Song Of The Guardians

Something's Brewing

Severus opened the door to his lab and ushered Hermione inside with a wave of his hand. "Caroline made good on her threat," he said, moving toward a small table. On the table was a tray that held a pitcher of pumpkin juice, two empty glasses and various fruits. He poured pumpkin juice into the glasses and offered one to her. She accepted it gratefully.

"Have you started already?" she asked looking toward what would be their work area.

"The cauldron is set up and I have prepared the ingredients we will need for the base," Severus replied. "I have also set out other ingredients that may prove useful. There are several books on the other table for our use." He paused and met her gaze. "Do you require anything else?"

Hermione blinked in momentary surprise. "Not at all Severus," she said politely. "This is perfectly fine. You are the expert here."

"Then let us begin," he said seriously. He set their notes on the table and began unrolling the parchment. "Bring the tray," he added, not raising his eyes. Hermione grinned and grabbed the fruit tray. She set it on the table and sat down next to Severus.

Draco had invited Harry and the Freemans back to his private quarters once training was finished. Andy arrived a short time later, glad to take a break from Arcanus. He had entered the sitting room looking distinctly ruffled and irritable. "Alright there?" Draco asked.

"Long day," Andy muttered. "It took half an hour just to throw the crazy naked guy out. Several people went overboard with the drinking. A couple of guys got into a fight and tried to have a wizards' dual. Once they remembered that they couldn't dual in the club they ended up sword fighting with their wands, resulting in one getting poked in the eye. They were both three sheets to the wind of course." He rolled his eyes. "The bouncers and I had to have a long chat. They let it go a bit too long for the sake of amusement and that's how people get hurt. At least the Streaker isn't really likely to cause harm to anyone."

"I don't know about that," Harry said, laughing. "Seeing his naughty bits flopping about could cause some psychological damage."

Andy chuckled. "True," he agreed. He accepted the glass of wine that Draco offered him and then went to sit down next to Jenna. "How was training?"

"Sweaty," Jenna replied, wrinkling her nose in distaste.

"I think it went well," Harry said, stretching his legs out in front of him and folding his arms over his chest. "Everyone worked really hard. I think it was a brilliant idea to train this way. And the girls dressed Hermione up," he added with a grin.

Andy raised his eyebrows in interest. "Really?" he said, eyeing the sisters.

"She wore a cute little outfit," Jenna said. "Like Caroline's. You know the one." She grinned and Andy's look of astonishment. "I fixed her hair up a bit."

"She looked amazing," Harry mused.

Andy smiled, not surprised. "How is that girl still single?" he asked.

"Good question," Draco commented. "I thought Granger and Weasley were together."

"They were," Harry said with a sigh. "That was a disaster. They fought like crazy. Ron still fancies her, but Hermione needs something more. I could never tell Ron this, but I think he sort of holds her back. Their personalities simply clash too much."

"I could have told you all that," Draco muttered. "That relationship was doomed right from the beginning."

"I just love your optimism Draco," Caroline said with a laugh. She stood up, yawning. "I'm exhausted. I'm gonna go get showered and head off to bed." Her sisters followed her lead, bidding everyone a good night.