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teddy_radiatorTitle: Take These Stars Down To The World
Rating: R
(Highlight to View) Warning(s): Reference to Physical Abuse.
(Highlight to View) Prompt: Hermione creates a potion just for Severus, one which he doesn't believe he wants or needs (SS/HG or SS & HG).
Note: Special thanks to![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
stgulik, not only for the delicious prompt, but for her Herculean effort to pull this together. Thank you for putting up with me.
This story is inspired by the film Chocolat, which in turn was based on the novel Chocolat by Joanne Harris. This fanfic is based on characters and situations created by J. K. Rowling, and owned by J. K. Rowling and various publishers, including but not limited to: Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books, Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended by the posting of this fanfic.
Summary: Severus' business, Potions Potentes, is not doing very well. In fact, he plans to shut his doors for good. Just when all seems lost, Hermione Granger arrives in town to open her own apothecary, bringing with her a very special brew. What exactly is she up to, and what exactly is this cure-all potion of hers? If there is one thing Severus knows more than most, it is that nothing is ever given without a price.
Thank you all for your encouraging comments. I'm really glad you like the story.
Chapter Eight - Medicura Apothecaria
"Oh, that Celestina Warbeck! I'm one of the few who can say, 'I knew her when,'" Simone Calliope remarked, pouring her second cup of tea. "A face made for wireless, I should say."
Lavender stifled a guffaw as she passed the plate of biscuits. "I shouldn't laugh, really. Seeing as how the same could be said about me."
"Nonsense, dear! You're an absolute doll. Isn't she, Hermione?"
"Always has been," Hermione declared with a smile. From her workbench she watched the two witches sipping their tea and gossiping.
"…and I told her, I said, 'Celestina love, you wait. Once every one hears that golden voice of yours, a little complexion problem won't matter.'" She leaned in. "I didn't have the heart to tell her that calling it 'a little complexion problem' was like saying that You-Know-Who had a little Death Eater problem. The woman had so many spots you could have used her face for an Astronomy chart."
The shop rang with laughter as Hermione brought over a fresh plate of biscuits. "You're certainly kicking up your heels this morning, Simone."
And she had been, literally. Madam Calliope had been bouncing up and down outside the door when Hermione opened the shop that morning. "I've had the all clear!" she proclaimed, and to prove it, she did a little jig with surprising grace. "Healer Blyte kicked me out of physio this morning and told me not to darken his door for the next six months!" With a sharp wave of her wand, she had switched on the Wizarding wireless, and jaunty music filled the shop. The old witch grabbed Hermione's arms and led her into an impromptu polka. "Not a speck of pain! Oh, Hermione dear, I feel like I could hop on a broom and fly to the moon!"
Hermione, embarrassingly winded, sank into a chair at her tea table. "Well, you're certainly outpacing me, so I wouldn't be surprised if you did," she laughed.
Madam Calliope joined her at the table, plonking herself in the chair with a satisfied grunt. "I wanted to tell Severus, but he's not open yet, the sleepyhead."
"It's Monday," Hermione answered, trying to sound casual. "He usually has a bit of a lie-in of a Monday."
"And what's this party in aid of?" came a new voice at the door.
Hermione turned toward the voice’s owner, and gasped in shock. "Lavender? I don't believe it! You look fantastic!"
Lavender Brown had also crossed the floor with a spring in her step. It was hard to believe this was the same witch who had stumbled into her shop on her first morning in business, reeking of cheap liquor and sporting a hideously ill-fitting glamour. Gone was the blurry, messy disguise. And while Lavender's face would never be the flawless work of art of her youth, her skin was smoother, the horrible sores which had ravaged and riddled her face were all but gone, and she had a new glow about her. "The healers said the glamour was actually exacerbating the problem," she explained, then dropped her eyes. "Well, that, and the booze."
Hermione had gently touched the renewing flesh. It felt soft and resilient. "So Snape's potion worked?"
Lavender nodded. "Did it ever. No cravings, no withdrawals, nothing. He says this is the last week I'll need to take it. My body has adapted, and once I'm weaned off, not only will I not want alcohol, but my body will physically reject it. And if I need a pain potion, he promised me his aren't addictive."
"That's wonderful, Lav!"
She gave Hermione a wry smile. "Those first few days were no picnic, I can tell you. He warned me about it. The potion actually 'chases' the alcohol from the blood, he said." She chuckled ruefully. "I should coco! There were times when it felt like it was chasing it with tiny pitchforks and torches."
The three witches laughed together. Hermione exclaimed, "Oh, where are my manners? Lavender, this is Madame Simone Calliope. Simone, Lavender Brown." In ten minutes' time, they were chatting away like old friends.
"Speaking of the devil, where is Snape?" Lavender asked, tucking into her cup of Earl Grey.
Hermione shrugged evasively. "Sleeping in. He always does on a Monday. I'll get another pot of tea brewing."
She left the two witches gabbing away as she went into the back of the shop. The mention of Severus Snape left her feeling jittery and confused, as it had ever since that moment when he pinned her against her counter with that blistering, brain-melting kiss. She had been ready to pull him down and have her way with him when suddenly he pushed her away like she was the one with pitchforks and torches. He had been avoiding her ever since.
Harry had always told anyone who would listen that Severus Snape was the bravest man he ever knew. So who was this Snape, who fled from her like a frightened Nogtail? Apparently, facing down Voldemort's snake was a walk in the park compared to Hermione Granger and the Kiss-That-Must-Not-Be-Mentioned. His parting shot about Pandora had stung, but she had finally managed to kick her old insecurities into touch. He had been afraid, and he had lashed out, pure and simple. It finally occurred to her that measuring his Slytherin instincts of flight v. fight against her Gryffindor pushiness was not the best way to view the situation. At the end of the day, Hermione told herself the kiss was an anomaly of epic proportion, and if he chose to treat it as such, so should she.
Trouble was, she was not all that successful in heeding her own advice. The memory of it sometimes left her so weak-kneed she had to hold onto a table for support. She would be working on a batch of Pepper-up potion and she would suddenly recall the feel of his arms around her. A batch of Muscle-Rub would be accompanied by the remembered sound of his deep moan reverberating in her mouth. She woke from increasingly restless sleep with Severus Snape tangled up in her dark, erotic dreams. Unfortunately, he exhibited no further desire to join her in acting any of them out.
On the upside, both shops were doing well, and after the Beltane sales, business had been steadily increasing. Snape accepted any and all customers she sent his way, and in one or two shocking occasions had even directed his own customers back to her, but after almost a month, he had remained conspicuous by his absence.
The bell above the door chimed, and Hermione heard Lavender call out, "Good morning! Hermione will be right out─"
Her greeting stopped abruptly, and the shop grew strangely quiet. The Wizarding wireless was shut off with a sudden snap. In a low voice, Lavender said, "Hermione, I think you'd better get in here." The urgency of her tone made Hermione abandon the tea fittings and head for the front of the shop.
Standing in the doorway was Cynthia Belldon and her son Anthony. Beside her was battered suitcase; Hermione could see bits of cloth and straps of underthings peeking from the seams as proof of hasty packing. Anthony was clutching a small knapsack to his skinny chest as if it held all his worldly possessions. Their clothing was torn and disheveled; their faces bore fresh bruises.
Behind them, looking every inch the dark angel of doom, stood Severus.
"Gods! What's happened?" asked Hermione.
"I did it! I left him." Cynthia seemed on the verge of hysteria, laughing and crying at once. With a mighty effort, she pulled herself together. "I waited until he was drunk, and I crept out. We tried to be quiet, but he woke up and..." Her emotions overcame her again, and she burst into tears.
"Oh, my dears!" Simone exclaimed in horror. She waddled over to Cynthia, and put her arm about her, urging her to follow. "You two have been in the wars! Come and sit down, darlings. Have a cup of tea." She beckoned to Anthony. "You too, poor thing. Come and sit down beside Miss Lavender and have a biscuit."
Hermione met Severus' furtive gaze as the two allowed the other witches to fuss over them. "In the back," she commanded, and though he looked none too happy, Severus nodded curtly and followed her.
Once they were away from the others, Hermione turned on him. "What's going on? And how are you involved?"
"I had suggested Madam Belldon go to Narcissa Malfoy's Home Away From Home," he began. "It's primarily for widowed witches and orphaned children from the war, but they do take… special cases." Hermione must have looked confused, because he hastily added, "I'm on their Board of Directors. After the war, Narcissa founded this home. She wanted to do something to help others."
"I suppose it didn't hurt in mending her reputation, either."
"Her reasons are her own, and I'll thank you not to sneer," he warned, his voice low and dangerous. "She's done good work, meaningful work, most of it funded from her own pocket. People would have died without her aid."
Chagrined, Hermione said, "Fair enough. I spoke out of turn. So, you recommended Cynthia leave her husband and go there?"
"I recommended that she give it serious consideration. I also recommended…" He paused, and seemed to find something fascinating under one of his fingernails. "I also recommended she take your potion before acting upon any impulses."
"I see." Actually, Hermione did not, exactly. "Go on."
"She and the boy made it to the Halfway House. She was practically through the door when her husband arrived, drunk as a sack and swinging at anything that moved. Apparently their departure was not as secret as she had hoped. In her haste to leave, she dropped the parchment I'd given her with the address. I am Narcissa's Secret-Keeper for the London house. At least, I was," he said bitterly.
"Once he spotted them, he must have gone into a killing rage. He struck her so violently she was thrown against the wards, which actually saved their lives. The wards alerted Narcissa. She stupefied the bastard before he could murder his wife and unborn child.” He ran his hand absently through his hair. “After Narcissa alerted the Aurors, she contacted me, and she asked me to take them somewhere safe. By the time the Aurors pulled their fingers out and got there, Belldon had slunk off. They're still searching for him."
Uncomfortably, he continued, "The Halfway House is compromised now, and I think we both agree that it would be inappropriate for them to stay with me. Belldon isn't aware of his wife's affiliation with your establishment, whereas I am a bit more…" He swallowed, and looked away.
"Of course they can stay here," Hermione said. "I have plenty of room upstairs."
He sighed with relief. "Thank you… Hermione. It will only be for a day or so, just long enough for Narcissa to find alternate lodgings for them. Hopefully by then, the Aurors will have Belldon in custody as well." He sneered. "I expect he will try and keep a low profile, or at least go somewhere he can sleep off his hangover."
At that moment, Lavender poked her head into the room.
"Hermione? Simone and I thought we might take Anthony for a little walk. Wheezes isn't far from here." Her eyes were filled with sympathetic tears. "He's such a brave little boy, but you can tell he's just trying to hold it all together for his mum's sake. A little fresh air, you know, might do him good."
Touched by her friends' thoughtfulness, Hermione answered, "I think that would be just what the healer ordered. Is that okay for you though?"
"Absolutely." Shyly, she added, "In fact, I just Floo'd Ron and explained what was going on."
"That-that's great, Lav! I'm sure he was over the moon to hear from you."
She gave a little shrug. "He did seem pleased. Anyway, I think Anthony could use a little cheering up, and if those Weasley boys can't make you laugh, well…"
"Lav? Where are ya?"
"Ronald?" Hermione headed out into the shop, where her old friend was greeting Simone and Cynthia. The little boy, who had not spoken two words in Hermione's presence, was already talking to Ron like they were old friends.
"I'm going to have a little brother or sister soon. I don't know which. I hope it's a brother," Anthony was saying. He looked up at Ron guiltily. "But I don't really mind, though. 'S long as they're, you know, okay."
Ron knelt until he was eye to eye with the child. "I know what you mean, mate. I have four brothers and a sister meself—they're all brilliant. Today you'll meet my brother, George. He's picking up some new stock this morning, but he'll be back after lunch. You'll love him."
As he spoke, he spotted Hermione, and his eyes lit up with happiness. "There you are!" He raced over and enveloped her in a hug that swept her off her feet. "Good to see you, mate!" He gave her a comical smacking kiss on the cheek, and Hermione wheezed with breathless laughter.
"Ron! It's good to see you as well-"
He released her. "As fun as this is, I can't really stick around. I'm on me own in the shop this morning, but I thought I'd give Lav and my new friends the guided tour." His expression sobered. "I remember Chester Belldon, you know. Cheddar Bellend, we used to call him. He was on the Quidditch team. Beater. Figures, huh?"
"Thank you, Ron. I'm sorry to get you involved in this, but…"
"I'll make sure the lad's safe. And don't let Lavender fool you-she can still throw a deadly hex when the need arises."
Even in the midst of the turmoil, Hermione felt a warm satisfaction at the faint blush in Lavender's cheeks. In that same moment, Simone Calliope's cackle burst into the room like fireworks, and surprise of surprises, Cynthia Belldon's soft laughter was heard in accompaniment. Ron smirked. "That old bird, what's her name-Calliope? She's a right one as well. I reckon between us, the little boy'll be safe as houses."
Hermione gave him another hug. "I owe you one. You'll have to stop by again when it's not such a madhouse."
"Yeah, wonder what it's like to live a quiet life, eh?" He gave her shoulder a pat. "To be honest, I'm surprised Snape isn't in the middle of all this. He never was one for keeping his big nose out of trouble-"
"Snape is right here, Weasley, and I think when it comes to noses, I would remind you that people in glass houses…"
They turned to find Severus glowering in the archway leading to the back room, arms crossed, brows furrowed in irritation. Ron never missed a beat. "Hello Snape," he said pleasantly. "Glad to see you're about. When it comes to the old argy bargy, you're the one person I'd want on my side." He gave Hermione a wink. "Now I know you're in good hands."
Hermione's face flushed so quickly she could feel it burning her cheeks. "I think you'll find I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, thank you, Ronald," she declared.
Ron only grinned wider. "But having Snape do it would be a lot more fun, eh?"
"OUT!" Snape hissed, his eyes like daggers.
Ron was still laughing as he took Anthony's hand. Together, they escorted Lavender and Simone out the door. Cynthia sat back in her chair and closed her eyes. Now that the immediate excitement was over, she looked exhausted and frightened.
Hermione, her cheeks still burning with embarrassment, made herself face Severus. "We might as well all have a cup of tea. I doubt either of us are going to get much done today."
"Speak for yourself. I must take Madam Belldon to St Mungo's to make sure no harm has come to the baby. After that, I have to make a statement to the Aurors. In the meantime," he added, carefully looking at a spot somewhere over her shoulder, "I could strengthen your wards. If you do require assistance, that is."
To her surprise, Hermione realised she was no longer embarrassed, nor was she resentful of his offer. "I'll see what I can do for myself, Severus, but thank you for your help. And thank you for what you did."
He looked confused. "For all you did," she explained, "For Lavender and Simone, and the Belldons. And me," she added.
It was his turn to blush. His sallow skin darkened, and he lowered his head, his dark lashes hiding his eyes. "It was only what anyone would do."
This coming from the man who thought Prometheus a fool? "Sure," she agreed. "And while you're away, I'll watch your shop if you'd like."
His eyes shot up to hers, and the frown softened. "That would be…appreciated. I am expecting a few regulars today. Mr Toggle should be arriving around one o'clock, wife permitting," he added dryly.
"Mr Toggle… Toggle… Now he's the one with the…" She realised to her embarrassment she was staring pointedly at Severus' crotch. She shook her head quickly. "Oh yes! The…the um…"
"He is due for his fifth treatment. A strengthening potion, to increase, erm, stamina."
She frowned. "Oh, is that all? I was led to believe that a lot of his problem stemmed from his relationship with his wife-"
"She's a domineering harpy, don't pretend otherwise," Severus scoffed. "I warned him the potion would only work if he stood up to the beast. 'If I can survive Nagini and Tom Riddle,' I said, 'you can certainly beard that lioness in her den and show a little backbone.'"
Hermione struggled with the effort not to laugh. "And how did he take that?"
Severus paused, considering. "He actually seems a bit braver," he admitted. "At least, he has exhibited a bit more assertiveness. When she lets him."
"Excellent!" Hermione beamed. "You know, I think this is the first time you and I have spoken like equals. It's not a bad feeling."
He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. His eyes lingered on her lips, and it took all of Hermione's will not to lick them. "It is not unpleasant," he agreed levelly. He turned and headed back toward the shop front. "Well, I will Floo you should St Mungo's wish for Madam Belldon to stay overnight. In the meantime, the password for my wards is 'Brassica.'"
"Figures," Hermione muttered.
Cynthia did not, it turned out, have to remain overnight in hospital. After a thorough examination, and a few healing spells, she was allowed to return with Severus to Hermione's shop. Hermione had kept herself busy by tidying up the little box room for her guests, and flitting back and forth from Medicura to Potions Potentes. Both shops were busy, and by the time Severus dropped off Cynthia and headed to Auror Headquarters, Hermione was knackered.
The young witch seemed amazingly refreshed and calm in spite of the day's turmoil. She sat at the table, her feet propped on a low stool, while Hermione continued to run between the two shops.
After serving Potions Potentes' fifteenth customer, Hermione tiredly entered her own shop to find Cynthia behind the counter, serving a young couple. "Oh, please, do let me help, Hermione!" she beseeched. "After all you and Mister Snape have done for Anthony and me, it's the least I can do."
"But you must be exhausted-"
"I feel ever so much better, truly." Her soft green eyes were calm now. "To be honest, I find it very relaxing, just being in here, talking to people. It's so peaceful and…" She glanced at the door. “I honestly don’t think I’m in danger here.”
At that moment, Severus' wards clanged out the arrival of a new customer. Cynthia made a shoo-ing gesture. "Go. I'll be fine," she insisted. "You're just across the way. If anything happens, I'll call you."
Reassured, Hermione dashed across the street, where she stayed until Severus returned nearly three hours later.
Ron and Lavender dropped off Anthony around six o'clock. They arrived laughing, ushering in the young boy, his arms full of toys and brightly coloured things for which Hermione had no name. He smiled when he spotted his mother. "Look, Mum! I've been made official tester for Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes!"
Cynthia held open her arms and enveloped her son in a warm embrace. "That's lovely, dear! Let's go up to our room and you can show me all your treasures. We'll have wash up and then have our tea. Would you like that, darling?"
As they made their way up to the living quarters, Hermione turned to Ron and Lavender. "Have a good time?"
Lavender, who looked ten years younger, looped her arm through Ron's. "We did! Played games at the shop, Simone bought us all ice cream at Fortescue's. Ron took Anthony on a broom ride over London. It was like a holiday."
"Did Anthony seem alright?"
Lavender nodded. "I think we tired him out a bit, but hopefully that means he'll sleep well. He's a lovely boy. All the little girls in the shop were flirting with him."
"Were they ever! I was getting right jealous," Ron exclaimed with mock resentment. "I was convinced he was gonna steal this one right out from under my nose." He took Lavender's hand and kissed it. "I had to promise her the best meal in Culinar Alley to win her back."
Lavender rolled her eyes. "And we're going to be late, Sir Galahad, so if you want to keep me, you'd best not blow your chance."
Ron smiled at Hermione. "You heard the lady. Must dash. I don't want to risk losing this beauty to a better-looking bloke."
Lavender gave him a searching look, but whatever she sought, she must have found, for she rose on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. "Come on, then, you."
"Off with you," Hermione commanded. "Have a lovely evening. And thank you."
Lavender gave her a little wave as they left. "I'll stop by tomorrow and tell you all about it," she whispered excitedly.
Ron looked down at Lavender with so much affection, Hermione felt her throat tighten. "And so it begins," she said to herself. She watched them go as she locked the front door and turned the sign to read Closed. Whispering, "Nox," she sighed, feeling so lonely she thought she might cry.
Chapter Nine
Rating: R
(Highlight to View) Warning(s): Reference to Physical Abuse.
(Highlight to View) Prompt: Hermione creates a potion just for Severus, one which he doesn't believe he wants or needs (SS/HG or SS & HG).
Note: Special thanks to
stgulik, not only for the delicious prompt, but for her Herculean effort to pull this together. Thank you for putting up with me.This story is inspired by the film Chocolat, which in turn was based on the novel Chocolat by Joanne Harris. This fanfic is based on characters and situations created by J. K. Rowling, and owned by J. K. Rowling and various publishers, including but not limited to: Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books, Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended by the posting of this fanfic.
Summary: Severus' business, Potions Potentes, is not doing very well. In fact, he plans to shut his doors for good. Just when all seems lost, Hermione Granger arrives in town to open her own apothecary, bringing with her a very special brew. What exactly is she up to, and what exactly is this cure-all potion of hers? If there is one thing Severus knows more than most, it is that nothing is ever given without a price.
Thank you all for your encouraging comments. I'm really glad you like the story.
Chapter Eight - Medicura Apothecaria
"Oh, that Celestina Warbeck! I'm one of the few who can say, 'I knew her when,'" Simone Calliope remarked, pouring her second cup of tea. "A face made for wireless, I should say."
Lavender stifled a guffaw as she passed the plate of biscuits. "I shouldn't laugh, really. Seeing as how the same could be said about me."
"Nonsense, dear! You're an absolute doll. Isn't she, Hermione?"
"Always has been," Hermione declared with a smile. From her workbench she watched the two witches sipping their tea and gossiping.
"…and I told her, I said, 'Celestina love, you wait. Once every one hears that golden voice of yours, a little complexion problem won't matter.'" She leaned in. "I didn't have the heart to tell her that calling it 'a little complexion problem' was like saying that You-Know-Who had a little Death Eater problem. The woman had so many spots you could have used her face for an Astronomy chart."
The shop rang with laughter as Hermione brought over a fresh plate of biscuits. "You're certainly kicking up your heels this morning, Simone."
And she had been, literally. Madam Calliope had been bouncing up and down outside the door when Hermione opened the shop that morning. "I've had the all clear!" she proclaimed, and to prove it, she did a little jig with surprising grace. "Healer Blyte kicked me out of physio this morning and told me not to darken his door for the next six months!" With a sharp wave of her wand, she had switched on the Wizarding wireless, and jaunty music filled the shop. The old witch grabbed Hermione's arms and led her into an impromptu polka. "Not a speck of pain! Oh, Hermione dear, I feel like I could hop on a broom and fly to the moon!"
Hermione, embarrassingly winded, sank into a chair at her tea table. "Well, you're certainly outpacing me, so I wouldn't be surprised if you did," she laughed.
Madam Calliope joined her at the table, plonking herself in the chair with a satisfied grunt. "I wanted to tell Severus, but he's not open yet, the sleepyhead."
"It's Monday," Hermione answered, trying to sound casual. "He usually has a bit of a lie-in of a Monday."
"And what's this party in aid of?" came a new voice at the door.
Hermione turned toward the voice’s owner, and gasped in shock. "Lavender? I don't believe it! You look fantastic!"
Lavender Brown had also crossed the floor with a spring in her step. It was hard to believe this was the same witch who had stumbled into her shop on her first morning in business, reeking of cheap liquor and sporting a hideously ill-fitting glamour. Gone was the blurry, messy disguise. And while Lavender's face would never be the flawless work of art of her youth, her skin was smoother, the horrible sores which had ravaged and riddled her face were all but gone, and she had a new glow about her. "The healers said the glamour was actually exacerbating the problem," she explained, then dropped her eyes. "Well, that, and the booze."
Hermione had gently touched the renewing flesh. It felt soft and resilient. "So Snape's potion worked?"
Lavender nodded. "Did it ever. No cravings, no withdrawals, nothing. He says this is the last week I'll need to take it. My body has adapted, and once I'm weaned off, not only will I not want alcohol, but my body will physically reject it. And if I need a pain potion, he promised me his aren't addictive."
"That's wonderful, Lav!"
She gave Hermione a wry smile. "Those first few days were no picnic, I can tell you. He warned me about it. The potion actually 'chases' the alcohol from the blood, he said." She chuckled ruefully. "I should coco! There were times when it felt like it was chasing it with tiny pitchforks and torches."
The three witches laughed together. Hermione exclaimed, "Oh, where are my manners? Lavender, this is Madame Simone Calliope. Simone, Lavender Brown." In ten minutes' time, they were chatting away like old friends.
"Speaking of the devil, where is Snape?" Lavender asked, tucking into her cup of Earl Grey.
Hermione shrugged evasively. "Sleeping in. He always does on a Monday. I'll get another pot of tea brewing."
She left the two witches gabbing away as she went into the back of the shop. The mention of Severus Snape left her feeling jittery and confused, as it had ever since that moment when he pinned her against her counter with that blistering, brain-melting kiss. She had been ready to pull him down and have her way with him when suddenly he pushed her away like she was the one with pitchforks and torches. He had been avoiding her ever since.
Harry had always told anyone who would listen that Severus Snape was the bravest man he ever knew. So who was this Snape, who fled from her like a frightened Nogtail? Apparently, facing down Voldemort's snake was a walk in the park compared to Hermione Granger and the Kiss-That-Must-Not-Be-Mentioned. His parting shot about Pandora had stung, but she had finally managed to kick her old insecurities into touch. He had been afraid, and he had lashed out, pure and simple. It finally occurred to her that measuring his Slytherin instincts of flight v. fight against her Gryffindor pushiness was not the best way to view the situation. At the end of the day, Hermione told herself the kiss was an anomaly of epic proportion, and if he chose to treat it as such, so should she.
Trouble was, she was not all that successful in heeding her own advice. The memory of it sometimes left her so weak-kneed she had to hold onto a table for support. She would be working on a batch of Pepper-up potion and she would suddenly recall the feel of his arms around her. A batch of Muscle-Rub would be accompanied by the remembered sound of his deep moan reverberating in her mouth. She woke from increasingly restless sleep with Severus Snape tangled up in her dark, erotic dreams. Unfortunately, he exhibited no further desire to join her in acting any of them out.
On the upside, both shops were doing well, and after the Beltane sales, business had been steadily increasing. Snape accepted any and all customers she sent his way, and in one or two shocking occasions had even directed his own customers back to her, but after almost a month, he had remained conspicuous by his absence.
The bell above the door chimed, and Hermione heard Lavender call out, "Good morning! Hermione will be right out─"
Her greeting stopped abruptly, and the shop grew strangely quiet. The Wizarding wireless was shut off with a sudden snap. In a low voice, Lavender said, "Hermione, I think you'd better get in here." The urgency of her tone made Hermione abandon the tea fittings and head for the front of the shop.
Standing in the doorway was Cynthia Belldon and her son Anthony. Beside her was battered suitcase; Hermione could see bits of cloth and straps of underthings peeking from the seams as proof of hasty packing. Anthony was clutching a small knapsack to his skinny chest as if it held all his worldly possessions. Their clothing was torn and disheveled; their faces bore fresh bruises.
Behind them, looking every inch the dark angel of doom, stood Severus.
"Gods! What's happened?" asked Hermione.
"I did it! I left him." Cynthia seemed on the verge of hysteria, laughing and crying at once. With a mighty effort, she pulled herself together. "I waited until he was drunk, and I crept out. We tried to be quiet, but he woke up and..." Her emotions overcame her again, and she burst into tears.
"Oh, my dears!" Simone exclaimed in horror. She waddled over to Cynthia, and put her arm about her, urging her to follow. "You two have been in the wars! Come and sit down, darlings. Have a cup of tea." She beckoned to Anthony. "You too, poor thing. Come and sit down beside Miss Lavender and have a biscuit."
Hermione met Severus' furtive gaze as the two allowed the other witches to fuss over them. "In the back," she commanded, and though he looked none too happy, Severus nodded curtly and followed her.
Once they were away from the others, Hermione turned on him. "What's going on? And how are you involved?"
"I had suggested Madam Belldon go to Narcissa Malfoy's Home Away From Home," he began. "It's primarily for widowed witches and orphaned children from the war, but they do take… special cases." Hermione must have looked confused, because he hastily added, "I'm on their Board of Directors. After the war, Narcissa founded this home. She wanted to do something to help others."
"I suppose it didn't hurt in mending her reputation, either."
"Her reasons are her own, and I'll thank you not to sneer," he warned, his voice low and dangerous. "She's done good work, meaningful work, most of it funded from her own pocket. People would have died without her aid."
Chagrined, Hermione said, "Fair enough. I spoke out of turn. So, you recommended Cynthia leave her husband and go there?"
"I recommended that she give it serious consideration. I also recommended…" He paused, and seemed to find something fascinating under one of his fingernails. "I also recommended she take your potion before acting upon any impulses."
"I see." Actually, Hermione did not, exactly. "Go on."
"She and the boy made it to the Halfway House. She was practically through the door when her husband arrived, drunk as a sack and swinging at anything that moved. Apparently their departure was not as secret as she had hoped. In her haste to leave, she dropped the parchment I'd given her with the address. I am Narcissa's Secret-Keeper for the London house. At least, I was," he said bitterly.
"Once he spotted them, he must have gone into a killing rage. He struck her so violently she was thrown against the wards, which actually saved their lives. The wards alerted Narcissa. She stupefied the bastard before he could murder his wife and unborn child.” He ran his hand absently through his hair. “After Narcissa alerted the Aurors, she contacted me, and she asked me to take them somewhere safe. By the time the Aurors pulled their fingers out and got there, Belldon had slunk off. They're still searching for him."
Uncomfortably, he continued, "The Halfway House is compromised now, and I think we both agree that it would be inappropriate for them to stay with me. Belldon isn't aware of his wife's affiliation with your establishment, whereas I am a bit more…" He swallowed, and looked away.
"Of course they can stay here," Hermione said. "I have plenty of room upstairs."
He sighed with relief. "Thank you… Hermione. It will only be for a day or so, just long enough for Narcissa to find alternate lodgings for them. Hopefully by then, the Aurors will have Belldon in custody as well." He sneered. "I expect he will try and keep a low profile, or at least go somewhere he can sleep off his hangover."
At that moment, Lavender poked her head into the room.
"Hermione? Simone and I thought we might take Anthony for a little walk. Wheezes isn't far from here." Her eyes were filled with sympathetic tears. "He's such a brave little boy, but you can tell he's just trying to hold it all together for his mum's sake. A little fresh air, you know, might do him good."
Touched by her friends' thoughtfulness, Hermione answered, "I think that would be just what the healer ordered. Is that okay for you though?"
"Absolutely." Shyly, she added, "In fact, I just Floo'd Ron and explained what was going on."
"That-that's great, Lav! I'm sure he was over the moon to hear from you."
She gave a little shrug. "He did seem pleased. Anyway, I think Anthony could use a little cheering up, and if those Weasley boys can't make you laugh, well…"
"Lav? Where are ya?"
"Ronald?" Hermione headed out into the shop, where her old friend was greeting Simone and Cynthia. The little boy, who had not spoken two words in Hermione's presence, was already talking to Ron like they were old friends.
"I'm going to have a little brother or sister soon. I don't know which. I hope it's a brother," Anthony was saying. He looked up at Ron guiltily. "But I don't really mind, though. 'S long as they're, you know, okay."
Ron knelt until he was eye to eye with the child. "I know what you mean, mate. I have four brothers and a sister meself—they're all brilliant. Today you'll meet my brother, George. He's picking up some new stock this morning, but he'll be back after lunch. You'll love him."
As he spoke, he spotted Hermione, and his eyes lit up with happiness. "There you are!" He raced over and enveloped her in a hug that swept her off her feet. "Good to see you, mate!" He gave her a comical smacking kiss on the cheek, and Hermione wheezed with breathless laughter.
"Ron! It's good to see you as well-"
He released her. "As fun as this is, I can't really stick around. I'm on me own in the shop this morning, but I thought I'd give Lav and my new friends the guided tour." His expression sobered. "I remember Chester Belldon, you know. Cheddar Bellend, we used to call him. He was on the Quidditch team. Beater. Figures, huh?"
"Thank you, Ron. I'm sorry to get you involved in this, but…"
"I'll make sure the lad's safe. And don't let Lavender fool you-she can still throw a deadly hex when the need arises."
Even in the midst of the turmoil, Hermione felt a warm satisfaction at the faint blush in Lavender's cheeks. In that same moment, Simone Calliope's cackle burst into the room like fireworks, and surprise of surprises, Cynthia Belldon's soft laughter was heard in accompaniment. Ron smirked. "That old bird, what's her name-Calliope? She's a right one as well. I reckon between us, the little boy'll be safe as houses."
Hermione gave him another hug. "I owe you one. You'll have to stop by again when it's not such a madhouse."
"Yeah, wonder what it's like to live a quiet life, eh?" He gave her shoulder a pat. "To be honest, I'm surprised Snape isn't in the middle of all this. He never was one for keeping his big nose out of trouble-"
"Snape is right here, Weasley, and I think when it comes to noses, I would remind you that people in glass houses…"
They turned to find Severus glowering in the archway leading to the back room, arms crossed, brows furrowed in irritation. Ron never missed a beat. "Hello Snape," he said pleasantly. "Glad to see you're about. When it comes to the old argy bargy, you're the one person I'd want on my side." He gave Hermione a wink. "Now I know you're in good hands."
Hermione's face flushed so quickly she could feel it burning her cheeks. "I think you'll find I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, thank you, Ronald," she declared.
Ron only grinned wider. "But having Snape do it would be a lot more fun, eh?"
"OUT!" Snape hissed, his eyes like daggers.
Ron was still laughing as he took Anthony's hand. Together, they escorted Lavender and Simone out the door. Cynthia sat back in her chair and closed her eyes. Now that the immediate excitement was over, she looked exhausted and frightened.
Hermione, her cheeks still burning with embarrassment, made herself face Severus. "We might as well all have a cup of tea. I doubt either of us are going to get much done today."
"Speak for yourself. I must take Madam Belldon to St Mungo's to make sure no harm has come to the baby. After that, I have to make a statement to the Aurors. In the meantime," he added, carefully looking at a spot somewhere over her shoulder, "I could strengthen your wards. If you do require assistance, that is."
To her surprise, Hermione realised she was no longer embarrassed, nor was she resentful of his offer. "I'll see what I can do for myself, Severus, but thank you for your help. And thank you for what you did."
He looked confused. "For all you did," she explained, "For Lavender and Simone, and the Belldons. And me," she added.
It was his turn to blush. His sallow skin darkened, and he lowered his head, his dark lashes hiding his eyes. "It was only what anyone would do."
This coming from the man who thought Prometheus a fool? "Sure," she agreed. "And while you're away, I'll watch your shop if you'd like."
His eyes shot up to hers, and the frown softened. "That would be…appreciated. I am expecting a few regulars today. Mr Toggle should be arriving around one o'clock, wife permitting," he added dryly.
"Mr Toggle… Toggle… Now he's the one with the…" She realised to her embarrassment she was staring pointedly at Severus' crotch. She shook her head quickly. "Oh yes! The…the um…"
"He is due for his fifth treatment. A strengthening potion, to increase, erm, stamina."
She frowned. "Oh, is that all? I was led to believe that a lot of his problem stemmed from his relationship with his wife-"
"She's a domineering harpy, don't pretend otherwise," Severus scoffed. "I warned him the potion would only work if he stood up to the beast. 'If I can survive Nagini and Tom Riddle,' I said, 'you can certainly beard that lioness in her den and show a little backbone.'"
Hermione struggled with the effort not to laugh. "And how did he take that?"
Severus paused, considering. "He actually seems a bit braver," he admitted. "At least, he has exhibited a bit more assertiveness. When she lets him."
"Excellent!" Hermione beamed. "You know, I think this is the first time you and I have spoken like equals. It's not a bad feeling."
He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. His eyes lingered on her lips, and it took all of Hermione's will not to lick them. "It is not unpleasant," he agreed levelly. He turned and headed back toward the shop front. "Well, I will Floo you should St Mungo's wish for Madam Belldon to stay overnight. In the meantime, the password for my wards is 'Brassica.'"
"Figures," Hermione muttered.
Cynthia did not, it turned out, have to remain overnight in hospital. After a thorough examination, and a few healing spells, she was allowed to return with Severus to Hermione's shop. Hermione had kept herself busy by tidying up the little box room for her guests, and flitting back and forth from Medicura to Potions Potentes. Both shops were busy, and by the time Severus dropped off Cynthia and headed to Auror Headquarters, Hermione was knackered.
The young witch seemed amazingly refreshed and calm in spite of the day's turmoil. She sat at the table, her feet propped on a low stool, while Hermione continued to run between the two shops.
After serving Potions Potentes' fifteenth customer, Hermione tiredly entered her own shop to find Cynthia behind the counter, serving a young couple. "Oh, please, do let me help, Hermione!" she beseeched. "After all you and Mister Snape have done for Anthony and me, it's the least I can do."
"But you must be exhausted-"
"I feel ever so much better, truly." Her soft green eyes were calm now. "To be honest, I find it very relaxing, just being in here, talking to people. It's so peaceful and…" She glanced at the door. “I honestly don’t think I’m in danger here.”
At that moment, Severus' wards clanged out the arrival of a new customer. Cynthia made a shoo-ing gesture. "Go. I'll be fine," she insisted. "You're just across the way. If anything happens, I'll call you."
Reassured, Hermione dashed across the street, where she stayed until Severus returned nearly three hours later.
Ron and Lavender dropped off Anthony around six o'clock. They arrived laughing, ushering in the young boy, his arms full of toys and brightly coloured things for which Hermione had no name. He smiled when he spotted his mother. "Look, Mum! I've been made official tester for Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes!"
Cynthia held open her arms and enveloped her son in a warm embrace. "That's lovely, dear! Let's go up to our room and you can show me all your treasures. We'll have wash up and then have our tea. Would you like that, darling?"
As they made their way up to the living quarters, Hermione turned to Ron and Lavender. "Have a good time?"
Lavender, who looked ten years younger, looped her arm through Ron's. "We did! Played games at the shop, Simone bought us all ice cream at Fortescue's. Ron took Anthony on a broom ride over London. It was like a holiday."
"Did Anthony seem alright?"
Lavender nodded. "I think we tired him out a bit, but hopefully that means he'll sleep well. He's a lovely boy. All the little girls in the shop were flirting with him."
"Were they ever! I was getting right jealous," Ron exclaimed with mock resentment. "I was convinced he was gonna steal this one right out from under my nose." He took Lavender's hand and kissed it. "I had to promise her the best meal in Culinar Alley to win her back."
Lavender rolled her eyes. "And we're going to be late, Sir Galahad, so if you want to keep me, you'd best not blow your chance."
Ron smiled at Hermione. "You heard the lady. Must dash. I don't want to risk losing this beauty to a better-looking bloke."
Lavender gave him a searching look, but whatever she sought, she must have found, for she rose on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. "Come on, then, you."
"Off with you," Hermione commanded. "Have a lovely evening. And thank you."
Lavender gave her a little wave as they left. "I'll stop by tomorrow and tell you all about it," she whispered excitedly.
Ron looked down at Lavender with so much affection, Hermione felt her throat tighten. "And so it begins," she said to herself. She watched them go as she locked the front door and turned the sign to read Closed. Whispering, "Nox," she sighed, feeling so lonely she thought she might cry.
Chapter Nine
