Partners Sequel to "The Hunt"

For the next few days Severus and Hermione had gone over the research notes and the notes from the session. The letters from Emma and Alan came in the morning just as requested. Neither had problems sleeping, neither had unusual dreams, or woke with any physical problems. Neither were unusually hungry or dehydrated as they were the night before. Both said that they were still happy from the night before, and both expressed a desire to engage again. They also said that they admired the professionalism of both Hermione and Severus and should they need to test another potions sexual or not, they would gladly assist again.



Severus and Hermione both had a feeling that the desire for more sex was a personal effect from both regardless of the potion. They normally didn’t get a chance to have sex with someone they had a choice in and they normally didn’t enjoy it as much as a normal client. They benefited from the experiment in their own way.



Severus had sent off their payments, giving them more then agreed upon for their candidness and volunteering for future testing.



“Do you think they will carry on?” Hermione asked, as she entered Severus’s home with take away for lunch.



“I don’t know, but it would make sense wouldn’t it?” Severus said, setting paces and getting drinks while Hermione set up their soup and salads. “Who else could understand their profession other than someone who works in their field?”



“True, they would understand the demands of the business better then anyone,” Hermione said accepting a glass and having a seat, “I doubt there would be any jealousy or stupid questions.”



Severus nodded and he ate. “Do you think the potion would have anything to do with it? They don’t have feelings for each other, besides the basic physical attraction. There were other names on their lists.”



“True but they were each listed as the first weren’t they,” Severus nodded to her, “did another couple prefer each other first in the same way?”



“No. Other couple would be first and third, second and third what have you.” He took a drink. “They were the only pair that listed each other first.”



“Well, he was caring enough to wipe her tear away and make sure she knew he understood. Maybe there is something there and the potion is only the first step.” Severus looked thoughtful as he ate. “Do they spend time together on their own?”



“No, I didn’t ask the madam. Maybe I should? It would be wise to know if the potion has affected them in a long term sense.” He said.



“I agree, maybe you should write to her.” Hermione said. Severus nodded and with the conversation concluded they carried on with lunch.



The response from the madam came the next day.



“Hermione,” Severus called as he entered the labs, “we have a letter from madam Maggie. Do you want to read it?”



Hermione held up her knife and leafy hands from the plant she was dicing. “Can you read it? I can’t hold it with these.” Severus moved closer and unrolled the letter.



“ ‘Mr. Snape, from my personal observations neither Emma nor Alan has sought each other out prior to the dates you hired them for. They of course socialized with each other at parties and gatherings we held here and during casual times in our common room, but no, prior to your request for a couple they were not what you would call close friends.

However I have noticed that after your test session as you call it, they have sought out each others company continuously. It has been four days but they have been inseparable during that time. During their down time, they socialize in each others room and take meals together in the kitchens. I have also noticed that they have been scheduling their work time to mirror each other.

As to your questions of whether or not they have engaged in sex on their own after being hired by you, I would not know. Whatever they engage in when there are not working is up to them. If I may be of any more assistance please let me know.

Madam Maggie’ ”



Severus rolled the scroll. “Well,” Hermione said, “it seems that have gotten closer since the test.” It had been four days and while they had gone over the notes from the session and afterwards continuously after the test, but they had made no changes to the formula.



“Severus I think we should test it again.” She said.



“You don’t think the first test was successful?” He countered.



“Yes, but it worked on a controlled test. They didn’t have communication issues. I would like to see how it works on a couple with communication issues.”



“I don’t know Hermione, I think the potion is just fine as is.” He continued sorting through roots.



“What aren’t you telling me Severus?” She said.



He didn’t look up. “What are you taking about?”



“You aren’t looking at me, whenever you want to avoid something you avoid eye contact. What’s going on?”



“Nothing is going on Hermione.” He still hadn’t looked up. She walked around and looked at him but he still kept his eyes on the roots.



“Severus, I think we should take the potion together.” She said.



His eyes shot up and focused on hers. “Why?”



“Because we are having communication issues Severus, you don’t talk to me when you get upset.”



“Hermione,” he began pacing the lab, “we don’t need to talk on that level.”



“Why not? Severus we have never really talked about what he have.” She said softly.



Severus looked at her. She wanted to discuss something he wasn’t ready to deal with just yet. He turned and left the labs going out to the front room. He began pacing in front of the fireplace, stopping only a moment when he spotted Hermione, before continuing his pacing.



He had been thinking strongly about what he and Hermione had, but he wasn’t ready to discuss it with her just yet, he still didn’t know if he wanted Hermione to know he was so conflicted.



“Severus,” he looked at her then roughly ran both hands through his hair, “I’m sorry if I am pushing something you don’t care about, but I think we have something very special.” He stopped and looked at her. “You aren’t something to fill the time, and you’re not a hobby. I care about you Severus, I care deeply.” His expression softened. “I would hate to think that you feel you can’t come to me when something is bothering you. I hope you understand how much you mean to me.”



“Hermione I …….” He was at a loss for words, he still didn’t know how to express his thoughts, or even if he should.



“Severus,” she came closer and rested her hands in his, “I want you to feel you can come to me, but if you can’t, I won’t pressure you. We have something quite remarkable here and I would love to build on it. If you aren’t ready to move this along I understand, and all you have to do is say.”



He was silent for several moments. “Severus, I’m going to go home now, and let you think on it. I think the potion will help us share feelings we might have problems sharing. However if you don’t want to, I will respect that.”



She gave him a kiss, a soft comforting kiss, nothing deeper. He didn’t know how he felt by it, but he knew he had to think.





That night, Severus reclined in bed staring at the ceiling. He was conflicted about what to do. Hearing Hermione talk about caring for him had made him feel good. It made him feel important. Did he need that? He didn’t know. He knew only that he needed her to stay with him, but didn’t know in what capacity. Would the potion work on someone who was unsure of their own feelings?



Maybe he didn’t realize what he was feeling. Lucius didn’t know that he was paying extra attention to Narcissa at Hogwarts. Severus and their friends saw that he smiled at her more, that he always had a tendency to sit next to her, that he made efforts to see her without knowing it. He had even denied it at first.



If he did feel something strongly for Hermione, did he want her to know? Was he ready to face it himself? Was he willing to risk this? Exposing his feelings and emotions to her.





The next morning Hermione received an owl. “Tonight. East at 5, show up at 6.” She smiled and finished reading the rest of her mail.









a/n: i know this chapter is relatively short compared to the others but the next one witll be good. It will be posted in a few days