MALFOY MANOR III

After what felt like a long, and awkward silence in which Severus had carelessly plopped himself into a chair to stare sullenly at the fire, Lucius' eyes lazily drifted between Hermione and Severus. As for Hermione her gaze had drifted to her brandy but for the occasional quick glances she aimed at the sour man.

Finally, it was Hermione who broke the silence. "You're alive, Professor," she said softly.

"Yes. We had established that fact. Let me apprise you of another: I am not your teacher anymore, Miss Granger. I am no one's teacher. That past is behind me. You may address me as either Mr. Snape, or if you are so inclined, Master Snape in deference to my title as a Master of Potions." Severus had not turned away from the flames.

Lucius smirked. He spoke with a sarcastic drawl, "Guard that distinction with your life, dear friend."

"Shut up, Lucius," snapped Snape with real anger.

Lucius sat up stiffly. "No! She comes here, at none of my invitation, and discovers you here, and you're angry with me?"

"Considering the fact that you have been oh so subtle in harassing me with your belief that I ought to be publically presented…"

Lucius growled, "With caveats, my friend!"

Severus sneered, "... my annoyance is justified." He heard Hermione bite back part of a giggle that had escaped. "Careful, Miss Granger. I am not at all happy with your presence here. My business is none of yours, and like the Gryffindor you are, you have nosed in where you are not wanted."

Hermione was stung by the sharp words, but she persisted, "But, sir! You survived! Don't you think everyone ought to know that? What about Harry?"

Hermione shrank into her chair as Snape turned and aimed his gaze angrily at her. "I do not believe anyone, least of all that Potter brat, deserves to know what my fate was after the Final Battle!" He then stood, glided over to her and shook a finger in her face, "And you have no RIGHT to pry into my business."

Haphazardly Hermione protested, "But, sir! You lived!" She smiled hoping to deflect his ire. Unfortunately it only made it worse as before she knew it his wand tip was touching the end of her nose.

"Bloody, interfering Gryffindor! You are a snoop who wants her endless questions answered. Well, this time you are getting nothing. Leave this house, and by Merlin, you had best. Not. Return." Severus stormed out of the parlor.

Hermione slowly moved out of her paralysis, and Lucius, ever on the watch, caught the remainder of her brandy as it fell from her fingers. He sent the tumbler with a swipe of his wand to the kitchen, and then scooped the witch from the chair and to her feet with practised grace.

"Severus is a bit tetchy at the end of the month which is why I do the books, and he doesn't," Lucius interjected apologetically.

Hermione snapped out of her daze and looked to Lucius. "I insulted him! I didn't mean to, but there would be so many glad to know that he survived."

"You are delusional, Miss Granger," Lucius corrected flatly.

"But, he…"

"Are you not aware that Severus Snape murdered the most beloved wizard of our age?"

"He was acquitted!" shouted Hermione. "It wasn't murder."

"Ohhh yes, so the law says, but the common witch and wizard maintain that Severus Snape was a murderer, and as a Death Eater he was even more vile. If you are so blind to public opinion just have a second look at the articles in the Daily Prophet that still run their scandalous lies three years after the war. Severus Snape is considered more evil than the Dark Lord." Lucius Summoned another brandy, and floated the tumbler over to her.

Hermione took the crystal glass, sipped lightly at the brandy, then ignored it. "I know that's not him, though, and he ought to show everyone that he isn't what they think he is."

"In a perfect world, Miss Granger," Lucius chuckled. "In a perfect world."

Hermione shook her head, and slumped in the chair. "I don't understand why he's hiding, though. He has a right to live..."

Lucius' narrowed his gaze at her. "Are you obtuse? The man is not hiding. And, believe me, that stubborn arse is living as is his right to choose." Lucius rose and made his way to the parlor entrance. "Talk to him, Miss Granger. At the very least, Merlin forbid, he could use another friend besides me. Gryffindor or not, you do appear to care a little about him." With that Lucius left without allowing her to reply.

For several minutes Hermione just sat where she was. She admitted to herself that she wanted others to know the Potions Master was alive, but how to convince him that she was right?