Wow, I truly did not expect the response I got to what is now the first chapter yesterday. I had intended for it just to be a Drabble because I hadn't written an SSHG in a while, but you've all been so enthusiastic about wanting to see what happens next in this world! So I decided I will continue it, and as a writing exercise to myself, I'm going to try to keep the word counts low to practice concise storytelling. The first chapter was 330 words and this one is 342. I'm sure this AN is already longer than the actual chapter. Thanks to TheFrenchPress for encouraging me to keep writing this and helping to make sure it all makes sense. And of course, for the lovely photo inspiration. If you follow this story on ao3, you'll see the photos for each chapter. Same username there.

There was a knock. Hermione opened the door of her lodgings and stared up into a face she had not seen in seven years.

"Miss Granger."

"Professor."

His face pinched. Nostrils flared. Just as she remembered him when angry.

"Would you like to come in?" she asked.

"No."

"All right. Shall we go for a walk?" She pulled the door shut behind her and stepped onto the cobblestone, considerably shorter than him on even ground.

"What are you playing at?" Fists balled. Back straight.

"Come along then." She passed him, walking out of the alcove and onto the small town's main thoroughfare.

He was forced to follow.

"Miss Granger," he repeated, falling into step. "I demand you tell me why."

"Why I want your house?" She glanced at him.

"Obviously."

"Your chemistry set," she said without missing a beat. Hands delved into her pockets. Autumn was settling in.

"Aren't you tired of using my supplies yet?" he snapped.

"I intend to pay for them this time." She flipped the collar of her jacket against the wind.

They walked on. Finally, she sighed. "Your house is out of the way. Quiet. Fewer people around." She shivered.

He rolled his eyes and pulled another scarf out of his pocket, one already wrapped around his neck, and shoved it at her. As he did so, his sleeve pulled up, revealing a faded line that traversed his wrist in a circle.

"Why do you need to avoid people?" he asked, shaking her from her reverie.

"Why did you?"

"As I am selling the property, I get to ask the questions."

They continued down the damp, old roads. Hermione bit her cheek, considering.

"To escape the noise. My own thoughts are loud enough without it," she confessed, looking away as they walked.

He pressed no further.

"Why are you selling it?" she asked curiously.

"That's none of your concern." Quick. Harsh. Not angry.

He didn't look at her. The years had not softened him much. But he would find she had grown sharper in their wake.