I own nothing you recognize. I simply play in JKR's universe for fun.

Thank you to Julia for her suggestions and critique of this chapter. She told me I needed to put more in here about Hogwarts and the Order, which led to this whole series of ideas and the necessity of splitting this chapter into two parts because of the length.

Looking for Magic is receiving the singular honor of being translated into German by Katya Krohn. Since I cannot include a link here, Auf der Suche nach Magie can be found by linking from my Hypnobarb homepage here at this website or by looking for Katyes homepage. A search will work just fine, too.

Thank you, Katya, for all of the work you have put into the translation. She's made quite a commitment, since I think this story will run about ninety chapters.

Thanks are owed to Duj, who explained how to get the extra spaces out of the story so it would look right. It has finally gotten through my thick skull how to do it. Apologies to everyone else who tried to explain it and I just didn't get it. My only excuse is I learned how to use Word Perfect in 1989 and find it exceedingly challenging to do word processing differently than what I learned then.

---------------------------------

Correspondence,
February 1999

---------------------------------

Hogwarts Interoffice Memorandum

To: Filius Flitwick, C.M., Severus Snape, P.M.., Pomona Stout, M.H., and Minerva McGonagall, T.M.
From: Albus Dumbledore, M.A.
Date: February 1st, 1999
Re: Incident

I expect an internal investigation to learn the identity of the person or persons who enchanted the brassieres off the Hufflepuff girls. To say the least, the young ladies were humiliated to find their undergarments flying like flags from the castle turrets.

I would be especially interested in discovering what spell was used. It was most creative.

This action, however, is insupportable. As I am certain the young ladies would attest.

-----------------------------------

Paired Journal Entry
February 1st, 1999
Lucius to Severus

Severus,

You may as well plan to spend the full weekend of the 12th here at the Manor. The Dark Lord intends that you and I shall provide a full range of dueling training for about twenty selected participants. We will not be told who they are until they arrive. I do not know if the Dark Lord will be here at any time to observe.

I hope I am physically up to the demands of running the drills. I believe I will accept your offer of a stamina-enhancing potion.

I do not know what he is planning to use the trainees for.

Lucius

-------------------------

Hogwarts Interoffice Memorandum

To: Rolanda Hooch, F.M
From: Albus Dumbledore, M.A.
Date: February 1st, 1999
Re: Was this the best way to solve a problem?

I appreciate the effort that went into removing the brassieres from the castle turrets. I am confident the Fifth through Seventh year Hufflepuff girls appreciate the return of their undergarments.

However, it seems there might have been a more discrete way of accomplishing this task than having the Slytherin and Gryffindor Quidditch teams use them for snatch and run high speed flying drills.

Pomona has complained that some of her girls have been harassed about their cup sizes by some of the males involved in the practice session.

-----------------------------------

Paired Journal Entry

February 2nd, 1999
Severus to Hermione

Hermione,

It appears that I will be unable to meet with you on the weekend of February 12th. I cannot explain to you why this is, so I am confident you will read between the lines.

As long as you are going to be here, I would impose upon you to prepare a four-month supply of the Wolfsbane base for Remus. Your upcoming college holidays do not match well with the three-day period before the full moon when the preparation of the second step must be done. I will complete it for him each month and we will complete your training this summer.

You may go ahead and prepare the external Cruciatus treatment with the five percent increase in the veneno mentha viridis. There is a list of potions needed for the infirmary. These are general stock and you have prepared them before. I have complete confidence in your ability to produce these potions without my immediate supervision.

I have just been alerted to an altercation in the Slytherin common room. I have noted that the absence of Mr. Malfoy has left an inadequately filled power vacuum in the House pecking order. The roosters have taken to challenging each other with the intent of impressing the hens. This is the third time this week and I am giving serious consideration to the purchase of a Muggle shotgun.

I am disappointed that we will not have any time together while you are in England.

Severus

------------------------------

Hogwarts Interoffice Memorandum

To: Filius Flitwick, C. M., Severus Snape, P.M., and Minerva McGonagall, T.M.
Copy: Albus Dumbledore, M.A.
From: Pomona Sprout, M.H.
Date: February 2nd, 1999
Re: One mystery solved

My apologies to all of you regarding the recent incident when members of your Houses were accused of magically stealing the brassieres from the Hufflepuff girls.

Oliver Cremens, one of my Third Years, was responsible. Apparently bets were being taken among the boys of that year as to which girl in Hufflepuff had the largest cup size. It appears Mr. Cremens is a bit of a Charms prodigy and determined the means to find out.

I have not been able to determine who hung them from the turrets.

-----------------------------------

Paired Journal Entry
February 3rd, 1999
Hermione to Severus

Dear Severus,

I understand that you don't have control over the demands others make of you. It isn't necessary for me to return to Chicago until the afternoon of the 14th. Could we meet for breakfast on that Monday?

I suppose I'm being obvious. It has been a month since we had the opportunity to talk. There are so many exciting things to discuss: the Zero Point Field, our Cruciatus treatment, Wolfsbane.

No. Now, I'm dissembling.

I simply miss you.

Hermione

---------------------------------

Paired Journal Entry
February 4th, 1999
Hermione to Harry

Harry,

I'm really looking forward to getting back home, though I'm disappointed you and Ron are on duty on Saturday and Sunday. At least we'll get to spend some time together on Monday. We'll just do lunch on Monday instead of dinner on Saturday night.

Do you think Neville might be able to get away to meet up with the three of us? I know Lavender won't be able to. Imagine getting to go to Paris with her boss to finalize the autumn line of robes. She's really doing well, isn't she? How serious do you think Ron is about her?

Yes, my hair project is coming along nicely. We're working on the hair conditioner now. They haven't got my hair down to waves, but the frizz is gone and my hair is much softer than it used to be.

Maybe our next product will be for guys with bits of hair that like to stick up in all directions.

Hermione

---------------------------------

Post-It Note Communication
February 4th, 1999
Left on desk in Apartment 302

Cindy,
Great job on the guy in 105.
Check in the cabinet over the
stove for the pizza. Should be
just the way you like it.
Draco

------------------------------------

Paired Journal Communication
February 4th, 1999
Draco to Lucius

Father,

I will plan to come home for the weekend of the 12th. As you and Severus have recommended, I have practiced blocking my mind daily and have placed several memories in my hiding room. I can come home right after my morning class on Friday since I don't have one in the afternoon. Will Severus be able to come early to test me before I have to face the Dark Lord?

There won't be much for the Dark Lord to see regarding Granger, other than at mealtimes, class, and fixing up the apartment building. I keep a close eye on her and see no signs that Potter or Weasley visit at all. If anything, she seems worn out from overworking herself.

The Dark Lord will be pleased with my progress with the Schuler family. Between dating his daughter and asking for his advice about my business plan for the apartment building, I've integrated myself into their family as potential son-in-law material. Plus, with the apartment building project, I am learning about wizarding commerce, law, and education in the United States, just as the Dark Lord wanted. I will have my report ready for him when I return.

Everything is going as planned with the apartment building. Bringing in the ghost, combined with repulsion spells, is speeding up the departure of the Muggle tenants. One whole floor will be empty by the first week in May and the rest of the building by the first week in June. I used a little influence on a couple of other apartment buildings in the area to increase their attractiveness to my current tenants.

I had no idea this could be so much fun. I understand why you enjoy business enterprise as much as you do, Father.

I am almost ready to take my driving test. I have to practice parallel parking. That involves manipulating the car into a space just big enough for it in between two other cars and yet very close to the curb. It is more difficult than one might think, especially since no magic is allowed in the process. Once I have that down, I am certain I will pass the test.

Please tell Mother I appreciate the gloves and scarf she sent me. She does not need to worry so much about the cold and snow. It is no worse than Scotland ever was.

Love,
Draco

------------------------------------

Paired Journal Communication
February 4th, 1999
Severus to Hermione

Hermione,

It will not be practical to meet for breakfast on the 14th. I must appear at the head table as usual or it may invite comments that could be passed onto Death Eater families by their offspring.

This particular date is also one where the teachers must be on high alert. Since the Weasley twins departed from these hallowed halls, the overall mayhem level has dropped considerably. However, during the winter months I examined their ingredients lists, brewing methods, and charms those two hell-raisers are using for their Valentine's Day Romance line.

I daresay we will be listening to students spouting bad love poems, walking about with multicolored hearts appearing over their heads, declaring their undying affection to members of the sex they do not prefer, and doubtlessly a few of the boys will sprout pink feathers on their genitalia..

In other words, it will be business as usual at Hogwarts on Valentine's Day.

Severus

---------------------------

Paired Journal Communication
February 5th, 1999
Hermione to Severus

Severus,

I'm sorry to be missing a Valentine's Day at Hogwarts, but I look forward to hearing about it from you. The twins are creative geniuses, but I can do without their brand of juvenile humor.

The worst was when they tested their prototype Singing Beans based on Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Ron and Harry were the test subjects and it gave them horrible flatulence. The odor changed every time ranging from lilac to sewer gas. Each time they let one rip, it sang. I now have very negative associations with the song "I'm a little teapot, short and stout."

Under the circumstances, I won't see you until April unless someone needs the Cruciatus treatment.

Unfortunately, I'm altogether too good at reading between the lines. Whatever is happening on the weekend of the 12th, please be careful.

I will take care of making the Wolfsbane base. I feel much more confident about it than I did at first and I do have extensive notes on the details of preparation. The external Crucio potion and stock potions for the infirmary are not a problem either. I will probably get the first order of the fertility potions completed. I have been procuring the ingredients over the last few weeks.

Did you know a maca root costs one third less here than what it does in Britain? And red clover blossoms are half the price and vitex angus-castus is much easier to obtain. I tested them for efficacy and they are as good as anything we can get through our suppliers in England.

I suppose I had better get back to work. I've a physics test tomorrow.

Good night, Severus.

Hermione

------------------------------------------

Hogwarts Interoffice Memorandum

To: Pomona Sprout, H.M., Filius Flitwick, C.M., Severus Snape, P.M., and Minerva McGonagall, T.M.
From: Albus Dumbledore, M.A.
Date: February 6th, 1999
Re: Further Incidents

The recent rash of magically stealing undergarments has hit a new low. The disappearance of all the jockstraps during the Ravenclaw versus Slytherin Quidditch game could have resulted in grave injury to all involved.

The identities of the perpetrators are unknown at this time. It would require more than one person to inscribe the name of the owner on each, along with estimates of individual size, and strap them to the visors of suits of armor throughout the castle.

I expect each of you to hold a House meeting to discuss the necessity of ending this round of pranks. Any assistance you can offer in identifying the culprits will be appreciated.

You have no idea the howlers I have received over this one. There are some irate parents out there.

-----------------------------------------

Paired Journal Entry
February 6th, 1999
Severus to Hermione

Hermione,

You do realize that buying the ingredients in the United States and bringing them here without paying the import tariff meets the legal definition of smuggling?

Severus

------------------------------------------

Paired Journal Entry
February 6th, 1999
Hermione to Severus

Severus,

I never thought of that. Drat. I'll never get the vitex angus-castus in time. I can make a trip to Diagon Alley for the rest.

Hermione

------------------------------------------

Paired Journal Entry
February 7th, 1999
Severus to Hermione

Hermione,

Bring the vitex angus-castus and get everything else here. I already have the maca root for you. You may pay me back. Oh, bring extra vitex angus-castus and I will pay for it.

The next time you visit Hogwarts, ask Minerva to resort you. I suspect you have more Slytherin in you than the Hat realized. Perhaps that is one of the reasons I appreciate your company.

Severus.

-----------------------------------------

Hogwarts Interoffice Memorandum

To: All Hogwart's Staff
From: Severus Snape
Date: February 9th, 1999
Re: Richard Browning

As a result of the recent incident of the theft of jockstraps, a member of the Slytherin Quidditch team is encountering a certain amount of harassment.

If you hear any of your students referring to Richard Browning as "Little Dickie Browning", please intervene and stop it. Further, if you hear jokes about his "shortcomings", do not laugh.

This young man's self image is taking quite a beating. I had to forbid him from sending around a flyer signed by all the players on the Slytherin Quidditch team attesting that his member is actually above average in size.

If the harassment does not cease, I cannot guarantee he will not take matters into his own hands.

------------------------------------

E-mail Correspondence
Encoded for high security, using Digital Magic developed algorithms

To:Gerhardt Boch: Potionsmaster4 at awl . c o m
From:Daniel Schuler: DigitalMage at awl . c o m
Date:2/12/99
Re:Upcoming events

I have been monitoring the situation in Great Britain. Indications are that some pivotal events will take place in the near future. My analysis still points to things coming to a head this summer.

I have run the Arithmancy on Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. It is very likely both are involved. From what I see, Hermione Granger is heavily involved on the side supporting Dumbledore. Draco Malfoy is riding on the edge and his loyalties are unclear.

You are aware that he is romantically involved with Anita. He's been to dinner several times since last summer and we've talked a great deal about business and commerce as relates to wizarding society in America versus how it works in Britain. While I am not entirely comfortable with using Anita's relationship to get into Draco's head, I have to use whatever means are necessary.

He is very enthusiastic about this new venture of his and purchasing the apartment building. He seems inclined towards real estate, which may be a direct result of how wizards tend to make money in England. Where this interest fits with Voldemort is unclear. I get the impression he is being pulled in different directions.

Roger is monitoring things closely with Malfoy as well. If I get the sense he is endangering Anita in any way, I will arrange for him to meet with an unfortunate accident.

Whatever else I may be, I am a father first. Unfortunately, with his family's social position and wealth, combined with their close ties to Voldemort, it could pitch us into the middle of this situation much sooner than I want. What do you think?

--------------------------------------

E-mail Correspondence
Encoded for high security, using Digital Magic developed algorithms

To:Daniel Schuler: DigitalMage at awl . c o m
From:Gerhardt Boch: Potionsmaster4 at awl .c o m
Date:2/12/99
Re:Upcoming Events

As you know, I am supervising Hermione Granger in her independent study of Potions 201. There is no doubt; she is a brilliant and capable student as is reflected in her work during her first semester and what I am seeing now.

She has practical knowledge of potions development and brewing that greatly exceeds what she should have at this stage in her training. Some of her techniques are the same ones I was taught by Arsenius Jigger during the advanced portion of my potions apprenticeship thirty ago. This suggests to me that she may possibly be working with Severus Snape on potions development. He would have learned those same techniques during his apprenticeship.

We know Granger is an active Dumbledore supporter, because of her friendship with Harry Potter, unofficial membership in the Arthur Weasley family, and the murder of her parents. This would give us further evidence that Snape is a Dumbledore supporter, regardless of past affiliation with Voldemort.

I am meeting with Roger tomorrow for lunch. We plan to discuss the situation with Granger and Malfoy and will give you our recommendations.

--------------------------------

Hogwarts Inter-Office Memorandum

To: Severus Snape, P.M.
From: Albus Dumbledore, M.A.
Date: February 12th, 1999
Re: House points system review

I have examined the quarterly reports of the allocations of points for all Houses and detentions awarded. Please accept my compliments on the diminishing number of points taken away from and detentions awarded to Gryffindors. It does appear that the departure of Harry Potter from these hallowed halls has improved your disposition.

You will find a little something extra in your pay packet next week.

----------------------------------

E-mail Correspondence
Encoded for high security, using Digital Magic developed algorithms

To:Daniel Schuler: DigitalMage at awl . c o m, Gerhardt Bock: Potionsmaster4 at awl . c o m
From:Roger Littlehorse: Littlehorse at a w l . c o m
Date:2/13/99
Re:Upcoming Events

Gerhardt and I met today and discussed the situation with Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger.

We agree that we do not have a clear sense of where Draco Malfoy stands on the issue of Voldemort. With the publication of the monograph, I will be taking my Charms 102 class into discussions of scientific research that could lead to the exposure of the wizarding world.

This will be my opportunity to probe his opinions and reactions. We know he comes from an elitist family with strong ties to Voldemort. His father has served time in the British wizarding prison system because of it. Whether or not young Malfoy is willing to take a stand that differs from his family is open to speculation.

You have my sympathies regarding his relationship with Anita. If I were facing the possibility that my daughter was being used by a supremacist to get to me, I'd probably be planning his demise.

Some of my ancestors specialized in contests to see how long they could keep a victim alive while tied to a spit over a campfire. I can get you details if you need them.

As for Granger, I agree with the assessment that she is a link to Dumbledore. It does appear that she has developed a friendship with Malfoy, which offers two possibilities:

First: Malfoy is supposed to spy on her for his master and she is supposed to spy on Malfoy for hers.

Second: Malfoy is supposed to spy on her for his master, but his real sympathies lie with the Dumbledore faction.

Given what appears to be a real friendship, the second possibility is more likely than I would have originally thought.

If we are in agreement, I will use Legilimency on both when the opportunity presents itself. Perhaps I can get an indication of what the truth is in this situation. After I do so, I would like to meet with our strategic planning team. We should make plans to contact Dumbledore.

-----------------------------------

Ministry Owl Correspondence
Encoded and Charmed for Security

Interdepartmental Memorandum
To:Madame Amelia Bones, Minister of Magic
From:Alastor Moody, Department of Magical Law Enforcement
Date:February 14th, 1999
Re: Possible Death Eater Activity

I have just returned from taking the report from the intelligence committee, which has been compiling reconnaissance reports. A significant number of suspected Death Eaters have absented themselves from their regular Saturday and Sunday activities this weekend.

Typical Death Eater meetings occur at night and last no more than four or five hours. Some of these individuals (see the list below) have been missing since late Friday night. There is no evidence of any Death Eater raids or other overt activities this weekend.

We have thirteen suspected Death Eaters who are unaccounted for between 24 and 36 hours. Among possibilities is a purge among Death Eaters. A minority of our committee proposes a possibility of a training event of some sort. If bodies start turning up in the next day or two, we'll have our answer. Our people are out monitoring the situation and we will keep you informed.

------------------------------

Hogwarts Interoffice Memorandum

To: All Hogwarts Staff
From: Albus Dumbledore, M.A.
Date: February 14th, 1999
Re: St. Valentine's Day, once again

In keeping with a long tradition of St. Valentines Day pranks, we have seen a resurgence of a few old favorites and some inventive new additions. This year, all Hufflepuff males who have reached puberty sprouted red and gold feathers on their privates.

Many thanks to Filius for his quick detective work, which prevented Thelonius Bick from similarly sabotaging the water into Slytherin. I am certain it was painful for Filius to subtract seventy-five points from his own House, but he did the right thing and should be complimented for it.

It appears Mr. Bick intended to foster inter-House conflict by sabotaging the water of all Houses, except Gryffindor. This would have resulted in a misunderstanding of significant proportions.

Poppy informs me that several students have reported to the infirmary with uncontrolled flatulence, possibly caused by consumption of a fraudulent version of Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans. The beans themselves are indistinguishable from the genuine article. However, the flatulence caused by these beans changes scent with each passing of wind. It also seems to cause one to hear what sounds like two male voices singing "I'm a little teapot, short and stout."

I must compliment our intrepid Potions Master for making quick work of this particular practical joke. Within minutes of being summoned to the infirmary and examining the beans and two of the victims, Severus determined the ingredients used in the potion-infused sweets. It is a testimony to his skill and vast experience with potions that Severus was able to concoct a remedy within thirty minutes. We are most fortunate to have such a capable potions analyst among us.

Thank you all for your forbearance and fortitude. We have indeed survived another Valentine's Day.

----------------------------------

Paired Journal Entry
February 15th, 1999
Draco to Lucius

Father,

I am fine, father. Please stop worrying. I've been hurt worse during Quidditch matches than I was during the dueling practice.

Mother's skill in repairing injuries is almost as good as a Mediwizard's. My broken wrist is healed and just a little sore. The bruises are gone and the torn cartilage in my knee is knitting up fine. Though, if I keep tearing up that knee in dueling matches, I may end up with a permanent problem there.

I will be writing to Severus separately to thank him for the extra tutoring in Occlumency. I am confident the Dark Lord didn't see anything incriminating in my head. I won't delude myself that he went searching very deep. His trust in you has trickled down to me.

He seemed satisfied with the information I put together for him in my report on American wizarding society and the college. Hopefully, he won't ask to see me again anytime soon.

How is your leg doing? It probably would have been better for it if you did not have to do the training over the weekend.

Love,
Draco

----------------------------------

Hogwarts Interoffice Memorandum

To: Severus Snape, P.M., Pomona Sprout, H.M., and Poppy Pomfrey, M.W.
Copy: Albus Dumbledore, M.A.
From: Minerva McGonagall, T.M.
Date: February 15th, 1999
Re: Incident Report

Today, I intervened in an altercation in the hallway outside of the Transfiguration classroom. Apparently Mr. Browning was receiving some harassment from a small group of female students from Hufflepuff and Gryffindor.

Please see the attached list.

As Severus predicted, Mr. Browning did take matters into his own hands and displayed the object of discussion for their perusal.

I must say, it was a most impressive display and should certainly dispel any disparaging rumors. If anything, he appears to have captured the imagination and admiration of the ladies involved.

I took fifty points from each House involved – including my own, Professor Snape – and have assigned detentions to all involved. I will be turning Mr. Browning over to Argus Filch for his detention. The ladies will serve their detention under my supervision.

After they give my classroom, office, and the hallways outside of each a very thorough cleaning, I will be discussing the value of contraceptive potions and charms with the ladies.

I shall be referring them to you, Poppy, for access to the relevant potions.

Severus, I suggest you do the same with Mr. Browning. I believe he is about to become very popular.

-----------------------------

Interdepartmental Memorandum

To:Madame Amelia Bones, Minister of Magic
From:Alastor Moody, Department of Magical Law Enforcement
Date:February 15th, 1999
Re: Follow-up on Death Eater Activity

The missing suspected Death Eaters are all accounted for and have returned to regular activities (see list below).

Given that no raids were reported anywhere in Great Britain, it is the opinion of the intelligence committee that a training session of some sort was held over the weekend. Several of the Death Eaters appear to be sporting recently healed injuries, so it may have been some form of combat training.

We will continue to monitor the situation. Recommend we send out a general notice to all Aurors and approved Ministry officials regarding a possible increase in Death Eater activity.

--------------------------------

Paired Journal Entry
Hermione to Severus
February 15th, 1999

Dear Severus,

I saw Draco at breakfast this morning and he is walking around with a bit of a limp. I didn't ask him how he got it, but whatever he did must have torn his knee up again. He usually whinges when he has any kind of discomfort. He's not saying anything about it at all, which makes me suspicious. It isn't like Draco to be quiet or brooding, but that is exactly how I would describe his behavior.

Something happened to him over the weekend. Do you have any ideas? I'm rather worried about him.

The Wolfsbane base and the cold immersion treatment potions are done and ready for your inspection. The vials and bottles of potions for the infirmary are boxed and locked in the secured cupboard along with the Wolfsbane base and cold immersion treatment potions. I completed the fertility potions and Poppy picked them up to deliver to St. Mungo's.

Thank you for picking up the ingredients for me. I honestly didn't think about smuggling when I got them at such a good price in the United States. I've stored them away and will use them here.

I wonder if I could make the fertility potions and sell them to a hospital here? I'm going to rent one of the apartments in Draco's building and the kitchen is suitable for basic brewing. I could do the work there in my spare time. If it sells for the same price here that it does in England, I could put myself through college on a few weekends of work. It would probably be the most lucrative kitchen witchery in history.

I won't ask what you were doing this weekend. I keep telling myself that. I just want to know that you are all right.

I missed you. Brewing in our lab kept me busy, but it isn't the same when you aren't there.

I miss you.

Hermione

-----------------------------

Paired Journal Correspondence
February 16th, 1999
Severus to Lucius

Lucius,

All things considered, it went well. I appreciate your input regarding the relative strengths and weaknesses of the individuals we trained this weekend. That is a piece of intelligence that shall be carefully guarded and ready to pass on to members of the Order when the time is appropriate.

Draco accorded himself well. He successfully Occluded his mind against the Dark Lord, a task not easily done, especially when one is afraid. In this case, I believe his fear and the Dark Lord's sense of it made him more credible in his report of his activities in the United States.

From remarks The Dark Lord made to me later in private, I believe he is seeing the value of having Draco learn about American wizarding culture. He was disappointed that Draco could not report that Potter still sees the Granger girl, but he did not hold Draco accountable for that. It is just as well that Potter and Granger do not have the relationship the Dark Lord believes. His attention will not be drawn towards Avalon College.

It is also a very good sign that the Dark Lord accepted a cup of water from my hand. He did observe me sip from it first before I offered it to him. I take it as a sign of trust. I believe the Dark Lord's skin was flaking a great deal and he looked pastier than usual. Of course, for a man who is basically gray, it is difficult to assess. I cannot help but wonder if it is a sign of deterioration in his health. If you see any additional signs of weakness, please advise me immediately.

I asked the Dark Lord if I could be of any assistance to him with potions. His response was "not now" which leads me to wonder if he is considering it for later.

I realize the weekend was a real drain on you and Narcissa, physically and emotionally. Get some rest and I will visit on Friday evening and we can review recent events and their significance. Please give my love to Narcissa,

Severus

-------------------------------

Paired Journal Entry
Severus to Hermione
February 16th, 1999

Hermione,

Please do not distress yourself on my behalf. While I cannot tell you what I was doing this weekend, I was not harmed at any point. You have been concerned about the Dark Lord's response to seeing me again. I was summoned over the weekend and was not targeted for discipline. At the moment, I seem to be in his good graces.

I cannot speak to what Draco was doing over the weekend. I have heard that some of the former students of my House met recently for a pick-up game of Quidditch. Perhaps he was involved in that.

I have inspected your work on the Wolfsbane and the Cruciatus potions. They are up to your usual standard of acceptability, which is higher than I ever gave you credit for while you were my student.

I regret there was no opportunity to meet while you were here. When do you anticipate being able to return?

Severus

-------------------------------

E-mail Correspondence
Encoded for high security, using Digital Magic developed algorithms

To:Roger Littlehorse: Littlehorse at awl.c o m, Gerhardt Boch: Potionsmaster4 at awl. c o m
From:Daniel Schuler: DigitalMage at awl. c o m
Date:2/16/99
Re:Keepers

Thank you both for your input on the situation in Britain and the roles of Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger.

Looking beyond whatever is going to happen in Britain, it sounds like Hermione is someone we want to keep here in the United States. She's good friends with Anita and appears to be the caliber of witch we want to recruit.

Anita says she's magically strong. This is born out by what we know of her high marks at Hogwarts and on her NEWTS. We know she's highly intelligent and has no living relatives back in Britain. Given she's got about four or five years to go in our Potions program; we have time to prepare the right incentives to keep her in the United States.

Opinions?

As for Draco Malfoy, I'm reserving judgment until we know more about his political leanings.

-------------------------------------

Trans-Atlantic Correspondence

Poppy Pomfrey, M.W.
Hospital Wing
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hogsmeade District
Scotland

February 16th, 1999

Ms. Hermione Granger
Sixth Floor
St. Germaine Hall
Avalon College
Chicago, Illinois
United States

Dear Hermione

Your potions have been delivered to St. Mungo's, which credited your numbered Gringott's account immediately upon delivery and inspection of the product.

Healer Spence confided to me that there is a waiting list of seventy-seven couples with fertility problems who want to have a female child. Your first order of one hundred vials is already essentially spoken for and St. Mungo's would like to order an additional fifty vials of the female potion. They are greatly anticipating the arrival of the male potion in April, for which there is a waiting list of ninety-six couples who want a boy. If you are able to procure sufficient ingredients to do one hundred and fifty vials, St. Mungo's will be pleased to have the additional potion and will pay a one thousand galleon bonus.

I believe they will resell some of the potion on the Continent and make tens of thousands of galleons in profit. There are probably more than a thousand couples on European waiting lists for the maiden brewed fertility potions.

Healer Spence did probe a bit to try and ascertain your identity. He would like to deal with you directly and I suspect recruit you for their staff. If St. Mungo's could obtain the services of a maiden brewer, they could become a supplier of rare potions to medical facilities all over Europe. This would net them a tidy profit and would underwrite the hospital.

I agree with your decision to keep your identity secret. I understand you have no desire to spend the rest of your days as a virgin and it would not surprise me if you found yourself bespelled into an antipathy towards sex for the rest of your life if some of the less scrupulous Ministry employees learned of your identity.

I know you plan to return on April 2nd and brew the male potion on the morning of April 3rd. I will meet you at headquarters at 8 am to conduct the required quarterly pelvic examination so that I may certify your virginity.

Imagine a year or so from now you will be responsible for the birth of one hundred and fifty magical children. I believe the Hogwarts Board of Governors should send you a thank-you note.

Sincerely,
Poppy Pomfrey

--------------------------------

E-mail Correspondence
Encoded for high security, using Digital Magic developed algorithms

To:Daniel Schuler: DigitalMage at awl . c o m, Roger Littlehorse: Littlehorse at awl . c o m
From:Gerhardt Boch: Potionsmaster4 at awl . c o m
Date:2/16/99
Re:Keepers

I am in complete agreement that we should target Hermione Granger for post-graduation retention. From what Roger has said, her magical capabilities as demonstrated in the Charms practicals are far superior to the vast majority of immigrants we get.

However, her parents were both non-magical. Daniel, would you approve an in-depth genealogical analysis from the usual source? If there is reason to believe her magical abilities would breed true, then there is a double reason to keep her in America.

Career-wise, I think if she were offered a solid research and development position with one of our major medicinal potions manufacturers with a budget and creative freedom to match, it would be irresistible. She seems to have a real interest and genuine talent in medical potions and has a solid grasp of chemistry and physics. We could encourage her to go for a PhD in chemistry after graduation. Providing her with a scholarship and means would almost certainly keep her in the United States.

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Paired Journal Entry
Hermione to Harry
February 19th, 1999

Dear Harry,

That is the most amazing news! You arrested Cornelius Fudge for shoplifting? I can't imagine anybody liking cockroach clusters so much that they'd stand in the middle of Honeydukes and help themselves without paying.

I am rolling on the floor laughing.

Do you think he forgot he isn't Minister of Magic anymore? It sounds like the kind of thing he'd do when he was MOM. He'd expect to get things for free and all kinds of special considerations.

I can understand why you did it after all the grief he gave you over his denial that Voldemort was back. I am concerned that he is the kind of person who gets mad and gets even. You'd better watch your back. He may not have the power he had before, but he's got nasty friends. After all the times he allowed Lucius Malfoy buy himself out of Azkaban, do you think Malfoy owes Fudge any favors? We don't need his kind coming after you.

What do Arthur and Dumbledore think about this?

On a different subject, I could use some advice. Do you remember when you had nightmares after Sirius died? Did you do something to help get rid of them or did they just go away on their own?

Sometimes, I have nightmares about my parents. I have a hard time going back to sleep after I have one. Any suggestions?

Oh, and let me know what the Daily Prophet reports about your newest adventure with Fudge. I still have that jar, if Skeeter-bug gives you any trouble.

Hermione

-------------------------

Hogwarts Interoffice Memorandum

To: Albus Dumbledore, M.A.
From: Severus Snape, P.M.
Date: February 19th, 1999
Re: Memo dated February 12th, 1999

I deeply appreciate your kind words in the face of my obvious mental deterioration. If I have taken away fewer points from Gryffindor or given them fewer detentions this year, it is probably due to exhaustion from the previous seven years.

Thank you for the little something extra I found in my pay packet. The miniaturized fireworks that emitted from the envelope upon opening were most entertaining.

---------------------------------

E-mail Correspondence
Encoded for high security, using Digital Magic developed algorithms

To:Gerhardt Boch: Potionsmaster4 at awl . c o m, Roger Littlehorse: Littlehorse at awl . c o m
From:Daniel Schuler: DigitalMage at awl . c o m
Date:2/19/99
Re:Keeper info

Thank you for forwarding the genealogical report on Hermione Granger. She looks like a promising addition to our American wizarding gene pool.

Both sides of her family have wizarding ancestry, but none in the last two hundred and fifty years. It is likely she received recessive genes from both of her parents, resulting in a magical child. If she marries within American wizarding society, the odds are three out of four of her children will be wizarding stock. I would say she is a very good risk.

Margaret and I discussed Hermione. As you know, she dated Adam for a few months last year. Unfortunately, every analysis I've ever run on my son indicates he's not going to grow up until he's in his thirties.

The analysis I ran on Hermione indicates that she's an adult now and will be ready for a committed relationship in her early twenties. This is a shame because my wife and I would have liked her as a daughter-in-law.

Margaret has spoken to Anita about Hermione. Our daughter has confided in her that Hermione might have an attachment to someone back in England, but in a rather one-sided way. Anita says Draco believes it may be one of the Weasley brothers, the family that has more or less taken her in since her parents' murder by the Death Eaters about a year and a half ago.

In his opinion, it would most likely be the oldest brother, William, who has been the Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor at Hogwarts for the last year.

Anita reports that Hermione isn't dating anyone here, so we may need to do some matchmaking to diminish the attachment back home. I've put Margaret to work on it and have every confidence that she and her contacts will place the right young man in Hermione's path.

---------------------------------

Order of the Phoenix Memorandum

To: Albus
From: Remus
Date: February 20th, 1999
Re: I'm not a babysitter

Yes. I do believe the pair of knickers you found stuck under the cushion of the sofa belongs to Ginny Weasley.

No. I am not going to do anything about it. This is Harry's home. They are both above the age of consent and as long as they don't do it on the sofa while I'm sitting on it, I don't care what they do.

-----------------------------------

E-mail Correspondence

To:Hermione Granger: HJGranger at awl . c o m
From: Margaret Schuler: Architect3 at awl . c o m
Date:2/20/99
Re:An invitation

I'd like to invite you to come over Saturday night; February 27th, for a get together with some friends and young people I'd like you to meet. I know you enjoy the science crowd and I thought you would enjoy meeting some of our guests who work for McKellon Chemicals research and development department and Gresham Unlimited. Both companies have a business relationship with Digital Magic and have Muggle and carefully hidden wizarding divisions.

It will be a blue jeans kind of event and Wilhelmina has promised to make her steak kebabs.

Anita and Draco will be there. And you know you can't possible make connections with potions manufacturers too soon. You'll need a practicum for Fifth Year and an internship for Sixth. Besides, we haven't talked since before Christmas and I do enjoy your company, with or without Adam.

--------------------------------

Paired Journal Entry
February 20th, 1999
Harry to Hermione

Dear Hermione,

I thought you'd find that one pretty funny.

Unfortunately, the whole thing got hushed up. Fudge is claiming it was all a big misunderstanding. That lying sack of hippogriff dung says he intended to pay for the cockroach clusters, but they were so good he started nibbling on them before he got in line to pay. He made a big deal about handing over a galleon to the Honeydukes clerk and the charges were dropped. The Prophet doesn't even have one of those gossip type articles about an anonymous celebrity shoplifting scandal.

Sometimes I think I'm just not living right or something. If I'd have picked up a jelly glow worm off the floor that had been stepped on by every Third Year on a Hogsmeade weekend and thrown it in the rubbish bin, I'd probably have been tossed into Azkaban.

The training is going pretty well. Ron and I have a big examination coming up on laws and legal interpretations about search and seizure. It isn't right that we don't have you to help us wade through all the big words and technical stuff. Are you sure you don't want to rethink your career choices?

As for the nightmares, I still have them now and then. I think it just got better over time and isn't because of anything I did.

Hi, Harry!

Hello, Hermione. I'm glad you picked up the journal so we can talk.

Isn't this fun? It's like instant messaging on a computer. Give me a few seconds to read through what you've written already.

Got it.

Oh, that slimy bastard. We should have known Fudge would manage to worm his way out of trouble. I hope those cockroach clusters gave him indigestion.

His kind always seems to figure out a way to claim that whatever they did was not their fault. I'm surprised he didn't claim he was just testing them to make sure they hadn't gone bad and was doing a public service at the time.

Urgh! Or he might have claimed Imperio.

I should be used to it by now. Politicians just don't get held accountable because they're so good at talking their way out of trouble. It's why they got elected in the first place. So, what's with the bad dreams? Are they the same kind of dreams you had just after your parents were killed?

Yes. The dreams are always that I know the Death Eaters are after them and I can't find them to protect them. I guess what upsets me the most is that the dreams are always unfinished. I'm running and running or searching and searching and I can't ever find them.

Mine were always of seeing Sirius fall through that Veil, over and over. I've thought about those dreams a lot. I think I had them that way because Sirius and I had so much unfinished business.

I wonder if that's why I keep dreaming about never being able to find them?

Do you still feel guilty about not being able to save them? I still feel guilty that I let myself get tricked into going to the Ministry of Magic and getting all of you hurt and Sirius killed for no good reason.

Harry, none of us blame you for that. Good grief, Voldemort has had decades to learn how to manipulate people and he was getting to you through your link. He knew exactly which buttons to push. As I recall, you were all of fifteen at the time.

If I've learned anything about myself from all of this, it's that I have to take responsibility for my actions. I should have learned to Occlude my mind to keep Voldemort out. But, I was too caught up in disliking Snape to give it a real effort. I might as well have just hung out a sign on my head, inviting Voldemort to come on in. It's no wonder Dumbledore didn't tell me much of what was going on at the time. Voldemort could have pulled it right out my head.

But, you did learn Occlumency.

Yes, but too late to do Sirius any good. It keeps Voldemort from trying to possess me, but can't make up for what I didn't learn when I first had the opportunity. I suppose it was one of the lessons I had to learn. I can't let my dislike or liking of someone color all of my impressions of them. If I'd given Snape even the smallest amount of cooperation, he would have taught me what I needed to know. Now that I'm in the Order and see more about how he operates, I realize that.

I think both of you were too caught up in your mutual dislike at that point for Professor Snape to be a good teacher for you. Dumbledore should have realized that and taught you himself.

I think Albus thought it would be one of those character building things for Snape and me. It didn't work. I needed to do a lot of growing up before I could see him more objectively.

What do you think of Professor Snape, now?

Why are you asking?

I work with him. He's mentoring me in Potions and has been really great.

Yeah? Well, I think he likes you. He just kind of tolerates me.

He's not very good at letting go of baggage either.

Snape and I have some things in common. Maybe we'll do better in the future. We've actually had some decent conversations, like after he got Zabini out of the country.

Good. I hope the two of you can get along better.

So, what about your dreams?

After I have one, I have a terrible time going back to sleep.

Do you have them very often?

Hmm. Depends on how you define often. Sometimes, I have them a couple times a week. You said that yours decreased over time?

Yeah, but Sirius has been gone four years now. It's only been a year and a half for you.

Maybe I just need to be patient. I might be making too much of it.

If your dreams are because of unfinished business with your parents, maybe you need to figure out what that business is and see if there is some way for you to do it?

I need to give that more thought. I should probably let you go. It's almost midnight in England and you're on daytime duty.

I'm always available if you want to talk. How long till you get to come back?

The beginning of April. The college shuts down for a week's holiday.

Maybe we ought to do phone calls now and then.

That would be great, except they are very expensive.

What's the point of having a vault full of inherited galleons if I can't spend some of it to stay in touch with one of my two best friends?

Awww. You're making me tear up.

Are we going to get mushy, now?

We shouldn't. I'm keeping you out of bed and you need your sleep if you're going to fight for truth, justice, and the tossing of wicked politicians into Azkaban.

In that case - good night, Hermione.

Good night, Harry.

----------------------------------

Note Left on Remus Lupin's Bedside Table

Remus,

I seem to be missing a pair of blue satin knickers from the other night when we had the nicest time on the sofa in the parlor. Could you look around for them? They match my blue satin bra and I would hate to lose them.

Dora

-----------------------------

This chapter will be continued in our next installment.

-----------------------------

Author's notes

The inspiration for the Singing Beans and their resultant flatulence belongs to Plaidpooka, who began the notion of Snape farts. Wartcap deserves some credit, too. She incorporated Dementor farts into her wonderful story Pumblechook after we had a bit of discussion of the value of flatulence in the Harry Potter Universe.

Any resemblance of any part of the story to panty raids and other forms of juvenile humor is purely intentional. It was inspired and encouraged by Julia.

It's true. We're not any more mature than anybody else around here, no matter how old we are.

--------------------------------

The teachers have the following professional credentials:

Albus Dumbledore: Master of Alchemy
Severus Snape: Potions Master
Minerva McGonagall: Transfiguration Mistress
Filius Flitwick: Charms Master
Pomona Sprout: Herbology Mistress
Poppy Pomfrey: Mediwitch
Rolanda Hooch: Flying Mistress

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Thank you to all my reviewers: Ami Mizuno1, Mugglemomof3, Latinachikita, Rinny 08, Danielle, Slvrnight, Maddie50, Koliber, AnokiNantaras, Mrs. Touchstone, DoodlesDivine, Nativewoman29, Green-eyed-angel, t wrecks, Siren34, Bakaonigirii, Emilia, Severus-Fan, Excessivelyperky (who provides ideas along with reviews), Evilmastermind666, notwritten, Duj, Mrs. Vladislaus Dracula, Jocemum (who helps with medical accuracy, too), Arime Setta, MollysSister, Shirlyn, Wikkidgothbabe, Annie Talbot, Katyes, and Joani-the-unique-being.