Guys, what can I say?! Thank you so much for the support, I'm so grateful :) and a little shout out to 'Sassyluv' for acknowledging the Annie Get Your Gun "anything you can do I can do better" reference from the last chapter :') This one is just a short update ready for the ending, hope you enjoy it:)

CHAPTER 4

"You're doing what?!" Snape exclaimed, sounded as shocked as Hermione looked.

"Our final decision is to combine your proposals." Tristian Cunningham repeated, resting his hands on his desk as he leant forward. "We're going to offer you both funding for your potions."

Hermione spoke for the first time since entering the office of the Head of European Potions Research and Development. "That's an incredibly generous offer." She said slowly. "And not to sound ungrateful, but why-"

"Why both of you?" Tristian finished for her. "Look, that war has changed the lives of every single person whether they were involved or not, and will continue to do so for generations to come. Miss Granger, your potion can restore and alter memories which will be implemented by St Mungos for their patients who have been victims of memory charms or were at the wrong end of a Death Eater's wand."

Hermione's eyes widened hopefully. "Mr and Mrs Longbottom?"

"Will be two of many recovering patients soon, we hope." Tristian beamed. "And Professor Snape. You're potion is just as beneficial to those who have suffered since the war. A potion that interacts with neurotransmitters in the brain, improving mood and reducing the symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety, acting in a similar way to those Muggle drugs…anti-depressants I believe they're called. We would like to distribute this potion to those who require it, and in the long-term we hope to combine it with a new counselling scheme the Ministry are introducing to try and help minimise at least some of the damage that's been left behind."

Tristian waved his wand and summoned a folder from the filing cabinet at the back of the office. From it, he withdrew two identical sheets of parchment and held one out in each hand. "These are the contracts," he explained.

Hermione moved past Snape to accept the contract and he found himself breathing in the light fragrance of her perfume. He had become accustomed to her scent over the last couple of days, it had become acutely associated with the anticipation of her next move and the exhilaration that came with it.

"As well as the research grant, you will be offered all of the lab facilities and staff that you require to produce the potions. The contract is for six months, to start, although we hope to extend them after the potions begin production. Please take these and read through them, if you have any queries or concerns don't be afraid to voice them. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing your responses soon."

Hermione and Snape returned the pleasantries, and as they moved towards the door their gazes locked. Hermione could see the same question she was thinking written in his expression. Did we both win or did we both just lose?

/

Once they'd left the office Hermione went to open her mouth to speak, but was stopped by a distant shout of her name.

"Hermione!" Julien called, jogging down the corridor towards them. "Could I have a quick word?"

Snape gave a half-bow before moving off in the other direction, black robes billowing.

She turned to Julien. "Of course," she smiled in a way she hoped would cover her feelings of embarrassment and awkwardness.

Julien looked almost bashful, and he didn't meet her gaze as he shuffled from foot to foot. "I need to be honest. There's something I should have told you. I…I have a girlfriend. She's visiting her parents this week and we had an argument before she left. So about what happened…the other day…when we…you know…can we just…"

"Pretend it never happened?" Hermione finished, trying not to sound too hopeful.

"Yes." He watched her closely. "As long as you're in agreement, and I'm not hurting your feelings at all."

"Of course you're not. It was never a…serious…thing." She gave what felt like one of her first genuine smiles, trying to hide her sigh of relief. "No problem at all. Just one thing…promise never to do that to your girlfriend again."

Julien's boyish grin appeared. "I promise. I've learnt my lesson, I have never been so racked with guilt about anything. Thank you for understanding," he added, as they moved down the corridor. "So anyway, what were you doing? A meeting with my father?"

Hermione nodded. "Myself and Professor Snape won the research grant. We've been offered a joint position."

He looked impressed. "Wow! Congratulations! I'm glad you got it. You and Severus are going to make one hell of a team, you know."

A private smile graced Hermione's lips. "We'll see. So you didn't know what he had decided?" She asked curiously.

Julien shook his head. "Not a clue. If I'm honest, I'm only here because my father thinks it gives the right impression. I don't talk to him about professional matters, I like to keep out of all of that and try to avoid the people who want to use his influence."

'Clearly' she thought sarcastically, inwardly smiling at her own stupidity and his naivety. Her thoughts flew to Snape, and how amused he would be if he knew the irony of the situation.