Hermione Granger was sitting in the comfortable warmth of her bedchambers before a roaring fire. It was late in the evening, but her husband had been called away to deal with a couple of wayward Gryffindors. As their Head Of House, Hermione probably should have gone and dealt with them herself, but these were repeat offenders, and that warranted the attention of the Headmaster, not just a teacher.

She had originally planned, when she was seventeen, to become a Ministry worker, but three things happened that made her change her mind and become a professor at Hogwarts: the position she wanted became unavailable, Minerva McGonagall fell ill due to lingering effects from the war and had to retire, and she married the man who was about to become Headmaster, Severus Snape, which left Gryffindor without a Potions professor. She leaned back against the pillows, looking at their framed wedding photograph. Had someone told her, the day she entered Hogwarts for her final year, that she would end up back here as Professor Snape (yes, she changed her name, her love for Severus winning out over her feminist ideals), she would have laughed herself into tears.

Closing her eyes, she thought about just how she ended up here, the events that followed her graduation from Hogwarts and departure from the presence of Severus Snape..

Hermione decided to not return her parents' memories to them. They were happy, there in Australia, and besides, they would not be returning to the daughter they had before. She was different, she had seen war and death, and alternately she had known love and pleasure. Her world was still no place for them.

She had secured the trust fund they had set up for her, bought a flat in London, and immediately sent the Minister of Magic (Kingsley Shacklebolt) her application papers for apprenticeship in the Department Of The Proper Treatment Of Magical Creatures. All within a day of leaving the school. She needed to keep busy, or else she'd start thinking about Severus Snape. She refused to think about Severus Snape.

Before a week had passed, Hermione received an owl from Ron, asking her to meet him for drinks in the Leaky Cauldron. "Now that school is over for you, maybe we can try again," he had written.

Hermione sighed. Ron was no Severus, but he cared for her, and maybe they would work something out. She was sure, with some teaching, he could give her some of the pleasure that Severus had. After all, she had cared for him once, so the emotional connection was already there.

She found Ron sitting in a booth, nursing what looked like his second tumbler of Firewhiskey and grinning like a fool.

"Hi, Ronald," Hermione said, sliding across from him. "How's being an Auror?"

"Cme on, 'Mione," he said, grinning. "You can do better than small talk, can't you?"

She shook her head. "It's not small talk: I'm genuinely interested. Especially since I'm going to be in the Ministry too, in January."

His eyes lit up. "You put in your application? That's great! We'll see each other every day then, and Harry, too."

They talked about how he and Harry had been doing, about Harry and Ginny's upcoming wedding (on Harry's birthday; Ginny said he'd never forget their anniversary that way), and what she hoped to accomplish in the Ministry. It was an easy conversation, but there was little spark there. Nothing Ron said or did, consciously or otherwise, gave her that thrill that just one glance from Severus did. She supposed that no one would ever make her feel as he had, and she had better get used to it or she'd be an old maid with more cats than just Crookshanks.

"So, how was Hogwarts? Who won the cup? Did you join the Slug Club?" Ron asked.

"Gryffindor won. That's how Ginny got her audition for the Holyhead Harpies, a scout was in the audience when she made a record twelve goals in one match. And there was no Slug Club this year because Slughorn went back into retirement," she said.

"Then who was the new Potions Master...or Mistress," he added hastily.

Hermione smiled into her glass of white wine, remembering how her heart had soared when she saw Severus walk into that classroom on the first day. "He wasn't new, Ronald."

It took him a moment and it dawned on him. "They let Snape back in the school? After all he did when he was Headmaster?"

"You mean after he protected your sister by sending her to Hagrid when she got in trouble, and didn't send emissaries after her when she never returned from Christmas holiday? Or how about when he risked his life working with Voldemort as as double agent, letting his good standing go down the toilet, all to protect Harry? I think, after all that he did, he should have been rewarded with more than an Order Of Merlin!" Hermione knew she was too loud, too defencive. She had sworn to never tell what she and Severus had done, but she was betraying her emotions by defending him so harshly. Thankfully, Ron noticed about as little as Harry did when it came to emotion.

"Okay, don't bite my head off," he said. "Change of subject: Ginny said she thought you had a secret tryst with someone. You'd be gone for an hour almost every day and no one knew where you went." He grinned. "Come on, tell me. I won't get jealous."

As if you have anything to be jealous of, Hermione thought angrily. I was not with you then, you imbecile.

"It was...exactly that. A tryst. No emotions. He and I explored things, sexually. Things I never even knew I wanted. I learned a lot about myself and what I want," Hermione explained.

"Who was it?" Ron asked.

"That's none of your business, Ronald," Hermione said calmly. "But it brings up something I want to talk to you about, if we do continue to try and be a couple again."

Ron's eyes sparkled. "So you are willing?"

"Yes. If we're compatible in what we want and need. You see, what I learned about myself was why I didn't enjoy sex before. I like things that...not everyone else does. And the man I was with helped me realise that what I need is totally normal and I should find a man who can give me that and enjoy it as well."

"What is it?" Ron asked. "Group sex? Roleplay?"

She shook her head. "BDSM."

Ron, already fairly pale, went white. "What? You mean, those people who get chained up and beaten? Hermione, are you nuts?"

"Lower your voice!" she hissed. "And don't talk about it like it's shameful. It's consensual, and I enjoy it. There's so much to it. It's about control, release, and trust."

Ron was shaking his head. "No way. You will never get me to do that in a million years. I never knew you were so twisted."

Hermione stood up and, not caring if she made a scene or not, threw the rest of her wine in Ron's face. "The next time you call me twisted, or anything else derogatory, I'll hex your bollocks into oblivion!" Turning on her heel, she left the pub and stood outside, eyes clenched shut, hoping Ron would not come and follow her.

She heard a chuckle, and some hopeless romantic part of her heart leapt, wondering if it was Severus. It was not. Turning, she saw a familiar blonde grinning at her.

"I waited for years before you finally let rip on him," Draco said.

"Oh. He deserved it," Hermione replied.

Draco nodded. "I also heard that you're in need of a Master, Granger."

Hermione took a step back. As much as Draco attracted her, she had no interest in giving him her trust like she had given it to Severus. "No offence, Malfoy, but if you're offering, you can fuck off, too."

He laughed. "Gods no, Granger. I'm just like you: a sub looking for a Master, and since the particular one I want isn't interested in me now that he's got that ginger tart, I take my pleasures elsewhere." He slipped a business card into her hand. "Private BDSM club. Monthly fee-reasonable-and you can choose a dom to pleasure you exactly as you like it. No strings." He started to walk away. "Give it a try. It might be helpful till you find the right Master."

Hermione glanced down at the card. "The Dragon's Den". It was located in Knockturn Alley, not far from where she stood now. Maybe that was what she needed: a Master to whom she would not be attracted, but who could give her release. She needed someone, since Severus was no longer an option.

She put the card in her pocket for further deliberation and went home, where an owl awaited her. It was from the Ministry.

"Dear Ms. Granger,

"I regret to inform you that, come January, there will be no open training positions in your desired department within the Ministry. I am personally reevaluating your application and NEWT qualifications to see where you best fit. I will owl again with your choices.

"Kingsley Shacklebolt, Minister Of Magic"

Hermione sighed and tore the letter apart. What a terrible ending to a terrible day.

Hermione was to be Ginny's Maid Of Honour at her and Harry's wedding. The wedding would take place at The Burrow just like Bill's had, but without any Death Eaters crashing it (she hoped). She was happy for her two friends. They deserved all the happiness in the world. It was just hard seeing so much love, when the man she loved had probably not thought of her in the month since she'd left Hogwarts.

They were all at The Burrow, making plans and Hermione would be trying on her bridesmaid dress with Luna. She managed to apologise to Ron for drenching him in wine, and he apologised for calling her crazy, so things were going smoothly. Hermione's dress was beautiful, and Ginny's was stunning. Harry was dying to see it.

Mrs. Weasley came in with a stack of envelopes. "Here are the RSVPs. The only no you received was from Draco Malfoy," she told them. "Even Aberforth Dumbledore is coming."

Harry paid for what was to be a simple but very large wedding, and apparently all of Wizarding Britain wanted to be there. Hermione knew he was loving every bit of attention he was receiving, but Ginny was flustered by it all.

"I wanted a small wedding, not something to rival Muggle royalty!" she complained. "And some of the people we invited...this might be a disaster."

"Disaster? " George spoke up. "How can it be a disaster?"

"Yeah," Fred added. "With Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes providing the fireworks, Mum acting like a drill sergeant, and you about to go off and play pro Quidditch with an Auror husband, this wedding will go off in a snap."

"I hope so," Ginny said. "And no pranks, got it? Just fireworks."

The twins grinned at each other. "Fine, you have our word. But if you want to liven it up a bit with some Dungbombs or a bunch of pygmy puffs leaping from the cake, let us know," Fred told her.

Hermione went home from the planning and saw an owl waiting for her. It was a list of positions she could choose from, but she needed to send in her answer by 1st September. Auror, Law, Misuse of Muggle Artifacts, the Registry, Potions Research, and Dark Art Research.

Unexpectedly, she teard up just at the word "Potions". How silly she was, but she had been living with a metaphorical hole in her heart for a month and a half. Severus Snape would not leave her mind. Her dreams were haunted by him, as were her waking thoughts.

How dare he make me love him and leave me to my misery without another thought? Bastard, she thought, curling up with Crookshanks. Love was never supposed to hurt like this, was it? Or was it always this painful? It didn't seem so for Harry and Ginny. Nor for Bill and Fleur, or George and Angelina. So why was she so scarred from this bloody emotion? It wasn't fair. Tears slipped from her eyes as she remembered her last night with Severus. The sex, the caresses, the kisses. Waking up with him. Having him hold her all night.

He had started a fire in her, and if he did not come back to her to curb its fury, it could very well consume her.

The wedding day dawned, and Hermione was waiting in the house with Luna and Ginny. Ron and Harry were already at the altar, and the guests were seated under the large white silk tent in the field.

Hermione and Luna hugged Ginny and assured her she was going to be fine, but someone had brewed a Calming Potion just in case her nerves got out of control, and Ginny drank it gratefully.

The music began, and Hermione took her bouquet of tulips (Ginny's favourite flower) and began to walk down the aisle, followed closely by Luna, who was also sporting a crown of tulips she made herself. At least it wasn't radishes!

Hermione saw Harry, nervously fiddling with his glasses, and Ron, who looked like a proud father as he waited for Ginny. The crowd was massive, but as Hermione reached the altar and stood in her proper place, and the whole crowd turned to watch Ginny walk in, there was one set of eyes in the crowd that did not turn, but instead bore into Hermione like lasers.

In a sea of pastel robes and ginger Weasleys, he was easy to see, a dark spot amongst the colour. He watched her like a snake watches a mouse, a smirk never leaving his face. She felt her knees go weak under his gaze, but she did not tear her eyes from his.

She heard none of the service, and barely remembered to cheer when Harry kissed his new wife. When she turned back, he was gone, and she had to wonder if she had not simply imagined him there, watching her just as he once did.

"Hermione?" Luna asked. "Are you okay? You look like you've been confused by the Nargles."

She shook her head. "I think life would be easier if I had, Luna," she replied before going into the reception area they had set up with a band, food and drinks.

Once in the room, Hermione was greeted by Minerva McGonagall, who did not look very well indeed. Her one time professor asked to speak with her privately and she agreed.

"I am not well, Hermione. In your fifth year, when I was attacked...it weakened my heart, and the Healers say I need to retire, lest I lessen my life by years," she said, her voice trembling.

"Oh, no, I can't believe that. Is there anything I can do, Professor?" Hermione asked. She had always looked up to McGonagall, and this news was a crushing blow.

"Yes, there is, actually," McGonagall said. "Kingsley told me you put in an application to train at the Ministry?" Hermione nodded. "I was wondering if you would accept a position at Hogwarts instead, as a professor."

Hermione's mouth dropped. "But, I just graduated. Will any of the older students listen to me? I do not know nearly enough to be a professor!"

"Nonsense." That one dark word, dripping like honey, came from behind her and she whirled around.

Severus Snape looked every bit the rockstar in black dragonhide boots, black silk slacks, a long black cloak, a black silk shirt with silver accents buttoned up to the throat, and a devilish smile that made him look much younger.

Ignoring Hermione's stare, he said, "I am the one who recommended you, Granger. With a crash course before September, I believe you will make a fine new Potions Mistress."

"Potions, sir?" Hermione asked, automatically falling into her submissive role in his presence without even thinking about it.

"Well, you can't possibly expect the Headmaster to also teach a class and lead a House, can you? In addition to your teaching duties, you will also be the Head Of Gryffindor House," he told her. "I already have Andromeda Tonks as the Head Of Slytherin."

"Hermione, it would mean a lot to the school, and especially to me, if you'd agree," McGonagall said.

"You'd be wasted at the Ministry," Severus added. "Protection Of Magical Creatures my arse."

"Actually, I didn't get that job, sir," Hermione said. "I was going to do Potions Research."

He arched an eyebrow but said nothing, his very presence making her alternately uncomfortable and aroused.

"Yes, I will take the position," she said. "I didn't want to waste my time in research. I wanted to do something, and teaching is doing something for the good of others."

"Wonderful!" Minerva smiled. "I'll owl you with further information next week."

Severus stepped between them, dark eyes staring into Hermione's. "Now, if the business portion of the evening is over with, may I ask you to dance, Ms. Granger?" He held his hand out to her, the picture of elegance. "I happen to know that the music written for tonight is a small masterpiece."

He took her hand and led her out onto the dancefloor, and she was aware of many eyes on the two of them, as he took her into his arms and began to lead her in a spirited dance she could not name. It required he keep her close, his heat radiating off of him. She couldn't breathe or think. After weeks of pining, weeks of tears and curses of his name, he was here, he was holding her, and he had to nerve to act as though nothing had happened!

The dance ended, and he did not let her go. Instead, the band started to play a slow number, and Severus began to waltz her around the room. If she had eyes for anyone but him, she would have noticed the stares, the comments (criticism from the men and envy from the women), and the fact that Ron had accidentally spilt his drink while watching how familiar they were with each other.

Pulling her close, so close there was not a hair's breadth between them, Severus began to sing a song she did not know, his voice low in her ears. This was a serenade for her and her alone.

"There was a time

"When I thought my story had ended

"With loss of life and loss of love

"Loss of purpose was to be expected

"And again one day I was certain I was going home

"My blood spilled and poison in my veins

"But I discovered a reason to live

"And she was the reason why I lived

"Dark and dangerous, she was too sweet to resist

"Her innocent temptations brought me over the edge

"How was I to know

"How could I have expected

"That I could fall in love again?"

Hermione felt weak-kneed, sensations assaulting her: his voice in her ears, his breath against her neck, the sight of his arms around her, and the scent of his cologne made the world spin. The words he was singing...were they his? Was it for her? Dare she even think it?

She needed air, and she wrenched herself away from him and quickly made her way through the crowd and into the cool night air. She breathed deeply, willing her heart rate to slow and her knees to stop shaking.

"Hermione." He was at her side, just the two of them in the English countryside, under the stars.

Remembering the last time they had been alone, Hermione found the emotions too much to hold in any longer and she whirled around to face him. "Don't you dare, Severus Snape! Don't try to charm me!" She felt tears leaking down her face. "Do you have any idea what I've been going through since I left Hogwarts? Do you?"

"No. Why don't you enlighten me?" he deadpanned.

"Oooh, you rotten son of a bitch!" she yelled. "You should understand, feeling love for someone who will never return your feelings! I finally understand how you have hurt all these years, pining after Lily! I wish I could Obliviate you from my memory, Severus. I wish...I wish you could feel even a fraction for me what I feel for you." She was sobbing now, turning away from him so he could not see how weak she was. How weak he mad her.

His arms came around her waist, pulling her to him, front to back. She let go, gave up, and sagged against him. "How can I work with you when seeing you makes my heart break anew?"

She felt him nuzzle her neck and her tears came harder. She could never have him, and he was torturing her!

She felt him chuckle against her skin. "You silly, naive little girl. I think Gryffindors are so stubborn they sometimes get mental tunnel vision."

"Don't make fun of me!" she gasped.

"I'm not. Merely observing. Turn around, pet," he ordered. "Look at me." He tilted her head to look in his eyes, hand on her chin so she could not look away. "You love me?"

She scoffed. "You know I do. And that's why this hurts so much. I saw that photo of you and Lily in your room. You will always love her, and I will be nothing more than a notch on your bedpost."

He gazed down at her. "You are wrong, Hermione. Yes, I love Lily. I will love her until the day I die. But Lily is gone, and for the first time since her death, I began to accept it once I realised that I was...attracted to you. Lily was my first love, but she will not be my last." His other hand came to rest on her waist. "Would you like to know how difficult it was for me to let you go? To think that you would find another Master, another man to give your body and your heart to?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, Severus, I could not find anyone. I even looked into a BDSM club. I couldn't...I couldn't imagine anyone else ever touching me. I only wanted you, sir. I only want you."

Severus seemed to snap then, yanking her closer and pressing his lips to hers in a fierce, possessive kiss. Hermione felt herself go nearly limp in his arms and he held her, his lips and tongue plundering her mouth, taking her over once again.

He pulled back enough to look in her eyes, and what she saw there both frightened and excited her.

"You are mine, Hermione Granger. My pet, my lover, my sub, and if you'll have me, you will also be my love," he said. "I will be your only Master, the only man you will love."

Hermione was crying again as she kissed him. "Yes, Severus, I only want you. I only love you."

They never noticed the fireworks the twins set off, or the fact that Mrs. Weasley tried (unsuccessfully) to get hem back in the tent to join the dinner.

Severus Apparated them to his home in Spinner's End, where he proceeded to prove to Hermione once again that he was the only man for her.

"Hey."

Her husband's voice cut through her memories.

"You were late tonight," Hermione said, watching as he tiredly removed his clothes and climbed into bed with her, encircling her in his arms.

"Two expulsions. And no, I did not enjoy it. You looked lost in thought when I came in," he commented.

She nodded. "I was thinking about how this-we-came about."

"Having regrets?" he asked her, and she felt him smirk as he kissed the back of her neck, his tongue hitting her pulse point and making her groan.

"Don't be an arse, Severus."

She felt his hand come down hard between her legs and she yelped.

"Don't call me names, pet, or I'll leave my wand inside of you all night. See if you feel repentant in the morning." He slapped her wetness again. "I will never get tired of how wet you get for me. Being a married woman made you no less of a slut."

"Only for you, Master. Only for you."

He slipped two fingers inside of her, lazily stroking her as she felt his cock getting hard against her bottom.

"To think, all this started because Bill Weasley sent Ginny that record," she said, arching her back to get more friction.

Severus bit her neck, drawing blood. "Yes. remind me to thank him one day."

He turned Hermione on her back, and she saw him looking down at her with an expression of love so pure she wanted to cry.

"I love you, Severus."

"And I you, Hermione Snape."