"You're late."Fleur winced when she heard Prof Snape's voice as she was running down the hallway. She was supposed to meet Hermione to go to the hospital but she was over half an hour late.Madame Maxine had kept them longer than Fleur had expected for dueling practice and she barely had time to get dressed and eat.As it was she still had half of a croissant in her hand waiting to be finished. She had forgone spreading jam on it for fear she would ruin her outfit while she was running.
"I know I'm sorry.I was kept longer for training than I had expected."Fleur gasped out completely out of breath.
"I know that you have an interest in Hermione." Prof.Snape held up a hand to stop Fleur from speaking."Don't take me for someone foolish enough to believe any objections.I approve of your being in her life but I warn you that you will treat not only her with respect but you will respect her time as well.It's not only me who you have to gain approval from to begin a proper courtship and I doubt that the Laasko matriarch is going to be pleased when she hears from the guard members that are waiting with Hermione that you kept them waiting for so long without even letting anyone know you would be late."
"Her guards are already here?"Fleur had thought that her and Hermione would have some alone time that day.Now it seemed like the romantic private lunch she had planned wasn't going to happen.
Prof.Snape nodded."They are and I would recommend that you be on your best behavior because I would bet my life that they will report back everything about your interaction with Hermione."
"Thank you for the warning."Fleur wasn't feeling so confident anymore. She would not only have to impress Hermione but would have to impress Hermione's flock as well.
"I'm glad I can help.Now hurry up with your breakfast we need to leave soon." Prof.Snape turned to the gargoyle and spoke the password."Gummy worms."
Fleur crammed the rest of her croissant into her mouth chewing as quick as she could.Following Prof.Snape up the stair case to Dumbledore's office Fleur came to a sudden stop when she noticed the 6 very lethal looking Veela that were standing around Hermione. They all looked very annoyed and when they noticed Fleur each of them glared at her."Uhm Hello."
"Hello Fleur."Hermione greeted not paying attention to the tension in the room."We were wondering if you were going to show up."
"I'm sorry about that.I got held at dueling practice longer than I anticipated."Fleur told her.
Hermione waved off the apology."It's no big deal.Training is much more important than spending the day with me."
"It most definitely is not."Fleur quickly objected.
"Regardless you are here now so we should get going."Prof Snape moved to the fire place and tossed in some flu powder."St.Mugos."
Hermione waited until three of her guards went before taking her turn.Walking into the fire she exited in the main healer's office."Hello Helga."
"Hello Hermione.I knew you were coming but didn't expect such an entourage."Helga said when the entire group filed into her office.
"It's just a precaution.I promise none of them will get in the way."Hermione told her.
"Ok then.I guess we should get started.What is it you have planned for today?"Helga asked.
"First I would like to check in with the four werewolves I cured.The. I wanted to use the potion on the new man that was brought in last week."Hermione had more testing she needed to do as well as check on their recovery progress.
"We can do that.Why don't we start with Remus.He's the one that was most affected by the cure."Helga stood from her desk and led the group out of the room.
Fleur hurried her steps so that she was walking beside Hermione who was surrounded on all sides by the guards."Why was Remus the most affected?"
"He was infected as a child and had his first shift at 10 yrs old.The curse had longer than the others to modify the make up of his body.The potion caused his wolf to fight to stay so it was a very hard struggle on his body."Hermione explained.
"So if the curse modified his body now that it's no longer there did it damage him?"Fleur asked.
Hermione nodded."His body is very weak now and he will be in recovery for at least two weeks. The other patients will be well in about half that time."
"Hermione!"Fleur held back a growl when a pink haired girl stood from her seat and rushed Hermione hugging her.
"Dora what did I tell about hugging?!"Andromeda quickly made her way over to her daughter and pulled her off of Hermione.
"Sorry Hermione.I was just so excited to see you."Dora wasn't really sorry but knew it was the right thing to say.
"It's good to see you as well Dora."Hermione wasn't happy about the hug but understood that some people were just big on showing affection.
"Hello Hermione."Andromeda kept her distance but it was hard as she to wanted to hug the girl.
"It's good to see you again Andromeda."Hermione said.
"It's seems like you brought out the big guns.What's with the muscle?"Nymphadora asked.
"Since my name was put into the cup without my permission the Veela clan elder that claims me sent some guards to keep me safe until we know what is going on."Hermione motioned for Fleur to stand beside her."This however is Fleur Delacour from the Delacour clan.They are the most influential Veela flock in France."
Andromeda held out her hand to Fleur."I'm Andromeda Black-Malfoy-Rosier-Carrow."
"I'm Dora of the same long last named family."Nymphadora said as she too held out her hand.
Instead of taking the hand in her own Fleur stared at the women in shock."Wait you two are members of the newly formed house?"
"Yes we are."Andromeda looked to Hermione in confusion.When the girl shook her head she knew that Fleur didn't know Hermione's identity.
"Well if you could I would love to set up a meeting with your head of household."Fleur said as she finally shook Andromeda's hand and then she shook Nymphadora's as well.
"I'm not sure they are taking meetings at this time."Andromeda said.
Fleur schooled her face to hide the annoyance that answer gave her.Not to be deterred she tried a different avenue."Then maybe you could put in a word for me.I'm the heir to the Delacour clan and would like to talk to them about some opportunities in France."
"I don't know if that will sway them."Andromeda figured if Hermione hadn't told Fleur who she was obviously friends with about her identity then she probably didn't want the girl to know.
"Even if you can't get a meeting with the head of household Andromeda could probably talk to you.She is taking over the Black family seat in Wizangmots."Hermione would like to know what the Delacours wanted with her.It was most likely an alliance but Hermione was interested in what they would offer for it.
"You're taking one of the ministry seats?"Fleur couldn't believe her luck.It may not be as great as meeting the new head of household but meeting Andromeda gave Fleur a political link to the family.It wasn't exactly what her grandmother wanted but Fleur was sure she would be happy with this outcome.
"I am officially taking my place on Monday.Speaking to you about future business dealings is fine.I have no problem setting up a meeting with a member of your clan."Andromeda was more than excited that Hermione was giving her the job of dealing with the Delacours.It was her first official act as one of the political faces of the new house. She would have to do research on the Delacours before the meeting to make sure she was prepared because she didn't know much about magical creatures.
"Would it be alright to have someone owl you to set up a time?"Fleur asked.
"That's perfectly fine."Andromeda wondered if she should have Nymphadora sit in on this. It would be a good learning experience for daughter regardless of what job she would eventually take.
"It's settled now Hermione lets check on the patient."Prof Snape was happy that Hermione had delegated dealing with Fleur's clan to Andromeda. He didn't want to think of the headache it would be if Hermione revealed herself.Aart would probably lock her up on the Laasko compound to keep her away from anyone for fear of them taking advantage of the girl.
"How are you doing Remus?"Hermione asked the man who had been observing the group quietly.
"I'm fine."Remus averted his eyes when he heard Nymphadora growl."I mean I am weak and my body doesn't want to cooperate at the moment but I feel the best I have since before I was bitten."
"Now that your body has had a couple days to adjust I have some things that will help you get your strength back."Hermione motioned for one of the guards to hand her the bag she was holding.
"It's nothing that's going to hurt him is it?"Nymphadora asked in concern.
"No, it will actually help with the pain he is still feeling."Hermione opened the bag pulled out various items and set them on the tray table.
"Will he need all that stuff?"Fleur had finally got her bearings back after the surprise and delight of not only meeting someone from the new household but setting up a meeting for her clan.
"If he wants to get better faster than yes.I however will not force you to use any of this stuff as some of it is not a magic based cure."Hermione told him.
"I trust you.If say this will help then I will do it."Remus easily agreed.
"Good then why don't we start with protein powders."Hermione held up a large plastic container."There is a scoop inside to measure out how much to take.I want you to ingest at least four scoops a day but not all at once.It's not the tastiest of things so I recommend you put it in a milkshake. It will taste better and you need as many calories as you can get right now."
"Not only do you get rid of his wolf but now he gets to drink milkshakes all day.I think I'm only going to have you heal me from know on if that's the treatment I'd get."Nymphadora joked.
"I think your mother is a much better healer than I Sam. She has more experience."Hermione may have been trained but she didn't have as much hands on experience as Andromeda did.
"I don't know even with less experience you cured the werewolf curse.I don't think I would have ever been able to manage that."Andromeda didn't know any healer who could have accomplished that and some of the people at the hospital had been there close to a century.
"Anyway on to the not so fun stuff."Hermione said getting back on track not comfortable with the attention.She up a bottle with blue liquid in it."This is a modified version of a rejuvenation potion I created.The original potion is used to tighten skin and do away with wrinkles.It's for cosmetic results only."
"Why have I never heard of it before.I would think you would have witches and wizards lined around the block to buy it."Andromeda would have been one of them.Ad she was getting older she noticed a few creases and loose skin on various places on her body.If there was a potion that could remove them she would take it.
"It was just a throwaway batch of this potion so I haven't really paid it much attention."Hermione had put it through trials but when it didn't do what she wanted it to she just put it away and moved back to the original potion. She hadn't really given it any thought other than to give it to her aunt when she traded for the morphine.
"Jesus need to patent that and sell it.You would make a fortune."Nymphadora exclaimed.
Hermione shrugged."I don't really need the money."
"Would you like help patenting it?I can have my clan's lawyer prepare all the paperwork for you."Fleur held up her hands in defense when the Veela guards growled at her."I meant no harm.I wasn't insinuating that the Laaskos were unable to take care of their own.It was simply an offer of friendship."
"I will take care of it."Severus said stopping any fights from breaking out.Veela were possessive and when someone tried to claim what was theirs it often resulted in a violent outcome."Hermione focus back on Remus."
"Of course."Hermione handed the potion bottle to Remus."This is the final result of the potion.It's never been used on a living being before and you don't have to agree to take it."
Remus cut off Hermione's rambling."Like I said if you think it will help I'll take.I trust you."
"Thank you.What it does is instead of just helping out cosmetically this potion is designed to help rebuild the body to peek physical condition.That means that by taking the doses I prescribe to you it will result in the parts of your body that have been damaged or atrophied will in a sense be rejuvenated.So instead of months of physical therapy and many healing potions this potion will mimic the same results in about two weeks.air would be less but you have lived with the curse for a very long time and your body has a lot to heal from."Hermione explained.
"I think you should definitely try the potion Remus."If it worked the way Hermione said Nymphadora would be in a lot less worry having him back to normal.
"What kind of side effects could he suffer from?"Andromeda asked.
"The only thing that could happen if the potion didn't work would instead of improving his body it would just improve him cosmetically like the other potion.The ingredients are in no way toxic if taken in the doses I prescribe."Hermione told them.
"So even though it might not help my health it will be guaranteed it makes me look younger?That's an ok risk in my book."Lupin said.
"You will need to take half a bottle every night before bed.It has a sleeping agent in it at well so your body can rest while it's fixing itself.Be sure you don't miss a dose.If you do it could cause you to lose the progress you made by taking the others and you will have to wait at least 6 months for you body to heal to try it again."Hermione warned.
"I'll make sure he takes it."Nymphadora volunteered.
"Besides the protein powder and the potion you should be trying to eat as much as you can.The potion will be working your body to the brink and you would need the extra calories to make up for the energy you are going to be expending."Hermione told him.
"I can do that."Remus said.
"Finally these creams."Hermione handed Remus two different tubes."The red one is for muscle pain.Have one of the nurses rub it into any part of your body that hurts.You only need to use a little bit.That tube should last you at least a week.I'm planning on making another batch in a few days so I will make sure you have some more before you run out."
"So it's a topical pain creme?"Andromeda asked.
Hermione nodded."It works kind of like a pain potion but in specific places.The muggle medicine I put him on can only be taken at specific times and he will be taken off it soon.This cream will get him through the worst of the pain the medicine doesn't take care of.It will be a replacement for the muggle medicine and pain potions.It's also not addictive as we know pain potions and muggle medicine can be."
"Why haven't we been using this in the hospital then?"Andromeda asked Helga.
Helga cleared her throat uncomfortably."It wasn't a product that the hospital wanted to sponsor.That being the case we have no legal rights to it and Hermione doesn't have to let us have it."
"That's one of the projects that the hospital passed on?"Fleur had somewhat understood the blood malediction but a pain creme was something very useful.
"It wasn't a priority as we have pain potions.That and we only get so much in grant money and can't afford to pay for every endeavor."Helga said.
Prof.Snape snorted out a laugh."You mean you are more interested in using the grant money to pay yourselves bigger salaries and the more mainstream the cure Hermione invents the more grant and donation money you get."
"That's not true."Helga quickly denied.
"That explains why you refused to sponsor the blood malediction and wanted the werewolf cure.You can definitely bring in more money and respect with that than a little known curse."Fleur concluded.
"You are trying to cure blood malediction?"Andromeda asked in surprise.She wasn't that shocked with how the hospital treated Hermione as that's the way it usually went with what they wanted to sponsor.Although they didn't know each other well Andromeda would have to talk to Hermione about it.There were many other options than the hospital for the girl get sponsors from.
"Fleur is going to partner with me on the project."Hermione told them.
"We are starting on Saturday."Fleur was very proud to be able to claim that she was working with Hermione in front of these important people.As it seemed Andromeda had a relationship with Hermione Fleur hoped that learning they were working together would garner some trust when negotiating an alliance with her clan.
"I worked with a patient who suffered from the disease.Her death was devastating.Such a horrible way to live but an even more horrible way to die."Andromeda shook off the horrible images."If you need any help let me know because even if the hospital doesn't think so it is something very important to cure."
"I will."Hermione thought speaking to someone who actually treated a patient that suffered from malady would be beneficial and she would definitely be contacting Andromeda about the subject.
"Wonderful."Fleur put on what she hoped was a convincing smile.In realty she was pissed that Andromeda just basically joined this project with them.The Veela had no doubt that Hermione would use the healer for real life experience and in return her name would be added right along with Hermione and Fleur's when it came time to credit the inventors of the cure.
"So what is the other tube for?"Nymphadora asked as she took the lid off a green tube and smelled it."It smells like sugar cookies."
"It may smell good but it isn't safe for eating."Hermione warned.
Andromeda took the tube away from Nymphadora and put the lid back on."Dora leave it alone."
"As for what's it's used for is to remove the bite scar."Hermione told them.
"So it's a glamour cream."Fleur concluded.
Hermione shook her head."No it's not glamor.It actually repairs the scar tissue and transforms the skin back to normal."
"That's amazing!"Nymphadora turned her attention to Helga."Let me guess the hospital didn't want to sponsor this either."
"The hospital doesn't sponsor anything considered for cosmetic use.That creme would fall under that category."Helga said defensively.
"It doesn't matter how many people with traumatic scaring would benefit from it.To ease the pain some of the scars cause would make it more than a cosmetic cure."Andromeda was really not happy with the way the hospital had over looked Hermione's achievements.As an underage witch the girl couldn't legally patent any medical potion or magical cures without the hospital's permission and now Andromeda saw just how much the hospital censored Hermione's work.It made her wonder how many others were passed over just like Hermione.
"Regardless it wasn't a hospital priority.There were many more important issues to focus on."Helga told them.
"Well it's a good thing Hermione is of age now and doesn't need anyone's permission to work on whatever she wants."And Fleur was going to make sure to support her mate in her endeavors.
Helga paled."I don't think that just because Hermione is of age that she needs to break off her relationship with St.Mugos.We have been very supportive of her over the years and our partnership has been lucrative to both of us."
"Nothing has been decided yet."Prof. Snape interjected stopping anyone from making decisions for Hermione.He knew that they meant well but in the end it was up to Hermione whether or not she wanted to keep working with the hospital.It was his hope that she wouldn't but he wouldn't force her not to.He would provide her with the facts and let her make her own choice.
"So the cream will cause the scar to go away and never come back?"Remus asked breaking up the obvious tension in the room.
"Yes, I've tested it on a few species of magical creatures and the results were all same.The scaring and blemishes were completely eliminated and never came back."Hermione told him.
"Wait you tried this on magical creatures?"When Hermione nodded Nymphadora was even more flabbergasted."What kinds?"
"That's none of your concern."Prof.Snape quickly stopped that line of questioning.They may be Hermione's friends but it wasn't smart to advertise in front of Helga who exactly Hermione interacted with.
"Nymphadora enough."Andromeda was interested as well but understood it wasn't a topic to discuss in public.Maybe when they got to know Hermione better she would tell them.
"I'm assuming you did your trials with them because you legally couldn't use humans?"Fleur was dying to ask what kind of magical creatures Hermione interacted with as well.She knew about Veela, centaur, goblins and house elves but then there was the fact an elder unicorn gave her part of their born.By the way Hermione's past was kept a secret it was no wonder Prof.Snape didn't want to talk about it.Her relationship with the Veela alone was enough to put a target on Hermione's back.Add the other creatures and people she was associated with Hermione would need a lot more than six guards to keep her safe.
"I'm sensing a pattern here."Nymphadora mumbled.
"Well I have no problem trying the creme.I've had to live with that scar almost my whole life.It would be a blessing to never have to see it and not having to have a permanent reminder of what that asshole did to me would be nice.It would prove that he no longer has ownership of me."Remus said.
"You need to clean the skin and make sure it's dry before you apply it.Once a day for as long as you can see it.When it gets to the point of being completely faded and your skin is back to normal use it for a week after just to make sure.As you are the first human I'm using it on I'm not sure how long it will take.If you run out let me know and I will send you another tube."Hermione had a large supply of the creme so she wouldn't have to make more for a while.
"Would you be willing to set up a proper trial for the two creams and the potion you are giving to Remus?"Helga took a step back when numerous people in the group growled at her.
"We will discuss it and get back to you." Prof.Snape told her.He wasn't going to promise anything before he spoke to Hermione."Remus however will need to sign some paperwork to cover the legality of him using them."
"I'll sign whatever I need to."Remus easily agreed.
"It's just going to be some paperwork saying you won't sue the hospital you would sue Hermione if something went wrong with her experimental treatments." Prof.Snape explained.
"And because the hospital sponsored the werewolf cure they would have been held legally responsible if something went wrong."Nymphadora concluded.
"Exactly." Prof.Snape picked up Hermione's bag and pulled out the paperwork."Although I can guarantee you won't have anything to worry about because even if it doesn't work on you specifically it not only won't cause permanent damage but Hermione will be able to be able to modify it and make something that will work for you."
"I have complete faith in her."Remus said as he signed the papers.
"Is there anything else you want him to do?"Andromeda asked.
Hermione shook her head."If he uses the potion and cremes I expect him to be healed enough to go home in two weeks.I of course will be coming back to check in to make sure everything is going well but I think you will have a full recovery and be able to live your life again with out any problems in less than a month."
"That's a lot better than the healers prediction of it taking at least 6 months before he would be back to normal."Nymphadora had been distressed when the healer had told them that.
"That's because they didn't know about my treatment plan.Not doing the extra things I prescribed then it would have taken longer.As I am not going through a formal trial I can use the cures with the four of you I cured from the curse.If I went through the hospital it would be over a year before they would let me use it."Hermione explained.
"That's a long time to approve a cure."Fleur said.
"With grants involved we have to make sure that any cure fits the criteria laid out in the proposal.Then it needs to go through vigorous testing before we can give it to our legal department to be able to make sure it's eligible to be patented."Helga explained.
"Do you claim the patents?"Andromeda asked.
"No, the hospital gets credit and can claim that Hermione is on staff but she owns the patents."It was obvious to all those in the room that Helga would prefer that the hospital did maintain the patent.
"At least that's one way they aren't screwing her over."Nymphadora mumbled.
"Besides the cream and potion what does Remus need to do?" Prof.Snape asked once again changing the topic.They didn't need to get into who actually claimed the patents because he doubted that anyone would understand why goblins and a Veela clan took credit for most of Hermione's achievements.
"Other than that the most important thing is eat as much food as you can get your hands on.Of course don't eat yourself sick but your body is going to be rapidly healing.You will need as much food as you can get to fuel the recovery and give you strength.You will be tired, weak and in pain for the two weeks and unfortunately there is nothing safe to give you to change that.So while you are taking the potion you need to use the things I gave you and eat and sleep as much as you can.Don't exert yourself to much either as your muscles, organs and bones are going to be strained and if you push yourself to much you could do permeant damage."Hermione warned.
"I will bring him some things to do to make sure he doesn't get bored."Nymphadora was going to watch Remus like a hawk to make sure he followed Hermione's instructions.She knew her mother would as well so she wasn't to worried about him getting into trouble.
"I'll be by to check on you to monitor your progress.If we are lucky then the potion will work faster than I predict and you aren't stuck here for the whole time."Hermione gave a two week prediction as she wasn't sure exactly how long it would take to repair the damage to Remus' body. She thought it would be less than two weeks but didn't want to get his hopes up.
"I'm happy that you are my healer for all this."Remus told her.
"I'm happy you were willing to go through the trial."Hermione replied.
"We will take our leave now as we have the other patients to check on and Hermione was hoping to cure the new victim that came in last week." said.
"I heard about that.Do you think it's starting again?"Remus asked.
"Dumbledore is monitoring the situation but I think it's safe to assume someone is active again." Prof.Snape wouldn't lie to the man as he would become a target once again if it was found out that he had been cured.
"Will I have to worry about being infected again?"Remus asked.
"When the potion cured you it destroyed the curse's ability to take hold of you.It's my hope that I can eventually create a potion that will work as a vaccine to make anyone who drinks it immune but the testing would be almost impossible to do on a living subject."Hermione had some breakthroughs but would never ask someone to take it and then get bitten on purpose.
"I know some people would take it even if there was only a chance that it would work."Andromeda knew that members of the order would definitely be willing to try anything that would protect them from the werwolf curse.
"I'll look at it again if you think it's worth it."Hermione hadn't thought she would have volunteers to take a potion that wasn't tested.
"Maybe that's another one I can help you with."Fleur would love the chance to not only work on another project with Hermione but to be able to get credit for creating a werewolf curse vaccine would be a great opportunity for not only her but her flock as well.
"I'll look over my notes and let you know."Hermione wasn't opposed to working with Fleur she just wasn't sure if there was anything Fleur could help with.
It wasn't a yes but Fleur would take what she could get."Good."
"Can you let me know if Dumbledore finds anything?"Remus asked.
"Of course." Prof.Snape easily agreed.Remus was more than worthy of knowing if his sire was active again."Come Hermione we are already behind schedule."
"Thank you again Hermione."Nymphadora went in for a hug again but was stopped by her mother.
Andromeda leaned in to whisper in Hermione's ear not realizing that the Veela could easily hear her."I will send you a letter about the situation with my sister.She is staying at my home right now and has agreed to move into Black manor with us."
"Good."Hermione was glad that was taken care of.Not only was she happy to hear Narcissa was safe but Minerva would as well.
"It was nice to meet you Fleur and I will be looking out for a letter from your clan to set up that meeting."Andromeda said.
"I expect it to be soon."Fleur held back from asking why Andromeda was talking to Hermione about her sister and focused on the task at hand.She knew that as soon as she told her grandmother about meeting Andromeda that she would send a letter immediately.
"Thanks for the help Hermione."Remus called out to the group as they made to leave his room.
"That went well." Prof.Snape said.
"I hope that the other patients are willing to try my recovery treatments."Hermione mused.
"I'm sure they will.I mean you cured them of the werewolf curse that should give them enough faith that you know what you are doing."Fleur knew that she would trust someone who cured her from such a malady.Getting only a shrug from Hermione in reply Fleur took the moment to think about everything she just learned.Not only did her mate cure the werewolf curse but one of her patients was connected to the new house.They also trusted Hermione very much as Fleur could tell by their mannerisms and they way they talked to Hermione and stood up for her against the hospital healer.Fleur wasn't comfortable using Hermione as a way to establish a better relationship with the new house but she may have to with the pressure her grandmother had been putting on her. This was the first and not the last time Fleur would be in the position where she would have to chose between her relationship with her mate and her clan.It left a bitter taste in her mouth thinking of the way her grandmother was going to jump on the chance to get Hermione to use her contacts to better the Delacours political position.If the fact that using any means to better the clans position made Fleur this uncomfortable she wondered if she would be able to properly lead when it was her turn to be clan elder.It was just another thing to think about in a long list of things.