Disclaimer on Chapter 1 – Don't own them, just enjoy playing with them!
Time Does Not Heal All WoundsWendyNat
Chapter 10
~~~~~~~
Hermione took a final glance at the day's schedule before leaving her hotel room. It appeared that the dinner that evening was obligatory. She sighed. She really wasn't fond of these types of events; she had the sinking feeling that Fudge and the other Ministers would be giving lengthy, mind-numbing speeches before the food was even served. Hopefully it won't be assigned seating, at least. At the most recent conference she had been forced to sit between a lecherous old university Master from Portugal and a twittering idiot from one of the commercial firms. The organizers of that particular conference had held the mistaken belief that it would be just fabulous for the attendees to mingle with people they had never met before. And hopefully will never meet again, Hermione thought with a shudder, remembering the old lecher's habit of "mistaking" her knee for his. Shaking her head, she gathered the rest of her notes and swept out of the room.
She and her friends had agreed to divide up the remaining table duty time, giving them all an opportunity to inspect the other researchers' displays. Severus and Hermione were on duty until lunchtime, when Remus and Hestia would take over. Hermione had been slightly apprehensive about their ability to answer any in-depth questions that may be asked concerning the two potions, until the other three had pointed out that most of the serious researchers would have already come by the day before. And, as Remus stated, they could always take down the contact information if necessary.
Hermione snorted quietly as she passed Hestia's room. Supposedly Remus and Hestia would be perusing the exhibition hall this morning while Severus and Hermione were on duty, but she had a strong suspicion that the two wouldn't make it out of Hestia's room until they were scheduled to take over the tables. She smiled slightly at the thought. She was genuinely happy that Remus had found someone – he deserved some companionship after carefully maintaining his distance from others for so long. And Hestia seemed to be good for him. Hermione was pleased that she had been able to get to know her coworker better over the past few days. Hestia was fun, outgoing, and intelligent – all qualities that would complement Remus perfectly.
After reaching the exhibition hall, she quickly reorganized the display table and sat back with a sigh. Speaking with other Potions fanatics about her work had been exhilarating, but she couldn't wait until lunchtime when she could relax and enjoy the other displays. And, more importantly, spend some time with Severus.
Speak of the devil, she thought with a smile as Severus appeared, nodding at her in greeting. He looks tired, she thought to herself.
"Are you feeling well, Severus?" she asked with a concerned look. He shot her a glance and nodded briefly.
"Yes, just slightly tired. I was up rather late last night, going over some things." He appeared to be holding back a smile as he began setting up his table, but she couldn't be sure. Shrugging inwardly, she sat back in her chair and read over the list of contacts she had obtained the day before.
Many of the attendees had been shocked when they discovered the basis of her research had included the study of muggle chemical preservatives. While she didn't actually use the muggle preservatives in the final Manere potion, studying the basic properties had helped her greatly in determining the magical and non-magical additives that could increase shelf life. Unlike muggle preservatives, the main thrust of the Manere potion was to maintain the magical integrity of the potion rather than to avoid bacterial contamination. So far, no bacteria had been found that could withstand the magical properties of even the weakest potion.
The morning flew by quickly. Remus and Hestia arrived on schedule, so Severus and Hermione were able to enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the outdoor cafes before venturing back into the exhibition hall. By tacit agreement, they kept the conversation a safe distance from any tense topics – instead discussing the merits of the new and/or improved potions they were examining.
Severus also brought up the matter of their work, scheduled to begin that coming Monday. He had been in contact with the Headmaster, who seemed enthusiastic about having the two brilliant potions minds back at Hogwarts, even if for a short time. It had been agreed that Remus would stay employed officially as a research assistant – unofficially as a liaison for the visiting werewolves. Severus, not relishing the thought of intruders in his dungeon, suggested a rental property in Hogsmeade to house the visitors and administer the cures. Dumbledore agreed to make the arrangements.
Severus admitted silently that he had an ulterior motive in arranging for the house in Hogsmeade – Remus would, by necessity, have to be there the majority of the time rather than in the dungeon labs with himself and Hermione. It would be far easier to get to know one another again, to show her that they belonged together, without the presence of prying eyes. Or prying ears. Even if he could control nothing else, he could control that.
He looked at the woman standing next to him, carefully inspecting an improved version of the Skele-Gro potion. He hated the fact that his heart – no, his life - relied on a decision that he had no control over. It depended completely on her – and while he did not doubt that she loved him, there was another man who had been close to her - married to her - for five years. She had a fierce sense of loyalty and it may prove too difficult, too much a denial of her nature, to make the decision he desperately wanted her to make. Leave your husband, leave your marriage and possibly your friends and family, and be with me. Did he even offer her enough to make it worthwhile? It would be a major upheaval in her life – and undoubtedly the Daily Prophet would pounce on the story faster than a Seeker in sight of the snitch. Would she want that? Would he want that?
Yes. Yes I would. If it meant we would be together.
* * * * * *
"What is it with everyone wanting to do my hair, anyway?" Hermione grumbled as she sat in Hestia's room, scowling at the other woman who was blocking the mirror with her body. Hestia stood beside her, wielding a brush and a bottle of some potion she had picked up earlier in the week from one of the commercial vendors.
"It's just so gorgeous, and long… makes me want to run my fingers through it. Not in that way," Hestia chuckled at Hermione's narrowed eyes. "Although I do know someone else who wouldn't mind running his fingers through it." Hermione didn't respond, and Hestia continued, "So… what is going on with you and Severus, anyway?"
Hermione shrugged innocently. "Nothing. We're just friends, colleagues."
"Mmm-hmm."
"That's all, really!"
"Mmm-hmm."
"Quit it, Hestia! So, how are you and Remus doing?"
Hestia grinned. "Pretty pathetic attempt at a change of subject there, Hermione. But I'll let you off the hook… Remus is amazing. Absolutely amazing," she said with a faraway look in her eyes. Hermione smiled at Hestia, a bit wistfully. Had she ever looked like that when she spoke of Viktor? She truly didn't think so. Thinking about Severus, on the other hand… or about that dream from the night before…
Hestia had to call her name twice before she came back to reality. "Nothing, huh? Just friends and colleagues, huh? I can't remember you ever looking like that about Finch-Fletchley – and he's certainly a friend and a colleague," Hestia said, shaking her head at the other woman. "What are you going to do, Hermione?"
Hermione flushed. "I'm not sure what you're talking about."
"About you. About Severus. About Viktor. Or all of the above," Hestia declared, eyeing her speculatively. "I've never seen you this wound up before. And I think it has something to do with a certain snarky, sexy, black-haired colleague. Am I right?" Hermione didn't say anything, but her flush grew deeper. "Listen, sweetie – I wasn't blind, or dumb. I'm still not. I knew about your whole situation back then, and it looks like you have another situation brewing right now. Just be careful, okay?" Suddenly she grinned. "I would tell you not to do anything that I wouldn't do… but knowing what I'd do in the same situation… you'd better just follow your own counsel."
"What would you do in my situation?" Hermione was curious.
A wicked glint appeared in Hestia's eyes. "Shag first and figure everything else out later. But that's not your style. You have too much…. hmmm… honor, I guess. Loyalty. The guilt would eat you alive, I think."
Hermione remained silent. Hestia was right about that.
"Okay – ta-da! Take a look!" Hestia exclaimed suddenly. Hermione looked in the mirror anxiously and was pleasantly surprised. Her hair was smooth and shiny; the potion Hestia had used had changed her normally curly locks into a straight, sleek mane of hair. "Different, isn't it? Not something to do everyday – your normal style looks great on you – but it's nice to do something special every now and then. Spice things up."
"Thanks, Hestia – it's great!" Hermione announced, shaking her head experimentally. Her hair flowed smoothly over her shoulders at the movement. "How long will it last?"
"Bottle said eight hours. Now move over, kiddo. I have to get ready, too. Got a werewolf to impress tonight," Hestia said with a wink, pushing Hermione out of the chair.
~~~~~
Remus was certainly impressed. He and Severus had arrived at the Hall a few minutes early and decided to wait outside for the two women before finding seats. When Remus spotted them, his throat tightened. He'd never seen Hestia in dress robes before – Order meetings were generally fairly casual, he noted comically – and she was a sight in sapphire blue. His eyes shifted to the woman beside her, and he had to admit that Hermione was also quite a sight. She looked stunning – her hair smooth and sleek, wearing elegant green robes with silver piping. Slytherin colors, he thought, stealing a glance at the man next to him.
"I'm afraid we've been outshone, Severus," Remus remarked as the two women reached them. Severus agreed, and Remus was amused at the intent way he was staring at Hermione. Offering Hestia his arm, Remus led the way inside. They looked around for only a moment before he saw young Finch-Fletchley waving them over to a corner table in the back of the room. It appeared that the British Ministry researchers had usurped the table farthest from the front.
"Why so far back, Justin?" Remus asked, looking at all of the empty seats near the front.
Justin rolled his eyes and grinned at Hermione. "You can tell he's never been to one of these functions, eh, Herm?" Suddenly he stopped and took a good look at her. "Hey, what did you do to your hair? It looks great!"
"Magic," Hermione said simply, with an amused smile. She was reminded briefly of the Yule Ball in her fourth year, when everyone had goggled at her new hairstyle, not believing she was the same bushy-haired know-it-all that they knew in class. Of course, Viktor had found me attractive either way, she admitted to herself, feeling a pang of guilt. He's been attracted to me since my fourth year - he will be hurt so badly if I decide…
Severus took the seat next to her, and the admiring look he gave her reminded her that there was someone else who was attracted to her either way, someone else who would be hurt… if she were to decide the other way. Either way, I lose.
What seemed like hours later, Remus thought he could have kissed Justin for waving them to the back table. They were well hidden from the podium by the crowd of people seated in front, and therefore were able to tune out the droning speeches of the Ministers and Ministers' assistants and conduct their own conversations without being noticed. He could see a definite difference in the expressions of those unfortunate enough to be at a front table. Boy, do they look bored out of their minds, Remus thought. In contrast, the people at his table and the other back tables seemed to be having a grand time. His eyes drifted to Hermione and Severus.
They were deep in conversation. Hermione was leaning towards him and laughing at something he said, and the look the two shared gave Remus a cold feeling in the pit of his stomach. He recognized that look, and also recognized the danger in it. And those two will be spending days together in those dungeon labs… I wonder what will come of this? He knew Severus was still in love with Hermione, and if she were unattached the look in her eyes would herald a wonderful thing… but she wasn't. She was married to Viktor Krum. With a pang, Remus realized that of all the times he had seen the two together, she had not once looked at Viktor the way she was now looking at Severus. And Severus… Severus was gazing down at her as if she were his world.
Someone's going to get hurt, and hurt badly, Remus thought sorrowfully. He regretted, now, encouraging her to talk to Severus. But she had seemed so wounded by what she had believed was Severus' betrayal, and he thought she was happy with Viktor... he certainly hadn't anticipated this. There's no fool like an old fool, he thought, watching the smiling couple until Hestia caught his attention and drew him back into the conversation.
* * * * * *
Well, I'm glad that's over, Hermione thought, sinking into the couch in her hotel room. She had enjoyed talking with her friends – and Severus – but she truly detested those types of functions. She would much rather have had the same conversations in a more casual atmosphere. Like his room, Hermione? You're playing with fire, girl, she chided herself.
She was about to remove the dress robes when a knock sounded at the door. A bit confused, she cracked the door open and smiled when she saw Remus standing outside. Ushering him in, she asked, "What brings you here? I thought you and Hestia would be spending this last evening together."
Remus just commented, "Hestia and I are actually going to stay a couple of extra nights – neither of us are expected back until Monday, and…"
Hermione smiled, "Say no more." Motioning him to take a seat, she grabbed the tea pot. "So, I'll ask again – what brings you here?"
Remus swallowed, wondering if he was doing the right thing. "Well, this may be a little late, but I remembered that I offered to be your moral support this week, and I want to be sure I don't neglect my duties entirely."
Hermione gave him a strange look, and said, "I'm doing fine, Remus, really. You were right to tell me to talk to him… although it's opened another can of worms, so to speak."
"Is that some Muggle saying?"
Hermione laughed, "Yes, but never mind that. I'm fine – better than I've been in a long while."
Remus accepted the teacup she handed him and looked at her seriously. "Yes, well… that's another reason I came by. Hermione, do you love him?"
"Have you and Hestia been talking?" she said, eyes narrowed.
"Not really, well – not about the two of you, that is," Remus said with a smirk. "Not much."
Hermione sighed. Remus was an old friend, and she knew he could be trusted. Perhaps a man's perspective would be useful. Finally, she admitted, "Yes. Yes, I do."
Remus nodded. "I thought so." Taking a sip of tea, he thought carefully about his next words. "Do you love Viktor?" he asked gently.
"I… I'm not sure. I mean… I do love him… but do I love him the way I love Severus? No. I never have, actually. I always thought… if I married him… that my feelings would grow stronger. I was such an idiot. I was so upset about… well, you know that whole story. Like I said, I was an idiot. But I did marry Viktor, and I've been with him for five years… Remus, I care about him, a lot. Just for the record, Remus, I have no intention of betraying our marriage. But I have a lot of thinking to do – a lot of decisions to make. And if I decide… he'll be so hurt…" Hermione stopped, tears coming to her eyes.
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't know, Remus. Gods help me, I don't know."
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Author's Notes:
Maddy-Riddle – Glad you liked Sev's mind games… more to come ;)
LJ Yolo – Thanks for the review – I'm glad you think I'm portraying the emotional "shades of gray" well – I'm definitely trying!
Lizzie – Thanks!
ShemforHash – I'm glad you're liking the story! I did go and review – am impatiently awaiting my gold star sticker… you're mailing it, right? Give Gollum a pat on the head for me ;)
Deb – I'm glad you liked the dream sequence – the conversation with Viktor is coming up next chapter.
Rilla- Thanks!
Electryone – Thanks! I've really tried to stay as true as possible to canon, so I'm glad that you think I am! The conversation and maybe some lab work next chappie… I was planning on slapping it in here but Remus decided he wanted to have a talk with Hermione while I was writing the farewell dinner so I decided to let him have his say :)
Raclswt & Samantha – Thanks!
Jen – Thanks for the review! So far, they're both holding strong… but we'll just have to wait and find out.
KJay – Thanks for the review! I just had to give Remus some lovin' – he's such a great guy. ;) And Hestia is a fun personality to write.