The Underworld

by Ellemphriem

Hermione Granger is caught in the web of an unethical law, that she does not intend to follow. Standing tall in front of thousands of muggleborns she raises her fist at the face of the ministry and decides when the time comes to sacrifice herself in order to bring down the law. An unwilling participant will come on board with half a heart, but will end up giving it all to her.

33. Chapter 33

Minister Doge walked down the quiet hallway, enjoying the lack of chaotic energy that usually pulsated through the offices that surrounded and supported his. Today he decided to come to work early as there were a lot of unfinished files left to review from the previous day and a lot of meetings that were scheduled throughout the day. He felt happily accomplished as he opened the doors to his roomy offices expecting to find no one there at five in the morning.

So when he came face to face with his secretary he froze confused for a few seconds. "What are you doing here at this hour Willa darling?"

The young witch with the long raven hair and the clever eyes, blushed and looked away. "I was called in Sir. I was about to call you in too, when you opened the doors."

"By who?" Doge instantly tensed.

"Chief Warlock Morozov, Sir. He is at this offices waiting for you." Willa bowed her head respectfully.

Doge's stomach tilted backwards in apprehension. Being called before the break of dawn by the Head of the Wizengamot was not good news. "Do you know what happened?"

Willa shook her head. "No Sir, only that I was required to open your offices early and that the Chief Warlock was accompanied by the Keeper Commander."

At those words Doge's face settled in a deep frown. "Snape is here?"

Willa looked towards her papers and gave him a quick nod. "Yes."

"Along with Kiril?" Still Doge was unable to understand what Snape was doing with the Head of the Wizengamot.

"Yes Sir." Willa repeated.

Doge remained frozen for several moments before his face settled in the deepest glower. As he turned around to leave, Willa stood up eagerly. "You want me to come along Sir and take notes of this meeting for the archive?"

"I am not sure this meeting should be archived Willa darling. No stay here. I will call you if needed." Doge rejoined and left quickly.

Willa sat down again with a wince of regret. She would have loved to follow her boss into that meeting and see the Keeper Commander face to face. As she was new at this job, she had only seen him once and his name after the Battle of the Underworlds had become equivalent to a living legend. Getting a peak at the inner workings of the Ministry's leadership would have been so exciting.

-.-

Doge opened Morozov's door without knocking. The urgency he felt was clearly portrayed upon his face as he paused at the entrance with his hand hanging from the handle. His eyes first locked with Kiril's and that silent interaction was enough to let him recognize the clear alarm in Morozov's eyes.. Doge turned his attention to the imposing darkness at the other side of the desk. Snape was sitting calmly, with his legs crossed and with an open book laying upon his lap. He met Doge's demanding stare, with his usual austere composure. He seemed like a complete contrast to Morozov's obvious dismay.

Finally Doge's eyes fell upon the African Blackwood desk. Amidst Morozov's important documents stood the Book of the Void. Half destroyed by the brutal attack of Harry and his Aurors down Under, it still looked terrifyingly dangerous, surrounded by myriads of unbreakable dark spells. Doge opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out as he closed the door carefully behind him.

He walked to the desk and reached out to touch the book, when Snape's solemn voice stopped him. "If you don't want your fingers to fall off, refrain from touching it Minister."

Doge's head snapped up and his eyes searched for Snape's. "You brought here the Book of the Void?"

Severus slanted his head and a knowing smile formed on his lips.

Doge retrieved his hand and met Kiril's eyes that were still emitting unspoken terror. It was as if he had come face to face with death himself. "When did this happen?"

"Last night." –Severus closed the book and placed it back to the library casually- "Kiril was kind enough to accompany me inside the Underworld for an impromptu visit. We thought you'd appreciate a gesture of good will upon our return. The Ministry hunted for this Book for a long time after Voldemort's fall if I am not mistaken."

Doge rubbed his hands together and his clever eyes darted towards Snape. "It is one of the most dangerous artifacts of the Dark Arts this country ever owned."

"Indeed and after eluding you for so long, it is finally at the possession of the Ministry." Severus shrugged calmly.

Doge approached the desk again and leaned over. The Book had a rather big hole in the middle of its ancient pages that was still sizzling with sparkles of magical matter. The spells that had been placed around it though were effortlessly containing that dangerous magic within. Doge's gaze lingered on the ancient runic schematics that were orbiting the Book slowly. "This is your work, isn't it?"

Severus leaned his head on his hand and raised his brow wordlessly.

"It needs to be moved in the dungeons and it can only be handled by professionals. Anything less will be a folly." Severus' voice filled with darkness.

"It shall be done so immediately!" Morozov intervened with an intensity that made Doge frown.

"Are you alright, Kiril?" He asked.

The Chief Warlock straightened his body and gave Severus a fleeting look before nodding. "Yes…of course." He stumbled.

"How come you entered the Underworld in the middle of the night? You always found that prospect terrifying beyond count if I remember correctly." Doge looked at him doubtfully.

Morozov threw a quick side-glance at Snape before buttoning up. "The Professor came to visit….I mean the Master…we had a drink and discussed the recent events that almost brought our Isle to its knees. He offered to retrieve this accursed object for us….and I proposed to join him in."

"You proposed?" Doge's brow filled with wrinkles of doubt. He gazed at Severus who remained in apathy.

"Unconventional as it may sound, I found the prospect of seeing the Underworld under the vital protection of the Commander….exhilarating….an opportunity one does not easily decline." Morozov tried to smile, but the result was a half hidden grimace of anguish.

"I am sure." -Doge sulked with suspicion and then turned to Severus again- "So you my Master entered the Underworld and brought us back this nightmare carefully contained in powerful Dark Magic….as an old ally?"

"As the current Keeper Commander…." Severus tilted his head sublimely.

The first dawn of an honest smile brightened Doge's countenance.

"If the job is still open…" Severus raised both brows.

"Which is! I mean of course it is…" Doge hurried to control his unchecked reaction.

"Very well, so consider this an act of goodwill on my behalf. Now the ball is on your court Minister." Severus continued unfazed.

"Meaning?" Doge looked at the other men baffled.

"The Commander wishes for us to make a few acts of goodwill ourselves, Ephias. Considering what this man has done for our country I find that wish more than welcome." Kiril said quietly.

Doge inhaled deeply and crossed his arms. "If it is within our power, I don't see why not. May I hear your requests Master?"

Severus begun talking with a calm and composed voice. "Miss Hermione Granger wishes for an appointment to present to you Minister her exceptional work against the insidious Marriage Law. Your predecessor denied her all opportunity to enter the political arena and showcase her arguments not only against the Marriage Law, but also alongside the evident discrimination towards Muggleborns. This corrupt institution needs strong representatives for those people Ephias."

"And you think Mrs. Granger can do it?" Doge's lips formed a knowing smile.

"Miss Granger, who has been recently released from the clutches of the law and is now a free, unmarried woman….is possibly the best candidate for this job and you know it. She made a name for herself long before I came into play. The Ministry was afraid of her….Kingsley absolutely dreaded the riots that she instigated. People followed her whenever she called them into arms, which is why she was thrown in prison so many times. Muggleborns admire her, they have witnessed how she defended her principles and never backed down until the Ministry forced her. She is part of that community, she knows their needs….and right now you want an accomplished representative that they agree to, for they are not positively tuned towards the Ministry nor the Wizengamot." Severus' eyes thinned.

Kiril sighed deeply. "He is right."

Doge nodded quietly. "Very well, I will wait for Miss Granger's visit with bated breath. I won't deny that I am very interested to hear her suggestions for the Muggleborn community. That was an easy request that will admittedly help the Ministry through a very hard time. What else do you need from us?"

"I am not pleased with how Garret's family is being treated." Severus' voice dropped as he continued.

"What do you mean?" -Doge frowned- "We have done everything we could for Ileana and Tilly. They are under the Ministry's protection."

"But without the proper funds." Severus spoke over the Minister with an strictness which gave Doge a pause.

"The Keeper pension is more than enough to …."

"….keep their mouths closed Minister. Nothing else. Garret fell in the Underworld like a hero, defending this world to his last breath. Had he not been a former Death Eater he would have been offered an Order of Merlin Third Class and the corresponding pension for his family. It is the same reason I was never offered that distinction during all these years I have been toiling for the Ministry." Severus resumed solemnly.

"Which is something that we should probably look into promptly." Kiril offered and wiped a few drops of perspiration on his brow.

"Look into it for Garret's family and offer them the pension they deserve for having a hero for a husband and a father." Severus frowned towards Morozov.

"I am more than willing to do so….you Ephias?" Kiril turned to the Minister.

"I have a feeling that today you will be eager to cater all of the Commander's requests….but yes, I agree. Maybe we rushed too much to overlook Garret's devotion to our cause." Doge pursed his lips.

"I will need an official declaration signed by both that Garret will be offered this distinction in an official ceremony and his family the according pension today. Preferably within the next hour." Severus said flatly.

Doge frowned at Morozov. "That is too soon…this needs to pass through all the proper administrations...give us a bit of time."

"Within the hour." Severus raised his brow.

Morozov looked at him intensely and then swallowed anxiously. "We can make it within the next hour. This only need your signature and mine."

Doge's brow creased ever so slightly. "Very well." -He said after a small pause- "I am afraid to ask what your next demand is."

"I have noticed the Ministry tried to shove under the rug the identities of the women that were saved from the Underworld. I also inquired about their fate and as it seems no particular care has been taken for them or for their families, which I find unfair."

"What is your wish for them?"

"Offer them and their families' free medical care and open education at the most prestigious institutions of their choice. Also you could present them with proper opportunities for employment. Since several of them suffer from mental health problems, they find it hard to get a job." Severus pursed his lips.

Doge sighed deeply and looked at his hands. "A slightly excessive request."

"How so?" Severus frowned.

"The Ministry's reserves are running low after the recent attack we underwent from the Underworld Master. We need to distribute our resources very carefully." Doge rejoined somberly.

"The women who were abducted by Malfoy's clan, were repeatedly raped, tortured and killed because of their blood. The Ministry mistreated people by adopting legislation which targeted people for their…blood. I am sure some of your resources can be redirected towards the families of the women who suffered so in the hands of criminals…..both outside and inside the Ministry." Severus rebuked sternly.

Morozov rubbed his forehead. "I think the Commander is right Ephias."

"Of course you do….today you seem to be under his spell." Doge frowned.

"The Chief Warlock recognizes that the Ministry needs to take care of the needs of its constituency, Minister. Especially of people who have suffered from its unfair laws in the past. I find that commendable." Severus added calmly.

Morozov tried to force out a smile, which was unsuccessful.

Doge shook his head and closed his eyes. "The victims of the Underworld and their families shall be taken care off. Is that all Master?"

"A public apology for the enactment of that devious law would also be appreciated not only just by me, but also from all the Muggleborn Community. I am sure you agree with that." Severus tilted his head eloquently.

"A public apology…." -Doge buttoned up- "I never agreed with that law. I fought against it from within. Why should I apologize for it?"

"Because now you stand in Kingsley's shoes and you must right all his wrongs. It is part of the job." Severus rejoined casually.

"I think the Commander is…" Morozov started.

"…right. You think he is right, never mind Kiril." –Doge elbowed the Chief Warlock irritated- "Very well. I shall take care of that promptly Master. Now are we finished?"

"One final request and we are done Minister." Severus stood up.

Doge looked up and pressed his lips. "I am all ears."

"The Chief Warlock has agreed to launch another independent investigation upon the Wizengamot. Members from the Auror force who entered the Underworld, from the Keepers and from the Ministry shall partake in it. No member of the Wizengamot will interfere with that investigation and all will be under severe questioning about the issuance of the Marriage Law." Severus' voice dropped an octave upon those grave words.

"Impossible…." –Doge's mouth dropped open- "Members of the Auror force and of the Keepers shall question the Wizengamot!?"

"As expected since they were the ones who shed their blood inside the Underworld because of that Law and the criminals it attracted." Severus seemed totally detached about speaking something so important.

"Kiril did you agree with this?" Doge turned to Morozov angrily.

The Chief Warlock buttoned up and nodded curtly. "Wholeheartedly."

"What in the name of heaven did you do to him?" Doge glared at Severus.

"I have no idea what you are talking about." -Severus approached the desk and reached for the Book of the Void. His hand passed easily through the heavy Dark Wards and flipped one of its ancient half burned pages- "There is so much ancient knowledge hidden in these pages still….information desired so much by the leadership of the Ministry. Documents that can help protect our country from future Dark Magic attacks anywhere they may derive from."

"It needs a special kind of Dark Wizard to translate and document all the knowledge this book has to offer. A kind of wizard that is not easy to come across nowadays, Ephias." Kiril added emphatically.

Doge exchanged a guarded look with Morozov and felt perspiration breaking upon his brow. He saw how easily Severus' hand was moving inside dozens of deadly Dark Spells and licked his upper lip. He fumed for several moments before speaking. "Indeed. Who is going to choose the Aurors and the Keepers that shall partake in that investigation?"

"Me." Severus flicked his brow.

"Of course." Doge closed his eyes.

"So do we have an agreement?" Severus drew his hand away with such a casual indifference that Doge felt his blood boiling. He couldn't but admit that he admired Snape's audacity, but it was an quality he had witnessed on him ever since their days in the Order of the Phoenix. He shouldn't have been so surprised how well Severus had manipulated both him and Kiril.

"If the Chief Warlock is in agreement, then I am too." Doge replied visibly cross.

Severus' lips twitched in a ghostly smile as he walked towards the doors. "I shall be expecting the official paper about Garrets honors and pension in my office within the hour."

"Of course." Morozov said eagerly.

When Severus closed the doors behind him, both men exhaled in relief. Doge sat down heavily and turned his accusing regard upon Kiril. "You gave him everything but your position…."

Kiril closed his eyes and cupped his forehead. "I could do without your anger right now Ephias."

"What in the name of heaven did he do to you?" The Minister seemed indifferent of the Chief's obvious distress.

"He showed me his working grounds …that was enough….it was more than enough…." Morozov shook his head tiredly.

That gave Doge a pause.

"Besides he didn't ask anything for himself if you've noticed. His requests were fair…whether we like it or not." Kiril continued with a voice that was barely heard.

Doge rubbed his face and exhaled.

"He also brought to us this….we always coveted the knowledge gathered upon these pages through the centuries. Forbidden knowledge written in there by the most prolific Dark Wizards of all ages." Morozov looked at his friend wearily.

"I know."

"He can help us decipher it…." Kiril's gaze was sharp.

Doge sighed deeply. "We have given him too much power over the Ministry and the Wizengamot Kiril. Do you trust him so much?"

"You do not? The ghost of your friend Albus is popping in your paintings day after day, asking if you managed to get Snape on your side after everything that happened under Kingsley" -Kiril frowned- "Neither me nor you want to make an enemy out of that man. We want him to work for us, not against us Ephias."

Doge leaned his head on his hand and nodded half-heartedly. "I know we do, but he is not going to be easily controlled."

Morozov sat back on his chair and pursed his lips quietly.

"Not easily at all." Doge added thoughtfully.

-,-

Severus hesitated outside the doors of the Keeper offices with his hand upon the handle for a long time. When he ventured in the Underworld the previous night, forcing Morozov along for the ride, there was no question that he was going to accept his old position back. That is the reason he brought back the Book of the Void in the first place. However now that he was one step away from seeing his old comrades again…after everything they all went through, he was uncertain. His original company had been virtually destroyed. Grey and Garret died, Conroy had permanent damage on his leg and Oswald was lucky to have returned relatively unharmed. As for him, his dead body would have been decomposing at the sixth level, hadn't Hermione stepped in to save him so heroically.

Severus didn't know if he wished to return to the ruins of his old glory days. None of them had truly come out of this misadventure unharmed. They have all been branded one way or the other. He leaned his forehead on the panel of the door and remembered his deadly game with Morozov inside the Underworld. How he manipulated the Chief Warlock through fear to do his bidding. He had played a dangerous game, with a dangerous man….many things were at stake from his actions.

He didn't have the option to pull back and go hide in Hermione's arms anymore. He initiated the game, now he had to play it. With that thought his brows furrowed in determination and he turned the handle.

The moment he appeared under the tall archway every head inside the spacious offices turned to him and everyone froze. His eyes first found Oswald who was looking at him with an open mouth and then he turned towards Conroy. He was not prepared to see his old comrade's eyes slowly filling up with tears. Severus quickly deterred his gaze upon the safest person in the room. Mr. Potter was standing next to a rather clever looking girl. He had his hands in his pockets, his fedora slightly tilted upon his head and the usual knowing smirk upon his lips. The one that drove Severus crazy during his teaching years. He suddenly decided to voice that.

"Wipe that smile from your face Mr. Potter. It is annoying as all hell." He waved his hand dismissively.

"Well, bless my eyes." Harry's smile grew wider.

"I thought I warned you already to regain your composure Chief." Severus raised his brow.

"Forgive me for being unable to hide my pleasure at seeing you back in these offices Master." Harry retorted quickly.

Severus pretended indifference as he approached Garret's office. He reached out and flicked the pages of a folder that was there. It seems that no one had dared touch the man's office after his death. His heart complained at the thick layer of dust that covered everything. "And what are you doing here Mr. Potter? Why aren't you bothering the Aurors with your maddening presence instead?"

"Came to introduce Morgana to Conroy." Harry turned to the girl with the astute regard. She was standing wordlessly vigilant next to him, but it was clear that her eyes were eating up the man who just entered.

"And who is this Morgana pray say…" Severus rested his eyes on her.

She flared her shoulders, raised her hand and walked bravely up to him. "Auror Morgana Hutchins Sir, an honor to meet you. I entered the Underworld under your command during that fateful day. I don't know if you remember me….there were so many Aurors…"

Severus ignored her hand and looked towards the windows. "You see…I remember little from that day."

Harry was quick to speak. "Those moments were hard on all of us Professor…"

"Yes of course…don't worry." Morgana added with a nervous smile towards her boss, as she left her hand fall defeated by her side.

Severus frowned towards the heavy sky. "So what are you doing here Miss Hutchins?" He felt the silence from Conroy and Oswald too heavy.

The blonde haired witch gazed momentarily at Harry before speaking. "Chief Potter has been asking for volunteers for this company Sir…."

"And you managed to get just one? A poor outcome…" Severus offered Potter a sad smile.

"The head of this company was missing. Difficult to persuade people to work for a cause without knowing whom they will be working under." Potter hurried.

"Was missing?" Severus turned to him fully.

Potter scrounged his lips. "Considering that you are here now…." He shrugged unable to finish his thought.

Severus turned his heavy regard towards Garett's dusty office. "So you think you will be able to gather more volunteers if I return?"

"More than you can imagine…when they learn they will be working under you. Have you forgotten what happened yesterday at the Auror offices?" Harry smirked knowingly.

Severus inhaled deeply and turned towards his old comrades, deciding not to comment on that. "Who has been responsible for tidying up this place whilst I was away?"

Oswald's eyes lit up on those words. "I was boss!"

"And how do you explain how dusty and unkempt Garret's office is?" Severus' eyes seared through Oswald.

The other man's eyes filled with sorrow and he bowed his head. "I've been so busy after we returned from the Underworld. We were only two in here boss….it was virtually impossible to run the place efficiently. Hadn't it been for Potter who was actively trying to find volunteers to work with us….we might have been dismantled already."

"Then who would have run the Underworld Mr. Oswald?" Severus thrust his chin up proudly.

Oswald shook his head mutely.

Severus pursed his lips, satisfied with the silent accordance of the other wizard then his eyes darted around in clear displeasure. "I want everything to be spotless and tidy when I come out of my office."

Oswald looked up sharply. "I need time…"

"Use your wand …you are a wizard, correct?" Severus said and walked past him.

Oswald bowed his head quickly and offered Severus' back a wide smile. "Correct….damn have I missed you."

"I can do without your sentimental drivel for now Mr. Oswald." –Severus raised his hand in command- "Mr. Conroy follow me into the office please."

Conroy took his cane and limbed inside, wordlessly. That is when Harry's voice intruded Severus rather dark thoughts. "What about Morgana, Master?"

"What about her?" Severus glared at them above his shoulder.

"Will she remain with you? The first new recruit? She is an excellent Auror. Possibly the quickest wand handler in my team. She'd do brilliantly under you." Harry grasped her shoulder.

She gave him a thankful smile.

"Why would she want to remain with us, is my question." Severus' regard was piercing.

She took a step forth and licked her lips nervously. "I experienced the dangers of the Underworld Master. I saw the dedication one needs to have in his art in order to survive these worlds. I witnessed the loyalty one needs to possess in order to support his comrades under such peril. I beheld the self-sacrifice of your company during those terrible conditions. Never shall I feel whole again, fighting as an Auror, when I know that I can train under the best in order to protect my world, my people, my family from the unspeakable darkness that lurks down there."

Severus could have ignored her words completely, but not the haunted look in her eyes or the black threads of trepidation that surrounded her body. She had seen his life….she had experienced his toil first hand. He raised his brow and turned to his Keeper. "Change of plans Mr. Oswald."

"Yes Sir!" Oswald instantly buttoned up.

"Miss Morgana is going to wipe this place clean, without any use of magic. When she finishes you will assist her to pack Garret's things in boxes, which shall be send to his home through floo. After that let her choose any desk and start walking her through the basics. Mainly how to keep her head low, her ears and eyes open and her mouth closed." Severus drawled. At that Morgana averted her eyes towards the floor.

"At your command Boss!" Oswald saluted him eagerly.

Severus cringed and turned to Harry. "How about you then Mister Potter?"

"What about me?" Harry seemed confused.

"Would you volunteer to work in my company?" Severus' lips twitched with the prologue of a shrewd smile.

Harry paled and licked his upper lip. "It would be an honor….and you know it."

Severus humphed and gave him the once over. "Admirable as your answer is Mister Potter we both know you would never abandon your precious Aurors."

Harry frowned and opened his mouth to speak, but Severus didn't allow him. "Which is for the best, because I need a man with a good brain controlling that rowdy horde."

Harry closed his mouth and a sweet smile formed. "I have them Professor don't worry. I have them for you."

Severus' gaze held an appreciative gleam. "I know you do. I will call you later in order to discuss the details of an investigation we are going to both partake in Mister Potter. Don't go far."

"Investigation?" Harry frowned.

"We shall talk later." Severus said and with that he closed the doors of his office.

Harry turned to Morgana and his hand fell upon her shoulder. "So how do you feel now that you met him up close and personal?"

"He is absolutely terrifying." -Morgana blinked- "And a bloody legend…"

"He is both indeed. I suppose congratulations are in order." Harry smirked.

Oswald smiled knowingly.

"Congratulations? The Commander didn't sign any official papers about my employment yet." Morgana frowned.

"The fact that he didn't kick you out like he did me says it all." Harry winked at her and started walking towards the door.

"And the fact that he told you to tidy the place. You are as good as hired. Now enough pussyfooting young lady. You got a lot of work to do!" Oswald said and then gave Harry a hugely satisfied smile before the Chief Auror closed the door behind him.

-.-

Severus didn't take his usual seat behind the large mahogany desk. He looked around the office with lips twisted in displeasure. "She really messed up this place, didn't she?"

Conroy was gazing at the carpet, visibly trying to control his tears. "Grey never had any real sense of elegance."

"This resembles so much Voldemort's dark tastes…it is disturbing." Severus resumed.

"A few spells can reform the place to your old offices. Do you want me to do it?"

Severus looked at him long and hard before pulling out a chair for him. "I want you to take a seat."

Conroy looked up and for the second time that morning their eyes met. "You don't have to treat me like an invalid."

Severus kept holding the chair as he spoke. "I want to treat you exactly as you deserve…."

"Which is?"

"An old friend that I thought I lost and thoroughly grieved over. A friend that I have missed dearly." Severus frowned.

Conroy quickly averted his eyes and took the seat. He wiped his face with the back of his sleeve, before a handkerchief appeared before him. He took it gingerly and gazed at Severus who drew the black curtains that Grey had installed during her manic pursue for power. "I heard that you have been running this place admirably well during my absence."

"Did you expect anything less of me because of my leg?" Conroy frowned.

"A hand of steel is what I believe you are being called around the Ministry." Severus ignored Conroy's pity party.

That stopped Conroy's sad onslaught for a moment. He frowned and wiped his face clean. "Who spreads these rumors?"

"Everyone who has witnessed how competent you have been during my absence." Severus leaned against the window frame and crossed his arms.

Conroy pressed his lips and shrugged. "I did what I had to do….no one else was here to take over. You weren't here. You…abandoned us."

Severus sighed and flicked his brow. "You are not wrong at that my friend."

Conroy looked up sharply at that. "So why did you come back now? You think we need you to save us? We don't! We tried to mend our broken pieces after the Battle of the Underworld …and you weren't here….you weren't here for us." His voice broke.

"I see that you have a lot to blame me for…"

"Do you think I am wrong? We were your comrades, your people….your friends as you declare….and the moment we come back broken, you go missing for a month!" Conroy threw the handkerchief upon the desk angrily.

Severus looked at him sadly.

"And now you waltz into the bloody offices as if you own the place. You start throwing orders left and right, expecting both Oswald and I to run to your bidding…." Conroy snapped.

Severus pursed his lips and looked towards his boots.

"You disappeared and you would have been happy to see the last of us. I know it and you know it. What kind of need brought you back? Be truthful or I am walking out!" Conroy pointed towards the door.

"I have known you for so many years Conroy, ever since we were still at school. Remember?" Severus frowned.

Conroy flicked his shoulder. "Yeah, so what?"

"We first met during our initiation in the Death Eater corps. You a senior freshly out of IIvermorny, searching to find your identity in England. The first American to enter the Death Eaters if I remember correctly as Voldemort didn't like to taint his elite group from other countries."

"You sponsored me to that lunatic. I still don't know if I hate you for that….I went down a very dark road…" Conroy frowned at his thoughts.

"I did too. During those days neither of us was thinking clearly." Severus rejoined.

"That is true." Conroy replied quietly.

"Even though I was buried knee deep in my chase for power, I still felt a strong kinship towards you. You were clever, strong….but also deeply loyal. To the wrong people admittedly, but so was I. You were one of the few who could still produce a patronus after our initiation. That spoke volumes." Severus raised his brows expressively.

Conroy frowned.

"Moreover you were one of the few who managed to convince that lunatic that your wish not to partake in any killings or rapes, didn't minimize your loyalty or your ability to use your Dark Arts for his benefit. I admired that on you." Severus continued.

"I just couldn't do what he was asking…I couldn't….but I also couldn't leave without…." Conroy paused.

"….Dying in the process. I know how trapped you felt. I was too." Severus' brows creased in sorrow.

Conroy paused for several moments searching for the proper words to express his feelings. "Hadn't it been for you….for the time you devoted to teach me Occlumancy….I wouldn't have survived Voldemort's insanity. I would have been tortured to death like so many others who decided they didn't wish to partake in that absurdity anymore."

"You were my friend Conroy…and believe me I never had many friends." Severus smiled wretchedly.

"And you were mine…you had always been mine….ever since I opened up my soul to you….that is why I feel so angry at you now…"

"….for abandoning you when you needed me the most. And you are right to be so. I would have been furious also." Severus twisted his lips dejected.

"So why did you do it? Why did you leave me after walking the very grounds of hell together all these years? We both survived Voldemort by teaching each other the skills we needed. We both lived through the Battle of Hogwarts. We both entered the Keepers. Why?" Conroy scowled at him.

"Because this is the first time in my life….that I am not alone anymore Conroy." Severus looked at his friend openly.

Conroy's brow wrinkled.

"When you went into a coma I tried desperately, for hours…for days on end to find a few threads active in your mind. I couldn't do it. For the first time in my life, I felt inadequate to help a friend. I thought I lost you during those dreaded days Conroy. I grieved for you even though you were not dead. I thought you were gone and I was to blame for your demise. I wasn't able to live with my guilt…with myself. That was until an angel stepped in and saved your life and my sanity." Severus' eyes filled with tears as he spoke those words with deep honesty.

Conroy was holding his breath.

"You might not know it yet, but it was Hermione who woke you up. She saved your life and consequently mine, by using rather illegal Dark Magic which stained her forever."

"Jody never told me…." -Conroy's eyes darted across the room- "What did she use?"

"Necromancy…." -Severus' lips twitched ever so slightly- "She virtually brought you back from the dead without any consideration for the pureness of her soul."

Conroy cupped his mouth and closed his eyes tightly.

"That exceptional witch sacrificed a part of her soul in order to bring you back…..Do you understand?" Severus frowned down at him as he tried to pull back the tears.

Conroy nodded. "I need to speak with her. I need to thank her…."

"You need to understand why I went missing …." Severus took a few steps towards him.

Conroy's eyes pierced Severus' soul.

"This amazing woman, this brilliant witch who chose to sacrifice her soul for you….the woman who carries my baby and dedicated herself to me….that woman ended up comatose in the hospital for many days Conroy. She almost died down there too…." Severus wiped away a single tear that escaped him, angrily.

"I have heard what she went through, I am so sorry."

"I went missing because I wished to be close to Hermione. I wanted to take care of her and at the same time find myself, which is a tall order for someone who's been lost for many decades." Severus smiled bitterly.

Conroy's smile was broken with a sob. He nodded quickly. "Lost indeed."

"You know how astray I have been since forever…..think how difficult it was for me to come through for her, despite the intensity of my love."

Conroy nodded quickly.

"I made her suffer …and she still chose to remain next to me. Her loyalty, her love is something new for me, something I am not well equipped to deal with. I went missing from you, because I needed to find her in this constructed chaos that forever rules my life. I wasn't strong enough to support her, my companions and myself. It is hard to admit to such a folly. Forgive me Conroy…" Severus' voice diminished as he uttered those words.

"Did you find her?" Conroy's eyes held a gleam of devotion that touched Severus deeply.

"In spite of how much all this terrifies me…I think I found her, yes." Severus' mouth formed the first honest smile.

Conroy reciprocated and looked at his hands. "Good. You did the right thing. How do you feel about all this?"

"Considering my future in-laws are currently in my house, probably cursing me to hell and back at this very moment….I'd say I am rather composed."

Conroy snorted at that. "Why are they mad at you, boss?" This was the first time he was offering his old friend, the proper title.

"I revealed my past to them." Severus shrugged.

"Oh hell… Buried knee deep in family obligations this time as it seems….I don't envy you." Conroy whistled.

Severus smiled quietly at him for several moments before speaking. "No one should ever envy me. Have you forgiven me now that you know my weakness?"

Conroy pressed his lips and smiled at his own thoughts. "There is nothing to forgive."

Severus closed his eyes feeling both overcome and relieved beyond words.

"Forgive me for sounding so angry before…" Conroy left the thought unfinished.

"I have always expected to hear the truth from you."

Conroy rubbed his palms nervously and looked up to his friend. "So….have you indeed returned to us?"

"If you will accept me as your Commander again, yes." Came the quiet reply.

Conroy waved him off. "There is no one else who could do the job like you. Well, maybe apart from Grey, but she was bat-shit crazy."

Severus covered his mouth and a smile blossomed under his hand. "Grey was too consumed by darkness…too greedy. However there are others who have equal skills and superior minds."

Conroy looked at him confused.

"Men who have proven resilient against adversity time after time. Men who can lead as well or possibly better than me."

"What are you telling me boss?" Conroy frowned.

Severus walked over to him and sat at the edge of his desk. "I want you to become my second in command."

Conroy froze. "Me, take Grey's place?"

Severus tilted his head.

"Oswald is equally capable…"

"I need you to be my right hand Conroy." -Severus' rejoined solemnly- "If we are to rebuild from our ashes, I need your support."

Conroy's eyes overflowed with tears once again. "You are doing this on purpose…"

"How so?"

"My payment will double…you are helping me because I am an invalid….because of my family…" Conroy shook his head in disbelief.

"Well, I do like Jody a lot…" Severus smirked.

"Don't jest boss. This means a lot to me." Conroy stood up with the help of his cane.

"As it does to me. Do you accept?" Severus clasped his shoulder.

"You will have a cripple as your right hand?" Conroy's bottom lip trembled.

"I will have the bravest man I have ever met and one of the best spell casters." Severus' eyes sliced through Conroy's insecurities.

Conroy looked at him bewitched for several moments before pulling Severus into a tight embrace. "Thank you…." He murmured overwhelmed.

Severus reciprocated carefully. "No, thank you…for staying alive for us."

"It is your wife that we must both thank about that." Conroy was barely able to hold his voice steady.

Severus pushed him back with a smile. "Enough. Now collect yourself and go out. You, Oswald and the new girl have a lot of work to do before we start recruiting more people."

Conroy straightened his shoulders and wiped his tears away. "As you order boss! Do you need help with the office?"

"No, I have spoken so many painful truths in such a short timeframe I feel shattered. Give me some peace…" Severus pointed towards the door.

Conroy bowed deeply and limbed away. When he placed his hand on the handle he looked at Severus above his shoulder. "It is so good to have you back."

Severus smiled at him. "I expect an official paper to be delivered from Morozov's office. It is of high importance."

"Sure thing boss." Conroy opened the door.

"When you go home tonight, give my best to Jody…and my apologies to Esra." Severus added quickly.

"Apologies to my son, why?" Conroy frowned.

"He will understand." Severus crossed his arms.

"Alright!" Conroy replied and closed the door behind him.

-.-

It was several hours later, close to noon that found Severus sitting at Ileana's dark parlor. Her potions business has always been situated underneath their home with only one set of stairs separating her customers from their abode. He hadn't visited this place for many years as the need never arose. He used to keep the families of his employees as distance from him as humanly possible.

Used to…was the keyword. After Hermione stormed into his life and took a solid hold of his heart, things had slowly changed for him. In the past he wouldn't have visited Ileana's home in order to deliver the papers he was carrying inside his leather coat. He would have send Oswald, Conroy or possibly one of the main lobby secretaries.

But now…

Everything was seemingly different. Not only did he take it upon himself to visit Garret's widow and daughter, he also felt the heaviness that lingered over their abode heavy inside his heart. He was unable to detach himself from human emotions like he used to do in the past. He wasn't even sure he was able to stop them from appearing upon his features as he sat there rigidly, making an effort to avoid Ileana's sharp regard.

As if sensing his nervousness she spoke. "This is a rare visit indeed." Her voice resounded eerie inside the closed up parlor.

He wondered if she had opened any of the windows at all after Garret's passing. He looked up and caught her eyes. As unsettling as he remembered them…one green, one blue, they gleamed with shrewd curiosity. "I hope I didn't upset your household with my unannounced arrival Mrs. Willard."

"By all means you haven't. We are simply not used to having royalty in our midst." Ileana's smile was disconcerting.

"Anything but royalty…" Severus humphed.

"A living legend, choose your description Master…it matters not. Would you like some tea?" She touched the teapot gently with her fingers.

He felt a shudder rushing up his spine. "No, I am not going to bother you for long."

Ileana settled back to her easy chair and straightened her long black dress around her legs. "So what did we do to deserve a visit from the leadership of the Ministry?"

"You keep bestowing titles on me that I do not own Mistress." Severus forced himself to meet her eyes.

She gazed back at him boldly. "I haven't seen you since Garret's passing."

The wizard felt the jab. "Which is inexcusable of me. I should have come much sooner to offer my respects to you and your daughter."

Ileana's smirk was full of shadows. "None of Garret's bosses ever possessed such depth of insight. I didn't expect it from you either."

Another prod, even pointier. "I am making an effort Mrs. Willard."

"It's too late." Came the harsh reply.

He pursed his lips and closed his eyes briefly. "Should I inquire about your business?"

A small laugh escaped her that sounded even more haunting inside the desolation of the room. "Not unless you aim to sound rude."

"Enough mother! Now it is you who is sounding rude!" The vibrant voice that came from the stairs, surprised him.

He turned to see Garret's daughter. The uncomfortably beautiful girl, who had inherited her mother's eyes and her father's white hair. She seemed otherworldly as she almost floated down the staircase. Her long black dress wisped around her thin frame as she stopped in front of him.

"Tilly go back up those steps. I don't remember inviting you down." Her mother's voice didn't lack authority despite being low.

"I shall not, for I deserve to hear what the Commander came here to tell us today mother. Whatever it is, it concerns my father. Correct Sir?" Tilly looked at him with those wraithlike eyes.

Severus instantly felt pulled in by some unseen force. This girl was truly exceptional and he had to stop himself from using his vision in order to observe her energy threads and her aura. That seemed too intrusive inside this unfriendly environment. "Correct."

The silence that ascended from the two women made him twist uncomfortably in his seat. He wanted to say more to them, especially to Ileana about how much Garret's loss has pained him….but those angry eyes stopped him upon his tracks. They did not need his soothing words. They needed the papers he carried inside his pocket, which would provide them with more money….a small reprieve for Ileana's closed parlor that had decreased their income by a lot. He dug inside his pocket and pulled the scroll out. Then he handed it over to Ileana. "I wanted to present these with the honors your late husband deserved….but I am afraid I have no words that are worthy enough." He tried not to sound crushed.

Garret's widow unrolled the parchment and Tilly loomed above her shoulder for several silent moments. When they finished reading Ileana looked up with a heavy frown painted upon her well-formed eyebrows. Tilly turned around quickly to hide the tears that sprang from her eyes and grasped her mother's chair tightly in order not to fall apart. "What is all this?" Ileana whispered.

Severus kept his gaze on Tilly's shaking shoulders and his stomach dropped. "It is exactly what your husband deserved Mrs. Willard. Allow me to offer the official apologies of the Ministry for not presenting these honors to you sooner."

"Did you do this?" Ileana hissed as the scroll begun shaking under with her fingers.

"I cannot bestow the Order of Merlin to anyone Mrs. Willard. The signatures will tell you who offers you these honors."

Ileana looked quickly at the scroll. "Kiril Morozov, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Ephias Doge, Minister of Magic." She murmured.

"These were distinctions long overdue. It was not a decision that was taken the last moment." Severus tried a smile.

Ileana gazed back down at the scroll.

"I know it may not truly console you as the loss of Garret is immeasurable, but it will triple the pension of your late husband…." He allowed those words to linger.

Ileana looked up suddenly at that. "We never wanted the Ministry's money….only for them to realize what a hero my husband was!"

Severus lowered his eyes feeling pained by the justified attack.

"He sacrificed himself to save this ungrateful world!" Ileana snapped and placed the scroll heavily on the table.

"No words from me will ever be enough to offer you solace you Mrs. Willard. At least accept the Ministry's effort to support you in this belated manner." He said gently.

"I don't care about your damned Ministry! Only about my dead husband!" Ileana thundered and stood up. Then she walked away from him with an air of defiance.

Severus pressed his lips tightly.

Silence descended in the room like the heaviest veil for several minutes. Just as he was ready to excuse himself and run away from the demands of this heavy meeting Ileana spoke again with a broken voice. She was apparently in tears too. "I just want you to bring him back to us…."

Severus' heart broke. "I wish I could…"

Another wave of silence covered the room, shattering Severus completely. He slowly stood up. "Pray forgive me for upsetting you in this manner Mrs. Willard, Miss Willard. If it means anything to you, Garret was one of my best soldiers. Loyal to a fault and strong beyond reason. He shall be forever missed and never forgotten." He bowed deeply to both women even though they had their backs to him and made it for the door.

That is when Tilly rushed and grabbed him by the forearm. Her youthful face was swimming in tears. "My father was a hero…."

"He was the biggest hero of us all, young lady." Severus welled.

"Even though he was stupid enough to be drawn in by Voldemort in his youth…"

"Count your words carefully about your father Tilly!" Ileana grumbled, even though her voice was vibrating with suppressed tears.

"He was foolish to fall for Voldemort's deceits!" -Tilly rebuked heavily and then turned to Severus- "But he fought bravely to escape that beast's hold. In the end he did it, didn't he? He atoned himself in the eyes of the world, right?"

The yearning in this girl's eyes, made Severus' breath catch. "Your father left behind him a legacy. Be as proud of him as we all are my dear girl."

Her hand tightened around his forearm. "I want to try out for the Keepers, Commander." Her voice was steadily authoritative as she spoke those words, despite the tears that were pouring down her cheeks.

"Keep your mouth shut Tilly!" Her mother turned around in fury.

"No you keep yours shut mother. I have heard enough all these years. I have seen enough! I am the daughter of a hero and I will act as such! My father wouldn't have expected anything less from me!" Tilly rebuked assertively.

Severus exchanged an urgent glance with Ileana and recognized the fear masked under her anger. "I am afraid we only recruit from people who have battle experience in the field."

Tilly released his hand and flared her shoulders. "My father has taught me extensively in wand combat…"

"That is hardly enough." Severus hurried, but she spoke over him.

"In the creation, sustainment and enhancement of the ancient Runic Schematics…"

That gave a long pause to Severus and a window of opportunity for Tilly to continue.

"And he introduced me early on to the broad use of the Dark Arts as protective methods against foes in this world and inside the Underworld." Tilly raised her white brow slowly at him.

Severus opened his mouth, but was unable to utter any words.

"Do you have to spew all the secrets of our family?" Ileana rushed over to them.

"Allow your daughter to speak….please." Severus said quickly.

That gave pause to Ileana who looked at her daughter in quiet anger.

Tilly licked her lips and turned to him. "My father showed me how to use the Dark Arts and create Runic Schematics in order to protect myself and my mother inside the Underworld Commander. I may be young, but I have ample knowledge passed down by my father. I am eager and fast to learn. You do need recruits, don't you?"

"Yes." He said quietly as his eyes observed the courageous girl.

"Then try me out!" Tilly straightened her body proudly.

Severus licked his lips.

"Try me out inside the Underworld. If I fail I will not bother you again. If I don't then…."

"…you get Garret's spirit contained inside a youthful body…" Ileana spoke over her daughter with a quivering voice. Tears sprang from her eyes.

Tilly looked at her sadly. "Dad wouldn't have wanted his knowledge to be lost mom…." Her voice had mellowed by degrees.

"I know…heaven help me, I know." Ileana nodded and covered her mouth as sobs erupted from her chest.

Tilly rushed to support her and turned to Severus. "Will you give me a chance to make my father proud Commander?"

Severus felt his stomach squeezing painfully. "I will be expecting you at my office Monday morning."

The first ray broke through the clouded features of Tilly. She turned to her mother who was crying on her shoulder. "Thank you Sir."

"Don't be late." He tilted his head with a ghostly smile.

Tilly's smile lit up her whole face. "I won't!"

He opened the door and without waiting for anymore words he walked out. He stood in front of their house with a troubled heart for a long time as the heavy clouds gathered over the city. When a steady drizzle begun falling from the sky he started walking without having any direction. He didn't want to go back to his office and neither to return home and come face to face with the angry countenance of Hermione's parents.

He strolled pensively to a nearby park. He found the most isolated bench and allowed the rain to drench him without using any protective spells. He eyes got lost between a cluster of trees and a fountain, where a small boy was playing with his football as his mother cast a protective bubble around him. Their eyes met despite the distance and she smiled at him.

He looked away and felt his throat closing up as he remembered how broken Ileana was and how proud Garret's daughter. Suddenly his own daughter that was growing inside Hermione's belly made a few tears spring from his eyes. He could only hope that one day his child would feel as proud of him, as Tilly was about her father.

He didn't know how long he remained there getting soaked by the steady rainfall, but suddenly his Eleventh Key lit up and he heard her voice loud and clear inside his head. "I am with my parents at the Old Thameside Inn, close to Shakespear's Globe. I spoke with my mother also. Meet me there as soon as possible. I love you."

Severus winced and closed his eyes reflectively. He would have opted to avoid this meeting for the rest of his life, if possible, but those three precious words of hers were enough to make him stand up.

I love you….

He couldn't and wouldn't leave her alone through this.

-,-

He walked all the way to the appointed restaurant, choosing on purpose not to use an apparition, mostly because he wanted to collect himself enough to appear courteous. Hermione saw him from afar and waved happily. He steadied his steps and his heart as he approached. He barely had the time to salute her parents when she buried herself in his arms and offered him a fleeting kiss on the lips. Then she drew back and clasped his hand. "You are soaking wet."

"It's raining." He said as if that could explain why he didn't magically protect himself from the elements of nature.

Hermione slithered her fingers through his hair softly and murmured a few words that instantly dried him. Then she gave him another soft kiss and pulled him along. "Thank you for coming in such short notice my love. I know how busy your schedule is now that you have decided to return at the Ministry's employment. Please take a seat. We haven't ordered lunch yet." She pulled the chair for him.

He glared at her silently. This seemed so wrong. All of it. Despite the lurking feelings of perturbation he sat gingerly and tried to look as small as possible, which was difficult for his usually daunting presence. Half the restaurant was looking at them already. His face was printed in the cover of most newspapers even if a month had passed after the battle of the Underworlds.

"Really Hermione Jean, is it necessary to play this charade? I am not in the mood for food. Not after what I have learned." Flora crossed her arms and looked towards the street. Pointedly avoiding Severus' presence at the table.

"I am not hungry either." Chris murmured.

"Cannot blame either of them." Severus added promptly.

"Will you all stop? I don't care if you guys are hungry or not. I am famished and when I need food, so does the baby in my belly. Can we all agree on that?!" Hermione looked around the table.

Flora gave her a quick glance. "I can agree on that, but nothing else. The wee sweetheart is not to blame for this mess. It needs to eat properly."

"And by that loving nickname I don't think you mean me, right mom?" Hermione raised her brow playfully.

Severus couldn't understand where she was deriving such nerve from, but then he was a novice when it came to proper family dynamics.

"Feed the wee darling before she pops out and learns about the holly mess of her parents." Flora rejoined with austerity.

"Now-now Flora…" Chris tried to intervene.

"Don't now-now me Christopher! At least that pretty little diamond will find some stability through her grandparents." Flora humphed loftily.

"And not through her parents, for who she will be most certainly proud of?" Hermione raised her hand at the waiter. She still seemed unbothered by her mother's furious attack.

"Proud about learning that her mother fell in love with her father who used to be a bloody Death Eater?" Flora still avoided Severus methodically. It was as if he wasn't sitting amidst them.

He knew that feeling well…that was a familiar sentiment he could sink back into.

Hermione smirked at her mother unfazed and turned to the waiter. "Good evening."

"Good evening are you ready to order?" The man smiled at each of them, but his eyes lingered a few seconds more on Severus.

Something that was also familiar. The Professor begun counting the familiar feelings against the unfamiliar ones, wondering which would win at the end of this bloody day.

"Of course, mom what are you having?" Hermione looked at her.

"A cup of black tea, no sugar, no milk!" Flora said.

"Dad?"

"A large mug of bear. Any brand you chose lad." Chris shook his head dismissively.

"How about you my love?" She cupped his hand and squeezed it gently.

"A glass of absinthe would do." He muttered under his breath.

"Something less illegal?" Hermione smiled knowingly at him.

"Moonshine…."

Hermione looked at the waiter with a huge smile. "He will have a mug of bear as well. Strong ale please. Now as for me, I would like a course of Cornish pastry, a full English breakfast, a plate of fish and chips and also a Toad in the hole. I cannot drink alcohol, so bring me a large glass of fresh lemon juice please. That will be all…for now."

As the waiter bowed and left Flora's mouth dropped open. "A Toad in the hole? Full breakfast, fish and chips….pastry…who in the name of heaven is going to eat all that Hermione Jean?!"

"Me! I am famished!" Hermione smirked.

"You are going to become absolutely humongous!" Flora glared.

"And still my husband is going to adore me, right my love?" She clasped his hand tightly.

"More than ever." His response was spontaneous.

Hermione beamed up to him and then turned to her mother. "Isn't it wonderful that I have a partner who will always love me the way I am, mom? Dad always loved you no matter how huge you turned out after your pregnancies, but I cannot complain because you always supported him also, despite the sever errors of judgment he made during his mid-life crisis. You remember what I am talking about of course."

Flora paled and Chris looked up with a deep frown. "I don't think it is right to bring up the past in this manner. You are hurting your mother."

"She is bringing up the past of my husband…and she is hurting me also. I am treating this in all fairness. Since we all decided to reveal our deepest secrets we must all accept that none of us is infallible."

"You cannot expect me to consent to your union with this man, now that I have learned that he worked for the bloody lunatic that brought the magical world to its knees. No matter what you say about your father's past, won't change that so I would suggest you stop speaking now." Flora thrust her chin up proudly.

"Let's start from the basics. I don't expect you to consent to anything mom. Your disapproval won't affect the deep love I feel for this man." Hermione rejoined.

Flora's lips twisted in a testy grimace. "As stubborn as ever. That will be your downfall."

"I take from you and you look fine. You married the man you loved, despite the age difference, you raised a good kid and you supported your family through thick and thin. That is what I wish to do also."

"I didn't marry a Death Eater!" Flora hissed.

"Hmmm you are using that part of his life constantly, because that is the thorn on your side mom. Let me therefore correct you. Severus is not just any Death Eater that stormed my life in order to destroy me. He is so much more than that. He is a former Death Eater, who defected to the side of the Light long before I entered the school and worked for the Order of the Phoenix and the Ministry hence forth. He is a man who sacrificed himself so we could win the war against Voldemort and who now works at the Ministry in order to protect us from forces few can reckon with. If you wish to describe him, then do so fully! He was our Professor, our guardian for seven years! He held the most sacred secrets of Dumbledore in the palm of his hand and the safety of this school under his wand! He stepped in bravely to help me with this insidious Marriage Law and saved me more times than I can count. This is the man we are talking about mom. Not just ….a bloody Death Eater!" Hermione retorted in a rigid voice.

Flora's face remained haughtily distant, but Chris decided to intervene. "The man was honest enough to reveal to me everything Flora. That should amount to something…"

"The minimum, balls of steel." -Hermione lifted her brow- "Considering how distasteful your attitude is right now mom."

"Hermione-Jean!" Flora protested.

"Oh, stop it! Severus has barely arrived. The food isn't even here yet and you have taken him through trial and condemned him already."

"Well…"

"Well nothing…you want to talk honesty. Let's do so. Do you think the bloody Wizengamot who reviewed Severus' case after the Battle of Hogwarts would have imprisoned him already, had they found anything incriminating against him?" Hermione said emphatically.

"The Wizengamot and the Ministry had always been infiltrated by Dark Wizards Hermione and we all know it! That is how that damned lunatic was able to control the whole wizarding world." Flora snapped back.

Hermione grasped his hand tightly. "And Severus was one of those Dark Wizards mom, but there is one major difference between him and the others."

"Which is?"

"He repented deeply for his original choices, he deflected, he worked hard to gain the trust of the most prolific wizards of our time and they chose him….HIM to be their right hand against Voldemort! He lived the dangerous and draining life of a spy for many years and died a thousand deaths until we could bring that nightmare to rest. Even then he didn't choose to retire and hide. He was employed again by the damned Ministry, in one of the most hard and important positions to exist in that institution in order to fight against the Dark Arts and once more become our bloody guardian!" Hermione barked.

Flora pursed her lips and crossed her arms. "You try to present this man's history as admirable. I only see him surrounded by Dark Magic."

"Well, one has to be proficient in that kind of magic in order to know how to fight it." Hermione rebuked.

"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Cannot argue that." Chris sighed.

"Thank you dad….finally." Hermione smiled in obvious relief.

"I cannot believe you are taking their side now." Flora frowned.

"I didn't know that we had sides. We are here to learn about the partner of our daughter and express our worries to her….to them." Chris added with visible hesitation.

"Oh that book you had been reading all night has messed with your mind." Flora shook her head angrily.

"I haven't even reached the middle of the story, darling….Let us take a breath please." Chris looked up with sadness in his eyes.

"Yes let us…for I am truly hungry right now." Hermione licked her lips and searched for the waiter.

"How can you eat at the moment?" Severus asked, clearly confused.

"That's not me doing that. It's your daughter….believe me I have never felt such kind of hunger prior to falling pregnant." Hermione shrugged with a smile.

"And now we are going from talking about Death Eaters to discussing the wee darling….great." Flora intervened cuttingly.

"Do you mind that my husband and I are having a discussion about our baby?" Hermione raised both brows at her mother sternly.

"You are not even married. That man deposited the papers for your divorce a couple of days ago. You told me, remember?" Flora snapped.

"A divorce of a fake marriage, which was arranged in order for me to escape exile, remember?" Hermione retorted.

"And during which time you fell in love with him, supposedly in all earnest?!" Flora leaned over.

"Leave the suppositions out of this! I did fall deeply in love with him!" Hermione leaned over too.

Chris grasped Flora's arm and pulled her back. "Sit down…you are making a scene."

"I should, listen to her! Not only did she fall in love with a ….with this man…" –She stopped herself from saying Death Eater at the last moment- "She is also getting a bloody divorce from him, whilst pregnant!"

Hermione pressed her lips in annoyance. "We are getting a divorce from that farce of a marriage, in order to get properly eloped this time mom. I told you that also, but you chose to ignore it."

"How can you be so sure that he is going to propose? What if he abandons you and the baby?" Flora frowned.

"I am right here Mrs. Granger." Severus' voice resounded heavy.

They all turned to him.

"I know that you have created an appalling image for me, which I cannot blame. My past is heavy and difficult to accept. However I love your daughter more than my life. I would never abandon her or our child…." Severus stopped there, not knowing how to continue. He looked away with a deep scowl.

Hermione's touch upon his hand was soothing. "Severus proved his undying loyalty to me and our baby already mom, in ways I cannot describe…."

"Which are?"

Hermione looked at his profile and recognized the anguish he was going through. She cupped his cheek and turned his face towards her. Then she gave him the most loving smile she could produce. "He offered his life for me…" She whispered.

His eyes filled with tears, which he tried to control. Her finger wiped two of them that rolled down his cheek. He opened his mouth, but no words could come out….the only thing that he managed to give her was a faded smile.

She awarded that by pecking his lips softly and then turning towards her mom. "He offered his life for both of us…." She repeated with a coarse voice. She was clearly trying to hold back her tears too.

That visible expression of emotion gave a small pause to Flora, whose eyes darted between Hermione and Severus for a few moments. "I don't think I wish to know what you are saying Hermione Jean."

"Take my words for granted and let us leave it at that." Hermione said solemnly.

Flora looked away with a deep sigh. No one spoke for a long time, before she finally gave in. "I mean where's the waiter? He is taking an eon to bring my tea."

"My overloaded order has probably caused that delay." Hermione smiled.

"I can go inside and bring it for you." Severus offered.

Hermione pressed his cold fingers. "Stay, I see him already coming towards us." She said and raised her hand to catch the attention of the waiter who was carrying a huge tray on his shoulder.

As all the plates were placed like a hand fan in front of Hermione, everyone remained silent. She ignored their need for proper decorum and forgetting her fresh argument with Flora or Severus' rigid presence next to her, picked up the fork and dug in heartily. She stuffed her face with everything she could from the English breakfast and the pastries, before attacking the rest of the dishes. It was her mother who intervened once again with a more quiet voice this time. "I have never seen you eat like this…" She sounded horrified.

"Well, I am pregnant if you haven't noticed." Hermione rejoined while trying to swallow a mouthful.

"And you are not even home to brush your teeth afterwards." Flora tsked.

"Mom, honestly…." -Hermione grumbled- "Let me enjoy my food!"

Flora humphed and tasted her tea. Hermione turned to Severus and smiled. "Wanna taste one of the pastries, it's heavenly."

"No you eat…you need to keep yourself well nourished." He tried a smile, which failed. Then he picked up his mug and drunk half of it without blinking an eyelid.

"Great, he is probably an alcoholic also…." Flora mumbled under her breath.

Hermione threw her fork down with such force, everyone around turned to look at them. "I think that is enough! What else do you have to throw at him mom….do it and let us get this over with. You called him Death Eater, I've proven that he is a damned hero that the Ministry appreciates to such extend, they won't leave him alone for a single moment. You called him a predator the other day and more than suggested that he has taken advantage of me and he will abandon me and our child. Now you are calling him an alcoholic…what else is there….?"

"A killer?" Flora's eyes thinned.

At that Hermione pulled back and froze.

"No Flora….what you are doing is not right." Chris intervened heavily.

Severus cupped Hermione's hand and shook his head quietly.

"He was a killer mom…he still is….because one cannot fight the dark nightmares that he does every day without resulting in such measures. I haven't fallen in love with an orthodontist…but with a soldier. Soldiers fight, they kill and die so that others can live in peace and be able to virtue signal everyone who doesn't fit their plan ….if you cannot understand that, I really can't do anything more to help you." Hermione's eyes welled.

Flora gazed at her daughter for several seconds before averting her eyes and cupping her mouth. Her gaze surged with suppressed tears likewise.

"Now you are going to start crying too….great." Chris threw his arm around his wife's shoulders and pulled her in.

Flora shook her head and remained mute as she tried to wipe her face.

Hermione pulled back her tears and offered her mom a napkin. Then she picked up her fork and attacked her food again as if nothing had happened. Severus was observing her partly amused, partly in absolute awe. There was no doubt the woman next to him could become terrifying when she wanted to.

"The way you are talking to me…." Flora squeezed her eyes tight and hid her face in Chris' shoulder.

Hermione swallowed a big bite, stabbed a sausage from the Mole in the Hole and offered it to Severus, who shook his head in denial. "Try it its good!"

"No…thank you…"

"I said eat it!" She snapped.

Severus pulled back surprised and took the bite she offered, not wanting to annoy her. Hermione's eyes were virtually eating him up. "Isn't it divine?"

"Very well cooked indeed." He agreed and wiped the sides of his mouth with a napkin carefully.

"As for you mom….I am talking to you exactly as you are to me! You have been attacking Severus ever since you arrived in London. I am simply supporting my husband and you should be damned proud of that. I am defending him, like you defended your husband in the most dreadful circumstances, upon which I am not going to elaborate in Severus' presence. I learned that kind of fairness…that kind of loyalty from you!" Hermione said purposely.

Those grave words summoned another quiet spell around the table. With that, Hermione found the opportunity to eat heartily, Severus to finish his bear in a very short time, Chris to muse over his drink broodily and Flora to sniffle on his shoulder until she finally begun calming down. When finally Hermione was satiated and leaned back, it was her father who decided to take over for the first time since this accursed lunch had commenced.

He cleared his throat and raised his eyes to the wizard. "So…what is your current job Professor? A Keeper, right?"

"Their Commander!" Hermione intervened as she rubbed a rather bloated belly. She didn't manage to finish, but her effort was decent.

"Their Commander. A soldier indeed. So the book describes the Keepers as some kind of Aurors for the Underworld." Chris continued as he offered Flora her tea, which was cold by now.

"Yes." Severus said quietly. He still wished to somehow disappear.

"The Underworld…it is a bunch of worlds parallel to ours? Or so the book was saying…" Chris continued.

"I appreciate you trying to sound interested in my job Mr. Granger, but even magical people have a difficulty understanding what I do." Severus rejoined.

"Which is very hard and dangerous on a daily basis." Hermione added deliberately.

"So he could die before the wee darling gets born." Flora's intervention was much more subdued this time, but no less pointy.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "You really cannot get enough, can you?"

"I am simply worried you are going to become a widow at such a young age. What is so wrong with a mother worrying about her daughter? I didn't say anything to offend the man this time. I am simply commenting on the dangers of his work." Flora patted the tears that sprang from her eyes again.

Hermione sighed deeply. "Let me worry about Severus while you worry about your husband."

"Well the most dangerous part of my job can only mess up the smiles of others…not that dangerous." Chris' lips curled up in a hidden smile.

Hermione looked at him long and hard before snorting. That seemed to have broken the tension somehow. "Thanks dad…."

Chris shook his head and tasted his beer. "You want another one?" He pointed at Severus.

"No, thank you." He frowned towards his mug, not really out of his dark thoughts.

"So are you going to become an apprentice of Ward 49? That will be a great development for your profession love." Chris told his daughter. He was driving the conversation away from Severus on purpose.

"I already have one of the best collaborations with Myriam, who is the head nurse there. She says I have a lot of potential." Hermione smiled brightly.

"I never expected anything less from you my darling. What do you think about Hermione's professional ventures Professor?" Chris reached out to clasp her hand, which Hermione quickly reciprocated.

"Your daughter is so brilliant that the position of Head nurse in the most difficult ward of St. Mungo's will soon be at the tip of her wand. However I think she can advance even more, in avenues she might not have considered well yet."

"Like?" Chris asked and Flora looked up mildly interested.

"Politics." Severus tilted his head.

Hermione's parents exchanged a long glance and waited for him to elaborate.

"Your daughter managed to organize the biggest protest crowd against the Marriage Law. More than three thousand people. That is not a trivial achievement. I believe her insight on how the Muggleborn community works, how people think, what they need, can become a useful tool inside the Minister's cabinet. They don't have a member to represent that part of the constituency and I according to me Hermione is the best candidate." Severus resumed.

He turned to her and was surprised to see her face glowing with a loving smile.

"Who ….just who would vote for such a sinister law in the first place?" Flora frowned.

"That is under several investigations, one of which I will partake along with Mr. Potter." Severus said while looking at Hermione.

She raised her brows. "Really?"

He tilted his head. "The ones responsible for causing this mayhem and despair, will be brought to justice. I will make sure of that."

Flora and Chris remained quiet as Hermione grinned. "I know you will my love."

"My daughter will not be born under such a corrupt government." Severus' brows burst with shadows.

That filled Hermione's eyes with tears and silenced her parents for several moments before a respectful voice intruded on their grave discussion. "Commander Snape?"

He turned and looked up in confusion. In front of their table stood more than a dozen women of various ages. Some were alone, some accompanied by their families, some by their children. All of them were holding flowers. When he turned they all bowed in respect. He winced, bereft of words. "What….what is this?"

"Forgive us for intruding your lunch in this manner." -One of the girls stepped forth- "We learned you were here and decided upon a whim to come see you. It is impossible to get a hold of you in the Ministry or at your home."

"Who are you?" He murmured feeling lost.

"You don't remember any of us?" The girl who decided to speak for all, smiled.

"No…I am…sorry." He shook his head and that is when he felt Hermione's hand clasping his.

The girl's face filled with gloomy shadows as she spoke again. "A month ago to this day, you along with several Aurors broke the heavily warded trap door, of an invisible church inside the fifth level of the Underworld…." She waited for him to catch up.

Severus felt his stomach cramping with a violent pain and exhaled hard. His fingers slid through her Hermione's and clutched her tightly…wanting her to ground him somehow.

"There you found hidden behind an impenetrable wall a group of women. They were buried inside a circular room of nightmares and torture. Chained against the walls, sitting in their own urine and soils. Pooling in their vomit and blood. All of them had been repeatedly raped, some had been impregnated by their captors and died before giving birth. You came in, broke our chains and embraced us without feeling disgusted of our state. You were very ill yourself as you helped each and every girl out of that hellhole and into safety. Thirteen girls came out of that nightmare with your help, twelve survived…because of you Sir."

Severus bottom lip was quivering under the palm of his hand. His eyes were surging with tears. He barely felt Hermione's hand clutching his.

"We wanted to come see you and offer you these humble flowers as the least gesture of gratitude for giving us back our lives. What we went through shall not be easily forgotten Sir…but you gave us hope….Your unsurpassed bravery and dedication returned hope back to our families, when hope was nowhere to be found." The girl looked above her shoulders at the mothers, the fathers and the children who were embracing each other with tears running down their faces.

Severus shook his head, unable to find any words that were worthy enough. No order of Merlin would have ever touched him as deeply as this gesture had.

"Can we Sir?" The girl showed the flowers to him.

He nodded mutely and his fingers tightened around his mouth as a torrent of unspoken emotions piled up.

"Kimberly Taylor, twenty four. I am wand maker. I would love to offer you and your brave wife a new wand each. This my mother Ivy and my niece Chloe. Thank you for saving my life Sir." The first girl bowed along with her family and placed a bunch of peach roses in front of him.

"Martha Corbyn, twenty seven. I am an investor, mostly interested in small business of ancient artifacts. This is my father Jaxon. Thank you for saving my life Sir." She placed a similar bouquet on the table and walked back.

"Wren Clark, thirty one. I am alone in this world Sir. I am a sheer and an astrologer. I would love to give you and Miss Granger a reading. Thank you for keeping me alive Sir." That girl sniffled as she placed the flowers in front of him.

"Clementine Turner, twenty. I am a freshman in Oxford University of Magical studies. I haven't chosen a major yet. This is my mom Arabella…." The girl wasn't able to finish, as her mom fell on her knees and grasped Severus' free hand. She kissed it fervently and bawled. "Thank you for saving my precious girl…thank you for saving her life…thank you…"

"Please forgive her. She gets sentimental so easily. Thank you Sir…for everything." She placed the flowers and helped her mother at the back of the line.

One by one they came, all of them. Telling him their names, introducing their families and their professions. Giving him those beautiful peach bouquets and bowing to him with faces that were surging with tears. When they finished they all gathered together and waited patiently for him.

It was as if a hand was wrapped around his throat, invisibly choking him as he muttered a few simple words. "Thank you…so much…" His voice was coarse and barely heard.

The women looked at each other, bowed to Hermione and her family and walked away as quietly as they had come to rock his world. He closed his eyes and counted inwards. It was impossible to contain his feelings from exploding. After taking a couple of shaky breaths he turned to Hermione who was looking at him with a deep frown. "Will you excuse me for a moment?"

As he walked off towards a small park across the street, Hermione turned to her parents who looked bewildered. "You hurled so many accusations towards Severus. You asked so many unfair questions. Mother, father…this is the hero I love. This is the father of my baby and I couldn't have been more proud of him." She said and walked after him quickly.

Flora and Chris clasped each other's hands and gazed at the huge pile of peach roses that was abandoned at the table.

-.-

Hermione sat next to him and engaged his elbow. Then she shuffled closer. "Are you alright?" Her voice was quiet.

He frowned towards his hands. "I think so."

"This became too much all of a sudden?" She gazed at him worriedly.

"You have no idea how much…" He swallowed heavily.

She reached up and caressed his bicep firmly. "I know my love."

He nodded and remained quiet for a long time as he tried to tame his emotions. Put a bridle on them before they run rampart. She remained next to him, her considerate presence soothing him more than words could say. When he felt safe that he could speak without hearing his voice break, he turned to her. "How did these women know where I was today?"

Hermione reached up to clear some long locks away from his cheeks. "How should I know? You are very famous Professor. Someone must have blown the whistle."

Severus' eyes pierced her soul. "Did you do it?"

Hermione cupped his cheek and smiled lovingly. "What a ridiculous suggestion. Your imagination barely wins over your renowned logic. It was expected that sooner or later these ladies would have tried to show you their gratitude. It was a happy coincidence that happened in front of my parents, don't you agree?"

His brows met in a deep scowl.

Her fingers traced the vertical lines and tried to smooth them. "Don't look at me like that…." She murmured.

"This was your doing, I can feel it. I can see it." His eyes filled with tears unexpectedly fast.

She approached and wiped his cheek clean with her pinky. "Stop intruding my personal space with your eerie vision Professor." Her voice held a playful tenor that made his heart melt.

His hands slid up her arms and clasped her tightly. "Why did you invite them Hermione?"

Her eyes lost all their lightheartedness and her brows furrowed. "Because my parents needed to see the real you. I wanted them to see the hero….the true man I fell in love with. Now maybe they can understand how proud your daughter will be of you, when she comes to her own."

Severus swept her in his arms and buried his nose inside her curls, waking up her scent. He enwrapped her firmly, not ever wanting to let go. "My beautiful Hermione…" He whispered.

She reciprocated his hold and the smile that formed on her lips was wholesome. "My exceptional husband…."

A strong shudder shook his body and she felt it. They remained enfolded onto each other for a long time, before Hermione pulled back slightly. "Oh…" She muttered.

He looked at her with a frown. "What's wrong?"

"Wait…." –She raised her hand and closed her eyes- "Dizzy."

He grasped her biceps tightly. "Take a deep breath."

Hermione tried to do so, but the moment she opened her lips a loud burp was released. She cupped her mouth and looked at him wide-eyed.

"Well, that was expected considering what you ate." Severus smirked.

"Don't start on me. I will become absolutely massive at the end of the pregnancy. I just know it." Hermione looked at him with a lopsided smile that melted his heart.

He stood up and pulled her with him. "So you are going to be even more stunning. I don't know how I will be able to keep my hands away from you."

"Didn't know you liked heavy women."

"I know how to appreciate curves…" -He smiled down at her and turned towards her parents- "Go to them. I will take care of the bill."

Before he walked off Hermione clutched his hand. "Forgive their harsh words….they are angry. Time will help them settle down. I will help them."

Severus' lips twitched uncomfortably. "I don't blame them."

Hermione gazed at him long and hard. Only after she was certain that he was speaking the truth did she smile at him. "After we finish, we must escort them to the train station."

"They are leaving?" Severus scowled.

Hermione shrugged. "Yes, unfortunately."

"You wanted them to remain more?"

"I would have liked to catch up with them, yes. However these are not the best circumstances. Maybe when they calm down…later…." She said musingly.

"Maybe you should visit them instead."

"Alone?" She gazed at him.

He tilted his head. "It would be for the best, for now."

"No…I am not going anywhere without you." She caressed his jawline gently, feeling the stumble of a few days tickling her palm.

"We shall discuss this later." He rejoined.

She came on tiptoe and pecked his lips. There she lingered for a moment enjoying their closeness before she walked to the table.

-.-

Several hours later found Severus holding Hermione's hand as she was saying goodbye to her parents. They were standing in the middle of a busy train platform amidst many families who were bidding their farewells. Once more Severus felt like he was inside a vaguely familiar environment. Alone, but surrounded by families.

But was that thought true? Hermione's fingers were tightly entwined through his as she was smiling at her mother who was caressing her belly with tears in her eyes. After leaving the restaurant Hermione led them through Diagon Alley and they spend a lot of time shopping. Blessedly forgetting the heavy conversation they had a few hours ago. After that they found a nice little café close to the Thames and drank well-made brews as they tiptoed carefully around any sensitive subjects. Their conversation circled around Hermione's job, Harry and Ginny, the Weasley and her pregnancy. Flora tried to sound typically polite to Severus, but didn't engage him so much. Christopher made a few timid efforts to ask him about his years at Hogwarts. A much safer part of his history to be sure.

When the sun begun to set they escorted her parents to the train station in tense silence.

"Mom, I swear you are going to choke me." Hermione embraced her mother back.

"You take care of my wee darling until we return, alright?" Flora pushed back and tucked Hermione's wild hair behind her ears.

"I will, don't worry."

"You must feed well, but don't overdo it like today. You will cause a problem to the baby with all that fat and sugar that you shoved into your poor body." Flora frowned.

"I won't." Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Choose wholesome foods, fruits, vegetables, fish…and buy some vitamins…I mean not vitamins. Make potions that contain vitamins. You have a potioneer next to you who can do it for free." Flora offered him a fleeting glance.

"With pleasure Mrs. Granger." He rejoined evenly.

She thoroughly ignored him. "Rest well at night, don't stay up late and walk a lot. It will help with the delivery when the time comes." Flora added.

"I will do so mom." Hermione reassured her.

"We will go home to settle a few things with our clientele and then return to London. We will find a place to stay in order to help you when the times get harder." Flora wiped her daughter's cheek clean with the palm of her hand.

"I have everything I need mom. Severus is here to help me."

"We will be back in a couple months! That is not up for debate!" Flora pointed a finger at Hermione.

"Fine….heaven." She said feeling exhausted.

"Now come here!" Flora drew her in another tight embrace, which Hermione suffered uncomplainingly until the departure announcement blared through the speakers.

"Let me say goodbye to my father!" Hermione laughed at her mom's worrying nature and turned to Chris.

That left Flora and Severus face to face. He pressed his lips and offered his hand, knowing that he had to make an effort. "Have a good trip Mrs. Granger. It was an honor to have seen you again."

Flora hesitated for several moments before clasping his hand gingerly. "You too Professor, although no one can describe our confrère as pleasant."

"That is true." He winced.

"If…" –She visibly stumbled- "…Hermione needs anything…whatever it is…any time of day and night….call us….please."

"I will Mrs. Granger." He said respectfully.

That is when Hermione released her father and took her mom a little ways off to calm her down. Christopher turned to Severus. "Well, this visit had been…interestingly intense."

"That's an understatement Mr. Granger."

Chris pursed his lips and flicked his shoulder. "I am sorry we couldn't be more pleasant."

"You are both excused. I am sorry I couldn't be more suitable for your brilliant daughter." Severus rejoined regretfully.

Chris looked towards the train which was preparing for departure. "We should hurry."

"Of course." Severus bowed and took a step back.

Chris gazed at him long and hard before offering his hand. Severus clasped it after a moment of hesitation. "Please take care of my baby girl."

Severus looked at him with silent tension.

"Take care of her until I finish reading your book. Can we have that deal?" Chris resumed in a low voice.

"Yes sir." -Severus closed his eyes- "Thank you."

Chris squeezed his hand briefly and then turned to his wife and daughter. The last goodbyes were offered in the midst of a lot of crying and hugging. When finally they boarded the train Hermione slipped her fingers through his and leaned her head on her shoulder. "Well that had been unexpectedly emotional."

He sighed and caressed her cheek gently as he tried to locate her parents inside the carriage. "Are you ok?"

"I feel overwhelmed by my mother's solicitude and aggressiveness to be quite honest."

"I understand."

"At least my father was much more composed. Maybe that book you gave him helped." Hermione found his eyes.

He turned her around and pulled her into his arms as the train whistled once and begun rolling down the tracks. "Thank you for supporting me so fervently to your parents today."

"Did you expect anything less from me?" She smiled.

He turned to the station and raised his arm. "Wave at them."

She did so. "Did I overburden you by calling these women here today?"

He turned her face to him. "What you did for me today was exceptional, irreplaceable. No one has ever treated me this way before."

"No one has ever loved you like I have before Commander." She smiled as her parents begun waving back at them.

He frowned as waves of uncertainty rippled through his face. "I love you too my life…."

"Show it to me." She beamed up to him.

"How?"

"Slow down the world for me…." Her fingers stroked his chin softly.

He smiled and as he raised his hand everything around them slowed down to a stop. The train, her parents with their hands lifted up and the smiles upon their faces, the remaining families upon the platform waving goodbye to their loved ones, the conductor with the whistle in his mouth and his cheeks puffed up, a flock of birds up in the sky and a small squirrel jumping over the train-lines. Hermione looked around her mesmerized. "How in the name of heaven did you do that?"

"Answer me this and I shall teach you." He kissed the side of her mouth tenderly.

"Answer you what?" She whispered as his arresting presence instantly magnetized her.

"Will marry me?" He murmured softly.

The baritone of his voice, the deep emotions vibrating through its tone and his breath caressing her face made her quiver so hard she had to grasp him for support. "Marry you…"

"Again….Marry me again. This time not because the Ministry forced you….not because I had to step in to help you….not because…"

"…we were oblidged…" She spoke over him with quiet tautness.

"This time marry me, because I love you more than I have ever loved anyone else in my life…" His eyes pooled with unbidden tears.

Her chest released a sob mixed with a laugh and she embraced him tightly. "There isn't anyone else I would ever wish to spend my life with. I want to live life to the fullest with you. I want to have your babies. I want to support you, to know you, to share your troubles, to soothe you…to see grandbabies and to grow old with you. I love you Severus."

His eyes burrowed into her very soul as he swept down and took her in a passionate kiss that exploded myriads of energy threads all around them. Threads of bright red love that spread all over the platform. Twisting around the visitors, the conductor's whistle, the bird's wings and the squirrel's tail. Some of those threads slid up and found Flora's and Chris' hands and they wrapped around their wrists, enlightening them with their intensity.

And they kissed for what felt like forever and a day as Severus' magic withdrew from the platform and allowed the train to depart upon its journey. They kissed deeply, as they were starting on their own journey without knowing where it would lead them.

The only thing they knew and truly mattered is that they shared a love that equaled to no other and that was enough to give them hope. Hope that was fed by the baby that was pressed safely between them and who would follow them into that journey enhancing it with its innocent beauty.

THE END