Not Yet (A Hermione Granger fanfic)

Chapter 26

A/N: I just read The Cursed Child! I know, I know—I'm extremely late to that party. But it triggered some thoughts about a new fanfic based on one of the alternate realities from that play. I bet you can't guess which one... ;)

Maybe when I'm done with this, that'll be the next direction I go. I'd like to write something darker...

**********Chapter TWENTY-SIX********

They land outside her apartment building. Their dress robes would cause curious looks among the Muggles if there were any about to see. But it's dark, and the street is free from curious eyes. Hermione unlocks the front door, then leads Orev up the narrow staircase to her flat.

"I haven't been home in a few days," she says at her door. When she turns, Orev is no longer looking at her, but Severus—he's dropped the Glamor Charm. Her heart skips a beat. He's older-looking now, and infinitely more dangerous-looking. A tiny thrill runs through her spine.

"You brought me to your place?" he asks, interrupting her gazing.

She shrugs. "Would you rather discuss things in our wizarding attire at the Muggle coffee shop across the street? Or perhaps somewhere in Diagon Alley where we'll be crushed by a throng of people wondering why Hermione Granger is with a Severus Snape lookalike?"

He smirks and leans toward her, pressing her back against the door. Then he props his hand behind her, an echo of the time he backed her up against the tree. "I think this will do, Granger. But I am seeking some advice."

"Oh?"

"Yes. This witch I know stirred me up, then left. Ever since then, I've been wondering if she's ready to forgive me for being an arse. Because I've thought of nothing except her since she left . . . And I really want her to give me another chance."

Hermione drops her keys.

Severus smirks. "Smooth, Granger. Do you expect me to pick them up?"

Thinking to one-up him, Hermione casts a silent Alohomora on her apartment door. She doesn't anticipate it opening on its own, though. Suddenly it's not behind her. Since both she and Severus were leaning quite heavily on it, they fall through it. Hermione lands flat on her back. Severus lands on top of her, knocking the air out of her lungs.

"Oomph!"they both say.

Severus recovers first, propping himself on his elbow to look down at Hermione. His eyes flash with mischief. Hermione gulps.

"As much as I like you, Wren, you do have an unfortunate habit of using the most painful ways to get me on top of you. You could have just asked."

Hermione blushes and says, "What would be the fun in that?" She pushes at him to move, and he climbs to his feet, pulling her with him.

"Okay?" he asks when they're standing.

"I may have bruised something." She says, rubbing her tailbone.

"I'll take a look at it for you."

"Because you're so good at evaluating injuries?"

"That's one reason."

Hermione leaves him to close the door and walks through the tiny foyer into her flat, a tiny one-bedroom. They pass the bedroom door on the left. The eat-in kitchen is just beyond, open to a sitting area on the right.The living room only fits a short couch, a chair, and a side table. It has a fireplace, but Hermione hasn't had a chance to use it yet. Boxes line the only blank wall in the room.

She turns, watching Severus take it all in. Since there's not much, it doesn't take him long. "I just moved in," she explains, nodding to the boxes. They are full of her books. It's a testament to how busy she's been that she hasn't found the time to unpack and arrange them.