Day By Day

4

Severus had given her two of the three large rooms upstairs to do with as she pleased. One she placed her bedroom furniture in, the other her sofa, desk, and books making a private study. If she did decide to write that book this would be the perfect space. There were two dormers and lots of built in bookcases that she quickly filled.

Severus stood in the door frame observing the tiny witch organize her desk. She was actually quite lovely, he thought to himself. She looked like she worked out. He liked that she took care of her body. It was something that was important to him as well. He ran most days. Sometimes in the morning, sometimes after work. He also had a regimen of calisthenics he did daily without fail. The older he got the more he realized he needed it. It helped him keep not only his body fit but it kept his mind sharp.

"You are welcome to any of the other rooms. This is your home now."

Hermione threw her hand over her heart.

"Oh Severus! You startled me!" She let out a breath. "Thank you, I'm sorry about all the products in the loo. Would you mind terribly if I added an extension charm so I can put a little more storage in there?"

"Be my guest. Sorry it's just the one bathroom. I'm sure it will take some adjusting."

Hermione felt his eyes travel down her body. She realized she must look a fright. She knew her hair had inflated from sweating in her frenzy to put everything away.

"Im sorry. I must look like a complete mess."

"Too the contrary. You look comfortable and I'm glad for it. It's been a strange day."

"Agreed."

"I was thinking of walking to the chippy up the road."

"Oh! Would you mind if I tag along? I'd like to see the neighborhood."

"I'll be downstairs when your ready."

Hermione washed her face and pulled her hair into a loose ponytail.

The fresh air after the rain shower felt amazing. It was just what the doctor ordered after what was a bizarre day to say the least.

They found a bench and dug into their shared fish and chips.

"Is this how you imagined your wedding night?" Severus snorted.

"Oh yes. Every girl dreams of marrying her school professor, wearing dirty clothes, and eating fried fish on her wedding day."

She looked at Severus and gave a silly smile with a mouth full of food. He shook his head and gave a slight smile back at her.

"Actually, I'm sure there were plenty of girls at Hogwarts who fancied their Potions Master." She teased.

"Oh yes. Old Sluggy knew how to get all the girls knickers wet."

"Oh disgusting Severus!"

"Sorry, I suppose that was rather crude."

"Not that part, the Old Sluggy part." She faked a shiver. "Makes my skin crawl, not my knickers wet!"

"Care to share what does make your knickers wet?" He raises both brows.

"Wouldn't you like to know." She bumped him with her elbow.

Who would have thought that Professor Snape was such a flirt. Hermione could only imagine he probably did bed lots of witches.

"Severus, may I ask you a question?"

"You may."

"Are you dating anyone?"

"Am I dating anyone? I doubt my wife would like that very much."

"Were you seeing anyone, when you received the scroll?"

Severus looked down his nose at her. He shook his head no.

"I lead a solitary life for the most part."

"But what about, well. You...you're a man. And you're an attractive man. We all have urges."

"What do you want to know Hermione? Do I stick it in every witch in Britain or am I a chronic masturbator?"

Hermione giggled and shoved another chip in her mouth. She wiggled in her seat.

"I'll tell you, if you tell me."

He raised a brow.

"You stick it in every witch in Britain?!" Teasing her back.

Hermione let out a loud laugh.

"So you do stick it in every witch in Britain. It's always the quiet studious ones." He shook his head.

"Stop it." She beamed up at him laughing. "Seriously, you weren't seeing anyone?"

"Seriously." Severus passed her the last of the fish. "I work a lot and all that tripe in the papers is exactly that. What about you?"

She just nodded her head no. He didn't press the issue further. They stood up and Severus took the takeaway box from her and tossed it in the bin. They began walking back when Hermione stopped. Severus stopped to see why she had stopped.

"So...chronic masturbator then?" Hermione shot him a huge smile and laughed. Severus acted like he was going to grab her but she squeaked and dodged him. He did manage to throw his arm around her shoulders and pull her into his side as they walked back to his house. They rounded the corner and walked up the path to his door.

"You are a cheeky little witch Hermione Granger."

"Snape."

"Yes?"

"No it's Hermione Snape now."

They both stopped and looked at one another. There was a very slight sadness and knowing in the look they gave one another.

"Right. Mrs. Hermione Snape."

It was cold water on his face.