Disclaimer-Any and all recognized names, characters, and places, with the exception of the name Nemesis, are property of JK Rowling and Associates. Or, if you recognize it, it ain't mine.

Author's Notes - Thanks everyone for the reviews! They are greatly appreciated, and make my day! Again, my apologies for not updating lately. RL has interceded in the form of getting ready for graduation. and hugz to my new beta, Frances St.Cyr! THANK YOU!!

Anyways, on with chapter three...

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Hermione was in a fury as she stalked back to her Muggle flat on London's West Side. How dare that, that man treat me like a child? He's obviously insane. Why does the wizarding world allow people like that to run around free?

She silently fumed up the elevator, down the hall, and through her door. Only to stop in shock at seeing her elderly neighbour, Mrs Guthrie, sitting on her couch. Apparently, she was comfortable enough in Hermione's flat to order in pizza and commandeer the TV to watch her favourite show.

"That David Letterman still cracks me up! How was your day, 'Mione? I ordered some pizza..." she trailed off, catching sight of a rumpled and irate WPL. "Good gods, girl! What have you been doing in that office? Bull fighting? Hermione, I hear rage in your voice and see fire in your eyes. There must've been a man part of it."

"No, I got assigned to a new case. Lucius goddamn Malfoy, to be exact. I got a lead on a warehouse, so I went to investigate. And things just blew up from there! Not only that, but that blasted Nemesis character showed up to join the party! He must be the most annoying person I've ever met!"

"Oh good gods! You met Nemesis? Is he cute? Is he human?" Trust Leane Guthrie to get to the heart of the matter.

"He's human, alright. He kept to the shadows for most of the time, but what I did see of him was covered in black. Annoying bastard."

"I get the feeling you'll meet up with him again, so no worry. Anyways, there was a message on your answering machine from Harry. He called to remind you about the reunion next weekend. Apparently, you're under orders from Albus to attend."

"Thanks, Leane. I asked Bill for the time off today, so I'm good to go. All I need to do is go get some new dress robes," Hermione called from the kitchen, where she was currently preparing two hot toddys, whiskey included. "Harry's picking me up at 4 on Saturday, so could you feed Crookshanks until I get back on Sunday?" Harry was the DADA professor at Hogwarts, and loving it. He was engaged to Charms professor Ginny Weasley, and they were going to marry next summer.

"Of course, dear. Now, get over here and help me with this pizza. It'll be stone cold soon!"

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The day of the reunion was upon them, and Severus Snape was trying to devise a way to get out of attending. Unfortunately, his planning came to naught when Harry Potter knocked on his door.

"Severus," he rasped, "could you do me a favour? I came down with the Levithian Flu, so I can't go and escort Hermione here. Could you possibly go in my place? I'd ask Ginny, but she's caught what I've got." Harry looked suitably pathetic and begging, so much so that Severus had to bite back a laugh.

"Alright, I'll go collect your precious Miss Granger, if only for that pathetic look on your face. Where does she live?

"About three blocks from the Ministry in a Muggle flat. The address is 22 Leanne Avenue, flat number 37. It's not too hard to find."

"Tell the headmaster that I shall return, if you would."

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Hermione was just putting the finishing touches on her hair when she heard an impatient knock on her door. "Let yourself in, Harry! Since when did you ever knock?"

"Since I am not Mr Potter," drawled a silky voice. Hermione jumped, not expecting to hear a certain Potion Master's voice coming from her front hall/living room.

"No offence, but what are you doing in my living room? Where's Harry?" questioned a somewhat unsettled Hermione.

"Your dear Mr Potter has contracted the Levithian Flu, and so will not be able to come out in public for the next twenty-four hours. He asked me to come escort you to the school in his place. Have you got everything you need?" Curt and to the point, Severus Snape was the one thing that would never change. It was almost comforting, in an odd, backhanded sort of strange way. Not wishing to endure any of his infamous sarcasm, Hermione quickly grabbed her bags, and touched Severus' arm.

Severus was caught in a sort of deja-vu sense. The same young woman before him had touched him in the same place just last night. He was quickly shaken out of his thoughts by an impatient Miss Granger. "Are you ready to go, or do you really like the decor in here?"

"No," he covered smoothly, "I just had an inspiration for the potion I am working on." Since when do I explain myself to a former student, thought Severus as he Apparated them away.

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So, any good? Review, or e-mail me your comments. Next chapter will be the reunion.

Until next time,

TwiStED aNgEL