AN: Thank you for all the support! It is very deeply appreciated!

It was amazing to be someone else.

Severus sat at the kitchen table, smiling as he wrote his letter to Helen. The memory of her soft hand holding his was enough to make his heart race. Just the thought of her perfume sent warmth throughout his body. Everything about her was exciting, even if parts of her were eerily familiar.

It was only natural that he feel some sort of affection for her. Nobody had ever treated him as well as Helen did, except for Hermione. Then again, Hermione was his best friend. She was not the kind of person to be friends with someone she could not treat well. Still, Helen was different. Most women were not as sophisticated as her, nor were they as intelligent or witty. If her only flaw was that she was hopeless at geography, then she was as close to perfection as any woman could be. Then again, Hermione was close to perfection, but she was only his best friend. Best friends weren't meant to be perfect, just real. One was supposed to be honest with a best friend, one's true self with them.

In that case, Hermione was closer to perfection than anyone else he'd ever met. Despite his past and his sometimes present foul moods, she had not rejected him. He could be his true self around her, and she still accepted him. At some point, he needed to let her know how much he appreciated her acceptance.

Speaking of perfection and women, it was strange that he had no desire to kiss Helen. Even as they walked along the strip and watched the Bellagio Fountains dance in the night sky, there was no urge to kiss her. Odd given that last Monday he would've kissed Hermione had she given any indication that she was receptive to his advances. Had she wanted his lips to brush hers, he would've been happy to kiss her until neither of them could see straight. All Hermione needed to do was ask and he would be in her arms for as long as she'd allow him to be by her side.

He shook his head. No, that kiss would have been a terrible idea. There were too many extenuating circumstances, leading to that moment, ones which would have led to regret. They were stressed about the articles on Dumbledore's Army and the harassment she had endured. They wanted a release from the tension building in their lives, not a chance to declare their romantic sentiments to each other. Had he not had that dream about strip poker, kissing Hermione would never have crossed his mind.

That dream continued to puzzle him. There had to be some deeper meaning, though what it was Severus couldn't discern. The book he'd read said strip poker was a symbol one wanted to be free, or already felt free in one area of their lives. He couldn't deny that he felt free with Hermione. Perhaps he wanted that liberation in other areas of his life, hence the dream.

Helen gave him freedom too, especially when she only knew him in disguise. Severus Tobias Snape had a horrendous childhood. He grew up a poor halfblood on the wrong side of Cokeworth. Neither of Severus Tobias Snape's parents cared for him, nor did almost anyone else in Britain. Despite his best efforts, Severus Tobias Snape could never escape his terrible childhood or the mistakes he'd made as an adult.

Steven (he still hadn't thought of a middle name. That would come later) Turpin didn't have such a tragic could be a pureblood American who had loving parents and childhood friends who wrote to him every few days. Steven Turpin could go to top Wizarding universities and enjoy teaching children. He could be the gentleman nobody had ever allowed Severus Tobias Snape to be. In short, he could be perfect, something Severus Tobias Snape would never be.

He glanced at the parchment. Helen (he still didn't know her middle name. Should he ask her, or would that be inappropriate?) Belle was his ticket out of the horrors of his past. She could love the person he wanted to be, not the person he was. Instead of being weighed down by his past, he could be the man he always wanted to be, one he could create in his own image who had everything he'd ever yearned for.

The fact that she was familiar helped. There was something about her that made him feel as if he'd known her for years. Everything from the aroma of her perfume to the way she bit her lip to her love of piña coladas seemed to be something he'd already experienced. Severus wanted more of that familiarity, and more of the excitement that came from someone looking past his past to the man he could create.

With that in mind, he began writing:

Dearest Helen,

Has it only been twenty-four hours since we've last conversed? It seems like you have just left my sight, yet it seems as if I have not seen you in decades. I yearn to hold your hand in mine, to walk in the evening twilight with you, feeling the cool desert air waft from the mountains. How someone could capture my interest in such a short amount of time is beyond me. Still, I hope never to be released from your spell.

"Severus?"

Severus startled as his heart slowed.

"Severus? Are you there?"

Shit! Hermione was outside ready to play blackjack, a makeup game from the one missed on Friday.

How could he have forgotten her?

"Severus? Are you home?" Hermione called.

"I'll be with you in a second," Severus glanced at the parchment. Hermione didn't need to see his letter. The last thing he ever wanted was for her to feel abandoned or think that he would stop caring about her in light of a new woman in his life. No, he needed to hide it, lest she think he valued any woman over her.

In his haste, he put a book atop the letter. Granted, he wasn't one to leave books lying around, but he could always claim he was too deep in his research to put it away. With any luck, he and Hermione would spend the night discussing love potions, and the subject of the letter wouldn't be broached.

Satisfied that the parchment was hidden, he raced to the door and opened it. Hermione blinked and swallowed. "You look quite…"

"Disheveled?"

"No."

"Unattractive?"

"No, you're attractive in your own way."

"If you think I'm attractive, your standards are quite low."

"My standards are higher than anyone else I know."

He snorted.

"I was going to say you looked distracted," Hermione answered. "If this is a bad time, I can come back another time. The last thing I want to do is disturb you."

"No, you aren't disturbing me. Please come in," he gestured for her to enter.

"Are you certain?" Hermione asked.

"I am. It's always the perfect time to see you."

She didn't move.

"I apologize for my appearance. I got too involved in my research. Somehow, I lost track of time."

"If you need time to research…"

"I need someone to collaborate with," he replied. "I am having difficulty determining whether to add lacewing flies or tarantula eggs to an antidote for Amortenita."

"Oh yes, the antidote which isn't a hate potion," her eyes flickered in interest. "I remember you mentioning that about a week ago."

"Yes," he scratched the back of his neck. "I fear I have reached a few dead ends. Perhaps you could help me work through them."

"I'll see what I can do," she entered the house. "I can't promise that I'll be much help given I know far less about potions than you do. Still if you need someone to talk to, I am always up for an academic discussion. Hopefully I can prove helpful."

"Of course you'll be helpful," he shut the door. "You're the least dunderheaded person I know."

"That almost sounds like a compliment," she gave him a small grin.

"It is more of a statement on the world than a statement about you," he flicked his wrist "The world is full of dunderheads. Somehow, you've managed to avoid the virus which has infected the rest of humanity."

"I must have been vaccinated against dunderheadedness as a child."

"Now there is an idea," Severus' eyes gleamed, "we'll create a potion which gives people common sense. We'd make a fortune."

"If only such a thing existed," she laughed.

"I'm sure two brilliant minds such as us can think of something."

"Perhaps," Hermione stood in the doorway to the kitchen. "Do you want to order a pizza?"

"I would, but don't break the bank ordering one," he scowled. "I am still trying to figure out how you won the hand which determined who would buy pizza next."

"Perhaps my luck is changing, and my books are helping."

"One hand does not change one's fortune forever."

"True, but it could be the start of a new trend, one where I finally start winning."

"Careful, the house always lures in the gambler into their trap with a few winning hands and some gained money."

"They do it with expensive pizza too."

"True," Severus chuckled.

"Do you want another supreme?" There was a gleam in her eyes that warmed Severus' chest.

"Given that you won, you may pick the toppings."

"Sausage on one half and supreme on the other it is."

"Fine, but do not order the Italian sausage again," he began getting ice out of the freezer and placing it into the blender. "I get heartburn from that."

"We can go without then," she pulled out her wand and took a deep breath. Soon, a misty otter materialized. "Go to Pizza Castle and tell them we want a medium one half sausage and one half supreme pizza with two Mexican Coca-Colas."

The otter nodded before darting out the window into the neon-lit night.

"A Mexican Coca-Colda?" He quirked an eyebrow, that sense of familiarity creeping upon him again.

"Yes, I wanted a change of pace, and you once said you like Mexican Coca-Colas."

"I did mention that once," he drawled.

"So I decided why not treat ourselves to one?"

"I suppose we could," He moistened his lips.

"What?" She asked. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, you said nothing wrong, Everything you said was correct," he shook the image of Helen drinking the soda from his head. "I just thought you wanted a piña colada."

"I do," she shrugged. "I want to drink them at the same time though."

"At this hour though? You once said that caffeine too soon before bedtime keeps you up at night."

"Yes, but it's still early. Besides, the alcohol cancels out the caffeine."

"Fine, but the flavor may prove to be interesting."

"True but delicious. If you can mix piña coladas with cherry Dum Dums, why can't sodas be mixed for an excellent flavor?"

"Are you telling me you're beginning to pick up on my habits?" He smirked.

"I am," she had a gleam in his eyes.

"Careful Hermione," he grinned. "People may believe you have a genuine affection for me if you continue to play cards with me and take on my mannerisms."

"We can't have that now can we?" Hermione chuckled. "People may believe I'm capable of friendship. We cannot let people think such things now can we?"

"No, we cannot," Severus began blending his concoction.

At first, he thought he heard Hermione's voice, only for her to go silent. It was unlike her, but perhaps she didn't want to speak over the blender. Once he turned around, a chill went up his spine.

As if in slow motion, Hermione reached for the book on love potions, the book where his parchment was.

Of course a book was a terrible place to hide a love letter! Hermione took to books like a kneazle to catnip. How could he have thought she'd ever ignore a book?

"Stop!"

She froze mid motion, her eyes wide.

"Here," he took the parchment and rolled it up.

"What is that?" Hermione sat upright.

"Nothing," Severus turned to the doorway. "Just something I need to put in my office. You needn't be concerned with it."

"Are those research notes?"

"Yes," Severus swallowed.

"Oh good, we can use those in our research," she continued.

"No, not these notes," he clutched the parchment more tightly.

"Why?"

"Because they are useless. All of them are ridiculous theories, ones which can be discarded within five seconds of examination."

"That's okay," she stepped closer to him. "We have to know what doesn't work before we can determine what will."

"No, these notes are useless. You would take no pleasure in them. It's better if you pretend they never exist."

"Let me determine how useless they are," she reached for the parchment. He held it over his head.

"Hermione, forget these notes exist," he demanded.

"What is the problem with those notes?" she frowned. "You're acting like it's some kind of love letter to someone you don't want anyone to know about."

Severus went numb as his throat dried.

Hermione's eyes grew as she backed away. Her voice was soft. "Oh, that's what it is, isn't it?"

"Hermione," he began in a quiet voice. "It, it isn't quite like that."

"What is it like then?"

He shifted his foot, unable to find the words to explain his situation. Good Merlin he could write articles on potions and make speeches about academic pursuits. Why couldn't he break this news to Hermione?

"Two weeks ago when you were socializing," she swallowed, "You were with her, weren't you?"

"Yes, that is the night we met," he admitted.

"And last night?"

He sighed. "I was with her."

"Oh," she deflated.

"Hermione I," he swallowed. "I didn't want you to find out this way."

"Was I supposed to find out at all?"

He exhaled, the words still failing to form.

"If you were with her, you'd be happier, wouldn't you?"

"No, absolutely not."

"No?"

"I don't want to be with her right now. I'm happier with you than her," he burst out. "I won't be happy unless you're in my life. I need you with me. You make me happier than anyone else does."

"I feel the same way about you." She glanced at the ground.

Severus' throat constricted. He couldn't have devised a worse way for Hermione to learn about his new relationship. All he could do was pray she didn't make him choose between her and Helen. He needed Hermione, but he wanted another chance for the life he'd always wanted, a chance to be a person without a dark past, someone who was just a normal American man living a normal American life.

Hermione's laughter broke through his reverie. He cocked his head. This wasn't a sad laugh or one of disbelief. Instead, it was filled with genuine joy.

She looked up at him and burst out laughing again. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, but I just can't believe any of this."

"Hermione I'm sorry," his voice cracked. "I didn't mean to hurt you. The last thing I ever want is to cause you distress."

"You didn't," her smile and the gleam in her eyes were authentic. "In fact, I'm happy for you, and relieved for myself."

He quirked an eyebrow.

"Severus, during these last two weeks, I've been seeing someone too."

"You have?"

She nodded. "I've been so afraid to tell you because I didn't want you to think I could ever replace you or that I didn't need you in my life. Now that I know you're with someone else though, well, it's a relief to know you won't be alone while I date another person."

"I suppose it is," Severus chuckled, feeling that Hermione having a boyfriend was anything but a relief.

"I'm so glad that's all over with," she exhaled. "That is a weight off my mind."

"Mine too," He admitted, feeling a huge weight form on his chest.

"Okay, now that we've admitted we're seeing other people," Hermione stood up straighter. "Would you like me to proofread your love letter? I know what women like to read. I could give you some great advice"

"Perhaps you can edit it another time," he glanced at the furled letter. "Right now, I'd prefer to keep things private."

"Understandable."

"If I need help with any kind of proofreading or inspiration, you will be the first to know."

"That's fine."

"And if your lover ever mistreats you," he furrowed his eyebrows, "send him my way. I'll teach that dunderhead a lesson or two about how to treat women. I will make it clear you deserve only the best."

"I'll make you the same offer if your girlfriend mistreats you," she replied.

"Thank you," despite his smile, his body remained tense. "We will remain friends, correct?"

"We will, although," the humor evaporated from her eyes. "Does this mean our card games are coming to an end?"

"I don't see why they should," Severus answered. "My relationship is fairly new. I do not know how serious it will become."

She pointed to the parchment. "If you're writing love letters this early, it's becoming quite serious."

"True, it could become serious," he admitted. "Still, I think keeping up our current routine is prudent. She seems fine only seeing me once a week."

"What if she wants to see you more often."

"Then I'll tell her I'm going to make time for the most important woman in my life."

"Her?" Hermione's voice was tight.

"No," his voice was tender. "You. She isn't my best friend. You are."

She relaxed. "I could say the same of you and my boyfriend, though if she ever wants to spend more time with you..."

"I will tell her she must accept your position in my life."

Hermione paused.

"I will not sacrifice my relationship with you for her," he answered. "You are the most fascinating, intelligent, and compassionate woman I've ever met. I would hate for our friendship to suffer because we now have partners."

"I feel the same way." She fidgeted. "Still, I don't want to stand in the way of you experiencing love. The last thing I ever want is to be a burden."

"You aren't in my way at all," he put a hand on her shoulder. "You are the only person in my life who isn't a burden."

"So she is a burden?" Hermione's eyes flickered in something akin to hope.

"No, but she is forcing me to leave the house, which is burdensome." He admitted.

"So you like me because I allow you to be a homebody?" She clasped his hand.

"It is one of the many things I appreciate about you anyway," his voice was soft.

There was that look again, the one which invited him to move towards her, to take her in his arms and press his lips against hers. Why he felt the urge to do so was beyond him. Perhaps if he kissed Helen this urge to kiss Hermione would disappear. No, that would imply Helen could replace Hermione, something that was impossible. Nobody would ever be Hermione, or as important to him as she was. Perhaps he should capture her lips, just to make her aware of how much she meant to him...

"Pizza Castle!"

Severus jolted back to reality.

"I'm here from Pizza Castle."

"I supposed I must pay for that," he answered before making his way to the door.

"I'll mix up the piña coladas while you do that," she called. "I'll be sure to put in extra rum. We both have great reasons to celebrate."

"We certainly do," Severus replied suppressing the feeling that he was going to lose the person who meant more to him than anyone else ever had.