3
Severus knew his wife's secret wouldn't remain hidden forever, however, he was quite unprepared for the picture of beauty that walked into his classroom. Her face lit slightly with a small smile, but he could tell she was worried.
"Class dismissed," he told his first years, "read chapter 1 -6 for next lesson."
The young children quickly disappeared from the room, pleased to escape the dreaded bat of the dungeons. Severus watched them go, remembering to ward the door as the last one disappeared.
"So you told them then?"
She nodded.
He sighed and beckoned her to come to him. On her way over, she magically hid her wings so they would not get in her way. However, she was no longer allowed to revert to her human glamour – she was royalty after all.
1 week later
Muggle killings increased
Lord Voldemort promises to cease these sadistic attacks on harmless muggles if the Princess of fairies 'Hermione Snape' hands herself over. Sources claim this is plea to entrance her into the fold as these creatures are often tempted by shows of power.... some say he means to take her as his bride...
"Equivalent to Hippogriff droppings," commented Severus, burning the article with the use of his wand. "Complete waste of time. May I just state for the record, if you hand yourself over then I shall take you back and you will be permantly locked in our rooms. Do I make myself clear?"
Hermione smiled lightly, "yes love. Crystal, I have no plan of such a scheme. Though I do think it would be a good way of taking Voldemort down from the inside..."
"Don't even think about it," her husband growled.
The fairy continued to smile pleasantly at her husband before turning back to her book. The week had indeed been a busy one, she had been moved to the staff table to eat her meals and attempting to fit her school work around meeting with other species royal families was proving difficult. Last week she had met up with Lord Draconian, head of all vampires. It had, however, proved a fruitful meeting and she had gained complete loyalty to her people. In return for their protection and spying the fairies would provide them with magical potions of higher potency, weaponry with equivalent strength to the ancient races and the allowance of inter-marriage – which seemed sensible as the two species were some of the few that were almost immortal. Her grandfather had replied that morning that these terms were acceptable, though requested Hermione was to act as ambassador to the proud race.
It was the arrival of a house-elf that broke the silence.
"Princess Snape," greeted Winky, bowing deeply, "I have a letter her for you Miss."
However, Severus snatched the envelope before Hermione could touch it, waving his wand over it several times before he would risk opening it.
"Winky," began Severus, "are house-elves immune to traces?"
The tiny creature nodded, "we are Sir, and would you like me to read you the letter?" The man nodded and so Winky did so, "Dear Mr and Mrs Severus Snape, we cordially invite you to our humble abode on the last Friday of this month for a ball and feast to celebrate All-Hallows-Eve. We look forward to your company, Mr and Mrs Luscious Malfoy."
"Never accept or touch an invitation or letter without first consulting me," snapped Severus, "we live in dangerous times and there are many who would prefer you to be dead – or in their possession. Traces, portkeys and temptation spells are all likely to be used to gain you. I prevail upon you to be watchful."
"Shall we be going?"
He nodded, it would be a perfect time to show his old Master what they were made of.
About an hour later, there was a timid knock on the door. Severus, after checking the wards, invited the visitor into the rooms.
"Minerva," he purred, "For what do we owe the honour?"
"I am her to speak to Hermione," she replied without her usual strictness, "if she will let me."
"Hermione?" Severus asked, to which his wife nodded, "In which case I shall be in my labs."
With that, he left the ladies alone. Hermione gestured for her professor to have a seat.
"What can I do for you professor?"
"Call me Minerva, please," offered the older women, "I am here only to see what is going on. I'm worried about you. Everything seemed so sudden!"
Hermione explained everything from the beginning. Minerva was horrified with the Ministry's actions, pleased that Hermione was happy and shocked at the truth of her life.
"So you've had a difficult time then?" she whispered, shocked that the young women had been able to hide so much.
"Yes Minerva, it certainly hasn't been easy for me."