Previously on Making The First Move: Chapter 28

Hermione had been downstairs writing up the ingredients for new brew bases and putting together recipes to be used with the rare Mandrakes David had found almost since she walked through the shop door that morning. She had come up to confer with Neville and Severus about two specific poison reversal recipes she'd been working on.

As Hermione explained her needs to Severus, he mentioned having taken a turn around Florae to ensure all was well, but hadn't seen any Mandrakes.

"Of course they're there. We have four Mandragora Turcomanica. They are kept away from the general area in a secure space." Admonished Hermione heading towards the back door with Severus close on her heels.

"Do you doubt my ability to see Hermione?" Severus snapped. "There aren't any Mandrakes anywhere."

Striding across the room, Hermione carefully opened the door to the secure space calling out Lumos. And just as Severus had pointed out. The space was empty.

"What the bloody fuck is going on?" Hermione asked cursing into the air.

"Language Hermione. Customers are just on the other side of this wall."

Turning to look at Severus, Hermione ignored his caution answering instead with a growl. "That little cow."

/

Making The First Move: Chapter 29

"I don't believe this. The Mandrakes have disappeared. I don't know why she would, but I suspect Luna might have taken them with her."

Severus could only think, not this early. The witch is gone and still manages to create chaos. "You don't know that Hermione. Do not cast aspersions. Miss Lovegood could have moved them."

Hermione turned back to face Severus answering in a lower, but still deadly voice. "Moved them where Severus? You know those plants can be injurious to the health of people. Even as babies. They were safe in their enclosure. Anywhere else in the shop could be disastrous. Not to mention their growth rate is phenomenal once placed in the correct soil. They could be half grown by now. Think of the liabilities we would incur if someone was injured in our shop. I will hex the crazy out of Luna when I get hold to her."

"Slow down Hermione. I am inclined to believe that Miss Lovegood may have done something, but even she is not foolish enough to remove Mandragora Turcomanica from a safe enclosure to take heaven knows where. Let us check with Neville and David to see if they have any information."

"Fine." Hermione huffed striding towards the door. "This was supposed to be such an easy project. Right now, I'd like to see it all go away." She grumbled forcefully pushing open the door.

"That bloody witch." Severus remarked under his breath. "There better be a simple answer to this or Hermione won't have to hex her arse. I will do it myself."

By the time Severus covered the few steps it took to get to the shop from Florae, Hermione had both Neville and David pinned in a corner.

/*/

"Your lack of answers doesn't help. Neville. You were with Luna before she left the premises. And David. You were with her before that. Did Luna say anything about taking the Mandragora Turcomanica or perhaps disposing of them somewhere? You both know how dangerous these plants can be. We need to find them immediately."

Running his hand through his hair, David cautiously offered his opinion. "Perhaps Luna took the Mandrakes with her. I mean. I did hand them over to her personally. Perhaps she thinks of them as her own."

Hermione swore again. "Oh for fucks sake." But was effectively cut off by Severus' raised voice as he swung his arm to close the office door.

"Enough of this." Severus snarled turning to face David. "Think of them as her own? Are you standing there telling me Miss Lovegood had reason to believe the stock you brought to Florae somehow became her property?"

David was very uncomfortable realizing how foolish his words sounded. "I'm not saying that at all Severus. I handed the Mandrakes to her to raise. Her reasons for taking them with her are her own." With a hasty glance in Neville's direction, David added. "If she took them."

"If? If?" Severus replied practically spitting out the words. "If the Mandrakes were here last evening… If neither the Mandrakes nor Miss Lovegood are here now… I am tempted to believe the plants left with Miss Lovegood. However, just so we won't make completes arses of ourselves. I suggest we do a complete search of both buildings to be sure we haven't overlooked a hiding place."

"Right. The plants are probably holed up in the loo." Hermione sniped giving Severus a side roll of the eyes prompting a deep furrow to form between his brows. But he continued speaking.

"David. Go search. Neville. Please Owl, send smoke signals or a carrier pigeon to Miss Lovegood to inquire whether or not she knows the whereabouts of our very rare Mandrakes."

Neville who had been silent through most of the conversation suddenly spoke up. "Save al the wringing of hands and casting of blame. Although it seems to give certain of us great pleasure to do it. If I understand David correctly, he gave the Mandrakes to Luna not to Florae. If she did take them with her, it might be because she thought they were hers to take. I will, however, get to the bottom of this. I will go to the flat and speak with her. Will that be satisfactory?"

"Of course it will be satisfactory Neville." Hermione replied glancing at Severus who was standing there with pursed lips.

"Well." Neville drawled turning to David. "Before I go accuse my witch of theft. The question becomes. Was it a gift or was it stock?"

David was more than uncomfortable with all three sets of eyes focused on him which caused him to answer with a stammer. "I. I. I can't remember verbatim, but it was along the lines of, I found these Mandragora Turcomanica in my travels. They are very rare and will make very special additions to your project. I apologize. It does sound as though I was giving her the Mandrakes as opposed to …"

"Alright! Alright!" Hermione huffed. Her words tumbling out rapidly. "It's all semantics to us, but it must be what Luna believed. If it's alright with you Severus, I say we wash our hands of the Mandragora Turcomanica. Take them out of inventory. If Luna ever put them in. And we move forward from here. If David gave the Mandrakes to Luna, then so be it. My only concern is the danger they pose to others. I don't want anything logged in as our merchandise out among the population."

In a more level voice, Severus asked Neville to follow up. "If you find Luna does have the Mandrakes, please be sure to thoroughly explain their peculiarities to her. I didn't think I would ever have to discuss something as simple as appropriations, but I will do so because I will not sit still for anything like this happening in the future. As a partner and an employee of S L & G, anything you discover while in the field becomes the property of S L & G to do with as we wish. No seed, plant, insect or animal that comes through our doors will be given to any employee as a gift unless so specified by one of the partners. Is that clear? I'm through with this discussion. Let me know the results of your search David and your visit Neville. May I see you in my office Hermione?"

With that. Severus left the room.

Letting out a disappointed sigh, Hermione made a general statement to David and Neville before following Severus out. "Let's get this tidied up and hope we never hear that someone was injured by something taken from our shop. Thank you."

/*/

Severus sat stiffly in his chair thinking and waiting for Hermione. He was angry, but more importantly he was deeply disappointed. Not just with others, but with himself as well. He had acted like some bloody novice. Starting with hiring the Lovegood witch. Trying to be a good fiancé to Hermione and a friend to Neville, had put him off his game. He had tried too hard to be. To be….

Hermione had come in and sat in one the chairs. "Sorry love. I didn't mean to keep you waiting. I had a few more things to say to Neville and David. I apologize for being a shrew, but I know how hard you've worked to build a good reputation and a better establishment. Once again. I should have been more professional. The irony is, I did have some fancy ideas on how we could utilize every part of the Mandragoras. It'll be back to the drawing board for me."

"Did or do?" Severus asked cryptically.

Hermione sat up straighter in her chair thinking she missed something. "I'm not following. Did or do what?"

"You did have some fancy ideas or you do have some fancy ideas? What David brought back are the rarest of rare Mandrakes. We could have done wondrous things with the bark, skin, roots and liquid. I'm upset the opportunity got away from us. If we wanted to be difficult, a case could be made that the plants were wrongly taken from the premises. I don't give one shite that Miss Lovegood thought they were gifts. I have an idea which I will only bring to fruition if Neville or David comes back empty handed. It is an idea I will not share with you because I'm not sure how it will turn out. The last thing I'd want is for you to be tarred with the brush that could feasibly tar me."

"Severus. Love. Please don't do anything foolish." Hermione appealed a bit emotionally. "The loss upsets me as much as it upsets you. However, I'll gladly suffer the loss if it means the wizard I love will be around to take me as his bride. Revenge or whatever you're thinking is just not worth it. Besides, Luna is not a thief. This is all down to her interpretation of things. We lost some valuable assets, but we have gained piece of mind. Let's just leave it there."

"I understand all that you've said Hermione. I have one question. When have you ever known me to act foolishly?"

Hermione stared at Severus ready to tick off the things he had done when they were separated. Before she could get more than, remember when. Severus cut her off.

"Except when it comes to you and our relationship." He quickly added.

"In that case." Hermione chuckled walking over to Severus to rub a hand across his cheek. "I have never known you to act foolishly. I will set aside my work on Mandrakes for now. I'll get back to researching uses for our BeastBees. I have some thoughts. I'll be downstairs love."

Severus was reminded of two things by looking at the penciled notes on his desk. James Dever should have gotten back to him by now and Mr. Gables had a business accounting ready to present. Both items, while important, were not pressing. Severus made a decision to be proactive. There was a place he needed to be. After a quick word to Noah, Severus left the shop secure in the knowledge Hermione would get his message if she pulled herself away from BeastBees long enough to ask.

/*/

Having just stepped out of the shower, Millicent Bulstrode was studying herself in the mirror. For someone who had been suspended for cause, she was in a fairly decent mood. She had plans for the two weeks of suspension. Big plans.

Glancing back in the mirror, Millicent acknowledged she wasn't the prettiest of witches, but she had changed from her Hogwarts days. The excess weight and the cat hairs she had carried around as a Slytherin were gone. As was her hateful attitude and strong arm tactics towards anyone other than Professor Snape and her Slytherin fellows. She could still get hateful when necessary, but it was a different sort of emotion now. She had control. All thanks to Michael and in part, Harry. These days, she was much more personable.

Millicent had taken some of Michael and Harry's advice into consideration, but to date, hadn't worked on her physical appearance. All that was changing today. She wanted to be pretty and appealing for no other reason than to catch Michael's eye in the right way. Millicent wanted Michael to see her as a sexual being. Not just someone he turned to when all else had failed. She was determined the next time Michael looked at her. He would see a witch with whom he'd like to have a relationship.

Millicent knew about witch salons where they would do hair, nails and toes, but she wanted more. She'd seen flyers and heard nothing but complimentary remarks about the Brewers Mask Line sold by Noah Gables and Ethan White out of S L & G. Millicent wanted to try the products. The only wrinkle was Hermione Granger.

Millicent knew she had been out of order the way she had addressed Hermione in the Chinese restaurant, but was willing to apologize if that's what it took to get what she wanted. Besides, Hermione was now engaged to Severus and didn't have any interest in Michael. If she'd ever had any. In a complete turnaround, Millicent now hoped Hermione would accept her apology. Her plan was to apologize then consult with Noah and Ethan.

/*/

Severus hadn't waited for either David or Neville to report back. While speaking with Hermione, he'd had an epiphany. An epiphany revolving around Xenophilius Lovegood. If Luna had absconded with the Mandrakes, she probably wouldn't have taken them to Neville's flat. She would more than likely turn to her father. That was exactly why Severus was striding across the hill bordering Ottery St Catchpole. He had purposely landed a safe distance from the strange looking house in the event it was warded to injure strangers. His intention was to discuss Mandrakes with the addled brained Xenophilius.

As he approached the yard, Severus used his wand to detect any malevolent spells or curses. He found nothing but the normal wards which he adeptly pushed aside with his magic.

Severus knocked loudly. Then knocked again. It had taken three knocks. The last bordering on pounding before Xenophilius opened the door just enough to see through.

"Is that you Severus Snape?" Asked Xenophilius almost fearfully. "What is it you need from me?"

"If you open the door and invite me in, I will explain my reasons for being here."

Looking back over his shoulder, Xenophilius told Severus he had come at an inopportune time. Perhaps he could come back some other time.

Being made to stand at the door like some thief. An obviously annoyed Severus snapped at the wizard. "I'm here on business. I would like to speak with your daughter if she is here."

Severus had obviously said the magic words as Luna opened the door wide greeting him as though he hadn't sacked her the previous day. "Severus. How strange to see you at our door. What can I help you with?"

"I would like to come inside." Severus replied crisply. "I believe you have something that belongs to my shop."

Luna gazed at Severus with her altogether familiar neck to the side pose. "Please come in. I'm sure I don't know what you mean by something that belongs to your shop. I do have four Mandragora Turcomanica which David gave me as gifts. Or have I misunderstood yet another thing?"

Severus stepped inside the ramshackle house which reminded him of Spinner's End before the renovations.

"I don't think you've misunderstood anything at any time Miss Lovegood. I am not here to belabor a point. I'm simply here to collect what belongs to the shop. If you'll show me where they are, I'll be glad to wrap them for transport."

Luna didn't argue. Instead, she showed Severus to a makeshift box enclosed by nothing more than flimsy netting.

Luckily for all involved, the tiny babies were only emitting a faint mewling sound that did nothing more than make Severus' ear drums itch. Hermione had been on point. If these plants could cause even faint irritation at their current size, they would be extremely powerful when fully grown.

Severus hurriedly wrapped the plants in a quickly conjured impenetrable covering.

Xenophilius started to say something, but Luna shook her head addressing Severus herself. "As a shop employee. I should have consulted with you, Neville or Hermione to check if the Mandrakes could be considered a gift. I'm sorry if I got it wrong. Neville knew nothing about this. Please don't be upset with him. I'll speak with him this evening. Thank you for visiting us."

Things had gone so smoothly. Severus did not hesitate to offer his own thanks. "Thank you for relinquishing the Mandrakes. Good day to you both."

Once outside, Severus transformed a small rock into a Portkey and was back at the shop within minutes where he settled the plants back into their secure enclosure. Severus quickly checked the soil in the pots. It was fine. Noticing the absence of ear protection in the small room, he conjured three pairs of sturdy earmuffs which would be mandatory for anyone entering the enclosure. Uttering a sigh of relief, Severus went to find Hermione, David and Neville to let them know the error had been rectified.

/*/

Hermione wasn't aware Severus had left the building until Allen came downstairs to tell her a customer had specifically requested her services.

Hermione who didn't like to be disturbed in the middle of her R&D time told Allen to ask Severus to see to it. It was then Allen informed her that Severus had stepped out a while ago leaving orders to tell her he would be back as soon as possible if she came upstairs.

Well now she was upstairs and in a prickly mood. Hermione told herself she would tear her hair out if it was the blonde twit. However, the blonde twit quickly evaporated from Hermione's mind as she stood looking at Millicent Bullstrode waiting by the door.

What in bloody hell could Bullstrode want with her other than to hex her? Hermione checked her sleeve to insure she had her wand before moving to meet the enemy. If Bullstrode had come to attack her, she would be ready.

It was a very surprised Hermione who was greeted by a smiling witch with an outstretched hand. "Hello Hermione." Millicent said in an uncharacteristically soft voice. "I would like to apologize for my behavior and attitude the last time we met. I am here to utilize the services of Noah and Ethan."

On top of being surprised by the apology. Hermione was doubly surprised Millicent wanted to be serviced by Noah and Ethan. Not one to mince words, apology or not. Hermione asked just what Millicent wanted with her staff. The reply shocked her.

"I would like to see samples of the Brewers Masks."

Hermione looked closely at Millicent to see if she was joking. She was not. Then Hermione realized something different about Millicent she hadn't noticed at the Chinese restaurant. She had not only lost her double chin, but lost a ton of weight as well. In no way could Millicent be considered skinny, but she was no longer obese. And the thick, chestnut hair falling below her ears had acquired lovely, golden tones. Probably from being in the field so much.

Rather than take Noah or Ethan from the floor. Hermione volunteered her services.

"I would appreciate that Hermione. Thank you."

From there, Hermione went into sales overdrive. Showing Millicent to the private area that had been set up just for sampling and testing purposes, Hermione did a quick consultation explaining how the Masks worked. She also explained the product was called Brewers Masks, but were nothing of the sort. They were simply a type of makeup Noah and Ethan had invented which adapted to the wearer's needs.

Millicent who was interested in seeing everything spent almost ninety minutes in the booth. After seeing herself in a Day Brewers Mask with special enhancements, Millicent purchased five with ten different enhancements. She purchased Evening Masks as well. Hermione thought Millicent looked amazing in the Day Masks and told her so.

The witch was trying to improve herself. Hermione was happy for her. After they finished with the makeup, Hermione handed Millicent a small flyer for All About Witches, a popular Wizarding salon that featured professional hair stylists along with facials, facial wraps, body wraps and massages. Hermione vouched for the services suggesting Millicent ask for Miranda if she decided to give the shop a try.

"Tell Miranda that Noah and I recommended her. She'll set you right up."

Millicent thanked Hermione profusely before making a very profound statement. "We have been adversaries in the past through my doing. I'm hoping that the future will find us on better terms. Thank you for your time and expertise."

Hermione watched Millicent stop to give Noah and Ethan a quick thank you before she headed out the door. She also watched Allen as he watched Millicent leave the shop. The man seemed interested. What a strange turn of events. Millicent Bullstrode had emerged from her cocoon as a lovely butterfly. Who knew. Not that Hermione was a gossip, but this piece of news warranted being shared with Ginny over a nice glass of wine.

Hermione put a quick word in Noah's ear before leaving the front about having used her name and his to recommend Miranda's shop to the customer that just left.

Noah was chuffed. "Thanks Hermione. I'll be sure to mention it to Miranda."

With a free minute to think, it crossed Hermione's mind that Severus had been gone quite a while for not having left a stated destination.

That git better not be doing anything foolish was the thought that followed her all the way back to R&D.

/*/

When Severus didn't find Hermione in her office, he headed directly to R&D. His witch was tenacious when it came to writing up new test recipes. When onto something new, she wouldn't take time to sleep if she didn't have to.

At the bottom of the stairs, Severus called out to Hermione. "Time to take a break love. Have you even stopped to have a coffee or tea?

Hermione stuck her head out the door admitting she hadn't.

"Well come have a cup of tea with me. I have news."

"I could use a tea and I love news. Give me a minute to put my work away."

Severus didn't want to wait for a kettle to boil so he set out two cups and magically brewed in the cups. By the time Hermione arrived, the tea, along with biscuits and jelly were ready for consumption.

"So what is your news? Does it have anything to do with the length of time you were away? If so, you've probably been able to rebuild the Brockdale Bridge."

"Ah. My witch feels humorous this afternoon." He said running his hand up and down Hermione's arm. "No smartarse. I didn't rebuild the bridge, but I did find our lost Mandrakes."

"You didn't." Hermione replied so forcefully bits of biscuit flew from her mouth. "Sorry." She said brushing the crumbs from Severus' sleeve. "How did you find them? Where did you find them? Never mind. You don't have to answer. Luna had them."

"Right in one Miss Granger. Thinking along Miss Lovegood's lines, I followed a hunch and visited the Lovegood home. Initially, I wasn't sure I would make any headway, but five minutes of standing on the porch speaking through a cracked door to a madman got me just where I wanted to be. When it became clear I was not leaving without some kind of answer, Luna appeared and invited me through. After a bit of her usual, I didn't know, I misunderstood and I should have checked. She admitted to have taken her gifts. More discussion and we reached the agreement that the Mandrakes would be returning to the shop with me. Our rarer than rare Mandragoras are safely back in their enclosure. While I was in the enclosure. I noticed we lacked auditory protection. I have conjured three pairs of safety earmuffs which are to be used by anyone entering the area. No exceptions. I'll have David place a sign. No earmuffs. No entry. No exceptions."

"That's wonderful Sev. You've been very productive and the day is only three quarters over. When we're finished here. I'd like to look in on the plants. Have you mentioned this to David or Neville?"

Severus finished chewing his biscuit before telling Hermione he had come directly downstairs without seeing either man.

Hermione sat there smiling seemingly at nothing watching Severus chew.

"Hermione! Why are you staring?"

"I'm not staring love. I'm contemplating how to tell you my bit of news in a way you'd believe."

"Just tell me." Severus replied clearing the table with a twist of his wand. "I'm in the mood for a bit more humor."

After several seconds of silence, Hermione related in full her encounter with Millicent Bullstrode and the outcome.

Severus sat pensive for several long seconds before replying to Hermione's disclosure. "I have seen Miss Bullstrode on several occasions while out and about and did notice a difference in her attributes. What I did not notice is a change in her personality. However, if you say that has changed as well. There's no reason I shouldn't take your word for it. It was my personal belief Millicent would remain the same witch she's been from the start. In this case, I'm pleased to have been wrong. So. Is this the start of a lifelong friendship between you and she?"

"Hardly." Answered Hermione with a smirk followed by a personal observation. "Ironically, I think Millicent might have continued through life the same hateful person had it not been for Michael."

Severus raised a hand as if to ward off Hermione's words. "Oh please Hermione. Am I to believe the asinine arse has made a conquest of the least personable witch in Britain? Isn't it more likely that Millicent was tired of being seen as a hag and wants to improve herself?"

"Believe what you will Severus." Hermione replied pushing Severus' hand back down on the table. "Millicent is in love and wants Michael to see her as an acceptable partner. She is very protective of him as you saw that night in the restaurant and has stood by his side through thick and thin. With her continuing changes, she might just get her wish. Michael will need someone when he is released. It might as well be Millicent. Although, Michael might get there late. Our very own Allen was looking upon Millicent with a very appreciative eye today."

Rolling his eyes toward the ceiling, Severus growled out a response. "Allen? Heaven help us all. Regarding Corner, one woman will never satisfy a Libertine like him. He'll be back to acquiring conquests as soon as he is free to do so. Which, of course, is not my business unless he tries to approach you. Then…"

"Helena On A Horse Severus. Let's not drag that up again. I'm sure Michael Corner has more important things on his mind other than me. We'll leave this conversation right here because it isn't good for a witch to hex her prospective husband. Which I will do if you don't refrain from throwing Michael Corner in my face."

Severus stood and grabbed Hermione by the hand pulling her towards the door. "I apologize if it sounded as though I was throwing Corner in your face."

As they walked toward the stairs, Severus had the last word. Albeit in a very low voice. "I wouldn't throw Corner anywhere near you."

As sharp eared as ever, Hermione huffed at Severus. "I heard that."

Realizing this was as good a time as any to change the subject. Severus casually remarked that he hoped David and Neville were back in the building.

Hermione shook her head at the obstinate nature of her wizard and continued on to Florae without another word.