AN: Thanks so much for all of your support! I really appreciate that so many people are reading this story, leaving reviews, putting it on alert, and favoriting it! Thanks again! Thanks also to Marianne Le Fey for Britpicking and Heartmom88 for editing.
I don't own anything you'd recognize.
"Thank you ever so much for your help, Harry." Luna collected her papers into a purple binder sprinkled with stars twinkling in random orbit.
"Don't mention it," Harry replied with a smile. "We shouldn't have any difficulty proving that your father acted out of concern for your safety, not out of some intent to betray the Order."
"Having you as a witness will really help," Luna replied. "Thank you again."
Harry shook his head. "We need to focus on prosecuting and punishing actual Death Eaters, not fathers frightened for their children."
"I just hope the Ministry sees it the way you do."
"Me too," Harry exhaled.
"Harry," a woman's voice followed a quick rap on the door.
"Yes?" Harry answered. "Come in."
Hermione barrelled into the office. "I need to talk to you about…" Her voice drifted off when she realised with dismay that they were not alone. "I'm sorry for interrupting."
"We've just finished," Luna trilled lightly. "Goodbye Harry… Hermione."
Luna floated out of the room, quietly closing the door behind her.
"How is Xenophilius' defence coming along?"
"I think he has a pretty good chance of being released after the first hearing, but I can't say for sure. I'm mostly going over my testimony with Luna and explaining to her just how the process works."
"Has she consulted with a solicitor?" Hermione asked as she settled into an upholstered chair.
"She has met with a few, but they intimidate her. Can't say I blame her. Most of them probably think her father is a traitor. They've been encouraging her to have Xenophilius plead guilty in hopes of a lighter sentence. She may still be able to find at least one who is sympathetic..."
"I just hope they aren't sympathetic for too high a price."
"I'll help her when it comes time for that."
"How?" Hermione asked, eyebrows raised.
Harry gave her a look intended to terminate the discussion. "However I can."
"Fine," Hermione answered, unwilling to press the issue.
"So what brings you here?" Harry asked before his eyes widened in horror. "Please don't tell me I've forgotten a lunch date."
"No," Hermione chuckled. "Nothing like that. It's actually a bit more complicated."
"Oh?"
"Severus Snape woke up."
Harry felt the wind leave his lungs. "When?"
"A few days ago."
"H-how did you find out?"
"I was with him when he woke up, but he asked me to keep the news of his recovery to myself."
"Of course Snape would want his condition kept secret. He isn't exactly known for seeking attention. Probably wants to leave Britain, anyway."
"He wants to stay, actually."
"Really. What does he plan to do?"
"He wants to resume his duties as Headmaster of Hogwarts."
Harry leaned back against his chair with a low whistle. "Has anyone told McGonagall?"
"Apparently he did yesterday. Things didn't go as smoothly as he had hoped."
"I'm not surprised," Harry mused. "She doesn't know the whole story… McGonagall has been a good headmistress so far. It won't be easy for her to give it up."
"But she technically has no claim to the position. Professor Snape was the Headmaster before he was bitten and now he is no longer incapacitated. By law he is the rightful Headmaster."
"Did he ever tell you why he wanted to continue as Headmaster?"
"No," Hermione replied. "He just said that he had left some things unfinished."
"You don't think he's just in it for the power, do you?"
"He couldn't be any worse than Dumbledore in that regard."
"True," Harry huffed with chagrin.
"He wants to speak with you before the memories are shown to Headmistress McGonagall. Even if she isn't swayed by what she sees, she'll at least learn the real story behind Dumbledore's death and Snape's actions that final year," Hermione finished.
"At the very least, she might help him make a case for his old position as Potions Professor and head of Slytherin."
"That's what I was thinking," Hermione added.
Harry looked down at his watch and calculated. "I have a two hour lunch break. That should give me more than enough time to pay Professor Snape a visit and still grab a quick bite to eat."
"Maybe you should eat before talking to Professor Snape," Hermione suggested.
"No, if our meeting runs long, I can always grab a sandwich to bring back here. I don't want to be concerned about time while I'm with Professor Snape." Harry paused to rein in his emotions. "We have quite a bit to discuss. I assume he's up for it or you wouldn't have come to me with this."
"He was in a coma because his magic was nearly depleted. Otherwise he's healthier than anyone would have a right to expect. His voice is even nearly back to normal."
Harry's eyes flickered in surprise. "That's unexpected. Did St. Mungo's try some sort of new treatment?"
"Not that I know of," Hermione answered. "As far as I can tell, he received the standard care."
"You must have done a brilliant job of stabilising him before you took him there."
"I suppose I did," Hermione slouched uncomfortably back into her chair, then brightened. "If you want to see the letter he wrote..."
"Certainly," Harry answered.
Hermione reached into her coat pocket and pulled out the letter. Harry smiled when he saw the seal. "Some things never change."
Opening the seal, Harry carefully read the letter. "How many times have you seen him since he came to?"
"I saw him the day he woke up and then two days ago."
Harry folded the letter and handed it back to Hermione. "At least he hasn't been completely alone."
"My company is a mixed blessing, at best," Hermione smiled wryly.
"I bet he appreciates it more than he lets on. The man had to be incredibly lonely for a good portion of his life."
"Maybe." Hermione tried to envision Snape being social… laughing… extending affection… It wasn't easy.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. "Harry!"
"Hi, Ginny. Come on in," Harry called.
Ginny burst through the door. "Guess what I just heard?"
"What?"
"Fleur and Bill may be having a baby soon!"
Hermione fixed her gaze to a spot on the floor, feeling as if she'd walked in on a very personal moment.
"I overheard Bill and Dad discussing it in Dad's office. Fleur's finally agreed to try."
"Wonderful!" Harry stood and embraced his girlfriend. When Ginny glanced up over his shoulder, she noticed Hermione frowning at the floor. "Hermione. I didn't know you were here."
"We were just discussing Professor Snape," Hermione answered, trying hard to compose herself.
"Is he awake?" Ginny asked.
"He is," Harry answered.
"Great news! I actually came here to see if you wanted to have lunch with me. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I got so excited when I heard Bill's news…" Ginny turned to Hermione. "You can join us if you'd like."
Hermione took a shaky breath. "I'm actually heading off to work soon. Headmistress McGonagall wants to start promptly at one today."
"I actually have a working lunch today, as well," Harry answered.
"But Dad you said you had a two hour break."
"I did, but something came up. I'm sorry."
"I understand," Ginny replied weakly as Hermione and Harry both stood.
"Maybe we can try for Friday," Harry offered.
"Sure. That sounds great." Ginny forced herself to smile.
Harry gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'm late for that appointment. See you tonight?"
"Tonight, then." Ginny answered.
Hermione watched Ginny's face fall as Harry left. "Are you going to be all right?" Hermione asked.
"I'm fine. I'll just have lunch with Dad. Are you sure you won't join us?"
"No thank you, I really must be going. Goodbye, Ginny." Hermione wrapped her friend in a quick hug.
"Goodbye, Hermione," Ginny whispered.
