Disclaimer: I don't own any rights nor make any profit.

After a day like yesterday, Severus decided to clear his head with a trip to Flourish and Blotts. Though it was unlikely that they had a book they he didn't already own, he could but hope, occasionally being able to pick up a treasure that would help engage his brain.

He entered the shop and as normal was overwhelmed with the smell of old parchment. The owners were old, never really noticed the people in the shop, except in August when it was time to hike prices for parents when they came in to by this years books needed for Hogwarts.

He headed to the back shelves, where older manuscript's were stored, less flashy and less likely to be bought, but for Severus the reason for coming in here.

At the back there was one other person pursuing the titles, who he ignored. He started scanning them, the odd title standing out at him, until it registered that he already owned it thanks to his now unfettered access to the Malfoy library.

"Professor?"

He turned, annoyed at being interupted. He recognised the woman, though it took a few seconds to put a name to the face.

Miss Granger, the third member of the golden trio. The irony that he had been hoping to catch her soon. Here she stood. He hoped she would make herself useful but he knew he needed to be careful. He did not want appear too eager, let her make the first step. Idly he wondered what career she had embarked upon. Probably saving some god forsaken creature that society had no use for.

"Miss Granger," he said trying to sound as bored and unwilling as possible.

"How are you professor?"

"I was having a reasonable day, and I am no longer your professor,'" he snarked.

"I'm sorry. I was just trying to be polite," Hermione replied huffily.

"Miss Granger, in my experience people are only nice if they are after something."

"That's not always true!" she exclaimed.

" Really, prove me wrong then, you wish nothing off me?"

" Well, um, I was actually wondering if I could ask you w few questions if I'm perfectly honest. I didn't know I'd be seeing you today but I was thinking of getting hold of you. It's just luck really but on any other day I wouldn't be after anything." she answered earnestly.

"Why on earth would I answer any of your questions? You asked enough when I was educating you, and I made it clear that those questions were not welcome. What could possibly have changed now?"

"Well not much in all honesty. I was just hoping I could write an article about the reshuffle or lack of."

"I am not interested in answering questions. Enough has already been aid on the matter."

"That's interesting but not a headline I think you'd want to read."

That caught Severus off guard. "I beg your pardon. What headline could you possibly be referring to?"

"Yesterday a high ranking official from within the ministry refused to comment or back the decisions made by the minister. this is evidence of divisions within the government, is he in trouble already? Or words to that effect anyway," said Hermione triumphantly.

Severus turned around and glared at her. "Just who do you think you are? The Golden Trio is not what it was young lady."

" I am a reporter for the Wizarding times. Well a part time reporter really, something to pay the bills whilst I'm trying to continue with my charities and lobbying."

"You're a reporter? Interesting."

Severus's mind was working. Merlin was smiling down on him today. A reporter was just what he needed. Whilst the Wizarding Times was not as popular, nor as well established as the Daily Prophet it was seen to been more truthful, less likely to just follow what the government wanted. Started when people were tired of the Daily Prophet sounding like a tabloid, running more articles on celebrities than news. The times had gained a reputation after writing some quite scathing articles in the past without resorting to the sensational lies published by reporters such as Rita Skeeter. This could be very useful to him. Hermione Granger was known for her loyalty and honesty. A few stories given to her to write could very well cause a lot of damage to Arthur and others. If he could get close to her he could also find out the truth behind Ronald Weasley. How things happen so quickly.

"Forgive me, I didn't realise you were a reporter. I merely thought you were trying to intrude and ask impertinent questions like you used to," said Severus trying not to appear to eager.

Hermione blushed. "It's quite recent thing. I have had a hard time getting people to respect me. They only ever see me as Hermione Granger, member of the Golden Trio, celebrity, my face on the front of a newspaper. It's been hard proving my credibility as my own person."

" I still fail to comprehend why someone with your brains ended up as a reporter."

" A compliment from you. Wow. Well, I had a hard time getting jobs to be honest. People either wanted to collect me or hated me. As a reporter I am able to be a bit more anonymous. I use a different name and as long as I have news my editor doesn't care."

"What a shame," he muttered turning away.

"If you could. I need someone to help me understand why things are going on as they are, a true perspective, not the mumbled rubbish we keep getting. Everyone knows about your loyalty. I want to know what you and the rest of he people are really thinking."

"Why should I? I don't make a habit of talking to anyone let alone reporters."

"Because you're the only can teach me. Anything you say will be anonymous. ' A source in the government said, my sources tell me...' I will let you say what you are really thinking without any back lash. I know you where slighted by the Minister" she said with disdain. "You have to be able to say something about it."

" Quite. I'll make you a deal. I won't answer you questions here. I insist on going back to my house, so I can ensure we won't be overheard. Its only in Kensington, a quick apparition away. Once there, I will answer questions of a political nature. Any questions of a more personal nature will mean you never get a even a nod from me. If my name is linked with what I say, I will personally make sure you never type a word again. I will endevor to teach you but beware. You remember my teaching from Hogwarts. Why on earth you wish to put yourself through that I'll never know."

"To be honest sir. You were always my favourite teacher. I loved learning from you. You pushed me more than everyone else, didn't coddle us when things got hard. I did think you were unfair but I certainly learnt more with you teaching than that awful year Professor Slughorn taught us."

"Very well. Let us depart. I will meet you in the alley near the train station. It wouldn't do for your fans to see us together."

"No, of course not." replied Hermione.

With a swift nod of his head, he swept out of the shop without a backward glance. He kept his face blank as he strode down Diagon Alley but his mind was reeling. He could not believe that only yesterday he had wondered about trying to find a way to contact Miss Granger, and now he had another inlet in his plan. He knew he had to tred carefully but he wondered just how manipulatable Miss Granger was. She was always intelligent, though of course he would never outwardly admit it. Not until he had to throw out a compliment to reel her in. She also had, from what he had managed to gather, a habit of thinking the best of everyone. Loyalty unlike any other. Well, let's see how long that last's, Severus thought with a smirk. He arrived at their meeting point, and only had to wait from Hermione for a few moments before she arrived, looking quite excited at the prospect of questioning her ex professor. Severus offered Hermione his arm, when upon feeling a gentle pressure from her hand, apparated them away with a loud crack.

A/N: Bit later than planned. Next chapter hopefully in two weeks or so. More Hermione and Severus to come. (I apologise for any spelling and grammar mistakes. I haven't had much time to proof read, but wanted to publish.)