Chapter Two

A/N: Oh my goodness, I'm so glad so many of you are enjoying the story! I'd like to give a huge thanks to JenniferLupinBlack for being my alpha and to TrisanaChandler13 for being my amazing beta. I hope you enjoy the next chapter of our little story.

Disclaimer: JKR owns the world and characters of Harry Potter, not me. I am making no money from the posting of this story.

Chapter 2

Severus pulled into his driveway. Getting out of his car, he walked into his small home. Today had been tiring.

When Hermione Granger had walked into the room today, his heart had stopped. She was the last person on Earth he would have expected to see.

He had to admit that she looked good, much different than the young girl he remembered from Hogwarts. Gone were the knobby knees and awkward figure, in its place was a woman's body. She was all curves with legs that seem to go on forever. Her hair seemed to have tamed itself since her youth. She had cascading curls instead of that matted bird's nest.

Not that he was checking her out or anything, because he wasn't. He'd rather pluck his eyes from his face than look at her in that way… any way really.

After spending so much time in seclusion, it was a strange feeling to see someone from his past. Severus had been determined that he would spend the rest of his days in solitude without anyone from the wizarding world in his life. He didn't need anyone. He never needed anyone. Why should that change?

He wondered what she was up too. The other two thirds of the "Golden Trio" were often in the paper. The Weasley boy especially, Severus thought with a sneer. It seemed the redhead had no class as he was always in the paper for something. He knew Potter had married the Weasley girl, but nothing about Hermione. She was never in paper. It was almost like she never existed.

Was she married? What was her career? What has she been doing with her life? He wanted answers to these questions, even though he would not admit that.

He knew she was Muggleborn. Maybe she had integrated herself into Muggle society much like he did. Maybe she was also a social recluse. She had always been cleverer than her friends; maybe she had finally realized that?

She moved beautifully in the kitchen. He had watched, captivated, as she walked about, gathering the ingredients and mixing them together. Her curls had bounced with every step, and she was cheerful at every moment.

He wondered if she wanted to strangle those two young lovers. He knew he did, as well as Martha. April and Dave spent every lesson the same way. They'd kiss, cook a little, kiss, cook some more, kiss… It was a never ending pattern. Severus knew if he had students like that in his Potions classroom he'd be frustrated beyond belief.

His cake had turned out a bit dry, but it was good. He wanted to do better, though. He was a Potion's master. Putting ingredients together and heating them was something he should be able to do with perfection. He shook his head. He'd just have to try harder.

Severus glanced at his bay leaf pound cake. Hermione was right; the combination of orange and bay leaves was quite delicious. But it was too much; he wouldn't be able to eat it all.

He glanced out his window and looked across the way. Maybe Martha would like some? He was sure that with a newborn, she wouldn't have time to make herself food. Yes, he decided he would bring some cake over.

Cutting Martha a slice, he wrapped it up. He walked across the day, knocking on her door.

It flung open seconds later, revealing a frazzled Martha. "Severus!" she exclaimed. "Come in, come in. Jared just went down for a nap so you'll have to wait to see him."

"It's all right, Miss Jones. I was just going to drop off the pound cake we made today." He held up the plate.

"Oh, do come in," Martha gestured, holding open the door to let him in. "I'll make us a cup of tea."

Severus followed her into the living room. He took a seat as she bustled around the kitchen. "Are you sure you don't want me to do it?" he asked.

Martha poked her head out of the kitchen. "Oh, yes, please. Can you do it fast with your magic thing?"

Severus chuckled. "It won't be as good as the normal way."

"Don't care," Martha said with a wave of her hand. "I need tea, now."

Severus went into the kitchen, quickly making two cups of tea. Taking them back into the living room, he saw Martha sprawled across the couch.

"Feeling all right?" he inquired. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Severus, you are just too sweet," Martha said, flashing him a smile. "And no, I'm fine. It'll take some time to adjust, but I think I've got it."

"I'm glad to hear that," he replied, taking a seat.

"So," Martha said, sending him a look. "I just got off the phone with Hermione."

Severus internally groaned. He should have known Martha would want to speak about Hermione.

"Why didn't you tell me you knew her?" Martha inquired.

"You've never mentioned her," Severus countered. "She was my student many years ago."

"Hmm," Martha said. "I suppose I should have made the connection, she attending Hogwarts while you teaching there."

Severus grunted noncommittally.

"She's grown a bit since you've last seen her, eh?" Martha said, a mischievous look in her eye. "She said you looked good for your age."

He abruptly stood, not liking where Martha was going. He could see the silly gleam in her eye and knew better. He would not fall victim to her ploy. "Miss Jones, I think I will take my leave."

"Oh, Severus, come on," she said with a laugh. "Stay! What's wrong with talking about Hermione?"

He ignored her. "Take care, Miss Jones. Ring me if you need anything."

"She loves a man who cooks!" Martha called out after his retreating form. "She's single!"

Severus shook his head, walking out the door. The cries of a baby filled the air behind him, and he silently smirked. Serves that meddling woman right. What was she thinking? Trying to set Miss Granger and me up.

No, he'd pour himself a glass of bourbon and forget Hermione Granger.