"Are you sure you won't come with us?" Ginny was trying for the millionth time to persuade Hermione to ditch her holiday with Snape and come to the Burrow.
Hermione giggle, "Yes, Ginny, for the millionth time I cannot come this time. But I promise if I have a free day, I will pop over. Alright?"
"Fine," Ginny mumbled, "but know that it won't be the same without you. Have a Happy Christmas, Hermione." Ginny leaned in to hug her friend.
"Happy Christmas, Ginny. Now, where are the boys?" Hermione broke the hug and looked around.
"We're coming, we're coming," Harry called from the top of the dormitory stairs. Ron bumbled behind him, carrying a large bag.
Harry set his small bag on the floor and approached Hermione. "We wish you could come with us, Hermione, but Happy Christmas and hopefully you'll come and visit. Don't let Snape forget that this is supposed to be a holiday after all." He gave her a short hug.
"I won't, Harry. I'm sure he wants to enjoy his vacation as well." She smiled warmly.
Ron gave a small hug and a "We'll miss you," and Hermione watched as her three friends left the dorm. She waited a brief minute before exiting and heading back to her own room.
Once in her room, Hermione began to pack for the week with Snape. She was beyond nervous. They had a decent relationship, but this would be the most time alone they had ever spent together so far.
She didn't have to worry about potions ingredients, so she focused on packing her clothes instead. She reached for the wrapped package and smiled. There was no way he wouldn't absolutely love the pendant. Her earlier moment of self-consciousness had finally subsided into one of excitement.
Hermione loved Christmas and especially loved surprising her loved ones with their gifts. That was always her favorite part. The knowledge that she brought happiness and joy to their faces was the ultimate present for her. When she was a little girl her parents joked that she would have left her presents until New Year's Day because she was more excited to watch her family open their gifts instead. Her mind wandered from thoughts of the pendant to the living situations. Would there be two bedrooms? Hermione froze. She was not a prude by any means, but she also did not want to seem like a floozy. Oh Hermione, she thought, he thinks of you as neither of those words. It was silly to think about, but her mind was racing with anxious thoughts.
She supposed Snape would have two bedrooms, but would prefer her to sleep with him. She was certain the first night was going to be slightly awkward as they adjusted to the new arrangements. Hermione had no problem with closeness, and was looking forward to waking up next to him. She hoped silently that he felt the same.
Hermione glanced at the magical clock stuck to her wall. She had thirty minutes before she met Snape. With the flick of her wand, the folded clothes on her bed flew neatly into her large duffel bag. She placed the package carefully on top and zipped the bag. With a last glance around her room, Hermione closed the door and started the walk to Snape.
Severus waited patiently in his office for Hermione. He was not nervous. There was nothing to be nervous about. He cared for Hermione and knew that she felt the same. He would never pressure her into something that she did not feel absolutely comfortable with, and she was outspoken enough to voice her concerns. He was more nervous about the small package resting in his coat pocket.
There was a soft knock at his office door. Severus rose from his chair slowly and mentally opened the door. Hermione walked in carrying her bag and smiling brightly. His heart warmed at that sight. She wasn't nervous. She was happy. Happy to be spending time with him.
"I must admit," she started, "I believe it's been years since I've been on a trip that didn't involve chasing Harry around. It feels rather nice."
Severus smirked. "Well I would hope that my company would be slightly more enjoyable than that of horcruxes or Mr. Weasley."
Hermione giggled at the statement. "Yes, it is much more enjoyable." She walked quickly over to Severus, dropped her brag, and wrapped her arms around him. "I've missed you so much, Severus."
Still working on his tolerance to the sudden change in personal displays of affection, Severus returned the gesture shyly. He smelled her hair, the faint scent of her skin, and was in heaven. This woman was more than brains or beauty, she was air and life. His life. He intended on making sure she knew. He stepped back and took her hand.
"I do believe we have a ways to go before our arrival. We should get going." Severus picked up Hermione's bag and put it on his shoulder.
"Is it really that far where we're going?" Hermione asked.
Severus smiled, "Yes and no. I prefer to apparate to a certain destination and then drive the rest of the way. It makes for a much more memorable arrival."
Hermione smiled and took his hand. One of the perks of being Headmaster meant that Severus could apparate anywhere inside the castle.
"It's so nice not having to go out into the cold to apparate," Hermione voiced. Severus chuckled a small throaty chuckle before responding.
"I do hope whatever you packed in here is warm. Unfortunately, my house is not on an island."
Before Hermione could respond, she heard the crack of apparition and felt her body twist and shift. Soon enough she was standing with Severus outside a small house next to an abandoned train station.
"When my father was still alive and useful, he traveled quite a bit for his job. This train station was his main source of transportation. The owner lived there," Severus pointed to the small house. "Unfortunately, the owner died and both the house and the train station were abandoned. No one wanted to travel this far out to catch a train. I placed a protective charm over the house many years ago to protect it from looting and vandalism."
Severus led Hermione to the old house. Next to the house was a tiny one car garage, which Severus opened with his wand. Inside the garage was an old, yet well-preserved car. Hermione's confused look was not lost to Severus.
"There are many Muggle inventions that our kind really should invest in. I believed cars were always one of them. Despite the accidents, I still think they can be much safer than apparition and brooms," he explained.
"My- my father has a car like this. Well, had. I highly doubt either of them are still around." Hermione looked down at her feet.
Severus approached her and titled her chin toward his face. He spoke softly. "My dear, we will find them. I promise you."
Hermione looked into his eyes. "Please don't promise that. I don't think you realize how devastating it would be if we didn't."
Severus' glare burned into her eyes. "I. Promise." He placed a kiss on her forehead and walked her to the car.
The drive started out quietly. Severus would glance over at Hermione every once in a while just to make sure she wasn't silently crying. He knew her well enough to give her space before attempting to talk. He didn't mind. The silence was peaceful. Eventually, he saw her facial expression relax and he knew she was in a better place mentally. Within minutes she began to speak.
"I'm sorry Severus. My parents are still a sore subject for me. I didn't mean to ignore you, but thank you for just letting me calm down. You know me better than anyone." Hermione looked out the window.
"I do. You are allowed to be angry and upset, Hermione, but do not think for a second that I do not mean what I say. I know you believe your parents lost, but remember what my job was for years- finding those who did not wish to be found. I am confident that I can locate your parents. Please, do not doubt me." His voice began to rise slightly.
"I don't, Severus. If there's anyone who can do it, it's you. It's just one of those topics that saddens me," she looked to him, "and not trying to change the subject, but you look really odd behind the wheel of a Muggle car." She began to laugh.
Severus raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I do, do I? Then perhaps you would like to drive?" He removed his hands from the wheel and placed them behind his head.
Hermione's eyes went wide with fear. 'What are you doing?! Are you crazy?! Watch the road!"
She reached for the wheel, then noticed it move by itself. "Wha-what?"
Severus laughed, "The car drives itself. I do know how, but on the long drives it becomes quite a chore. I only put my hands on the wheel so I do not attract attention to myself from other drivers."
"Sometimes you're really a pain in my arse, Severus Snape," Hermione mumbled.
His eyes grew wide with shock. "Hermione, I must say I am not used to such foul language from your mouth. I am intrigued." He began to laugh some more.
"Don't you laugh at me! Just you wait, I'll get you back for this one day," she joked.
"Oh I look forward to the day Hermione Granger is able to pull one over on Severus Snape, ex Death Eater and right hand man to the Dark Lord." He smirked at Hermione, who shot a dirty look back at him.
Severus continued to pretend drive for quite some time before eventually pulling into a stone driveway closed off by an iron wrought gate. After reciting an incantation, the gate swung open and Severus continued up the driveway to a large stone castle.
Hermione's mouth dropped. "This is your house? Severus this is a mansion, not a house!" She gaped at the extraordinary landscaping covered softly with snow and the exquisite masonry. It was a lovely castle. It reminded her of the small Irish castles her father used to show her in travel books. Well, if a castle could be small.
Severus shrugged. "You know I don't particularly enjoy spending or flaunting my money, but this was something I had always wanted since I was a young boy. A castle safe from my father and from the Dark Lord. He had no idea I had this. It's extremely protected and appears as a measly cottage to Muggles. I'm very proud of it."
"You should be Severus, it is stunning. It looks like a picture from a book. I can't wait to see the inside."
Severus pulled into a four car garage and turned the engine off. He got out of the car and retrieved their belongings. Hermione followed closely behind.
He opened the door inside the garage which was connected to the breakfast kitchen. Cherry hardwood floors and cabinets, marble countertops, stainless appliances, and the most grandiose table she had ever seen appeared before her eyes. The décor was almost as nice as his room at Hogwarts.
"This is lovely Severus. I can't believe what I am seeing." Hermione ran her fingers along the countertop. Everything was impeccably clean. "Who cleans this place?"
"It is a self-cleaning charm I invented. Trusting people is not my strongest point, so I have no staff here. Just myself and a good cleaning charm." He placed the bags next to a spiral staircase that led upstairs. "You are the only other person who has been inside."
Hermione look confused, "Dumbledore? Minerva?"
He shook his head slowly. "As much as I cared for them, their presence was always linked to the War and the Dark Lord. I wanted this to be my haven from that. There was no one else I could trust to bring here."
She smiled and took his hand. "I am really honored Severus. Will you show me everything?"
He returned her smile and led her through the kitchen into the living room.
The castle was by no means dark, but Hermione mentally noted his favorite colors: burgundy, emerald green, brown, dark gold. Each room was mostly emerald green with accents of the other colors. It was homey. The large fireplace lit up the living room and made the large leather chairs look even more comfortable. Double glass doors led to the back porch with an incredible view of the enormous plot of land he owned.
"You could put a pool back here." Hermione suggested.
"A what?" Severus asked.
Hermione laughed, "A pool. For swimming?"
"Ah yes. Purposely getting wet for fun. Sounds delightful." He smirked and grabbed her hand once more.
Severus led her up the spiral staircase to the second floor. There were countless doors and she was anxious to see what was behind each one.
"With each minute that passes, I feel more and more like Belle from Beauty and the Beast." Hermione saw the look of confusion on Severus' face and began to explain the story.
"My house reminds you of a story where a girl is trapped inside a castle with a beast. Interesting."
She laughed, "No. All of the rooms and doors remind me of the story. You're not a beast- stop that."
After showing her the potions room, the library, and the second living area, Severus led her down a hall with two more doors.
"These are the bedrooms," he started, "I wasn't sure wha-,"
Hermione cut him off, "I don't need a separate bedroom. I'm staying with you."
Severus bowed slightly and smiled, "As you wish."
He maintained a cool composure but inside he was beaming. He didn't have to ask, or fumble with his words. She knew exactly what she wanted and told him.
He picked her bag up and opened the door to the master bedroom. It was no surprise that it, too, was beautifully decorated with the biggest bed Hermione had ever seen. The connected bathroom was the size of her living quarters at Hogwarts, complete with a bathtub the size of a small garage.
There was one thing missing from the castle, she noted. It wasn't decorated at all. She was certain he was smart enough to work his cleaning charm around the holiday, especially knowing that he would stay here for the break.
"Severus, do you decorate for the holiday?" she asked.
"I was wondering when you would ask me about that," he walked out of the bed room and motioned for her to follow.
The extensive library was housed inside the second living room. It was massive, with walls of books from floor to ceiling and beautiful hardwood floors.
"This is normally where I decorate. I keep it to one room for my sanity. You can decorate it as you wish this year." He waved his hand and seven giant boxes appeared in the middle of the room, along with a 14 foot tree.
Hermione's eyes lit up. She loved Christmas, and loved decorating. She always felt a pang of sadness each year as Hogwarts decorated itself, but not this year. She was going to decorate a tree for the first time in years. Even staying at the Weasley's never allowed for this.
She turned to Severus. "Do you realize in the short span of twenty-odd minutes you have made me the happiest girl in the world?" She hugged him tightly and ran to the boxes, leaving Severus to look on with happiness.
For the next few hours, Hermione left the living area for two things: to use the loo and to hug Snape randomly. He would check in on her every so often with tea and food, but for the most part he left her to her work and stayed inside his potions room.
He was about to return to the kitchen to start dinner, when he heard her call for him. She was standing outside the room with the door closed.