Autumn

Hermione Granger always loved a good challenge. Since childhood, she always achieved her goals with hard work. It didn't matter if there was some obstacle in school, defeating a certain dark wizard, Who Shall Not Be Named, or even obtaining her qualification as a healer. However, the latter is not coming without a prize – she needs Severus Snape.

Severus Snape always loved a good challenge. Since childhood, he achieved his goals with good old hard work and some... mischief. However, The Second Great Wizarding War didn't go unnoticed, it changed him. He wanted a life of peace and quiet. He had a thriving private practice, selling potions from the comfort of his home. He only had one person who could disturb that – Hermione Granger.

It was an early September morning. The sun still had some strength, the air was balmy. There is a tiny village near the sea, where one can find all types of people – muggles, wizards, it doesn't really matter. Hermione was in a rush to prepare his master's breakfast. Promptly at seven in the morning. She had already served coffee and the morning paper at six forty-five to Severus Snape, who was sitting in all his glory in the dining room. Hermione hardly had any time to curse Severus Snape and his ridiculous requests.

The clock chimed seven times. Severus Snape folded the newspaper in half, knocked back the last of his coffee, and patiently waited for his breakfast. The noises behind the kitchen door weren't very appealing. Plates were brattling, curses were flown. Hermione galloped into the dining room like a horse. The plate in her hands was steaming.

'There are your bloody scrambled eggs, bacon toast with butter, and those fucking tomato slices, exactly a quarter of an inch thick! Bon Appetit.' and she just left. He heard her mutter under her breath something like 'I hope you choke on it, asshole'.

Snape had a sad expression on his face. The food was just simply disgusting. The eggs were gooey and dry at the same time, the piece of toast was charcoal along with the bacon, but hey – the tomatoes were the same thickness as what he preferred. He buried his face in his hands. The first two days he thought that Miss Granger was just messing with him. All the meals were awful, but after two weeks it just seemed torture. Or... She is not as good in the kitchen as she said. Snape thought he exactly remembers the stage of her interview where he asked her about cooking, and she answered positively.

Hermione – still cursing – started the clean-up after another disastrous breakfast. She knew that this whole year would be challenging. She knew she must work hard, and swallow her pride sometimes considering she wanted to meet Snape's expectations. She always loved potions but since the war, she knew she wanted to be a healer. It just felt right. However, in the last two weeks, she didn't even set foot in the lab. Snape is not allowing her to even think about brewing. 'I cannot let dunderheads into my sanctuary.' that's what he said. So, she must prove to him that she is worthy. She read every potions book she could think of, and made notes – always somewhere in the house where Snape could see her study. If it isn't humiliating enough, she will have to take a final exam of some sort, to gain his trust to brew. Hermione thought that what her master did was just ridiculous. Hermione felt she had become a housemaid. An empty-headed housemaid, who just happened to be wanted to clean up his shit.

'Miss Granger' Snape's voice startled her. 'If you could be kind and spare me 5 minutes of your time, it would be greatly appreciated. We need to talk.'

Hermione threw the cleaning cloth to the counter.

'What do you want?' asked him with murderous eyes.

'First of all, tell me the truth. When I asked during the interview can you cook, did you lie?'

'You asked if I can brew and for that, I said yes. But no, I cannot cook.'

'Believe me, Miss Granger. I would never ask such an outrageous question from a potion apprentice. One would assume, that you can brew.'

'I thought it was just a misuse of a word.' shrugged Hermione.

Snape closed his eyes and then tried to apply some pressure to the bridge of his nose. He certainly felt a headache coming.

'Did you read the draft of the contract? Thoroughly?' Hermione gave him the stare. 'If you did, you should have known that I am asking for a more traditional master-apprentice relationship. It means you have to provide meals for me, make my life somewhat easier. It's not my problem that you cannot apprehend what you read.' Hermoine was fuming, like an overboiled kettle.

'You bastard! Traditional relationship my ass. People have not used this type of thing for a while now if you must know. How did you stay alive without a slave during these years? I don't see any volunteers for this position. I'm such an idiot, accepting everything. I thought you wouldn't be such a pig. And I have to live with you!' Hermione tried to exit the kitchen. Snape was flabbergasted but not a whole moment later grabbed Hermione's arm, squeezing it gently.

'You listen to me and listen to me good, young lady.' hissed Severus in Hermione's ears. 'This contract is valid and intact since the beginning of time; the lucky apprentice, who serves under its master not only learns the finesse of the subject, but it also helps to make the master's life easier. I did the same and I lived. If I were you, I would think twice before I speak in the future. I am not only your master but significantly older than you. I deserve some respect.' Hermoine snorted – very unladylike. She had the utmost respect for Snape, he was a bloody hero after all. She valued his knowledge, she would trust him with her life, but that snobbish, uptight behavior was a bit too much for her.

'How dare you? I would be ashamed if I had to use such affirmation to demand respect. We could have an intellectual debate about it, but you have to play the age card. I don't give a rat's ass about your age. Pathetic. You are an idiot, Hermione Granger. You just sold your soul to the devil.'

They stared at each other for a long time. Depp down they both know that this went quite far. They have to compromise if they want to survive the next 12 months. Hermione wanted to remain strong, she wanted Master Snape to see her strong. Snape drew a deep breath and released Hermione from his grip. He took refuge next to the kitchen counter, his eyes glued to the floor.

'I am truly sorry for not giving you the respect that you deserve. I am old, Miss Granger, and as you know old dogs don't learn new tricks. Please, you must know that I am very pleased that you became my apprentice. I didn't have so many people in my life from my past and it bit me in the ass, to be honest. I still see you as a schoolgirl.

Hermione looked at Snape. If she wanted to be honest, she felt the same. They didn't know each other besides Hogwarts. She gently placed her hand on Snape's.

'I must apologize as well. It wasn't fair that I saw you as the dungeon bat.' She saw his flinch. 'I never called you that. Anyway, my main point is that I am sorry.' She waited patiently until their eyes met. She just realized that she didn't breathe for a while. 'And I am sorry for the starvation.'

Severus Snape laughed. Just laughed and Hermione was pleased.

'That was my initiative. For both our mental and physical health I'll teach you to cook. Gratis. The first lesson is today. Be here at eleven o'clock. Don't be late!

If one person survived to be schooled by Severus Snape, for that person his style couldn't be that much of a surprise. Poor Hermione taught that they have a mutual understanding, and the cooking lessons will be easy. Merlin, she was wrong. Severus was impatient and grumpy. They fought like cats and dogs, and some lessons ended with curse words and flying food.

On the 19th of September Severus and Hermione sat at the breakfast table in peace. As Hermione culinary skills improved, she managed to make pancakes, eggs, and bacon – all edible. At least half a dozen owls arrived at the dining room's window. Hermione let them in with a weird impression of her face.

'What the actual hell is that?' asked Snape while he eyed the owls.

'I apologize, Master Snape. I told Harry and Ron and everybody else that I didn't want letters. Let me take care of them. You just eat.' She smiled sweetly while she hurried the birds toward the kitchen.

She dropped a card. Snape took it and accidentally peeked. He didn't care. It's just breakfast usually a quiet matter. He couldn't care less why she was receiving that many owls.

'Dearest Hermione,

We know! We promised not to bother you until Saturday, but it's too far away! No presents though. Who heard about a birthday party without them? Anyway, we just would like to wish you a very happy birthday! Ask the overgrown bat for a vacation day. You are 26 once, after all.

Kisses,

Harry & Ron'

Interesting, thought Snape. Today is the girl's birthday. Should he buy presents or just wish her a happy birthday and go on with their day? While he was daydreaming about what he should do, Hermione came back and continued eating her breakfast in silence.

'Happy birthday, Miss Granger!' said Snape, while he was carrying a huge lemon meringue pie to the table. Hermione was speechless for a second, but a huge smile appeared on her face.

'Thank you, sir! How did you know that is my favorite?' Severus looked confused.

'I didn't.' his reply was short and cold. Hermione's smile disappeared.

'Thank you anyway. Care to join me for a slice?' Snape reluctantly accepted the invitation. He had a reputation to hold, after all.

'The meringue pie is also my favorite dessert.' he said quietly. A smile lingered on his lips.

'Oh my god, you have a sweet tooth!' Hermione laughed. 'Do not worry, sir, your secret is safe with me.'

The rest of the evening went by smoothly. They talked for hours - they talked about books, music, basically everything that they could think of. The big grandfather clock chimed nine times and they both realized how much time flew by.

Though if they want to be completely honest, they both wanted the night not to end. They were surprised that their taste in music is somewhat similar. They like muggle more than magical. While Severus likes better rock music from the '80s, Hermione likes more modern rock. When the situation started to feel awkward, they quickly said good night and rushed to their rooms.

October came in a blink of an eye. Hermione succeeded in Severus' test, so they started to work in the lab. Hermione Granger was one busy witch – she didn't have any free time. Shifts in Mungo – either 8 or 48 hours -, the days where they were in the lab or the cooking lessons. She was exhausted.

After a very busy October, November came. Somewhere in the middle of November Hermione had a rare day, when she didn't have to do anything. It was her day off. She decided on a home-cooked meal – showing off her newly acquired cooking skills. She really liked Snape's home. It had the perfect balance between magical and muggle household. Her CD player worked just fine when she was cooking. Her current obsession was with the Foo Fighters, she felt relaxed – her go-to drink, good music, and Sheperd's pie.

While she was making dinner, Snape was sitting in his study, trying to catch up on some paperwork, but his mind wandered. The last couple of months was a blur, to be honest. Miss Granger worked herself to an early grave in his opinion either at the Mungo or at home. Home... it felt strange. He didn't have any romantic feelings for the girl, but he realized that sharing his home with someone felt good. He wasn't alone. Though the last couple of weeks were somewhat lonely, she worked mostly the night shifts, so their shared meals slowly reduced in number – he missed those evenings. She was intelligent, she was easy to talk to, and she held her ground during an argument, but most importantly she knew the best of both worlds – muggle and magical. Snape liked her sense of humor, but they never see eye to eye when it comes to alcohol preferences. Hermione liked muggle drinks, especially gin, while he liked elf-made wines and fire whisky. One night he was in a good mood, so tried her drink. It was bitter as hell. He checked his watch. It was almost dinner time.

'What is this horrible noise?' asked Snape, when he stepped into the kitchen. Hermione was holding a dish that looked like Sheperd's pie. She put it in the oven.

'Oh my god, sorry if it is too loud.' she quickly turned the volume down. 'I just wanted to surprise you with dinner, I finally have a free evening. Please, sit down. Would like to have a glass of wine, Mater Snape?'

'I'll have, thank you. But please, join me. That horrible gin is no good for the Sheperds anyway.' Hermione giggled and placed two wine glasses on the counter. Severus just rolled his eyes.

'The Horrible Noise, as you called it is an American rock band. I like them, because they play many varieties. I know, they are not the Stones or the Roses, but you should give them a chance. Here, let me show you my favorite.' she searched for the number 12 track on the CD. Within a second, the first accords of Best of You started to fill the kitchen. Snape, after he poured two generous glasses of wine for themselves, listened to the music next to Hermione.

'I have to give it to you; this song is nice. However, would you mind if we just... talk? I was dying to ask your opinion about an article in Potions Monthly.

'You mean the Giggle Brew?' Severus nodded. 'Absolute bullshit. They use valerian roots. It's good for the nerves, I'll give you that, but otherwise, I don't see any positive effect on the potion. God, I just hate when people think so much of themselves and they expect others to follow their ridiculous ideas.' Hermione snorted when she finished her rant. After that, they sipped their wine in silence. 20 minutes went by, and the oven started to beep. The food was ready. Snape just waved his hand, urging Hermione to sit tight, while he was serving dinner.

'Miss Granger, I am impressed. Dinner was delicious.' Snape was impressed, indeed. He had to loosen his belt to be able to sit comfortably.

'Thank you, Master Snape. I really appreciate what you have done for me.' Hermione smiled at his master. For Snape, it was hard to accept the words. It was so long ago when he felt this content. He smiled briefly, then held his glass high.

'I guess you can call me Severus. It will be easier from now on.' Hermione had the biggest smile on her face and raised his glass to his.

'You may call me Hermione. Thank you, Severus.'

'Thank you, Hermione.' - the noise of their touching wine glasses echoed in the dining room.