Chapter Three: Surprises

"What is the last thing you remember?"

They were sitting in the study, a room that Severus remembered at his private haven, but was now full to overflowing with books, papers, periodicals and leftover tea mugs. He picked up one of the hardbacks, read the title (Button: A House Elf and His Master) and set it down in disgust. Like every other room in his house, Hermione Granger had made herself at home. Or more accurately, she was home. He had no idea how this odd confluence of events had happened but he was determined to find out and to throw her out as soon as possible.

"I was being attacked by Lucius Malfoy. He had summoned a Dementor. I tried to say the Patronus charm, and was about to try again when..." He made a gesture that took in the room.

Hermione furrowed her brow. "And nothing else? You were just here?"

Snape remembered the rushing in his ears as the Dementor leaned closer. He barely suppressed a shudder.

"Nothing else."

"Well, this is interesting. Wait, I've just had a thought. Let me see your arm."

"What?" He couldn't have heard her correctly.

"Let me see your arm." She said again slowly, as though talking to a very dim child.

"May I ask why?"

"Just let me see it!" She reached over and began unbuttoning his robes. Severus batted her hands away, mortified at the liberty she took with his body. But another thought came.

Was this normal?

"Miss Granger, what are you doing here?" He asked as he finished unfastening his robes and set them aside to start on the cuff of his shirt. "It is obvious that you live here but in what capacity?"

He rolled up the sleeve and bared his arm to her. The Dark Mark glared faintly, imprinted into the flesh of his forearm. Hermione took no notice of it.

"No scar." She said wonderingly. She raised her hand and would have touched the smooth white skin if he hadn't stepped back.

"Miss Granger you will answer my question."

"Only if you answer mine."

He raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"Before the Dementor caused you to black out you said something. I remember but I couldn't hear you. What did you say?"

"I cast a spell. A memory spell."

She nodded. "I thought so." She sat back, a satisfied expression on her face.

"Well?" He prompted.

"What am I doing here?" She gave him a mock innocent look. "I'm afraid dear Severus, that I am your wife."