AN: Thank you for all the support! It is deeply appreciated!
Why was Severus so suspicious of this mission?
Sirius wandered into Paradisio Books. He was greeted by a table of ten books, each with Severus' scowling face. Still, Sirius could only imagine the salacious contents. Perhaps if he persuaded Dismas and St. Pete the book was vital for his mission they would let him read it.
Speaking of the mission, why did Severus think more needed to be done than finding a cure? If it was as straightforward as Sirius thought it was, then why couldn't Severus just shut up and do his job?
When he got back, he'd need to remind Severus that as long as he didn't complicate things by doing too much, they could both get what they wanted. Sirius got time to explore earth, a change of scenery and an opportunity to spend more time with Harry. Severus got to work with potions again. Everyone was getting what he wanted! Why was Severus convinced there was a catch?
Perhaps the issue was that Severus couldn't find the proper ingredients. Was Sirius' mission to help him find it by listening to clues from Hermione?
Sirius' glow intensified at the thought of Severus having to admit that he could not have created a potion without him. It would almost be as sweet as the moment he entered the pearly gates.
Hermione burst into the store and stared at the front table. She collected the books and darted over to her right. Once she was in the back of the store, she began to put them on a top shelf. The door chimed.
"Hello Beatrice!"
"Hello," The blond woman's eyes fell on the now empty front table. "Where are the copies of Severus Snape: Saint or Scoundrel?"
"They're right here." Hermione shoved the fifth copy onto the shelf.
"Why are you putting them under the 'Science Fiction' section?"
"It's a marketing strategy." Hermione put another up. "Most people only want to buy this book, so they just go to the front table and never look around the store. If it isn't in such an obvious location though then people will have to hunt around. If we're lucky they'll discover another title and buy that as well. If we're really lucky they'll find an expensive book and buy that instead."
"That makes sense, but why put them on the top shelf?"
Hermione placed the last book in its now proper place. "If it's here, then they have to hunt around even more for it."
Beatrice cocked her head.
"You'll see," Hermione emerged from the bookshelves. "This strategy will work."
"What if its clear they only want that book and are getting frustrated with not finding it?"
"If that's the case, then you can show them where it is, or better yet, suggest another book."
"What if they think we're out of copies and just leave?"
"Perhaps they'll preorder or decide since they're already here so they should look around."
"From the way you're acting, you don't seem interested in selling this book."
"Of course I'm interested in selling this book," Hermione gave her a forced grin. "I think this strategy will work though."
Beatrice raised an eyebrow.
"Besides, the book belongs in the science fiction aisle, don't you agree?"
"It is closer to Star Trek than reality anyway."
"Exactly! It belongs in the science fiction where nobody will read the lies Rita has published-I mean where they'll have to look at some of our other titles and take an interest in them."
Beatrice nodded as her eyes flashed in understanding. "Got it."
Sirius glanced at the empty front table. At least he wouldn't have to look at Severus' face when he entered the store. The day was already improving.
The door rang again.
"Hermione!"
Hermione's smile evaporated as Beatrice took her place at the register.
The man gave her a smile which would make a muggle game show host blush. "How have you been?"
"Fine Cormac." She strolled over to the counter. "I've been just fine."
"Good. I've been worried about you. You seem so busy and exhausted. I'm worried that you'll wear yourself out."
"I appreciate your thinking about me." She shifted her glance towards the Biography aisle to her right. "It's nice to know you care."
"I always think about you," Cormac pinned her between him and the counter.
Sirius frowned.
"I really need to get in the back…"
"Hear me out first."
Hermione gulped.
"I know you were busy last weekend, but I was hoping sometime this week we could get together for dinner."
"I wish I could," she pushed him aside. "Sadly, this week appears to be busy for me as well."
"Lunch then?"
"That won't work either. With Rita's latest books coming out I've been struggling to keep up with orders."
"I'd imagine you're busy." Cormac glanced back at the empty table. "You appear to be sold out."
"Yes, I've been very busy filling orders and hoping they come in."
"When do you see yourself becoming less busy?"
"I don't know. It seems as if something always comes up."
He furrowed his eyebrows. "Yes, it does."
"I would love to chat more, but there are things which must get done." Hermione rushed towards her office.
"What is it going to take to get your attention?"
"Oh trust me, you have my attention."
"Then have dinner with me."
"I told you, I would love to, but it just isn't going to work this week."
Something told Sirius that dinner with Cormac wasn't going to work for any week.
"Then next week?"
"Maybe."
His lips curled up in an expression reminiscent of a snake which had discovered an obese mouse.
"In the meantime, I need to go. It was great to see you though. Feel free to show yourself out or better yet, buy a book and leave."
"You know I'm not interested in books."
"Perhaps you could develop an interest in them."
Before he could answer, she slammed the back door behind her.
Cormac snarled and turned to Beatrice. "Can't you pick up more of the slack so she's not as busy?"
Beatrice rolled her eyes. "I'm doing everything she needs me to do already."
"Do more. I refuse to rest until she has dinner with me."
Sirius turned a dull red.
"Do you think that perhaps she is trying to let you down nicely?" Beatrice asked.
"She wants me, even if she doesn't admit it."
"Sure she does."
Cormac glared at her.
The cashier huffed. "Are you going to buy something or are you going to stand around all day?"
"I have important Ministry business to attend to," Cormac began to leave. "Tell Hermione my offer for dinner still stands."
From the expression on Beatrice's face, it was clear that she had no intention of saying anything to her employer.
Once the door shut behind Cormac, Sirius breezed into Hermione's office.
"Why do I always pick up the narcissists?" Hermione muttered as she pulled out several parchments from her desk. "Why does every man think I'm so desperate for a kiss I'd tolerate boorish behavior?"
Sirius leaned against the wall.
Hermione groaned and slumped into her chair. "Why can't I be left alone so I can be happy with my life?"
Sirius smirked.
Severus could deal with the potion. He would deal with Cormac.