Old Sins, Long Shadows

Plausible Deniability

A mid morning run always put things in perspective somehow. Some organic healing process lost to the modern caffeine-fueled world. Whatever it was, he felt much better than the near collapse last night. He may need to think of a stronger flexible material than concrete and steel for his mind fortress. But that is for a future time, perhaps some time in the mountains near his Italian home. Yes, better to consider that while engaged in the solitude of hiking and camping in the Alps.

For now, Severus prepared for the day. His rucksack that had been packed the day before by Neder was sitting by the door. A car horn sounded from the street below. He finished the rejuvenating smoothie Neder had made , grabbed his bag and left.

Hermione was waiting in her little silver sports car, idling at the curb. The convertible top was up as a watery sunshine pattered down. She sounded the horn again. Severus opened the passenger door, threw his rucksack in the back and got in,

"Merlin's balls, Granger. No need to honk, we are not teenagers heading out for a joyride."

Hermione ignored his foul mood,

"Are you going to tell C about our visit with Dolohov yesterday?"

"Only tell Lizzie what she needs to know."

"Plausible deniability?"

"Exactly, Granger."

"And you don't think she needs to know?"

"I don't...nor does she. Livvie isn't about the details...rather the end result."

"So the end justifies the means to her? Whatever you need to do to achieve a positive outcome. Whoever gets hurt...or dies in the process is of no concern."

"To put it bluntly...yes. Sound like anyone we knew?"

She hated to admit the truth,

"Dumbledore?"

"Right in one, Granger."

Severus knew Hermione wasn't stupid. He knew she, more than any of her form at Hogwarts, would have understood Dumbledore for what he was, power-hungry and ruthless. 

In fact, he acknowledged she was brilliant. He knew her skills exceeded expectations. From reading her dossier, he knew she had a stellar record as an Unspeakable and was thoroughly capable. She just needed more hardcore experience. Linear thought was fine if you sit in an office all day, aligning matrices, solving rune puzzles and equations, decoding cyphers. 

The real world was more evil than anyone could imagine and required problem solving on a much quicker scale, a broader spectrum of thought and reason. She had felt the torture the dark underbelly of Life employed, but it was only a taste of evil's rancidity. All she lacked was the experience with the right instructor...the right bastard.

"So why are we going to Headquarters?"

"To sort out our travel arrangements."

Hermione was, again, a bit irritated,

"So we are retracing my work! Still no trust in my abilities?"

Severus chose to be flippant,

"If it ain't broke, Granger."

"What?"

She shook her head. No amount of fuss was going to change this bastard. So she decided to drop it,

"Where'd you hear that phrase?"

He answered as if nothing had happened, no feelings had been hurt, no confidence shaken,