A/N:
- ENGLISH IS NOT MY NATIVE LANGUAGE so don't expect this to be without hundreds of errors. If anyone is interested in beta reading it and helping out, I would appreciate it a lot.
- fiction by u/4598687/ (ArabellaFaith) Learning to live with Snape - that made me want to try my hand in fiction again, no matter that I don't have the time. Go check that fiction out, it's lovely!
-The child is grown, the dream is gone and I have become comfortably numb-
-Roger Waters
-I lean to you, numb as a fossil. Tell me i'm here-
-Sylvia Plath
-Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it-
-J.K. Rowling
Chapter 1- 3:
Hermione stood in the frontline of the large protest group that had gathered in front of the doors of the Ministry of Magic. They held placates that declared the muggleborn opposition for the new marriage law that was being voted that day in the parliament. She raised her fist in anger and her loose brown curls flooded her face which was contorted in anger "FUCK THE MARRIAGE LAW!" she cried one more time tightening her elbow lock with the woman next to her. They were all moving back and forth in unison and crying the same words again and again in front of the protective auror line that stood in front of them in total apathy with their arms crossed. This madness had begun two years after the war had ended, but back then it was only a lunatic plan in the workings. Somehow it managed to reach the parliament after five more years of pussyfooting around a rise in stillbirths and squib children.
Various medical institutions including St. Mungo where she was employed as a head nurse had taken part in a huge research that tried to find the reason behind all those birth defects. No progress had been accomplished by any of these institutions and doctors, but behind the scenes the new Ministry cabinet was orchestrating a mass brain storming to the people. They were out to convince the world that the birth problem of the magical world had to do with the alarmingly rising amount of muggleborns. Too many pureblood wizards were marrying muggles nowadays and it was easier to pin the problem to the muggles, than search for another more sinister, underlying reason. The government paid to cook many statistics that spoke of muggleborn wizards and witches, descendants of half-breed lines marrying more muggles and therefore driving the magical line to inevitable extinction. No matter how silly or absurd those ideas sounded to Hermione and all the muggleborn community, the reality of the law still slapped them across the faces as more babies were born dead, or with lack of any magical abilities.
This ludicrous idea reached through the years more people of power and finally it was given the chance to become legal. If today the majority of the parliament voted yes, then the marriage law would become a mad reality for her and all the muggleborns. It would tear away most of their given rights of freedom, turning them into objects, meant to be passed along to purebloods for the only purpose of breeding a new half blooded magical line. Hermione had been through hell during the second magical war as most of her friends had been. She would have expected a lot of nasty things to happen to her. Death, torture, illness, depression or mental issues, but the last thing she expected was to have to stand up for her basic right to freedom like all the other citizens at some point in her life. "FUCK THE MARRIAGE LAW" she cried again with her fist taunt in front of her, the knuckles white.
She pulled the woman next to her and the domino effect drew the line a step forth. The aurors remained impassive, making her anger turn to bitterness, as she knew many of them were muggleborn as well. How could they stand against their brothers and sisters with such apathy? Didn't they understand that they were simply being used to silence the call of the just from reaching the closed doors of the ministerial cabinet? Her eyes passed from each face in front of her. Men and women likewise. Most she didn't know, but a couple of faces looked familiar and she was silently thankful that neither Ron nor Harry had taken part in this menagerie.
Her friends had warned her repeatedly not to overexpose herself, but Hermione was one of the leading members of the protest groups and she didn't intend to back down unless this silly bill was buried in some obscure drawer again. She had been actively fighting it's raise since the beginning and she was the most well known face of the muggleborn opposition. Cutely named as the army nurse in many newspaper articles and blog posts, she had partaken in hundreds of interviews and had become a political figure without it been her initial intention. Standing tall in the frontline of many protests she ended up in the middle of expected riots and street fights with the aurors. She had raised her wand against them not few times and she had been imprisoned for civil and criminal disorders. Harry had bailed her out many times, with a sad smile on his lips and a pat on the shoulder. She had grown an impressive rioter file in the auror headquarters and she was being watched almost 24/7.
She assumed that her role in the second war, kept her one step from being prosecuted by the wizengamot all this time. If the law was passed though she would be unable to escape them anymore. They would hunt her, imprison her and finally give her the choice of choosing a pureblood husband or facing a life of no legal rights within the magical community. Forcing her to quit her job and take the road of an outlaw, and for that she was not ready. "FUCK THE MARRIAGE LAW" she cried again and felt her body being pulled and pushed by the huge mass behind her.
Just as she was contemplating to conjure and throw rotten tomatoes at the aurors she heard a lot of commotion from the left wing of the protest. She turned just in time to see a tightly bound group of aurors escorting the Minister of Magic through the hiatus. Angry voices rose above the new arrival, tight fists rose to the air and an intentional movement of the body towards the Minister Shacklebolt, pulled her. She was the first one to escape the elbow locks and fly in front of the aurors towards him digging in her bag for the papers. She climbed two steps with one foot and landed again on the sidewalk with a jump in order to avoid several other protesters that had escaped the single foreboding human mass. She was quick and run like a gazelle raising the paper pack in the air "Minister Shacklebolt! Minister wait!".
The aurors that escorted him didn't break circle neither did they slow down. She reached them and without stopping she fell upon the circle, clinging upon one of the guards with her arm around his shoulder. She started jumping trying to draw the attention of the minister who indeed turned to her briefly and met her eyes. He was quick to look away, but she pressed on "Minister, minister look at me! We have the muggleborn petitions here for the cancellation of this law. I have a pack of three thousand signatures, please minister just take them! Take them, I know you are a good man! Bring them to the parliament before the voting starts!" she said almost hanging from the throat of the poor auror that was trying to shake her off. The group moved up the stairs and she saw many people closing around the auror circle demandingly. She inhaled in fear knowing what was going to take place next, if she couldn't manage to give him the papers in time.
As the circle approached the auror line, the magical police force tightened their postures ready to repeal the protesters that were following foot. Hermione got entangled between rock and a hard place, having the minister escort in front of her, the protesters now hanging off her back and the aurors on her immediate right. She tried again almost throttling her auror donkey in the process "Minster PLEASE! You have to take them! Give us a chance to be free damnit!" she cried and tightened her teeth in anger as she saw the minister moving on without turning back. As her body got stopped by the auror line she tried to hang on to the throat of the guy that had dragged her all this way. He twisted her hands painfully and she released his throat go, falling head first into the chest of another guard. He grabbed her without any restrictions from the waist and tried to bring her down the steps.
Hermione got so pissed off that she started kicking and screaming lashing out on the guy behind her, to no avail. The need to give the signatures to the minister was what pushed her to draw her wand from her sleeve, point it back to the auror that held her calling out "Confringo". The man behind her blasted at least ten feet back and landed on the stairs unconscious. She turned around and taking advantage of the momentary disarray in the auror lines she ducked two tries to be contained and reached the ministry escort that was now almost running "TAKE THE SIGNATURES AND FUCK YOUR MARRIAGE LAW!" she cried infuriated and threw the paper bungle upon the escort. The rubber band broke as the bundle landed on some shoulder and in a matter of seconds the air got filled with white papers swirling around madly. For several seconds she stopped her crazed pace and looked up at the paper shower bemused.
Seeing all those papers scatter around like garbage made her throat convulse and she covered her mouth with the palm of her hand. Her eyes teared up and she felt total despair for the first time since the end of the war. She knew there was great commotion around her and that people had drawn wands on both sides. She could hear defensive and offensive spells called all around her, but she had eyes only for the retreating ministerial escort behind the paper curtain. Someone pushed her and she stumbled back.
Pushed and crumbled from rushing feet she saw her work of years being destroyed without ever reaching it's destination. She locked all the commotion outside feeling totally defeated, but her momentary shock was taken aback as strong arms grabbed her from the waist and brought her down roughly to the sidewalk. Her head crashed with force and she felt the pain exploding in her skull. She pointed her wand to her attacker and cried "Confringo". He flew several feet in the air. Hermione kneeled grabbing the back of her head. She raised her eyes at the vanishing feet of the escort as the doors were closing behind them.
She pushed on her feet and took a couple of steps raising her fist again in uncontrollable wrath "NO ONE WILL EVER FORCE ME INTO MARRIAGE! DO YOU HEAR?! NO ONE". Her own voice made her head throb and her knees loosened. She sat down at the sidewalk cradling her head and looking at the scattered papers flying around her. A new bout of tears came and when another auror captured her arms and brought them behind her she didn't truly resist. What was another arrest anyway? Her work was destroyed and during this night, the magical parliament was going to vote one of the most abhorring laws that had ever been passed.
The auror pushed her face down to the cold marble stairs and placed his knee on her back bounding her arms behind her back with magical bonds "You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions…". She knew the words by heart and she closed her eyes swallowing her salty saliva and her pride. She had failed after all these years and was unable to accept it. She was unable to accept failure in any manner or form.
Three floors up the door to the minister's office opened up quickly and Shacklebolt entered, his robes cracking behind him. The auror escort stopped at the entrance when they saw their boss turning around.
"I think that should be quite enough minister" Harry Potter said pointing towards the window.
"I say what is enough and when mr. Potter" the minister warned him as he took off his cloak and threw it at his secretary.
"Arresting her again? She didn't really do anything. Her spell was disarming…" Harry begun, but the minister stopped him.
"Disarming? She created a new riot down there!" he cried and moved menacingly next to Harry "She has been doing this for longer than I can remember, and we have already treated her with caution because of you Harry, but today she went over the top. I cannot allow her to shoot at my aurors!"
Harry turned to the remaining escort that was watching at them cautiously from the door "What are you all gawking there! you are dismissed!" he thundered. They dispersed quickly.
"Sir, I must remind you that the ministerial cabinet is expecting you" his secretary said.
"Fine" he shooed her away with the palm of his hand. She tiptoed quickly out closing the door carefully behind her.
"I cannot blame her for the riot minister, you know that I will never agree with this ridiculous law you are about to endorse either. If I was not employed there, I would be rioting next to her" Harry said with furrowed brows.
"Then do so, and rid us of your insolence. On your way out, leave your auror badge at the reception" Kingsley sat down heavily and wiped his forehead.
Harry felt something abandoning in him "Why are you doing this minister? You were always a just and fair governor. What happened to cause this change in you. You didn't even accept the signatures Granger was carrying. It is their legal right to give you the petitions of our civilians, and it is your duty to take them into consideration"
"Why don't you mind your own house, wife and children Potter? This stands too high for either of us" Kingsley retorted heavily.
"You are under pressure then?" Harry asked.
"Immense pressure from people of immense power. I suppose the elite of the magical world is still having issues with accepting the freedom of the muggleborns, or considering them equal. They have been trying to prove them lesser wizards for decades. Now they pinned the birth defects to them as a bonus. I cannot do anything about it with opposition. They are going to bring me down and find a minister that would do their bidding"
"And you are not doing it?" Harry sounded cynical.
"I am working on a plan to try and uncover the real reason behind the birth defects, and keeping my chair makes it easier for me to accomplish that" Kingsley rejoined.
"In which manner are you trying to dig deep?"
"With the elite group of magical officers I am working with. They are going to be able to assist us" Kingsley raised his brow.
Harry frowned "Aurors?"
"No, I mean the Keepers" Kingsley said pursing his lips testily.
Harry drew a deep breath and his face went pale "You are not going to bring them into this are you?"
"You have a better idea?"
"They are dark wizards, hard to control. We cannot collaborate with them as it is, and you want to give them more responsibilities?" Harry threw his hands in the air.
Kingsley leaned on his elbows and his brows knitted "The Keepers were created as the police special forces of our magical world because we needed protection from dark magic Potter, and no auror is equipped to deal with that kind of magic. They are the ones able to control the Underworld, it's magical creatures and it's dark matter. If there is one group that would be highly recommended for this job, then that's them. I suggest you tone down your egotism and try to get along with their commander. It is in the interest of all of us, if that finally happens. For goodness shake this personal feud has been going on long enough"
"You know perfectly well that I respect Snape to the utmost, but he is not the easiest man to work with" Harry shook his head in disdain.
"I don't care! Find a way to deal with him. He and his team are invaluable to us, and we should be so lucky that he agreed to collaborate with the ministry instead of blowing us to kingdom come, when he returned" Kingsley thundered.
"Fine then, let's say I do find a way to communicate with him, what do you think they will be able to do about this mess? Do you think all this has to do with dark magic?" Potter said crossing his arms.
"It could be so, since there is no illegal traceable magic taking place at the moment. If something is at hand it must be undetectable and that can only happen through highly advanced dark magic and I need the Keepers to investigate" Kingsley said and raised himself. He took up some folders and looked up at Potter "And you and the aurors are going to assist them" he warned.
Potter winced "Are they informed?"
"I should think so. I spoke to him yesterday" the minister said and made it for the door.
"He accepted?" Harry asked with honest interest.
"He gave me a curt nod. That should suffice as an agreement" the minister raised his brow and opened the door.
"What about Granger?" Harry asked.
"A night in prison should extinguish the fire in her for the time being. Her riots are certainly not helping me find out the truth. They are only making matters worst"
"Please minister, I know I have asked this a dozen times, but just once more. Can we release her? You know she didn't mean any harm. She is a brilliant witch fighting for her rights on freedom. She just doesn't want to be forced into marriage as millions of other muggleborns. Would you want this fate upon you?" Harry asked almost pleadingly.
Kingsley paused at the door skeptically "Get her out before the tabloids get in on this mess" he said and warned him with his eyes.
"Thank you" Harry stood up quickly.
"Don't thank me yet, because the law is going to be passed tonight. Miss Granger has been on the protest spotlight for so long, that she will be the first dragged to the wizengamot to choose a husband. They want to make an example out of her to silence the masses. If the muggleborns lose their leader, their spirit will break. Tell her to get prepared for the inevitable and pray the Keepers find out the real reason behind the birth defects. Only with solid evidence will I be able to draw back this insidious law" Kingsley said solemnly.
Harry watered his lips and nodded unable to find a suitable reply. "Finish with the riot down there" Kingsley added and closed the door behind him.
Outside in the midst of the debris, Hermione got pulled on her feet violently and she jerked her body back to the officer "get your hands off of me" she spat and tried to pull away to no avail. The crowd had been dispersed and most of the main rioters were already in bounds and led away from the scene.
"Easy missy" the auror warned.
"Call your girlfriend missy, not me!" she twisted her body around.
"Come on loosen up, we've done this a dozen times, you know the drill" he was patiently leading her towards the auror vehicles. Hermione pouted her lips and groaned as her head was pounding with pain. The voice of Harry was what made her look back at the blackened and destroyed pile of signed papers.
"Jess, let her go" her friend was coming down the steps with his arm raised.
The auror winced and rolled his eyes "There we go again" he muttered and before Harry reached them her bounds were off her arms.
She immediately cupped the back of her head and rubbed it offering a vague "thank you" to Harry.
"I'll take care of her Jess, go on" Harry said kindly.
"Sure boss, take care missy" he said to her with a side smile before turning his back at them.
Hermione frowned at his back and then looked back at her papers. Without waiting for Harry she run up the steps and stood in the middle of that chaos looking lost "No" she whispered and placed her fingers on her mouth. Her eyes quickly teared up again.
"Mione come on, I have to get you out of here, before the press arrives" Harry said touching her shoulder.
She shook him off and took a step away "It's gone, everything's gone. All my work. I have to save anything I can" she muttered and kneeled down picking up paper after paper. Some crumbled, some burned, many blackened by stepping boots, others torn, they were all picked up messily and placed near her chest.
"Mione I don't think you understand. Shacklebolt let you off the hook one last time. If we don't get out of here now, he is not going to give you another chance. And there is more, we have to talk" Harry tried to talk to her again looking back at the gates were several news carpools were arriving.
"Fucking bastard didn't even look at me, he didn't take the petitions. It took me three years to gather all these signatures and now they are all gone" she muttered again to herself picking up the papers with one hand, with the other pushing her stray hair away from her eyes.
"HERMIONE!" Harry cried almost to her face.
"WHAT!?" she retorted with force throwing all the papers she had gathered in the air.
"We have to leave now" her friend said meaningfully. She turned around and saw the news reporters entering the ministerial park.
"I can't leave my work here, I have to pick it up, I have to. We don't have time. The bill is going to be passed tonight" she muttered again looking around her feet like a lost puppy.
Harry touched her arm and turned her to face him. He looked at her with warm loving eyes and gave her a sad smile "The bill is going to be passed. The law is going to be on by tomorrow Hermione. It's over" he said softly.
She shook her head "No, it cannot be, I have to try till the last moment" she said and passed her palm roughly from her wet eyes.
"it's over Mione, we have to leave" he said soothingly.
"I cannot be ordered into marriage, nobody should have to, Harry….." she said almost in desperation. Harry looked behind her and without warning embraced her. A loud crack apparated them away from the ministry, just as the first camera crews arrived at the ministry steps.
On the fifth floor of the Ministry of Magic a dark blue curtain was kept away from the window by long elegant fingers. A strong jawline, long nose and high forehead were enveloped by a sea of long black hair tied loosely at the back of the head. A pair of hard eyes that held a tint of green when the sun shone upon them was looking at the scene below sternly.
"You have been looking at this for the last hour. Is it so interesting?" the woman sitting on the office leather couch said without looking up from the book she was reading. She was a mature minx of about thirty five, with a strong build and prominent curves. Her eyes were bright blue and her hair the bluest black, matching the man in the room. Her eyebrows were arched and expressive and her lips full and smiling at his broad shoulders and tall well built frame. His fingers moved slightly upon the curtain and his free hand came behind his back resting in a tight fist. His jawline moved as his teeth clenched. He did not speak. The woman kept on reading, but on seeing no reaction from him she raised her eyes one more time. She exhaled and raised her brow. Placing her book next to her she got up and moved to him quietly. She placed her hand upon the window sill and looked outside letting her arm touch his slightly "Took them long enough to bring it down this time" she said quietly and frowned "What's all this debris?"
His bob's apple moved up and down and his eyes never left the stairs below them. The side of his mouth quirked, but he didn't reply. The woman next to him raised her brow and inhaled "Don't tell me it's the muggleborn petitions…" she trailed off.
"Yes" he said with his impressive deep voice.
She winced and crossed her arms "Shacklebolt didn't accept them, then?"
He shook his head slightly and closed his eyes as he exhaled the "No" to her.
She looked at his hard profile and shook her head "That's a pity Severus, but there is nothing we can do at this point. The riot is not our responsibility, nor are these petitions". He didn't reply and she turned her attention to the sidewalk again "What about the missing muggleborns? Did Shacklebolt say anything?" she asked.
"We don't mess with auror business" he rejoined heavily.
"I don't expect us to, I just thought that is what you two talked about yesterday" the woman said thoughtfully.
"Call everybody in" he said coldly.
"A full meeting now?"
He gave her a curt nod. She lifted her hand to his shoulder, but he caught it and pushed it away. The woman withdrew from him carefully. His eyes narrowed down at the place where two people apparated and his black eyebrows frowned deeply.
-.-
Four days later found Hermione still bearing a dull pain from her head and her egotism non the less bitter. She had remained at Harry's and Ginny's house for safety, even though the charges on her were dropped the next day. The marriage bill had been passed with very few votes against and it had become a law the next day. The ministry had been ready to take on the red tape for this theatre of the macabre with the appropriate employees and offices. As it seemed there had never been any doubt about the marriage law becoming a reality. Three days in and there were already names of muggleborns registered and pureblood petitions for marriage. What the ministry hadn't taken into consideration was that amidst the several honest petitions, there were going to be several more sinister taking place. This law bound muggleborns as pets or objects to a pureblood. They were going to become possessions. Yes, the law gave them the opportunity to choose from a group of petitioners, but that was a joke, in her eyes. She didn't want to marry anyone, never mind being forced to choose from a group of people she didn't know. She raised her eyes to Ginny that was cleaning the table….or of people she knew. It mattered not that Ron, Harry and Neville had all offered to petition for her in order to give her the freedom she wanted. Until at least this thing was resolved. Until she found a way to bring down this ridiculous law in some manner or another. Harry and Ron were already married, but Neville wasn't and he was the best candidate for her, and the safest. He swore that he was going to petition in order to help her out, and still Hermione didn't want to follow him home and play good wife to him, even if it was for the eyes of the aurors. Harry brought her home papers and articles that spoke of the workings of the ministry trying to warn her that she was going to be dragged first of all the muggleborns in front of the wizengamot to choose a husband. They intended to make an example out of her in order to suppress muggleborn opposition throughout the magical world. He told her that it was wise to let Neville petition and then choose him and lead a safe life in his house, for a short time. She was unmoving in her decision to play it bold towards the ministry and resist any kind of an attempt to wed.
She lifted her eyes to Ginny again and pursed her lips "You have cleaned this particular spot so many times, that you wiped the wax clean off the wood"
Ginny stopped and inhaled rolling her eyes "I am worried"
"We all are" Hermione threw the paper she was reading aside and drew her hair away from her face.
"You are in real danger and you are making no attempt to understand it" Ginny retorted and moved close to her eagerly "Neville called again today. He said that your name has been registered yesterday and that petitions on you are open"
Hermione frowned "No"
"Listen to me" Ginny begun.
Hermione pushed her away and stood up "I won't. Tell Neville thank you, for the millionth time, but no, no and yet again NO. I am not going to marry any man, unless I fall head over heals in love with him, and Neville is too far off the target"
Ginny sat down heavily "You really don't get it"
"Yes I do"
"They are going to banish muggleborns that resist the marriage law, from the magical community. You will loose your wand and your right to use magic legally. You will lose your job and possibly your house. What will you do then?" Ginny asked.
"I will find a way to have the voice of thousands be heard. I will manage to forfeit this law in the end" Hermione started pacing up and down the room.
"You will manage nothing as a vagabond" Ginny retorted with a dismissive gesture.
"I will find a way…" Hermione rejoined.
"How…just tell me your plan"
Hermione paused as the main door opened and closed in 12 Grimmauld place "I really cannot accept that someone would force people into becoming possessions. I cannot accept that this is either real or that it will last. I had three thousand petitions in my hands. I tried to show them to him, but he didn't look at me. He didn't….." Hermione exhaled and frowned.
"And yet all this is real, and it is becoming more solid by the minute" the worried voice of Harry came from the door.
Hermione flickered her eyes closed but didn't turn "Tell me you have some good news today. I haven't slept for three nights"
He walked in and sat at one of the stools heavily "I am afraid no. The world has become a crazy place" he said.
"What happened love?" Ginny asked and embraced him tenderly.
"Everyone has become unstable I swear. The roads are full of rioters, the ministry has unleashed all the auror force upon them, the newly found marriage law offices are working overtime taking in petitions and bringing in muggleborns to see possible husbands. And to top this off, we have a dozen muggleborns missing" Harry shook his head.
"Missing?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, they seem to vanish into thin air and Shacklebolt doesn't want those news to come into correlation with the newly found law. He doesn't need the negative publicity of it all" Harry replied.
"Have they assigned anyone to check on the missing people?" Hermione asked.
"I have taken over" Harry said flicking his shoulders.
"Solid choice from a discredited man" Ginny smiled.
Harry rubbed his face "Shacklebolt is not that bad Ginny, leave off"
"To hell his IS! He turned his back on me and my petitions. He helped this law come to fruition!" Hermione thundered to him.
Harry looked at her sadly "Don't ever mention this to anyone little bookworm…you hear?"
"Mention what?" Hermione asked coming closer.
"Shacklebolt is trying to figure out why there are so many people influenced for this unethical law. It doesn't make any sense to him. He is not a dishonourable man, contrary to what you think. He just needs to find out what is happening and it is easier to do it from his current position, than to quit and do it freestyle" Harry said matter of factly.
"Is he suspecting anyone?" Ginny asked.
"Dark magic" Harry winced.
Hermione's mouth opened slightly and she tilted her head "Dark magic?"
"He suspects that dark spells might be affecting large groups of people and that can only happen through large portals in the underworld" Harry replied.
"If that's the case…" Hermione begun.
"…it needs to be investigated and that is what is going to happen" Harry cut her through.
"You taking over that also?" Ginny asked.
"No"
"Who will then?" Hermione asked.
"The Keepers of course" Harry pursed his lips.
Hermione's face went pale and it must have shown. She swallowed and took a sit next to him "Right" she said as steadily as she could. The Keepers….the auror special forces that were being led by her former professor Snape. The man she had seen fall bloody at the feet of Harry and her heart had broken. The man whose memories she had seen, and her heart had cried. The man that returned four years later and made all heads turn to his direction just by being there. He was awarded an order of Merlin First Class, and he stroke a deal with the ministry that was shady and very secretive. They were named the Keepers. After sometime it became known that they were hired to protect the magical world from any dark magic, from any sources in any parallel world and they couldn't have chosen a better person for the job. He got a team of five people, all chosen by him for their skills in the dark arts, and after that no one heard from him again. He remained hidden into the shadows doing what he knew best. Protecting them. Hermione albeit the newest information that purged him of his old sins, was unable to shed her former conditioning. In the rare occasion that she was in his presence, she felt a strong need to stay away from him. Whenever Harry spoke of the Keepers, therefore of him, Hermione wasn't sure she wanted to listen. Nevertheless she always reminded herself that this man had always been protecting them in some manner or another. And for that she was thankful to him. She just preferred to be thankful from a respectful distance, and she assumed that he preferred the same. He was not making any public appearances, no one knew where he lived or what his life was like, at this moment. His need for privacy was well respected by the ministry, commoners and journalists alike, mostly because, as Hermione assumed, other people were also afraid of him.
Ginny broke the silence "Have you talked to Snape about this mess?"
"you mean the dark magic? No, we are not to mess with Keeper business" Harry shook his head. His relationship with his former nemesis hadn't really improved after Snape's return. Not because Harry hadn't tried to make up for all his unfair behaviour, but because Snape was not interested in making amends. They kept a typical relationship crisscrossing only for business purposes, something that had become the thorn in Harry's side.
"I mean about the missing muggleborns" Ginny said.
"they are not to mess with auror business either" Harry said tiredly.
"Better keep away from each other" Hermione said.
"Better for whom?" Harry frowned.
"For both of you. Too much to be said, between unwilling participants" Hermione clarified.
"I am not unwilling" Harry intervened.
"I wasn't talking about you" Hermione retorted.
Harry signed thoughtfully "I suppose you're right"
"That I am, always" Hermione smirked to him.
Harry frowned "Not always, listen things have gotten complicated"
"What?" Hermione asked.
Harry drew an envelope from his jacket and gave it to her "This is for you"
Hermione reached out and before taking it she looked at him sideways "From whom is it?"
"The ministry" Harry said steadily.
Ginny covered her mouth "Shit"
"…just got real. Open it up Mione, and if you can, call Neville and tell him to put up his petition today" Harry warned her. She took the envelope and then back at him warily.
"Give it here" she spat and she took the paper angrily. Harry sat back and crossed his arms. Hermione unfolded the letter and begun reading. Her face turned from angry, to wary and finally to shocked. She raised her eyes to her friend with her mouth hanging open and her hand slightly trembling.
"What?" Ginny asked coming around and taking the letter from her hands. She didn't wait for Hermione's revelations.
"I have eleven petitions already, and Lucius bloody Malfoy is one of them" Hermione said with her mouth still open and her face went livid.
Ginny read quickly and covered her mouth "She is right" she said pointlessly.
Harry raised his brow "I know…."
Hermione dropped her arms and started pacing up and down the kitchen "not Draco, Lucius…..his father. Why would his father want to marry me? This is orchestrated upon revenge, you mark my word"
Ginny frowned "Isn't he married to Narcissa?"
Harry pursed his lips "They divorced right after the war. Apparently Lucius's actions towards Draco, were not met kindly by the mother. Cannot blame her really"
Hermione who stopped momentarily to listen, started pacing again grabbing her hair in despair "What the actual fuck am I going to do? This paper says that due to the fact that Mr. Malfoy is one of the oldest families in the magical world, I am expected at the ministry to evaluate his petition tomorrow morning"
Harry inhaled "I told you that things were more serious than you thought. I told you the ministry intended to make an example out of you. Well, Malfoy eldest gave them the opportunity"
Hermione stopped fluidly and her long brown curls wrapped around her shoulder "Harry, this man wants revenge on me and he found the best way to do it. The ministry must know this is true. He was a death eater! He was a murderer and an outlaw. How could they have allowed him access muggleborn petitions? Once upon a time he wanted every muggleborn dead for crying out loud!" she exclaimed.
"Are you trying to convince me of the obvious? I know this makes no sense Hermione. Nothing makes sense anymore. That is why we suspect dark magic, because all these actions have no legal basis. We are trying to solve this" Harry rejoined.
"Not you, the Keepers" Hermione crossed her arms.
"Same thing" Harry retorted "Main point is, that we are not idle"
"It's not the same thing. I know you I can talk to you. I cannot talk to Snape to ask him if he has found the solution to this. If I am going to be spared the ridicule of choosing a husband, not to mention being dragged at the ministry to choose a murderer as one!" Hermione rebuked.
"I can talk to Snape for you" Harry said carefully.
Hermione buttoned up "Talk to him about the dark magic and ask him if he has any clue as to what is going on, not about me"
Harry rubbed his face "that is what I meant"
Hermione loosened up and wiped her hair off her sweaty forehead "Sorry Harry, I understood incorrectly"
"It matters not what Snape knows, or what he is able to do. At the moment you are being officially called in front of the wizengamot to choose a husband. They are going to make an example out of you remember?" Harry said.
Hermione's jaw set and her eyes narrowed "I am going to attend, but I am not going to choose"
Ginny nodded "You don't get it, no"
"No, you don't get it. I don't care if they ban me from the magical community. I was born from muggle parents. I can make my way in that world if need be, but I will not compromise my dignity to any unethical law" Hermione spat.
Ginny pursed her lips and exhaled "I truly admire you, but I am a realist, and Hermione dear….i am worried. You maybe able to live amidst muggles, but you are a witch. Magic is your life. Getting banned from this life, will eventually kill you"
Hermione closed her eyes "I know Ginny, but I won't back down"
"Do you want me to escort you at the hearing?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked at him for a moment "No, Harry, you have exposed yourself too much for me already. It's enough" she shook her head and sat down exhausted. This was taking a bigger toll on her than she cared to admit to her friends. Even the thought of being unable to perform magic was causing a panic attack in her.
"Will you call Neville, or will i?" Harry rejoined.
"no one will, because I won't accept a husband. I will attend the wizengamot tomorrow morning to sign a paper of quitting the magical world" she said decisively "They want to make an example out of me? Fine. I will do a better job for them. Let them feast on that" she added.
Harry couldn't help but to smile knowingly "Stubborn as hell"
She retorted the smile with obvious fatigue. Her lack of sleep was also weighing heavily upon her "and then some"
"I will come along" Ginny said.
Hermione nodded "You will stay home with your husband. I don't want you guys under fire and there are going to be many journalists waiting for me there"
"After your refusal, the magical law will not be able to protect you anymore and you magical trace will be under surveillance. You won't be able to use it anymore. Do you have any plans for that?" Harry asked.
"She is going to come here and we will talk about it" Ginny intervened.
Hermione nodded "We shall see. Harry listen I really have no plans. The only thing I want is to leave the ministry with my dignity intact and to see the smile wiped off the face of Malfoy elder" she raised her brow.
Harry pushed a tea cup towards her and smiled "I am going to be there to enjoy that"
"Listen Ginny I just want one favour from you before I go tomorrow" Hermione pursed her lips testily.
"Anything honey" Ginny nodded.
"I want to bring my cat and my guitar here. Will that be ok with you?"
"Of course, add to that a couple of clothes. Your house is going to be under surveillance after everything ends. They will confiscate it from you" Harry said and sadness spread on his face.
Hermione nodded "I know, but I don't want them to get my cat and my guitar" she repeated stubbornly. Those two things were far too important to her. Even more than her small, clean and well organised apartment in Diagon Alley.
"They won't honey" Ginny landed her hand on her shoulder.
Hermione pinched her nose "I will become a fugitive" she said mostly to herself.
"Not unless you call Neville" Harry raised his brow.
Hermione pushed him without opening her eyes "Shut it, Ginny?" she asked looking at the girl.
Ginny nodded "I will bring the crystal ball immediately" she said as she run out of the kitchen.
"After tomorrow's hearing I will go to my apartment to get my stuff. Are you sure you have no problem with me crashing for a while with you? It will make you a target likewise" Hermione asked Harry.
"It's not illegal to have a muggleborn guest Mione. No law is going to change common hospitality. No one is going after me for tending to my friend in need" Harry said matter of factly.
"Do you really think it's dark magic at fault?" she asked toying with her tea.
"There is no other logical reason"
"Do you think Snape is going to figure this out for us?" she added licking her lips hopefully.
"He is the best at that. I think he will do it, yes" Harry nodded.
Hermione rubbed her mouth and looked out the window "I want to help him" she said.
Harry looked up "How?"
She shook her head "I don't know. Somehow. If he is trying to solve this mess, I want in also"
"Difficult if not impossible Mione. No one has access to the Keepers" Harry reasoned.
"you do" Hermione looked at him sideways.
Harry nodded "and tell him what? that you want an interview with him?"
"A meeting, a whatever…that I want to help him. I am desperate Harry can't you see? If there is anyone able to help us, I want to be a part of them" she said solemnly.
Harry nodded and rubbed his hair "I will try to pass some note to him in some manner ok? He rarely if ever accepts meetings with us. I will give a note to his secretary and hope he gets it. What do you want written on it?"
"Tell him my interest in his research, and that if he wants my assistance in any manner, to meet me somewhere…." Hermione frowned at her own thoughts. Her fear for that man, got overrun by her need to have him win over the insanity that was overflowing the world.
Harry snickered "That's what I should write to him? Meet her somewhere?….Mione!" he admonished.
She covered her mouth and looked at him thoughtfully "If you manage it today, tell him to meet me tomorrow afternoon at seven at the Immortal pub in Diagon Alley. It's close to my house, and I will try to get there after I grab my stuff"
Harry scribbled down a few words shaking his head "A meeting with Snape…talk about unbelievable"
"This law is unbelievable" Hermione joined sternly.
Harry looked up and placed the note on the inside of his jacket "Fine, consider it done, but don't expect him to show up Mione. He won't"
Hermione nodded "I have to try. If he doesn't I will turn to others. To anyone who cares to do something"
Harry winced and rubbed his cheek "good going girl"
Hermione paused and smiled confused "you mean it?"
"Yes, even though I am terribly worried about you. You are handling this with far more dignity than I would have" Harry admitted with a sweet smile.
"Then don't pressure me about Neville anymore you asshole…" Hermione smiled and took a sip from her tea.
"I promise you I won't" he rejoined and they both looked up as Ginny entered the rooms.
"Found it. Damn thing was stuck between the bed and the floorboards in the guest room…" she muttered as she placed the crystal ball down and cleaned it with her sleeve.
Hermione winced playfully "What have you been doing with it?"
"threw it at Harry during a fit of anger…" Ginny said and looked up. Hermione and Harry looked at her for a moment "I don't use it much anyway and it was heavy enough to break his skull"
Hermione harked and covered her mouth unable to stop herself. Harry and Ginny joined her for a healthy dose of laughter that didn't last very long. Half an hour later Hermione's laughter had faded in a serious expression as her friend was giving her a reading with a haunting voice "And lo, he shall rule with a gentle hand and his shadow shall touch upon every wound. Steel will be his skin and fire will be his blood, in care shall he conquer all before him. And lo, she shall rule with a quick wit and her shadow shall touch upon every closed heart. No law forged of Man, Dwarf or Elf shall endure her, fear. Thus will the woman fall, slain by neither blade or arrow but by a sorcerous power of brightest magic and so shall her body be consumed in the flames of love and for all eternity burn"**
-.-
The very next morning found a meeting room occupied by aurors, keepers and few other secretarial officers. At their head sat Shacklebolt. He called up a meeting to inform them about the missing muggleborns and about the need to investigate the underworld for any traces of dark magic. He chose a few selected aurors that Harry suggested. People that didn't abide by the new law and had shown their dislike from the very start. The same went for the secretarial officers that were to keep documents of the meeting. From the keepers only Severus was attending and it had been hard bringing him over. Since he returned and took over the keepers he made it his business to keep away from the rest of the ministry. His job was bordered up quite nicely and it didn't include any interactions if he felt them unnecessary. So he frequently deemed them so…they left him to his own devices and he rebuked their conduct in the same manner. He did what he knew best and handling dark magic was really giving him the mental and physical relief he needed. When the issue of the parallel worlds came into play he was slightly reluctant, but not for long. He dove into these worlds with a freedom that pleased him and after four years of moving around inside them, he was now at ease. His already advanced knowledge in that kind of magic was an asset when he had to move through magical barriers, portals, gateways or simply for travelling around worlds that were stripped down almost to an elemental base. Letting all your guards down could end you up seeing the world in molecular level, just a white light, that starts from nowhere and ends nowhere. During these four years he had a lot of experiences that added to his academic and also practical knowledge by degrees. He had his ass kicked by various creatures residing in there and he had taken upon his skin several dark magic attacks. Something that due to his nasty experiences with Voldemort, was met boldly and without too much bother. So he chose five people, most of them old acquaintances that had a good knowledge of the underworld and the dark spells moving in there and he made up the keepers. Silent most of them when around him, they followed his lead without too many questions and did their job almost to perfection. He required nothing more, and neither did the ministry that was very happy to alleviate the burden of dark magic from it's beloved Aurors. It was better to dump the nasty work to his shady team and let the aurors take the front lines and deal with the public and the journalists. He rather enjoyed this arrangement, since he was not in a hurry to deal either with the public and it's unrealistic views about him or his past, nor with the journalists. He would choose dark magic, weird creatures and the danger of dying, to the other option any day. So the ministry rested assured that at least the parallel worlds and their flowing magic was kept in check by experienced wizards, and he was content to be out of the spotlight.
When the problem with the marriage law first arose he was tactfully hidden in his offices minding his own business. At first he thought this ridiculous idea that brought civilisation back to the middle ages was just a joke, but as months and then years progressed and prominent people blamed the muggleborns for the birth defects, he became wary. This madness begun spreading like a fungus on the masses, who searched angrily for an easy target to blame for all the wrongs in the world. As more and more babies were born with defects and the number of stillborns skyrocketed, the small flaming core that blamed muggleborns begun inflating. Their hatred reached out it's tentacles and took over many politicians who started supporting a bill that suggested muggleborns be married to purebloods in order to clean up the genetic code. At first the more serious group of the parliament laughed the idea away above a cup of tea in some antechamber, but the illness was spreading beneath their feet. Feeding off racist ideas about racial supremacy. In the end finding good supporters within the ministry itself. Soon enough mouth to mouth the word spread and instigated mostly by purebloods and some half bloods the bill gathered enough man power and acceleration to be presented to parliament. Originally it was the subject of heated arguments inside the cabinets, but as years passed by it gained more supporters. It was presented for voting one month ago, and right now Severus sat in his chair, musing over his tea with his brows clouded, knowing that this idiocy had become…the law. He had followed the story from a respectful distance more and more disgusted at how easily human nature could get corrupted. How humans were so eager to treat a fellow human like trash in order to fulfil their own sick dreams. He read the articles, saw the news and relinquished on the riots that took place. At least those showed that a small portion of the masses had a healthy reaction to this insanity.
Not that their actions managed to stop this mess in the end…..he thought remembering how the final riot yesterday outside the ministry ended up with many rioters getting arrested and their petitions getting stepped on, and torn apart. He was unable to support that movement as he wished, because his position in the Keepers, and his own past were compromising. He wished for privacy and raising a placard in front of a riot wouldn't assist him to that direction much…so he was unable and admittedly unwilling to participate in this rancour. Yet, within his isolation he couldn't help but feel kind of guilty for not standing up for what he thought was right. Remaining silent only endorsed the longevity of this situation. His silence was truly concession. So when Kingsley came to find him five days ago and offered him to investigate the underworlds for any traces of escaping dark magic towards their world he was at first thoughtful. When the minister explained his fears about magically induced illnesses that could cause the birth defects, Severus jumped into the deal with both feet, albeit he never let it be known how eager he was. It was his chance to assist this situation from behind the scenes. If he could find out proof that those birth defects were a result of dark magic, this insidious law was going to be easily torn down in a heap of ridicule. Taking all the supremacists with it. For the time being he kept these thoughts to himself as Kingsley spoke to the aurors about the impertinent need to find the missing muggleborns. He looked up, the frown never leaving his eyes and he rested his chin on his fist .
"We will need several auror groups to take up several areas of the city. Mr. Potter I want those men out there 24/7, targeting muggleborn communities. I don't want a single person going missing from now on" Kingsley said and looked over at the boy who lived. Severus looked at him steadily. The boy had proven a better auror than he had originally predicted, and a steady authority figure amidst his colleagues. Something that kept the aurors in check…for that alone Severus appreciated Potter more than he let on, although he didn't want to acquire closer contact than strictly necessary. Their past was heavy and lay too close for comfort, and Severus didn't want to stir it up at all. Thus he chose to keep his contacts with the brilliant young man minimal and on a need to know basis.
"Consider it done minister" Potter replied solemnly.
"have you any leads?" Kingsley asked.
When the door opened and closed Severus didn't pay an attention to it at all, but when the secretary reached him and leaned over his shoulder his frown deepened "This is for you sir, from mr. Potter" she said in a hushed tone offering him the note. He took it without looking at her. She bowed in courtesy and left the cabinet quietly. The conversation around him had not stopped, but he had stopped listening to it. He looked up at Potter who looked at him fleetingly and then turned his attention to Kingsley again.
"Several people had seen a dark cloaked figure close to the places where the disappearances took place, but nothing more than that" Potter said.
"Have you seen any patterns in the maps? Are they taking place in a particular area?" the minister asked.
Potter shook his head "They are happening all over the place unfortunately"
"And no bodies discovered of course" the minister added.
"No"
"Do you have a plan on how to deal with this?" Kingsley asked.
"We are thinking of putting up a bait. One of my muggleborn aurors. She will be on surveillance 24/7 and I am hoping that her muggleborn trace is going to dig out the attacker" Harry rejoined and Kingsley nodded.
Severus held the paper in his hands and breathed evenly as he read the words again and again trying to take in everything. The impossibility of the request a tad more bothersome than the boldness of that young man on asking such a thing. He raised his eyes on Potter strictly and kept on looking at him, willing him to turn around. Soon Harry did turn and met his eyes. The look of recognition was enough for Severus. He squinted his eyes slightly and tilted his head, in a silent but demanding inquiry. Harry winced and looked towards the table and then at the minister again. Severus looked at the rude piece of paper again and his eyebrow rose critically.
"Master Snape, what about the underworlds?" Kingsley asked and Severus knew that he had missed part of the conversation. He looked up from the paper with difficulty.
"What about them?" he asked heavily, forcing himself to fold the paper instead of tearing it up and throwing it at Potter.
"Have you begun investigating them about possible dark magic attacks?" the minister asked quietly.
"Yes"
Kingsley looked around him in obvious unease and then smiled at Severus "And?" he urged him on.
Severus inhaled and pursed his lips thoughtfully "It's too soon to tell you anything yet. You know pretty well that any journey inside these worlds leaves the visitor exhausted and in need of recuperation. Three of my Keepers have visited two parallel worlds and investigated several gates and portals. Nothing out of the ordinary. Now they are going to need one week to get back at the job. That leaves me and Margot to do another pass. The moment we see something I will inform you. As for now, I have seen no visible dark magic portals around the city. Whatever is happening, must be happening through deep gateways. And those need time and sufficient manpower"
Kingsley nodded "I assume you will take over the deeper gateways personally?"
"Obviously" he drawled.
"Master I would like you to check also on the missing muggleborns" the minister said heavily.
"That's auror business" he rejoined stiffly.
"I want you to check for any traces of them inside the underworlds" Kingsley added quickly.
Severus lifted his head and after a few moments nodded "I need their magical traces. How many are there?"
"Eleven" Harry replied across him.
Severus looked at him thoughtfully and gave a curt nod "Very well"
After that the conversation more or less had finished for him, so he got lost in thought, and on every single turn the note from Potter returned full force to bother him with it's audacity. Still unable to believe the boldness of that request, he couldn't but secretly admire its instigator, the army nurse. If there was one person out there unafraid to make such requests from him, then that would be his former student and recent first column oddity, Hermione Granger. He had read about her bold stance against this madness, quite indifferently, and yet her spirit was not something to be scoffed at. He had witnessed her fierce personality during the last year of school, and that part had followed her into adulthood. Becoming her trademark, something that launched her into lawbreaking stardom. The face of revolution, she was not afraid to stand against dozens of aurors. Why would she find it intimidating to pass a note to him through Potter?. He pressed his lips and looked as the meeting got dispersed. The doors opened up and without speaking to anyone he moved steadily to the antechamber. He frowned critically at himself wondering why that paper was still on him, and not in an ashtray somewhere, when a rather strong hand landed on his arm and stopped him. He turned around and saw Potter. He stood several inches lower looking steadily into his eyes. Severus looked at Potter's hand pointedly and the young man withdrew it.
"I am sorry professor. I was calling you, but you didn't hear me" Harry said.
"What can I help you with?" he asked trying to sound distantly polite.
Harry pointed at his leather jacket "you got my message…" he said matter of factly.
Severus raised his brow and tilted his head "Indeed I did"
Harry looked about him at the people going by and licked his lips "So?" he asked.
Severus winced and shook his head but didn't speak. Harry crossed his arms "Are you going to meet her?" he asked finally.
Severus rolled his eyes and turned his back at Potter intending not to value him with an answer. He began walking away, but he heard strong footsteps behind him "Will you?" Harry insisted.
"Of course I will not Mr. Potter. Where do you think we are and you are passing notes under the table, at school? This attitude is unacceptable" he admonished without lowering his speed. Potter reached him and walked quickly next to him.
"I know you have a lot of work, and so do i, but this is important. Far too important" Harry said almost out of breath.
"Important to whom Mr. Potter? The world has become a nightmare. There is a law that forces fellow humans into becoming possessions. The streets are full of riots. Store fronts are being brought down, cars are set ablaze, thieves find the opportunity to make a fortune. No one is truly safe. Muggleborns are mistreated, manhandled and finally gone missing and quite possibly end up dead. The underworlds need a long time to investigate, so currently my work cannot alleviate the pain the muggleborns are going through, and you think it is important for me to meet Miss Granger? Get a grip young man" he cursed under his breath.
"It is important to me" Harry said stopping on his tracks.
Severus walked a few feet more and then stopped himself. He turned around and looked at Harry "Egotistical point of view"
Harry shook his head "You don't seem to understand"
Severus thrust his chin "Make me, for my time is truly limited and your issues with the army nurse are not my own"
Harry nodded "No they are not, but you seem willing to help with all this. That is what we are after professor. Your help. You have helped us for seven years at school. Can I dare hope that you are willing to help us now?"
"Assume nothing, and speak more clearly" Severus replied shifting his weight impatiently.
Harry approached him carefully "The army nurse, Hermione, I assume you know her lawless career as a rioter…." he trailed off. Severus raised his brow "….,has been chosen to be made an example by the wizengamot. They send her a note calling her today to choose from a group of already eleven petitioners for a husband. If she refuses she is going to be the first muggleborn deleted from the official catalogues. She will lose her job and they will confiscate her house. They called on her first, because she is the face of the revolution and they want to bend the will of the people. If they manage to get her married, any opposition is going to be useless. Right at this moment Hermione is in front of the wizengamot facing her dark fate"
Severus eyes looked up to the ceiling quickly were several floors above them was the wizengamot theatre. He looked back down at Potter but didn't speak. Harry took that as an endorsement and he continued "You may, or you may not know how stubborn Hermione is. I tried to convince her to take Neville's petition…." Severus visibly winced there, unable to control his reaction "…but she was adamant. She went there to face those judges and to sign over her magical rites. She does not intend to follow the law. She does not intend to marry anyone forcefully. And no matter how worried I am for her, I am also proud of her conduct"
Severus swallowed and crossed his arms, but still didn't speak "Today Hermione is going to give up her basic rights to freedom and I am here to support her. When I told her that you were actively investigating the reason behind the squibs and the birth defects she instinctively wanted to help you. She wants to bring down this law and helping anyone who is trying to do the same seems a natural choice to her, which I can understand. She asked me to reach out to you. I promised i'd give you a note….but I am trying harder than that, because she deserves it" he finished and rubbed his mouth, wiping the perspiration there.
Severus inhaled "Admirable as her conduct is, she is utterly unqualified to assist me. I am sorry Mr. Potter" he hesitated slightly before adding "I wish her a positive conclusion to her trials". Surprised by not feeling at peace with his attitude he turned around and started walking away again when Harry stopped him at his tracks and this time Severus face went deathly pale.
"Lucius Malfoy is one of the petitioners…" Harry trailed off. Severus turned around slowly and looked at him. He felt sweat breaking on his forehead "This is a case of vengeance isn't it?" Harry added. Severus swallowed and pressed his lips "That lunatic has his eyes on an innocent, brilliant and brave woman, that only seeks her freedom. If you think we should allow this to happen then throw that paper away and don't bother with us again. If not, then you know where to find her" Harry said steadily and nodded. He then turned his back and left a moonstruck Severus in the middle of the corridor looking at his back lost. His hand went into his pocket and grabbed the paper. Without removing it he closed his fingers around it and pressed it tightly. His jaws clicked set and he turned around and begun walking towards the elevator.
-.-
Three floors up Hermione was sitting in the middle of theatre looking around her as the wizengamot was in total disarray and turmoil after her refusal to choose a husband. They were trying to get everything back in order. A door behind her opened and closed but she didn't dare move or look away from her judges. Her heart was racing and her hands were slightly trembling as she knew what was to come next. She expected them to bring her over to sign her resignation from the magical community, but they took her by surprise again when they called one of the petitioners to take a stand. Hermione's eyes opened to the outmost and her mouth dropped open as Lucius Malfoy came down sauntering with his white hair thinned on top and his mid section several pounds overweight. Time plus divorce had not been kind on him. Hermione winced and frowned deeply as he stood in front of her facing the judges.
"Mr. Malfoy, you are one of the pureblood suitors for Miss Hermione Granger. Your family is one of the most prominent of the pureblood community. That gives you the right to set your case in front of this young woman before everyone else" one of the judges said solemnly.
"Thank you" Malfoy replied haughtily.
"I will never marry this monster! Forget it!" Hermione was unable to stop herself and she stood up pointing towards him. An anxious murmur came from the audience. Malfoy turned and looked at her. Anger was followed by fake kindness in his eyes. The audience went wild with exclamations of surprise.
"Order! Order!" the judge cried and hit his gavel upon the sound block.
"I know it may seem atrocious to marry such an old man, my dear. But I can offer you a proper life, and a proper half blood offspring, given the time of course" he said letting his eyes roll down her figure.
Hermione felt almost naked in front of him and she lowered her hands in front of her crotch, crossing them protectively "I would rather die!". Several people from the audience stood up with hot objections and Hermione felt her arms shivering, from shock or fear she couldn't tell.
"I said order! Sit down back there or you shall be expelled from this audience. Did I give you permission to speak?" the judge hollered as his gavel kept going up and down with fervour. His wig had gone astray merely by the physical effort to keep the room in check.
Malfoy harked almost in pleasure "Which is something easily arranged, considering what will happen to you when you get erased from the magical community. No auror will be there to protect you"
"And you'd so wish that, wouldn't you?" Hermione spat to him.
"I wish only the best for you, that is why I am here to ask for you hand in marriage, on my word of honour" he rejoined.
"What honour will that be? The one you set at the feet of Voldemort five years ago?" she rebuked with no remorse.
His fist went white but he kept his countenance straight "Let the past lay. I am here to offer my allegiance and my help" he said offering her his hand.
She was unable to stop her mouth as it formed a rather large amount of spit, and she spat it to his hand with hatred "I told you, I'd rather die" she repeated with menace. The room exploded in applause and the primary judge broke his gavel "ORDER! I WILL HAVE ORDER IN THE ROOM!" he cried completely dishevelled, but when Hermione spat Malfoy, everyone went deadly silent and sat down. This kind of offence, especially against a former death eater was met with waves of fear by almost everyone in the room. The angry judge was still looking around for the reminders of his gavel.
Lucius looked at his hand abhorred and then at her. Without warning he moved threateningly to her and raised his hand to strike her. One of the judges intervened "That will be enough Mr. Malfoy. Miss Granger is not obliged to accept your petition. Ultimately the final decision is hers alone" he warned. Malfoy looked at the judge and then at her. He raised his finger and bore his teeth as a warning. She didn't back down and she thrust her chin provocatively to him. He lowered his hand and wiped it off his coat.
"This charade has gone on long enough. Miss Granger will you choose Mr. Malfoy as a husband?" the main judge asked out of breath. He was looking fleetingly under his feet and trying to straighten his wig.
"No, bring me a paper to sign. No, no and again NO" she hissed at them angrily.
"Very well, will you choose from any of the other eleven petitioners? Do you wish a two hour break to check on all the details?" the judge finally getting himself together. He placed the broken gavel on the sound block and pursed his lips truly bothered.
"No, I wish to sign my resignation from the magical community, because I shall never accept a suitor, forced by this ridiculous law. I prefer to live as a muggle than like a piece of meat, offered only for reproduction. I shall not stain your pureblood lines, because i'd rather not belong to this world" she replied steadily.
The judges spoke silently to each other for a couple of minutes. Malfoy retreated to the audience and Hermione took her sit again. After a few moment the primary judge looked at her again "Very well, the high council has decided that since you are unwilling to follow the law, you will sign the resignation papers right now. After that you will be relieved of your wand, your job and your house. You will be allowed to take your furniture and assorted possessions, within three days of the signature taking place. Are there any objections to this case before we continue?" the judge asked around the room. Silence all around. Hermione crossed her arms, and felt her stomach sinking when a deep, vibrant voice that made her heart tighten spoke.
"So former death eaters have the right to petition for a bride?" Severus spoke from his sit at the back of the room.
The judge tried to see who was talking "Who speaks?" he asked. Severus raised his arm calmly and the magical spotlight turned upon him. Hermione turned fully to him and her mouth dropped open. Unbelievable as it seemed her former professor was sitting there, dressed in unrelieved black as always, with his hair pulled back from his critical face.
The judge nodded in recognition "Master Snape, yes, former death eaters that had the charges dropped on them, and that have led a lawful life for at least five years are not excluded from the marriage law. Therefore Mr. Malfoy is allowed to petition for a wife"
"Even death eaters that were well known amidst their crimes for rape and abusive behaviour?" he continued solemnly, not looking at her. She kept her eyes on him, trying in some manner to capture his, but he was unmovable looking at the judge as if she didn't even exist in the room. His declaration raised a lot of angry whispers and excitement again and the judge was quick to grab the broken gavel and give it a warning hit.
"Order!" he warned and then turned to Severus "Mr. Malfoy is not judged for his past crimes today"
"maybe he should, or maybe you should, for allowing former criminals the control over young innocent women" Severus said unemotionally.
"this is a marriage law, we are not offering him control of her, take care of your attitude master" the judge admonished. No matter that he tried to sound stern and cross, he was also very apprehensive about the new intermission. Snape's fame was proceeding him, and in this case having the keeper commander talk so openly, had silenced all of the judges and all the audience. He was not a common spectator to this hearing and the wizengamot could neither control him, nor his doings as easily.
"I rather think you do. You are offering purebloods the control over muggleborns, of their possessions, of their money, their properties and their bodies. What do you call this?" he continued. Hermione felt her heart beating faster and a smile appeared on her lips. She looked from the judges to him with increasing excitement. There was someone for the first time since this thing had begun that decided to step in and talk for her.
"I think you are too late into the game to rebuke a valid law master" the judge dismissed him with a fleeting stare.
"You asked for objections to this case and I am giving you mine. Document them..." he said to the judicial secretary. She nodded and got her magical quill ready. Severus turned towards the judge again "It is unethical, and breaking all laws of human rights, to offer an innocent woman, as first choice for a husband, a murderer, rapist and abuser. A man that was never condemned for his crimes because he vaguely assisted our side during the end of the war. As payment for this cowardly behaviour of his, you left him off the hook for his crimes with Voldemort. Fair enough, but the several rapes and cases of abuse were never brought to trial. Allowing such a lowlife the right to acquire a wife and reproduce is a crime on it's own. And you endorsement is an additional one. If this is not given proper attention, I will require an official investigation to the members that passed Mr. Malfoy's petition up to the wizengamot and heads are going to fall" he said decisively.
The judicial body moved uneasily and the judge winced "It is being given proper attention at this very moment master. I don't think we should give it anymore for the time being. You have been allowed the stand and you are speaking on this woman's defence, even though I am not convinced that she needs it. She was handling the first petitioner pretty well before you came along"
"I am here to address you, about bringing this criminal into a marriage audience. As part of the magical police force I find it my solemn obligation to find out who bypassed such incriminating information about Malfoy and allowed him entrance here, especially as a suitor" Severus added calmly.
The judicial body shifted nervously as it was one thing to hear an objection and another to have the eyes of the keepers on them. This intervention could not be easily bypassed. Someone touched the primary judge and he nodded turning around. After a few moments he looked towards the room again "Very well, very well, this judicial body will call on a meeting about a possible investigation, for the legality of the petitions. Currently I have to close down the case, does Mr. Malfoy have anything to say on his defence?"
Hermione's heart skipped several beats and she had to bite back her smile. Malfoy stood up slowly "This is not a trial for my crimes of old and I find this man's intervention abhorring, and your tolerance even more so. What is all this? I came here to petition for a wife as the law ALLOWS me to. Not to face my past! The attack from this man was unjustified, unethical and utterly painful to me" he said feigning sadness.
"What is it Lucius? Having difficulties getting a wife after Narcissa left you?" Severus spat at him with a disgusted look he didn't try to conceal.
Malfoy was unable to control himself and he galloped towards the arena. Severus rode the steps two at a time, pushing several chairs out of his way. He broke Malfoy's parade with his body "What about you Severus? Are you too afraid to put up a petition of your own?" Malfoy hissed at him and tried to move, but Severus blocked his way completely.
"I so wish you'd give me the opportunity to blast your ass out of this room right now…" he whispered. Hermione heard all since they were behind her. She stood up and faced them.
"you haven't seen the end of this yet..." Malfoy spat at him silently and his eyes looked sideways to the judges.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen please take your sit" the judge kept hitting his broken gavel on the table now, but no one was listening.
"Withdraw your petition from her…and don't let me catch you petitioning any other muggleborns" Severus whispered to him with bare teeth and clenched fists.
Lucius smiled with hatred and pierced him with fiery eyes "watch your back Severus, for I will be waiting for you hidden in the shadows" he spat, and bypassing him, he walked quickly and left the room. The door crashed behind him. The room seemingly signed in relief.
Severus looked up at the judges still not looking at her. She turned around also "Did you document my objections for the first suitor?" he asked them.
The judge nodded in accordance "We did" he said totally exhausted.
"Close the file and send it to Kingsley why don't you? He'd be very interested to see how the wizengamot conducts the petitions for the marriage law. If the magical police force catches other petitions from former criminals, especially burdened with crimes such as murder, rape or abuse, it is going to intervene, rest assured of that" he said squaring his shoulders to them. Several judges looked around them uneasily and whispered behind their files, to each other.
"Very well, is there anything else you'd like to add before this lady signs her resignation?" the judge asked looking at him warily.
"Yes" he said and turned to her. She looked at him. It was the first time their eyes locked and her back shivered at the look he gave her "Give her sometime to mull this over, and if she still decides not to accept a suitor, then have her sign. She is the first muggleborn brought into an official hearing. Allow her the time to settle her thoughts" he said looking at her very intensely.
She covered her mouth and looked at the audience and the judges. Then she turned her eyes to him again. She instinctively decided to follow his lead. He stood up for her where no one else had, the least she could do was step behind him at that moment. It was a small effort of telling him thank you. So when the judge turned to her and asked her "Are you of the same opinion Miss Granger? Do you wish to reconsider the suitors and give us an answer later on?" she cleared her throat and with one last look on him she nodded "yes".
The judge looked at his papers and after a few moments nodded "very well then, we shall expect your answer in a week from now. Court is dismissed" he said crashing the broken gavel with force upon his desk. A sign of relief was audible all around them. Soon enough the room started filing out, but Hermione and Severus didn't move from their positions. She was captivated by his eyes and her attention was wholly upon him. After a few silent moments she was the first one to speak.
"Thank you for this" she said carefully and her fingers got entangled in front of her stomach with sudden anxiety.
"take care Miss Granger" he said coldly and before she had the time to tell him anything else, he turned around and walked out of the room quickly. She inhaled as she looked at his broad shoulders turning away from the door, and kept her breath in. She closed her eyes and counted to ten trying to calm her heart. When she opened her eyes and exhaled several lights in the theatre were already being extinguished.
** Taken and changed from the elven folklore. Don't remember where I had copied it exactly from , because I tend to keep things that interest me. Just know that there is an original quite different somewhere out there.