A/N: Yay! New chapter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
..
A/N: Ugh, I forgot how to start. Let's try this again. ::stomps off:: ::comes back in::
A/N: Yay! New chapter!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.........
A/N: ::sigh:: And again.
A/N: Yay.ness!!! New chapter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:: jumps up and down, yelling "Yayness, it worked! Yayness, it worked!"::
*~*~*
*Just a little change. Small to say the least.*
A couple of hours later, when Hermione had settled everything to her liking, she decided to head outside and check the rest of the house out in more detail. There was a pool house that she *really* wanted to check out. She also had a couple of questions to ask Snape. She hadn't thought of asking Harry; she supposed she was too shocked at the whole mission to really care at the time. Fortunately, he was lounging in a chair in the living room when she came down the stairs.
"You've already unpacked?" She asked, a bit surprised at the fact that he'd started *after* her and still managed to finish *before* her.
He looked up at her. "I don't believe that I brought the large amount of items that you did, Hermione. I tend to only bring essential items."
"I didn't- wait, a second. Did you call me Hermione?"
"I don't see any reason why I shouldn't, just as I see no reason why you need to call me 'Professor' or 'Snape.' After all, we are supposed to act as a married couple and, as far as I know, people usually call their wife or husband by their *first* name."
Hermione's stomach churned as she thought of what lay ahead of her in the next couple weeks. "So you're saying that you'll have to call me 'Hermione' and I'll have to call you 'Severus.'"
"I believe that was the general idea, yes," came the smooth reply. He returned to focusing on a piece of paper that he was reading.
Hermione rolled her eyes. Somehow, she didn't really feel like checking out the pool house anymore. She eyed her "husband's" clothes. "You did bring some muggle clothes, right?"
When he looked up this time, it wasn't as calmly as before. "As much as a surprise as it may seem, I don't happen to carry muggle clothes around me everywhere I go."
Hermione sighed, exasperated. Um, hello? They were undercover as *muggles.* She almost said this last part to him, but managed to stop herself. No use fighting on the first day. "We'll have to buy you some tomorrow. Lord knows how I'll get you out of the house and through muggle streets unnoticed, but we'll manage." *I hope,* she thought. A couple minutes later, she added, "Well, I'm going back to my room." She got no reply. After rolling her eyes again, and shaking her head, she headed back. At least she would be able to read a bit before going to bed.
*~*~*
Severus sighed and put down the copy of "The Daily Prophet," before rubbing his eyes. He hadn't realized how tired he was. Maybe he should head back to his room. The day had been tiring, and if Hermione kept her promise tomorrow wasn't going to be any better. He got up and stretched, then headed upstairs, after spending five minutes trying to figure out to turn off the light that lit the room (he almost gave up when he accidentally hit the light switch with his elbow).
It was half-an-hour later when he finally got to bed, muttering about "how stupid these muggle contraptions are." It took him an extra 5 to ten minutes to figure out how to do things that he would be able to do in a second back at the house, and he'd still rather do that than ask Hermione for help. Tomorrow was going to be *very* interesting.
*~*~*
The next morning, Severus woke up by the sunlight that filled his room through the open window. He quickly got up and shut it. Severus, not being very friendly to most people at any time of day, was absolutely horrible in the mornings, and he preferred to not have to talk to anyone if he could help it. Otherwise he would have to deal with problems he'd rather not have to think about so early in the day. He headed downstairs. The living room was deserted, but there was noise coming from the kitchen. Hermione was already up, then, and she could have been for a while. He walked into the kitchen in a decidedly sour mood.
"Morning," said Hermione from where she stood at the stove in what Severus thought was a little *too* cheery of a tone.
He didn't reply, but sat down at the table instead. She was unperturbed by his behavior though, and kept on talking. "I made pancakes." She placed a plate in front of him. "What would you like to drink? Tea?" She wore a white T-shirt with a rose on the front over a pair of jeans. *Muggle clothes,* he thought unappreciatively. He had to admit that Hermione did look quite nice in them, though.
"Coffee." Severus had a strange taste for the popular American muggle drink. Most people he knew, though, didn't like it. Hermione had probably made tea, and would have to make him a special cup, but he didn't care too much. Served her right for being so damn cheerful this early.
"Good, I was afraid I'd have to make you a special cup of tea." He blinked as she put a cup of coffee next to his plate. She sat down across from him as he began to eat after muttering a polite "thank you."
The pancakes were, to Severus's slight surprise, quite good. He didn't realize he'd actually commented on this until Hermione said, "You can thank my wand for that."
He looked at her. "Well, let's just say that I had to cook once at my sister's house, and I erm. burned the toast. I'd probably burn the house down if I didn't use a LOT of magic."
That got Severus to chuckle a bit. So, the great Hermione Granger did have her flaws. What else was she not quite perfect at?
They continued to eat in silence. Finally, when they were both finished, Hermione picked up the dishes and took them to the sink to wash. "I hope you know that I'm not cooking everyday," she told him over her shoulder. "We *are* switching on and off!"
"Fine," replied Severus, in a bit of a better mood now that he had something in his stomach. "But remember, it was *your* idea that *I* should attempt cooking. Not mine." He surprised himself when he realized he'd said something that was close to being called a joke.
"Come now, surely a Potions Master such as yourself can cook a meal!" Hermione laughed. *Maybe he *is* half decent,* she thought as she said it. *I might even enjoy this mission a bit.*
He half-smiled wryly at her back making sure she couldn't see him as he did it. In reply however, he only said, coldly, "I highly doubt that the complicated art of potion making could be compared to something as primitive as cooking."
*Scratch that,* she thought. *This mission is going terrible.* Out loud she said, "There are some clothes for you in the living room on the couch. We'll go get you some clothes to wear today."
Severus wandered into the living room and saw that Hermione's words were true. A pair of pants and a white shirt lay folded on the couch. He noticed there was a note on top of them. He read it. It was dated for that day.
Dear Hermione,
Snape might need some muggle clothes. If he does, here. He can use these for a day while you use the attached muggle money to buy him some clothes. Oh, and please make sure you send them back. Ginny would have my head if I told her that I lost that particular pair of pants (They adjust to the size of whoever's wearing them.)
Hugs,
Harry
"I already have the money," said Hermione from behind him. He turned around. She was wiping her hands on a towel.
"Why didn't you just use magic?" He gestured to the towel.
She shrugged. "I didn't feel like it." She ignored it when she saw him rolling his eyes. "Anyway, we need to leave soon. Get dressed." She cocked her head to the side. "You *do* know how to wear muggle clothes, right?"
He shrugged. "I believe it shouldn't be *too* hard, Miss-" She raised an eyebrow at him. "Hermione," he corrected. "I *did* get through seven years at Hogwarts."
"Good," She replied. "We'll apparate, if you don't mind."
"No broomsticks?" He looked at her.
She shook her head. "No. It wouldn't do well to have a muggle look up and see us when we're trying to be muggles ourselves, now would it?"
"We could always drink an invisibility potion-"
"And I've never really quite liked broomsticks, so how about not?" She glared at him.
He felt a smile play about his lips. The *second* thing Hermione wasn't good at. "Very well then." He headed up to his room.
"Don't take too long!" She called after him as he walked up the stairs.
Her former Professor, however, was busy trying to figure out a way to not do exactly what Hermione was warning him not to.
*~*~*
About forty-five minutes later, Hermione and Severus were ready to go (It had taken half-an-hour for Severus to get ready- fifteen minutes to figure out how to wear the clothes and fifteen minutes to actually put them on- and another fifteen minutes for him to find Hermione in the library; she'd gotten bored of waiting for him).
"Right then," said Hermione. "Now that we're *finally* ready to go."
Severus glared at her. "These things aren't that easy to wear, you know?"
"My dear Pro- Severus, wouldn't a great wizard as yourself be able to wear a pair of *muggle* clothes?" She teased.
He was about to reply, but no one heard his response, as Hermione had already left. He muttered a curse under his breath before following.
They appeared in an alleyway, dingy and dark. Severus followed Hermione out into the busy streets of. London.
"I would have taken us to a closer place but we don't know anyone there and at least here I can find my way around," she explained in one very *long* sentence.
Severus nodded stiffly. He *really* did NOT like these clothes. They were *quite* uncomfortable.
"Come on," she called over her shoulder before she disappeared into a crowd. Severus hurried to catch up and not lose her.
Finally, he found her in a clothing store, talking to someone. "Severus, this is Peter. He'll help you find what you need."
Severus looked at the sad excuse for a muggle that stood in front of him and just stopped himself from scowling. Even so, he shot death glares at Hermione even as he followed Peter. Hermione sent him her sweetest smile and waved. Well, he *had* been horrible to her in school! He *did* deserve *some* payback!
A little while later, Severus stepped out of the fitting rooms for Hermione's approval. She looked up from a magazine, took one glance, and said "no," before returning back to whatever she was reading. Severus had the feeling she had just been saying no to everything because she could tell how much he hated this. He went back in to try another pair of clothing that Peter gave him. He came out again ten minutes later. "Nope." She sipped a cup of coffee that she'd managed to get while waiting for him.
"Oh, for- We'll buy it." Hermione almost choked on her coffee. "And we'll get the others also." He gave Hermione a wicked smile.
She glared at him. Spoil all her fun, would he? Fine, two could play at this game. "Of, course. But, instead of the black pants, we'll get those, and that shirt instead of the white one." She pointed over to a rack marked "Clearance". Peter brought her the selected clothes. "These?" The pants were leather and the shirt was tie-dye. No wonder it was on clearance. Why the store even had them was beyond her, but they were perfect for her purposes!
"Yep," Hermione felt a smile creep across her face.
Severus blinked. "No, really that's fine."
"No, it's not. I know how much you want them!" She was grinning now.
Severus was about to protest, but then was hit by a stroke of genius when he saw the lady's section right across from them.. "No, really that's fine. You know what? We'll get that and that instead!" He pointed over to a rack. Peter, thoroughly confused, walked over to fetch the items. "These?" They were a skimpy, hot pink top with a midriff and a very, *very* short orange mini skirt.
"Exactly!"
"No, that's OK, Peter." Peter looked at Hermione and then started to put the clothes away.
"No, really, I insist!" Said Severus. Peter came back.
"No, that's fine, it's really OK!" Peter went back to the rack.
"Hermione, I know how much you want them!"
"As much as you want your leather pants?"
"But we're not getting *those*!"
"Of course we are!"
What ensued was a fight between the two of them in which poor Peter was forced to walk back and forth between racks, putting down and picking up the same pieces of clothing until. "Stop!" Hermione and Severus turned to look at a very confused, very angry Peter. Five minutes later, Hermione and Severus were walking down the streets of London, silent and scowling, carrying bags in their hands. In Severus's bags there were the original pairs of clothing that Peter had him try on, a leather pair of pants, and a tie-dyed shirt. In Hermione's bag were the hot pink shirt and the mini- skirt.
Finally, Hermione said something. "I don't believe you got us stuck like this."
Severus was angered at the fact that she was blaming him, but he kept walking. Years of experience told him that this was not the place to get mad at the girl. There was plenty of time for that at the house. "As far as I know, Hermione, I did nothing wrong. All I said was that we would buy the clothes. *You* were the one who asked about the pants, and *you* were the one who asked for the shirt."
"You still shouldn't have mentioned the shirt and the skirt!"
"This wouldn't have happened at all, Hermione, if you had just said 'yes' to some of the clothes I wore."
"The stripes just didn't-"
"It wasn't just the stripes, if I remember correctively. You said 'no' to every item of clothing your wonderful Peter came up with."
She shrugged. "They all didn't look good."
He sighed, exasperated. "Miss Granger," he said quietly. Forget the first names; he frankly didn't care at the moment. "We are beginning to sound an irritating amount like some of the first year students at Hogwarts. I thought you were past that mentality level, but-"
They turned the corner into the alleyway and she took this opportunity to slap him hard enough that his head snapped to the side. He blinked, half from shock and half from pain. When she spoke, her words were quiet, but Severus heard her loud and clear. "The last time I did that was to Draco Malfoy when he made a particularly foul comment about a special friend of mine. *Do not* make me do it again, Professor," she hissed. When he turned his head back to look at her, she was gone. Shifting one bag to his other hand, he rubbed his cheek before dissaparating.
*~*~*
The minute they were back at the house, Hermione disappeared into the library again. Severus didn't stop her even though it would be a good idea that they talk before tomorrow, when he would start his first day at work. Unfortunately, as muggles, they had to have muggle jobs also and Severus had no idea where the place where he was working was, or even *where* it was. But he didn't exactly think of this as the best time to confront the girl. Instead, he went up to his own rooms. Hermione wasn't the only book reader in the house; Severus also had a couple of books he wanted to read. They were all about potions. Go figure.
Severus lay on the bed, reading, when someone knocked on the door. Startled, he looked up from his book. The person- Hermione- didn't wait for a reply and opened the door.
"We need to talk," was all she said.
"Oh, are we on speaking terms again, then?" Came Severus' reply. He smirked.
She turned around and started to leave.
"No, wait!" He called after her.
"I haven't time for nonsense, Severus. Either we talk like civilized human beings for once or we don't talk at all."
He sighed, got up, put his book away, and followed her downstairs.
She chose a spot on couch and sat down. He sat down in the armchair across from her. "So?"
"Did Harry ever mention a job to you?"
"Actually, the ministry sent me a letter saying that I was to go to work tomorrow."
"And you didn't tell me for what reason?"
"I haven't exactly had time, Hermione. We've only been on this mission for two days, one of which was spent packing." He bit the inside of his mouth to stop from adding a sarcastic remark. Hermione didn't exactly seem in her best disposition at the moment and he didn't have the energy at the current moment to deal with an angry woman.
She rolled her eyes and muttered something that sounded like "men." To him she said, "Fine then, do you feel like telling me now?"
"Just a second." He rose and went to his room to retrieve the letter. He handed her the paper when he returned.
Hermione read the paper and attempted to stop from laughing out loud. She managed to let out only a snicker, albeit a loud one. Severus raised an eyebrow. "You're working there?" She asked incredulously.
"Would you like to explain just what is so funny about it?" He sorely wished that they were back in school where he could take care if any problem such as this with four words: "Ten-points-from-Gryffindor."
Hermione couldn't stop herself from laughing. "Noth- ha- ing!" She couldn't finish a sentence without breaking into giggles. "Nothing-haha- is -oh my gosh! - funny!!!" She tried to suppress her laughter again, to no avail. Finally she gave up. "I just don't believe you, YOU, Severus Snape, are- are- are working at McDonald's!!!"
Severus Snape was not amused as he watched his old student practically rolling on the floor with laughter. He wasn't sure what the big deal about McDonald's was- he hadn't even heard of the place!- but he had the feeling he wasn't going to enjoy his first day of work tomorrow.
*~*~*
A/N: And that's it! Yet another chapter up! I'm so happy!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you like it!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, I tried to make this one extra long cause I won't be able to write for a while. So sorry dears! You'll have to wait to find out about dear Sevi's first day! BTW, I did McDonald's because I know them better and I figured there were some in England somewhere 'cause there are some in India so. Anyway, I forgot to add certain people to my shout out list so here: JULIA and Samantha! Hi! And thanks to all the rest of my reviewers! You guys really make my day. Whenever I'm in a bad mood I just read your reviews and voila! You've got one *happy* Miracle! Thanks a lot you guys! Oh, and please don't mind typos. I'm not a great typist at all.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything 'cept the house and maybe the plot. Oh, and Peter. Well, let's put it this way. Anything you don't know from before you read any of my fics is mine. Anything you do is someone else's. Harry Potter is J.K. Rowling's and McDonald's is someone's but it definitely isn't mine. ::sigh:: Yay, done!
Anyhow, HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
..
A/N: Ugh, I forgot how to start. Let's try this again. ::stomps off:: ::comes back in::
A/N: Yay! New chapter!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.........
A/N: ::sigh:: And again.
A/N: Yay.ness!!! New chapter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:: jumps up and down, yelling "Yayness, it worked! Yayness, it worked!"::
*~*~*
*Just a little change. Small to say the least.*
A couple of hours later, when Hermione had settled everything to her liking, she decided to head outside and check the rest of the house out in more detail. There was a pool house that she *really* wanted to check out. She also had a couple of questions to ask Snape. She hadn't thought of asking Harry; she supposed she was too shocked at the whole mission to really care at the time. Fortunately, he was lounging in a chair in the living room when she came down the stairs.
"You've already unpacked?" She asked, a bit surprised at the fact that he'd started *after* her and still managed to finish *before* her.
He looked up at her. "I don't believe that I brought the large amount of items that you did, Hermione. I tend to only bring essential items."
"I didn't- wait, a second. Did you call me Hermione?"
"I don't see any reason why I shouldn't, just as I see no reason why you need to call me 'Professor' or 'Snape.' After all, we are supposed to act as a married couple and, as far as I know, people usually call their wife or husband by their *first* name."
Hermione's stomach churned as she thought of what lay ahead of her in the next couple weeks. "So you're saying that you'll have to call me 'Hermione' and I'll have to call you 'Severus.'"
"I believe that was the general idea, yes," came the smooth reply. He returned to focusing on a piece of paper that he was reading.
Hermione rolled her eyes. Somehow, she didn't really feel like checking out the pool house anymore. She eyed her "husband's" clothes. "You did bring some muggle clothes, right?"
When he looked up this time, it wasn't as calmly as before. "As much as a surprise as it may seem, I don't happen to carry muggle clothes around me everywhere I go."
Hermione sighed, exasperated. Um, hello? They were undercover as *muggles.* She almost said this last part to him, but managed to stop herself. No use fighting on the first day. "We'll have to buy you some tomorrow. Lord knows how I'll get you out of the house and through muggle streets unnoticed, but we'll manage." *I hope,* she thought. A couple minutes later, she added, "Well, I'm going back to my room." She got no reply. After rolling her eyes again, and shaking her head, she headed back. At least she would be able to read a bit before going to bed.
*~*~*
Severus sighed and put down the copy of "The Daily Prophet," before rubbing his eyes. He hadn't realized how tired he was. Maybe he should head back to his room. The day had been tiring, and if Hermione kept her promise tomorrow wasn't going to be any better. He got up and stretched, then headed upstairs, after spending five minutes trying to figure out to turn off the light that lit the room (he almost gave up when he accidentally hit the light switch with his elbow).
It was half-an-hour later when he finally got to bed, muttering about "how stupid these muggle contraptions are." It took him an extra 5 to ten minutes to figure out how to do things that he would be able to do in a second back at the house, and he'd still rather do that than ask Hermione for help. Tomorrow was going to be *very* interesting.
*~*~*
The next morning, Severus woke up by the sunlight that filled his room through the open window. He quickly got up and shut it. Severus, not being very friendly to most people at any time of day, was absolutely horrible in the mornings, and he preferred to not have to talk to anyone if he could help it. Otherwise he would have to deal with problems he'd rather not have to think about so early in the day. He headed downstairs. The living room was deserted, but there was noise coming from the kitchen. Hermione was already up, then, and she could have been for a while. He walked into the kitchen in a decidedly sour mood.
"Morning," said Hermione from where she stood at the stove in what Severus thought was a little *too* cheery of a tone.
He didn't reply, but sat down at the table instead. She was unperturbed by his behavior though, and kept on talking. "I made pancakes." She placed a plate in front of him. "What would you like to drink? Tea?" She wore a white T-shirt with a rose on the front over a pair of jeans. *Muggle clothes,* he thought unappreciatively. He had to admit that Hermione did look quite nice in them, though.
"Coffee." Severus had a strange taste for the popular American muggle drink. Most people he knew, though, didn't like it. Hermione had probably made tea, and would have to make him a special cup, but he didn't care too much. Served her right for being so damn cheerful this early.
"Good, I was afraid I'd have to make you a special cup of tea." He blinked as she put a cup of coffee next to his plate. She sat down across from him as he began to eat after muttering a polite "thank you."
The pancakes were, to Severus's slight surprise, quite good. He didn't realize he'd actually commented on this until Hermione said, "You can thank my wand for that."
He looked at her. "Well, let's just say that I had to cook once at my sister's house, and I erm. burned the toast. I'd probably burn the house down if I didn't use a LOT of magic."
That got Severus to chuckle a bit. So, the great Hermione Granger did have her flaws. What else was she not quite perfect at?
They continued to eat in silence. Finally, when they were both finished, Hermione picked up the dishes and took them to the sink to wash. "I hope you know that I'm not cooking everyday," she told him over her shoulder. "We *are* switching on and off!"
"Fine," replied Severus, in a bit of a better mood now that he had something in his stomach. "But remember, it was *your* idea that *I* should attempt cooking. Not mine." He surprised himself when he realized he'd said something that was close to being called a joke.
"Come now, surely a Potions Master such as yourself can cook a meal!" Hermione laughed. *Maybe he *is* half decent,* she thought as she said it. *I might even enjoy this mission a bit.*
He half-smiled wryly at her back making sure she couldn't see him as he did it. In reply however, he only said, coldly, "I highly doubt that the complicated art of potion making could be compared to something as primitive as cooking."
*Scratch that,* she thought. *This mission is going terrible.* Out loud she said, "There are some clothes for you in the living room on the couch. We'll go get you some clothes to wear today."
Severus wandered into the living room and saw that Hermione's words were true. A pair of pants and a white shirt lay folded on the couch. He noticed there was a note on top of them. He read it. It was dated for that day.
Dear Hermione,
Snape might need some muggle clothes. If he does, here. He can use these for a day while you use the attached muggle money to buy him some clothes. Oh, and please make sure you send them back. Ginny would have my head if I told her that I lost that particular pair of pants (They adjust to the size of whoever's wearing them.)
Hugs,
Harry
"I already have the money," said Hermione from behind him. He turned around. She was wiping her hands on a towel.
"Why didn't you just use magic?" He gestured to the towel.
She shrugged. "I didn't feel like it." She ignored it when she saw him rolling his eyes. "Anyway, we need to leave soon. Get dressed." She cocked her head to the side. "You *do* know how to wear muggle clothes, right?"
He shrugged. "I believe it shouldn't be *too* hard, Miss-" She raised an eyebrow at him. "Hermione," he corrected. "I *did* get through seven years at Hogwarts."
"Good," She replied. "We'll apparate, if you don't mind."
"No broomsticks?" He looked at her.
She shook her head. "No. It wouldn't do well to have a muggle look up and see us when we're trying to be muggles ourselves, now would it?"
"We could always drink an invisibility potion-"
"And I've never really quite liked broomsticks, so how about not?" She glared at him.
He felt a smile play about his lips. The *second* thing Hermione wasn't good at. "Very well then." He headed up to his room.
"Don't take too long!" She called after him as he walked up the stairs.
Her former Professor, however, was busy trying to figure out a way to not do exactly what Hermione was warning him not to.
*~*~*
About forty-five minutes later, Hermione and Severus were ready to go (It had taken half-an-hour for Severus to get ready- fifteen minutes to figure out how to wear the clothes and fifteen minutes to actually put them on- and another fifteen minutes for him to find Hermione in the library; she'd gotten bored of waiting for him).
"Right then," said Hermione. "Now that we're *finally* ready to go."
Severus glared at her. "These things aren't that easy to wear, you know?"
"My dear Pro- Severus, wouldn't a great wizard as yourself be able to wear a pair of *muggle* clothes?" She teased.
He was about to reply, but no one heard his response, as Hermione had already left. He muttered a curse under his breath before following.
They appeared in an alleyway, dingy and dark. Severus followed Hermione out into the busy streets of. London.
"I would have taken us to a closer place but we don't know anyone there and at least here I can find my way around," she explained in one very *long* sentence.
Severus nodded stiffly. He *really* did NOT like these clothes. They were *quite* uncomfortable.
"Come on," she called over her shoulder before she disappeared into a crowd. Severus hurried to catch up and not lose her.
Finally, he found her in a clothing store, talking to someone. "Severus, this is Peter. He'll help you find what you need."
Severus looked at the sad excuse for a muggle that stood in front of him and just stopped himself from scowling. Even so, he shot death glares at Hermione even as he followed Peter. Hermione sent him her sweetest smile and waved. Well, he *had* been horrible to her in school! He *did* deserve *some* payback!
A little while later, Severus stepped out of the fitting rooms for Hermione's approval. She looked up from a magazine, took one glance, and said "no," before returning back to whatever she was reading. Severus had the feeling she had just been saying no to everything because she could tell how much he hated this. He went back in to try another pair of clothing that Peter gave him. He came out again ten minutes later. "Nope." She sipped a cup of coffee that she'd managed to get while waiting for him.
"Oh, for- We'll buy it." Hermione almost choked on her coffee. "And we'll get the others also." He gave Hermione a wicked smile.
She glared at him. Spoil all her fun, would he? Fine, two could play at this game. "Of, course. But, instead of the black pants, we'll get those, and that shirt instead of the white one." She pointed over to a rack marked "Clearance". Peter brought her the selected clothes. "These?" The pants were leather and the shirt was tie-dye. No wonder it was on clearance. Why the store even had them was beyond her, but they were perfect for her purposes!
"Yep," Hermione felt a smile creep across her face.
Severus blinked. "No, really that's fine."
"No, it's not. I know how much you want them!" She was grinning now.
Severus was about to protest, but then was hit by a stroke of genius when he saw the lady's section right across from them.. "No, really that's fine. You know what? We'll get that and that instead!" He pointed over to a rack. Peter, thoroughly confused, walked over to fetch the items. "These?" They were a skimpy, hot pink top with a midriff and a very, *very* short orange mini skirt.
"Exactly!"
"No, that's OK, Peter." Peter looked at Hermione and then started to put the clothes away.
"No, really, I insist!" Said Severus. Peter came back.
"No, that's fine, it's really OK!" Peter went back to the rack.
"Hermione, I know how much you want them!"
"As much as you want your leather pants?"
"But we're not getting *those*!"
"Of course we are!"
What ensued was a fight between the two of them in which poor Peter was forced to walk back and forth between racks, putting down and picking up the same pieces of clothing until. "Stop!" Hermione and Severus turned to look at a very confused, very angry Peter. Five minutes later, Hermione and Severus were walking down the streets of London, silent and scowling, carrying bags in their hands. In Severus's bags there were the original pairs of clothing that Peter had him try on, a leather pair of pants, and a tie-dyed shirt. In Hermione's bag were the hot pink shirt and the mini- skirt.
Finally, Hermione said something. "I don't believe you got us stuck like this."
Severus was angered at the fact that she was blaming him, but he kept walking. Years of experience told him that this was not the place to get mad at the girl. There was plenty of time for that at the house. "As far as I know, Hermione, I did nothing wrong. All I said was that we would buy the clothes. *You* were the one who asked about the pants, and *you* were the one who asked for the shirt."
"You still shouldn't have mentioned the shirt and the skirt!"
"This wouldn't have happened at all, Hermione, if you had just said 'yes' to some of the clothes I wore."
"The stripes just didn't-"
"It wasn't just the stripes, if I remember correctively. You said 'no' to every item of clothing your wonderful Peter came up with."
She shrugged. "They all didn't look good."
He sighed, exasperated. "Miss Granger," he said quietly. Forget the first names; he frankly didn't care at the moment. "We are beginning to sound an irritating amount like some of the first year students at Hogwarts. I thought you were past that mentality level, but-"
They turned the corner into the alleyway and she took this opportunity to slap him hard enough that his head snapped to the side. He blinked, half from shock and half from pain. When she spoke, her words were quiet, but Severus heard her loud and clear. "The last time I did that was to Draco Malfoy when he made a particularly foul comment about a special friend of mine. *Do not* make me do it again, Professor," she hissed. When he turned his head back to look at her, she was gone. Shifting one bag to his other hand, he rubbed his cheek before dissaparating.
*~*~*
The minute they were back at the house, Hermione disappeared into the library again. Severus didn't stop her even though it would be a good idea that they talk before tomorrow, when he would start his first day at work. Unfortunately, as muggles, they had to have muggle jobs also and Severus had no idea where the place where he was working was, or even *where* it was. But he didn't exactly think of this as the best time to confront the girl. Instead, he went up to his own rooms. Hermione wasn't the only book reader in the house; Severus also had a couple of books he wanted to read. They were all about potions. Go figure.
Severus lay on the bed, reading, when someone knocked on the door. Startled, he looked up from his book. The person- Hermione- didn't wait for a reply and opened the door.
"We need to talk," was all she said.
"Oh, are we on speaking terms again, then?" Came Severus' reply. He smirked.
She turned around and started to leave.
"No, wait!" He called after her.
"I haven't time for nonsense, Severus. Either we talk like civilized human beings for once or we don't talk at all."
He sighed, got up, put his book away, and followed her downstairs.
She chose a spot on couch and sat down. He sat down in the armchair across from her. "So?"
"Did Harry ever mention a job to you?"
"Actually, the ministry sent me a letter saying that I was to go to work tomorrow."
"And you didn't tell me for what reason?"
"I haven't exactly had time, Hermione. We've only been on this mission for two days, one of which was spent packing." He bit the inside of his mouth to stop from adding a sarcastic remark. Hermione didn't exactly seem in her best disposition at the moment and he didn't have the energy at the current moment to deal with an angry woman.
She rolled her eyes and muttered something that sounded like "men." To him she said, "Fine then, do you feel like telling me now?"
"Just a second." He rose and went to his room to retrieve the letter. He handed her the paper when he returned.
Hermione read the paper and attempted to stop from laughing out loud. She managed to let out only a snicker, albeit a loud one. Severus raised an eyebrow. "You're working there?" She asked incredulously.
"Would you like to explain just what is so funny about it?" He sorely wished that they were back in school where he could take care if any problem such as this with four words: "Ten-points-from-Gryffindor."
Hermione couldn't stop herself from laughing. "Noth- ha- ing!" She couldn't finish a sentence without breaking into giggles. "Nothing-haha- is -oh my gosh! - funny!!!" She tried to suppress her laughter again, to no avail. Finally she gave up. "I just don't believe you, YOU, Severus Snape, are- are- are working at McDonald's!!!"
Severus Snape was not amused as he watched his old student practically rolling on the floor with laughter. He wasn't sure what the big deal about McDonald's was- he hadn't even heard of the place!- but he had the feeling he wasn't going to enjoy his first day of work tomorrow.
*~*~*
A/N: And that's it! Yet another chapter up! I'm so happy!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you like it!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, I tried to make this one extra long cause I won't be able to write for a while. So sorry dears! You'll have to wait to find out about dear Sevi's first day! BTW, I did McDonald's because I know them better and I figured there were some in England somewhere 'cause there are some in India so. Anyway, I forgot to add certain people to my shout out list so here: JULIA and Samantha! Hi! And thanks to all the rest of my reviewers! You guys really make my day. Whenever I'm in a bad mood I just read your reviews and voila! You've got one *happy* Miracle! Thanks a lot you guys! Oh, and please don't mind typos. I'm not a great typist at all.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything 'cept the house and maybe the plot. Oh, and Peter. Well, let's put it this way. Anything you don't know from before you read any of my fics is mine. Anything you do is someone else's. Harry Potter is J.K. Rowling's and McDonald's is someone's but it definitely isn't mine. ::sigh:: Yay, done!
Anyhow, HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
