A week later the scar at the back of Hermione's head was a mere reminder of what happened in front of the Ministry. However her guilt for allowing all those signatures to get destroyed was torturing her mind.
Especially now that the Marriage Law had become a grim reality for all of them.
The very next day from the voting a special office was created, which quickly begun registering all the names of the single Muggle-borns and Purebloods.
Hermione feared that the Ministry hadn't taken into consideration how quickly they were going to be overwhelmed by Pureblood applications that didn't have the best of intentions. The thought that she was going to be owned like a collared dog made her stomach revolt.
Hermione was against marriage anyway, never mind being forced to choose a spouse from a group of people she didn't know. She raised her eyes to Ginny who was cleaning the kitchen table silently and run her cold fingers over the scar at the back of her head.
A shudder rippled through her spine.
Harry informed her that the Wizengamot intended to make an example out of her soon. He advised her to allow Neville to apply for her. He was a good man and if she chose him, she would be safe until all this madness was resolved in some manner.
Hermione denied fervently. There was no way that she was going to play wife to anyone, much less to Neville. Not even to keep herself safe. The rebellious nature in her was too strong to be subdued and she wasn't going to change that.
Hermione inhaled deeply and forced herself to smile. "Isn't the table clean now? You've been attacking it long enough."
Ginny stopped and glared at her. "I need to do something with my hands. I am worried about you."
"I know." Hermione frowned.
"You are making no attempt to understand the peril you are in." -Ginny eyes narrowed- "Neville called again today. He said that your name has been registered already and applications for you are now open."
Hermione inhaled deeply and felt her heart twitching with apprehension. "Forget it."
"You are not thinking straight." Ginny threw the towel on the table and walked to her.
"Thank Neville for me, but I will not accept. I am not going to allow anyone to force me into marriage." Hermione rebuked dryly.
Ginny's countenance plunged. "Oh, girl…they are going to make you suffer."
"I know." Hermione swallowed heavily.
"Your only option apart from marriage is exile and you know it. You will lose your wand and your right to use magic. You will lose your job and possibly your house. What will you do then?" Ginny's brow wrinkled.
"I will find a way. I always do." Hermione murmured, remembering the hardships that had chiseled her during the war.
"You will become a vagabond." Ginny winced.
"Probably….won't be the first time." Hermione flicked her brow.
"Come to your senses my dear." –Ginny cupped her hand tenderly- "Your marriage with Neville will be enough to shut them up and leave you alone."
"No Ginny, this doesn't have to do with me only, but with every Muggle-born. I cannot accept that this insanity is ready to take up roots. I was so close to speaking to Shacklebolt and then all hell broke loose. All those signatures destroyed…and I didn't even try to hex them back in my hands. I was so shocked about the way the Minister dismissed me that I let all that hard work go to waste." Hermione's brow eyes welled.
Ginny caressed her hair. "Stop berating yourself. It was an inferno out there. Besides those signatures wouldn't have stopped the inevitable."
"I know and that is what hurts the most." Hermione's tone was defeated.
Ginny embraced her and that is when the crack of an apparition made them pull apart.
Harry took off his coat and straightened his glasses that had gone askew. Quickly his eyes fell on Hermione and his lips turned down.
"What?" Hermione scowled when she noticed how wound up he looked.
He made an effort to smile. "Did you sleep well?"
Hermione gazed at him intensely. "Not really, no. Tell me you have some good news from the Ministry."
Harry shook his head. "I am afraid no. The world has gone mad."
"What is going on?" Ginny took a seat next to Hermione.
"The protests against this law have inflated during the last couple of days. Almost the whole force is at the streets trying to restore order. I don't think we have enough people to handle criminal cases and that is a problem especially now with all those Muggle-borns going missing one after the other." Harry's dejection was clear.
Hermione scowled. "What?"
"Muggle-born girls seem to be vanishing into thin air and the Ministry believes it might not be a coincidence at this point." Harry pressed his lips.
"Who has taken over the investigation?" Hermione asked.
"My team." Harry crossed his arms.
"Well at least this time Kingsley didn't act like a complete idiot." Ginny said dismissively.
Harry glared at her. "He is a good man Ginny."
"Shacklebolt turned his back to me, Harry. He allowed the creation of this nightmare." The bitterness was clear in Hermione's voice.
Harry shook his head. "You are wrong."
Hermione raised her brows, demanding an answer.
Harry sighed. "If Shacklebolt shows his opposition then he is going to be replaced. He needs to remain in charge so we can search for answers. I for one, don't want a new boss who will be a puppet for the other side."
"Which side is ours and whom are our enemies? Do we even know?" Ginny frowned.
"Not yet." Harry rejoined.
"Well doesn't the Minister have any suspicions?" Ginny asked.
Harry's hesitation was obvious. "Possibly dark magic is at play here."
Hermione's lips parted. "Are we talking about dark magic in connection with the missing Muggle-borns or with this insidious law Harry?"
"Both."
Hermione bit her lower lip.
"There are no traceable uses of illegal magic in our country right now. That probably means that whatever is happening comes from the…" –Harry paused for several moments before saying- "…Underworld."
"Damn…" Ginny whispered.
"Are you going to take over the Underworld too?" Hermione asked, even though she already knew the answer.
"The Keepers will do it." Harry shrugged.
Hermione went pale. "Right." She muttered.
The Keepers…the highly secretive Ministerial authoritative group that was created especially to counter dark magic attacks. After the war the Ministry didn't wish for a repetition from another wanna-be dark lord. They created that group in order to harness dark magic for the benefit of the Ministry. Its five members had all been former Death-Eaters, Voldemort's soldiers who were now working for the light….and that alone was terrifying to many. The world preferred to ignore the existence of this veiled group. It was okay for the 'dark souls' to delve into the nightmares of the Underworld as long as the proper people didn't have to know anything about it.
That hypocrisy poked Hermione's brain like a rusted nail, especially since everyone knew the role of her former Professor during the war….
Ginny broke the heavy silence. "Have you talked with Snape?"
"We both have a meeting with the Minister tomorrow." Harry said quietly.
"So you are actually going to collaborate with Snape?" Ginny raised her brows surprised.
"That's what Shacklebolt wants, but I don't know how it is going to be feasible." Harry shook his head.
"Personally I think you'd perform better if you kept out of each other's way." Hermione intervened.
"Better for whom?" Harry scowled.
"For both of you. I think you are both unwilling to delve deeper into what happened back then." Hermione gazed at him.
"Enough Mione…" -Harry flared his chest- "The Auror and Keeper collaboration is the least of our problems right now."
Hermione's brow creased. "What do you mean?"
He looked at the scroll he had left on the table for several quiet moments and cleared his throat. "Listen…I have something here for you."
"What is it?" Hermione asked.
Harry pushed the scroll towards her. "See for yourself."
Hermione opened it and the moment she saw the seal on top, she felt her stomach turning. "From the Ministry?"
"Mione call Neville. Tell him to apply for you today and hope it's not too late already." Harry's tone was grave.
As Hermione's eyes jumped upon the words, her face became livid. "I have fourteen petitions already, and Lucius bloody Malfoy is one of them."
"Call Neville." Harry's tone was grave.
The letter slipped from Hermione's fingers. "Lucius Malfoy?" She murmured.
Ginny frowned. "Isn't he married to Narcissa?"
"They divorced right after the war. Apparently Lucius' actions towards Draco were not met kindly by his mother. Cannot blame her really." Harry scoffed.
Hermione pulled her hair away from her face. "The letter mentions that because Malfoy is one of the oldest families in the magical world, I am expected at the Ministry to evaluate his application tomorrow morning."
"Why in the name of Merlin would this monster wed a Muggle-born and especially Mione? He always hated Mudbloods." Ginny croaked and then looked at Hermione sharply- "I am sorry for that my love." She pressed Hermione's hand.
Hermione reciprocated the touch. "You are right. Malfoy is probably out for vengeance." –Then she turned to Harry- "What am I going to do?"
"I told you that things were more serious than you thought. The Wizengamot is showing its strength by diminishing you in the most offensive manner. What can be worse than pairing one of Voldemort's most lofty beasts with one of the biggest war heroes who fought so courageously against him? That will certainly control the masses, right?" Harry's features broke.
Hermione's eyes were spiting fire. "I thought this madness was over. I thought the war had finished. I thought this racial insanity would be history by now. Is this what we fought for Harry?!"
"No, you are right."
"Malfoy is a murderer! How could they allow him to apply in the first place?" She exclaimed.
"This makes no sense Mione. Nothing makes sense anymore, but trust me…we are going to solve this." Harry made an attempt to touch her.
"Well, I don't think you will manage to do it before tomorrow." Hermione showed them the letter and stood up.
"Things will be okay if you chose Neville." Harry tried to reason.
Hermione's eyes narrowed. "No, I won't allow them to terrorize me. I refuse."
"You are going to be send in exile."
"Then so be it. I am Muggle-born. I can find my way in the non-magical world if need be. However I will not compromise my dignity." Hermione rebuked.
Ginny intervened . "I have a small dose of reality for you Hermione….magic is your life. This exile will kill you."
Hermione felt beads of sweat breaking upon her forehead. "I know Ginny."
"I shall not allow you to destroy yourself. Will you call Neville, or will I?" Harry's nose flared.
"No one will." -Her face settled- "Tomorrow I will face the Wizengamot alone and I will accept my punishment."
Harry covered his face. "Oh heavens…" He murmured, knowing how impossible it would be to change her mind once it was set.
Hermione gazed with wonder at the orange brush strokes upon the clouds as the sun was setting. "I have two roads to choose Harry and both end in defeat. I will chose the most dignified."
The silence that fell behind her was heavy, but she didn't mind. After several moments she spoke. "Do you really think all this has to do with the Underworld?" She said without turning to them.
"I am not sure Mione." Harry was honest.
"Do everything you can to solve this…." She felt her eyes watering.
Harry touched her shoulder and closed his eyes. "We have your back Mione. All of us."
"I don't want anyone else to go through this Harry. Let my case be the beginning of this nightmare, but also the end of it ….please." She choked a sob as her friend drew her in his strong arms.
Harry looked at Ginny whose eyes were full of tears. There was no one he could ask for help.
Or was there?
The next morning a very brooding Harry was sitting on a plush easy-chair next to Snape. Even though the Minister was talking to him, Harry's eyes were solely for the Keeper Commander, who seemed nonchalant even though he had received Potter's urgent note before the meeting. The Head Auror didn't know if Snape looked so indifferent on purpose just to anger him, or if he truly didn't care about anything.
The worry Harry had about Hermione's hearing this morning, was being enhanced by Snape's reserve. So he was barely listening to what the Minister was telling him and soon the angry confirmation of that, pulled him out of his reverie.
"Are you listening to me Potter?" Shacklebolt thundered.
Snape turned casually and engaged Harry's eyes. As distant as ever. No emotions could be recognized behind the cold façade. The Commander kept Harry's eyes till another bark from Shacklebolt made then disengage.
"Potter!"
Harry inhaled deeply and looked at the Minister. "Yes, Sir." He cleared his throat.
"Did you hear anything I told you?" Shacklebolt glared.
"Yes, Sir." Harry lied.
"I don't want to see another Muggle-born going missing, do you understand?" Kingsley spat.
"Me neither." Potter nodded curtly.
"Do you have any leads at this point?" Kingsley fixed the papers in front of him, in order to redirect his annoyance somewhere else.
"Several witnesses have seen a cloaked figure near the homes of the missing persons several days leading to the disappearances." Potter replied.
"Have you drawn any course of action?" Kingsley raised his brow.
"The common denominator is that all the victims were Muggle-born women, between the ages of twenty and thirty five, rather attractive, with no close family. The first abductions had a four to five week break between them, but the last two took place within four days from each other. That means that whoever is doing this is becoming more eager. We are currently trying to piece together if there is any connection between the victims or their acquaintances." Harry rejoined.
"I want more guards around the Muggle-born neighborhoods Potter. I don't care how many Aurors you are going to use, just do it!" Kingsley said heavily.
"Yes, Sir." Potter nodded curtly.
Kingsley took a deep breath and turned towards the other man in the room. "What about the Underworlds, Commander?"
"It's too soon to draw any conclusions. You know that every trek inside that hell leaves us diminished. Three of my Keepers have visited two of the six levels and have investigated all the critical gates and portals. Nothing was out of the ordinary. They are going to need at least a week of recuperation before attempting another go. That leaves only Maxine and me to do the rest. I will keep you informed. As far as I know there are no visible dark portals around the city either. Whatever is happening, must be taking place through abysmal gateways in the fifth or sixth level. Investigating those needs time and sufficient manpower, which I don't have." Snape replied coldly.
Kingsley crossed his arms. "I assume you will take over those levels personally?"
"Obviously." Snape raised his brow.
Kingsley leaned back and caressed his chin quietly. "Master, I need you to check if there is any indication of the missing Muggle-borns inside the Underworld."
Severus pressed his lips. "I need their magical traces. How many are there?"
"Eleven." Harry replied.
Severus placed his hands on the arms of the chair and stood up. "I will look into it. Is there anything else?"
Kingsley looked at him hard and then shook his head. "No Master, you can go."
Severus inclined his head and walked to the door without even giving a second glance at Harry, despite the fact that the Auror had been trying to engage his attention throughout the whole meeting.
Harry gritted his teeth in frustration and looked at Kingsley. "Can I go?" He said.
Kingsley looked at the door that was closing slowly and arched his brow crossly. "Miss Granger's hearing is now from what I heard." He noticed.
Harry stood up sharply and felt his whole nervous system tightening like bow. "Yes it is….can I go Minister?" He nodded towards the door.
"Please tell her how sorry I am that she has to go through this hardship. It was never my intention to see her suffer so." Kingsley's features mellowed upon those words.
Harry nodded quickly and rushed to the door. "I will Sir." He said and threw the door open in a hurry. He saw the tall blackness of Snape walking slowly towards the elevators. Harry broke to a run and shouted "Commander!"
-.-
Severus' quiet concentration as he waited patiently for the elevator was broken by a strong arm grasping his shoulder. He turned sternly.
"I was calling you…Didn't you hear me?" Harry was panting.
Snape looked towards the elevator dismissively. "Can I help you with something?"
Harry placed his hands on his belt and took several deep breaths to calm the wild beating of his heart. "Did you get my message?"
Severus humphed haughtily. "Indeed I did."
Harry's hands became tight fists. "Are you going to help her?" He whispered.
"Of course I will not Mr. Potter. Miss Granger's predicament doesn't have anything to do with me." Snape rebuked matter-of-factly and gazed at the elevator door that opened. Before he had the time to take a step inside though Potter drew him back.
"You are the only one able to stop this. I know you can do it. You have to stop the Wizengamot. I have no one else to turn to who is capable enough to tackle them. This is far too important….please." Harry gritted his teeth and tried to keep Snape's heavy regard.
"Important to whom Mr. Potter? The world has become a bloody nightmare. We have a new law which is turning our people into slaves. The streets are full of riots. Store fronts are being brought down, cars are set ablaze, and looting is out of control. No one is safe. I seriously doubt we will ever be able to recover those missing Muggle-borns alive. The Underworld needs a long time to be investigated thoroughly and I barely have enough people to do it. So in the midst of all this chaos you think it is important for us to think about Miss Granger?" Snape rebuked.
"It is important to me." Harry rejoined abruptly.
"That's so narrow-sighted. It fits you well." Snape said and pushed the elevator button again.
Harry stood in front of him. "Today they are going to take away her freedom, Sir."
Severus pursed his lips. "My time is limited and the Army Nurse doesn't fit in my schedule."
"You make it sound so cold." Harry's brow wrinkled.
Snape arched his brow, but didn't honor him with a reply.
Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Severus…"
Snape turned to him sharply when he heard his first name.
"You are obviously willing to help with these investigations, because you know how unfair this law is. You were always there to help us in the past, remember?"
Snape's eyes narrowed.
"I was hoping that you would be willing to help us once more, for old time's sake…"
"Don't go there Potter." Severus warned darkly.
Harry gathered his courage. "Hermione has become a scapegoat, Master. If she refuses to accept a Pureblood husband she will be the first Muggle-born to be exiled from the Magical world. She will lose her job and they will confiscate her house. They want to destroy the face of revolution and today they are going to do it, unless you help us. Help her…please."
Severus was unreadable.
"You know how stubborn Hermione is. I tried to convince her to accept Neville's petition…."
Snape's dark brow lifted imperceptibly.
"…but she refused. She does not intend to follow the law. She does not intend to marry anyone."
Severus turned to see the doors of the elevator opening again, but didn't attempt to get in.
"Today Hermione is giving up her brilliance, her bravery, her wand, her work and her home….and you are the only one who can help her." Harry inhaled deeply and wiped the perspiration on his upper lip.
Severus's features were stone cold as he spoke. "Admirable as her conduct is, I am unable to intervene on her behalf Mr. Potter. Not without compromising my work." – He hesitated slightly before adding- "I wish Miss Granger a positive conclusion to her trials". With one last look towards Potter, he walked towards the staircase.
However Harry's next words stopped him dead in his tracks. "Lucius Malfoy applied for her…"
Severus turned around slowly and his eyes seared through Potter's.
"Do you understand how serious this is?" Harry tilted his head.
Severus' features were stony.
"Malfoy is about to enslave an innocent, brilliant and brave woman. If you think we should allow this madness to continue then forget I ever spoke." Harry thrust his chin up.
Heavy silence came from the other man.
"If not, then you know where to find her…" Harry offered him a curt nod and left.
Severus stood frozen in the middle of the busy corridor.
Hermione felt as if her whole body was in pain as she stood in front of the Wizengamot. She looked around at all those solemn faces that seemed to be judging her imprudence with so much unrelenting harshness. She inhaled deeply and looked at Lucius Malfoy who leaning loftily over his golden cane. It was as if time hadn't touched him. Hermione supposed this dark wizard was certainly able to conjure many tricks in order to hide his age. The moment she licked her lips nervously she recognized the sultriness in his eyes. That made her recoil in disgust. If she was forced to marry this man she was going to suffer in unspeakable ways.
"Miss Granger?" The Presiding Judge commanded her attention.
Hermione squared her shoulders. "Yes, Sir."
"You had twenty four applications within two days. The secretary shall give them to you so you can study them for a couple of days before you make your decision." The Judge nodded to his secretary who walked to Hermione and gave her a dossier with all the applicants and their detailed information.
She opened her mouth to speak, but the judge stopped her.
"However today we have made an exception for one of them." The Judge said.
Hermione swallowed a very tight throat and gave Malfoy a murderous side-gaze, which apparently didn't faze him.
"Mr. Malfoy's family is one of the oldest in Britain. According to his blood rights he can present his case in front of Miss Granger, before any other suitor." The judge said.
Malfoy titled his head haughtily and Hermione felt her fur rippling with anger.
The judge smiled courteously. "The stand is yours my Lord."
"Thank you." Malfoy replied and walked close to her.
"You honor, I thought I made my intentions clear. I don't intend to marry anyone." Hermione looked up proudly.
An uneasy tension spread through the room.
Malfoy smiled knowingly. "My dear girl, I know it is uncommon to marry such an old man, but I am here to offer you my hand nonetheless. Your braveness during the war has captured my heart. I have emotions for you that I cannot hide anymore."
Hermione felt her skin prickling. "You are a fool if you think that I would ever chose to marry you." She was unable to hide the disgust in her voice.
She felt the disapproval coming from the courtroom upon those words, but she didn't care.
A few revolting cracks appeared in Malfoy's pleasant mask. "No matter how much you seem to despise me I am here to stand by your side." He offered her his hand.
Hermione felt her whole body tensing and bile gathered in her mouth. Before she had the time stop herself, she leaned down and spat his palm. Then she straightened and smirked.
Silence covered the courtroom.
A thunder of hatred escaped the carefully veiled eyes of Malfoy and he took a step back. He tilted his head slightly and wiped his hand on a handkerchief. Hermione held his wrathful glare courageously, but when he lifted his hand suddenly to strike her face, she flinched shocked and took several steps back.
"That will be enough Mr. Malfoy!" The judge hit his gavel hard.
Within seconds Malfoy's face erased every trace of wrath and an unsettling gentleness appeared upon his features. He smiled and took a step back. "Forgive me your honor." He didn't take his eyes from hers.
"Miss Granger the court will give you a week to decide. Then we shall meet again." The Judge rejoined.
Hermione steadied her heart. "I don't need to do that your honor."
The Judge thrust his chin up. "What do you mean?"
"I will not accept any of the applicants. I am not going to marry anyone Sir." Hermione crossed her hands and looked at him proudly.
The Judge pursed his lips. "Do you comprehend that such a refusal equals exile?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes, Sir."
"And you insist in your decision despite such a serious retribution?" The Judge leaned back in his chair and looked at her grumpily.
"Yes." She felt the word almost sticking to her throat.
The judges turned to each other and exchanged several words.
She felt Malfoy's eyes eating her up and turned to face him confidently.
After several moments the Judge nodded towards his colleagues and turned to her. "If that is your decision, then I am afraid we will be forced to formalize your excommunication from the magical world at this moment. After this meeting is over you will be relieved of your wand, your job and your house. Are there any objections to this decision?" the judge asked around the room.
Silence all around.
Hermione closed her eyes and felt her stomach sinking. She prepared to face her grim fate when suddenly she saw the door opening. A rather attractive woman with long red hair walked towards the Presiding Judge. She seemed rather comfortable even though she was stopping a very serious hearing and the most impressive thing was that no one from the courtroom told her to get out. The woman walked up the steps as if she owned the place and the members made room for her to pass. When she reached the Presiding Judge she leaned down and whispered a few words in his ear.
Hermone's eyes flickered with confusion when she saw how pale the man became all of a sudden. He gave the woman a curt nod and then stood up. He hit his gavel and cleared his throat. "This court meeting will have a ten minute recess."
Hermione frowned in confusion, as the Judge followed the impressive woman out of the courtroom. The moment the doors flung open her eyes caught a glimpse of a familiar dark figure standing outside and she felt her breath catching.
Snape?
The Judge looked at Maxine who offered him a courteous smile, but then his eyes fell upon Snape and he immediately buttoned up. "What is all this?" He demanded.
Snape gave Maxine a curt nod and she walked away. The Judge eyes fell on her shapely behind, which was swinging provocatively under her tight black dress. Then his eyes were drawn to Snape once more and he tried to straighten his lapels. "You didn't answer. Why did you interrupt my court Master?"
Snape crossed his arms and a devious smile appeared on his lips. "Pretty isn't she?" He tilted his head towards Maxine who was waiting for him at the end of the corridor.
The Judge's face turned crimson red. "Did you drag me out here just in order to admire your curvaceous assistant?" He grumbled angrily.
"You cannot but admit that she is rather impressive. Several people at the Ministry think that she earned her position in the Keepers due to her striking looks, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Her strength lies elsewhere. Aren't you curious to know where?" Snape's lip's curled up knowingly.
Shofeous glared at him silently.
"She is exceptional in finding out the weaknesses of others." Snape continued nonchalantly.
The Judge scowled. "What is all this nonsense Master?"
Snape gazed at him long and hard. Then he commanded coldly. "Stop Miss Granger's hearing right now."
The Judge crossed his arms. "On whose order?"
"Mine." Snape arched his brow.
The Judge assessed him for several moments before a confident smile broke on his lips. "I don't recall the Keepers having any power over the Wizengamot. You are taking liberties that will cost you dearly Master."
Snape's eyes pierced Shofeous. "Does the pub 'Sorceress' Bottle' ring a bell?"
The man's eyes grew wide.
Snape continued indifferently. "Second floor, room ten, Miss Hester, every Friday afternoon between seven and ten, the order is always a bottle of Merlot and an assortment of deli meats."
The Judge couldn't stop a small yelp from escaping him. He took a step back and leaned against the wall. He grabbed his chest and looked up panting. "How do you know?" He whispered.
Severus ignored his question and went straight for the kill. "Maxine would love to meet your wife. She has so much to tell her."
The Judge reached out and grasped Snape's arm tightly. "No!... That will kill her…" His eyes were glistening with fresh tears.
"Stop Granger's hearing." Snape repeated stonily.
The Judge shook his head ferociously and the anguish was clear in his contorted features. "You don't understand. She won't accept a husband. She will be forced in exile. Even if I stop this hearing, another one will take its place. With another Judge." He muttered.
"Do it." Severus nodded towards the door.
The Judge couldn't stop shaking his head in denial.
Severus' silence overwhelmed the Judge who closed his eyes and wiped the perspiration that was breaking on his forehead.
"Shape yourself up and go in." Snape ordered.
The Judge swallowed nervously and tried to fix his attire. Then he stopped in front of the door as if he didn't have the strength to move.
Severus opened it and pushed him inside. The Judge walked as steadily as he could back to his seat.
Snape ignored Granger who was in the middle of the room and found Malfoy.
Malfoy's upper lip curled up in anger, but he remained silent as the gavel fell heavy and the Judge begun talking. "Due to an unexpected development this hearing cannot be completed today. We will arrange a new one in a week from now."
A wave of confusion run through the courtroom, but Hermione wasn't paying attention. She was regarding Snape with an intensity that was hard to hide, willing him to look at her.
"Miss Granger." The Judge said.
Hermione inhaled sharply and felt as if a hand just pulled her from the depths of the ocean. "Yes, Sir?"
"This recess is a good opportunity for you to take some time to rethink your predicament. Maybe in a few days you can form a different opinion about your applicants. That may allowed us to avoid the irrevocable decision of your exile. Do you think that is a fair deal considering the circumstances?" The Judge asked with a voice that broke ever so slightly when his eyes fell at the immovable figure of Snape.
Hermione opened her mouth to refuse once more, but before she could do it she felt magnetized by the dark imposing presence by the door. It was as if he was silently commanding her attention and she obeyed. When their eyes met she felt as if a hand had squeezed all the air out of her lungs.
Snape's nod was indiscernible, but she saw it.
When she looked back at the Judge there was no reluctance in her voice. "I think that I will do that Sir. Yes, thank you."
The Judge seemed to exhale in relief as he let his gavel fall one last time. "Very well then. Court dismissed."
Hermione closed her eyes and touched her chest, which was tightly painful. She felt dizzy from hyperventilating.
What did just happen?
Snape's piercing stare gave a silent warning to Malfoy who retreated at the darkest corners of the room. Then with one last look towards Granger, who seemed barely able to stand, he walked out.
He had almost reached the stairs when a small hand touched his shoulder. He turned to meet a pale face, eyes that were teary and a trembling bottom lip.
Hermione's hand dropped by her side. "I don't know what you just did…but…thank you." Her words were barely heard.
Snape's eyes darted towards Malfoy who was leaving the courtroom in a hurry. He took a deep breath and gazed back at her. "Go find your friends. This is far from over." He said and without waiting for a reply he turned around and left.
Hermione blinked and caressed her shoulders. She cupped her mouth and the tears she had been holding with great effort during the hearing now got released into muffled sobs.
