Severus went to the great hall to see if there was any news. Kingsley was there with an odd-looking chest. He looked up at Severus with concern. "How's Hermione?" Severus scowled and Kingsley answered. "The portraits. They're all talking about her breakdown."

Severus took a deep breath annoyed. "At least some things do not change. How was the press conference? Did you get any responses for reconstruction help?"

Kingsley shook his head. "A few, not nearly enough, but it's a start. I'm afraid the employees will have to do most of the work in their departments."

Severus agreed but had no answers for the man. "What's in the chest?"

Kingsley looked into Severus' eyes to brace him. "It's all that is left of Lord Voldemort." Severus backed up two steps. Just being this close to any part of that monster was more than he could take right now. "When he, well, blew up. There were bits of him and chair and power station everywhere. I quickly gathered everything in one spell and put it in this chest. I didn't want to leave it at Grimmauld Place any longer. When I got here my curiosity got the better of me and I opened it. As you can expect it was a gruesome site until my eye spotted this." Kings pulled a piece of singed black cloth from the table. Inside it was the Elder Wand.

Severus' eyes went wide with disbelief. The most powerful wand ever, created by a manifestation of death himself was, not surprisingly, immortal. He held out his hand and Kingsley was about to hand it to him, when it flew into Severus' hand. It hummed and grew warm at his touch. Severus felt a surge of raw power like never before. The euphoria it produced, sharper than any orgasm he'd ever had. His body began to vibrate and grow feverish. His breath was sucked out of him, and his heart felt like it would explode. Severus was truly afraid and tried to drop it but couldn't. The effect began to subside, and he could breathe again. An image of Olivander when he was eleven flashed in his mind. "The wand chooses the wizard Mr. Snape."

Kingsley had stood back to watch a red light engulf Severus like smoke. His image began to ripple and flash. Then suddenly it was gone, and Severus stood there like he'd just been to Mars. Kingsley tried to grin and shake him from his trance. "Are you alright old man?"

"What?" Severus was still a bit dazed.

"I said, Are you alright?"

Severus felt his chest and looked at his feet. I guess I'm still in one piece, but 'Alright' may be a bit of a stretch. I guess this means I am the new owner of the Elder Wand."

Kingsley laughed, "You have a talent for understatement Snape. Why don't you try it out?"

Severus looked at the simple piece of wood in his hand. How could so much power be in such a little thing. "Stand back Shaklebolt." When Kingsley was at a decent distance, he pointed the wand at the chest and thought about what he wanted to happen. Before he could utter a word, the chest leapt into the air and burst into an all-consuming flame. When it went out suddenly with a pop, there wasn't even ash left. Severus staggered and began to breath heavily. Kingsley had only two words softly spoken. "Merciful Merlin."

Severus thought of who the wand had belonged to before Voldemort. It was Dumbledore's wand. Did the old man truly have this much power and not use it? Then he remembered the fable of the three brothers. Use of the Elder Wand made the brother ruthless and arrogant, culminating with his gruesome death. Perhaps such absolute power corrupts as death intended. It was a wonder that Albus wasn't as mad as Voldemort himself, or maybe he was.

oopOqoo

Hermione woke from her sleep. The potion had done its job and she felt much better. All cried out, for now. The room was dark and she sat up to get her bearings. "Severus?" He didn't answer. She stood and went to the loo, washed her face and hands, and came out feeling much better. A cup of tea sounded like a great idea. When she came into the sitting room there was a nice fire going and a pot of tea and biscuits under a warming charm. He must have known she would need it and had the house elves prepare it for her when she woke. She poured a cup and sat looking into the fire turning over the memory of Voldemort's wealth and their conversation. Severus was correct of course. No amount of money could return the past or her friends to her. If there were people suffering and it could help, then that's what they should do. She felt her eyes sting as she gave up on trying to restore Hogwarts, for now at least.

She heard someone enter in the office below, knowing it could only be Severus who could pass through the wards. He crept up the stairs and opened the door slowly in case she was still resting. "Hello my darling. I've been awake for some time."

Severus smiled as he approached her. Going down on his knee to be even with her, he kissed her lightly. "How are you feeling?"

She put her hand on his cheek. "Thank you for the fire and the tea. I'm much better now I've rested. Except that I am totally ashamed of my outburst before. Forgive me?"

He frowned. "You're welcome, and there's nothing to forgive. It was a completely understandable reaction. I'm glad you're feeling better. Do you want to go down for dinner? Or, I could have it brought up for us. I have a surprise for you."

Hermione was intrigued. She had seen Voldemort's torture chamber, enough gold to pave the road from here to London, and a box of wands that will make a great deal of difference. What could he possibly have? "I'd like to get out of these rooms. Just because I can now, you see." She grinned and he kissed her forehead.

"Then take my arm, my lady, and I will escort you to dinner myself."

"Pleased, kind sir."

Kingsley was still there with a group of Aurors at one end of the Ravenclaw table. The prisoners were tucked away uncomfortably in Azkaban awaiting trial. All the paperwork was done and filed. As the muggles say, 'It's Miller Time". The worst of the raucous behavior and language died back when they came into the room. Hermione smiled at them and bid them carry on. She and Severus sat down at the Gryffindor table where Charlotte and Phillip were. A house elf appeared. "How can I serve you Missus Hermione, Master Snape?"

Hermione smiled at the house elf, practically vibrating with the need to give her whatever she wanted. "We're hungry master elf. Do you have any roast beef? Some nice hot open face Sandwiches would be fine with potatoes and gravy, green beans and a salad. And maybe some pumpkin juice?" The elf nodded and she thanked him as he disappeared.

Severus noticed the look in her eye. As if she could eat her weight in roast beef. "That's quite a lot for you, but as you're eating for two, I'm not surprised. I wish Poppy would come back soon to examine you. You've had a difficult couple of days. You need rest and less stress."

Charlotte was ecstatic. "You're going to have a baby!"

Hermione looked over at Severus as if to say, 'thanks a lot.' "Yes, we're expecting in January. Please don't tell anyone just yet. It's still a bit early."

Charlotte was chastened and whispered back. "He's right you know. After what you've done you have a right to sit on a pillow the rest of your life like a spoilt cat."

Severus chuckled. "If she would let me, I would do just that." He hoped to deflect some of Hermione's ire. "How are you feeling Mr. Burnworth?"

Phillip looked up from his dinner. He still seemed on the sleepy side. "I'm fine. A little headache and I can't seem to wake up."

Severus nodded in understanding. "Side effect of the potion. It should wear off soon."

"We have a bit of news of our own." Phillip looked to Charlotte who was blushing like mad. "Charlotte and I are going to get married as soon as possible. A muggle ceremony. We need to stay under the radar as far as the ministry is concerned. We intend to leave on our honeymoon directly after. Charlotte's parents had a holiday cottage near Dover."

Hermione was thrilled for them. "I'm so happy for you both. When do you plan to go?"

Phillip was beaming. "We're leaving tonight. I have it set up with a church close by. We'll be back a week from Tuesday. Speaking of which kitten. We should be going. No time like the present when life is so unpredictable."

Hermione looked to Severus. He hadn't really asked her, but it was implied. It would be wonderful married to him. "Quite right Phillip. Seize the day. Our love and hopes go with you."

They all stood and Hermione hugged Charlotte. Looking longingly at them as they rounded the corner. A few tears threatened and she sniffled. "Hermione? Did you catch cold?" He held her tight knowing full well why she was crying. "Let me warm you up." He held her close and started rubbing her arms and back.