I own nothing you recognize. I simply play in JKR's universe for fun.
Many thanks to Julia, Brit Picker and someone to admire on many levels. Thank you to Amrun, who is trying to do too many things at one time.
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Hermione & Severus
November 8, 1998
"Hermione?" said a familiar, but panicked voice. "It's Harry."
"Of course it's me," answered Hermione, alarmed. Harry sounded worried and he'd never called by phone before. "Harry, what's wrong?"
"Thank god you're in," said Harry, sounding relieved. "We need you back here right away. Remus has been hurt."
"What happened?"
"He was lured into an ambush by a team of Death Eaters. He barely got away and they used a magical dart on him with some kind of poison."
"Where is he?"
"He's back at Headquarters. When he went missing, we all went hunting. George and Fred tracked him down. They found him in Knockturn Alley and brought him there. Madame Pomfrey's had a look at him and Snape's there too."
"Snape and Dumbledore have been talking and Remus needs a special potion, but a woman has to brew half for it to work. I apparated out into Muggle London and I'm calling you from a pay phone in a pub."
"I'm on my way." Hermione looked at the clock. "It's a little after 5 am here. I have to get dressed. The portkey takes me to the Burrow, so I'll have to apparate from there. I'll be at Headquarters in half an hour."
"Thanks, Mione," said Harry, "I'll let them know you're on your way."
Hermione did some fancy wand-waving and was freshened up and dressed in minutes. Her weekender bag was pre-packed and ready to go. A very annoyed Crookshanks was scooped up, put in his cat carrier and set beside the bag just in case she couldn't get back quickly.
Hermione's backpack was last, after an e-mail to Anita, Draco, and the Residential Assistant explaining an emergency at home. Hermione was out of the door with everything in tow, down to the transportation room, and portkeying her way to the Burrow. When she arrived, it appeared no one was there. She didn't wait to look around, but immediately apparated to the back yard of headquarters.
Harry was waiting for her at the apparation point by the bushes. Hermione clung to him for a moment as the nausea from too much magical travel passed.
"How is he?" she asked.
"Going downhill slowly," said Harry, "At least that's what Madame Pomfrey said. Whatever they poisoned him with has something to do with his being a werewolf."
The two of them hurried into the house. Inside the kitchen, they found Arthur making tea. He told them Tonks and Molly were upstairs with Remus and that Dumbledore and Snape were down in the cellar. Madame Pomfrey had gone back to Hogwarts to get some potions she needed. Hermione handed him Crookshanks' carrier and dashed downstairs.
Hermione was halfway down the stairs and heard them talking before she saw them.
"Of the Fourth Years, Amanda Howe-Smythe is the most capable and should be able to make the potion with Minerva's supervision. If she is not qualified, then Melisande Edwards would be a reasonable choice," said Severus.
"Are you certain about the Fifth Years?" asked Dumbledore.
Hermione saw Severus taking ingredients out of the cabinet and putting them on the lab table. Dumbledore looked up and spotted Hermione. He looked surprised.
"Severus, it looks as if we have company," said the Headmaster.
"Hello, Professors," greeted Hermione when she reached the bottom of the stairs. "Harry called and said you needed a woman to brew a part of the potion for Remus. What happened?"
Severus was pleased and not pleased to hear her voice. Hermione could be the solution they needed or a complication they did not need at all. He exchanged a look with Dumbledore who decided to answer Hermione's question.
"Remus has been shot with a poisoned dart. He was in Knockturn Alley to meet an informant who apparently set him up for an ambush," answered Dumbledore. "As Professor Snape will explain, the poison is made especially for werewolves."
Severus paused in his work. "The dart was dipped with a potion designed to infuse silver into the red blood cells. As you should already know, if any of the DADA instructors did any part of their jobs during your years at Hogwarts," he said sarcastically, "Werewolves are notoriously hard to poison. A silver transfiguration and infusion potion is one of the few ways to accomplish it. The antidote chelates the silver out of the system."
"Harry said you needed a woman to make half the potion, so I came right away. Just give me the directions and I'll do it," said Hermione.
Severus cleared his throat and looked down at the floor. Dumbledore coughed.
Hermione looked at them both suspiciously.
"All right, what's going on?"
Severus looked sharply at Dumbledore who squared his shoulders and stepped towards Hermione.
"It is not as simple as having a woman brew half of the potion, Hermione. Right now, Professor McGonagall is preparing to identify and supervise a qualified Fourth Year in the brewing back at Hogwarts," said Dumbledore.
"Why in the world would you have a Fourth Year do this, especially if I'm standing right here and ready to do it?" demanded Hermione.
"Because half of the potion has to be maiden brewed," said Severus, rolling his eyes.
Hermione looked back and forth between the two men.
"What exactly do you mean by maiden brewed?"
Severus looked meaningfully at Dumbledore who understood that the explanation was better heard from a one hundred-fifty year old man than one who was thirty-nine.
Dumbledore cleared his throat again.
"The term maiden is in the ancient alchemical sense, as in a woman untouched by, erm, sexually penetrative activities of any sort by either sex, and having an intact maidenhead." He continued with studied nonchalance. "That is why Professor McGonagall is going to supervise a Fourth Year. As far as I am aware, all of the Fourth Year females have been able to touch a unicorn in Professor Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures class."
Hermione's reaction was to blush, stammer, and mutter something under her breath the two men couldn't quite make out except for the part about damn male chauvinist pig ancient alchemists. She stopped, put her hands on her hips, narrowed her eyes and looked at the two of them.
"I'm qualified. Give me the directions."
She then held out her hand.
Dumbledore looked at Hermione closely, the usual twinkle noticeably absent from his eyes.
"Are you absolutely certain, Hermione?"
"Fetch a unicorn and I'll hug it," Hermione snapped, "Or are you willing to take my word for it?"
Up until now, Severus stood back, letting Dumbledore take the lead. He stepped forward, swallowed, and asked one more time, just to make certain.
"He means a vir…"
Hermione glared at Severus and pointed one very angry finger at him.
"One snide remark or sarcastic look out of you, Severus Snape, and you'll be brewing your half with a case of boils on your arse."
Severus observed that this was one thoroughly incensed virgin but wisely kept silent. He backed up and held his splayed hands out in front of him in the classic 'I surrender; get me out of this' position.
"Actually, Hermione, I will be brewing the male half of the potion," said Dumbledore.
Hermione crossed her arms across her chest and continued to glare.
"You're not looking for a Fourth Year male who hugged a unicorn this year? So the male isn't required to be in the same pristine condition as the female?" asked Hermione with sarcasm dripping from every vowel and consonant.
'Surely she doesn't think that I would meet that qualification?' thought Severus, still staying silent for the sake of his own arse.
"Ahem, no," said Dumbledore, "The expectation for the male is different and quite unfairly so, I agree," he said quickly with his tone becoming artificially cheerful. "As an alchemist, I am fully qualified to prepare my half of the potion. Meanwhile, Professor Snape will be elsewhere with a very good alibi so that the Dark Lord cannot conclude that he helped Remus Lupin in any way, shape, or form."
"I shall be spending the day at Malfoy Manor, now that it is settled who will be preparing the potion." Severus began putting away the potion ingredients he had taken out earlier. "I suggest Hermione prepare her portion here where there is the least possibility of contamination. Everything needed is available." He picked up a parchment and handed it to Hermione. "These are the instructions."
"I will go back to Hogwarts and prepare the male half in the laboratory there," said Dumbledore. "When you are done with your half, I can be signaled using this." Dumbledore pulled out two pieces of amethyst from a pocket in his robes. He touched his wand to both. "They are charmed so that when you say I am finished and touch it, the other one will glow. I will see it and know it is time to bring my potion here."
"The precautions which must be taken to preserve the purity of the maiden brewed potion are simple, Hermione," said Severus in a business-like tone, "Only you can touch the ingredients, the cauldron, stirrer, or the finished product for your portion. No one else can participate in preparation or brewing. When you have completed your work, the potion must be poured into a glass goblet. The Headmaster will have a matching goblet at his workstation."
"A third larger goblet will be placed in Remus' room. The men will leave the townhouse and give you a clear path to Remus' room. You will walk up there with the goblet and await the Headmaster. When he arrives, both of you must pour your potions into the empty goblet simultaneously, not allowing your hands or goblets to touch. Only the potions may intermingle. Hermione should be the one to carry the third goblet to Remus and aid him in drinking it." Severus looked at the Headmaster and Hermione. "Do you have any questions?"
"How long will it take to prepare this and how much time does Remus have?" asked Hermione.
"The potion should take about two hours to prepare and fifteen minutes to cool to a drinkable temperature," answered Severus.
"Madame Pomfrey indicated that Remus has about three and one half hours before the effects of the poison reach a critical level," added Dumbledore.
Hermione read the instructions for the potion, nodding as she did.
"Very well, gentlemen," said Hermione, looking considerably calmer than she did five minutes before. "I'm ready to start."
Severus picked up his cloak, which had been tossed over a lab stool.
"I shall depart for Malfoy Manor immediately. It will be best if I do not return to Hogwarts until late evening." Severus started for the stairs and turned to look at Hermione. "You will do well with this and for what it is worth, nothing will be said to anyone outside of this room to apprise them of your status. You have every right to privacy. It is generous of you to have revealed what you did in order to help your friend."
"Of course," added Dumbledore. "I shall depart as well."
"Thank you, both," said Hermione, "And I'm sorry about threatening you with boils earlier," she added apologetically. "Well, maybe not entirely. I was somewhere in between angry and embarrassed about having to discuss such a private thing."
"I would have deserved a case of boils if I had mocked you for your purity," responded Severus, "and purity is nothing to be embarrassed about."
Severus disappeared up the stairs. Dumbledore followed after him.
Hermione followed them both with her eyes until they were both upstairs. She shrugged her shoulders, muttered "Men," and went to work.
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Severus arrived at Malfoy Manor in time for luncheon. He was grateful for the standing invitation that allowed him to have an unimpeachable alibi with no advanced preparation. As usual, Pudding greeted Severus, escorted him to the casual parlor, and announced him to the master and mistress of the house.
Lucius stood when Severus walked into the room. He took a few steps forward, this time truly using the snake headed cane he had sported for years as an affectation. Severus observed that his color was better, but Lucius was still alarmingly thin. He tended not to eat when he was in pain, a condition to which Severus could relate.
Narcissa was lounging on a chaise, perfectly coiffed and gowned, looking every bit the Pureblood lady of leisure she was. A book rested on her lap, apparently getting very little attention. Only someone who knew her well would notice the lines around her eyes that tended to appear when she was stressed.
"It is an unexpected pleasure to have you join us, Severus," said Narcissa.
"When an opportunity presents itself to escape the confines of Hogwarts and the supervision of the little cretins, I must seize it. Naturally, the thought of coming here and finding congenial company and good conversation was irresistible," answered Severus, silky smooth.
Lucius laughed, "Very well, Severus. We will not ask what is really going on."
The two men shook hands, followed by Severus bending over Narcissa's hand to pay the traditional respects to the mistress of the house. At that point, Pudding announced the availability of luncheon. Severus offered Narcissa his arm and Lucius followed behind them to the family dining room.
After seating Narcissa at her usual place at Lucius right hand, Severus walked around the table and took his accustomed place to Lucius' left. An excellent asparagus soup formed the first course.
"You are looking much better, Lucius," observed Severus, "Your color is coming back."
"I feel better," he answered, "I do not require the pain relieving potion you prepared for me except at night. I sleep much more comfortably for it." Lucius looked at Severus with complete sincerity. "I do not know if I have properly thanked you for all you did to get me through this, my friend."
"You would do the same for me," Severus waved off the thanks, "Though should it be needed, I hope you will not brew potions for me. You were abysmal at Potions, as I recall. And the whole point of taking a healing potion is to achieve healing."
Lucius gave him an amused smile. "You have my word on that."
Pudding cleared the empty soup bowls and brought out the next course of chicken baked with rosemary and lemon with mixed fresh vegetables and rice.
"So what do you hear from our son?" asked Narcissa.
And the conversation continued throughout the meal.
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At the end of luncheon, Lucius' weariness was apparent.
"If the two of you will excuse me, I believe I am in need of rest." Lucius shook his head. "I never thought the necessity of an afternoon nap would come upon me until I was at least one hundred twenty-five years old."
Narcissa stood and reached up affectionately to brush her husband's white blonde hair back from his forehead.
"That will change, my love. Give it a few more weeks and your body a chance to build up stamina. Come summer, I have no doubt you and Severus will be chasing about the woods shooting hexes at each other."
Lucius smiled and kissed his wife on the cheek.
"In that case, I will take my leave for an hour or two." He turned to Severus. "Please avail yourself of the library. I presume we will talk later?"
"Indeed, Lucius," answered Severus, "We have much to discuss."
Lucius departed for his afternoon nap, leaving Narcissa and Severus to take after luncheon tea in the parlor.
"He is much improved, Severus," assured Narcissa. "The pain potions were very necessary, but they diminished his appetite. Now that he does not require them all the time, he is eating again. His stamina is not much to speak of, but the healer says he can start taking walks again as long as the weather holds out. Perhaps you can persuade him out of the house this afternoon while the two of you talk."
"An excellent suggestion," replied Severus, "Of course, he has been through hell with this, but he seems more withdrawn than usual. Some fresh air will help."
"Fresh air at many levels, Severus," said Narcissa meaningfully. "This is an excellent time to discuss the most serious and important of topics with him." Narcissa looked out the window and mused, "We are all in need of fresh air in our lives."
She rose. "I will go check on him. He does not like me to fuss, but I want to make sure he is sleeping and not just lying there in pain. The man is almost as stubborn as you are."
"I learned it from him, Narcissa," said Snape as he stood, paying courtesy to Narcissa as she withdrew from the parlor.
'This would be the time,' thought Severus, 'this is the time to discuss loyalties and my true mission as a Death Eater. Lucius is ready to make a commitment.'
Severus stood and walked to the tall window, facing out to the gardens at the rear of the house. The trees were bare now and only the thorny skeletons of the roses remained. There was a wind coming from the west, blowing leaves across the garden paths.
He wondered how things were going for Remus. It was almost two hours since he had left headquarters. The two potions should be completed and cooling. Within the next twenty minutes or so, Albus and Hermione should be coming together to join the two potions, creating the one that could eliminate the silver from his bloodstream.
He had no doubt the two of them would do an excellent job with the preparation. Severus had been relieved when Hermione revealed to them that she was qualified to prepare a maiden brewed potion. He had complete confidence in her ability to create her half of the potion to the exacting standards needed.
At the point he believed Minerva would have to supervise a Fourth Year student in brewing the maiden half, he had mentally cut the odds of Remus' survival by fifty percent. A Fourth Year would not be sufficiently skilled and Minerva, even with her best efforts, was hardly a Potions Master. When Hermione walked into the cellar, Severus had mentally revised his plans to have Hermione supervise the Fourth Year girl who would do the actual work. Hermione had the technical knowledge and would ensure proper preparation.
'Hermione Granger is a virgin.'
That thought kept coming into his head and he kept quashing it down.
'No one has Claimed her as his.'
More territory where he had no business speculating.
'That young man Draco referred to is an idiot. They are all idiots if they cannot see her value.'
The thoughts kept breaking through the self-discipline that allowed him to live celibate for years at a time.
"I hope they continue to be idiots."
'Merlin, help me,' thought a panicked Severus, 'I said that aloud.'
He pulled himself away from the window and sat in a wing-backed chair in front of the fireplace. He took a book from the table next to him.
'What the hell is Narcissa reading these days?' Severus looked at the title; Magic in the Twilight World.
A young witch in a scarlet gown cut indecently low was bent over backwards and a muscular bare-chested vampire in a cape and very tight trousers was about to sink his fangs into her exposed neck.
First, if she were bent over backwards like that her breasts would have popped out of bodice of the gown.
Second, she was in danger of a spinal cord injury from bending backwards at such an angle.
Third, why in Merlin's name would a vampire run about bare-chested while wearing a cape?
Fourth, no man could wear trousers that tight without doing himself an injury. Unless the vampire were a castrati, in which case there would not be much purpose to the bodice ripping this book seemed to be about.
Shaking his head with disgust, Severus put the book back on the table.
Seeing the cover of the book did little to take his mind off the inappropriate subject that kept creeping into his thoughts.
'Hermione Granger is a virgin.'
'Stop it,' he growled at himself in his own mind. This kind of thinking could lead nowhere. Why was he obsessing on this? It was not as if he was on the list of men she might consider to relieve her of the condition.
'She touched me when she helped me get into the townhouse.'
That was true. She had touched him then and the following day after he described the effects of Crucio. Young women just did not do that sort of thing. Years of experience told him that young women did not willingly touch Severus Snape. As a matter of fact, women young and old tended to be afraid or intimidated by him.
'She is not repulsed by touching me.'
'So what?' he sternly lectured himself, 'Touching me twice in compassion is a long way from touching me in passion or allowing me to touch her. Do you really think she views you as anything other than a mentor? You are being disgusting, Snape. You are letting yourself think about a decent young woman in lascivious terms just because she was kind to you.'
'She teased with you. She threatened to hex you when she thought you might mock her for being a virgin. She is not afraid of you.'
'A little banter and one threat of a boil covered arse does not equate with finding a potential lover.' Severus pinched the bridge of his nose in aggravation. This was getting ridiculous.
'Hermione Granger is a virgin.'
Severus stood and walked over to the side table. He poured himself a cup of tea, wishing it were later in the day so he could reasonably request a glass of Old Ogden's. He had to make himself stop this. Looking around, he spotted a copy of the Daily Prophet on the settee where Lucius had been sitting. He strode over, seized it, and began reading with a vengeance, determined to stop the disturbing thoughts.
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Hermione nodded to Molly and touched the amethyst with the words "I am finished", sending the signal to the Headmaster that her portion of the potion was ready. Molly started up the stairs to tell the men to clear out of the house. It was important that no men impede her on the way to Remus' room and risk contamination of the potion. One accident would have fatal ramifications.
Hermione gazed at the clear glass goblet of gold colored fluid. The Headmaster's potion should be a golden brown. When the two combined, the color would change to topaz. She touched the side of the half filled glass. It was sufficiently cooled. Hermione heard the sounds of steps in the hall before the cellar door. The door opened and Molly called down,
"The way is clear, Hermione. They're all in the back yard waiting for Albus to arrive."
"Then I'm coming up, Molly. Is the third goblet up in Remus' room?"
"I have it right here. I'll go upstairs and put it on the table."
Hermione picked up the goblet with both hands. One wrapped around the bowl and the other supported the base. She made her way carefully up the stairs. Molly had left the cellar door open for her. She worked her way down the hallway and passed by the doors to the dining room and parlor. She walked slowly up the stairs and saw Molly standing at the top of the stairs. Molly backed up down the hallway to give Hermione a clear path to Remus' bedroom.
Hermione walked into the room. It was darkened with just enough light let in through the curtains for Hermione to see her way to the table. She stood beside it, leaving a clear path for the Headmaster.
She looked over at the bed. Remus was lying there, pale and obviously weak. Molly had propped him up with pillows. His voice was barely above a whisper.
"Dora?"
"No, Remus. It's Hermione. I've got my half of the potion ready and the Headmaster should be here soon."
"Thank you, Hermione."
"You're welcome," answered Hermione affectionately.
Sound could be heard from downstairs, the footsteps of someone coming up the stairs.
Dumbledore stood in the doorway, tall and mystical looking in his burgundy robes with his long beard and hair. He held a goblet in one hand and waved the other, causing the candles in the room to light. He saw Hermione standing on the other side of the table with the larger third goblet between them.
"I believe we are ready, Hermione," said the Headmaster.
"Yes, sir," she answered.
The Headmaster stepped forward and stood opposite of Hermione. Both lifted their goblets and held them up to each other without touching. The Headmaster began to recite words in Latin. Using a translating charm Hermione had whispered before he arrived, she heard the words in English.
"Man and maid, in balance of all things natural
As light is to dark, one does not exist without both
Silver to gold, as we request
From destruction to creation, from illness to health
We ask the blessing of God and Goddess for our friend
So mote it be."
"So mote it be," intoned Hermione.
Simultaneously, Hermione and Dumbledore lowered the goblets and touched the rims to opposite sides of the lip of the third. Hermione nodded and they both tipped the goblets and slowly began to pour the contents into the third. In a few seconds, the liquids combined, swirled, and gave off a glow that started as silver and turned to gold. Both set their emptied goblets on the table.
Dumbledore stepped back to the doorway to give Hermione a path to Remus. She lifted the third goblet and carried it to Remus. She placed her hand behind his head and lifted it off of the pillow, setting the goblet to his lips. Remus looked up at her and she smiled down at him as he began to drink. When the goblet was empty, Hermione laid his head back down on the pillow. She set the goblet on the beside table and perched herself on the edge of the bed. She took Remus' hand.
"How do you feel?"
"Weak, but a lot more optimistic than I did a few minutes ago." Remus returned her smile. He looked up at Dumbledore who was standing behind Hermione. "Thank you Albus. You and Hermione have done me a great service."
"You are welcome, son," said Dumbledore, beneficently looking down at Remus. "I would be remiss if I did not mention that Severus determined the nature of the poison and found the antidote."
"I will thank him when I see him."
"He's gone to the Malfoys' to get himself an alibi for Voldemort," added Hermione.
"Good idea," said Remus.
Hermione stood. "I'll go downstairs and let everyone know that it's safe to come back in the house."
Dumbledore nodded. "You will also need to tell them that the action of the potion draws the silver out of the blood and eliminates through the natural process of, well, elimination. Everyone should make a point of not being in Remus' way if he is heading towards the bathroom. I daresay extensive use of deodorizing charms will be necessary."
Remus groaned. "I think things are getting started."
"My cue to go downstairs," said Hermione. She gave Remus hand a squeeze and headed downstairs. She met up with Tonks, Arthur, Molly, Minerva, and Harry who were in the backyard. Arthur was holding Crookshanks, who was enjoying a good chin scratching.
"How did it go, Hermione?" asked Tonks, "I offered to make the potion, but Professor Snape wouldn't let me. And I got a NEWT in Potions."
"It looks good and Remus is asking for you. As for not letting you make the potion, it's an age thing. A woman under twenty is required," said Hermione thinking fast. It was a partial truth since there weren't a lot of virgins over twenty. "The Headmaster suggested warning everyone that Remus is going to be in the bathroom a lot for a while the silver is drawn out of his system. It's going to get rather odiferous."
Tonks gave Hermione a hug and headed back into the house.
Minerva stepped beside Hermione and put her arm around her waist. The taller woman looked down through her spectacles at Hermione with great affection.
"I cannot tell you what a relief it was when Albus returned to Hogwarts and told me you were going to brew the woman's portion of the potion. I was most concerned when it looked like it was going to fall to me to supervise it."
Hermione shot Minerva a look of gratitude for her discretion.
"I'm glad I could do it," she said, "Sometimes things work out for the best."
"They do, indeed." Minerva looked back at Molly, Arthur, and Harry. "Perhaps it is safe to go back in the house, though we may want to keep our wands at the ready for deodorizing charms."
Arthur smiled and put his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"I think there's someone here who isn't going to feel reassured until he sees Remus for himself, stink or not."
"Arthur Weasley," lectured Molly, "We're in polite company I'll have you know."
"Not that polite," said Harry, "Arthur's right." He stood to Hermione's other side and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Thank you, Mione."
Hermione reached over and squeezed his hand. "You're more than welcome." Harry released her and headed into the townhouse.
"Can you stay for a while?" asked Minerva.
Hermione shook her head. "I've got studying and a paper to finish today. I'll stay for a few minutes just to make sure the potion is working, but then I have to leave. I really hadn't planned on coming back until the end of the month.
"Understandable," said Arthur, "It's chilly out here and the only one of us with a fur coat is Crookshanks here. How about we go inside?"
The others went upstairs to see Remus while Hermione put tea things together. The Headmaster walked into the kitchen.
"How is he doing, Professor?" asked Hermione.
"I believe the potion is working exactly as anticipated. Remus digestive tract seems to be in perfect working order, which seemed good reason to allow the others to visit with him."
Hermione laughed. "What a way to get a good internal cleansing."
"I do believe it is time you called me Albus," said the Headmaster, eyes twinkling behind the half moon spectacles.
Hermione looked up at the tall wizard, smiling. 'I guess this means I'm accepted as an adult now,' she thought.
"Thank you, sir," she said, "I am honored."
"Pish and tosh, Hermoine," chuckled Albus, "I'm just older than you. As Minerva will tell you, you are probably more mature."
Arthur rejoined them in the kitchen.
"You weren't kidding about the odor, were you?"
The three laughed.
"I have to get going," said Hermione, "I've got hours of homework to do. Now that I know Remus is going to be all right, I should collect Crookshanks and head back."
Arthur produced the cat carrier.
"I'll give you a hand with that," said Arthur, looking at Dumbledore. The two men exchanged a look Hermione did not see as she picked up the weekender bag and backpack.
"Will we see you soon, Hermione?" asked Albus.
"I'll be back for a four-day weekend at the end of the month. Perhaps I'll get to see you then, sir."
"Albus, Hermione," he said gently.
"That will take some getting used to, Albus," said Hermione smiling, "Please say goodbye to everyone for me."
"I shall," answered Albus.
Arthur opened the back door for Hermione. They found Crookshanks rolling about in the last of the catnip patch. He scooped up the very relaxed cat and put him in the carrier.
"How are you doing?" asked Arthur.
"I'm fine, just very busy. Between term papers, studying, and the cross-disciplinary project, there's a lot to do."
"And finding time to spend with Adam?" asked Arthur.
"That will be a lot less of an issue now," said Hermione looking around to make sure she had everything.
"Really? Why would that be?" asked Arthur.
"We pretty much broke up last night," answered Hermione, "Please don't be concerned about it. It wasn't a serious relationship and I won't be nursing a broken heart. We just had some fun together."
"I'm sorry to hear that you broke up. It's good for you to have fun and do more than just study all the time. Life shouldn't be all serious at your age," Arthur observed.
"It will be fine Arthur, I promise." Hermione gave him a kiss on the check and picked up the cat carrier. "I'll be back in a few weeks." She disappeared.
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Author's Notes
For anyone who has concerns about the test on the laboratory rat in the last chapter, be assured that I am a card carrying member of the Humane Society of the United States and of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I have the mugs, notepads, umbrellas, t-shirts, calendars, key chains, and address labels to prove it! My dog, Dino the Wonder Dachshund, is a rescued doxy. He was six years old and given up by his original family when I adopted him through Coast-to-Coast Dachshund Rescue. I love animals and generally follow the catch and release approach when I find a bug in my house.
However, in JKR's books, animal parts are used in potions. Live animals are transfigured into inanimate objects. Remember Ron transfiguring Scabbers into a teacup in Transfiguration class? I think that in the wizarding world, experimentation on laboratory animals would be the accepted procedure. There will be more rat experiments to come. However, no actual rats were experimented on in the writing of this story.
Thank you to all my reviewers: Droxy, Green-eyed-angel, Squirrel Monkeys Rock, Lady Rhian, Me613, MollysSister, DareaK, Latinachikita, LettyBIRD, AuntBecky, ACSnape, Nemesis, Muggle-To-The-Max, BadBugz, Siren34, Indie Fairy, Strange Little Feeling, Sevvy Lover, Severus-Fan, Notwritten, Eliora, Duj, Run Wild, SlytherinTwinCC, Bakaonigirii, Mekareami, Excessivelyperky, Nativewoman29, Mugglemomof3, Not so Chicken Little, PhoenixFlight, Aldara, Belas, Tranquility, and Spamchik