This chapter builds the much-needed premise of the whole story. The next untie many of the knots. An avid reader of this fic had wished the goblins to play a bigger role. And they will. From now onwards. These are shrewd and calculating magical folks. But against a common foe, all must unite. Things will get AU. Consider yourself pre-warned. And to all those readers under house arrest because of Convid-19, sending across prayers, courage and warm wishes to keep your spirits high. Once again- MournfulSeverity stands as the source of inspiration. In her very first review of the first chapter of "Love Empowered Empathy- Prologue," she had mentioned the word "Obscurial". That got me researching like a mad hare. Thoughts of "venom" and some sequel of "Spiderman" flooded my mind. And with the emotionally loaded "Mute" and the huge fantastic tale weaving in the backdrop of "Love Empowered Empathy"- Baby's Breath was quietly born in one of my sleepless nights. I hope against hope I shall not disappoint my readers.


Disclaimer: I own nothing, but my thoughts of AU and OC, the rest all belong to J K Rowling. This mind lives in the Harry Potter fanfiction world though this body is still thankfully anchored in the monotonous reality of existence. The stories I write can indirectly influenced by many of the brilliant fanfiction writers on this site. And I humbly bow to such creative genius who give me much needed literary pleasures to see through the toils of mundane life. Lastly, I don't have a beta, so please be merciful. Reviews would encourage this introvert writer to peep out of her literary closet. My very first attempt at writing a Snape and Hermione and Dramione fanfiction ever.


Chapter 20

At this hour of the day, when the world had buried itself in pitch-black darkness, Severus Snape had sat across his desk, separating himself from all those who had gathered in his Gargoyle guarded office. Just like him, the others too were waiting for the "Visitor". After he had got bored studying the lines of worry on each of them, eavesdropping into conversations that he had no purpose for, he had gone to the study the portraits of the previous headmasters and headmistresses of Hogwarts hanging above from the circular walls of the office. Dumbledore's portrait was quiet. And there were others, chattering enthusiastically among themselves. Their eyes glued on the occupants of the room. Though Dilys Derwent and Phineas Nigellus Black were sitting straight and were watching him, in return, with interest.

It was a day of surprises. Like fireworks chose to explode around him on purpose. The thestral foal, Hermione, people trusting him with growing confidence, Bill Weasley working in liaison with the Goblins, the cryptic letters Hermione had written to Potter and Draco. Surprises had shocked him time and again, making him wary to his bones. Headmaster Black showing unguarded concern for the Granger girl, calling her specifically "his girl", Molly Weasley appearing at his doorstep with Minerva at her toes, convincing him to let her be the part of this investigation. The formidable Weasley Matriarch had even handed over a curious case to him. he had felt a pull at his magical core, the moment he had held on to the book size case. Strange. And she seemed apologetic, concerned and quite worried about him of all the people. It now lay inside one of the desk drawers. Narcissa sending a letter of confidence, he had felt the parchment between his fingers, it was old and oddly that lay tucked inside, in one of the many pockets concealed below his billowing robes.

Behind his stoic features, and piercing eyes, Severus was feeling like a caged beast of the wild. He had already briefed the former students on the facts at hand. And had noticed Blaise uncharacteristically shifting his weight from one foot to the other. The boy knows something and maybe wishes to run it through me. Somethings never change. Draco had been watching him from under his lashes. Then an owl had swooped in. But instead of going to the Headmaster, it had sat in front of the Charms Professor and had regally held up its foot. In awe, Flitwick had retrieved the burden, and the creature without waiting for a reply and flown back in the darkness of the night.

Whatever it was in the massive, had moved the Charms Professor to tears of joy. With glistening eyes, he had addressed the Headmaster, "I have been requested to receive the goblin delegate by myself. They wish to mend the estranged relation it so seems." Thinking over this new development, Severus had nodded in agreement. He would let things happen, just to make sure, he was mentally prepared for the final battle cry. Yes, all these culminating events felt like precursors to the inevitable. His heart had twisted once again. His occlumency shields clattering against each other. As if layers of mist over Northern seas could pretend to be sheets of opaque glass.

One small struggling owl had flown in, this one seemed to be carrying a letter for Molly. Snape had overheard the plump woman informing Minerva, Harry, and Remus, that it was from Arthur. Bill had to go on an urgent errand, and that Fleur with Teddy, had gone to the Burrows to help Arthur in watching over Ginny. Snape would bet all his money the young Weasley was no doubt, coming to Hogwarts.

Just like the others, even he was shocked to hear the Floo connection getting activated. And moments later, the head of Kingsley Shacklebolt had appeared.

"Headmaster Snape, I have been specifically asked to be present in this meeting of ours. The goblins wanted the present Order members to attend this meeting. I do have a couple of others with me. And it is safe to say, even they were requested to come."

"Then, by all means, do step in," his drawling voice had approved of this peculiar request, but his fingers for a few moments had held on to his ebony wand, hidden below the table, just out of sight.

Kingsley Shacklebolt had arrived with Narcissa Malfoy and Andromeda Tonks through the floo connection. And behind them, George Weasley had stepped into the room.

And Kingsley informed that he too had received an owl from the goblins. He had shown it to the Deputy Headmistress who was also the Order of the Phoenix head and headmaster who was the first in command.

The letter was specifically addressed to Kingsley but his designation was mentioned as second in command. His exact role in the order of the Pheonix. Indicating the presence of the Black sisters, he had also mentioned that the ministry had pardoned Narcissa on special grounds and Madam Bones was of the belief that she could help Severus in the search of Horcrux if that ever came up. The presence of Andromeda Tonks and George Weasley was on special request from the goblins. The former was involved actively in the First Magical War. The letter had quoted, "because she seemed to have played a significant role in the first war." In favor of the second, it had jested, "He is needed because he is one of the best inventors of the Weasleys." It was amusing to watch, Molly's face, morph into pride and soon transgress into motherly suspicion. Snape could not have found any fault with that. The twins in their short tenure at Hogwarts was a force to reckon with.

These special requests had changed the very atmosphere of the room. Minerva had come up to him and Kingsley, worrying, "I don't like this dictating approach of the Goblins! This is not sitting well with me, though... if it is linked with Miss Granger's predicament, it makes the whole affair more sinister."

Andromeda Tonks, Narcissa, and Molly were still intently watching Severus like a hawk. They seemed quite agitated and were barely hanging on to their patience... And Draco. The Malfoy Head too seemed out of his usual character. Of all these nights, Fawkes was absent as well. These are the nights when I miss your counsel most, Albus.

Blaise Zabini, from the other end of the room, had been observing the others with keen interest. Each one of them seemed to be onto something, yet they looked like they were afraid to broach the topic for some unknown fear. Though many thought, the former potion master was simply sitting on his armchair across his desk, just waiting for the "Visitor", having grown under his supervision, Zabiniwas able to read the lines of worry and the slow building up of fury and frustration behind those obsidian eyes. And Remus Lupin too had felt that something big was finally going to hit them. And this would definitely knock them out for good.


The fireplace had once again came alive, but this time it was Fawkes, who had flown in gracefully, and after circling over the heads of the gathered witches and wizards and thoroughly astonishing them, it had gone on to sit quietly on its perch. A handful of seconds later, the flames had turned green and the head of Aberforth Dumbledore had appeared among the flames. His voice loud and clear, "Headmaster Snape, I request to come through, and bring your visitors along as well."

Furrowing his brows and then briefly staring at Minerva and Kingsley, both of whom had looked doubtful of the surviving recluse brother of the former Headmaster, Snape had welcomed the last arriving guests to the ancient school of Hogwarts. Things had already turned too mysterious to brush aside, and he was meaning to find some answers, and that only meant, laying down at the cards on the deck.

The green flames had grown high, and the long frame of Aberforth Dumbledore had eased inside the crowded room. The others already present in the room, had peered at the long cloth wrapped object he had been carrying under his armpit. But they had risen from their seats simultaneously. Filius Flitwick had stepped forward. In the ancient gargoyle guarding room of Hogwarts Castle, after centuries, a goblin had stepped in. Followed by a wizard. In his tailored three-piece suit and his shiny black cane, Griphook, the residing of the Goblin Community, had looked no less than a king by his own rights. And Bill Weasley; Molly and George had noticed, had stood taller and braver by him. A wizard who had earned a goblin's confidence, honor, and respect.


A/N: I am nearly done with the next chapter. Honestly, I did not plan this story from ahead, as I have done with Scars Series and Love Empowered Empathy. Someone told me, trying writing along with the flow, let the story decide its own course. I was not bothered about many of you coming to the conclusion the Hermione was Severus and Lily's daughter. To me, how things occur is equally important, the journey to a fitting destination makes it more worthy.