Old Sins, Long Shadows

A Dying Wish

~~~ Limehouse ~~~

Like Severus' hometown of Cokeworth, London's Limehouse was undergoing a revitalization project. Wealthy developers, some from outside the United Kingdom, had bought up many of the old warehouses and were in the process of turning them into apartments.

Boutique hotels and foodie restaurants replaced flophouses and chip shoppes. The once seedier part of London had become trendy. It still had its untidy element as some of the abandoned warehouses still stood empty and disused, hideouts for the drug peddlers and human trafficking.

A cold chill gripped Hermione as they left the car park,

"I don't care how much they've fixed this place up it still gives me the creeps."

That blank expressionless face of the old Professor Snape emerged. He was in spy mode,

"You can paint a crypt, Granger, but that doesn't make it a conservatory."

Hermione looked at him puzzled. Was that a joke?

"I don't understand why we have to go see Dolohov anyway."

Severus walked cautiously but with that ever-present air of confidence. He was aware of everything around him, saw every movement, heard every sound.

"He is a piece of a complex puzzle."

"Which puzzle are we talking about?"

This is why he preferred to work alone. Partners are a distraction. They break his concentration...his awareness. Severus stopped and turned to face her,

"Granger, have you learned nothing in these last few days? The puzzle, the overall picture, the greys."

Hermione was slightly startled by his sudden turn but quickly composed herself,

"These events may be separate from one another. Pieces of two different cases. A coincidence."

"I don't believe in coincidence, Granger."

Of course you don't.

Crossing the road Severus walked into a small bakery, taking a seat at a table by the window. Hermione followed. She was beginning to feel like a puppy following her master no matter the direction.

"What are we doing now?"

"Having tea and a profiterole."

"Why?"

"Time for elevens. I'm hungry."

Hermione was determined to fathom his depths, at least as far as he would allow,

"Snape. We need to —"

He cut her off,

"There are a couple things I want to go over. You have your notes?"

She was going to have to find hidden depths of her own if this partnership was going to work,

"I left my satchel in the car. This is what comes from you not letting me in on anything."

After ordering their tea Severus stood,

"Give me the keys."

"What? Why?"

"Granger, the car park is two blocks away. Do you wish to waste more time walking or shall I apparate, there and back, before the tea arrives?"

Handing him the keys to her car she found she was grateful to the man in sparing her both the walk and the queasiness apparition caused.