The Rain Hides My Tears

Severus and Hermione felt the familiar tug of the port key, and when it was over, remembered why they hated it so much. They landed in an open field a short walk from the dragon reserve that Charlie worked at.

They walked in silence, both knowing how much was riding on this visit, neither willing to say what would come of yet another dead end to their research.

Severus, though thought to be so cold by so many, was terrified for his godson, and for the girl that was walking beside him. There was a lot that Hermione could hide from the others in the house and in the order, but he knew that the friendship between his godson and her was slowly changing into something more. They were good for each other, and he knew that Hermione would be devastated if they weren't able to cure Draco.

Hermione just walked quietly beside Severus, wishing for rain, and knowing it wouldn't come. Her silent tears were making tracks down her cheeks. She tried to subtly wipe them away, but she feared Severus realizing they were there. Hermione had a feeling that Severus knew the changing dynamics in her and Draco's relationship, as he was the most observant man she knew, but she didn't know how to voice her worries to him.

"Hermione," Severus said, interrupting her thoughts.

She looked at him with curious eyes, wondering what would make him break the silence.

"Hermione, I know you are worried for Draco. I am as well, but I have a good feeling about this healer. I think he will be able to help us, to help Draco. Just be strong for a little bit longer." Severus lay a comforting hand on Hermione's shoulder and she couldn't hold it in anymore.

Hermione flung her arms around the man she once feared and then grew to admire. He wrapped his arms around her in a fatherly way, and let her sob into his chest. He loved this girl, as a father would love a daughter. She was his best friend, if truth be told. He hated to see her in pain, and knew that he would work until the day he died if it meant making Draco well.

After a few minutes, Hermione pulled back and wiped her face. She looked up at Severus with a smile and said thank you. They continued silently to the reserve.

Charlie met them at the gate, and welcomed Severus with a handshake and Hermione with a hug.

"Charlie, I can't thank you enough for allowing us to come here and interrupt your routine," Hermione said in welcome.

"Of course, Mione, anything for you. And Severus, how have you been holding up being surrounded by the trio?" Charlie laughed. He knew the frustration the trio brought about for Severus during their time at Hogwarts, and never failed to mention it to the former professor.

"I'm handling it as well as can be expected," Severus replied with a fake grimace. He could act all he wanted, but everyone knew that he grew to enjoy his time with his former students.

"Healer Malkin will meet you at your rooms at noon for lunch to go over the preliminary information. He is currently busy with routine things right now, but he has cleared the entire afternoon to talk to you."

"Malkin? As in Madame Malkin?" Hermione asked curiously. Madame Malkin had a robe shop in Diagon Alley where most of the Hogwarts students and wizarding London bought their clothing.

"One in the same. She is his aunt."

"Wow, small world." Severus replied with his normal snark. He was ready to get settled in, and maybe have time to get his notes out and organized with Hermione before the healer came by at lunch.

"Follow me, your rooms will be right next to mine." Charlie led Hermione and Severus down a row of what looked like motels, and showed them to rooms 7 and 8. "You each have a private room with kitchenette. When you go in initially, it will set itself to recognize your magical signature and will only open to you or anyone you give permission to have enter. Make yourselves at home, and you are welcome to stay as long as you need or want." Charlie made his leave to let them get settled in.

Hermione and Severus went to their respective rooms and started to work straight away. Hermione unpacked her personal items into the dresser, closet and bathroom. She noticed the room was basically like a king size motel room: bed, dresser, table and chair, desk and chair, mini fridge, microwave, television, bathroom, etc. She got her notes out on the desk and realized she didn't have much to do. Being as organized as she normally was, everything was already set into the sections she would need in order to fill the healer in on her observations and research.

Fifteen minutes later, Severus knocked at her door, his notes in hand, and they started discussing where to start whenever the healer arrived.

At noon on the dot, there was a knock at the door.