Summer Love

Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter or the names I’ve borrowed from Sense and Sensibility. Wish I did though. Ha! Ha! This story is strictly for fun and nothing else.

Summary: Hermione has graduated from Hogwarts and discovers her neighbor is none other than her, recently, former potions professor, Severus Snape. What happens when these two get together? Will they make it or not? R/R

Chapter 1

It was a beautiful June evening in Sussex, England. In a beautiful four story, tutor style home, people were running all around the large manor and the grounds. Everyone except a lone figure who was standing at her window.

“Hermione?” said a voice from the doorway.

“Yes mum?” Hermione asked.

“You had better start getting dressed. Our neighbors and guest will be arriving soon.” Elise Granger said to her daughter.

“Do I really have to do this?” Hermione moaned.

“Honey, your Aunt Eleanor has gone through a lot of trouble. Let’s just humor her. Besides, you know how she can get.” Elise replied.

“Fine.“ Hermione sighed.

Elise left. Hermione sighed as she headed to her bathroom. Hermione Granger was an eighteen year-old and recent graduate of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She had been home only two days when her mother’s oldest sister, Eleanor Kinkirk, arrived.

Hermione quickly took her shower and began getting dressed. She had chosen a blue dress with spaghetti straps that cris-crossed her back and came down to mid-calf. She had just finished her hair when the guests began to arrive.

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Next door another lone figure watched everyone scurrying and flowing into the house, unaware of who his neighbor actually was.

“My boy, you should be getting ready.” Albus Dumbledore said as he entered the room.

“I can’t believe that you and Minerva sent an R.S.V.P. to my neighbors and then proceeded to get yourselves invited as well!” the figure hissed.

“Severus, Voldemort is dead. It’s time you learn to live. It’s okay to live your life and be happy.” Albus said as he put his hand on Severus’s shoulder.

Severus Snape was the potions professor at Hogwarts and spy for the Order of the Phoenix against Voldemort. He had spent most of his adult life spying for Albus. Ever since he was about nineteen.

“Albus, leave Severus alone so he can finish getting ready.” Minerva McGonagall said as she entered the room.

“You’re right my dear. Severus, you have fifteen minutes or we will drag you as you are.” Albus said as he and Minerva left.

“Medaling old fool.” Severus mumbled.

Severus sighed as he magically changed into the black slacks, emerald green silk shirt and black sports jacket. He then walked to the mirror and pulled his shoulder length raven black hair into a tight low pony tail.

“Ready?” Albus asked as he poked his head in the room.

“Let’s get this over with.” Severus grumbled. Severus, Minerva and Albus made their way next door.

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Hermione was making her way around the crowd. She was trying desperately to avoid her Aunt Eleanor’s step son Phillip. She had always got a strange feeling around him, so she tried to avoid him as much as possible.

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Severus, Albus and Minerva entered the party. They began to mingle. Minerva looked around and spotted Hermione talking to an older couple.

“There’s Miss Granger.” Minerva said.

“What’s she doing here?” Severus asked.

“I guess this is her home judging by the way she’s moving around freely.” Albus answered.

Severus stared at her. He couldn’t believe that this was the same girl that had graduated only a week earlier. She looked quite beautiful. Her hair was piled in soft curls on top of her head. She wore a beautiful blue dress that hugged her body perfectly.

“Hello there.” a male voice said.

The three professors turned and found a couple. They knew at once who they were.

“I’m Ryan Granger and this is my wife, Elise.” Ryan introduced.

“Ah. It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Albus Dumbledore. This is Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape.” Albus said.

“Of course. Hermione speaks very highly of you.” Elise said.

“Yes. Severus here lives next door. Of course he has had very little time to spend there.” Minerva replied.

“So you’re Professor Snape. Hermione always enjoyed your class. Your and Professor McGonagall’s.” Ryan said.

“Did she?” Severus asked in surprise.

“Elise! Ryan!” a voice cried out.

“Oh no.” Elise moaned.

“She is your sister. Be nice.” Ryan said.

A woman with blond hair and blue eyes came waltzing up. She eagerly grabbed Elise and Ryan in a hug. She quickly spotted Albus, Minerva and Severus.

“And who are these upstanding people?” Eleanor asked.

“Eleanor, these are three of Hermione professors from school. Professor’s Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape. Professor Snape it seems, is our neighbor.” Elise said.

“Professor Snape? Ah yes. I recall my darling niece speaking of you.” Eleanor said as she began eyeing Severus.

Severus began to shift uncomfortably as the woman looked him up and down. Just as she began to grill him, Minerva, Albus, Ryan and Elise headed for the dance floor.

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Hermione seemed cornered. By Phillip Kinkirk. ‘I have to get away from him.’ Hermione thought as Phillip tried for the fourth time to put his arms around her.

“Come on Hermione. Just one dance.” Phillip said.

“I’m sorry Phillip. I’m waiting for someone.” Hermione replied as she began looking around.

“You’re lying. I know you don’t have a boyfriend. My step mother would have said something.” Phillip said.

Hermione spotted Severus being interrogated by her Aunt Eleanor. “There he is now. Excuse me.”

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“So, where is your family from professor? Snape, never heard of it. Well, other than from Hermione of course. It has a strong sound to it. Is there a Mrs. Snape?” Eleanor fired.

“Professor Snape. Good evening.” Hermione greeted.

“Miss Granger.” Severus said, relief evident in his voice.

“Hermione! There you are. I was just getting to know your charming professor. You never told me he was so handsome.” Eleanor gushed as she hugged Hermione.

“Ha. Ha. I was just about to offer to show Professor Snape around the manor. Professor?” Hermione asked.

“That sounds fine Miss Granger. Umm, good evening madam.” Severus said as he linked his arms with Hermione’s.

“Have fun you two!” Eleanor called after them.

The two made their way into the manor. Hermione led them into the family library. Hermione closed the door with a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry for my Aunt Eleanor professor. Let me guess, she began her 20 questions routine?”

“Yes. Is she always like that?” Severus asked.

“Unfortunately yes. Can I get you something to drink?” Hermione answered.

“Thank you. Scotch if you’ve got it.” Severus said.

Hermione nodded. She headed for the mini bar her father had set up. As she poured their drinks she watched as Severus studied the family portraits that hung on the walls. She smiled as she approached him.

“Here you are sir.” Hermione said.

“Thanks you. Who is this?” Severus asked as he took his drink and pointed at the painting before them.

“Ah yes. Grandfather Alexander. That’s my mother’s father. He was England’s Prime Minister for twenty years. Ten of which were before I was born. As you can gather, my family, my mum and dad’s, are very prominent.” she answered.

“I see. This is a nice vintage.” he said.

“Yes. So, what brought you to the party?” she asked.

“Albus. He and Minerva stopped by and found the invitation. He R.S.V.P’d and got himself and Minerva invited as well. As to how I got the invitation, I live in the manor next door. I bought it about ten years ago, but until recently, been unable to really stay there.” he answered.

And so it started. Hermione and Severus spent the next two hours talking. Hermione told him of her aristocratic family. How her Aunt Eleanor had been bound and determined to find her an aristocratic husband.

“I see. What have you to say about that?” Severus asked.

“If I marry, or rather when I marry, it will be for love. Eventually I want a family, but I want a carrer first.” Hermione answered.

Just then the library doors opened. There was Albus, Minerva, Ryan and Elise.

“There you are.” Ryan said as they entered the room.

“I’m sorry about my sister. She can be a bit pushy.” Elise apologized.

“It’s all right. Miss Granger and I were just talking.” Severus said.

“Well, I think I will turn in. I enjoyed our conversation professor.” Hermione said.

“As did I. Good night Miss Granger.” Severus said.

Hermione said good bye to Albus and Minerva, hugged and kissed her parents, then headed upstairs for bed. An hour later Hermione stood in her darkened room watching the party continue from her bay window.

‘I really enjoyed talking to Professor Snape tonight. He seemed so different. I guess with Voldemort gone, he can finally live his life for once.’ she thought as she watched the guest dance.

She sighed and headed for bed. As she passed the main window, movement next door caught her eye. It was Severus. They both looked at each other and waved. A few seconds later a raven flew into her room with a note tied to its leg.

Dear Miss Granger

I rather enjoyed our conversation this evening. Would you care to continue it?

SS

Hermione smiled as she reached for a piece of parchment and a quill. She wrote a reply and gave it to the raven. Severus removed the letter and read it.

Dear Professor Snape,

I enjoyed our conversation as well. I would very much like to continue it. When?

Hermione

Severus smiled and wrote a response. He watched as Hermione read his answer, face him and nod. She disappeared only to reappear next to him. Hermione couldn’t believe she was in Professor Severus Snape’s house. Let alone his bed room.

“Welcome Miss Granger.” Severus said.

“Thank you for inviting me professor.” Hermione replied with a smile.

“Come. Let us head downstairs.” he said.

Hermione followed him through the house. She couldn’t help but notice how beautiful it was. They soon entered the kitchen. On their way down, she also couldn’t help but notice that 1) he had a great body, 2) he was wearing only boxers and 3) he looked sexy as hell. She sat at the table and watched as he moved around the room. She couldn’t help but giggle.

“Something funny?” he asked.

“Yes. Just seeing you moving around the kitchen, using muggle appliances and wearing nothing but a pair of boxers. What would your students say?” she answered.

“Ha. Ha. I guess you’re right Miss Granger. It does seem rather funny.” he chuckled as he placed a plate of chocolate cookies and a pot of tea on the table.

“Do you think we could drop the formalities?” Hermione asked.

“I guess so. Hermione.” Severus answered with a grin.

Hermione and Severus began to talk once more. Time seemed to fly, but neither noticed. Only when the clock in the hall struck four in the morning, did they notice.

“My goodness! I didn’t realize how late it was!” Hermione gasped.

“Me either. You had better return home. Before your parents find you missing.” Severus said.

“Yes. I really enjoyed this Severus. Perhaps we could do this again sometime before you return to Hogwarts.” she said getting to her feet.

“As did I. Perhaps we could. Well, good night.” he said.

“Night.” she said then apparated back to her bedroom.

Severus returned to his bedroom, turned off the light and climbed into bed. As he lay there, he cast a longing glance at the darkened window across from his. Tonight had been like a dream come true for him. For two years he had loved her from afar, and now, she was right there.

“Good night my darling.” he whispered as he drifted off to sleep.

T.B.C