Care of Horses

I hope that everyone is liking my story. I know that at times this Severus seems a bit softer than the person he is while he is a Spy, but I do imagine that he would be a little softer when Voldemort would no longer be a threat.

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Chapter Two

The next morning, Severus found himself awakened by the sound of a crowing rooster. Afraid Hermione would try to sneak out unnoticed, he had chosen to stay in the living room and sleep on her couch. Raising up, he looked at the clock on the mantle. Six o'clock in the morning.

"Bloody beaked bird," he mumbled sleepily to himself before lying back down. With a sigh he closed his eyes. The time change between continents had wreaked havoc on his system. He had not been able to sleep for most of the night. Now, when his body was finally ready to rest, this side of the world was waking up. Surely there were a few more hours before he would have to once again resume his battle with Hermione.

Almost as if summoned by his thoughts, she walked into the living room. She was fully dressed, once again in a pair of blue jeans and a tight fitting t-shirt. He stared at her for a moment as his imagination reminded him of what he had caught a glimpse of the night before when she lay in the tub. The material stretched across her chest in a way that made his mouth go dry. Gods, I am going insane! Bloody, damn pervert! he thought to himself.

What is wrong with me? he asked himself silently. She was a student, for MERLIN'S sake! But even as the thought touched his mind, his groin tightened as he watched her sit to pull on her boots and then stand, glancing at him, before grabbing her cowboy hat off of the hook on the wall. She placed the odd hat on her head and walked out the door.

In a flash he was up and speaking a hurried refreshing spell with a sweep of his wand. The wrinkles on the fabric of his robes fell away as he moved to follow her. "Miss Granger," he said, "I can scarcely believe you are being so stubborn." He followed her as she walked with purpose toward the stables, her pace brisk and full of an energy Severus found thoroughly disgusting as he dashed along behind her. How could anyone as fragile and small possibly dart about as rapidly as she?

He stopped for a moment to listen to the horses calling for her, aware of her presence. She chuckled at the look on his face. "Whatever do you mean, Professor Snape?" she asked, mimicking his renewed formality. She hadn't missed his calling her Miss Granger this morning when it had been Hermione last night. Was it his conscience, she wondered – ashamed for having followed her into her bath? "I was under the impression you were the one being stubborn," she said with a shrug before turning to continue on her way. "They are hungry, and I need to go feed them. So, if you will excuse me."

He trailed along behind her with a persistence that surprised even him. "Actually, no, I will not excuse you," he said, so busy watching her backside as he walked behind her that he failed to notice where he was stepping. "You really must come with me, and you must come now. Oh – my – God; what is this?" he gasped in disgust as he stepped in something that squished beneath his foot. His surprised question was accompanied by the sound of his foot coming down on a particularly soft clump of something much less than solid.

Hermione had to bite her bottom lip to keep from laughing as she asked, "Did I mention you need to watch your step?" Turning, she faced him, a smile on her face. Despite his revolt at stepping in the droppings of one of her horses, he found himself staring at the beauty of that smile. He felt the stirring of a desire he had long since put away when she was in her seventh year at Hogwarts.

"I fail to see the humor in this situation," he said wryly. His voice was deep and warm, seeming to caress her skin as she stood staring at him.

This isn't the Snape I remember, she thought to herself, puzzled. His whole manner was different. He almost seemed – what was it? Gentle? Unsure of himself? Hermione found herself at a loss for words as they simply looked at each other for a moment. Finally, she said softly, "I could use some help; if you want, we can talk while we feed them." She gestured toward the horses, headed once more toward the stalls.

A faint look of distaste crossed his features. He looked at the stables with a mixture of disdain and dread and said, "Really, I suddenly almost wish Albus had sent Hagrid to fetch you." He produced his wand from inside his robe and waved it over his shoe. "Purificus Immediante." He spoke the spell softly and sighed with relief when all signs of the horse feces disappeared.

Turning from him, she continued walking to the stables. When she reached the first stall, a horse, a massive beast which stood almost twenty hands high, stepped out of the darkness. His color was indistinguishable in the near-darkness of the early morning, but Severus thought he might be ebony. Hermione reached her hand out to him when he stuck his head over the gate to greet her.

Speaking softly to him, she felt the wizard come to stand behind her. She turned and smiled. "Severus," she said softly to the horse, "meet the man after whom I named you." As it sunk in what she had said, the wizard turned to look anew at the horse. He was black, with the exception of his mane and tail, which provided a striking contrast of silky white mane against the dark shiny neck.

The horse regarded the man with a look Severus thought akin to indifference. He was much more interested in nuzzling Hermione's shoulder. Snape visibly trembled at Hermione's introduction as he asked pointedly, "You gave that horse my name?" He clenched his jaw and his fists and very nearly stomped his foot at the very idea.

The mantra went off in his head like fireworks as he fought to gain control of his temper. This was beyond outrageous. It was ludicrous! Opening his mouth he started to retort, then closed it again and bit down hard on his tongue. This was not something that could be wiped away with a silly mantra. No peaceful, serene saying was going to undo this insult. He felt the blood rush to his head as he counted to ten – five times.

Hermione smiled, seemingly unaware of the ire she had provoked in the wizard and continued, "He is as dark in color as you are in personality." She smiled and patted the horse with genuine, stirring affection. Severus felt his anger decrease some at her words. She was showing the horse an affection he himself had often wished could be his, in secret, of course. He supposed in an odd sort of way, she was giving him a compliment.

"You are not the only one I named a horse after," she said and nodded to the Clydesdale in the next pen. "That one is Hagrid."

Severus smirked, not amused. "And where, pray tell, is Weasley?" he asked, his voice low and full of venom. He felt immediately ashamed of his brashness, however, when the look she gave him was filled with pain. Greasy bastard, he chastised himself. That was uncalled for. Now she is going to be that much harder to convince.

His voice softened then and he continued, "Hermione, if you missed us, why did you not simply come home?" Without answering him, Hermione turned to begin gathering up alfalfa and oats to feed to each horse. Her movements were stiff and artificial, and he felt she was angry enough that if he were to push her for answers, she would show him her temper.

He buttoned his lip then and busied himself watching her and the seven horses she attended. They were all male and huge, magnificent beasts at that. She called each of them by name, although there were no others named for anyone at Hogwarts. He observed the affection she showed each animal. She was as diligent in the work she did in the stables as she had been as a student in his class. Only one thing was missing – the bright happiness which had once shone in her eyes at Hogwarts was no longer there.

While the other horses were big, Severus and Hagrid were the two largest and the wizard had to admit they were amazing creatures. She saddled and rode each horse in turn, except those two. After she had finished with the others, the horse Severus seemed to know it was his turn to have time with his mistress. Moving with a slow grace to stand beside her, he then amazed Snape by lowering himself gracefully to the ground so she could climb onto his back. He sat patiently and waited while she clipped a set of reins to his halter and then mounted him bareback.

Severus found himself amazed. He watched, slack-jawed, as she rode the black and white equine. The unspoken communication between the two was a form of magic all its own. He found himself not only admiring Hermione, but her talent as well. When she dismounted and began brushing and putting each animal back into their stalls, Severus could not help but ask, "But, why did you not ride Hagrid as well?"

Hermione turned and looked at the great beast which was peacefully grazing and seemed perfectly content where he was. "Hagrid is a horse I rescued," she said softly. "He is very affectionate and a wonderful companion to walk with, but he was injured by the thoughtless brutality of his previous owners." She gestured at his back left foot, which he held at an odd angle. "He is lame, and cannot be ridden anymore."

Severus looked from her back to the large horse. "Then what purpose does he serve? Shouldn't you just kill the animal and put him out of his misery?" he asked, not realizing the pain his words had caused until he looked back at her and saw the tears sparkling in her eyes.

"He is a kind and gentle horse. He would come stay by my side and guard over me the best he could to protect me from danger," she said as she shook her head. "It is not his fault life has been so cruel to him. He didn't choose the life he has been forced to lead; it chose him." A sad look came into her eyes when she looked back at Severus. "I did not agree to have everyone I loved torn from me," she continued softly. "I only want to live my life free from any more pain." Sighing, she moved to lead the huge horse to his stall. "In many ways, he is much like me."

Standing back, Severus considered her words. He didn't miss the hint she had given him. She felt as if she had been abused by the magical community and for that reason, she forbid herself the things he knew she still loved.

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Much later that evening, after she had completed her arduous tasks of the day, he watched her as she wordlessly went into the house and straight to her room. He had started to go confront her once more, but had stopped when he heard the water running. He had noticed she had eaten nothing during the entire day.

Moving back through the house, he went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Appalled by the lack of contents, he quickly searched for something he could use. Examining the contents more closely, he found what he needed to make a decent salad. As he began to prepare it, he hoped it would be something she would like.

He was so involved with the making of a meal for the two of them that he did not notice her return or see the shocked expression on her face upon seeing him in her kitchen, preparing a meal that was better than anything she usually did. By the time he finished, the dinner table was set with two plates, two wine glasses and there was a huge chef salad with sauteed chicken, fresh tomatoes, greens and purple onions waiting to be eaten.

Grabbing a bottle of red wine, Severus drew up short as he saw her standing in the dining room, wearing an overly long, oversized t-shirt. For a moment, he couldn't find his voice as he simply stared at her. Then, he said, almost defensively, "You haven't eaten. If I were to go back and tell Albus how thin you have become, he'd come and whisk you back to Hogwarts himself!"

Looking from Severus to the dinner table, Hermione moved to sit in one of the chairs, her eyes taking in the rather delicious looking meal he had prepared for them to share. When she again met his gaze, she said softly, "Thank you. It looks delicious."

He nodded and poured her the first glass of wine, then moved to take his own seat. Even though he kept reminding himself to stop staring, he couldn't. She had changed in so many ways, but she was still the same. She never noticed, but he never took his eyes off her as they enjoyed their meal.

After she had eaten, she looked at him, a sad smile on her face. "I had no idea you knew how to cook," she observed softly.

Severus shook his head and attempted a smile, which always looked and felt more to him like a sneer. "I am a bachelor, Hermione. I don't always stay at Hogwarts," he replied. "Besides, preparing a meal is a lot like brewing potions; it's all in how you combine the ingredients."

Taken aback, she said, "I had assumed there were house elves in your family home. Wouldn't they prepare your meals?" Although she didn't like the use of house elves, she knew they chose to live as they did, serving wizards.

Snape shook his head and said grimly, "I do not spend much of my time at the Manor." He looked away from her. "Too many unpleasant memories."

Hermione's shoulders slumped as she considered what he said. Of course, she knew that he had his own set of painful memories. Having a Death Eater for a father could not have been a pleasant thing to grow up with, not to mention watching his own elderly mother murdered by Lucius Malfoy before his eyes when the time of the final battle was at hand. Lowering her gaze, she whispered, "I am sorry. It was thoughtless of me not to take your own pain into account." She sighed heavily. "I know why Dumbledore sent you. He knew that you, of all people, could understand my pain." Standing, she moved to start clearing the dishes.

Severus watched as she used the Muggle way to begin cleaning them. Shaking his head, he moved to stand beside her and asked, "Don't you ever just want to use our ways to take care of," he gestured to their surroundings, "all this?"

Forcing a smile, Hermione nodded and replied, "It doesn't take all that long, since I live alone." She turned to him, wiping her hands on the dishtowel to dry them. "When I was home between school terms, I lived as a Muggle, since underage use of magic was forbidden. Sometimes – Sometimes I just pretend I am home on extended holiday."

Fighting the tears which sprang all too readily once again to her eyes, she started to move past him. He stopped her by taking hold of one of her hands. Holding it open, palm up, he ran his hand over the number of calluses on the once-smooth flesh. His face an intent scowl, he shook his head and said, "You did not have to run away, Hermione." His silky voice was so soft, she had to strain to hear him.

For a moment, all she could do was stare at the hand holding hers – large, strong hands she felt could easily break her if they wanted to. "There was nothing left there for me any longer," she began, then paused a moment before saying softly, "Severus." Her use of his name caused deep pain within his own heart.

Damn Dumbledore! he thought weakly. He always knew how I had felt about this girl in the last years before the battle. He sent me here knowing full well all these feelings would come rushing back. Even as he fought to close himself off from the emotion threatening to overwhelm him, he brought his face dangerously close to hers and his features softened. He said, "I am there." His voice sent chills down her spine. She almost melted against him as he moved to wrap his arms around her smaller form.

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she accepted his embrace and hesitantly, her own arms moved to hold him as well. Time seemed to stand still and Hermione began to tremble as his fingers moved in slow circles across the small of her back.

Confusion about what was happening made her pull slightly away from him, "Sever – " Before she could finish the word, his mouth met hers, cutting off anything she might have been about to say. The lips that touched hers were soft; the arms that held her tightened and she gasped as her breasts were flattened against his chest.

One hand crept around his neck before she even realized what she was doing. Her eyes closed and she abandoned herself to the feel of his touch. Moaning, she opened her mouth to permit him to deepen the kiss. His tongue sought and found hers, pulling it into a dance as old as time.

For a moment, she relished the feel of him, the way he held her, the way he tasted. It would be so easy just to let herself give over to anything he asked of her. It was so simple, she thought; simple because she wanted him, because he wanted her. For a moment she felt bliss, but for only a moment.

With a strangled cry, she pulled herself away from him, shouting, "No!" Panting, she put distance between them by backing away and holding up her hands to keep him from invading her space when he moved to follow. "This won't make me change my mind," she said on a choked sob. Her voice was bitter when her eyes met his, "What do you think? You believe you can come here, and if I won't go willingly because you demand it, you can seduce me into compliance?"

She shook her head angrily and continued, "I am no meek virgin to be swayed by sweet words and gentle touches!" She shook her head furiously, growing almost hysterical in her anger. Turning, she moved to the living room and pointed to the fireplace. "Get out! Go away!" she sobbed. Wanting him so badly had almost allowed her to forget that to have him would be opening herself back up to that danger all over again.

So what if Voldemort was dead? There would just be another crazy wizard or witch out there at some point in the future who would threaten everything she held dear again. What Severus' kisses promised was something she wanted so deeply but was afraid to be brave enough to claim.

Severus had followed her to the living room and watched as she screamed and demanded he leave. She had accused him of trying to seduce her back to Hogwarts. His anger was slow in coming, but when it hit him what she was accusing him of, he dropped the hands that had been desperately reaching for her, wanting to show her the depth of his emotion for her. Trembling, he gazed into the fireplace.

Not daring to look at her, he spoke softly, "I have loved only one woman in my life, yet I accepted that I could never have her because first she was too young. Then later, because she was engaged to another." His eyes moved to search hers. "I gave any chance with you up not once, not twice, but three times, because you ran when you lost Ron. I told myself that you could never have loved me anyway."

His voice grew cold as he continued, "Now I have been in your arms. I have kissed the lips I have dreamt of on many a lonely night, only to have that same sweet mouth accuse me of trying to seduce you into going back to Hogwarts. I have been sent to collect you, that is true, but just now, I offered you something I have never offered anyone else. I would have given you my entire being just now, if you had wanted me – with, or without that damnable school." Moving to the fireplace, he sneered angrily and said, "So be it. If the headmaster still wants you, he can come and claim you." With the speaking of the distance spell and a dash of Floo powder, he was gone.

Collapsing on the floor, she gave herself up to the sobs that wracked her body, becoming one once more with the overwhelming sorrow that consumed her. But now she cried, not because she thought he had tried to trick her, but because she felt she had just lost something so special, no moving of the heavens or the earth would ever bring it back.

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