The Witching Hour

Chapter 3-The Meeting

Severus could not help but to laugh at Hermione’s retort. He truly was not expecting to hear her say
that, for he didn't know that she was no longer married to the weasel. When did that happen? Surely Minerva would have said something to him about it, then again, maybe not; divorce is a deeply private matter. He could not help but to think that if two of the dream team had split, it would have made front-page news in the Daily Prophet. If she was amenable, he could ask her for a date. She was something else, and she seemed to have developed a sense of humour. Maybe being away from idiot boy has done her some good.

It had been nearly a decade since Hermione had seen her former professor, and it looked like time had served him well. For now he did not come off as a repressed scrooge with buttons trailing from ankle to neck. There seemed to be at least three layers of clothing missing, along with that sour demeanour. Who knew that he actually had a body underneath all of that fabric? What a good body it was too. She actually had to hide the colour that had risen in her cheeks from his gothic godlike image. She had always been attracted to him in a way, but that was more for his mind, but now, his body was quickly ranking along with his intelligence. Merlin, when that man laughed, it nearly took her breath away! She had never even seen him smile. Mercy, this night was certainly filled with surprises.

“I will call you by your first name as long as you let me buy you that drink, Hermione.” Severus flashed a small smile that made her feel faint.

“You see, I would let you buy my drink, but it just so happens that it's free, professor. Though, I would like to know what I can do to get you to say my name again.” Hermione cocked an eyebrow and smirked at him, silently daring him to comment on the innuendo.

Oh, he could think of several things that she could do, but none of them belong in a club, and he would need a couple of hours as well. The woman was good, and he had to mentally congratulate her on her baiting skills. If she had not had his attention before, that comment certainly captured his interest. Severus ordered his firewhisky and went to pay for it when Hermione stopped him.

“Professor, let me treat you tonight. Your drink is on the house. I figure since you deal with annoying children every day, you could use it.”

“You can treat me anytime. On the house, you say? Do you own this establishment?”

“Yes, I do.”

They continued to talk for a little while longer before he told her that he had to go. Closing time was upon them and she had to clean up, pay the band, then try to get some sleep, but seriously doubted that she would rest well this night. She would surely be dreaming about Severus Snape tonight.

“Hermione, this was a great night and I would love to continue our conversation, but realize that is not possible, so, I was wondering if you would like to get together later on in the week for a chat? If you have time, of course. Oh, and enough with the ‘professor’, I am no longer yours, so there is no need to address me as such. You may call me Sev or Severus, no Sevvie, and definitely not Mr. Snape. That bastard, may he rot in hell, was my father.”

“I can make time.” Hermione winked at him and was ready to jump at the chance to get to be alone with him. Aside from being attracted to him, she was genuinely curious about this enigma. “Which evening do you have in mind, Severus?”

“How about Wednesday at 6? Will that do?”

“Yes, that's fine. Shall we meet in The Great Hall or shall I make the trip to your quarters, presuming they are still in the dungeons?"

“My quarters shall be fine, though instead of using the main entrance, you may use my private entry near the rose garden. You will need to tap your wand on the stone and say ‘the hidden sanctuary.’ You will travel down a steep slope and at the end of it and to the left is my door. Just knock and I will let you in. None of my students know where my quarters are, so I will know it is you.”

“I will see you then, Severus. Take care.”

After Severus had left, Hermione was just getting ready to close down for the night, when Kingsley and Miriam had approached. It was good to see the both of them again, but had to regrettably cut the visit short. They congratulated her on a successful premier night, wished continued luck and bid her adieu.

---

The next several days had passed with celerity, but Hermione barely noticed. The Witching Hour kept her busy, and she was using her planning skills at nearly every waking moment. The people that she was close to thought that she looked exhausted, and suspected that if she kept going at her current rate, she would be in serious trouble with her health. The only one that knew otherwise was Kingsley. He knew that this is what made her happy. Sure, she was keeping a hectic schedule, but it suited her, and this had to be the happiest he had seen her in well... ever. Only time would tell how good of a decision she made by quitting the MLE, but he suspected that she made the best possible move for her. Her stress levels were similar, but she handled it better. She was a completely different person since opening the club and residing in a soundproof flat above it. Who knows, maybe there really is a freedom in working with your hands, it certainly seemed to be the case for her, as well as many others.

---

Hermione took Wednesday off and left the club and grill in the capable hands of her employees. She felt sure that they could handle any issues that arose, and if they could not, the wards and anti-theft charms certainly could. If she was honest with herself, she did not completely trust any of them yet, that is why she used “the constant vigilance” method that she had learned from Mad-Eye Moody all those years ago. She left her flat at five and walked through town and onto the grounds of Hogwarts. She could have apparated to the gates, but decided that the late fall air would sting her skin deliciously, and would provide a little colour to her cheeks. She arrived at the entrance in the rose garden fifteen minutes early and followed Severus’ directions. She had allotted extra time in case it would end up being a long passageway, as always, her instincts had proved correct, it was indeed a long walk. Once she reached his door, she rapped lightly knowing the man had senses that would no doubt alert him to her presence outside his door. Sure enough after tapping twice, he appeared in the doorway, and let her in.

Once again, he looked very good. His hair was swept back in a leather thong. He wore a slate grey shirt that left the buttons near his neck open, so there was a tempting bit of pale skin visible, he also wore classic black wool trousers with what looked like a boy scout belt holding them up, as well as leather loafers. She noticed that he still sported the silver spike in his ear, but she found it oddly appealing. Hermione was beginning to think that the man could wear anything and still look good enough to eat.

“Prompt as ever I see, Hermione,” He purred.

Wow, she would be in trouble if he kept using that silky purr. It was bad enough that she was already mildly aroused from the sight of him. If he kept that up, she would be soaking her knickers before long. Never in her life had she been affected by a man in such a way. Even Ron had failed on that account. She would just have to focus on what he had to say to her, and ignore the effect his voice had on her.

“Yes, of course. I always have been, and besides, why would I want to be late when I have been looking forward to having an intelligent conversation with a man that I never had the pleasure of intimately knowing?”

“Intimately indeed. I assume you have not eaten?” She nodded at him, ignoring his former comment. “Well, in that case, I have something prepared.”

He led her through his large quarters that were sensually decorated with deep blues, rich leather, elegant Edwardian tables, and more books than she owned. They continued until they reached a small dining area. There was roasted chicken, linguini with fresh vegetables in a light cream sauce, as well as a Pinot Noir wine. Severus served her then asked if she was hungry. She looked him up and down and said that she was famished. He had the distinct feeling that she was not talking about food, and if he was correct, that would work well with his plans. The dinner passed in polite conversation and mild flirtation was exchanged. Hermione wanted to finish the meal with something sweet, so she decided to play with him a bit.

“What do you want for desert, Hermione?”

Instead of answering, she looked pointedly at his mouth, licked her lips, and then smiled wickedly. That look along with her silk midnight blue dress clinging to her curves, made his trousers tent. He yet again had to remind himself that it was too soon. After the repast had been cleared from the table, he poured them each another glass of wine.

---

“We have not seen each other since the final battle Sev, so tell me, what you have been up to since then?”

“Sure. I believe the last time that I saw you outside of your opening night, was when you had saved my life with the quick use of the anti-venin combined with a bezoar, then apparated with my all but dead body to St. Mungo’s. I spent a month recovering in the hospital and then I was taken into custody and sent to sit in a cell in the basement of the ministry, though I did not have long to wait. Our dear friend, Minister Shacklebolt had made sure that I had a short stay and a fair trial. It was all over fairly fast, because they had obtained my memories and Dumbledore’s pensieve, which proved my innocence. Once I was cleared of all charges, I was presented my Order of Merlin First Class in a private ceremony in Kingsley’s office.”

“I had heard that you were cleared of the charges, but I did not know that you finally received the Order of Merlin medal. You should have received that award a long time ago, but Fudge was an idiot. I am pleased that Kingsley saw fit to give it to you.”

“I agree with you, Hermione, it was about time. I had my reasons for keeping that award silent, there would have been a backlash in the community, and I did not desire that, and I still do not. After the ceremony, I took a two-year sabbatical from Hogwarts. During that time, I travelled the world and established a holiday home in Greece. Once I had the house, I set up a lab and found solace in brewing potions, I had even managed to make a few discoveries as well, but those are secret as they are still being refined. My sabbatical was the most intelligent thing I think I have ever done, for it not only gave me a break, but it gave me time to re-examine my life and to figure out what I really want. I had not done that when I graduated Hogwarts, I went straight into the dread lords ranks, made loads of mistakes, and even tried to make things right. When we went back to war for the second time, I did not expect to survive, so I was never able to pursue what I wanted. I may not have figured everything out for my life, but I do know this much, I will never serve another master.

Upon my return to Hogwarts, the Headmistress offered me the Defense Against the Dark Arts position and I took it. I was surprised to say the least. That had been my dream job since I started my teaching career. Only this time, I was free to be the kind of teacher I wish that I could have been when you were a student. I no longer have to be biased to the students from my own house, I can be fair, and even nurture brilliant young minds, when I find them. I am now respected and no longer seen as the ‘dungeon bat’. The students think how I dress is “cool” and actually like my lessons. I only have one lecture per week and the other days are practical lessons, well at least for my older students. Any of my fifth year students are able to duel as well. I am still a strict teacher, especially when it comes to essays and exams, but I don’t have much problem out of them anymore, which is a relief. My younger ones are a little rough with me still yet, but that is a by-product of their age. I used to only tolerate teaching, now I actually like it. What about you? I know that you have The Witching Hour, but what did you do before that?”

"I am happy for you, Severus. I knew that once you had a chance to be on your own and not constantly have your loyalties questioned, you would be fine. I am glad that my initial thoughts were correct. There were a few of us students that knew you had to be a bastard because of the war, and we respected you even more for it. You ended up doing right by us, showing us how unfair the world can be, prepared us not only for the war, but also for our lives as adults. It is also pretty neat that you are able to be the teacher you wanted. Good for you.”

“I am glad that you understand.”

“After the war, I didn't do a lot to be honest. I threw myself back into my studies, sat my N.E.W.T’s, married Ron--against my parents and Ginny’s advice, worked for the MLE, and became the head of the department in just two and a half years. After that, it was just a blur of stress, issues with Ron, the eventual divorce, and the overall crumbling of my life. I lost Harry’s friendship, and most of the Weasley’ too. So after taking wise advice from Kingsley, I quit and opened the club. There were many unhappy and confusing times, but I think I am much better for all of it. I have come to terms with things that I cannot change, and I have to just deal with life as it comes. I will tell you this much, it is my divorce that taught me the most. It showed me who my true friends were, and the strength of my own spirit. It changed who I was, some for the better and I am unsure of the other, if that makes any sense.”

“I think it makes perfect sense, sometimes we only know whether something is a good or bad change over time. I am sorry that you had to go through so much with little help, but you are stronger for it, or so it appears. I don't mean to pry, but what exactly caused the divorce between you and Ron?”

“Thankfully I was not completely alone in all of the problems that I encountered. Kingsley was the friend that none of the rest dared to be. He gave me strength and led me in the right direction. He was the one that really got me thinking and moved me into making amends with Molly, Arthur, and Ginny, as well as Harry, but Harry is still angry. I don't take your simple inquiry as prying, Severus. You are curious, and there is nothing wrong with that. Ron had grown distant, there were lies spread, and one night I came home to find him in bed with another woman, Lavender Brown to be exact. It was not a pretty showdown, but it happened all the same. I ended up leaving the same night and have not been back since. I could have dealt with the distance, but the lying and cheating I could not tolerate. It was against everything I believe in, and I was not going to put up with someone that obviously cared nothing for the bond we shared.”

He really did not blame Hermione for not staying in that. If it had been he in that position, he would have left as well. He had never exactly liked Harry, but he did not think that the boy would abandon one of his best friends because of lies, however, He could believe it of the weasel because the boy had done it to Hermione a few times in their adolescence, but Harry? Either the boy was blinded to the truth or had his head shoved up his arse, or maybe both. One thing was certain, he needed to at least hear Hermione out, everyone deserves the chance to be heard, and then the other party can make up their mind on whether or not they believed it. The Boy Who Lived at least owed her the common courtesy, but he would not get involved in this unless he had to.

“I always knew that Ron was an idiot. He had to be in order to lie and cheat on you. He really chose Lavender Brown over you? That only proves his idiocy. The last I heard, the girl had turned into something of a harlot. I don't understand why your ex-husband could not have talked to you and let you know that it was over instead of you having to come home and finding that. No doubt you were upset.”

---

They had continued to talk late into the night, each surprising the other occasionally with an unexpected admission. Neither could believe the ease of which they conversed. It seemed as though it was the most natural thing in the world, and when they had noticed the late hour, neither were ready to part, but did so for the other.

“It is late and I should be getting back.”

“Indeed. Hermione, may I ask you something?”

“Yes, anything.”

“I really enjoyed tonight. I was wondering if you would like to do this again, but only as a... a date?”

“I would like that, Sev. When?”

“Saturday. I will pick you up.”

He decided to walk Hermione to the gate, and once they were there, she went to hug him, but he pulled her in for a deep kiss instead.




A/N: Once again, thank you all for the reviews!