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Beyond 84 Charing Cross Road	By : devsgma Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 28462 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Part Four

AN: We bow our heads in supplication to the wonderful Lariope. Thank you for being our beta.

*****

It was very dark by the time Hermione Portkeyed back to London. She stopped by Marks and Sons only long enough to deposit several carefully wrapped parcels in the store safe, then Apparated directly to her small flat.

As she unpacked, she remembered her promise to alert Simon when she returned. Her quickly scribbled note was on a sheet of her personal stationery, a simple cream colored parchment that lacked the familiar stylized M&S of her official work stationery.

April 7, 2000

Simon Sopohorous

London

Simon,

I'm home. The trip was well worth the expense. The dealer had several manuscripts that we've been searching for, including two of yours. As soon as I get to work in the morning, I'll ask Mister Fitzgerald to bump your books to the front of the list for receiving and, barring any unexpected issues, they should be on their way to you by the ninth.

Thank you, again, for the warning about the Higgleworth volumes. You were correct; they were not intact. I suspect my dealer friend wasn't expecting me to check as thoroughly as I did.

As I have not heard anything from you, I can only assume – rather optimistically, I'm afraid – that you have also had success with your endeavor and that you were able to duplicate Bewitchments?

Please disregard any snappish behavior my owl may exhibit. Leontes is rather annoyed with me for being gone so long, and he won't appreciate being sent out so soon after my return.

Hermione

Post Script – Nearly forgot, I have your three books with me, but I dare not ask Leontes to deliver them tonight. It would be better if I sent them via one of the store owls after I hear from you.

-~8~-

When a strange owl attempted to deliver an equally unfamiliar looking envelope to him, Simon threw a quick Petrificus Totalus on the poor bird, and it landed with a thump on the floor. Its tail feathers were spread in such a fashion – braking to land he was sure – that it appeared to be balanced on a tripod consisting of the tail and the tips of both wings. The legs were still drawn up slightly, and the angle made it difficult to see the envelope still attached to one.

A bit of twisting and turning allowed him to finally make out the name Simon on the envelope, and he immediately recognized the handwriting as Hermione's. Carefully removing the letter from the frozen bird's leg, Simon grimaced slightly at what the bird might relay to its mistress.

"Yorick, after I counter the spell, sweet talk this – hell and damnation. I don't know if it's a male or a female. I don't even know if it's hers, so it doesn't matter."

A flick of Simon's wand released Leontes who wasted no time in departing the company of such a rude wizard – who offered no water or treat – but seemed much more interested in smelling the letter Leontes had apparently risked his life to deliver than he was in reading it.

"Vanilla if I'm not mistaken, and since I never am... It fits," Simon advised Yorick as he finally tore open the envelope.

"Optimistically? Optimistically?"

Snorting once, Simon glanced over at the two finished copies and the perfectly safe original.

"I wish I still had you in my class right now, Miss Granger. I'd give you something to be optimistic about," he grumbled as he pulled a fresh sheet of parchment towards him after sitting down at the desk.

April 7, 2000

Hermione,

Unforeseen circumstances occasionally happen even to the best of us. I'm sure it wouldn't surprise you if I were to advise those three volumes should be forwarded to the owner of Bewitchments with my heartfelt apologies and that the attempt to make copies was a complete and utter failure.

You cannot imagine how I feel about owning up to the disaster I caused. If it makes you feel any better, I will never, ever forgive myself.

Simon

Post Script – The original and your copy will be delivered to you first thing in the morning, you ungrateful wench. Optimistically, my Great Aunt Agatha's arse. There was never any doubt it would be a resounding success.

-~8~-

April 8, 2000

Simon,

You – you – I can't even think of a name that would fit – you nearly gave me a heart attack. And what did you do to my owl?

You are very lucky that he let me rub his feathers this morning, even though he was still refusing to look at me when I left for work.

You're also lucky that I've seen both copies of Bewitchments and am willing to be forgiving.

The Wench

-~8~-

Bleary eyed, Simon read Hermione's note, and though his sleep had been broken by more screams resounding through his head, he had to chuckle lightly. He'd put the time to use, as silly as it seemed to him later, by attempting to improve upon the scent she preferred. Picking up a crystal bottle, he pulled the stopper and sniffed once more before comparing it to the aroma of the letter he'd received the night before.

"It will do for now."

April 8, 2000

Hermione,

As I have been promised a delivery containing a paltry two volumes of a long overdue order by a certain bookseller, who shall remain nameless, you may find that I am in somewhat of a forgiving mood myself.

A small parcel should be attached to this letter. If not, Yorick will be properly ashamed of himself I'm sure. It is a small token of my thanks for all the effort you've gone through on my behalf – as well as a small bribe to continue those same efforts, of course.

I think you will find it somewhat superior to the scent on your stationery, as I have used a special blend of vanilla and a hint of two other mild oils. Unlike the heavy handed bottler who doused yours with a tad too much persimmon, this particular scent is somewhat lighter in aroma while the staying power will be greatly increased.

As to your dealer "friend"... Never forget Caveat Emptor – let the buyer beware. If your "friend" had gone to Hogwarts, Slytherin House would have had another student. Dealer first – friend as long as it lines the pocket.

As far as your beloved owl is concerned – he left my residence in the same condition as when he arrived. Was he injured?

Simon

-~8~-

It wasn't until she'd read his letter and looked at the bottle the parcel had contained that Hermione realized what she'd done. The other night she had sent a letter to a customer from her home; yesterday she had signed her note in an inappropriate manner. A teasing manner.

She groaned and dropped her head into her hands. Yesterday, or even the day before wasn't the first time she'd crossed the line toward familiarity. "That ship sailed a long time ago."

Bumping Simon's books to the top of the list, trusting him with her very expensive and irreplaceable book, letting him call her wench without at least making a half-hearted effort to hex him in the unmentionables... and now the crystal bottle.

If the owners ever found out, it would mean her job. Wouldn't it? She had seen Marks himself talking up a widow who had come in to find a book on gardening.

Not that I've been talking up Simon! That's just... the very thought is just... Grandpa Simon.

But she had, at some point, after the initial pissing contests were out of the way, begun to look forward to his letters. She knew for certain that her tone had slipped away from strictly professional long ago.

The question was why? The answer, Hermione suspected, was that not once in all of their correspondence, did Simon ever ask about Harry. He never asked about the war, what it was like, what did she do.

He treated her as if she were simply Hermione Granger, bookstore manager, and Hermione appreciated it. She liked it.

She liked him. At least as far as trading quips on parchment, sharing a love of books, and offering the occasional favor... to a friend. Nothing more.

With that thought, she released a pent up breath and raised her head. She reached for the bottle and carefully pulled out the stopper, breathing deep.

April 9, 2000

Simon,

Something horrific happened today. Much to my chagrin, I have discovered that I am bribe-able. I suspect that should bother me more than it does; perhaps the intoxicating aroma I'm currently wearing was sufficient to overcome any silly concerns on that account.

You know very well that something was wrong with my owl; I just haven't figured out what could have upset him so. Do you have a dog?

The two books we discussed earlier are in the attached parcel. I hope to have more for you by the end of the month.

Hermione

Post Script – If one wished to scent one's bath water with a particular scent, perhaps something she received as a bribe at some point, what would be the recommended amount to add to tub full of hot water?

-~8~-

"Oh, good gods! Did she learn nothing in my Potions class? Putting the scent into hot water will – Blasted woman is more trouble than the books are worth."

Not saying another word, Simon left her letter and the two new volumes, which were almost untouched, on the desk while he headed back to the small lab. He may have grumbled, but deep inside, he was greatly pleased Hermione liked the scent, and if she wanted something to place in her bath – she'd have it.

Two days later, he was fairly satisfied with the results.

April 11, 2000

Hermione,

I don't own any type of mangy cur, either canine or feline in nature. Yorick is enough company and manages to keep himself and his perch in order. You mentioned your owl was upset you'd been gone; could it be nothing more than that? If I were of a sensitive nature, I'd be upset at your insinuations I would harm another's owl.

The books, while a bit more worn than I anticipated, are in an acceptable condition and arrived safely.

The scent I sent you before isn't suitable to add to your bath. The extreme temperature of the water would destroy the delicate bond I managed to build between the oils to give it the desired aroma without being overpowering. Therefore, since it is your desire to languish in your bath while I'm languishing over the lack of my other volumes, I am foolishly forwarding a small sample of bath salts for you to try. Advise if it meets your expectations. If not, a few adjustments may be made. It should emit the same aroma, but the staying power will not be as resilient as the oil based scent.

Simon

-~8~-

The bath salts were tested the night they were received, but Hermione waited to reply until the next evening, choosing to send her letter from home rather than work.

April 12, 2000

Simon,

I'm glad to hear that the books are acceptable, especially since I had to go all the way to the Isle of Man just to get them for you. I did have a thought as I was languishing in my bath last night – the salts worked beautifully, by the way, and while the scent wasn't as strong by the end of the day as with the oil, there was still a hint of it as I left work this evening – how expensive is your potion, the one you used on Bewitchments, not the one you sent me, to create?

Before you get into a huff, I'm asking because it occurred to me that part of the reason it has taken so long to make much progress with your list of books is that I've been searching for a certain minimum quality in the book's condition, but if I could broaden that search to include volumes that others might not consider worth purchasing...

It's an option to think about.

Hermione

Post Script – Be nice to my owl. Could it be your Yorick that upset him?

-~8~-

How much of your rudimentary Potions lessons have you've retained, Miss Granger?

After shrinking a large jar of bath salts to be delivered by Yorick, Simon sat down to write his "test" letter.

It does almost feel like I'm preparing a test again.

Simon paused and stared off into nothing while he considered how he felt about the idea.

Is it good or bad that I'm not bothered by it?

Another slight shrug and the enchanted quill was once again disguising Simon's normal handwriting.

It matters not in the long run.

April 12, 2000

Hermione,

Yorick has impeccable manners as long as the bird in question doesn't attempt to land on his perch. Which is far more than I can say for your bloody bird, who barely placed his beak inside my residence before dropping the letter you sent – on the floor – and leaving post-haste.

What have you told him about me that he treats my correspondence in such a fashion?

I must admit, I hadn't thought of using my potion to duplicate all the tomes I require. Good on you. A few quick calculations have given me the amounts of the various ingredients I would need. There is one that I'm quite short on, and as I don't get out much any longer, do you think you could add a pint of Acromantula venom to your shopping list the next time you venture forth? That should just about cover what I require and leave a few volumes left over as spares.

As ever,

Simon

-~8~-

Hermione looked at the duplicate copy of Bewitchments lying open on the desk near her, then back to the letter.

What is it about Potions makers that make them such pains in the rear? Fumes? Are they given lessons in sarcasm along with the proper way to dice roots and powder beetle carapaces?

Simon is as bad as Professor Snape used to be. And then there was Professor Slughorn; he was irritating in a completely different ball of roly-poly annoyance kind of way.

April 12, 2000

Simon,

You could have just said the potion was expensive to produce.

I hadn't told Leontes a thing about you before I sent him the first time, but I have had to promise him several treats just to get him to deliver to you since.

Yorick is a fine looking bird, by the way. Is there any kind of treat or snack he prefers above the rest? Something a tad bit less expensive than a pint of Acromantula venom, preferably.

Hermione

-~8~-

"Still passing with flying colors, I see. All due to the extraordinary professor she had her first few years I'd venture," Simon advised Yorick while pretending to buff his nails. Picking up the special quill that altered his handwriting, Simon tapped it on his chin before deciding how to reply.

April 13, 2000

Now, now, Hermione,

If I had merely stated the potion was too expensive – what might you have sent in response? Questions and more questions like as not.

Was I sure? Is there any way to cheapen the cost? Substitutions or a different way of brewing?

While it might have been amusing to shoot down what I'm sure would have been some brilliant suggestions, wasn't it better you reasoned it out on your own?

You should be grateful, really, that the price is so exorbitant. If everyone could duplicate a book they wanted – you'd soon be out of a job. If I ever find a suitable, and inexpensive, replacement for the Acromantula venom, I shall endeavor to give you sufficient warning in time to change your career.

Yorick is a chicken pretending to be a falcon and doesn't deserve any special treats. He failed – again – to notify me when your letter arrived. He does, however, seem rather more fond of white mice than he does brown. With an occasional biscuit thrown in on the side.

Simon

-~8~-

April 15, 2000

Simon,

It is mid-month, and I owe you an update on your book list. I'm meeting with Mister Peabody over dinner next week in order to discuss the distribution of his late grandfather's library. As discussed previously, I shall be making specific inquiries for three volumes from your list. At this time I have not seen the books in question and do not want to get your hopes up as to their condition.

Simon, I'm not quite sure how to ask this, but do we know each other? I mean apart from our correspondence, have we met at some time, or did I attend Hogwarts with one of your children or perhaps a grandchild?

I know my questions may look odd, especially now, but sometimes the things you write seem so familiar to me, not to mention your observations about my inquisitive nature. Perhaps you just remind me of someone I used to know.

Hermione

-~8~-

Hermione's letter had shaken Simon more than he cared to admit. If it was this easy to allow slips of the nature he'd given away in a few letters...

Perhaps the time has come to return her letters unopened.

He studied what Hermione had written and was somewhat chagrined to note she thought him old enough to be a grandfather.

"Saucy wench."

If she thinks I'm elderly – it might not come as a surprise if the letters were returned "Addressee deceased."

He shook his head as he discarded the idea. Not only would she not see an obituary, he was loath to try and find yet another name to live out his remaining years.

I have to persuade her we've never met, but if I lie – would she somehow sense it?

It took a few hours of pacing and thinking, but Simon thought he'd found a way to mislead Hermione without straight out lies.

He still wanted his books, after all.

April 16, 2000

Hermione,

Peabody's books – as long as they're still contained in his grandfather's library and not tossed about by Emerson in a search for something he might consider valuable – will more than likely be in excellent condition.

Must I repeat my warning about his nature?

I thought not.

It is possible we might have seen each other before. More than once, I suppose, but I can almost guarantee you that if we were to meet face to face at this very moment – you would not know me from the proverbial Adam until I introduced myself.

While I am of an age where it is possible I could have had a child go to Hogwarts while you attended, I do not. Nor am I old enough to be a grandfather unless I started at a very promiscuous age and my offspring followed suit. To put your mind further at rest, I have no living relatives who are closer than approximately fourth cousin, twice removed.

As to knowing about your inquisitive nature... You underestimate the coverage the "chums" of the boy who lived received in the papers. Who in the wizarding world doesn't know a great deal about the "trio" and their exploits?

As ever,

Simon

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Beyond 84 Charing Cross Road