Chapter 10

Hermione wasn't doing very well. Emma wasn't surprised. She'd have been scared witless and couldn't say what she'd have done herself. She'd had such a better relationship with her daughter this summer, and didn't want it to slip away. Summoning her courage she asked, "Did you recognize either of those men?"

Hermione was on the sofa tucked into a ball. She nodded. "One of them was a boy at school named Draco Malfoy. He'd always hated me. The other man was Professor Snape. Everyone always told me that he was a bad man, but I believed in him. Why would they try to hurt me?" She was rocking back and forth slightly.

It had been Dan and Emma's plan to try and talk with the two separately and then compare stories later. Emma was shocked at her words. She'd somehow assumed that Harry was the target. Her feeling of fear over the situation turned to anger that anyone would try and hurt her daughter. It made sense. Only a handful of people knew that Harry was even staying there.

Tonks arrived shortly before noon. Harry and Hermione had faced what she prayed she'd never have to do again – battle killers down in combat. There was no doubt that Severus had blood on his hands regardless of the happenings the night before. She gave each of them a hug, and saw the despair in Hermione's eyes.

Unfortunately she hadn't come by to deliver good news. "Hermione, I don't have a less unpleasant way of saying this. I wish I did. Snape died this morning about 9:00." Tears glistened from Hermione's already red and puffy eyes.

Tonks continued speaking clearly in as soft and gentle a voice as she could muster. "There are no charges pending for either of you. No one is thinking anything other than it's a tragedy that it happened, and everyone is relieved that neither of you were hurt. You two did the right thing. You took down the bad guys and you saved your family."

She gave the young woman a hug. "I'm so sorry that this happened to you, but I'm so happy that you didn't get hurt."

In a horse voice, Hermione sobbed, "Why would he have done something like that to me? I know he didn't like me, but I never did anything to deserve this."

Tonks was good at these conversations. "Dr. and Dr. Granger, Hermione and Harry, we need to be crystal clear on this point. None of you did anything to deserve having those two morons come over and attack you or your home. Michael didn't either. Those two each made decisions to come over to do damage and harm. It doesn't matter if someone told them to go or not. They each made a decision to come over in the middle of the night. They made a decision to murder Michael even if that may not have been their original intent. They wouldn't have thought twice about doing the same to you or any member of your family. You didn't have any other choice. I'm just glad that you're all OK." They were each moved by the sincerity in her voice.

Believing that she already knew the answer, Emma took a chance, asking, "Auror Tonks, why do you believe our home was attacked last night?"

Tonks considered her question for a moment and her reasons for asking it. She replied, "Dr. Granger, Britain is full of idiots who hate. Some hate blacks, Indians, Germans, Catholics, Protestants, Jews, or Muslims – for any number of stupid reasons. The Malfoys hated people who were witches or wizards whose ancestors hadn't been witches or wizards themselves. Draco probably was intimidated because your daughter is a much better student, blaming her, because he didn't try to make more of his life. His father had a similar hate."

She continued. "Dr. Granger, the easy answer would have been to say that Malfoy and Snape were trying to kill Harry, but in this instance, I don't think that was the case. It's not widely known that Harry's staying with you. This hasn't been the only attack against muggle born witches or wizards this summer. Unfortunately, it won't be the last. Did I answer your question?"

She made eye contact with Emma, then Dan, who each gave slight nods and then went over to Harry and Hermione. "You each were forced into situations where you had to kill or be killed. It doesn't matter if you were inside sleeping or outside having a swim at the time. They came for you to kill you. You could have run away and let your parents get killed, or you could have frozen up in fear and had all been killed. You both did the best thing that you could. I'm honored to call you both my friends, and this won't change that. The only thing that changes is my increased respect for both of you. Molly was wrong. You're not kids. You two are some of the best people that I know. I'm sorry that this happened, but I'm delighted that none of you were injured."

She looked Hermione in the eye, and asked, "Does that make sense?"

Hermione looked her in the eye and said, "I think so." She put her arms around the young Auror and began sobbing.

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Arthur returned home from the ministry at noon on Saturday looking very grim. Molly asked, "What is it, Arthur?"

"There was an attack at the Grangers' last night. Death Eaters attacked about midnight."

Molly gasped and held her hands to her mouth in fear of what she would hear next.

Arthur put down his cloak and said, "Michael Wood was murdered. The Malfoy boy was killed. Severus died this morning."

Molly was so distraught. He had been a friend of Charlie's at school. She asked, "Death Eaters killed Michael and Severus?"

Arthur shook his head and said, "No. Snape and Malfoy killed Michael."

There were tears welled in her eyes. "But how?"

"Harry and Hermione were out in their pool, saw the flash and went to investigate. Snape and Malfoy were trying to burn their home down. Harry and Hermione killed…"

Ron had overheard the conversation and let out a whoop. "I knew he was a greasy Death Eater. I knew it. No more Snape. No more Malfoy. This is great!"

Smack!

Ginny whacked her brother on the back of the head. "Ron, are you vying for the title of the most insensitive git that has ever walked the earth? Your two best friends were forced to each take a life last night. What is wrong with you? Do you suppose they're sitting around toasting each other? They must feel terrible. Do yourself a favor and take a breath before you say anything else.

"But they'll be heros in school."

Smack!

"Don't - say - another - word." The anger in her voice would stop a troll in its tracks. Taking a calming breath, she asked, "Dad, are Harry and Hermione OK?"

Her dad nodded. "They weren't injured. Several of the Aurors are staying at the Grangers. Severus died this morning about 9:00."

Slowly the reality sunk into Ron's cinder block head. This wasn't a case of jelly legs jinx. Sixteen-year-old Draco Malfoy had faced down one or both of his friends planning to kill them and hadn't been up to the task. In the span of a second, his friends' lives had been changed forever. He felt sick.

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As Amelia was looking through the lengthy list of visitors to St. Mungo's she noticed several names – Narcissa Malfoy, Elsie and Neville Longbottom, Thomas Borgin, Bernice Flatbottom, the apothecary potions master, Bill Weasley and Alastor Moody. She had no evidence that Snape was murdered, but any of the people on the list may have wanted to see him dead. From what she knew he had mostly enemies and very few friends. One of Voldemort's people could have silenced him. One of Dumbledore's people could have given him a mercy killing. If he were convicted of the murder or assistance in the murder of a hit wizard, Snape would have been kissed within a week. The evidence had been damning.

She gave the instructions to Shetland to question each of the people on the list, asking them who they were visiting and try to confirm that the visit actually had taken place. She would know within an hour if their alibis held up.

It was time to get ready for the party.

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Tonks had talked Harry and Hermione into going to the Inauguration Ball in spite of everything.. At 4:00 the two witches began getting ready. Tonks apparated to her flat to get her Auror dress uniform. She came back and spent time with Hermione on make up, hair and just being there. Harry sat outside and had a butterbeer with Dan and Emma. The ministry clean-up crew had done a fantastic job cleaning up their back garden and their home. Dan honestly couldn't see anything out of place.

Harry ran through the events in his mind. They had gone outside at midnight. Wood had seen them and moved from his usual spot to the far side of the garden to give them some privacy. They had gone to the pool and slipped in the water. Hermione had taken his hand and placed it on her breast. What a feeling. So soft and warm. For the first time that day, a smile crept on his face. Then he remembered the two flashes a moment apart.

They must have apparated right on top of Wood, surprising all three of them. Why had Snape come to the house? Something was nagging at him. He remembered back in fourth year when he'd seen them appear all together in the graveyard like a pack of wolves. They'd all just appeared in the Department of Mysteries too. Thinking back they just appeared. Either they were waiting for them or they just appeared. They couldn't have apparated that night directly into the DoM. He hadn't remembered hearing any of the tell tale pops associated with apparation. Either they were there waiting, or they'd taken a portkey. "Harry?"

"Harry. Are you hungry?" Emma looked at him curiously. He'd kind of drifted off into some introspective place of his own.

"I'm fine. Would there be dinner there tonight?"

Emma answered, "Probably not a dinner so much as finger food. How about a pizza before you leave? Dan can go pick one up. Tonks will be going with you and Hermione. Jamie will be keeping us company tonight."

"OK," said Harry. "I could make dinner if you…"

She leaned over and hugged the young man that they'd come to know and love. "Our turn tonight. Sausage and pepperoni?"

"OK, but Hermione likes green olive."

She smiled at him. He was always thinking of others. "We'll get two. You should probably go get ready now. Dan will be back in a half hour. I'll call it in."

Just before dinner, Dan asked everyone to come down for some pictures. Hermione looked, well there was no other word for it, breathtaking. Being a guy, Harry couldn't verbalize it. Her hair was pretty in some sort of a knot in back. (French braid). Her ice blue dress robes fit perfectly. She was beautiful. Harry didn't know the nuances of makeup, eyeliner, or lipsticks, but in his eyes she was beautiful. Tonks looked nice too. Her hair was pageboy length and a sort of buttery blonde. She looked great in her dress Auror uniform.

Dan took all of the photo combinations that he could think of. When he was done, Tonks offered to take a few family photos for them. Tonks took one of the three of them, then Dan invited Harry to be in the last three that she took.

Church was staying with the Grangers for the evening. She had hoped that she would have been able to go to the party, but given the circumstances, she was glad to be alive. She had no illusions that she would have had better luck than Michael last night.

At 7:00 Harry tapped the portkey that Malfalda Hopkirk had sent him. Harry, Tonks and Hermione were at the Bones' back yard a few seconds later. Fortunately they were all holding hands, so no one tripped.

There was no arriving fashionably late for an Inauguration Ball. Within five minutes all of the guests had arrived, filling up the back yard. Susan found them and gave them both a hug, saying, "Auntie told me about your horrible night. I would have been so scared, I don't think I'd have made it. Both of them had always been so mean to Hannah and the rest of us." She hugged Hermione again and said, "I'm so glad that you decided to come. It's just old people here tonight." She looked very pretty. She had scarlet red velvet dress robes, and her shoulder length blonde hair was fixed very nicely, much like Hermione had done.

A minute later a witch about Emma's age came up and introduced herself. "Harry, I'm Malfalda Hopkirk. We've had correspondence before, but haven't met." She smiled at him indulgently.

Harry smiled back at her. "I remember. You sent me a letter four years ago because a house elf used a hover charm at my aunt's house. It was kind of funny. Dobby the house elf was floating a pudding then it smashed when it fell on the floor."

Hopkirk flushed red and said, "I apologize for that. I wasn't sure it was you, but you were the only registered wizard or witch on the street. So what happened to the pudding?"

"My uncle went off on me a bit, locked me in my room, and fitted bars over the windows. It wasn't the best."

Hopkirk felt sick at his response. She said, "I'm so sorry. I didn't know."

Harry smiled at her. He wasn't mad at her. She'd simply asked a question, but he was done covering up his treatment from the Dursleys. He replied, "No worries. It doesn't really matter anymore. I did get into trouble a year ago when I used a patronus charm after Delores Umbridge set two dementors on me and my cousin."

Nearly in tears, Hopkirk said, "I'm sorry, Harry. You didn't deserve that either."

Harry responded lightly. "You were just doing what you were told to do. It's too bad that kids can't do more to defend themselves. I suppose you sent a letter to Draco Malfoy last night."

Hopkirk nodded. "I'm sorry about that too Harry."

Harry shook his head. "No worries. That really wasn't my point. The bad guys don't give a thought to breaking rules like that. If some kid hesitates for even an extra second and is slow to defend himself or herself, they'll be dead."

His words made sense. "What do you suggest?"

"Lowering the age to fifteen and stating that everyone is allowed to properly defend themselves without fear of punishment."

She nodded and said, "I see your point. Perhaps Minister Bones will be willing to change those rules."

"Maybe. It was nice meeting you, Ma'am."

As he walked away, she said, more to herself, "Be careful Harry."

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"Hello Miss Granger."

Hermione smiled at her favorite professor and said, "Hi Professor McGonagall. You look fabulous tonight." She had her dress robes on with a tartan sash.

Pleased that anyone would notice the change, Minerva replied, "Thank you Hermione. So do you. I'm glad to see you. Are you all right?"

Hermione could be honest with her. She shook her head, saying, "No, but I will be."

Minerva said, "I'm so disappointed in Severus. I never would have believed that he would have done such a thing."

"Me neither. I never did anything to hurt him. He was always so mean to the students outside of his own house. He constantly intimidated students outside of his class for no reason. I believe that a lot of witches and wizards have ended up in different careers because they were afraid to take advanced potions because of his intimidation. What really was wrong was that people allowed it to happen."

Minerva nodded, urging her brilliant student to continue.

"Professor Dumbledore allowed it, the board of school governess allowed it, and parents allowed it by not complaining loudly enough."

Minerva was justifiably embarrassed. "As did I, and for that I apologize personally to you." Taking a steadying breath she asked, "Hermione, may I ask you a sensitive question?"

The beautiful young woman nodded yes.

In a low voice Minerva asked, "Are you certain that there were only two Death Eaters there last evening?"

Thinking for a moment, Hermione said, "I'm positive, Professor, unless there were others waiting in the front of the house. If there had been more, I'd have expected them to have attacked us. Why do you ask?"

McGonagall wasn't sure why she asked, but something didn't seem right about it to her. 'They usually attacked in packs like wild dogs. Maybe it was just Snape's perverse idea of a quiet boys' night out.' She replied, "It seems unusual that there were only the two of them." Seeing that the young woman was nearly in tears, she changed the subject. "Your OLW results should arrive tomorrow. Have you decided which classes you'd like to take next term?"

Her tactic had worked. Hermione's eyes brightened as if a switch had been turned on. "Yes of course. I'm signing up for transfiguration, charms, arithmancy, runes, healing, defense and potions. I've already read my books on…"

Minerva smiled, nodding, pleased to see her favorite student happy again.

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Molly and Arthur found Harry getting swarmed by well-meaning witches who seemed to believe that he needed whispered information about virtually non-existent pieces of fabric that they may have been wearing. Molly shooed them away and gave Harry one of her famous hugs. When she let him up for air, she said, "Hello Harry dear. We've been so very worried about you this summer, but we never expected Severus to…"

Arthur cut in. "Molly, He's probably heard too much about that as it is. Harry, we wanted to thank you again for the support that you gave our family. It means everything to us."

"You don't need to say anything Mr. Weasley. I could never repay the kindness that your family has always shown me. Besides it was the right thing to do."

Arthur shook his hand and said, "Thank you Harry. You always have a home with us if you need it. I was told to ask, Ginny was wondering if she could come and see you and Hermione tomorrow."

Harry nodded and replied, "She could come for breakfast or dinner. I know Hermione misses seeing her too. If the weather is sunny, she should bring a bathing outfit. They have a nice pool."

Arthur shook his hand again. "I'll suggest that she come in the morning. Thanks again, Harry."

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While Arthur was talking with Harry a tall woman with sharp features approached Hermione and introduced herself. "Miss Granger, I'm Teresa Miller. I'm honored to meet you."

Hermione remembered the name. "You're on the board of school governors. You were one of three dissenting votes that went against the appointment of Umbridge as headmistress of the school last year. It's nice to meet a woman of principle."

"Thank you, but I really wanted to thank you for your part in uncovering the truth about he-who, Voldemort last month. You're a very courageous woman and you have the respect of many of the school governors."

"Thank you, Teresa. I appreciate that very much." Hermione loved Harry dearly, but it was nice to be recognized for her own work too.

"Hermione is it true that you were attacked by Professor Snape last evening?"

Hermione nodded, not wanting to give away any of the details.

Teresa replied, "Minister Bones indicated in her Inauguration speech that she wanted a wizarding government that treated its citizens fairly and rewarded them based on ability, not heritage. As such, when you finish school, I'd like you to consider a career within the wizarding government. We need capable wizards and witches like yourself who have the intelligence, integrity and the vision to make a difference."

Hermione smiled at her and said, "Thank you. It seems like a long ways away right now, but time moves quickly. It was nice meeting you."

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In between smothering hugs and other offers of less wholesome affection, Harry saw Ragnot and walked over to say hello. The head goblin saw Harry and greeted him. "Good evening, Mr. Potter. I'm glad to hear that you and Miss Granger are well."

Harry knew that the goblin was sincere in his words and said, "Hello Ragnot. I wanted to thank you again for the kindness and assistance that you have provided me with. I'm nearly through with the two books that you gave me. I'd like to come in again next week after I have finished with them if you might have the time to see me." Harry wanted to understand his holdings, and was making an effort to learn more.

Ragnot replied, "I would be happy to assist you Mr. Potter. Your holdings are quite extensive and everyone will do better as you begin to assume effective control over them. If it would be possible, just owl me and let me know when you might be arriving."

"I will. Thank you again."

"You're welcome, and anytime that you may wish to visit one of your vaults, please ask for me. I enjoyed the change of routine as much as Miss Granger's mother enjoyed the ride. We both benefited."

Harry smiled as he walked over to visit with Moody. He knew that Ragnot had probably not made a similar offer to anyone in Harry's lifetime. Emma would be thrilled to have another opportunity to see a dragon.

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The old Auror saw Potter and checked him out with his magical eye. "Hello Potter. It's an interesting gathering. You did a good thing nudging Fudge out of office. It was time for him to move on, before he got anyone else killed with his bad decisions."

Harry nodded. He knew Moody was genuine with his words.

Alastor asked, "Other than visits from Death Eaters, how's your summer going?"

Harry replied, "Good. I'm making some of my own choices and am learning how to take care of myself. The people I'm staying with are treating me well, and Ragnot has been helping me a lot with my business stuff. Between studying and practicing different charms, I've also learned how to swim and play golf."

Moody nodded. "It was a good choice of spells that you made last night. Your choice was quick to call, effective and hard to block." Harry nodded, pleased at the old Auror's praise, knowing that he rarely gave it. Moody saw that Potter had understood and continued, saying, "No one knows how to play golf. Everyone's learning. The same holds true for fighting Death Eaters. Always keep learning."

Again, Harry knew that there was a lot of truth in Moody's words.

"Constant vigilance. Wood got surprised, and was beaten by an amateur, not taking anything away from you, but he should be here tonight. Constant vigilance, Potter."

Harry thought he understood the Old Auror's message. Anyone could be surprised and beaten. He asked, "Why do you suppose Snape showed up in the first place?"

Moody reflected the question replying, "You were there. What do you think?"

Harry replied. "There are four possibilities. Malfoy suggested it, Snape suggested it, Riddle ordered it, or someone else ordered it. Moody nodded in agreement. Harry continued, saying, "I don't think Malfoy suggested it to Snape. He'd have asked Bellatrix or his idiot friends. Snape isn't a soldier. He was a spy. You decide for who."

Moody was curious where Potter was going to take this and nodded.

Harry continued. "He'd have no reason to take a risk unless someone asked him to. I don't think it was Riddle who ordered the attack. He'd have sent a larger group and someone other than Snape to lead it if he was going after Hermione. He'd have sent everyone if he was going after me. It just doesn't make sense. At least the wards and charms worked properly."

Moody had been impressed to hear that the Granger home hadn't burned down from a wizarding fire. Potter and the Granger girl must have put some thought into their warding work. He deflected Potter's line of reasoning, asking "What about Narcissa? She'd have her reasons." Moody had seen her in St. Mungo's visiting another witch.

Harry nodded. He hadn't thought about Draco's mum. 'Hermione'd helped put Lucius in prison, and Malfoy probably whined about Hermione constantly. If she'd asked Snape to go with her son, he'd have gone.' Harry replied, "Makes sense."

"Constant vigilance, Potter. A lot of good people are counting on you. Take care of yourself." He walked off. 'Potter was a good kid. No, he'd killed a man in combat. Regardless of his age, he no longer was a kid.'

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Back at Crawley, Dan and Emma were visiting with Auror Jamie Church. She asked, "How are Harry and Hermione doing?"

"Better individually and together than I would have expected," replied Emma.

Jamie nodded, understanding her implied message. "I've never had to take a life. I pray every time that I start a shift that I'll get home safely, and won't have to hurt anyone. It's almost an impossible dream in the middle of a wizarding war."

Emma asked, "Whose war is it? On one side there's this Voldemort person. On another side, there are the kids. They seem to have done most of the fighting in the last year. Why are the Aurors entirely defensive in their actions? Harry seems to know where this Voldemort lives. Others must too. Why not go after him?"

Church would have been offended, but knew the truth in her words. Jamie replied, "Fudge wouldn't allow it. Until a month ago, he didn't even acknowledge Voldemort's existence."

Emma asked, "Why is our side so splintered? There seems to be more fighting between Professor Dumbledore and the Ministry than the light and dark side."

Church realized that Hermione's brilliance was inherited. She replied, "True. Again Fudge wouldn't allow any real action on our part. Dumbledore has his private army. He defeated the last dark lord. At least he hasn't been sitting back doing nothing like Fudge did. I don't think Minister Bones will either."

Emma asked, "Who's in this private army of his?"

Church replied, "I don't know. I just know it exists."

Emma thought to herself, 'That's another topic for another day.' She replied, "It's getting late. They should be getting home soon. Dan and I want to thank you for watching over our family every day. We really do appreciate your help."

Church nodded. There was a tear in her eye. 'Michael died defending a worthwhile cause.'

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Back at the Inaugural ball, the new Director of Magical Games and Sports, Holly Bruce came up and introduced herself to Harry. She told him that Umbridge had no authority to impose a lifetime ban on him regarding playing Quidditch. She had been at the game and had seen nothing wrong with Harry's reaction to being attacked and insulted. As such, he was free to play with any team that would have him. Harry thanked her and went to find Hermione.

As he found her, the string quartet started playing. The first dance had been reserved, but after that anyone could go up. Hermione looked so beautiful. She asked, "Will you dance with me, Harry?"

Harry smiled, and replied, "I'd love to." Taking her hand they made their way out to the floor and enjoyed each other's company. Dan and Emma had been very adequate instructors. Harry and Hermione moved well together. Gone were the fourteen-year-old shy children. If nothing else the last year and a half had given them self-confidence, and in the last month they'd grown very comfortable with each other. They only had eyes for each other. No piece of offered apparel would change that. They were in love even if they hadn't gotten around to formalizing or even verbalizing it.

They danced together three times and went to get a butterbeer. They met Dumbledore by the bar. He'd been talking with Moody who left to go see someone else. Dumbledore greeted them and asked if they would be willing to visit with him for a minute. They went and sat at a table. Dumbledore flicked his wand and cast a silencing charm around them.

He started with the words that Harry found so tiring. "Harry for your own protection, I must insist that you abandon your plan to remain a guest at the Grangers for the rest of the summer and come to live either at the castle or your home at Grimmauld place. The attack last night has brought far too much attention to your situation. Riddle will learn of your involvement and come after you."

Hermione replied, "Thank you for your suggestion, Professor, but it's not your decision. Harry's living arrangements have nothing to do with school. I thought Minister Bones was clear on that issue."

Ignoring her, he continued. "Harry, for the greater good, you need protecting."

"So I can be your weapon and meet my prophesized destiny. No thanks. You never gave me any training. I may reconsider my schooling options for the next term."

Dumbledore was getting frustrated. "Harry, you cannot remain at the Grangers' home. You need to be someplace safer."

Harry got up to leave. He flicked his wand to end the charm, and in a remarkably calm voice replied, "Professor, I own seventeen homes. I can pay for a private army if I need one. These people know me, and they enjoy my company. They don't lock me in my bedroom or in a cupboard. They don't make me wear rags or act like I'm a mistreated house elf. They feed me properly and make certain that I have proper eyeglasses. They trust me with their daughter, and you want to take it away. According to Gringotts, I'm the wealthiest wizard in England, and according to you I can't even have a girlfriend. What is it that you feel that I owe you?"

"Harry please, I accept that I've made many mistakes, but your safety is my primary concern."

"If my safety is such a concern, than please tell me who sicced Malfoy and Snape on the Grangers. It wasn't Riddle. I don't think it was Malfoy or Snape. That leaves a pretty short list, doesn't it? Goodnight, Professor."

Dumbledore remained seated as Harry and Hermione walked off. He wondered how Harry had found out about Severus.

Amelia walked to the table and sat down, she flicked her wand to create another silencing zone around them. "This isn't a simple domestic dispute any longer Dumbledore. One of my Aurors is dead. The wizarding world would be very disappointed if I found out that you had anything to do with this. If Harry can figure it out, or get close, then others will too. Run your school, hire proper instructors, and teach our children. Leave Harry alone. Shut your Order down, and we'll get along. Are we clear on this?" There was no smile on her face, and she never hesitated in her words.

Dumbledore nodded. Things were not going well.

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A/N

With a functioning MoM is the Order needed?

Would the Order fall apart if they were told (most of) the truth? (I sent Severus over to check up on Harry. Gosh, I don't know what happened.)