Sweet\'s Little Collection

A/N: So due to the number of requests I have been getting, I have been listing them out and using a random number generator on-line to pick and choose the next one shot I post. Also, I did want to clarify on one point, due to some concerns brought forth by HPFan: Not all of these one shots will be sexual in nature. Some may have no sexual undertone whatsoever, some may allude to sexual activity, and some will be graphically sexual in nature. If you would like a certain level of sexual activity, please include it with your request. Now, on to a request from Jace!

Day Three:

Severus wrapped his thin fingers around his teacup, soaking in the warmth. He glanced around idly as he sipped on his steaming hot beverage. A new cafe had opened in the heart of Diagon Alley, and he hadn't been able to resist the heavenly scents coming through the open door as he walked past. The cafe was homey without being kitschy, and he nodded to himself in approval. The blonde behind the counter looked vaguely familiar. She was young, which meant he had probably been her potions instructor years ago. He hadn't taught in nearly ten years, so it was hard to bring forth the names of any of the meaningless faces that had paraded through his classroom so long ago. 

"Luna," a woman's voice called from the back, "What order is up?"

The blonde turned, a dreamy smile on her face as she threw her comment over her shoulder, "One slice of coffee cake at table four, two blueberry scones at eleven, and berry crumble at seven." 

She returned her attention to the customer at the counter taking his order down with a smile that looked genuine, Severus noted. It wasn't often that people working the counter at a cafe could keep their mood. Severus took another sip of his green tea that had been steeped to perfection as a young witch came from the back, carrying a tray with practised ease that held the aforementioned pastry. Severus's attention was pulled away from the delectable scent that accompanied her by the familiarity of her features as she approached two other tables, before stopping before his own. 

"Miss Granger?"

Her eyes snapped to his, the tray nearly tumbling from her outstretched hand. She caught it just before he ended up with his coffee cake in his lap. 

"Professor Snape! Oh, I'm so sorry. You surprised me," she exclaimed, breathlessly. 

Severus smiled, which caught Hermione off guard even further. 

"Please, call me Severus. I haven't been a professor in quite a number of years," he paused, looking around at their surroundings pointedly. "You work here?" he wondered. 

Hermione hurried to set his plate on the table before him, setting her tray on an empty table nearby. She stood awkwardly, her hard-won confidence seeming to melt away under her past professor's gaze. 

"Oh, I own this place," she commented. "I opened just a few months ago." 

Severus quirked an eyebrow, impressed, despite himself. 

"You have been busy," he replied. "Won't you sit for a moment? Share a cup of tea with me?"

Hermione seemed taken aback by his request. This man before her was not the man who had tortured her and her best friends those ten years ago. For curiosity's sake, if for no other reason, she accepted.

"Give me just a moment, Prof--.... Severus. I'll be right back."

Severus smiled to himself at the slip, watching as she removed her apron and took up the tray behind her to return it to the kitchen. He wasn't sure why exactly he had asked her to sit. He was just so lonely these long, quiet days, and Hermione was nothing if not intelligent. She'd make an acceptable conversationalist. He broke off a small piece of pastry, popping it between his lips, and found himself glad of his solitude at that moment as he moaned at the taste. He had a dastardly sweet tooth and the cake was phenomenal. Hermione returned with a teapot and another teacup in hand, placing both on the table before settling herself across from him. 

"Miss Granger, this coffee cake is delectable. You must tell me who your pastry chef is," Severus complimented. 

Hermione blushed. 

"I make everything we serve here. You know I always had a fondness for potions, and baking is so similar in practice. It came naturally to me. And really, Severus, if I am to call you by your given name, you must do the same." 

Severus decided that he must just prepare himself to be continually surprised by this pretty witch. He could see this developing into quite an interesting friendship...

"Of course, Hermione."