Jane Granger was never one to beat around the bush in unpleasant conversation—in fact she embraced the awkward with terrifying determination and got it over with in record time.
But, this exchange was determined to be uncomfortable for both she and Hermione, who sat at the kitchen table while Severus and dad grilled out back.
The Grangers had embraced Severus without much question other than loyalty, which Jane had taken head on, scaring the professor out of his pants.
Which was why Hermione was feeling queasy, because her mum wouldn't just say it.
Jane set the spinach salad on the counter, turning to Hermione for a third try.
Oh, yes, she would surely puke.
"Is Severus your, ah… Are you two—?"
There was an embarrassing pause as Jane searched for a word.
"Are you involved," she finished just as Hermione exclaimed, "No!"
"Because, if you are, darling—that's okay. A little unorthodox, but—"
"Mum, we're just friends!"
"Sure, love. Just… needed to ask."
"I saved his life and helped him recover and now we're friends."
"Of course." Jane turned back to the counter and took a generous gulp of wine.
After a mortified moment, Hermione added, "He was my teacher!"
"It happens all the time at universities. But, I trust you'll keep your head on your shoulders?"
"Mother. We are friends. And where else would I put my head? Don't answer that."
"You know I have no idea what you magicians can do. Decapitation doesn't seem that ridiculous."
"Mum, you're giving me a headache."
"I just wanted to tell you outright, if you were worried, dear."
"I'm not worried because there's nothing to be worried about because we are just friends!"
But the seed was planted, and Hermione wouldn't sleep a wink that night.
Just friends, right?