CHAPTER 5: Once More Into the Breach!
"Harry, I don't care what your feelings are about Professor Snape! You cannot in good conscience let him out in the Muggle world without the proper information and advice. I have the pamphlets right here; you don't even have to discuss it, just give these to him and tell him to read them carefully."
"Why don't you do it, Hermione, after all, it's your project. You've done the research: deliver the report and be done with it."
"No way, Harry. Now be the dutiful nephew and tell your bewildered, cloistered uncle about Muggle sexually transmitted diseases. If you can deal the deathblow to Voldemort, you can keep Snape alive. No one deserves AIDS or hepatitis C, you know, and we have no data on whether Magical folk have any natural protections as yet. Snape saved your sorry hide many a time, since your first year at Hogwarts. You owe him."
So Harry set out for the potions lab, a dutiful wizard for the right and the good, rehearsing in his head various conversational openers: "Professor, Hermione and I want you to read these pamphlets, not that we expect you to need this information," "Professor, here is the next lesson in Muggle relations," "While we do not know if Magic folk are vulnerable, we thought you should not be the guinea pig."
But the potions lab was unoccupied, and Harry, in relief, was about to drop the folder on Snape's desk and flee when Professor Dumbledore entered. "Oh, there you are Harry. Looking for Professor Snape? He is consulting with Madame Pomfrey on the potions she will need over the weekend. We don't want to leave the hospital wing in the lurch while our Potions Master explores the New World. Is it something I can help you with?"
With no slight embarrassment, Harry explained his assignment. Professor Dumbledore seemed to take it in stride. "Just leave those pamphlets with me, and do thank Miss Granger for her thoughtfulness. I will ensure that Professor Snape is enlightened. What is the program for this weekend's foray into Muggle London?"
"Hermione and I thought we would shepherd the Professor about, practice the basics of everyday life: shopping and money transactions, research, housekeeping and cooking, travel, and the like. Next weekend we will start identifying Muggle skills that would be useful to acquire: small appliances, the telephone, maybe even driving an automobile. Although it might be better to start with a bicycle, just to practice steering and navigation."
"I wonder if Miss Granger or yourself might arrange a small social event at which Professor Snape might meet a few open-minded people and develop some acquaintances."
"I have no acquaintances in London, and my family has no use for Magic folk, as you know, Professor. Hermione's parents might be good for that sort of gathering, though. And we thought Professor Snape might be willing to sign up for a class or two. There are many adult education courses that can provide skills training and build a circle of Muggle acquaintances simultaneously. Or perhaps Professor Snape would prefer a University programme in a field that complements potion work. He should be able to meet scientists of a similar caliber that way, if we can figure out a way to meet the prerequisites. There are seminars all the time open to the general public, and these can lead to courses with more depth."
"Those are good plans, Harry. Once Severus is oriented and able to manage on his own, he can start introducing other wizards and witches to London. But either you or Hermione will have to be available if Severus requests it. We do not want any compromising incidents. The Ministry frowns on Obliviating Muggles wholesale. Now I am sure you have pressing business to attend to. Assure Hermione that the deed will be done."
************************************************************
Friday night was windy, rainy and rather chilly for October. Harry, Hermione, and Severus Snape Apparated to Diagon Alley, and after a butterbeer each to warm them, they set out for Snape's flat via the Underground. The crowds of Muggles were gay, in the mood to celebrate the start of the weekend, and pushcarts selling flowers, foods, and tourist trinkets added to the confusion. "Where is everyone going?" The number of people milling about overwhelmed Snape.
"Those in fancy dress are headed for the theatres, most likely, or for the better restaurants and clubs. The ones in jumpers and trainers are going to more casual events, sports or pubs and so on. Those in suits are probably just finally heading home." Hermione had one arm linked in Harry's, the other in Snape's. As the smallest, she was in danger of being separated by the flow of humanity. The din was oppressive, Snape thought, and he was touched that Granger sought his protection. He felt his wand in his jacket pocket; it was still there. While a Death Eater attack was unlikely, Snape had been too many years a spy to drop his guard. He observed carefully how one bought a fare on the Underground, entered the car, found a seat or a handhold, and especially how people avoided staring at each other. The three rode silently, Harry and Hermione occasionally casting knowing looks at each other over their erstwhile professor's head. They felt rather like fond parents taking their child on an excursion.
This was an entirely different kind of adventure for Harry, and he was beginning to enjoy the chance to explore the greatest city in Britain. "We'll have to try out a few of those nightspots, Uncle," he said. "And perhaps we can go to a rugby match, if you would like to see some sport."
"I would like to go to the Pantomime this Christmas," said Hermione. "And of course, we must take in the Savoyards, and the British Museum. I have always wanted to see the Sherlock Holmes locations, but I never had the time."
"I would like to know how to reach the Ministry," said Snape. "In the event I am not able to arrive by the usual means."
"I've only been there by threstral," said Hermione.
"I've gone by Underground from Headquarters," said Harry. "I can show you tomorrow. And we should buy some maps."
With the usual clatter, the train pulled into their station. "Here we are, Uncle. Nearly home."
As the trio climbed the steps to the flat, they discussed street safety and the rules for pedestrians. Once inside, Hermione switched on the computer and logged in to the Internet. "Harry, how much do you know about computers?"
"I have visited chat rooms, and played Poppit. And I have seen the Dating sites."
Hermione gave him a severe look. "Very useful, I'm sure. Professor, let me show you how to Google."
They spent the evening exploring the Web, setting up a Hotmail account for Snape, and one for Harry, as well. With Hermione dropping ever stronger hints, Harry agreed to release the terminal to Snape and go to bed. Severus savoured the peace that descended as the young ones turned in. He set wards on the flat, and started to surf the Muggle world.
"Harry, I don't care what your feelings are about Professor Snape! You cannot in good conscience let him out in the Muggle world without the proper information and advice. I have the pamphlets right here; you don't even have to discuss it, just give these to him and tell him to read them carefully."
"Why don't you do it, Hermione, after all, it's your project. You've done the research: deliver the report and be done with it."
"No way, Harry. Now be the dutiful nephew and tell your bewildered, cloistered uncle about Muggle sexually transmitted diseases. If you can deal the deathblow to Voldemort, you can keep Snape alive. No one deserves AIDS or hepatitis C, you know, and we have no data on whether Magical folk have any natural protections as yet. Snape saved your sorry hide many a time, since your first year at Hogwarts. You owe him."
So Harry set out for the potions lab, a dutiful wizard for the right and the good, rehearsing in his head various conversational openers: "Professor, Hermione and I want you to read these pamphlets, not that we expect you to need this information," "Professor, here is the next lesson in Muggle relations," "While we do not know if Magic folk are vulnerable, we thought you should not be the guinea pig."
But the potions lab was unoccupied, and Harry, in relief, was about to drop the folder on Snape's desk and flee when Professor Dumbledore entered. "Oh, there you are Harry. Looking for Professor Snape? He is consulting with Madame Pomfrey on the potions she will need over the weekend. We don't want to leave the hospital wing in the lurch while our Potions Master explores the New World. Is it something I can help you with?"
With no slight embarrassment, Harry explained his assignment. Professor Dumbledore seemed to take it in stride. "Just leave those pamphlets with me, and do thank Miss Granger for her thoughtfulness. I will ensure that Professor Snape is enlightened. What is the program for this weekend's foray into Muggle London?"
"Hermione and I thought we would shepherd the Professor about, practice the basics of everyday life: shopping and money transactions, research, housekeeping and cooking, travel, and the like. Next weekend we will start identifying Muggle skills that would be useful to acquire: small appliances, the telephone, maybe even driving an automobile. Although it might be better to start with a bicycle, just to practice steering and navigation."
"I wonder if Miss Granger or yourself might arrange a small social event at which Professor Snape might meet a few open-minded people and develop some acquaintances."
"I have no acquaintances in London, and my family has no use for Magic folk, as you know, Professor. Hermione's parents might be good for that sort of gathering, though. And we thought Professor Snape might be willing to sign up for a class or two. There are many adult education courses that can provide skills training and build a circle of Muggle acquaintances simultaneously. Or perhaps Professor Snape would prefer a University programme in a field that complements potion work. He should be able to meet scientists of a similar caliber that way, if we can figure out a way to meet the prerequisites. There are seminars all the time open to the general public, and these can lead to courses with more depth."
"Those are good plans, Harry. Once Severus is oriented and able to manage on his own, he can start introducing other wizards and witches to London. But either you or Hermione will have to be available if Severus requests it. We do not want any compromising incidents. The Ministry frowns on Obliviating Muggles wholesale. Now I am sure you have pressing business to attend to. Assure Hermione that the deed will be done."
************************************************************
Friday night was windy, rainy and rather chilly for October. Harry, Hermione, and Severus Snape Apparated to Diagon Alley, and after a butterbeer each to warm them, they set out for Snape's flat via the Underground. The crowds of Muggles were gay, in the mood to celebrate the start of the weekend, and pushcarts selling flowers, foods, and tourist trinkets added to the confusion. "Where is everyone going?" The number of people milling about overwhelmed Snape.
"Those in fancy dress are headed for the theatres, most likely, or for the better restaurants and clubs. The ones in jumpers and trainers are going to more casual events, sports or pubs and so on. Those in suits are probably just finally heading home." Hermione had one arm linked in Harry's, the other in Snape's. As the smallest, she was in danger of being separated by the flow of humanity. The din was oppressive, Snape thought, and he was touched that Granger sought his protection. He felt his wand in his jacket pocket; it was still there. While a Death Eater attack was unlikely, Snape had been too many years a spy to drop his guard. He observed carefully how one bought a fare on the Underground, entered the car, found a seat or a handhold, and especially how people avoided staring at each other. The three rode silently, Harry and Hermione occasionally casting knowing looks at each other over their erstwhile professor's head. They felt rather like fond parents taking their child on an excursion.
This was an entirely different kind of adventure for Harry, and he was beginning to enjoy the chance to explore the greatest city in Britain. "We'll have to try out a few of those nightspots, Uncle," he said. "And perhaps we can go to a rugby match, if you would like to see some sport."
"I would like to go to the Pantomime this Christmas," said Hermione. "And of course, we must take in the Savoyards, and the British Museum. I have always wanted to see the Sherlock Holmes locations, but I never had the time."
"I would like to know how to reach the Ministry," said Snape. "In the event I am not able to arrive by the usual means."
"I've only been there by threstral," said Hermione.
"I've gone by Underground from Headquarters," said Harry. "I can show you tomorrow. And we should buy some maps."
With the usual clatter, the train pulled into their station. "Here we are, Uncle. Nearly home."
As the trio climbed the steps to the flat, they discussed street safety and the rules for pedestrians. Once inside, Hermione switched on the computer and logged in to the Internet. "Harry, how much do you know about computers?"
"I have visited chat rooms, and played Poppit. And I have seen the Dating sites."
Hermione gave him a severe look. "Very useful, I'm sure. Professor, let me show you how to Google."
They spent the evening exploring the Web, setting up a Hotmail account for Snape, and one for Harry, as well. With Hermione dropping ever stronger hints, Harry agreed to release the terminal to Snape and go to bed. Severus savoured the peace that descended as the young ones turned in. He set wards on the flat, and started to surf the Muggle world.