Heartfelt thanks are given to Yen along with chocolate biscuits for all her help with this one. Everyone else can have a biscuit when Yen gets hers. Ree
Pests and Opportunities
Severus knew many people had a misconception that after a while, one could brew potions by rote, without paying them much attention. Yes, there were a few out there that fell into that category. Making soap bubbles was one. Mix some water and soap powder together, and you were set. Sarcasm intended.
For the most part though, brewing required attention to detail, complete focus and in depth knowledge. Some potions could handle being brewed with a few goofs here and there with minimal consequences. Most of what he brewed did not fall into that category, but the mark of a true Master of Potions was making it look like they all did.
Since Severus excelled at making brewing look easy, he had to make rules for his lab door at school on how to properly interrupt him. The first step was to knock on the closed door and if there was no answer, you had to make a decision – was this an important conversation or could it wait? If it could wait then you left; if it was important then you opened the door and walked in. If you opted to enter the lab, you should wait next to the door until you are acknowledged – never doubt that your presence will be noted. If it is a life threatening situation that required Severus' immediate attention, then you could interrupt him, but if it is found not to be one, then be prepared for the consequences. His Slytherins and the older professors knew both the rules and the consequences quite well. The newer professors at least knew the rules.
Watching the three cauldrons of Pepper Up brewing, Severus was glad it was Sunday and he had the entire day to restock Poppy's inventory. An outbreak of the cold and flu had reduced her stock of a good many potions to critical level. He had told Minerva where he was going to be today and let his prefects know as well. That was at breakfast time, which he had taken a break from brewing to attend. It was past lunchtime now, but he hadn't stopped for it since his list was only a quarter of the way through.
As the first cauldron started to hiss, he quickly made a minor adjustment, all the while listening to the other two. Pepper Up potion was a volatile one, so much so that he preferred to brew only two cauldrons at a time, but with Poppy's stores depleting fast, he was pushing his limits to work on three.
When a knock sounded on his lab door, he ignored it, hoping that it wasn't anything he was going to have to deal with right now. Stirring the laboriously bubbling mixture clockwise four times, he almost jumped when another knock came – this one loud, repetitive and impatient. No one knocked on his door twice; they all knew better. Shooting a furious glare at the door, he hoped that whoever it was would leave. Focusing back onto the cauldrons, he ignored the entire outside world once again.
-o-o-o-o-
Viola Zimmer had come down to the lab only to find herself completely ignored by the man she had come to visit. Flitwick had assured her that Severus was there, so she had knocked politely and then again, waiting for permission to enter. When a slither of a memory from the first faculty meeting slid through her mind – the door was unlocked and if you didn't hear a reply, just enter – she turned the handle and walked in. The first thing she saw was Severus deliberately turning his back on her.
"Severus!" The name came out on a huff as she closed the door behind her.
Severus jumped slightly, causing the stirring rod to agitate the surface of the potion with too much force. No one was stupid enough to call his name like that, especially in his lab.
"Honestly, Severus! Don't ignore me." Zimmer's exasperation was clear in her tone.
The cauldron that Severus was working on hissed and steamed, releasing the much needed liquid that he had been keeping trapped with all the skill he had. Reaching for the nearest jug of warm water, he carefully tipped a bit in, hoping he was in time to stave off the coagulation that was about to occur. Even as he was saving that one, the noises from the other two cauldrons told him he needed to hurry or all three batches would be lost.
"Really! I came all this way to visit you." Viola folded her arms over her chest and glared at the black robed man, waiting for some type of acknowledgment.
None came.
"I told you to stop ignoring me, you need company! I know you do, but everyone here walks around you like they are on eggshells. They seem to think that you like being alone." Viola snorted lightly. "I know differently. I've seen the way your eyes light up when that owl comes. I know you are looking for some companionship."
She moved towards the Potions Master, not concerned about the bubbling cauldrons, her expression softening. "Let me be that person for you while you are school. I'm sure your letter writer wouldn't mind sharing you with me."
Darting about the table and dodging his most unwelcome guest, Severus carefully stirred the other two potions, catching them before they were ruined. Lowering the stirring rods, one in each hand, he canceled the fire under the cauldrons. Now all three brews would have to sit for a few moments before they could be bottled.
Plenty of time to talk to his visitor.
Spinning about, Severus pinned a coldly furious glare on the blonde, his frown at its deepest and his lips pulled back in a snarl. "Professor Zimmer," her name was a hiss that he drew out, "I am sure you paid attention to the correct way to enter my lab since I distinctly remember you commenting on it during the first staff meeting. Why have you taken it upon yourself to break that protocol?"
Each word was spat out, holding as much ire as he could pack into them.
Viola blinked in surprise. "Surname and a title? Surely we are beyond that point." She ignored the rest of his tirade, he was just upset that she refused to tiptoe around him like he was used to. He would learn.
Severus raised an eyebrow and folded his arms as he leaned back against his table, angling himself in such a way that all three cauldrons were in his field of view. She thought she had the right to use his first name and that they could be friends? She had just ruined any chance of that, not that she was doing a good job achieving her goal before this incident.
"No. We are not," he told her clipped tones, disapproving tones. "You have not explained what the life threatening emergency is that called you in here to disturb my work."
Viola rolled her eyes and sighed. "Nothing that is life threatening! I just decided to pay you a visit. Can't someone just come in and visit you? I mean, you obviously want a companion, all those letters show that."
'She took my correspondence with Harry as a reason to talk to me?' Severus thought in utter disbelief. 'To try and be a companion for me? She thought that she could fulfill my need for Harry and that he wouldn't mind?' Severus gave a mental growl as he increased his glare. She would never be able to replace Harry, and Harry would definitely take exception to her attempting to do so. "You dared to interrupt my brewing to visit? To disregard the rules and procedures put in place to protect everyone in the lab, as well as the potions I am working on? To offer companionship that you mistakenly think I am lacking?"
Even Harry wasn't that stupid, not even when he was a young student that drove him to distraction with his stupid heroics. That one lab occurrence over the summer, the one that caused him to lose it, happened because he hadn't put a procedure in place with Harry. It was never repeated once they implemented the use of the sign.
As Viola opened and closed her mouth in silent outrage, Severus swept her a scathing look from head to toe, one that mentally dismissed whatever she had to offer. Then he lifted his wand and summoned the vials he needed to fill.
It was time to find out if he has succeeded in saving the potions.
Viola huffed when Severus turned his back to her once again, obviously trying to end the conversation. "Yes, I wanted to visit. Someone has to interrupt your brewing - it is all you seem to do! You are a Potions Master, one of the best if the other teachers are to be believed. I think that those rules and procedures are just another way you try to make people feel like they are not wanted, that you are happy without them here. And I am not mistaken in your lack of friends."
She tried to take another step towards the table and blinked in surprise when she found out she couldn't move a step. Ah well, good thing she could still talk. "I just want to try and be that friend. What is wrong with that?!"
Minerva stopped short when Professor Zimmer's voice carried through the closed lab door with the owl that she believed belonged to Ronald Weasley sitting on her shoulder. She could hear the almost whining tone that Zimmer was using and cringed inwardly as she waited for just a moment to hear Severus' response. When none came, she quickly entered. A silent Severus could mean that there were dire plans in the works. Zimmer had graduated three years before Severus had entered Hogwarts for his first year; therefore, had no experience with the vitriol she was setting herself up to receive.
Minerva scanned the room, checking out the situation with the ease of many years of experience regarding her former-student turned colleague. It was obvious by the stiff set of Severus' shoulders and the glare that was currently directed at the vials, that the new professor was already in deep trouble. She had a feeling it was only because of her order to Severus not to hex the new professors that had stopped him from doing so and quickly cast a warning look at Zimmer to stop her from making things worse.
Severus stiffened when his lab door opened once again, but relaxed when he saw realized it was Minerva. He had been half afraid it would be Dexter – the Defense Professor – to join with Zimmer in completely destroying his day. He continued filling the vials until he reached the cauldron he had attempted to save. Examining the contents closely, he opted to go ahead and bottle it, but would let Poppy know that this batch was not up to his usual standard and to use it only if there was nothing else. Once he finished he turned to find out what the Headmistress needed.
"Minerva, what can I do for you?" His eyes were drawn to the owl that the she was keeping a firm hold on.
Letting the bird go now that it was safe, Minerva nodded to it as it flew to an empty spot on the table. "I think that is Weasley's owl, and he is carrying a letter for you. I brought it to you in case it was an emergency."
It intrigued her that Severus' name was written in what she was sure was Harry Potter's handwriting. That was the reason that she had brought the bird here, Potter writing Severus and using what she was quite sure was Weasley's owl might be considered an emergency. She knew that Severus would not be leaving his lab until late so he wouldn't be anywhere the owl could reach him, and if this was truly an emergency, it would be too late.
Severus tensed again as reasons for Ronald to contact him ran through his mind, none of them any good. Taking the letter from the bird, he was relieved to see Harry's messy scrawl. He set the letter down and turned to his visitors first. He had a few things to set straight before he could indulge in the letter that was trying to distract him.
"Professor Zimmer," he began in the same icy tones had used earlier, "I am not lacking in friends here. I just visit them when I wish to, and they know when I am not to be bothered with trivialities. If you are in desperate need of company, take the time to get to know Professor Dexter, or Hagrid – he collects strays, I am sure he will allow you to visit him whenever you like."
Ignoring the open mouthed outrage on Zimmer's reddening face, he shifted his attention to Minerva, noting how her lips twitched. "Take her with you as you leave. Thanks to her, I will not be having dinner in the Great Hall tonight, so she can watch over the Slytherin table. Can you also let Poppy know that I will deliver her one set potions she needs tonight barring any other distractions? I am about half way through the first set she ordered. I will be working late tomorrow and most likely through the week to complete all her sets, so I might be missing at meals periodically."
Minerva nodded before turning around and chivvying the other professor out in front of her. Zimmer looked surprised when she took a step forward, and that told Minerva just how close Severus had come to doing her harm. It was truly time to leave before the tight restraint she could see in Severus' face broke. She knew that she would be having a long talk with the Muggle Studies Professor as soon as possible. Severus' voice followed them out the door.
"Minerva, thank you for bringing me the owl, I'll let you know if I need to go anywhere." Severus watched as his lab door closed before picking back up the letter while the little owl flew up to find a perch.
Unrolling the scroll, he felt a sigh of relief leave his lips. It was from Harry and all was fine. A quick skim had him heading for his office desk to write a reply. Sitting down with a quill in hand, he reread the missive, catching small hints of how much Harry missed him in the way the words were written. It was in the request to let Hermione stay in the guest room, the spacing of the words showed just how often the writer paused in his thoughts, and Severus was positive that it was because Harry was thinking of him. Tiny shakes in the letters on the words 'need to see you' told him just how much Harry meant that.
As he wrote his reply, he wondered if Harry could read his own needs and thoughts in his writing. Part of him wanted to refuse Hermione permission to stay at the house while he was not there. 'I can't do that, it would be childish. Hermione is firmly attached to Ronald and it would give Harry someone to talk to. That way he won't be rattling about the house by himself. I have Minerva and the others if I need someone, but he hasn't really had anyone close at hand.' With that thought squarely in the front of his mind, he granted the permission and even gently chided Harry for asking since the house now belonged to both of them.
Leaning back in his seat, Severus stared up at the ceiling while trying to keep the rush of emotions locked away. 'Harry is coming here... I need to find somewhere we can meet that won't be under everyone's eye. Someplace that I can...' The words faded as the thoughts of Harry pressed against him, their lips fused together in a devouring kiss filled his mind. Swallowing heavily, he attempted to will his half erection away as he focused back onto the parchment. Hog's Head would be a good place to meet. Aberforth could be trusted not to spread tales to the student body if Severus lost control as he normally did around Harry. "It might be prudent to get a room in that case."
With the letter finished, Severus walked the owl out and watched him fly away. He stopped by the Headmistress' office to reassure Minerva that all was fine and then he picked up a sandwich in the kitchen before returning to his lab.
Closing the door, he swallowed his last mouthful of bread and pushed all thoughts of Harry's imminent arrival to the back of his mind. He had potions to finish, and lots of papers and plans to complete. He wanted his weekend to be completely free.
Harry wasn't going home Friday night if Severus had any say in the matter.
-o-o-o-o-
Harry listened intently as Hermione explained how she learned to hold her wand differently while casting a shield charm. They were in the parlour at Grimmauld Place which was where Harry and Ron went to practice their spells as they learned them. Kreacher appreciated the company, the chance to serve refreshments and even the mess the boys made.
"It allows me to move into a casting potion easier." Hermione swished her wand once again to demonstrate.
Ron gave it a try before watching Harry attempt it as well. Both of them succeeded in casting the shield, but it was slightly slower than their normal way.
"Now you have to practice to get it up to speed." Hermione grinned as she aimed a Jelly Leg jinx at Ron.
The sight of Pig flying through one of the open windows put an end to the training session. Harry watched as the bird flew in large circles before alighting on the back of one of the moved chairs, his little wings drooped slightly in exhaustion. Offering Pig a treat and sending Kreacher for a bowl filled with water, Harry took his reply letter and settled into the chair.
Breaking the seal, he read the letter quickly, his heart speeding up as he realized that he was going to see Severus this Friday.
"Well, what was his answer?" Ron watched the different expressions flash over Harry's face and was pretty sure it was good news.
Harry stared longingly at the "Meet me Friday evening - 8 pm at Hog's Head." for a moment longer. He could almost see the wish for him to stay the night. Making a mental note to pack a bag, he smiled up at Ron. "He says that Hermione can stay, but you have to abide by Mum Weasley's orders. So, that means you can't be in the guest room with her, and no using the other furniture in the house if you two are there alone. In fact, he would prefer you not to be there alone with Hermione at all as it goes against Mum Weasley's wish."
Both his friends sighed and rolled their eyes.
Hermione gestured towards the door. "We will. He probably has charms all over the place that would let him know if we didn't. Let's go. I'm getting hungry and would like to see the neighborhood in the light."
As they headed for the apparition point, Harry stopped, his eyes wide. "Oh! I need to tell you that the people there have this idea that Severus is my uncle."
Hermione spun about. "Harry! I thought you said that you were equals in this relationship! Uncle?"
"We are equals, Hermione. It wasn't Severus that came up with that." Harry's serious look gave away to tolerance. "We think it was Mr. Patterson who started the rumor, although Severus says it sounds like something Mrs. Miller might have dreamed up. Any rate, I've told Sanders that he wasn't my uncle, and anyone else who calls him that to me, but it doesn't change their perspective. The current lead rumor is that his father was indiscreet after one too many at the pub and had a daughter by someone. That daughter was supposedly my mother. They believe that Severus discovered that I was his nephew somehow and also found out that I needed a guiding hand, so he took me in. If you wish to stir the mix up, go for it."
Returning their grins, he walked a couple of steps forward only to stop again. "I also told Petters who would have told Sanders, which means that it is most likely around the town, that I was being hunted by a murderer through my secondary school years, and that you guys helped me. And that we missed seventh year, only to go back and take it. Petters was the one who suggested that I call everyone together to ask their opinion of what I should do since this department training thing wasn't working."
Ron shook his head, grinning. "Anything else?"
Harry shook his head as well. "Can't think of any. I'll side along you guys one at a time. Ron, I'll take you first, just stay near the apparition point until I get back, okay? Be ready to defend yourself with Muggle means if necessary."
Taking Ron's arm, Harry popped away to the woods near the riverbank. "Stay here." He went back for Hermione, and returned just a few moments later.
Hermione joined Ron in looking about, taking in the sound of the river and the evergreens that they were standing in. "It is nice here."
Harry nodded as he started up the path to the park. "It is, but it is also where some of the town's lowlife like to hang out, so we have to be vigilant. This way to the house."
Ron watched as Harry walked down the street. His friend smiled at different people, and nodded to others. There were a few that he didn't acknowledge and those were the ones that Ron took special note of.
They eventually made it to a row of terrace houses. Hermione's eyes widened as they entered the last one. "I never would have thought that Snape lived in a place like this."
Harry chuckled and shrugged. He hadn't either, but now he couldn't think of the man living anywhere else. "The cellar holds a potions lab. The attic is storage, this level holds the living room, dining room and kitchen, and the second level holds two bedrooms and the bath. Let's go drop Hermione's stuff off in the guest room and I'll give you the shilling tour."
He walked further into the house, and gestured towards the room they were passing through. "The living room. Severus said you can use the books, but to put them back where they belong when you are done. They should be in the same condition when returned as when they are borrowed. That opening leads to the kitchen and dining room, and here are the stairs."
Opening the door, Harry headed up the dark stairs by memory. He blinked when the lights were cut on. "Sorry, guys. Forgot about that."
Hermione shook her head. If she needed any proof that Harry was comfortable here, then the way he traversed the stairs in pitch black was it. "Don't worry. At least I know about light switches."
Ron rolled his eyes and headed up the stairs, muttering, "Lumos would have worked fine."
"Muggle neighborhood, Ron." Hermione's laughter could be heard in her voice.
Harry opened the door at the top of the stairs. "Master bedroom to the left at the end of the corridor, guest room to the right, bathroom first door on the left." He turned to the right and opened the guest bedroom door. "Is it okay?"
Harry watched as his friends entered the small but neat room. He could see Ron relax in the space and then Hermione.
"It will be fine, Harry." Hermione set her bag on the chest at the foot of the bed before turning about and taking in the rest of the room. The soothing shades of cream and blue put her at ease. Smiling at Harry, she headed for the door. "The bathroom is this way?"
Harry walked down the corridor and opened the correct door. "Spare towels are in the cupboard."
Hermione nodded before stepping in and closing the door. "I'll see you two downstairs."
Ron and Harry looked at each other and headed back down.
"Do you want the rest of the tour or do you want to wait here?" Harry watched as Ron looked at the walls of bookshelves before heading towards the next room.
"I want supper, so let's finish the tour. Hermione will have a chance to see the rest later."
Laughing, Harry showed Ron the kitchen and dining room while they waited.
-o-o-o-o-
Sanders met them as they walked into the restaurant, eyeing the two new kids with unconcealed curiosity. "Potter! I see you brought friends with you."
Harry nodded before introducing them. "Hermione is going to be staying with me for a while."
"Have you asked Snape?" Sanders frowned slightly. Yes, call him old school, but girls and boys were not supposed to be staying in a house alone unless they shared the same last name.
Chuckling slightly, Harry answered him. "Yes, Severus agreed already. I think it was because Ron's mum refused for them to stay in the same house, even with Ron's older brother staying there as well. 'Can't have the couple living together until he makes an honest woman out of her.' " He looked over at his best mate and asked, "That is what she said, right, Ron?"
Ron's slight blush and aggrieved sigh reassured Sanders and he focused back on Potter. "Have you talked about the issues that you and Petters discussed?"
"We have. Now I have to talk to Severus, but this can't be a phone call. He wants to meet with me on Friday evening. Can I have the night off, or do I need to contact him to reschedule?" Harry took a quick look around the seating area, noticing that they were fairly busy.
Sanders answered as he gestured for the group to follow him. "Friday night? That means you won't be back until late Saturday. Two days off. Will you be willing to work Sunday?"
"I will. I'm not positive what my schedule will be like on Monday. It depends on whether I can get into another program quickly or not." Harry's eyes widened slightly as they stopped by a table in the far back corner of the restaurant, near the kitchen door. It was the employee break table. "You want us to sit here?"
Sanders waved them into the booth. "Petters will want to come out and talk to you. Easier this way. Let me know about Monday as soon as you can. I'll leave you on the schedule for now."
With that, he walked into the kitchen.
Hermione picked up the two menus that were left at the corner of the table and gave one to Ron. "What is good here?"
Ron set the menu onto the table and grinned at Harry. "I am going to have the tortellini fresh today. That is my favorite out of all the leftovers you bring for lunch."
Harry grinned back. "I'm going for the Parmesan. Hermione, anything on the menu is good. Petters is a really good chef."
A moment later, Sanders slid three glass of water onto the table. "Potter, go get your drinks from the station. Petters will be out in a moment to talk to you and take your order."
Watching the older man walk off, Harry waited until he was out of hearing range to ask his table companions what they wanted. All three decided water was fine for now.
In no time, the kitchen door opened and Petters was beside the table.
"These two must be Ron and Hermione." Smiling, he nodded towards them. "It is nice to meet you. I am Emile Petters." When Ron and Hermione both returned his greetings, he continued, his attention solely on Potter. "So, Potter, was it useful to talk to your friends?"
Harry smiled. "You knew it would be, Chef. They came up with a multitude of ideas, most of them are feasible. Ron and I decided to finish out this week since we have a skills test on Friday morning, and then we'll call it quits. We'll be given a certification of the skills that we've gained so we might as well persevere until then. I'm going to see Severus Friday evening. I'll leave from my school to his school."
Petters grinned as he interrupted. "Snape insisted on seeing you in person, did he?"
Harry nodded as he continued. "Yeah, he did. So, I won't be in on Friday."
Petters interrupted once again, his pained expression showing just how much he was going to be missing his dishwasher. "Or Saturday either. You're coming in on Sunday to make up the time, right?"
Harry nodded. "That is the deal right now. Then it will be wait and see what happens."
Petters nodded. That made sense. "Potter, you are having Chicken Parmesan and Caesar salad. What are the others eating?"
Harry shook his head. "I need to change up my menu sometime, obviously. Ron wants the tortellini, and Hermione?"
"I'll try the lasagna and we'll all have the Caesar salad." Hermione folded the menu and placed it on top of Ron's.
Petters smiled at them and headed back to the kitchen.
-o-o-o-o-
Hermione walked into the dining room, surprised at how well she had slept last night. When she had finally retired, not long after Ron had left for the evening, it had sunk in just how strange the situation was. She had expected to sleep at Grimmauld Place, and was mentally prepared for the place. She ended up in a calm, bright room that was more Muggle-like than Wizard-like, and that it was Snape's place made it even more strange.
She had been shocked yesterday morning when she had learned that Harry and Snape were a couple, but last night the shock had worn off and the reality had settled in. As she put her head on the pillow and closed her eyes, she was sure that sleep would never come, but the next thing she knew, it was daylight.
Now, as she stood in the dining room, she stared at the plate that was sitting at the table. Breakfast was waiting for her. Looking about, she tried to find a note, but there wasn't one. Knowing that Harry had to be alright, she headed back to the dining room. Sitting at the table, she removed the warming charm on the plate and took a deep sniff, the smell of pancakes and sausages making her stomach growl. She dug in and summoned her books to continue studying since she would return to class tomorrow.
It wasn't until she was cleaning up the dishes that she noticed the calendars on the fridge, and the schedule on the one on the right. 'So, that is where Harry is. He has already headed to the Ministry. What is the other one?' A cursory look turned into a stare. It was obviously in Harry's handwriting, but it was recording Snape's day. It had his class schedule laid out and even lessons taught for previous weeks. 'They are talking, not about nothing, but about everyday things. There is no other way that Harry could know what was going on in Snape's classroom.'
One last look at Harry's schedule to check what time he would be home and Hermione headed out into the town to go exploring.
-o-o-o-o-
Harry stood almost back to back with Ron as the meeting wore on. It was the typical Monday morning meeting, and it was the safest time of the week for Ron and himself. They were able to be together, and it was easier to guard each other's backs.
Harry perked up the moment Auror Vaughn walked up to the front of the room. It wasn't often that their Defense Instructor came to the meetings. Harry wondered if they were moving the Defense test. If they were, then he and Ron were going to quit today. That exam was the only reason why they were still here.
Vaughn stopped near Simmons and looked over the group. "Good morning, trainees. As we are almost halfway through the course, I shall offer you the chance to test for your Mastery in Defense. This is a standard offer, it has nothing to do with the quality of this group. Do note that if you decide to take this test, your skill level will be awarded to you so even if you do not pass, you will be trained at the level you are found to be. You do not have to take part in this, but if you do, see me to sign up right after the meeting is dismissed."
Simmons spoke up next. "The meeting is done. If you do not wish to sign up, report to the training room. If you wish to, report there as soon as you have signed up."
Harry and Ron moved so that they were near a wall as most of the others left out the door except for six trainees who approached Vaughn. They patiently waited until the trainees were walking towards the door before approaching the table where the list was.
Vaughn watched as Potter and Weasley came over. He had noticed while he was speaking to the group that they were on alert the entire time and the way they moved, obviously protecting their backs, even when the majority of the trainees left. Even now, when there were so few in the room, they looked wary. Trainees shouldn't need to feel on guard when they were not in training. It made him nervous as to why they were signing up. Were they doing it just to pass the test and then leave?
Vaughn searched their faces as they signed his form. "You know, you don't have to do this just to prove a point. You are doing well in Defense, and you can keep on going at the regular pace."
Potter's half grin and watchful eye on the other occupants of the room confirmed his suspicions even more.
"We want to, sir. It will be nice to see what level we are truly at." Ron set the quill down as he finished speaking. "We need to get to training. See you Friday, sir."
Vaughn watched as they headed out, their body language screaming high alert. He was going to have to talk to Simmons later – something was going on.
For the first time since they joined the training programs, Ron and Harry left on time. Normally they would stay late for the extra training time, working themselves up to the point of exhaustion, but not anymore.
It was three o'clock when they appeared at Grimmauld Place. Kreacher was pleased to see them and brought glasses of chilled pumpkin juice as soon as they settled at the table with parchment spread out before them.
"We need a schedule, a time line on what to study to make sure that we are ready." Ron drew a chart that was eerily reminiscent of Hermione's scheduling charts from their school days.
"We can use Severus' books and the ones here to help us out. I think Severus' would be more helpful since he wrote notes all in the margins. Then we can come here to practice as usual." Harry leaned forward to look at the chart. "We should start today. Let's go to my place and check out his books to see if we can figure out just how much we have to learn."
"Then we come back here and get busy." Ron let the parchment roll up and finished his drink, "before we start our real work."
It took them no time to be surrounded by books in the living room of Spinner's End, and that was how Hermione found them.
"What are you doing?" Hermione carefully threaded her way through the stacks, making her way to Ron. She dropped a light kiss on his lips before peering at the parchment in the middle of the coffee table. "A study plan? Why?"
Harry moved to make a note on the chart as he answered. "Vaughn is offering to test all the trainees for Defense Mastery this Friday. Ron and I signed up."
Hermione's eyes widened before she sat down amongst the stacks and started helping with the plan.