Chapter 57

Tonks was a fully-fledged Auror, now that she had made her bones at the Battle of the Department of Mysteries. Moody was adamant that, although she was young, she had the knowledge and the skills to go off on her own.

There had been a great deal of discussion on whether or not to even allow Hermione the chance to apply for the Auror Department. Gawain Robards, the newly instated Head, did not know Hermione personally, so he had no qualms about telling her to her face what he thought of her.

Hermione sat in his cramped office, the walls full of wanted posters, his desk a right mess. In fact, according to Hermione's tidy nature, the whole office looked like a tip that could do with a thorough dusting. However, she was not about to tell the wizard she hoped would be her boss that thought.

When he came in, he regarded her, the young girl just two months shy of her seventeenth birthday, and said, "I don't know you, and I don't like you. You are married to a known criminal whose activities over the last twenty years have been shifty to say the least."

He took a sip of his coffee and continued. "Now I hear all this bull shite about you actually being thirty-six, almost thirty-seven." He snorted as he looked out his magical window.

"If it hadn't been for Moody, Kingsley, Dawlish, and Tonks vouching for you, your arse would have been outta here the moment you stepped your foot in the door," he said curtly.

He folded his hands on his desk. "Lucky for you, I am a reasonable wizard. I love a good mystery and even better, a conundrum. Do you know what that word means, Mrs. Snape?"

Hermione cleared her throat. "Yes sir, I do."

"Well?" he asked as he gestured with his hand.

"I apologize, sir. When I was a student, I was known for being an 'insufferable know-it-all.' You didn't ask for the definition, just if I knew what the word meant," she replied.

Robards grinned. "You are exact. I've read that about you," he said as he flipped open her records from Hogwarts. "You have quite the gap in your education. First and second years: 1991 through 1993. Third through seventh years: 1973 through 1978."

He looked up at her and said, "That must be quite a story. I never would have believed a word of it if Kingsley, Moody, and Remus Lupin had not sworn that you had trained under Moody during the summer of your sixth year."

"Yes, sir, I did," she replied.

"Well, tell me what you learned. I can see from here you have ten N.E.W.T.s, so from a purely academic level, you are more than qualified. So, tell me about your practical experience."

Hermione took a deep breath and went into all her trials with the Slytherins, how Slytherin House had acknowledged her as Head of Gryffindor due to her talents in dueling. She told him that during her second year she made Polyjuice Potion successfully for Harry and Ron, and then she told him about her ability to reason her way though a barrier that would help Harry to protect the Sorcerer's stone from Voldemort back as a first-year. She spoke of her Occlumency training with Dumbledore along with Remus and the summer she spent on Fenwick farm with Kingsley, Moody, and Remus.

"I heard about that," Robards said with a grin. "Moody said you were a tough nut to crack, but when you finally got it through your thick skull, you actually could do some real damage. Now, tell me," he asked as he leaned forward, "the rumor is that you placed the Cruciatus Curse on Lucius Malfoy and hexed Bellatrix Lestrange with a nasty bit of Dark magic. Is it true?"

"Yes," she replied without flinching.

"Do you have any qualms about casting Unforgivables?' he asked as he began to rearrange paperwork on his desk.

"No," Hermione said a bit louder to be heard. "Not if the situation merits it."

"Some of my Aurors think it should be illegal for even an Auror to cast an Unforgivable. It is allowed. Although not the Imperius Curse. If you cannot contain a suspect without resorting to the Imperius, you have no business being an Auror."

"Now, you have experience in the educational and the practical. You have fought in battle already and were able to keep your wits about you. I've heard you are quite the diplomat. Remus said you were one of best bloody negotiators he has ever seen. You are cool under pressure and can think on your feet. That is essential to being an Auror."

He stared at her again. "What is the definition of a conundrum?" he barked at her.

Hermione remained cool. "A conundrum, sir, is a riddle: a puzzling question or situation."

Robards looked at her and said, "You are married to a Death Eater. I know...I don't care to hear the sob story of his defection to the good guys. The situation I am faced with is that you are a conundrum, Mrs. Snape. How am I to trust that you will not place any of my Aurors in harm's way to protect your husband?"

Hermione looked at him in the eyes and said, "I am not a spy. For the foreseeable future, he and I must live separated for the good of the war. I doubt in the next two years I shall ever speak with him, let alone lay eyes on him. I need this job. I need to do something other than hide away and do paperwork for the Order. I am a good duelist, and I know about warfare and how to negotiate. You will never regret taking me on if you decide that's what you want."

She was breathing hard. He just had to say yes, he had to. Otherwise, she just couldn't face the Order week after week and be called a coward. She would disappear into the Muggle world, find Deidre and pretend she was Hermione Granger's daughter...something until the war was over.

"All right, then," he said quietly. "You will report to Auror Tonks. You will be her personal slave for the next three years. If you're good and fast, perhaps you may finish your training sooner. At any rate, you do as she says. You get one chance with me, Snape. One chance and then if you blow it, I'll chuck you out on your ear, understood?"

"Yes, sir!" Hermione said enthusiastically.

***

She left the Robards' office and went to Tonks' cubicle. The normally vivacious and happy-go-lucky young woman was a mousy-haired shell of herself.

"Wotcher, Hermione," she mumbled. "Look, it's just too mad here. Let's go to headquarters. Molly always has a good cuppa, and the kids will all be outside playing or working. We'll have a bit o' peace."

Hermione followed her. "You remember how to Apparate, right?" Tonks asked.

"Oh, yes, it's just been a while," Hermione replied.

"Well, remember to focus, and try not to splinch yourself," she warned.

***

Hermione had to hand it to Tonks. She was a witch who knew her stuff. After a hot "cuppa" from Molly, she perked up a bit and started to talk to her about being an Auror and the training she would be doing under her tutelage.

"Now, so you know, Hermione, I ain't never had me own trainee before, But it doesn't matter, 'cause when the time comes for your final examinations, you won't be tested by me. Dawlish, Savage, or even Robards'll probably test you if he's feeling evil enough. Dead scary, he is," she said with a shudder.

"Now," she said as she tapped her wand on the table. A few parchments appeared before her, and she said, "The Auror Department is under the larger Department of Magical Law Enforcement. So you know, since Bones' murder, there is a new Head. His name is Pius Thicknesse. He's an all right sort, but we have our suspicions since Voldemort has been trying to worm his way into the Ministry. We think he may be under the Imperius Curse. However, nothing is for certain, so we'll have to watch it.

"Our area under Magical Law Enforcement is the Auror Office. An Auror's mission is to pursue and apprehend Dark wizards. That means you are in a constant state of turmoil. There is danger on every side. I must ask you, in all sincerity, Hermione, if you were to apprehend your husband, would you bring him in or let him go?"

Hermione looked shocked. Honestly, she hadn't thought of it. But the answer was clear. She would do what Severus would want: keep his cover intact at all costs.

"I would arrest him and bring him in. It is imperative that his cover remains intact. I won't say it wouldn't hurt me or cause me pain to do it, but I definitely would," she answered truthfully.

"Excellent," Tonks replied. "That was a brilliant answer. Now, you know we take applicants with five N.E.W.T.s or more, and you have a total of ten and all Outstandings. This is excellent. You have all the fundamentals. I see your additional N.E.W.T.s were in Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. That may come in handy if we are involved in a difficult case."

"We also do a very thorough background check, and Robards is concerned about your disappearance from our world during the first war: 1978-1981. Can you account for these years?" she asked.

"I was living as a Muggle. I had absolutely no personal contact with any wizards or witches from June of 1978 to September of 1981," she answered.

Tonks peered at her strangely. "You said 'personal contact.' What were you doing?"

Hermione poured herself another cup of tea. "I discovered around 1979 that there were wizards coming into the various clubs where I would go party. I knew all the girls there, being a regular, and I noticed these girls were disappearing. I scoured the news for any missing people or bodies found, and I started finding out the mysteries behind these sudden disappearances. So, I began to track and observe these wizards. I knew they were Death Eaters. I know a Death Eater when I see one. It's as if their forehead is branded, something is lost in their eyes. They are predatory and unconscionable. So, I began to thwart them secretly. Then, I saw Severus. It had been three years: September of 1981. I stopped Lucius Malfoy from abducting a couple of drunken Muggle girls and nearly had a duel on my hands. Fortunately, I have guts and a will for self-preservation and got them away. Of course, the following month after the Potters' deaths, I came back to Hogwarts."

"Well, Hermione," she said, "the next steps will be a series of tests. Some will be oral and some practical to see how you handle stress, your skill in practical defense, your character and aptitude. Your reputation from the battle in the Department of Mysteries precedes you. You already have a splendid reputation, and from what had been reported, you are a prime candidate. Nevertheless, you will do these tests. It will take a month, so say goodbye to the rest of your summer. Oh, and by the way, you're moving in with me since you are my trainee and all."

"Okay," said Hermione. "Let's say I pass all the tests with flying colors. What then?"

"Then you will begin your studies. There is a reason we ask for you to have excellent marks in Herbology and Potions. When on the field, you'll need to know these things. If someone is poisoned, for example, you will need to be able to detect the poison, and if caught early enough, an antidote can be administered. It's the same thing with dangerous and poisonous plants. The rest...Defense, Charms, and Transfiguration is all self-explanatory. So, which do you think will be your toughest subject?" she asked.

"Herbology," Hermione answered. "I know it, I just don't care for it all that much. So, that could work against me. The others I am truly interested in...and Potions! I have learned loads from Severus about Potions. I was in the top of my class in Transfiguration and Charms, although at times Lily and I tied at Charms. She was pretty good," she said remembering old times, happier days.

"Well," said Tonks. "After that hurdle, you will begin a more refined and narrowed approach to your studies. If you excel in Concealment and Disguise, Stealth and Tracking, for example, you may be given the opportunity to join the Hit Squad. Only the best of the best go there. Aurors are the elite of the Magical Law Enforcement. If we are the elite, then Hit Wizards are the cream of the crop. They require that applicants be over 17 years of age and 'not of a nervous disposition.'

"Once accepted into the program, a Hit-Witch or Hit-Wizard trainee is taught defensive charms, counter-curses, and how to restrain magical law-breakers without attracting Muggle attention. A trainee has a starting salary of 700 Galleons per month, a Ministry of Magic broomstick, and his or her own regular bed at St. Mungo's."

"So," said Hermione. "The month of August will be my testing and then what?"

"You'll be with me, training and staking out. You'll do what I say and when I say. That means if you and I have to spend all night in the blinkin' rain, well, suck it up and make sure you got your big girl knickers on!"

"Okay," said Hermione. "Let's get started!"

"Now wait a bloody minute!" Tonks nearly shouted. "Today is all about me scaring the shit out of you and putting the fear of the Merlin inside you! I know you're no idiot seventeen-year-old! You're older than me for cryin' out loud. AND you've got more experience than half the Aurors already in the department. So, don't steal my thunder. Not that it'll be worth much. You'll fly through these exercises and exams. Robards said when he came on that any trainee who could kick his arse in a wizarding duel gets an automatic pass. You, my girl, will be an Auror within the year. Now, let's get pissed!" she said as she looked around for a bottle.

"Oi, Molly!' she called out. "Where's your Firewhisky? We're celebrating and consoling ourselves at the same time."

Molly came out and went under the kitchen sink. "Shh!" she whispered. "This is my personal stash. So, what is the consoling about?"

Tonks sighed as she poured herself a large amount and started gulping it down like a person dying of thirst. "Hermione and I are going to be celibate at least for a year," she said sadly. "You don't know this, Hermione, but I love Remus Lupin with all my heart, and the ruddy bastard won't do a bloody thing about it."

Hermione was confused. "When did this happen?" she asked the two women.

Tonks shrugged. "It started whilst working in the Advanced Guard. He's so cute and bashful. He's got these eyes that just pull you in, you know?"

Hermione slammed down her drink. "I always thought Severus had the most smoldering eyes. I used to wonder what would happen to me if I lost myself in them," she said fondly.

"What happened?" asked Molly, who was now drinking nearly as much as they were.

"I had an orgasm," she said as she burst out laughing. "He's very, ver-ry passionate."

Tonks nodded her head. "S'true. It's always the quiet ones. I bet Remus could really lay wand," she said dreamily.

"Why haven't you two gone for it?" Hermione asked.

"He thinks he's too old, too poor, too much of a werewolf!" she said angrily. "I told him I couldn't give a shite...but he's so fucking honorable! I wish he'd just forget about being honorable and just shag me already. You know, he told me he used to fancy you back in school." She pointed to Hermione with a lopsided grin. "But he said he got over you and then there wasn't anyone. You know, he's a virgin!"

"Holy cow!" Hermione blurted out. "He needs to get laid."

"How did you get Severus to go for you?" she asked.

Hermione smiled. "It's different with us. We grew up together and were friends for years before we made love. We wanted to, but the timing was off. Maybe in time Remus will come around. Has he said he loves you?"

"Yes," she said as tears rolled down her flushed face.

"Well, then don't worry! You'll wear him down. You'll see," she said as she pointed with her finger.

***

The summer was a blur. Hermione spent every day, Monday through Friday, taking grueling examinations that covered every facet of her being. She learned more about herself than she had ever cared to know. It was depressing at times, informative at others and, in a very warped, masochistic way, quite interesting.

Each night, Tonks would take her to the Burrow for a late dinner and some company. She'd inform her on what was going on outside the Auror Office. Mostly, Tonks had to drag her sorry arse out of the flat, but she insisted on talking to real people, not stuck in a cubicle or a simulator talking either to herself or fake morbid voices pretending to be hidden Death Eaters.

***

At the end of July, the Order held their final meeting at the Burrow. Harry was coming to stay with the Weasleys and needed to be protected. Remus would be in charge of finding a new headquarters.

The news was even grimmer. Mr. Ollivander had been kidnapped, and his store had been burgled. No one knew where he was or if he were still alive. Minerva's voice shook as she reported the next piece of news.

"Albus has suffered an injury to his right hand. He is being very tight-lipped about it all; however, Severus has helped a great deal with some potions. It was some kind of curse. Severus was able to stop it from spreading further, but his hand is black and quite dead looking. All I could get out of either him or Severus was that Albus was doing some highly sensitive work for the war effort. He said it was worth losing use of a hand to now be one step closer to destroying Voldemort."

Hermione looked up at Minerva. It didn't escape her notice that she was now saying Voldemort's name without fear. Albus must have insisted upon it if she were going to continue as Head of the Order.

"The Ministry of Magic," continued Minerva, "has placed extra protection around Hogwarts. Aurors will be stationed inside and outside, keeping guard duty. They will be staying during the school year at Hogsmeade and working as extra security for the comings and goings in and out of the castle. They will also be assisting Filch in searching students and guests for any illegal or dangerous contraband. The Order will also be assisting the Aurors as needed. We are not to interfere with the Ministry or try to find out who is loyal and who is not. There are too many who are not trustworthy. Absolutely no communication about the Order will be tolerated on Ministry grounds."

***

After the meeting, Hermione watched Remus and Tonks together. They went outside, and Hermione peeked through the window. They were arguing. Remus was trying to plead with her, and he was holding her upper arms. Then Tonks began to cry. Remus looked so miserable and sad. He held his head in his hand and was silent. Molly snuck up on Hermione and whispered, "How are they?"

At first, Hermione jumped. Then she sighed as she released the curtain. "Not good. They were arguing, she was crying, and Remus looked like he was ready to lose his mind. They both look so miserable," she replied.

"I keep trying to talk sense into that man!" Molly said in irritation. "So what if he's poor? So what if he's sick? No one stays whole and healthy forever. And money? Pah! Everything comes and goes! If you've got love, that's worth holding onto."

Hermione watched as Tonks came back into the house. She was pale and upset. The three witches sat down, and Molly gave them all a spot of tea.

"How did it go?" Molly asked softly.

Tonks shrugged her shoulders. "Same ole bit. I'm too old for you, I'm too sick, you deserve better, I love you... blah, blah, blah."

"I don't think it's right to keep you hanging on like that!" Molly snapped.

"What'd you mean?" Tonks said, her hair starting to perk up a bit.

"What she means, Tonks, is that it's dirty pool telling you he loves you but won't commit. That's sending mixed messages," Hermione said angrily. "I've half a mind to go and give him my two Knuts' worth."

"Same for me!" Molly said hotly. "Honestly! I tell you, what's a poor girl to do with a bloke like that? He needs a swift kick in the seat of his trousers, I reckon."

"It's not his fault," said Tonks weakly.

"Now, that's what gets me," said Hermione. "Remus gives you the bum's rush, and you just take it. Not only that, but you take it AND make excuses for him! No wonder it's so easy for him to tear your heart into shreds. You practically have given him a blueprint to show him how it's done!"

Hermione got up. "I'm exhausted. I miss my husband, and to tell you the truth, I'd rather be fighting with him. At least at the end I know I'd get a decent shag," she muttered.

Tonks laughed at that one. "Let's get you home then, love. Another hard day tomorrow for us working-class stiffs," she said jovially.

***

The end of August rolled around, and on the thirty-first, Tonks came to Hermione and congratulated her on her acceptance into the Auror Program.

"I know it's been hell, love, but the boring part is over, and now the real fun begins!"

"What?" asked Hermione warily. She knew Tonks well enough to be very afraid whenever she mentioned something that would be fun.

Tonks put her arm around Hermione's shoulder and said, "You have aced every single aptitude test. Your knowledge and practical application in your tests show you've got the makings of a damn fine Auror. There is just one problem."

"One problem?" she asked shakily.

"You hate flying," she said straight-faced.

"True," she said ruefully. "I never got the hang of it. Probably since the times I have flown have been horrendous experiences. I avoid it whenever possible."

"Well," Tonks said as she shook her head. "It's got to be overcome. You've got to get your arse up in the air. Half the time, our battles will be in the air, not on the ground. Now, unless you want to specialize and join the Hit Wizards with their Sniper program, which by the way, takes nerves of steel, there is no way you can get around this."

"What is the Sniper program?" Hermione asked.

"Just the same as Muggles, instead we use different weapons. You still have to learn Stealth and Tracking, Concealment and Disguise, but what you learn is to situate yourself in a position that cannot be breached and pick off people. But, you don't strike me as the type who can go around willy-nilly Avada-ing people for a living."

Hermione sighed. "Well, when do we start?" she asked, crestfallen.

"All in good time, Hermione. Now that I've got the bad news out of the way, the next piece is some ruddy brilliant news!" she said excitedly. "We're going to Hogwarts!"

Hermione nearly screamed she was so happy, but swallowed it as she reminded herself she was in the middle of the Auror Department. "How did you get it?"

"Hermione, you go where I go, and I go where Harry goes. It's not going to be all that fun, but there will be Proudfoot, Savage, and Dawlish with us. We'll get you some training in between patrols. That means, rain or shine, snow and bloody hail, we're out there!" she said with a smile.

"Sounds like the postal service," mumbled Hermione.

Tonks hugged her shoulder closer to her and whispered in her ear, "Yeah, but unlike the postal service, you might get a good shag at the end of the day," she said with a wink.

Hermione was elated. She'd be with Severus. Not together, but near. Then there would be times to steal away and be together. She'd be in Hogsmeade. Oh, if only she could live at Hogwarts!

***

Thanks to my beta, WriterMerrin, who works so hard to make each chapter special (at least I think so). Please review! They are so encouraging! I also like reading your thoughts and questions. :)