It's What's Inside That Counts
Chapter 22
Over the next few weeks, Severus wracked his brain, attempting to come up with a way to make it up to Hermione. All his letters were returned with "Return to Sender" on front. The flowers and her favorite chocolates were refused upon delivery. His trite offerings were no match for the gravity of his offense. He couldn't blame her. You can't call an angel a whore and expect to get away with it. Unknown to him, the winds of fate blew his day one day in November when the Potions Master at Hogwarts asked him to be a witness at his inquiry.
"Inquiry? What kind of inquiry?"
"Apparently, some of the faculty and students have raised serious questions regarding my various teaching techniques," the professor said. "So an Auror is arriving later this afternoon for an inquiry. I've been a Potions master for twelve years, having my methods questioned is a bit aggravating."
"I understand," Severus said, really and truly understanding what the professor meant. His own methods had been questioned a hell of a lot longer than twelve years, but he could identify.
At the Ministry, the trainers were discussing which trainee to tag along on the inquiry.
"I say Granger, the notes she would take would be better than the inquiry itself I wager," Hicks said.
The other Aurors laughed. Hermione's extensive notes from her surveillance test in September were becoming legend.
"Yes, take Granger," Hicks said. "It's not good for anyone to be cooped up in that lab all day."
An hour later, Hermione and Auror Rackley waited at the Hogwarts gates.
"Now remember Granger, your task is that of recording the inquiry. We are to be civil and non-threatening. This professor hasn't been accused of anything yet," Rackley said. "Record everything you hear and see during the inquiry. From what I hear, you should have no problem with that. However, if this professor asks you a direct question, which I don't know why he would, just give a straightforward answer, keep the cheek at a minimum."
"Yes sir," she said. "Me, cheek?" she asked innocently.
Rackley rolled his eyes. "Much too cheeky for a rookie."
Filch was seen coming toward them and stopped at the gate.
"Oh, you again," he snarled at Hermione.
Rackley raised an eyebrow and glanced at Hermione.
"Yes Mr. Filch, me again," Hermione said.
In the Faculty Meeting Room, the professor was calmly waiting on the Aurors to show. They heard Minerva's voice outside the door. She came in, followed by an Auror and to Severus' heart-stopping surprise, Hermione. Severus and the Professor rose.
"Gentlemen, I am Auror Rackley and this is my associate, Miss Granger," he said.
"And what beautiful associates the Aurors have these days," the professor said and bowed slightly to Hermione.
Hermione nodded her head, saying nothing as a slight blush traveled her neck. The Auror glanced at her and gave a quick shake of his head. They all sat and Hermione removed her cloak, took a stack of parchment and quill from her satchel and readied for the inquiry to begin. Severus couldn't help but agree with the professor's assessment of beauty. She did look more beautiful than ever in that black uniform that hugged her perfectly proportioned body in all the right places. She had lost weight, but not unattractively so, and was more toned since he last saw her. Her hair was put up in a severe bun, displaying the soft, smooth skin of her neck. He swallowed when he thought of all the times he suckled on that neck. She was wearing make-up, not a lot, but just enough to make her pouty lips and shapely cheekbones stand out. Last, the make-up she applied to her mocha eyes made them sharp and piercing, as if she looked into your soul if her gaze fell your way. Intense was the word that came to mind about her. Hermione took notes non-stop during the inquiry, stopping every once in a while to peruse the professor's face as he spoke.
"Auror Rackley, I know your pretty partner is here to record the proceedings, but may I ask her a question?"
Hermione looked at the Auror, who gave a quick nod.
"Certainly professor," Hermione said smoothly. "Although I do request that you keep your comments within the scope of this inquiry."
No cheek Granger, no cheek! she chanted in her mind. No matter how smarmy he is!
"I'll keep that in mind. How much do you know of Potions making?" he asked.
Auror Rackley snorted softly. Hermione was better at Potions than a lot of experienced Aurors. Severus merely grinned. Hermione quirked an eyebrow.
"Enough, I assure you," she replied.
"Than you know the danger of adding chopped billywig wings instead of powdered to a potion?" the professor asked.
"While not dangerous, the effect will be similar to that of the muggle drug adrenaline," Hermione said.
"How did you know that?" the professor asked.
"Trial and error, I suppose," Hermione said. "When we made calming droughts fifth year, the potions master had us drink our own concoctions."
"And what was the result?" the professor asked.
"Some of the potions were a success, some...were not," Hermione said politely. Severus passed her a glass of water.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"Now I ask you, why would you drink a potion you've never made before, not being sure if it was correct?" the professor asked.
Hermione thought for a moment. "I can't speak for any of my former classmates, but I suppose it's because my partner and I didn't make a mistake when we made ours. Another reason...hmm. We assumed that our potions professor, no matter the git that he was, wouldn't do anything that would cause us serious harm. An upset stomach and hyperactivity isn't that harmful."
Severus was mesmerized by Hermione's lips as she talked and was startled when the professor clapped and laughed.
"Correct, miss. If my students realized that, we wouldn't be here doing this inquiry. I thank you for your candor."
"Sure...anytime," Hermione said and glanced pointedly at Auror Rackley. What an odd duck! she thought. And why is that other Auror staring at me? Do I have something on my face?