Preparations

The guard was shocked to see Hermione Granger back again in the same day. "Advocate Granger, did you forget something?"

"No, sir. I am here to collect my clients. Please check your inbox; I believe the Lead Prosecutor has sent some paperwork authorizing their release."

The guard looked stunned, but he did as she asked. Sure enough, Marilyn had sent the release papers over as requested. "Very well, Advocate Granger. Would you like to meet with them before they are formally released?"

"If you would bring them all to the meeting room, I would appreciate it. There will be no need for restraints." She raised her eyebrow at him, daring him to challenge her. "I have a few things to discuss with them. That will give you time to get the wands processed to be returned to Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Snape."

He nodded and led her to the meeting room. He then disappeared down the hall and returned with Lyra a few moments later.

"Advocate Granger, I am surprised to see you back so soon. Is everything alright?"

"Please, Miss Malfoy, call me Hermione. It seems our professional relationship is going to come to a rather abrupt ending."

"I don't understand. I thought you were taking the case."

"Your brother and Professor Snape will be here momentarily. I would like to explain this to all of you together."

"Why are they allowing you to meet with us all together? What is going on?"

Draco and Professor Snape entered the room. "Granger, what is the meaning of this?" Draco asked.

"Well, I have some good news for you," she said, pausing for effect. "Advocate Weasley has dropped the criminal charges."

Two pairs of extremely wide gray eyes greeted her. The intense, black eyes, however, narrowed in response.

"Miss Granger, do not toy with us. What is going on?"

"Professor, I was able to convince the prosecutor's office that this was not a suitable matter for a criminal investigation. Malfoy Industries remains under investigation for violation of the International Statute of Secrecy. I expect sanctions and injunctions to be filed in the morning. Draco, if you would like to retain my services, I would be happy to assist the company in addressing those charges. You are all free to go home."

"Just like that?" Lyra was stunned.

"Just like that, Miss Malfoy. It seems that Advocate Weasley was a bit afraid he would be painted as a mindless bureaucrat. However, he believes that in order to continue distributing Muggle medicines, an exception to the Statute must be granted. As I said, I expect him to file an injunction to cease production during the investigation. I emphasized the importance of your work and that a lengthy delay would be inappropriate."

"Granger, that's amazing. Of course we want you to help us obtain the exception. You must have dinner with us this evening to celebrate." Draco did not look like he was going to take no for an answer.

"Draco, you should spend this evening with family. I do not want to intrude."

"Nonsense," Lyra cut in. "You are the reason he will be home with his family tonight. Astoria will never forgive him if you don't accept."

Hermione smiled.

Lyra turned to Severus and continued, "And Severus, there will be no hiding in the cottage tonight, I mean it." Severus looked mildly alarmed.

Draco slapped Severus on the back. "You know you can't say no to Lyra, Severus. I'm not sure which of these two women is more frightening. We will see you at seven, Granger. Thank you," he said sincerely.

Hermione nodded and shook his hand.

"Hermione," Lyra said softly, "thank you."

"Of course, Lyra. You are doing good work here. I'm glad I could help protect it."

"Miss Granger, thank you for your assistance. It sounds like we have much work to do in the upcoming weeks. Please let me know how I can help."

Hermione turned to look at Severus, and her heart caught in her throat. She certainly was not the swooning type, but the sight of Severus Snape looking truly grateful was a bit overwhelming. He offered his hand to her in thanks. When she took it, she felt his strength in his calloused hands. He looked away at first, but then he met her eyes. His black eyes looked endless, and while she never would have believed it before, there was warmth there as well.

Severus shook Hermione's hand quickly and pulled back. He didn't notice the softness of her skin. He didn't notice the admiration in her eyes and the way her face flushed with the slightest bit of pink. At least, that's what he told himself.

Lyra looked on with interest. Draco, on the other hand, was genuinely oblivious to what was going on in the room. He knew his wife had suffered greatly, and he needed to get home and ease her fears.

Hermione said her goodbyes and left the room after finally agreeing to come to dinner. Draco was right; Astoria would be happy to see her at dinner. However, she wasn't sure she could handle too much of Lyra staring at Severus like she was just now. What is wrong with me? She's perfectly nice, and he deserves to be happy. I guess I'm lonelier than I thought I was.

********************

Hermione arrived at the Manor for dinner. A house-elf showed her to the parlor. She wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but she could hear Lyra and Draco talking in the next room.

"You know Father won't approve." Lyra sounded upset.

"Lyra, Father will go along with whatever you want. And if he doesn't, it's his loss. You are a grown woman. Aren't you tired of waiting around for everyone's approval? He's been patient, Lyra. I can't blame him for being frustrated that you keep discouraging his affections. Stop blaming Mother and Father for your own inaction."

"You have no idea what it was like for me, growing up in this house with no magic." Lyra's tone was low and deadly.

Draco sounded exasperated when he continued, "No, Lyra, I don't. But they've tried to make amends. We all have. I can't imagine that either of them would deny you this. They've wanted it for a while, too. It's not as if they don't like the man. If he asks you again, tell him yes. Stop creating problems for yourself where they don't exist. If you keep up this game, he's going to move on, regardless of his feelings for you."

"I don't know, Draco."

"Stop playing the victim. This has nothing to do with magic. He knows exactly who you are, and he wants to be with you. And don't deny it; you want to be with him, too. He's a good man. Stop toying with him."

Hermione was shocked at what she was hearing. When had Draco Malfoy grown up?

"Miss Granger, didn't anyone ever tell you it isn't polite to eavesdrop?"

Hermione jumped at the silky voice. "No, Professor Snape, they must have forgotten. Much like they forgot to tell you that it is rude to sneak up on people. Still skulking about, I see." Hermione tried very hard not to allow her tone to betray her embarrassment. Unfortunately for her nerves, Severus slid up very close behind her before speaking, so when she wheeled on him to retort, she found herself looking directly up into the face of her former professor. He was so close that her hands brushed against his chest. Their eyes locked for a moment, then both of them stepped back quickly. Unlike earlier in the day, this time, there was no escaping the intensity of the moment.

Hermione sputtered for a moment before collecting herself, "I was not eavesdropping, Professor Snape. I cannot deny I heard part of the conversation. I was honestly just realizing how far we've all come since the war."

"You needn't call me 'Professor' anymore, Miss Granger. It hardly seems appropriate, being that you have not been my student for over a decade."

"You may call me Hermione." Her voice was quiet and timid, something that was fairly unique for Hermione. "As you astutely point out, I am no longer your student."

Severus took in a slow, deep breath. "You may call me Severus. And anyone can see that you are no longer that overly eager child, Hermione." Once again, he dared look her directly in the face. One of her curls had fallen into her face. He pushed it behind her ear.

She flushed scarlet at the contact. "And your company is much more pleasant now that you don't carry the fate of the world on your shoulders," she offered wryly.

He chuckled, "You are a true Gryffindor, Hermione. Your flair for the dramatic has not left you." She smiled, then he leaned in closely and purred, "But don't forget that I am a Slytherin. Be very careful that you don't get in over your head, my dear."

Oh, it's far too late for that, Severus. I'm afraid I was in too deep the moment I saw you today.

Draco entered the room and looked from Severus to Hermione with confusion. He noted the blush on her cheeks and her rapid breathing. Severus appeared calm, but he was eyeing Hermione like a predator watches his quarry. Draco winced. He did not need to think of either of them in that way.

"Lyra won't be joining us for dinner. She has plans. She has left her schedule with her elf. She said if we need to schedule a meeting to discuss the case, we should speak to Coco."

Severus and Hermione both nodded. Severus had regained his composure. Hermione was outwardly calm, but her mind was spinning wildly. There was no denying that the attraction she felt was mutual, but then she was truly confused about his relationship with Lyra. Had she refused him? Was he trying to 'move on' as Draco had suggested he might? Hermione had no desire to be anyone's rebound, and she certainly didn't want to be an obstacle if they truly cared for one another and just hadn't managed to figure out how to proceed.

Much to everyone's relief, Astoria entered the room with Scorpius. The little blond imp shouted "My-Nee!" and began clapping wildly. Hermione happily took the child from his mother and sat down on the couch to visit with the little boy. Severus watched her play with the child. She took his hands and moved them enthusiastically as she sang nursery school songs with him. Severus instantly scolded himself for the direction his mind was heading. Since the war, he was becoming more comfortable with the idea that he could have a normal life. His friends reminded him what a normal life looked like, and he realized that he truly did desire a wife and family. He felt just a pang of guilt that he had superimposed Hermione into that little daydream. It hardly seemed appropriate. But perhaps he didn't want to wait forever before beginning his life. Perhaps he needed to allow himself to move forward, even if it felt uncomfortable.

Lucius and Narcissa entered, and Narcissa thanked Hermione sincerely for her assistance to her children. Lucius gave a polite, formal thank you, but he maintained his distance. Hermione was polite in her response, and she thanked them both for allowing her to visit for dinner.

Scorpius clambered off the couch and over to Severus. "Uncle Sevus, tell stowies!" Hermione watched in shock as Severus told the boy a story about when Draco was a little boy; he and Lyra had built a boat and tried it out on the lake on the grounds. The boat had been less than seaworthy, and Lucius panicked and jumped into the lake, even though both children were stronger swimmers than he was. Severus had calmly levitated the children out of the water, but they had both received a good soaking in the process. The little boy giggled infectiously at the idea of his father and aunt floating through the air. It was one of the first times Draco had used magic, apparently casting a wandless drying charm on his sopping hair when they reached the shore, despite being just six years of age.

Hermione was in tears at the thought of a tiny Draco fretting about his hair, and Lucius covered in algae while Severus simply flicked his wand to avoid danger. She couldn't help feel a little guilty laughing at Lucius' distress; of course, Lucius had caused a great deal of distress over the years, surely he could bear a bit of well-intentioned teasing.

Astoria announced that it was time to put Scorpius to bed. Scorpius protested mildly, but then he proceeded to make his rounds, blowing kisses to all of his admirers. As Astoria made her way upstairs, Draco called a house-elf for round of drinks. The group talked and laughed for a few minutes until Astoria returned to join them for dinner.

Dinner was a very pleasant event. Draco, Lyra, and Severus had been arrested the day before, so they had not been home for a little over a day. Draco and Severus reported that they had been reasonably well treated, but the Ministry officials had been in no hurry to get them access to counsel. Lucius had wanted to contact his advocate, but Astoria had stood firm that Hermione was their best choice.

Draco shared with them how Hermione had stormed in and taken him to task before hearing him out regarding the charges. Hermione blushed at Draco's version of the tale. He was complimentary regarding her performance. He was especially pleased with how quickly she had formed an effective strategy.

"I still don't understand how you got Percy Weasley to drop the charges so easily," Severus stated, clearly curious.

"Percy Weasley is entirely driven by his ambition. I simply convinced him that he would be painted as cruel and shortsighted and lose any chance for a career in politics if he pursued the letter of the law rather than the spirit.

"I drew a rather ugly picture for him. This case has tremendous potential for public reaction. Those in favor of protecting Muggles would be outraged that the Wizengamot trying to deprive them of life-saving medicines. Those that fear Muggles would be terrified at the prospect of their wrath should such medicines be withheld. Most, like Percy, don't believe that Muggles would ever be clever enough to figure out that concealed magic was being used for their benefit. I simply persuaded him that no harm was done by your actions. I also pointed out to him that the public would care little as to the technical illegality of the actions. I offered him the corporate charges as a way to save face."

Severus laughed. "I always thought that boy had more ambition than sense."

"Oh, Percy is intelligent enough," Hermione admitted, "but he is too ambitious for his own good. He is rather surprisingly void of conviction. That is a recipe for poor decisions. There are many things that Percy would be very successful doing, but the idea of him as a high-level decision maker is a bit unnerving. He would forever be cowering to whoever holds the slightest bit of power over him. I'm afraid I may have exercised that power a little aggressively today. However, he let it slip early in our discussion that part of his motivation for going after this case was due to the Malfoy name and Severus' past. I may have gotten a bit carried away at that." She blushed.

"Oh, I doubt that, Granger. I know how you are when you are on a cause. Trust me. My jaw still remembers your defense of that ridiculous hippogriff third year." He turned serious. "I'm just glad you were on our side today."

"Hear, hear." Hermione was shocked to hear Lucius' voice. The others joined him in lifting their glasses.

She looked at her hands, clearly embarrassed by the attention. "I'm glad I could help. I'm afraid the corporate case may be a bigger challenge."

"But at least their freedom is no longer at stake. Hermione, I can't thank you enough." Astoria's emotions were threatening to get the better of her again. Hermione noted with curiosity that while the rest of the table was drinking a very fine elf-made wine, Astoria had opted for pumpkin juice.

Severus noticed Hermione's gaze drift from Astoria, to her glass, to Draco, and then back to Astoria's glass. He looked at Draco carefully. Draco had his hand draped across the back of his wife's chair, a strikingly casual pose for a Malfoy at the dinner table. It smelled of protectiveness. He wondered if Hermione was noticing these same details.

Hermione smiled at Astoria, the Gryffindor's eyes cutting to the glass deliberately. Severus stifled a laugh. Subtlety was not a particular strength of the pretty little attorney. Astoria clearly understood Hermione's meaning, as her eyes grew wide as saucers and her cheeks pinked up. Severus forced his eyes away from the silent conversation, as he knew that Astoria would be mortified that he had also picked up on her secret. Narcissa and Lucius continued eating, unaware of the events going on between the two women.

Hermione kept watching her friend, who finally sighed and caught her husband's eye. Draco looked at his wife questioningly; she nodded firmly.

Draco stood and picked up his glass. "We have another reason to celebrate today."

Lucius and Narcissa looked at Draco. Lucius looked a bit confused; Narcissa's hand rose to her mouth almost involuntarily.

Draco took Astoria's hand. "Scorpius is going to be a big brother in about six months."

"How marvelous." Lucius beamed at his son and daughter-in-law.

Narcissa let out the tiniest of cries, clearly ecstatic.

"I'm so happy for you all." Hermione smiled at her friends. Wait, when did I start thinking of Draco as a friend? She was truly happy, but there was just a hint of longing, deep inside of her.

"Congratulations," Severus managed evenly. He couldn't help but watch Hermione. He saw her obvious pleasure for her friend, but he also saw the wistfulness below the surface. He wasn't entirely sure if he was seeing it in her, or if he was feeling it himself. He felt Narcissa's eyes on him. He looked up at the blonde, who smiled at him with a hint of sadness in her eyes. He averted his eyes and focused back on Draco, who was positively bursting with excitement.

As dinner drew to a close, Draco, Severus and Hermione talked a little about the probable next steps for the case. As there had been no injunction ordered, Draco decided that they should ship the completed potions as soon as possible for existing orders. Hermione and Severus were both skeptical of this course of action. Even Lucius suggested that would probably not be possible, as the injunction would probably come down quickly.

"You already ordered it, didn't you, Draco?" Hermione's eyes were torn between admiration, concern, and amusement.

Draco grinned. "I sent the elves to the factory as soon as we left the Ministry today."

Hermione laughed heartily. "You know Draco; one could argue that you have quite a bit of Gryffindor brashness in you."

Draco's jaw dropped; it was Severus' turn to laugh.

"Hermione, I assure you, Draco's boldness is pure Malfoy arrogance. To the naked eye, it resembles Gryffindor recklessness, but it's a different species entirely," Severus said, toasting Draco with a gleam in his eye. Hermione felt her insides turn somersaults. A charmingly funny Severus Snape was not something her heart could handle, particularly if he was preparing to propose to Lyra Malfoy.

"Hermione, are you quite alright?" Astoria sounded concerned.

Hermione managed to nod. "I'm afraid I've indulged a bit too much on this fine vintage," she said, hoping to distract the party from her musings.

Draco came to her rescue, changing the subject. "Hermione, we should probably schedule a time for you to meet with Lyra, Severus and me to talk about the case. I'm sure you'll have more detailed questions about the steps we took to make the process safe on all fronts. Knowing you, you may have some suggestions that would be helpful to improve the process."

She smiled. Draco called Lyra's house-elf, and they determined that the day after next would be a good day to go over things together.

When dinner concluded, Astoria escorted Hermione to the Floo. "Hermione, are you okay?"

"I am Astoria, truly. I am just feeling a little bit anxious tonight for some reason. I think it's being around you and Draco, seeing you so happy. I just thought my life would be a little more settled by now. I am so happy for you, I really am. I just can't help but feeling just a little concerned about my own future."

"Oh, Hermione. You'll get there. Don't worry." She hugged Hermione tightly. "It will be okay. You just have to open yourself up a little bit. You never know where the answer may lie."

Hermione smiled weakly, wondering if there was a double meaning in Astoria's words. Had Astoria picked up on her thoughts towards Severus?

"I should go home," she said quietly. "You and your new baby need your rest." And with that, she stepped into the Floo and headed back to her flat.

******************

The next day, Hermione exited the Manor's Floo. She was fuming. She knew she shouldn't be surprised, but Percy's owl had really set her off.

She dropped her briefcase on the table in Lyra's study.

"Hermione, what's wrong?" Lyra asked from behind a desk piled with papers.

"Oh, I received the injunction request. It's ridiculous. Percy filed for fifty million galleons in sanctions, and he asked for a cease and desist order. I am sure that I can get the Wizengamot to agree with our side, but they delayed our appeal for four weeks.

"Well, that will give you and I enough time to get all the necessary documents together," she said, motioning to the stack of files. "These are the records from the clinical trials. This one contains the summaries. It is probably the one you will be the most interested in, but the others contain backup that you might need."

"This is very helpful, thank you. Do you know where Draco and Severus are?"

"Are you always this impatient, Granger?" Draco drawled from the doorway. "Severus will be along momentarily. He is working on something new that he is very focused on right now; he said he needed five minutes."

Hermione nodded. "Draco, I reviewed the proposed sanctions. The fine is punitive. Percy is trying to solve the Ministry's budget problems on the back of Malfoy Industries. He has literally tried to say that every single dose of the potions should be subject to a fine, but I doubt there's any way he knows what those numbers even are. Some of these medications have been on the market for several years, so that fine would be astronomical. I'm going to argue that the amount should be based upon class of medication.

"As for the injunction, Draco, I need you to paint the picture of what will happen without the medication. We need to convince the Wizengamot that continuing the injunction is more dangerous for our world than reinstating distribution of the medications. We will also appeal to the Wizengamot from a standpoint of cooperation and equality, but truthfully, the pragmatic argument will be the most effective."

Severus entered the room at that moment. Hermione couldn't help but notice his appearance. He wore black trousers and a dark grey turtleneck. He looked crisp, yet relaxed at the same time. Hermione acknowledged him with a shy smile. Severus grimaced and nodded. Draco hid his smirk behind his hand; it seemed smiling at Granger was something Severus wanted to do, even though it seemed to cause him physical pain. Lyra raised her eyebrow at the exchange. She wasn't sure she'd ever seen Severus smile deliberately. Even spontaneous smiles were rare from him, but she was intrigued as to why he was being uncharacteristically polite to Hermione.

"Well, there are a few things we need to focus on when making this appeal. We need to show the benefits to everyone.

"Draco, you will detail the benefits to Muggles. As we discussed, the company has been following the progress of the affected patients?" Draco nodded.

"Good. For each medication, we need to show how the outcomes have been significantly more positive than those available from other sources. Lyra, you will need to talk about how the non-magical discoveries have been advancements, but they fell short of the magical remedies. We'll appeal to their sense of fairness here. We'll show them how the Statute, if fully enforced, will harm the quality of life of Muggles.

"Severus, you will help show how this research, if continued, can also benefit wizards. You need to speak about your research and your efforts to use Muggle technology to solve Wizarding problems. I know this is asking a lot, but I need you to talk about your mother's case. There's no need to reveal her identity, or even that she's a personal acquaintance. But they need to understand that a witch was suffering from an illness that traditional Healers were unable to handle. We need to show them how, by bridging this gap, you have helped wizards and witches. We will paint the distribution to Muggles as the next logical step."

She paused to let her words sink in. Severus looked decidedly uncomfortable.

Draco stepped in. "Hermione, Severus' research and use of Muggle technology has been helping witches and wizards for years, long before Mrs. Snape. Perhaps that would be an angle to pursue as well. There are several very well-known products that he developed using Muggle science. The Wizengamot is undoubtedly ignorant of this fact. You might even be able to find a personal angle for them, rather than expose ANY private information about Severus or his acquaintances."

Hermione paused to consider this for a moment. Draco does have a point about making the appeal more global, or perhaps finding something that appealed directly to the members of the Wizengamot.

"Interesting, Malfoy, that might be an even more effective approach. Severus, you and I will need to discuss that in more detail." She continued, "The other primary concern of the Wizengamot is going to be secrecy and protection of magic. Severus, you will need to share with them how the Concealment Charm was developed, and even more importantly, you'll need to talk about how it was tested.

"Draco, you'll need to talk about Black Pharmaceuticals and how it operates within the Muggle world without any knowledge of its linkage to Malfoy Industries except for a few key individuals. We'll also talk about how the disappearance of the drugs would likely raise questions and cause more investigation into the reason why that could be undesirable.

"Lyra, you will need to show the care that was taken to follow Muggle procedures. We will show a respect for the law as well as concern for Muggle safety. We need to show cooperation and care here. We'll give the Wizengamot no reason to question the competency of Black Pharmaceuticals to manage this process."

Lyra smiled and thought how Hermione was certainly good at her job. Draco couldn't help but wish she worked for his company on a permanent basis. Severus couldn't help but admire her either, though he was wondering if she was so quick to take charge in all aspects of her life.

Draco excused himself to get back to work. He promised Hermione that he would send her a wealth of reading materials about the success of the medications. Hermione huffed mildly at his teasing her about her love of books.

Lyra offered to show her the lab. Hermione wasn't sure if that was a good idea; she didn't want to tread on the space that Severus undoubtedly saw as private.

"Hermione," Severus offered calmly. "It might be useful for you to see the operations first hand."

Hermione was delighted. Severus led them just a few doors down from Lyra's study and opened the door.

The lab was nothing like what Hermione had expected. Her image of potions laboratories was tainted by the dungeons at Hogwarts. The lab at the Manor was bright and shiny. There were large windows on one wall. There was a small area where plants were growing.

"These ingredients are far easier to procure in seedling form. Narcissa's greenhouse has a section dedicated to our research as well. She is a rather talented Herbologist, as is Astoria, which I'm sure you know."

There were long stainless steel counters containing cauldrons of all sizes and materials. Several potions simmered and popped with their latest creations.

Hermione recognized one of the potions and looked at Severus in surprise. "Wolfsbane?"

"Indeed. Though that's not entirely accurate, as this is our more advanced version. I'm testing it now on a few subjects. This variety cuts back on the side effects for most patients. Instead of falling ill for two or three days per month, the patient merely sleeps for about twelve hours on the affected day. It should be far less disruptive to their lives."

"I'm surprised you still brew this." Her voice dropped to a whisper. She wasn't sure if this was a safe topic.

Severus sighed, knowing exactly her meaning. "I probably punished Lupin too harshly for his treatment of me when we were young. Inaction was his greatest crime. However, I certainly didn't correct the actions of my friends when I was a young man."

"He regretted that he did not help you more."

Severus looked at Hermione with surprise.

"Don't be so shocked Severus. Sirius never really grew out of that adolescent phase, but Remus did."

"I have seen his son. He's a fine boy. Andromeda has done well raising him."

"Yes, she has. And Harry has worked hard to be there for him as well."

"If you are expecting me to compliment Potter, Hermione, you are asking for a miracle," Severus smirked.

Hermione laughed. "I won't hold my breath, Severus."

There were several doors off the lab. Lyra showed Hermione where her lab was set up. It was warded to protect the Muggle equipment from the magic in the other lab.

When Hermione went to open one of the other doors, Severus winced. "Hermione ..." he warned.

"I'm sorry, is this area private?" Hermione turned to Lyra. She didn't seem to understand Severus' hesitation either.

"That is our testing room, Hermione. I assure you, we are as humane as possible, but you may not approve of what you see." Severus' voice was clearly nervous, which did nothing for Hermione's anxiety. She braced herself as Lyra opened the door.

The room was much larger than Hermione would have expected. It was bright and very clean. There were several habitats set up for the test subjects. There were groups of mice, kneazles, and rabbits living in several enclosures. They had room to move, food and water available, even areas to play. Most of them appeared very healthy.

Severus was standing behind her. "It's part of the process. We can't test anything on humans without having an idea how other creatures will react to the medications. If any creature seems to be truly suffering, we can usually heal them. We do our best to minimize any ill effects."

Hermione steeled her nerves. "Severus, you know I don't have the stomach for this kind of thing. But it looks like you try to treat the subjects as well as possible. I have lost some of my righteous indignation. I know that the goal here is to help others."

He led her back out of the room into the main lab. Lyra excused herself and returned to her study.

"Tell me about the early projects." Hermione conjured a notepad and pen. He led her into a small study that was off to the side of the lab.

"Well, truthfully, Draco was my earliest project that used Muggle technology."

"What?" Hermione was stunned and a little concerned by the revelation.

Severus laughed. "Oh, nothing untoward, Hermione, I assure you. I'm sure you are aware of the problem that Purebloods often have with fertility."

She nodded and gave a mild shudder. She'd received more than one truly unromantic marriage proposal from purebloods that sought a powerful witch to restore their family's former glory.

"Narcissa and her sisters suffered from a physical problem that made carrying a child to term very difficult. The problem worsens as a witch ages. That is why Tonks was an only child. Lyra was born when Narcissa was very young; she was not quite twenty. But the pregnancy was still extremely difficult for her; it is thought that her illness during the pregnancy may be why Lyra does not have magic.

"Narcissa and Lucius tried to have another child right after Lyra, knowing that their time was limited. For three years, Narcissa and Lucius suffered the painful cycle of hope and disappointment. She got pregnant more than once, but she suffered a loss each time.

"After I graduated Hogwarts, I was serving Voldemort, and I stayed here. Lucius confided in me what they were going through and asked for my help, knowing my skill with potions. I spent months researching all magical solutions and came up empty. As a last attempt, I examined some Muggle medical journals. Intrigued by the progress the Muggles were making, even back then, I started experimenting, trying to create an effective fertility potion." He laughed. "There was an excess of kneazle kittens around the Manor for the year or so I was testing my discoveries. Finally, I came up with something that I believed would work for humans. Draco was born about a year after Narcissa started taking the medication."

"That's amazing, Severus. So was the solution magical or scientific?"

"Both."

"Does Draco know this?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, but Lyra does not. Please understand and respect the need for discretion on that front. It would undoubtedly be difficult for her to accept that she might not have lost her magic if Muggle medicine was used. Draco only knows because Malfoy Industries still markets a version of the original potion to witches."

"So that's why you're Malfoy's godfather?" Hermione laughed.

Severus looked offended. "I would imagine it is a factor," he stated grumpily. Severus noted how easily she had accepted the story. She hadn't reacted when he'd said Voldemort's name or when he had acknowledged his time as a Death Eater. She had just watched him attentively with those eyes. A soft brown, her eyes were always full of emotion and curiosity and surprisingly little judgment.

Hermione asked him several more questions about his work. He shared with her his other creations; she was quite impressed. The conversation strayed from his potions research a bit. She never asked him anything too personal, but they talked about his early years at Hogwarts. Dumbledore had been supportive of his research. Severus didn't share with Hermione that his research was the one thing in those early years after Lily's death that kept him sane.

Every few minutes, Lyra would step out of her study for some manufactured reason or another. She greeted them politely and joined n the conversation briefly before returning to her own work.

Severus asked Hermione a few polite questions about her work; she was quite animated in telling him about her practice. She had been quite successful as a prosecutor, but punishment was not her forte, so she broke out on her own a few years earlier. She did a fair amount of criminal defense, but she also helped with other legal matters such as contracts and estates. She represented humans, part-humans and non-humans alike. She had lobbied for a few pieces of legislation improving the rights of non-humans.

"Still protecting the downtrodden, Hermione?"

"Yes, I am, although these days I try to make sure they want my help." She smiled nervously. "The house-elves at university wouldn't even speak to me. Apparently, the Hogwarts elves warned them about the clothes."

She looked at her watch. They had been talking for over two hours. "I should go. We've probably both got work to do."

For the next two weeks, Hermione visited the Manor for several hours each afternoon. The following morning, she reviewed the materials and prepared questions or requests for clarification. She would often talk strategy with Draco. She chatted with Lyra a time or two as well. Lyra and Hermione led lives that were somewhat parallel, though strangely inverted. Hermione had to give up her family for their safety; Lyra's had to send her away for hers. They both had rebuilt relationships with their families, but the old issues still lurked beneath the surface. Both women were intelligent and driven, and people they encountered were frequently intimidated by them.

Lyra noted, however, that Hermione spent most of her time not with her, or Draco, or even her dear friend Astoria. No, most of Hermione's time that week was spent in the lab with Severus. She talked with him about the case extensively. She probably had herself convinced it was all directly related to the case. But there was a great deal of talk about his past research that Lyra hardly thought was relevant. Lyra also couldn't help but notice the mild nervousness between the two when they were physically close. The looks were a little too long, and then she would become tongue tied, or he would turn sour. Hands would brush; then the floor would become fascinating to her, or some plant would require his attention across the room. Lyra wasn't jealous, at least, not in the traditional sense, but Severus had been her confidante for a very long time. She couldn't say she was thrilled with the new alliance.

Severus thoroughly enjoyed his visits with Hermione. She challenged him intellectually in a very pleasant way. And she possessed a toughness that was reassuring. There was no need to worry excessively about Hermione's feelings. If she didn't like what he said, she would give it right back to him. Lyra had always been a bit difficult in that way. She tried to project toughness, but she was more fragile than most would have guessed. Hermione, on the other hand, appeared delicate, but was fearless, probably to a fault. He just wouldn't think about those little moments that he was tempted to touch her or kiss her. He did not want to frighten her away. Just having her companionship was satisfactory, or at least that's what he tried to tell himself.

Hermione was the most content she'd been in a long time. The case was thrilling, and she was spending a great deal of time in very enjoyable company. The irony that it was occurring at Malfoy Manor was not lost on her. She even had a few pleasant conversations with Narcissa and Lucius when they would run into one another when she came to visit.

But Severus was an enigma. There were times when he was simply a milder version of his old professor persona. He was no longer cruel, but still snarky and impatient. Other times, he was calm and thoughtful, an expert sharing his knowledge and history with her and listening to her views with interest. They quarreled about several subjects, but it was more of a debate than a battle. And then there were the moments when she was aware of nothing about him except that he was a man. Those were the most confusing, because she would feel his eyes upon her, and then usually just as quickly, he would withdraw from her.

She always felt so embarrassed in those moments. He was twenty years her senior, her former professor, and he had both infuriated and impressed her for years. She had mourned his death and rejoiced at his survival. These days, she found him positively magnetic. She had no idea how she was going to handle the end of the case. She desperately hoped that wouldn't mean the end of their friendship. She knew that it was unlikely that it could be more than that, but she enjoyed his company. She didn't know she could be content with just a friendly relationship with him; however, she was sure that was all it could be, so she told herself it would have to be enough.