Chapter 17

Dinner passed uneventfully for Severus and Andraste, who were totally oblivious to the fact that they were the main topic of conversation. The students couldn't help but speculate on the change in Professor Snape's behavior. Many even found themselves looking forward to their next potions class for the first time, thinking that maybe they'd be able to surmise more then.

When they got back to the dungeon he stopped in his office to gather the papers he needed to grade, and she continued in to floo Mrs. Weasley. When he finally entered, Andraste was deep in a conversation with the red headed woman. "Good evening, Mrs. Weasley. I truest everyone is in good health?" He interrupted. It took her a moment to recover from her shock and reply. Severus had never asked her how they were before.

"Um, yes Professor Snape, everyone is wonderful. And yourself?"

"Call me Severus, please. Professor Snape is so formal considering how long we've known each other. But, yes, I am splendid. I, however, must go grade papers. Have a goodnight Mrs. Weasley." With that, he kissed Andraste on the cheek and headed to the kitchen table.

"Goodnight Prof...um Severus." Mrs. Weasley had apparently assumed that he left the room, because she waited a moment and then whispered to Andraste. "What have you done to that man? He seems so, so different...pleasant in fact."

"Am not!" she heard Snape call from not far away. Mrs. Weasley's face turned as red as her hair, but Andraste simply stuck her tongue out at him and continued. "I hope your son agrees, it's Severus' boat we'll be having dinner on tomorrow."

"Well, then, do have fun. It was wonderful to meet you Andi." She leaned in, apparently trying to be discreet again. "And whatever you've done, do keep it up."

"I'll do my best, goodnight Molly."

"Goodnight dear," she replied, and the face in the fire disappeared. Andraste stood up and turned to Severus. I have to go get something from my room, I'll be right back."

"Would you like me to accompany you?"

"No, that's quite alright," she laughed. "I think I can probably manage." She disappeared only to return a few minutes later, carrying a small black box with numbers on it.

"What is that?" he asked, genuine curiosity showing in his voice.

"It's a satellite cell phone, works anywhere in the world," she replied, holding it out to him. He took it from her, turning it over several times and studying it before handing it back to her. "Where's the bottom part?"

"The base? Cell phones don't need them." She dialed the number that Molly had given her, and Mrs. Granger picked up on the third ring. One thing Severus quickly discovered he disliked about phones is that you could only hear one side of the conversation. "Hi, Mrs. Granger? My name is Miss Andraste, I'm Hermione's assistant potions professor...No, everything is fine. Hermione is an exceptional student, that's why I'm calling in fact. We're taking a few of the best students on Professor Snape's boat for dinner tomorrow night, and we'd like Hermione to join us...Professor Snape? (laughter) No, Mrs. Granger, I'm sure it will be fine...(more laughter) Thank you very much... I will, Mrs. Granger, have a wonderful evening." Andraste pressed a button on the phone and tossed it on the couch. "So what are the dinner plans for tomorrow?"

"I don't really know – the cook is preparing something or other. I'm sure it'll be good." Andraste smiled at Severus, impressed that he had somehow found the time to make arrangements for the following evening. "Can I help you with that?" she asked, sitting down at the table across from him.

"As a matter of fact, Professor Andraste, there is something you can help me with," the look in his eyes saying that he was most definitely not referring to grading papers.

"Not until after your homework is done, Mr. Snape," she retorted, laughing.

"Very well." Severus shoved half the scrolls towards her. Soon they lapsed into a comfortable silence, only occasionally speaking to comment on an essay on of them was reading.

"Mr. Joseph seems to thing that mandrake root is primarily used to brew beer."

"I seem to recall Miss Warrington feeling the same way. You think they could at least find someone smart to copy."

"It does seem the least they could do." Three hours passed before Andi finished her pile of scrolls, and she reached for one of the two Severus had remaining. Once she had finally finished, Andraste stood up to stretch. "Why am I so tired?"

"Your body is trying to recover from the shock of not being injured."

"Thank you for your input, smartass."

"Anytime, beautiful."

"I want a bath, care to join me?"

"I don't have a bathtub, only a shower."

Andy waved her hand and gave him a mischievous grim. "You do now." He followed her into the bathroom to find that it had grown to twice its original size. The new sunken tub was filled with hot water and surrounded by rose scented candles.

"You never cease to amaze me, Andi."

"Thank you, Professor Snape."