Chapter 13

A/N: This is my very favorite chapter in the whole fic. Perhaps it is because I spent two weeks researching for the information I needed about life in July of 1976 in Manchester, England, or it could be that I just really like what unfolds between Severus and Hermione. I had stated at the start of this that music had become its own character. I will provide the titles and links at the bottom of the page for those of you who would like a stroll down memory lane.

Now, remember, I am a Yank and was born in 1975. I hope you won't judge me too harshly if I have made errors :)

Many thanks to luvsev and WriterMerrin, my awesome betas! I hope you all enjoy this! Please review!!! As I said, this is my favorite chapter!

***

Severus' mum met them at King's Cross. She was thrilled to hear Hermione was going to spend the whole summer; at least that was what she said. Hermione thought she might have not been telling the whole truth.

Spinner's End was in the dodgy area of Manchester and was a part of a series of connected houses built in the Victorian times when the mill had been working at full capacity and jobs had been plentiful. Now in 1976, people were being laid off all over the country, and the mill had finally closed its doors. It was a solitary area that had once been full of the hustle and bustle of community. The rows of attached houses had all at one point been occupied by the factory workers and their families. Spinner's End was empty now, except for the house at the very end. It had not been remodeled much, just a basic washing up room placed inside on the second floor, but there was no shower, bathtub, or toilet. Outside the kitchen door was a community watering hole that a number of houses had shared. It still worked well, although the water had to be treated before being used. It had been bearable when Hermione only had to stay for three weeks, but now, she was staying the summer and would need to know how to live the way the Snapes lived.

It was very hard to keep oneself clean, and cleansing spells only did so much. There was a large wooden tub that was filled every Saturday night, and everyone bathed, but during the week it was a birdbath at best. It helped to explain Severus' lack of hygiene a bit better. He had not been raised by any other standard. Hermione figured that anyone else would start to change one's ways when teasing began at school, but Severus was an obstinate and contrary person at best. He was the way he was, and he was not about to change for anyone.

Magic came in handy when it came to needing clean water. Eileen Snape may have been rusty in other areas of magic, due to Mr. Snape's control over her, but her housework spells were imaginative and clever. Severus told Hermione that his mum had created some of her own housecleaning spells. He swore she possessed a brilliant mind and had been very bright in school, just shy and withdrawn.

One day, as Severus and Hermione were working outside in the small vegetable garden, she asked him about his mum's marriage to his dad.

"Severus, how is it that your mum married a Muggle? Weren't her parents upset?" she asked.

Severus kept his eye on his weeding. "No. My mum's dad raised her alone. Her mum died in childbirth. My grandfather raised my mum, and then when she was a seventh-year, he died. This is the house my mum was born and lived in all her life. That's why she can't bring herself to leave."

Hermione was surprised. "So, your grandfather was a factory worker?" she asked.

"Yes, and a Muggle as well. My grandmother was a witch. I think my mum thought if she married a man like her dad had been: a factory worker, a kind and down-to-earth bloke, that she'd be happy too. She said her dad never had any problems with her being a witch. He thought it was great fun!" he said happily.

Hermione noticed how content he sounded talking about his mother's family. "I bet you wish you had known them," she mused.

He shrugged, and his hair fell forward, obscuring his face as he worked. "It would have been interesting, I think. My grandfather fought in the Second Muggle War, around the time of Grindelwald. My grandmum had just escaped being murdered by the soldiers who had come to kill the whole family. She fled into Muggle London. My mum said it was easy in those days because there were so many displaced people. A solitary woman with no papers and no past didn't seem out of the ordinary. She met my grandfather when she first came here looking for work. He had been wounded badly in the chest and stomach. The army discharged him, and he had been allowed to return home and work in the factory. He also joined the Home Guard. He brought her here to this house and worked at the Mill. I think they married in 1941 or 1942. My mum told me her mum had gotten pregnant right after they married."

"How old was she when she died?" Hermione asked quietly.

Severus glanced at her before replying. "She was eighteen. She was only sixteen when she married my granddad. She got pregnant again when my mum was still a little baby. There were complications, and she died, and the baby died too." He continued to look at her curiously until Hermione broke the silence.

"How old was your grandfather?" she asked.

"He was around twenty-five, I think," he said as he went back to his work. "My mum told me one of the neighbor wives took care of her whilst he worked. She had a couple of kids of her own. She practically raised my mum for a while."

"Was your granddad good to your mum?"

"Yeah, that's why she thought marrying Tobias would be a good thing. She told me her dad worked hard, but when he would come home, he always had time for her. He helped her with her schoolwork and encouraged her to keep with her studies. When the time came for her to go to Hogwarts, he had worked hard enough to afford the tuition, even though his health had never been fully restored after being wounded in the war. My mum reckons that was what killed him. He just ran himself into the ground. Anyway, she came back here after graduating, and there were a bunch of young men looking for work and a wife. Tobias snatched her up, got her pregnant with me and then preceded to make her life a living hell," he said tersely.

Hermione resumed her work, thinking how Severus called his father "Tobias." She looked up at the dingy, little house and wondered how many happy times it had seen over the years before pain and despair had taken hold. She glanced at Severus every now and again, his black hair blocking his face from view.

He was quiet for a long time after that. Hermione finished her half of the weeding and lay down in the grass, closing her eyes to relax. Suddenly, there was a shadow blocking the sun. She opened her eyes, and Severus was standing over her. He was quiet and looking pensive. Hermione sat up, and he offered his hand to help her off the grass.

***

Hermione tried to get Severus' mind off Lily. He was hurting badly, and there were times when he would just sit and stare off into the distance, as if in a trance. Sometimes, Hermione just sat with him until he came out of it. Other times she would lay her hand on his, and he would look at her hand gently stroking his own. He would breathe easier, and the haunted look would come out of his eyes. There never were words spoken between them during those times. There was no reason for them.

Sometimes, Severus would disappear for hours at a time. One day, Hermione followed him, concerned. It was the most heart-wrenching thing she had ever seen. He sat under a tree across from Lily's house, just staring at it. Hermione wondered if she should turn back or if she should join him. She debated for a while and then decided to go ahead and join him. If he got angry, he got angry, and she would never follow him again. She took a deep breath and walked slowly towards him. She sat down on the cool grass right next to him. He sat with his arms around his knees, looking more sad and helpless than she'd ever seen him before.

She remained there and silently watched the house with him. After a while, the coolness of the shade and the smell of the grass lulled her to sleep. She was just going to lie back for a minute and rest her eyes when a gentle stroking of her face and hair awakened her. She opened her eyes, and Severus was leaning over her, touching her tenderly.

Hermione was shocked by the intensity in his eyes. She didn't know what he was thinking as he looked down at her, touching her so cautiously. She didn't know what to say either; she didn't think she would remember to breathe if she didn't remind herself. I must be looking absolutely petrified, she thought as he continued to lightly skim his fingers across her face and hair.

Finally, he pulled himself away and stood up, helping Hermione up as well. He kept her hand in his as they walked back to Spinner's End. They were quiet the whole time as they walked, and he never once let go of her hand. Things were changing, but they had no need to speak of it. The moment spoke for itself.

***

Later that night, Hermione was in bed trying to sleep when a soft knock came from the other side of her bedroom door.

She got up and opened the door a crack. Severus was standing there, shirtless, in his jeans. She opened it enough to let him in, and she dashed under the covers. All she had on was her camisole and knickers. Severus walked in silently.

"What..." she began, and he placed a finger on her lips.

"Lie down, Hermione," he whispered.

She slid down into the bed and pulled the sheet close around her breasts. She felt her stomach drop in nervousness as the bed dipped as he climbed in next to her against the wall. He leaned over her, and she could feel the warmth of his body through the crisp sheet. He rested an arm across her pillow above her head and placed his other arm by her opposite shoulder. She reached up with one hand and tucked one curtain of his long, black hair behind his ear.

"Thank you for being with me today, Hermione," he said softly.

"You're welcome," she replied with a timid smile.

He seemed unsure of his words, but managed to get it out.

"I-I won't... go back there, Hermione."

He lifted the arm that was next to her shoulder and stroked the exposed skin of her shoulder and collarbone. He concentrated his eyes on the skin he touched and continued to stroke it lightly.

"You have always felt so soothing," he whispered. "All the times you came to me, comforted me, kept me close to you...I can't tell you how safe and loved you have made me feel," he murmured.

Their eyes met, and she could feel his breath warm on her cheek.

"I want to kiss you, Hermione," he whispered.

He kissed her cheek, so very close to her mouth that she sighed softly. He ran his fingers across her lips, and she closed her hand over them and slowly drew them away.

"Severus, is it too soon?" she asked quietly. I don't want to be someone you come to when you're lonely. I care too much about you and our friendship for it to become something that has no real meaning."

"Hermione, I need to know what it would be like to kiss your lips. Believe me, you are the only girl I'm thinking of," he replied.

"Not like this, Severus," she insisted. "Just a kiss will change everything. I would like to do it when I can see you and face you in the light. We could easily start something that would be very difficult to stop."

He nodded, and she could feel his hair brush against her cheek. She didn't want him to leave; she wanted him so badly to stay. Apparently, he felt the same way. There was a telltale hardness burning against her thigh. Hermione had never felt so aroused before. She finally realized what had been missing with Lily. Hermione wanted that hardness inside her. The very scent of him made her want him to push that rigid flesh inside her. If he didn't leave now, she wouldn't be able to refuse him.

He got up and left quietly. Hermione slept very little that night.

***

The next morning, Eileen Snape sat at the kitchen table looking at her son and Hermione as they ate breakfast. Hermione felt strange, like she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar and was about to be punished.

"Severus," Mrs. Snape said quietly. "Go bring in the water for the washing, and take your time."

Severus was pale as he got up from the table and went outside. Hermione was scared to death as Mrs. Snape turned in her chair and faced her.

"I know Severus was in your room last night," she said simply.

Hermione's hands started to shake. "Nothing happened," she croaked.

"I know," she said. I've been scrying on you and Severus for the last three years," she said as she stood and gathered the plates, taking them to the sink. She peered out the window at her son as he slowly gathered the water for the washing. "I know my son has been neglected and has had little love in his life. I blame myself for that. I should have been better to him."

She turned and faced Hermione, looking intensely into her eyes. "Do you love my son?" she asked.

"I don't know," Hermione said honestly. "I love him as much as a friend can love another friend, and I do feel more towards him than just a brother, but it's so new. I don't want to rush into something only to ruin what we have."

Mrs. Snape nodded and traced her mouth with one finger. Hermione saw another memory in her mind of Professor Snape doing the same thing. He had been in class working on some essays during her first-year Potions class. She had been focused on her potion but had glanced up and had seen Professor Snape deep in thought, tracing his mouth in a similar manner.

Mrs. Snape looked at Hermione with a concentrated stare. "Keep trying to find your answer, Hermione," she said mysteriously.

Severus came in timidly. "Is it all right?" he asked.

"Of course, Severus," she said smoothly, never taking her eyes off of Hermione until her son was ready to hand over the water bucket. She took out her wand and vanished the water of its contaminants. She began to wash the dishes slowly and methodically.

"You know," she called out to the teenagers as she continued washing. "It's July for heaven's sake! Severus, I think that you should take Hermione out on the town. Go to one of these discos that seem to be all the rage."

Severus walked over to his mother, and they whispered between themselves. Finally, his mother hushed him.

She walked over to a cupboard above the larder and pulled out a jar. She pulled out some Muggle pounds and held them out for Severus to take.

"Go on," she insisted. "Go take Hermione to a picture show, dinner, and dancing. Have a nice day. I've wanted to do this for a long time, and I've saved up for you." She kissed her son on the cheek, and he blushed uncomfortably.

Eileen Snape looked at her son. "You're so tall! I can't believe I ever gave birth to you. You need to eat more, Severus. Hermione, will you promise to make sure he eats properly at school when he returns? We can only do what we can during the summer!" She smiled at her son and kissed his cheek.

"Go on, the both of you!" she chided playfully.

Severus pocketed the money and gave a Hermione a grin. She smiled brightly back at him, and they took off upstairs to plan their day.

They laughed as Hermione worked to transfigure outfits they could wear. She got Severus into tight bellbottoms and a black button-down shirt.

"Oh!" she said excitedly. "Get that Slytherin belt with the silver buckle! That will go fabulous with the outfit!"

He came out of his room, and Hermione sucked in her breath. He looked very nice in his outfit, and his black leather boots were perfect. Hermione stared at him lustfully. He was turning into a man more and more every day. She could see the future Professor Snape in him.

"Hermione?" he called to her.

"What?" she asked, coming out of her thoughts.

"I asked if this was okay," he said mischievously.

Hermione felt her face burning. "Oh, you know you look good, now get downstairs! I'm going to wash and cut your hair. It needs a good trim-up!" she said in her usual bossy voice.

***

Eileen Snape watched through her kitchen window as Hermione washed her son's hair. She smiled. Hermione was good for Severus. She felt better now, knowing she would be leaving him in good hands...

***

Hermione decided she was going to wait until the evening before wearing her transfigured outfit. "Severus, there is no way I can walk around in the daytime with the outfit I'm wearing to the disco!" she argued.

He looked at her darkly. "Oh, don't be so concerned! I won't go all crazy on you!" She teased him as she laughed. "So, what are we going to see at the show?" she asked as she went to put on her make-up.

"We can find out what we like when we get there," he said nervously.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah," he said in a strange voice. "Are you going to wear your hair down?"

"I can," she answered throatily as she looked at him.

He was leaning against the wall next to the mirror, playing with her hair, twirling a curl around his finger as she continued to finish her make-up. "Okay, I'm done!" she said. "Not that it will matter much. I daresay with all this heat, I'll be positively melting!"

They went to a fish and chips takeaway and ate lunch outside in the shade. Afterwards, they lay down on the blanket, holding hands and enjoying the soft breeze. It was such a sweltering summer, the shade felt delicious, especially after a good meal.

They fell asleep and were pleasantly surprised at their long nap. They got up and folded the blanket, stowing it away in Hermione's backpack. They made their way towards the movie theater and spent the rest of the afternoon window shopping before going to see the movie. They watched an American film called "Taxi Driver."

"So what did you think about Travis Bickle?" asked Hermione as they left the movie theater.

"Everyone has his or her breaking point, I suppose," he replied softly. He snaked an arm around Hermione's waist as they walked down the street. Hermione felt awkward walking like that, but she still liked the feeling of his hand resting on her hip. She had never been so aware of her curves before. Between feeling his warm hand burning against her hip and noticing for the first time how she walked with a sway, Hermione felt for the first time like a woman.

They went into an alley, and Hermione changed into her outfit for the disco. "I feel like an idiot doing this!" she said as she swiftly changed with Severus as her lookout.

"You feel like an idiot? I'm the guy who could get an eyeful if I wasn't so damned nice by keeping my back turned!" he snapped.

"Sorry," she apologized. "I'm finished!"

Severus turned around, and Hermione was dressed in a very provocative short dress that hugged all of her curves and shimmered gold. "Let's go," she said seductively.

The disco was full of people, and the houselights with the mirrored ball above mixed with the hypnotic rhythm of the music that had Hermione itching to dance. Dance, being a very loose term for what a lot of the young people were doing on the floor.

After they'd had a few drinks, a song came on that was happy and fun. Severus led Hermione onto the dance floor and took her into his arms. They laughed as Severus spun her around and then drew her back to himself.

Oh, what a night,

Sweet surrender, what a night!

They looked into each other's eyes and moved gracefully and cautiously together. Hermione felt his hand steal up into her hair. He brought his lips to her forehead, and they whirled around and around to the sweet music that called to their hearts. His hands felt good to her touch. She found herself lost in Severus and the music.

They were shaken out of their trance with the chorus of Abba's "S.O.S." "Oh, I love this song!" Hermione shouted as she began to dance wildly. It was amazing. The darkness and crowding of people gave them a boldness that they never would have dared. Hermione felt like Severus' hands were touching her everywhere as he slid his hands up and down her back, grasping her hips, and, at times, skimming her bum.

So when you're near me

S.O.S.

Severus stopped dancing, and Hermione slowed down and looked at him concerned. He grabbed her and dragged her out of the club. "Where are we going?" she asked.

"Let's get you changed back, and I will show you," he said. She quickly changed as he stood guard in the alley, and when she was finished, he put his arm around her shoulders and held onto her arm. She slid her arm around his back, and they walked slowly together. Soon, he stopped in front of a record store.

"Come on!" he said as he opened the door. Curious as to what he was up to, she silently followed as he walked down the aisles. He was looking for something specific. Hermione silently followed him, and he stopped to rifle through the many-papered sleeves of the records. He found the record he was searching for and looked at her shyly.

He took her hand and led her into a listening booth. He placed the record on the turntable and held up the earphones for them both to listen. The song was familiar and new at the same time. Hermione sat close to Severus, their heads and their thighs touching as they listened to the song. Hermione felt Severus was trying to say these words to her, but didn't know how. Soon, their fingers were intertwined, his breath was warm against her cheek, and it seemed this Muggle magic was as powerful as any she had ever experienced in the wizarding world.

Take my hand

For I can't help falling in love with you...

As the song ended, and the crackling of the record hummed around them, Severus set down the earphones, took Hermione's face into his hands, and slowly brought their lips together.

As their mouths came closer, Hermione wanted to tell him they should stop, that she wasn't meant to be in this reality. She wanted to say he wasn't this boy, but her angry and mean Potions master who loathed her. However, the reasons why were slipping away, and the life she had lived before just wasn't important anymore. The kiss wasn't passionate, nor did he hold her desperately to him. However, it was powerful in its tenderness. His hands had fallen from her face, and they remained connected only by the pull of their need and the innocence of the moment. When they broke apart, their eyes met, and Hermione knew that the world had changed forever.

He took the record off the turntable, placed it back where he had found it and led her out of the store.

"Hermione," he said as they walked on, "I have never done that before. I have gone to listen to records before, but I've never..." His voice faltered.

Hermione took his hand and smiled at him. He didn't need to explain, though she was so glad he did. She knew now that what had occurred between them was unique and special. It was something of their very own. Severus interlaced their fingers, and they walked back quietly to Spinner's End.

***

Oh, what a night! (December of '63) by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUgYsOGSZK8

S.O.S. by ABBA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f19GKcZU1vg

I Can't Help Falling in Love With You by Elvis Presley.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFSfdL5lPoY