The next day Hermione began going over the house. She left the boxes that still needed unpacked in her own quarters to be handled on her own time, and started with the bathrooms on the upper floors. Even with efficient wand work, it took her all morning to finish getting everything cleaned, stocked, and organized. Atticus chased a charmed toy truck up and down the halls as she gathered linens from the guest bedrooms, turned mattresses, and evanescoed the dust that had gathered.
Once she had all the linens levitated down to the laundry room, she cleaned herself up and took Atticus into the kitchen to make lunch. While she boiled noodles and simmered sauce, he chewed on a bread stick and made airplane noises with it. When the spaghetti was done she plated a small portion for Atty, tried not to cringe at the mess he was bound to make, and handed it to the little boy to feed himself. As Atticus dug eagerly into his meal with both hands, Hermione wondered what she should do about Severus' lunch. Should she go down to the lab and tell him that she had cooked? Leave a plate for him with a stasis charm? The only thing she knew she didn't want to do was ignore the issue completely. Especially after he had so graciously fed her the night before.
She worried her bottom lip with her teeth, still torn as to what she should do. Before she came to a decision, she saw a familiar black clad figure stroll into the kitchen.
"Good afternoon, Miss- Hermione," he corrected himself. "Good afternoon Atticus."
"Sev'us!" Atticus waved a sauce covered hand in the air, flinging red droplets in several directions. Hermione caught them with a quick spell and deposited them in the sink. She fought a blush, realizing that the kitchen looked disastrous, and her son was only making matters worse. Severus, however, didn't comment.
"I was just about to venture to the labs and let you know there was lunch, if you wanted," she blurted. In truth, she hadn't decided for sure one way or another, but knowing herself as well as she did, it was likely that she would have eventually decided on seeking him out.
"Oh-" he looked somewhat startled. It was a strange reaction from him; he always seemed to know what was coming next, always seemed so collected. "Thank you, it smells lovely." At that, she handed him a plate and gestured for him to take a portion from the simmering pot. He piled noodles, sauce, vegetables, and bread onto the plate and then moved towards the table. Even though he set his plate down, he remained standing behind his chair until Hermione had sat down with her own meal. It seemed like a rather formal gesture, but Hermione was touched none the less. "This is delicious," he praised after a few bites.
"Thank you. It was my mother's recipe."
"Was?"
Hermione's eyes grew sad, and she toyed with her fork before replying. "She and my father were killed last year in an accident."
"I had no idea," Severus choked out, cursing himself at once for his insensitivity and for not having known that. "I am very sorry for your loss."
"Thank you," she murmured. "In a way, it was probably better that they went together. I can't imagine one of them having to carry on with the other. They were childhood sweethearts."
"It seems they were very lucky to have each other, and for you to have had them as parents."
"Yes."
Severus cleared his throat, casting about for something, anything to say. "It's a shame I never got to meet them. I have always thought Hogwarts should have some sort of conference between parents and professors. Even if just once a year."
"That would have been nice," Hermione smiled. "They were always very proud of my achievements as a student. I think they would have enjoyed getting the chance to hear directly from my teachers." Neither of them mentioned that Severus would likely not have had many pleasant things to say about Hermione during her younger years. "You really ought to mention that idea to Minerva. It would be lovely if they followed through with it for future classes."
"Perhaps I will. Though it will likely mean having to sit through another lecture as Minerva recounts to me the myriad reasons she believes I should return to teaching. The woman has no idea how to take 'no' for an answer."
Hermione laughed at the picture of him being chided by the current headmistress. "Gryffindor tenacity," she agreed with a nod of her head. "But you can't blame her for wanting to get one of her best teachers back."
Severus scoffed. "Such praise, coming from the Arithmancy star? The Ancient Runes savant?"
"I said one of the best, didn't I? Besides, I was good enough to make it into Slughorn's Slug Club, despite not having a natural predisposition towards potions. So you must have been an excellent teacher, after all."
"Either that, or I belittled you so much that you made it your personal mission to do well, just to spite me."
Hermione shrugged, "It might have been both." Atticus broke the silence that fell between them after that by dumping the rest of his spaghetti over his head and squealing in delight. Hermione chastised him, chagrined at the display. To her surprise, though, Severus flicked his wand at the mess and suddenly the spilled noodles were floating in the air. Atticus watched them, mesmerized. Severus gestured with the tip of his wand slightly, and a small barrage of the noodles began to weave their way towards Atticus' mouth. Delighted, the boy opened and ate the bite. He chewed, swallowed, clapped his hands, and then opened for another mouthful.
"Did you continue your study of potions at University at all?" he asked her as he sent another scoop of noodles into Atticus' waiting mouth.
"A little." Despite knowing that this new Snape likely wouldn't chastise her for it, Hermione couldn't help but feel a bit abashed. "I never got past Mage qualifications, though."
"I'm surprised you got even that far, if potions wasn't your main area of study. Not many do."
Hermione felt herself straighten a bit at the praise. Yes, it was absolutely childish and ridiculous to take such delight in his compliment. But that didn't stop her from enjoying it. She had sought this man's approval for years in her youth. To have it, even all this time later, was immensely satisfying. "Thank you."
The last bite of the floating spaghetti sailed smoothly into Atticus' mouth just as Hermione finished her own meal. "Would you like seconds?" she offered Severus. "There's plenty left."
"Thank you, but no. I was barely able to finish what I took the first time, truth be told. It was too delicious to leave on the plate, though. I see you weren't exaggerating when you said that you can cook."
"I was a very quick study in the kitchen." Suddenly, the thought of why she'd focused so much on learning to cook crossed her mind and her face soured slightly. "I'll just leave the leftovers in the fridge, then, so they'll be available if you get hungry again in the afternoon." He nodded, rising and taking his plate to the sink. When he started to rinse it, Hermione gently but firmly took the plate from his hand. "Allow me, please."
Severus resisted, unaccustomed to someone cleaning up directly after him. Dusting the empty guest rooms was one thing. Washing his dirty dishes was another. "I am perfectly capable," he asserted somewhat stiffly.
"I'm sure you are. But this is what you hired me for, right?"
"Not – exactly," he drawled, wondering again if their arrangement wasn't doomed from the start.
"I was under the impression that things like this were exactly what the job description entailed." She raised a brow at him.
"I specifically recall placing an advertisement for an estate manager, not a personal servant. It is hardly my desire to make you follow me around all day picking up my mess. I am a tidy person by nature, anyway."
"A fact for which I am grateful," Hermione admitted with a laugh. "It will make my job infinitely easier. Still, I don't mind washing a few dirty dishes when you so graciously provided the funds that bought the food."
"I thought that the cook wasn't supposed to be required to clean, regardless of where the ingredients came from," he challenged, but then moved away from the sink to leave her in peace. "But I won't argue with you. I know when not to look a gift horse in the mouth."
Hermione snorted. "Gift horse, indeed."
"And on that note, I will take my leave of you both." He gave Atticus the now familiar salute and inclined his head towards Hermione. "Thank you again for a lovely meal."
After giving Atticus a bath and laying him down for his afternoon nap, Hermione started the wash and then began cleaning the rooms on the main level of the house. It took several spells before she could get rid of all the dust, and then she set about tidying the place up. Severus hadn't been lying when he said he was naturally a tidy man. There were only a few things she found lying about. Books dotted here and there, needing to be brought back to the library and shelved. Three different spoons tucked away into rather random seeming locations.
When Atty woke up again, Hermione was just pulling the linens from the dryer. She set him once more chasing the charmed toy truck up and down the hall while she replaced the sheets and towels. After that, she decided to be done for the day. Severus had never specifically outlined work hours for her, but she was certain he didn't expect her to clean from sun up to sun set. With how he had treated her so far, she rather thought he would be upset at the idea.
She took Atty up to their rooms and set him to working on several puzzles while she unpacked boxes. Soon enough, the space looked like it was theirs. Atty's toys were piled neatly in his toybox, her tea service laid out on the table, her favorite pillows and throw casually tossed on the couch. She had only a moment to sit down and enjoy the comfort of being surrounded by her own things when Atty pulled her down to the floor to show her his completed puzzles.
She spent another hour playing on the floor with him before his stomach growled loudly. He was loathe to end playtime, but when she promised tacos for supper, he ran from the room excitedly. He was bouncing off the warding spell at the top of the stairs when Hermione caught up to him, laughing.
She set him to work shredding a pile of lettuce while she gathered the rest of the ingredients and prepared them. Before long, the kitchen was filled with the smell of spices and the sound of Atticus' laughter. When everything was ready, Hermione set Atticus in his booster chair and gave him a taco shell to munch while she went in search of Severus. At the last minute before she left the kitchen, she cast her monitoring charm on her son. He would likely sit happily destroying the shell until she was back, but she would rather be able to watch him, just in case. It was amazing the mischief a two year old could get into in a matter of minutes.
She assumed Severus was still down in the lab since the rest of the house was quiet. The door at the stairs to the basement wasn't locked or warded, so she opened it and went down. At the bottom of the steps she paused. He had his back to her, and appeared to be bent over a cauldron. If he was at a delicate stage in brewing, she didn't want to distract him. She waited, one minute, then two. Just when she was getting ready to go back up the stairs and try back later, he turned.
"Er, hi." Even to her own ears it sounded ridiculous. She fought to keep her embarrassment from her face.
"Hello," he returned the greeting with one raven brow cocked. Then he waited. Silently. Patiently. Hermione fought the urge to fidget. A nervous chuckle escaped her.
"I was just coming to let you know that dinner was ready, if you wanted some." She smothered her self-consciousness. "Tacos. They're Atty's favorite."
Severus nodded hesitantly. "I've finished my brewing for the day, and dinner sounds lovely." When he reached her at the bottom of the stairs, he stopped her ascent with the touch of one finger on her shoulder. "Hermione, you do realize that you are not expected to prepare my meals?"
"With how much you're paying me, it wouldn't be an unfair request, but I know you haven't asked me to. I'm going to be cooking for Atty and myself anyways, so I don't see any reason not to make enough for three. You shouldn't feel it necessary to eat what I make, or join us if you're not inclined, but-"
"Inclination will not be lacking. And if all your cooking is half as good as lunch, then I'll be more than happy to partake. I just do not want you feeling like a slave here. If this arrangement is going to work out, then this will be your home. It is... important to me that you are comfortable here."
Hermione smiled at him. Again and again he reminded her that no matter what their history together was, he was far more than the cruel man she'd once known. "Thank you. That truly means more to me than I can say. And honestly, as long as Atticus is happy, then I will be too. You've been so good to us, and I'm glad I can repay at least a little of that."
Severus nodded, following her up the stairs without saying anything else. Despite her assurances, he had to wonder about her happiness. She was a mother, first, that much was clear. But she was still a woman, with desires and dreams like any other. Surely she wanted more from her life than to be washing her old professor's socks and cooking his meals.
As they ate, Severus answered Hermione's questions about the potion he'd been brewing. Atticus contributed to the conversation with one word exclamations and by repeating silly sounding words back at them. As much as Hermione loved her son's childish chattering, it was a delight to be able to engage an adult in intelligent conversation. While her knowledge of potions was far inferior to his own, he seemed interested in her observations and answered her questions patiently.
By the time they finished eating, Hermione felt refreshed. Invigorated in a way she hadn't been in a long time. While working on the research paper, she'd had plenty of time to exercise her mind, but it had been solitary. How long had it been since she had the chance to discuss academic pursuits with another like minded individual? Her last days at University? Far too long...
"This has been extremely pleasant," she told him as she was gathering up the dishes.
"Indeed," he agreed, handing Atticus the cup Hermione had placed just out of his reach.
"Don't you dare dump that on the floor, Atticus," she warned him. "Or we won't go for our walk." The little boy looked dutifully chagrined and sipped from the cup delicately.
"Walk?" Severus inquired. Hermione nodded and cast a quick cleansing spell at the dishes, then began putting away the leftovers.
"I wanted to work in the gardens tomorrow, but I thought I should take a look around tonight and make sure I know where it's not safe for him to go. I'd like to ward off any particularly dangerous areas as well, if you're still not opposed."
"Of course." He rose and took the sealed containers to the refrigerator. "I could accompany you, if you wanted, to show you the gardens and explain any plants you are unfamiliar with." He kept his back to her as he asked the question, taking his time arranging the food carefully. Why was he holding his breath as he waited for her to answer?
"Oh!" Hermione paused, completely surprised by his offer. "You wouldn't mind? I'm sure you had other plans this evening-" He turned, watching her carefully.
Not long ago, Severus would have assumed her uncertainty was because she didn't wish to be around him and was simply too polite to say so. But for the most part, he'd put his self deprecation and doubts behind him. It would have been just as easy for Hermione to tell him that she thought they could get along perfectly well without him, or even say she wanted to spend the evening alone with her son. Instead, he wondered why she seemed constantly convinced that any offer would be rescinded. As though she felt that she could only be an inconvenience.
"I had no other plans, and I would not have suggested it if I were not happy to go along. I am far too selfish to be philanthropic. And I will remind you again, I do not make offers I have no intention to follow through with." His voice was gentle, the chiding light. Hermione studied him for a moment, then nodded. She smiled a little and Severus felt his heart rate speed up. Perhaps a walk would be good for him in more ways than one. Obviously he needed to see better to his cardiovascular health. Perhaps his blood pressure was too high if he was suddenly developing tachycardia.
"Alright, then," she murmured. "We would like that. Right Atty? Would you like Severus to come with us on our walk?"
"Sev'us come too?" He looked between the two of them. "Sev'us come Sev'us come Sev'us come!" He pounded on the table with little fists as he chanted.
"Okay, okay, that's enough. Come here and lets wash your hands before we go." She lifted him from the booster seat and leaned him over the sink so he could rub his hands together under the water. Once she'd dried his hands, she put on his shoes and zipped him into his jacket. Severus pulled his cloak from the foyer closet and frowned when he saw that Hermione wore nothing over her jumper.
"The wind in the evenings can be quite cool here."
She looked down at her sweater. It was warm, and she didn't plan to be outside too terribly long. "My coat's upstairs. I'll be fine. Nothing a cup of tea won't cure when we get back." She ushered Atticus through the front door. Severus narrowed his eyes at her back, plucked his travelling cloak from the closet, and dripped it around her shoulders at he caught up to them.
"Perhaps it would be prudent to place your coat in the foyer closet." He kept his eyes straight ahead, ignoring her look of surprise. "For convenience."
"Sure," she said softly, smiling at him again. "Thank you."
"Think nothing of it," he returned.
But she did. The cloak was heavy and far too large on her, but it smelled of spice and sandalwood. In a way, it felt as if the man himself was wrapped around her. It seemed... strangely intimate. And exceptionally considerate. A few hours out in the evening air wouldn't have harmed her any. But obviously the idea of her uncomfortable in the cold bothered him. Enough for him to take the matter into his own hands even after she'd said she would be fine.
Atticus ran ahead of them across the lawn and they walked behind at a more leisurely pace. She trusted that Severus would call out for him if he got near anything potentially dangerous. Hermione divided her time between watching her son and taking discreet glances at the man beside her. For the most part, he looked the same. His face was a little softer, perhaps, his body not quite so gaunt, but the features that made him recognizable were unchanged. He was still pale, and sported a hooked nose and vaguely crooked teeth.
His manners, though, had altered significantly. Before, he'd been prone to flying into fits of rage at the slightest insult. Aside from the day they'd first met with each other, he hadn't lost his temper once. Before, he'd seemed proud, stiff, almost demeaningly formal. Now, he was far more relaxed. She found the changes worked to give him a far more appealing appearance. He was... arresting, physically. And the few times she'd seen him smile, he'd even seemed almost handsome.
Suddenly, she tucked her windblown hair behind her ear, feeling self conscious. She was wearing comfortable jeans and an over-sized sweater, with no make up and no hairstyle. Not that she felt the need to dress up to take a walk with her employer. Since he would be showing her the gardens, it was practically a business meeting. So why was she suddenly aware of the bleach spatters on her jeans and the streak of dirt on her hand? Merlin, what if she had a smudge of dirt on her nose? She just barely kept her cheeks from turning pink and ducked her head a little to swipe at her nose, just in case.
"Have you looked your fill, then?" His deep, mildly amused voice broke into her reverie. All the willpower in the world couldn't have stopped her blush then. She felt her face go scarlet and looked properly contrite at having been caught oogling him.
"Sorry," she said quickly, leaning her head forward slightly so her hair fell around her in a curtain. "I was just... thinking."
"And what conclusions have you reached?" She could tell he wasn't upset, but he didn't seem ready to pass up the opportunity to tease her.
"Just that you are far different than the man I remember. And," she went on before he could say anything, "the changes are for the better." He studied her for long moments before flicking his gaze away to where Atticus was playing.
"I am... not certain how to respond to that."
"It's just an observation," she said quickly. "I thought, when I first saw you and realized that you were the one who placed the ad, that there was no way it would work. Not because of your actions during the war, but-" She paused, not sure quite how to say what she wanted. "I just hadn't expected you to be so... nice. Not that I expected you to be mean, but I thought perhaps you would feel the way you used to about me, and that you would still have that razor sharp tongue, not that I would have held that against you-" She realized she was rambling at break neck speed and stopped. "It seems that lately, my fortitude isn't what it once was. And I wasn't certain that my ridiculous, fragile ego could withstand any blows."
They came to a stop, and Severus' eyes tracked Atticus running across the open expanse of lawn before settling on Hermione. He raised his hand hesitantly, then placed the tip of his finger beneath her chin and raised it so their eyes met. "I said that I do not regret my actions during the war because they were necessary, and that is true. But I took no pleasure in the cruel things I said to you. It is not my intention to repeat any of them or their ilk ever again."
Hermione swallowed hard, attempting to fight the nearly hypnotic draw of his eyes and failing badly. "I know that. Realistically, I didn't expect you to spend all your time insulting me or demeaning me. But I also know that my life since you last knew me would have given you plenty of fodder if you'd been so inclined." Severus lowered his had from her face and stuffed it in the pocket of his cloak before he did something so foolish as to attempt what would inevitably be an awkward and uncomfortable embrace.
"I will not deny that your actions have seemed at odds with the young woman that I knew you as before. And I am more curious than I care to admit about the events that led you to make the decisions you have. But when and if you decide to share the details of that part of your life with me, I can assure you that I will think no less of you for them." His eyes again flicked to Atticus and he felt his lips curl into a slight smile. "You have become a well grounded woman and a fantastic mother."
"Thank you for saying so," she whispered, blinking away the burning behind her eyes.
"There is no need to thank me. I am not a man prone to idle flattery, and I would not have said so if it was not the truth."
"Even still... thank you." Hermione had no intention of admitting to him that she doubted herself at nearly every turn. That deep down, in the most private part of herself, she feared that she was failing her son and herself. That his praise meant the world to her – all the more because it came from him.
"You are welcome."
They walked on again, in silence this time. When they caught up to where Atticus was playing, the little boy ran over to his mother and threw his arms around her legs. She lifted him up and hugged him tightly, glad for the excuse to press a dozen little kisses to his face. He giggled uncontrollably and then wiggled until she set him back down.
Severus showed Hermione the long rows of plants that stretched through the garden. He swooped Atticus into his arms when they reached the section containing belladonna, nightshade, and other poisonous herbs. After they moved past the gardens, Severus showed them the small orchard and pointed out several little tool sheds that dotted the back of the lawns.
Soon, the twilight that had been lingering gave way to darkness. They made their way back to the house, Atticus walking between them and chattering unintelligibly. When they were nearly back, he took Hermione's hand and then patted Severus' pocket until he drew his hand out. Atticus took his hand and continued skipping on. As if he hadn't become a physical link between them. As if he hadn't pulled Severus' heart right of his chest and into the cool night air.
