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Hermione woke in her new bedroom for the first time and she couldn't have been happier. Her parents did a great job on the house. The Granger family spent the day after Hermione returned from Hogwarts to move into their new home. The house had been ready for a few weeks, but Jean and Rich wanted to have Hermione with them. The moving day had been long and Hermione felt her muscles complaining. She groaned as she stretched a bit and smiled at the bookshelf across the room. The boys had given her another stack of books on flying techniques and placed them on the shelf for her to read at her leisure. Since she'd not grown significantly, much to Draco relief, since the previous summer her training broom should still fit. Lucius mentioned if she grew a few more inches they may need to trade up to the next size. Draco stood to the side grumbling about how he needed to grow a few more inches. Harry and Blaise chuckled quietly at Draco's complaints. Blaise was the tallest of the three and made sure to remind his mates of the fact regularly.
Hermione had no desire to become an expert on a broom, but it made her boys happy and she didn't really mind it that much anymore. She still didn't think she would do it on her own. Her focus returned to her room and just how perfect it was since she was a teenager now. The en suite with both a shower and bathtub, knowing she'd get spoiled enough before she returned to school with it, she decided to not try either out yet. The spring break was shorter than the winter holiday at only two weeks. It allowed for a slight reprieve and to give the students a chance to refocus for the push to the end of the year tests.
After getting out of her new and incredibly comfortable bed, the witch got ready for the day and gathered her books. She wasn't sure if the boys would come over or if she would go to the Manor but either way she was starting her studies for the end of year exams.
The tests they took before leaving were fine, she hadn't stressed too much over them and felt she did as well as she could. It was a relief really, she had started to get herself worked up about not being worked up. Daphne laughed and explained life was too short to make up things in order to be worried. It sort of reset everything for Hermione and the rest of term was fine.
She did want to speak to Severus about the end of year tests for their extra courses. Those tests did make her nervous and she wanted to know what to expect. While these thoughts were running through her head, she hadn't realized she made it to the dining room and sat at the table. "Hermione, you ok? You look like you're in a different world." Jean chuckled when Hermione jumped a bit.
"Sorry mum, I was thinking about some questions I need to ask Professor Snape and would like to do it sooner rather than later. I want to get my study schedule set so I can keep myself calm. Do you think Regulus would be willing to help us prepare again?" Jean raised her hand knowing if she didn't stop Hermione, the questions would just keep coming.
"Everyone is meeting at the Manor for dinner tonight so you will be able to ask all your questions then. Until that happens, I want to show you what I'm planning for the garden after we eat." Mother and daughter ate and talked about the term in more detail than what could be described in letters.
Jean looked at the newest charm and smiled at how happy it made Hermione. Jean would talk about it with Narcissa sometime over the evening, the mums were having great fun discussing their children. After finishing breakfast and their updates, Jean sent Hermione to get her slickers since it rained pretty heavily overnight and the yard was now a muddy mess.
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Rich had left early in order to check the order being shipped to the DMLE that day. The last of the protective gear ordered by the auror department had been finished the day before. They had also been contracted to work with another department at the ministry for some items they wanted. Rich wasn't confident in dealing with the individuals in the Ministry, so he asked Lucius to lead the meetings and negotiate all deals. Rich happily attended the meetings to make sure he understood what the customer wanted and worked with Matt in order to figure out just what magic could and couldn't easily do.
As their first customer, the Ministry was the company's largest customer; however, the English/Irish Quidditch league had agreed to allow the newest division of Malfoy Industries to air the matches over the newly introduced magical moving picture. Rich laughed at how difficult the name was and still didn't understand why they just couldn't call it the telly. Aside from the ridiculous name, the quidditch league alluded to the fact if viewing games away from the stadiums was successful the contract would be reviewed and extended to the benefit of both sides. Lucius and his contact at the league believed in the endeavor and mocked up a few scenarios. When Lucius returned from those meetings the week prior, he mentioned if the league's contract would exceed what they made off the Ministry.
As people tend to do, the leaders of the domestic league happened to mention how their games would be aired and viewed away from the stadiums to their somewhat rivals in the international league. Needless to say, Lucius had received an inquiry from them. Their largest concern was how games would be viewed across the continent. With more than a bit of pompousness, the international league reiterated how their fans were located in a more widespread area. After working out how to air games over a short distance, Matt immediate started to figure out other ways to air the live signal over much larger area. He wasn't sure yet, but he'd figure it out.
In a somewhat surprising request, Lucius recently received a request from the group heading up the next World Cup asking if the company had enough equipment to air every game in two plus years. They would prefer to have all games aired over the world, but if not than to be able to air the games to their home countries. Lucius was able to respond with the luxury of time they had been provided, MG Industries would be able to record, air matches live and provide copies of every match. He requested a meeting to go over the details with the organizers and was quite confident he'd close the deal before the start of the summer leagues. Quidditch had more potential as a money maker that even Lucius had initially estimated.
With all the future plans, the three men believed additional help would need to be hired. To keep up with the incoming orders for televisions, Matt estimated they could hire two people and make a higher profit than if he continued to do it himself. Those were numbers Lucius liked and asked Matt to come up with a list of requirements necessary for someone whose sole job would be to apply the television charms. By the start of summer Lucius hoped to have two people focused on televisions, and another one or two on the various cameras needed by the leagues and private citizens wanting to record their family moments. Once those areas were covered, an analysis on the needs of the Ministry would be performed to determine if more than one employee would be required for that work.
Rich and Lucius had decided at the start of the year if the quidditch leagues took off, Matt would be promoted and given a portion of the profits. In addition, his primary responsibility would be to identify new items for the product catalog or new areas where muggle technology would help the wizarding world. When the offer was placed in front of the wizard he was shocked. After reading the offer over many times Matt agreed and became the third partner in the endeavor. Only their imaginations would limit what the wizarding world could purchase.
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When dinner rolled around, Hermione and Jean flooed to the Manor meeting Narcissa in the receiving room. "How was the first night in the new house?" Hermione detailed everything she loved about the house and it took the witch almost an hour before she got to the one thing she didn't like as much.
"I miss the boys. It was great having them so close. We could always find each other. Now I'll have to floo call or something to talk about nothing important." Hermione sighed a bit before continuing her dialogue. "But other than that, the house is perfect for mum and dad. It's only missing a pool and a duck pond at this point." The women laughed as Draco was reminded about the house he wanted to build, eventually. Maybe he'd have a bit of time to fly over the plot and see where those two things would best be placed. The problems with growing up.
On the other hand, Hermione missed him, that was something to celebrate. He quickly stepped to Hermione's side and took her hand in his before leading her to the dining room. After pulling her chair out, the witch smiled and Draco felt like he'd just won the cup for Slytherin single handedly.
As everyone sat at the table, Hermione looked at how much her family had expanded in under two years. Professor Snape and Regulus were discussing something quietly at the far end of the table with Lucius joining in every so often. Harry and Blaise had been taken with the idea of being an animagus after hearing more stories from Remus about his friends adventures at Hogwarts. The pair were intent on guessing what their forms could be. Jean, Narcissa, and Professor McGonagall were discussing how well the advanced Transfiguration classes were going and what the next term would bring. Rich was sitting next to Jean at the end of the table opposite Lucius and thinking the same thing as his daughter. He caught her eye and smiled happily.
Hermione realized she was probably the happiest she had ever been and it was all because she had some true friends. It was thinking about her family when she remembered what Neville had told her. Watching the conversation at the far end of the table, Hermione took the opportunity to address her potions professor when he appeared to have finished with Regulus.
"Professor Snape, I have a couple questions I hope you wouldn't mind answering." While Severus was good at figuring out what Hermione wanted to know when in class or a specific setting, this was neither of those and he had no idea where her thoughts had take her.
"You may ask, but I reserve the right to not answer if it's better you not know just yet. Agreed?" At Hermione's nod, Severus waved on her questions.
"I really only have two. The first is about the waking potion. Neville mentioned he hoped his dad would be home by the end of break. How is it going? My second is about the advanced coursework and with Professor McGonagall here I'd like to know her thoughts as well. For the end of term exams when will we be taking them? I am trying to get my timetable set up before we return. It would help put my mind at ease if I had a plan."
The witch closed her mouth and blinked at the potion master. "Miss Granger, I am surprised you stopped at two, but this will be all I'll answer today. The waking potion is almost finished and I expect to deliver it to the DMLE in two days time. As for the victims being released, I'm not their healer so I am unaware of the plans in that regard." Hermione nodded, she really wanted to know about the potion and that was the answer she got. She watched to see if he would answer her second question.
"As for all of your end of year tests, Minerva and I have decided the Transfiguration and Hermione's third year Potions exams will be done the first week you are home in the summer. The boys must sit with the other students taking their OWLS as there is no way to reschedule the formal exam. Once we have received a finalized schedule Minerva, Sophie and I will work to determine if any of your other end of term exams will need to be moved to accommodate the OWLS schedule. Those will be shifted but you will all receive your official timetables nearer the end of term."
While the boys had been studying for the OWLS, this was a stark reminder how close the end of term was. Severus, seeing the touch of panic in them, interrupted the boys thoughts. "I believe you both will attain the needed grade, but I don't want that to stop your efforts. If you continue to put forth the same effort, I don't have any worries for either of you." The relief on the boy's faces was sort of comical. Hermione was going to make sure they didn't focus all their efforts on the OWLS at the expense of their other classes.
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With Hogwarts on break and all students away from the school, the DMLE informed professors of the progress in identifying the second entry and determining how to close the opening temporarily. Until the basilik was gone, the second opening could not be permanently closed. While the exact timing of the removal was up in the air, it was an incredibly stressful time for the new headmistress as she discussed contingency plans and worst case scenarios.
It was a brilliant bit of luck Minerva had befriended the ghost of Myrtle as a student and the friendship continued over the years. With the support from the rest of the staff, Sophie and Minerva were able to relocate the ghost and allow her to roam the entire school. The only condition placed on Myrtle was she couldn't return to that bathroom until the chamber had been completely closed. Myrtle agreed and moved to a hall where she'd spent many hours while a student. The window was wide and allowed sunlight to filter into the hall almost all day long. She spent countless hours looking at the rolling hills. The ghost no longer moaned in misery and in years to come she was found to be a good companion to those needing a friend.
During the break the Sophie and Amelia ensured the pipes for the sinks and toilets in the washroom were closed from the rest of the school, in case the beast got free. The plan called for multiple aurors and professors stationed outside the door ready to cast any number of spells and curses if the beast made it that far. Once the beast had been destroyed, a team of aurors would traverse the secret chamber in order to secure the second opening and ensure there would be no other way to access the chamber. They would also map the area and determine if there were any other surprises left by Slytherin prior to his departure.
The plans were as ready as they could be and the merpeople had sent notice the final stones had been located. Clyte said there was a bit of magic when the last stone was fit into its place and the damage was partially repaired, though the cracks could be seen. Even with the hole seemingly closed, Clyte performed a few strengthening rituals used by the merpeople on their own homes. The hole, for lack of a better description, was gone. Now the only hold up was on the unspeakables and their ability to come up with a safe way for the aurors to watch the beast without setting themselves up for a suicide mission.
It was a week into the holidays when Amelia Bones requested a representative from Hogwarts and the Board to meet at the castle. Lucius arrived in Sophie's office to find the headmistress and Minerva waiting. Almost immediately after Lucius stepped from the grate, Amelia arrived as well. Sophie, Minerva, and Lucius all hoped for good news because the look on Amelia's face wasn't the scowl they were used to seeing. The result of the meeting was sort of positive.
The unspeakables had been able to charm a mirror to reflect the back of the basilik regardless of the beast turning. The attacking auror would wear a pair of goggles enchanted to act like a lens of a camera. This was a safety precaution in case the auror looked at the beast instead of the mirror. Attacking a beast with your eyes shut seemed a bit fantastical and would likely end with someone being killed either by the beast directly or being bitten and having the venom kill them instead. Neither was a pleasant thought.
Minerva offered to work with Filius to transfigure and charm the other mirrors in the washroom to only reflect the charmed mirror's image. Minerva thought this would allow any auror in the room a clean shot if the opportunity arose. As they were talking Minerva heard a muffled noise from the shelves and turned to see the sorting hat hoping up and down. Not having to hear the thing complain was actually one of the few good things about the new school building. Minerva lifted the hat only to see the hilt of something gleam. She carefully removed the heavy sword and the hat sighed in relief.
"Finally, that thing has been sticking me for a millennia now. While all of your plans could work, this sword would probably be better. It was the sword Godric used during his life. He cherished the thing and told me at some point Salazar's plans would come to fruition and when they did, I was to give this to the champion selected by Hogwarts. So I have and you can decide who shall wield it. I might recommend an upward thrust through the head and then wiggle it a bit before it's removed."
The hat went silent and started to snore. Minerva raised an eyebrow at the hat and set it back on the shelf. "Well, that was interesting and probably more helpful than I've come to expect from the hat." She knew the stories of the sword and it would be interesting to see if whomever Amelia selected would be able to wield it. She fingered the hilt and felt a bit of power course through her. The portraits of the former headmasters looked curiously at the sword as they murmured questions to each other before the finally the oldest portrait confirmed the sword was the one Godric carried. Portraits of the founders had been lost centuries prior, so to be able to confirm the existence of an actual relic from a founder was unexpected.
"Amelia, I will request this remains on site at all times. We will also allow you to select the best auror for this mission." The head of the DMLE had only one auror in mind.
"Thank you. I had wanted to do this as soon as we could; however, after discussions at the Ministry I've come to realize we aren't on a real time crunch here. I want it done sooner rather than later, preferably before the summer starts, but I want the plan to be fool proof. That said, I will need a bit of time to see how well the mirror works, go through some mock situations, and finalize everything. Minerva, I trust you to have the other mirrors focused, but I want to make sure the focal point is accurate before any of my people or your professors are at risk." Amelia immediately left the office after obtaining the others agreement.
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When Amelia returned to the Ministry she found a simple note stating 'It's done' with no signature. It didn't matter, Amelia knew immediately what it was. She responded with a request to meet as soon as possible. Less than an hour later Severus Snape stepped through the floo and handed Amelia a box with twelve vials of potion.
"We only have four victims Severus. Why the extra?"
"I have found in life it's better to be prepared. In case there are other petrifications during the assault, they can be quickly revived. That assumes there would only be an additional eight victims. Any more will have to wait for me to brew another batch."
"Would you like to witness the result Severus? I'm heading to the hospital immediately. I've contacted the healers and they are waiting." It only took the ever imposing professor a second to motion for Amelia to go first.
When the pair had arrived at St. Mungo's they were in the office of the chief healer and the head of the creature attack ward. Both healers looked to the vials and then the appearance of Severus Snape before agreeing there was no reason to question the efficacy of the potions. No one dared to doubt a potion created by Severus Snape. The quartet walked into the quiet ward and were led to the back where four beds were set each in a separate corner.
"I know this sounds like I doubt something you brewed Severus, I would like to test the potion before we use it." Severus cocked his head and seemed to ask how she would do that. "I want Skeeter to be given the potion first. I am going to send her to Azkaban regardless if she is an animagus or not. If the potion kills her, maybe everything works out for the better." The healers were ready to say that would be against their own vows to protect but realized they wouldn't be able to run trials as the only four people known to be petrified are in this room.
"We will start with Skeeter and hold off on the others until we see the results of the potion." The healer left no room for arguments and swiftly called for the support team. In addition to the nurses and residents, two aurors stepped in the area and stood behind the medical staff, but still close enough to act if the witch tried anything.
A resident raised the witch and once the potion was poured into her mouth, everyone waited to see just what would happen. The witch twitched a couple of times before a scream ripped from her lips. An auror immediately silenced her and while some of the medical staff retreated, the other auror and healers remained at the side of the bed. Once the screaming appeared to stop, the auror removed the silencing charm and all kept their eyes trained on the witch. One eye slowly opened followed by the other. Once both eyes were open and looking around, Amelia stepped into the line of sight and cast an evil smile toward the witch in the bed.
"Hello Rita, let's talk a bit about how you got into Hogwarts." When Skeeter tried to move, Amelia grasped her arm and the other two aurors leapt into position made sure there was no escape. "You don't want to talk, well I guess we'll let the healer do his thing. Leo, if you will please check her as we discussed." The healer stepped forward and began the litany of spells showing the witch was perfectly healthy and her vitals had returned to the normal range. With a final flick of his wrist, the monitoring spell was reinforced to last until he removed it. The healer then gave a signal to the aurors who moved forward and pointed their wands at the still slightly confused reporter. Once ready, the healer sent one spell and watched as the witch turned into a beetle. Not a second later, the witch was again on the bed.
"I believe you now have what you needed Madam Bones. She is healthy and I will release her immediately. You may take her when you see fit." The Healer tapped a few things on the clipboard at the end of the bed before the auror nearest to her head plopped a portkey on Skeeter's head and the other auror touched it as well. With a pop they were gone and Amelia was going to finally get rid of the witch that caused nothing but problems.
"Alright, let's get Frank and Aurora up. I need to get Colin's parents here for them to give the necessary permission since he is a minor." The healer motioned to one of the residents who left to retrieve the young wizard's family.
Frank was given the potion first and like with Skeeter he twitched a bit and then slowly opened his eyes. Unlike the witch he didn't scream, he looked quietly around the room to see who was there. Amelia stepped beside her second in command. "It's good to have you back Frank. We will get Alice here soon. I'd like to discuss a few things with you before about what's happened." The man shook his head, as if he were clearing out cobwebs.
"That sounds like a good idea Amelia." Once the healer had completed his review of Frank Longbottom and signed off on his health, the auror was scheduled to be moved to private room for the rest of the day. Severus who has not been known for his patience stood beside Aurora's bed and waited for the healer to get to her.
Without saying a word, the healer handed the potion master a vial and motioned for him to administer it. The healer knew how often the man had been here speaking to the patient and promising her he would be able to brew the potion soon. Aurora twitched and also opened her eyes slowly, instead of screaming or being confused she looked to Severus and smiled. "I heard you, I knew you'd get it done for me. Thank you Severus." The healer did the same diagnostic on the witch and nodded that she too was in fine health and would only remain for a few more hours, just to make sure.
When Aurora saw a student was one of the victims she stated she wouldn't leave until he was awake. It was her duty as a professor to ensure he came back. Severus chuckled and touched the witch's cheek. "I'm here as well Aurora, but I would prefer you stay beside me until I can leave. You're on medical leave until your release so I'm the official Hogwarts representative." With a bit of a glare, the witch settled herself back on her bed and began to ask all the questions she had while frozen.
About fifteen minutes after leaving, the resident returned with the Creevy parents and their other son. The family stood by the professors after giving the hospital permission to wake their son. They were pleased to know the other victims had already received the potion and were fine. They had been a bit worried their son would be some sort of test subject.
Colin reacted a bit more than the others, but Severus explained as a child the potion would cause a bit more of a reaction but he would not be harmed. The Creevys watched as Colin jerked twice more before he opened his eyes. After providing some level of comfort to the family and his student, Severus told the family he would be in the room next door to Colin until everyone was released, if they needed him they now knew where to find him.
Once in the quiet of the private room, Severus began to admit things he had never said to the witch. After his thirty minute confession, Aurora took the shaking hand of Severus Snape and told him she liked him as well.
After regaining himself and confirming the witch was agreeable to being courted, Severus sent a message to the headmistress and Lucius. Both probably should have been told earlier, but he needed time with Aurora first. Lucius arrived first and smirked when he found his friend sitting next to Aurora and the pair were holding hands.
"Hello Severus. Glad to see your eyes open Aurora. Is Mr. Creevy in the room next door, I'd like to pop in on him and his family while we wait for Sophie." Severus stood and squeezed Aurora's hand.
"Yes, I'll go with you. I should check in, it's probably been forty-five or so minutes since I had spoken to them last." Aurora sent him a wink which made the man blush. Lucius noticed it all and slapped the still reddened man on the shoulder.
"We'll be back shortly Aurora, I won't keep him long." Her laugh was the last thing Severus heard as the door shut quietly. "She's a good choice Severus. I'm sure Narcissa will be more than excited when she hears." Severus attempted to grab his long time friend, who might lose his title, but Lucius was quicker and had anticipated the move. He darted into the room and set about introducing himself to the family.
Severus was stepping into the room when he heard the clicking of heels on the tile and turned to see the headmistress quickly headed for him. "Are they all ok? Why didn't you let me know once the potion was done? I should have been here Severus."
"Yes they are all fine. Frank is there, Aurora is in that one and Colin and his family are in this one. Skeeter was taken by the DMLE for questioning, I doubt we will see her any time soon. Lucius just hopped in with the Creevy family. I was headed in to try and keep the man from embarrassing himself when I heard you coming down the hall." He motioned for Sophie to step in and she just gave him a glare similar to the one Minerva always gave him before she gripped his hand.
"Thank you Severus, this means the world to me." Sophie stepped into the cheerful room and sat down with Mrs Creevy. With everyone in the room, Severus didn't feel he was needed and returned to where he wanted to be anyway.
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As Amelia had promised, once she and Frank had finished their discussion, she contacted Alice and told her the good news. When Alice arrived it was with Neville and Aggie in tow. The relief that appeared on his children's faces gave Frank pause. He had never really thought about the what ifs, but this was really the first time he'd put himself in a position to lose his family.
"I'll think about it Amelia and get back to you." Amelia expected nothing less. She nodded and squeezed Alice's shoulder before shutting the door behind her. The family deserved a bit of time to themselves. Now she only had to wait to hear Frank's decision.
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All the patients had been released from the hospital before dinner and Lucius invited Severus and Aurora to the Manor. Aurora accepted quickly admitting with how long she'd been petrified any food she may have had would be bad and she was quite hungry. Severus agreed without compliant knowing how the evening would play out even before acquiescing.
Lucius looked happier than Severus had seen since Draco was born, Severus shook his head and looked to the blonde witch smiling happily at his side. "Come along Aurora, I'll side apparate us to the Manor. Lucius said he'd get Narcissa to help you with clothes and any other things you need. With you being away for so long, I'd like to make sure someone is with you for the first little bit. I'd hate to lose you again." While Aurora typically didn't like to be coddled, she would allow it this one time. She did feel a bit out of sorts and a bath sounded excellent.
When the pair arrived, Severus held her until Aurora got her bearings and could stand on her own. As he gazed around the entryway, Severus saw Narcissa nearly bouncing on her feet with her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Her eyes were twinkling and at the same time telling Severus to get on with the introduction. "Aurora this is Narcissa Malfoy and if you are ok with it, she'll accompany you."
"Hello Mrs. Malfoy, I'm Aurora Messerly and I would appreciate any assistance you are willing to provide. I'm still wrapping my head around everything." Narcissa immediately stepped to Aurora's side and motioned toward the steps.
"Severus, Lucius explained it all. He's in his study, I think Regulus and Rich may be in there as well. Go along and be sociable." Aurora quietly laughed at Narcissa's commands as the pair of witches slowly made their way up the steps. "I can apparate us if you prefer. I don't want you to get too tired. We're just getting the chance to meet you after all."
"This isn't any reflection on you or Mr. Malfoy, but the way Severus is acting, I feel like I'm meeting his parents." Aurora likened Mrs. Malfoy's laugh to the sound of bells blowing lightly in the wind.
"I guess we sort of are a combination, or maybe siblings. Lucius certainly acts like an older brother and I've always seen Severus as close friend, maybe a brother. But, no we aren't his parents. They were an interesting pair and to be honest, we are all probably better with them being gone."
Aurora didn't know much about Severus's past but his parents sounded like they would have been a difficult sell. "I think I'd appreciate it if you would apparate us. I didn't realize how quickly I would get tired." Narcissa wrapped an arm around the witch and brought them into the master bedroom.
"The bathroom here is larger and I don't think it would be quite as awkward for us since we just met and all." Narcissa sat Aurora on a stool and started the bath. After adding some bubbles for the fun of it, a handful of bath salts were added as was a number of oils to help relax her tight muscles after being unable to move. When Aurora got twisted up in the outfit the hospital gave her, Narcissa helped her undress and led her to the bath. Once Aurora was settled, Narcissa sat on the stool and pair started to get to know each other.
At the end of the bath Narcissa washed the other witch's hair and helped her rinse the remnants of the bath before wrapping her in a fluffy robe.
"This is really one of my favorite things. Lucius and I only had Draco and I've missed on the chance to dress others. I have Hermione now, and she is pretty reasonable but I do know she'd stop me if she really didn't like something." As Narcissa spoke, she sat Aurora on the bed and went into her large closet. She flicked through a few things before pulling out a dress. "This will be perfect, I may need to shorten the sleeves a bit but otherwise I think we are probably the same size." Narcissa handed the other witch a bra and a pair of knickers and while Aurora pulled those on, Narcissa was looking for a matching set of robes. "Good you're ready." Helping the other witch into the dress was pretty easy, as were the slight alterations.
"We need to dry and style your hair. Couple of questions, do you prefer it up or down and what sort of make up do you normally wear?" Aurora found herself oddly enjoying her time with the ever stylish Mrs. Malfoy.
"I rarely really do much with my hair. Most days it's either a simple braid or a bun. And I'm the same with make up. My look is pretty minimal, some liner, a little mascara and maybe, on a wild day, I'll swipe some gloss on." Narcissa eyed the witch and nodded.
"I can do simple. I have some ideas alternatives that won't take much longer than what you are used to doing." Before Aurora knew it, she looked better than she had in years. Even when she tried, she couldn't match this look. Still not believing the witch in the mirror was her, Narcissa pulled her out of her thoughts. "Ok, now for the easy part." Once the robe was on, Narcissa transfigured a pair of slippers into some comfortable flats.
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"I should warn you. When Lucius told me about you both coming to dinner, he also invited a few of our friends. I think you'll recognize the children and figure out the relationships with the adults. It's not really inquisition, I swear. We are probably the closest thing to a family Severus has and we all just want him to be happy. I'm sure you'll figure it all out eventually and understand our position, but we are all quite protective of the grumpy man." Narcissa smiled brightly before leading Aurora into the largest dining room she'd ever seen.
The aforementioned grumpy man immediately moved to Aurora's side and relieved Narcissa of her charge. Narcissa smiled as she nodded to Aurora and made her way to Lucius while Severus continued to ask how Aurora was feeling and if she would prefer to head home instead. "She's a lovely woman Lucius, and I think a good fit for Severus. At least from what I've seen so far. He seemed quite smitten with her."
Lucius directed his wife toward the table and motioned for the rest of the guests to sit. Once Aurora finally got Severus to believe she wanted to stay, the man led her to the table and sat her in an open chair before sitting next to her.
"Hi Professor Messerly, we are all so glad to see you back. I'm sure Professor McGonagall is beside herself with excitement as well." Hermione's introduction made Severus realize he had forgotten to inform one very important person. After his head dropped and he shook it looking up to see Lucius red from trying to hold back his laughter.
"You do realize she will be so much worse than Sophie. Aurora if this is my last night on earth, please believe it was worth it when I saw you open your eyes."
"Come now Severus that seems a bit much don't you think? I mean you only failed to inform the Board, the Headmistress, or the Deputy Head who is also Aurora's partner. It's not quite worthy of me killing you, but a good maiming is certainly in the cards." Severus hadn't noticed Minerva standing in the corner.
"I apologize Minerva, I was quite focused on making sure the potion worked properly and I wasn't thinking clearly." The witch in question shook her head and walked toward the couple.
"Aurora it's wonderful to see you up again and I look forward to when you are ready to return to Hogwarts. Between Lucius and I, we can get you up to speed on what's happened at the school. I don't believe it will take long or intrude on your time with Severus."
Severus never experienced a more uncomfortable and yet warm dinner in his life. As he settled into his bed, he realized just how important he held everyone who was at the dinner. And how they happily accepted Aurora into the group. Maybe opening up a bit wouldn't be as horrible as he thought.
*MoT*MoT*MoT*
A/N: A bit of a filler, need to set up a few things for down the road. Plus In this universe Severus isn't the same emotionally stunted man. He hadn't experienced true love yet, because he hadn't found her. He has friends in this world and knows the difference between friendships, crushes and what love is supposed to be. So we get to experience a first love from the perspective of two characters that didn't get the chance before.