AN: Thank you for all the support! It is very deeply appreciated!
Why was he still reading this book?
Severus glared at the Encyclopedia of Bacterial Diseases. Under any other circumstance, he would have returned it and focused on more magical problems, such as preventing the birth of squibs. Instead, he wanted to renew the book, even if it wouldn't be due for another two weeks. The cures were too fascinating to ignore. Most were just radical enough to work in the magical community, assuming someone could find a potion to mimic their effects.
Then there was a the woman who had led him to this book. Over the last few weeks she'd become an enigma. Why was she interested in getting to know him specifically? Of all the professors to latch onto, why did she pick the one who despised her?
He slammed the book as his mind wandered back to Granger and her inappropriately short shorts. As a professor, she needed to learn to dress more appropriately. Then again, one could argue that as a professor he should not drop on colleagues unannounced. Yet, did he truly drop in unannounced if she'd been begging him to come for days?
Would it be so terrible to give into her advances for a time? If she could help him locate more information on some of these diseases, perhaps a few treatments or even a cure, he could formulate the base of a few potions. With formulas came papers, and with papers came academic credibility, something which still eluded him.
Was the cost worth it? The last thing he needed was a bushy haired know-it-all in his ear all day with her inane theories. He was more than capable of coming up with these cures himself, thank you very much.
Still, it would be quicker to talk to Granger instead of doing months of research. At the very least she could point him in the right direction. Surely a few obnoxious conversation was worth the benefits.
His lips curled up.
Pretending to be Granger's friend may not be the worst thing in the world.
Hermione stared at the four shopping bags before her. When she'd bought them, she was confident in her purchases. After some reflection she was no longer so certain. She had little idea of how best to shop to impress a man. Ron's groupies had worn whatever was the most revealing. She needed to keep things professional though.
The logical choice was to wear black. Black was a classic color which looked good in almost any circumstance. Perhaps that is why Severus wore it. Then again, would he think she was trying too hard if she wore the color?
The fireplace erupted.
It may have been wise to have someone go shopping with her the next time she left, if only to give her a more critical evaluation of her choices. Too bad Ginny was working today. Neville would have been little help, though he did have some idea what would attract Severus…
"Hermione?"
She startled.
"Are you there?"
"Yes, Ginny." Hermione approached the fireplace.
"Do you have a minute?"
"Yes."
"Great," the red hair answered. "Is anyone around?"
"No."
"Are you expecting anyone?"
""No, but if you want I can cast a muffliato, just to ensure our privacy."
"It might be best," Ginny replied. "Is it okay if I come in?"
"I don't see any harm in it."
After Hermione backed away from the fireplace, the other woman appeared. As she brushed herself off, she asked, "How are things going for you?"
"Fine."
"And your seduction of Severus? How is that going?"
"As well as can be expected given the circumstances." Hermione's stomach was still in knots from her earlier reflection. She'd been critiquing her seduction skills all day. Did she need another voice chiming in?
Ginny flicked the last speck of ash from her right shirt sleeve.
"The goblins wrote me and thanked me for the downpayment on my load," Hermione said.
"They did?"
"Yes, about a day ago.," Hermione said. "I truly appreciate your help."
"That makes three of us. Draco and I appreciate your help greatly. That being said…"
"You want more details on how I'm progressing."
Ginny's expectant expression told Hermione everything she needed to know.
"Severus has been ornery," Hermione began. "But he did come to see me earlier today."
"He did?" Ginny's eyes gleamed.
"Yes, and we talked. Well," Hermione scratched her arm. "It was more like he fumbled over his words and then began insulting me."
"But he sought you out."
"Somewhat awkwardly, but yes."
"That's perfect." Ginny clasped her hands together.
"I guess," Hermione answered. "But I don't know if I'm getting anywhere with him. We really did spend more time bantering than anything."
"But he's taking an interest in speaking with you. That's huge progress!"
"Either that, or he only cares about the muggle cures I told him about."
"What muggle cures?" Ginny cocked her head.
"I told him about a cure for the bubonic plague." Hermione gestured towards her couch. "He seems interested in that."
"So you have his interest?"
"The muggle medical theories do anyway."
"I'll give you credit, you're advancing faster than I thought you would." Ginny said.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means Severus Snape is a tough case and," her eyes fell on the shopping bags. "What are those?"
"The clothes I bought," Hermione answered. "I thought I could spruce up my wardrobe a little, especially given the circumstances."
"Do you mind if I see what you have?"
"Go ahead." The second those words left her mouth, she regretted uttering them. No doubt she would find them less than adequate. Ginny was dressed in tailed business suit. None of the clothes Hermione bought accentuated her figure quite like that.
Why couldn't she be more like other women and know how to dress herself?
"You bought a lot of black things," Ginny pilfered through the outfits.
"I thought he'd appreciate a black dress."
"Yes, but three?"
"I wasn't just shopping for him. I wanted clothes I could also teach in."
"You two are going to look identical." Ginny glanced up.
"I don't know. My outfits have more shape than his."
"It's still weird to think of you in black."
"Perhaps, but remember, I was shopping for him too. I think he'd appreciate someone who had a fondness for the same color he did."
"Or he'd worry you were copying him."
Hermione frowned.
"I'm not sure any of these scream seduction either."
"I want to be able to use these clothes after things end with Severus."
"You are so practical." Ginny turned her attention to another bag. "Really, a long white skirt? How does that scream seduction?"
"I'm trying," Hermione argued. "You know how difficult it is for me to capture a man's attention, much less hold onto it. I selected things I thought looked nice and that I could wear later."
"Well," Ginny tapped her chin. "If you dressed too scantily he'll suspect something was going on. From that angle, your choice in clothing isn't terrible."
"Exactly. I have to be subtle."
Ginny stood until she was eye level with Hermione. "You could use a little more make up though."
"I like being without make up though."
"This isn't just about you though. Snape may like a woman who dolls herself up."
Hermione groaned.
"We may need to get another shampoo for you. I hear Sleekeazy's has a new formula coming out."
"It's expensive though."
"I have the money."
"Yes, but it seems too late for a new hairstyle. I've already established with Severus that he has no right to critique my hair."
"Perhaps," Ginny admitted. "But still, you need to step things up a little."
"I suppose seeing him in my shorts wasn't the best way to capture his interest," Hermione mused aloud.
Ginny's eyes grew. "He saw you in your short shorts?"
"It wasn't all my fault. He came in unexpectedly. I was so happy to see him I went out when I was more casually dressed."
"How did he look at you?"
"Like I needed to dress like his colleague and not a beachgoer."
Ginny groaned and shook her head.
"I'm trying," Hermione spoke louder. "I don't know how to make someone love me."
"Which is why you should be thankful I'm here," Ginny said. "I'll come in first thing tomorrow and teach you how to attract any man's attention. Once Snape sees you, he won't be able to resist you."
"Do you truly think that?"
"If I'm not right we're both in trouble."
"True."
"Don't worry too much." Ginny patted Hermione on the shoulder. "You'll have Snape's undivided attention soon."
"And then what?"
"Then we'll pay off your debt and you can live your life." Ginny said..
"I know I need the debt paid off, and I appreciate you and Draco doing it. Still, this is a man's heart we're toying with."
"He will be fine, I promise."
Hermione didn't believe a word out of Ginny's mouth.
"Don't worry," Ginny answered. "We'll find a way to attract Snape's attention, and then all our problems will be solved."
"Except his," Hermione argued. "He'll be left with a broken heart, and I'll have nobody but myself to blame."
"This isn't the time to grow a conscience. We already paid half your debt. We would like some results."
"You wouldn't take back the downpayment, would you?"
"Of course not, but we can refuse to pay the rest of it."
"Fine." Hermione deflated as her voice grew softer. "Come in tomorrow morning and show me how to do my makeup. We can figure out the hair situation too."
"Perfect." The light in Ginny's eyes returned.
"Yes," Hermione's voice was quieter. "Everything will be perfect."
She had never told a more overt lie in her life.