-.-
One week later, they were both facing each other in the middle of the city hall ballroom. He was leaning on his cane trying to alleviate the pain from his chest that flared up whenever he moved. She was standing in front of him wearing a black tube dress that was complimenting her figure very well. Her hair was half up on the top of her head in a tight bun and the rest cascading down to her waist. His breath caught one more time in front of her beauty. His palm touched her cheek and his thumb caressed her jawline.
"You look beautiful" he said with a soft smile.
"Thank you, I was hoping for your attention" she smiled and bit her lip.
"Well, you got it. Didn't know you had such intense tastes in clothing" he rejoined taking on her whole countenance hungrily.
"Not my taste exactly. Ginny chose it for me…" she flicked her shoulders.
"I am glad you took on her advice. It suits you admirably well" he raised his brow to her suggestively.
She went red and warm inside "I am glad you like it so much"
"I like it so much I want to get you out of it…." he trailed off.
She bit her lip and resisted the urge to punch his shoulder playfully "Severus really now…"
"What? Am I not allowed?" he asked wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close.
"It will be my pleasure…" she purred resting her palms on his lower chest "But you have to be careful …" she raised her eyes and looked at him meaningfully.
He smiled softly and his hand trailed down the front of her dress to rest on her lower belly "I'll always be careful…" he whispered close to her face.
She closed her eyes and rested her forehead on his lips "Thank you for coming with me to the doctor today…"
"I wouldn't have missed it for the world" he said and began caressing her belly gently.
Her heart melted "how do you feel about it?" she asked timidly.
"More scared than when I faced Voldemort, the shadow caster and Moore's knife combined" he said and a playful laugh escaped him.
She reposed her palm on his chest and caressed him "I am scared too…but we are going to make it right?" she asked.
"I am a useless seer..." he smiled and she harked pressing her forehead on his chest "But I promise you we will try our best" he caressed her hair tenderly.
She smiled content and nodded "Thank you for being there for me"
"There was no question about that, from the start.." he retorted quietly.
She laughed lightly "I desperately need a drink right now"
"No alcohol…" he chastised.
"Yeah…knew you were going to say that" she shook her head "Can you magic the alcohol out of a glass of wine?"
"It'd taste like urine…honestly…" he said half seriously and pulled her chin up to look into her eyes.
"Have you ever tried to do that?" she asked surprised.
"Yeah, more than once…" he admitted half heartedly.
"What the hell for?" she frowned.
"I couldn't drink when I was teaching at Hogwarts…not allowed. Dumbledore was very strict…and believe me during that time I wanted a drink desperately. So I tried the taste without the alcohol…it was nasty" he said shaking his head sadly.
She laughed and hid her face on his torso "If only I had known back then…"
"You'd what?" he smiled and caressed her back.
"Made a fool out of you…i would have loved that" she said and looked at him with smiling eyes.
He became serious instantly and caressed her temples "I'll let you make a fool out of me any time you like…" he said solemnly.
She bit her lip and sobered up "I love you…" she muttered.
"I love you…" he rejoined and his thumb caressed her cheek. They remained like that looking at each other with devotion for a few silent moments.
"Are we supposed to be standing like this? I think everyone is watching us" she said looking around them.
The great ballroom was packed. This was the day the prime minister was going to present them with their orders of chivalry. An event he didn't want to partake, but was convinced by Hermione grumpily to attend. Everyone was there. The minister and his closest officers. Aurors, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley with their family, the Ackermans pushing the wheelchair of Conroy who never managed to regain his ability to walk again. Mrs. Nelson with her daughter to honour the loss of their son and brother.
Oswald and Theobald as they were the only keepers still standing. Several outstanding members of the wizengamot including the Chief warlock who was conversing with minister Kingsley at that moment. There was also a muggle envoy of the Royal family of England that took by surprise both Hermione and Severus, overloaded with medals of honour and quite clearly a military man. He was welcomed by the whole ministry court and was now taken care off at the most prominent sit next to the minister's. Several reporters were allowed in with the rule to not ask any questions and remain in the back of the room out of the way.
"Let them watch us…. Now tell me, what are you thinking about?" he asked her with a small frown.
She half smiled "How did you know…?"
"Tell me…" he thrust his chin to her.
"Strange as it may sound to you, I was thinking of that small pot with the rose that had withered from that black magic soot. Remember?" she asked raising her hand and wrapping her small fingers around his forearm.
"Yes" he nodded.
"This morning when you were getting ready I went out to water the reminders of the dry stem. Is it strange that I want to revive it?" she smiled pressing his arm.
He smiled spontaneously "It doesn't sound stranger petal…that's sounds so much like you. I hope it grows back up. Maybe I can assist it magically when we finish with this menagerie. What do you think?"
"No, I really want it to grow back up on it's own. My mother used to say that if the flower a man gave to his loved one manages to flourish then their marriage will flourish likewise" she met his eyes lovingly.
"A very befitting saying. I shall not touch your flower darling" he said gently.
"I hope it flourishes, even if we are not really married" she said wistfully and looked around the room.
He didn't say anything and she turned to meet his handsome eyes "What?" she said.
He shook his head "Nothing" he said with a small smile.
"Oh, thought you wanted to tell me something" she searched his eyes.
"No" he shook his head and smiled at her.
She sighed and looked around them "Are you ready to take them on…?"
He pressed his lips "No…and I will never forgive you for making me come"
"Severus…this is your day to shine…i wouldn't have allowed you otherwise" she said strictly.
"I am still recovering petal…i only want to be home buried under the sheets with you in my arms…" he said half playfully.
"Severus…" she said strictly.
"Don't Severus, me…i don't want to face their hypocrisy. The same people that suspended me and called me names, now gathering to offer me honours. All this is ridiculous. I don't need it, nor want it" he said frowning at the general population.
She pulled his head to her and she focused her bright eyes on his "Look at me. You are not doing that for them…but for yourself. You saved the muggleborns from a terrible fate. You need to take credit. Haven't you had enough of the wrong people taking all the credit? You are the rightful owner of this victory against evil" she said seriously.
"I am doing this only for you…remember that…" he raised his brow.
She smiled and nodded "Ok…let's make a truce…do it for me, and I shall enjoy it for you"
He shook his head "Alright my beautiful Hermione…as you wish" he agreed.
She bit her lip and looked at his "Now shape up I think they are coming to take you" she said.
Severus looked up to see minister Shacklebolt coming to him with a ceremonious smile looking primed and ready to take on the world. He straightened and his lips twitched testily. The wizengamot chief warlock was with him. When they arrived the minister bowed respectfully to Hermione "Miss Granger, always a pleasure to see you. Especially this evening you look truly astounding" he said coyly.
She smiled and stood proud at Severus's side "Thank you minister"
"Master Snape, we are glad you decided to honour us with your presence" Kingsley said and turned to look up to him.
"I barely did…" he bit behind closed lips. He felt the nudge from Hermione and he forced a coarse and sour smile on his lips.
"What?" Kingsley asked confused.
"I said nice to be here" Severus spat tensely.
"I don't think you have met grandmaster Abner Hathaway. Current chief warlock of the wizengamot" Kingsley presented them to a tall man with a sturdy countenance and grey hair. His eyes looked clean and trustworthy and his lips bore an honest smile that felt contagious "He is going to present you with your second order of Merlin First Class" Kingsley said proudly.
"It is an honour to shake the hand of the man that saved us from that menacing darkness" master Abner said kindly.
"An honour to meet you too" Severus said reserved.
"And an honour to meet your fiance. The lovely and forever feisty Miss Granger. I am going to present you with the order of Gandalf First Class, for outstanding actions of bravery and courage" he said offering Hermione his hand.
She shook it calmly "My place this evening is to honour my husband, for he truly saved all of us. The magical and the muggle world likewise, from a deadly threat. Any honours offered to me, are because of him…" she said proudly.
"So invigorating to see this kind of devotion" Kingsley said looking at them both.
"My lady, your continence is of the highest quality. The order of Gandalf will suit you very well" master Abner said and then turned to Severus and Kingsley "Would you lady, allow us to occupy your husband for a while?" he continued politely.
She smiled and wrapped her hand around Severus's bicep "By all means grand master. I have all the time in the world with him"
"Thank you my kind lady" the grand master said with a respectful bow.
She rebuked it with an inclination of the head "gentlemen…" she trailed off looking at them all, and finally resting her eyes to Severus. He nodded at her with a tense smile and followed the group.
She licked her lips and observed his imposing figure, as usual all dressed in formal black, walking away. The fact alone that she had convinced him today not to wear boots, but shoes, and no jeans but black trousers was enough on it's own. He didn't accept to wear a jacket. He chose a grey shirt and wore his leather coat above it. He was as formal as Severus could be.
"Penny for your thoughts" Ginny said coming next to her. She offered Hermione a glass of orange juice.
"That I want wine…not this piss…and that I am glad he didn't wear a jacket. He looks imposing with his leather coat" she mused as he reached a larger group of people that almost bowed to the ground for him.
"Yes, he looks rather impressive this evening…" Ginny said thoughtfully and when Hermione turned to look at her she smiled "Want the piss or not?"
Hermione took it grumpily and drank a couple of sips "One thing i'll hate from this pregnancy is my inability to eat or drink anything I want"
"For a limited amount of time…" Ginny brushed her off.
"Even that…" Hermione took some more sips "This actually tastes good" she admitted after a moment.
"There you go….now smile, you are on camera!" Ginny said pushing her.
Hermione turned to look at several reporters that were flashing their cameras on her and winced "I am going to have to get used to this intrusion after tonight" she muttered.
"You were both famous prior to this evening….so nothing new there" Ginny flicked her shoulders.
"Says the woman that's married to the most publicly recognisable figure of the magical world" Hermione huffed.
"Exactly because of that I am very cool with it all" Ginny drank from her glass. She was dressed in a flowy dark green dress that went down to her knees. It's colour matching that of her eyes and making her red hair look even more fiery. She was simply beautiful this evening.
"You look dashing my dear…" Hermione drawled trying to imitate the way the minister and his acolytes talked to her a few moments ago. Ginny laughed lightly and Hermione continued "Where's your famous husband then?"
"There, with my parents. They are trying to find an opportunity to talk to Severus" Ginny said pointing discreetly.
"Good luck to them. The whole room wants to talk to him, and then some" Hermione said observing quietly around her.
"And to you also" Ginny pressed her lips and nudged her. The Ackerman family was coming to them. Jody was pushing Conroy's wheelchair.
"Severus loved the dress…" Hermione whispered and waved at them politely.
"Oh, I bet he did…half if not all the male population in this room is ogling you. Haven't you noticed?" Ginny rejoined.
"I only have eyes for the best man here, and I shall not settle for second bests" Hermione shook her shoulders and pursed her lips testily.
Ginny huffed "You are a woman in love, and you'd do anything, to get him into your world…and keep him within….It's a right you defend over and over again" Ginny said in a low singsong manner.
Hermione spat the orange juice "fuck you Ginny, give me a napkin!" she chastised with a huge smile upon her lips.
Ginny laughed and several people turned to look at them "Here you go…well hello Mrs. Ackerman…Mr. Ackerman nice to see you. You look wonderful" Ginny said giving her the towel and turning to the newcomers sociably.
"Mrs. Potter, Mrs. Granger. How are you?" Jody said offering her hand to both women.
"Very well" Ginny said.
"Struggling" Hermione said cleaning her dress.
"A small accident?" Conroy asked pleasantly.
"Orange juice mishap…never mind that. Please tell me how are the sessions with Dr. Hughes going?" Hermione continued disposing of the napkin and the half finished orange juice upon the tray of a passing waiter.
"A wonderful man Dr. Hughes. He has done a lot for my husband and my family. I cannot thank you enough for introducing us to him" Jody said quickly.
"Indeed a prestigious doctor that managed to wake me up, but I still have trouble using my legs. He said, the hit on my head affected the nerve centre that controls my lower body movement, but he is not giving up and neither am i. I am going to stand up and I am going to return to work" Conroy said solemnly. A sad smile was on his face, betraying he was not as convinced inside as he was letting on outside.
Hermione felt a sorrowful tag on her heart "I know you will make it Mr. Ackerman. You are a hard trained soldier. This won't keep you down for long" she tried to sound uplifting.
"I am so sorry I didn't manage to be there for you and for my boss in the final battle. I saw the first reports in the news, when they brought you back. It was shocking for me to see this turn of events. Not twenty minutes earlier a white electrical discharge passed from the sky as far as the eyes could see. I was out in my porch observing the sky and I saw it, in all it's glory. The moment it passed, rain begun to fall and it slowly cleared up the black dust that was covering every single available surface. I didn't know my boss done that, not to mention that he died a few seconds later" Conroy spoke slowly, trying to make some sense of his feelings for the events.
"Only to be revived by you…how in the world did you do it?" Jody asked frowning.
"We still cannot explain exactly what happened. Severus is convinced that the runes on my body and his, managed to draw him back to life. After that it was a matter of healing him quickly to stop the bleeding and in keeping him alive" Hermione said sobering up. The remembrance of those events was making her very nervous. Whenever she thought back on that day her stomach twisted painfully and she became nauseous.
"Dark runes can be very powerful, and if used with black magic they can revert many wrong doings. Sometimes even death" Conroy said carefully "I should know…i've worked with them for years"
"Severus believes you used the dark arts?" Ginny asked her astonished and partly abhorred.
"He is pretty convinced I did" Hermione nodded feeling her back shivering.
"How could you? You don't know how to…" Ginny trailed off.
"I read extensively some books he bought for me and he has shown me some strategic spells…but whatever I did at that moment I assure you it was not conscious. I was out of my mind with grief. I didn't have the brains to call on any spells. My body took over any acquired knowledge. Thankfully…" Hermione rejoined.
Her interlocutors remained silent observing her for several minutes "Thankfully indeed" Ginny agreed.
"You must be more powerful than you think" Conroy said thoughtfully "Not anybody can revert death…even subconsciously"
"On that, I agree" Ginny nodded.
"My power was my love for my husband….Mr. Ackerman. I wanted him to live….that's all" she said feeling suddenly very emotional.
"Love is the most powerful magic of all…didn't you know?" Jody said with a soft smile.
Hermione pressed her lips and shook her head "I know…" she said quietly.
"I wanted to ask your forgiveness for not realising sooner that Mrs. Moore was going to cause all of us so much trouble" Jody continued.
"No need, no one could have known" Hermione rejoined calmly.
"She admitted that she was the one that hit me down at the fifth level. It had to be someone who knew how to move down there. Lucius Malfoy was the brains of the operation, but she was the engine" Conroy spoke sadly.
"The pair of them caused a lot of death and mayhem. I hope they get their comeuppance in prison" Hermione felt her back curling inwards.
"They'll get more than that…i'll make sure" the solemn voice of Ron said and she turned abruptly to see him lingering behind her.
"Easy cowboy" Harry's hand landed on Ron's shoulder and he came close to her "Mione…you look so beautiful today" he said with a sweet smile.
"Thank you Harry…Ron how are you?" she asked.
"Pretty good, now that I know you are safe" he admitted.
"He had a nervous breakdown when you went missing…" Harry begun.
"No need to tell her that…especially with my wife looking at us!" Ron chastised and looked sideways at Lavender Brown.
Hermione landed her hand on his arm and Ron looked at it mesmerised "Thank you for still supporting me Ron, even though you don't approve of my romantic interests"
He pressed his lips and crossed his arms "I don't care what you do in bed Mione, I just care you are alive. That's all" he said carefully.
"He is the one that stirred up all the aurors for your search. He didn't let me do my job properly which was to overlook the whole procedure. He took it upon himself to find you" Harry smiled.
"Thank you Ron…even though you piss me off at times, you are a good man" she said and embraced him suddenly. He froze and looked back at his wife with a half open mouth and his hands wrapped around her.
"No problem Mione…just please…can you pull back…Lavender is going to give me hell" he muttered but made no moves to pull back.
She smiled "what, she might think you still love me?"
"Don't jest!" Ron admonished.
"Relax Ron, and tell her to cool down, I am just hugging a friend I thought i've lost. Do you see Severus making a fuss out of this?" she said closing her eyes.
He didn't pull back, instead he pressed her warmly "You are right. I am sorry for being such a jackass with you Mione. My egotism didn't allow me to accept your situation I guess" he said timidly.
She opened her eyes and looked at Severus's back as he was conversing with the minister's group. As if sensing her he turned and their eyes met. She smiled to him sweetly from Ron's arms and his mouth rebuked her that smile softly. As he turned back to his conversation she pulled back from Ron "I can forgive you, if you make an effort to get along with all of us from now on. Not just me" she said meaningfully.
"I…" he began but Harry stepped on his foot "Bloody hell Harry, why did you do that for?" he asked rubbing on it.
"He will Mione, I promise for him" Harry offered him a warning gaze.
"I was just meaning to tell her that I will you freaking asshole!" Ron hissed and pointed at her.
Hermione covered her mouth and giggled "Like not one day has passed from Hogwarts. Even though we are all older and wiser now…supposedly" Ginny smiled.
"I have to ask your forgiveness about my friends…truly" Hermione turned to the Ackermans.
"No, it's refreshing to see you all interacting so lovingly" Conroy said "Will you excuse us? I need to find an opportunity to talk to master Snape. Jody?" he turned to his wife.
"Talk to you later" his wife said to everyone and turned his wheelchair around directing it to Severus's group.
"It's a pity to see him chair bound" Ron said regretfully, looking at them.
"He was a very potent wizard" Harry agreed.
"He still is…Dr. Hughes will not let him rot in that chair. He can heal him" Hermione said thoughtfully.
"Dr. Hughes is that tall, out of this world, guy over there right?" Harry asked.
Hermione smirked "He is half human, half elven descent. That's why he looks…so extraordinary. An amazing doctor and personality"
"I hope he manages to help Conroy. The keepers are threadbare after all the attacks and after Moore's short lived commandeer. Severus needs all the good men he can have and Conroy is one of the best" Harry mused.
"I hope so too…now will you all excuse me? I need to go to Lavender or else I am going to sleep on the couch at night. See the thundering looks she is giving me?" Ron nodded at her discreetly with his head. Hermione looked at the short, blonde, flowery dressed extravagant personality that was observing Ron with a deep critical frown.
"You are in danger…go" she said playfully.
"Mione I promise to try harder with you and the dark clad git ok?" he said offering her a sly smile.
"What did you just call him?" she asked with a playful wince.
"Don't tell him!" Ron warned.
"I certainly will!" she rejoined as he left them quickly to return to Lavender like a wet puppy.
"I am glad our relationship is not like this" Harry wrapped his arms around Ginny's waist.
"I want intrigue and a husband on a sort lease doesn't have any…." Ginny said offhandedly.
"They are ok…look at them" she said sweetly and looked at Ron embracing Lavender.
"So are you ready to be awarded with an Order of chivalry?" Harry asked her after a brief pause.
"No…" she admitted and looked at the astonished faces of her friends "No…because I did nothing chivalrous…i was just scared for my life and I tried to save the man I love. That's it"
"Listen, whether you are ready to admit it or not, it was your ardent opposition to this law that brought everything to this crest" Ginny indicated.
"You mean to tell me that Harry's and Ron's exceptional abilities to lead the aurors and Severus's uncanny magical power exist because I fought this law…." Hermione's tone was sarcastic.
"No, not really" Ginny frowned.
"That unless I protested against the ministry Severus wouldn't have been able to track down all those missing persons, he wouldn't have found the shadow caster in the underworld and he wouldn't have unleashed that unearthly electrical discharge upon it….in the end saving all our asses. It was me doing all this, I get you" Hermione bit and crossed her arms angrily.
"You don't have to be sarcastic…I am merely stating that meeting him again, unwound this turn of events. I cannot know what would have happened if you two never got to meet again" Ginny brushed her off.
"Mione, hormones are getting the best of you" Harry smiled.
"You know what's getting the best of me?" she turned at both of them feeling very picked for the wrong reasons "That for once everyone must give credit, where it is due. Not to me or the weather, or Mars aligning with Venus. HE did everything. Severus saved us….and he was the one that moved the aurors in the right direction. OK?"
"No one denies that!" Harry rejoined.
"Then stop bringing me into the equation. The only thing I did was confuse him and expose him to Moore….which made him an easy target….and we've been through this before Ginny" she said dismissively.
"Oh I think you did a lot more to each other than simple exposure and confusion" Ginny said meaningfully.
Hermione glared at her.
"Please lighten up. No one is undermining Severus. This gathering is to honour him, but also you. You shouldn't undermine yourself either. You were a major part in all this. Negative influence or positive that's not my place to say. But you were a key element" Harry intervened.
"Fine!" she snapped and searched for him. He had moved up to the stage and was now conversing with the chief warlock alone. Her parents were standing a few feet behind him to catch his attention and Mrs. Nelson with her daughter a little further off casting searching glances on him.
"Now tell me what truly bothers you…" Ginny said grasping her arm. Harry was scanning her with his clever eyes.
Hermione felt her neck constricting and pressed her lips "The abolition of this law, takes away my right to call myself his wife" she said without too much thought.
"Not in the heart of things…those are just papers..nothing more Mione" Ginny said.
"Then take away your ring, and you Harry throw it in the fire…" she said and looked at them with a sad smile. No one replied "You can't, I know, because they are a representation of the love your feel for each other. Why should I feel any different?"
Harry lowered his eyes and Ginny embraced her "You have the proof of his love in your loins…but I can feel you"
Hermione squeezed her eyes and smiled "I know it's not important guys….i truly know it, but I hope that contract was still valid. Stupid as it may sound"
"Considering you tried for three years to stop these papers from becoming a reality, this sounds totally out of place. But I can understand you Mione" Harry pressed his lips with a side smile.
She pulled back from Ginny and turned to look at him. She took a long curly tendril of brownish hair and placed it behind her ear "This is the first time I wish the marriage law still existed…pettily…egotistically…just for my own benefit" she whispered and smiled at Severus's back. Ginny reposed her arm around Hermione's shoulder and nodded silently.
-.-
"You seem like an honest man, master Abner, I don't mind repeating to you what i've just said" Severus looked at the chief warlock "I came here truly intending to resign"
Abner looked taken aback "Of course that is out of the question" he cautioned.
"Nothing is out of the question concerning me…unless I say so" Severus looked scathing.
"I cannot rebuke that, but tell me why all this scorn? Because of your suspension?" Abner asked in a low tone.
"That too…a lot of hypocrisy runs at the ministry and at the wizengamot don't you think?" Severus asked solemnly.
"You cannot possibly expect me to answer this honestly" Abner said unenthusiastically.
"Oh, but I do" Severus gazed at him intensely.
"It's the way of the politicians. That's the way the system works. A politician has to be dubious and try to please as many people as possible. A country cannot be run with a hand of steel" Abner said firmly.
"I am not a politician. I am an academic, a soldier and once I was a spy. I cannot comprehend those ways. They disgust me. If you trust someone to do a job for you, then lay off of them. Don't pull them out of action because they didn't follow your orders. How can a politician know what to order a soldier…tell me that" Severus said carefully observing the people around him. His eyes caught Hermione's parents and his stomach twisted nervously. They smiled and Monica raised her hand to him. He nodded to them and showed them with his fingers that he needed one more minute.
"No politician can, but they never stop trying" Abner said.
"As a politician yourself, do you think me wrong in not following the minister's orders?" Severus asked to the point, feeling tired of pussyfooting around what bothered him most about this evening.
"No" Abner's eyes were steady and honest.
"Do you believe he was correct in suspending me?" he continued.
"Yes" Abner replied unexpectedly. Severus sighed and crossed his arms, but Abner raised his hand to stop him "Give me a second to explain. You may have been correct strategically and your actions saved all those people and in the end our world, but Kingsley had no choice but to put you in suspension. Whether he agreed with you or not. You bypassed his orders. You declare you are a soldier…tell me then. If one of your soldiers bypasses your orders will they be reprimanded?"
His brow rose to the ceiling "by all means…"
"Then how can you not accept the same for yourself. Kingsley had no choice but to berate you in a public manner" Abner begun.
"He had a choice not to order me around in my own domain…firstly and afterwards not to choose Moore to succeed me. Those were both wrong political decisions that now reflect badly on his person" Severus reproached.
"Which he is currently trying to put right, by organising this evening for you and for all the heroes of this adventure. No one in their right minds will accept your resignation. You presented us with a power hard to come across and your deep knowledge of the dark arts cannot be matched. No one can take over the keepers" Abner replied sternly.
"My love for the dark arts had always been superior to that of potions. Since my days in Hogwarts I was trying to work that art, but potions were more acceptable for the ex-death eater. The only reason that can stop me from resigning today is that inside the underworlds I can work my art with no interference from ethically driven wizards that need to set the world straight. In there, I can be myself…" he said gazing hard into the eyes of the chief warlock.
The other man raised his brow and nodded "Can you stop those eerie magical pathways from attacking our world with black magic?" he asked momentarily and before Severus had a chance to answer he continued "Oh yes you can! You blew that darkness away so impressively that generations to come will be speaking of this. It will be added in the books of magical history. Use that ability of yours master, for our benefit against any black magic, and the wizengamot will require nothing more out of you"
Severus nodded "I shall consider…" he trailed off and looked at Hermione's parents "Now will you excuse me?"
"By all means" Abner replied politely and with a brief bow he left Severus and walked towards the podium were Kingsley was standing with the muggle military officer.
Severus walked to them and before he had the time to reach them both their hands were out and offered to him. He hesitated visibly "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, honoured" he said formally.
Monica grasped his hand without any restrictions and pressed it warmly "Thank you for saving our daughter…you cannot comprehend how indebted we are to you"
Wendell was quick to add "It is a true pleasure to meet a man of this merit"
"I want to thank you personally for assisting me during my times of illness. It was not your obligation and even though I know you were helping your daughter, I feel deeply obliged" he spoke respectfully.
"We are always here to support…family" Wendell said emotionally and Monica touched his arm and looked at her hands.
Severus felt his neck tightening and inhaled deeply. When was the last time that anyone spoke of family to him? He was not sure he was ready for all this, but he had an obligation towards Hermione to try. He forced a smile on his lips that felt bitter and exhaled "Your kindness is solemnly appreciated" he was clearly reserved.
"Master Snape, may I have a word when you finish?" Mrs. Nelson said apparently tired of waiting for him, but at that moment the interruption was more than welcome. He couldn't easily handle Hermione's parents on his own. All this open hearted acceptance was confusing him.
"Certainly Mrs. Nelson" he said looking up at her "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, will you excuse me for a moment?" he asked politely.
"By all means" they both said and moved away from the stage discreetly to take their sits amongst the crowd.
"Mrs. Nelson, young lady" he said offering them his hand.
"I wanted to thank you for trying to save my son. I know he fell with you, I know you saw his last moments…" the mother said and her eyes even though hard and inapproachable, held a tint of need deep inside them.
Severus sobered up "He died an honourable death. He tried to save that girl, but the enemy was quicker and more vicious than we expected. They stopped at nothing to achieve their goal. Your son, Miss Palidor, Mr. Ackerman and Miss Granger were simply obstacles in their way. Garret was a hard trained soldier, that had vast knowledge of the underworld. When he signed up with us he knew the danger and he was ready to embrace it. Be proud that he lived a righteous life, full of integrity. Feel grief that he was so unfairly taken away from you, but rest calm knowing that he did his best to save another person and that he died proudly on the line of duty. Be assured that his spirit rests well"
Her hand trembled under his and for the first time he saw a small glint of emotion behind those hard set eyes. Her daughter was sobbing quietly next to her "Thank you…" she muttered and her voice broke slightly.
He pressed her hand and drew her close to him "I wish I had more men like your son under my command. It was an honour working with him my lady" he said profoundly.
Her lips trembled and a tear run down her cheek "thank you for bringing him back…" she murmured and quickly drew her hand away from him. She embraced her sobbing daughter and they both walked away from him slowly. He felt his heart sinking in warm tar at the knowledge that none of them got out of this adventure unharmed. Some less than others, but everyone had been affected in some manner. He remained there observing their retreating figures for some time when a gentle hand drew his attention back to the room.
"We should take a sit master, the minister is ready to speak" a young lady told him politely. He looked around to see that the audience was mostly seated. He turned to the stage and saw that all the nominees were seated. His eyes fell on his beautiful Hermione and his heart warmed up. He let the girl lead him to the last sit on the sort line of chairs and he took it. The moment he was seated a young man came up to the podium and hit the microphone with his finger. It made a sharp noise that cause the audience to gasp. -why do we need muggle technology for this- he wondered and looked at his hands.
He didn't want to be here amongst all these people observing them like fishes in a tank. Nor between the bloodthirsty reporters waiting for his slightest mishap in order to eat him alive. Not between the politicians that said one thing and tried the other behind closed doors in low conspiring voices. Nor with soldiers that have seen too much action and had too much blood on their hands and too cold a heart. He wanted to be home with Hermione, sitting on his couch and reading a good book on potions. Tending to his flowers and to his house. Seeking the simplicity of life within mundane everyday things. Waiting patiently for the coming of this new person into the world and trying out his mediocre touch on the raising of this child. Taking care of this lovely lady that endured his rough ways and his weirdness. Suddenly his conviction that he needed the freedom the underworlds offered him was strongly wavering. The castigation of the chief warlock about Severus's resignation, didn't seem as important. Slowly the realisation that he could change his path was dawning on him. That he was not truly needed down in the underworld, but to be more present in this world, next to this woman and to their child. The deep devotion that always run in his veins when he attached himself to a person got reawakened as the minister took the podium and began talking to the audience. Speaking of non important words embellished with intricate hand gestures and postures.
Severus winced and stippled his calloused fingers on his lap. What was he doing here in the first place? No matter how much he loved the dark arts, and how much he relished the feeling of freedom inside the underworlds, he could never belong in this crowd. He was never truly a part of them. Potter managed to accumulate himself well inside this world of intrigues and lies and he was diplomatic enough to move along with the waves in order to survive. Severus was moving forth like a cement mixer crashing upon those waves head first. Undiplomatic and rebellious as Lucius correctly characterised him, he was never truly able to handle those political games around his keepers. Which truth be told ended up in his expected suspension, and that would in the future probably suspend him a dozens times more. It was not that Moore was clever enough to grab the chance to crawl up the power ladder and blindside all of them. The problem that he was too honest and untouchable to keep her from doing so. His knowledge in the dark arts was strong and the power he unbound in the sixth level was monumental, but was that reason enough to submit himself into the dubious environment of the political system?
He wanted to be left free to work his art. Black magic being his choice of heart since youth, but if that meant that he had to force himself to sit quietly in front of the hypocrisy that run through the ministry, then he was setting up himself for a future fail. Maybe his true destiny was always potions. When once they had simply been his way into Hogwarts, later he came to love them. Maybe they were a good way to support himself and his family, quietly withdrawing from the first pages of the newspapers. His eyes looked at Hermione that was sitting at the middle of the row cross legged. Her face glowing with happiness. His eyes rolled down her figure and rested on her belly. Maybe she deserved better than all this. Maybe they all did. With his resolution wavering back and forth Severus tried to concentrate if only partly on what Kingsley was saying. He pursed his lips and leaned his temple upon his fingers thoughtfully.
"It is not merely for today, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate for our children's children this great and free government, which we have enjoyed all our lives. I beg you to remember this, not merely for my sake, but for yours . . . The magical nation is worth fighting for, to secure such an inestimable jewel as freedom. These men and women died for us to be alive and free. You, their survivors, must determine to have as unfaltering a resolution as they had till the end of their lives. Do not be contented with ideas derived only from words. Take upon action, use the advantages which are bound up with the defence of our country to develop as human beings under a free reign. My words shall furnish a valuable text to this audience, so alive and strong at the present****" Kingsley declared with his fist tight and his eyes blazing. When he finished a thunderous clapping exploded inside the room. All the cameras flashed from the back and Severus looked at an exhilarated Hermione clapping passionately, with her cheeks red and her body on attention. She turned to him and with renewed fire she clapped straight at him. He pressed his lips and gazed at her tensely before a soft smile broke free.
"Now to the honour of all those heroes I shall call on names to offer them our gratitude. An Order cannot compliment their sacrifice to its true value, but it is the least we as a government and you as people can do for these men and women" Kingsley continued and the clapping did too. A young boy got up on stage carrying several velvet cases stacked upon each other. Kingsley put on his glasses and looked at his papers.
"Mr. Harry Potter, Chief Auror please stand up" Kingsley said and took a velvety case. He approached Harry who stood up ceremoniously. The minister opened up the case and took out a purple ribbon. He smiled at Harry who bowed his head so that the minister could pass the order around his neck. He tucked it carefully "You are awarded the order of Merlin Second Class for achievement and endeavour beyond the ordinary. Your impeccable leadership of the Auror force and your knowledgeable management, helped this city during dark times were a strong hand was needed to show us the way. Thank you Chief" Kingsley said and bowed his head to the boy.
Harry bowed with a content smile and shook Kingsley's hand. The minister then moved down the line and stood in front of Hermione. "Miss Hermione Granger, head nurse of the St. Mungo ER unit please stand up". She stood up and straightened her dress. For the first time ever Severus noted that she was just as tall as the minister with those black high heeled boots. His heart twitched with pride. If for nothing else this day, seeing this woman honoured was worth all this trouble. The minister opened up the second velvety case and took out a white ribboned classy order "You are awarded the order of Gandalf first class for extraordinary bravery and valour beyond obligation. Your strength of character and your courage saved men from certain death and stood up against evil ardently. Thank you my lady" Kingsley said elegantly and placed the ribbon around her neck. She pulled her long hair above it and let them fall fluidly on her back. "Thank you" she bowed and shook his hand. Another thunderous applause filled the room and Severus was the first one to clap harder than all the rest. Her eyes met his and she smiled widely at his heartfelt reverie.
Kingsley moved down the line "Mrs. Nelson, please stand up to honour the loss of your brave son Garret Nelson" he said solemnly. The mother stood up with a flat expression in her eyes. Kingsley opened the velvety case and took out a purple coloured ribbon "Garrett Nelson is awarded the Order of Merlin Second Class, for achievement and endeavour beyond the ordinary. His death shall always be honoured by the ministry and he shall always be remembered for his valour and courage. May you live long to remember him" he said heavily and passed the order around her neck. She shook his head silently and sat down. Hard clapping from the audience and Severus was the first one to stand up in respect. The audience followed his example and soon enough everyone from the stage and from the arena was giving Garrett Nelson's mother a standing ovation. Mrs. Nelson sat down with the help of her daughter and closed her eyes seemingly exhausted.
When the clapping calmed down the minster walked over and stood in front of Severus "Master…" he said offering his hand with a wide smile. He hesitated for a moment, but bending under the social obligations that he hated so much he shook the minister's hand "It is a true honour to be standing in front of you this evening" Kingsley begun solemnly without caring about etiquette.
-cannot say the same- his mind rebuked, but Severus bowed his head slightly and offered a tight smile as an answer without voicing his inner thoughts. Kingsley called on the boy and opened up the last velvety case. He took out a green ribboned Order and presented it to him "Master Severus Snape, Commander of the Keepers, it is with great respect that the ministry of Magic presents you with your second Order Of Merlin, First Class, for acts of outstanding bravery and distinction in magic. Once again we thank you for the brave services you have offered to our country, to our people and to our children". The minister passed the ribbon around his neck and shook his hand proudly as the room exploded with vibrant clapping.
"Thank you" was what Severus wanted to say only, but they had other plans for him apparently.
The minister kept holding his hand to Severus's dismay as he turned to their muggle guest "The muggle Lieutenant General Winston Mckenzie is here on behalf of the crown to bestow to our Commander a muggle Order of the highest esteem. This is the third time in the history of the two British divisions that the muggle community and our common crown bestow such an honour in the magical community. General…" the minister said and bowed to the ground. The military authority stood up and came over to Severus. A young boy carrying a red velvety case followed him. The man stood in front of him and saluted him in a stiff military manner.
"Commander, the Crown bestows on you the most honourable Order of the Bath, which is a British Order of chivalry founded by George I, for outstanding valour and conduct in a battle" the General spoke solemnly and passed the red ribboned golden Order around Severus's neck. He looked up flabbergasted.
The General took a few steps back "It is a tradition that the sovereign of the United Kingdom bestows this honour, but due to the special circumstances that do not allow her to be publicly seen in the magical community, the honour was given to me to carry through" he said and turned to the still partly shocked Severus "Commander, you will, by the dignity of your conduct, afford occasion for posterity to say, when speaking of the glorious example you have exhibited to mankind, 'Had this day been wanting, the world had never seen the last stage of perfection to which human nature is capable of attaining.' The threat that shook the foundations of the magical division, also shook ours. Your victory is our victory. It belongs to every man, woman and child, in every corner of our land. For the service you have done in this great struggle in which we were engaged I present you sincere thanks for myself and the country." the General said respectfully and bowed to him.
Severus shook his head still unable to grasp the magnitude that all this had taken and bowed "Thank you Sir" he replied with mutual respect. The room gave him a reverberant standing ovation. The minister pulled him close to the podium and gave him the place to speak to the public.
Severus approached and felt dizzy from all the lights on him, the cameras flashing like crazy and the tension that was palpable around him from every corner of the room. He pulled up the microphone and then in an afterthought frowned discreetly. He lowered it to the wooden surface and lifted his solemn eyes to the audience. With a silent sonorous spell he begun a speech that was destined to remain in history "It is fatal to enter a war without the will to win it. It is this fate, I solemnly assure you, that I dread for everyone, when the time comes that you make your reckoning, and realise that there is no longer anything that can be done. May you never find yourselves, in such a position! Yet in any case, it is better to die ten thousand deaths, than to do anything out of servility towards the enemy or to sacrifice any of those who stand up for the weak. A hard retribution did the people in the magical division receive, for entrusting themselves to the new diplomatic Keepers, and thrusting the old command aside! And a similar penalisation the democracy of the country, for driving away the defenders, and surrendering to the enemy! It was folly, and it was cowardice, to cherish hopes like these, to give way to evil counsels, to refuse to do anything that you should do, to listen to the advocates of the enemy's cause, and to fancy that you dwell in so great a city that, whatever happens, you will not suffer any harm!" the tone of his voice was low and measured and his eyes gazed straight at the audience with an audacity many would have envied. His brows were criticising and his fist was tight on the podium as he felt the weight of the Orders around his neck and the weight of the words he was going to utter next.
"In that false safety were you drawn blind to the deaths that shook the city's foundations and the ethical pillars that were crumbling under unspeakable laws of men. So died these men and women as day became night. You, the survivors, must determine to have an unfaltering resolution after these events, though you may pray for a happier ending for all. Do not lay content with ideas derived only from words which are bound up with the defence of your country. You must yourselves realise the power of the magical division, and feed your eyes upon that power from day to day, till love of it fills your hearts; and then, when all it's greatness shall break upon you, you must reflect that it was by courage, sense of duty, and a keen feeling of honour in action that men were enabled to win all this, and that no personal failure in any enterprise could make them consent to deprive their country of their valour, but they laid it at your feet as the most glorious contribution that they could offer" he continued and all the room had frozen in silence. You could hear a pin dropping.
He straightened and licked his lips thoughtfully before continuing "General Mackenzie I know your heart. What you said before, I have it in my heart, but I am tired of fighting. The old school is dead. It is the young people who decide now and they need other leaders, more approachable. I want to have time to look at my children. Hear me! I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever" he turned to his remaining keepers and pointed at them with a steady unwavering arm "As for you…keepers I could not have blamed you for being the first to lose heart if I, your commander, had not shared in your exhausting and perilous campaigns; it would have been natural enough if you had done all the work merely for others to reap the reward. But it is not so.
You and I, gentlemen, have shared the labour and shared the danger, and the rewards are for us all. The conquered territory belongs to you; already the greater part of its treasure passes into your hands, and that is our freedom. I shall do injustice not to acknowledge the distinguished merits of the Gentlemen who have been attached to my person during my term in the Keeper Commandeer. Permit me minister, to recommend in particular those, who will continue in Service to the present moment, as worthy of the favourable notice and patronage of Parliament.
I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life, by commending on the bravery, ardour, endurance and impeccable conduct of the woman of my heart, without whom I would not be standing here addressing you" he said and looked back at Hermione. His gaze captured hers and he saw tears forming into her eyes. She covered her mouth and nodded at him.
He turned again to the audience "Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action; and bidding an affectionate farewell to the ministerial body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life" he finished turning to the minister who looked like he was hit with a brick on the forehead. A timid applause begun from the audience but Mrs. Nelson was the first to stand up and exclaim passionately "Worthy!". Hermione followed foot and he saw her face filled with tears. He shook his head to the minister, bowed respectfully to the General and walked pensively to the back of the stage.
Minister Kingsley moved to the podium as if someone shoved him violently "Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a small soiree at the great antechamber. If you please move in an orderly fashion towards the exit doors, the waiters will kindly show you the way. Thank you so much for attending this honourable event" he finished and turned to Severus with a pale face and sweat covering his brow.
Severus was pressing hands idly and offering dry smiles left and right as the minister approached him "I cannot believe what you just did" Kingsley said drying his upper lip.
Severus smirked "I cannot believe it took me so long to do it" he retorted saluting stiffly everyone that had gathered in a long line to press his hand.
"How will you be able to live without work?" Kingsley asked.
"I've got my potions…" Severus rejoined.
"And the big love you have for the dark arts?"
"It got overpowered, but the hypocrisy that runs under your ministry Shacklebolt" Severus replied dryly.
"What about the keepers?" the minister asked in a low tone trying not to betray the tremble in his voice or the wild beating of his heart.
"I shall remain if you so wish to train the next batch and I believe that Theobald is a very solid choice for Commander"
"You will regret this and you will ask to come back soon" that sounded almost like a threat.
"I hope I won't…i cannot bare you people anymore. I need my peace" Severus hurled back at him.
Kingsley looked around at some people that were motioning him to attend to the General and to the Chief Warlock "This isn't over" he raised his finger at Severus and not waiting for an answer he left with a quick and rather self assured step.
"Oh, but it is" Severus murmured and shook the last hand. When he raised his head he saw Hermione standing a few feet away from him with her arms crossed in front of her sexy black dress. The purple ribboned Order was shining upon her chest. Her face was bright as the sun. She was biting her lip under that timid smile and her eyes were red and teary.
He gave her a side smile and reposed on his cane. She walked slowly to him and met his eyes steadily "That was …." she paused and bit her lip again "…that was a phenomenal speech. I am so proud of you" she said after a moment of indecision.
He caught her by the waist and drew her in. Her body reposed to his and her palms rested on his chest. Just below the two Orders "I am proud of you too…" he said quietly.
"Did you realise what you just did there?" she looked up to him carefully.
"Resigned" the taciturn answer.
"Are you sure you are not going to regret it?" she caressed his chest softly.
"I am not…does it bother you?" he asked running his thumb at the base of her waist circularly.
"No, it gives me hope. I don't want you inside these dangerous worlds. I almost lost you back there Severus….you died. I cannot even bare the thought of what we went through" she said with a dignified honesty that broke his heart.
"So you shan't have to anymore…" he trailed off.
She leaned her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around his back "Don't you think we have to go to the soiree? The room emptied…" she asked.
"Not yet, we have one more thing to do before that" he said quietly.
"What's that?" she didn't draw back from him nor opened her eyes. She was enjoying their intimacy too much to let him go.
She felt him shift under her and she heard the sound of paper brushing against his clothes. Her curiosity got the best of her and she pulled back to see. He was holding a yellow folded paper. She felt her colour draining from her face and she looked up at him. His eyes were unreadable.
"Recognise this?" he asked showing it to her.
She swallowed a whole bout of unease and sudden fear drenched her heart "Yes…it's our marriage contract" she managed to mutter.
"hmm, yes. As I recall now the marriage law has been withdrawn. You are legally a free woman Hermione. Are you happy?" he asked cupping her jaw line and looking sweetly into her eyes.
She felt them watering and shook her head "If you must know, not really" she replied trying to keep her calm.
He frowned slightly "You confuse me sometimes petal. Once upon a time you hated this forced document and now you are not happy that it's value is equal to toilet paper"
She withdrew her eyes from him and pulled back "Look, this is a bit hard on me ok? Can we just drop it and go to the antechamber?"
His hand reached out and pulled her back "One final act for your freedom my love" he said gently and with both hands to the ultimate dread of Hermione he tore the paper into four pieces. Then he shook his hand and the pieces fell on the floor by her foot "You are free…" he whispered at her.
"I don't want to be free…" she met his eyes steadily and her lips thinned.
He tilted his head and smirked "you are free to choose…" he said mystically.
"What?" she asked frowning.
He drew something out of his pocket and brought her hand forth "open your hand" he whispered.
She did as he bade and he placed something cold inside and closed her palm "What is this?" she asked him.
"Look at it and choose freely now Hermione" he said and pushed her hand back to her.
She opened it and saw a plain platinum ring with wisps of air carved along it's back. Her eyes searched his quickly, with a need that betrayed her vulnerability. She didn't care "Severus?" she asked not knowing what to tell him.
He pulled her into his arms and cupped her cheek lifting her head up to him "Marry me…make this real" he murmured upon her lips.
Her eyes filled with tears, her throat convulsed with suppressed emotions and she moaned covering her mouth. She looked at his ring through blurry eyes and nodded fervently "Yes, yes, yes…oh bloody hell, YES!"
"I love you" he said and covered her lips with his in the most tender and giving kiss ever.
She wrapped her arms around him, pressing him with painful force, trying to make sure that he was there with her. Alive…and that he just proposed to her. Her lips responded to him and they got so entranced in their kiss, knotting their bodies in a dance of passion, thighs and hips pressing, hands running through backs, sides, faces and hair , that they never noticed the remaining waiters and reporters that were watching them discreetly.
Not one person lifted their camera to take a photo of that moment, no one dared speak in order to break that beautifully delicate balance of love, that was more magical than any magic produced by a wand. The people around them looked up with a gentle smile of understanding and then moved about their business not willing to be the scissors to snap their intimacy in two for some frivolous reason.
And back there…in Severus's home, inside a small pot carrying a dead rose…a small green bud broke at the side of the dry twig and the afternoon reddish sun warmed this small birth of nature upon a clear sky that smelled timidly of Spring.
THE END
A/N:
1) First and foremost I want to thank sincerely all you people for the reviews, guests or locals. If it weren't for you I wouldn't have written this. Your feedback positive or negative helped shape this up...and me, with my million errors. Keep offering feedback to all the writers, they form the heart that beats under each story believe me. I try to do the same also to the ones I read. Sending all my love to you out there *.*
2) I feel that when a story has told everything that's important, then it needs to end. If you run on idle a long time you can burn a story up and it will loose it's meaning. Therefore I felt that this story said everything that was truly important between those two beloved characters of J.K. Rowling, and I put a full stop to it gratefully, because I have to admit it was difficult to write at certain parts. Sucked the soul out me ...literally. Nevertheless this trip was also a lot of fun and I cannot wait to start another one...after a loooooong break (possibly).
3) I always respect the wishes of my readers. The fact alone that you spend your time and effort trying to go through all my errors and make sense of what I want to say is an honour for me. Because of that, I always hear your wishes and try to fulfil them. Doesn't matter if it's one person, or one hundred asking for something. If it's in my power and is feasible in the story line, i'll certainly try it. Consequently because a person asked me to write about their marriage and honeymoon, I am considering writing them in an epilogue of some kind with some chapters under it's belt. If you are interested let me know. It's going to be hard for me to manage to write when no real plot is underway...but I will try to portrait their married life as best as I can.
4) I am NOT a good orator, in fact I am quite USELESS. The experts you saw in Severus's speech were taken from various ancient Greek philosophers and wartime heroes (i had to honour my country in some manner also -Periklis-Diomides-Aristotle...and several others) and they were twitched about, stretched, cut and ironed to match the storyline. They were NOT my ideas, I just perused them to the benefit of the Potion Master's final speech. If I wrote his speech unassisted, he would be drivelling and blubbering on the podium like a fool...! ^_^