CLXXXVIII

Molly sighed at Snape, trying to explain yet again how a soul could be not exactly alive nor wholly dead. "It is akin to what happened to dear Harry."

Severus sprung up from his seat on the ridiculous throne, his irritation beyond what he could contain a moment longer. "So she's having a little chat with Albus, then? Great news!" He paced over to the motherly witch and sneered down at her, "You aren't even really sure, are you?"

Exasperated, Molly put her hands on her hips. "That is what I have been telling you, you daft man! I can't be sure because my sight does not extend beyond our mortal realm!"

"Then what makes you…" Severus paused, clenching his fists in an effort to regain control. When he was able, he began again, "What evidence is there that Hermione yet lives?"

"I have an idea," said Poppy Pomfrey as she approached with a nervous smile. "If I may see your hand, Severus?"

Reluctantly, Severus unclenched his right hand, but the older witch batted it away. "The other one, if you please. Ah!"

Before he could pull his left arm away, Severus' marriage bond surfaced, sparkling and resplendent with hope.

CLXXXIX

A crow of approval, very like that of a rooster, escaped Puck, who glowed eerily in the rainbow light cast by Severus' marriage bond.

With a gesture, the fae summoned a small emerald moth, whose wings shimmered with magic as it lit upon Puck's outstretched hand. Drawing it closer, he whispered, "Return home and search for the May Maiden, our Queen Hermione."

Severus startled as the moth answered "Yes sir!", although the sound was just at the edge of human hearing.

All around the sacred circle, little moths rose up and disappeared into the night, taking Severus' heart with them.

CXC

It was gloomy on the shore of Tech nDuinn, and Hermione felt the pull from the house, lit with the flickering promise of a warm hearth.

"Stay a moment." Hermione's old friend did not try again to touch her, but the urgency in Lavender's eyes grabbed Hermione's attention. "Listen..."

Lavender was interrupted by the God, "My love, let's feast tonight in honour of Hermione's homecoming!"

Huffing, Lavender answered, "Our guest is tired. Let us celebrate tomorrow, when this strangeness doesn't overwhelm her."

Lord Donn tilted his head. "I thought you would be glad for the company, my heart."

"That is true my Lord, but you forget the pain of death. Can you not see how she suffers, ripped from her new husband before the counterpane of their marriage bed was even rumpled?"

Hermione shivered as the God looked her over appreciatively.

"Aye, it is a crime to leave a bride lonely. Our bed is comfortable."

Lavender laughed too loudly. "I love Hermione as a sister. I mean to comfort her, not to encourage you to take advantage of her. Go in, my Lord. I will follow along soon."

Death kissed Lavender on her cheek, winked at Hermione, and walked away.

CXCI

Hermione was flummoxed. Lavender Brown was Death's lover? What is more, she seemed anxious to keep him to herself. Not that Hermione minded. Guh.

Giggling and waving with a bounce that made Lavender's perfect ghostly breasts bob just so, the shade watched her Lord step inside. Hermione had to concentrate to hear Lavender's voice over the ruckus thrown up by the company of the dead as they greeted him.

The blonde whirled around and said, "You must listen, Hermione! I know this is difficult, for you've never accepted the spiritual aspects of magic in the past."

It felt like the shade was pandering to her, but Hermione couldn't refute the assertion. "Right. I'm listening."

"If you make the wrong move you will be trapped here. Unlike me, you can still cross the waters to the Otherlands. All worlds are close to one another on Beltane. You have a little time."

Lavender continued speaking before Hermione could ask any questions, "If you fall asleep in the Otherlands, you will never leave. You cannot accept anything from my Lord or any other. I mean anything. Food, drink, or… um, physical comfort."

Hermione's voice dropped to a horrified whisper. "How do I escape?"

CXCII

Lavender pointed to Hermione's head. "You do have your wand. How are you at transfiguration?"

Feeling around in her curls, Hermione's heart skipped a beat when her fingers found the warm wood. Pulling it free with a wince, she twirled it experimentally. She warmed with the magic, feeling much more in control. Squinting at the water, she answered, "Well, I've never tried for animagus, so that seems out. I suppose I could do what Viktor did in the tournament."

"I don't think a shark head is a very good idea, Hermione. Viktor didn't win, did he? Besides, you don't want to be recognised in the Otherland if you can help it. They'll try and trick you into staying here."

Narrowing her eyes, Hermione grouched, "Well, do you have a better idea?"

Smiling, Lavender nodded. "Transform into a bird - you were a master at Avis. Learn to fly, Hermione!"

"I hate flying." Hermione's mind, however, was turning over the idea. She really wished the Goddess was here to help her. She felt hollow, as though there was an echoing gap left by her absence.

Lavender retorted, "Chickens can't fly."

"That's mature."

The smirking ghost jutted out her elbows and started clucking.

CXCIII

Lavender was imitating a chicken, which was getting annoying. Hermione had six years of practice at ignoring her ex-roomate, so she mused aloud, "Where am I supposed to be going?"

The clucking stopped, and Lavender squinting into the darkness. "Do you see how that bit of the horizon is a bit lighter than the rest?"

"I think so." Hermione was not reassured. "You think I could borrow Binky?"

Lavender coloured, "Not a good idea. Donny would notice."

"What if I am terrible at flight? Maybe I should try a bird who can swim."

Shaking her head to the negative, Lavender said, "No, Hermione. I know you find water more comforting. Your patronus is an otter, right? I am telling you, the water is too dangerous. You're very fortunate that my Lord found you before something else did. Stick to the sky, trust me."

Hermione did know a spell, one that she'd actually successfully cast in the past. She didn't earn a Mastery in Transfiguration for nothing.

Still, it wasn't much of a plan. "I don't know, Lav."

Just then, Hermione's left arm began to glow.

"Looks like somebody tall, dark, and snarky is missing you." Lavender laughed, "You jammy cow."

CXCIV

Hermione's cheeks heated up as she muttered, "Shut up, Lavender." She still couldn't believe it, she was married. Handfasted, to be exact. A year and a day, and at least that many kisses.

Slyly the shade asked, "Is Snape a good kisser?"

"Lavender!" She flushed, caught up in that pleasant memory. Hermione couldn't stop herself from confiding, "Goddess, yes. He is abso-fucking-lutely amazing."

The shade bounced on her toes in excitement. "And… what about his, um. You know."

Hermione did know what she meant, but didn't know what was under that kilt. Not yet. Only hints and fantasies. "I hardly think it would be appropriate…"

Lavender cut her off, "You haven't checked out his wand? Tragic! Just look at that frustrated energy, reaching literally all the way to the afterlife. He must have a wicked case of blue balls."

"I can't believe you!" Hermione tried not to laugh, and ended up snorting instead.

Displaying an amazing amount of maturity, Lavender imitated Hermione, "I can't believe you." She put her hands on her hips and scolded, "I can't believe you're standing here gossiping when you've got that magnificent cock waiting for you. Get your priorities straight, girlfriend."

Lavender had a point.

CXCV

Hermione stopped short with dismay. When did Lavender see Severus' cock? Suspicious, she asked, "How do you know…"

Lavender laughed, waving her hand. "You know what they say about the size of a man's nose."

"Oh my God. You didn't just go there." Hermione thought she was probably glowing given the amount of heat pouring off of her face.

"Me?" Lavender waved her off. "I'm not the one who married Professor Snape. Now, get going before he puts you in detention and takes 1000 points from Gryffindor."

"Lavender!"

The shade was backing away, towards the open door. "Fly home, Hermione."

AN:

written for grangersnape100 Spring Fever challenge.

Beta'd by Qdrew, who deserves to be royalty if you ask me!