A/N: I don't own Harry Potter

This is for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Writing Club March

Showtime: 8- Cry for Me – (word) Fool

Word Count: 733

Severus had just settled onto his usual stool. It was covered in a greyish leather that at one point might have been black. He didn't really care about the color, only that it provided a line of sight to the door. Since the war had started, he could not stand to have his back facing an exit or entrance. Most people might consider him paranoid.

It wasn't paranoia when one was serving two very dangerous masters, it was common sense. He ordered his usual drink and had barely taken a sip when the door swung open. For a brief second, he was unable to see who had entered, then as the crowd parted, his heart sank. The one wizard whom he did not wish to see was standing there, cane in hand, looking around the dimly lit bar.

Severus debated leaving, just getting up and leaving. It would prevent him from having to talk to Lucius at least. Although, he would run the risk of walking past his ex-lover. He was still debating when the witch on the stool next to him turned and looked at him.

"Need some help?" she asked. Severus blinked, staring at her.

"I'm sorry?"

"That man who just walked in, Malfoy, right? You look like you'd seen a ghost, what's he to you? Your ex?" she asked. Severus nodded slowly, a vague idea forming in his head. Maybe if he appeared to be occupied, Lucius would ignore him. If it looked as though he were on a date, that he'd moved on...

"Yes, he is. I'm Severus, and you are?" he asked. She smiled, a not so perfect smile. Her front teeth were a little long, but on her it looked almost cute.

"Hermione,and yes, I can be your date this evening, if you'd like," she answered, sliding a little closer to him. She slid his drink next to his.

"Why are you willing to help me?" Severus asked.

"Because, no one should have to face their ex in a bar, alone, and still sober if the fact your drink is completely full is any indication. Since this is a date, why don't we get to know each other? What do you do?"

"I'm a teacher. You?"

"I worked for the ministry, well, in a round about way. I used to work in the Department of Mysteries, I was an unspeakable."

"Was?"

"Long complicated story that would make anyone's head hurt, especially if you thought about it too much. Now, I'm here, and trying to something new. Know anyone that's hiring?" she asked. Severus nodded slowly. He could tell Hermione was smart, the way she seemed to know things about him. She seemed to be able to read a situation.

"I might. Would you be interested in teaching. I know Albus Dumbledore."

"That fool?" she laughed. "I would expect you do if you're a teacher. I doubt he'd want to speak with me, or maybe he would, that would be a laugh."

"You're different from the other witches around here."

"True," Hermione answered, giving Severus another smile. "Maybe, it's because I'm not from around here," she suggested.

"Then where..."

"Oh, looks like your ex is coming this way. Here, quick," she said, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him into a tight embrace. Her lips pressed against his. Severus felt his entire body heat up, felt his trousers tighten slightly. He returned the kiss, matching and then exceeding Hermione's passion. They heard Lucius walk away. Slowly, Hermione broke the kiss, her eyes meeting Severus'.

"Looks like he's gone," she stated, as they heard the door open and slam shut.

"So it appears. Um, thank you for helping me avoid him, Hermione."

"It was my pleasure, seeing you like this, not broken," she murmured. Severus blinked, looking at her. Her eyes widened as she seemed to realize what she'd said.

"I think I would like to hear that long complicated story about working for the Department of Mysteries and not being from here. Perhaps at my home?"

"You have coffee?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, I do."

"Perfect, I'd be happy to join you for coffee. You'll need it to keep awake if you want to hear my story," she added with a laugh.

"Very well then, shall we?" he asked, offering her his arm. She took it and he led her out of the bar and into the night.