As expected, Percy filed for an injunction the following morning calling on Malfoy Industries to cease distribution of potions with magical properties to Muggles. Hermione laughed at the vagueness of the order. She could probably get it thrown out on those grounds alone; though she wasn't sure she wanted to pursue that route. It might not be a good idea to play dirty.

He also filed a request that sanctions be filed against the company for past actions. She laughed at the exorbitant number with very little justification. Again, she felt she could easily persuade the Wizengamot that the attempted punishment was punitive.

Hermione prepared the request for a hearing to appeal for an exception to the Statute on the grounds of significant protection of life and health for Muggles. She sent it to Draco to get his signatures so that she could get the information filed. She outlined some basic arguments and prepared lists of questions for Draco, Severus and Lyra. She spent the final few hours of the afternoon catching up on her work on her other clients.

The next day, Hermione exited the Floo into the manor and looked around. She had been sent the date of the hearing; it was in four weeks. She was a bit frustrated by the delay; however, she knew it would give her the time she needed to build a solid case without neglecting her other clients.

Coco appeared and escorted her to Lyra's study, where Hermione spied Lyra behind a desk that was piled with paperwork.

"Good afternoon, Hermione."

"Good afternoon, Lyra. How are you?"

"I am doing well, thank you. These are for you. " She motioned to the stack of files. "These are the records from the clinical trials. This one contains the summaries. It is probably the one you will be the most interested in, but the others contain backup that you might need. "

"This is very helpful, thank you. Do you know where Draco and Severus are?"

"Are you always this impatient, Granger?" Draco drawled from the doorway. "Severus will be along momentarily. He is working on something new that he is very focused on right now; he said he needed five minutes."

Hermione nodded. "Draco, I reviewed the proposed sanctions. The fine is punitive. Percy is trying to solve the Ministry's budget problems on the back of Malfoy industries. He has literally tried to say that every single dose of the potions should be subject to a fine, but I doubt there's any way he knows what those numbers even are. Some of these medications are taken twice per day and have been administered for several years; that is obviously astronomical. I'm going to argue that the fine should be administered by class of medication.

"As for the injunction, Draco, I need you to paint the picture of what will happen without the medication. We need to convince the Wizengamot that continuing the injunction is more dangerous for our world than reinstating distribution of the medications. We will also appeal to the Wizengamot from a standpoint of cooperation and equality, but truthfully, the pragmatic argument is likely to be the most effective."

Severus entered the room at that moment. Hermione couldn't help but notice his appearance. He wore black trousers and a dark grey turtleneck. He looked crisp, yet relaxed at the same time. Hermione acknowledged him with a shy smile. Severus grimaced and nodded. Draco hid his smirk behind his hand; it seemed smiling at Granger was something Severus wanted to do, even though it seemed to cause him physical pain. Lyra raised her eyebrow at the exchange. She wasn't sure she'd ever seen Severus smile deliberately. Even spontaneous smiles were rare from him, but she was intrigued as to why he was being uncharacteristically polite to Hermione.

"Well, there are a few things we need to focus on when making this appeal. We need to show the benefits to both our world and the Muggle world.

"Draco, you will be charged with detailing the benefits to Muggles. I assume the company has been following the progress of the affected patients?" Draco nodded.

"Good. For each medication, we need to show how the outcomes have been significantly more positive than those available from other sources. Lyra, you will need to talk about how the non-magical discoveries have been advancements, but how they fell short of the magical remedies. We'll appeal to their sense of fairness here. We'll show them how the Statute, if fully enforced, will harm the quality of life of Muggles."

"Severus, you will help show how this research, if continued, can also benefit wizards. You need to speak about your research and your efforts to use Muggle technology to solve Wizarding problems. I know this is asking a lot, but I need you to talk about your mother's case. There's no need to reveal her identity, or even that she's a personal acquaintance. But they need to understand that a witch was suffering from an illness that traditional Healers were unable to handle. We need to show them how, by bridging this gap, you have helped wizards and witches. We will paint the distribution to Muggles as the next logical step."

She paused to let her words sink in. Severus looked decidedly uncomfortable. Draco stepped in. "Hermione, Severus' research and use of Muggle technology has been helping witches and wizards for years, long before Mrs. Snape. Perhaps that would be an angle to pursue as well. There are several very well-known products that he developed using Muggle science. The Wizengamot is undoubtedly ignorant of this fact. You might even be able to find a personal angle for them, rather than expose ANY private information about Severus or his acquaintances."

Draco's words seemed surprisingly heavy, but he did have a point about making the appeal more global, or perhaps finding something that appealed directly to the members of the Wizengamot "Interesting, Malfoy, that might be an even more effective approach. Severus, you and I will need to discuss that in more detail.

She continued, "The other primary concern of the Wizengamot is going to be secrecy and protection of magic. Severus, you will need to share with them how the concealment charm was developed, and even more importantly, you'll need to talk about how it was tested. Draco, I believe you were heavily involved in the testing.

"Draco, you'll need to talk about Black Pharmaceuticals and how it operates within the Muggle world without any knowledge of its linkage to Malfoy Industries except for a few key individuals. We'll also talk about how the disappearance of the drugs would likely raise questions and cause more investigation into the reason why that could be undesirable.

"Lyra, you will need to show the care that was taken to follow Muggle procedures. We want to show a respect for the law as well as concern for Muggle safety. We need to show cooperation and care here. We'll give the Wizengamot no reason to question to competency of Black Pharmaceuticals to manage this process."

Lyra smiled. Hermione was certainly good at her job. Draco couldn't help but wish she worked for his company on a permanent basis. Severus couldn't help but admire her either, though he was wondering if she was so quick to take charge in all aspects of her life.

Draco excused himself to get back to work. He promised Hermione that he would send her a wealth of reading materials about the success of the medications. Hermione huffed mildly at his teasing her about her love of books.

Lyra offered to show her the lab. Hermione wasn't sure if that was a good idea, she didn't want to tread on the space that Severus undoubtedly saw as private. "Hermione," Severus offered calmly. "It might be useful for you to see some of the operations first hand. " Hermione was delighted. Severus led them just a few doors down from Lyra's study and opened the door.

The lab was nothing like what Hermione had expected. She supposed her image of potions laboratories was permanently tainted by the dungeons at Hogwarts. The lab at the manor was bright and shiny. There were large windows on one wall. There was a small area where plants were growing.

"These are ingredients that far easier to procure in seedling form. Narcissa's greenhouse has a section dedicated to our research as well. She is a rather talented Herbologist, as is Astoria, which I'm sure you know."

There were long stainless steel counters containing cauldrons of all sizes and materials. Several potions simmered and popped with their latest creations. Hermione recognized one of the potions and looked at Severus in surprise.

"Wolfsbane?"

"Indeed. Though that's not entirely accurate, as this is our more advanced version. I'm testing it now on a few subjects. This variety cuts back on the before and after effects for most of those who suffer. Instead of falling ill for two or three days per month, the patient merely sleeps for about 12-14 hours on the affected day. It should be far less disruptive to their lives."

"I'm surprised you still brew this." Her voice dropped to a whisper. She wasn't sure if this was a safe topic.

Severus sighed, knowing exactly her meaning. "I probably punished Lupin too harshly for his treatment of me when we were young. Inaction was his greatest crime. However, I certainly can't claim that I corrected the actions of my friends when I was a young man."

"He regretted that he did not help you more." Severus looked at Hermione with surprise. "Don't be so shocked Severus. Sirius never really grew out of that adolescent phase, but Remus did."

"I have seen his son. He's a fine boy. Andromeda has done well raising him."

"Yes, she has. And Harry has worked hard to be there for him as well."

"If you are expecting me to compliment Potter, Hermione, you are asking for a miracle." Severus smirked. Hermione laughed.

"I won't hold my breath, Severus."

There were several doors off the lab. Lyra showed Hermione where her lab was set up. It was warded to protect the Muggle equipment that Lyra used in her work. When Hermione went to open one of the other doors, Severus winced.

"Hermione …" he warned.

"I'm sorry, is this area private?" Hermione turned to Lyra. She didn't seem to understand Severus' hesitation either.

"That is our testing room, Hermione. I assure you, we are as humane as possible, but you may not approve of what you see." Severus' voice was clearly nervous, which did nothing for Hermione's anxiety. She braced herself as Lyra opened the door.

The room was much larger than Hermione would have expected. It was light and bright and very clean. There were several habitats set up for the test subjects. They had room to move, food and water available, even areas to play. Most of them appeared very healthy.

Severus was standing behind her. "It's part of the process. We can't test anything on humans without having an idea how other creatures will react. Magic helps. If any creature seems to be truly suffering, we can usually heal them. We do our best to minimize any ill effects."

Hermione steeled her nerves. "Severus, you know I don't have the stomach for this kind of thing. But it looks like you tried to treat the subjects as well as possible. I have lost some of my righteous indignation. I know that the goal here is to help others." He led her back out of the room into the main lab. Lyra excused herself and returned to her study.

"Tell me about the early projects." She conjured a notepad and pen. He led her into a small study that was off to the side of the lab.

"Well, truthfully, Draco was my earliest project that used Muggle technology."

"What?" Hermione was stunned and a little concerned by the revelation.

Severus laughed. "Oh, nothing untoward, Hermione, I assure you. I'm sure you are aware of the problem that Purebloods often have with fertility." She nodded and gave a mild shudder. She'd received more than one truly unromantic marriage proposal from purebloods that sought a powerful witch to restore their family's former glory.

"Narcissa and her sisters all suffered from a physical problem that makes carrying a child to term very difficult. The problem gets worse as the witch ages. That is why Tonks was an only child. Lyra was born when Narcissa was very young; she was not quite twenty. But the pregnancy was still extremely difficult for her; it is thought that her illnesses during the pregnancy may be why Lyra does not have measurable magic. "

"Measurable?" Hermione was intrigued.

"Most squibs aren't completely without magic, Hermione. There are even many Muggles that have trace magic. It isn't strong enough to perform spells; nor is it powerful enough to cause problems, but it is still there. Every great once in a while, Lyra will perform very basic magic, like an unintentional summoning spell. Lucius thought for years that she was a just late in developing the skills, but when the Hogwarts letter never arrived, it was confirmed that she only has trace magic. It was very hard for all of them. But, let me return to the point of the story.

"Narcissa and Lucius tried to have another child right after Lyra, knowing that their time was limited. For three years, Narcissa suffered the painful cycle of hope and disappointment. She got pregnant more than once, but suffered a loss each time."

"After I graduated Hogwarts, I was serving Voldemort, and I stayed here. Lucius confided in me what they were going through and asked for my help, knowing my skill with potions. I spent months researching all magical solutions and came up empty. As a last attempt, I examined some Muggle medical journals. Intrigued by the progress the Muggles were making, even back then, I started experimenting. There was an excess of Kneazles around the manor for the year or so I was testing my discoveries. Finally, I came up with something that I believed would work for humans. Draco was born about a year after Narcissa started taking the medication."

"That's amazing, Severus. So was the solution magical or scientific?"

"Both. What I developed could never have been used for Muggles, but I did use their science as my theoretical foundation."

"Does Draco know this?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, but Lyra does not. Please understand and respect the need for discretion on that front. It would undoubtedly be difficult for her to accept that she might not have lost her magic if Muggle medicine was used. Draco only knows because Malfoy Industries still markets a version of the original potion."

"So that's why your Malfoy's godfather?" Hermione laughed. Severus looked offended.

"I would imagine it is probably a factor," he stated grumpily.

Severus noted how easily she had accepted the story. She hadn't reacted when he'd said Voldemort's name or when he had acknowledged his time as a Death Eater. She had just watched him attentively with those eyes. A soft brown, her eyes were always full of emotion and curiosity and surprisingly little judgment.

Hermione asked him several more questions about his work. He shared with her his other creations; she was quite impressed. The conversation strayed from his potions research a bit. She never asked him anything too personal, but they talked about his early years at Hogwarts. Dumbledore had been supportive of his research. Severus didn't share with Hermione that his research was the one thing in those early years after Lily's death that kept him sane.

Every few minutes, Lyra would step out of her study for some manufactured reason or another. She greeted them politely and would join in the conversation briefly before returning to her own work.

Severus asked Hermione a few polite questions about her work; she was quite animated in telling him about her practice. She had been quite successful as a prosecutor, but punishment was not her forte, so she broke out on her own a few years earlier. She did a fair amount of criminal defense, but she also helped with other legal matters such as contracts and estates. She represented humans, part-humans and non-humans alike. She had lobbied for a few pieces of legislation improving the rights of non-humans.

"Still protecting the downtrodden, Hermione?" He said with a smile.

"Yes, I am, although these days I try to make sure they want my help." She smiled shyly. "The house-elves at university wouldn't even speak to me. Apparently the Hogwarts elves warned them about the clothes."

She looked at her watch. They had been talking for over two hours. "I should go. We've probably both got work to do."

And so the days went for that first week. She would visit the manor for several hours each afternoon. She would often talk with Lyra or Draco about the case. She would go over the materials they gave her in the morning and come with questions or requests for clarification. She would often talk strategy with Draco. She chatted with Lyra a time or two as well. Lyra and Hermione really did lead lives that were somewhat parallel, though strangely inverted. Hermione had to give up her family for their safety; Lyra's had to send her away for hers. They both had rebuilt relationships with their families, but the old issues still lurked beneath the surface. Both women were intelligent and driven and people they encountered were frequently intimidated by them.

Lyra noted, however, that she spent most of her time, not with her, or Draco, or even her dear friend Astoria. No, most of Hermione's time that week was spent in the lab with Severus. Oh, she talked with him about the case extensively. She probably had herself convinced it was all necessary for the case. But there was a great deal of talk about his past research that Lyra hardly thought was relevant to the case. Lyra also couldn't help but notice the mild nervousness between the two when they were physically close. The looks were a little too long, and then she would become tongue tied, or he would turn sour. Hands would brush; then the floor would become fascinating to her, or some plant would require his attention across the room. Lyra wasn't jealous, at least not in the traditional sense, but Severus had been her confidante for a very long time. She couldn't say she was thrilled with the new alliance.

Severus thoroughly enjoyed his visits with Hermione. She challenged him intellectually in a very pleasant way. And she possessed a toughness that was reassuring. There was no need to worry excessively about Hermione's feelings. If she didn't like what he said, she would give it right back to him. Lyra had always been a bit difficult in that way. She tried to project toughness, but she was more fragile than most would have guessed. Hermione, on the other hand, appeared delicate, but was fearless, probably to a fault. He just wouldn't think about those little moments that he was tempted to touch her or kiss her. He did not want to frighten her away. Just having her companionship was satisfactory, or at least that's what he tried to tell himself.

A/N: I own nothing.

Thanks for your lovely reviews. This is a rather quiet chapter; we'll have a couple of these before the hearing.

Hermione was the most content she'd been in a long time. The case was thrilling, and she was spending a great deal of time in very enjoyable company. The irony that it was occurring at Malfoy manor was not lost on her. She even had a few pleasant conversations with Narcissa and Lucius when they would run into one another when she came to visit.

But Severus was an enigma. There were times when he was simply a milder version of his old professor persona. He was no longer cruel, but still snarky and impatient. Other times, he was calm and thoughtful, an expert sharing his knowledge and history with her and listening to her views with interest. They quarreled about several subjects, but it was more of a debate than a battle. And then there were the moments when she was aware of nothing about him except that he was a man. Those were the most confusing, because she would feel his eyes upon her, and then usually just as quickly, he would withdraw from her.

She always felt so embarrassed in those moments. He was twenty years her senior, her former professor, and someone she had both detested and respected for years. She had mourned his death and rejoiced at his survival. And the only thing that was consistent about her feelings toward him in those days was that she found him positively magnetic. She had no idea how she was going to handle the end of the case. She desperately hoped that wouldn't mean the end of her friendship with this man. She knew that it was unlikely that it could be more than that, but she enjoyed his company. She didn't know she could be content with just a friendly relationship with him; however, since she was sure that was all it could be, she told herself it would have to be enough.