Blood is thicker then water,

Coracticus Baine was a strange fellow Hermione thought as she and Mrs. Waesley walked toward his table in Luigi's at two minutes to 12. As they approached the table from behind the waiting wizard Hermione took a moment to marvel at the mans hair it was long, perfectly straight and the deepest shade of chestnut she had ever seen. As she looked at him she also felt a little unsettled there was something about the way he sat that reminded her of somebody else, someone in the wizarding world she had cared about but was lost to her.

Finally they arrived at the table and Mrs. Weasley coughed politely so they would not startle the occupant with their arrival all the same Coracticus spring to his feet to greet them bowing low over their hands before sitting again and picking up the menu.

Soon the meals were brought to the table and Hermione watched as Coracticus' face fell at the sight of his salad following the wizards gaze she saw why, firstly it was not as varied as a Wizard salad secondly most of it was stale. Standing she picked up the plate and went to find the manager who after listening to her complain went to make the salad himself and thus causing a lot of uproar and Italian swearing in the kitchen.

Coming back to the table she picked up her drink and sat down letting out a disgruntled "Muggles" as she did so.
Then she saw the smirk and she was sure she knew it but that was not possible the last time she had seen it had been just before Christmas 5 years previous and its owner was dead Hermione felt a prang of sadness at this memory if only things had been different back then. Snapping back to the company she was keeping now Hermione asked

"Why am I here Mr. Baine?"

Another smirk this time it was kinder and actually met the wizards eyes and Hermione knew she was not mistaken but she waited for Coraticus to speak.

" My instructions were this Miss Granger, I am to ensure you eat well as my patron feels you are looking unwell this is of course no slur to your excellentmeal preparation of course Molly" He paused and in that split second Hermione knew she was right in her suspicion.

"Secondly I was instructed to give you these" and he pulled a small box and a letter from his robes. "You are to open the box first if you please Miss Granger" he told her simply.

Hermione did as she was bid all the while keeping eye contact with the wizard in front of her. Her heart was thumping hard in her chest and she could see something in his eyes but what? Ifinally she looked down at the contents of the box it was a tiny hairpin in the shape of a snake.

Snapping the box shut she shoved it toward him "I will not except dark magic Severus" she whispered.

Instantly Baines cheeks lost their colour and he whispered back "My instructions were to give you the box and the letter not to debate who I may or may not be. Please read the letter Miss Granger"

Hermione opened the letter and read it carefully.

Miss Granger,
As you are now reading this letter I trust you have been given the gift we have sent you.
I apologise that it is in the shape it is but it is in fact a family heirloom and we would be most offended if you were to refuse it.

We promise you there is no dark magic attached to the item in fact all there is attached to it is a protective charm.

You will notice that the snake has a small loop so that you will be able to keep it on a chain around your neck and for your comfort out of sight.

Now to our further business with you, we would be honoured to recieve your company at our home in Switzerland over the coming weekend this is where many questions will be answered. My son will be meeting you there on the first night I would like for you both to use the information I have left there and I will join you the following day.

Send word of your agreement via Ivy
your servant.


Hermione finished the letter and looked up at the wizard who sat in front of her "that concludes our business" he told her and stood bowing he said "Ladies" then turned to leave. As he made it to the door Hermione caught up with and grabbed his wrist just as he was about to walk through it he turned to face her surprised at her touch looking him in the eye she said "write to me".

Then she let him go but he just stood there and looked at her a small smile tugged at his lips and she reached out to stroke his face she had the assure herself he was real and really there then she stood on tip toes and kissed his cheek before she whispered in his ear "Stay safe Severus"

Then he was gone and she was on her way to the Burrow Mrs. Weasley following behind.