A/N: I was amazed at the response to my first story. So, as promised, I'm back with another story. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I'm enjoying writing it. The plot bunnies just wouldn't leave me alone!

Warning: This story will contain domestic abuse, including: physical, sexual and verbal. You have been warned! Oh and Ron's a complete bastard! Don't like it? Don't read it!

Please Read & Review!

Severus stood hunched over his cauldron, putting the finishing touches on a simple pain relieving potion. It had been seven years since the Boy-Who-Lived-to-Annoy defeated Voldemort. By some miracle, the gods had seen fit to give Severus another chance at life. Severus was no fool. He grabbed on to that chance with both hands and held tight.

After the war, Severus had been cleared of all charges. Thanks to the memories he gave Potter and Albus' testimony on his behalf, Severus was finally free. For once, he was his own master. For once, Severus answered to no one but himself. Soon after the war, when everything had settled down, Severus left his post at Hogwarts. After all, now that he was no longer a spy, he did not feel the need to stay.

With a clean slate, Severus decided to do what he had always wanted. He opened his own apothecary in Hogsmeade. At first it had been a relatively small business. He did not need any help and was able to brew all of the potions and conduct business on his own. That was how it was for the first two years. After that time, his potions became more in demand. He was barely able to get all of the orders brewed on time. He had finally accepted the fact that he needed an assistant.

Severus had interviewed several potential employees. None of them were truly up to his standards. He had come very close to giving up, until he saw her application. Severus had not been prepared to see the name of his brightest student in the stack of applications. Yet there it was, in the same handwriting he recognized from his days as a professor: Hermione Granger.

Severus was surprised to see that she had applied for the job. Not only because he couldn't believe she would even consider the thought of working for him. He was, after all, under the impression that she loathed him. Not as a person, of course. In fact, Hermione had been one of his most staunch supporters after the war.

However, Severus was well aware of his acerbic attitude as a teacher. Putting it frankly, he was an absolute arse. He had made sure to be particularly nasty to her because she was friends with Harry Potter. Although, it was nothing more than an act to retain his cover during the war. He could not show a friend of Potter's, much less a Gryffindor, any kindness.

It had been five years now. Hermione and Severus had worked side-by-side quite amicably. Severus would even venture to say that they had become friends. Severus didn't exactly go around with a ridiculous smile on his face everywhere he went. However, he did not hide himself from his colleague.

Severus actually liked working with Hermione. Over the years, he had also come to simply enjoy her company. Severus quite liked their playful banter. Not to mention, Hermione was one of few people who did not get bored with or intimidated by intellectual conversation. He had also come to notice that she was no longer an insufferable Know-It-All. Hermione handled herself with grace and elegance. Quite simply: she had grown up. Severus could not help but notice this was true in the physical aspect as well.

A bell jangled, signaling that someone had entered the shop. Severus looked up to see the subject of his musings. Hermione made her way towards Severus. Hanging up her cloak, Hermione prepared herself for work.

"Good morning, Hermione," Severus greeted when she came to stand in front of the cauldron next to him.

"Good morning, Severus," Hermione returned the greeting. She gave Severus a small smile, but he noticed it didn't reach her eyes.

"Are there any certain orders you would like me to start first?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, here is a list of potions that are of priority," Severus answered, handing her a piece of parchment.

"I'll get started then," Hermione responded quietly.

Severus could not help but notice a shift in Hermione's demeanor. She had been rather despondent as of late. When Hermione had first started working for him, she would walk in with a bright smile each morning. She had always been eager to strike up a conversation. Severus could seldom shut her up. Now, however, he was missing her obnoxiously large smiles and endless chatter. Her smiles were becoming few and far between and she only spoke when it was necessary to the task at hand.

Severus desperately wanted to ask her what was wrong. Gone was the ever-present spark in her beautiful eyes. Now, it was replaced by a deep sadness. Severus was afraid to say anything. He was afraid to overstep his bounds. Most of all, Severus was afraid to ask himself why he cared so much. It wasn't a question he was prepared to answer.

Several hours later, Severus and Hermione were preparing to go home for the day. They had cleaned their work stations and checked their stock. Now, they were at the door. Severus helped Hermione into her coat, followed by his own. Opening the door, he motioned for her to go first. Severus could not help but notice that Hermione seemed hesitant to leave.

"I shall see you in the morning. Good evening, Hermione," Severus said with a kind smile.

"Good evening, Severus," Hermione responded. She tried to smile, but it still didn't reach her eyes.

Severus thought she seemed to be trembling slightly, but figured he was imagining things. Shaking the thought from his head, he nodded in Hermione's direction. With that, he turned swiftly and apparated home. He was gone before he could see the single tear that fell from her eye.

With one last look at the spot Severus had just vacated, Hermione turned. Dreading what she knew was to come, she apparated home.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of my new story! Also, the title is inspired by the song of the same name by Florence and the Machine.