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"How is your ankle?" Severus asked, wanting to change the subject. He watched her flex her foot and move her toes.
"Other than a slight tingle, no pain whatsoever. That was much quicker than I thought it would be."
"The joys of magic," he offered. "Would you like to start brewing today or take a few days to recuperate?"
He knew the answer by the way her eyes lit up. "Oh, definitely today! I'm ready."
Within thirty minutes, they were both down in the basement, dressed in their black robes with the cauldrons over open flames. They were working wordlessly, having agreed to make two different types of healing potions. Severus grabbed her the dried roots she needed while she sliced up the Dittany. Her eyes fluttered when he came up behind her.
"On a bias." His voice was quiet and deep in her left ear. His arms wrapped around her, his hands easily covering her hands. He adjusted the knife to a 45 degree angle. "Curve your fingers so you don't chop the tips off."
Hermione had to force her eyes open in order to watch. She was confused, as that's what she was already doing, but who was she to argue? He guided her hands, slicing smoothly through the herb, not a single ounce of liquid leaving the stem. Her hair brushed against his cheek, and he stepped away from her before she could feel his reaction to her.
"Thank you for showing me."
He didn't miss the blush in her cheeks or they way she didn't quite meet his eye. "Of course."
They continued cutting, measuring and stirring. Hermione couldn't shake the way her body hummed in delight any time he came close to her. She swore he purposefully brushed his fingers against hers when they were exchanging ingredients. The tension was so thick by the time they were done brewing that Hermione's insides were as hot as the potions.
"They each need to simmer for about two hours," he said once they finished cleaning their areas. "Perhaps a late lunch and then go into town?"
"I'm actually a little tired," she admitted. "Would you mind terribly if we went to town tomorrow instead?"
His expression changed to concern. "My apologies for not allowing you to rest. Would you like to take tea and something to eat in the main room or in bed?"
"Main room is fine. That couch looks comfortable."
Severus nodded and insisted she go upstairs ahead of him. She complied, calling the book she'd been reading to her and settling into the corner of the couch. The next thing she knew, she was waking up, laying across the couch with a thin brown blanket covering her. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, taking in the room. The sun was quite low in the sky but still easily lighting the room. Severus was sitting in the rocking chair, his legs crossed and a book in his hand, slowly going back and forth.
"You seem content."
He glanced over and gave her a small smile. "You were asleep by the time I got up here. I did not want to disturb you."
Hermione sat up and stretched. "The potions! I'm so sorry, Severus!"
"It's only been about an hour or so. You still have some time before they're done. That's a good lesson to learn though – always set alarms for potions."
"Definitely going to remember that." She looked embarrassed. "I'll be back in a moment."
She got up, folded the blanket he'd covered her with and went upstairs to the bathroom. She took a few moments, transfiguring a towel into a hairbrush and attempting to work through the knots in her hair. Once satisfied, she turned it back into the towel and headed downstairs. She hadn't even hit the bottom when the smell of lasagna hit her.
Severus was putting the final touches of turning the living room into a dining room when she turned the corner. There was a small, round, black table where the couch had been, two matching chairs with plush cushions on them. He'd set their plates, two large slices of lasagna, a mix of breads and handful of vegetables. He placed the tea and silverware, meeting her eyes for a moment before gesturing to her chair.
"This is amazing," she complimented. "I know magic is endless but I forget sometimes how useful it is. Thank you for setting this up."
He nodded in agreement. "I was thinking," he started, pulling out her chair for her before sitting down himself, "we should probably go back and grab a few personal items if we plan to stay here for a few weeks."
"I could certainly use a few things. Perhaps after we finish the potions tonight? I could really use a shower."
He paused mid-bite, the idea of her in a shower, water running down her body suddenly popping into his mind. He cleared his throat and simply nodded, not able to find appropriate words. Hermione noticed his pause, her chest flushing red, but thankfully he couldn't see it.
"Did you enjoy brewing today?" she asked. "I remember you saying you don't get to very often anymore."
"I did. It was more tolerable than I imagined, having you in there. I typically prefer to brew alone."
"Tolerable or enjoyable?" she teased.
"I would tip the scales towards enjoyable," he admitted with a quick grin.
"I completely agree."
Severus glanced up at her before focusing back on his plate. They spent the rest of their meal in silence, both finishing and clearing the dishes together. Hermione took her wand out to set the room back but Severus grabbed her wrist. He inclined his head and she understood. She tucked her wand back into her pocket and closed her eyes, her hand sliding into his. Immediately, the layout of the room popped up behind her eyelids and she set to work, turning the room back into it's original state.
Once she opened her eyes, the first thing she did was look to Severus, his excited eyes already trained on her. He squeezed her hand and suddenly she was turning toward him. Heat radiated through her entire body, her feet pushing her up onto her toes, her eyelids sliding shut as he met her halfway. Their lips collided, hands fumbling as they tried to pull each other closer. His hand slid into her hair, the other to her hip, hers finding his face and his shoulders. They molded themselves together, Hermione moaning into his mouth as he stroked his tongue along hers.
Within the length of a breath, he leaned down, grabbing her by her bottom and lifting her up. She instantly wrapped her legs around him, her arms going around his neck and holding on for dear life. She was now a head taller than him, her hair falling like a curtain around them. He kissed her senseless, haphazardly waving his hand, transfiguring whatever was closest into a tall table. He set her on it but her legs did not loosen from around him. He explored her back with his hands, debating how quickly he could remove her robes without magic. He was just about to find out when a loud alarm rang throughout the room.
Severus cursed, waving his hand again to make the sound stop. "The potions," he muttered, his lips still whispering over hers.
"Right," was all she could manage, her legs slipping off his hips. He surprised her by kissing her soundly once more before pulling back, offering his hand to help her off the table. He gestured to it and she grabbed his arm, turning it back into the rocking chair. They didn't speak as they made their way down into the basement.
Severus could feel the energy still between them while they stirred the potions, testing their consistency before determining they were good. They magically bottled them, cleaning the cauldrons and storing the vials properly. It took them all of fifteen minutes but felt like a lifetime to Hermione, who was actively avoiding his stare. She didn't know what was happening between them but wasn't sure if she was ready to find out. Perhaps it was just the magical energy they shared and she didn't want to push it.
"Ready to go when you are," she said, finally having no more surfaces to wipe down.
The good thing about him was that Severus always knew when to keep his mouth shut. Now was one of those times. He nodded and followed her up the stairs. He started the fireplace and grabbed the floo powder, once again holding it out to her in order for her to take some. He allowed her to go first, telling her to specifically say his office, along with his password. He waited a few minutes, trying to calm down his racing heart. He pulled himself together and walked through the fireplace, throwing his floo powder down and appearing within seconds in his office, Hermione waiting on the other side of his desk.
"I have to check a few things on the grounds before I collect my items. If you wish to wait for me, it might take me an hour or so. Otherwise, you're welcome to just go back through, if you still wish."
"If I still wish?" she asked. "You mean to stay there?"
"You always have the option to no longer stay there," he informed her, his voice even.
"Do you wish for me to stay here instead?"
He stared at her for a moment, wondering if this was some sort of trap or if she was questioning their arrangement. "I never said that. I did not mean to imply it, either. I simply wanted to remind you that you are not my prisoner."
"You didn't answer my question," she pointed out.
Severus finally looked her directly in the eyes, realizing exactly what was happening. "If it is reassurance you need, then I do not wish for you to stay here in the castle. I would like you to stay at the cabin."
Feeling utterly ridiculous but pleased, she nodded her understanding. "Then I will see you back at the cabin. I'm going to collect my things and go back to take a shower and unpack, if that's agreeable."
"That's agreeable."
Hermione couldn't help but smile at him only briefly before turning and leaving his office. Severus ran a hand over his face, frustrated with himself. He suddenly wondered if he was going about all of this the right way. She clearly wanted his attentions, but how far did it truly go?
"Severus."
He nearly groaned in annoyance. "Yes, Albus?"
Albus Dumbledore sat comfortably in his portrait, leaning forward and looking Severus directly in the eyes. "While I do not wish to pry, it seems that the young Miss Granger has taken quite a liking to you."
"I'm teaching her all the things that Horace did not," he said dismissively.
Dumbledore tutted, clearly not believing that was it. "We all know you have grown fond of her." Severus didn't miss the other portraits nodding their agreement, his face growing hot beneath their stares. "Don't allow her to just slip away because you're too afraid."
"I am not afraid," he hissed, sweeping his robes and making his way down the stairs towards the door.
"Severus!" the portrait called once again. "Do not allow something as stupid as pride and miscommunication ruin your future happiness."
Severus mumbled a few choice curses under his breath and swung the door open, exiting and slamming it behind him. How dare anyone tell him he was afraid? Severus Snape, afraid of Hermione Granger? He snorted, the idea simply ludicrous. Just because he was taking his time and not pushing her into something didn't mean he was afraid. It meant that he was cautious and patient. Perhaps there was a time or two he could have been more direct, more forward but held back.
He stormed through the massive castle, checking his wards and in on all the elves throughout the second floor. He barely heard Maizie telling him about her plans to decorate the Great Hall in a few months for the welcoming of new students. He nodded without knowing what was said when Lucor began suggesting menu items for the coming year.
"Headmaster, are you alright?"
He snapped out of it, looking around and realizing that he had twenty large eyes on him, all looking concerned. He cleared his throat and stood from his seat.
"Yes, of course. We'll have a few more meetings before finalizing this upcoming year. I appreciate all of your inputs. But for now, I bid you a good evening. Do not hesitate to inform me if anything within the castle changes. I will be in and out over the next few weeks."
"Tell Mistress Hermione we said hello!"
There was a flurry of conversation, some shushing the small elf for her outburst, some agreeing, wanting Hermione to know of their well wishes. He nodded, assuring them he would tell her and fled, their massive eyes all watching him as he left. He seemed to be running from people and creatures alike today. That wasn't typical for his personality. He sighed.
"I'm not afraid," he grumbled as he reached his chambers to gather some belongings.
Severus wasn't sure who he was trying to convince...most likely himself.
A/N – Thank you for reading! Please be sure to leave a review! They are very much appreciated!