisy leaves. I won't be long, so try not to think of me.

Hermione: NOT INTERESTED TO KNOW WHERE YOU ARE.

She went back to potion-making, ignoring the new message on the coin. After fifteen minutes, he entered the laboratory, carrying a box. "Hello, lovey!" he greeted with a smile.

"Morning, Professor," she murmured without looking up.

She felt him behind her, and he was looking over her shoulder. She felt him rest his chin on her shoulder. "Good work. I could kiss you right now."

"Get away from me," she said with a hint of annoyance.

Professor Snape chuckled and moved away. "What has gotten your knickers in a twist?"

"I don't like this table," she suddenly said before she could even realize what she was thinking.

"Why? Is there something wrong?" he asked in a concerned tone.

She shook her head. "Never mind."

"If you need anything or you're not comfortable with anything in my laboratory, tell me anytime. I'll give you what you need," he said gently. Affectionately.

She just nodded and focused on slicing the roots she needed for brewing.

"I'll be in class."

.

On Hermione's last day at Hogwarts, Professor Snape was tied up in classes and Head of House duties more than ever, so they didn't have time to talk about the potion or anything. He mostly let her handle the brewing, and Hermione left before dinnertime, while the Head of Slytherin House was in a meeting with the Headmaster, two sixth-year Slytherins, and their parents.

She received messages through the coin, but she did not respond because they were not work-related.

Severus: It's Flitwick's birthday and a cake appeared in front of him earlier at breakfast…

Hermione frowned at the message, thinking of what Severus was saying, but then another message appeared.

Severus: Can't stop thinking of the birthday cake you baked for me. It was so good and so special that I refused to share it with anyone.

Hermione smiled at the message, and she felt her cheeks blush.

Severus: When is the avenging angel going to bake again for me?

Her heart sank. Her heart wanted to respond and flirt with him, but the logical part of her mind stopped her.

She missed his banters. She missed his voice and smile. But she knew that nothing could happen between them. Professor Snape had always been single, and would always be single, devoting his life to espionage and defeating Voldemort. His purpose in life was all about protecting Harry Potter, the son of the only woman he had ever loved.

Before she left Hogwarts that day, she left the coin on his worktable.