On a Hot Summer Night

She was nervous, and began to play with the ends of her hair a bit. She had finished her blood a while ago, although the decanter was still mostly full, she didn't dare to take another glass. Severus could see right through her though. She could feel his eyes boring into her skull. Perhaps he was right in his own way. But she would have much rather been dead than to lead a life such as this.

He decided to tell her. Besides, what would she do. Kill him? Any means of that would mean she would have to kill herself as well. Cracking his neck from side to side in a means to stretch, he spoke deeply, deeper than his normal speaking voice. It added more depth to the story.

"Voldemort had us all prepared for the final battle. We were lined up, in order of loyalty. I was first in line, of course. At least he thought so. And that would be all that mattered. I didn't think that Harry would actually do it. I was prepared to side with Voldemort to the end. I still had my doubts over your friend. He was still a child in many ways. And he was not the type of boy that I had confidence in. Dumbledore did. That was mostly why I helped you. All three of you.

"Voldemort, as well as Bellatrix and I were in the throne room. There were a few others, scattered around the room. One knew of the curse. It was Draco. Having been almost killed by it must have left an impact. And since we all had masks on, it would only be logical that you wouldn't have a clue of who it was. Before you three arrived I heard the spells flying and the sounds of dying. I couldn't be sure of what side was winning at this point.

"When the three of you walked in, I was so relieved. But I didn't show it. I went to the side with Ron, failing to notice when you fell. When Harry released his Horcrux and destroyed Voldemort, it was such a moment of awe. And you were dying. How quaint.

"Once I saw that Ron had Harry, I looked around for you. I saw you lying there, bleeding all over the place. I managed to lock Draco in a body bind, and rushed to your side. Even lying there, you still looked like an angel. But you were past the point of just a human blood transfusion. You needed my blood to survive. I was lucky I had revealed myself to the three of you months ago, or else you would never have believed me.

"You tasted like raspberries. On a summer day, perhaps as the sun sets. Just raspberries. Never have I tasted blood that delicious and sweet. I was intoxicating. But I pulled away eventually, only to have my life sucked out of me. It felt like you were stealing my soul, little by little. I never expected to turn anyone. Nor did I ever want to. My reasons I've already stated, if you've been listening, Granger. That's it. If you want some philosophical explanation for the meaning of life, you've come to the wrong vamp."

It seemed to turn cold, and Hermione wrapped her arms around herself, trying to warm up. Even sitting by the fire seemed cold. It was in her head of course, but she couldn't help thinking that he had caused it. As he had now caused her to want to cry. He had said something that was out of character. He said that she was beautiful. Granted, he didn't use that word, but it was definitely implied. At least she thought so. And that she tasted good. Which must be a good sign.

But he didn't need to push her away like that. He was being an ass, and he knew it. He was just trying to get rid of her. So he could rot in this school teaching until the last days of wizardry. Alone. It was his nature after all. The young woman stood and looked coldly at her former professor.

"I can tell when I'm not wanted. I'll be going now."

The floo pot was on the mantle, and Hermione silently thanked whatever higher beings existed that she was able to travel through the floo network. She grabbed a handful, and threw it in the fireplace and spoke her destination clearly and specifically this time: "Hermione Granger's home."

Severus was left sitting alone by his fireplace. It wasn't necessarily strange for him to be in that position, however he had never been ignored and essentially, shunned, like that before. He had half a mind to follow her. That wouldn't end up being smart on his end however. She could always floo back into his rooms, since apparating across the Atlantic would be too hard, even for Hermione. He could apparate to her, if he really wanted to, and if he tried. But she would probably beat him with a pot or something. Vampiric nature tends to brings out the violent side in most people.

Freedom for him came after the war. After he was obligated to two sides for so many years, he was set on his own. Like a newborn babe trying to walk. It had been hard at first trying to be nicer to people. Never his students of course. But sometimes he might smile at his colleagues. Or even try and get away from the castle for a while, usually just to the forest. He was trying out this whole 'social-skills' thing when Hermione came along and messed him up. He was planning to be nice to her. And give her the relief that she deserved. But he just made a royal mess. He had to be that presumptuous loner. That perverted old man.

That term resonated in his mind for a little bit. Walking to his bathroom, he stared at himself long and hard in the mirror. It was the reflection of a 25 year old man. Someone who had just grown up and was ready to face the world with ambition and pride. With a quick wave of his wand, he changed into what he looked like every day. A much older, aging, man who was on the cusp of losing it. Fading the glamour charms away he looked at the younger face and knew that his mind was way past this.

There was always a rashness in the vampire. Although they would live for eternity, there was a longing to get what they wanted now. As Severus waved his wand to change into a muggle outfit (a black long-sleeves button down top with black pin-striped slacks and leather shoes) he knew that his time for waiting had passed. Since Hermione came of age, he had his eye on her. And he could never encounter her without feeling like a dirty old man. But he was no such thing. No. He was agile and youthful. Ready to strike at his prey.

He closed his eyes and pocketed his wand safely. Concentrating on what he wanted, he heard a pop as he traveled to right outside of Hermione's apartment. Not too sure that it was hers, but pretty confident, he knocked on her door, prepared for anything.

[AN]Thanks to gitana and DB1 for reviews. It seems to be moving along at a good pace now.[/AN]