Each day in the spring, Hermione could be found outside by the lake, her shoes in her hand, walking or spinning amongst the flowers.
Each day in the spring, Severus could be found inside by the window, watching Hermione and wondering how the twenty-three year old professor could get away with acting so childish.
He missed watching Hermione when she left for a week to visit family. Towards the end of the week, Severus decided to make the most of Hermione's absence. He walked outside to take in some fresh air undisturbed. He didn't plan on Hermione returning and almost spinning into him on her way back to the castle.
"Oh! Sorry Severus!" Hermione looked down at the ground, a little embarrassed, and noticed his boots. "Severus, that's no way to enjoy the outdoors."
Confused, Severus looked down. "What isn't?"
"You're wearing your shoes!" She answered as if that were the most obvious statement in the world.
"It's what most people do with their shoes, Hermione." He commented.
"Severus, I can tell you aren't the sort of person to experience the world barefoot, but you haven't truly lived until you've walked barefoot across a spring meadow strewn with luscious grass and flowers."
Severus stared at her as if she had lost her mind. He had never heard her speak so passionately and enthusiastically for anything besides books and fighting the Dark Lord.
"I'll take your word for it." Then he walked back to the castle, leaving a disappointed Hermione behind.
…………
The next few days Severus watched Hermione 'truly live' and mulled over her words. He couldn't help but think that maybe there could be some relaxation afforded from walking barefoot across the grass. He remembered wanting to take his shoes off as a boy, but his parents had quickly squashed such ridiculous ideas out of him.
Maybe he should…
He picked a day when no one would be around – most were at a conference, Hermione included, and the students were away on holidays.
He strode down by the lake and leaned against a tree as he removed his shoes.
Ahh…yes. There was certainly something lovely about feeling the cool grass between his toes.
But his quiet contemplation of the new sensation was soon interrupted by none other than Hermione…again. Severus sighed, wishing for once that he could get his timing right. He glared at her, hoping she would get the hint and leave him to his peace and solitude. He didn't want her bragging and basking in the glory of having convinced Severus Snape to do something almost spontaneous and quite certainly out of character.
Hermione surprised him by saying nothing – only a small smile gave away that she had noticed what he was doing. She sat down near where he was standing and rested her back on the large tree trunk.
Severus stared down at her, wondering how the loquacious girl was able to keep her mouth shut while in the company of something with ears.
She closed her eyes and leaned back, only a faint sigh escaped her lips.
Should he leave her and find his own place to rest? But no, Hermione was patting the grass beside her in an invitation for him to join her.
Well… alright. Why not?
Severus sat and looked at Hermione. She looked back and smiled serenely.
Severus found himself smiling too.
…………
So I was sick and tired and coming back from a mountain holiday, trying to get comfortable on the car seat and curling up with my shoes and socks off. And voila, this story was born.