Disclaimer: Not her, not paid, not even very good. Everything you recognize belongs to JKR.
Credit to Sempra for pointing out my Hermione was getting a little too pushy. Also, for removing my abundance of commas.
Her Gifts
Chapter 36
She and Draco had sufficiently finished their studies to Professor Tofty's high expectations by the end of the following week, and he recommended they seek a private NEWTs exam with Professor Marchbanks as soon as possible. He was disqualified from administering their exams, as he now had a personal investment in their outcome. He was certain they would achieve Outstandings in all subjects, however, and there was no sense in putting it off any longer.
The night before their testing, Hermione was such a nervous wreck she couldn't keep food down. Draco got worried, having never seen her like that before and summoned Harry and Ron to the Manor. The note stated succinctly, Hermione needs you.
They arrived within minutes. Draco needed only to say, "We're sitting our NEWTs in the morning."
The duo were very used to Hermione's ridiculous nerves and set about distracting her with Weasley family news and amusing anecdotes from their Auror training and Ginny's disgustingly lavish wedding preparations.
Narcissa discreetly sought out Posey to prepare a couple of party trays of finger foods, and pumpkin juice appeared on the table without their notice. Hermione nibbled unconsciously as the evening wore on. As their exam time was set for ten o'clock the next morning and Harry and Ron had managed to subdue Hermione's nerves considerably, Narcissa convinced her to take Dreamless Sleep just this once, so she would be fully rested and ready for the tests. Hermione agreed to take it after she had seen to Professor Snape's needs for the night. Narcissa had been taught to spell Professor Snape's lunch which Hermione would miss the next day, and Batin was familiar with the urinal and bedpan, so Hermione had nothing to worry about.
The NEWTs were tedious, but Professor Marchbanks cooed appreciatively throughout. She beamed at them when they were finished, claiming she had never seen them performed better. Their exam results would be owled to them within a week, she had said as she walked them out of the Ministry's secure exam room. They were exhausted but relieved as they returned to the Manor.
Realizing Lucius' release was only two days away, Hermione grew concerned for the spectacle it would make in the press. She wrote Lucius a letter suggesting he prepare a written statement to read aloud in order to avert the almost guaranteed hounding he would be subjected to by the hoard of reporters that would most definitely be there, and apologizing in advance if he had already thought of it.
Hermione declined attending Lucius' release on the grounds that Rita Skeeter would certainly be there and waited anxiously for the return of the family in Professor Snape's room. Draco entered, grinning, an hour later.
"You were right, Hermione. The press was swarming when we exited, yelling out the most obnoxious questions you could imagine. Father quelled them with that glare he has and read out his official statement. It was a sight to behold. I wish you could have been there," he sighed.
"I thank you, Miss Granger, for your forethought," Lucius said, crossing into the room. "I hadn't realized prison releases had become quite the event to attend that they seem to have become. It was truly remarkable. I had the entire gathering's full attention. I believe the prepared statement may have made a positive impression on society in redeeming my family honor, and I am most appreciative." Lucius bowed gracefully. "I am in your debt."
"No, most definitely not, sir. I have been living here in your home at your expense for over seven months. If anything, I am in your debt," Hermione insisted.
"Very well, then. We shall call it even," Lucius smiled. Casting his gaze at the bed, he said, "And how is our patient?"
"The same, I'm afraid," Hermione sighed. "Madam Pomfrey comes to check on him every two weeks, and she always states there is no change in his state of consciousness." She pushed Professor Snape's hair back from his forehead without realizing she had done it. Draco and Lucius exchanged glances. Lucius' left eyebrow rose minutely, and Draco lifted his chin in an almost imperceptible nod.
"I must admit, Miss Granger, he looks better now than he has in many years. I believe we have your tender ministrations to thank?" He winked at her.
"I rather think it is due to rest and lack of stress, to be honest. I haven't done anything special. I only tend his needs and read to him," she defended. "And please call me Hermione. Draco and Narcissa both do, and I think you should, too," she offered genially.
"Then you must call me Lucius in that case, Hermione," he purred.
With studies out of the way, Draco and Hermione spent more time in the potions lab, developing the last potion. It was the antidote to Draught of Living Death. It was by far the most exacting, tedious work they had tried to do. After weeks of failure, it was finally ready. Too bad it wasn't the cure. Hermione broke down in sobs in front of Draco when Professor Snape didn't wake up.
"I had so hoped this would be it," she sniffed, wiping her nose on Draco's hastily offered crisp white handkerchief. "What are we going to do now?" She whispered, her red, bleary eyes tearing up again.
"We'll sleep on it," Draco answered steadily. "Then, tomorrow, we'll do that thing you do. What do you call it? Brainstorming? We'll come up with something else, don't worry." He patted her shoulder consolingly.
Their brainstorming had come up with some very exciting theories. Not the least of which was the effect of Nagini's venom on the potion Professor Snape had concocted for himself. "Only Nagini is long gone, and if any venom remains, it's most likely in storage in some obscure lab at the Ministry or possibly St. Mungo's," Hermione despaired.
"Unless Uncle Severus still had his supply," Draco imparted smugly. "After all, he made all of Voldemort's potions, including the one that kept him alive, that used Nagini's venom in it's base."
"But I can't get back in again. I abused my friendship with Kingsley to get in last time. I don't think it will work again," she whined.
"No, but I can. I'm family. I'm no longer under house arrest and the Ministry can't keep me out of my godfather's house." He sat back on the chair, reclining comfortably. "We just have to come up with a way to remove the venom from under their noses."
Hermione grinned. "That's easy. You go in, find it, summon Batin to you, and he can bring it back here for you. The Aurors posted at the door will never know Batin was there and you won't be holding anything when they check you."