AN: After a longish hiatus, I'm back! I can't promise this will update every day, but I'll update when I can. In the meantime, enjoy the story and as always, thank you for the support!

Publicity was good for business. Repeated scandal was not.

Lucius held his high ball of bourbon in one hand, The Daily Prophet in the other. He blinked a few times, as if the image would transform into something more favorable if he focused hard enough.

The image of his son kissing the scantily clad blond remained.

He twisted his lower lip and furrowed his eyebrows. Hadn't Draco learned anything from that debacle with Astoria Greengrass? Was he so eager to settle down that he would settle for an American who was known for her many lovers? Did it not matter that their business was finally turning a profit, and this gold digger could jeopardize its long-term viability?

Only the crackling of the fireplace could be heard in the background. He continued reading the article, intermittently sipping his bourbon. So far, Rita was reporting this as a rebound. Nobody was taking it seriously. At least not yet.

Lucius knew better. He'd seen that look in Draco's eyes before, back when he described his undying devotion for Astoria. If some damage control wasn't done soon, Lucius risked losing more than he already had.

He leaned back in his black, winged back chair and took another sip of bourbon. He folded the paper and set it on his lap. There was time to deal with this, but it needed to be dealt with sooner rather than later. He needed a plan now, and it needed to be perfect.

A smile crept across his face as an idea formed in his mind. The clearer it became, the more his muscles relaxed.

Draco's new lover wouldn't be in his life much longer.


This blasted beast would not be in his life much longer!

Severus Snape charged up the stairs, holding a hissing and snarling half-kneazle by the scruff of its neck. A lesser professor would have set the cat down once it unsheathed its claws and swiped at his thighs. Most people were not him. After a few Cruicitas curses it was difficult to be intimidated by anything so small. Besides, if he let the beast go it would inevitably wander into his dungeons again. He needed a permanent solution to this problem.

After four flights of stairs and a few winding hallways, he reached his destination. With all the force he could muster, he pounded on the oak door. "Ms. Granger."

There was the sound of papers shifting.

"Ms Granger."

It sounded as if something fell. If Severus had to guess, it was a vase.

"Ms. Granger! Come out here this instant!"

"Well since you asked so nicely," her voice was as casual as if she was ordering a butterbeer, fueling his irritation. Her nonchalance would not last much longer, at least not if he could help it.

Crookshanks let out a yowl before taking another swipe at Severus. He glowered at the half-kneazle, who returned the expression. Severus grunted. He had to give it to the orange tabby, most entities would wilt under his glance. If this animal didn't shed his orange hair everywhere he could be tolerable, though just barely.

"Yes, Severus?" The half-kneazle's owner opened the door.

"First of all, it's Professor Snape," he spat.

"But Minerva said during the staff meeting…"

"I do not care what she said. I am Professor Snape."

"Whatever you say, Professor Snape," she frowned.

"Second of all." He held out the animal. "I believe this belongs to you."

Her eyes lit up. "Crookshanks!"

The half-kneazle relaxed.

"I must admit, this is an unusual situation." She held out her arms. "Usually the cat brings in the rat, not vice versa."

"Are you sure it is wise for you to insult your colleagues so early in your career?" He thrust Crookshanks into her arms.

"Making the observation that you are a rat is hardly insulting anyone."

"Perhaps you should keep your observations to yourself then."

"Perhaps," she set Crookshanks on the floor in her room. "Besides, I am mistaken. You are not a rat, but a wasp."

"If I am waspish, then you had best beware my sting."

"The remedy then would be to pluck it out."

"You would have no idea how to pluck out any sting which I send your way."

"How much are you willing to stake on that?" She leaned closer to him.

He scowled. "Just keep your mangey beast away from my dungeons and all shall be well."

"But if I did that, I couldn't enjoy your oh so pleasurable company."

"There is hardly anything pleasurable about me."

"Oh but these sparring matches are the highlight of my day," she argued. "I love nothing more than to interrupt my unpacking just to converse with you."

"I would strongly suggest you find a new hobby then, one which will not annoy me."

"How can I do anything but annoy you? You made it oh so clear the day I was hired that my very existence was obnoxiousness to you."

"You are correct. Unfortunately, you are a migraine I am forced to endure."

"Sometimes there is pleasure in pain," she noted.

Before she could continue the thought, an owl pecked at her window.

"It appears as if someone else desires your attention." Severus smirked. "I won't be rude enough to keep you from them."

"How very polite of you," she replied. "And thank you again for returning Crookshanks. I do appreciate not needing to retrieve him."

"If you are thankful to me, then keep him out of my labs."

"You assume I can control him."

"If you can't control him, who can?"

The owl pecked at the window again.

"Farewell, Ms. Granger, and do try to control your beast before I call animal control on it."

Before Hermione could answer, Severus glided out of the hallway, robes billowing behind him.


Hermione grinned as she watched him leave. It was nice to get under his skin, especially since he was the only staff member who had voted against her being hired. He deserved every migraine she could throw his way.

"Mrow?" Crookshanks glanced up at her. Didn't she know it was almost dinner?

"Don't give me that look." She shut the door behind her.

Crookshanks continued to stare at her.

"And please wait until I unpack more things before entering his dungeons," she continued. "I nearly shattered that beautiful porcelain vase my parents gave me for graduation. I'd prefer not to repair it."

Crookshanks raised his head in a display of defiance against the dark wizard in question.

There was that annoying tapping again.

Hermione's stomach sank upon looking at the bird. She'd recognize that screech owl anywhere.

Best to ignore it. She had a pressing appointment. It wouldn't do to be late for dinner. Her focus needed to be on getting ready...

And not on that terrible bird.