Author's Note 1: Thank you for those that have taken the time to review, follow and favourite this story. It really means a lot to this first-time writer. Thank you to one of my reviewers for the Brit-pick - I am South African, so Brit-pick away as I am sure there will be more South Africanisms along the way!

Author's Note 2:This is a slightly shorter chapter but necessary to set up for the rest of Hermione's stay at The Cove. Happy reading!

[SEVERUS]

Once Miss Granger had made her way upstairs, I settled into my favourite reading chair and began to research feverishly. My collection at the cottage was extensive, surpassing the comparatively smaller libraries I had in my teacher's quarters and at Spinner's End. I began pulling titles related to elemental magic, magical maturation, core compatibilities, defence, and healing. The latter of the two were for Miss Granger to read during her stay. She would need a crash course in advanced defensive magic (theoretical and practical), as well as a basic understanding and proficiency in healing spells.

I skimmed through my titles on elemental magic, I was familiar enough with these that I merely skimmed the texts in the hopes that I had missed a minor detail, as unlikely as that may be. I had limited titles available on magical maturation and core compatibilities and made a mental note to fill this gap in my collection. As much as I detested delving into the topic of 'core compatibilities' (as I was bound to sift through mountains of 'soul mate' drivel), I needed to better understand the way my magic seemed to respond to and meld with Miss Granger's. I could not be sure if she too had noticed the same side effects of subtle euphoria when our magic merged, electric shocks/tingling when physical contact was made (however brief) or the worrying dull glow that had begun to emit from our hands where they were joined. It could be as simple as like recognising like – since we could both manipulate all elements. Though, knowing my luck, it was doubtful to be that simple.

"Trixy." I called.

There was a soft pop, followed by an excited "Yes, Master Snape, sir! What can Trixy do for yous, Master Snape, sir?".

I looked at my young house elf as she bounced on the balls of her feet, almost vibrating with excitement. She was still entirely too eager, even after three years of me berating the elf for her overly cheerful and excitable demeanour.

"Trixy, calm yourself. We have a guest - " before I could finish, I was interrupted by the elf's high-pitched squeal of delight. I pinched the bridge of my nose in irritation.

"Trixy," I said in warning, to which she barely managed to stifle her excitement. "As I was saying, we have a guest. I require you to transfer her trunk to her room and take that abominable orange creature back to Hogwarts. Let it out in the Gryffindor common room, it can roam the halls until Miss Granger returns at the end of the holidays."

"Yes, Master Snape, sir! Trixy is most grateful, Master Snape, sir!

"Before you go, Trixy. Miss Granger is not to see you. Dinner at 8pm as usual – prepare a light dinner for two, if you would."

"Most certainly, Master Snape, sir! Trixy will do her bestest, Master Snape, sir!" She disappeared with another soft pop.

I sighed. Obtaining that elf had been a moment of weakness. Trixy was a young elf and came from a long line of house elves belonging to the Malfoy family. She was next in line to take Dobby's place when the Potter brat, the-boy-who-lived-to-make-my-life-insufferable, tricked Lucius into freeing Dobby from his servitude. Lucius's wrath was such that he threatened to exterminate the entire line of house selves and start afresh with elves who knew their place and who would demonstrate unquestioning loyalty to anyone of Malfoy blood. Though I had no need of a house elf at the time, I offered to take Trixy off Lucius's hands. An offer that was immediately accepted, followed by a promise from Lucius that I had drawn the short straw in this bargain, and I would pay for my foolish mercy by being betrayed by the clearly inferior lineage of the house elf.

What Lucious failed to grasp was that my 'merciful rescue' had solidified me the most loyal house elf in wizarding Britain. Trixy would do anything for her 'Master Snape, Sir'.

Shortly before 8pm, I made my way upstairs to call Miss Granger down for dinner. I had knocked multiple times without response. With my patience wearing thin, I knocked firmly one final time. I heard a sudden shuffle of linen and the padding of feet. Within a few moments, a sleep-ruffled Miss Granger quickly opened the door. I stood in shock as I took in her attire, or lack thereof. She was engulfed by a rather large long-sleeved t-shirt of Gryffindor red, which ended at mid-thigh. On closer inspection, she did not seem to be wearing anything beyond this. Seeing her flush of embarrassment at her poor state of dress, I decided to tease her – though it was doubtful she would notice this, camouflaged as it was by my typical sarcastic drawl. Deciding to take pity on the chit, I announced that dinner would be in 10 minutes and bid my leave.

Ten minutes later and a much more suitably dressed Miss Granger cautiously made her way into the kitchen.