Accidental Encounters

Chapter Fourteen: Beneath the Mask

The four doses of Pepper-Up potion, as well as the strong black coffee he was now nursing, seemed to have a positive effect on Severus. Hermione observed that he now sat up straight, and was breathing just fine. The only thing that was missing, she thought, was the customary sneer. She paused on that thought though – she had just told him how that was all a mask. She knew it was all a mask. There was no need for him to continue his act around her, and it seemed he knew. Whilst he wasn’t exactly smiling, he had a pleasantly neutral expression on his face, and each time he took a sip of the coffee, his features almost broke into all-out bliss.

Hermione lifted her mug to her lips, but only took a small sip on the pretense of studying him further. Those sharp, angular features were still the same as yesterday, but those eyes - eyes so blue they looked almost black – were slightly more relaxed. They were, she noticed with a start, giving Hermione herself a close examination in return.

Not at all sure how close she wanted to get to this man of the many personalities, she set down her mug and made for the kitchen, this time with the excuse of finding something to eat. She had, after all, missed lunch.

She had her head deep in a cupboard when she was suddenly aware that she still wasn’t alone. Beginning to back out, she found herself planted firmly against Severus Snape.

“Forgive me,” Snape said, taking a small step backwards. “Could I help?”
Hermione turned to look at him with a grin. Always a gentleman.
She set him to work slicing cheese and tomatoes, whilst she escaped to the other side of the kitchen to construct the rest of their sandwiches. She couldn’t help noticing though, that Snape kept an eye on what she was doing at all times.

In the end, lunch was passable. It wasn’t exactly what you’d call pleasant, but it was a good change from the cold civility they’d previously been working under. Given this state of things, Hermione waited until Severus had consumed his second sandwich, and was looking full and sleepy – almost content – before she broached the subject of the botched potion.

“So, what of the experiment?” she asked in a quiet voice.

There was a fleeting expression of exasperation on her companion’s face, as if he had been waiting for her to ask.
“I cannot say. The experiment was not completed.”

It took all of Hermione’s self control to contain the vindictive “Ha!”. Instead, she settled for a rather cross-sounding, “Well, of course. You’ve probably single-handedly set us back days with your little foray into the field.”

Severus didn’t even bite. Calmly as ever he responded, “Actually, my concentration was broken at a critical moment. I lost control of the charm, and as a result, the experiment. For all we know, it could work.”

Silence met this comment, as Hermione simply looked at him. He could tell she was still royally annoyed at his efforts to go solo. He sighed, knowing he would have to be the one to give in.

“We could repeat the experiment. Although, this time I would find it very useful to have a lookout. Someone to stay on guard so I may fully concentrate on the task at hand. And, of course, someone to observe any reactions.”

If this wasn’t an open invitation for her to come back to the table, nothing was. Severus couldn’t believe he was conceding like this. Since when had this self-righteous know-it-all brought out a good side in him?

Still, he appreciated the way Hermione was now giving him a little smile, and almost laughed out loud at the way she was trying so hard not to. That was something he would do.

He must have let a small grin slip too, for Hermione was now giving him a genuine smile. The way her eyes lit up – and all because he was the gentleman – warmed him. He resolved to make it happen again.

***

With a truce apparently reached, Severus and Hermione spent the remainder of the day discussing their experiment. They made more modifications, enhanced the role of the noon sunlight to counteract the dark moonshine of the original potion, and finally arrived at what seemed a promising idea for a trial.

Darkness fell, and Hermione again busied herself in the kitchen for tea. Severus seemed in no hurry to leave, and she had to admit, she enjoyed his company. Once the mask had been dropped, he was surprisingly easy to talk to. And he seemed to have a sudden interest in saying nice things to her. Out of left field, that one.

After dinner, talk on potions lagged. Somehow, Hermione began talking about her family. How it was being an only child, in limbo between two worlds. She never fit into either one terribly well. She was surprised when she found Severus shared her troubles. He was an only child to older parents. He grew up firmly in the wizarding world, but in constant limbo between light and dark. He had finally succumbed to Voldemort in his teenage years, but had come full circle to rejoin the light in his thirties. He never said it, but Hermione knew he was still paying dearly for the mistakes of yesteryear.

When ten o’clock came, Severus blinked and stifled a yawn. He made to move, but groaned in frustration as his body wouldn’t cooperate.

In true mother-hen style, Hermione commanded he stay on the couch. Whilst she fetched a peaceful sleeping draught from her office, Severus resigned himself to his fate. Upon her return, he was tucked up on the seteé, looking sheepish. However, the potion worked quickly, and he was soon in a deep sleep.

Hermione sat on the coffee table and watched him again. Today had been a breakthrough, but she felt as if she were only just getting to know this strange man.

***

A/N: Sorry it has been an age. I went through a bit of a dry patch. I know where I am going – its all plotted out – but the words to make it happen just weren’t coming. Besides, there have been some fantastic fics appearing lately, and I am too busy reading to write very much.
I promise I’ll do better in the future. My most sincere thanks if you are still with me on this story.
I should also add, this was a bit of a fluffy chapter, but don’t be concerned – there is some serious tension ahead.