Snape looked down at Hermione and noted the dark circles forming beneath her eyes. The young witch must've been emotionally exhausted. He gave her a half smirk and decided to re-route her request.
"I would tell you, but then I'd have to kill you…" He stated in a monotone voice.
"Professor… Did you just make a joke?" Hermione laughed. It sounded like bells. Christ, since when was Snape comparing noises to bells.
Snape allowed a small smile before stating, "I think we'd both do well getting some sleep and pick up where we left off tomorrow." There was so much more he wanted to ask her, not only about where she'd been but about where she was planning on going. "The couch pulls out…" Snape began.
Hermione froze. This poor man was in muggle London trying to escape whatever it was he was trying to escape, and now she was forcing him to put her up. "Sir, Professor, I'm sorry. This isn't necessary, really," Hermione said walking to collect her coat. "I can go back to the Burrow. I left in a huff but I'm sure all the dust has settled. Truly, I'm good."
Again, despite the fact the Snape was no longer Hermione's teacher and had no right to tell her what to do, something about the way the man glared at her made her cease her excuses at once and look to the ground. She knew it sounded crazy, but it felt like for the first time in a long time, someone was actually seeing her. She felt that Snape could see right through her excuses and this filled her with some form of appreciation.
"Hermione," He began at a whisper, "Do you want to go back to the Burrow?"
It was a genuine question, she knew that. Snape would never make her stay in his apartment. The softness in his tone caught Hermione off guard. She felt it would be foolish to try and lie.
Why not be truthful for once? Hermione's subconscious chided her.
"No, I really don't."
Snape gave a small nod and smile as he went about gathering blankets.
"I really can't thank you enough, Professor." Hermione stated as she grabbed her small clutch. She stuck her full arm into her enchanted bag and went about locating some clothes she could sleep in and her toothbrush.
"You can call me Severus. Don't tell me you still carry around an emergency bag with you?" Snape teased.
"Old habits die hard." Hermione shrugged.
Snape laid down on his bed, located against the railing of the loft. While a tapestry separated him from the rest of the apartment, there was open space between where he lay and Hermione slept. It was quiet in the loft, and Snape could hear her roll over in her sleep. It was incredibly distracting.
Memories of the girl Snape had known battled with the information gathered tonight. Snape had known Hermione as an overachieving, eager to please, overzealous school girl. The girl was made of raw talent, but quite frankly Snape had figured her need for validation would result in a mental break by now. But instead, an unrecognizable woman had stood in front of him tonight. Hermione embodied the one thing he had never thought to associate her with- strength.
Snape lay on his back and stared at the ceiling, considering Hermione's situation. He was rather shocked she chose to obliviate her parent. It was the Gryffindor in her that lead her to be so selfless. While Snape had never had a very steady home life, he could empathize that a young woman like Hermione must suffer while she navigates adulthood without the guidance of her parents.
Snape balled up his pillow and listened for Hermione's breath as he drifted to sleep.
Hermione woke early the next morning as sunlight peeked through the clouds, illuminating the loft. She lay still for a moment, taking in her surroundings. Her mind told her she was in an awkward situation but she felt calm. She hadn't had her own sleeping space in months and it was nice.
Hermione heard Snape breathing from the loft and smiled to herself. She decided to utilize the bathroom before he got up.
Hermione entered the bathroom with her clutch and set about find her soap and toothbrush. She jumped into Snape's shower and took a moment to enjoy the warm water pounding her back. Water pressure was another thing the Burrow was lacking in.
When Hermione finished she pulled a towel from the closet and dried herself off. She set about taming her hair with he wand. Once that task was complete, the next step in her morning ritual was to glamour her mudblood scar. She had been doing this since the end of the war, but couldn't bring herself to get it permanently removed. She felt like the scar was a piece of her now.
Hermione shook her head and placed her wand down next to the sink. She decided this was not something she needed to hide. Perhaps it was the way Snape unapologetically wore Nagini's scar. While they both had the option of removing their imperfections, Snape chose to show his to the world. Hermione decided not to keep hiding hers.
Hermione quickly dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt and made her way to the kitchen. With the Host still fast asleep, Hermione set about making breakfast. It was rather presumptious of her, but Snape allowing her to sleep on his couch had broken the ice. Hermione located eggs, cheese, and milk in the fridge. That coupled with the bread on the counter would suffice for breakfast. Hermione started the stove top and set about brewing a pot of coffee.
Snape woke to the glorious smell of food and felt euphoric for a brief moment. Then he recalled that a young witch was in his apartment and he immediately jumped from bed and threw on some clothes. He cautiously entered the kitchen and saw little Hermione Granger, sliding a fried egg onto one of two plates she had set out.
"Hey." Hermione smiled. Her morning voice was hoarse and quiet. Snape squeezed the island chair.
"I see you're making yourself at home." Snape teased.
"Oh shut up. Eat your breakfast." Hermione said, rolling her eyes. In that moment Snape could picture Hermione with Potter and Weasley, taking care of the Chosen One while he searched for horcruxes. Snape poured himself some coffee as Hermione settled into a chair to eat.
"I'll need all the strength I can get if we're going to spend today figuring out your life, Granger." Snape antagonized.
"My life?!" Hermione demanded through a mouth full of eggs.
"Indeed, Granger. Tell me, what is it you plan on doing with all the knowledge you've acquired throughout your studies and your experiences with war? Surely you did not utilize the the Time Turner simply for fun?"
Hermione wanted to argue but Snape voiced her greatest fears. Was she settling for a life that didn't belong to her?
Snaps expected her to argue and fight, he expected fire from the young Gryffindor. Instead Hermione swallowed her eggs, tabbed her mouth with a napkin, and softly inquired, " Where do we begin?"
