Previously on Making The First Move: Chapter 13
The table where Kingsley had been sitting was empty except for Adrian and a wizard Severus introduced as Miles Bletchley current Head of the Department of Magical Transportation. Miles stood to offer his congratulations after which Hermione and Severus said a quick goodnight and made their way to the door.
Before Apparating home, Severus smirked that they should shortly be receiving a great many gifts.
Hermione simply gave him a roll of her eyes as she took hold of his arm.
As they landed at the cottage, Hermione asked Severus where he thought the Minister had gone.
"If he didn't go downstairs to have a game of chess, he probably went home."
"Have you been downstairs for a game of chess then?"
Severus smiled to himself. "I've been downstairs once or twice, but I don't play chess Hermione. I find it boring. Besides, too many annoying witches find their way down there."
"Oh." Hermione replied turning her back to hang her robes. "That's interesting."
Severus' smile had grown wider as he too removed his robes. His witch did not miss a thing. She knew he didn't play chess. To her, going downstairs for a game of chess probably sounded sketchy.
/
Making The First Move: Chapter 14
Severus knew Hermione was bursting to discuss something and being a very astute wizard. He was pretty sure of the topic. The problem was he didn't want to start any discussion at 11:00 pm. Pulling Hermione towards him, Severus nuzzled his face against the back of her neck. "I know that as my fiancée you have all these unalienable rights. However, starting a conversation in the dead of night which is sure to last an extended period of time is not one of them. I will be glad to discuss Mr. David Reese with you in the morning." Giving her a firm kiss on the ear along with a tweak of her nipple, Severus settled into his pillow closing his eyes.
Yawning, Hermione told Severus he needn't be so smug about knowing what was on her mind because one day she would surprise him.
After a short pause Severus chided. "Well today is not that day love. Is it? I would have to be a total idiot not to have noticed how impressed you were with Mr. Reese. We will revisit his application in the morning. Perhaps we can trade him for Miss Lovegood."
Smiling to herself, Hermione told Severus to take his smug arse to sleep before she decided to trade him in for David Reese.
"Try that my love and Mr. David Reese will not have to worry about attaining a new position. He will have to figure out how to get around without legs. Now. Will you stop talking so I can fall asleep?"
Hermione didn't reply. Several seconds later, Severus mumbled a weary thank you before giving her shoulder a last kiss.
/**/
On Tuesday morning, Hermione and Severus had barely hung their robes when a beaming Noah entered the offices to offer his congratulations on their engagement.
As Severus shook Noah's hand, he smirked at Hermione over Noah's shoulder. "Thank you for your kind sentiments Mr. Gables. Good news obviously travels fast."
Noah then turned giving Hermione a slight bow before wishing her all the happiness in the world and she had given him a dazzling smile in return.
Noah had taken three steps toward his own office when he suddenly turned back with a sheepish look on his face. "This may not be the time Hermione, but I'm going to step out there anyway. Have you by chance brought The Silver Book with you today?" Realizing how he must sound, Noah quickly explained himself. "My question is not meant to imply I expect to be allowed to review it on my own. It is my hope you will at least allow me to peer over your shoulder as you, owner of the book, study the chapters. If peering over your shoulder doesn't sit well with either you or Severus, I will gladly take a chair anywhere in the room. I have exceptional eyesight which allows me to see across great distances."
By the time Noah arrived at this point in his recitation, Hermione's face was bright pink from trying not to laugh at their Assistant Manager. "I didn't realize you had such a flair for comedy Mr. Gables. To answer your question. I do have The Silver Book with me, but do not intend to let it out of my hands for anyone. I did promise to share my gift with you and Neville. Therefore, I will set a day and time for the three of us to sit down together. I suggest you invest in a pair of finely made gloves on the chance I feel generous enough to allow touching. Isn't that better than having to use your exceptional eyesight to see across great distances?"
Breaking into a very wide grin as he backed out of the office, Noah admitted that trying to read across a room did have its disadvantages.
Severus who had stood by listening to the entire conversation left the office smiling and shaking his head. The Silver Book was going to be the ruination of Mr. Gables. He could just feel it.
/*/
Hermione and Severus had just sat down to discuss a few things when Harry appeared at the office door. "Good morning folks. I'm here on the off chance there might be something you'd like to share with me."
Harry shook hands with Severus while a grinning Hermione rose from her seat to face him. "Something like what Potter?" She asked with her hands on her hips. "You are a top Auror. It isn't very often you'd inquire after something without already knowing the answer. So I'm fairly certain you already know Severus has asked me to marry him, I've accepted and he has presented me with an exquisite engagement ring. Have a look." Hermione chirped stretching her hand so it was just about under Harry's nose.
Harry grabbed Hermione hugging her tightly. "Congratulations to you both. I would say this is so sudden, but I have recently become privy to information that this relationship started over a year ago without anyone asking for my consent or blessing. I am the brother after all."
Severus had been satisfied to let Hermione do all the talking until this point. "Really Potter?" He drawled holding out his own engagement ring. "You think I should have come to you to declare my intentions? I personally think it was up to your best friend and sister to inform you she had given me a ring and asked me to marry her."
Harry gazed at the handsome ring on Severus' finger in amazement. He knew Hermione to be a brilliant, forward thinking witch who had pulled off many unexpected things, but this was more than unexpected. This was amazing.
While Harry stood there speechless. Severus continued to drive his point home. "Perhaps it is time for you to start wearing a helmet of sorts Potter. It's obvious you've taken one too many hexes to your head if you think I should come to you for anything." Said Severus with a smirk as he accepted Harry's hearty handshake.
"Well it's too late for me to try to talk her out of it now so I'll just have to go with it." Harry replied with a happy grin.
Severus nodded his head in Harry's direction. "Glad you finally got there Potter."
Harry winked at Hermione and as he made his way out of the office he called back to Severus. "You're in for it now Mr. Snape. Good luck."
Severus smiled as he began shuffling the papers on his desk. He was well aware he was in for it. His fiancée had already advised him of just how many unalienable rights she had. Nevertheless, he was in it for good.
/*/
After Harry left, Severus asked Neville to step in so they could discus two business items. Once Neville was seated Severus got right down to the first item. He wanted a floo connection from S L & G to each of their homes. Severus made it clear that a floo connection was not mandatory, but would be helpful. Neville and Hermione thought it a good idea with Hermione volunteering to have the connections set up.
The next item was entirely Hermione's baby. After explaining to Neville how impressed she had been with David Reese she asked him to review the application David had previously submitted.
With a quick glance in Severus' direction, Neville gave the application a cursory look before returning it to Hermione. He felt very uncomfortable sitting between Severus and Hermione while she practically gushed over another wizard.
"You barely looked at the thing Neville. Is there something wrong?" Asked Hermione.
Severus surmised what was going on with Neville and stepped in to clarify the matter. "I am in agreement with Hermione on this Neville." Severus remarked staring at his skittish partner. "I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Reese as well. He seems a decent wizard who has found himself in a bit of a squeeze."
Neville reached for the application this time giving it a thorough review. While Neville was looking down at the application, Severus pointed to his ring finger. It had taken a puzzled Hermione a couple of seconds to catch on, but once she had she casually informed Neville she and Severus had become engaged the previous evening.
A small smile played across Neville's face as he continued to study every bit of information in front of him and respond to Hermione as well. "Well done you two. Congratulations. I imagine that is the reason Severus sat here as calm as you please while you practically sang the praises of another wizard. You could have shared the good news as soon as I sat down. It would have saved me from nearly shitting myself."
"Really!" Severus remarked a bit sarcastically. "I hope it wouldn't have come down to that. I'd never be able to look at you the same way again." Severus said with a distinct frown. "Our purpose is to discuss Mr. Reese. What can be done for him?"
Before speaking about David Reese, Neville apologized for thinking the worst and had congratulated them on their engagement for a second time.
Hermione sat there shaking her head mumbling about dolts. "The question on the table is if we can do something for David that will be beneficial to the company as well. You've read the file. He is experienced and comes with stellar references. Think about it. We had plans to build our own greenhouse. Why don't we start there? Perhaps you and Severus call him in for a discussion to see if something like that would interest him. If it isn't up his alley, we can say we tried and I will leave it alone. Right now I'm going to see about our floo connections. After which I will be heading down to the Brew Room. Just one little point Neville. Severus and I have dedicated ourselves to each other. The last thing I would do is embarrass him. If it comes out of my mouth in company, he and I have already discussed it. I'll see you both in a bit." She said leaving the room without another word.
"Since you have already pissed off my fiancée, I suggest we get David Reese sorted. It is my belief we should have something positive to tell Hermione when she gets back."
"Agreed," answered Neville sheepishly.
/*/
The morning moved along smoothly. The new hires were taking their cues from Ethan with Luna on her best behavior. Severus who had made several trips to the front to check on things was very pleased with the way Luna and Allen were carrying themselves, but wanted to make one small change. He had a quick word with Neville and Hermione suggesting they allow one full week for training as opposed to the original three days that had been scheduled. The partners were agreeable to the extra two days which Severus relayed to Noah who in turn would address it with Ethan, Allen and Luna.
On his way downstairs to lunch, Noah with Allen in tow stopped by Severus' office to deliver a handful of owl messages and let his superior know that lunch had been ordered in.
/*/
Once more Severus was impressed with his Assistant Manager who seemed to be on top of even the most minute detail. He and Hermione took lunch at the same time as Noah and Allen while Neville decided to wait to have lunch with Luna and Ethan.
Under a Muffliato, Severus informed Hermione of the decision he and Neville had come to regarding David Reese. He would be given two options. One would be to submit a plan to build, oversee and maintain a greenhouse. The other would be to take the position of assistant to Neville with details to be determined. An invitation had been sent out inviting David to interview with the partners on Thursday of this week.
Hermione was pleased. In turn, she told Severus that the floo connections would be completed by end of day Wednesday and they would be able to floo to work on Thursday morning. In a low voice she told Severus she had authorized a floo connection between the cottage and Spinner's End as well.
Severus removed the Muffliato when he realized Noah and Allen had left the room. He also took the opportunity to tell Hermione how well things had gone at the front and how he had given up any thought of trading Luna up for David Reese.
Hermione leaned over to give Severus a quick kiss before wiggling her finger in his face admonishing him to be careful about whom he threatened to trade in.
Severus reached out to grab Hermione's wiggling finger bringing it up to his lips to smugly retort. "We are engaged to be married and I am wearing your ring. You will not be trading me in for anyone. Next. It is your turn to keep an eye on the front. I will be in R&D. I've had a few thoughts on a mixture I would like to try. By the way. We received several congratulatory owl messages. We can review them tonight after dinner. I'll see you in a bit love."
Hermione threw an air kiss at Severus as she headed upstairs to check the front meeting Luna and Neville coming down the stairs as she headed up. "Ethan not going to make use of a free lunch then?" She asked Luna.
"I think I've worn him out. He decided to have a walk for now and maybe a sandwich later on this afternoon."
"Worn him out? That sounds ominous." Hermione replied sharply.
Neville had an idea of what Hermione was thinking and hastily stepped into the conversation. "Have no fear Hermione. Everything went quite well. Luna is having her little joke."
"I hope so." Hermione called back over her shoulder as she continued up the stairs. "I'm fairly certain Severus does not want to hear that his Junior Manager is worn out."
Luna sighed as she put her arm through Neville's. "Does no one in this entire shop other than myself have a sense of humor?"
Neville didn't respond to Luna's comment knowing she might be tossed out on her ear if she didn't settle in. Severus was a much more liberal wizard than he'd ever been in the past, but he did not joke when it came down to the shop being run correctly. Neville simply led Luna to the break room so they could partake of the free lunch.
/*/
The shop was very busy that afternoon leaving Hermione to wonder if half of Wizarding Britain needed supplies that particular day or were simply nosy arses come to see if the rumor was true. It really didn't matter their reason for being in the shop because almost all of them purchased some shop item.
Hermione used the ladies room and was on her way to speak with Neville when she noticed Noah speaking somewhat earnestly to…..Lila Grant. Hermione knew Noah could handle himself and she wasn't needed, but a small, belligerent voice in her head told her she was.
With a lovely smile plastered on her face, Hermione walked the floor seeming oblivious to Lila Grant's presence. She had no intention of interacting with Lila Grant other than waving her ring finger in her face, but the blonde harpy had other ideas. In a voice loud enough for Hermione to hear she asked Noah if she might speak to the shop girl.
A confused Noah glanced quickly around the shop to see if Luna was available. Luna was at the far end of the shop engaged in a conversation with a customer so he turned back to Lila to inform her that Luna was tied up for the moment but could be with her shortly.
Lila looked at Noah as though he had two heads as she gestured in Hermione's direction. "She's not busy. Have her see me now please."
Noah was even more confused until Hermione spoke up. "I believe your customer is referring to me Noah. I am the shop girl she is requesting."
He started to apologize, but Hermione cut him off. "No apology necessary Noah. It is my job to insure our customers are happy. Although I cannot imagine what fault she has found with our Assistant Manager." Hermione replied with something just short of a growl.
"I don't like your attitude." Lila snapped churlishly. "I haven't found any fault with Noah. I simply wanted to have a word. But I would now like to speak with Severus to report your abysmal attitude."
"Severus is busy. Write him a letter if you want to report me." Said Hermione turning to walk away.
"How dare you turn your back on me." Lila said raising her voice which elicited calls of tut tut from several customers. "Noah. I insist you get Severus out here now. This silly little shop girl has insulted her better for the last time in this shop."
/*/
Noah didn't move. At that moment, every argument, every harsh word and every bit of bad behavior between Severus and Hermione made a pattern on Noah's brain. It was suddenly clear they each detested the person whom they felt was getting too close to the person they loved. For Severus it had been the Auror Michael Corner. For Hermione it was Lila Grant who at this moment was trying to goad Hermione into doing something unbecoming. He was loyal to his superiors. There was no way he would get Severus.
/*/
Noah had been on the mark. Hermione had been on her way back to the office in order to end the silly confrontation, but Lila's last words had made her livid. A team of Thestrals couldn't have pulled her from the front at that point.
Moving closer to Lila, Hermione only stopped short when Severus came striding down the aisle rolling his eyes at her as if to say, are you really doing this in the middle of our shop?
Hermione wanted to fight, but not with Severus so she ignored his chastising look. Turning to Noah she quietly told him to lock up after the last customer left, send Allen and Luna home and he and Ethan should wait in their office for her.
With a surreptitious wave of his wand, Severus had cast his second Muffliato of the day before turning to Lila. "I understand there is an issue and you have once again insisted on summoning me Miss Grant. Perhaps you can address whatever it with Lucius as I do not have any intention of listening to your nonsense."
Ignoring his remark about Lucius, Lila answered in a contrite voice. "My apologies for having to send for you Severus, but I would be remiss if I didn't report the abysmal manner in which your shop girl treats customers. She is an ill mannered, undereducated woman who has no business waiting on customers."
Severus gave Hermione a wink before responding to Lila's tirade. "Ill mannered? Undereducated? You have been wrong so many times Miss Grant one would think you'd have learned a lesson by now. This has absolutely nothing to do with service. I believe the reason you feel the need to report Miss Granger is because I am dating her and you want to disparage her in my eyes."
Lila lied looking directly into Severus' face. "I had no idea you were dating her. I was under the impression she was simply a one-off who…."
Severus had had enough. He was not one to entertain a fool. Any fool. Reaching out to Hermione who had stood quietly by all this time, Severus brought her to his side where they faced Lila Grant.
"You insist on calling this witch a shop girl. Let me explain something. This brilliant witch is Hermione Granger, but I think you already know her name. She is far from a shop girl. Not only is she a partner in this shop. She is my fiancée as well. There you have it. Since you are unable to respect boundaries. I will explain in the most simple of terms. You are not welcome in this shop for any reason. We do not want your business. If you walk through our doors in the future, I will have you shown out. You have caused your last bit of trouble between me and my fiancée. Hopefully this concludes any business you think you have with me."
Lila Grant had the decency to blush over the telling off she had received from Severus and turned to the door without another word.
Hermione couldn't resist getting in the last word. "Severus has set the terms. I'm hoping we won't be seeing you here at the shop or half naked at our door in the dead of night. The last time you met me I was nice. Nice ends now."
Then she turned away from Severus to go meet with Noah and Ethan. There were things she wanted to discuss.