The Ties that Lead to Trust

Chapter 8~ Moving On
Hermione woke feeling sweaty and overheated. The sun was already high in the sky and she couldn’t feel her feet. Craning her neck, she could see a ball of ginger fur with eyes glaring at her as if to say, ‘who are you to disturb MY sleep.’ Disentangling herself from the sheets, she flung them back and felt a delicious shock of cool air on her skin. Kneeling by the end of her bed she rumpled her cat’s fur. “Good morning Crooks. I’m glad you finally condescended to come up to visit me.”

He continued to glare at her for a moment, then yawned and went back to sleep. Hermione padded into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Stepping under the flowing water, she felt immensely better. As she stood beneath the spray, pieces of the previous evening floated through her mind. Listening to Severus speak about his past in the velvety darkness of the summer night had been heart wrenching, but in the morning light seemed almost unreal. Had she really touched his Dark Mark? It seemed almost impossible that he had let her. She felt her cheeks heat under the water. It had been an intensely intimate moment. Intimacy and romance weren’t the same thing, she reminded herself.

Stepping out of the shower, she towelled herself off and began thinking about what she wanted to do with the rest of the day. Thinking that perhaps Severus would like some space, or perhaps because she felt drained at being with other people constantly over the past couple days, she decided to make a trip into Hogsmeade to enjoy the summer day. The sky outside was grey, but didn’t look like rain was imminent. Quickly dressing, she grabbed her money pouch and left her room.

On her way downstairs, she passed Professor Dumbledore in the hallway. He smiled pleasantly at her in greeting, “Good morning. Where are you off to today?”

“I’m going into the village for a bit today. I promised Harry I would meet him in London next week, but I want to get all my fiddly errands done now. I should be back this afternoon.” She explained, then continued towards the main entrance.

Outside, on the main street of Hogsmeade, people were milling about happily, popping in and out of shops and greeting others on the street. It was nice to be out and about, blending with the crowd. She smiled at people as they passed by, content that the look of fear had disappeared from their eyes. The summer had been one of much celebration, even for the people of Hogsmeade who had seen extensive damage from the battle at the end of May.

She passed her time moving between various shops selling quills and parchment, books, robes and magical trinkets. Hermione knew she would need to exchange more money for her school books this year, but for now it was enjoyable to window shop through the town. Planning to eat at Three Broomsticks before heading back to Hogwarts, she made her last stop of the morning at the apothecary.

The local shop, in addition to selling potions supplies, also carried an assortment of ready made potions for people who were too busy or who didn’t have the talent to make their own. She knew she could brew the potion she was looking for herself, but was afraid of getting it wrong. The situation being what it was, Hogwarts resident potions expert could easily make it for her, but she was too shy to ask. It was difficult enough being placed in the situation of consummating a marriage she hadn’t desired in the first place, she didn’t want to add to her embarrassment.

Hermione was entirely focussed on selecting an appropriate contraceptive potion from the small shelf near the back of the shop that she didn’t notice Severus enter to pick up an order of supplies that had arrived for the school. He noticed her at the back of the shop and wondered what she was doing there. With a skill born from years of practice catching students out after curfew, he moved silently behind her to see what she was looking at. Though she had the feeling she was being watched, Hermione nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt a warm breath close to her ear. Startled she jumped backwards slightly and felt her head connect with a fairly solid, pointed object that felt suspiciously like a nose.

“Blast! You startle easily,” came an irritated voice behind her.

Hermione turned around to see Severus holding his nose, mumbling obscenities under his breath.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, equally irritated.

“I happen to have an entire school of students that will need supplies for classes in less than two weeks. Besides, I might ask you the same question.” he replied sarcastically.

“I would think it perfectly obvious why I am here, since you can plainly see what I have been looking at.” she quipped back.

“I can see perfectly well what you are looking for,” he said snappily before lowering his voice and inquiring in a soft tone, “The question remains as to why you are looking for such a potion here and not simply ask me to prepare it for you, as I had already intended.”

Hermione turned six shades of red and mumbled, “I didn’t want to ask, and didn’t want to make it improperly myself.”

There was a moment where an air of profound embarrassment hung between them. It was broken when Severus spoke in a louder than necessary voice, “Why Ms Granger, imagine meeting you here. Nearly ready for the school year are you?”

Unsure of what he was doing precisely, she decided to play along. “Yes Professor. I’m looking forward to the beginning of classes, sir.”

He nodded slightly, before continuing, “I have just come in to collect supplies for the new term. Would you assist me with them?”

“Certainly sir.”

Soon they were standing back outside on the street, laden with packages of potions ingredients. Hermione looked back at him with a puzzled look on her face. He gestured with his head towards the Three Broomsticks and she followed. They entered the dim interior and Severus asked Madam Rosemerta for a quiet table in the corner. When they sat down and arranged their packages in an empty chair, he took out his wand and placed a distraction charm on the table.

“What was that for?” she asked, still confused.

“Discretion.”

“Pardon?”

He looked very stern before beginning. “You are aware you are being monitored by the Ministry, aren’t you?”

She nodded and he continued in a low voice, “Purchasing a contraceptive potion at an apothecary located close to a school is a foolish thing to do. First of all, were circumstances different, your reputation would be ruined. Secondly, since the introduction of Act 275 all apothecaries must record who they are selling such potions to. The Ministry is keeping track of these things now, and it is in your best interests to appear as though you are complying fully. I told you the Ministry couldn’t force children out of these marriages, but they can try.”

Hermione was torn between frustration, anger and embarrassment, the dominant emotion being frustration. She sighed deeply, “I didn’t know. It seems the Ministry has thwarted me again.”

His expression softened, “Not entirely. They can’t stop you or I from making the potion on our own. In any case, I had already given thought to the issue and began brewing some this morning.”

“Oh.” she went pink.

Well aware of her embarrassment, and not wanting to show his own, Severus lifted the distraction charm from the table. “Shall we have lunch?”

She nodded, “I had planned on coming here after I finished my errands this morning.”

“Have you finished everything you came here to do?”

“Yes,” she nodded, then started to laugh a little.

“Just what is so amusing?” he asked, looking slightly irritated.

Her chuckles became slightly louder seeing the expression on his face. “It seems you make the transition to ‘git’ quite easily. I am impressed.”

The corners of his mouth curled a little, “Why I’m flattered.”

Any further comment was interrupted when Rosemerta came to their table to take their orders.
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Forty minutes later, Hermione had recovered from her embarrassment over the morning’s revelations and was enjoying an inconsequential conversation about everything from birthdays to favourite pastimes. Where last night she had learned a great deal of important information about Severus, today she discovered interesting little tidbits that didn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. The silly little things friends knew about each other. She was having such a good time, she almost didn’t notice Lucius Malfoy enter the small tavern.

“Don’t turn around,” she said softly, “Lucius Malfoy just sat down at the table behind you.”

The expression on Severus’ face was unreadable, as he continued to make idle chit chat. When Lucius didn’t approach them, but appeared to settle down for a meal, Hermione excused herself to go to the loo. She stayed there for a few minutes composing herself, before returning to the table. When she opened the door and looked out, she saw Lucius standing over Severus in an imposing way.

“Make no mistake, your actions, or more precisely lack of action is being dually noted at the Ministry, Severus.” Malfoy growled in a low voice.

“I am well aware of that, but I fail to see how it is your business.” Severus countered.

“Oh you don’t, do you? Well you just see who owns her when the Ministry comes to collect her for non- compliance with Act 275. If you don’t find her entertaining yourself, I’m sure Draco will.” Lucius answered in a slimy, overconfident manner.

Severus pushed his chair back and stood suddenly, drawing his wand. “You will leave my wife and I alone. Is that clear?”

Lucius was already reaching for his own wand as he drawled back, “What wife? It seems she hasn’t been doing her duty by you. Not only that, but she won’t even go to you for her ‘personal’ potions. For shame.”

Madam Rosemerta came swiftly out from behind the bar to intervene. “Excuse me, gentlemen. This is a business, not a back alley. Kindly lower your wands, or take your duelling outside.”

Severus lowered his wand as Lucius began to back down, and Hermione felt it was the time to make them aware of her presence. She walked back and smiled at him. “Severus, are you ready to leave?”

He nodded, but Lucius cut in, “It seems you have acquired another hero, keeping you from doing things you shouldn’t. I know what you went into the apothecary to purchase today. Quite a naughty girl aren’t you.”

Hermione smiled serenely, “I wasn’t aware that purchasing a potion to relieve menstrual cramps was a ‘naughty’ activity. It can’t be an illegal potion, as Madam Pomfrey sees fit to distribute it to those who need it. But then, I wouldn’t know as much about illegal potions as you.”

Lucius’ cheeks turned slightly pink, but he didn’t say anything. He turned on his heel and left the tavern. Turning to Rosemerta, she asked, “Have you made up the bill? I’d like to add one of the ‘usual’ to it.”

Rosemerta smiled sadly at her, “You know that’s on the house dear. Just leave the empty on the back step.”

Severus looked confused as he went to settle up the bill, while Hermione began gathering up packages from the chair. When Severus walked away from the bar he was holding an opened bottle of butterbeer, obviously wondering what it was for. “If you wanted to take one back to the castle, I don’t see why you had it opened.”

She shifted the packages into one arm and took the bottle from his hand. “Just grab the rest of the packages. It won’t take too long.”

Outside, Hermione led them behind the building to a familiar clearing. Severus recognized it as the place where the Dark Lord had fallen. She set down her bags and thrust the bottle into his hand. “Take a drink.”

Not questioning, and not mentioning that he didn’t particularly care for butterbeer, he took a small sip. Without a word, she took the bottle back and took a big gulp. Turning the bottle upside down and letting the contents spill onto the ground she mumbled quietly, “Cheers everyone. Cheers Ron.”

Severus immediately understood what the ritual was about and put a gentle arm around her shoulders. Hermione’s eyes were dry and she leaned into the comforting gesture. It was over now. The war, the pain, the worry... and being with Ron. It was all over and time to move on. She looked up at Severus’ concerned face and smiled. “It’s over now. Let’s go back to the castle.”

He squeezed her shoulders before pulling her into his arms to hold her as he had the previous evening. In that moment, Lucius Malfoy didn’t matter. The Ministry didn’t matter. In the mysterious way life tends to move, everything would be alright.

Soon the moment was gone, and they began to make their way back to Hogwarts. It was only when they were inside the school grounds that Severus mentioned the confrontation in The Three Broomsticks.

“I must say, it is rare that Lucius is at a loss for words. Quite a clever come back on your part.” Severus said in approval.

Hermione smiled wickedly, “I know very well that as much as they may boast of their conquests, most males are intensely uncomfortable with any mention of cramps and periods. It’s rather funny how they are scared off by a bit of blood.”

She had obviously hit the nail on the head judging by his expression of deep discomfort. Hermione threw her head back and laughed at the absurdity of the conversation and changed the subject to his research project’s progress.
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When Hermione returned to her room she heard voices coming from the sitting room.

“Hermione, are you there? This is the third time I’ve called and you aren’t around. At least telephones have answering machines. Come on, ‘Mione... where are you?” came a familiar male voice from the fireplace.

She rushed inside and saw Harry’s head floating in the fireplace. “Hi Harry. I’m glad you called.”

A sour look was on his face as he answered. “I’ve tried to get hold of you several times, but you weren’t around. You know I hate the floo network.”

“Sorry, I’ve been busy. How is everyone?” she inquired.

“Mrs Weasley misses you, but other than that, everyone is fine. Well except Gin, she’s being a pain in the– OW!”

Just then Ginny’s face appeared in the fire as well, “Hey Hermione! When are we going to meet in London?”

Harry nudged her, “I was just getting to that.”

“No you weren’t. You were busy complaining. No wonder she doesn’t answer her floo!” Ginny retorted.

Hermione cut into their argument, “Does the thirtieth sound fine to you?”

“Yep. See you then. I’ll leave you to listen to Harry’s gripes.” and with that, her head popped out of the fire and only Harry’s remained.

Hermione was giggling, but Harry looked a bit put out. “You laugh, but she’s been doing this all summer.”

“I know, but you too are so cute together.”

“We aren’t together.” he countered, but didn’t sound all that convincing.

“Whatever you say, Harry. So were those midge bites on Gin’s neck? I know the bugs can be really bad this time of year.” Hermione teased, barely containing her amusement.

“Uh...” Harry’s face flushed.

“Thought so. I’m glad you hooked up.”

“We.. I mean, I didn’t mean to... it just kinda happened.”

“That’s good. Do you two think you could keep the mushiness to yourselves for a couple days?” she asked.

Harry looked confused, “What do you mean?”

Hermione sighed, “I don’t want you to tell everyone, but I was thinking... perhaps, after we meet in London, I might come to visit. I don’t want to disappoint anyone if I decide... you know, at the last minute, that I can’t.”

Harry nodded, “I understand. You know you are always welcome. Don’t worry about it. Just come when you’re ready.”

“Thanks Harry. I should go. I’ll be at my parents’ in a couple days. I’d love to talk longer, but I went to Hogsmeade today and I’m a bit tired.” she tried to explain.

Thankfully Harry just grinned. “You do that. I’ll meet you outside Flourish and Blotts around eleven on the thirtieth. Don’t work to hard!”

His head disappeared from the fireplace and Hermione slumped back in her chair, finally on her own again. If she was going to go home for a couple days before the thirtieth, she was running a tight timetable. With the exclusion of the encounter with Lucius, her day with Severus had been good. Discomfort between them seemed to come in waves, usually when they were reminded of the task before them. It could be worse, she told herself. She was beginning to enjoy his company and their embrace this afternoon had been oddly comforting.

Crookshanks sauntered into the room and leapt up on her lap. Absentmindedly stroking his soft fur, she mulled over visiting the battle site today. Something had changed inside her when she stood there today. In a moment of uncharacteristic self assurance, she let Ron and her guilt go. It was the past now and living meant moving on. It was an empowering feeling. Tomorrow, she would move on.
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Severus returned to his rooms that afternoon with a feeling of mingled worry and pride. It had been highly entertaining to see Lucius Malfoy struck speechless by a young woman, a muggleborn at that, but the confrontation worried him somewhat. In the three days since the wedding he had received one letter he was certain came from Lucius and another two with suspicious origins. To have Lucius arrive in Hogsmeade, somewhere he rarely frequented, in less than an hour from the time they had left the apothecary was troublesome. Obviously Malfoy was keeping a closer watch than he had anticipated. It was a lucky thing he had encountered Hermione in the shop and prevented her from making a purchase that could seriously have compromised her safety and the legitimacy of their new marriage. Until the Adulterous spell was complete, she could still be claimed by another if they were not compliant with Act 275.

Resolving himself to have a discussion with Hermione about her safety at some point tomorrow, he moved into his lab to see how his potions were progressing. The cauldron with the birth control potion appeared finished and he put out the flame beneath it completely. The colour, odour and consistency all appeared correct and he would bottle it once it cooled. Since this potion worked in such small doses, there was plenty more than one person could use in the duration of its shelf life, but he bottled it all just the same to keep stored safely away. With the Ministry regulations making a serious attempt to control all choices young women had, he might find an opportunity to provide some remedies to those in need. Hopefully it would mean he didn’t have to teach more little terrors than usual in twelve years time.

He moved on to his research cauldron and lowered the barrier to examine it closely. Before leaving for Hogsmeade this morning he had observed it carefully for degradation or unanticipated changes, but the moranlily had absorbed quickly the day before and the fluxweed appeared to have infused completely and remained stable. Upon reflection, he realized the use of minced fluxweed would likely have thoroughly disrupted the solution when added and Hermione had saved him from a crucial error at a late stage in brewing. Giving credit where it was due, he made a note of it in his logbook and began straining out the limp leaves that had not dissolved in the solution with a glass straining spoon. The potion was already beginning to thicken and clung to the spoon, dripping off slowly in thick globs. Once all the remaining solids were removed, he removed the heat from this cauldron as well and stirred in the thickening and stabilizing agent.

With relief and elation he cleaned his work area, jotted down a few more notes in the log and sat back in his chair to watch the salve cool. He found this very satisfying. His research took far longer than it would if he was able to spend all his time working on it, but even though it took up most of his spare time he enjoyed it. While sitting in the quiet lab he wished for a moment that he could spend his teaching hours doing this instead, wondering if he would ever tire of the research process.

At that moment, Severus started and sat upright. Why couldn’t he do this as a career now? Albus could always find himself another Potions teacher and several research labs would be eager to employ him. He wouldn’t leave the school this year, or perhaps even next year. The war had been unsettling and it would leave the school in a tight spot if he just up and left, but someday...

A small smile crossed his lips and he stood up feeling invigorated. He didn’t have to spend his entire life trying to force information into the minds of ungrateful students. He would for a while yet, but the rest of his life felt like it was opening up for him. Taking the carefully bottled birth control potion, he brought it to a heavily warded compartment of his private potion stores. Keeping one vial with him, he stored the rest inside the cubbyhole, locked it and warded it once more. A hopeful outlook for the future required caution now and its contemplation would have to wait for a while. The small vial in his pocket was a vivid reminder of what still needed to be accomplished in the next few days.
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