Mione. I told you I'd write to you all the time, regardless of how annoying it got. You're used to me bothering you anyways. How is life there? Are you okay? Is he treating you alright? I worry about you...you seemed really put out when Dumbledore gave you the news. Though I can't really blame you for that, can I?

The renovations are going mostly great, except for the day that the workers into the twins' room and stumbled upon a box of their pranks...Mum was none too happy about that. But they're back on track...and Dad's even thinking about adding one more room than planned!

Send word back soon, or otherwise the twins and I will find another flying car and pull another rescue mission. I know how much you approved of the last one.

Ron.

Hermione had smiled as soon as she saw the letter. Going into her room, she sat down and began her own letter to Ron...right after giving it a spritz of her perfume.

Ron. I don't think I'd ever get upset with you writing to me all the time, unless it was a bunch of those conspiracies about certain professors that you and Harry and the rest of your siblings like to invent. Though, I am getting used to those as well.

I'm okay...Professor Snape is actually being decent to me, and so is Draco oddly enough. Professor Snape hasn't said one snarky thing, and Draco hasn't said anything arrogant or narcissistic since I arrived. Neither of them are being super friendly and warm, but I'll gladly take this behavior over the ones those two display at school. I'm not going to lie, I was put out and I did feel betrayed when Dumbledore just announced I'd be staying here. But I'm getting used to this, I'd actually much rather be here than with my parents. I'd also much rather be at the burrow than either of these choices, but...

I'm so glad the renovations are going great! Your mum and dad really deserve it, and so do the rest of you. I'm sure it'll be nice to have more space, it'll most likely reduce all the squabbling between you all. Are the workers okay? They didn't get into anything too serious did they?

And Ronald, don't you dare pull another 'rescue mission.' Not only am I sure that your parents would kill you, as would Professor Snape, but I would too. And you know what I am capable of.

Hermione.

Hermione finished up her letter before heading into the owlery, much to her disappointment Ron's owl had left quickly. She was about to leave before Thorn squawked and took the letter from her hand, flying off quickly. Checking to make sure that her fingers were still attached, she left for her room. It was hardly seven o clock, but she was eager to be alone. And she wanted a chance to soak in that damn tub for as long as she could...Snape had said there were hardly any rules, but she wasn't sure if one of the few rules was a curfew and if that was the case she wanted at least a few hours of soaking time. She wasted no time going into the bathroom and to the tub. She struggled for a few moments, but finally managed to understand how everything worked. Ultimately she settled on lavender and rose scented water, along with purple and pink bubbles. Sinking in, she exhaled slowly, enjoying just taking some time for herself. For once, she allowed herself to relax and it felt nice.

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Hermione finally slipped out of the tub and toweled off, surprised to notice that it was already ten. Maybe there wasn't a curfew, or if there was, at least it wasn't an early one. Relaxed, she got out of the tub and slipped on her pastel pink nightgown before she noticed the sweater Snape had given her on the foot of the bed. Shrugging, she slipped it on, still amazed at how warm it was. She'd give it back tomorrow morning...of course she would. But it wouldn't hurt to sleep in it for one more night. Slipping under the covers, which were warm and fuzzy, she closed her eyes. If she was sleeping, she couldn't cause any problems. And truth be told, she was tired. Absolutely exhausted. She barely had time to daydream about Ron before she fell into a deep sleep.

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Severus sat in his chair, drinking a cup of tea as he read from a book. He didn't like to wake Draco, his summer's and holidays here were the only chance the boy had to sleep in. Draco wouldn't wake until 9 or 10, and when he did, Severus would make him something to eat. If Hermione wasn't up until after that, well, he'd make her up something to eat as well. He didn't mind. He actually enjoyed the three hours or so of quiet time in the morning. He was allowing his mind to drift peacefully when a small voice sounded behind him. He turned to see Hermione, looking more rested than he had ever seen her.

"Good morning, sir." She smiled softly, obviously still uncomfortable as she clutched at her cat like it was a safety line.

"Good morning." He gave a curt nod, unsure of how to proceed. He didn't want to be rude, but there was no way he was going to coddle her. Ever. She was not Draco. "Did you sleep well?"

"I did...thank you." Hermione sat down on the couch, scratching at her cat's ears and taking great care to keep her long sleeves down.

"Awful warm out for long sleeves..." He drawled, raising his brows as her face turned pink.

"I...I-" She looked close to panic before she put a calm look on her face. "You're wearing long sleeves." She pointed out.

"You don't have to hide your scars here." He said simply.

She dropped her mouth open, unsure of how to reply. "You're not going to tell anyone, are you?"

He shook his head. "No." He said simply. It wasn't anyone elses business.

"I suppose you want my knife?" She asked again, looking as if she believed he wanted her to give him her legs.

"If I take your knife, you'll just find something else to use, won't you?" He asked rhetorically. "Be careful, Hermione, it can get out of hand."

"Dad?"

Severus and Hermione both looked up into the stairwell to see Draco, still in his pajamas. The blonde moved slowly down the steps, obviously half-asleep. "Can we go out to eat?"

"Of course, but you'll to change out of your pajamas." Severus smirked.

"The demands never stop with you, Dad." Draco sighed sarcastically, before turning around to head back to his rooms.

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Hermione waited downstairs while Snape and Draco got dressed in muggle clothes. She furrowed her brow. Had Draco called Snape Dad twice? Perhaps they were even closer than she thought...maybe Draco had only called Snape Severus because she was there and he had just forgotten this morning. She wanted to ask, but figured that certainly was none of her business.

"Hermione are you read?" Snape asked, dressed much the same way he had been when he had found her.

"Yes, sir." She responded, starting to wonder where Draco was. She didn't have to wonder long, before the blonde slid down the stairwell and jumped to the floor with a flourish.

"Really Draco?" Snape asked, not at all angrily.

"What?" Draco asked innocently, dressed in a blue shirt and jeans.

"Brat." Snape rolled his eyes.