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“Miss Granger,” came the familiar low baritone, startling her a bit, as she believed herself completely alone, not hearing any doors opening or footsteps approaching.
Still, she couldn’t help but think about the fact that he called her by her surname, which was more often than not a slight rebuke these days when familiarity and using her given name had been the usual order of the day. That meant she had done or was currently doing something that had upset him.
Bracing herself for a possible confrontation, she counted two more counter-clockwise stirs before setting the stirring rod aside and turning around.
“Severus,” she replied, aiming for a neutral tone, pulling her cloak tighter around her. This early in the lab in the dungeons, it was quite freezing.
Standing just inside the doorway, he had his arms crossed in front of him and was waiting for her to say something else.
Oh, she knew what was on his mind. But she just couldn’t stop herself from being a worrier, no matter what state she was in physically or mentally. This potion which had been simmering for the last 12 hours had turned a viscous blue as predicted and was now emitting vapors with a slight sulfury odor. It was ready for the next step where the Murtlap extract and crushed shrivelfigs were to be gradually added in alternating order.
Given that this potion was her project for this quarter as agreed (one major potion project per quarter on the last one and a half years of her three-year apprenticeship), she could never turn her brain off and not think about it. She really wanted — no, needed — to be on top of things no matter what. It was a matter of pride.
Although she knew Severus would know all about how to contain or rescue the potion from total unusability if something happened, and write down the necessary observations for the next batch of improvements, she still needed to know everything that was going on with her potion. It was her last year of apprenticeship and she really ought to be more independent of him now. How could she be a qualified Potions Master if she couldn’t even complete a simple enough brew at this level?
She looked everywhere but at him, a little embarrassed that he had to chastise her for this.
Seeing as she was not inclined to speak anytime soon, Severus moved closer to her and spoke up. “I thought we had established the other day that you were going to take a rest. And remembering correctly, resting meant you agreed to not go to the lab, not to read any books on the topic, not even your research notes. You were to engage in nothing even remotely potions-related.” He was looking at her intently, arms still crossed in front of him. “You were supposed to take a rest and eat as much as you could, recover and get your strength back.”
She had no response to this — no one could fault him for his memory after all.
“Hermione, look at me.”
Resigning herself to the inevitable, she looked up and met his gaze. Because beyond being her master and guide throughout this apprenticeship, he had become her friend. It had been a long journey from her first year where he tried to exercise his authority over her as if she still counted among the dunderheaded population of Hogwarts he referred to as students. But somewhere around the six-month mark, he had begun to change how he treated her — giving her options, being more generous with his time, making allowances for her questions during and outside of brewing sessions — and their working relationship had only continued to improve since then.
“Severus, I understand your concern. But really, I am fine. You saw my temperature last night. I’m out of the woods,” she countered. “I was just checking the potion for a while. You know it’s hard to take one’s mind off a brew, especially something very important as this. I was not doing or had planned to do anything strenuous. I just wanted to see how it was.”
He let out a small sigh and approached the workbench, peering into the cauldron before looking back at her.
“As you may have deduced from this potion’s condition yesterday when this mixture was still a very watery grey and which has turned a brilliant viscous blue as expected, I am quite on top of it. Else, I wouldn’t be here at 3 am checking up on it, ready to do the necessary next steps. And in the process finding you, my apprentice who was supposed to be in bed, recovering her strength. I wouldn’t be a competent master if I didn’t even understand the intricacies of my apprentice’s project, let alone taking over the brewing for it.”
She let out a small smile at that. Really, it was a matter of pride for him that he be the more knowledgeable and skilled one of the two of them. Albeit the past few months, she was able to surprise him by taking a few ideas in entirely new directions neither he nor their peers have ever thought of before. At the moment though, she really couldn’t complain. Their professional relationship was much better now than what she expected when she started on this journey. He proved to her more than twice over in the past one and a half years that he was more than the uncaring, spiteful, snarky persona that he played up to full effect during her school years.
“Sorry you had to get up for nothing. But you can go back to bed now, I’ll take care of the rest.”
“No, you agreed that you were taking two days’ worth of rest and that I’ll be taking care of the brew. So,” he closed his eyes and worried the line between them briefly, before coming to a quick decision, “you will sit there across from me, where you will have a good vantage point from which to observe while I do the necessary next steps. I’ll be talking to you while I go through the steps. When I’m done with that, I will speak to you aloud while I add to your notes. You will be satisfied with those, not needing to check on them yourself because I will be thorough. You know I always am. Then you will go to bed and I will have to check that you have no books or research to read. I will take them with me before I leave. You will sleep. And in the morning, we will have breakfast. And afterwards, nothing even remotely work-related. Read some fiction, do some knitting, spoil that ugly familiar of yours or what have you.”
She grinned a bit at the mention of Crooks. Aside from her, Severus was Crookshanks’ favorite human for company in the castle during the early mornings or late nights or during the rare times when he was not walking the grounds with Minerva, on the very few occasions when the Hogwarts Headmistress stretched her limbs in her animagus form.
Severus could be so demanding, not just with everything to do with potions but more so if it came down to her well-being, something he had been so adamant about as of late. It seemed that having his own master not care one whit for his well-being made him determined to change things with her. She was his first apprentice at a time when he did not have to play the part of double agent, loyal Death Eater and Muggleborn- and Gryffindor-hater as he once did. He could even be seen enjoying a few laughs with Minerva in the Head Table every now and then. He really was out to prove, if only to the select few who knew him, and she was proud to count herself among them, that he was not like those who raised or trained him. He was not like his father nor was he like his own then Potions master. And that was making a world of difference for her. She never thought she would be getting this much consideration from him, not to mention all the extra time and effort he’s devoting to her apprenticeship, which made him all the more endearing to her. He would never show this side of him to the whole wide world, but she was glad he trusted her enough to show this to her.
“Why are you so adamant to have me rest, Severus? It’s just a mild fever.”
“Don’t treat this as if it were nothing, Hermione. We go out to new locations you’ve never been to before, and have done so increasingly in the past months. You never know what you might have picked up from there. We have different bodily reactions to the same things. I don’t want to risk your health because we did not take into account all variables or that we did not apply all manner of precaution and given you adequate care.”
Looking at him looking away from her as he gave that impassioned speech, that slight tension in his voice and his voice almost catching in the end, she knew there was a story behind it and it was important to him. He had a lot more years on her and had much more experience on very different areas and scenarios. She knew his apprenticeship was not a very bright spot on his life, and there must’ve been something tragic that happened there that he hadn’t shared with her before.
Seeing that he wouldn’t budge and that he did have a point, and she knew he would be upset if she continued to defy him, she silently acquiesced and moved to that spot he describe. He did know the lab inside out and he made sure whatever decisions were made were to everyone’s advantage. Happy to have been given this small leeway, she settled herself to observe.
“Severus, what are you doing up? You should be in bed.”
“Poppy needs all three batches today. Students have been in and out of the hospital wing the whole week and her supplies are nearly depleted.”
Hermione thought back to two months ago when she stubbornly tried to work on her potion and Severus adamantly told her to take it easy and leave everything to him. She couldn’t help but smile in fondness at the memory. The situation was now reversed, but more serious this time as Severus hadn’t stopped shivering for two days now and he was wont to not take his own advice.
“I know that, Severus, that’s why I’m here. Why you got out of bed seeing as you’re shivering and still feeling weak I cannot fathom. There’s no more war, Severus. You don’t have to strain yourself.”
He seemed to realize something and the tension eased from his body at her last two statements.
“This is not my first time preparing a big batch of Pepper-up.”
“I’m aware of that, Hermione. But seeing as you still have your potion to attend to — ”
“That’s just a small batch. Plus, I don’t actually have to work on it until about three this afternoon. So let me worry about this. Now it’s your turn to rest. You’ve tired yourself out and now your immune system is weak. You just need to get stronger again and then you can go back to work.”
“Hermione, really — ”
Raising her hand, she interrupted him. “Nope, I am not accepting any excuses at the moment. Much like you did two months ago when you forbade me to work on my research.” She crossed her arms and grinned at him.
It seemed he was ready to follow, being given the same treatment that he gave her two months back. He was not up to thinking up more arguments and he immediately set himself down on the work bench.
“Come on, Severus, go back to bed. It won’t do you any good staying here with all the fumes.”
“I think I’d prefer to be in the sitting room.”
She knew he just wanted to be nearby in case something went wrong at the lab. At least, it’s much closer than being in the bedroom. But it was warm enough there and his chair was comfortable enough that she was willing to play along with it.
“Come along then.”
On Monday morning, the first order of business was to drop off the supplies of Pepper-up to the Hospital Wing. After that, a quick trip to Greenhouse 5 to harvest some baby mandrake leaves. And then to Hagrid’s for some bundimun secretion that he managed to acquire after a recent infestation.
“Severus, you didn’t have to.”
“Poppy, I didn’t. This was all Hermione. I just came to deliver them.”
“I’m sure she did, after you tried to work on them.”
At his silence, she looked at him again. “I know you, Severus Snape. You’ve always been adamant about fulfilling your duties. But I’m glad you have Hermione now who reins you in when you’re too stubborn for your own good.”
“If you’re not yet aware, though I find that hard to believe, Poppy, she’s doing her apprenticeship with me. If there’s any reining in happening, it’s going to be from my side.”
Ignoring Severus’ response for a moment to stock the vials and update her ledger, she gave him an assessing look instead. “Whatever it is that have developed between you two more than in your professional capactiy — “
“Poppy, I do not care for what you are implying — “
“Oh, pssh, Severus. I wasn’t implying anything. Or if there was anything, I assumed you both are at least friends. Goodness knows you’ve never let anyone in close enough but I know you have, with her. And it’s doing you a world of good. You’re looking much healthier now with that meat between your bones. And you’re tolerable, if not downright good company, on most days than before.”
Interrupting him before he even tried to dismiss her observations, she quipped, “Don’t forget, I know you, Severus Snape. I’ve known you since you were a wee 11-year-old.” Her voice took on the warning tone that Severus knew he should never take lightly.
“So don’t even think about calling me a liar. I’m glad you have her and she has you. There doesn’t seem anyone here or outside Hogwarts who could cultivate her interests as much as you do. It’s not a one-sided thing, whatever you have. It’s a give and take. Savour it and if I do say so myself, don’t muck it up.”
After not so much exposition on his relationship with his apprentice and not expecting a dressing down this early in the day or in the week, he decided to just keep the scowl on his face. Nothing he would say would ever sway her, no matter how he tried to explain things, so he just decided to remove his presence.
“Have a good week, Poppy.”
In a whoosh of green flames, he was out of the hospital wing and back in his office. Poppy’s words rang true, even if he was wont not to admit them in public or otherwise. He stood in his office for a moment, reflecting on how things were and how grateful he was, and acknowledging to himself that Hermione Granger had been on top of the list he was most, dare he say it, glad about and grateful for a while now.
Then he was back to his routine checking, making sure he was aware of everything needed to be accomplished for the week and getting ready to face a new week of teaching, patrolling, researching and brewing.
“Hey, Severus. What are you up to?”
He was on a quick jaunt to the edge of the forest to stock up on some bubotubers as he needed very young ones and the greenhouses only had mature ones. That quick jaunt might just turn into a quarter of an hour’s harvesting as the surviving Weasley twin spotted him while on his broom, presumably after his last flying lesson of the day. He was still surprised that George Weasley had taken up the mantle, even if only part-time.
“Mr. Weasley,” he started, but after the look on his former student’s and fellow Order member’s face, he amended, “George. Not that it’s any of your business, but I need to harvest something. Nothing exciting going on here.”
George got off his broom and matched Severus’ stride, turning thoughtful. “That’s what you always say, mate. And then I hear Hermione talking about an explosion, that you, Severus, explicitly allowed in the classroom — I’m starting to think you’re changing and keeping us all in the dark, my man.”
Severus had to agree. “It would never have happened while you were here, I am sure of it.”
“Oh you wound me, Severus,” George mock replied, hurt feelings on display with a hand over his heart.
“Anyway, we’re holding the New Year’s Eve do here in our Hogsmeade branch. You and Hermione will be sure to come, yeah? Nothing important brewing that day, I hope.”
There was a sort of expectant expression on George’s face that Severus couldn’t quite interpret.
“I’ll let her know. It’s up to her to decide, if she’s coming or not.”
“Oh she’s coming, she has never missed that. And if you come with her, she’ll make sure nothing will prevent you both from going together.”
George had something cryptic going on but he did not want to try to read into it.
“Anyway, you’re back to your usual self now, ain’t you?” referring to Severus’ not-so-brief episode with the flu. At his nod, George continued, “Brilliant. I’ll be by after your last class to pick your brains. If things work out, I think it would be a fun addition to the party.” Hearing no refusal and seeing no scowls directed his way, George deemed the whole conversation a success.
“I’m off to Hagrid’s then. Later, mate.”
A chipper voice interrupted her as she was preparing her favorite curry for dinner. “Oi, Hermione, where’s Severus?”
Hearing Severus’ name come out of George’s mouth always reminded Hermione of how much time had passed and how people had changed. It didn’t take George long to try to coax the former double agent out of his people-repelling armor and they were now on first name basis. And with his twin gone, George had become more subdued. Sure, he still had the old mischief gene in him. But it was no longer prone to making itself known at every possible opportunity. Plus being around kids, she could say George had finally tempered the mischief and had gotten much more responsible and reliable.
“Hey George, I think he got too excited last night and had to rest.”
“So those Babbling Berries were a hit, eh?”
“Don’t tell him I told you, but I think he enjoyed himself last night.”
“That he did. And I’ve never seen himself enjoy anything. Plus, he had a hand in making those berries too.” He winked at the surprised expression she was sporting.
“Oh! He didn’t tell me all about that,” she exclaimed. “You know, you both seem to have a knack for coming up with hit products. The Babbling Berries are my favorite so far. I think there might be a great future for a George Weasley and Severus Snape collaboration. Oh! What if you have a line of Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes products featuring Severus Snape? He has a lot of ideas in the back burner.”
“You know, Hermione, you might be on to something. Let me think about that.”
He looked at the chicken currently marinating, taking in the strong, fragrant aroma of the spices dominating this side of the Hogwarts kitchen that the house elves had allowed her to take over. Most of them had finally realized she won’t do anything so drastic like S.P.E.W. and have now considered her an honorary elf, something that no Hogwarts headmaster had ever shared.
Currently, her hands were covered in flour, mixing something in a bowl. “What are you making?”
“That will be butter chicken and this is naan, a type of flatbread, which will taste so delicious with the butter chicken sauce.”
“For him?
“And for me as well.”
“Does Harry like this type of food?”
“He never had any growing up. He’ll eat it occasionally but it’s not something he’ll ask for.”
“And Severus?”
“He has grown to like it a lot as I’ve made it a number of times already since we became friends.”
“Mhmm.”
If anything, Severus liking what Hermione made was a definite change from his old personality. As he was already allowing this change, that could mean he might also be open to a more permanent change involving a Hermione-shaped hole in his life.
“So you’re almost done with this thing with Severus. Six more months. What are your plans after?”
“I’m staying on and taking over for a year while Severus goes on sabbatical.”
“Severus is leaving Hogwarts for a year?”
“He’s not sure yet, but what is definite is he’ll be going on a break.”
Though Hermione was focused on kneading her dough, George was pretty sure he didn’t imagine that tinge of sadness in her voice just now. He certainly hoped there was going to be some confessing happening before the six months left on her apprenticeship were up, or else…
Severus woke up on the last day of the term feeling horrid. He had a pounding headache and he was freezing, even though normally he would have no need of the thick blanket during this time of year.
What a way to end the school year. Good thing he had already spoken to each of his leaving seventh years before and after last night’s leaving feast and taken the time to be present for the younger ones yesterday. One of his promising Slytherins, Tybalt Alderswood, unveiled a pleasant surprise when he told Severus he was looking forward to doing an ambitious double NEWTS project on Herbology and Potions when he came back for his last year. Hopefully, no one would have need to consult with him today.
He heard Hermione calling him from the sitting room. Even from outside his bedroom door, he could hear the excitement in her voice. She did enjoy endings and new beginnings way too much. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the strength to chide her for it today.
He heard his door open and her tentative voice calling out to him.
She was walking towards him now. Now she was laying her hand on his forehead. “Oh Severus, you’re not well. You overtaxed yourself getting ready for this sabbatical of yours.“ He could only grunt, not feeling up to respond with words.
“Sit up, Severus. Drink some water.” She helped him sit up, supporting his back as he tried to sip water from the glass she conjured. After going through the contents of his bedside table, she handed him a vial with a light yellow liquid. “Now, take this. Best to have the potion work while you rest.”
Without further argument, he downed the contents of the vial.
Once done, she tucked him underneath the blanket. “No shortcuts today, Severus. No quick-acting potion, no charm. Term is over so go to sleep, regain your strength. I’ll take care of you.”
She pressed a kiss to his forehead. Were he more awake and more in possession of his faculties, he could have marveled at that simple action which was done as if it was a natural thing for someone to do to him. But the potion was strong and he succumbed to sleep right away.
When he woke up next, Hermione was on one of the chairs from his sitting room by his bed, reading Persuasion, one of her favorite classics.
The rustling of the sheets alerted her to his state of wakefulness.
“Hi,” she greeted, marking her place and setting her book aside. “How are you feeling?”
He was now sitting up, trying to get used to the dim light. “What time is it?”
“Half past two. Are you hungry?”
“A bit. Let me just go to the loo.”
She laid a hand on his forehead. Seeing his fever abating somewhat, she got up and went to the desk while he went to the loo.
When he came back, he approached her. His eyes immediately went to the bowl of steaming soup. Inhaling, he closed his eyes and let the scent and warmth fill him.
He sat down on one end of the desk and Hermione followed, sitting closer to the middle of the desk.
She watched him as he took in a spoonful of the soup. He closed his eyes as he tasted the soup. Then he took another. And another. Until he was almost halfway through it.
He looked over at her, and he had a small smile on his face. Seeing such a serene expression on his face, seemed like he was a quiet child who’d been given a treat.
“Thank you, Hermione, for the soup,” Severus said solemnly.
“It was my pleasure. I’m glad you like it.”
“My mom used to make me one when I was sick. It brings me back.”
Seeing as this time, there was no bitterness in his voice as he talked about his childhood, she reached for his right hand and gave it a squeeze. For a moment, he just looked at her hand, covering his. Then he turned his hand, palm up, and clasped hers in his.
He looked at her, almost shyly. And he received a shy smile in return.
The hand-holding and shy smiles turned into a kiss and an embrace.
The sabbatical commenced in Spinner’s End, the day started by Severus and Hermione waking up in each other’s arms, instead of Severus, alone, in the forests of Borneo.
It was to be two months since the day he woke up sick on the last day of term before he set out on his “year of exploration and research”.
Ten months to that day, he was back on British soil, being welcomed back by the Hogwarts staff and most enthusiastically by Hermione.
After his and Hermione’s hasty departure from the dinner hosted in honor of his return, well… George Weasley definitely had a lot to say about it, if he wanted to. Right then, he just smugly basked in the knowledge while Minerva, Pomfrey and Poppy good-naturedly paid up on the lost bet.
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