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Hermione's POV
It was the Sunday, the day before the Christmas Holiday started, and the whole castle were filled with people packing, pacing, talking, singing Christmas songs and generally being nauseatingly happy. Hermione not so much. She had talked to her friends and told them she was staying at the castle. They had reluctantly agreed, but made her swear that she would come if she changed her mind. She swore, scouts honor, which Ron had been perplexed at, and Harry had laughed.

She just wanted to escape, so she grabbed her bag and some books and headed to the Room of Requirement. When entering the room, she wished for soft sofas, a calm atmosphere and peace and quiet. She looked around and was stunned. This was her picture of peace and quiet? It was almost identical to Professor Snape's sitting room! What in the world? Well I guess that's one of the places I really feel safe. Makes sort of sense. Curious though.

She sat down, and started to read the book Professor Snape had lent her. It was a fascinating book. Some of it she already knew, but she found a lot of new information. The book was much more detailed about pretty much everything. She had a feeling that she wasn't supposed to read this book, some of it felt somewhat like sensitive information, like details about the protection wards of Hogwarts, and description of hidden rooms and secrets. She didn't intend to stop reading though. Severus had given it to her after all. There it is again, she thought. Severus. She liked his name. It suited him.

She focused on the book again. She was almost finished reading it. If some of this actually is sensitive information, he must trust me. Or not know. She didn't think he would have let her borrow it without knowing what was in it though. Maybe he actually trusts me. The thought made her smile.

She finished the book, and realized it was late. She had missed dinner, and it was special today since it was the last day before everyone left. Darn. The hours had passed without her noticing at all, like they often did when she was reading, and she didn't have Harry and Ron here to snap her out of it anymore. I should get an alarm clock or something. Damn, I'm hungry.

She went to the Great Hall, where she sat down at a table. "Uhm, hello? I missed dinner and was wondering if there was a chance to get something to eat anyway? Anything to be honest. Please?" After about 30 seconds, a tray with food appeared. She breathed out in relief. "Thank you." While eating, she thought about what she had read in the book. I wonder how much the castle responds to me. She had an idea, and looked around the hall and saw she was alone. Feeling a bit silly, she spoke into the empty room. "Hello? I was wondering if I may speak with someone?

After just a few seconds a male house elf appeared, instantly recoiling in fear when he saw Hermione. "No, no, no! No clothes! Please, Miss!" Before she could do or say anything, the house elf vanished. She sighed. That went well.

She was just about to get up and leave, but before she could, a second house elf appeared. This one was female, and obviously a free elf since it was wearing a flowered dress and an apron. The house elf gave Hermione a stern look. "Why do you summon us? The castle Recognizes you, why? You are a student."

Hermione didn't know what to answer, since she had no idea why the castle behaved as it did. She opened her mouth to say that she didn't know, but the house elf interrupted her by stepping closer and narrowing her eyes at Hermione. "Do you come with clothes?" Hermione sighed. "No, I swear. No clothes." The house elf seemed to relax a bit at that, and took a step back before speaking again. "Why are you Recognized?" This house elf was much more articulate than any house elf she had ever met, and Hermione could see intelligence and wisdom her eyes. Maybe she is a leader of sorts.

She realized the house elf was waiting for her to answer. "I honestly do not know. I don't even know what being recognized means." The house elf cocked her head at Hermione, but didn't say anything, so Hermione continued. "I have just recently discovered it myself. I'm sorry, but I have no answer for you." The house elf still did not say anything, and Hermione sighed. "I am telling the truth, I swear. I am Hermione, by the way. What is your name?" The house elf hesitated. "Will Miss Hermione promise not to give the house elves clothes?" Hermione gave up. She had realized a long time ago that the elves really did not wish for freedom. She looked at the elf. "Yes. I promise I will never again try to give any form of clothing to a house elf, unless they wish for me to do so." The house elf nodded. "My name is Honey, Miss. I am Head of the house elves at Hogwarts." Hermione smiled at Honey. "Nice to meet you, Honey. And I am sorry for bothering you and upsetting the other house elf. Especially since I had no specific reason to summon you." Hermione felt a bit embarrassed, upsetting the house elves for no reason. "I'm trying to figure out how far this connection i have to the castle goes, and my curiosity got the better of me." Honey nodded again. At least her expression had softened a bit. "You are recognized, Miss. I have not seen the castle recognize a student before. And you have old magic. Very rare." Hermione froze. "How do you know about my magic? What do you know?" Honey shook her head and looked away. "I cannot tell. The answers are for you to find." She looked back at Hermione. "House elves have different magic, makes us see things differently. I can see your magic around you." Honey's expression grew stern again. "Miss should be in bed." Hermione sighed, and nodded. "Yes. Thank you for speaking with me, Honey." Picking up her bag, she was about to stand up when Honey put a small hand on her forearm and gave her a grave look. "Something dark is coming, we can feel it. Care for your magic, Miss." And with that, she vanished, leaving a shaken Hermione behind.

A while later Hermione was sitting in her bed with the curtains closed. She even cast a silent spell, feeling like being alone. She was still a bit shaken from the conversation with Honey, feeling as she was left with more questions than answers. I need to tell Severus about this. She was about to pick up the notebook, but changed her mind. It would be too complicated to explain in writing. I can tell him tomorrow.

An hour later Hermione was lying in her bed, unable to sleep. Her head was filled with thoughts, and she couldn't clear her mind no matter how hard she tried. After going through the conversation with Honey at least fifty times, she had given up and decided it would have to wait until tomorrow. Then she remembered the book she had read earlier, and how she wanted to discuss it with Severus. The thought of him gave her heart a small jolt. Why can't I stop thinking about him? She had no idea. Not managing to get him out of her head, she picked up the notebook. After staring at it for a bit, not knowing how to start, she wrote:

Professor Snape?

She didn't get an answer, so she put the notebook down and lay back on the bed, staring at the roof of her bed. But after a few minutes she could hear shuffling of parchment, and instantly sat up, grabbing the book.

Good evening, Miss Granger. You should really work on your greetings. What is it that you want from me tonight then?

She thought about it. What did she want? She wanted to pick his brain. Ask him ten million questions. She wanted to know what he was thinking about. She was going to write –I want to know what you think about the book and why you let me read it, but instead she wrote:

I want to know what you are thinking about

Instantly realizing her error, she was just about to correct her mistake, when he responded.

An unusual question, Miss Granger. Why this sudden interest in my personal thoughts?

She was slightly panicked at this point. It would be awkward to tell him she didn't mean it when he already had responded. And she did actually want to know, and he didn't lash out on her. She decided to be bold. She put her quill on the paper, and wrote:

Because I find you interesting, Professor.

She cringed while writing it. She couldn't believe she dared to write this to him. But it was true. Waiting a few moments, she got a reply:

I am extremely interesting, Miss Granger, I just hide it well.

She could feel some tension leave her body, and she chuckled. He was joking with her! She couldn't believe it. Gathering all her Gryffindor courage, she wrote:

You shouldn't.

He responded right away.

Pray tell, why?

She didn't know what to reply. She wanted to answer that it was because he was amazing and deserved better than people hating him. That people would see him for what he actually was; a brilliant, highly intelligent man, with a sharp wit, and amazing humour. She couldn't write that though. Obviously. So how could she tell him how she felt without actually telling him?

Because people are fools, and should be proved wrong from time to time.

She felt her courage wither; he would surely react badly to this.

People are indeed fools, Hermione. But I would rather they fear me than find my weaknesses. You might see why being seen as weak would be unfortunate for a former Death Eater? I have no need for ignorant fools to like me. Friends are a rare concept for someone whom has spent half their life balancing darkness and light. I have made my choices, and I accept the consequences. Do not needlessly worry, Hermione.

She was stunned by his answer. He had never spoken to her with such honesty before. She decided right away what to reply.

I understand. I haven't thought about it like that before. But I like you, and I consider you as a friend, if that means anything.

She was tense waiting for him to respond. It took some time. She had either pushed it too far, or he didn't know how to reply. Finally text appeared in her book.

It does mean something. More than I would have expected actually. Like I told you once, I am not heartless, even though the general opinion differs from it.

Before she could write back, he wrote again.

Back to the original subject, what am I thinking about? I'm faced with a problem at the moment, and there is a slight chance you will be able to help me with it. It would be an interesting experiment if nothing else.

Feeling really curious, she replied.

Oh? I find myself intrigued. Do elaborate, please.

He instantly responded.

I thought you might be. Our beloved Headmistress is set on pestering me. My office is currently filled with atrocious Christmas ornaments.

She giggled.

So they are not filling your heart with the legendary Christmas spirit?

His next reply made her laugh out loud.

I don't think you understand the severity of this, Miss Granger. Some of them are singing.

She was still laughing when responding

I see sir. This is a grave situation, indeed. But I don't see how I can help you?

She pictured Severus in his office with singing ornaments, and the image made her laugh even harder. After a few seconds, Severus replied.

They are made by the headmaster and cannot be removed by just anyone. I do not wish to reveal that I still count as Headmaster to the castle, so I cannot remove them myself without her knowing. I know she still will be suspicious when she finds them gone, but as long as I do not remove them myself she will not be able to tell who did, as far as I know. And she would never suspect a student.

She was intrigued. She would be amazed if she was able to remove the ornaments placed there by the headmistress herself. She had a question for Severus, though.

If I may ask sir, why don't you want to reveal that you count as Headmaster? And if this is important to you, why did you tell me?

She curiously waited for his reply.

I do not wish to reveal it because it comes in handy quite often. And I do not see the harm in having an extra person able to control the wards if something was to happen. As for why I told you, I didn't see why not. So far you have given me no reason to doubt you. I hope you intend to keep it that way. I very rarely trust anyone, Hermione.

Now, will you try removing the horrendous ornaments from my office? Just tell the castle that you wish to have them removed.

She was amazed. He did trust her! She almost clapped, but controlled herself. She opened the curtain on her bed a bit, feeling like she should talk to the castle instead of the curtain. She felt silly. I'm talking to a wall. She cleared her throat and said. "Would you perhaps be so kind to remove the Christmas ornaments in Professor Snape's office? I would appreciate it." She looked back in her book.

Extraordinary. No more of that horrendous Christmas spirit. Thank you, Miss Granger. Yet another thing to add to the: this-shouldn't-even-be-remotely-possible list. I find myself curious to how far your attunement to the castle goes. How many of the Headmaster abilities you can perform. If you can control the wards it would the first time in history.

She was stunned. This day had been surreal. She glanced down on the book, and saw new text appear. The man was being uncharacteristically chatty at the moment, and she liked it.

What are your plans for this Christmas, Miss Granger?

She felt her heart jump. Maybe she could spend some time with Severus?

My plan so far involves reading, brooding, and shaking fists at anything remotely close to Christmas spirit. Maybe you would like to join me? I have a feeling it will be unforgettable.

She prayed for him to have some kind of project for her. She had written it with irony, but then realized it was too close to the truth. She sighed.

As grand, and definitely unforgettable as that sounds, Miss Granger, especially the fist-shaking part, I'm afraid I have to decline. While you are shaking fists around the castle I will be researching the history of Hogwarts castle and its Headmasters, and also quite a few other things. If you should happen to tire your arm, or run out of things to shake your fist at, you are welcome to join me.

She squealed in delight. THANK GOD. She wouldn't spend Christmas feeling sorry for herself. She always felt better when having a project to focus on.

I will consider it Professor. I was especially looking forward to the brooding, but I might reconsider.

She waited a few seconds before writing again.

Sarcasm aside though, yes I would love that. I was already planning to beg you to let me spend time in your library. So yes!

After a few seconds he answered.

You were planning to beg me? And I unknowingly let you off the hook? This will have to be rectified at a later point in time. Very well, Miss Granger. I will be starting tomorrow, after the flock of sheep leaves the castle. Join me when you can. Now go to sleep. It's late.

She felt positively joyous at this new development and sleep wouldn't come easily right away, but she responded anyway.

Yes, sir! I will see you tomorrow. Good night, and sleep well, Professor!

He gave her a short reply.

Ditto, Miss Granger.