A Working Relationship

A Working Relationship


Disclaimer: All canon characters are the property of JK Rowling and those with whom she has agreed contracts. This story was written for practice not profit.


Down to Business


Severus watched Hermione through the half open door of his lab. They had reverted to their usual working positions, with Severus hovering over his cauldron in the lab and Hermione seated at the table in the sitting room. She was utterly engrossed in the books Severus had given her and was translating as rapidly as she could, quoting relevant passages to the charmed Dicto-quill. She had an ordinary quill in her hand also, which she used to make separate notes concerning the work. Her passion for study served only to increase her attractiveness. Some women seemed made to be beautiful in repose but Hene’sne’s beauty came into its own when she was animated. The dressmaker had been dispatched after fifteen minutes of prodding and measuring. Hermione had barely been able to discipline herself to stand still for that amount of time. Severus made a mental note to increase the order for the new robes. If he and she were truly becoming involved then it was fitting that he make a greater display of generosity. Just then Severus heard the clock chime. Three o’clock ady. dy.

“Hermione,” he called.

“Mmmm,” she replied, not even lifting her head from the book.

“I need you to run up to the Infirmary. We need to find out how Albus is. I can’t leave the cauldron unattended.”

“Just let me finish this page.”

“The book will be there when you come back. You’ve already turned out enough work today to keep the Dark Lord at bay. If Albus needs to go to the hospital then it’s vital that we know about it as soon as possible.”

“I’ll go now,” she sighed, putting down the quill she was holding. “I won’t be long.”

She got up and walked out via the Potions lab door.

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When she got there she realised instantly that something was very very wrong. Madam Pomfrey had obviously been crying and Minerva didn’t look far off.

“What’s wrong?” she demanded, apprehensively.

“He’s weakening, Hermione,” said Minerva, attempting her usual briskness and falling a long way short. “Poppy’s tried everything she can think of but it’s not helping. We’ve had to let him go to the hospital.”

“I see,” said Hermione bleakly.

“Don’t worry child,” said Minerva. “Run along and break it to Severus. Tell him I’ll be down to see him in a moment to discuss ‘school business’.”

Hermione left hurriedly, leaving the two women sitting on an empty bed.

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Hermione hovered in the doorway of the private lab. Severus was in full flow with his potion and Hermione was hesitant to disturb him, even though she knew he was unlikely to complete his brew, given the current situation.

“Well?” he asked, keeping his eyes on the cauldron.

“He’s getting worse,” said Hermione.

“Damn,” he swore. “Is Poppy still on about sending him to St Mungo’s?”

“She’s sent him already.”

“Who’s gone with him?”

“I don’t know.”

“Didn’t you think to ask?”

“Professor McGonagall sent me straight back to tell you she was coming down to talk to you about ‘school business’. I assumed she meant Order business but didn’t want to say it in front of Madam Pomfrey.”

“So I might as well throw this straight down the sink now!” he snapped.

“Let me take over,” she ventured. “Show me where you’re up to. I’ve watched you go further than this before. How clear are your notes?”

“I understand them perfectly.”

“I’m sure you do,” she responded, “but will I?”

“Let’s try it then,” he said, “I’ve prepared the next six ingredients. See if you can tell what they are. Keep your hands clear and sprinkle over the surface when you add things. I don’t want to be regrowing any of your skin later.”

He stepped back and allowed Hermione to replace him.

“Toad’s liver first,” he said, gesturing to the dish… after about ten more stirs. Do you know where you are?”

“I think so. Where will you see Professor McGonagall?”

“She can come in here. You’re playing a central role in our strategy. I won’t keep things from you. If you’re taking on an adult role you can have the respect that goes with it.”

“Thank-you.”

“I can hear her. I’ll go and bring her in.”

A moment later he returned followed by both Minerva and Remus, who looked bemused at being led into the lab rather than the sitting room.

“Hermione, could you give us a moment please?” said Remus gently.

“No she can’t!” snapped Severus. “She is my partner and I will not have her excluded from a meeting concerning our work. One of us needs to give attention to the potion while it’s in a critical stage.”

“Severus, you don’t need to keep up this front for our benefit,” said Minerva wearily. “We are well aware of the reasons for this fake engagement.”

“And you are equally well aware that Hermione and I have been spending every free moment together for some time now and you were as much of a witness to the Prophecy as I was.”

“What are you saying Severus? Hermione?”

“He’s saying that we’re a team… and that we have feelings for each other.”

“Hermione Granger! I knew it was a bad idea to let the two of you work together. Just wait until I tell the Headmaster!”

“Do you really imagine he didn’t guess what would happen?” said Severus quietly. “We both fought this but there comes… chamomile root Hermione… There comes a moment when you realise that if it’s what you both want… then there’s no point in fighting it.”

“She’s a child!”

“She was a child. She’s not your chick any longer Minerva. She’s of age and technically my fiancée and my apprentice. She’s fully-fledged and taking an adult role in this endeavour. She deserves respect for the role she is playing and her welfare is now my concern.”

“Is that what you want Hermione?” asked Remus gently.

“Yes,” she replied, without hesitation.

“I apologise for trying to exclude you. I won’t do it again,” he said.

“Remus!” protested Minerva.

“He’s right, Minerva,” said Remus. “She’s not a child and she’s always had a mind of her own. She’ll be putting her life on the line again at some point. We all will. Let’s concentrate our efforts on opposing Voldemort and not each other.”

“Let’s get down to business. How’s Albus?”

“He was unconscious for the last couple of hours. We don’t know exactly what was causing it. We weren’t able to rule out poison,” said Minerva. “He’s put me in charge of everything but I don’t know how long I’ll be able to hold things together. I was hoping you could help me but I know you’ve got a lot on at the moment. Not that I know exactly what you’re doing, of course...”

“Can’t Flitwick help you out with school business?” enquired Severus.

“He could, but you are technically his senior and it wouldn’t go unnoticed if I chose him over you.”

“True. I’m afraid I can give only a little help and that has to be during the teaching day. I’m being called three or four times a week. We’re busy down here every night. I suggest you try to find someone to cover Transfiguration.”

“Did you have anyone in mind? Everyone in the Order is occupied already.”

“What about the Weasley twins?” suggested Hermione. “I’m sure they could find a shop assistant to free them up a bit. I know they didn’t do much in the way of exams but they can do the spells.”

“I suppose they could manage the younger children…”

“I’ll speak to them,” offered Remus.

“I suggest we give Moody the job of guarding Albus,” said Severus.

“Do you really think he’s in that much danger?” asked Minerva.

“He’s exposed,” said Severus gruffly.

“Hogwarts is safe, St Mungo’s is not,” said Remus.

“He’s weak… and without him we will have no strategist. There are dozens of us and none of us know everything about the other’s roles. Moody needs to be occupied. If he starts trying to meddle in everyone else’s work it will be a disaster. If he gets a position of power over me, I will not last long.”

“Surely he wouldn’t be that foolish? You’re our best source of information,” said Minerva reasonably.

“If that man decides it’s a matter of principle and Albus is not here to protect me… it doesn’t take a genius to work it out.”

He grimaced suddenly and clutched his forearm.

“Is that … him?” asked Minerva anxiously.

“It is. I have to go. Something’s afoot. It’s still daylight.”

He made towards the bedroom to collect his things, collecting a handful of Hermione’s dictated notes on the way. A moment or two later he was back, with a broom in his hand. He strode over to Hermione and kissed her chastely. She put her hand on his shoulder for the time it took to whisper in his ear,

“I love you,” and then he was gone.


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