Potions,Poisons and Antidotes

Disclaimer: Not mine and never will be. Nope not making any money on it either.

A/N Sorry for the long wait. My cable connection was down due to the ice storm. Here's a long chapter to make up for it. I couldn't leave Sev out in the cold so I threw in a new charatcter for him. Please let me know what you think it's the only way I'll get better at this.

Chapter 8

The rest of day seemed to drag. After telling Ginny and Molly about how she and Draco fell in love the good mood vanished. The three got ready in Hermione’s bed room in the cottage with the help of Ivy.

It was a somber group around the grave as the burial progressed. It was as small as Weasley family gathering could be. Most of the Order was also in attendance. They were there to show support for the grief-stricken family and to provide security. This would be the perfect time for the Deatheaters to attack. None did.

Back at the Manor there was a buffet dinner set up out on the lawn for family and friends. There were more Ministry people than at the grave side. It gave Hermione and Draco time to slip off to themselves for moment.

Holding her close with her head on his shoulder Draco asked, “Alright love?”
He felt her nod her head and hold him closer. “Just a few days ago I wished for a full house of people like Potter always seemed to have. This wasn’t quite how I pictured it.”

Snorting she replied, “Things never seen to work out the way you planned.” She looked up into his eyes with love and laughter shining on her face.

“That is exactly what Blaise said in the pub after you left. Only he meant that my plans never seem to work out where you are involved.” He answered dryly.

“Why did Severus react so poorly to our relationship? Did he say anything?” she wondered. It had bothered her that she could find no reason for such a response.

Draco pulled away from their embrace just a little to look into her eyes. “He was jealous. I think he was on the verge of asking you out.” He was a little nervous as to how she would react.

Looking shocked and a little confused she said. ”Oh, I never once thought about that. I mean, I love him like a member of the family but I would never have thought to date him.”

Draco tried to hide the look of relief that crossed his face. He knew she loved him but his godfather had always seemed so much more the romantic dark spy type. When he thought about it he had always wanted to be like Severus more than like his father. “I’ll have to talk to him about it eventually. Have you told him about the engagement?”

“No it never seemed the right time to tell him.” She sounded worried and bit her lower lip.

“I’ll handle it. Speaking of the engagement, the announcement will be in the Prophet Thursday. We are hosting the party here on Saturday is there any family you want to be here?” he asked.

“Only Aunt Sarah.” she said with a smile. Her Aunt Sarah was her fathers’ sister and a muggle. Sarah had been visiting when Hermione’s Hogwarts letter came and therefore knew all about the Wizarding world. She had even met her husband in Diagon Alley while helping Hermione shop that first year. Tex had been a wizard on holiday from America and Sarah had caught his eye. She moved to his ranch in Texas and they had four great years together before he died of a heart attack. Now she ran the ranch and his various other businesses. She proceeded to tell Draco all about her aunt.

Later the crowd left to go home. The Weasleys were finally going home to the Burrow. It seemed extremely quiet in the manor after everyone left. Hermione and Draco found themselves alone for the first time in what seemed like forever. Looking across the hearth at her wizard she suddenly understood what he meant about wanting a full house like Harry. “I see what you mean, it is a little quiet all of a sudden.”

“Yes, it sneaks up and surprises you how empty this house can be.” He replied in hushed tones.

“Well, now I’m here as well so you’re not alone.” Hermione said trying to lighten the mood. She gave him her best smile as she crossed the few feet that separated them.

Taking her in his arms, “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Are you going to move your things over here from the guest house? You may want to put your Aunt there when she comes.”

“Oh, I forgot to call Aunt Sarah!” Hermione exclaimed. She pulled back and took out her ever present cell phone. Turning around she leaned her back against his chest. Draco slid his arms around her waist and lightly rested his chin on top of her head. He could hear the phone ringing on the other end. He heard a voice very much like Hermione‘s but with a distinctly American accent. “Hello.”

“Hello Aunt Sarah. It’s Hermione.” He listened and could hear both sides of the conversation.

“How’s my favorite Fraggle?” Draco wondered what Fraggle meant. It seemed to be some form of endearment because the witch giggled.

“I’m perfect and it takes one to know one. I was calling to let you in on a little secret. I’m engaged.” She said with enthusiasm.

Even Draco’s ears hurt with the shriek that came over the phone. “What? Congratulations! When do I get to meet him?”

“Well, it will hit the papers Thursday. So hopefully as soon as possible. Can you make it for the engagement party on Saturday?” she said with a hopeful tone.

“Why don’t the two of you portkey here tomorrow?” he saw Hermione’s face fall. Of course she couldn’t, she had Deatheaters to catch. Draco said quietly, “I have the rest of the week clear, have her come here. If you get busy I can entertain her.”

Hermione turned to look at him. Putting her hand over the speaker she mouthed, “Are you sure?” He nodded.

“I’m a little tied up here but I was hoping you could come to us. Draco has the rest of the week clear and he wants to get to know you.” She offered.

“Ok, I’ll book a flight tonight for tomorrow. Am I coming to London?” she asked.

“Yes, but don’t book a hotel we have a guest house for you. One of us will meet you at the airport. I’ll send you a picture of Draco so that you know what he looks like. Call me back when you have a flight.” He heard her agree and the call ended.

“Pray tell, what exactly is a Fraggle?” he asked with a smirk. He knew this was going to be good.

She sighed in exasperation; HE just HAD to hear that didn’t he? Taking his hand she said “Come on and I will show you.” She led him to the guest house and into the library. On the desk sat a laptop computer. Draco was well versed in muggle technology and had electricity in all the buildings. He even had a muggle phone in the Manor.

He looked at her with a mischievous smile, “Just why do you have an internet connection?” raising one eyebrow. She smacked him on the shoulder with her hand.

“Not for the reasons you think. Take your mind out of the gutter Draco.” she sounded indignant. “That’s Ginny NOT me”.

Draco laughed a deep rumble that ended up a guffaw. Leave it to the Weaslette to discover porn. As he was beside himself laughing she took the opportunity to push him into the chair behind the desk. She clicked a button and suddenly Draco’s laughing face appeared on the screen. Before he could stop her she had e-mailed it her Aunt.

“Not sporting, not sporting in the least! That was not a good picture of me. She’s going to think I’m an idiot.” He cried.

“Serves you right,” she said. The computer played a little tune that sounded suspiciously like the Hogwarts school song. A box popped up with what could have been Hermione in 20 years looking at them. “What are you doing to that poor man? This picture makes him look like he’s in pain.” It was a video conference with her Aunt. Draco looked from one to the other in astonishment.

“Aunt Sarah I presume? I’m Draco, Draco Malfoy. It’s nice to meet you.” He said recovering quickly and giving her his best smile. Hermione leaned down behind him and put her arms around him and her chin on his shoulder.

“This is the gentleman I called about.” She turned her head slightly to brush a kiss on the outer edge of his ear. His hands came up to rest on her arms.

“Pleased to meet you Draco. Would you be related to Narcissa Malfoy?” she asked.

“Yes, she was my mother.” He answered with surprise. “Did the two of you know each other?”

“Yes, we both attended several Gardening conventions. We traded seeds and cuttings regularly. I have one of her signature white rose bushes outside my bedroom window. She was a lovely woman, I miss her terribly.” Sarah said with a sad smile. “This guesthouse wouldn’t happen to be on THE Malfoy Estate would it?”

“Yes, actually it would. As a matter of fact from the sitting room patio you can see the rose garden.” Hermione answered grinning like crazy.

“Well that settles it. I’m taking the early flight from Dallas then.” They could see her click something on the keyboard and saw a satisfied smile on her face. “Arriving there about 3PM Flight 1745.”

“We’ll be there” Hermione promised and said goodbye. Draco turned his chair and pulled her into his lap. He loved the way she squealed in surprise. He proceeded to kiss her until she was breathless.

“I haven’t given you the Malfoy tour of this cottage yet.” He declared with a smirk. With a waive of his hand they were both nude. He turned her around so that she straddled his lap. He proceeded to make love to her right there in the office chair among the hundreds of books. Before they were finished he had shown her every room in the cottage ending in her bedroom. Hermione realized she would not need her daily run tomorrow because her legs already felt like jelly.

The next day found Hermione in the lab with Severus and the team trying to crack the poison so that they could formulate an antidote. The Potions Master had set a wand to indicate when they made a positive breakthrough. Unfortunately, there was no wand that would just tell them the next step but this was close. At noon she got a call from Draco saying he was going to pick up Sarah from the airport. She really couldn’t leave but promised that she would meet them later for tea.

Severus asked who Sarah was and she had to explain all over again about her Aunt. Severus raised one eyebrow when she got to the part about Narcissa being friends with her. He remembered being at the Manor when she had received an owl with a letter and a cutting from sassafras tree. Cissa had been excited about the cutting and how tea could be made from the adult tree. He had assumed her friend was a witch because of the owl.

At two o’clock the wand began to glow green and vibrate. Every potions assistant looked up from their cauldron to Snape. He picked up the wand and whispered an incantation. A smoky number five appeared out of the tip. All eyes turned to Hermione who looked scared for a moment. “What?” she asked with a frown.

Severus Snape smiled and everyone else cheered. “You broke the poison my dear” he said. “You’re kidding? I was frustrated when I threw the beazor into it” she said.

Raising his eyebrows in surprise he let out a loud laugh. “Only you could have such incredible luck.” He gasped between snickers. ‘Go on and meet Draco and your Aunt, we’ll finish up here and I’ll let you know how it goes.”

“Thanks come to the Manor later for dinner. I’ll have the staff make lasagna for you.” She knew that was his favorite. She also knew that Draco wanted a chance to talk to him about the wedding.

“You know I never refuse lasagna. About seven then?” his eyes still sparkled with amusement.

“Make it six if you can.” She called over her shoulder on her way out of the door.

Draco was standing at the gate when Sarah stepped off the plane. He was struck again by just how much she looked like his witch. When she saw him she gave the same huge grin that Hermione gave often. He strolled toward her and stuck out his hand to shake, but was pulled into a hug instead. “Hello” he said as she let him go.

“Hello. Where’s Hermione?” she asked looking around the area. He liked the muggle clothes she was wearing. Her hair was just as bushy as Hermione’s and was pulled back in a pony tail. She had a deep tan and small laugh lines around her eyes and mouth.

“She’s at work. Some new potion has caught her interest. Severus, her boss, promises me she will be home soon.” He remarked dryly.

They found her two small bags and headed to the car. He knew that small bags meant a shopping trip in the near future. No woman packed this light even if it was only for three or four days. They chatted on the way to the Manor about a lot of different things and Draco realized he really liked this woman. She was bright and funny and had a good head for business. If this was indeed what his witch would be like in twenty years he would be a happy man.

“Hermione won’t tell me something that I’m curious about. What exactly is a Fraggle?” he asked as they turned into the Manor gates.

“A Fraggle is a puppet. In America there was a popular child’s television program called Fraggle Rock and all the little puppets had wild frizzy hair that stuck out everywhere. Much like mine if I brush it out and then shake my head.” She was laughing at the look on his face. Oh it was as plain to see he had been hexed by her niece a time or two for rude comments about her hair.

Draco started to laugh as well. This was going to be fun. If he could do it from a safe distance he was going to tease her about being a Fraggle. Minimum safe distances being somewhere closer to the other side of the planet of course.

As they pulled up to the front doors Hermione ran out to greet them. She met her Aunt in great big hug and the turned to Draco for a hug and a kiss. Draco knew she had more behind her enthusiasm than just her Aunt. Why was she home so early? They had to have had a breakthrough in the case. As she pulled back he caught her eye in a questioning look. She smiled and shook her head yes in a small motion. He returned her smile.

Hermione took both their hands and led them around the side of the building instead of inside. She had the house elves move the patio table out to the middle of the rose garden and set a full tea. Draco thought he knew what was up but wisely stayed silent. Sarah was used to her niece’s antics and thought maybe they were heading for something special.

As they got closer to the back of the house they saw the patio from the library and followed the paving stone path to a huge circular hedge that had one white wooden gate into it. It opened into a large circular rose garden that was charmed to stay summer all year long. The hedge formed the circular walls and it had two more white gates leading out. In the center was a round patio was a rosebush growing in the center of the circle. Hermione felt her Aunt let go of her hand and move a little ahead of them to get to the center bush. Hermione slowed down a little bit and held Draco back. Whispering quietly she said, “If I’m right that is a cutting from her prize bush “Sarah’s Yellow Rose of Texas. There have been botanists and herbologists and even potions masters begging for a cutting as long as I can remember.” Draco looked at her with large eyes and his brows up.

They followed Sarah to the bush witch was in full bloom with yellow roses the size of dinner plates. She was lovingly running a finger along one of the petals. “My husband and I decided we were going to grow roses and I asked for a greenhouse. He just smiled at me and said “No Sarah, it needs more sun than that” and he charmed me a rose garden like this one. In the center we wanted a yellow rose as sort of a play on the whole Texas thing. None of them were bright enough or big enough for Tex. He always subscribed to the whole ‘everything’s bigger in Texas’ idea.” She snorted in amusement. “It took us three years to come up with this hybrid. He only got to see it win one show before he died.” Hermione put her arm around her Aunt, who still grieved her husband even after two years of being without him.

“I believe tea is ready” Draco said from behind them breaking them out of the momentary melancholy that had descended on the pair. As he crossed the short distance to the table and pulled a chair out for Sarah. Helping her into her seat he came around to pull out a chair for Hermione. He then seated himself in the remaining chair. They had a lovely lunch getting to know each other and talking about plans for the party that weekend. Ivy came and cleared the plates and they still sat and talked for another hour.

Finally Hermione said she would show Sarah to her rooms and Draco went back into the Manor. As the women walked across the garden to another gate they talked. “I think your young man is perfect for you. It certainly seems the two of you get along well.” Sarah remarked.

“We didn’t at first. That is the same Draco you listened to me complain about in school. Of course it’s the same Draco that switched sides after his Father’s death. Did you know that Lucius killed Narcissa?” Hermione said.

“Yes, I did. But did you know she was passing information to Dumbledore before that?” Sarah returned.

“Draco told us. Oh, I hope you don’t mind I have invited Draco’s godfather to dinner with us tonight. We wanted to tell him about the engagement. You’ve heard me talk about him, Severus Snape. He was my professor in school and now he heads my department at work.” The pair stopped at the door to the master bedroom in the cottage. “Here you go. I’ll be at the main house if you need anything or just call for Ivy.”

After another hug and a promise to be on time to dinner Hermione left for the Manor and a little time with Draco. Unfortunately, Draco was tied up with a floo call from Blaise about business. So Hermione busied herself with getting the dinner plans in order.

At six o’clock Sarah arrived and the three decided to wait in the library for Severus. Draco was showing Sarah his mother’s gardening section when they heard the familiar roar of a Harley. Sarah smiled and began to walk to the front door closely followed by the two younger people.

Severus pulled up to the front doors as they came out to greet him. Hr was wearing black dragon hide boots and black muggle jeans with a black leather motorcycle jacket open over a black tee shirt. The shirt was just tight enough to shoe the well defined muscles of his chest and stomach. His helmet was even black. Hermione turned to Draco with big eyes, “Who knew he could look that good?” she said quietly.

Draco’s only reply was, “Indeed”. Was his godfather trying to give him a run for his money where Hermione was concerned? He hoped not.

Sarah seemed extremely interested in the either the wizard or the motorcycle. It was a big black and chrome monster. As Severus took off his helmet and looked at the group on the steps he was shocked to see someone who almost could be mistaken for Hermione except for the sight age lines on her face and the deep tan.
Descending the steps in a very graceful gait Sarah asked, “Is that a ’70 Hog? I didn’t know they exported that model.”

Severus grinned and replied in voice that was smooth as silk, “They didn’t. I bought it in America and had it shipped over. I’m Severus Snape.” He gave a small bow.

Sarah stepped forward and extended her hand to shake, “I’m Sarah Braham.”
Severus took her hand and instead of shaking it he planted a soft kiss on it. Hermione and Draco both saw the blush that came to her cheeks and the light in Severus’ eye. Looking at each other the young couple just smiled and gave a slight shrug. “I see you took the extra chrome package. What size motor did you get?” she asked smoothly.

The two spent a few minutes discussing the bike. Hermione had no idea that her Aunt liked motorcycles. Draco put his arm around her and leaned close to her ear, “I certainly didn’t see that coming did you?” He sounded amused.

Leaning her head a little closer, “No, but for some reason I don’t mind.” And she realized she really hoped they got along. They both deserved someone in their life.

Draco cleared his throat, “How about some dinner?” he drawled with a smirk. He suppressed his laugh when two startled faces turned to him. They had forgotten anyone else was there.

“Forgive my poor manners. How are you both?” Severus said as he turned to the pair on the steps. He took Sarah’s elbow to lead her to the other couple. He could have sworn she shuddered a little and turned to look at her. She was smiling at him so he didn’t let go.

The four had a comfortable dinner with everyone getting to know each other. Sarah was well versed in plants and their various uses in potions. Even Hermione was impressed with her.

They moved to the rose garden for afters. The sun had gone down and the garden was softly lit with glowing balls of light that looked like soap bubbles.
They each had small tumbler of firewisky and the conversation turned to roses.
Draco mentioned the yellow rosebush and its history. Soon Severus and Sarah were deep into a discussion on the varieties that were combined to make that particular rose.

After a few minutes Severus realized that the other two weren’t joining in the conversation. He looked at them and saw that they were drowsy. With a smile he looked at Sarah and inclined his head to the pair. She glanced at them and smiled.
Severus said, “Draco isn’t there a pub in town?”

“Yes, it’s rather small but relatively respectable.” Draco answered. He gave the older wizard a questioning look.

“Sarah would you like to go for a ride and get a pint at the pub?” he asked in a silky voice. At her smile and a nod of acceptance he took her by the hand as they stood up. Looking at Draco, “Do the two of you wish to join us? I believe you still a bike or two in the garage don’t you?”

Looking to Hermione he said, “I believe we will sit this one out. Sarah would you like a bike to ride or will you be riding with Severus?”

Sarah looked to Severus and saw the slight smile on his face. “I’ll ride with you if that’s Ok? I’m not familiar with the roads yet. I would like to change though if you don’t mind. A skirt is not a good idea in on a bike.” At his nod she and Hermione left for the guest house.

After the women had gone through the gate Draco turned to Severus, “I wanted to talk to you about my relationship with Hermione.” Taking a deep breath he continued, “I’ve asked her to marry me and she said yes.” He looked at his godfather waiting for some sort of response.

The older man gave him a look that was part happy and part sad. “I’m happy you have found someone as wonderful as Hermione.” He pulled the younger man into a hug. “Before tonight I might have been jealous but somehow Sarah just…..”He let his sentence trail off not knowing exactly what to say.

“I know exactly what you mean. Hermione did the same thing when she got back. I can’t put my finger on it. The announcement will be in the Prophet tomorrow morning. We made a big deal out of it to deflect a little attention from Arthur and his problems.” Draco said. “I would be honored if you act as father of the groom” his tone was serious and he looked as if he were afraid that the other wizard would refuse.

Severus eyes held a light seldom seen in them, it was pride. “Nothing would make me happier” he said. They both turned as the sound of the gate floated over to them on breeze.

The sound of the women laughing made both men smile and look at each other. “I have your usual room ready if you want to stay tonight.” Draco looked to the two women. Hermione was laughing and saying something about shopping the next day and mother of the bride dresses. He felt his heart swell with pride because this beautiful intelligent witch was in love with him.

Severus looked to the two witches and did a double take at Sarah. She had dressed to match him exactly. He hoped he wouldn’t need his room at the Manor tonight, he was rather fond of the guest house.