Chapter 5
Chapter 5 of 8
phoenixSeverus and Hermione search for the keepings box and a way to prove that he was following Dumbledore's orders.
ReviewedChapter 5
Severus looked upon the shelves of familiar instruments and unfamiliar. Even before taking over as Headmaster, he had spent hours studying some of them. He and the old headmaster had shared tea on frequent occasions. There were times when Severus had resented that, thinking that the old man didn't quite trust him, but there were other times where it seemed as though he was being treated as a favored grandson.
Well, he had not been that favored if the old man had not bothered to leave evidence of their agreement where it could be found.
"Where do we start?" Hermione asked, facing a wall of shelves, stacked full of items and devices.
"You start on that shelf and I'll start on this one," he said, first pointing to the shelves in front of her, then to the ones behind her. "Each device will need to be inspected for hidden compartments. As it seems that there is more than just Albus' things stored here, let me know when you have finished." He wished he had better advice to offer, but Hermione's comparison to the Snitch given to Potter was accurate. Hopefully the compartment would reveal itself since it the portrait had indicated it was the proper time.
He lost track of time as he carefully examined item after item, then moved onto the next row of shelves. Realizing it had been some time since Hermione had asked him a question, he decided to look for her. He found her slumped in a corner, fast asleep. Rather than wake her, he took off his outer robe and covered her with it.
Hours later he heard her stirring.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. What time is it?" she asked as she then stretched then yawned.
He had not been keeping track of the time and checked his watch. "Quarter after four."
"I'm sorry I fell asleep. Is there anything I can help with?" she asked sheepishly.
He pointed at the shelf where he was standing. "These are the last few items I have not examined."
"No sign of anything?" she asked, the disappointment clear in her voice. "He said that we would find what we needed in the keepings box."
Severus turned to her. "Think back. What exactly did he say?" He knew that she had told him once, but perhaps she could remember something she hadn't mentioned the first time.
"He told me that if I wanted proof, it was in the keepings box and that you would know what that was." She paused a moment, trying to recall her conversation. "I then asked him what I needed to do with it and he told me nothing, that I had already demonstrated what is necessary to open it."
He frowned. It was not at all illuminating. It only took them a few minutes to examine the remaining items.
"Clearly it is not here," Severus remarked, not bothering to hide his disappointment. He knew he should not have gotten his hopes up.
"It has to be somewhere," Hermione remarked. Her face lit up as she got an idea. "Kab," she said softly.
Severus arched his eyebrow.
"Kab!" she called out.
A house-elf popped into the room. "Yes, Miss? How may Kab be of service?" he asked obsequiously.
"Is this all of Professor Dumbledore's belonging?" she asked.
"Other than the professor's clothes and those items he willed, yes, Miss."
"The will! Why didn't I think of it sooner? He knew that we would need help in the form of various magical artifacts, and he willed those to us. Surely he would have willed the keepings box to someone rather than risk it being thrown out," she said excitedly.
Severus crossed his arms and snorted. "You have much more faith in him than I do. Who might he have willed something like that to? It clearly was not me."
She was pacing excitedly now as her mind raced ahead. "I need to get to the Ministry. Surely his will has been filed with Magical Probate, and we can figure out where it might have gone."
He placed his hands on her shoulders to get her attention. "Seeing as it's half past four in the morning, I think that our best option would be to return to the house and get at least a few hours rest. As I am no longer at Azkaban, and my life is not in imminent danger, there is no reason anything has to be done this minute. It has been a year since his passing, and the odds of someone deciding this morning to throw out whatever it was they had been left are incredibly remote."
She blushed. "Right. Sorry. Sometimes I get a little carried away."
He arched his eyebrow at her and let a small grin show on his lips. "A little?"
By the time they made it to the castle gates, Severus was feeling quite exhausted. After being in Azkaban for months and then spending nearly two straight days working on the antidote, one night of sleep had not been enough to restore his strength. It pained him to ask, but he was reasonably sure he would Splinch if he tried to Apparate. "Hermione, do you think you could..." He offered her his arm, finding it difficult to actually ask for help.
She looked at him imploringly, trying to figure out what he was asking.
He sighed, knowing she had won this round. "I'm quite exhausted after a night of searching and would rather not walk to Hogsmeade for the Floo."
"And?" she prompted.
"Could you Apparate us back?" he finally asked.
She did nothing more than raise her eyebrows.
"Please?" he finally added.
"That wasn't so difficult, was it?" she asked playfully as she took hold of his arm and Apparated them back to the safe house.
When they arrived she did not immediately let go of his arm, and he found himself enjoying her touch. He looked into her eyes for several seconds, trying to gauge her feelings. Finally he placed his hand over hers and said, "Thank you."
She flushed at his words, looked away and finally released his arm. "You're welcome." There was an awkward silence that followed until she added, "So, I'll get a few hours of sleep and then head to the Ministry to see what I can learn."
Hermione slept fitfully, her mind occupied with not just thoughts of finds proof of Severus' loyalty, but how he had behaved towards her. She couldn't believe she'd been flirting with him, but she had been, hadn't she? Was it so bad to flirt with him? She had always admired his intellect and had longed to impress him when she was a student. Of course she was no longer his student, and she never would have dared speak so lightly toward him, let alone flirt with him then. But they were both adults now who seemed to have a mutual attraction.
Or did he? Was she reading him correctly? Or like she'd initially thought, was he simply trying to develop a friendship with her?
She tried to push thoughts of Severus from her mind, but to no avail. She kept reliving the pleasant and playful moments of the last few days in her mind's eye. She gave up trying to sleep shortly before nine. She thought of waking Severus before she left, but she knew that his presence at the Ministry would be a distraction and that she should not disturb his sleep. He had been so incredibly exhausted last night, and she knew he needed to rest. Instead she wrote a note and placed a warming charm on his breakfast plate.
When she arrived at the Ministry there was the usual morning hustle and bustle. As a visitor she had to wait in line to have her wand weighed and receive her visitor's badge. This was the part she hated most because people kept coming up to her and congratulating her for her work with the antidote. She knew there would be some, but she was surprised by how many there were. She tried to tell them that she had merely helped and that Severus had done the bulk of the work, but no one seemed to be listening. Of course they wouldn't, it was easier to maintain the status quo that he was a Death Eater and belonged in Azkaban.
Finally she was able to take the lift to Magical Probate, which was in a fairly deserted section of the Ministry.
She stepped up to the desk manned by an elderly wizard. "I'd like to see Albus Dumbledore's will, please," she asked as pleasantly as possible.
He furrowed his brow a few seconds. "Dumbledore... Dumbledore... Ah, yes. That will was read and executed last year."
Hermione tried to remain calm. Getting frustrated with the old wizard would serve no purpose. "Yes, I was one of the beneficiaries, and I was never able to see a copy of the will. Now that everything has calmed down, I had hoped to take a look at it."
After considering her a few moments, he said, "That's very unusual, very unusual. I don't know."
"Please, sir, there might have been a message he left in there for a friend of mine. It's very important."
"There's protocol to be followed, forms, it's just not done," he muttered.
She sighed. This wasn't something she normally liked doing, but at this point she would try anything that would help. "I don't know if you know who I am..." she prompted, hoping her status as war heroine might grant her this special dispensation a little more easily.
He adjusted his glasses and considered her for a few seconds. "Oh, yes, you're that Granger girl from the war. Good job there."
"Thank you. Do you think you could see fit to let me take a look at Dumbledore's will? I'll read it here."
"Oh, no. I'm sorry. Procedures must be followed, paperwork filled out. It just isn't done. Once a will is read, that's it," he said rather definitively as he shuffled the papers on his desk.
She took a deep breath. "Could I have the forms?" she asked as patiently as she could.
He looked at her as though no one had ever asked him that question. Finally he rose from his seat and muttered about forms and 'not done' while he dug through a dusty filing cabinet. After several minutes he returned with a stack of forms. "These need to be filled out, notarized, and then they'll need to be verified." He tapped his lips thoughtfully. "It'll take about two weeks."
"Two weeks?" she asked in shock. This was completely unbelievable. Rather than get into an argument with the old wizard, she decided her best course of action was to get help from Arthur. She really hated bothering him, but this was very important to her, and she did not want to wait two weeks for an answer. She just knew that Severus had to have been acting on Dumbledore's orders the entire time and she would do whatever it took to prove it.
When she arrived at the Minister's office, she was informed that he was in meetings outside the Ministry this morning and that the secretary did not know exactly when he would be returning. She decided to wait and found herself wishing she had brought a book since she had already read the old issues of Witch Weekly sitting in the reception area.
When Severus woke, he was surprised by how light it was outside, realizing it must already be midday. He dragged himself out of bed to see what Hermione was doing. He saw the plate and note on the table, but no sign of her. He reasoned that she must have gone to the Ministry without him. He felt a small pang of disappointment that she had let him sleep.
He sat to eat and read the note. Checking the clock on the wall, he saw that it was nearly noon and that she had been gone since nine that morning. He wondered what could be taking her so long to read Dumbledore's will. He knew the old man liked to be wordy and circumspect, but it should not have taken nearly three hours.
Once finished with his meal, he decided he might as well try to work on the report for St. Mungo's. Since he had not noticed any glaring absence of possessions in the store room, he was inclined to believe the supposed proof of his innocence in a keepings box was one last joke the old man was playing on him. At least he had his wand returned. He could always go to the Continent or there was the option of finding employment through some of the less savory contacts he had, but it would probably be wiser to leave Britain entirely for at least a few years.
It took him until nearly three o'clock to finish the report, and Hermione still had not returned. He was sitting in one of the armchairs attempting to read, but not having much success as he kept checking the clock. Finally he heard the door open at a little after three. She held a roll of parchment triumphantly in her hand. He noticed that she looked quite harried.
"Problems?" he asked as he put his book down.
She moved next over to the table. "Like you would not believe. Trying to get anything done at the Ministry... Doesn't matter. I was able to read the original and make a copy of it. I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary on the original to suggest there was any magically hidden text, though if there was, I'm sure the Ministry would have discovered it." She placed it on the table and rolled it out. "There really wasn't much to it. Other than leaving his money to charity, he left most of his possessions to his brother, other than the ones he gave us."
Severus joined her at the table and frowned as he read the document. He had not expected much, but he thought that there should have been something else. "If he left his possessions to his brother, why were they at the castle?"
She glanced at him across the table. "I asked, and the probate officer told me that Aberforth didn't want them and said to keep them at the castle. I'm guessing the house-elves took him at his word and just stored the stuff. I guess we're back at square one." Her shoulders slumped.
"Unsurprisingly," replied Snape dryly as he leaned back in his chair. Well, at least he had some semblance of a plan for what to do with his life now.
"Maybe if we talk to the portrait again? I can talk to Mr. Weasley about getting you to see the portrait... Oh, why didn't I think of it? We don't need to go to Hogwarts. He has a portrait at the Ministry!" she said excitedly.
Severus arched an eyebrow at her. "You do realize he likely spends most of his time at Hogwarts, and even if he were to visit his Ministry portrait, something tells me it's not located in a quiet corner."
She gave him a sly grin. "Honestly, Severus, I thought you would know that he could travel within the other portraits at the Ministry. I'll send owls to Minerva and to Arthur and see if we can arrange a secluded meeting."
It pleased him to see her verbally sparring with him. "Of course. It must have slipped my mind," he said offhandedly. As she dug out parchment and quill from the desk, he said, "I was able to finish the report for St. Mungo's. I thought that you might like to review it and see if there was anything you wanted to add."
"Really?" she asked in utter surprise as she turned from her rummaging to look at him.
He rose from his chair and took a few steps towards the desk. "We did work together on this."
"I don't know that it was really together. I just followed your instructions," she replied bashfully, looking away from his dark eyes.
He took another step closer. "Without your meticulous notes, I would never have been able to postulate the theories that led to the antidote," he said softly, taking one last step to close the distance between them.
She was forced to look up into his eyes and found herself at an utter loss for words. "I should write those letters," she said lamely.
"Do I frighten you?" he asked gently.
"No," she replied even though he could see her trembling.
He placed his hand gently on her cheek. "Then why are you shaking?" he asked quietly before letting his lips brush her other cheek.
"Severus, please," she whispered as she closed her eyes.
"Please, what?" he asked before softly kissing her lips. Gently he probed her lips with his tongue to see if she would deepen the kiss. She did. Her lips were soft and velvety. He could feel her put her hand on his arm, but she did not try to pull him away.
When they broke the kiss, she was once again looking into his eyes. "I don't think... This is moving a little too fast for me," she said softly as she took a step backwards, bumping against the desk chair.
He took a step back and watched her carefully, letting her make the next move.
"This is all a bit confusing. Everything has changed so quickly over the last few days, and we still don't know what your status is." There was another long silence. Finally she said, "Are you going to say anything?"
"I was waiting for you to finish thinking," he said, watching the myriad of emotions flitting across her face.
"And what were you thinking?" she asked.
"I was thinking that you are a lovely and talented witch who deserves to be with someone who is your equal. I know of your feelings for Weasley, but I doubt you would ever be truly happy with him." He had lost Lily because he had not told her how he felt. He had no idea where things stood between her and Weasley, he'd not been allowed papers in Azkaban, but if he had even a remote chance of anything with this woman, he did not want to lose Hermione for the same reason.
She looked shocked by his words and clumsily sat in the desk chair. "And you think you might be that equal?" she asked quietly. "We hardly know each other."
He looked longingly at her, as though he finally knew what he wanted in life. "I know more about you than you imagine, but I am willing to take the time to get to know you better if you are willing to do the same."
She eyed him appraisingly for quite some time. "I think that might be a good idea, but after we clear your name."
He got down on his knee so that he could look into her eyes. "I think that we can do both at the same time."
"I suppose so, but I really do need to get those letters written. The sooner we clear your name, the better." She turned the chair towards the desk, once again searching for parchment.
"And if my name is not cleared?" he asked pointedly. It was better they face this possibility sooner rather than later.
She turned to face him, quill in her hand. "I believe you. That's all that's important."
He reached his hand out and brushed her cheek. "Your reputation will not likely be enough to protect you from my past as the wizarding world sees it. Are you prepared to be ostracized?"
"Severus, I was an outcast until I found Harry and Ron," she gently took hold of his hand, pulling it away from her cheek. "And I would have," she swallowed and glanced away from him, "you, if it gets to that point," her gaze met his again. "I can handle it."
He rose to his feet and stepped back slightly to allow her some space. He would take her at her word, though he knew there was a difference between being bullied because you were the brainy kid and being shunned because people thought you a despicable human being. "Then I should let you write those letters and perhaps I can prepare dinner?" There was time, he had time.
"You cook?" she asked skeptically.
"I did not spend my summers at Hogwarts," he said with a smirk. "Cooking is quite a useful skill."
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Latest 25 Reviews for Work Release
76 Reviews | 5.76/10 Average
Well, I'm hoping you are still working on this story, and haven't given it up. I quite like it. And who says you have to follow JKR's story now? Just write what you were always going to, and the rest can go hang. Mark it as A.U. If you have to; we'll still read it. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Don't worry, this won't be abandoned. :) It's actually almost complete. I have a couple of more chapters almost ready to post. I've just had one of those pesky attacks of RL - you know things like cooking, cleaning, taking care of children. LOL I also don't want to spam the board by updating both of my stories at the same time. Thanks for reviewing and glad to see you are enjoying the story.
Response from TheCopperDragon2004 (Reviewer)
Yay can't wait! So many of my beloved stories ate being abandoned, I'm glad this one isn't!
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I know what you mean. I did the review-a-thon and saw so many stories that looked interesting from the descriptions, but had not been updated in 6 months or more so I reluctantly passed, even though I was sure I would enjoy the story.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Don't worry, this won't be abandoned. :) It's actually almost complete. I have a couple of more chapters almost ready to post. I've just had one of those pesky attacks of RL - you know things like cooking, cleaning, taking care of children. LOL I also don't want to spam the board by updating both of my stories at the same time. Thanks for reviewing and glad to see you are enjoying the story.
Response from TheCopperDragon2004 (Reviewer)
Yay can't wait! So many of my beloved stories ate being abandoned, I'm glad this one isn't!
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I know what you mean. I did the review-a-thon and saw so many stories that looked interesting from the descriptions, but had not been updated in 6 months or more so I reluctantly passed, even though I was sure I would enjoy the story.
Well, I'm hoping you are still working on this story, and haven't given it up. I quite like it. And who says you have to follow JKR's story now? Just write what you were always going to, and the rest can go hang. Mark it as A.U. If you have to; we'll still read it. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Thank you for your review. I haven't given up on it, I just have summer vacation and visiting relatives in the house, so it's been chaotic to say the least. The next chapter should be up soon. I generally don't have problems with AU (heck, most of what I've written has been AU), but I was writing this when DH came out and the muses were gutted by what happened to Severus and refused to cooperate for years. They finally got over it. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Thank you for your review. I haven't given up on it, I just have summer vacation and visiting relatives in the house, so it's been chaotic to say the least. The next chapter should be up soon. I generally don't have problems with AU (heck, most of what I've written has been AU), but I was writing this when DH came out and the muses were gutted by what happened to Severus and refused to cooperate for years. They finally got over it. :)
Gah, hell of a cliffie!it's probably just as well Dumbledore is already dead, because no doubt Severus would be inclined (after he's cleared) to repeat the task for all the missteps and wandering path he's leading the pair of them on.I tend to agree with Hermione, that it's all moving at too fast a pace, but then love is not something that runs to a definable schedule. ;)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
<eg> Cliffies are always such fun - from the writing point. I know how frustrating they can be for the reading point.I have to agree with you that given all he's been through, Severus is probably going to start feeling a bit less guilty about the role he played in Dumbledore's demise. And poor Hermione is in a bit of a land of confusion. She didn't even want to work with Severus and now she finds she not only can get along with him, but might have some feelings for him. Pretty scary for her.Thanks for the review, and the resolve for the cliffie should be up soon.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
<eg> Cliffies are always such fun - from the writing point. I know how frustrating they can be for the reading point.I have to agree with you that given all he's been through, Severus is probably going to start feeling a bit less guilty about the role he played in Dumbledore's demise. And poor Hermione is in a bit of a land of confusion. She didn't even want to work with Severus and now she finds she not only can get along with him, but might have some feelings for him. Pretty scary for her.Thanks for the review, and the resolve for the cliffie should be up soon.
I can't help thinking that Dumbledore wanted Severus back in the castle, so used the idea of a 'keepings box' as incentive,knowing full well that it would take both of them to open it.The revelations into the psyche of Severus are interesting, and it's layering of his life that is making Hermione more and more cognisant of how large a role he had in saving their skins. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Dumbledore is so annoyingly cryptic. I don't know that he planned for the two of them to get together, but he certainly is annoyingly pleased about it, isn't he?Hermione is definitely getting her eyes opened to the real Severus, though she is more open minded than the boys and always defended him - knowing the Dumbledore had a reason for placing so much trust in Snape. I think she's actually a bit relieved that despite everything Dumbledore put her and her friends through, that she was correct in standing by Severus. And she is gaining a new appreciation of what he did to keep them alive, even if all of it from the books isn't relevant to this story, he did still help out immensely.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Dumbledore is so annoyingly cryptic. I don't know that he planned for the two of them to get together, but he certainly is annoyingly pleased about it, isn't he?Hermione is definitely getting her eyes opened to the real Severus, though she is more open minded than the boys and always defended him - knowing the Dumbledore had a reason for placing so much trust in Snape. I think she's actually a bit relieved that despite everything Dumbledore put her and her friends through, that she was correct in standing by Severus. And she is gaining a new appreciation of what he did to keep them alive, even if all of it from the books isn't relevant to this story, he did still help out immensely.
Curiouser and curiouser. Manipulative old coot that he is, I doubt it's been too often that Dumbledore has ever had a dressing down from anyone.To give the information readily means there are things at play than neither Severus or Hermione realise.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Yeah, the old codger really had it coming. I don't know if she would have had the gumption to do it to his person, but she definitely reached the breaking point here, didn't she? Not that anyone can blame her.And yes, he would never make it that simple, would he?
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Yeah, the old codger really had it coming. I don't know if she would have had the gumption to do it to his person, but she definitely reached the breaking point here, didn't she? Not that anyone can blame her.And yes, he would never make it that simple, would he?
A pleasant snape in a position to ask, and receive pretty much anything from the Ministry. it seems a little too easy that the antidote worked so quickly, and I sense that it's going to be a long and windy path (with lots of jagged edges) before Severus truly is exonerated
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
It was nice to see Snape find his backbone again, wasn't it? He knew he had something he could bargain with.And there is a difference between a pardon and being exonerated. The latter clearly having a much more arduous path. Here's to hoping that path leads somewhere, right?
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
It was nice to see Snape find his backbone again, wasn't it? He knew he had something he could bargain with.And there is a difference between a pardon and being exonerated. The latter clearly having a much more arduous path. Here's to hoping that path leads somewhere, right?
This is such an inventive and original start, and it's sucked me in almost straight away. :)The mystery and hard decisions made make me wonder just what could be so toxic, and I can't help wondering if Minerva isn't one of the victims. It would make Severus work that much harder and longer to find a cure I think, given his previous friendship.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Thanks. I'm glad you liked the start. I was trying to find something that would cause the Ministry to decide that perhaps working with Severus is better than leaving him to rot. Of course, given he's working for his freedom, I don't know that it would matter too much who the victims were. Cure them or spend a lifetime in Azkaban - not really much of a choice, is it?
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Thanks. I'm glad you liked the start. I was trying to find something that would cause the Ministry to decide that perhaps working with Severus is better than leaving him to rot. Of course, given he's working for his freedom, I don't know that it would matter too much who the victims were. Cure them or spend a lifetime in Azkaban - not really much of a choice, is it?
Hermione, he cooks. Don't let that one get away! I'm glad he was able to get his feelings out in the open, but that she wasn't afraid to let him know it was too much too soon. Now, I really want them to get some answers!
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
LOL I love the sentiment about him cooking. His eagerness and her reluctance come from their respective ages, but at least he wasn't put off and deciding to pull away from her over it. Of course given he's who he is, he's probably inwardly thrilled that she didn't recoil from his affections. And yes, they need some answers.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
LOL I love the sentiment about him cooking. His eagerness and her reluctance come from their respective ages, but at least he wasn't put off and deciding to pull away from her over it. Of course given he's who he is, he's probably inwardly thrilled that she didn't recoil from his affections. And yes, they need some answers.
I should have known that Dumbledore's answer seemed to clear cut. He never quits, does he?That was quite an intimate secret that Severus shared to his newly acquired friend. Of course, he probably does realize how much he owes her, and he still wants to get in her good graces. I hope they find what they are looking for.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Nope, Dumbledore just has to obfuscate everything. As to him telling Hermione, I think he's finally realizing that there is a give and take to life, that now that he's a free man (well, almost free) he can do what he wants for the first time ever. He wants to learn more about her, so he realizes he has to tell her more about him. He's still trying to figure out why she wants to help him since no one else seems to want to do so. Of course, he was also careless with his remarks and backed himself into a corner where he was forced to answer, but it felt good for him to finally share that with someone who cared about him.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Nope, Dumbledore just has to obfuscate everything. As to him telling Hermione, I think he's finally realizing that there is a give and take to life, that now that he's a free man (well, almost free) he can do what he wants for the first time ever. He wants to learn more about her, so he realizes he has to tell her more about him. He's still trying to figure out why she wants to help him since no one else seems to want to do so. Of course, he was also careless with his remarks and backed himself into a corner where he was forced to answer, but it felt good for him to finally share that with someone who cared about him.
Well, at least Severus wasn't too stubborn, and he is allowing her to help him, even if he just thinks he is humoring her. Now, let's hope they can find this keepings box.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Severus is still a bit beaten down from his time being left to rot in prison and being abandoned by everyone. Of course Hermione while not Dumbledore's number one fan, has to have her Gryffindor belief that there was no way he could have abandoned Severus.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Severus is still a bit beaten down from his time being left to rot in prison and being abandoned by everyone. Of course Hermione while not Dumbledore's number one fan, has to have her Gryffindor belief that there was no way he could have abandoned Severus.
I didn't expect success so quickly. That just means more time for a developing relationship. Well, provided he doesn't get fussy and run off or something. That would be totally unlike him though, wouldn't it? :) I suppose he probably can't really move on until he is officially pardoned, even though it has been promised. Off to find out more ...
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Well he had to succeed quickly since the Ministry left securing his help until just about the last minute. But that's okay, Hermione has found herself and underdog to champion. 
So it's not like she will be abandoning him. Thanks for your review. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Well he had to succeed quickly since the Ministry left securing his help until just about the last minute. But that's okay, Hermione has found herself and underdog to champion. So it's not like she will be abandoning him. Thanks for your review. :)
Being mean is not in Hermione's nature, and I'm glad she realized it and backed off. I wonder how long it will take them to decide that working together is not so bad? Snape will find an answer; there is too much at stake.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Being mean isn't in her nature. I think she was trying to find that line between authoritatve and mean and having some trouble with it. But she is bright enough to know that some methods don't work with some people. Ahem, Snape. ;) We're all rooting for Severus. I doubt anyone has the knowledge or experience he does, hence Arthur being forced to turn to someone he isn't sure he should trust. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you enjoy the rest of it. New chapters come every 4-7 days if I don't forget. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Being mean isn't in her nature. I think she was trying to find that line between authoritatve and mean and having some trouble with it. But she is bright enough to know that some methods don't work with some people. Ahem, Snape. ;) We're all rooting for Severus. I doubt anyone has the knowledge or experience he does, hence Arthur being forced to turn to someone he isn't sure he should trust. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you enjoy the rest of it. New chapters come every 4-7 days if I don't forget. :)
And being the Potion Master he is, I suspect him to be quite a formidable cook.I like that Hermione allows herself time to be in doubt. Some things should not be rushed.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I'm sure he is quite a good cook. As everyone has said, following a recipe is a lot like brewing a potion.Hermione would naturally have doubts. Her life has been a whirlwind of adventure that is just now starting to slow down. Of course, his life was stagnating in prison and he's likely got the 'take the bull by the horns' mentality. Quite a dichotomy there, isn't it?
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I'm sure he is quite a good cook. As everyone has said, following a recipe is a lot like brewing a potion.Hermione would naturally have doubts. Her life has been a whirlwind of adventure that is just now starting to slow down. Of course, his life was stagnating in prison and he's likely got the 'take the bull by the horns' mentality. Quite a dichotomy there, isn't it?
I'm guessing that when Hermione realises she loves Severus the "keepings box" will open, perhaps they already have it but won't know until it opens, The kiss was very sweet, and unexpected 
.
I'm sure that Severus is a good cook, being a potions master would help in that line.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Soon the mystery of the keepings box will be revealed. I'm glad you liked the kiss. I think Severus is in this place where his thoughts are something along the lines of 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' and that he knows his time with her is quite finite if something doesn't happen. This is a man who can finally take control of his life.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Soon the mystery of the keepings box will be revealed. I'm glad you liked the kiss. I think Severus is in this place where his thoughts are something along the lines of 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' and that he knows his time with her is quite finite if something doesn't happen. This is a man who can finally take control of his life.
Dumbles and his riddles. Why do I get the feeling that they are making this harder than it really is this time? A keeping box sounds so much like a house-elf term for something. Hermione is so very cute when she's flustered - I get the feeling Severus enjoys seeing her that way when he's responsible for getting her that way.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Yup, Dumbledore has to have his riddles. Can't give a straight answer to anything, even if it keeps an innocent man out of prison. And isn't flustered Hermione fun? Something tells me Severus' has enough personality quirks he could do that for years. :) Thanks for reviewing.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Yup, Dumbledore has to have his riddles. Can't give a straight answer to anything, even if it keeps an innocent man out of prison. And isn't flustered Hermione fun? Something tells me Severus' has enough personality quirks he could do that for years. :) Thanks for reviewing.
That elderly wizard in Magical Probate was getting on my last nerve. If Hermione hadn't decided to talk to Arthur to sort out this folderol, I think I might have cursed the old man myself just to get him out of the way. I keep thinking about what that Keeping Box might be, and we have a few clues to go by:•Severus had said that "It's a magically sealed object that will open when the time is right." •Dumbledore had talked about Faith, and how Harry's faith had allowed him to call Fawkes when he an Ginny were trapped in the Chamber of Secrets. •And Hermione has already demonstrated the quality that was necessary to open the keeping box.Well, I have no idea right now what that "box" might be, but I'll keep reading this story and looking for more clues. You've really set us quite a puzzle to unravel.I'm glad that Severus' kiss didn't put her off. I think they can find the evidence to prove his innocence and get to know each other better at the same time, too. In fact, I don't know how the two of them could find that proof without getting to know more about each other.Thanks for another great chapter!Beth
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Aren't lifelong, institutionalized bureaucrats fun? NOT! I really enjoyed having some fussy old, by the rules wizard for Hermione to have to deal with. Thank goodness she knows the Minister.I'm glad you are enjoying the puzzle of the box. It just wouldn't be right if Dumbledore had left evidence where someone might actually be able to easily find it. So frustrating that he can play these little games even from beyond the grave.That kiss was a nice subtle shift in their relationship, wasn't it? He figures he can finally live his life on his terms and not feel like he has to protect others and she's coming into adulthood and not quite sure what she wants. And he can feel confident that he didn't get outright rejected.Thanks for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Aren't lifelong, institutionalized bureaucrats fun? NOT! I really enjoyed having some fussy old, by the rules wizard for Hermione to have to deal with. Thank goodness she knows the Minister.I'm glad you are enjoying the puzzle of the box. It just wouldn't be right if Dumbledore had left evidence where someone might actually be able to easily find it. So frustrating that he can play these little games even from beyond the grave.That kiss was a nice subtle shift in their relationship, wasn't it? He figures he can finally live his life on his terms and not feel like he has to protect others and she's coming into adulthood and not quite sure what she wants. And he can feel confident that he didn't get outright rejected.Thanks for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review.
And, as a Potions master, I'm sure he's an excellent cook at that. ^_^
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I'm sure that he is. Given his reputation, I'm sure he has plenty of skills that can surprise Hermione.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I'm sure that he is. Given his reputation, I'm sure he has plenty of skills that can surprise Hermione.
Now there's a new idea for Severus to warp his mind around, someone that cares about him, and doesn't make him suffer for it.
On to the search for the keepers box.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
It is a new idea for Severus, isn't it? She's be nice to him and really has nothing to gain for herself. She's doing this because it's the right thing to do. Very novel for him.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
It is a new idea for Severus, isn't it? She's be nice to him and really has nothing to gain for herself. She's doing this because it's the right thing to do. Very novel for him.
YES! at last someone willing to stand up to the old bastard esteemed Headmaster, I hope he will at least tell Hermione what this " keepings box " looks like.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
LOL I love everyone's reaction to her lashing out at Dumbledore. Someone had to do it, right? Hopefully she can solve the mystery of the keepings box and help Severus get his life back.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
LOL I love everyone's reaction to her lashing out at Dumbledore. Someone had to do it, right? Hopefully she can solve the mystery of the keepings box and help Severus get his life back.
Hermione doesn't have much reason to trust Severus, and yet she does, she must be listening to her heart. Cant wait to see what the great bearded tit... sorry professor Dumbledor, has to say for himself.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
LOL I love your description of Dumbledore. Severus has said just enough to picque Hermione's curiosity, to help her realize that none of them really knew him. And of course she loves to champion and underdog. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
LOL I love your description of Dumbledore. Severus has said just enough to picque Hermione's curiosity, to help her realize that none of them really knew him. And of course she loves to champion and underdog. :)
Perhaps there is method to Dumbledore's madness. At each stage when they have run into a barrier to finding what they needed, they have worked together to put the pieces in just the right order. As it was with brewing the healing potion, now to find the keeping box they are working together... and at each stage they learn something more about each other... and each time they grow closer and trust more deeply. I can't wait to find out what they find in that stroage room!Beth
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Given it's Dumbledore, I'm sure he thinks there is a method to his madness and always has been. Just not everyone shares his vision of things. And I think he's meddling from beyond the grave, much to everyone's annoyance.
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
LOL! I think you're right about Dumbledore's opinion of his meddling ways. He was always clothing his plans in that "greater good" ploy which, if one happened to find him/herself not among the ones who benefitted, was very annoying, indeed.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Given it's Dumbledore, I'm sure he thinks there is a method to his madness and always has been. Just not everyone shares his vision of things. And I think he's meddling from beyond the grave, much to everyone's annoyance.
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
LOL! I think you're right about Dumbledore's opinion of his meddling ways. He was always clothing his plans in that "greater good" ploy which, if one happened to find him/herself not among the ones who benefitted, was very annoying, indeed.
Y'know, why does Dumbledore have to be so cryptic? There's NO NEED for it. Jerk.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I think your last word answers your first question. LOL When has that man ever given a straight answer to anything? But at least he gave her some sort of an answer - which is more than Minerva got.
Response from cmwinters (Reviewer)
Yeah.Dumbledore? NOT high on my list of "favourite people". Even IF I DO think Snape and Harry were right to be "Dumbledore's Men". That's less praise of Dumbledore than condemnation of the Dark Lord and the Ministry; the alternative was so much worse...
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I think your last word answers your first question. LOL When has that man ever given a straight answer to anything? But at least he gave her some sort of an answer - which is more than Minerva got.
Response from cmwinters (Reviewer)
Yeah.Dumbledore? NOT high on my list of "favourite people". Even IF I DO think Snape and Harry were right to be "Dumbledore's Men". That's less praise of Dumbledore than condemnation of the Dark Lord and the Ministry; the alternative was so much worse...
I wonder what Snape makes of Hermiones comment about her being the only one that cares for him. I hope he doesn't balk too much.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Definitely a shock for him to hear to that someone actually cares about him. That's something that probably hasn't happened since Lily. Dumbledore may have acted like it, but I think in hindsight Severus realizes he was merely a tool. Hopefully his new lease on life will allow him to open his eyes and realize he doesn't have to be alone, that no one would be in danger from getting close to him.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Definitely a shock for him to hear to that someone actually cares about him. That's something that probably hasn't happened since Lily. Dumbledore may have acted like it, but I think in hindsight Severus realizes he was merely a tool. Hopefully his new lease on life will allow him to open his eyes and realize he doesn't have to be alone, that no one would be in danger from getting close to him.
Enjoyable chapter thank you. Wonder if the House Elf could have found the item. But then they would not have the opportunity to cement their friendship.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
The house-elf would have gladly helped, but there is the small matter of not knowing exactly what they are looking for. And as you said, it gets her more opportunity to unravel the enigma of Severus Snape.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
The house-elf would have gladly helped, but there is the small matter of not knowing exactly what they are looking for. And as you said, it gets her more opportunity to unravel the enigma of Severus Snape.
I bet writing this chapter was something of a catharsis for you. I know I had some major grief with the 'Sainted Dumbledore'. Enjoying!
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
It really did feel good to have someone finally lash out at him. Yes, he was a powerful wizard, but he was by no means perfect and those cracks were showing before Rita's book, but her investigation really put them in perspective. I'm glad you are enjoying this so far and thanks for the review. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
It really did feel good to have someone finally lash out at him. Yes, he was a powerful wizard, but he was by no means perfect and those cracks were showing before Rita's book, but her investigation really put them in perspective. I'm glad you are enjoying this so far and thanks for the review. :)