Summary: The human trial
A/N: We're winding down our time in Munich. Thanks for reading! There are about four more chapters left.
Chapter 33
Several months had passed. The potion had gone through its trials, having to be recorded with the German Ministry after every test. An official had been present for the last few to make sure every rule had been followed and the draught truly healed the larger animal subjects. After a couple of tweaks along the way, it was now ready to be tested on humans. Severus had explained everything to Lotte. She was eager to test out his potion and find some relief.
He approached her doorway, there to escort her to the trial location. He frowned as he came up to her door, worried that something would go wrong. There were no indications that it would, but he worried nonetheless. Lotte had become very dear to Hermione and him.
Lifting his hand, he knocked on her door. She opened it a minute later.
"Ah, Severus. I'm ready to go," she said as she stepped out of the flat and locked her door behind her with a wave of her wand.
Severus extended his arm to her. She smiled at him and weaved hers within his.
"Are you okay with Side-Along Apparition?" he asked.
She nodded. "That's fine."
He led her out of the block of flats and spun around, Apparating her to the trial location, he led her into the room. Three officials sat behind a table along with Master Groeberg. She smiled brightly at Lotte as she came into the room.
"Welcome, Frau Schneider. It's a pleasure to see you. I'm glad you chose to have Apprentice Snape help you out. He's quite fond of you."
"It's nice to see you too, and I am very fond of him as well." She patted Severus' arm for emphasis.
"Frau Schneider, this is Herr Rickhaus, Frau Simmons, and Herr Freitag. They are the heads of the Board of Potions and Medicines. They are monitoring this trial to make sure it is done correctly so if it is effective we can market it."
Lotte bowed her head to the other three. "Nice to meet you."
"Herr Rickhaus will perform a medical diagnostic to assess the injury to your back and the level of arthritis that you are affected with."
The man rose and came up to Lotte, waving his wand around her. His findings automatically were recorded on a piece of parchment on the table in front of his chair.
"Are you feeling any pain now?" he asked.
"Some."
"Could you categorize it on a scale of one to ten?"
"I'd say a nine."
"Let's hope that this potion will relieve all of that for you."
He nodded to Severus and sat back down.
Severus led Lotte to a chair in front of the panel and settled her in. He walked over to the table and took a vial of the potion from Madam Groeberg. He moved to Lotte and handed her the vial.
"Please take it all. We'll have to wait for an hour to see if the potion worked."
Lotte unstoppered the vial and downed the potion.
"Now what do we do?" Lotte asked.
"We wait," Severus said.
"Well that seems boring," Lotte said with a huff.
"Frau Schneider, we will be monitoring you every five minutes and asking you questions on how you are feeling, so there will be plenty to do."
At the first five-minute mark, Rickhaus took more readings and Lotte advised there had been slight improvement already and marked her pain at an eight. It plateaued at eight for the next ten minutes, then at the twenty-minute mark, she said it was down to a seven. Slowly her pain reduced over the next forty minutes until she declared she was pain-free after the allotted hour had passed.
Herr Rickhaus took his last set of readings. He concentrated his wand work on her back where the arthritis had settled. He looked up at Severus and smiled.
"Her arthritis shrunk over the hour and now there is no trace of it. You've done it, Apprentice Snape."
Severus grinned from ear to ear and Lotte looked amazed.
"You mean I'm cured?"
"Yes, Frau Schneider, your back shouldn't bother you again."
Her face was filled with joy. She rose and literally ran up to Severus, throwing her arms around him.
"I wouldn't have been able to move like that just an hour ago. Thank you, Severus! Thank you!"
Severus hugged her back, feeling relieved that the potion had worked. "It was my pleasure to create this for you."
"Thank you," she whispered again in his ear.
Pulling back, he saw she had tears in her eyes.
"Lotte…"
"I'm fine. Just overwhelmed. I've been dealing with this pain for years."
"I'm happy I could help."
Severus entered the flat and was surprised to see Hermione with a bottle of champagne. She popped the cork as he entered the room and poured them both a flute. She handed one to Severus and kissed him lightly.
"Congratulations, love!"
"How did you know?"
She shrugged. "I didn't, but I suspected you would be successful."
"You were right, of course. Lotte is fully cured."
"That's amazing! I knew you'd do it!"
"You are incredibly perceptive. Even I wasn't sure it would work."
"You were just making sure you weren't overly confident."
He nodded. "So, we'll need to do several trials with other patients. They expect to have it fully tested in a couple of weeks."
"Well, let's celebrate!" Hermione cried.
He smiled at her as he raised his glass so they could toast.
"To the smartest Potioneer ever to see a cauldron," Hermione said.
"To the most beautiful, supportive woman anyone could ever find."
They both drank, their eyes never leaving the other. Severus put his glass down and took Hermione's from her. He placed it on the table next to his. His arms surrounded her, and he pulled her in for a kiss. They reveled in each other for a while before pulling back.
"Thank you for always being my biggest cheerleader."
"It's not very hard when you're as amazing as you are."
They kissed again, their hands weaving in each other's hair.
"I love you," he murmured in between kisses.
She smiled despite his lips on hers. "You know I adore you," she said as she pulled back. "Let me show you just how much."
He smirked at her. "What do you have in mind?"
She grasped his robes and pulled him to the bedroom. She began to undress him, first removing his robe, then unbuttoning his shirt. Placing kisses on his chest, she lathed his nipple with her tongue. He moaned and ran his fingers through her curls, lightly grasping them and pulling her head away from him so he could kiss her.
She settled into him, and he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. Severus closed his eyes and enjoyed her closeness. She was everything to him, and their lovemaking as always proved to him her devotion. He treasured her. He held her for a bit until she pulled away and kissed his nose.
Slipping his arms from her, he started unbuttoning her blouse. Soon he'd revealed her black lace bra. He growled a little at the sight of it.
"So lovely."
She unzipped her trousers and slid them down her hips, revealing a lace thong that matched her bra. Severus took in a breath.
"Hermione, you're exquisite."
She moved in and caressed his chest. "You're pretty lovely yourself," she offered before he captured her lips. Reaching behind her, he unclasped her bra, letting her breasts fall free. He continued kissing her, taking sips from her lips as his hand moved down and snaked its way into her knickers. His finger found her entrance and he plunged into her, making her fall into him and gasp. He grinned as she writhed as he fingered her.
"Severus!" she gasped. "Please!"
He removed his hand from her and picked her up, taking her to the bed and setting her down, looking at her loveliness lying there in front of him.
"Knickers off," he directed as he unbuttoned his trousers and slipped them off with his pants. Hermione wiggled out of her knickers and lay back down on the bed. Severus crawled over her and captured her lips once again.
She reached low and grasped his cock running her hand up and down it. Severus gasped.
"Gods, Hermione, do that again."
She obliged, causing Severus to moan before capturing her lips again. She increased her attention to his cock, making him buck into her. He put his head down into her neck as she kept up her ministrations.
Groaning again, he lifted his head and babbled. "No… no more."
She arched a brow. He controlled himself for a second to explain.
"I need to be in you. I want to come in you."
Smiling, she released him. "How can I pass that up?"
He said nothing more as he plunged himself into her, causing her to arch and cry out.
"That's better," he said between thrusts.
"Oh God, Severus. Please! So hot."
He pushed in harder and moved faster. Bending down, he suckled her breast, his eyes moving up to her. She lifted her head and licked her lips.
"Fill me up, love."
"Fuck…"
He pushed into her even harder, causing her to call out again. When he felt she was ready, he thrust into her and held himself there as she came around him.
"Ahhhh!" he cried out as he spilled into her. Leaning in he kissed her passionately before sliding off her and pulling her into his arms.
"You are magnificent, love," he said as he kissed the top of her head.
"Mmm, you too," she agreed as she snuggled into him. "Congratulations, Severus," she said as she kissed his chest.
Severus cast a silent charm to clean them up. Hermione settled into him, and they lay there basking in one another as they slowly drifted off to sleep.
Late June:
Severus opened the door to the Apothecary and let Hermione enter before him. They were both dressed in dress robes, Severus' black robe embroidered with leafy vines, Hermione's a deep red, matching Severus' with the same embroidered vines.
Madam Groeberg came in from the back room, her arms outstretched.
"Ah, Hermione, so good to see you!" she said as she hugged the younger woman.
"You too! How are you doing?"
"Oh, fine, fine." She paused. "Actually, I'm miserable because I don't want to lose your young man. I've tried to convince him that Munich is where you two should settle, but he keeps telling me that you must return to the UK. Now, what does London have that's better than Munich?"
Hermione chuckled. "Well, both cities are lovely, but all our friends and family live in Britain," Hermione said. "We really have loved living here, though."
Madam Groeberg turned to Severus. "You're sure I can't get you to stay?"
"It's tempting, Madam Groeberg, but our future is in the UK."
"You have completed your apprenticeship, you may call me Matilda. You too, Hermione."
Severus choked up but tried to push his feelings away. "I'm honored, Madam…" Her arched brow set him straight right away, "Matilda."
"Come on into the back. I've set up our party there, where we won't be disturbed."
Flicking her wand, the closed sign appeared and the door was locked. "It's been quiet today. Everyone came in yesterday to say goodbye to you," she remarked to Severus.
Leading the way, Matilda motioned for them to follow, and all three headed into the back. There was a table set for three and filled with delicious things. A roast chicken was in the center of the table surrounded by all sorts of veg.
A banner floated over the table with Congratulations written on it. From the ceiling, golden streamers hung, suspended above them and waving in an imaginary breeze. Matilda bustled to the table and motioned for her guests to sit. She opened a bottle of champagne and poured for everyone. Seating herself, she raised her glass and motioned for the other two to do so. They all raised their glasses and Matilda smiled at Severus.
"Here's to the finest Potioneer of his age."
They all clinked their glasses together and drank.
"You will be incredibly successful, Severus. You have a knack for creation that few do. I can't wait to see what you come up with as the years pass."
"Thank you… Matilda. I am excited to use what I've learned from you to help our world in ways unimaginable."
Placing their glasses on the table, Matilda motioned for them to fill their plates.
"Hermione… what do you plan to do once you return to Britain?" Matilda asked.
"Well, I've been in close contact with Albus Dumbledore. We've been working together to create a curriculum to help teach tolerance among Wizarding-kind. It will combine Muggle studies with Wizarding practices, and studies of magical creatures. It will hopefully help students to see good in everyone. Headmaster Dumbledore is quite interested as to how this class will work."
"It sounds fascinating. Do you know what would be good? Bringing in some guest speakers."
"I thought about that, and I've already spoken to one or two people. I'll need to see who else might be helpful and willing to do so."
"Well, I would love to help you out. As a foreign student in a Wizarding school, I dealt with some prejudices from my fellow students. Perhaps it would be helpful for students to see wizards and witches who are successful but were ostracized in school."
Hermione nodded enthusiastically. "I would love to have you participate, Matilda. I'll let you know when I am ready to have guest speakers."
"I will await your Owl."
They all ate quietly for a few minutes before Matilda spoke again. "Have you found a place to open a shop, Severus?"
"I haven't exactly, but I am hoping to open one in Hogsmeade."
Matilda nodded. "Good idea. From what you have said it is a relatively large Wizarding town with no way to get potions locally."
Severus nodded. "Yes, it's definitely a need. And having something close to Hogwarts will be an advantage as well."
"Yes, that'll be a lot easier than getting them from Diagon Alley," Hermione agreed.
Matilda took her glass and raised it. "A toast!" she offered. "To good fortune in your endeavors to have your own Apothecary, Severus!"
"Here, here," Hermione said as they all clinked their glasses together.
Hermione knocked on Lotte's door. It opened quickly.
"Come in, you two," she directed to Severus and Hermione.
She hugged them both as they passed into the room.
"I'm going to miss you two so much!"
"We'll miss you too, Lotte!" Hermione told her.
"Definitely," Severus added.
"Maybe I should move to London?" Lotte offered.
"It would be lovely if you did. We could see you more often, but we know you love it here in Munich."
"You're right. You're not getting this old lady to move halfway across the world, unfortunately."
"We'll come to visit, Lotte, we promise," Severus offered.
Lotte put her finger in Severus' face. "I'm going to hold you to that!"
"You can visit us as well. We will make sure we have a guest room for you," he continued.
"Aren't you sweet!"
"No, I am not."
"I tell him he is all the time, but he always glowers at me. It kind of negates the sweetness, if you ask me," Hermione told Lotte.
The older woman laughed. She led them back to the sitting area, and they all took a seat. Hermione reached into her pocket and pulled out a small cardboard box. She enlarged it and placed it on the table.
"What have we here?" Lotte asked, her eyes lighting up.
Hermione opened the box to reveal a rich-looking Black Forest cake. Lotte clapped her hands together.
"Oh, that's lovely! My favorite, too."
"You may have mentioned that before," Hermione said as she lifted the cake out of the box and placed it on the coffee table.
Lotte waved her wand and plates, forks, and a serving knife floated to the table. A tea service soon followed. She quickly cut three pieces of cake and handed them around accompanied by a cup of tea for each. Taking a bite of the cake, she moaned in ecstasy.
"So good, Hermione. Thank you so much!"
Hermione smiled. "I knew you'd like it. It's the best in Munich."
They were all quiet as they enjoyed the cake.
"It's very good," Severus said as he licked his fork.
"Would you like another piece?" Lotte asked.
"Hmm, I shouldn't, but why not?"
Almost immediately, he had another slice on his plate.
"Thank you, Lotte."
They spent the afternoon visiting, but then it was time to say goodbye. Lotte wiped away tears as she gave them hugs.
"I'll miss you both."
"We will miss you, too," Severus said.
"Thank you for all you've done for me, Severus."
"I'm happy to have been able to help."
"You're going to be amazing in your career, and I'll be able to say I knew you when!"
She turned to Hermione. "And you are going to be a fabulous teacher. Your students will love you."
Hermione smiled at her before pulling her close and hugging her.
"Thank you for everything, Lotte. You're a dear friend."
They finished saying their goodbyes and left. Moving across the hall, Severus and Hermione entered their flat. Hermione closed the door and looked over at Severus with tears in her eyes. Severus' arms wrapped around her, and he kissed her forehead.
"Do you want to stay?" he asked hesitantly.
She shook her head into his chest. "No, I'll just miss her."
"She's been like our grandmother for the year we've been here," Severus mused.
Hermione pulled her head back and looked at him.
"Promise me we'll come back and visit these two wonderful women."
"Of course. We will definitely make regular trips here to see Lotte and Matilda," he promised.
She leaned up and kissed him.
"I didn't realize we'd get so entrenched here. It's going to be hard to leave," he murmured.
"And how will we practice our German?" Hermione said with a laugh.
"I suppose we could speak to one another," Severus offered.
"Wonderful idea."
"Now, let's make sure we have everything ready to go for tomorrow morning."
They separated and moved into the bedroom, packing everything but their outfits for the morning. Hermione went out into the sitting room and shrunk the sofa and recliner. She went into the kitchen and shrunk all the items they'd bought to stock it. The table and chairs were next. Flicking her wand, everything that had been miniaturized floated into a small box that was on the kitchen counter. Severus came out of the bedroom at that point and looked around.
"Where are we going to sit tonight, love?"
"Oh! Didn't think about that."
She flicked her wand at the box and the small sofa sailed back to its place. Severus cast the spell to make it full-size again.
Hermione moved to the bookshelf, casting a spell so the books sailed off and shrunk before settling in the box. The bookshelves followed. She turned to Severus.
"I think that's it!"
"I agree," Severus said as he looked around the two rooms.
"It's so hard to believe it's been a whole year, and we're ready to go home," Hermione said, her eyes a bit misty.
"Oh, love, it will be okay," Severus said as he pulled her to him.
They stayed in each other's arms for a while. Hermione didn't cry, nor did her eyes get any more watery, but she mourned the loss of their current life. Pulling back finally, she regarded him.
"I am looking forward to going home, don't get me wrong. We just… Well, we lived a lot here."
He smirked at her. "We did. And it was marvelous. Now it's time to plan for our future."
Leading her back to the sofa, they settled in, and he pulled her to him.
"First thing we need to do when we get back is to find a flat," he mused.
"And a storefront for you. Are you certain about setting up shop in Hogsmeade?"
"I think so. I'm surprised there hasn't been one set up before now. There was one in my past. I looked into what happened to it. It seems that during the first war, the owner was very vocal against the Dark Lord. He disappeared one day, and the shop was unable to continue selling because he was the only Potioneer associated with the shop. After his disappearance, everyone feared taking over the place."
"Wow, that's horrid. I can't blame anyone for not wanting to take up the business, but I'm surprised that no one else has opened since."
Severus shrugged. "I think people have become accustomed to the way things are. Going to Diagon Alley has just become the norm, and those who don't live in Hogsmeade don't give it any mind."
"That makes sense." Hermione looked over at him. "Do we want to find a flat in Hogsmeade, then?"
"I think so. Banchory is the closest village to Hogsmeade, but I don't want to be in such a small town, especially after living here. Then there's your teaching at Hogwarts. It would be easier to open a Floo to Hogsmeade than Banchory and you could walk back and forth from school."
Hermione nodded. "Well, Hogsmeade isn't huge. If you want to be in Banchory, I'm sure the Floo won't be a problem," Hermione countered.
"I don't think I do. I think we'd feel isolated."
"And that's something you don't want?" Hermione said with an arched brow and a smirk.
"Hey, I know I like my privacy, but I also like to have things to do. Hogsmeade gives us both privacy and places to go," Severus told her.
"I agree. I just want to make sure we're choosing it for the right reasons."
"I think we should be very happy there," Severus offered. "And being close to the shop is definitely a plus. Maybe we can find a storefront with a flat above it."
"Maybe," Hermione said as she thought about it.
"What is it? I see the wheels turning in your head," Severus asked.
"I don't know if I want to live on High Street. Being above a store can be easier for the shop, but I don't know that I want to live, eat, and breathe the business."
"Well, you will be at Hogwarts most of the time."
"True, but… I don't even know. It just doesn't appeal to me."
Severus rubbed her arm. "We don't have to live over the shop. It's just an option. If you don't feel good about it, we'll find somewhere away from the main part of town."
"Thank you for being so easygoing about it. I'm okay with considering either."
Severus nodded. "Good. We have a week at the Three Broomsticks to find a place to live."
"That should give us enough time."
Severus agreed. "Sounds like we're as ready as we can be."
"I can't wait to see what we find."