Chapter 8
Chapter 8 of 8
phoenixVictims from a late war poisoning attack have one hope of survival - incarcerated Death Eater Severus Snape. Can he be convinced to not only help save them, but to work with Hermione Granger to do so?
ReviewedA/N: Sorry my lovelies for taking so long to finish this. The muses really jumped ship years ago and I finally found them when I decided to start rereading my fanfic and found myself falling in love with the characters all over again. I hope everyone finds this a nice satisfying end.
Following the trial, Hermione did spend some time with Harry and Ron, but the two of them were still reveling in the spotlight of being war heroes and she was uncomfortable with that sort of attention, so she spent most of her time with Severus. The time she did spend with her friends was when Harry was working on the renovations to Grimmauld Place. It was a much more cheerful place than it had been, though they were still stuck with Mrs. Black's portrait in the entry.
They did talk a little about the future. Ron wanted to try out for the Chudley Cannons, having had enough dealing with Dark Wizards during the last year. Harry was looking into joining the Auror program. Hermione was evasive about what her plans for the future were, not that it seemed to surprise either of them. After all, she had been interning with various entities since soon after the end of the war, trying to determine which career path would make her happiest. She was not yet ready to tell them she was almost positive she had chosen what she would do with her future. While this was something she could not keep hidden forever, now was not the time to bring it up with the two of them. Of course, she wasn't sure there would ever be a good time. She sometimes tried to slip Severus' name into conversation, but they were still skeptical about his motives despite having viewed Dumbledore's memories. Something told her that her budding relationship would seriously strain her friendship with Ron and Harry.
When she was not working with Severus or spending time with Harry and Ron, she spent her time exploring second hand bookshops across Britain. Her Order of Merlin, First Class, had come with a significant stipend and she had decided to use some of it build a library of rare magical books. For now, she was keeping her acquisitions secret from Severus, intending to surprise him when she was satisfied with the collection.
It took close to a month for Severus to get his life in order. Surprisingly it had only taken a couple of days for him to have the contents of his vault returned to him. At that point, he had been obliged to move out of the safe house, and Hermione had returned to her parents' house. They met for dinner most nights, and if Severus was not occupied at the Ministry working on being reimbursed for Spinner's End, and more importantly its contents, they would spend days together as well. Dealing with the Ministry had involved a great deal of haggling and paperwork.
Of course much of that waiting had to do with sorting through more than six months worth of unfiled paperwork. In the wake of the war there had been many Death Eater trials, and while inventories had been taken of seized property, most of that paperwork had not yet been filed. It had been given a very low priority since there was no expectation that any of the paperwork would be needed. In order to expedite the search, Severus found himself spending many hours each day breathing down the necks of the low-level Ministry lackeys charged with the archives. Unfortunately, he could not devote his full attention to receiving appropriate reparations since he also had to begin work on assembling a working laboratory.
He had purchased a small cottage in remote location. Its advantage was having a separate shed that could be converted to a laboratory. For now he also had to collect as many of the ingredients as he could personally. Until he knew what the disposition of his finances was, he wanted to be conservative. Most afternoons Hermione would help him. She was a quick study for finding the various wild flora he required, and she was pleasant enough working on the potted plants that were quickly taking over his spare room since he had no greenhouse.
On the evenings she stayed, they would cook dinner together as Severus wanted to conserve his funds. She was a quick study in the kitchen and they soon began experimenting with more complex and gourmet recipes. After dinner they would retire to the lounge, which Severus planned to turn into a library, where they would either read while listening to the wireless or debate aspects of Severus' potions research. He found that he was enjoying her company and could see himself doing so for a good long while.
When they first began their ritual, they would sit on opposite ends of the sofa. Over time she had progressed to propping her feet up on his lap, until just a few days ago when she had started curling up against his chest. It made it difficult for him to read comfortably, but he enjoyed her closeness in a way he had never imagined possible. At his side was definitely where she belonged.
As of yet they had not discussed the nature of their relationship. They had both come to the unspoken agreement that it would wait until he received his final disposition of his property from the Ministry. Though he had the impression that both of them felt that it was destined to become something permanent.
After dinner, they retired to the lounge as usual. She crossed the room towards the wireless, when he stopped her. "Hermione, I believe we have finally located all the required paperwork and my claim is in final processing. I would like to take you out to dinner on Friday to celebrate."
She smiled at him before throwing her arms around him. "I'd be honored. Where were you thinking of going?"
He returned her smile and placed his hands on the small of her back. "I think I'd like to leave that a surprise." There would be more than one surprise.
While they read, he could tell that she was somewhat distracted. Naturally she would be trying to deduce where he might be taking her to eat.
Finally she closed her book and sat up so that she could look at him. "Since I know you won't tell me where you are going to take me for dinner, could you at least tell me how I should dress?"
He considered her question for a few seconds before answering. "Something nice, but no need to wear dress robes." He flashed her a playful grin.
"Well that's good." She checked her watch and saw that it was getting late. "I suppose you'll be at the Ministry tomorrow?"
He nodded. "I can come get you when I finish."
She wasn't sure how she felt about him showing up at her parents' house. Not that she was embarrassed about him, but because she wasn't quite sure where they fit in each other's lives and she hadn't mentioned him much to her parents. "How about we meet here? There's some work I can do in the shed while you're gone."
She thought she detected a slight hint of disappointment flit across his face. "Of course. That would be most practical," he replied.
"Then it's a date," she said cheerfully and placed her hand momentarily on his. "I'll see you tomorrow," she added before leaving.
Hermione found herself having a hard time getting to sleep. She knew that time was running out for to make a decision about which direction her relationship with Severus was going. She had been putting it off, reasoning that she should wait until Severus had finished working with the Ministry over restitution for his house, but that day was tomorrow. She truly enjoyed being in his company and that they worked well together. Despite the kisses they had shared, she was still nervous about having a romantic relationship with him. Part of it was that she knew that Harry and Ron would have a hard time understanding it. The rational part of her mind told her that she should not base her future on what Harry and Ron believed. She knew that she had to put herself first.
Finally she drifted off to sleep, but it was anything but restful. She kept waking up as her mind ran through multiple permutations.
The next morning she wasn't very well rested, but she knew that she could take a Reviving Potion that would help her last through the day. But what would she do with her day? She knew that there was work to be done at Severus's, but most of that involved getting dirty and that if they were going to dine somewhere nice, she would have to dress there and that seemed a little presumptuous despite the fact he had not objected to meeting at his cottage, though he had seemed disappointed.
As she pushed her breakfast around her plate, her mother asked, "I something bothering you, dear?"
Normally this should have been an easy answer. "I don't know."
"You know you can talk to me about anything, right?" her mother said softly while placing her hand over Hermione's.
Hermione knew that her mother longed for her confidence. Once it had been so easy, but now that she was part of a different world, it was more difficult, but she realized there was no one else she could talk with. "I know. It's just really complicated."
"Bottling it up won't solve any problems," her mother said sagely.
After pushing her eggs around a few more times, she put her fork down. "There's this man that I really like, and I think he likes me the same way, but we haven't really talked about it."
"Well, that's your first problem. If you don't talk about it, you will never know."
Hermione sighed. "I know that. But part of it is that he's quite a bit older than me."
"How much older?" Her mother asked cautiously.
"About twenty years," Hermione said reluctantly.
"Hermione," her mother started.
"I know. But it's just that we worked together on a project for the Ministry and we worked together so well. He's utterly brilliant and we've been talking since then and it's so stimulating. We have the most fantastic conversations and debates, everything I never had with Ron." She watched her mother, trying to gauge a reaction. She looked down at her plate once more, looking for some strength to continue. Finally, she looked back at her mother. "The complicated part comes from the fact that he was one of my professors at Hogwarts, one Harry and Ron didn't particularly care for," she said quietly.
"That... is problematic."
She heaved a big sigh. "I know. And this isn't a schoolgirl crush. He never treated me particularly well in class, but now... Mum, I think he could be the one."
Encouragingly, her mother said, "If that's the case, you should find out."
"I want to, but I know that if I do, I risk losing Ron and Harry's friendship. I don't know that they will ever understand it." She knew that Ron and Harry had not been pleased that Severus had been let free, even if he had loyally served Albus Dumbledore. She could only imagine what they would say when she admitted she had feelings for their former Potion's Master.
"Have you tried talking to them about it?"
Hermione shook her head. "No. There were other... things going on and I didn't want to tell them anything until we had made decisions."
"Hiding the truth won't make anything better." She placed her hand on Hermione's.
"I know. But do I talk to them now or once I know whether something is happening between us?"
"That's up to you, dear."
Hermione had hoped for a better answer, but she knew it was the only one her mother could give her. "Thanks, Mum."
Hermione went back up to her room and paced for a while. Severus had said they would meet at his place around six. That meant that she should have time to see Harry and hopefully Ron before she had to meet. But should she do that before what was going to be a happy moment? Should she let her friends potentially ruin what might be the start of her relationship with Severus?
Finally she knew what she was going to do.
Severus arrived home shortly before six. It had taken some serious cajoling, but he had gotten the Ministry to agree to a fair compensation for the books he had had at Spinner's End. There had naturally been some resistance given the fact that several of those books were not ones a respectable wizard would own. At least now he knew where his finances stood. He was sure that he and Hermione would be able to make enough of a profit brewing potions that they would be able to live comfortably. And this would provide him with the funds to build a substantial greenhouse so that he could grow most of the herbal supplies that he would need so that plants weren't overrunning his house.
He headed out to the shed to tell Hermione, but found it deserted. He found this very odd since she had generally been very punctual. He began to wonder if everything had been too good to be true. If she had run, fearing a more serious relationship with him.
His mood was starting to turn dark, when he heard his front door open.
"I'm sorry I'm running late," Hermione apologized.
"Where have you been?" he tried to temper his voice so it didn't sound too adversarial.
"Nothing important," she replied evasively. "I'm looking forward to dinner with you." She smiled as she used her hands to smooth the front of his robes.
He arched an eyebrow at her. "Are you?"
She stepped closer to him and put her hand behind his head to pull him down for a kiss. "I am," she replied after breaking the kiss.
He longed to wrap his arms around her and snog her senseless, but he knew that would be too forward. Besides, they had a reservation. He took a step back and offered his hand to her. "Then, shall we?"
She smiled warmly at him and took his hand. "Of course."
Dinner was fantastic. The food was excellent as was the conversation. They shared a bottle of wine because he wanted to make sure they did not overindulge to the point their senses were befuddled. He wanted them both to be relatively clear of mind when the evening was over.
Afterwards, they walked down the lane out of Godric's Hollow, enjoying the clear night. He enjoyed the way she leaned against him.
"Hermione, I've been thinking," he said.
"About what?" She asked predictably.
"About the future."
"That's a rather broad subject," she replied.
"Indeed it is," he replied simply
"Anything specific?" she asked probingly.
"I have enjoyed your company the last few weeks. You are a truly amazing witch, and I can imagine a lifetime of conversations with you. Every night when you return to your parents' house, I find that you leave a vast emptiness."
She stopped and turned to look into his eyes. "I enjoy your company, too."
He placed his hand on her cheek. "I think that we have gotten to know each other quite well, don't you?" he asked as he leaned closer to her.
"I do," she replied as she closed her eyes and leaned towards him.
This time when he pressed his lips against her, there was no tentativeness. He pressed hard and used his tongue to part her lips. As he did so, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly against him. He felt the inside if her thigh rubbing against his leg.
When he finally broke the kiss, he started nibbling at her neck, enjoying the moans he elicited. His right hand had grabbed her buttocks while his left was cupping her breasts.
As she slipped her hand in his trousers, he found himself emitting his own moan. He realized that a country lane outside of Godric's Hollow was not an appropriate place for what he had planned and he Apparated them back to his cottage.
Hermione woke the following morning as the sun filtered in through the slit between the curtains. She rolled over and draped her arm and leg over Severus.
He gently squeezed her shoulder. "So, are you ready to tell me why you were late last night?"
She considered his question a few moments. "I... I decided I should tell Harry and Ron about my intentions towards you."
"And what might those intentions be?"
She knew that right now she was exactly where she should be. "To spend the rest of my life with you, putting up with your sarcastic wit and insults," she replied playfully.
"Oh, really?" he said in mock surprise. "And what did those two dunderheads think about that?"
She sighed. "They tried to talk me out of it." She really didn't want to relive that conversation. Ron had threatened to tie her up until she came to her senses. Harry was sure that she was being affected by some sort of charm or curse. In the end she had told them that if they couldn't be civil as respectful towards her, that perhaps they should stay away from each other. She looked up into his eyes. "But I'm my own person, and I know that I belong right here. I hope that some day they will come to realize that being with you makes me happy."
"Does it?" he asked, unable to keep the surprise out of his voice.
"Very." She gave him a passionate kiss to reinforce her answer. "And what about you? Does being with me make you happy?"
There was a long pause before he answered. "For the first time in my life, it does." He weaved his fingers in her hair and gave her a deep, penetrating kiss. "I think I can easily say that I am happy."
She placed her head on his chest as she hugged him tightly. "I'm glad to hear that."
~End~
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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. :)