In Other Alternate Universes

The standard disclaimer applies: I am not J K Rowling, these are not my characters and I am not making any profit from this story.

This is my first delve into the Severus/Hermione world. Naturally Ms. Figg has inspired my creativity (as she does for many - She does not write bad Severus/Hermione fics!) So please be gentle, I'm still a newbie! Also, this has not been betaed so any mistakes are my own. Thanks for the inspiring prompt Ms. Figg!

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“Headmaster, you cannot possibly be serious.”

“I most certainly am, Professor Granger. There will be no one at Hogwarts during the Christmas hols. With Voldemort gone the students no longer stay because of the castle's protections. Even the house elves are taking some time for a retreat of sorts. I am merely suggesting that you accompany Mister Snape during the Yule season. He won't be joining the Weasleys as they will be in Romania with Charlie's new family and Harry will also be indisposed. There are still rogue Death Eaters afoot and Doctors Snape have chosen an inopportune time to spend their 20th wedding anniversary aboard a cruise ship in the Bahamas. Young Severus will be left to his own devices.”

“Headmaster... Albus...there must be someone else...ANYONE ELSE...who will do this incredibly huge favor for you. You know that I don't willingly participate in any sort of Yule festivity or merriment. I am certain Mr. Snape has traditions that I want no part of. I can't do what you ask of me.”

“Perhaps you need some incentive, maybe something along the lines of you not supervising Hogsmead weekends for the remainder of the school year. How can you refuse an offer such as that? What say you, Hermione? Do you think you can survive two weeks of Severus Snape without casting an Unforgivable?”

It wasn't the casting of an Unforgivable, it was the temptation of DOING something unforgivable that was Hermione's greatest concern at present. She had been secretly lusting after Severus since the start of his seventh year. She was first drawn in by the seventeen year old's voice, which had lowered a few octaves over the summer break. Oh that voice! He could have knickers drenched and dropped from 20 paces by simply asking for the salt at the Gryffindor table. And that nose! Many a fantasy were had by the older female population due to the perpetuated myth that nose size is indicative of an 'other' size.

Oh yes, Professor Granger had many theories regarding Severus Snape that she was just itching to prove. Damn the Founders for writing and the Governors for enforcing that inane and rather stringent rule regarding the student/professor relationship. I.E. there shall be no improper relations between a student and their professor.

Snapping out of her reprieve, she answered quickly, “Fine Albus. If I must. It would be unfortunate if something happened to the brains of the 'Golden Trio'.”

“Excellent, Hermione, excellent! I shall inform Mr. Snape that you shall meet him at the gates at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning, Once you have Apparated to his house, you two can iron out the details of your holiday. I'll see you at dinner this evening.” As Hermione turned to exit the office, the Headmaster added, “One more thing Professor. Remember Severus is not technically you student during the hols.” he said with that infernal twinkle in his eye.

Hermione rushed off towards her dungeon rooms, all the while contemplating what she wanted to do to make her holiday entertaining.

Meanwhile, Severus Snape was meeting with the Headmaster to discuss his plans for the upcoming break. “Mr. Snape, I know that you will be on your own for the Christmas break. Due to the fact that there are still some Death Eaters on the loose who would love nothing more than to get to Harry Potter's best friend, I believe it to be in your best interest to have someone accompany and stay with you during the hols. You're scheduled to meet you companion at the gated to the school grounds at 8 o'clock in the morning. I hope your break is a pleasant one and I will see you at dinner.”

“Only one question Headmaster. Who will I be meeting in the morning?”

“Why, Professor Granger of course. You are dismissed Mr. Snape.” As Severus began his movements towards the door the Headmaster added “By the way, Mr. Snape. Don't be intimidated by the Professor if she mentions point loss. She can't take points from someone who is not technically her student. You are dismissed Mr, Snape.”

Severus seemed to float out of the Headmaster's office. Two weeks alone with Professor Granger. He couldn't believe his good fortune. He had secretly desired Professor Granger since his fifth year when he learned she was a spy for the Order of the Phoenix. He defended her when his friends would call her a 'snarky bitch' behind her back. He felt that she deserved to have an unpleasant demeanor because of all she went through at Voldemort's tyrannical hand. Severus' mind was working overtime. He was really looking forward to Christmas. He was steadily running scenarios through his mind to figure out how he could get the Professor to see that he was finally a man.

Severus could hardly sit still through dinner. Between dodging his friends' questions about what he was doing for the break and sneaking glances up at the head table, he was having a difficult time concentrating on his meal. As soon as it was polite enough to leave, he quickly exited the Great Hall. He wanted to get his packing finished so as not to be pressed for time in the morning. He didn't want to start the holiday by pissing off Professor Granger because he was late. That was no way to get in her good graces, so he could potentially get into her knickers later.

When Severus left the Great Hall, Hermione did the same. She wanted to get a restful night's sleep. She had plans for the young Gryffindor she was anxious to get started on.

8 am came entirely too early for both Severus and Hermione. They were both so worked up over their personal plans that sleep was elusive.

“Good morning Professor.”

“What the Hell is good about it? Let's get this show on the road. I don't have all day.”

“Fine Professor. I assume you already know where my parent's home is. They have a small greenhouse in the back yard which should be a safe apparation point for us. I shall see you there.”

“Fine Mr. Snape. I shall meet you at your parents' greenhouse.”

With that parting comment, they both turned on the spot and Apparated.

Upon arrival, Severus directed Professor Granger out of the greenhouse and through the back door.

“This is my mother's study and sewing room.”

They proceeded through the room.

“Down to the right of this hall you'll find the living and dining rooms as well as the kitchen. If you'll please follow me to the left, I'll show you your room.”

As they walked down the hallway, Severus pointed out other rooms.

“This room on the right is my father's study with a half bath on the left. Now, we can proceed upstairs to the bedrooms.”

When they reached the landing, Severus explained the room layout.

“At the end of the hall is my parents' master suite. The first door on the right is the guest room where you shall stay. The next door is the bathroom to which you have a connecting door in your room. I'll leave you to get settled Professor.”

As Severus turned towards his room across the hall, Hermione stopped him.

“Mr. Snape, I wanted to let you know that Headmaster Dumbledore gave me some Galleons to cover any expenses that you might incur as a result of my staying with you. After we unpack we can go over our dining options and any other issues that may arise.”

With that parting word, Hermione entered her room to unpack her belongings.

When she opened the door to what was to be her room for the next two weeks, she didn't expect to see what she saw. Slytherin green and silver covered the four poster bed and rug on the floor. Needless to say she was shocked. Why would a Gryffindor have Slytherin colors in his home? She decided to ask him about it after she put her clothes and potions away.

After placing her Muggle clothing in the wardrobe Hermione moved towards the bathroom to put her potion vials in the medicinal cabinet. She was thoroughly lost in her own train of thought. She never heard the water to the shower cut off as she opened the door. She had just finished placing the last of her Hangover potion in the cabinet when she heard the shower door open.

Hermione spun around and dropped her jaw when she saw Severus, dripping wet, reaching for a towel, in all his naked glory. And what a glorious sight it was. That myth about nose size was completely blown out of the water. Severus had so much more than the size of his nose, hands or feet would ever indicate.

He rushed to cover himself, embarrassed that his professor had seen him naked. Little did he know that Hermione was anything but offended. As a matter of fact, she greatly enjoyed the view and she couldn't help but say to him “Oh dears Gods! Five..hundred...thousand points to Gryffindor. Mr. Snape, I knew you were gifted in Potions, but I had no idea that gift extended to other areas as well.”

“I can't believe that I exposed myself to you like this Professor. I never expected you to not hear that I was in the shower. Please accept my apology. I suppose now that you have seen me in my proverbial birthday suit you should address me as Severus. I think that you calling me Mr. Snape might prove to be a little awkward.”

He gave a lighthearted chuckle and looked at his professor, as if waiting for her approval.

“Fine Severus,” Hermione said as she looked Severus in the eye with a lust filled gaze. “Perhaps you should become accustomed to calling me by my given name, as you'll be screaming it in ecstasy later. I have a feeling this will be a Christmas neither of us will ever forget.”