Life For Rent

Chapter 8

Last week on Life For Rent….

Hermione followed suit eyeing him interestedly. What could he possibly want to toast?

"To, well, us I suppose." He said awkwardly.

"To us." Hermione replied taking a drink. The evening was definitely off to an interesting start.

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The rest of the meal passed in amiable silence. Hermione was surprised at how easy it was to be around him and not talk. That was something she appreciated. Despite what most people thought about her she could appreciate silence. Of course she was bursting to ask him questions but she was learning just as much about him by observing him as she could by talking to him. For example, she noticed that he cut his slice of bread in half before he ate it, and that he chewed very thoroughly and methodically taking care to savor his food. Hermione thought back to how Ron had gorged himself, and even David didn't give much thought to his food. She really liked the elegant way in which Severus approached everything he did.

"This was really good. I'm quite full." Hermione said when she had finished.

"I guess we should have dessert later then." Severus said. "I hope you like chocolate. I made a torte."

"Wow, you really do cook, and I definitely like chocolate." Hermione grinned.

Severus started stacking up dishes and Hermione jumped up to help him. "Let's just use magic to clean this up then."

A few wand movements later the kitchen was sparkling again.

"When I first learned I could do magic I was really excited because then I wouldn't have to do any chores the Muggle way anymore. You should have seen how disappointed I was to find out I wasn't allowed to do magic at home." Hermione reminisced as she handed him a clean plate.

"My mother used to do chores with magic when my father wasn't home." Severus said quietly.

Hermione knew that his father was a Muggle and that his parents had fought a lot because Harry had told her about the memories he had seen but she didn't know anything else.

"Is this the house you grew up in?" Hermione asked, knowing full well that it was.

Severus looked at her. "Yes, though I am surprised I kept it. I guess with the way my life was going, spying and everything, buying a house was not high on my list of priorities."

"That's understandable." Hermione said, though she had a lot of questions for him. He was fascinating.

"Would you like some more wine?" Severus asked as he uncorked the other bottle she had brought.

Hermione did but she was afraid that she would become pestering if she had more. "I would but I am feeling the effects of what I had already, and they don't call it a social lubricant for nothing. If you think I ask too many questions sober, wait until I get tipsy."

"I think you are entitled to ask your questions now Hermione. I may not answer them all but I believe the whole purpose of this evening is to get to know each other better." Severus watched her as she eyed the wine for a moment, and then shook her head.

"Well, maybe later then. Would you like to see my lab?" Severus asked.

Hermione smiled in response as Severus led her down a staircase that was situated in a corner of the kitchen. When she stepped from behind him into the room at the bottom her jaw dropped. The room appeared to be magically expanded. There were four cauldrons of varying design sitting on four individual, waste high, work stations. Two walls were filled with carefully labeled potions ingredients, one was full of finished potions, and the fourth was covered in potions books. In a far corner of the room was a desk.

Hermione walked around the room dragging her fingers over the spines of his books. She pulled out a book that was titled, 'Hair Care Potions for the Caring Witch,' and snickered. Severus blushed and picked hit quickly out of her hand. Hermione raised her eyebrows and smirked.

"Okay, you caught me. I am trying to create a line of hair care products that will counteract the steamy effects potions have on hair. Of course it would help in humid weather, and rain, and – ah, I thought I could make some money." Severus was not about to admit he had been creating the potion not only to sell, but for his own use.

Hermione suppressed a giggle. That was not something she was expecting to hear from him. Ginny was going to love it.

"To be sold under a pseudonym of course." He added. "You're laughing at me aren't you?"

"No, Severus. But would you pseudonym happen to be Soupie Sails?" She asked trying really hard not to laugh out loud.

Severus frowned at her. "How did you know that?" He demanded.

"Think about it for a minute. You'll get there." Hermione said walking over to the ingredients that were carefully placed around the first cauldron she approached.

Severus stared at her baffled. How did she possibly know what his pseudonym was? And then it hit him. "You were the book buyer who took my order for hair care books at Flourish and Blotts weren't you?" He asked, appalled.

"Yes I was but I just now learned it was you. I recognized the books." She replied smiling. "Don't be embarrassed, I was bound to find out. You won't be able to keep secrets from me like that. But I will keep it a secret for you, if you wish."

Severus just nodded and walked over to the cauldron she was standing by. Hermione inspected the ingredients and then sucked in her breath. "You are brewing wolfsbane. A lot of it, too." She looked up at him, her respect growing.

"Yes, I brew it and sell it at cost so I don't really make a profit. I sell it to werewolves who are trying to lead somewhat normal lives. I brewed it for Lupin and it is kind of my own way of doing penance for not treating him as he deserved."

Hermione saw the pain flash across Severus' face. He quickly schooled his face into an impassive expression but Hermione saw the hurt that was lingering deep in his eyes. He really hasn't recovered from the war, Hermione thought. Not knowing what came over her she reached for his hand and held it lightly.

"We all have our demons, Severus. It's okay to think about them, and talk about it." She said.

Severus took his hand back as if burned. She didn't understand yet, he didn't know if she ever would. "Yes, well some of them are worse than others."

"I'm sorry. I was just trying to--,"

"I know. I need to learn to be more receptive to people. The last thing I want to do is alienate you, it's just difficult for me to open up." Severus said walking back toward the stairs.

I just blew, thought Hermione dejectedly as she followed him up the stairs. Once back in the kitchen he poured them both a fresh glass of wine. Retrieving two slices of the torte he had mentioned earlier he sat back at the table. Hermione joined him, afraid to say anything. Clearly he was willing to continue with the evening but she didn't know what to say. Unable to bear the silence she asked about his business.

"How are you faring with your business clients?" She asked before putting a bite of torte in her mouth. She involuntary closed her eyes as she savored the flavor, it was divine. "This is fantastic."

"Thank you. And I am doing well, except for lately my accounts seem to be getting a little larger than I expected. I find more and more I am turning down new contracts so that I might keep up with the workload." He answered savoring his own torte. One little known fact about Severus Snape was that he loved chocolate.

Hermione took one more bite and a sip of wine before speaking again. "Have you considered hiring an assistant?"

"I don't know if I want my business to get that big." He responded. "I honestly can't see myself brewing potions from home as a long term career option. It has merely been a diversion from doing nothing at all."

"I understand. If there is anything I can do to help while you figure it out I would be willing. I have always wanted to learn how brew Wolfsbane. Its seventh year and well, you know I wasn't there seventh year so I missed out on a lot." She said hoping she hadn't asked too much of him.

Severus considered her for a moment. "It must have been hard for you, that year."

"Yes, it was very hard. I learned a lot but it was at a price. We all paid a price, but as you pointed out before, some suffered more than others. I survived relatively unscathed. I could not hope for more. Of all the things I regret from that year it was not being Head Girl. Does that make me sound pathetic or what?" She said.

"No, it makes you sound like someone who had a goal and was disappointed it didn't come to pass. It's perfectly normal. I would be happy to teach you how to make Wolfsbane. However, you will have to be prepared. I have some books I can lend you." Severus said feeling himself slipping into teacher mode. He really missed teaching. He was shocked at the realization as it hit him full force. He really did miss it.

Hermione was beginning to feel the effects of the wine. She felt herself grinning foolishly at the thought of him teaching her potions again and quickly looked down blushing. Severus thought she looked lovely blushing like that. He was truly excited at the prospect of working with her in his lab. When Hermione finished with her dessert she looked at her watch. She raised her eyebrows when she saw that she had been there for three hours already.

"Do you have somewhere you need to be?" Severus asked not quite sure he wanted her to go yet.

"No, I was just shocked to see how much time had passed. It doesn't feel like ten already at all." Hermione commented.

Severus looked at her for a moment, thinking. "I suppose I should give you a quick tour of the rest of the house. It's not much and we don't have to keep it, but I figured for the meantime it would suffice."

Hermione started. He was talking about their future and where they would live. She was enjoying the evening as if it was a first date and nothing more. She had completely failed to remember that this was the beginning of something else entirely.

"Yes, I would like to see it." Hermione replied. Severus led her through yet another door in the kitchen that led to a small but formal dining room.

"This is obviously the dining room, " He said leading her through it back into the living room, "living room, and the upstairs is right through here." He said leading through a concealed doorway.

At her curious glance he said, "Remnants of my Death Eater days when I didn't want anyone to find my personal quarters. Now that you have seen it, the door will always be visible to you."

Hermione nodded as they went up the stairs. The carpet was old but clean. All the walls were painted off white. If she were to live in this house they would have to do something about that.

"This room off to the right is a guest room," he said gesturing through and open door. There was nothing but a full bed, neatly made, a chest of drawers, and a night stand with a lamp on it. "This is my study and library," he said leading her into a room at the end of the hall. Hermione sucked in her breath.

"This is a really great room." She said. It had dark mahogany furniture and the walls were covered from floor to ceiling with books. Below the one window was a cherry wood desk. In the middle of the room was a lovely leather couch and a coffee table.

"I'm glad you approve. Come on, you can linger in here another time." he said pulling her out by the hand. He surprised them both when he didn't let go as he led her down the hall again. "Bathroom here," he said tapping on a door, "and here is the master bedroom." He finished a little awkwardly.

He let go of her hand as he pushed the door open. Hermione wasn't going to go in at first but curiosity overwhelmed her. If she was going to keep his hair care secrets from Ginny she was going to have to have something else to tell her. Now she could honestly say she was in her room. The furniture in his bedroom was just as handsome as the library. It was all mahogany and elegantly carved. The bed was large and had a comfortable looking down comforter on it. It was silver and black and quite fetching. There was dresser, night tables on both sides of the bed, and a large ornately carved armoire. There were even more books.

"That is a really lovely armoire. Do you use it as a closet?" Hermione asked as she eyed the closet door suspiciously. The cabinet looked very much like the one her parents kept their television hidden in.

Severus shuffled his feet for a moment before walking over to the armoire and opening it. Inside were a large television and a fairly new DVD player.

Hermione didn't even bother to hide her laugh. "I knew there was a television in there. My parents have theirs in something similar."

Severus frowned at her. "Don't worry Severus; I am actually relieved to see it. I really love movies and I wasn't sure how I was going to tell you about it. I didn't see any place in the house I could sneak a television."

Severus laughed this time as well. Hermione loved the sound of his laugh it was genuine and carefree and she was sure he didn't do it often. "Well, it looks like we found one more thing we have in common."

Reaching for her hand again he led her back down the stairs to the living room. They chatted happily for a little while over what movies they both liked and found their interests were similar there as well. Hermione's favorite movie, The Breakfast Club, was one that he really enjoyed as well.

"From a teacher's perspective it was really entertaining, I have to admit." He said pouring her the last of their second bottle of wine and then sitting next to her on the sofa.

"You're trying to get me drunk." She said taking a sip.

Severus smiled. "Are you drunk?"

"Maybe. No, I don't think so." She said.

"So, what do you think, seriously. About the house I mean." He said reaching for her hand again, this time with a little more hesitation. She laced her fingers through his. His hand felt nice in hers and she knew she could get used to it.

"I like it. It's neat and clean. But if you expect me to move in we are going to have to do something about the white walls. And I didn't see much space for my books and things." She replied honestly.

"I know how to magically expand it. I could make the place quite large, but I always liked it small."

Hermione leaned back savoring the sensation of his thumb tracing the back of her hand. "It is cozy this way."

"How do you feel about cohabitation?" he asked quietly.

"Are you asking me to move in already?" She asked in a teasing tone.

Severus looked at her, clearly afraid he had said the wrong thing. Hermione took pity on him. "If you are asking me if I believe couples should live together before they are married, then yes I am for it. I am not very old-fashioned." She said. Her parents on the other hand were going to shit bricks if she ever got around to telling them what was going on.

Hermione yawned widely just then.

"Tired?"

"Kind of, it's been a long day."

"Hermione, there is something I need to tell you right now. I need to get it out and I don't know how you are going to feel about it." Severus said not looking at her. "I want you to know that I find you very attractive and that I enjoy spending time with you but I uh I don't know if I will be able to um, fall in love with you. I say that regrettably of course because I mean what I said, but I am afraid my heart is not really mine to give."

Hermione withdrew her hand from his. Something had just occurred to her that she couldn't believe she hadn't considered before. She understood of course because she still loved David but she was beginning to think that maybe Severus would be the key in getting over him. Severus had a wholly unhealthy attachment to a ghost and he might kill her for it but she was going to point it out, someday.

"Sure, Severus I totally get it." She said getting up. "Or at least I get parts of it only because I just recently broke up with someone. Am I ever going to get an explanation about Lily, I mean she did stop talking to you after one slip of the tongue that occurred long ago."

Hermione could see his eyes darkening in anger the longer she talked. She instantly regretted giving her opinion so decidedly. Hermione quickly backed against the wall a little afraid. For the longest time he sat there glaring at her with daggers coming out of his eyes.

Severus felt his temper raising the longer Hermione talked. He was not angry at her for any reason that she probably thought though. He was angry because she was right and hearing it come out of her mouth was like a slap in the face. She was twenty years his junior but she had the full measure of his ridiculousness much better than he did.

"Look Severus, forget that I said that. It's not my business. I'll just go. This was a lovely evening and I am afraid I spoiled it." Hermione said getting ready to show herself out the door. Just as she reached the door handle Severus stopped her by putting a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"No Hermione, wait. Don't leave just yet. I don't want to end this evening on a disagreement. I want to say that it's not your business, but it will eventually affect you. I am just not going to discuss it with you unless it is necessary, and at this stage it is not." Severus grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the door.

Hermione was really astounded. She was expecting an outburst, a curse or two, to have him go straight to the ministry to revoke the contract but not, contrition. She looked up into the black depths of his eyes and felt tears prickling in the back of her own. He was grieving the loss of Lily right before her eyes, not that she believed he would ever admit it to her. Severus had grieved her before but this time he was actually trying to say good bye and it broke her heart. She may have been betrothed to this match under unusual circumstances but that did not mean she didn't care about his happiness.

"It's okay Severus. I understand that you are not angry at me. I won't bring it up again, unless of course you want to talk and then you know I will be there for you. I fully understand that you might not be able to love me. I still love someone else too, but I am beginning to have faith that it will go away." Hermione said honestly. "Until you reach sixty you are stuck into this contract with me so I don't want to do anything to make it harder on you than it has to be. I for one though, am glad it was you that I got matched with."

Hermione continued to look into his eyes so that she might read what was there. His eyes were trapping her in but she couldn't read anything in them. She could tell he wasn't angry with her but his jaw was clenching making it obvious that he was still tense. He wasn't saying anything and she really wished he would. She could see his muscles in his jaw working as he ground his teeth together. Out of sheer insanity she reached up and stroked the point of his jaw that had the most visible tension.

Severus was battling a surfeit of emotions as Hermione kept talking. There was a storm brewing inside of him but he couldn't bring himself to look away from her. All the while she was speaking about his heart belonging to Lily all he wanted to do was kiss the woman who was before him. Nobody had ever called him out on his feelings for Lily or blamed her for holding an unnecessary grudge. Hermione had simultaneously validated his feelings for Lily and repudiated them at the same time in a way that made perfect sense to him. He was very glad that the Ministry had matched him to her as well.

When she reached out to touch his face he nearly lost his composure. He shot a hand up to cover hers and slowly pulled hers away from his face. She made a move to pull her hand out of his grasp but he held on tightly to it. He pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her in a warm hug. Hermione hesitated and then she wrapped her arms around him as well.

Severus relaxed noticeably when she wound her arms around his back. He honestly could not remember the last time he had held someone nor had someone hold him. He took a shuddering breath and fought back tears as he held Hermione. He silently thanked the Ministry for their matching system because it had truly worked. He knew deep down inside that Lily was never his soul mate because she had ended up with someone else and the literature on soul magic was very explicit on that. He had loved her enough though to believe she could be his soul mate, and knew her very well but with Hermione he felt an affinity that was wholly different. He was only getting to know her again but he couldn't see not being with her now.

"I'm glad it was you as well." He whispered into her hair as he breathed in the scent. Her hair smelled like juniper and he inhaled deeply. After what felt like moments but could have been an eternity Severus slowly pulled away.

"I want to make this work and that means more than having mutual respect and compatibility." Severus said. "If we are to raise a family and do this right, we will have to be open to that mutual respect growing into more. I am willing, it will just take time."

Severus led her back to the couch and sat down with her still holding her hand. "We have one more thing that we need to talk about just so we can have all of these unpleasantries out in the open, and that is children."

Hermione stared at him. He really was getting down to business. When it came to kids Hermione had only one request. "About children, Severus, I only have one demand, and that is that my children will always be loved by both their parents. I don't want them to think we are anything less than enamored with each other."

Severus sighed with relief. He'd had a horrible childhood and he didn't want to repeat his parents' mistakes. When he was first sucked into the marriage law he was convinced that the cycle would surely repeat itself. "Good, I would expect nothing less."

"I am really tired and a lot has happened for me to take in, Severus. I really think I should go." Hermione said regretfully. They had moved very far very quickly that night and she needed some space. Severus did too, he just didn't want her to leave with him angry and have that cause problems. There were some lessons he did learn from his past.

"I am always going to be a disagreeable man, I hope you realize that."

"I am always going to ask you too many questions and share my opinion too often." She said smiling as she walked to the door again. "Thanks for dinner, it was delicious. This evening was most illuminating."

"When will I see you again?" He asked hoping it was soon.

Hermione thought. They only had a year to get married which meant that they would need to move through a lot of relationship in a very short amount of time. She wanted to talk to him about the wedding but didn't think it was quite the time yet so she would have to move things along. "I have to work tomorrow but if you want to meet for lunch that would be nice."

Severus agreed to meet her the next day at her work for lunch. Just before she left he pulled her into another hug. This time when he pulled away it was just enough to bend down and kiss her forehead before pulling completely away. Hermione felt a jolt as his lips touched her skin. They were warm and dry and they felt impossibly soft, as if they couldn't belong to such a hard man. He held her hand all the way past the wards where it was safe to apparate away.

"Good night." She said before turning on the spot and disapparating. Severus stared at the place she had just been with a smile on his face.

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A/N: Special thanks to all my readers and reviewers!!!!

Okay so my super awesome beta pointed something out to me about the last few chapters and I want to bring it up in case some of you agree, because I happen to agree as well. She mentioned that the last couple of chapters were kind of hunky-dory which is cool, I get it but in case a bunch of you feel the same way I wanted to let you know that drama is definitely on the way.

But as a warning for those of you who like lots and lots of drama with murder and kidnapping and lots of fighting, this fic won't be like that. This story is going to be primarily fluff, with a little more mixed in. I wanted to see what it would be like to write a story where the main couple actually gets along and doesn't break up every two seconds (I am not saying whether they will or they won't). There will be drama though!!!!

If you like plotting and all that what not and you think I am a decent enough writer check out my Dramione Twisted Roots that one has lots of twists and turns.

My beta is writing a super cool SS/OC fic called Uncharmable you need to find whoopsydaisy and check it out.