A/N: I couldn't write from one total perspective so you'll be getting both!
- Hermione -
There were several things running through her head after Snape left. The least of all was her appreciation for being able to wear real clothes now. No, what was mainly at the forefront of her mind was that one, Harry was alive, not Ron which was a cause for fresh grief and guilt over the relief that he would not be among the number of people she would be working with. Not that she didn't love the redheaded wizard, but the romantic love for him had vanished long before her dealings with her new master.
Speaking of which, Snape's revelations were nothing less than world shattering and Hermione tried to quell the emotions bubbling up inside her. There was fear, excitement, hope and lust. The latter one troubled her the most. But how could she not want him more after learning that he was not in fact Voldemort's right hand man? She was impressed that he had carried on with his mission to defeat the Dark Lord. He seemed to be keeping everyone safe and willingly piling on the responsibilities. No wonder he still acted as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. It was.
Adding to that was his kiss and the attraction that crackled like electricity between them. What would come of it, she wondered. Hermione knew that things would be getting dangerous soon and far more complicated. Was it too much to hope for something between them in the mix? Surely it was. Who was she kidding? Master Snape had no time to entertain the fantasies of a lovesick girl. He may be inclined to use her for pleasure, which Hermione had to admit she wouldn't be entirely opposed to, but anything more was likely wishful thinking on her part.
With a sigh and a slight shake of her head, Hermione headed to her Master's rooms and tried to quiet her thoughts.
- Severus -
He expected for her to look good. Even fully covered, Severus had been attracted to Hermione for longer than he dared admit to. What he did not expect was for her to look so sexy, and mature. Polished. The periwinkle skirt suit was an interesting choice, but he was not complaining. Nor would he comment on how well her legs looked, especially in those heels. Now was not the time for such observations. "We will be heading to Raven's Nest first. That's where most of your friends are anyway," Severus informed his charge. He stretched out a hand, beckoning for her to take it and once the witch was curled up in his arms, he whisked them away.
Raven's Nest was actually the home of the late Filius Flitwick. He died, but not before putting an end to that horrid bitch Bellatrix Lestrange. That's why the hideout was so named and they even had a little plaque to honor his contribution to the side of Light. Severus had bought this house quickly, before any other Death Eaters could claim it and he turned it into a safe house for his nearly defeated comrades. Releasing Hermione from his hold, he ushered her into the living room and was not surprised to find everyone there waiting.
"Hermione!" The Potter boy exclaimed, jumping up from his seat to embrace his friend. Once again he felt a twinge of….irritation, he guessed, at the sight of Hermione hugging another wizard. But he knew it couldn't be helped, she had not seen these people in months. Still, he was tempted to roll his eyes as he stalked away from the reuniting friends and gestured to Remus, Bill, George, Charlie and Arthur, along with Draco and Blaise to join him in private for a chat about their next move.
- Hermione -
"So wait, that poker game was all a ruse to free you both from your masters?" Hermione asked in awe. Sitting before her were both Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood, two girls she thought she lost forever. Harry had left to join the men while they strategized. And after a round of hugging and catching up with Molly and Fleur Weasley and Angelina Johnson, whom she did not know well, she was pulled aside by her girlfriends. Fresh tears sprung in her eyes and she pulled them in for another hug. "I thought you were dead or worse…" She trailed, pulling back and wiping at her tears. They were doing the same.
Luna smiled, "Snape tricked the Death Eaters and brought us both here."
"Don't you remember?" Ginny asked, concerned.
Hermione shook her head. "The details are all….fuzzy. I remember serving people and cleaning up afterwards but not the actual game itself. I'll have to ask Master Snape about it…"
Ginevra frowned, "Why do you still call him that? I mean, now that you know. And does this mean you can stay with us now?" Her eyes looked so hopeful. Hermione felt guilty for the part of her that wished to stay with Snape. But her feelings for him were intensifying and she couldn't, wouldn't leave until they reached a conclusion.
Hermione gave her redhead friend a tight smile, "I respect him Gin, that's why. Plus, I've addressed him as such for a while now and I think I should probably stay with Master Snape. He-"
She didn't get to finish because there was shouting coming from the kitchen. Hearing Severus's distinct voice carry made Hermione leap to her feet and the sound of brawling only made her race faster. Her heels did not deter her progress. She was joined by Molly and Angelina both of whom helped to break up the fight. Hermione Granger was shocked and appalled by their childish antics. "What is the meaning of this?!" The Weasley Matriarch could be heard, her tone shrill.
"It seems there is some concern over my aptitude in caring for Miss Granger," came a familiar drawl. Hermione looked to Severus who was sporting a split lip and a bruised cheek. Quietly, she made her way over to him and to the shock of everyone around them, she entwined their hands. He stared at her then, a look with so much intensity that she was left nearly breathless, but his tiny smirk made her insides warm.
"Your concern is appreciated, but unfounded," Hermione spoke boldly, her other hand stroking Severus's arm affectionately, "Master Snape is taking very good care of me."
