Crossing the Line

Chapter 6

Sep 24

Some would consider it strange how Severus could find himself enjoying Hermione Granger's company when working with her, yet disliking her for six years while she was his student. The answer being he didn't treat her as a student nor did she act like one. The shift between Granger being his student to partner wasn't as hard as he expected. It wasn't a seamless transition but they were able to fall into a routine. It shouldn't have been surprising to note that they worked well together. This summer exemplified it.

There was some tension and friction between them at first. She was shy and hesitant when she spoke to him. Unsure of how blunt and bold she was allowed to be in his presence. He too found himself reverting to his teacher persona and would catch himself lecturing her. He was able to stop himself before he went too far but there were a few instances of opposition. Unlike the summer they had to worry about the constant transition from student to partner and back again. Luckily she was only his student for a couple of hours a week during the day. While almost every evening she was his partner. By ignoring her in class he was almost able to forget that she was still technically his subject.

When working together he expected her to be on the same level he was. In class, he had a level of authority over her and though he would never lower his authority he welcomed her to assert herself and hold her own in any conversation and argument they may have while working together. As a student and teacher, there was an unequal power balance between them. But as partners that power was nonexistent. Though he did have certain dominant personality traits he didn't try to dominate her or control her while they were together. He allowed her to speak freely without the restraints of the propriety of a student and teacher and encouraged her to do so. While being partners there was a level of trust and openness that was needed between them. The thought alone was foreign to him. They had to rely and count on one another. They didn't have time to be second-guessing their work or questioning one another's motives or abilities. But they were able to get over any animosity they had for one another and fell into a comfortable routine.

He found himself able to enjoy her company. Even more so than during the summer. He preferred working with Hermione over any other, especially those from the order. Those who constantly doubted not only his abilities but which side he was on in this war. Even after decades of risking his life for those idiots they still didn't trust him. It was annoying to always have to defend himself against them. After the first couple of years, he gave up. It wasn't worth the headache. Something should have given way by now though. Especially after a decade. Though he didn't trust them all that much either. But that had to do more so with their brashness and their magical abilities rather than their determination to see the light.

Even Dumbledore didn't compare to the level of comfort and friendliness that she provided. The only man who had given him anything resembling respect and trust had been the Headmaster. Though he was the one to give him a second chance, the Headmaster wasn't exactly the ideal friend. Not with their conflicting personalities. And his god-forsaken purple robes. But it was different with Hermione.

Her work ethic was greatly appreciated. She could easily work independently and her skill at research was incomparable. She was precise and extremely detail-oriented which used to annoy him. But was exactly what he needed. She had a steel-like focus that matched his own. In fact, she could become so consumed in her work that she wouldn't even realize when he was talking to her. It was like snapping someone out of a trance.

And when she did speak. It took on two tones. The first being a neurotic and fast-paced speech as her voice carried her excitement. Her cheery disposition used to be aggravating and set his teeth on edge but he couldn't help but want to smile at her joy though he never did. Her voice could also carry a soft lowness especially when she was unsure of something. Overall her talking wasn't unpleasant and some days it was welcomed.