Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. A/N at end.

Some Scars Never Fade

WendyNat

Chapter 5

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Tonks sat down awkwardly at the bar of the Leaky Cauldron, wondering what she was doing there. Hestia had told her not to come tonight – not to look desperate… and she had agreed. In her head. Her mind saw the logic in Hestia's advice, but… she just couldn't stay away. She wanted to see him again, maybe try to strike up a conversation – just on friendly terms, of course.

Not to mention, she'd had a hard week and needed a drink. She and Ron were getting nowhere with their research, and they'd gone through almost ten years' worth of Muggle death certificates. They were now starting on hospital records, including St. Mungo's. They'd gotten through almost two years of those, and still – nothing. And not a peep from France. No new cursings had occurred since their briefing with Shacklebolt.

It was frustrating.

She nodded her thanks to Tom, who had placed a glass in front of her. It wasn't that she wanted someone else subjected to the curse, but… any information at all would be valuable in catching the scum. The researchers who were studying the curse were making no headway, either. She sighed. It was so very frustrating. Shaking her head, she raised the glass to her lips.

"I haff not seen many vomen drink of Fireviskey."

Startled, she lowered the glass and looked at the man standing beside her. Viktor Krum. Realizing belatedly that she was staring, she smiled and said, "Hi, Viktor." Harry had formally introduced them a couple of weeks back when she ran into the two men in Diagon Alley. Unfortunately, at that time she had been on duty and couldn't linger. "I don't usually, but it's been a rough week. Tom must have known I'd need something stronger than normal, somehow…"

Viktor sat on the stool next to hers and smiled. Her breath caught slightly, and she took a quick sip of the searing liquid to steady herself. Viktor commented, "Yes, Tom seems to haff a true gift vith knowing vat his customers need." As if to prove the statement, Tom walked over with a twinkle in his eye and placed a matching glass of Firewhiskey in front of Viktor. "Thank you, Tom." He lifted the drink to his mouth, and Tonks' throat went dry at the sight of his hands wrapped around the glass. Strong, steady– with long fingers… a Seeker's hand. She recalled some of the more amazing stunts he had pulled as Seeker of the Bulgarian National Team, and smiled.

"Have you had a rough week, too, then?"

Viktor looked at her for a moment, then answered, "Not really. Better than I expected. This is my normal drink."

"Oh." Tonks took another sip, feeling the warmth spread through her. "I'm glad it was better than you expected."

"Thanks." His eyes met hers for a long moment, and she felt a spark deep in her stomach. Clearing his throat, he said, "You said you haff had a rough veek. Vith vork?"

Nodding, she answered, "Yes. It's been a nightmare. I guess you must have read the reports in the Daily Prophet about that scum who's going around southern France cursing people." He nodded. She told him more about the case, and how she had spent the week working with Ron on research and paperwork. She was pleasantly surprised at how attentively he listened. "Not my idea of a fun week - I like more action," she concluded.

"Ron is your partner, right?"

"Yep. He's good. Really good. Of course, I helped train him so he'd better be," she said, chuckling. "He's got black-and-white syndrome, but I think he'll grow out of that with more experience. A lot of younger Aurors have it. Some older ones, too."

"Vat do you mean?" Viktor asked, sounding genuinely curious.

Taking another sip of her drink, she said, "Well… it's like he sees everyone, everything as either all good or all bad. He hasn't learned yet that there isn't anything that's all one or the other. It can hold him back, in a way – for example, if he sees someone as good then he won't even consider them as a suspect… while someone he's labeled in his mind as bad is first on his list, every time."

"Ah - I understand. Black and white. Like in the chess game," he said, and she nodded. He took a sip of his drink, and commented, "He is a very good player, I haff heard."

Tonks nodded. "You've heard right. He's very good. The best I've ever played, actually. Only Hestia has beaten me more times, and that's really just because I've played her more often."

"You are a good player?"

Tonks shrugged. "So I've been told. But I get beaten often enough to wonder about that." They both laughed. "Do you play?" Viktor shook his head, and confessed that he actually had never learned the game. Tonks' eyes lit up. "Really? Oh, I bet you'd be good at it. It's all strategy, and you had plenty of practice with that during your Quidditch career." Taking a deep breath, she gathered the courage that the Firewhiskey had granted her and offered, "Actually, if you'd like to learn, I'd love to teach you."

She was surprised by his slow smile. Merlin, that man is sexy when he smiles… or even when he doesn't, she thought. She forced her mind back to the conversation when he nodded and said, "I'd like that."

She was at a loss for words. Now what? Her attention was distracted by the entrance of Ron and Oliver, who ignored Harry's urgent wave (he had taken a seat to allow them to talk privately) and began to head over to where she and Viktor sat. "Um… it looks like the man of the hour has arrived."

Viktor turned his head. She was grateful when he gestured the two men towards the corner table where Harry sat and turned back to her with a rueful grin. "I do not vant to cut this short, but…" he faltered, and Tonks nodded in understanding. Viktor took a deep breath, and said, "I vould like to learn how to play… I vould say a tacky line like 'My place or yours,' but since right now I do not haff a place…"

Tonks laughed. "We'll do it at my place." Suddenly she flushed, realizing the double entendre, and speedily added, "It'd be easier to teach you there - I have a wizard's chess board and a regular Muggle one." Viktor grinned, seeming to enjoy her discomfiture.

"I vill owl you, and ve can arrange the… time. Does that sound okay?" She nodded mutely. "Vell, until then." He reached over and squeezed her hand. She felt her stomach flutter at the feeling of his warm hand on hers, a flutter which didn't entirely disappear when he stood up with a wave and made his way to the table where his friends were sitting.

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

"Oh, really, Susan – we haven't been together that long…"

Susan rolled her eyes at her friend. The two women were sitting in a booth at the Three Broomsticks, enjoying some wine before dinner. "You've been in love for seven years. I think your situation is unusual enough to dispense with the normal wait times."

Hermione laughed. "Well, it's certainly an unusual situation, I won't argue with you on that one. But still – it's only been a month since I was divorced. Think with your head, not your overly sentimental heart. This isn't a romance novel – there are other people involved than the two of us."

Susan eyed her thoughtfully. "That's true. There are Viktor's feelings to consider, I suppose. But… I want to see you happy."

"I am happy, Susan. I don't need a ring on my finger to prove it to myself."

Susan smirked and nodded towards the bar. "Well, you may need one to prove it to other people, if you get my drift." Turning her head in the direction of Susan's nod, Hermione barely held back a shudder at the sight of a leering blonde man giving her a meaningful look. She shook her head and frowned slightly, and to her relief the man caught on quickly, resuming his search for more willing prey.

Susan just laughed. "Well, the look worked for that one, I'll admit. But you'd better watch out for other vultures."

"Like who?"

"Justin." Seeing Hermione's stare, she elaborated, "Finch-Fletchley."

Hermione scowled. "I knew who you meant. But what are you talking about?"

"Well, he's rumored to be rather excited at the news of your divorce. From what I understand, he can't wait till you get back to the Ministry offices. I guess he's planning on working his charms on you."

Hermione was shocked. "Wha- I like Justin as a friend, I never did anything to make him think…"

Susan waved her hand dismissively. "Of course you didn't. You didn't have to. Hermione – you're beautiful, intelligent, fun to be around… you can't really be surprised at this? There will be plenty of guys who read the Daily Prophet that morning and saw opportunity knocking." Susan sat back, watching her friend's expression. "It might help if you were open about your relationship with Severus. It's not likely anyone will cross him."

Hermione was still stunned. She had never thought of herself in that way, never considered that anyone other than Viktor and Severus might think of her in that way… she shook her head. Well, there was Ron back when they were at Hogwarts, before he finally realized that they were too different to be anything other than friends.

Susan watched her, seeming to know what was running through her mind. "You've been out of the field a long time, honey. I'm not surprised you've forgotten about the way it is when you're not openly attached to someone. You're a brilliant witch, well-known, a lot of wizards will see you as – forgive the expression-" Susan's eyes glinted mischievously "-prime breeding stock."

"Susan!" Hermione shook her head, laughing at the outrageous comment. "You know, I was never really in the field. I went to Grimmauld Place right after graduation, and Severus and I got together… then when I had to leave him, Viktor was there…"

Susan nodded. "And Viktor made absolutely sure that everyone knew he had laid claim on you. He even warned Neville, for crying out loud – and we were engaged!"

Hermione's eyes widened. "Really?" Susan nodded, grinning. "Wow. And I was just floating around, oblivious, my nose in my books."

Susan shrugged. "Well, we've strayed a bit. So – are you going to be public about your relationship? I'm not asking you to sport a big honking diamond around, but it couldn't hurt to let people know you're spoken for."

Hermione looked troubled, staring at the table. "I really want to wait, Susan. Viktor… it wouldn't be fair to him. He was so kind about all of this, even filling out the reason for divorce as being the kids issue. So there goes your breeding stock idea," Hermione said with a raised eyebrow. Susan just chuckled. "He did it for me, but he also said he wanted to avoid embarrassment for himself. And if I go around screaming about my new love from the rooftops…"

"I see what you mean. All right, wait then. I'm just warning you – be ready to start beating the men off with a stick when you get back to the Ministry offices."

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

At the Leaky Cauldron, Viktor was lost in thought. He was definitely pleased at the way the conversation with Tonks had gone. She was a very friendly person, amazingly easy to talk to… he had the feeling that they could have continued the discussion all evening without encountering any awkward silences.

He had been surprised to see her when they entered the Leaky Cauldron, and not at all surprised when Harry had pushed him in her direction and urged him to talk to her. He had to admit that Harry had been rather discreet, quietly finding a table without pulling attention to himself in order to give them time to talk. I'll have to thank him later, Viktor acknowledged silently.

"Hey, Viktor – are you listening?" Oliver said, waving a hand in front of Viktor's face. He laughed at Viktor's scowl. "What's on your mind? Is it that cute bird you were talking to when we came in?" Viktor shrugged, smiling slightly. Oliver gave him a wink. "She'd be good for you, mate. Big Quidditch fan, she is." Turning towards the bar, Oliver raised an eyebrow. "Hmm. She's gone. Did you scare her off?"

Ron shook his head, laughing. "No, mate – I think she was just here to see him. I let it slip that we'd be by tonight. All innocence, of course," he said, winking at Viktor. "She's good people, Viktor. Glad you got a chance to talk to her. You should thank me for breaking up with Lavender, gave you a great opportunity, huh?"

Viktor smirked. "Thanks, I suppose. Although – didn't Lavender break up vith you this time? Maybe I should thank her." Ron shrugged, flushing a bit while the other men laughed. Viktor sobered quickly and said, "I am not trying to be insensitive, I apologize, Ron. Thank you for mentioning it to her. Ve… ve haff an… agreement… to meet sometime soon. She vill be teaching me to play chess."

"You should get her to teach you something else, mate," Harry said, snickering. Viktor just shook his head at him.

"Harry, you are very young sometimes." Viktor raised an eyebrow for emphasis and continued, "She is very nice to talk to, very friendly. I hope ve vill be friends. That is all, for now."

"Okay, Viktor. I was just kidding," Harry said, raising his hands. At that moment, Neville walked in and the conversation turned to other topics. Viktor participated in the discussions, enjoying the good-natured ribbing they were giving Ron, but his thoughts wandered again and again to the woman he had spoken to earlier.

Just friends… for now.

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

A few days later, Hermione and Severus were finally completing the analysis of the mysterious potion that Neville had brought to them. "Leech extract. Well, that explains it," Hermione said, rubbing her eyes tiredly. Severus simply nodded, a slight frown on his face.

"An intriguing potion. It seems they manipulated a simple aging elixir to work on botanicals, with additives to increase the decomposition of the magical linkages. We're fortunate aging elixirs denature quickly."

"And fortunate that puffer-fish eyes can't handle Apparition." They had been surprised to discover that puffer-fish eyes were a primary ingredient in the potion. They were notoriously difficult to work with. "Why do you think Professor Sprout's Irish shipment was undamaged – the denaturing issue or the Apparition issue?" Hermione asked.

Severus raised an eyebrow. "Impossible to say, as you well know. I am not fond of speculation. Either way, it seems logical to assume that the potion is being brewed in close proximity of the French greenhouse."

Hermione nodded and stretched, joints popping. She was exhausted, and she doubted that Severus was faring much better. They had worked all day on the Manere adjustments and then remained in the lab late into the evening to complete the analysis of the potion, which Hermione had jokingly dubbed the "Leaf Leacher". The most recent Manere trial was simmering in a cauldron at the back of the lab. She was willing to bet that this would be the final trial - the extra powdered Mandrake root should do the trick – she could feel it. "Who brewed it, I wonder? It's a complex potion – much more complex than I'd originally thought."

Severus agreed, sliding gracefully into the stool next to her. "I agree. This is the work of a skilled Potions brewer. Not necessarily a Master, but unlikely to be teenage pranksters."

Hermione grinned at him mischievously. "Well, we don't know that. I mean, I brewed Polyjuice in my second year, and that's a difficult potion for a fifth-year to handle."

Severus forced a stern look to his face. "Mmmm. One of the many times you broke into my private potions stores. Yes. Although I do seem to remember you had a bit of a problem with it – ended up in the infirmary meowing, if I recall correctly."

Hermione slapped his arm, but she was grinning. "Oh, quit it. I wasn't meowing! Just had a bit of a facial hair problem. Ron's and Harry's came out perfect. Good enough to fool Malfoy." She cursed herself silently when she saw his expression close down at the mention of Draco. In a gentler voice, she said, "Come on. Let's go to bed. We have to check the Manere in the morning, and then contact Neville." He agreed and followed her from the lab to his rooms.

Their rooms, really, now that they had connected the guest suite to his study. Albus had suggested it again a week ago, and this time they had taken his advice. The Headmaster's only request was that she use the guest suite's main hallway entrance when the students returned to avoid any unnecessary rumors of impropriety.

She sighed. The school year was fast approaching, only a month away. She would miss working with Severus, but she was grateful that the Headmaster had made it clear that she was welcome to continue using her guest suite at Hogwarts. She certainly wouldn't be the only guest housed within its walls – when she was a student she had noticed that the number of people at the Head Table far exceeded the number of actual Hogwarts employees.

She yawned, her jaw cracking, causing Severus to laugh. "Hey, I'm tired," she said defensively, grinning.

"I admit I am rather exhausted, myself," he said, stretching. Hermione couldn't help but notice the lithe way his body moved, and despite her weariness she felt her heart quicken slightly. Down, girl, she thought, turning towards the bed and grabbing Severus' pajama top (which she had appropriated when she began spending the night in his rooms) and pulling off her shirt. Sneaking a quick glance behind her to where he stood, she noticed him watching her intently. She smothered a grin and turned back around, making sure to bend at the waist as she slowly pushed her pants down and stepped out of them.

When she began to slide the pajama top over her head, it was suddenly snatched from her hands and thrown aside, two arms sliding around her waist from behind. Smiling, she said, "I thought you said you were exhausted." One hand had moved to her neck, pushing her hair aside to expose her throat to his lips.  

Her eyes closed of their own volition, and she leaned against him, barely registering his whispered response. "After that little show, I feel remarkably… alert."

And then he proved it.

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A/N: Thanks for any and all reviews! I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Louise Luvgood – Thanks for reviewing! I always love to read your reviews – and yes, they do help me ;). I hope your trip goes well, and I think I just may have another chapter in addition to this one posted before you return. Thanks!

Lizzie – Yep! Ron stopped talking just a minute too soon… I will be posting an extended version tonight on the other sites. ;) Hope you enjoy the chapter!

Mrs. Norris and Prof. Snape – It will clear up eventually – can't give too much away in the beginning, or it would ruin the "mystery" part of it :). Thanks for reviewing!!

Klyn – I'm glad you're enjoying the story!! I also liked the scene between Susan and Neville when I was writing it.

Electryone – Thanks! You're right, those two being friends will take a lot more time. I'm glad you liked they way Neville and Harry stuck up for Sevvie. I love reading stories that have Harry/Ron as a sidebar, actaully (and I also like well-written Harry/Draco) – I just have no confidence in my own ability to write convincing slash. I have been feverishly trying to come up with a pairing for you… but I think I've used up most of the available guys. Still - I may put my toes in the water and give it a whirl in a future chapter ;) Am blushing that you haven't read anything of mine that you haven't liked – the reverse is most definitely true! Your stuff is great!