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"I don't believe I stuttered, Miss Granger," Snape replied. "Under no circumstances do I want to take the stand."

"Okay," Hermione began. "Why?"

"Because I don't think I'll need to take the stand in order to defend myself," he replied cagily.

"Oh, do you have an alternate suspect in mind?" she snapped.

"Do you really think I'd keep something like that to myself?"

Hermione shook her head. "Look, I'm the attorney here. If I don't think you'll need to take the stand, then you won't need to," she replied.

"No!" he argued. "I refuse to take the stand! That part is non-negotiable!"

She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. While it wasn't unusual and was often prudent for a defendant not to take the stand, it was odd for a defendant to make that demand during the first meeting. She examined Snape. Everything about his story sounded right, and with so much at stake she doubted he was hiding things from her. "I'm afraid," she began calculating her words. "that I can't make that promise right now. I'll need to review the case and see how things go."

"Miss Granger, I don't want to go on the stand!" he growled.

She glared at him. "All I can promise is that I will do my best to keep you off the stand."

Snape glared at her, but he knew that this was probably the best she could offer. He nodded and his features slightly softened. "That will be sufficient for now."

She released a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "Good. I believe that's all we need to take care of today."

"Thank you Miss Granger," he replied.

She smiled. "Thank you, uh…"

"I suppose Mr. Snape would be sufficient," he replied.

"Honestly, I like to be on a first name basis with my clients," she replied. "I think it strengthens the bond of trust between us."

Snape looked horrified, then swallowed tightly. "I suppose that would be appropriate now that we are both adults."

She smiled and suppressed a laugh. Something about her smile lifted his spirits for a brief moment. It wasn't enough to make him move his mouth, but his eyes softened. "So, uh Severus," she began. "I'll get the files from DA Conway and review them tonight. Out of curiosity though because it's been bugging me for a while, who is watching your store right now?" Hermione asked.

"Lucius said he'd take care of the finances. He's supposedly hired some one to work the counter and brew the potions. He's also agreed to house-sit, which means that he's going to bring over some house elves to assist him," he replied. Then he raised his eyebrow. "We'd both appreciate it if you didn't set them all free."

"Don't worry, I heard 'here comes Hermione and there go the house elves' enough times in law school to set that dream aside," she replied with a rueful expression. "It was stupid to begin with."

Snape watched as pain filled her eyes. He wondered if anyone else in her life noticed that pain, not that he was equipped to deal with it. Still, he began to wonder if maybe she took this case not only because she believed in his innocence, but because on some level she could relate to him. He stopped his thoughts there. Right now he needed a lawyer, not a therapist or a friend, though if he was honest both may be nice when he was done.

"I suppose I should make the announcement," Hermione began, interrupting his thoughts.

"I suppose you should," Snape replied.

Hermione turned to leave. Snape gulped before he spoke his next words, "Hermione."

She looked back. "Yes Severus?"

"I, I am honestly pleased that you changed your mind about taking my case," he replied.

She smiled, the pain now erased from her face. "You're welcome Severus. I'll let you know if anything important comes up."

"When will that be?" he asked.

She looked at him, stunned. Never before had she considered that he might get lonely. Sure, he looked scared, but there was also some sadness in his eyes, as though he was growing desperate for companionship. "I'll try to see you as often as I can. I can't promise that it will be every day, but it will be at least once a week," she answered.

He nodded and looked somewhat relieved. "That's reassuring," he replied.

Hermione smiled. "Try to stay sane. I'll look into getting a better breakfast for you while I'm at it. That stuff doesn't even smell like pancakes."

"They're biscuits," Snape replied with a smirk.

"Ew," she replied as she crinkled her face. "Yeah, you need better food."

His smirk grew. "Well, if you could work on that I'd be grateful."

"I'll do my best," she replied. "Goodbye Severus."

"Goodbye Hermione," he answered.

She gave him one last smile and yelled, "Guard!"

Snape braced himself for his inevitable stupefaction. After a few moments, he felt his muscles tighten and heard Hermione leave. Then the door shut and he felt his muscles relax. He groaned, but felt a bit lighter after talking to Hermione. At least he had an attorney, and maybe, just maybe, he stood a chance.