Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or places that are associated
with Harry Potter. They all belong to J. K. Rowling.
Chapter Two - Decisions Made
"Hermione, you better hurry up if you're going to make the train!" Her dad yelled up the stairs in an attempt to move things along. She was looking around her old, childhood room, trying to think of anything that she forgot. It was hard packing up her things, knowing that it may be the last time she lived there. She took one last twirl in her room and stared aimlessly into the empty bookshelves that once held all her dreams. Gathering up her last book, The History of Hogwarts, she turned towards the door and headed downstairs.
"I'm coming. Don't worry, dad, we won't be late. I'm always on time."
"I know, but you want to be early for your first day of work. It's always good to make a nice first impression."
"Dad, they practically begged me to take the position. I don't think I'll have any problems with the impression they have of me." Hermione took one last look at her house and followed her dad out the door to her new life.
She had agreed to take the job at the Ministry. Harry was ecstatic about her decision. The final decision was made in the interview she had a few days before. They had assured her that in the peaceful times she would be able to pursue her own studies and help in any cause she felt necessary. It was a great job to have. The only responsibilities she had were to attend any potions seminars that were held, and to keep up to date on the latest techniques. She felt sure of her abilities to do all of the tasks required of her. It was almost like having the job of a tenured professor; just keep up to date and publish a book every once in awhile, and you're okay.
******
Harry and Ginny had agreed to meet up with Hermione later that day and help her settle into her new place. Her parents had helped her find a nice little house close to where she works, and her friends. Ginny was the first person to approve of the house when she went over and planted flowers along the walkway in the front. When Hermione walked up to the new house, she gasped in delight at the new addition to the front. Knowing that Ginny had something to do with it; she decided to make a special dinner in return.
Ginny and Harry arrived right on time later that day, and brought a few pictures to hang on the walls. All of the pictures were scenes of childhood times that the trio, and Ginny, had spent together. Each picture moved in action, portraying a time of happiness.
"Hermione, I miss you so much." Ginny hugged her tightly and held on for a few seconds. Hermione felt the affection she had for her and the longing to talk to her like old times.
"I feel the same. I can't wait to start confiding in each other again, and to have those nights of pure gossip. I never found a girlfriend at the university that could keep up with me the way you always could." Hermione led them inside and took them to her new dining room. Boxes lined the path, and all that was in the dining room was a card table and chairs to hold the prepared dinner.
"Hermione, you didn't have to cook for us. You've barely unpacked. We're here to help you get settled in, not cause more trouble by creating a bigger mess." Harry protested in his usual way while he walked around the table to check out what she had made to eat.
"I know, I know; but I wanted to thank you two for all that you've done to help me get settled and to help me feel at home in this new place." "When do you start getting into your new position at the ministry?" Ginny inquired as she sat at the unsteady table.
"I had an introductory meeting today that helped me settle into the area and my laboratory. I have to go through the supplies and make an inventory list of all the equipment and ingredients that are in the lab. I hope to have that finished before I head off to the first potions seminar next week."
"There's a seminar already? That's really neat. What is it going to be on?" Harry filled each person glass as Hermione answered all of their questions.
It has to do with the after effects of the cruciatus curse when used on a long term basis. It seems that some of the people that were heavily involved in the war have become hyper sensitive to touch. The seminar will discuss the latest potions and ideas that have been used to try and cure this after effect." Hermione sipped at her water while Harry and Ginny listened intently. "I hope to be able to participate and give input into the discussions."
"I'm sure you'll do great. Everyone knows that you always have new ideas and insight because of your muggle background."
"I know, but that will not always be the answer."
"Just do your best. That's all anyone can ask of you." Ginny finished the last of her meal and got up in a quick motion. "Now lets hang these pictures first. I think this one of Harry and Ron playing quidditch should go in your study. What do you think 'Mione?"
"I think that's perfect." Hermione smiled as Harry and Ginny began to hang pictures and organize her books on the shelves. It was good to be here and it was starting to feel like home.
*******
The week had passed quickly and inventory had kept her busy. She was happy to find the vast supplies that were hidden amongst the dust and clutter of the old lab. Almost all of the ingredients she would need were already stocked and labeled. She tediously made a list of the few remaining supplies she would need, and another list of the muggle ingredients she wanted to keep around.
Once everything was in order, it was time to go to her first potions seminar. Hermione settled into the small room that was reserved for the seminar. She was surprised to find out how very few potions masters/mistresses there were. I guess Professor Snape was right; it is an elite society. The group started to come together and quickly settled into a quiet mode. There were only about twenty people in the small room, and they all seemed to be waiting for a particular person.
Then Professor Snape entered the room in a swift motion. His usual black robes billowed out behind him. Hermione froze in a tense stare as she flashed back to her school days with Snape.
"Masters and Mistresses, you all know why this meeting has been brought about. It seems that some members of the ministry feel that the newer members of this society could bring about quicker results." Snape glared in Hermione's direction and sneered as he continued with his introduction. "Although I feel this is a waste of all our time; we might as well discuss the latest developments concerning the after effects of the cruciatus curse. Professor Williams would you please start by informing us all of your last results." Snape looked in the direction of Professor Williams and gestured for him to speak. Snape took a seat at the far end of the room and looked over at Hermione.
Hermione jumped when she realized that Snape was looking directly at her, and forced herself to pay closer attention to the speaker. For the next few minutes, Hermione could feel the cold gaze of Snape as he seemed to inspect her every molecule.
*******
The meeting moved along swiftly. Once the discussion opened up, Hermione took an active role in providing new ideas and concepts in the potion making process. Some of the older members were pleased with abilities and praised her for each bit of information.
Once things began to dwindle down a little, the meeting was called to a close by Professor Snape. Everyone began to leave and shake hands as they left in their own directions. Some people made plans to meet up in the near future, hoping to work together and feed off of each other's intelligence. Hermione said her goodbyes and made her way back to the lab at the ministry. She had taken a lot of notes and wanted to organize her ideas before going to her house.
Later that evening, she was going over her notes late into the night, when a black owl flew into her lab and perched in front of her parchment. She acknowledged the owl and gave it a small treat she had hidden in her robes. Hermione recognized the spiky handwriting on the outside of the parchment and knew who the note was from.
Miss Granger,
I was intrigued by the ideas you offered at the seminar earlier this afternoon. I feel that I could be of assistance in your quest to find a cure. Although your inexperience may inhibit you in the near future, I am certain that my vast knowledge of potions could be of use. If you would like to work together in order to expedite the process, please feel free to visit Hogwarts.
Professor Severus Snape Potions Master Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione smiled at his ability to be arrogant and complimentary in one short note. It was a shock to receive a note from Snape, asking for her to work with him. On the other hand, he was insulting her ability to do the research on her own. Hermione knew that she was going to accept his offer. The cure needed to be found, and she would have to learn how to work with her colleagues. No matter who they are. It was time to show Snape that she was more than he ever gave her credit for.
Chapter Two - Decisions Made
"Hermione, you better hurry up if you're going to make the train!" Her dad yelled up the stairs in an attempt to move things along. She was looking around her old, childhood room, trying to think of anything that she forgot. It was hard packing up her things, knowing that it may be the last time she lived there. She took one last twirl in her room and stared aimlessly into the empty bookshelves that once held all her dreams. Gathering up her last book, The History of Hogwarts, she turned towards the door and headed downstairs.
"I'm coming. Don't worry, dad, we won't be late. I'm always on time."
"I know, but you want to be early for your first day of work. It's always good to make a nice first impression."
"Dad, they practically begged me to take the position. I don't think I'll have any problems with the impression they have of me." Hermione took one last look at her house and followed her dad out the door to her new life.
She had agreed to take the job at the Ministry. Harry was ecstatic about her decision. The final decision was made in the interview she had a few days before. They had assured her that in the peaceful times she would be able to pursue her own studies and help in any cause she felt necessary. It was a great job to have. The only responsibilities she had were to attend any potions seminars that were held, and to keep up to date on the latest techniques. She felt sure of her abilities to do all of the tasks required of her. It was almost like having the job of a tenured professor; just keep up to date and publish a book every once in awhile, and you're okay.
******
Harry and Ginny had agreed to meet up with Hermione later that day and help her settle into her new place. Her parents had helped her find a nice little house close to where she works, and her friends. Ginny was the first person to approve of the house when she went over and planted flowers along the walkway in the front. When Hermione walked up to the new house, she gasped in delight at the new addition to the front. Knowing that Ginny had something to do with it; she decided to make a special dinner in return.
Ginny and Harry arrived right on time later that day, and brought a few pictures to hang on the walls. All of the pictures were scenes of childhood times that the trio, and Ginny, had spent together. Each picture moved in action, portraying a time of happiness.
"Hermione, I miss you so much." Ginny hugged her tightly and held on for a few seconds. Hermione felt the affection she had for her and the longing to talk to her like old times.
"I feel the same. I can't wait to start confiding in each other again, and to have those nights of pure gossip. I never found a girlfriend at the university that could keep up with me the way you always could." Hermione led them inside and took them to her new dining room. Boxes lined the path, and all that was in the dining room was a card table and chairs to hold the prepared dinner.
"Hermione, you didn't have to cook for us. You've barely unpacked. We're here to help you get settled in, not cause more trouble by creating a bigger mess." Harry protested in his usual way while he walked around the table to check out what she had made to eat.
"I know, I know; but I wanted to thank you two for all that you've done to help me get settled and to help me feel at home in this new place." "When do you start getting into your new position at the ministry?" Ginny inquired as she sat at the unsteady table.
"I had an introductory meeting today that helped me settle into the area and my laboratory. I have to go through the supplies and make an inventory list of all the equipment and ingredients that are in the lab. I hope to have that finished before I head off to the first potions seminar next week."
"There's a seminar already? That's really neat. What is it going to be on?" Harry filled each person glass as Hermione answered all of their questions.
It has to do with the after effects of the cruciatus curse when used on a long term basis. It seems that some of the people that were heavily involved in the war have become hyper sensitive to touch. The seminar will discuss the latest potions and ideas that have been used to try and cure this after effect." Hermione sipped at her water while Harry and Ginny listened intently. "I hope to be able to participate and give input into the discussions."
"I'm sure you'll do great. Everyone knows that you always have new ideas and insight because of your muggle background."
"I know, but that will not always be the answer."
"Just do your best. That's all anyone can ask of you." Ginny finished the last of her meal and got up in a quick motion. "Now lets hang these pictures first. I think this one of Harry and Ron playing quidditch should go in your study. What do you think 'Mione?"
"I think that's perfect." Hermione smiled as Harry and Ginny began to hang pictures and organize her books on the shelves. It was good to be here and it was starting to feel like home.
*******
The week had passed quickly and inventory had kept her busy. She was happy to find the vast supplies that were hidden amongst the dust and clutter of the old lab. Almost all of the ingredients she would need were already stocked and labeled. She tediously made a list of the few remaining supplies she would need, and another list of the muggle ingredients she wanted to keep around.
Once everything was in order, it was time to go to her first potions seminar. Hermione settled into the small room that was reserved for the seminar. She was surprised to find out how very few potions masters/mistresses there were. I guess Professor Snape was right; it is an elite society. The group started to come together and quickly settled into a quiet mode. There were only about twenty people in the small room, and they all seemed to be waiting for a particular person.
Then Professor Snape entered the room in a swift motion. His usual black robes billowed out behind him. Hermione froze in a tense stare as she flashed back to her school days with Snape.
"Masters and Mistresses, you all know why this meeting has been brought about. It seems that some members of the ministry feel that the newer members of this society could bring about quicker results." Snape glared in Hermione's direction and sneered as he continued with his introduction. "Although I feel this is a waste of all our time; we might as well discuss the latest developments concerning the after effects of the cruciatus curse. Professor Williams would you please start by informing us all of your last results." Snape looked in the direction of Professor Williams and gestured for him to speak. Snape took a seat at the far end of the room and looked over at Hermione.
Hermione jumped when she realized that Snape was looking directly at her, and forced herself to pay closer attention to the speaker. For the next few minutes, Hermione could feel the cold gaze of Snape as he seemed to inspect her every molecule.
*******
The meeting moved along swiftly. Once the discussion opened up, Hermione took an active role in providing new ideas and concepts in the potion making process. Some of the older members were pleased with abilities and praised her for each bit of information.
Once things began to dwindle down a little, the meeting was called to a close by Professor Snape. Everyone began to leave and shake hands as they left in their own directions. Some people made plans to meet up in the near future, hoping to work together and feed off of each other's intelligence. Hermione said her goodbyes and made her way back to the lab at the ministry. She had taken a lot of notes and wanted to organize her ideas before going to her house.
Later that evening, she was going over her notes late into the night, when a black owl flew into her lab and perched in front of her parchment. She acknowledged the owl and gave it a small treat she had hidden in her robes. Hermione recognized the spiky handwriting on the outside of the parchment and knew who the note was from.
Miss Granger,
I was intrigued by the ideas you offered at the seminar earlier this afternoon. I feel that I could be of assistance in your quest to find a cure. Although your inexperience may inhibit you in the near future, I am certain that my vast knowledge of potions could be of use. If you would like to work together in order to expedite the process, please feel free to visit Hogwarts.
Professor Severus Snape Potions Master Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione smiled at his ability to be arrogant and complimentary in one short note. It was a shock to receive a note from Snape, asking for her to work with him. On the other hand, he was insulting her ability to do the research on her own. Hermione knew that she was going to accept his offer. The cure needed to be found, and she would have to learn how to work with her colleagues. No matter who they are. It was time to show Snape that she was more than he ever gave her credit for.