A new variable to the equation has been added

"Sir, there is no trace of him. The curse must have worked." A tall slender man stood respectfully next to his employer, if one would call it that. "What would you like me to do with the arrangements?" His dark brown eyes were watching the other taller and older man with a calculating gaze.

"We will proceed as we always do. Muggles never seem to understand the full power of a word unless someone has been made an example. It is a shame the famed Dark Lord was not able to invoke that kind of fear into muggles. Alas, one merely picks up where the last as fallen and creates a bigger and much stronger force. We must learn from the mistakes of other so as not to make the same ones in the future, right Jarred." The older man settled his piercing blue gaze on the couch where his mind replayed the twits' death. He was a bit unnerved by the way a woman had out smarted the buffoon, and Leon desired that piece of knowledge greatly.

"Sir, are you able to get a good read on her face? None of Mr. Taddio's surveillance was able to get even a smidge of her face on camera. I can send out the Tracking team right now."

"I cannot get a good read either, but it will come out eventually. All in due time, Jarred, all in due time. Come, we must set the next motion into place. It is more prudent to invite those who seek, then to cast them away. Everyone has a price, young man and I am sure that when the time comes, she will name hers." With that, both men disappeared in the early morning light.

Hermione

"What happened?" Augusta questioned urgently, he sat at the wooden table with five others who made up Hermione's Team. Their pens and quills at the ready, not leaving a single spoken word out.

"I finished my Sweep of the laptop, He came back in and we sat. Chitchatting for a bit until I finally established a connection. I was digging for more information, anything to lead us to the main person, but I must have triggered something. He is a muggle right?" Hermione stopped her pacing to look at her mentor.

He gave her a confused look and replied, "Yes, but why would that matter?"

"I was going deeper and deeper and I thought I was getting closer to a name, but one minute I was seeing a trail that led to a name, the next, I was watching a memory of him killing one of those twelve girls. Every time I pushed deeper, those particular memories would flood his mind, as if that was all he ever did his whole life. It's impossible for a muggle to do that, right? I'm more discrete than Albus Dumbledore and that is saying something, is impossible for a muggle to sense that?" Hermione didn't know whom she was trying to convince, her team or herself.

"It is not possible, there have been many studies and test's to validate it. It is not humanly possible for muggles." Linda, her briefing officer spoke.

"There is no record of anyone through his bloodline ever holding an inkling of magic. Not even a seer's ability and those are by the hundreds in the muggle world." Ted, her background and profiler, interjected as he pushed his specs upon his nose.

"What else?" Growled out John, her weapons and trainer. He always reminded Hermione of Mad-Eye Moody and even looked just like him on a good day with both eyes.

"He gave me a name, after some persuasion. Leon. I want you to look under all Magical beings especially look into all Vampire Legions. The memory charm was very unique, something they may know about." Hermione made a pointed look at Alfred, her Tech and other research guide.

"What about any other high muggle persons? It could be Leon Lufa, might have hire some new man power." Linda offered, dotting her 'i's' before quickly looking up.

"No, I think it's someone else, someone magical. When Taddio said the man's name, he turned to dust right in front of me. It was deliberate, triggered when he uttered the name. It was like staking a Vampire, it was weird. Maybe ask Eric if he knows something." The team nodded and parted ways from the room. Augusta lagged behind, halting Hermione by a hand on her forearm.

"You look a little beat up. Go see the Medi-department and get those cuts and bruises patched up. We'll manage here. That's an order Hermione." Hermione made to protest but was defeated by the command of her Mentor and boss. Nodding a farewell she left the man to head towards the Medi-department in the next building over.

The next afternoon, found Hermione sprawled on top of her bed blinking a few time as her eyes adjusted to the early afternoon sun. Rolling over, she lazily stretched her limbs, groaning slightly from the aches and creaks. The one thing she hated about her job was that it made her feel older faster. The phone began to ring and she instantly got up to retrieve the cordless. Finding it on the receiver next to her desk, she barely caught it in time before the answering machine started to play.

"Hermione it's 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and I know you're home! I've floo called this morning and it went straight to announcing you were asleep and I've tried again only seconds ago. Now I am calling you on your landline and I'm about to apparate in you bedroom if you don't wake up!"

"Harry, I'm up! I'm up!"

"Well you better be up! Ron and Ginny are ragging on me because they haven't heard from you in days and didn't know how to use the landline to call your cell or the house phone. Where in Merlin have you been?"

"Working, what's wrong? Is everything okay?" Hermione was collecting a few garments from her large walk in closet before walking into the grey marble bathroom.

"Everything is fine, love! We were just worried and missed you. Why don't you come out to lunch today at Hogsmeade, yeah?" Harry pleaded with her and Hermione could picture him holding the phone with two hands, cradling it to his ear while the other two watched and listened with wide and hopeful eyes.

"Yeah, I'll meet you three there!" She sighed with a smile.

"Great, say meet us in one hour, on High Street, in front of Zonks?" Ginny shouted in the background. Hermione gave a deep laugh before saying her goodbyes and hanging up. She set the turners of the water to a desired temperature and began her morning ritual.

This little mission looked like it was heading quickly into a long term project for her. John had been under surveillance for quite sometime with the local metropolitan police, but his illegal activity of infusing magical illnesses into the muggle bombs and selling them to the war torn country of Iraq was quickly becoming a concern. It would be a repeat of the Nuclear bombs the American Wizarding Society tested. There were still to many pieces of the puzzle missing, who was this Leon guy and why was the Gallery so interested in something the MI-5 or even 6 could take care of. Why even said their best to handle this?

An hour later found Hermione standing in front of Zonks, dressed in her finest, hair blown out and favorite pair of designer heels. Her skinny jeans complemented her slim, muscular legs and firm arse. Her shirt was long and hugged her form in a delicate way, it was a sunny day in mid-May and her large sunglasses gave her the typical movie star look. Yes, one might say that for Hermione Granger, the years had been especially kind to her.

It had been many years since Hermione was in Hogsmeade. She hadn't step foot anywhere near Hogwarts after her graduation and she felt giddy with the excitement. High Street seemed to have not changed much only a handful of new shops had opened and it was littered with small cottages and single-family homes. It felt more homely and fuller than it ever had before the war.

She didn't have to wait to long when she heard a familiar wolf whistle from behind and arms lifting her high in the air as she was whirled around. Hermione's cries of laughter filled the air as she we set down and turned to see Ron smiling down on her with a wide grin. Harry rushed in to give her a bear hug of his own and Ginny simply latched on to the girl with adoration. They had walked down the street, smiling and laughing arms linked together like they were teenagers again.

"How's the Gallery?" Harry asked with a sly glint that sparked his eyes. The three knew very well of Hermione's real job, what with Harry being the youngest standing Minister of Magic and Ron his right hand man, they were entitled to know. Ginny was thrown into the loop by being too sneaky at figuring things out, Hermione liked to say that the woman was too nosy for her own good and should have taken the position of a spy as well. The gallery always said that if she didn't have her heart set on marrying Harry right after school they would have gone above and beyond to get her to consent.

"Booming, just received a new piece last night. Shipment was very rough, had to go and get it myself. It's a very interesting piece I must say, but a lot of research is being called for it." It was a fun game they played, hiding the truth of her job within the double meanings of her words.

"Don't you lead a team of those?" Ron made a face at one of the new shops Hermione had never seen before.

"I still like to do it myself. My, there are many knew shops since the school years. That's nice the town is trying to gain more patrons." Hermione nodded at a particular shop that captured her interest.

"That's new, I'd like to go see that shop!" Hermione pointed out while the others rolled their eyes, except for Ginny.

"Yeah, that's one of Professor Snape's shops, 'Somerset Potions and Ingredient's', man's got a ruddy crop of fresh ingredients and of course the price reflects the great quality." Ginny pointed out as the group came to stop in front of the window display.

"Oh, they have the same one in Diagon Alley, I haven't had a need to go in there, but I did want to have a look around. Is this one set the same way as the one in London?" Hermione had recalled seeing the name before and was surprised to find that the owner was Ex-Professor Snape. He had a finger in many pies but Hermione had steered clear of him for many years no.

"No, this store holds more of the required items that the students might use, there's a better selection in London. Want to go brows?" Ginny brightened.

"Oh, come on Ginny! I'm starving and I would like to have an evening that I don't have to work, see or hear the man. Please, let us go eat and enjoy what little peace today has to offer without him!" Ron whined, his slender form patting his non-existent belly.

Harry rolled his eyes at the remark, "Ron, without his help with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement we'd be lost, mate. Anyways, The Three Broomsticks sound okay?" The others nodded and the made their way down to the end of High Street where The Three Broomsticks sat with inviting music and excitement.

They had only managed to hang out for a couple of hours until her three best mates were called away, leaving Hermione to foot the bill with a playful grumble.

"Honestly, you lot are the ones who called me out for luncheon!"

"Sorry, next time." Was all she heard as they disappeared through the fireplace, flooing to the Ministry. Hermione took her leave, apparating to Diagon Alley to find something to pass the time.

The reunion

It was 3 o'clock when Severus entered his the shop that connected to his office. He usually stayed out of his shops unless he had to help pick up the slack or do inventory. It was hard to find trustworthy employees and he rather not take the risk of having any of his top class ingredients or pre-made potions being stolen, when someone other than him did inventory.

"Winston?" He called out to his employee. The shop was usually quiet at this time. Many people took late lunches on Saturday's. His employees on the other hand were required to stay in for lunch each day.

"Winston!" Severus barked again and finally the little dwarf appeared from behind the counter.

"Sorry, sir. I was not at my post." His ragged voice stated. He let a hand slide over his dirty hair that was secured at the nape of his neck, a signal to Severus that the little man was nervous.

"Kindly grab me the books." There was nothing kind about the request as Severus sent him an ugly sneer. The dwarf disappeared again behind the counter and Severus could see the door open and close, leaving the shop completely silent once more. He was growing irritated when a few silent moments passed and he had not yet returned.

"Honestly is doesn't take a century to retrieve something." He drawled, and was about to go and get the irritating critter himself when the shop's bell rung, signaling that a customer was entering. Severus let out a groan, dealing with customers was not his specialty, and moved closer to the door to greet his customer.

"Good afternoon, Madam." He bowed to the young woman slightly, taking his time to lift his eyes as he looked at her form. 'Well isn't today my lucky day.' He smirked as his eyes rested on the woman's face.

Hermione had found the sign for 'Somerset Potions and Ingredient's' in Diagon Alley and was quite curious to see its selection. She trusted the fowl ex-mentor of hers and would not mind buying some of the things his shop had to offer. She opened the dark green painted door and entered. Upon hearing a bell, she looked above with mild anxiety, trying to control her natural instinct to defend herself. As She entered, the natural smell of herbs, ingredients and bottled potions assaulted her senses and she felt as if she was back at Hogwarts in his class. It was a pleasant reminder and she savored it for a split second when she heard that unmistakable voice. It sent shivers down her spin as she focused on his bow and the words he was saying. She smirked when she took note of him raking her body with his piercing stare, half believing he would recognize who she was, she was slightly disappointed when no recollection of her passed through his eyes.

"I am not a Madam, Mr. Snape. I do not possess or own a brothel or whore house, therefore I have not earned such a title." Hermione gave a dazzling grin. Severus gave a seductive grin and was momentarily surprised at her quick tongue.

"Pardon me, Miss. -?"

"Granger, Hermione Granger." It gave her great satisfaction when she wiped that smile off his face with her reply. She watched as his demeanor reverted back to the days of old.

Severus was shocked and he did not take well to feeling such an emotion. He narrowed his eyes at the woman before him, unable to believe the lie. Her head held no trace of the bushy tangled mess that barely passed for hair instead it was blown out and a shade of strawberry blonde. Her face was smooth and held high cheekbones, one would think her face was model worthy with those cheekbones. Her lips were a perfect bow shape and a natural light blush. Her skin a nice olive color of one who was outdoors frequently, her body no longer looked like the awkward teenager. She was thin and delicate yet she held such beautiful and natural curves of a real woman.

"Granger. To what do I owe the pleasure of this misfortunate fate of seeing you?" He snarled as he stalked away from her. Severus' number one reason for not running his own shops was because, above all else of his lack of customer services, he detested running into ex-students. Not to mention that he has to see the 'Great Potter' and his idiotic imbecile friend for his extended help, it was rather nice to have a running streak of not seeing her.

"Why, Mr. Snape, that is no way to treat a patron. I was merely in the neighborhood, wandering around and I came across this lovely shop and decided to take a peek." Hermione said ever so sweetly, following his person to the counter.

He gave a big snort to her reply and turned away to throw the door open. "Winston, you have a customer!" Severus bellowed through the door, causing the little dwarf to jump out of his skin and topple over his desk chair, book in hand.

"Still have your bite I see." Hermione pointed out, pretending to be admiring a jar of pickled 'Raven Hearts'. Severus scowled at the woman.

"Still ever the know-it-all I see. What is your purpose today, Madam?"

"You must be getting old dear Severus. I believe I already stated my purpose."

"I did not give you leave to speak to me in such a familiar way." He snarled at her. Had it been 8 years ago that Hermione was sitting in his classroom, she would have shrunk away, but now? Now, Hermione let her gaze travel to his face and gave a self-satisfying smirk, refusing to back down.

"That might have worked when I was younger, but you're not so scary anymore." Severus was about ready to go into one of his long and lengthy lectures and tantrums about how scary he truly could be when Winston's voice cut in.

"What can I get for you today, Miss. Granger? Might I add that you look stunning today." Severus glared at the man with disgust.

"Well, aren't you the charmer, Winston?" Hermione tested his name, knowing it was right, but wanting to play it down a bit. He nodded his approval and she continued. "It is refreshing to know that your employer has managed to teach his staff to be so pleasant, it is a shame that he can not self teach himself the same thing. I was merely in the vicinity and have never been in before." Hermione looked at Severus with a sly smirk and was waiting for his verbal attack.

"Why you-" Winston cut Severus off and grabbed the young woman by the hand to show her around the place. "Well how kind of you to stop in! We have a wide selection of various ingredients and pre-made potions." Severus stalked off and slammed the door behind him to start the inventory process of the back stock, hoping that when he came out to do the floor count she would be gone. 'It is refreshing to know that your employer has managed to teach his staff to be so pleasant, it is a shame that he can not self teach himself the same thing.' He mocked her. "Oh, I'll show you something refreshing you little pain in the arse!" He was livid and began to throw things around in a fit of rage.

"I apologies Hermione for my employers manners."

"It is quiet alright Winston. I didn't know the gallery placed you in work here. I'm sure I would have found out sooner or later and am glad to have actually run into you." Hermione's playful smile and banter grew serious with talk of business. She turned to make sure that no one was around and that the grouch did not come storming in yet. "We have a new painting named Leon at the gallery and we are unsure of the art and message it holds. I was wondering if you could keep an ear and eye opened?"

"Yes, Hermione I will take a look around." He understood her meaning, she had found out the name of the new mission she was rumored to be working on and had no leads on who this 'Leon' was.

"Good day sir."

"Good Day miss."

And both parted ways, pretending that neither had ever known or seen each other.