Disclaimer: I do not own anything and make no monies writing this.
EN-HG-G
Chapter 13
Eric and Godric walked in silence to the cabin. Both were going over the night's events. They were happy for Hermione. It seemed she was sincerely excited to have her mentor join her. They had been suspicious at first of the stoic, pale man but soon realized that there was nothing to worry about. Severus Snape had been Hermione's Master for potions. Once inside the home, Godric turned to Eric with a smile.
"What are smiling at, Master?" Eric asked, a little wary to his Maker's mood, learning long ago to not trust the smile he was being shown.
"I now understand why Hermione has gotten on so well with us." Godric answered with a chuckle, he had so missed messing with Eric, who had learned to read his expressions quite well.
"Do tell" Eric replied and Godric could hear the curiosity heavy in his child's voice.
"Did you not notice how Master Snape carries himself? How his face did not betray what he was feeling? His pale skin and stoic attitude? How his eyes seemed to take in the entire room with just a glance, as if he was looking for trouble or where all the exits were at?" Godric questioned.
"Ah" Eric said, "There will be many who will mistake him for a vampire on sight. The only thing missing are the fangs." Eric answered with a chuckle.
"Exactly. Did you notice how comfortable she was with him? How well they interacted with each other? That level of comfort does not come from being his student but from being his apprentice. There is a deep respect both show the other, even in their bantering." Godric commented.
"It has been so long since I have been around a true Master and their Apprentice I had not noticed their interactions in such a way." Eric said with a thoughtful look. "I see it all very clearly now that you mention it. They certainly have a way with each other, a comfort level not known by many."
"I believe I will enjoy getting to know this man along with learning more about Hermione." Godric told him. "I noticed the quiet intelligence in his gaze."
"As will I Master, as will I." Eric responded, then continued after a slight pause, "Godric, did you notice Hermione's reaction when Master Snape was telling us of the various blood classes? Even though we have only known her for a short time, I cannot help but wonder what transpired to cause such a reaction, especially from someone of Hermione's caliber. I know already she is not one who would overreact or dramatize things, yet she seemed quite disturbed by the conversation at the time."
"I did and I wonder, too, what happened, exactly, to cause such sadness and defiance to flash in her eyes. I will admit seeing such feelings pass over her face made my hairs stand on end. No one should ever be made to feel inferior to another, not when the ones condemning those around them are more "polluted" from what I gathered." Godric answered while nodding his head.
"I am sure we will eventually find out, until then, we will just need to stay vigilant to not bring such memories to the forefront until she is ready to tell us. Considering her response, I do not wish to push her. She instinctually became defensive when the topic was brought up and I do not think she even realized her reaction until afterwards." Eric said, his voice thoughtful.
Godric smiled at his child and sent pride to him. Eric stood a bit straighter and smiled back at his Maker, always enjoying making his Maker proud and sent love back.
"I believe you are right, my child. Her body language still speaks of trauma not yet healed from but this we have figured out already. She just needs time, understanding and patience. Eventually, she will be ready to share with us the story behind her reactions, until then, we will certainly not inquire on personal matters." Godric told Eric, a look of compassion on his face.
Eric gave Godric a small nod and smile. They knew how to be patient when the occasion called for it and Hermione would be worth the time and effort to earn her trust and comfort.
From just what they had learned about her world, they knew Hermione had been through a lot, more than most even in her world. It seemed, only from observation, that Master Snape was one individual who would come close to or, more likely, exceed her experiences and trauma. It was how the man carried himself, the control over his emotions and how he surveyed every situation; very much like a vampire would.
"I believe Master Snape may be easier to learn about than our beautiful witch." Eric commented.
"You may be right. However, it will take time for either of them to trust us with such secrets and pain." Godric noted.
"Of course. I am actually amazed at how much both have shared with us thus far. Granted, nothing was said that was very personal but still, they shared a lot about their world and what had happened before they chose to come into our world." Eric said.
"I agree, Eric. I, too, have been surprised by their openness of their world but have been enjoying learning about it. I may ask Hermione if I could borrow a few of her books to read while waiting for the pull of the sun. I believe it would make conversations flow easier, having some idea of what she is talking about without her having to constantly explain." Godric commented.
"That is an excellent idea. I will also offer any book in my collection for her perusal as well. Just the little time we have spent with her, I know she is the epitome of a bibliophile." Eric responded with a chuckle. He rarely ever let anyone touch his books but Hermione and even Severus would be welcome to borrow whichever ones they wanted. He just knew they would treat the books how they were meant to be treated, with respect.
As they prepared for their rest, neither could imagine how much more their world was about to change when they rose again.
EN-HG-G