A/n again, thanks for the comments. Daycrump you flatter me immensely. Cloudshape I really love your insight. And thanks for catching my mistake with the twins. I haven't reread the series in over year. Apparently I need to do that. We are on the same page with Snape. My Snape has never been in a romantic relationship so to speak. I want to tell you more about where he has been, but I don't have it all fleshed out yet and I don't want to ruin the story. Hermione is still VERY inexperienced. Despite not being a technical virgin, she still has no idea what is in store for her. Heh. Francis- thank you for your remarks about intimacy. To me, intimacy is the key to good smut and a good fanfic because the emotion between the characters is what I personally get off on. But Hermione HAS been developing a very deep intimacy with Ron and even Harry for her entire young adulthood. Sex with Ron, either during book seven or shortly thereafter, would not be out of character for Hermione. I love discussing this stuff with all of you, so keep the comments coming.

"Peruvian instant darkness powder? Really?"

Hermione sits down in the chair opposite Snape's desk. "Hello, Professor Snape. How was your holiday?"

"Dark," Snape says.

Hermione snorts. "Come now, Professor, I warned you. How bad was it?"

"I opened it on Christmas morning in the great hall in the presence of the entire staff of Hogwarts."

Hermione bursts out laughing. "How long?" she asks.

Snape shrugs. "It dissipated quickly enough. My colleagues were highly amused."

"I'll bet." Hermione says. "And you? Shall I tell everyone you enjoyed your card?"

"Please don't encourage them, or I will have to send thank you notes using the quill you gave me. Thank you for that, by the way, I can't even remember the last time someone sent me a truly useful gift. It works flawlessly."

"You haven't been grading with it already, have you?" Hermione says, clearly horrified.

"No Miss Granger. I got pissed Christmas night and spelled the quill to write letters to every person I know. I haven't laughed so much since James Potter got his head stuck in the loo in our fourth year."

"Professor!"

Snape is smiling at her, really smiling, It completely transforms his face. Hermione's heart catches in her chest a bit.

"Speaking of the Potters," Hermione says, "Harry asked about you at Christmas."

Snape's eyebrows go up. "In what way did Mr. Potter ask about me?"

"He wanted to know how you are, sir."

Snape seems to relax a bit. "And what did you say?"

"I have to admit I was at a bit of a loss for words, Professor. I'm used to telling Harry everything, but I know you value your privacy. So, I just said I thought you were okay. And that I had actually seen you laugh a few times."

Snape nods thoughtfully, his face a mostly impenetrable mask. "I will never ask you to lie or keep things from your loved ones, Miss Granger. But you are correct that I value my privacy. I appreciate your discretion. And- the card was funny."

Hermione just about jumps out of her chair in excitement at this admission from Snape. "Can I tell them you said so? Please, sir."

Snape nods indulgently. "You may, Miss Granger."

"Thank you!"

Snape leans forward, places his elbows on the desk and steeples his fingers under his chin. He puts his scary professor look on his face. "I have something to ask of you in return, Miss Granger."

"Sir?"

Snape frowns for a moment and doesn't say anything. Hermione realizes he is searching for words. It is very unlike him, and it makes her distinctly uncomfortable.

"I've never been a good man, Miss Granger," he says finally. "In the Wizarding world, those of us with enough talent and discipline live mostly above the law. There aren't many rules I feel compelled to adhere to, do you understand?"

"Like the rules against torturing Hogwarts students for information, Sir?"

Snape snorts. "Use that brilliant brain for a moment Miss Granger. Why would I torture them when I could simply lift what I needed straight out of their heads?"

"Oh," says Hermione softly.

"Oh, Indeed." Snape says affectionately, before resuming a more formal tone again. "I don't really recognize or respect authority, not really, with one exception. I respect this school. What it represents, and the good it accomplishes. It is important to me. Above all, the safety of my students is important to me." He pauses here and gives Hermione a most severe look. "Do you care about my well being, Miss Granger?"

"Yes!" Hermione says, stung by the question. "Of course I do."

"I know you do," Snape says, more gently. "And that is why I am asking for your help. I need you help with this. I'm not a Saint, Miss Granger. I'm not even a good person. If you push me hard enough, I will give in to you, do you understand?"

Hermione's eyes are wide. She nods dumbly. "I'll do whatever I can, Professor. We are still going to continue my instruction, right?"

"Of course. That is the point, is it not? I'm not asking you to go back to being terrified of me. I'm just asking you to keep your mind organized and refrain from touching me. Hmm?"

"Okay," she says softly.

"Thank you, Miss Granger," says Snape, relief evident on his face and in his voice. "Someday you will understand how much this means to me, I promise. Now, come into the lab. We have work to do. And I'd like to hear all about your vacation."

"You would, sir?" Hermione says, surprised.

"If it is about you, I want to hear it." Snape thrusts a pile of belladonna root in front of her, and hands her a small silver knife. "Start chopping, and start talking."

So she does.