All factors.
The night of the ball had arrived a little to quickly for Hermione as she rode in the limo with Harry, Ginny, Ron and his date. Nothing made anyone feel more single then going to a party dateless. 'Note to self: never do a mission when my best mates are involved.' The limo pulled up to a large entryway that had a red carpet leading to the grand doors. There were reporters on either side of the velvet ropes, both from the muggle and wizarding world.
"Are we ready?" Harry nodded to the group with a large smile. Hermione snorted at this, finding it funny that the Boy-Who-Lived, after being in the spotlight for more than half his life, seemed to always be nervous during times like these.
"Seriously mate, just don't fall again!" Ron chuckled at the memory of the last event their group had to attend. As soon as Harry opened the door of the Hogwarts carriage, he got his foot stuck in the little stair and split his scar right open.
"Oi, shut up!" They laughed and the door opened to the loud chatter of reporters trying to be heard and the flashing of cameras from all sides. 'Oh yes, definitely a good idea to go as my self.' Hermione noted sarcastically. She despised the media and did everything in her power to stay out of it, especially with her line of work, but alas, here she was biting her tongue and giving a wide toothy smile. She was last to emerge from the stretched limo, waiting a few moments for Harry and Ginny to get further down the aisle as Ron and his date disappeared inside.
She was lucky to have had both feet firmly placed on the ground as the lights blinded her momentarily. Then her ears began to be assaulted by questions from the wizarding side.
"Hermione, pose for us!"
"Hermione, where is your date?"
"Did you go solo?"
"What have you been up to, Miss. Granger."
"Hermione, Hermione, Hermione!"
Hermione's name was called all over, but she simply smiled and posed for a couple of pictures before entering through the double doors. Finding the grand staircase, she descended it with a relaxed smile, greeting people she knew and giving polite nodes to others as she made her way to the refreshments off to the side. Her mind took in all the details of the room, comparing everything to the blueprints she had studied for the past 3 days.
Severus had arrived right after Hermione, not realizing it was her until he heard the wizard reporters calling her name. He pulled back slightly, trying to be kept out of sight royally ticked that he ran into her yet again. Since the ending of the war there was not a single social event that they were both present to, nor seen her in the papers much. Try as he might to deny it, he would have noticed her and her transformation. He took a few moments to indulge in watching her, watching as her evergreen gown swayed with every turn as she walked towards the edge of the staircase. The back was opened and it seemed to drape her figure lovingly as a short train brushed against the floor. Her hair was styled in an elegant twist that was swept to the side and he noticed that her hair color was the brown she was famous for.
"How odd" he murmured to himself lightly. He had never known her to be so vain and so focused on her appearance; it was a trait he never thought her to posses. Her hips swayed back and forth seductively and Severus could feel a surge between his thighs. She was stirring up lustful thoughts again and felt his previous weekend torture was for naught. Maybe he would take up Lucius' absurd advice and shag her so she'd be out of his system. 'I'd rather chew my arm off!" He glared, still continuing to follow her down the stairs and towards the wet bar off to the side.
Hermione could feel fire trailing up and down her backside and she grew slightly nervous. Never giving away her acknowledgement of being watched, coming to the front of the counter she ordered her drink and waited, sensing that whoever was watching stood directly behind her. When her order of vodka and cranberry came up, she mad a quick turn, 'accidentally' spilling its contents on the mystery person.
"Oh, excuse me! I am so- Severus! I am so terribly sorry!" Hermione was slightly shocked to see him there, but nether the less smiled deviously at having made him. Severus stared down the front of his dress robes, annoyed that the white dress shirt was now ruined by her red concoction.
"It seems that you still have the grace of a hippogriff." He frowned before the stain disappeared by a wordless spell.
"And you, the tone of a mandrake root not yet ready for harvest." His eyes snapped at her, ready to growl out a retort before he was interrupted.
"Ah, Severus you came after all! What a good lad!" A short balding man of 65 came over; smacking a playful, yet firm hand, on the back of the towering annoyed one. Severus visibly tried not to snarl at the new comer and simple nodded his greeting, not trusting himself to speak.
"Why, Severus, who is this fetching young thing? Your date possibly ?"
"No Ralph a mere name and face from my professor days."
"Then you will not mind if I steal her away for a waltz?"
"By all means, take her away quickly."
Hermione threw a glare in Severus direction which was met with a self-satisfied smile from him.
"My name is Hermione Granger." Ralph grasped her out stretched hand and kissed her knuckles passionately. Severus merely rolled his eyes with disgust at the display as Hermione chuckled with merit. "Ralph VanderBeak, at your service. Would you do me the honors of accepting my offer for this dance?"
"Why I would be delight! Please, lead the way."
"Don't worry Severus I will have her back in no time!" Ralph gave a suggestive wink before leading the said girl away to the dance floor.
"Keep her!" He snorted aloud before moving away.
Hermione was the only one who heard his last comment before being dragged away from the sour face man. Oh she would get her shots in later.
McGregor slipped through the side, though he had snuck his name last minute on the list, he still didn't want to attract more attention to himself. It wasn't too hard for him to gain entrance to the closed and exclusive party, his sister was a witch and he knew all about her world. It also helped with the fact that he was the leading investigator on the John Taddio case and a lot was riding on it. For one it was the case that would make or break his career in the law enforcement. He was still a rookie so to speak and had yet to make a name for himself in the department, he believed that this would be it. That and figuring out what the pig did with all those 12 girls he brutally murdered were what made for a great file opener. He had been working on finding the evidence that would pin Taddio to their disappearances and death, but it was a wild goose chase. Not to mention McGregor was considered a laughing stock in his department, especially for a man of 29, because of his lack of evidence and wild theories.
He had been touring around the ballroom when his eyes happened to catch sight of a goddess. Her hair styled to the side, a green gown hugging her nicely and he caught sight of her smiling face and his heart seemed to freeze. She was an absolute vision and he was completely taken by her. His ears perked when he heard her tinkle of a laugh and he was floored, mouth hanging open in awe.
"Wow she's beautiful." Not even realizing that he spoke aloud for anyone to hear him. Severus looked to his side upon hearing the remark, watching how the man's gaze was trained on Hermione. He gave a violent snort. "Bloody chits got everyone under her spell. Am I the only one not falling for it?" He mumbled to himself.
McGregor overheard the comment and felt like the tall dark imposing man was speaking nonchalantly
"Hey, pardon me sir, but do you happen to know that creature's name?"
"I'd stay away from that 'creature' as it were. Her bite is much more strenuous than her bark. She'll be the biggest pain in the arse you've ever met."
"Oh, I think that's quiet all right."
Severus, growing tired of the conversation, excused himself before saying something he would regret. Not that it ever matter before, but he ran a business and did not know if the man would one day be a paying customer.
"So Mr. VanderBeak, How are you associated with the Potions and Chemistry committee?" Hermione asked him ever so sweetly.
"Call me Ralph, my dear. Mr. VanderBeak makes me sound so old. I am one of the experimenters and one of the speakers for tonight." He boasted, buffing his chest out lightly. Hermione noticed a blue ribbon and used it to stroke his ego.
"Oh, is that what the blue ribbon is for."
"Yes, I was a dear friend to John Taddio and he had asked me to be one of the speakers for tonight. To think I talked to him two days ago and now he is missing! I have many of my men on the look at for him. I can only hope we find him soon." The man seemed to speak with no remorse that his partner was missing, almost felt like he was happy the man was gone. This seemed to pique Hermione's interest greatly.
"So you knew John well?"
"Yes, we were work chums for Air Liquide, we headed the British branch together, though I must say I am the only one now. We've discovered quite the new compound; even the Vise President will be in attendance tonight! Isn't that exciting? Then again, he is always giving us the special assignments!" He seemed to drone on.
"Wow that is fascinating! Isn't Air Liquide a French based company? I did not know that there was a branch here in the U.K. How many years have you been working for them?"
"45 years! It is amazing really! I've never met the CEO, always doing business with good old Jarred. Enough talk about my boring old job, what you do Miss. Hermione."
"Oh, me? Well I work at the National Gallery-Excuse me, I am so sorry to cut in, but the song is ending and I was wondering if I could have this next dance, miss?" The most stunning man she had seen in a while interrupted Hermione. He was a tall well built man with sun kissed blonde hair. He openly stared at her; making her feel a little put off when she couldn't turn her eyes away from his sky blue eyes. They were mesmerizing, reminding her of a summer sky after a rainstorm.
"I should have known I could not keep this fair maiden to myself, alas I would have liked to have kept her longer. If I must give her hand up then I am glad it is to a worthy looking subject. Oh, there is Lord Orick, so it seems lad you have come at quite the most opportune time. May I claim your hand for another dance later on this evening, Miss. Hermione?
"Of course you may Ralph, I shall await your hand till later." Hermione was a little frustrated at the intrusion, finally believing she had some type of lead and some brute was cutting in. Hermione could have easily confounded the man, but she was amongst mixed company and she had a cover to maintain. Plus, there was something about his stare that kept pulling her in.
VanderBeak slyly disappeared to the side, his loud voice carrying over the loud chatter of the ballroom. Hermione really had no clue what to do so she simply sized the man before her up, waiting for him to make the first move. She was Hermione Granger, not spy Granger tonight. Hermione Granger was too focused on books and research to talk and open up to others and when she did, she came off as rude and bossy. Spy Granger, well that girl was every man's dream come true.
"Hello." The man bowed slightly, never breaking eye contact with her, he began to sweep her around the room in a waltz with a serious gaze fluttering across his features.
"Hello." She countered.
"Um, I usually never do this." He muttered loud enough to hear, his full lips capturing her attention for half a fraction before fluttering back up to meet his gaze. He noticed this and it instantly set his whole body on fire, this was the moment his father had always talked about. It was like fireworks erupting in his chest and he swore he heard bells.
"Really? I don't know about that, seems like you've been cutting in to other people's dances your whole life. What's your name then?" 'He must feel like some big oaf now.' She smiled evilly.
"I'm sorry, I really don't I swear." He laughed. "My name is Lincoln, but me mates call me McGregor. I'm not weird I swear! I've got a career and I don't live with me mother, got m- Dear me, I'm digging quite the hole for myself, aren't I?" McGregor wanted to honestly shove his foot down his throat for the fool he was making himself to be. Warmth spreading though him as her face lit up with its own glow and the sound of laughter that accompanied her twinkling eyes. Her laughter was like sunshine on a cloudy day and his heart began to sing.
"Yes, I daresay you are, but I shall pretend that I heard your great achievements in passing." Hermione smiled at him. He was quite the nervous chatterbox and she felt compelled to easy up a bit. That was until she caught sight of VanderBeak disappearing with a tall questionable man through one of the corridors that led into the ballroom. Curiosity getting the best of her, she made to excuse herself before he asked any further questions. He was cute, but work came first.
"So, what's your name?"
"Excuse me I need to use the ladies room." With that Hermione disengaged herself from him and scurried away as fast as she could in her long gown.
McGregor was slightly put off as he watched in awe on how she managed to part the sea of people, as if she were Moses parting the red sea. He took note that many turned and bowed low to her in a magical way. "Must be a witch," he mumbled under his breath.
"Hey, wait! I never got you name!" He shouted un-ceremonial, he moved to follow her, but the swarm of people fell back into their previous formation, blocking his path and causing him to lose sight of her. "Too many bloody people!"
Hermione disappeared around a large pillar, waiting a few moments to make sure that the McGregor fellow didn't continue to follow her. Feeling confident, she disappeared down the dark corridor that she had seen VanderBeack and his unnamed friend slip too. Hugging the shadows along the wall, she cast a 'disillusion' charm and a 'notice-me-not' charm for good measures as she slipped further down the corridor. She placed a small clear ear device, which was magically enhanced to listen to any conversation that was muffled or silenced by any magical charm, into her left ear. Hermione stopped moving when she caught sight of VanderBeak's structure, whispering to a tall middle-aged man.
She could feel the strong urge to walk away, most likely from a 'Notice-Me-Not' spell, but Hermione was trained to feel and push through these emotions.
"What do you mean that John has been disposed of? His men called Jr. to inform me that he was kidnapped." VanderBeak seemed to be whispering in shock.
"He said the President's true name, Ralph. You know the penalty for such a thing." The middle-aged voice was soft yet very commanding with his tone.
"I thought that was a hoax! I've said it plenty of times before!"
"You obviously have not since you are still breathing."
"You mean to tell me that he exploded into dust! That John is dead!" VanderBeak gasped with disbelief.
"Yes, and you will do well to remember your place as will the others. Have you started the next component of the trail?"
"No, we start it at the end of next week."
"Good, keep me informed. He will be happy to hear about the progression. Get back to your little party."
"Will, you not be staying for the announcement?"
"No, but I have read the report on the new cure for Alzheimer's. That is great and all, but please processed as schedule with what you really are supposed to be doing. He and I are to fly to Austria tonight. Also I am to inform that we will be contacting someone to take Taddio's place. We will be extending an invitation for a Severus Tobias Snape to stand in immediately. I'm aware you already know of him and his outstanding reputation. More bark and less play are in order to get things running more into motion."
"What if he declines?"
"We will make him an offer he can't refuse. If he gets out of line or figures things out, send word and He will have it taken care of, when everything is finished you will receive your payment and he will be dealt with if not already so before hand. Are we in agreement?"
"Yes, Jarred." The middle-aged man turned away exiting through another corridor while VanderBeak watched him leave. Hermione was floored at what she had just over heard, but reality broke through and she quickly took her leave in the direction she came, removing all charms and the listening device from her person.
'So tonight's speech has nothing to do with what is really going on, and that's Jarred. Severus Snape is no longer safe, he has to be brought in.' Sliding her cellphone from the middle of her cleavage, she sent a text to Mr. Sniffle Snap, 'Bringing a friend home tonight, leave the backdoor open.' and left in search of Severus.
It didn't take long to locate him, in fact, it felt way to easy as she rounded a corner and found him staring longingly into his empty cup, leaning against a pillar. She took a moment to really look at him, very much intrigued by his nonchalant stance and lack of interest in his surroundings. His long hair looked so well cared for, she longed to run a hand through it, it looked freshly cut and styled in a way that reminded her of one of those smutty romance novels her mom always read. His body looked so strong from the form fighting robes he was dressed in.
"Ah, just the man I was looking for!"
"Ah, not the dame I was standing around for. What do you want Miss. Granger?"
"Oh, Severus, stop being so up tight. Would you do me the honors of accompanying me home tonight?"
"I am not a lost puppy Miss. Granger, nor am I an innocent adolescence. I like it quite rough and you seem too fragile to withstand such a thing."
"Oh, Professor, you would be surprised on what type of partner I can be." Hermione gave the sultriest smile she could muster and notice the bulge in his pants. She made it a point for him to notice and Severus couldn't help but give a sly smile of his own. 'Have the odds finally fallen in my favor? Will I finally be able to put this damn chit in her place after all these years?' He thought merciless.
"Okay, Hermione, Lead the way." And lead she did, Severus followed a few paces behind; watching as her hips seductively swayed back and forth and he tried not to laugh. Clearly the chit was trying to hard for his taste. The duo exited off the side of the ballroom, taking a few corridors that led to an alleyway on the side of the building. Looking around she grabbed him by the wrist and apparated them to the Gallery.
Though the Gallery had anit-apparation wards placed everywhere, there was one room that agents had to memorize completely if they needed to bring someone in or if it was a dire emergency. This room was a small 5ftx5ft square shape with no wall color and nothing in it. It was plain and had no light fixture, the reason, because when apparating into the room, the side along person could not see where they were. Making it difficult for that person to ever try and break into the Gallery's true intelligence.
When they arrived in the pitch-black room, she muttered a temporary blinding spell to the man on her side, so when she opened the door to the room he would not catch any details from the light spilling in.
"Miss. Granger." He growled impatiently.
"One second, just follow my hand and I'll guide you." She went forward, pushing the door open to allow the light to spill in. She squinted at the harsh light then was able to make out Augusta standing with his hands on his hips, a stern look on his face. Pulling Severus out into the open, she shut the door behind him and removed the spell. He squinted hard and went completely rigged, eyes narrowing at the sight of Augusta.
"Where am I Miss. Granger? My invitation was for you, not to be extended to another." He was livid. 'Where in the blazes am I?'
"Don't you look a vision!"
"Why thank you, did you get everything?"
"Yes, and I presume that this is Severus Tobias Snape?" Augusta extended his hand out to the younger man.
"Where am I?" Severus barked, ignoring the gesture.
"You are in the underground of the National Gallery; we are still in London if that be your concern." Hermione watched as Severus seemed to dart his eyes all around, most likely calculating the best form of action for escaping. Taking this as her cue, she stepped in.
"This is a very sensitive meeting and is better had in the debriefing room. Severus, please, we mean you no harm, and we just need to talk. It is a very important matter that concerns you greatly." The two men, nodded and followed, one willingly, the other on edge. Finally they sat around the big maple table of Hermione's debriefing room and Severus was about to have a tantrum.
"What is the meaning of this?" Severus seethed.
"Hermione here has overheard something that might be of interest to you and might save your life." Augusta offered solemnly.
"And what could she have possibly over heard?" He huffed. This sent Hermione into complete debriefing mood, explain everything what she heard and saw. Augusta taking a backseat to the conversation, watched in amazement at the two dueling tongues before him.
"How do you know all of this?"
"It is my job to know." Hermione grinned winningly. "I am a spy."
Severus scuffed at the statement and she simply regarded him with cool indifference.
"Sure and I really wore a pink tutu in front of the Dark Lord." He growled.
"I am and I have you to thank for it."
"Me? How?"
"Don't you remember your little scene, at the end of my final year? You should know by now that by pushing me not to do something I will."
"I should, you almost always did, but this, spying, I find very hard."
"Whether you believe me or not it makes no difference. Your life is now in danger, because you have the knowledge to create and finish something that may possibly be a lethal weapon of destruction, to both muggles and wizarding kind around the world."
"What do you want from me?"
"To accept their offer of employment and to gain whatever information you can while working under them." Hermione spoke nonchalantly
"You want me to risk my neck, yet again I might add, for what? For the greater good?" Severus slammed his fists on the table as he stood and leaned across it, making sure to get right in her face.
"Something like that, but, yes." Hermione was unfazed by his intimidation.
"No, I will not be in the middle of this! I have fought for my freedom and will damn well enjoy it. Good night to you all and I will have someone other than you two show me out!" Severus practically seethed with anger. Augusta and Hermione watched as the man tried to storm out, his black traveling robes billowing out from behind him as usual. Hermione tried to hold back a chuckle when his thunder was shortly stolen from him trying to open the locked door.
"Let me out! Now!" His voice was dark and low, reminding Hermione of her Hogwarts days.
"Not unless you agree, I'm Sorry Severus, we have no leads on who this 'Leon' is and it is crucial. If something big is coming we need to be prepared." Severus turned black eyes to her.
"If I agree and allow me to leave, how do you know I won't go spilling your information to them?"
"Why would you do that?"
"They might offer me a better slice of the pie then you."
"The minute you step foot out that door, you will be held to secrecy by a wizarding oath and old magic. You don't feel it or see it, but if you try to spill the beans, as they say, your tongue with fall out of your mouth and your fingers will glue together. Your darkest memories will become a constant reality to you. Quite nasty I think."
"A wizarding oath can't do that."
"Ah, but a tampered one can." She smiled wickedly as Severus sat back in his seat with great defeat. Whether he liked it or not he was stuck in this. Either get hunted and killed or do what he was supposed to do and still get killed. He only hoped that he could live through this.