Once again, my most enormous thanks to ithinkyourwonderful.

Chapter 25

Cissy glanced at the clock on the mantlepiece and stood up to turn the radio on. With practiced motions she waved her wand to find the correct tuning until she found the station she had heard an interview would happen. Radio silence followed her to her chair until a cheery male voice filled her marble living room.

"Hi, we're back. This is Capital Radio and we have a very special surprise for our listeners. Joining us today is none other than Hermione Granger, here to talk to us about her research in theoretical magic. How are you doing Hermione?"

"Fine, thank you… just a little wet."

"Oh yeah, it's still pouring out there."

"Yeah, I had to run from the portkey landing place."

"Well, we're glad you made it. Now, your new papers, you've published a handful in the past few months which have become instant bestsellers all around the magical world. Tell us a little about the themes running through them. I noticed there was a good deal of repeated references to magical branding in the papers - you know, different forms of branding, curses, blessings, artefacts. Could you discuss some of this?"

"Sure. Let's see, the branding is -"

"First let me say, the papers are brilliant, we're all really excited about the possibilities here at the station. We get lots of calls about it, it's really good stuff."

"Thank you, thanks a lot."

"So talk a little about the themes."

"The branding?"

"Sure."

"Well the branding is a reference to the way black magic has a way of searing itself on the host in such a manner that it becomes part of the person afflicted with the curse. It's certainly different for different people. But it's the moment when the black magic intertwines with the host."

"I see."

"And the research is, as you might have guessed, an examination of the long term effects that branding can have, and if there's any possibility, even theoretical, for the reversal of the effects."

"That's interesting. And how about the discoveries you have come across about medicinal magic?"

"Oh yes, as a byproduct of the work, there's been quite a few discoveries about the healing potential of blood magic. St Mungos is currently developing two of the rituals we wrote the underlying equations for."

"You just said 'we', which brings us to Hippocrates. Who is this research partner of yours? How does he fit in to all of this?"

"…Hippocrates?"

"Yes, we see he shares the credits alongside you in all the papers you've recently published. Can you tell us about him?"

"Well, my methodology of work is usually trying to solve problems quantitatively through logic or rationalisation. Hippocrates likes to argue that that approach is often fruitless in matters of dark magic… they have a very practical approach. It creates a good balance I wouldn't otherwise have, most of the work, actually, would not have been possible without us working together."

"So how did you meet Hippocrates?"

"Eh… a mutual friend introduced us."

"Oh, really? So you haven't known each other long?"

"Um… well… I suppose not, actually. We just dived into our work."

"Now that you've published this anthology of papers, will you two continue to work together? I mean, the worked you've published is just amazing. Have I mentioned how everyone here at the station loves the work?"

"Yes, thank you."

"So can we expect more work from you two?"

"That depends."

"Oh really? On what? We would love more work from you two."

"Well, it's up to Hippocrates, really. Working with them has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had, but it's up to them really. I would love- I mean, I would look forward to working with them again, if they- if they wanted to."

"Are we looking at the start of an office romance with the allusive Mr. Hippocrates?"

"No, no! I'm sure neither of us would ever dream of that. The arrangement has always been… very professional."

"What a shame - I've always been a sucker for a good love story."

"No, it's not even certain if we'll have the opportunity to work together again."

"I'm sure they wouldn't want to pass up the opportunity of working with Hermione Granger. That is an accolade in and of itself."

"Thank you… but they have a busy schedule, and they have important work to do as well."

"Talking about busy schedules; we saw you in the War Commemoration Ball a few weeks ago."

"Oh…"

"What pushed you to go? We know that's not your sort of event."

"I know; or well, knew; someone who it meant a lot, if I went."

"Oh! Has someone caught your eye?"

"No! No! Not at all."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm very sure."

"You looked splendid in that green dress, by the way."

"Thank you."

"It was interesting, seeing you in Slytherin colours, that is."

"Yeah… it was a change."

"We noticed Narcissa Black was in a bold red - everyone was switching it up. Are you familiar with Narcissa Black?"

"Just… just in passing."

"Did you think she did a good job with the ball? Do you think you'll go to another one of her balls?"

"Eh…"

"I forget, you're not into balls."

"No, no - it's not that…"

"Oh, my apologies, I haven't asked you your opinion on Narcissa Black. Such a divisive figure in the wizarding community, I might add. Excellent balls in my opinion."

"Yeah…"

"But it must be difficult for you to deal with her, you know, being part of the golden trio."

"No-!"

"I'm afraid that's all the time we have right now. This is Capital Radio, thank you so much for listening. This was just Hermione Granger talking about her latest research work. How she's keen to work with Hippocrates again, and how Narcissa Black is not her cup of tea. Once again, thank you for tuning in."

Cissy turned the radio off and sank into her chair.

Have finally settled into uni - expect more regular and longer updates ;D

R&R!

(p.s. the whole moving thing has meant I haven't been able to reply to some reviews, but I will get to them!)