A/N: Please read before starting this story. I have always encouraged reviews from readers: constructive criticism, suggestions, words of support- they all keep me writing and help me to become a better writer. That being said, this is Fan Fiction. It is a creative outlet for us to use our imaginations and create our OWN stories. If by the first chapter you think I am writing "out of character," keep reading. I like to think I have done a decent job explaining why characters are acting the way they are. Because *shocking* yes, I realize much would be "out of character" for the traditional characters.

Also, this pairing is NOT for everyone. You have been warned. If you don't like Severus and/or Hermione in the actual books/movies- you will not like them here. Further, there is no self-inserting. This story is told from third person POV. I write from both Hermione and Severus' POV. I am not a character in this story. Have I interpreted characters in ways that may not follow the tradition storyline? Yes, absolutely, but I am not in this story. This note was prompted by a "guest" review that surprised me.

This story is purely for lemony goodness, to strengthen my writing and story telling, and because I can write about and like whatever characters I want! This is a great community and I hope you enjoy this story. Maybe I can get some of my others up in the future, but I have big plans for this story. So, thank you to all my loyal readers and followers. YOU are why I am continuing to update. Keep the views and reviews coming!

'Oh Ronald- don't be daft. You know it would have looked bad if we didn't return.'

The Golden Trio was making its way to the first Defense Against the Dark Arts class since Hogwarts' reopening, and Hermione was having a hard time convincing Ron why their return was necessary.

'Hermione,' Ron objected, 'you do realize you were the only one who wanted to pass up an offer from the ministry to skip this year and start a career, right?'

Hermione rolled her eyes. She was tired of being blamed for Ron's- and Harry's- decision to return to school.

'Ron, last time I checked I did not have you under the Imperious Curse when you "gladly accepted" a place back here.'

Two months ago, Hermione, Ron, Harry, as well as the other students involved in the war were given a choice: to return to Hogwarts to finish their last year or to delve right into a career of their choice, as granted by the Ministry itself. Hermione's mind was easily made up. She would never abandon the lifetime goal she started over 6 years ago, plus she loved to learn. Harry and Ron didn't quite see it that way and argued heavily with Hermione until they realized (cockily, of course) that no matter when they left Hogwarts, there was no way they'd ever be without employment. Hermione also thought it a way to let others see that Hogwarts was safe and as good as ever. The only thing that seemed to really change was the staffing.

After the war, Minerva refused to remain Headmaster, and took back her Transfiguration post. It was unclear why she was so adamant against the higher position, but there was no fighting with a catwoman- literally. The vote for headmaster had been unanimous- albeit a bit controversial- and the position went to Severus Snape.

His acceptance shocked everyone, but it was no surprise to Hermione. He was a man of superior intelligence, what was he supposed to do for the rest of his life after being cleared of the war charges? Piddle around in some lavish mansion? She almost laughed out loud at the thought of him reading the Daily Prophet with fuzzy slippers and a silk robe. No- he was going to keep doing what he had been for years. He was a constant man. Why change now? She had to admit that she was quite glad when she received that news. She had always harbored a deep admiration for the Potions Master, and although she'd never admit it, she looked forward to his snarky comments and condescending attitude every day. There was just something about him that made her want to do her best, and now as Headmaster he would have to know everything about her scholastic career, something that scared and excited her.

'Isn't that right, Miss. Granger?' a silky voice brought her back to the present where she found herself two steps towards colliding into the dark professor himself.

'I'm sorry sir, I didn't hear the question,' red instantly flushed her cheeks as she met his intense glare.

'I do hope your performance in today's class is better than that of your attention span,' Snape gave her a last look and proceeded to walk into the classroom that they had reached while her thoughts had wandered.

With a confused and embarrassed look, Hermione took her seat at the table that she shared with Harry and Ron, while Headmaster Snape took a seat in the back of the classroom.

'What's he doing in here,' Ron asked loudly whilst poking Hermione in the arm.

'I have no idea. Maybe observing?'

To be honest, she had no idea why the Headmaster was in their DADA class that morning, but it made her anxious.

Aside from the fact that she practically worshiped the ground he walked on, ever since she dragged him from the Shrieking Shack that dreadful night, his presence seemed to put her on edge. It was clear to everyone how her quick thinking and extraordinary human stasis charm had slowed the snake venom enough to save him. No one had understood why she was so resolute on his safety, but no one dared to cross the most intelligent witch of her age and she stood by his side until he opened his eyes 3 long weeks later. Hermione could only be pulled away for absolute necessities, insisting that any moment Snape could awaken completely disoriented. Truth be told, she had known it was going to be a long road, but she just couldn't leave a man of such devotion even for a few minutes. She was giving back to him what he had given all along.

Her thoughts were again interrupted, but this time by a warmer voice.

'Alright class, settle down. As you can see we have a very important observer today. Headmaster Snape has asked to join the new defense classes to see how the Ministry handled the new approach. I assure you that I am the only one who has anything to worry about,' the professor chuckled.

That chuckle instantly brought a smile of happiness and pain to Hermione's face. The wizarding world came very close to never hearing the chuckle of Remus Lupin again, but by some miracle he his life had been spared. For months, many researchers pondered whether it was the werewolf blood that saved him from his intense injuries, but Remus insisted that a higher power had been with him that evening.

As with the installation of Snape to the Headmaster position, the return of Remus had been a controversial one as well due to his "problem", but no one dared cross Snape once he made the decision. They valued his place as a hero, and their lives, too much.

Professor Lupin started again, 'We are going to start this class slowly. I am well aware that many of you have used curses that should never have been a thought in your young minds, but that ship has sailed and the past is done. That being said, I would appreciate utmost respect and attention to the spellwork that you may find trivial at this point. In order to win a race, you must train and practice even the simplest of exercises first.'

Hermione was only half listening as she stole a quick glance behind her shoulder at the Headmaster. To her surprise, and his embarrassment, he had returned the young woman's stare as well. She turned away immediately and sank back into her seat making a quick promise to herself that she'd focus on class the rest of the time.

'Alright, so enough chit chat. I figured we'd start with something light today,' Lupin motioned to a large wooden chest stationed at the foot of his desk. 'Can anyone tell me what we might be handling today? Ah, Miss. Granger.'

'I would suspect that we will be dealing with boggarts today, sir. A boggart is a shape-shifting creature that takes on the form of the viewer's worst fear,' Hermione recited.

'Very good Miss. Granger! It seems nothing has affected your intellectual prowess!' Lupin turned to the chest and continued, 'And with the simple incantation of 'Riddikulus' you can easily rid yourself of facing your worst fear. Now, let's practice! Queue up, please!'

With an easy moment of his wand, the desks were separated forming an aisle for the students to line up in.

For once, the students felt at ease with this type of defense. The war had worn them out of using harsh defensive spells and many students hadn't even wanted to take the class. Hermione believed it was Lupin's tranquil presence that reassured them of a simple syllabus and a haven from reminiscing on the past.

Harry stepped up first, and for a minute everyone seemed to brace themselves for a hooded dementor or an appearance by Voldemort, but as soon as Lupin opened the chest it was emptiness that appeared before the class. Confused, Harry looked toward Lupin and asked, 'Professor, why is nothing happening?'

It took some time before Lupin finally offered the suggestion that because Harry had already faced every true fear he had ever known, there was no power left for a boggart to use against him. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing she wanted to see was Voldemort, and questioned silently whether or not she would have boggart either.

Class continued normally after the empty trunk that confronted Harry, and Hermione recognized many of the boggarts as very similar to what they were in their third year: Ron and his spiders, Padma and a cobra, even Seamus and a banshee. She wondered, as she stepped up to the trunk, whether she would see Professor McGonagall again with failing marks, 'Are you ready my dear?' Lupin was standing next to the trunk getting ready to open it and was met with a small nod from Hermione.

With a sharp flick, the trunk opened, unleashing Hermione's worst fear.

At first she stood there confused, waiting for the picture to clear, but as soon as she recognized the scene in front of her she froze.

It was indeed her worst fear. Not more than 5 feet in front of her was a very bloody Severus Snape and a morose Poppy telling Hermione that he was dead. That there was nothing more that could be done. She had been too late.

Hermione didn't move. She didn't even attempt to repel the boggart, she gave Lupin a horrified look and with a sob she ran from the room.

She ran so quickly that she never noticed the confused black orbs that followed her out.