Chapter Twelve:

"Hi, Gin! Sorry, I'm a bit late. Did I keep you waiting?"

"No, that's alright. I'm glad you made it. We were so worried, you know?"

The two girls had agreed to meet at 12, Grimmauld Place and were deeply engrossed in conversation. Hermione told Ginny about her night, but didn't mention the identical vial that she had been given. Ginny, in turn, told her about how Harry and she had decided to move out of the order Headquarters and were on the lookout for a nice place to settle down.

"Say, Ginny, did you know that Draco called in Ministry favours for his marriage to be accepted?"

"Draco?"

"Malfoy."

"You're on first name basis with the git?"

"I have to, I'm married to his godfather. Urgh, it sickens me to even think of it that way…"

"But to answer your question, duh! How else would he be allowed to marry her? You know, I needed permission too - "parental consent". The law doesn't really apply to me yet, so there was this huge amount of paperwork that had to be done. Anyway, did you get the letter from Hogwarts?"

"No, what letter?"

"It got delivered this morning. Didn't you check your post?"

"I did... I sort of got distracted. I suppose I must have missed it. Why, what was it about?"

"They're calling us for the reopening of Hogwarts. Probably to cheer up the first-years. Professor McGonagall said that parents are quite apprehensive about sending their kids. Naturally so."

"Hmm. I guess."

"Why are you so broody today? What's on your mind?"

"Nothing much, just this whole law business. I can't believe they actually did it. I mean, so soon too!"

"Oh yeah, Harry says there's more to it than meets the eye."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, some "inside information" from the Ministry or something. He's barely just started his Auror field training and he already has insider sources. He says he'll elaborate when you're around. That man, I tell you, he underestimates my intelligence all the time! But well, I wouldn't expect anything else; he spent his entire school life with you. So come over one of these days, we need to sit down and have a chat, the three of us."

5:30 pm found Hermione pacing nervously in the waiting room of St. Mungo's Hospital, trying to figure out what was more worrisome - the impending Ministry recommended check up or the possibility that Severus would show up.

"Hermione Granger, if you would kindly step into the examination room."

Sighing deeply, Hermione entered what seemed to be a dimly lit medical examination room and identified half a dozen muggle equipment scattered on a table. She sincerely wished that she would be examined by an old matron like Poppy, though her hopes were shattered by the arrival of a young wizard who seemed to be in his early twenties.

Inexperienced Ministry brats who don't know what they're doing... Huff, I wonder if he even-

"Hermione Snape?"

Biting down her growing frustration, she replied, "It's Granger, actually. I retained my surname and-"

"Let's not get into logistics now, my dear. I'm Augustus Pye and I shall be your Healer through the rigorous, but inevitable process that you will soon go through. Shall we proceed with the examination?"

My dear? Oh well, let's get over and done with this nonsense.

She lay down on the examination table and blinked rapidly when a bright light was thrown onto her face.

"Part of the procedure, not to worry at all. Now, if you will, chug down this potion and we can begin! It'll help calm you down. Examination can be pretty nerve-wracking."

The dark brown liquid bubbled and emanated a foul odour, which paled in comparison to its vile taste. She felt an odd tingling sensation between her legs and was shocked to see the Healer and his odd contraptions examining her private parts.

"You're doing perfectly well, my dear… just one more thing and we'll be done for now."

Is he…? What the hell? If I didn't know better, I'd say-

"I was informed that this appointment was scheduled to be at 6 pm." Severus Snape stormed into the room, a deep frown and seething eyes speaking of his anger much louder than his words.

"Congratulations, Mr Snape. The two of you have indeed fulfilled the basic criteria. The device that I just inserted will keep track of your bedroom activities-" he winked, "-and you need to see me again in two weeks time. Please excuse me now, I have some urgent cases that need immediate attention. Good day."

With that, the short, podgy man left the room, an awkward silence consuming the space he had previously occupied.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes. You needn't have come, really."

"You shouldn't have come alone. How supportive of the Potters to let you come here all by yourself."

"Harry had work and Ginny... Well, it doesn't matter, it was just a procedure and I'm fine anyway-"

"Are you sure?"

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"There have been more attacks, so I would really appreciate if you would stop the eye rolling."

Her mouth fell open.

"What?"

"Home. Now."

Author's Note: Hey there! I know this is a really short chapter, but I've got a longer one typed and almost ready, so patience, young grasshoppers. Do leave your thoughts, I love reading your reviews. xxx