Author's Note: My penance for the long awaited chapters, are these revised chapters. This fourth one brings us up to speed with where we left off. Now there are the additional prologue chapters, which I felt needs to be a part of this story. I hope you will tell me if they should have just stayed out or not. And on that note: Reviews make me happy, and review fuel the fire that stays up late at night working through the chapters. So please review and let me know what you think.

Chapter 2: The one at the Ministry of Magic

She had been running late once again. And once again it was all because of work. Hermione Granger did not think it was very efficient to ask her to return home only to come back to a gathering at the Ministry. By the end of the night she would have spent the greater part of her waking hours at the Ministry of Magic. Having been in the building at seven-thirty sharp first thing in the morning, she expected that she would not be able to slip away from the festivities any sooner than nine that evening.

She could quite easily throw it all to hell and choose not to go - claim illness of one sort or another. However, Hermione was smart enough to be wary of the downpour that would rain upon her from the higher ups if she did not show up. Being a veteran of the Second Wizarding War put Hermione in the precarious status of war hero - she scoffed silently- and employee of the Ministry of Magic - this accompanying scoff was anything but silent.

She had returned home to her tiny flat some time after six that evening. Having decided that she would walk from her little flat in London to the main entrance of the Ministry, Hermione opted for muggle attire for the event. A deep purple vintage dress her mother had picked up in South Elderberry. The long sleeves of the floor length dress was perfect for the weather.

She had never been a fussy dresser, and so it did not take long for her to retire her work robes for the night and slip into the dress. A little barefoot running around through the flat searching for the black clutch preceded her departure. Shoes on, clutch tucked against her side, she exited her home whilst in the process of clasping the simple earrings her Grandma Eve had passed on to her.

Out on the street, Hermione did not bother with a warming charm, instead she chose to enjoy the chill of the evening breeze as brief goose pimples erupted on her arms and spread up along her neck. The warmth of the Ministry was in sharp contrast to the temperature of the streets of London, and once at the foyer Hermione was glad to be rid of her winter robes. Her entrance had been without commotion - she was glad for it.

The hustle and bustle that still seemed to surround Harry Potter was a constant reminder that she had made the right choice to stay in the shadows. This was especially useful during weeks like the one she had just had. Hermione was pursuing the submission of a Bill that was in effect a matured copy of her S.P.E.W campaign at Hogwarts and sought equal rights for all magical beings, wizards, witches and otherwise. She knew that the media frenzy that surround Harry could provide the right mass leverage for such a controversial Act, but Hermione was too proud, and stubborn, to stoop to the likes of the Daily Prophet.

Waiting at the make shift bar for her drink, she left her eyes wander over the crowd. The main atrium of the Ministry was swarming with delegates, employees, war heroes, and other Wizarding personalities - otherwise described as being packed to the rafters. In the sea of bodies very few friendly faces caught her attention. It was on her third survey that she laid eyes on the group she had been hoping for.

Centaurian wine in hand, Hermione weaved her way through the mass. It was as she reached her friends, that the scruff of black of Harry's hair accompanied by the amber of Ginny caught her attention. It seemed the two were walking with the Minister. She assumed that it was as it always happened at these sorts of functions: Harry Potter was being showcased to the who of Wizarding society, especially to the visiting delegates.

She weaved her way through the masses, heading towards the left furthest corner of the atrium.

'Hermione!'

Neville's voice managed to carry over the rather loud conversations surrounding them. Next to him the excited wave of Luna flooded her vision.

She smiled at them, waiting to get closer before greeting them properly.

It was a small group of Hogwarts alumni standing together in a close circle. The odds and ends that made up the grouping would have easily taken Hermione by surprise before the war. More so, it was Luna who had brought together this mismatched group of people. Even now, so long after she had cemented her friendship with the blond, Hermione found herself surprised at how Luna had managed such a feat.

Amongst the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws and Slytherins mingled. Luna chastised herself often enough for not finding sufficient Hufflepuffs to fulfil the quota. It seemed that whilst she was able to bring together Slytherins and Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs were not quick to take to her eccentricity.

This was something that Hermione valued, even if it had come out of the disastrous war. House allegiances were put aside for the purposes of cooperation, and even friendship. Admittedly, come Hogwarts quidditch or house points, even the alumni were unable to leave their colours at the door. As Ron had once proclaimed, to the detriment of his voice during the Hogwarts Quidditch Field Day: 'We bleed gold and red, through and through.'

That had been some two years ago. Back then she and he were still very much an item. Her fingers ghosted over the ring finger on her left hand.

'… you should join us up at the Castle. Neville sorted out some rooms for me whilst he helps with documenting the life cycles of the Dabberblimps at the boathouse.'

'I don't think I'll be able to manage time away from work, Luna.'

'No eggs broken.'

Luna adjusted the Spectrespecs, resting it more firmly against the hilt of her fringe.

'Be cautious of the Nargles over Christmas the warmer Autumn had them really excited -'

'More than they would be during mistletoe season?'

'Exactly, Neville,' Luna harmonised. 'Much more.'

'I do have my pair of Dirigible plum earrings handy just for the season.'

'You really should have worn them today, Hermione.'

'Next time for sure.' Hermione smiled. Even though she was not concerned about the Nargles, Luna's concern was nonetheless heartwarming.

'You know, Neville here is just asking for trouble.'The Ravenclaw looked at him accusingly, before continuing, 'He has gone and lost his pair.'

'Luna, earrings would do me no good.' Neville looked exasperated. 'It really is not like I wear earrings.'

Luna's deadpan seriousness carried forth, 'Well then how do you expect to keep the Nargles at bay, Longbottom.'

Their small group grew and reduced as former schoolmates merged through for a quick hello and a tete te.

'Is that Snape?' Padma Patil had questioned.

'Professor Sna-,' Hermione stopped short of the instinctive correction.

Once it had registered in her consciousness, her eyes had flicked across the room, following the gaze of the others. Her breath hitched, unnoticeably, when her sight found the stature of Severus Snape. She had penned some five or so missive to the man, and each time had found herself lacking in Gryffindor courage to actually send the owl his way. There had been no hide or sight of the man since the Order gathering at the Burrow.

The Professor and Hermione had found themselves locked in a fervent embrace, a mere few feet away from their friends and colleagues who were gathered in the backyard of the Weasley homestead. Even now, Hermione revelled in how he had held her to him. She blushed at the thought. Severus had seemed at ease against the wall of the Burrow, a hand buried in the mane she called hair, and the other canvasing her back and torso. Simply, Severus Snape and Hermione Granger had found themselves absorbed in a very heated snogfest, with each other.

At the end of that night, his kisses had slowed to light pecks and his hands had moved to cup her face. He had been more gentle than she would have ever expected him to be.

'Hermione, I need to be going,' he had said whilst his thumb had gently stroked her cheekbone.

Numbly she nodded. She wasn't sure whether her state was a result of snogging Severus Snape or whether it was the way he said her name.

'This has been nice.'

No sooner had he spoken, that Hermione Granger was left sitting upon her cloak, now rumpled beneath her, staring at the trees further ahead of her.

'… wasn't too pleased with Minerva at breakfast-'

'Didn't you say he called her a hag,' Luna interrupted.

'Well I thought I heard him say so. But then maybe I'm imagining things…'

'Neville, you can't still fear him, you work with him for Merlin's sake,' Ginny Weasley piped in.

'Hardly. I help maintain the greenhouses and teach a couple of classes. Still training. If Pamona did not insist I prepare the Shrivelfigs, Snape would have no reason to speak to me.'

He snorted slightly, and added, 'Or even in my direction.'

'Snape?'

'Severus Snape?'

The Weasley twins chimed, in unison, joining the conversation.

'You know any others?'

Ginny said, causing a little shiver from Neville at the thought of more Snape's billowing about.

'Ain't he a dastardly fellow-'

'In all his menacing silence-'

'And, Freddie, don't forget that standoffish allure -'

'Without him, Minerva would have made it out alive!'

The exchange between the two brothers was watched the group in its entirety. Thankfully, their showmanship had continued to exist even after Fred's death.

'George, my darling brother, I cannot believe you did not think of modifying the Protego Totalum for the poppers.'

'Fred, that really is your area of expertise.'

'Me? No wand, no spells.'

'No wand, you're right…'

As the conversations raged around her, Hermione found her eyes continue to be drawn across the room to the man in black. He moved gracefully through the space, and she would wager that the sardined in with the huddled masses were not his idea of an evening well spent.

Later as she stood at the bar waiting for a glass of water, the smooth baritone invaded her consciousness, 'No Schletters tonight?'

'Good evening, Professor.'

She only hoped that her voice did not betray her as she fought to control the quickened beat in her chest.

'I would hardly label an evening spent in the masses as good.'

She was certain she felt his breath against her ear as he spoke.

Finally turning to face him, Hermione found him close. He was much closer to her than she had anticipated. The man towered over her.

'So not a good evening then?'

'Hard to say,' a smirk on his lips, 'It isn't over yet.'

'I'd say another hour before one could respectfully flee.'

'Hermione Granger shirking her duties, oh my how scandalous,' the smirk had not left.

Instead of responding right away she took a sip from her glass.

'Water really does not have the same taste as Ogden's,' she spoke softly, her eyes studying his face for a reaction.

She didn't find any, instead Severus looked around the room. His eyes glanced over the crowd.

When his gaze returned to her face, he leaned in slightly, her breath catching, 'I suspect there is some where quieter we can continue.'

She nodded, untrusting of her voice.

Her body betrayed her as her hand reached out to capture his, pulling him lightly along behind her. They circled the room, moving silently along the east edge, and then climbing the stairs up.

The momentary madness passed, and she dropped his hand unceremoniously as they reached the second level.

'Magical Medicinal Regulation is just through there to the left,' she motioned. 'And, Carl Hopkins is down the fourth corridor in the A-D-R-U, you might remember him, he was-'

'Hermione, you're babbling.'

'I'm sorry -'

'No need to apologise.'

'You make me nervous,' she spoke frankly.

He looked at her. Unwilling to look away, but unable to find the words.

She continued, 'I tried you know, a few times to write to you, but I couldn't. I couldn't quite find the courage.'

'I'm certain you've faced worse, Hermione.'

'You kissed me,' at the rise of his eyebrow, she corrected, 'We kissed, and then I don't know.'

'My intention is to apologise for that.'

'There is no need for an apology-'

'Let me finish, Miss Granger. I should have refrained from taking advantage of your inebriated state. The evening had been a little unbearable, and I used you as an escape. I should not have.'

'Don't you worry, I made sure to take enough advantage in my own right.'

'I'm old enough to be your father,' he struggled out the thought.

'Thanks but that position is already filled,' she smiled at him coyly.

Taking a step closer to him, she placed her hand on his shoulder, her eyes meeting his, 'I welcomed the escape.'

She stretched up on her tip toes and lightly kissed his cheek before moving away.

'What … What are you doing?' He questioned, watching as Hermione steadied herself against the wall, a hand reaching down to undo the straps of her shoes.

One came off, and then the other.

'I can't well let them slip into the crowd,' was all she said in explanation.

As she spoke, she swiftly arranged herself on the floor, sliding her legs under the railings she let them hanging out over the edge of the platform.

'What is your affinity with the floor?'

'I do some of my best work on the floor,' at his widening grin she felt compelled to overcorrect, 'I mean work things, and reading things.'

Severus let out a soft chuckle as he shook his head at her. He did not criticise her position any further and soon he too, awkwardly at best, had settled on the floor next to her. The two made for good conversation. And more often than not Severus' dark, dry wit made her laugh out.

Some time later when they stood to leave, it was Hermione who caught him off guard. Platitudes spoken, she leaned in close and on her tip toes she briefly pressed her lips to his.

It was over almost as soon as it started.

'Good night, Professor,' she called behind her as she retreated, a hand raised in a wave and the other dangling her shoes at her side.

The scent of green apples stayed with him.