Part Fourteen: The Liberation of Severus

I returned to my extremely humble abode a grand total of two days later. Of course, there was no peace awaiting me. Dumbledore, genially glad I was feeling 'up to snuff,' had no end of tasks for me to accomplish. Just when I thought my world may be put to rights, I found out I couldn't be further from the truth.

It was a week and a half before I could begin to stop thinking about the Post-Voldemort world and concentrate on my own Post-Voldemort world. My life stretched endlessly in front of me, causing me more grief and worry than I thought could be possible.

And yet, somehow, through all the inner turmoil I wouldn't admit to be suffering from, there was a certain calm consistency in one thing, or should I say, one person. Hermione.

Encouraged by my selfless acts in the last few weeks of Voldemort's terror and my current to-be-pitied situation, Dumbledore, Molly Weasley, Tonks, Minerva, and even Lupin attempted to see me fed and even housed comfortably under their roofs. Unfortunately, there was only a certain amount of excuses I could give. Occasionally I would go, if only to stem the constant pleadings of some of them. Sometimes I was rewarded with encountering Miss Granger on what could only be the same comforting generosity they believed they were giving. I was glad to see that Hermione was just as disdainful of being pitied as I.

"Oh, come now Severus. Surely you don't agree that Fudge's campaign was harmful."

"But I do indeed, Albus. Not only did it jeopardize the smoothness of your first day as Minister, but it also created that ghastly spectacle in the square. I myself witnessed several rather spiteful incidents in which-"

"But Severus…" Hermione interrupted. "You can't possible think that he would have had a chance with that inane idea, do you?"

I popped a baby potato in my mouth, chewed twice, and swallowed. "Of course not. What a preposterous idea."

"Then perhaps it was just as well that the public finally witnessed the lengths to which that idiot Fudge was willing to go." Hermione added as she piled some mashed potatoes on her fork. Dumbledore certainly did make a big deal of dinner when he had guests. His invitations, despite the sometimes rather senile company Albus himself offered, were rather tempting if only for the delectable fare.

Dumbledore chuckled. "It was rather funny."

Only one such as he could find it funny.

"Most certainly." Hermione agreed. Alright, maybe her too.

I just frowned and finished my meal in silence while Hermione and Albus babbled on about Merlin knows what. I tuned out the actual details of the conversation but not Hermione's voice, nor her animated face. When she wasn't consumed with studying or fighting for the safety of her friends and family, she was quite…dare I say it? Attractive.

We adjourned from the table half an hour later. I was full to the point of bursting and bleakly thought that if I kept this up I would not be the slim, toned person I had been for so many years. Not that anyone had gotten close enough to notice my stature under my voluminous robes.

The food mixed with the wine and the after dinner sherry, lulled me into a very warm and content mood. I could tell Dumbledore was pleased I was not brooding over the direction my life was to take. Or at least, not at that precise moment.

Around 9 o'clock Albus was required to speak to some person on some important topic or other. Most happily, I was left to conversation with Hermione.

"He really is a sweetheart, wouldn't you agree?"

I let out a chuckle/snort hybrid at her suggestion. "Has he been secretly feeding you more lemon drops?" I asked in response.

She smiled. Yet another thing I needed to add to her list of positive attributes. Not that I was keeping one, of course. "You would miss him if he wasn't around to keep you on your toes."

"Each moment I spend with him, I find my toes slipping further into the puddle of insanity he constantly spills at my feet." I paused a moment before adding, "But yes, you could say that."

"You're not bad underneath either."

I raised an eyebrow. "Am I not?"

She shook her head. "I've seen…." She trailed off a little embarrassed.

"Yes?"

"Well, your nicer side, shall we say?"

"Yes, though I find it only right to inform you that all the times I have either corresponded or conversed with you, I was under the influence of Dumbledore's laced lemon drops and can not be accountable for any of my words."

Hermione gasped. "But I thought you never ate those things!"

I couldn't help but give her a half smile. "Only when I feel as if the chaos in my world has dropped to a record low."

She smiled softly and sighed. "Do you ever smile?" (1)

Her question caught me off guard and I was only too happy to notice the re-entrance of our host. I couldn't help but think that the last time I had smiled was when she had leaned into me and told me she loved me. Surely we both had suffered from the leave of our senses at that time. It was only natural that we should act so impulsive when we were under so much stress. Though what stress that would have been I couldn't then bring to mind.

At any rate, Dumbledore told us that it was time for us to be off as he had important business to attend to. It was strange that I then decided it would be a shame to leave the warmth and genial company behind.

He bustled us both out onto the front doorstep and left us to our own devices.

"Well, goodnight then, Severus." Hermione said as I helped her with her coat. "And I do wish you the best on the outcome of the upcoming honors."

I nodded. It was a few days shy of the annual awarding of the Order of Merlins and other such commendations. Apparently Hermione and Dumbledore were quite convinced I would receive either a first or second Order. Personally I didn't give a damn about the outcome but I tried to sound optimistic when in their presence.

"Have a pleasant evening, Hermione."

She smiled and fingered her necklace before she slowly turned and walked up the path, out the gate, and disappeared with a 'pop' into the night.

I sighed and did the same.

………….

(1)Taken from the idea Mary Balogh set up in her novel Slightly Married. I highly recommend the seven part series which starts with A Summer to Remember.

Hmm… I really must be reading too many regency romance novels. Is anyone bothered by my very formal Snape and Hermione in this chapter? I hope not.

I will leave you all to figure out what mad plot Fudge came up with… Personally, I don't know what it is. :) And yes, Dumbledore is now Minister which leaves Minerva as Headmistress and Severus still confused over his future. Ha ha. Any ideas what he should do?

Sorry this chapter was so uneventful. Hope you enjoyed it none the less. I have something up my sleeve and hope it proves to be much more exciting than this chapter was. /fingers crossed/