Down to Business

Hermione stared at Severus, her eyes wide. So…this was why his quarters were cleared out? She put her hands on her hips and glared.

Severus stared back, wondering if she was actually mad at him.

"You…you…sneaky Slytherin!" She advanced towards him and pointed an accusing finger at him. "I went to see you the other day and your rooms were almost empty. I had no idea why… Is this why? You've…quit Hogwarts? And you own this place? Since when? And why didn't you say anything about it?"

Severus held up his hands in defeat. "One question at a time please."

Hermione bowed her head slightly. "Sorry. I just… had no idea."

"Yes, I've quit teaching. Yes, I own this business. I've only just moved in this week- that's why I was too busy to see you, if you'll forgive me."

Hermione smiled and let him continue.

"We opened yesterday. I wanted to keep it a surprise. I was going to show you after dinner tonight but, well, you beat me to it." Severus smiled and took Hermione's hands in his. "What do you think?" He hated to admit he was just a little bit anxious at what she'd think about his sudden new enterprise.

"Severus, I think it's amazing. And I think it's about time you found something you can enjoy. But…" Hermione looked around. "Where are you living?"

"Upstairs. Would you like to see?"

Hermione nodded and let Severus lead her though the curtain at the back.

"This is the storage area, my lab is through there- I had to magically expand the room- it was too small for brewing. This store used to be a clothing boutique I believe. I do most of my own brewing, but the supplies we do order come through here and we sort them over there."

Hermione watched as Severus proudly pointed everything out. She felt a great relief that his moving quarters was nothing more serious and she was truly happy for him. She continued to follow him around, one of her hands held securely in his own.

"My quarters are upstairs." As he led her up the stairs, he apologized for the shabby rooms. "It's nothing much, I haven't had time to expand or unpack. I was focused on getting the store ready."

"Of course, I understand." Hermione looked around at the small upstairs area. There was a single bed to one side, with a small wooden table with two chairs near a bench with mini fridge beneath it. A door led off to the bathroom where a small washing machine was tucked away. "I like it. It's… quaint."

Severus shrugged. "It'll do for now. Well, for me. I'm sorry it's not as welcoming as my quarters were in Hogwarts."

Hermione squeezed his hand. "Severus, I honestly don't care. You're finally doing something you love. As long as you're happy, I'm happy."

Severus smiled at her. He did feel free for once in his life.

"And now we're closer." Hermione offhandedly remarked as she walked over to the window to look at the view over the other buildings in the area.

"Indeed." Severus walked behind her and placed his arms around her waist. "But that wasn't my motivation."

"Oh, no, of course not. Why would it be?" Hermione turned in his arms and smiled before pecking his cheek. "I haven't completely ruined all your plans, have I?"

"What plans?"

"Dinner?"

"Not at all. In fact, if you're ready we could leave now. I found a promising looking restaurant tucked away in one of these alleys the other day."

"I'm ready."

Hermione followed him back down the stairs.