Confidential Assignment

This world belongs to JKR, I am making no money from my efforts

Chapter One

Snape could barely contain his astonishment. This was the confidential assignment which required a clandestine meeting? The desire to clean out his ears and ask Albus to repeat his statement was almost overpowering.

\"I fail to understand why I should be the one assigned to run such a frivolous errand. Couldn\'t you simply order them by owl? For that matter, what about your rose garden?\" he asked, leaning forward in the chair in front of Albus\' desk.

\"These are special roses and I don\'t want them damaged by owl delivery. You were chosen because I am well acquainted with your ability to maintain security.\"

\"Hhmmpff. What so confidential about a bunch of blasted flowers?\"

\"The owner of the shop is an acquaintance of mine who agreed to try and produce a crimson rose with the scent of lilacs. She has at long last achieved success,\" Albus said, beaming with satisfaction.

\"I know I will regret asking, but what would possess you to request such a rose?\"

\"Minerva always said she loved the appearance of the rose, but her favorite scent is the lilac.\"

\"For Merlin\'s sake, just plant one and be done with it.\"

\"I fully intend to. However, it wouldn\'t bloom in time for tomorrow night.\"

Severus\' head came to rest upon the back of the chair. Bugger, I\'m doomed.

\"Your anniversary.\"

\"I am truly honored you remembered.\"

\"Blissful ignorance is difficult to maintain when house elves talk of nothing else but the blasted ceremony. Those elves may cease to exist if your anniversary celebration is used as an excuse to avoid doing one more thing. Meals have become an unbearable serenade of middle-aged squeals from the majority of my esteemed colleges. They mistakenly assume waxing lyrically over fabrics and color combinations is an aid to digestion. Sadly enough, this makes me yearn for the students, since their infernal chattering would easily prevail. At the very least, a measure of satisfaction could be obtained from taking a few House points.\"

\"Patience, Severus. Fiftieth anniversaries are special. The roses are merely an added bonus. They will make a beautiful bouquet for Minerva during the renewal of our vows.\"

\"Sentimental tripe.\"

Albus chuckled and said, \"Someday you may learn the value of sentiment. You must be sure to ask the attendant for order number 394.\"

Snape\'s head and eyebrow rose slightly. \"More subterfuge?\"

\"My friend has agreed to keep my little confidence. I want nothing to spoil the surprise,\" Albus replied, while passing over a pouch of coins. \"There should be more than enough here to settle the bill.\"

\"There are times I am totally amazed we were able to prevail in the war,\" Snape observed as he rose and headed toward the door.



After apparating to an alley, Severus glanced around before stepping onto the sidewalk. Why a witch would have a magical flower shop in the middle of London was beyond his understanding. What was wrong with Diagon Alley? Having to wear Muggle clothing was never something he chose to do. Dire circumstances were one thing, but for a foolish errand it was intolerable. If I end up chafed from these trousers, Albus will pay. Now where is this idiotic - ah, here we are.

Opening the door to Hortense\'s Horticulture didn\'t immediately reveal any personnel. Glancing around he did make note of a shapely bottom wiggling back and forth as the owner searched under a waist-high counter.Perhaps Muggle trousers are good for something after all. If this is Hortense, I shall have to take Albus to task for holding out on me. This may well make the trip worthwhile.

A vague muttering became audible and he realized she was unaware of his presence. He stepped closer and loudly cleared his throat. As nice as the view was, he didn\'t want to fritter away the whole day. A muffled thump was heard and various glass vases on the top shelf of the cabinet swayed alarmingly.

He watched as she gracefully backed out, turned and said, \"Sorry, I didn\'t hear anyone come in. May I help yo - Professor Snape?\"

\"Miss Granger, I was under the impression you were furthering your education, not slaving away in a flower shop.\"

Merlin\'s beard, I\'ve been ogling Granger\'s backside. Desperately need to get out more.

\"I didn\'t realize you kept track of graduates.\"

\"I do not. Minerva takes great delight in reading aloud any and all letters received from former students during meals. We have been inundated with them lately. As delightful as this conversation has been, I am here to pick up order number 394. Since I do not enjoy idle chit-chat, I would appreciate some expedience.\"

\"What is that?\"

\"What is what?\"

\"Order number 394.\"

\"Miss Granger, simply because you are no longer a student and not subject to loss of House points, it does not give you leave to be difficult.\"

\"I\'m not trying to be difficult. I don\'t normally work here.\"

\"Then pray tell, why are you here?\"

\"I\'m filling in for Neville. He needed this afternoon off and couldn\'t get anyone else.\"

\"Longbottom. I should have known. He continues to plague my existance with his incompetence even now.\"

\"That\'s hardly fair. It\'s not like he knew you were coming in or that you wanted a specific order.\"

\"Be that as it may, do you suppose you might bestir yourself and retrieve it?\"

\"It might help if I knew what kind of arrangement I was looking for.\"

\"Roses, Miss Granger. Crimson roses that smell like lilacs.\"

\"I thought you hated roses.\"

Snape pinched the bridge of his nose and said, \"What difference does it make if I hate the bloody things? Will you fetch the blasted order or not?\"

\"I can\'t.\"

\"Excuse me?\"

\"I don\'t have the key to the cooler for the special roses.\"

Steeling himself not to yell, he stated, \"You could have mentioned that little inadequacy in the beginning.\"

\"I didn\'t know you were after roses, now did I?\"

\"Miss Granger, I am out of what little patience I possess,\" he snarled. \"Could you possibly tell me when someone with a key will be available?\"

\"Hortense or Neville should be returning in the next few hours.\"

\"I will return in exactly two hours. Hopefully, someone who is competent will be in attendance.\"

\"That\'s extremely rude and uncalled for! I told you I was only doing Neville a favor by filling in.\"

\"I would offer a modicum of advice: if he should again call upon you to \'fill in\', decline. It would undoubtedly be beneficial for business,\" he growled while turning and leaving the shop.

\"Oh! That - that man hasn\'t changed a bit!\" she yelled, slapping her hand down on the counter. \"Oww, not the smartest thing I\'ve ever done.\"



\"Hermione, I don\'t think it\'s a good idea,\" Neville said after she outlined her plan.

\"Please, you owe me and it will square the debt. It really means a lot to get a little back.\"

\"Just remember, I need to keep this job,\" he cautioned good-naturedly.

Catching a glimpse of Snape through the window, Hermione pushed Neville through the staff door, \"Quick, unlock the cooler and hide out in the office. And for pity\'s sake be quiet!\"

Composing her face in what she hoped was the most saccharin smile he had ever seen, she cooed, \"Severus, it\'s so nice to see you again. Why, when you showed up in the shop this morning I had no idea you had a girlfriend somewhere. I guess I never pictured you as the candy and flowers type.\"

Snape stopped in the middle of the shop, eyes narrowed and considered whether or not to continue forward. Her little speech raised his hackles and the urge to sprint out the door was commanding in its intensity. Albus, however, would not be pleased if he returned without the bloody roses.

\"I\'m so sorry I couldn\'t help you earlier,\" she continued in a honey-coated voice as she walked around the counter. \"I\'m sure I\'ll be able to satisfy your - request now.\"

\"Miss Granger, I don\'t know what game you are playing, but be assured I am not a participant.\"

\"Severus, you wound me,\" she purred, closing the distance between them and placing a hand on his chest. To her surprise the Muggle sweater he was wearing was quite soft to the touch and couldn\'t resist running her fingers over it. \"I\'m only trying to help your romantic endeavors. I really love your sweater, even though it is black. Where did you get it?\"

Grabbing her hand off his chest and releasing it, he snapped, \"Stop this immediately and to you, my name is still Professor Snape.\"

\"Ah, but you\'re not my professor any more are you? Since I\'ve known you for almost ten years, I feel the need to call you Severus,\" drawing his name out slowly, allowing her voice to drop as if caressing it. \"Especially seeing a side of you I\'ve never imagined before, it just does something to me I can\'t control.\"

Hermione threw her arms around his waist and lowered her head to his chest, smiling where he couldn\'t see it. She felt his body stiffen even further as his hands flew to move her away from him. Insult me, will he?

Snape had tolerated as much as his abused sensibilities could take. She wants to play a little, does she? Grabbing her arms, he pulled them away from his frame and held them behind her back. Pulling her hard into his body he bent over and captured her mouth with his own. Her small gasp of outrage allowed him entry. What he hadn\'t counted on was his body\'s response. Her lips were soft and warm and she tasted of marmalade. His tongue delved deeper, seeking the sweetness.

Gods, Snape is kissing me! Eeeww! She tried to struggle out of his grasp, but he continued to hold her arms captive behind her. Can\'t believe he\'s - doing - this - hhmm - not bad - not bad at all. Her struggles to gain freedom gradually ceased and she began to mold herself against him.

Neville, watching through a crack in the door, was panic-stricken. Snape\'s hands had released Hermione\'s arms and began to wander over various parts of her anatomy. What was worse, her arms had gone around his neck and pulled him closer. What if a customer comes in? I\'ll be sacked for sure. Have to do something. Rushing to the rose cooler, he grabbed order number 394 and headed out front.

\"Professor Snape, here\'s your order. Professor!\"

Snape reluctantly broke the embrace and raised his head, scowling at one of the most annoying people he had ever known. Awareness of his surroundings and current activity caused him to release Hermione as if scalded.

She stumbled a bit and would have fallen if not for Neville catching her arm. Struggling to slow her breathing, she felt the pooled heat in her center and wanted nothing more than to kiss him again. Some of her hair had escaped its tidy little twist and added to the air of wanton dishevelment.

Severus felt his groin pulse and fought the urge to recapture her in his arms. Snape\'s eyes lingered for a moment on her swollen mouth before taking the carefully wrapped parcel. Fishing Albus\' pouch from his pocket he sneered and said, \"Keep the change,\" tossing it at Longbottom. Turning swiftly on his heel, he left the shop.

What the - I kissed Granger - and enjoyed it. If not for Longbottom\'s interference -

Smirking slightly, he ducked into the alley and apparated back to the gates of Hogwarts. Perhaps I\'ll \"stop and smell the roses\" more often.



A/N - I wish to thank barriequark for her plot bunny that I mangled slightly. Tifsuz and Moaning Myrtle helped polish it up and I am very grateful.