In addition to this many students were looking at them oddly, staring at them actually. Some looked speculative, some confused, and some were plainly horrified. All the avid watchers saw Professor Snape lean his head down so that Hermione could speak into his ear.
"I still can't believe that Jeremy would literally try to kill me," she whispered.
"I know you can not, however, I am more concerned by the fact that there is someone else involved. I would like to know who Pryce's accomplice is. The unsigned letters they found on him clearly show that he had help from someone. That someone must have told him where to find you. Who would know your destination, and be able to pass that on to him?" Severus' tone was one of angered impatience. "If the idiots at the Ministry can trace the letters we will be able to be rid of the threat entirely," Severus finished, tension clearly written on his face.
"Severus, what are you looking for?" Hermione asked, as she noticed Severus' eyes continuously scanning the Hall.
"We are already garnering attention," he snapped. "I would have expected it after the announcement, however, I do not understand why it is happening now. Perhaps Potter or Weasley have taken the liberty of spreading the news early?" he hissed in her ear.
She cast her eyes over the student tables. "Uh, I don't think that's it Severus. Do you remember yesterday?"
"Is there something in particular that you are trying to remind me of?" he asked irritably.
"Um, on the path, to Hogsmeade..." she hesitated.
"Yes?"
"...well, you, I, we..."
"If you have some knowledge, impart it," he said in his soft impatient tone.
"Okay. I was obviously worried about your safety, so worried in fact that I didn't think to hide it. And than you, well you seemed concerned for me as well."
"I am sure that merely appeared - "
Hermione cut him off. "No, Severus," she spoke as though he were quite dim, "I think it may have been a bit telling; you ran to me, you held me in your arms, you caressed my face, you practically had a break down when you learnt of the spell I took. You manifested powerful spontaneous magic out of fear for me. And all the while, all I did was go on about how afraid I was that you might have been hurt." She paused briefly and then continued saying, "There were a lot of people there that saw all of it. So naturally there is some conjecture going on."
Severus was speechless. He glared menacingly out at the students as if it were their fault that he had slipped and expressed his feelings in front of them.
"Severus, are you okay?" Hermione asked gently.
"Of course," he said curtly.
"Severus, do wish we could keep our relationship a secret?" she asked.
"That was never a consideration on my part. That idea came soley from the Headmaster."
"I thought you might have been wishing that we could keep it quiet."
"Certainly not."
"I was afraid that you would be ashamed to be publically associated with me."
"I had not realised - " he broke off upon seeing Aurors enter the Great Hall, "Now what?"
The Aurors were, like last time, headed straight for them.
Severus rose swiftly and strode over to them. He stopped them just inside the staff door. Not quite near enough for anyone to overhear their conversation.
The students saw the Aurors speaking with Professor Snape. As the Aurors spoke to him an expression of absolute fury and horror crossed his face. During the conversation the Professor's gaze flickered to the Headmaster, the look he cast at his trusted superior was inscrutable.
Some students dared to hope that this time Snape would have some business at the Ministry that would keep him from teaching, at least for a while. However, what they saw next was perplexing to say the least. Professor Snape looked at Hermione. It was clear that her attention had been on him the entire time. The Professor didn't speak, but Hermione nodded to him, and rose to join him and the Aurors.
The Aurors looked hostile as they spoke to Hermione. She seemed to be shocked as one the Aurors tried to take hold of her arm. Snape moved so quickly that the Auror had no time to react. Snape fluidly inserted himself between the Auror and Hermione, effectively shielding her.
The students watched in silence as the Aurors led a thunderstruck Hermione, followed by Professor Snape from the Hall.
The Aurors brought Severus and Hermione to a windowless room in the Ministry. Hermione sat at a small table. Across from her sat one of the Aurors, a wizard dressed in what she thought of as blood coloured robes.
"I'm Auror Williamson," he informed them. Then indicating the other Auror who now stood in a corner of the suffocating room he said, "And this is Auror - "
He was interrupted when a familiar perky witch with short electric blue hair entered the room. "Hello all," she greeted. She turned and spoke to the Auror in the corner, "I'm replacing you for this duty. Direct orders. Get yourself off now." She smiled.
The Auror pushed off from the wall, and shrugging said in a bored voice, "Sure, Tonks." He snapped the door closed behind him.
Williamson began again, "As I was about to say," he paused to glare at Tonks, "I have some questions to ask you Mrs Snape, and we'll begin as soon as ..."
He was interrupted again as the door opened and a diminutive witch wearing glasses and green robes slid into the room. "I'm your scribe," she announced.
"... the scribe is here," Williamson finished.
The little witch conjured herself a chair at one end of the table. She sat and arranged her quill and parchment. Everyone watched her as she made several attempts before she got her ink open. "Ready when you are," she said timidly.
Severus Snape drew himself up to his full height and spoke menacingly to Williamson, "Before my wife - "
"Whoa, still not used to that," Tonks said laughingly. "Er, sorry, go on," she added apologetically.
The little scribe piped up from her place at the small table, "Should I begin now, and write all of this, or - "
"No, begin recording after the questioning has commenced," Williamson interrupted her impatiently.
Severus resumed in a tone of utmost derision, "Before my wife answers any questions you will explain to me, in exacting detail, why she has been summoned here."
"Certainly," Williamson said placateingly. "Jeremy Pryce has claimed that he was acting under the influence of magic, and because of that he is not at all responsible for the attacks on you and Mrs Snape."
"You mean the attacks on Madam Snape," Severus corrected.
"No, I don't. Pryce states that your wife was not the only target in Hogsmeade, you were a target as well. He claims that he got information from a source he refuses to name, in return for killing Mrs Snape and leaving you alive. He intended to betray his source and kill you both. Luckily you were not with Mrs Snape in Hogsmeade."
"Are you making any progress in determining the identity of his... 'source'?"
"Not yet Severus. We hope to know soon though," Tonks interjected.
"Now I must ask Mrs Snape a few questions," Williamson resumed.
"What is the nature these questions?" Severus asked.
"I need to find out if she holds any magical influence over Mr Pryce. Now, I must insist that we begin," Williamson said, his face flushing in frustration.
"What would you like to know?" Hermione asked with forced calm.
"Mrs Snape - "
Williamson was interrupted yet again, by the door opening.
"Ah, I thought I might be of some assistance," Albus Dumbledore said amiably.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, I was expecting you," Williamson blundered.
"Yes, well - "
"You were expecting Albus?" Severus snapped.
"Yes, he - "
"I communicated the fact that I would like to be present to assist Hermione," Albus replied smoothly.
'He thought up a lie, and he thought it up quick', Hermione quoted silently to herself. Her nervous brain wondered if Albus Dumbledore had really been a Gryffindor when he was a student. He was so very adept at all forms of deception.
"If we could get on?" Williamson asked.
"Please," Hermione answered.
"Now," Williamson began, "did you use any form of coercion on Mr Pryce?"
"I did not."
"A potion?"
"No."
"A spell?"
"No."
"Dark Magic?"
"No."
"Perhaps," Severus interjected, "you would like to pose your questions again, after giving Madam Snape Veritaserum. I am sure her simple answers will not be enough to satisfy the Ministry, will they?"
"I don't think that will be necessary Severus," Albus replied instead of Williamson.
"Why is that Albus?" Severus asked.
"I am sure everyone believes Hermione," Albus returned.
"It is not the habit of Aurors and Ministry officials to be trusting," Severus said with a sneer.
"Really, some Veritaserum wouldn't hurt," Tonks offered.
"No," Williamson said firmly, "my orders specify: Auror questioning in the presence of Professor Snape and Headmaster Dumbledore - no truth compulsions to be used."
"Let me see that," Severus snapped, holding out his hand for Williamson's orders.
"I'm sorry, sir, but you've no authoirty to - "
"There's no harm in showing Severus your orders." Albus smiled.
"No, sir, uh, yes, sir," Williamson handed his orders to Severus.
Severus quickly read the parchement, and examined the seal. "Auror Williamson, finish this," Severus growled, still clutching the Auror's orders.
"Mrs Snape, how do you explain Mr Pryce's obsession with you if you placed no magical geas on him?"
"I'm sure that I don't know. I did not influence him in any way. In fact I actively discouraged him. The first time I realised that he wasn't going to let me go easily was at the beginning of the summer break. He came to where I was staying, and attacked me, physically and magically. I - "
"I don't think that's helping you my dear," Albus said with seeming concern. Will you allow me to help you Hermione?" Albus asked.
"I'm not sure - "
"Wonderful," Albus cut her answer off. "Perhaps, if you made Auror Williamson aware of how popular you are he will understand that you don't need to use any magical influences. Take for example all the boys you had affairs with the year before last. I can name at least a dozen off the top of my head, and there were more I'm sure." Albus' eyes held a predatory twinkle. "Let's see there was, Victor Krum, Ronald Weasley, Harry Potter, Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Neville Longbottom, Anthony Goldstein, Michael Corner, Terry Boot, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Colin Creevey... why even Blaise Zabini, a Slytherin, didn't miss sampling your favours did he? And then the next year there were all those men outside of school, finally leading to Jeremy Pryce. Oh, and then Severus got you after all of them had you... I mean Severus is with you now, dear."
"I'm sorry who did Mrs Snape have sex with after Dean Thomas? I can't seem to keep up," the scribe asked the room at large.
"No one could keep up with her," Albus mumbled audibly.
Hermione began to defend herself, "I didn't even - "
Tonks interjected angrily, "Mrs Snape's sexual history is irrelevant."
"I DON'T HAVE a sexual histor - "
Albus cut across Hermione this time. "Hermione, you need to show that you had no need to use magical influence. There is no reason to be ashamed of being a - of being... popular," Albus said in a kind voice. "I'm sure Severus appreciates how used... how much experience you brought to him." Albus smiled.
Hermione was frozen in shock, while Severus' face was a study in outrage. In a lethal whisper that was so quiet he could barely be heard even in the small room he said, "This is not a concern for anyone except myself and my wife."
At this Albus' smile broadened.
"You are right Severus, no one else needs to know how promiscuous your wife is," Albus said smugly.
The room was silent, and all eyes were on Severus.
"Hermione was UNTOUCHED when we were bound," Severus hissed into the silence.
"Severus," Albus chastised affectionately, "you know how easy it is to fake virginity. Women have been doing it for centuries. Some feigned pain, a splash of animal blood from a phial behind their backs, and no one's the wiser." Albus spoke softly and consolingly now, "I'm sure at the time Hermione would have wanted you to believe that she was 'untouched' Severus, but such deceptions will only hurt her case now."
Hermione was biting her tongue so hard she drew blood. 'Severus' opinion is the only one that matters, and he knows the truth,' she chanted repeatedly in her head. She knew it would be disastrous if she confronted Albus here and now. 'Oh, but I will make him rue this day, I really will,' she promised herself.
Albus leaned towards Severus and spoke in a voice only Severus could hear, "Accept the truth my boy," Albus continued in his kind fatherly whisper, "Hermione was sexually involved with many men before you. None married her, so I can only assume that you are under the influence of magic the same as Jeremy Pryce is. He asked her to marry him too you know. You two are the only ones who attempted a permanent relationship with Hermione. You must be under a spell, you would recognise a potion I'm sure. We'll get the counter-curse and release you after we deal with Hermione's current case," Albus finished.
Everyone in the room had been watching Albus and Severus, but no one could hear Albus' words except Severus.
Severus, however, did not whisper when he answered Albus. "What case! It is not she who has committed a crime!"
Severus eyes gleamed as he regarded Albus. "Perhaps Headmaster," he began in a dangerous whisper, "you failed to read the copy of our Binding Legalisation Transcript?" When the Headmaster failed to respond, Severus continued in a low and deadly tone, "All the questions on it were answered under Ministry certified Veritaserum, and the questioning was officially witnessed." Severus paused and looked at Williamson, "The Veritaserum was authenticated by Madam Bones herself, and it was she who witnessed the interrogatories. We both answered that we entered into the binding rite freely, with no compulsions or influences, magical or otherwise. We also confirmed that the binding rite, the Adstringo Connubialis Matrimonium Intemporaliter, was performed in the ancient way. The ancient way includes the precept that the woman be chaste." At Tonks questioning look Severus irritably re-worded his statement, "It was confirmed under Ministry Veritaserum, with Madam Bones as a witness: that Hermione used no magic on me of any kind, and that she was indeed a virgin."
"Why don't I go and get a copy of that document?" Tonks asked.
"Please do," Auror Williamson answered.
A tense silence permeated the room during the ten minutes Tonks was gone. When she returned she handed a freshly made copy of the Snape's Binding Legalisation Transcript to Auror Williamson. As she did she flashed Severus and Hermione an encouraging grin.
"Ah, I see. I think this is all we need." Auror Williamson spoke, "You can go now Mrs Snape."
"Just like that?" Hermione asked.
"Well, yes. You see no trace of any magical influence could be found on Mr Pryce. The only support his accusation had, was that you had used magic on Professor Snape as well. There can be no doubt that you did not use magic to influence Professor Snape. Not with the Veritaserum, and Madam Bones certifications that is. I apologise for the inconvenience."
"Who upheld Mr Pryce's accusation that my wife used magical influence in her relationship with me?" Severus barked.
"I never said - "
"No, you did not. However, it is unlikely that it would have come to this point with Mr Pryce's word alone. I will ask you one more time, who instigated this farce?" Severus hissed in a quiet murderous tone.
"See for yourself." Auror Williamson handed a file of parchments to Severus.
Severus scanned the parchments and after a while he read aloud, "Mr Pryce's counter-complaint against Mrs Snape was upheld by a highly placed, well respected person, who in the interest of security shall remain unnamed at this time." Severus glared at Williamson with a look of utter loathing, "How... convenient."
"It wasn't my doing," Williamson said, as he backed away from the livid Professor.
"Wonderful," the Headmaster said, then he turned to Severus and Hermione, "Let's return to Hogwarts."
"Severus, if I could have a word with you in my office, before you seek your dungeons?" Albus asked.
"Of course Headmaster," he answered, glaring at some passing fifth years. He turned to Hermione and his black eyes softened as his gaze held hers. "I'll be down soon," he said.
Hermione nodded and headed off to the dungeons. On her way she met Harry and Ron. "What are you two doing?" she asked needlessly.
"Waiting for you. What was that all about?" Harry asked.
She sighed and told them about being questioned at the Ministry. She decided to leave out Albus' comments. She didn't want to give them cause to doubt Albus' seeming benevolent perfection.
Seated in chairs in front of the fire in Albus' office Severus spoke first. His voice was cold and sneering, "What is it you wish to speak about?"
"My boy, I want to let you know that I am here for you. No matter what Miss Grang - , Hermione, may do to you. I wanted to let you know that I understand. You're not the first young wizard to be swayed by a woman's wiles." Upon noticing the look on Severus' face, Albus continued with, "I'm sure that she has convinced you that she loves you. However, even if she came to you a virgin, her fickle - "
"Enough!" Severus hissed indignantly. Standing he now regarded his friend and mentor with pure loathing. "Do you imagine me blind, or foolish?"
The Headmaster was shocked speechless by Severus' anger. Over the years Severus had never treated him with anything less than the utmost respect and deference. Albus composed himself quickly and responded with, "This is what I am talking about. How can you function, how can you maintain your usual level of excellence with her - "
Severus cut him off, "Do you think that I can not clearly see what you are trying to do?" His voice lowered and held sibilant tones of deep disgust, "I had thought better of you Albus. When your behaviour seemed inexcusable, I did not doubt that you had convinced yourself that you were acting in the interest of the greater good. Although Minerva said that altruism was only a small piece of your motivation, I never believed it. I never thought you to be malicious. I gave you the benefit of the doubt."
Severus' black eyes glittered coldly into Albus' twinkle-free blue orbs.
Severus continued in a dangerous whisper, "And what do you do? You throw my trust and loyalty back in my face. This is abhorrent. I have blindly trusted and followed you my entire adult life. Never questioning, never once considering that my faith in you was misplaced."
Severus paused his speech and paced the office three times. In his outrage, his robes snapped behind him with each turn.
He came back to Albus and towered over him, his face was white and he was shaking with barely restrained fury. "Now you malign the only person I have ever allowed to become important to me. You belittle our connection, you seek to drive us away from each other. What is it Albus? Do you believe me easier to manipulate when I am completely alone? Do you think being with Hermione will lesson my guilt, and you will no longer be able to prey upon it?"
Severus eyes bored into Albus', challenging the Headmaster to read the naked truth in his next words. "If anything has had a negative effect it is your words and deeds. It has nothing to do with my relationship with Hermione." Severus' infuriation reached new heights. "Did you think that I would stand by while you cast aspersions on Hermione's character?" Severus was seething. "Perhaps you are labouring under the delusion that I will stand by and allow this to continue? I assure you that I will not."
It wasn't for long but, when Severus opened his mind to Albus he got a glimpse into Albus' mind as well. It was enough.
Severus stood silently for a minute before fixing Albus with his murderous gaze, finally finishing ominously with, "We. Are. Finished." With that pronouncement Severus shot a final venomous look in the direction of the Headmaster before he stormed out of the office.
Severus barely missed knocking Minerva to the floor. "You were listening?" he spat.
"I didn't want to interrupt."
"Of course you didn't."
Severus strode towards the dungeons with Minerva at his heels.
"And?" he barked.
"It's about time you stood up for yourself. You have paid you debt of honour to Albus several times over, with interest."
"Humph."
Minerva was trotting in an attempt to keep up with Severus' long strides.
"Yes?" he snapped.
"Your work - "
"You will notice that I did not resign from any of my... duties."
"I never thought you would. I just wondered if you would mind if I acted as your direct... if you would come to me if there is something that needs reporting. Something that can't wait for a full meeting."
"I would prefer it for the time being."
"I thought you might. I will let Albus' come up with the idea."
Severus stopped and gave the older witch an inscrutable look. "How... cunning."
"It takes a certain amount of cunning to manage Albus." Minerva smiled and patted Severus on the arm. "He will come around."
Severus jerked his head in acknowledgment, as he thought, 'It no longer matters.' The two parted. Minerva headed for Albus' office, while Severus continued towards the dungeons.
Severus entered his chambers amidst an angry swirl of black robes. His thoughts were even blacker as he seated himself before the fire. He stared into the flames, deep in introspection. He didn't notice Hermione come in and kneel beside him until he felt her hand on this thigh. He looked at her, his expression unfathomable.
"You don't believe it," she whispered. "Do you?"
"Albus' lies? he asked distractedly.
"Yes, you don't believe that I would harm you do you?" She hesitated and then asked in a small voice, "In any way?"
He turned to her then. "No Hermione, I never believed any of it. Not for an instant. I know that you have never, and would never do me harm." He reached out and fingered a curl by her cheek as he looked into her eyes. He spoke quietly, "When I was in Albus' office, I learnt something disturbing. It would seem that - "
Severus was interrupted by a knock on their chamber door. He exchanged a frustrated look with Hermione and then stood in agitation and strode to the door. Severus flung the door open, "Weasley. What are you doing here?"
"Sir, lunch is almost over - "
"Thank you Mr Weasley," he said with sneering derision as he slammed the door.
"Ahhhh!"
Severus looked down to see Ron's foot in between the door and it's frame.
"Weasley - " he began in a dangerous, warning tone.
"Hermione," Ron called, "I think you and Professor Snape had better get up to the Great Hall right now!"
"Weasley, what are you - "
Severus didn't finish because Ron was gone. He had removed his foot and taken off down the corridor as fast as he throbbing foot would allow.
Hermione had come up to Severus. She put her hand on his shoulder. "Ron wouldn't risk coming to your door without an invitation unless it was important."
"Our door," Severus corrected her, "and I realise that. Shall we?" He asked holding the door open for her.
"What did you learn in Albus' office? Is it about Harry and the potion? Are we still going see how he reacts to it?"
"There has been no change in the plans. Potter will take the potion and be tested. If it works for him he will keep it on him at all times so that he can take it when the need arises."
They had reached the Great Hall and Severus opened the door for her. As they walked in together she whispered, "So what did you learn then?"
"Now is not the time," he whispered back.
They reached a startling realisation simultaneously. They slowed and looked into each others eyes. Each found affirmation there. Something was amiss. They held each other's gazes, wanting to prolong what they both knew was coming.
They had reached the High Table. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore stood and a dead silence fell over the packed Hall. Albus' voice, filled with false cheer boomed, "Attention one and all! It is time for the announcement that I promised at the beginning of lunch."
"It would seem Albus has changed his mind, he's going to announce our marriage himself, now," Hermione whispered to Severus.
Severus nodded in response.
"There has been a marriage bonding between two of Hogwart's own. I give you Professor Snape and Hermione Snape." Severus glared at Albus. "I am sure you will all join me in congratulating the happy couple on their marriage."
At this announcement shock reigned in an eerie silence. Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, stood and attempted to generate some real enthusiasm, "Professor and Mrs Snape, may you have a long and happy life together." She smiled and began applauding, soon Harry Potter, and Ron Weasley stood and joined her. Giving every impression of approval with their enthusiastic applause. Then in confused disbelief the rest of the Gryffindors and the staff, followed by the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, joined in the applause as well. The Slytherin's did not stand or applaud. Their reactions were mixed and ranged from outright animosity to shocked calculation.
Hermione decided to forgo dinner that evening. She rushed in the door and propelled herself directly at Severus who set down a newly emptied phial of headache potion. He was seated on the sofa in front of the fire, and he soon found himself with a lapful of Hermione. "Why is it any of their business?" she asked as she wrapped her arms around him and lay her head on his shoulder.
"Ah. You had a day not unlike my own I would imagine," he answered, as she buried her face in his neck.
She breathed in his scent and began to relax. As his presence washed over her, her own headache began to ease somewhat.
"Was it that bad?" he asked, as he rubbed her back.
"It's just that it's so good to be alone with you," she said with a sigh.
He buried his face in her hair and murmured, "Mmm, indeed." He realised what he had just said, and hoped she hadn't heard his admission.
She had. Knowing how he must feel, she made no comment.
They held each other closer, and remained like that, for a very long time. Simply taking solace from each other.
Eventually Hermione's stomach growled, and it was answered by Severus'. Once they were resettled beside each other with a light meal they began to compare their days.
"Ginny cornered me in the loo."
"As you work for Minerva you can make use of the staff facilities you realise?" Severus asked with a slightly scandalised tone.
"Oh, I know, but after my encounter with Professor Trelawney I was trying to avoid the staff. It was during class time, I logically thought it would be student free."
"What happened with Sybil?"
"She sought me out. She floated in while I was working on setting up my new workspace - "
"Your office."
"Quite. So there I was, minding my own business and she blows in and starts spouting doom and gloom. For you, because of me. For me because of you. For us. For our children and our grandchildren. For our nieghbour's dog when we retire... I mean really!"
"Ah. More reasons for me to avoid her like the pestilence she is." He smirked.
"Good for you, I already had to hear it," she huffed.
"Consider yourself fortunate that you did not cross path's with Hooch today," he said drawled.
"Why?"
"Imagine if you dare... Severus spoke in a tone to mimick Madam Hooch, 'Like um young an' fresh do you Severus?' Followed by, 'Never knew that about you. Can't say as I blame you though. She maybe fresh but I bet she's ripe enough when you squeeze her.' The audacity of the woman." He glared in memory. "She did not stop with that either. No. She had advice. He quoted the flying teacher with a derisive sneer, 'A woman is like a broom Severus; keep her lubed, ride her regularly, and she'll never let you down.' Her wit is unsurpassed," he said sarcastically.
"Oh, my - "
"Indeed. What did Miss Weasley say?"
"Oh, Ginny's feelings were hurt that I hadn't told her. It took me almost half an hour to soothe her, and convince her that I couldn't tell her. Then she went on about how 'mean' you are. Honestly! I saw you for who you are back at the end of my first year." At his challenging eyebrow raise, she expounded, "Okay, I didn't see you for who you are, but I knew there had to be more to you than you let on. I never changed that opinion even after the teeth incident."
"Teeth - ?"
"Never mind that. Once Ginny was calmed I thought I was done but, nooo, in come Pavarti and Lavender. My headache is a direct result of their giggles. They couldn't stop with the personal questions. And when I say personal, I mean personal. Have you ever measured yourself Severus?" She laughed at the look on his face. "They would like the proportions if you have. They wanted to know; how often, how long, how many, and in what positions. From there their questions got even more personal."
"I hope you did not - "
"Don't be daft. Of course not. Not even to prevent a headache," she smiled.
His eyes softened with humour as his lips curved slighlty upwards with one of his rare genuine smiles. One of the smiles he only shared with her. "You would have liked to be in seventh-year potions this afternoon. Mr Zabini dared to insult you."
"Severus, what did you do to him?"
"I merely deducted 10 house points."
"From Slytherin?"
"Gryffindor as well."
"Why Gryffindor?"
"Mr Longbottom defended your good name. He punched Zabini. He broke his nose. It was quite an impressive feat for Mr Longbottom. Mr Zabini hexed him in retaliation, therefore, I deducted 10 points from each of their houses," Severus said smugly.
"What aren't you telling me?"
"Mr Longbottom managed to take a Furnunculus spell, and break Zabini's nose without spilling his cauldron. Naturally I awarded Gryffindor 25 house points; for potion conservation under duress."
Hermione grinned.
"I thought you would appreciate that," he said.
"Oh, I do! I wonder if people thought you'd run mad, awarding points to Gryffindor, and to Neville no less."
"Yes well," he tried to look scathing. Then he continued seriously, "I heard nothing from Mr Malfoy. I can only assume that you did not?"
"No. I would have mentioned that right off," she said seriously.
"I thought you would," he concurred.
"His silence is somewhat concerning," Severus noted.
"Yes, it is. A quiet Malfoy is a scheming Malfoy. Speaking of concerning, you never had a chance to tell me what it was that you learnt in Albus' office."
"I managed to slip into his mind, briefly," he said dramatically.
"And?"
"I saw that he was backing Pryce. I saw that he was responsible for Pryce trying to counter charge you with using magical coercion. Not in any traceable way of course, however - "
"Oh, that reminds me! Auror Willamson flooed me. They could not determine who wrote the letters that were found on Jeremy."
"I believe that if they are not directly from Albus, then they were sent with his knowledge. In his mind I saw that he was aware of their existence before Pryce attacked you in Hogsmeade."
"That's worse than even I thought. I mean, I knew he was self-and-cause-absorbed, at the expense of anyone but this is..."
"Yes. This is. He betrayed my trust, my faith, in the worst possible way."
"Severus, I'm sorry."
"What have you to be sorry for?" he asked, in honest confusion.
"That Albus would do this to you. That he couldn't care for you more than for himself and his cause. That he - "
"Hermione, he is not my wife. You are."
"He was a mentor to you. A father figure even. He is important to you. I know it hurts you Severus."
"No," he snapped.
"Okay," she answered quietly.
"That's it? You will drop it? How unlike you," he said snidely.
"Well, maybe I could say one more thing that's not directly related to your relationship with Albus?"
"As if wild thestrals could stop you," he drawled sarcastically.
"You have my faith Severus. I care for you more than for myself, or anything for that matter. I can't promise to never disappoint you, I'm human after all. But, Severus, I will never betray you." she said solemnly.
"Hermione," he breathed, "I - "
He was interrupted by an insistent knocking on the door.
ANs additional:
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A reviewer on AFF was surprised that Hermione was so restrained when, "she slapped Malfoy for less".
I do not have Severus and Hermione come to blows with Albus during questioning at the Ministry for a few reasons.
1. Both Severus and Hermione are shocked at Albus' utterly ridiculous statements.
2. Severus and Hermione may both have responsive tempers, but they are intelligent enough to refrain from reacting too aggressively in the Ministry. Severus is a spy, and Hermione has matured enough to temper her actions with necessary restraint.
3. For all intents and purposes Severus is an active Death Eater. He wouldn't want to give Aurors reasons to investigate him.
4. Hermione has a definite tendency to defend authority figures, (yes, she sees Albus for what he is now - but in regards to Severus). She is quick to defend Severus against Albus but, when an authority figure criticizes her, she is shocked and intimidated.
5. By the time Hermione's shock has worn off she has realised there is a better time and place for a confrontation with Albus.
6. Severus reacts mildly (for him) because he is in the Ministry, therefore, he is presumably counting to ten in his head, before speaking in front of Aurors.
7. Severus is ingrained with a deeply respectful and deferential attitude towards Albus, and has been for years, therefore, his initial instinct is to react accordingly.
8. Finally if Albus has gone starkers enough to make false accusations that are easily disproved in front of Aurors, who knows what he is capable of doing in the Ministry.
I am considering working on a way to incorporate the aforementioned motivations more clearly into the chapter, so at some point it may be redone LOL.
Footnote:
"He thought up a lie, and he thought it up quick" is from Dr Suess', The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.