JKR owns it all. Blabbity blabbity blah…
Chapter 3:
By the third week of vacation, Hermione had visited her parents, Harry had made the obligatory stop at his aunt and uncle's house, and the Weasleys had been reunited at the Burrow. For two weeks, they had all gone home to catch up, fulfill family obligations and the like before packing up to spend the summer at Grimmauld Place. As the third Sunday of vacation arrived, so too did the company at Headquarters.
"Fred! You apparated right onto my feet! Get off you git!" Ron shouted at his elder brother.
"Perhaps if they weren't so large, we wouldn't have this problem!" Fred retorted, moving off of Ron quickly.
The Weasleys were the first to arrive at Grimmauld Place that day. Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Fred, George and Ron had all apparated to the park directly across the street. Molly had stayed behind to Floo into headquarters with Ginny, who would only be taking her apparition lessons in the next school year. Ron, having passed his test the first week of the summer break, found it necessary to gloat over this fact…which may or may not have directly lead to his sister casting her favourite hex on him that very afternoon.
Soon after the family had entered the house and begun sorting themselves in for a long stay (although Charlie and Bill were just visiting), the whoosh of the Floo could be heard as Harry, Hermione and Lupin entered into the library fireplace.
Molly, ever the hostess, was the first to greet them. "Harry! Hermione! Welcome! How have you both been? Harry you look a tad peaky, have you been getting enough to eat at your uncle's house? I should hope so…and it was a rather short visit…and Hermione, don't you look well! I see that the quick trip you took with your parents to Switzerland must have agreed with you! Remus thank-you so much for picking Harry up at his aunts, and bringing them both in from Diagon Alley."
"I'm fine Mrs. Weasley, don't worry about me so much," Harry answered, as soon as his would-be mother gave them the opportunity to get in a word, edgewise.
"I'm quite well also, Mrs. Weasley. I had a lovely time with my parents and got plenty of fresh air," Hermione added.
Remus merely contributed, "There were no problems picking up Harry. He was packed and waiting by the door at the pre-arranged time. We side-along apparated to The Leaky Cauldron and met Hermione, then flooed together. No problems at all. If you would excuse me?" and he left after squeezing Harry's shoulder affectionately.
"Good, good. Well, you know where the two of you will be staying, so why don't you both settle in while I start supper? Be quick about it, there is going to be a meeting after dinner, and the Headmaster has requested that you all attend," Molly said as they moved away from the fire and into the house proper.
"Seriously??? But Professor Dumbledore never lets up into the meetings! Wow!" Harry exclaimed in response.
Hermione looked rather pensive at the thought. "Something has to be up, or he wouldn't have asked. He's been rather adamant that we shouldn't be in the Order until after graduation. It must be important…" she broke off abruptly, deciding that it would be better to just do as Molly said and get ready for the meeting. Mrs Weasley never explained Dumbledore's requests, even when they had begged her in the past. She instinctively knew that she would get nothing else out of the matriarch. She was right.
"Be that as it may, I'm sure Dumbledore has his reasons, so why don't you go and settle in, and by the time that you are all ready, I'm sure the members will have started to arrive, and you can do all the imploring you want to try to find out." At this she gently pushed the two towards the stairs, motioning that the conversation was over.
Harry shrugged, and decided to go with the flow on this one. Pestering Molly only ever got her annoyed. They might as well do as she had asked.
Later that evening, the Order gathered in the large library. In attendance were the Weasleys, Harry, Hermione, Lupin, Tonks, Shacklebolt, McGonagall, Snape, Dumbledore, Hagrid, and surprisingly; Fletcher, Figg, Doge, Diggle, Jones, and Amos Diggory. It wasn't the full Order, but it was a rather large gathering to be having at Headquarters.
The students had never seen Diggory at a meeting. Harry's eyes had widened in recognition. He immediately became fascinated with the pattern of the carpet by his feet. Hermione leaned over and squeezed his hand in understanding. Survivor's guilt had been an issue for some time with the Boy-Who-Lived. However, it made sense to see Amos here. He didn't seem like the kind of man who would sit back and do nothing after finally having the Ministry acknowledge that Voldemort had killed his son.
The vacationing students had become comfortable, but the curiosity burning in their eyes could not be denied. Some of the members were clearly amused at this, like Lupin and Tonks, while others were annoyed or vexed, like Snape.
The headmaster began to address the group, "Welcome everyone! I trust the summer is progressing well enough for all of you!" to which there were several nods and smiles before he continued; "In spite of the fact that I have never approved of students joining the Order, I have recently been led to believe that some side participation would be beneficial to our efforts. As you all know, Voldemort has been very successful of late, not only in meeting his own agenda, but has also…improvised in such a way that his Death Eaters, when confronted have not only gotten away, but have seemingly breezed through altercations too. I don't mean solely by us, but by the Ministry as well. As such, I have taken a suggestion formulated by Molly and Arthur, and have decided to assemble several groups which shall research and develop new counter-measures. If we want to finally face Tom and end this war, we need to learn some new tricks."
"Hear, hear! I say it's about time we looked into some serious strategizing!" Ron agreed, both loudly and wholeheartedly.
The headmaster's eyes twinkled, before he replied, "I'm glad to hear that you approve Mr. Weasley. Now to get down to it, as some of you know already, I have decided to establish certain teams. The first being Ministry Research and Modifications, headed by Kingsley but including also Miss Tonks, Arthur Weasley, Amos Diggory and our er, inside sources at the Ministry. These members will be responsible for researching through the Ministry's archives, libraries and so forth. However, they are also responsible for using these avenues to look up modifications that may be possible to make items researched by other groups to be less, well, defendable. However, they perform the work on behalf of the other groups upon request, looking through sources to which rest of us do not have access. Try to do your own research as much as possible.
Secondly, we have the Defence team, headed by Remus, but also comprising of Misters Ronald, Charlie and Bill Weasley, as well as Harry and Alastor. They will be examining new methods of both attack and defence to hexes, curses and so forth.
The third team will be led by Professor Snape, and will look into potions that may help us all. He will be using the basement here as a lab in order to conduct both research and experimentation over the next few months, and will be assisted by both Miss Granger-"
"What? You have got to be kidding! Snape hates us! Honestly, do you think she could spend the summer working with that GIT?" Ron bellowed.
"Ronald Weasley! How dare you question the headmaster's judgement! You will respect his decisions as well as your potions professor! Apologize THIS INSTANT!" Molly scolded, here eyes shooting a powerful glare at her youngest son.
"Well, er, I just meant that it might not be the…best arrangement for either of them..." he trailed off lamely. "Sorry Professors, I just thought that they might not be such a good team, if they spend their time disagreeing. I don't know if this is your best idea Professor Dumbledore."
"Actually it was your mother's suggestion," Albus replied, to which Snape's eyes narrowed dangerously. "And if you let me finish what I was saying earlier, you would know that I would also be lending assistance to the team, as often as I am able."
At this, the figures of Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and the twins seemed to simultaneously relax. Snape couldn't help but sneer to see it all happen so quickly and unanimously amongst the student collective.
"As I was saying, the next team will look at both charms and transfiguration, to see what may be developed or modified in order to give us some clear advantages over the Death Eaters. This team, led by Molly, will also comprise of Tonks, Ginny Weasley and Minerva, with the ability to have some advice on the very rare occasion, and in limited capacity, with Filius Flitwick.
Lastly, I would like to present the reconnaissance team, who will be strategically placed throughout the wizarding community to hear of new reports and developments, as well as keeping both an ear on the ground for rumours and information, and the mindset of the wizarding population. This very important group will be working to keep us informed of what the larger community is up to; through clients and patrons of their various establishments and contacts. Led by Doge, it also comprises of Mundungus Fletcher, the Weasley twins, Bill Weasley, Arabella Figg, Dedalus Diggle, and Hestia Jones. Once the school year starts again, when necessary, the Hogwarts professors will also pass on any information garnered. This is considerably important, as it will be our main avenue for receiving information on our enemies as well as from the larger communities. We need to know of anything of note that happens in Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, London, St. Mungos and across Britain. Knowledge is power my friends, which is the entire point of our latest project.
Team leaders will arrange meeting times for both collecting information as well as for any practical or experimental requirements as needed and at their discretion. All leaders will report findings at Order meetings regularly. If there is any overlap between groups, please let me know immediately so I can monitor the projects and workload of the members. Minerva has offered to help with scheduling and administration as needed.
Lastly, I would ask that Misters Fred and George informally join the Potions and Charms teams as well as doing reconnaissance. Your particular brand of inventing may well help our efforts in several avenues. I'd also like you to formally keep track of what is being sold out of your shop, so that we can avoid having your own products potentially used against us. Any questions?" the headmaster finally finished.
All around the room, members looked at each other. It would definitely be difficult, and they were sure to all have questions, but in the mean time they would wait until the teams began meeting.
"Well then, if the students would excuse themselves from the gathering, the rest of us can finish our reports and then disband for the evening" Dumbledore said.
With a groan and some back-talk, the Trio and Ginny headed out of the library and up the stairs to discuss what had just happened.
"Bugger it all! You have to work with Snape? For the entire summer! Geez, Hermione, I wouldn't be surprised if you never spoke to my mum again!" Ginny exclaimed as they assembled in the boys' room.
Hermione sighed. It wasn't her ideal situation, but at least she could learn something and contribute. "What do you want me to say Gin? I can't go against the Headmaster's orders, and making a fuss will only cause problems with Professor Snape before we even begin working together. It's probably best to just accept the situation as it is. And, if it makes you feel any better, remember that Professor Dumbledore said that he would be helping too."
Harry and Ron brightened up a bit at her words before Ginny burst their bubble, "With his hectic schedule, how much time do you think he will have to be here all summer? No, it's likely to be you and Snape most of the time. Good luck Mione!"
"It's Professor Snape. And maybe it won't be that bad, since we are out of the classroom. He can't take points or give me a detention. How bad can it be?"
Harry smiled sadly at his friend. "Occlumency wasn't a barrel of laughs you know. He can make people miserable all by himself. It's his specialty."
Hermione looked worried at Harry's words. It promised to be a long summer.
Snape was no happier down in the meeting.
Of all the brats to be stuck with, I get the Know-It-All! Blast! Molly is asking for some serious payback when she least expects it. Well, it could be worse…I could have been stuck with Potter or shudder someone of Longbottom's capability.
As the meeting broke up, Severus shot a parting glare at Molly and Arthur for their brilliant instigating skills, and headed for the door.
"Severus, will you apparate with me back to Hogwarts? I'd like to figure out the best manner in which to begin our new project," requested Dumbledore.
Meddlesome Old Fool!
"Of course, headmaster." With that, the pair of professors left Grimmauld Place for their school.
"I'm glad we decided to walk. The fresh air does me good, and the sky is quite beautiful tonight," Albus said, looking up at the twinkling stars, as they moved toward the castle from the gates.
"Luckily, I am an extraordinary multi-tasker. I suggest we walk and talk, Albus, as I have several potions to get back to as soon as possible," the potions master replied.
"Ah, yes. Well, I suggest that you look over your own research and see if anything looks particularly useful to our needs. If anything stands out, and you think that we might be able to experiment and make something that may aid our cause, we'll start with them. I'd like to get Miss Granger started on research, and helping you with Poppy's supplies. If you think that she can make it, leave it to her, and take the more complex things upon yourself. Remember my boy, the more you delegate, the more research and experiments you can conduct."
At this Snape faltered in his step slightly. While he abhorred the thought of Hermione in his lab or underfoot, there was clearly an advantage to having her on his team. Granted, she was a nuisance, but she was a capable nuisance. He could expand on his own projects and get much further in research and experimentation if he delegated to her the smaller tasks. And Merlin knew, the girl could research. Hogwarts hadn't seen such a swot since Severus himself.
Albus grinned slightly under his long beard, hiding it from his friend. He knew Severus well, and being the consummate Slytherin, he would come to the conclusion that Hermione could work out to be an excellent assistant. His eyes twinkled.
At times like this, it felt good to be omnipotent.
As Hermione woke on Monday and looked out her window, she noted the rain trickling gently against it. She stretched and sat up. Thinking about the previous evening's developments, she began chewing on her lower lip.
A summer of Snape. This is really not what I was expecting in the least. I know Dumbledore has his reasons, but this will be difficult to say the least! The man is intolerable! I just hope that he conducts himself with some dignity outside of Hogwarts, or this is going to more horrible than my first few weeks at Hogwarts in first year…
"Oh it's raining outside! Looks like a day to stay in! Too bad, the boys were hoping to get a game of Quidditch in before Charlie and Bill had to leave today," Ginny said to Hermione as she rose from her bed.
"I wonder how long it will be before our team leaders get us started on our assignments?" Hermione asked.
"School has been over for three weeks, and you're already begging for more assignments and work. Honestly Hermione, do you even believe in the concept of fun?" Ginny laughingly replied.
"Of course I do! It's just that the sooner we get started, the sooner we can get rid of You-Know-Who…I hope!" Hermione said, now fully dressed and brushing her bushy mane out.
"Alright, alright. Well, let's hope that we at least get a bit of a holiday while everyone is still here together," the redhead replied.
There was a knock on the door.
"Girls, breakfast is ready! Hurry up before the boys eat it all!" Molly said, her voice muffled through the door.
"Coming!" they replied in unison.
There was a brief respite, of which the group took advantage. Ron challenged Charlie and Bill to games of chess, while Hermione, Harry and Ginny played exploding snap and gobstones.
"Gross! I got hit again! I think I have had enough of gobstones for one morning!" Ginny explained as she wiped her face clean of the goo that had hit her.
"Sore loser!" Harry said with a grin.
Hermione laughed and stood up from her seat. "Does anyone want a drink? I'm going to go to the kitchen and grab something."
"Hey, see when Mum is going to have lunch ready. I'm starving!" Ron answered, rubbing his stomach suggestively.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Ronald, you'd think you hadn't eaten all the bacon this morning at breakfast!"
"I'm a growing boy! I needed that bacon!"
"Right, and I need volumizing shampoo. I'll be right back." Hermione left the living room and headed for the kitchen. As she came through the door, she ran into someone very tall.
"Oh, excuse me---"
"Perhaps you could watch where you are walking Miss Granger? Some of us are disinclined to be struck down by adolescents who can't pay attention to where they are going"
Aw crap.
"Professor Snape, I apologize. I was just heading to the kitchen for a drink, when-"
"I don't really care for your excuses Miss Granger. As it happens, I was looking for you anyway, so I shall join you in the kitchen."
They sat down together at the table immediately. Hermione fidgeted as she waited for him to speak.
"Professor Dumbledore has asked that we begin as soon as possible on our project. He is hoping that by summer's end, the teams will have enough new approaches to counter these Death Eater raids, and to regain the ground we have lost over the past few months. While inconvenient on a personal level, giving up our respective vacations in order to achieve these ends is paramount in order to aid the greater good. Do you understand Miss Granger?"
"Of course, Professor. I have no real problem with working with you to help defeat You-Know-Who. It is the most important work that can be done right now, and I understand that perfectly."
"Oh really? It seemed that your compatriots disagreed last night." came the snarky reply.
"In all fairness sir, just because they are my friends doesn't mean that we agree on everything." Hermione answered, looking into his face for the first time in the conversation.
"Trouble in paradise? Perhaps this summer will be more interesting than I thought, if the Dream Team isn't getting along," he sneered.
"I beg your pardon sir, but that isn't what I said," came her sharp retort, through gritted teeth.
"Yes well, back to the main point. Dumbledore has asked that I set up the lab immediately, so for the next few days I will be coming and going with supplies. I would appreciate it if you stayed clear until I set up the table and such. After that, you can help me organize the supplies and ingredients, and then we'll get started. I will be delivering a list from Poppy on what the infirmary needs brewed. You will begin on that straight away, while I go through my private research and see where we will begin. I will also have you looking through texts conducting research on ingredients and old potions recipes to see what may be useful to us. I will bring texts from Hogwarts, but may also send you to the school library or to the London Library if required, and if Albus deems it safe." With this being said, Severus rose to his feet.
"Until tomorrow, Miss Granger."
The first few days weren't nearly as awful as Harry and Ron had surmised. Snape spent most of his time at Hogwarts packing up what was needed for the basement lab, while Hermione set up the storage cabinets. She hardly saw him.
The work benches, 2 desks, sinks and cabinets had all been installed the very first day. Hermione had done as requested and stayed clear of Snape until he was done. After that, boxes for her were sent in a constant stream through the Floo from his office to headquarters. Hermione lugged boxes and cauldrons until her arms ached. Still, she uttered no word of complaint.
Once the lab had been set up, Snape thrust a large roll of parchment at Hermione and had told her to start the medicinal potions. She was to do what she could, and if it was unfamiliar to her, or too advanced, she was to leave it for him. At first Hermione had known that she would hate to admit to either, but Snape made a comment almost as soon as she had scanned the list.
"Miss Granger, in spite of your insufferable need to prove yourself, and to never admit to not knowing something; I have neither the time, nor the ingredients to waste for you to attempt what you can't handle. You've only finished six years of classes, and I don't expect you to be able to do everything. Just do what you can and don't waste my time."
It wasn't like Hermione ever really had a chance for back talk. The man spent the first week popping in and out of the lab so suddenly, that even in the middle of a discussion, when she would have made a rash retort, she never had the chance. The man was in and out of the lab so quickly, he could have apparated.
Literally, not giving me the time of day. I suppose I should enjoy it while it lasts!
Naturally, such behaviour of a man like Snape would not continue. He was born argumentative.
Author's Notes:
To my readers and reviewers, especially notwritten, yapyap, and DeceptiveFates, thanks so much for sticking with me. My nervous energy waiting for Deathly Hallows is making me restless, and writing this has been a soothing distraction.
I decided to add Amos Diggory into this chapter after thinking carefully about how secondary characters may have reacted to out and out war, and the Ministry's acknowledgement of Voldemort's return.
I'd also like to point out that this story is accurate to canon only up to OOTP. I am too worried about Snape's actions in Book 6, and too distracted by what the motivation may have been (in canon) to add my own slant at this time. As such, I have decided to skip HBP, making the story AU.
Regardless of what may happen with the last book coming out today, I wanted everyone to know that instinctively, I trust Snape. I hope that he isn't a filthy traitor. I'm trying to have faith in both him and Dumbledore. I suppose the next 24 hours will tell whether or not that faith is misplaced.
Thanks for continuing to read and review. Also if anyone has some ideas or directions they'd like to point out for what sorts of Charms, Potions and Hexes I should incorporate into the "arsenal" that the Order is assembling, I'd be happy to hear.
I apologize for any typos or grammatical errors. I'm proffreading each chapter as I finish it, and I don't have a beta.
Review, won't you?
