Who's Hermione's Paramour?

Summary: Hermione goes to a party, who will she hook up with? You decide!

Disclaimer: I do not make money with this, just playing in the sandbox.

Chapter 8 Severus

As Hermione scanned those in attendance, her eyes landed on Severus Snape. He was standing towards the back watching those around him. She noticed he spoke with those who approached him but didn't go out of his way to seek anyone out. Hermione quietly chuckled to herself, one would think the wizard would lighten up now that the War was over and he was beholden to no one but this was Severus after all. She wasn't sure if the man knew how to loosen up after being a spy for so long. She wasn't sure she would be able to.

Walking such a fine line was ingrained by now and it, most likely, would take twice as long to break the habit. Hermione didn't really mind, it made Severus more mysterious and dangerous. She had sat her N.E.W.T.s after the War had ended, while cleanup and rebuilding was going on. She had aced every subject and then had started an apprenticeship with Minerva right after. Once that apprenticeship was completed, she then got her mastery in Charms with Arithmancy following. Then she had been approached to become a Spell Crafter and how could she say no? It encompassed her three masteries then took them farther. She had enjoyed the challenge of crafting new spells or improving old ones, not many could accomplish the complexities that went into even improving an old spell but Hermione had thrived on it.

Now that that mastery was done, she wondered what she would do next. Potions maybe? Well, potions only if she could have a certain snarky Master take her on. Although she wouldn't hold her breath, she could always hope. However, her main goal was to see if the dour wizard would be interested in a romantic relationship with her. He had always fascinated her even when he was being a complete bastard towards her and her friends. His intelligence and strictness in class had been the hook, then the many times he had saved their arses had been the line and the sinker was his looks once she realized he was quite sexy.

Now she just needed to find out, so she caught his eye and started forward to invade his space with a smile.

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As Severus scanned those gathered, he couldn't help but internally roll his eyes. Christmas...bah humbug! It was another excuse to throw parties, dress to impress and guilt others into giving you something. It wasn't his favorite time of the year, to say the least. All the "good will to men" bull was just that, a load of bull. It wasn't that he thought being nice and considerate to those around you was a bad thing but why did it have to only one day to a few weeks of doing so? Why not be that way year round?

He hated the fact that he had no choice but to attend such events, being Headmaster and all. It was a title he had tried to push onto Minerva but she had dug her claws in and told him no in no uncertain terms. She thought he'd be a great Headmaster with no master to answer to. Yeah, right, what the bloody hell did she think the Board of Governors was? Oh well, at least the students had stopped cringing anytime he was near. The dunderheads had no clue just how many he saved by keeping a tight rein on the Carrows. It was why he had been so strict, anyone found out in the halls alone would find themselves regretting it, dearly.

Severus had done his best to keep everyone as safe as he could. Unfortunately, there were still those who broke the rules for no good reason but to break them. He had turned a "blind eye" to Neville Longbottom and a few others who had started the DA back up so they could help those Severus couldn't. He also appreciated their cunning in outsmarting so many DeathEaters at their own game. It had amazed him when he had first caught them but not as much as they had been surprised by his lack of action.

Once the initial meet-and-greet had been done, Severus had found a spot along the back wall, close to the doors, to lean against. He found several people went out of their way to chat with him, which surprised him greatly. Apparently, the Boy-Who-Lived-to-Spill-All's word was enough for most to overcome their disdain or mistrust of him. He had spoken to them but wouldn't go out of his way to chat anyone up. Then, she had entered.

Hermione Granger had arrived to the Ball and was dressed stunningly. Severus watched her from the moment she walked in until she started his direction, never taking his eyes off her for long. She was a breath of fresh air to him. Her genuine pleasure at the monstrosity the Great Hall had been turned into had made him rethink his opinion of the whole affair. She was truly caught up in the wonder of it all. Severus had to admit the pure joy that shown from her face and eyes had lifted his spirits considerably, not to mention she was quite easy on the eyes.

He was pleased to see Hermione had healed physically completely and, it would seem, was healing quite nicely emotionally. He knew she had been through more than most during the years leading to the War and then the War itself, a major target, but she hadn't let it hold her back or take her down. He wondered, as he watched her approach, if she would be interested in becoming a Potions Master under his tutelage to add to her most impressive list of masteries. Well, he guess his opportunity to ask was fast approaching.

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"Master Snape" Hermione greeted.

"Miss Granger" Severus returned.

"Psh, it's Hermione." Hermione countered.

Severus gave a small nod, "Then, call me Severus." He told her.

"How have you been? I haven't seen you since that dreadful night." Hermione inquired.

"I've been doing well, thank you. You? You seem in a much better place." Severus wanted to know.

"Very well, thank you. Amazing how much better my health has become when not having to constantly look over my shoulder." Hermione answered honestly.

"Indeed." Severus smirked. He knew exactly the toll something like that took.

"Are you here alone?" Hermione wondered. She couldn't imagine there were no witches wanting to be on his arm.

"I am." Severus answered.

Hermione caught the irritation that crossed his features before the wizard schooled his face. "Not in the mood for empty headed bints or dunderheads?" she smirked.

Severus managed to hold the bark of laughter at bay that had threatened to happen at the feisty witch's observation.

"You could say that, yes." he said instead.

Hermione heard the barest hint of amusement in his voice and chuckled. "We are two of a kind, Severus."

Severus cocked a brow at her, "Had many witches chasing you, have you? Not that I would blame them."

Hermione sputtered a bit before replying, "Um, well, maybe a few but mostly those who are only interested in the fame that would come with dating me. Much like those only interested in you because you are a "reformed DeathEater" and all that rot."

Severus smirked when Hermione became flustered from his comment. He meant what he said, she was a beautiful witch that had plenty, in all areas, to offer a partner. "Sadly, yes."

"I heard you recently finished your Mastery in Spell Crafting, that makes how many now?" Severus praised and asked.

"It would make my fourth." Hermione stood a bit straighter.

"Transfiguration, Charms, Arithmancy and now Spell Crafting; impressive, Hermione. Care to add a Potions Mastery to that list or do you have another already in the works?" Severus inquired seriously.

Hermione gave him a surprised look as she shook her head.

"Is that a no to Potions or no to having something being lined up?" Severus prompted with a smirk. She would always be a student of some sort and he respected her for that.

"That would be a no to having anything else lined up at the moment." Hermione answered, "However, a mastery in Potions is only of interest me if I had my pick of Masters to learn from."

"Is that right? Who would you choose?" Severus wondered, hoping she would say him but wasn't holding his breath either.

"You, of course. The most renown Potions Masters there is." Hermione smirked at being able to surprise the stoic wizard.

"I see. I suppose I could work you into my schedule." Severus deadpanned before a small smile appeared.

"Would you be so kind to a know-it-all?" Hermione asked, mostly joking. She really hoped he was serious because no other Master would fit the bill. After five years of being his student, she knew he would be strict but the things she could learn from the man had her head spinning, and in a good way.

"I will have the contract drawn up and sent to you tomorrow if you are serious." Severus stated, no humor to be seen.

"Yes!" Hermione quietly exclaimed. "I would very much like to be your apprentice, Master Snape."

"Very well. Expect my correspondence tomorrow." Severus formally replied.

"I only have one question..." Hermione hedged.

"Which would be?" Severus prodded.

"Are Masters and Apprentices allowed to have a relationship?" Hermione kept eye contact the whole time.

Severus' face showed nothing but inside he was "pumping his fist". "Yes, it is permitted." he answered, wanting her to say it so he knew she was serious. Asking about a relationship and truly wanting to be in one were two different things. Besides, he would need to have that in the contract so there would be no questions or suspicions later.

Hermione had a feeling he wanted her to state her intentions so she did. "Severus Snape, I would very much like to date you, if you are interested."

Hermione hadn't realized they were no longer in the Hall until the cool air hit her. When she looked around and turned her gaze to the wizard beside her, she knew why he had moved them out of view of the party. She went up on her tiptoes as Severus leaned down and they met somewhere in the middle. The kiss made her knees weak so she grabbed the front of his robes to keep herself upright as Severus wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her closer.

After sometime, they pulled away and breathed deeply.

"Wow!" was all Hermione could manage to say. Bloody hell the wizard knew how to kiss!

"Indeed." Severus agreed. For someone so young, Hermione Granger knew how to kiss a man. Well, she knew how to kiss him to make him want to do naughty things with and to her.

"My place or yours?" she managed breathlessly.

"Witch's choice." Severus answered quietly just before he was apparated to her flat. They spent the night learning each other's bodies and enjoying each other's company.

~FIN~