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Who: Claire Bennet & Severus Snape
What: Testing the waters for Martel
Where: Apothecary de Snape
When: Pre-Lex's Party
Warnings: Snapeishness

It doesn't take her nearly as long as it should to locate Snape's shop, not with the way she's been snooping around whenever she thinks she's least likely to be noticed, skulking in the shadows like some sort of painfully nonthreatening stray cat. Regardless of his previous attitude toward her, it isn't like Claire to just give up on people even when they give her a handful of reasons and try to shove them down her throat. She's pushy, and she knows that, but it's only ever gotten her places before and she hopes that, despite that previous encounter, this will be no different.

This time it's more than just her mood and feelings at stake. Although she might not actually have any idea what it is that's wrong with her boss, if it's something that can be fixed, if it's something she has a potential resource for, then why not? And Severus wouldn't be a very proficient businessman if he's going to turn down potential business. That's at least what she tells herself as she stands in front of the door, hesitating before knocking. She moves automatically to slip her hands into her pockets, but only then remembers -

She's dressed as Raggedy Anne.

Comments

[inkdamage]

Of course he knows she's there, and of course he knows she's been skulking around like a depressed wayward duckling. (Once, he considered - no, it isn't important.) It's that awareness that almost keeps him from bothering; it's hardly his fault if she stands out there until dark at the bloody back door, unannounced, pointless.

But then.

The heavy iron door swings open and Severus, dressed as ever, stands there in the frame of the doorway, head raised, gaze downcast, observing her with a very critical eye.

"Miss Bennet." It's almost a greeting. "This is a tactic that I'd not yet experienced, and so I must congratulate you. I've opened the door. What," and this is the important part, "Have you done to yourself?"