When Hermione opened her eyes she realized that she was still laying on his couch, feeling warm and cozy under the heavy covers. The dark curtains were drawn, not allowing the sun to pass through. She yawned and she stretched like a well-rested cat that just awoke from an afternoon nap. She thoroughly enjoyed that her body gave her no pain at all. She lifted her shirt and her fingers slid above her soft skin, searching for any scar tissue….reminder of the showdown in the alley.
Nothing…amazing…
The professor did a remarkable job, not that she was expecting anything less from him.
She frowned and looked around the small living room that was separated from the equally tiny kitchen by a plain island. "Professor?" She whispered.
The silence of the room made her jitter. Where was he? Yesterday it was the safety of his presence that allowed her to sleep so peacefully. Her face grew red as she remembered how needy she must have sounded….begging him to stay.
"Did I actually implore him?" She muttered.
No matter how weak she acted after that attack, she couldn't deny the Professor acted decently towards her. Against all odds he brought her to his home, healed her wounds and remained when she begged him to do so.
Not intending to wallow in misery under the covers all day long, she pushed them away and stood up slowly. Her knees felt wobbly and her head a bit dizzy, but other than that she was feeling fine. She steadied herself at the back of an easy-chair and took a few moments to compose herself.
The home looked too comfy with all its earthy colors…it didn't feel strict, cold and dark, like he was. The kitchen was clean and the appliances were not old. She would have expected a man like him to reside in a shady mausoleum, not in such an inviting place. The only thing that betrayed that this was a place of someone who loved to read was the big library which was covering the wall from floor to ceiling next to the fireplace and was loaded with books of all kinds.
She pushed her need to check them aside and walked towards the kitchen. There was a pot in the sink soaking in soapy water. Her brow wrinkled in confusion. Did he make her lunch or dinner at some point? She licked her lips and frowned. She remembered vaguely waking up to a divine smell at some point, but nothing more than that. Was it even possible that she ate whilst still half asleep, with him watching her like a hawk? Did she even want to contemplate that Snape cooked for her? –Or hand-fed me?-
She humphed at the ridiculousness of that thought, but the lack of hunger she felt was suspicious. If she had been sleeping for a whole day and night, she would have been starving, right?
"Right…" She murmured.
That meant that she was fed by the Professor at some point and she didn't remember. She felt a sudden wave of heat rushing over her cheeks at that thought and tried to push it away. She was feeling awkward enough as it was….she didn't need more embarrassing thoughts making her recoil from reality. And where in the name of Merlin was he? It was not as if it was easy for him to hide his imposing darkness anywhere. He was sticking out like a sore thumb all the time…wherever he was.
She walked at the narrow corridor and lifted her hand to knock the first door she found. Then she hesitated. She didn't know which room it was. What if it was his bedroom….maybe he was sleeping? What if it was his bathroom?
-No, not going there- There was no point in feeling so skittish towards him. He offered her shelter on his own accord….he knew she was in here. Why was she feeling so nervous standing in front of that door with her knuckles brushing against it? She pressed her lips and got ready to knock. "Professor are you in there?"
The voice that came from the depths of the corridor, startled her. "Good morning Miss Granger."
She inhaled sharply and turned around. "Merlin you gave me a scare…" She mumbled.
He scowled. "Whatever for?"
She tried to put her thoughts in order. "I woke up and I didn't know if you were still here. I don't know the house and I was calling for you…" –Does that even make sense….or does it make me sound stupid?
He nodded in understanding and walked by her. "I see. It is quite expected to wake up confused. Care for some breakfast?"
Hermione frowned bewildered. This man's attitude hardly resembled her old strict professor at Hogwarts. Her eyes rolled down his figure. Why was he dressed like this? Where was his unrelieved black robes that made him look like a furious bat out of hell? Why was he wearing jeans and a plain white shirt? She looked at him baffled.
"Care to follow me?" He threw her a careless glance over his shoulder.
She opened her mouth to comment on his long hair that seemed to be freshly washed…but she decided against it. Instead she followed him to the kitchen and sat on the stool he offered her, mutely.
He took a clean pan and turned to her. "Eggs sound good to you?"
She cleared her throat and crossed her hands upon the counter. "Of course." Her voice was coarse. –Do I look like a student who is about to get berated for not bringing her homework or what? – She straightened her shoulders and tried to assume a more relaxed attitude….which was close to impossible.
"How are you feeling this morning?" He asked calmly and broke three eggs in a deep plate.
"No pain at all…you did a brilliant job." She wanted to sound confident, but was she managing it? –I have no idea-
"Was there ever any doubt about that?" He flicked his eyebrow towards the pot where the scrambled eggs were cooking slowly.
Hermione felt the preludes of an honest smile forming on her lips. "No doubt at all." She admitted.
He humphed.
She shifted upon her stool. "I hope I didn't wake you up?"
"No I was in my office, working." -He served her and came over- "There you go. Enjoy."
"That smells delightful…" She smiled down at her food, trying to figure out why she felt so confused and edgy. She knew this man since she was a child. –Yes, but you have never been in his home. You've never seen him wearing muggle clothes, never seen his hair wet and never have him cook….for you- He cheeks flushed and she got angry at herself.
He put two slices of bread in the toaster and pointed at a coffee machine, which was gurgling the last drops out of its belly. "Do you want a cup?"
Hermione smiled at the machine. "I'd never imagine you using muggle apparatus."
His smile was reserved.
"I would have thought that you were always contriving food and brews out of thin air." She resumed in an effort to make the conversation a little more sociable. –Which is a lot to ask from Snape-
"That would ruin the moment, wouldn't it?" His brow arched.
She scowled. "What do you mean?"
"Where is the effort in contriving you breakfast out of thin air?" His lips twitched in a ghostly smile.
Her smile blossomed.
"Much more traditional this way, wouldn't you say? It must remind you of home." He crossed his arms and gazed at her.
She blushed even more at the thought and he smiled knowingly.
-Does he look amused by my embarrassment or is it my idea?- "Did you cook yesterday too?"
He looked towards the sink. "Of course."
"Did I eat?" She raised her brows.
He tilted his head. "You had a ravenous appetite."
Hermione closed her eyes and raised her hand to stop him. "Wait! Tell me you didn't hand-feed me."
"No, you managed yourself." His smile was barely visible.
She exhaled in relief. "That's good to know. I must admit that seeing you cooking a traditional Muggle meal was not something I would have imagined possible."
He raised both brows. "There are many things you don't know about me Miss Granger. Just because I taught you during a very tumulus time doesn't mean you know me."
She felt her stomach twisting. "That is true."
He poured himself a cup of coffee and leaned to the counter. Then his eyes fell on her thoughtfully.
"You must really think I am big trouble." She tried a smile.
He huffed. "Huge one…since your early years." Then he took a sip of coffee and looked out of the kitchen window.
For some reason she didn't want to lose his attention at that moment, so she spoke. "You are a very good cook."
He looked above the rim of his cup. "It's just scrambled eggs….not artichoke soup with black truffle."
The muscles of her face relaxed. "I bet you know how to cook that as well."
"You would have lost your money then. I rarely cook if ever for myself. Today was an exception." He clarified.
"For me?" She frowned.
He tilted his head thoughtfully. "Indeed for you."
"Why?" She hurried.
"Because you are recuperating, you are in a foreign environment with someone you hardly know, traumatized by Dark Magic and finally a fugitive who is hunted by the Wizengamot." He said quietly.
She felt her heart dropping and placed her fork down.
"You need to feel somewhat at ease…" His voice trailed off into silence.
She nodded. "Thank you for everything you have done for me during these hard times."
His regard was too intense, enhanced by his silence.
"You stood up for me at the Wizengamot, saved me in the alley, brought me to your home, healed me and now you cooked for me. I cannot thank you enough." –Am I sounding as honest as I wish?-
"Mister Potter saved you at the alley and he told me to bring you home. I just healed you and dealt with …." He exhaled, seemingly too tired to finish the sentence.
"….the Wizengamot." She finished it for him.
His eyes were unreadable.
"I wonder what you told him that day. The Judge seemed terrified when he got back from your little talk." She smiled.
"Secrets of the trade." He rejoined.
She wiped the sides of her mouth and collected her thoughts for several moments. "Now that you spoke about your trade…your profession at the Ministry…"
"Yes?" He gazed at her.
"I really wish to discuss something with you." She crossed her palms in front of her, trying to appear composed.
He raised his brow. "Go ahead."
"You saw what happened at the Wizengamot with Lucius Malfoy. You know that they yearn to make an example out of me and break down all resistance."
"Yes."
"I thought the Minister was behind all this, but Harry set things straight for me. He told me that Kingsley assigned the Keepers to search the Underworld for any traces of dark magic that could explain this madness. If you can get him evidence then he will be able to debate a withdrawal of this unfair law." Her eyes seared into him.
"Correct." He kept her regard coolly.
"Then I want in too." Her voice was barely a whisper, but the tension was present.
He looked taken aback. "In on what?"
"I want to help you with this mess." Her stomach tightened at the endless possibilities this could offer her. Not much different when she assisted the boys into hiding from Voldemort. The fear was here, the adrenaline was here and her need to prove her strength and brilliant mind was there ….the master to take care of the apprentice was there too…-right?-
"And how do you intend to do that?" His scowl deepened.
"In any way I can. I want to be a part of your effort. I want to help you dig up evidence in order to overthrow this law." The determination was clear in her voice.
His answer came to undo that. "You are not qualified…" he rebuked flatly.
"What?" She recoiled, feeling as if he just slapped her across the face.
"I said you are not qualified." He repeated coldly.
"Do you forget that I fought in a war as bravely as you did?" She frowned.
"You were braver than me." He replied calmly.
"And I am still not qualified?" She looked at him in disbelief.
"No."
She felt sweat breaking on her upper lip at the quick dismissal. "I can see how you might think that I wouldn't be able to handle the Underworld, but you have no idea how quick I am to learn. I will follow you and learn everything, if only you would give me a chance…"
"I have taught you for seven years. I am well aware of your abilities. The answer is still no, Miss Granger." He rejoined dryly.
Her eyes were full of disbelief. "You don't understand…"
He looked at her sternly. "No, you don't understand. The Underworld is not a Hogwarts playground. It's not standing at the front of a march, holding up placates and reminding the government of its mistakes. It's not going door to door to gather signatures. It's not even saving lives in St. Mungo. The Underworld can suck your soul with a straw lined with razors and discard you in oblivion. It can drain your magical power in the blink of an eye and leave you for dead. The air there is thicker, the ground is drier than a desert and it is begging for water, but the sky doesn't have any clouds…it neither has days or nights. Magic in there doesn't come out of a wand…it is dark and dense and flows freely all around. That nightmare is full of creatures you've never heard off. Otherworldly entities that can gut you without a trace of remorse. People - die - in there, Miss Granger."
She blanched.
"You are not qualified." He finished.
She looked at her fingers, feeling tackled down. "I just want to help."
He inhaled deeply. "Do so by attaching yourself to another group, more compatible to your abilities."
She scowled. "You make me sound like a leech."
That gave him pause. "That was not my intention."
She stood up quickly. "Very well. Since there is nothing else I can do or say to change your mind…"
"There is nothing…" He was looking at her calmly.
It was the exact opposite of what she felt. –Utter Git- "Then we have nothing more to say to each other. I must prepare to leave."
"And go where?" He scowled.
"I will find a place." She took her plate to the sink.
He made room for her. "Like?"
"I will go find Harry. I will arrange it." She rinsed the plate and then wiped her hands.
"Mister Potter is the one who insisted that you come with me." He rejoined.
"When I was unconscious. Now it is not his decision to make, but mine." She spat and walked to the couch in order to fix her small bag.
"Aren't you acting on emotion right now?" His voice was cold.
She looked up hard. "And what if I am?"
"Then you are not thinking clearly. Just because I refused to collaborate with you in the Underworld, that's no reason to leave." The first traces of annoyance shifted on his features.
"I assure you that is not the reason." She stuffed her things further down her bag, trying not to look as agitated as she felt.
"Then why are you eager to make a run for it when a few moments earlier you were enjoying my hospitality?" He scowled.
"I have taken advantage of it long enough." She rebuked.
"Advantage of it?" He raised his brows.
She closed her bag and avoided his eyes.
"Miss Granger, think prudently." Something in his previously steely tone had abated. It sounded softer somehow.
That didn't throw her off. "Thank you for everything that you have done for me, but I must move on."
"There is nothing I can do to change your opinion?" He made a last attempt.
"No, as there is nothing I can do to change yours about helping you." She rebuked sternly.
He tilted his head. "I see."
She hung her bag on her back and stood in the middle of the living room silently.
"Remember that I will leave the untraceable passage to my house open for you…in case things become too heavy. The Wizengamot will not forget easily about you. You are not in the clear yet." His eyes remained steady on her, allowing her to observe their dark depths…that seemed endless.
"I will manage, don't worry." She said dismissively. When a few moments ago she wanted to stay here in order to talk to him and maybe get a glimpse of who Snape truly was, now her ego was so wounded that she couldn't wait to get out.
He scrutinized her. "They will find you in the end. They will force you to appear before them…they will force a suitor upon you. You know that, right?"
"Yes." She said proudly.
"You are not going to accept anyone, are you?" He winced.
She looked up indignantly. "Of course I won't"
"You are indeed admirably brave, but also rather foolish." The shade of dissapointment in his eyes made her tense even more.
"My trials will become a symbol of freedom for all Muggleborns." Her voice was heavy with emotion.
"Or they will manage to break you." He was quick to answer.
"Far bigger nightmares have already branded me without managing to break me." She rebuked coldly.
His eyes fell on the inside of her forearm. The word –Muggleborn- was branded on her skin by black magic….hidden there under her long sleeves. He nodded quietly. "Very well Miss Granger. The final decision is yours."
Her shoulder relaxed if only fractionally. "I will try to make a change. Promise that you will do the same."
"I am doing what I can already." His voice held a different kind of depth.
"Sorry about my attitude before. I am….and I hate to admit it…rather sensitive with all this." She didn't even know why she was trying to explain herself to him. –But for some reason I must.-
Another quiet nod. "I understand."
A long awkward moment passed were no one spoke, before she shifted nervously. "So…uhm… are you off to work?"
"Yes. Where are you off to then?"
"I'd like to apparate to 12 Grimmauld. I want to speak with Ginny…however I do not see a way of doing that without being traced." She said regretfully.
He walked past her and reached the fireplace. Then he took a small silver box from the mantle.
"You are registered to the Floo network?" She walked up to him.
"No Miss Granger. This network is underground and undetectable. It belongs to me." His smirk was dark and devilish.
Her stomach twisted at that and she reciprocated. "Is it Illegal?"
"Of course." He shrugged as if that was the most natural thing.
She nodded. "Should have expected that. Can it take me to 12 Grimmauld?"
"It can take you anywhere in the world…even places you shouldn't be." He opened the box and she saw a dark powder that had a purple glittery hue.
"I wish I'd have known this when we were at Hogwarts." She murmured.
"Thank heavens you didn't." He smiled down at her.
She looked up and halted. "So what do I do with it?" She felt her throat strangely dry.
"Use it like normal Floo powder…just step in and think of the place you wish to go. No one will be able to trace you through it."
She felt her lips curling up and took a small pinch of the powder. It instantly tickled her fingers. Then she looked at him gravely. "Don't die before you find out the reason behind all this madness."
"Don't die before I manage to stop all this Miss Granger. The Underworld may be out of your reach, but the world needs your brilliance." His tone was solemn.
"I really wanted to help you." She said quietly.
"You can help me, by keeping safe." He rejoined seriously.
She smiled. "You are a good man…"
"And you are brave beyond words, but I knew that already. Keep your chin up and don't ever bow your head to the Wizengamot. We will find a way."
She nodded and reached up to take some more powder in her other hand.
He raised his brow.
"Just in case…." She explained with a shrug.
"Just in case you change your mind…." -He said and took a smaller box from the ledge- "Take this."
Her smile was honest. "Thank you. Take care Professor Snape."
"Almost forgot, wait!" He said and walked quickly to one of the rooms she never got a chance to see.
She frowned, trying to understand if she was feeling wounded from his rejection, grateful for his help or just plainly curious about the real face under the mask.
He returned quickly, holding a large bundle in his hands.
She felt her heart faltering. "What is this?" She whispered.
"Couldn't let all that effort go to waste." He offered them to her.
She took the pack with trembling hands. "The signatures?" Her voice was barely heard.
He raised his brow. "Every single one."
Her lips parted and her eyes welled. "You saved my work…"
He crossed his arms with a smile.
Her chest flooded with so much emotion that she was unable to stop herself. She stood on tiptoe and planted a reserved kiss on his cheek. "Now I owe you even more." Her eyes borrowed into his.
"No you don't." He looked disconcerted.
She smiled and threw the powder in the fireplace. "Thank you." She mouthed and stepped in.
His eyes were blazing as the flames turned dark purple and she disappeared. "Goodbye Miss Granger." His deep voice reverberated inside the dark room.
-.-
The Professor's powder worked to perfection as did his healing and also his scrambled eggs. So Hermione found herself in Ginny's home a few hours later still talking about what had taken place between them after the Wizengamot. Caring more about her interaction with their obscure professor than with a place to stay.
Ginny was patiently listening to Hermione's rumblings while trying to ram some sense into her overworked mind.
"He said I was not qualified." Hermione said for the millionth time. That strike on her ego was not easy to get over apparently.
"It's not as if he hasn't dismissed you in the past. Get over it." Ginny replied.
"He saves me, he heals me, he cooks for me and then he dismisses my help." Hermione seemed honestly bewildered.
"One doesn't negate the other."
"He confuses me." Hermione frowned.
"I can see that." Ginny grimaced.
"No you don't understand. The man who helped me didn't resemble our old Professor only all that much. Out of Hogwarts, out of his robes…out of his role as a spy…he is so different." Hermione seemed to be far away buried in her thoughts.
"I assure you that McGonagall is different outside of Hogwarts also. They have to assume a role as our teachers…they are not our friends." Ginny reasoned.
"Yes…" Hermione mused lost.
Ginny smiled. "Get out of this mood. We have important things to discuss. First and foremost…"
Hermione didn't allow her to finish. "Yes indeed…I have to take these signatures to Kingsley. Did I tell you that Snape fixed them all for me?"
Ginny pulled back surprised. "You told me one time too many. As for going to the Ministry forget it. You are a fugitive. They will not welcome you with open arms."
"Maybe Harry can do it for me?"
"Kingsley will ask where he got them." Ginny rejoined.
The dawn of realization slowly formed in Hermione's face. "I acted stupidly. I should have left them with Snape. He found them, he restored them, and he could give them to the Minister without any questions asked. Besides who'd be daft enough to question that man."
"You have access to his untraceable network. Send the signatures back with a note. I am sure he will be able to help you."
Before Hermione could answer they were interrupted with the closing of the front door.
Ginny cupped Hermione's hand. "Harry?"
He walked over to them heavily. "What are you doing here?" He was unable to hide the anger in his voice.
Hermione looked at him. "What's wrong?"
"Why didn't remain with Snape?" Harry came over to her.
"I…we…had a ….disagreement…I mean I need to find somewhere else to stay." She mumbled.
Harry shook his head. "Mione you have no idea how serious things are right now. Stop playing around. They know….you should have stayed with him."
"They know? Know what? Who knows?" Hermione scowled.
Harry took out the rolled newspaper from his pocket and gave it to her. "Everyone…read."
Ginny stooped over Hermione's shoulder. "Young Muggleborn witch was saved from her possible kidnappers by the Army Nurse!" Hermione felt her hands numbing down and looked at Harry.
"Oh no. Who recognized me? Who spoke?" She muttered.
"The girl whom you saved did. She spoke to the Aurors and the information was leaked. Possibly by higher powers…and on purpose." Harry dropped himself on the couch gracelessly.
"On purpose?" Ginny frowned.
"They are going to use that against her, just wait and see." His dissapointment was difficult to hide.
Hermione closed her eyes and pushed the newspaper away. "Why would they do that Harry?"
He stopped her. "They want to get you out of the way and you are giving them reasons. Why did you have to get in the middle of this? Weren't you exposed enough as it was?"
"I saved a woman from possible death! How can they use that against me?" Her face twisted in bewilderment.
"The Wizengamot wants to leak that this was staged so you can slander the Marriage Law. To show everyone that this Law is victimizing Muggleborns. Bad publicity is the last thing you need right now." Harry shook his head in dismay.
"That's crazy. Anybody with half a brain can see the truth!" Hermione snapped.
"People don't have half a brain anymore Mione. They are been brainwashed. The Wizengamot is trying to trap you and are making it easy for them, by overexposing yourself." Harry rebuked.
"You make it sound like all this is my fault!" Hermione felt hurt.
"Isn't it though?" -He looked at her vexed- "You are not making it easy for us to help you. What are you doing here when you know how dangerous it is to move? Why didn't you remain with Snape?"
Hermione looked at Ginny for a few moments and then at Harry. She didn't know what to answer.
"He is not the easiest man to get along with." Ginny intervened.
"We don't care for easy, we care for safety." Harry retorted.
Hermione cupped her face. "Okay what do you want me to do?"
"Go back to him." Came the hard retort.
Hermione's ego twitched in pain. "Maybe I can find another safe place…"
Harry raised his hand. "No enough! You helped us many times in the past and we are trying to do the same for you now, but you have to listen. Go back to him and hide…hide well."
Hermione sighed deeply and looked at Ginny heavily.
Her friend tilted her head with a lopsided smile. "He is right. Go back while you are still able."
-.-
Hermione stood transfixed with her lips parted and her lungs constricted. Her eyes rolled down Snape's bare chest that was flushed against the equally naked breasts of a dark haired woman. His trousers were still on, but their fly was open as he was thrusting slowly in her. His long fingers were wrapped around her thighs, holding her tightly as he had her caged upon one of the countertops. The woman's legs were wrapped around him tightly and one of her black high heels had fallen off. His face was buried on the crook of her neck and hers was open in ecstasy.
That was as much as Hermione was honored to see before they realized that someone materialized in the fireplace. Snape pulled back with a hiss and tried to cover his nakedness. As he stumbled away in shock, the woman lost her balance and almost fell off the counter. However between the three of them, she was the only one who still seemed composed, despite the circumstances. She stepped down and allowed Hermione to admire her shapely legs before pulling her satin panties up and her pencil skirt down. Then she began buttoning her red shirt slowly. Her eyes darted between Snape who was struggling clumsily with the fly of his pants and Hermione who seemed frozen in time with her cheeks glowing bright red.
"Anyone care to explain to me what is happening?" Maxine asked coldly.
Hermione buttoned up instantly. "I am so sorry for interrupting you. I didn't know I would catch you in such a private moment."
"How can she move freely in your underground network?" Maxine's well-formed brows twisted in anger as her glare was directed towards her partner.
Hermione answered instead. "The Professor gave me permission to use it freely." –Then she turned to him- "If you needed privacy you should have taken care to close the connection Professor."
"It was a grave mistake on my part. You are correct Miss Granger." He had managed to get half dressed, but he was still flustered.
"This is rather unsuitable. I think you should leave." Maxine addressed a rather agitated and ruffled Hermione.
"Indeed I should." Hermione said and turned loftily to the fireplace, while trying to push away the rude images she had seen her Professor involved in. Before she had the time to throw some powder in his fingers wrapped around her bicep.
"Please Miss Granger, stop. What happened was totally inappropriate, but it was hardly your mistake. I left the connection open. I am lacking sleep and I acted headforemost. Please excuse Mrs. Moore and me." He said quietly.
Hermione felt her heart palpitating, her armpits full of sweat and her body totally shaken. She tried hard to look poised when she turned around.
"She should excuse us? This is your home and she busted in on what promised to be an enjoyable evening." Maxine scowled.
"Keep your voice down and act like an adult." He chastised.
"So I am the problem in the equation now. This girl has been mingling around your business for two days in a row. What is going on Severus?" Maxine asked coldly.
He squared his shoulders and spoke heavily "I will not tolerate second-rated attitude in my home Maxine! I offered shelter to Miss Granger and I gave her free passage to my network. That's the end of it. "
"So…what do you expect us to do now that she is here? Start over and include her?" Maxine's scowl deepened.
Hermione's cheeks caught fire and her veins filled with adrenaline. She really didn't like this woman.
Snape's long strides shook the floor. He grasped Maxine's arm and pulled her out of the door. "Give us a moment please." He turned to Hermione.
Hermione looked stonily at the front door closing and then turned towards the counter. That image came once more like a hurricane to eradicate any reason from her mind. The elevated voices that were arguing outside barely touched her as she remembered how sensually slow he was grinding upon that woman. Her stomach clenched unwillingly. She would have never believed him capable of this kind of behavior. –No never-
The young Hogwarts student that was hiding in her was screaming this was impossible. Unfathomable….unbearable to think…yet that image twisted knots in her lower stomach and she couldn't stop it. What she saw today was unexpected and made her writhe uncomfortably. She remained thoughtful until the door opened up again. She inhaled deeply and turned to him.
He had managed to dress himself rather adequately. He closed the door and walked up to her. The woman was not with him. "I really must ask your forgiveness. Max has returned to abode." He sounded composed.
Hermione felt her throat going dry. "I should apologize instead. I never thought I would be intruding your privacy in this manner." –Never ever…ever…-
"Please forget what you saw here tonight. It was my mistake. Pretend like it didn't happen. I think we can all manage that. We are all adults, correct?" He had a hard time keeping her eyes. She didn't think she had ever seen him looking embarrassed ever before.
-Yeah, I don't think I can forget so easily Professor- She cleared her throat. "I will try."
"So tell me. To what do I owe the pleasure?" He cleared his throat and looked at his shoes briefly.
That cleared Hermione head somewhat. "I am all over the news Professor. The Muggleborn I helped in the alley recognized me. Harry says the Wizengamot wants to leak the event as staged between me and this girl. They will tell the press that I am doing everything I can to prove that Muggleborns are hunted both by the Marriage Law and by criminals."
He frowned.
"I need to hide…now more than ever." She felt her heart thudding.
"Of course you do."
Hermione felt her knees buckling. "May I take a seat?" She felt exhausted and also troubled.
"Please." He offered and sat across her.
"If I am not a big bother to you and your girlfriend, could I possibly occupy your couch for a couple of days? Until I find another temporary solution?" She cringed at how pathetic she sounded.
"Max is not my girlfriend…" –He visibly stumbled- "…and you can stay here for as long as you need. No one is going to bother you." He added.
-Didn't Harry say this Maxine was Snape's assistant?-
"My trace?" -Her voice broke- "Did I compromise it with my visit at Number 12?"
"Still inactive." A wry smile formed on his thin lips.
Hermione closed her eyes. "Thank you." she muttered.
"Thank me by having breakfast with me tomorrow." He was looking at her with his tired, but calm eyes.
Hermione's heart missed a beat. "Scrambled eggs?"
A soft nod came from him.
"Okay, but I will cook this time." Her face lit up.
"That will be lovely." His lips curled up into what could be a careful smile.
Hermione closed her eyes in relief. Even though her body was wound up tight for some reason, she knew she'd sleep well tonight with him as her guard.
-.-
