A/N: Finally, an update. I have to offer my extreme appreciation to my beta-reader, Elyse. She is a great help in finding all my mistakes and just improving each chapter.
With the resolving of prior hostilities, Severus and Miss Granger were able to work prolifically on her thesis. Her hypothesis was quite simple in theory, but application would prove more challenging. Aren't all things simple in theory? By extending the targeting properties of the Wolfsbane Potion that effectively control the animalistic nature to the virus as a whole, she concluded that with the addition of silver that it could be completely annulated. As earlier stated, it was much easier said than done.
In the month that followed the hostage situation, the Wolfsbane Potion was successfully brewed, its properties broken down, and an in depth analysis of the donated blood of Minerva the Remus Lupin begun. Using the knowledge she had gained from recent biology classes, she set out to better understand the behavior and structure of the virus by comparing her own blood to that of an infected and a regular Animugus.
I found the results to be interesting when I snuck glimpses at her notes. The cells of Minerva's blood had shown occasional anomalies from where the Animugus Potion had bonded itself to her, whereas Mr. Lupin's blood had appeared completely normal. The only logical explanation explored in a debate between the two was that it was a natural defense mechanism, to mimic the composition of the host's cells. With the original brewer of Wolfsbane Potion dead and his research gone, they had to make their own discovery on how to distinguish the virus from the actual cell.
As the full moon neared, she started to notice changes in the lycanthropy-infected cells. The shape became unnaturally elliptical and a strange gel encased the components of each cell. At that particular point, they had observed more than most had ever cared to learn in regards to werewolves.
Extracting a small amount of the eerie substance, the Wolfsbane Potion was added to learn the exact parts it influenced. With that knowledge, experimentation began to see what could be used to target the other elements that the gel consisted of. That process was grueling on them both. Shock, joy, and relief were felt when a fluke ingredient turned out to be the answer.
With one obstacle out of the way, it was time to conquer the next level. The challenge of uniting the silver and targeting properties was not a challenge at all. Less than a week after their first success, a prototype potion was in existence.
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They were too focused on the tasks at hand to worry about putting up defenses. In the brief moments they stepped out of the characters they played, the glimpses allowed them to earn a better understanding and acceptance of the other. It was from such a foundation that I hoped a deeper relationship would be built.
Unconsciously, her presence brought a sense of familiarity that he felt only around me. You really had to know him to notice. The lack of harshness and cruelty was more than the simple fulfillment of his promise for tranquility, but a reflection of how at ease he felt around her. She reciprocated his comfort just as effortlessly.
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"What should we name it?" Miss Granger inquired, eyeing the murky gray liquid in her hand.
"I assume you have a suggestion." Severus's eyebrow quirked expectantly.
"Silverbane."
"How many hours of sleep were you deprived in conceiving that masterpiece?"
"Oh, Your Highness, please bestow upon me the knowledge of what is to your liking." She was successfully able to contain her fits of laughter while maintaining a pleading voice.
With thinned lips, he glanced down at her in mild annoyance. Her tightly reined control broke and her amusement echoed throughout the dungeons. Unsettled by the enjoyment produced at his expense, and the overall friendliness of the atmosphere, he decided to end the playful exchange.
"Your recommendation is adequate. We have reached the requirements of the day. Good evening, Miss Granger." The stance of his body had grown rigid, his face regained its customary coldness, and his voice held a formal and dismissive tone. He hadn't spoken her surname since their night in captivity.
Turning abruptly, the lengthy black robes arced behind him with the speed of the departure. The unforeseen return of his notorious disposition vanquished the light mood that had evolved. After mechanically replacing the equipment and cleansing the workspace, she exited through the lab entrance.
I watched the entire incident transpire with exasperation at his predictability. He had finally realized that their relationship had become too causal. Years of mastering emotions failed him, but his determination for denial was ever present, effectively hindering my efforts.
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The corridor's walls resonated with more than the night's call to my nocturnal instincts. A whispering of footsteps alerted of a trespasser on my seclusion and forced abandonment of my previous agenda. The individual's stealth could've evaded detection by most, but my senses were too keen. Emerging from the dungeons, the full moon shone and banished the shadows into hiding, revealing Miss Granger as my irritant.
Her travels led out of the castle and toward the lake with me in tow. Fortunately, no students were roaming after curfew to bother her. Placing herself on a boulder near the water's edge, she was oblivious to the mysteries the Forbidden Forest harbored that night. If it had been raining griffins, she still would've been too absorbed to notice the approach of a dark figure, carrying with it a familiar scent.
"What brings you here instead of the library?"
Miss Granger twisted suddenly to stare at the looming form. The sudden intrusion had startled her.
"Professor McGon- Minerva, you gave me quite a scare. What are you doing out here?"
"I didn't mean to frighten you, my dear. I was just concerned about you. You looked unsettled. Anything troubling you?" Minerva asked sincerely. Her face held not trace of its classroom sternness, only heartfelt compassion.
Forgetting the fear-induced adrenaline rush, Miss Granger's face indicated her plaguing thoughts had returned. "Some questions that can't be answered by books."
"Affairs of the heart?"
Her arms were crossed and lying on her bent knees with her head soon to follow. She no longer met Minerva's gaze but chose to stare into the depths of the night. "You could call it that."
"Would I be overstepping my bounds to ask more?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Mr. Potter or Mr. Weasley must on be the lucky one then," she remarked, knowing full well who it really was.
"Hardly. They are not what I would call boyfriend material." Miss Granger was hasty in making that point clear. It was slightly amusing how quickly she wanted to make it known that she would never date them. "Let's just say I am a fool to care about this person and leave it at that."
"Never think yourself a fool for caring for someone, Hermione. It's only foolish not to tell the person how you feel, whether your feelings are reciprocated or not."
Minerva still stood behind her and fell silent after she had given her advice. Both pairs of eyes surveyed the rippling surface before them. Neither was going to relinquish the secrets they held. Minerva faded back into the black void, leaving the moment as it was. We could only hope that the words had been taken to heart.