Harry and Ginny sat in the Three Broomsticks drinking Butterbeer near the fireplace. Harry wore a green silk ski mask and a pair of shaded goggles. Ginny said it made him look like a color-challenged bee. She could still see his mouth and he grinned at her.
"The memories are a part of you, now, Harry," said Ginny. "More than it's a part of me, and I know how much a part of me it is."
"But it didn't happen to me. It was a long time ago and happened to someone else."
"I can still taste that filthy rag," said Ginny, shuddering.
"So can I," said Harry, sipping his Butterbeer.
"How could anyone live like that?" Ginny asked.
"The Dursleys were never like that," said Harry quietly. "They weren't pleasant, but my Uncle never beat me. He may have threatened to, and he shoved me, but he never hurt me. Dudley used to hit me when we were small, but he hasn't done anything but throw insults at me in years."
"How could his father just leave him?" Ginny asked. "Just- gone."
"How would you feel if you were enchanted and forced to make a child?" Harry asked her. "There's a word for it Ginny."
"Yes, she did a terrible thing," Ginny agreed. "But, for the love of God, take the baby away from the lunatic before you chuff off!"
"Senior got what he deserved," said Harry darkly.
"I agree," said Ginny firmly. "He might not even known she was expecting—"
"Hello, Hermione," Harry said, looking over Ginny's shoulder.
"Harry?" Hermione asked quietly. When he nodded firmly, she slipped onto the couch with them. "What are you doing here?"
"Meeting Ginny for a drink," said Harry. "Would you like a Butterbeer?"
Madam Rosmerta 'thunked' a bottle down as she passed.
"That's service," Ginny said, impressed.
Harry opened Hermione's bottle and handed it to her.
"Thanks," said Hermione, taking a drink.
"So, where's that husband of yours?" Harry asked.
"Come out and enjoy himself?" Hermione said, shocked. "When there are dungeons to skulk around in? You must be thinking of someone else."
Ginny giggled and Harry shook his head.
"You really do look like a bee, you know," said Hermione.
"I know," said Harry. "If I took this off it would be pandemonium."
"Good evening, Miss Weasley, Madam Snape," Professor McGonagall's face turned stern. "Mr. Potter," she said much quieter.
"Hello, Professor," the three teenagers echoed. Harry shifted uncomfortably.
To Hermione's surprise McGonagall slid into a chair near them.
"Mr. Potter," said McGonagall seriously. "I thought we were going to keep your appearance under wraps, as it were, until further notice."
"He is wrapped, Professor," piped up Ginny.
"Gillywater, Professor?" Madam Rosmerta asked as she passed by.
"Yes, please," said McGonagall. "Small, dear."
Rosmerta bustled off to retrieve McGonagall's drink and they leaned in.
"Ginny's father says the Hornets plan on announcing you to their lineup," said McGonagall. "A small picture will be with the other team members."
"So that's what the meeting is about," said Harry. "They asked me what size robes I wore."
"This will get the public used to your appearance," said McGonagall.
"That might not be too bad," admitted Harry.
"You have to think about PR now, Harry," said Hermione seriously.
"PR?" Ginny asked.
"Public relations," said Hermione. "How you can manipulate the media to influence the public's opinion of you."
"Well, that's horrible," said Ginny.
"Horrible it may be," McGonagall said. "But she's right. You need to think about these things, Potter."
Colin Creevy suddenly hopped in front of their table and snapped a picture.
"Oh, Colin," Ginny groaned as she was blinded by a bright flash.
"I swear one day-," Hermione grumbled under her breath as she blinked blue spots.
"Mr. Creevy, I would ask you to please refrain from assaulting the patrons of this fine establishment with your camera," said Professor McGonagall.
"I second that," said Madam Rosmerta from behind him. She had Professor McGonagall's Gillywater balanced on a tray with several bottles of Butterbeer and a large mug. "Take it outside, or put it away."
Colin sulked away as the drinks were served. Harry nodded and three more Butterbeers appeared in front of them.
"Thanks, Harry," said Hermione as he opened her second drink.
"We should stop at Zonko's," said Ginny, after Professor McGonagall had excused herself to a table with Professors Flitwick and Sinistra. "Fred and George said they placed a big order and I want to see how they're selling."
"I don't know," said Hermione hesitantly.
"Oh, come on, Hermione," Harry said.
"Go enjoy yourselves," Hermione insisted. "I'm hitting the candy shop and going back."
After they finished their drinks, they parted, and Hermione watched as Harry pulled a hood over his head and he made his way through the crowd with Ginny. Whispers followed them and Hermione knew his disguise hadn't fooled anyone. At least no one was running and screaming.
0
"For a child of dentists, you certainly have a sweet tooth," Severus remarked.
"I don't go out for supplies every week," pointed out Hermione.
"You could," said Severus, running a finger down a column in his grading book. He made a mark near a name and shook his head.
"What are you doing?"
"Marking the Muggle-born," said Severus. "Good idea to keep a close eye on them the first few months. Prevents accidents."
"I saw Harry," Hermione said as she sat on the couch near Severus.
"Really?" Severus said, his eyebrows raised. "Is Hogsmeade still standing?"
"It was the last I saw," Hermione said. "He was wearing a face covering and goggles."
"Clever," said Severus dryly. "Did he come up with that idea all on his own?"
Before Hermione could answer, Professor Dumbledore's face appeared in the fireplace.
"We're going to need you, Hermione," he said quickly.
"What happened?" Severus asked.
"Harry was unmasked at Zonko's," said Dumbledore. "The results were disastrous."
Hermione and Severus both groaned.
He shook his head at her as she disappeared. She was going to burn herself out.
0
Severus rose at dawn and looked at Hermione laying beside him. She usually wore a nightgown, but tonight she hadn't bothered and was just wearing a shirt and her knickers. He estimated she had been asleep a few hours. He had tried to stay up, but decided to sleep in her bed to wait for her. Then he slept through her return.
He crept out of bed and onto the ledge of her window. With any luck they would have fresh breakfast.
0
Hermione woke to the smell of cooking fish. She stretched and yawned.
"You're lucky you slept until noon."
"Not a good day?" Hermione asked.
"Just a late day," said Severus. "The fish were not cooperating."
"Well, I see they finally surrendered," Hermione said as she rose and went to her table. "Silly fish. Whatever were they thinking?"
Severus caught her forehead with his lips as she walked around the table and handed her a plate.
"Where did you get the grill?" Hermione asked, looking at the cooking device set on a piece of concrete to sink the heat.
"Transfigured it," said Severus. "I figured you'd have my head if I bothered the elves to prepare us a special meal."
"Haven't seen Dobby in quite a while," admitted Hermione.
"He's still in Russia," said Severus.
"Still?" Hermione asked as she began eating. "What's he doing that's taking so long?"
Severus looked at her like she had lost her mind.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"You really have no idea, do you?" Severus asked.
"No," said Hermione frowning. "What am I missing?"
Severus delicately explained the mating habits of house-elves.
"He's hired himself out for stud services?" Hermione spluttered, aghast.
"That's a crude way of putting it," Severus said.
"Well, really," said Hermione testily.
"The litter won't come until summer," Severus said.
Litter?" Hermione exclaimed. She thought for a moment and a smile crept across her face.
"I think I'm going to Diagon Alley this afternoon," Hermione said.
"Don't go overboard," said Severus. "I think you need another bookshelf before you get any more books."
"I'll keep it in mind," said Hermione.
0
Dobby was helping Zemlyaa prune the roses in the courtyard of the Snape Russian Estate when he saw a Hogwarts owl swoop overhead with a package. He quickly finished the bush he was working on and darted to the kitchens. His bare feet slapped along the brick path as the house loomed closer and he scuttled through the elf sized door.
Sloozhanka and Cherv stood on a dark wooden chair reading the label to a long thin package sitting on the heavy wooden table.
"It is for Dobby," Sloozhanka said brightly to Dobby.
"Dobby saw a Hogwarts owl in the yard," said Dobby excitedly. "Dobby was hoping his friends would be writing to him!"
Sloozhanka handed Dobby the package, which he tore into instantly. A dark mahogany box lay inside with an 'O' embellished into the wood. He opened it carefully.
The other elves saw tears start to slide down Dobby's face.
"Dobby's first wand," Dobby said reverently, lifting it carefully out of the box. "Dobby never thought he'd see the day."
0
On a crisp fall day, a dark blue square envelope dropped in front of Hermione during breakfast in the Great Hall. It was addressed to Master and Madam Snape in gold calligraphy.
Severus watched the delivery owl flutter out of the Great Hall.
"Another celebration at Potters?" asked Severus, sniffing and beginning to fill his plate.
Hermione opened the letter to find that was exactly what it was.
"It says you're expected this time," said Hermione, reading a pale purple letter enclosed with the invitation. To her surprise it was in Neville's handwriting.
"I don't think anyone really expects me to show up."
"We would love to have you, Severus," said Dumbledore, as he leaned over, between them. "There are enough rooms at Harry's that you can retreat if you aren't feeling particularly social."
Severus grumbled a reply into his eggs. Dumbledore smiled at Hermione and retrieved a pot of marmalade she wasn't using.
"Nosy old goat," Severus mumbled as Dumbledore made his way back to his seat. He glanced at Hermione and stopped grumbling at the sight of her frown.
"Just think about it," Hermione said, pushing her chair back.
He nodded once, but didn't look very open-minded.
0
"Madam Snape?" A dreamy voice called out behind Hermione in the corridor outside the Great Hall.
"Oh," Hermione said, skidding to a stop on the stone floor. She had no idea she was walking so fast. Perhaps it was because she was getting used to matching Severus' long stride. Perhaps it was because she always felt as if she was behind in her office work. "Hello, Luna. Stop calling me that."
"Did you see the Quibbler this morning?" Luna asked.
"No," Hermione said stiffly. Luna knew very well Hermione didn't think much of the paper her father edited. "I can't say I did."
"Well," said Luna in that same far-away voice. "You might want to look at it. It has an exclusive about the new Hornets lineup."
"How many students get the Quibbler?" asked Hermione. If she was going to have to deal with chaos, she wanted to have some idea of how quickly it was going to spread.
"Five," said Luna, reaching into her robes and handing Hermione a copy. "Not counting this one."
"Thank you," said Hermione, sincerely.
"No problem," said Luna, smiling.
0
Severus walked to his quarters after his last class of the day. Not a single detention. He had to clean the cauldrons himself, and the Second Years were learning sticking potions. He was in a foul mood.
"You hush!" Helga Hufflepuff hissed at him as he stormed into his quarters.
"I beg your pardon," Severus said, frowning at the elderly witch in a portrait.
"She has had a terrible day and going to have a worse night," Helga whispered loudly.
"That damned picture." Severus growled.
"The Potter boy could not hide indefinitely."
Severus murmured the word that would close the entrance to Hermione's rooms. He sat on the couch and conjured himself a sandwich.
"How could one miscast spell could cause so many, so much misery, for so many years?" Severus mused as he took a bite.
"How could one foolish idea cause so many, so much misery?" Helga remarked from the portrait. "Even you fell."
Severus raised his eyebrows and nodded as he ate his sandwich. Severus saw a flicker of green in the fireplace and it caught his attention.
"Severus?" Dumbledore's head said from the fireplace.
"She's sleeping," Severus said, stiffly. "She needs her rest. I'm not waking her."
"Of course, she does," Dumbledore said, stepping through the flames. "Madam Pomfrey is concerned. That's what I need to speak with you about."
0
Hermione woke to a bright light in her eyes. The leather pouch had come loose from her pendant and slipped off in her sleep.
"Blimey," she muttered as she looked around her room. It wasn't illuminated well, but she could easily see. As her gaze went back to the shard it dimmed so it wouldn't blind her. Her brain started working.
0
Severus rose and walked into his receiving room sleepily. Hermione was having an animated conversation with the fireplace.
"Professor, sir!" a squeaky voice piped up. "Thank you, Professor, sir! Dobby had always dreamed of his own wand, but never thought he would ever see it happen."
"Your welcome." Severus gave Hermione confused look. She was trying to look innocent. "I'm—sure you'll make good use of it."
"Dobby has, sir!" said the excited elf. "He has been reading the books in the blue library and doing experiments of his own."
"What!" Severus barked. That was his father's library of experimental potions and charms. Some very volatile ideas were in there.
"Dobby contacted Master Jacob, sir, when he finished his experiment on Flying Potions," the elf said proudly, ignoring Severus' outburst.
"Father finished his experiment?" Severus said in shock. He slumped to the couch. His father had been obsessed with that since Severus was a child.
"Dobby finished it for him, sir!" Dobby said proudly.
Hermione flicked a look at Severus. His stern look had turned dumbfounded.
"What was he doing wrong?" Severus asked.
"Your father is sloppy with potions," Dobby said frowning.
"He's meticulous!" Severus exclaimed.
"Python scales have to be splintered, not powdered," Dobby said patiently. "The oil from the scale has to be dissolved in the first stage and the scale in the second. If it's powdered it dissolves too quickly. It is ruined."
"How long did it take you to discover this?" Severus asked.
"When I looked at it." Dobby sounded confused.
"That's wonderful, Dobby!" Hermione exclaimed. She looked at Severus, who was still speechless.
"Dobby has many chores to do today. The days are shorter," Dobby reminded her.
"I hope you're not working too hard," Hermione said, worriedly.
Dobby assured her he was fine, said his good-byes and with a pop he was gone.
Severus waved his wand and normal flames crackled in the fireplace.
"What time did you get up?" Severus asked.
"About five," admitted Hermione. "I slept a lot."
"You certainly did," said Severus. "You've been overtaxing yourself. Dumbledore agrees."
Hermione frowned. "The two of you discuss me?"
"More than just you. I prescribe a trip to Diagon Alley," said Severus, seriously. "Bring Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood with you."
"What?" Hermione asked, confused.
"You three shouldn't even be here this year. You fought in a war little over a month ago. Go out. Explore the women's district. Spend some of my father's money. He'll be thrilled."
"Women's district?" Hermione asked, confused.
"Clothing shops and beauty things," Severus said with a wave of his hand. "Fripperies no normal person should desire."
"I'll talk to them after breakfast," Hermione said, grinning.
0
Severus answered a shy knock on the wall hiding the entrance to his quarters. Ginny and Luna stood in his doorway. Ginny smiled at him stiffly.
"Hello, dears!" Helga called out, much to Severus annoyance.
"Hello!" Luna called back, curiously looking at the portrait.
"Hermione is in her room," Severus said. He uttered the word to open Hermione's quarters and watched as the girls practically fled. Luna looked regretful she didn't get a better look at Helga.
The door closed behind them.
"This is gorgeous," Ginny told Hermione, her mouth wide.
"You've seen pictures," Hermione insisted as she pulled a shoe out from under her bed.
"But still," said Ginny, walking into Hermione's quarters. "Mum wants me to find out if you really are all right."
"Of course, I'm all right," Hermione said rolling her eyes. "I'm sick of people asking."
"You know her," Ginny said sheepishly.
"He's fine when he's not being stubborn," Hermione mumbled as she looked for her other shoe.
"Do you know where we're going today?" Luna asked, changing the subject.
"Sure," Ginny said. "Mum goes there all the time."
"Have you ever actually been there?" Hermione asked.
"Well, she usually does all our shopping for us," Ginny admitted. "Takes all our measurements at home. Says it saves the time of rounding all of us up and making us behave. We get to go to Diagon Alley before school, but that's it."
"Then we'll have an adventure," Hermione said positively as she stood up, ready to go.
The four of them travelled by Floo to the Leaky Cauldron in London before going through the hidden doorway to the wizarding world.
Severus gave Hermione free reign of the Snape accounts. When she had protested, he told her to consider it a late wedding present from his mother.
When she protested further, he became uncomfortable and suggested she pick up something generous for her parents as well. When she asked how much she should spend she paled at the sum.
"Why?" Hermione had asked, bewildered.
The four of them were sitting on the patio of an ice cream shop before they went their ways for the afternoon. Ginny and Luna were unusually interested in the exchange.
"My mother went to see your mother," Severus finally relented. "Talking about grandchildren."
Ginny choked on her sundae and Hermione looked afraid.
"What did dad do?"
"Well, after mother hit him with a full body bind, not much," Severus chuckled despite himself.
"I bet mum is terribly jealous," Hermione said. "She's wanted to do that for years."
"Your parents will be joining us for Christmas," said Severus.
"Wonderful," Hermione breathed. Once her mother was accustomed to the idea, her father was bound to come around. Eventually.
"You better find a good present," Luna remarked.
Hermione nodded and picked at the last of her sundae.
Severus bowed as he left them, and they agreed to meet later.
"He certainly is different alone," said Ginny. "I'll tell mum to leave you be."
"Please do," Hermione said exasperatedly.
Hermione and Ginny made their way through Diagon Alley to the womens' quarter. They were stopped frequently on the way by witches and wizards wanting to shake Ginny's hand and to tell her father they wished him luck. Ginny shyly thanked them and jotted their names in a small notebook after they had gotten out of site.
"Can't remember everyone," Ginny shrugged when Hermione asked.
They finally reached a set of American western-style swinging doors between two stores: Prichard's Potions and Spooner's Spices.
"What an odd place for it," said Luna.
"Well," Hermione said. "I imagine it started small. A place for women among all the hustle and bustle of Victorian Britain."
Ginny pushed open the doors to reveal a long, wide walkway lined with stores on either side. Witches milled about examining the displays or checking off lists. The buildings were tall, and the stores narrow. All of them were painted pink with white trim. Each store had a different colored awning with the names of the shops painted on.
"It looks like Madam Puddifoot's exploded in here," Ginny muttered.
"Horribly tacky!" Hermione agreed.
"Maybe it's so people know they're in the right place," suggested Luna.
The first shop: Catherine's Consignments, had a worn set of green robes displayed in their window. Hermione could see two middle-aged witches through the dirty window, each holding firmly onto what looked like a set of midnight blue robes. They were locked in what looked like an escalating disagreement. The young witch behind the counter looked nervous.
"I think we can skip that one," said Hermione.
"Oooh!" Ginny said as she turned around.
"Perfumes?" Hermione asked, turning to read the awning. She wrinkled her nose. "What's so special about perfume? Ron got me perfume once and it was horrible."
"He didn't get it from here," said Ginny breathlessly. "I've seen their advertisement in Witch Weekly."
A small silver bell tinkled as they walked in. Their footsteps echoed on bare, polished floorboards as they entered the shop
"Hello, ladies," a rich voice welcomed them. An older, plump witch in light orange robes sat behind a counter.
Glass shelves full of glass vials lined the store and large windows let light stream in to let the little bottles sparkle in the sunlight. Hermione saw normal scents like vanilla, cinnamon, and rose. She also saw cryptic labels like: Ambition, Relaxation, Lust, and Scram.
"We custom mix for your natural scent," said the witch behind the counter.
"There are no prices," said Hermione.
"I have a list up here," said the witch.
Ginny winced when she looked at it. Hermione read over her shoulder.
"Well, it's only reasonable that enchanted scents would be substantially more." Hermione nodded.
They left with a small sample of Inspiration for Ginny, who was having trouble writing an essay for Binns, and a bottle of Relaxation bubble bath for Hermione. Luna had passed, saying her father had more than enough experimental plants in his herb garden to tide her over for a lifetime.
Ginny couldn't help but notice Hermione showed them the small crest on a signet ring and signed a receipt to pay for everything.
0
Hermione, Luna, Ginny and Severus walked through the fireplace in the Snape receiving room at Hogwarts, their arms piled with packages.
"Think you got enough?" Ginny asked grouchily, setting down a load on the low table near the couch.
"My stores needed restocking," Severus said defensively as he set down two large bags.
"I'm sure the sale at the apothecary had nothing to do with it," Hermione grumbled, dropping her load near Ginny's. A few packages tumbled to the floor and bounced on the thick carpet.
"Did you get anything?" Helga asked the girls, frowning at all the little brown packages.
Ginny turned around and showed Helga a large red backpack.
"What is that?" Helga peered at the pack.
As Severus began sorting the little packages Hermione and Ginny began unpacking the backpack in front of Helga.
"What trickery is this?" Helga exclaimed as the bag kept producing packages long after it should have been emptied.
"Portable space," explained Hermione.
"The things time has come up with! Can you put children in it?" she looked hopeful.
"I don't think so."
Hermione showed her the things she had purchased during their trip.
Soon, Ginny and Luna left them to finish sorting things and putting them away.
"Did you have a nice day?" Severus asked Hermione.
"Yes," she said. "Thank you."
"You've certainly deserved it," Helga said. With a stern look from Severus she scuttled from her frame, making a face at him.
"About that…" Severus began. "You've been working too hard. Some of the children are being coddled. Dumbledore is not as concerned as I am, but the year is young."
Hermione frowned and opened her mouth to protest, but Severus held up a hand.
"This is not about you personally. This is about your position. Every time a student has a fright, they're rewarded with a nice talk and some tea. They are taking advantage of you and Blaise."
"Some of them are truly upset," insisted Hermione.
"Then only see them," Severus said firmly. "Leave the rest for the Ministry. You're here to give comfort, not to clean up the whole mess."
"What about you?" she asked. "Do I give you comfort?"
"When you're not trying to give me a heart attack."