Through Tinted Windows

He came to her apartment. She had opened the door for him and could smell the liquor on his breath and clinging to his clothes. He was drunk, disheveled and looking for someone to lay. She, of course refused, given her views on pre-marital sex, and grew angry at his foul insinuations. It was then he advanced towards her and attempted to hurt her. He had grabbed her arm and threw her on the floor, slapping her across the face when she attempted to get up again and then tried to mount her. In a fit of disgust and fear, she kicked his groin and made a mad grab for her wand as he doubled over in pain. She waved him out with a simple spell (thank goodness for first year at Hogwarts), locking the door and applying wards on all the openings just in case he tried to enter in any other way. She heard him curse behind the barriers; underneath her rasping breath as she leaned against the wall. It was a while before she moved again and that was just to collapse onto the ground wracked with shudders and spewing tears.

It then left her in her current state. All of this had occurred just hours before and at that moment she was wallowing in her self-pity as she wondered why she had such lousy luck when it came to relationships. Her face hardened at that moment. She was sick and tired of being the weaker sex. Hermione Granger was a lot smarter than this. She was head strong and level-headed. She would not succumb to another man. She would wait until she was old and senile before she would get herself involved with the male species. And that was her solemn oath.

Until she got the prize…

------------~~~~~~~ o ~~~~~~~------------

I thought it would be quite a good diversion during your spring break, Severus." Albus Dumbledore gave the Professor an apologetic look, though the usual amusement still sparkled in their cerulean depths.

Severus Snape had been called over during supper to discuss certain matters with the Headmaster. What he hadn't realized when he agreed was the subject of discussion would be of his state of being single and at his prime. Ever since Voldemort had been ultimately defeated, Dumbledore gained an obsession with finding Severus a lifetime partner. The Potions Master was keen of all his attempts as he had used a variety of different methods. Fortunately for him, the tries were easy to avoid and Snape ended up outwitting his senior. However, now that he was seated in the chair across from him, it seemed that Albus had outwitted him.

"Headmaster," Snape acknowledged through clenched teeth as he grasped the wooden armrest in a fierce grip. "You very well know that I value my time away from teaching these – children."

"I have been quite aware of that. However, I have taken it upon myself to find you a suitable match –"

"By putting me in an Auction for Eligible Bachelors?!" he cried incredulously. "Please cease with this fascination with finding me a significant other! Certainly, you know that being entered in such an affair is by far desperate for anyone as well as demoralizing! Should the staff or even one member of the student body should attend, what then? I shall be the laughingstock of the community of Hogwarts!"

"It will not be a problem with the staff as I had already presented them with my plans on entering you. They were quite ardent about the whole arrangement." This statement earned a vicious glare, but the old wizard was unperturbed by the look he received and went on. "The children might be a different story. They shan't be there for it is not an event that allows minors to be present. Therefore, you have no reason to be ashamed."

And of their parents? What then?"

The headmaster regarded the assumption as he bit and chewed thoughtfully on a lemon drop. "Adults are more mature when it come to situations as that, dear boy."

"I beg to differ," Snape retorted acerbically.

"Please, Severus. You are overreacting. You cannot back out now. The Auction will occur the day after the next and they had already stated that those who are involved may not withdraw."

"It's not like you give much of a choice, Headmaster." Snape huffed and folded his arms, sinking farther into his chair.

Dumbledore clapped his hands in delight and got out of his chair. "Wonderful! It's a pleasure to know that you're so considerate."

"What else could I be?" the ex-Deatheater asked sarcastically, following the Headmaster's lead and making his way towards the exit to the office.

"Don't forget to inform me about your match!"

Severus left grumbling. How preposterous an idea Dumbledore had conjured! It was insanity. It was downright humiliating on his part as well. Underneath the billowing midnight robes, his hands were curled into tight white fists. His scowl was more prominent than usual that even Peeves thought twice about bothering him. As he walked down the halls to the dungeons, he muttered, cursing the foolish old wizard for his vigilant nature.

Of course he had longed for a lasting relationship. However, such a possibility lay only in the afterlife if not beyond such. Being an ex-Deatheater was one thing, but being a sour man going through his midlife crisis was another. Not a single person would have the patience for such a person going through such a horrible stage in their lives, especially when that individual still has the marital status of single. Such downfalls still did not stop him from fantasizing. Merlin have mercy, had he been so transparent about his quiet longings? Surely the bitter looks hid them well. Yet Dumbledore – one way or another – found out about everything. It must have come with the age, Snape thought dully, knowing full-well that the wizard was practically a relic. The man was well over 60 years older than the Potions Master, if it gave any indication whatsoever. He still managed to stay in sync with everything else.

And look what his mind set had gotten Snape into now. It infuriated him to a point that he wanted to pull all his hair out. He was pushed to do so when he was seated in the old wizard's office, listening to the rubbish he had to say. Well whatever Dumbledore wanted, Severus Snape was not going to make it easy – for either the headmaster or the unlucky soul who would choose him as a perfect match.

------------~~~~~~~ o ~~~~~~~------------

'Mione, you won!"

Megara Gold's voice startled Hermione, causing her to jolt slightly. Her best muggle friend had a habit of bothering her when she was busy with her work and that moment was no exception. She looked down at the model she had been attempting to do with dismay. The glue had spurted over a whole section, leaving a horrible mess. Turning, she shot her Asian companion a hot glare. The girl just waved her hand in dismissal.

"Please, I know you can clean it up in no time." Meg looked at her friend speculatively. "I still can't believe you'd actually settle for our muggle ways instead of your magical methods. Is it such a taboo to you to do that? Certainly you love the wizarding world, do you not?"

Megara Ilanilara Gold was her whole name. The two had met by chance at a squabble in a bar that Hermione tried attending in attempt to drown her sorrows in alcohol. Meg had been seated at the counter, wearing a sparkling, backless spaghetti strap and tight black pants and a matching pair of boots. Hermione was taken aback by her openness towards her and resented her attentions. However, as the night wore on and she got drunk, Meg was probably her only chance to make it back to her apartment in tact. She had started a rumble between two men who were trying to gain her approval, which by far was not a great result. Meg had disappeared with Hermione slung over her shoulder, and hoots of laughter following their wake.

Hermione woke up with a splitting headache and the vision of milk chocolate brown skin and raven hair that fell a foot from its roots. After a resounding scream, lots of kicking and resistance, then an explanation, the two were on good terms. After a few weeks they were good friends. Months after that, they were the best of chums. Meg found out about Hermione being a witch and Hermione found out about Meg being an child sexually abused by both her parents. Each accepted the other as perfectly fine. They grew used to each other's faults.

The interrupting, however, Hermione could not stand. "Meg, you know very well that I try to avoid it as much as possible. It is merely all shortcuts. I like challenges."

"It's not like you have a choice now, huh?" she smirked. "Anyway, you know how you were eating those enchanted chocolate bars that change flavors to suit your mood? Well they were having some kind of contest and apparently you've won!"

The brown-haired girl raised a brow, then made a grab for the wrapper that Meg was waving in her face and read the inscription. " ‘Congratulations! You have drawn the lucky enchanted chocolate bar that enables you to participate in the Auction for most Eligible Bachelors that takes place on…' oh my! This is in two days!"

Meg pushed her face in reading range and squealed with delight. "My girl, you have hit the jackpot! If I was straight and single, I would not hesitate to go! So what do you say, ‘Mione? Would you go?"

Hermione frowned. "I'm not sure…"

"Oh, God," the raven-haired girl groaned. "Don't start with the ‘bad-luck-with-men' crap. I know that it wasn't to great before but this is all for fun! Besides, these guys are only out for a good time. They aren't looking for a long-term relationship from this. Neither are you. It all works well!"

"I don't want anyone stalking me night and day just for a good sexual experience. I can't give that to them." Hermione blushed in embarrassment.

"I bet you that this fling will only last for a week. You'll be surprised at how quickly the man will get off your case."

"You don't know what I've been through, Meg."

"You forget that I do," Meg informed. "Unless you don't remember what I told you about…"

"Oh." Hermione paused. "Okay fine… so you've gotten over it. But I haven't gotten over my experiences."

"Will you do it for me then? Will you participate for my sake as a person? I know that it's hard, but maybe this is your calling. Maybe you were supposed to get this so you could overcome your fears with relationships with the opposite sex. I know how much you want a family. You deserve a proper one!"

Hermione cast her eyes down. A smile slowly made its way onto her lips and Meg knew she was convinced. With a shriek of laughter, she hugged her friend and began chatting about preparations. Hermione just stared off with a wistful look on her face.

------------~~~~~~~ o ~~~~~~~------------

Snape had his arms folded and fidgeted. He had been placed in a black compartment – by the coordinators of the Auction – that resembled a closet more than anything. He felt a twinge of claustrophobia as he stood in the dark, the sounds outside muffled. It was a minute from the beginning of the auction, and still the time could not move any faster to Snape's liking. He hadn't the slightest clue as to what to expect. He was hoping for at least a decent looking woman who would not cringe at the sight of him. Merlin, he was hoping he would get picked at all!

"Welcome, Ladies and… Ladies!" the announcer greeted with much enthusiasm and cheer. "The Enchanted Corporation is proud to announce that the Auctions are to commence now!"

His announcement brought a bout of high squeals and claps from the audience. Snape could feel his nerves begin to act up. What would he have to do? Would they just reveal the bachelors then auction them off?

"We are going to undergo a special procedure when auctioning our more than favorable bachelors!" the announcer boomed cutting into his thoughts. "Each male has been placed in a special box that enables him to hear, feel, touch, and – dare I say – taste! However, he may not see the contestants. The contestant in turn is allowed access to one part of the male's anatomy – anywhere acceptable! Nothing scandalous so access to his – er – more intimate parts is prohibited." This elicited many cries of protests and groans from the spectators.

"Now, now," the announcer called and Snape could almost see him gesturing with his hands for the women to quiet down. "You are permitted to use all your senses however when given the right to the part of the anatomy that you care to explore. One by one, you will come up on stage and step behind these curtains to observe and make your choice. Because there are thirty of you and only ten of them, there is bound to be a fight as to who will be the lucky female with the male! That is where the Auction part of this comes in."

Severus drowned out the rest of what the man was saying as he dealt with the possibilities he was faced with. For one, he may be in demand for many of the girls. The second would be that he would be the only one without a someone to choose him. He felt a wave of humiliation with the latter possibility.

"Will the first lady please make her way up!"

He heard footsteps make their way closer and closer to him. He inhale quietly taking in the scent of the woman. He choked. Merlin, the woman put far too much perfume on her. It was a nauseating smell. He silently prayed that she would leave him be. He heard her footsteps stop every now and then, knowing she was assessing the choice. When she got to him, she gasped and walked quickly to the next contestant. By her walk, he pictured her as a woman in her late 50's. It was quite disgusting to think she would get into this sort of situation. He was also very relieved that she didn't pick him.

As the second and third contestants came and went, Severus's unease lifted slightly but the embarrassment was still prominent in his mind. The next few contestants grew bolder and poked and prodded him in certain areas. He was disgusted by the woman that attempted to touch his stomach and almost hurled. He was just about to come to the conclusion that Dumbledore would pay for this sort of humiliation when a soothing scent wafted into his nose.

Light footsteps made its way towards his box and he could feel his heart pounding in anticipation. Peaches and strawberries, with a slight tinge of something unfamiliar to the wizarding world overloaded his senses causing him to go heady. He heard the footsteps stop directly in front of him and he held his breath, wondering what her choice would be. He heard her voice murmur something. The timbre of it sounded so familiar, yet he didn't think anything of it and focused on what she was about to do.

He felt his hand touch soft skin and he nearly groaned. It was such sweet torture, what this woman was doing to him. Her fingers began to lightly trace the lines on his palms and heard her hum of sparked interest. He clenched his teeth and screwed up his eyes, trying to imagine the woman as an ugly fat woman. The image failed to do anything as it transformed into an image of a siren, beautiful and sweet. His mind moved to more erotic scenes as he imagined her trailing those same lithe hands down his chest…

The woman squeezed his hand, calling his attention to her. She began tracing patterns on the sensitive pads of his palm. He soon realized she was writing something. In his mind he made out what she inscribed."U – R – M – I – N – E." She dropped his hand and walked off, the sweet scent of spring following her wake.

" ‘You are mine,'" he realized, feeling a shiver of anticipation.

As the last of the contestants came and went, his thoughts alone remained on the woman who had staked claim on him. It made him slightly perturbed that she did so with such certainty and also caused him to doubt her word. He knew how people took pleasure in playing with people's reactions.

"Alright!" the announcer exclaimed with relief. He must have been bored stiff. Snape heard the rustle of the curtains as it was pushed back. "Now will all the contestants stand by the bachelor they desire!"

There was a mad rush as the women scrambled for the boxes. He could already hear the bickering of women and snickered quietly. His amusement was stopped short when his nose picked up peaches and strawberries. She was there! He felt a rush of relief and excitement flow through him.

"For Bachelor 1, let the Auctions begin at 10 Galleons!"

Women's voices shot out numbers as they fought to outpay the other. "Sold! For 100 Galleons to the woman in burgundy!" There was a roll of awed murmurs and a single squeal of delight. "Next! Bachelor 2! Commence at 10 Galleons!"

The second and third bachelor went as the first. Too soon, it came to him. "Now we have Bachelor 6! We shall commence at 10 Galleons!"

"15 Galleons," a quiet pleasant-sounding voice called. It was the woman with the spring scent.

"20 Galleons," called another voice that was stronger than the previous.

"25," the first voice pushed.

"35 Galleons," another voice called.

Dear Merlin, how many women had chosen him?

"50 Galleons," the first voice called again.

There was a small murmur of voices. Then, "55 Galleons."

"70."

"90!"

"120 Galleons," the first voice announced lithely, causing squeaks of surprise from all the contestants.

"120 Galleons. Anymore? No? Going once! Going twice! Sold! For 120 Galleons to the woman in – erm – a white top! On to the next Bachelor!"

All the men were soon auctioned off. "Alright! Now, will the ladies who were unfortunate enough to not stake claim on anyone please step off the stage." Grumbling and footsteps. "Okay! Now to reveal your match!"

There was a muffled sound and Severus was greeted by a whoosh of air but no light. Slowly, faces and his surroundings came to view and he was greeted by the woman who had won him in the auction. He heard her gasp in horror as his eyes widened in shock at what he saw.

"Miss Granger??"

"Professor Snape!" Hermione exclaimed at the same time, blushing profusely as she gawked at her old Potions teacher.