Chapter 8 The Invitation

“What I require is tangible evidence. I’m quite certain that the Disney contract with the American Ministry of Magic is being violated. Yet regardless of my instincts, I want to have something concrete before I report to Walt, and I believe I know how to go about securing it.” Snape smirked.

Before he could continue their server returned. As Snape ordered another round, Hermione took the opportunity to take a really good look at him while his attention was not fixed on her. During her time at Hogwarts, Snape had been capable of producing terror in all but the bravest or most foolhardy of students. As a student herself, Hermione had a healthy respect for his power. Looking at him today, Hermione felt the raw power that he still emanated. She felt a responding jolt in her gut, which she could not deny as anything other than pure, physical attraction. “Well, this is unexpected,” she told herself.

“In an attempt to impress their ‘auditor’, Roy Disney and Michael Eisner have invited me to attend a gala event, which will conveniently be held at their corporate headquarters. If my instincts are correct, I should be able to find the type of evidence I need there. My success will most likely depend on the amount of time I manage to have alone in Michael Eisner’s office. While I was quite prepared to undertake this operation alone, your appearance today suggested that I could increase my odds of success.”

Snape paused at this point, giving Hermione a most serious expression, which nevertheless held a hint of mischief. “The gala is scheduled for the evening after next. My invitation allows for two attendees. Hermione, would you accompany me as my escort?”

It was lucky for Hermione that her experience with men at the ministry had allowed her to learn to school her expressions for the unexpected. Otherwise, she would certainly have goggled at Snape slack-jawed.

“You would like me to come as your escort?” Hermione asked, in a voice that she hoped hid her very real surprise.

“Yes, that is the general idea. I’ve always found that reconnaissance operations are made somewhat easier with assistance,” Snape replied. “You can cover my absences and alert me if there is any risk of discovering my actions. Simple, really, and we should be able to avoid any real danger, especially you. Compared to missions during Voldemort’s era, this will be a walk in the park.”

Hermione noticed how Snape now uttered Voldemort’s name with a careless ease. It put her in mind of how vehemently he had once chastised those who had dared to utter that name. In truth, she was realizing many subtle, yet pleasing changes in the man she had previously known as her professor and fellow Order member. She was finding the contrast quite fascinating.

While not receiving an immediate response from Hermione, Snape continued to explain. “The gala includes a presentation on planned Disney projects in the Asian market, followed by an evening of dining and dancing. Apparently, the purpose is to impress their top stockholders, and I believe they think it is an opportunity to get me in their pocket as well,” Snape finished.

“Yes, of course I will help you,” stammered a flustered Hermione, who hoped that Snape did not notice her odd behaviour. “I’m behaving like a silly schoolgirl,” she admonished herself.

Then an ugly realization dawned. “I have brought nothing on this trip that would be appropriate for a formal occasion,” Hermione blurted out without thinking.

“Ah, the proverbial Cinderella; merely an inconvenience, I assure you. Walt has provided a generous expense account. Please feel free to purchase anything you require for such an event. You have all of tomorrow and the next day to acquire what you need. Just bill any expenses to my room, and they will be approved.”

Then Hermione noticed Snape giving her an oddly appraising look. “Generous as my expense account is, I’m afraid I cannot authorize gemstones, but I do want to see that you blend in with the other attendees. If you will trust my taste in this matter, I think I can arrange the loan of some gems to complete the Cinderella transformation.”

“I’m sure whatever you arrange will be more than adequate, Severus.” There, she had finally managed to get his name out of her mouth. She treated Snape to her most triumphant smile.

It was now Snape’s turn to become flustered. For the briefest of moments, he stared at Hermione, as if seeing her for the first time. Then he regained his composure and reverted to type, managing to produce his trademark sneer. “I’m afraid the resemblance to a fairytale will end with your attire. You can be quite sure that no one will confuse me with Prince Charming.”

For the first time that evening, Hermione understood that the man sitting across from her was still the same Professor Snape that she had always known. She wondered why his disposition had changed so dramatically and so quickly.

“It would be advantageous to brief you before the gala,” Snape continued. “If we met in my suite at 7:00 p.m., we would have ample time to prepare. Could you meet that schedule?”

After finalizing their plans, Snape and Hermione exited the Nine Dragons. While Snape offered to escort Hermione back to the lodge, she had made other plans. “The Epcot fireworks display is going to begin in half an hour. I believe I’m going to stay and watch it, but you are welcome to join me,” Hermione offered.

“Thank you, but I have some things that I would like to attend to as soon as possible. If you require anything prior to the gala, just call my room. I do appreciate your willingness to attend the event with me, Hermione. Good evening.” And with that, Severus Snape turned on his heel and disappeared into the night.

Hermione sought out a good vantage point to watch the fireworks. She decided that she could definitely use some time to process the evening before returning to her room with the Potters. “What exactly have I got myself into?” she wondered.