All things and characters in the Harry Potter world belong to JK Rowling. The storyline is mine.

Previously on Making The First Move: Chapter 11

He was halfway to a standing position when Hermione's hand clamped down on the back of his pajamas. "Good morning Mr. Snape. Did you plan on leaving the bed without kissing me awake? I give demerits for that you know."

Severus leaned down to kiss Hermione and wish her a good morning. "I was just on my way to the shower. It's early yet. I figured on letting you get a few more minutes of sleep. I'll be back shortly."

Hermione continued gazing at the bathroom door long after Severus had closed it. She could tell he was still upset. As she turned her attention to the ceiling it came to her. She knew exactly what had to be done. Summoning a quill and parchment, Hermione wrote out instructions then crept softly to the small room where Severus kept Jasper his owl. She whispered soft instructions to the owl then watched as it took flight. She intended her message to be the first opened.

Hermione made it back to the bedroom just as Severus stepped out of the bathroom.

"The bathroom is all yours. Perhaps you will wash off some of that doubt during your shower."

Hermione gave Severus a hard stare but continued to the bathroom without answering his barb. She had a plan that would make Mr. Severus Snape eat every crusty word he had said to her.

If only it worked.

/

Making The First Move: Chapter 12

Severus was fully dressed and having a tea by the time Hermione finished in the bathroom. With cup in hand, he went to the bedroom door. "I'm leaving early. I want to be there before Miss Lovegood and Mr. Wilson turn up." Holding his tea cup in one hand he walked over to kiss Hermione. "I'll see you when you get to the shop."

Before Severus could leave the room, Hermione told him she had an errand to run and didn't know when she would get to the shop.

Severus didn't know if this was retribution for the previous night, but didn't take time to wonder. He had simply replied. "Alright Hermione. We should be fine as long as Miss Lovegood doesn't blow up the shop."

Hermione let out a giggle as she pulled on her knickers thinking Severus was right. Luna could be a handful.

Severus' eyes lingered on Hermione's body as she snapped her knickers into place. He left quickly before his mind had a chance to think what his treasure trove of lust offered. There would be plenty of time for sex if they could work out the basics once and for all.

/*/

Severus hoped the day would go well because he was not in the greatest of moods. He would follow his normal morning routine, but hoped he would be able to spend most of his day downstairs away from the bustle of the shop.

As early as Severus was, Noah was only about five seconds behind him.

Noah offered a cheery good morning as he headed to his office to hang his robes. On his way out to the front, Noah stopped in Severus' office. "I was wondering whether or not Hermione will be bringing The Silver Book with her today?"

Not in the mood for chatter, Severus simply remarked that he believed she would.

Noah had been around Severus long enough to realize this wasn't the morning for questions. His boss didn't seem to be in the best of moods. Noah quickly excused himself from Severus to go start his day.

Severus used his time to follow up on paperwork. He had just finished clearing his desk when Ethan appeared with Mr. Wilson. Seconds after that, Neville appeared with Miss Lovegood.

The day had officially begun.

/*/

Allen and Luna were taken to the conference room where Neville gave a quick overview of the shop and its workings. After his pep talk, Neville led the new hires out front where he left them in Ethan's capable hands. A slight nod from Noah assured Neville that everything was under control.

Neville headed back to the office area where he was stopped by a dour Severus.

Without going into detail, Severus advised Neville that Hermione would be in a bit later and he would be downstairs for the next hour. Before leaving the room, Severus mentioned he would like for Allen and Luna to learn at their own pace suggesting Neville not offer assistance unless absolutely necessary.

"I planned to keep an eye on the front. I will only step in if things go badly."

Still a bit irritable, Severus had responded a little too quickly. "We have vetted both Allen and Luna. They met our requirements for understanding the position as well as our products. If things go badly, there will need to be an accounting."

"I'm aware of that Severus." Neville answered coolly. "Perhaps it will do you good to brew for a bit. You can snap at your cauldron instead of your partner."

As Neville turned towards his office Severus apologized. "You are quite right. I had a beastly Sunday which seems to have carried over to today. I did not intend to snap. I'll be back up in an hour to see how things are going."

As Neville sat behind his desk making a travel itinerary for the following week, his thoughts drifted to the irritable Severus. He didn't like the sound of a beastly Sunday. It was his most fervent hope that Hermione's absence was nothing more than her need to run an errand and nothing else. If there had been an issue between her and Severus, and she had left the shop for good. He would gladly hang himself rather than deal with the old Severus.

Neville felt himself go red with embarrassment as he thought if Hermione had left them, The Silver Book had left as well. Glancing furtively around, Neville cleared his throat before getting back to his task at hand.

/*/

At precisely 9:00 am, Hermione was at the doors of the shop she had owled the previous night. The proprietor gave Hermione a wide smile as he opened his shop doors for the day.

"Good morning Miss Granger. Your message was in my delivery box when I arrived. If you need privacy, I'll be glad to show you to our presentation room where you may take whatever time you need to make your choices."

"That would be lovely Mr. Armitage. The presentation room will do fine. I would like to see…. And as Hermione explained what she was looking for Mr. Armitage's grin grew wider and wider.

"I know you to be a brilliant and outspoken young woman. Now I find you to be fearless as well. I don't think this has ever been done in the Wizarding World."

Hermione looked Mr. Armitage directly in the eyes as she replied. "Perhaps it has been done sir, but hasn't been bandied about. I would appreciate it if you would keep our transaction quiet as well. I wouldn't want to embarrass anyone by having a description of my purchases turn up in The Daily Prophet."

Mr. Armitage gave Hermione a wink. "Not a problem Miss Granger. I will be the soul of discretion. Now. Shall I get you settled in the presentation room and bring out assorted pieces or do you wish to choose something on your own?

"I have explained what I am looking for. I will leave the choices up to you. Five at a time will do nicely."

With a slight bow and another wide smile, Mr. Armitage showed Hermione to a lovely, old chair in the presentation room. As Hermione sat there smiling and humming, a young wizard, probably an assistant, brought her a cup of white tea and scones.

"Thank you very much. This will do nicely."

Five minutes later, Mr. Armitage came through carrying a tray. "According to what you have described, these should do nicely. Please take your time. I will be out front if you need me."

Hermione thanked him as she pushed her cup aside pulling the tray towards her. She studied the five choices then studied them again. What she wanted wasn't in front of her. Hermione felt she was being picky, but called for Mr. Armitage anyway. When he appeared at the door she told him she was ready for the next five items.

Mr. Armitage took the first tray away returning promptly with the next.

It took Hermione all of two seconds after the tray was set in front of her to recognize the piece she wanted. Clapping her hands as though she was applauding some kind of performance, Hermione called for Mr. Armitage who also applauded her choice before whisking it away to be wrapped.

Hermione was ecstatic over her choice, but she wasn't finished. When Mr. Armitage came back into the room, Hermione explained what she was looking for in her next item. He listened carefully to Hermione's request making notes as she spoke.

When Hermione finished explaining what she wanted and what she expected, the proprietor sadly explained he didn't have anything of that nature in stock. He did promise he could have it made and ready to go in a reasonable amount of time.

Hermione questioned what he considered a reasonable amount of time. His answer had been quite pleasing.

"I will have a lunch sent in. At the end of that lunch, I promise to have your item finished and ready to go. Please take your time with lunch." Mr. Armitage laughed as he left to order Hermione's lunch.

/*/

Hermione studied the magical, moving pictures Mr. Armitage had posted on the walls of the presentation room. They were delightful. She was studying one in particular when the Assistant entered the room to find out what she would like for lunch.

She chose a simple tuna and lettuce sandwich with a small cucumber, onion and tomato salad. The assistant took Hermione's order and was headed out when Hermione asked to send an owl.

"Certainly Miss Granger," he said with a slight bow. "If you'll follow me to our owl services room, you will find everything you need."

Hermione followed the wizard down a short hall where he led her to a fully equipped owl room.

"I'll leave you to send your owl. Your lunch will arrive shortly. I'll see you back in the presentation room."

"Thank you," remarked Hermione as she picked up a quill and piece of parchment to send an owl to Severus. She hadn't planned on being away from the shop this long and thought she should at least let Severus know she might be tied up for a bit longer.

Severus,

My apologies. This errand is taking much longer than I expected. Hopefully I'll have it done and over in the next hour or two. I'll see you then.

Hermione

Attaching the message to the leg of a great, grey owl, Hermione thought she should have made the note more personal. Since it was already attached to the owl, Hermione decided against changing anything. Severus would understand. She stood there watching as the owl flew out of sight second guessing the content of her message. She let out a small sigh as she walked back down the hall to the presentation room.

/*/

Severus had checked his Wonder Wizard Watch three times in the last hour wondering what errand was keeping Hermione this long. He had been upstairs to check on things at the front, found everything more than satisfactory and returned to the brewing room. He had three cauldrons on simmer as he was wont to do when he was under stress. He was worried about Hermione.

The thing playing over and over in his mind was Michael Corner had gotten hold to her and had her captive somewhere doing Merlin knew what. Needing to ease his mind, Severus Apparated to Hermione's cottage to check that history wasn't repeating itself. He found the cottage empty and everything in place. Even though his mind was far from at ease. Severus landed back at S L & G without anyone knowing he'd been gone.

Severus went back to his cauldrons, but turned all three pots down to low simmer until he was composed enough to see to them properly. Then he left the brewing room and headed to R&D where he sat at the desk mulling over things that had happened in the last twenty four hours. Was Hermione penalizing him because he hadn't readily accepted her apology? Unlikely but possible. All sorts of things passed through his mind. He paced the room hoping this wasn't the beginning of their end.

Severus was in mid pace when Noah appeared in the doorway. "I don't mean to intrude, but you have an owl."

Severus thanked Noah then turned his attention to the piece of mail. It was a plain envelope which Severus laid down on the desk thinking it to be some piece of correspondence he could review at a later time. But even under duress Severus couldn't ignore something business related. H

++e opened the envelope and to his surprise found Hermione's message.

Pulling himself straight up in the chair, Severus quickly read the short message. Hermione was still on her errand and estimated she would be tied up for another hour or two. She didn't explain her errand, but at least he knew she hadn't been captured by Michael Corner or something equally as foolish. His witch was not missing. She was fine. With that thought, most of the tension left Severus' body. Being in a much better frame of mind, Severus checked his cauldrons before heading upstairs to lend assistance where it was needed.

/*/

Ethan and Allen were on lunch break while Luna was shadowing Noah. Severus stepped out to the front and watched as Luna spoke with customers, made recommendations and closed two sales. The only criticism Severus had was something Noah had noticed straightaway and stepped in.

Once the customer left the shop, Noah patiently explained to Luna it was not up to her to make product interchanges on her own. She was allowed to make suggestions, but the end purchase would be up to the customer.

Severus listened as Luna tried to press her point. However, when she continued to argue with Noah he had stepped forward. "Miss Lovegood. May I have a word?"

Obviously oblivious to what she had done, Luna happily followed Severus to his office taking a seat without being invited. "How can I help you Severus?" Luna asked in a singsong voice.

"I've called you in because I noticed you arguing with your direct supervisor which is not done. Especially not on the shop floor where any customer could see the exchange. If Noah…."

Luna did not let Severus complete his sentence before speaking over him. "I wasn't arguing Severus. I was simply trying to make a point."

"Perhaps you will let me finish my thought before interrupting Miss Lovegood." Two sentences in and Severus was annoyed. "You may believe you were trying to make a point. From where I stood you were arguing with my Assistant Manager when he was trying to explain the correct way to handle a customer. This is your first day in the position. You should be listening and learning not trying to make a point about anything. So we are clear. I'll repeat what Noah was trying to explain. You are floor staff. Your job is to assist customers with their purchases. You will not make changes to their requests without being asked. While I do understand you have a fair amount of knowledge regarding certain things. Until you become familiar with the way we handle our customers, I'd prefer you follow Ethan or Noah's lead."

"I understand Severus. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Although it does seem counterproductive not to sell our customers what they need."

"I've said what I had to say Miss Lovegood. I am not going to debate the well established rules we have here at Snape, Longbottom & Granger. Please follow Ethan's lead. He won't steer you wrong. My suggestion would be for you to list the points you would like to make. Neville, Hermione or myself will be glad to discuss them once your probationary period is up. That will be all. You are probably needed out on the floor. Thank you."

"You're very welcome Severus. I'll be sure to list my thoughts."

Severus was just about to mutter a few unkind words about Luna, but Neville stepped into his office and sat down. Gazing at Severus, he explained why he was there. "I overheard your conversation with Luna. I will speak to her this evening. She has a tendency…"

Severus looked Neville directly in the eye as he finished his partner's sentence for him. "To overstep. To argue. To do whatever she sees fit. Have I captured everything?"

Even though it wasn't a humorous matter, Neville smiled. "Yes all that and more. This is her first day. She may be over stimulated. If I did not think she would be an asset, I would not have recommended her for the position. Girlfriend or not. I will speak to her this evening Severus. Promise."

"Well. That's settled. I'll expect a brand new Luna come tomorrow. Unless she's made herself a partner by then." Severus added with a smile.

/*/

Ethan and Allen had returned from lunch. With the front at full capacity, Severus was just about to turn his attention to other things when Hermione came through the doors.

"Hello love," Hermione said in a sunny voice. Did you miss me? My apologies for being gone so long. My errand turned into a never ending story. One that is best discussed over a lovely, glass of wine."

Severus had missed her, but didn't tell her that. "I'm glad you were able to get everything sorted. I've been upstairs for thirty minutes or so checking on the front, but I have three cauldrons on the fire I would like to get back to now you are here. I'll be downstairs. There is a small matter I'd like to discuss with you later this evening."

Getting up from his chair, Severus started for the stairs but turned back to rephrase his statement. "Actually, there are two matters I'd like to discuss with you preferably over a nice glass of brandy."

Severus kept walking before Hermione could form an answer.

Not only had Severus just zinged her, his request they have two discussions sounded ominous. With a sigh, Hermione went to her own office to see what needed to be cleared up. Fifteen minutes later she was still sitting with her elbows on the desk thinking about the greeting she had received from her wizard. Perfunctory was what it had been.

She had been around Severus long enough to know he could remain angry long after an incident if it wasn't settled properly. Hermione hoped what she had planned for that evening would bring an end to this bloody standoff. She wanted her loving wizard back.

Neville interrupted her reverie with a hearty greeting. "Hallo there Miss Granger. I thought you had deserted the ship."

Hermione turned to Neville with a smile assuring him she would not desert the ship. "How did everything go today. Are our new hires up to snuff?"

A slight blush appeared on Neville's face as he explained what had gone on with Luna finishing up with a slightly sarcastic comment. "Of all days for Luna not to be able to hold her tongue."

Hermione was caught off guard by Neville's remark questioning what he meant.

Turning even more red, Neville tried to brush his comment away, but Hermione was Hermione and would not let it go. "There has to be something behind your remark Neville or you wouldn't have said it. Explain please"

At that moment, Noah and Ethan appeared at the door asking for a word with Severus. Hermione was getting annoyed. She had been gone for a few hours only to come back to a shop full of secrets.

Addressing Ethan and Noah, Hermione told them Severus was downstairs. If they wanted to speak privately, they should go down there.

Hermione then turned back to Neville. "You were saying?"

Again she was interrupted. This time by Allen Wilson who stopped briefly to wish everyone a goodnight followed by Luna who had come into the office and plopped herself down in one of the chairs.

Not knowing what anything was about. Hermione wanted to continue her conversation with Neville but was met with him vigorously shaking his head from side to side. Hermione snapped her mouth shut immediately recognizing that whatever was going on revolved around Luna. Although her curiosity was peaked, Hermione held her tongue as she listened to Luna go on about her day.

"I've had nothing but wizards in my ear all day telling me what to do."

An instant frown crossed Hermione's face. "What?"

Luna repeated herself. "Noah, Ethan and even Severus have been telling me what to do all day long. I've worked in a shop before. I know what to do."

Neville didn't have to say a word. Hermione now knew exactly what all the secrecy was about. Luna Lovegood had obviously been acting herself. Hermione decided to offer her thoughts. "Luna," she said gently. "This is your first day at S L & G. You may have worked at other shops, but Severus and Neville have established rules as to how they want the shop run. They were only at your ear as you say to help you learn and acclimate yourself to this particular shop."

Luna started talking almost before Hermione finished her sentence. "But Hermione."

Before Hermione lost all decorum, Neville stepped in. "Severus and I have had a conversation. I plan to go over a few things with Luna tonight. It will be fine. I have a few things to look over then Luna and I will be leaving for the night."

"Alright partner. I'll leave everything in your capable hands." Hermione replied rising from her desk. "Goodnight. I'm going to fetch Severus so we can go home as well. Goodnight Luna. I'll see you in the morning."

/*/

Hermione now knew both things Severus wanted to discuss. One being Luna. If Severus had cause to speak to Luna, she knew he wouldn't give too many more chances. Whether she was Neville's witch or not.

She found Severus sitting at the desk in the Brew Room staring pensively at something in his hands. "Are you ready to go home?"

Severus looked up at her as if surprised to find her at his door. "I'm not ready just yet. Come in and have a seat. Please close the door behind you."

Hermione did as asked.

"We need to discuss Miss Lovegood," He offered without preamble. "I've just had a conversation with Noah and Ethan. They are not impressed. She is resisting their tutelage and suggestions and has continued to do things her way. I had to speak to her today myself. The woman actually tried to tell me how things should go. In my opinion, she does not and will not fit in here. However, Neville has assured me he will speak to her this evening. Which I'm sure he will. If he can get a word in edgewise."

Hermione smiled at Severus. "Neville has assured me of his intention to discuss policy and procedure with Luna as well. I believe she will be fine. If not, we let her go as we would any other employee who didn't measure up. Luna can be emphatic, but she is a good girl."

Severus glanced at Hermione replying a bit harshly. "That's all well and good Hermione. But we aren't looking for a good girl. We are looking for an exceptional employee."

"I stand corrected Mr. Snape. I was simply offering an opinion. Is this one of the topics you wanted to discuss?"

"It is. Whether you realize it or not. I do value your opinions. I am comfortable with the way it stands. Miss Lovegood will adapt or she will be gone. There is another matter we should discuss. One which would be more suitable if discussed at the house. If you are ready, I am ready. Let's collect our robes and go. Shall we go to the cottage?"

"Yes. Tonight I would prefer the cottage. That way. Should our discussion go wrong you will not have to ask me out of your home."

Severus grabbed at Hermione's arm as she opened the door. "Please do not be crabby with me. I have been crabby enough for the both of us today. I want our discussion to go well."

"As do I Severus. As do I. Let's go collect our things."

Before following Severus out, Hermione gave her wand a twist calling out firmly. "Begin."

/*/

Severus was ready and waiting when Hermione walked into the office. Several minutes later, she took Severus by the hand Apparating them to the cottage landing them by the back door.

"Ah. The back door," sniped Severus. "Am I no longer authorized to come through the front?"

Hermione gave him a quick kiss on the cheek laughing at his nonsense. "I installed a Caterwauling Charm on the front door. Now I've ruined the surprise."

With eyebrows raised into his hairline, Severus realized Hermione was having him on. She was deflecting his question. Returning her smile, he asked if he was allowed in the living room to have their discussion.

"It appears you are predisposed to being ornery and not kissing me today. Give me one little kiss and you may go wherever you like."

"I see the even tempered portion of my witch has returned to me. I might give you two kisses to make up for my lack of affection." He replied sniffing the air as he planted a kiss on Hermione's lips. "What smells so good?"

"I put together a special meal specifically to soften you up for our conversation. A wizard is much more pliable on a full stomach. I'll need every trick I can manage to keep you from throwing me away."

"Okay," replied Severus heading for the kitchen.

"Hey," yelped Hermione grabbing Severus around the waist. "You were supposed to say you have no intention of throwing me away."

Severus stood immobile until Hermione gave him a hard pinch.

"Ouch," he called out rubbing his arm. "I'm thinking. I'm thinking."

"Alright," joked Hermione. "You go think while I put dinner together."

Heading to the kitchen, Hermione felt hopeful their bantering was a sign their discussion would go well. As she had told Lucius Malfoy. She had no intention of separating from the wizard she loved. Not again.

And the proof would be in the pudding.