Respect and Trust

~o0o~

Day 18

The timers by her bed went off and Hermione dressed quickly. It was still early, as even the sun hadn't made its appearance, and the sky outside was still a soft, dusty grey. Dawn will be here before too long, she thought, although she doubted that she'd see anyone on the narrow street. She opened the window a bit wider and looked out at the cobbled street, wondering where this small town or village was. Rows of similar houses lined the street, although she could tell that the house Snape owned was most likely the last one on this particular street. It still didn't give her any clues as to where she was. Suddenly remembering about her potions, Hermione turned and ran to the potions lab to check on them.

The four potions that were going to take days to brew were in a row, simmering away, all the proper color and consistency. She opened a jar of peach moths, deftly pulling the legs, antennas and wings off ten, and dropped them into the waiting potion. Her next step involved adding the thoraxes of fifteen Hippogriff fleas and adding the wings to her second potion. She was stirring the potion clockwise six strokes for the fifth time when the timer for the fourth potion went off, alerting her that it was time to add the pasque flower seeds that had been soaking overnight in olive oil.

She was stirring the second and fourth potions when she heard a loud, thump, followed by a crash and another thump. At least the second thump sounded like metal. Hermione couldn't abandon her potions; she had to finish eighteen strokes on one, and thirteen for the other. She carefully counted the motions of both arms, fearing what may have happened in the dining room boudoir. Five, four, three, two, one; she pulled out one rod while continuing to stir with the other, five, four, three, two, one – done. She set down the stirring rods and ran from the potions lab.

"Are you all rig-g..." She slid to a halt at the doorway before quickly rushing to Snape's side. He'd tried to rise on his own, possibly reaching for the walker, slipped and sent both the walker and the bowl she used daily for his wound care to the floor with him. She quickly made a flick with her wand, repairing the shards of pottery back into a bowl, and reached down to help Snape up. He jerked away from her, crashing to his knees again. "Let me help you up!" she exclaimed, grabbing his arm. She placed her hands on his sides to help him stand back up.

"Unhand me," he snarled, irritated.

"Sure. As soon as you are standing," she replied as she steadied him to his feet. Male egos! I'm just helping you, she chastised him silently. His head wobbled and Hermione quickly added the Spine-Locker Spell to support his neck. What was he thinking? He's not strong enough to move about without the spells! Why does he push himself so?

Snape glared at her, but she ignored his stare. "Where were you this morning?"

So, he's going to be surly and cantankerous today. Cheers. Removing one hand, she aimed her wand, casting the spell to set the kettle on the stove. "Went for a jog, got the paper and picked you some wild flowers," she said, retrieving the walker from the floor.

"Don't get cheeky, Miss Granger. I called for you," he snapped angrily. "You didn't answer."

"I was in the potions lab. Where else?" she asked, hoping to appease him. "I didn't hear you call me, I'm sorry. You know I would've come to you if I'd heard you." She stood there calmly, her hands on his waist, in case he needed her support as he sat back down. "Okay. Now, shall I check your wound?" She picked up the bowl and hurried to get warm water.

Snape settled back on his bed. "You should have checked it an hour ago," he sneered.

"An hour ago I was still asleep and so were you," she said, returning with the warm water.

"Really?" he asked with one eyebrow cocked, challengingly. "Care to wager on that?"

"No. Besides, you'd win because I wouldn't be able to prove otherwise." To her relief, his expression finally softened, and she smiled at him. She carefully began to unwrap his neck, checking the back of it carefully. The skin is still swollen, but definitely looks better. She liked the way he smelled when she had to lean close to him each time she did his treatment, although she'd never admit that to anyone.

"I can do that," he stated, breaking into her thoughts.

Hermione paused and looked at him. "I know you can. It's still easier if I do it, though." His eyes narrowed and she resumed attending to his neck. He sat with his arms crossed and his expression sullen. "Go ahead and say what's on your mind."

After a long pause, he looked up at her. "This is... frustrating."

Hermione looked at him, completely understanding what he was saying. "I know it is, but I'm trying, really trying to make things as easy on you as I can."

He uncrossed his arms and his expression became thoughtful. However, he remained silent as she cleaned the wound and began applying the healing salves. "How is it?" he finally asked.

Hermione passed him a small hand mirror and set the salves with the Deep Absorption Spell. "It looks better than before. I think the wound's stopped draining, even where the puncture marks are. It's still a dark pink and whitish, but the wound is closing." He thrust the mirror at her and turned to get out of bed. Hermione stood ready to help him if he needed assistance and noticed that he didn't seem to need the Support-Up Charm so much anymore. "So, how about a spot of breakfast?" He simply glared at her as he slowly walked to the kitchenette table with his walker. "I'll take that as a yes, I'd love some." He made a low rumble in his throat, almost a growl, as she scooted around him to get to the kitchen.

Following breakfast, Hermione was once again scurrying around in the potions lab, pulling out the ingredients for the two potions Snape had put up on the wall for her. He deftly made all the coordinating marks and arrows, structuring out her brewing times. "You did that nonverbally," she remarked.

"I do most of my spell work nonverbally, Miss Granger," he retorted. Hermione gave him a quizzical look, but before she could ask, he sighed and continued. "It was four against one at school. Having to shout out your curses to cast them alerts your opponent to your intent, so I learned how to do almost all of my spell work nonverbally. It was a defensive measure that has served me quite well over the years."

I bet it has... "Harry's dad and Sirius you mean," she said softly, nodding. "From everything I've heard, they were right prats in school." His eyes narrowed, but without the harshness the look usually had. "I remember you saying that the ability to do nonverbal spells was an advantage my sixth year in Defense."

"Yes, although in actuality not all wizards can do it," he said, looking at her intently. "It takes a greater amount of focus and determination. Most find it easier to simply match the volume of their voice with the intended strength of the spell."

She smiled, knowing that what he'd said was true. She turned to face the wall, checking the directions, marveling at how efficient it was when set up this way. "I'd really love to learn how to do this. Where did you learn it?"

"From my Potions master, during my apprenticeship." He didn't look up as he worked. They worked in silence for most of the morning. When Hermione finished her second potion, she stepped over to see his. He looked at her briefly, then turned his full attention to his preparations. "Hovering over my shoulder won't make me nervous."

"I didn't think it would," she replied. "You're really quite gifted. It's amazing to watch you work."

"Then maybe I should give you something else to do. I'm not used to being watched." He paused, then flipped a page in his book, adding first one, then another set of directions to her wall. "Master Kirkwell requested these, if you feel you can handle brewing them. The timing is tricky half way through, so I may need to help you. I should be able to coordinate my brewing time to give you assistance."

Hermione read through the directions, noting the coordination marks and arrows. "I'm surprised you feel I'm up to making them," she said, noting there were three places where the coordinations between all her potions didn't fit properly, but he'd added blue markers during those steps. She turned to look at him, confused, realizing that he'd been watching her expression carefully as she'd read the directions.

He turned his attention back to his own potion. "I'll be making the introductions at the blue markers. However, you will set out all the ingredients to have them ready for me."

"Yes, sir," she said, trying to contain her enthusiasm, realizing that he'd reached the conclusion that she'd be able to brew both potions well enough to be sent to St. Mungo's.

Hermione struggled to keep up with the timing and preparation of her ingredients, somehow managing to keep both cauldrons going while still checking on her other four. True to his word, Snape assisted her when the timing began to overlap, smirking and snapping at her when she delayed his step or when she was delayed in adding her ingredients or when her stirring times weren't exact enough.

By lunch, he gave her a break to fix sandwiches, making her eat quickly at his desk with him. She'd finished one potion an hour after the other. Nevertheless, as soon as she finished a potion, Snape erased the completed potion's directions from the wall, replacing it with another. As soon as the fourth potion for the day was set on the rack, he added a sixth, coordinating the timing out precisely, and then returned his attention to his own two cauldrons.

She had little time to gather her ingredients for the sixth potion before one of her timers went off. She was sweating, and he looked cool and composed. Still, this was a chance of a lifetime, and she wasn't about to pass it up or let him down. She was determined to show him that she could hold her own. She found a rag and wiped the perspiration form her forehead.

"It helps, Miss Granger, if you cast a Scourgify and Freshen-Up Charm occasionally," he replied off-handedly.

Hermione simply nodded, as she moved between cauldrons. The first opportunity she had she followed his advice and immediately felt better. "Thank you," she said gratefully.

"Don't mention it. Now watch that cauldron," he said, indicating one on her right. "I would not be pleased if you melted a cauldron in my lab."

*

Hermione sat at the counter next to the cooling racks and ladled her potions in the jars, carefully placing the filled jars in a box. She'd finished one of the potions she'd started two days ago after Master Kirkwell had sent the letter. Two of the six she'd made that day were already bottled to be sent. Snape placed his second potion in the box and sat down on his chair, watching her, an odd, speculative look on his face. "You are actually enjoying this, aren't you," he said sharply.

"What, exactly?" she asked, careful to not spill any of the potion as she filled the jar. "Brewing potions with you? Absolutely."

"Is that so?" he asked. He sounded to her as if that wasn't the answer he'd expected.

She looked up, cast a slight smile and set the jar in the box. "Does that surprise you?" She pulled the next cauldron to her and began carefully filling another jar.

"Actually, yes. Except for a very few Slytherins, most students tended to avoid me as much as possible."

She looked up at him again. "That's because you took so many house points from everyone," she said. She dropped her attention back to the cauldron, scooping out the thick glutinous potion into the jar in her hand.

"I never got the impression that you liked my class in particular," he said softly.

Hermione smiled. "How would you have known? You could hardly stand me in school."

"I barely tolerate you now, Miss Granger." He spoke with a cool deliberate drawl that reminded her so much of the way he'd spoken to her at Hogwarts.

She looked up, her brown eyes meeting his with a calm she'd never have felt at school. "I suppose, if you like, I could cower from your stares and curt remarks, then?" she laughed, then curled her mouth into a smirk. "I'm not saying that you don't still intimidate me, but I don't fear you. Not anymore. I do and always have respected you," she said, and he scoffed at her, "even if you don't believe me." He rolled his eyes toward the door. "I know you're being amiable simply because I'm here and refuse to leave..."

"No, Miss Granger," he said, his expression softening into a humorous smirk. His dark eyes focused intently on her own. "I'm being amiable because you are here. I could have cursed you out of my house days ago. However, your assistance is noted and... appreciated. Whatever the circumstances were that brought you here."

"And I appreciate the fact that you've managed to resist cursing me. You're welcome," she said, keeping her eyes down as she scooped out the last of her potion. "I'd really like to learn how you do that coordination thing with the directions."

"I'm not the least bit surprised," he said with a cool chuckle. "I will see if we have time tomorrow. I thought you should learn some charms tonight, after dinner. You are lacking in your skills at nonverbal spells, and that will hold you back on N.E.W.T.s."

"I thought that you were going to teach me a full curriculum, not just what I'd need to know for exams," she replied, surprised, hoping that she sounded casual.

"What gave you the idea I wasn't?" She looked up and saw his slight smile before he once again became serous. "I have worked out a list for tonight that should keep us busy until my midnight dressing change." She looked at him, stunned, and he cocked an eyebrow. "Did you think that just because we've been spending so much time in the lab I'd forgo your lessons? You did ask me to tutor you, did you not? I take such a commitment very seriously, Miss Granger."

"No, really I just didn't think we'd be up all night together... Don't you rest? You are supposed to be recovering." He scoffed at her concerns. "As long as you don't overdo it, I suppose it will be all right."

"That's very magnanimous of you," he stated, looking away from her. "I think I can assess my own limits, thank you."

"Just thinking about your well being," she said with a smirk. His eyes narrowed slightly, but she simply watched him, waiting for him to retort. Sighing, she placed the last jar in the box. "Okay then. I'll send Arimus off with these and go prepare dinner. I can check your wound while the stew heats up."

"I'll await you in my boudoir, Miss Granger," he replied with a challenging drawl.

Hermione grabbed the box and hurried from the room, laughing to herself at his remark.

"They made you my Protective Custody Services Monitor, and it could be months before my trial," she heard him grumble as he made his way from the lab behind her. "I should work you like a house-elf..."

"I thought you were," she said softly, holding up her arm for Arimus to fly to her.

"Believe me, Miss Granger, I've been lenient with you."

~o0o~

Day 19

Snape was up and in his potions lab when Hermione woke up, stirring the potion in his silver cauldron. "You're up early," she said, yawning and stretching as she entered the room.

He didn't turn around or look at her. "I'm usually up before dawn, Miss Granger."

"And to think rumors were that you are a vampire! Don't you sleep? You used to patrol the castle practically every night. It's hard to think you'd be a morning person if you're always up so late." He merely cocked an eyebrow at her comments as he diced his next ingredient. "You can call me Hermione, you know."

"Not under current circumstances," he said dryly.

Hermione peered into her cauldron, smiling at the soft azure color. "I'm not your student. It's all right if you call me by my name."

"I thought that Granger was your name," he said, checking his second cauldron. "Your potion needs tending to."

"I thought that you just admitted to being a morning person! Maybe you should reconsider and sleep in if it's going to make you surly every morning." Hermione missed his scowl as she pulled the timers from her pocket. Four small hourglasses hovered in a perfect square on her palm. "According to these I have fifteen minutes. Time enough to change your dressing."

He gently Repelled three small dishes to the sink. "I cannot be disturbed at this time," he said. "These are crucial steps. It will have to be done later." He Summoned two jars from his shelves. "If you feel the need to do something, you can clean Arimus' perch."

"In twenty minutes," she said, sitting down to watch him work.

He scowled briefly, and then returned to his ingredient preparations. "I'd rather you didn't hover."

"You don't like to talk while you work, do you?" she asked, pulling the Laminariam roots toward her. "Would you like me to shred these?"

He looked up, his eyes cross. She simply stared back, undaunted. "No. And yes. Make your cuts even and make sure the shreddings are consistent."

"Absolutely, sir," she said, grinning. "Anything else you'd like me to do?"

He glared at her momentarily, then waved his wand, adding two potions' directions on the wall. With careful flicks, marks, arrows and step indicators appeared, coordinating the two new potions during the intermittent timing of the four that sat simmering on the worktable. "You can produce these. Follow the steps carefully and watch your timing. Now stop talking, please, and let me work."

She started pulling out the ingredients, pausing when a timer went off for one of her potions to complete the next steps, and then resumed her attention to the two potions he'd added to her morning. She kept eyeing Snape to determine when he'd be ready to pause in his work to let her tend to his neck.

Finally, when she finished one potion and was at a pause in the other, and his potions were simmering, he indicated that she could quickly minister to his wound. The wound was definitely closing. "I'll continue with the Regenerative Potion, and my healing salves, but I don't think I'll need the Swelling Salve anymore," he said, checking his neck in a mirror. "I'd like to try forgoing your Spine-Locker Cruse for a while."

"Yeah, I don't see any swelling. Fine, we'll see how you do..." Her Galleon vibrated in her pocket. "Oh, wait a moment...." Hermione pulled it from her pocket, ignoring the curious arch in Snape's eyebrow. It read: How R U? G.

I'm fine, she answered through the coin, smiling.

"Playing with your money?" he asked with a smirk. "I never thought you to be so enamored over gold."

So my coin amuses you does it? "Sending messages." She tapped the Galleon with her wand and made the coin read, Use more ham? Fruit n veg if u can. Do you mind? Do you need money? H. She waited a few seconds each time, giving Ginny time to read each message. I have if tight. She looked up at Snape as she waited for Ginny to respond. "I made these for the D.A. club my fifth year. It has a Protean Charm on it. Several of us still carry our coins."

He tried to look at the Galleon on her palm, so she held it out for him to see. He picked up the Galleon examining both sides and handed it back. "That's most likely on your Charms N.E.W.T. It was on mine, as I recall."

"Oh, really! Nice to know," she answered as he placed the coin on her hand. "Any others I should know?"

"Yes, the entire curriculum. I won't help you cheat, Miss Granger," he stated briskly at her innuendo. "You'll learn what you need to know, not just what I think will be on the exam."

"Promise?" she asked. The coin was still abeyant on her palm. Shrugging to herself, she placed it back in her pocket. She checked her potion, introduced the last ingredient and lowered the flame.

He was still staring at her when she looked up. "Why would you choose me as your tutor? I'd have thought one subject a year, for six years as my student would have been enough for you. Why would you wish to spend six hours a day for six days a week under my tutelage?"

"I was under the impression it would be eighteen hours a day, seven days a week." He scowled at her jest. "I'm a sucker for sarcasm, dry wit and cutting remarks." He glared at her cheek. "You've a brilliant intellect and despite what you think, you're a proficient teacher. I've always learned so much from you, and you force me to do my best and excel. Although, you could be nicer. What do you want for brunch?"

"Brunch?" he asked startled. "I don't do brunch."

"We've missed breakfast, brewing potions." She said placing two cauldrons on the cooling racks. "Shall I make us some sandwiches?"

He sighed heavily. "When you move into the Burrow, please have Molly teach you how to cook."

"I'll pass on your compliment," she said, heading for the kitchen.

*

Ginny's barn owl, Portia, flew in just before lunch, carrying another care package from Mrs. Weasley. A brief note from Ginny said that Fred, George and Bill were slipping Galleons into their parents' vault each week so that Mrs. Weasley wouldn't notice. She also said that Harry was adding to the 'Healer Granger' funds too. Hermione smiled at that.

There were several notes as well. Fred wanted to know how Snape had abducted her. Ron asked her again to come see him, and Harry sent her a short letter with updates regarding Snape's investigation and more questions. She wrote replies after she put away the food, although she wasn't too comfortable answering all of Harry's questions without Snape's consent.

That afternoon, Snape explained the Coordination Spell and showed her how to break up the potions' directions with the timing markers and arrows. "You have the introduction of the blue nipper scales at the same time as the ferndirk worms, Miss Granger, without allowing necessary time to scale the nippers. Try again," he said in his usual tutorial tones.

Hermione looked at the wall, contemplating on where she'd made her mistake. Unlike at Hogwarts, here in his lab he expected her to reason things out for herself. However, she was stumped. She concentrated on the part of the potions' directions that needed fixing and swished her wand, trying to adjust the markers. The directions of two potions he wanted her to brew that afternoon still looked like a jumbled mess and were not yet coordinated in a proficient manner.

"If I change this marker, I don't have time to add my runespoor eggs to the first potion, and it will throw off the introduction of the everbright stems into that one." She flicked her wand trying to get the coordination down. It took her several tries but she finally received his nod of approval.

"Now make them fit with the potions you've been brewing," he said, indicating the four long-term potions on the worktable.

"All four?" she asked incredulously, knowing he'd say...

"Yes, all four," he said firmly. "Do it." She tried, and the coordination was completely indecipherable. "No," he snapped, reversing it back. "Okay, do these four," he said, indicating the two afternoon potions with two of the long-term ones."

"I'm trying!" This is so much harder than he makes it appear. She tried again, trying to keep the directions clearly in her mind as she worked the spell. "Augh! No!" Okay concentrate... I can do this...

"You're trying too hard to make them fit. Relax, think of each potion and allow the spell to assist you. Don't force it," he said calmly, his arms crossed. He was watching her intently, which didn't help her ability to concentrate. He gave her a slight nod and winced since it still hurt him to move his head.

Hermione took a deep breath, closed her eyes a moment, and one of her timers went off. She set down her wand, added the magnolia flower stamens, stirring the potion only once, and then returned her attention to the directions on the wall. He'd simply waited for her patiently. "Okay, so if I shift this there, and move – uh, no... there and ..."

"Can't you do this in your head?" he asked sternly. "Read the directions again, memorize them as best as you can and concentrate on all four as you say the incantation."

So much for patience... "And the other two?" she asked. I can barely get these to coordinate!

"I'll do them. You're having enough difficulty with these." He held up his hand to the wall, still watching her intently. "If you would please, try again."

Stern and demanding, but not unreasonable... I think I'm actually beginning to understand him... Hermione closed her eyes a moment, mentally running down the directions. She swished her wand, saying the incantation softly and the markings adjusted again, still making two impossible loops. She tried switching the arrows, making two stars fade, and creating another loop where the stars were.

"No," he said firmly. "But close. Try this." He flicked his wand, and the lines untangled, creating a perfect pattern. "I should make you keep trying until you get it right. However, you need to begin brewing the potions or you'll be up all night. Get started."

Hermione bristled at his sharpness. What? Disappointed because I didn't get this? He must really have believed I could... or he wouldn't have wasted all this brewing time showing me. "Yes, sir," she said, trying to memorize the changes he made. "I really want to learn this..."

"Not now, later. Get busy," he admonished. She turned to look at him and saw a slight curl to his mouth that could be interpreted as a smile.

"Promise?"

"Yes," he acquiesced. "Now get to work."

*

She was just completing her third potion when owls screeched from the sitting room.

Arimus sat next to a large horned owl, both with large packages for Snape from apothecaries.

A ministry owl also waited impatiently on the back of a chair for Hermione to untie the letter, then took off imperiously. She scooped up the packages, allowing Arimus to alight on her shoulder, carried the mail into the kitchen to let Arimus fly to his perch and proceeded into the potions lab. Her letter was from Griselda Marchbanks. Hermione was stunned to read that although her request to return to Hogwarts to complete her seventh year and take her N.E.W.T.s was being considered, Ms. Marchbanks felt that Hermione would much prefer to take the 'continuation education classes' for those students who had been listed on the 'Muggle-born and Undesirable list,' instead. Apparently, special classes would be provided at Hogwarts for all students forced to miss the year due to 'discriminatory actions by the Ministry during Dark War II.' There was a list of newly added staff, especially hired for the term, to teach a special session of classes that would begin with the reopening of Hogwarts.

"What are those?" Snape asked, not even bothering to look up from his cauldron.

"Two packages for you from the apothecary, I suppose containing your supplies, and a letter from the Ministry for me." She looked up, frowning. "I'm to enroll in the 'continuation education classes' set up for the students that had been unable to attend school because they were listed as Muggle-born and Undesirable, instead of regular classes at Hogwarts."

He turned to look at her. "It's not surprising. There were a number of students barred from school this year. The attendance was nearly half or less than it should've been."

"I didn't know that!" she exclaimed, surprised by the statement. He almost sounds disappointed... "I knew that there were classmates of mine in hiding, but I had no idea there were so many."

"The Dark Lord had control of the school, Miss Granger. His requirement for admission stated that only purebloods or students from prominent pureblood relations and families that were three generations or greater could attend school. Students who had a parent or grandparent on either side who were half blood or less were all excluded."

Oh, yeah, he'd have been barred as well, wouldn't he, if he'd been a student. "Well, we students listed as Undesirables are to be given a self modulated curriculum based on individual evaluations... N.E.W.T. level students, sixth year and O.W.L. students can wait to enroll in the following term in September. If a N.E.W.T. level student requires it, they may request evening tutelage to be determined by individual needs." She set her letter down and returned to her potions. "Seems like the school governors are trying to make amends."

"It would seem so."

That night after dinner, Hermione boxed up eight potions and sent Arimus off for St. Mungo's.

Having spent nearly the entire day without the assistance of the Spine-Locker Spell, Snape's neck was bothering him, and he went to bed early after she'd helped put away the supplies. Hermione offered to read to him, but he declined, so she simply spent the evening reading in the sitting room, copying down Snape's annotations into her journals and revising through his books.

~o0o~

Day 20

Severus was awake and moving about the kitchen when Hermione strolled in, stretching. "Good morning," he said, taking in her appearance with a slight smile. "Sleep well?"

"No, not particularly," she answered as she lowered herself into a chair. "But thank you for asking. You're up."

"Yes. I've been up for about two hours," he stated, levitating a large cup of tea to land in front of her. "I took the liberty of adding a muscle soother and a variation of Pepper Up Potions to your tea, Miss Granger. So, it may taste different. Drink up."

She sipped the tea, noticing a bitter aftertaste. "Thanks. How is your neck?"

"I haven't changed my dressing, since you seem to enjoy doing it so. However, the strength in my neck muscles seems to have improved. I took the liberty of taking Muscle-Strengthening Potion this morning and removed your Spine-Locker Curse. So far I'm able to hold my head up, but it still pains me to turn it to either side, more so to the left."

"And you don't need the Support-Up Charm either?" she asked. The tea was making her feel better. "This really helps, thank you."

"You're welcome," he replied as two plates of eggs, sausage and toast floated to the table, followed by cutlery. "To answer you, so far, no. I don't need the... Support-Up Charm." Hermione straightened out the place settings as a teapot landed on the table. "Is that really how you intend on designating it?"

She looked up surprised. "I hadn't really given it much thought. Does that mean that I get to name it?"

He sat down and handed her a napkin. "You invented it," he said, looking at her thoughtfully between bites. "I'd have thought that you'd have called it a Crutch-Support Charm, seeing as that was your purpose."

"I think that would sound better," she replied as she ate, still grinning at the thought. "Can I really claim credit for inventing a charm?"

"Yes, of course. And you invented three as I recall," he said, smiling at her naiveté. "I'd be happy to vouch for you, if you so choose, to have your spells published."

"Published?" Hermione asked. "Where?"

"Challenges in Charming would be interested. I'd expect the Daily Prophet and Witch Weekly to carry the article simply on your name recognition." He started eating, smirking at her between bites.

Hermione beamed. "So, my Perfect Posture Charm, Tapestry Levitation Charm and Crutch-Support Charm... I'd get credit for them?"

"Yes, Miss Granger, and your Spine-Locker Spell," he said, taking another bite of eggs. "Change my dressing, then write out your summaries. I'll sign and vouch for your accomplishments. Arimus can take your papers to the editor of Challenges in Charming."

After breakfast, he watched as Hermione Summoned her bowl, carrying it and all the breakfast dishes to the sink. "Don't ever sell yourself short, Miss Granger," he said. "Creating spells isn't just figuring out the correct Latin or phrase. You have to match intent, desire and determination with the correct wand movement. It's more than just the will and the word. Not many can achieve the necessary skill to create a spell for a specific purpose. Most new spells, especially curses, hexes and jinxes happen by accident or mispronunciation. That's why St. Mungo's has an entire floor dedicated to accidental spell damage." He watched her reaction to his statements as she carried the bowl of warm water to his bedside with amusement.

"But it seemed so easy."

He laughed at her. "It's not – it's a talent. One few possess."

*

As usual, they spent the day in the potions lab. Hermione continued working on her four cauldrons, two of them were in an active stage while one simply had two ingredients that needed to be added, and the fourth wouldn't need anything until after dinner. And as usual, Snape gave Hermione two potions to brew in conjunction with her others. One of the morning's potions was finished by lunch while the other continued through to mid afternoon. Nevertheless, Snape still added a tricky Pain Potion after lunch, having Hermione work out the coordination between it, the one she started that morning, and one of the potions she'd started earlier that week. She tried multiple times to make the Coordination Spell work on the directions on the wall, and still had to have Snape fix two sections that wouldn't align correctly.

Just before dinner, Hermione added another finished potion to the six sitting on the cooling racks. Three of the potions she'd been working on still sat simmering over low flames on the worktable next to two potions of Snape's. Snape sat down at his desk, writing a letter, as Hermione bottled the seven potions to be sent out that night. "Sir?" she asked as she added another bottle to the box. "Is this what it would be like if I choose a career in potions?"

"Yes," he said, not bothering to look up. "Only without the assistance or constant chatter."

She smirked at him. They'd hardly spoken all day because she'd been so busy keeping up with her introduction timing and ingredient preparations. "So you are used to working alone?"

"When I brew, yes. However, I rarely had time to myself at Hogwarts." He dipped his quill, still not bothering to look at her, and continued writing. "I had to find time around my many duties and teaching requirements."

"Too many distractions?" she asked, filing the last jar.

"Yes. About a thousand of them," he said, looking up at her. The corner of his mouth curled up as if he were vaguely amused. "I generally kept my potions timed around my class schedule, Head of House duties, office hours, staff meetings, evening patrols, the Dark Lord's summons and my numerous detention obligations. In other words, in my spare evenings or early in the morning."

Hermione smiled back. "And yet you found time to brew the Wolfsbane potion and a good many of Madam Pomfrey's potions as well as those Dumbledore asked you to. How did you find the time?"

He pointed to the wall. "Really, Miss Granger, you have a tendency to ask questions you already have the answers to if you'd only stop to think. It's your most annoying trait." He stood and dropped the letter into the box. "It's time to change my dressing, if you don't mind."

"Not at all," she said, smiling up at him as she rose to her feet.

When Hermione carried Arimus to the sitting room and opened the window for him, several owls flew in tight formation dropping letters, clicking their beaks irritably and flying off with a flurry of wings. She scooped up the letters and carried them into Snape's dining room boudoir. "You have mail," she said, reading the envelopes.

He was lying down, his eyes closed, his brow creased in pain.

"Are you – no you're not all right! What can I do?" she asked.

"My neck is sore, Miss Granger. I would appreciate it if you'd apply the Spine-Locker Spell and get me some Pain Potion."

Hermione quickly immobilized his neck and ran back to the potions lab to retrieve his Pain Potion. He drank the potion straight from the bottle and handed it back to her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," she replied. "Let me see your neck." Gently she removed the dressing and checked the wound. "It looks fine; I think you just wore yourself out. You've been doing too much and..."

"Don't lecture me, Miss Granger. I'm well aware I overextended myself today." He picked up one of his letters as soon as she finished redressing his neck, handing it to her. "Would you be so kind as to read this to me?"

"It's from the Ministry," she said, unsure if she should open up the official looking letter.

Snape opened up on eye and arched his eyebrow. "I realize that. However, I would appreciate if you'd read it to me. I'm certain that it's regarding my internment, investigation or impending trial. All of which you are apparently involved, and therefore, this would not be confidential. Besides, I'd appreciate if you'd read it to me, please."

She nodded and opened up the letter, and began to read it aloud:

Dear Severus Snape,

How are you?

I do hope you're doing much better. I was so terribly aggrieved to hear of your severe injury, (well that you'd died, actually, then thrilled that you hadn't), and I'm immensely pleased that you're recovering.

You do know you are currently under investigation for your activities during the period of 1970 through 1981 and 1994 through 12 May,1997, known as the Dark Years War. I'm pleased to report that your investigation will be conducted by none other than Jr. Aurors Mr. Harry Potter and Mr. Ronald Weasley. You have been remanded to remain in your residence under the supervision of Protective Custody Services Monitor, Miss Hermione Granger. We do have on file your previous trial records regarding the periods of 1970 through 1981 at which time you were honorably absolved of Crimes to Humanity and the Wizarding world. However, due to the War Criminals Act of Dark War II, the portrait of Albus Dumbledore will not be permitted to stand on your behalf, since the actual man is deceased.

You may of course submit any names you feel fit to stand as witness to your character and to substantiate your actions. Deadline for submissions is to be sent within four days after the receipt of this letter. Your Arraignment date has been set for next week.

Sincerely,

Edithe Rogers

Order of the Phoenix

Criminal Investigation and The Dark Years War Trials Committee

p.s. I shall be removing myself from the bench on your behalf during your trial. I feel I must due to conflict of interest. I hope that you don't mind, but I owe you this much at the very least. I do truly hope all is well with you.

She finished, scowling. "How can they try you for your activities from 1970? You didn't graduate then did you? It's inconceivable that you were a Death Eater at what... ten – eleven? When did you join him?" She didn't wait for him to answer. "Besides, they cannot try you a second time for something for which you've been acquitted, can they?" She sat on the edge of his bed, still reading the notification, frowning.

Snape looked disappointed. "It's the Ministry, Miss Granger, they most certainly can. Please read the other."

Hermione opened the next envelope and read the very loopy script:

Dear Mr. Severus Snape,

I do hope you are doing much better. If there is anything I may do for you, please do not hesitate to ask. Edithe and I were besides ourselves with grief over your death, but I am so happy to hear that you're recovering. You must come by for dinner soon and tell us how you survived.

On a professional note, I am here by informing you that your Arraignment has been set for next Tuesday, the third of June, at precisely ten o'clock. Please see that Miss Hermione Granger has you at the Wizengamot at that time.

Sincerely,

Edthyl Rogers

Order of the Phoenix

Criminal Investigation and The Dark Years War Trials Committee

p.s. It pleases me to inform you that I have removed myself from the bench for your trial, on your behalf. I do so look forward to seeing you again.

"You have to be kidding!" Hermione exclaimed, incensed by the postscript on both letters. These women are batty! They write as if he's a friend, but treat him so poorly. She ripped open another letter. It was her notice of the pending arraignment and requesting that she have Snape ready for Auror transport at seven-thirty a.m. "Auror transport!" she exclaimed, outraged by the letter, jumping up and turning to face him, deeply offended. "How can they insist? As if you're a criminal!" She held up the next letter. "This is from St. Mungo's." She read the letter aloud:

Dear Master Severus Snape,

I am pleased to inform you that you have been recognized as being alive, despite reportings to the contrary. However, it is necessary that you sign and wand verify the subsequent forms: Acknowledgement of Life Form 1A, Death Reversal Form, Accidental Death, Dismemberment and Disappearance Form 2-A, and to sign your death certificate on the line where we have marked, 'confirmation of reporting error for life termination reporting,' to confirm your living status. Please remit these forms to St. Mungo's for a physical evaluation and examination to verify your living condition at your earliest convenience.

Also, we are pleased to inform you that St. Mungo's greatly appreciates your assistance with those affected by spell damage from the recent battle at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please note that we have remitted payment to your account at Gringotts at the usual rate of pay for Interim Potions Brewer, Master level, including allowances and daily expenses of necessary supplies and ingredients. However, if you could please submit an accounting of your costs it would be greatly appreciated.

As usual, your brewing skills are most welcome during this time of need.

Thank you,

Brennan Davies

Healer in Charge Spell Damage Department

and Board of Healers, St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries

"There is a second sheet here," Hermione said, sitting down on the edge of his bed again. "It's from Healer Harold Grunmaker."

Severus,

As usual your willingness to assist us has been most welcome and well received. I for one am utterly grateful and in your debt. I have processed the necessary paper work and you have been given temporary Interim Potions Brewer status on the per diem staff sheets. However, I was sorry to read that you'd died. Could've smacked a bale-wallop on me for that one! Just received your box of potions when I read that announcement. Daily Prophet misses it yet again, eh, son?

I've included a description of a poison I cannot identify. I'm sending Jigger's with a vial. Careful with this one – it eats the skin right off ya.

Oh, Maggie says hello.

Hope to hear from you soon,

Healer Harold Grunmaker

Master Brewer in Charge

Potions Department, St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries

Hermione didn't know what to think. "Are these people all daft?"

"Hardly, Miss Granger," he replied with a slight smirk. "I expected as much."

"What do I do about these?" she asked, holding up the letters. "I'm not handing you over to the Aurors, and I'm not allowing them drag you off in chains!"

"Calm yourself, Miss Granger," he said, his voice low and soft. "Tomorrow I will sign and wand verify the forms for St. Mungo's, and you'll sign as my witness. I will send a letter to Master Kirkwell and see if his lovely wife will make a house call to verify that I am, in fact, alive. As for the Ministry, surely you cannot be surprised."

"I suppose not, they tried to do the same thing to Harry during his trial." She stared at the letters again, reading them quickly. "They've set your arraignment for next Tuesday." She looked at him, worried. "That's really quick. Are you sure you're well enough to stand trial?"

"Whether I am or not, I will have to be there," he said. He looked at her and smirked. "Outraged over my mistreatment? One would think you've come to care for me."

"I'm going," Hermione said firmly, missing his statement. "I'll stand for you, and tell them that you're not a war criminal. They'll have to see the truth."

He reached out to touch her hand, making her look directly into his intense dark eyes. "I am a war criminal, Miss Granger. Only, I did my crimes for both sides."

~o0o~

Day 21

Hermione's timers went off well before dawn. Wearily she made her way to the potions lab to tend to her potions, completing the necessary steps and setting the potions to simmer. It's easier to brew these the second time around... and it's nice that Snape trusts me to make them. Checking her potions again to be sure that they would be all right if left simmering, she left to duck into the loo. After some much needed cold water on her face, she felt ready to talk to Snape about the Ministry letters.

Snape was up and fixing himself a pot of tea and breakfast when she entered. "How are the potions?" he asked.

"They're fine; exactly as they should be." She grabbed her bowl on her way to join him. "How's your neck? Would you like some help with that?" She watched him swish his wand, turning the bacon over and flipping the eggs.

"Better," he said, turning his head slightly to the left and right. "Still a bit sore. And no, I have nearly everything in hand."

"I can see that," she replied, smiling. "I suppose you want your dressing changed after breakfast?"

He levitated the eggs and bacon onto two plates. "As opposed to while I am eating? Yes. Please set the table, Miss Granger."

She carried the cutlery and teapot to the table, Summoning two teacups and saucers and set the table. "You know that you don't really need me as much anymore. You're starting to be able to do things for yourself. It may be time for me to go," she stated as she sat down.

"What are you talking about?" he scowled, walking over to the table, floating the two plates of food before him.

"You are using the walker well enough, and I know that you are not using my spells to assist you anymore, except the Spine-Locker Spell when your neck becomes too sore... That was our original agreement," she said. "I would stay until you could take care of yourself." She took a bite of bacon.

"And what of the Ministry?" he asked, his expression hard as he stared at her. "I'm allowed house arrest if and only if you remain as my warden."

Hermione looked up at him, suddenly realizing he expected her to stay. "They cannot be serious?" His expression darkened. "You're – you mean they are? I am to monitor you?"

"Yes, or I'll be carted off to Azkaban." His dark eyes bored into hers, his face expressionless.

He's serious! Hermione gaped at him in total disbelief. "But I can't stay trapped in here until they decide to let you go!" she exclaimed.

"If they decide to let me go," he said, lowering his gaze to his food.

"They will!" she exclaimed determinedly.

He looked up at her with an amused smirk. "You're an altruist, Miss Granger. A true humanitarian," he said in a slow drawl. "You do like to take up hopeless causes, don't you?"

"It's not hopeless!" She watched him eat. "You cannot really believe you will end up in Azkaban? Not after everything you've done?"

He looked up with a smirk on his face. "Yes, that is precisely what I think. I think Potter would love to send me there, after everything I've done."

The eggs were delicious, but she hardly noticed. "You really think Harry carries grudges like that, don't you? He can forgive, and he's fair. I don't know why you've hated each other all these years, and I'm not asking, but don't you think it's time to give him a little credit?"

"Our history goes too far back, Miss Granger." Snape pushed his food around as he scowled at her. "It's none of your business."

"It only goes back seven years!" She stared at him, not believing he still harbored some deep seeded resentment toward Harry. "And yes, it's now my business. Harry is investigating your involvement in the Order and your contribution to the war. I'm here, too, trying to help you! Even Ron's trying to help clear your name. Surely you could let go of seven years of strife between you two."

"Potter took on the case to seek revenge, and Weasley is helping him. There is no other reason for him, a junior Auror in training, to be assigned to me. And yes, Miss Granger, this goes back farther than just simply seven years." He spoke harshly and his dark eyes flashed.

"Do you mean it's because of Harry's dad?!" she asked in total disbelief. Snape's eyes narrowed dangerously. "It is! You've got to be kidding! That would be like – if I held a grudge against you – because of your mum... because your mum was surly, rude and did some cruel things to me as a kid. That's ridiculous."

"Leave my mum out of this," he snapped angrily, setting his cup down so hard it cracked.

"Precisely," she said, looking at him smugly and repaired the teacup with her wand. "It would be quite immature of me, wouldn't it?"

He glared at her, his anger nearly tangible. "That's different."

"No it's not. James Potter was a complete prat to you in school. So was Sirius. I've never heard you complain about either Lupin or Pettigrew except when you mention the 'four' of them collectively – so I don't know if they were horrid to you as well, but they are all dead – possibly? I'm not sure about Pettigrew... However, Harry hasn't done anything to you." Snape's eyes narrowed. "Okay, we attacked you in the Shrieking Shack third year. I stole from you my second year, and what... what has Harry – not his father – Harry ever really done to you?" She got up and left the table. "I'm not hungry. I'll be in the lab." She quickly left the room, ignoring Snape as he yelled after her. She checked her potions and looked around the room. Aughhhh! There isn't anything to actually do in here. She was too upset to start another potion. And I don't want to clean cauldrons!

She turned around and walked quickly to the sitting room, throwing open the curtains. The street was empty, and the morning sun did little to enhance the view of the small houses and dirty, cobbled street.

"I don't like waste in my house, Miss Granger. You do not storm away from the table and leave your plate for me to clean up after you."

She turned to see him in the doorway. "You make me so angry at times! Do you know that? You are so brilliant – but you can be so arrogant and you hold on to grudges as if they were a – a lifeline. You have no reasonable reason to hate me or to hate Harry – but you do. You hate me simply because I have an insufferable desire to learn – from you! You've berated me for my intolerable questioning, my love of reading and my desire to learn. You've held that against me ever since I first met you! I hate that about you." She cut him off as he opened his mouth to respond. "And Harry. He's. Not. His. Father! You've never taken the time to see that. He respected you, feared you and was intimidated by you, sure – we all were. But he's always respected you."

He scoffed at her. "Hardly, Miss Granger. He's intolerable, rude and disrespectful. He's a mediocre wizard, moderately talented, lazy in regards to his studies, never fully applies himself, an arrogant rule breaker, famous – not for anything he actually did but what happened to him... He's an attention seeking, impertinent – spoiled prat."

"He's modest, likable, loyal, brave and trustworthy." She turned around so that she did not have to look at him, preferring the sight of the dull homes and muddy street at the moment.

"You're his friend," he snarled. "I'd expect such drivel coming from you."

"You've never given him a fair shake." She wheeled around. "Look, I don't care to discuss this with you. We may have to agree to disagree. I should tend to your neck, but after that, I wish to be left alone."

"Fine," he said, turning to go. "I'll be waiting."

Hermione followed him and tended to his neck. The wound was nearly closed. He sat quietly, looking away from her as she worked. Afterwards, she returned to the sitting room. At lunch she made sandwiches, ministered to his wound again, carefully applying the salves and rewrapping his neck. She picked up her plate and walked back to the sitting room to eat while she read by the window. Except when she needed to tend to her potions, they hardly crossed paths.

She was simply standing at the window when he came to inform her it was time for dinner.

"What are you doing?" he asked from across the room.

"Looking outside," she said, keeping her back to him. "I haven't seen sunshine for days!"

"You could've gone outside in the sunshine anytime you wanted to," he stated.

"And been unable to return and you'd have been left alone without anyone to take care of you," she said with a sigh, and turned to face him. "I couldn't do that."

"Take care of me?" His eyebrows arched and his lips curled into a sneer. "My personal philanthropist. You could've gone outside anytime you wanted."

"How? I wouldn't have been able to get back in." She lowered her head and turned back to the window, because she didn't want to argue with him. "I couldn't leave and not know you'd be all right."

"I have a back garden, Miss Granger."

It took a while for his words to sink in. Hermione turned around to look at him, surprised. "You never mentioned that."

"You've never asked me. My mum and grandma used to grow magical plants back there. The back door has a Repelling Charm on it. One must want to see magical plants to be able to approach the door or want to work in the garden. It was set up that way to protect my father. I suppose the plants are quite wild now and would have to be either killed, removed or subdued." He leaned against the doorway created by the concealed bookshelf. "I haven't been back there to properly tend to them for a while now."

"How long has it been?" she asked, curious despite herself.

"Since the twenty-fourth of August, last year," he stated. "Like I said, I don't usually have time to properly attend to them. I usually just trim them back and let them grow wild since I spent most of my year at Hogwarts."

She leaned against the bookshelf next to the window and crossed her arms. "And the plants in the atrium?"

"Cuttings." His tone was still a bit sharp, but more amiable than earlier. "I typically come home at least one day over the holidays. I was home, briefly, over Easter. Cutting plants can be therapeutic."

"Professor Snape, I am – I apologize for my outburst toward you this morning. I think we really should talk about this situation, and I need to talk to you about the letters." She uncrossed her arms, but having them hang at her side suddenly felt awkward.

"I'm no longer your professor. The appellation is inappropriate." He watched her, and she knew that his dark eyes were reading her, scrutinizing her intently.

"I thought that you were my tutor?" she asked, demurely, crossing her arms with both hands on her upper arms as if cold.

"And you are my Protective Custody Services Monitor," he stated firmly.

She could tell that the situation they found themselves in bothered him. I didn't ask for this and I'm only his monitor because they can't find him to arrest him and Mr. Weasley and Kingsley know I'm here. There's no other rational reason. She looked up at him imploringly. "I didn't ask for this."

"Neither did I," he said, coolly. "Nevertheless, just as I have accepted tutoring you during your stay, you have accepted the Ministry's position. You have authority over me."

"So what do we do about that?" she asked, hoping to find an easy resolution.

He turned away, a tic in his cheek indicating that he'd clenched his jaw in irritation. "For the time being, nothing."

"Would you consider letting me help you?" she asked. He turned to her and fixed her with a hard glare. "I mean, who would I be able to contact – or write to – who would be able to vouch for your being on our side? There has to be someone, anyone other than Dumbledore, who knew what you were doing, maybe an Order member... Who knew you were Dumbledore's man? There has to be someone – anyone – who will vouch for you."

His eyes narrowed. "I thought that was Potter's and Weasley's job."

"Do you wish to leave it to them ... or would you like my assistance?" she offered, watching him stiffen. "I thought so. So, who should I owl to ask them to appear on your behalf?"

Author's Notes:

My reasoning in regards to the Ministry owl and the owls from St. Mungo's being able to fly to Snape's house is that they are possibly outside the effects of the Fidelius Charm. Just as house-elves are able to do magic under circumstances where wizards can't – like at Hogwarts.

It's also possible that the Ministry knows approximately where Snape lives, but cannot get in the house or find it without being let in on the secret. Like the Death Eaters knew Grimmauld Place was there, but couldn't see it. Also, the Ministry owls may have simply waited until Arimus showed up and followed him in. Okay, it's a loop hole... necessary to the story. Sorry about that.

The Dark Years War: Since in the Lexicon the first rise of Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle is called 'the years of terror' and the second rise is referred to as 'the Second War,' I renamed the two periods of Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle's rise to power as the Dark Lord's War. However, since no one will want to call him a 'Lord,' I settled on the Dark War I and Dark War II or the Dark Years War when referring to both periods.

This was my main gift for Shadow_ks in the SS/HG Gift Exchange. I was thrilled that she liked it!

I have a great deal of gratitude for Ladyinthecloak and Machshefa for beta reading this for me. You ladies are great and I really appreciated you doing this. Thank you.