Chapter 28

The testing went off without a hitch. They were prepared for the meeting at the Ministry of Magic on Tuesday morning. It was the middle of the day on Sunday and they hadn't slept all night. Both of them looked exhausted but flushed with happiness.

Hermione was cleaning the lab and organizing all they needed for the meeting while Severus read over Sylvester's notes. He was very impressed with the elf's abilities and nodded his approval to the creature. However, Sylvester knew what his job was and needed no stroking of the ego from the Potions Master. He lived and breathed for his Mistress. Free though he was, he was tied to her in both employment and in love.

Hermione was thinking of a way to breach the subject that she had long thought of. She had come up with a wonderful plan to test the waters between them. Of course, that was before the past thirteen hours together. In that small amount of time, they had jumped hurdles both seen and unseen, together.

She cleared her throat and spoke without looking at Severus.

"Sylvester, could you make sure the fireplace is lit in my room and also could you send me some food? Something light. I am retiring soon." Sylvester hesitated a fraction of a second and nodded his understanding, then winked from the room.

"I suppose I should return to Hogwarts. Minerva will be elated at the news of my leave of absence. Do you have an idea as to how long the testing will take?"

"I think it will take most of the day Tuesday."

"Very well. I will be here Tuesday morning-

"I was wondering…if you would like to…well…have super with me? We could meet here tomorrow evening and go over the notes once more and maybe…go have something to eat?" Hermione looked at Severus with wide eyes, praying he didn't refuse her. But somewhere deep inside of her, she felt he wouldn't. She couldn't explain it, she just knew it.

"If that is your wish. When?

"Tomorrow, around four O'clock." Severus and Hermione stood in the silence of the labs for a moment. There was an air of expectation about them. Electricity coursed through the room like a river of energy between them. Severus nodded and turned to leave.

"Goodnight Severus. Thank you." Hermione's words felt stressed and her throat was tight as she spoke. He turned to see her over his shoulder and she felt the heat in his eyes. His once cold black eyes were now black flames.

"Sleep well Hermione." the door closed behind him.

Hermione woke from a peaceful slumber. She was confused. She didn't even know what time or day it was. She sat up and shifted her head from side to side, working out the tight muscles in her neck. At a glance, she saw it was ten in the morning, Monday.

Hermione had planned on sleeping even later, but thought it was best to go ahead and start her day. She slipped from her bed and tossed a sleeping jacket over her night clothes. She walked sleepily to the bathroom and brushed her teeth and ran a comb through her hair.

It had been a very long time since she had any free time, and she suddenly found herself with nothing to do. She walked from her bedroom and into the sitting room. Where Elmer greeted her less than cordially.

"Oh…there she is. The evil, bushy-haired witch who banished me to this room, claiming it was a good place. All I have seen is that wonderful red head and that walking zombie of a Professor. How is he by the way? Your Professor?" she half chuckled under her breath as she walked towards the talking mirror.

"He is wonderful Elmer, thank you for asking. Can I ask what you said to him the other day?"

"Certainly you may." Hermione waited and then realized her error She rolled hr eyes and sighed heavily.

"Will you tell me what you said to Sev -The Professor?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"You didn't say the magic word."

"Please tell me what you said to the Professor the other day!"

"No. I don't want to. You're yelling at me.' Elmer spoke in a voice that was irritating Hermione to no end.

"Elmer…dear…It is very important to me that you tell me what you and the Professor spoke about. It would mean very much to me if you did." Hermione could play this little game too.

"Oh…well…if it means so much to you…then…you will be willing to give me something for it. Perhaps…a place in the lobby?" his voice sounded hopeful and Hermione's eyes glittered.

"No. But I will give you six legs and antennas! Or perhaps…you liked the little spell the Professor used on you…you know he taught it to Sylveste. I could tell Sylvester he was free to freeze you whenever it fancied him…" Hermione's voice took on a sing-song quality.

"You are a wretched woman. Fine. I asked who he was, he said none of your business, the elf cam in and then I knew it was him. I asked him if he was the once from your dream…blah blah blah and then you walked in. See? It wasn't so bad. Why do you torture me so?" Hermione shook her head and frowned. At least that was all he said. She headed for the kitchen for some food.

Hours later, Hermione stood before her full length mirror and observed her reflection. It had been years since she had dressed so carefully. She wore a beautiful crimson dress that was full length. It was fashioned after the models of the 1920's. The neckline was low and the waistline high empire. It was simple and needed no jewels and no adornment of any kind. Her hair she had used her many potions on and it hung loosely down her back. She wore a little touch of makeup, but decided that it wasn't necessary.

She was satisfied with herself as she tied a black cape over her shoulders and placed her wand in the cape pocket.

Severus had never fussed with himself in a mirror. And he did not do so tonight either. He wore his usual black robes, black shoes and a scowl. The only difference was that he ran a comb through his hair. But he did that while walking toward the door of his house. He tossed the comb on a chair and closed the door behind him.