I tried really hard not to make you wait until the new year because I love you so much!
BedtimeStory- Thank you! Yes! I'm meandering a bit. Too many ideas. Don't feel sorry for Hermione! I am not that cruel.
BrokenPoet12- Am sending Severus will Spell-o-tape to stick you back together, dear. Poets are always worth fixing. Happy you like it! Thanks!
toostupidforyou- So glad you are still enjoying it! Thanks for letting me know!
KellyRoxton- You must be a Gryffindor to scoff at that sort of danger just to review! Thank you and merriest of Christmases to you and yours, my dear. Much joy to you in the new year.
Rageful Jewel- Glad you thought it was a good idea! Thanks for your review!
queenanneus- and I love that you mentioned it! Thanks!
BeneGesserit Witch- Hmm, I like to dance in the woods unless it's too cold out. Longer chapter just for you! I think it might be the longest chapter so far though I haven't really kept track.. Merriments of the season right back, my sister.
duj- I absolutely love your poem! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
little beloved- I know how you feel. When it happens it happens in a big way. I promise. Thanks!
anonymous- So happy I could amuse you! I do agree 8 needs work. Will see what I can do to rework a slow it a bit. Thanks so much!
Squiggles.candi- You certainly did! I don't think I have any great talent for swearing but will see what I can do. Do you think Hermione should swear all the time? At Severus or just in general? I can't even remember being her age, dear. I'm pretty sure I was hallucinating most of it. Thanks for reviewing!
Mari Skyrin-Sarker- I think I have a bit of Hermione about me. Will do what I can! Happy Christmas and all other holidays to you dear! Best wishes for the new year.
And to tak- Very very special thanks! There is no such thing as too picky! I can not tell you how much I appreciate you for catching that mistake. I really do want to make this story as good as it can be for all you lovely readers. I did correct it. Thank you for your help!
I've said it before and will say it again. This would not be half as good without you, my wonderful reviewers. Many of you have selflessly stepped in to beta all manner of my mistakes clean out of this story. I bat my eyelashes at each and every one of you. Look! I write for you too!
The Rat Catchers' Ball
Hermione threw herself into researching her condition. Apart from the time they had spent together in the Room of Requirement with her reading and him grading, Hermione saw little of Snape. Occasionally they ran across each other in Snape's office when she was getting a book. Apart from saying hello and a shared moment over a single quick cup of tea their interactions were minimal.
Hermione managed to catch Poppy without patients in the infirmary on Friday. She questioned her extensively about the tests they had run on her and those results. She learned precious little more than what Snape had told her to begin with and nothing particularly useful.
Most of Hermione's time was spent alone in the Room of Requirement that unlike Dumbledore's library always produced books that were at least somewhat relevant. On Saturday afternoon, at the end of nearly two days of solid research she knew far more about the Great Lakes, native American folklore, magical parasites and parasites in general, and next to nothing more about her particular condition. She was in fact astounded that Snape had been able to identify the parasite at all.
She considered her options. There were other Wizarding libraries that might have useful information. There had to be wizards in the Great Lakes region who knew more about the things. She could petition the Ministry for access to books confiscated from Malfoy for all the good it would do her. That would entail making her condition public which she had no desire to do. She expected the Ministry would find a reason to deny her request anyway. She could consult with Muggle physicians and Obliviate them after. She might be able to find one with Wizard relatives whom she could trust.
Again she considered how useful some organization of Muggle-born wizards might be. Previous attempts to organize generally caused panic at the Ministry and among the Wizard-born population in general. The last time anyone had attempted it was in the mid-sixties. Some wizards still blamed those organizers for the rise of Voldemort's popularity. The more she had looked into it the more she had realized that even Muggle-borns did not want the very small very crowded boat rocked.
She thought about what she knew already. It needed her. It required her emotions. It could not live in Muggles so clearly body heat was insufficient for its long term survival. She wondered what about a Wizard's emotions the thing found appetizing. Could her brain chemistry differ so much from her own parents? She wondered if these parasites could live in Squibs.
Perhaps it had nothing to do with brain chemistry. In Wizards, emotions can be considered a sort of potential or latent magic. Many spells require specific emotions to fuel or trigger them. A child's first magic often grows out of some strong need or an emotional reaction to a situation. Perhaps the parasite was only converting one kind of magic into another. At any rate, she thought it might be possible to find a way to starve the thing to death. She also had hope of finding or even creating a spell that could target and kill it outright. That would definitely be risky. Perhaps she could have it surgically removed?
She just knew that Snape would hate that option though he would probably be more open minded toward Muggle medicine than most Wizards. How could he have formulated more than one solution on no more knowledge than what she knew of the problem now? Of course he did know more than her about potions, about magic, about thousands of things probably. Hermione glanced at her wristwatch and decided she wouldn't be getting Crookshanks back today.
When she had showered, untangled, dried, and defrizzed her hair Hermione dressed in her deep purple velvet dress robe form-fitting enough to show off her figure but not so low cut to look tarty. It was probably more stylish for winter but she didn't care and knew Snape wouldn't. She dropped her wand and a small money pouch both for emergencies into the long thin pocket hidden in its folds. She used a wandless spell to get her hair up leaving just a few curls to frame her face. She applied light makeup the Muggle way, enough to keep her from looking washed out and not enough to look unnatural. She wore a three strand pearl choker and matching earrings and left her watch at home.
Snape met Hermione at his office at seven thirty looking clean, crisp, and elegant in his heavy black well-tailored silk. He had even washed his hair again.
"You look wonderful, Professor."
"Shall we?"
She supposed it was lucky that she hadn't been fishing for a compliment.
They used his office floo to arrive in Hogsmeade and then apparated to the Ministry from there. It seemed everyone in Wizarding Britain had turned out for the event. The hall was packed. They had a choice of tables being that she and Snape both had received invitations. Had they picked Hermione's table Snape would be sitting next to Fudge's wife who was less bearable than Umbridge when sober and not much better drunk. Hermione would have been seated next to Swinburne Fogstreet, one of the richest, perhaps the fattest, and certainly the most obnoxious of any wizard in Britain. The only man in the room more notorious in general was Snape. Poor Minerva got stuck sitting next to Fudge from whom she faced away from talking instead to Filius. Of course they chose Snape's table. It was so far from the front it was hardly in the room at all and had much better company. Hermione sat next to Snape with Arthur Weasley then Molly on her right. On Snape's left was the stunningly beautiful Loredona Zabini, Blaise's date for the evening as well as his distant cousin here visiting from Florence.
Dinner was served. Fred and George who were table hopping throughout whispered to Hermione one in each ear that she should give dessert a wide pass. They explained in their stereo twin-speak that the one piece they spiked may have gone astray. Hermione passed the information on to Snape and to the rest of their table after the twins were safely out of Molly's line of sight. Molly turned a fair imitation of the color of Hermione's dress with every vein in her head visibly throbbing. Arthur did his best to keep her calm by promising to help her hunt them down after the ceremony.
Desert turned out to be a rather delicious looking slice of chocolate torte at least fourteen pieces of which went untouched. Hermione didn't bother to watch for the result of the twins' sense of humor. She had no doubt it would be hard to ignore when it did manifest.
After dinner was cleared, awards were presented posthumously from Order of Merlin Third Class up to First Class. After all recipients in a category were named each name was called again so that someone might accept the award. Ron received along with Dumbledore and many others the Order of Merlin Second Class. Arthur and Molly tearfully accepted it. When Harry won the only Order of Merlin First Class awarded posthumously Arthur and Molly tearfully returned to the podium. There was no one else to accept it for him.
Hermione was absorbed in the moment and in her memories. She suddenly sensed that Snape had grown tense by her side. That was when she realized- not a single fallen Slytherin, not Pansy, not Millicent, not even Professor Slughorn had been honored. She turned and glanced at him. His eyes met hers. Nothing in his expression betrayed any emotion what so ever.
Next, awards were presented to the survivors Third Class first. Again, no Slytherin received one. Nor was there a Slytherin among those presented the Order of Merlin, Second Class. For the Order of Merlin, First Class three names were called. Seamus, Hermione and Luna. Hermione almost blind with rage stood and stalked up to the podium while Fudge was still pontificating. She magically amplified her voice.
"How dare you stand here blathering about courage and honor and other virtues that you, personally, know nothing about!"
Fudge recoiled from the podium as if stricken. Hermione couldn't help but notice that the man was sprouting whiskers.
"For those of you who don't know me I'm Hermione Granger. You needn't bother to call my name again, Minister, as I find I am unable to accept an Order of Merlin, First Class from a Minister too blind to recognize the valor and sacrifices of -all those- who fought for the Light at great personal cost." As she spoke cameras everywhere clicked away. It was so quiet between her pauses that she could hear the Press quills scribbling. "Since you choose not to mention those from Slytherin House whose actions during the battles distinguished them, I will do so now. Professor Horace Slughorn, twice Head of Slytherin House, lost his life defending the students of Hogwarts from the forces of Voldemort at the Battle of the Great Hall. Thanks to his efforts to protect the first and second years he was that battle's lone casualty. Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bulstrode, both seventh years of Slytherin House, fought beside me during the Main Battle. Their actions were brave and honorable. They lost their lives helping to free the world from the tyranny of Voldemort and his minions. Professor Sylvinia Sinestra, alumnus of Slytherin House and currently my Astronomy Professor here present tonight, was severely wounded in the Battle of the Gate while helping Professor Vector defend and repair damaged wards. Due in part to her brave efforts, the wards held preventing Voldemort and his Death Eaters from apparating at will inside Hogwarts castle and its grounds. Would you please stand, Professor Sinestra?"
Sinestra stood and waved to Hermione before sitting down again. The crowd applauded the professor enthusiastically. Some of the Slytherins and her fellow professors including the Headmistress, Vector, and Snape stood while applauding. When the applause faded Hermione continued.
"Blaise Zabini also sitting in this audience is a seventh year Slytherin. He chose the side of Light according to the dictates of his conscience. Blaise fought against Voldemort and his elite Death Eaters with valor and honor and all those other virtues that you like to spout about, Minister." Fudge was looking decidedly rodent-like now and seemed far more concerned about his appearance which he fretted over with a hand mirror than anything that Hermione was saying. "He very nearly died due to injuries he received in the Main Battle. Blaise will you please stand?"
Blaise stood. The applause in the Hall was thunderous and seemed to last forever. When it finally died down Blaise nodded to Hermione almost imperceptibly then sat again.
"Professor Severus Snape, Potions Master and twice and current Head of Slytherin House, deserves this medal that you are trying to give me as much as any person living or dead. His actions are as responsible as Harry Potter's magic for the downfall of Voldemort. Professor Snape risked his life for more years than some of us here in this hall have been alive and suffered great personal hardships to provide intelligence information about Voldemort and Death Eater activity. Without that intelligence, I doubt Voldemort ever would have been defeated. His spying on behalf of former Headmaster Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix allowed us to prepare to defend Hogwarts from what Voldemort meant to be a sneak attack. Without Professor Snape's warning many more would have died that day. Professor Snape also fought in the front line defending Harry Potter from Voldemort and his elite forces during the Main Battle. Harry Potter himself called Professor Snape the bravest man he had ever known," and the biggest bastard but that was a given, "Blaise, Seamus, Luna, and I would not be here present tonight as we would not be alive today had it not been for the valiant actions of Professor Snape before, during, and after the Main Battle. Professor Snape, will you please stand?"
Snape did stand and then sat again almost immediately. The applause was deafening. It did not stop. Eventually Snape stood again took a slight bow and sat down again. The crowd went wild then finally started to quiet down.
"In conclusion, you can just toss my Order of Merlin, First Class into the rubbish bin, Minister. It is worthless as a symbol if you choose to award and withhold it to suit your own petty political ends. Despite your best efforts the contributions and sacrifices of these Slytherins will not be forgotten. Remember that you as Minister of Magic are as much a symbol as this Order of Merlin. When you do not carry out the duties expected of you with honor and fairness you take away the meaning of your own office making yourself every bit as worthless to the Wizarding World as that bit of metal is to me."
Hermione left the podium and her Order of Merlin, First Class to much applause and cheering and took her seat next to Severus who leaned over to whisper.
"It is gold. You could have changed it into lead."
Fudge left the hall looking exactly like the big rat he was tail and all. His wife watched him go then slid a flask out of her cleavage and gulped the contents down. Arthur Weasley stepped up to the podium and called Seamus Finnigan to accept his Order of Merlin First Class.
"First, I'd like to say that I agree with everything Hermione just said. Blaise, Pansy and Millicent fought more or less beside Hermione, Luna, and I on that battlefield. They all deserve this every bit as much as I do. Truth be told, the whole lot of us were ducking behind Professor Snape. Blaise and I would have both died out there too except for Professor Snape who with Hermione and Luna to help patched us both up long before a mediwizard or anyone else ever wandered along. I guess what I'm saying is, Gryffindor House is about nothing if it's not about honoring bravery. If it wouldn't offend them all too much I'd like to say that you Slytherins, when it suits you, fight just as bravely as any of us Gryffindors do. Oh yeah, and here's one more for the rubbish bin."
More applause broke out. Many in the crowd were cheering and hooting now in a most undignified manner.
"It seems you have started a trend," said Snape, who was now looking ever so slightly amused.
Next Arthur called Luna Lovegood. She was wearing a colorful psychedelic dress robe and had pansies, shells, ribbons, and feathers braided into a looming beehive topping her head.
"I'll bet this is going to be interesting," Hermione whispered back.
"Hi fellow she-wizards and he-wizards. I am accepting this award but not for myself. I'm offering it to the highest bidder in a silent auction. All proceeds will be start up funding for the Pansy Parkinson Gay and Lesbian Educational Fund. Pansy was my friend, my lover, and my spouse. We were married at Hogwarts by Albus Dumbledore with Millicent Bulstrode and Blaise Zabini as witnesses right before the final battle. Pansy's family disowned her posthumously when they found out about us right before they were all rounded up as rogue Death Eaters. It struck me that someone like Pansy who had lived might have had a hard time finding money for Uni. It was our dream to find and study magical xeno-creatures together. I think she'd like it if this Order of Merlin which is as much hers as mine could help others in a similar situation to reach their dreams. If you are interested in bidding on this Order of Merlin, First Class or just want to contribute some spare galleons to the Pansy Parkinson Gay and Lesbian Educational Fund you can contact me or my dad at the Quibbler. Thanks for lending an ear. Peace, Light and goodnight, everybody."
"Tell me that you are ready to leave now."
"The inmates have taken over the asylum, Professor Snape, at least for one night. Have one dance with me first?"
"Very well, Miss Granger."
While they were making their way to the floor a reporter from the Prophet stepped in front of them.
"Hermione! Hermione! Are you running against Fudge in the next election?"
"Certainly not, I'm seventeen years old. According to Wizarding Law those under forty can't run. Arthur Weasley has my full support for Minister of Magic."
"And her name is Miss Granger."
"Is it true you and Snape are also secretly married?"
"No. Professor Snape is my Potions professor."
"You misspelled potions and are in my way."
The reporter glanced up at Snape's expression for the first time then ducked his head and scurried off.
The music started. Severus took her hand and lead her onto the floor. She had never danced with anyone who seemed more at ease doing it. He held her lightly, lead her confidently, and stepped gracefully. Best of all since he was so tall and imposing the other dancers naturally gave them more room.
Just as the music ended a small crowd of strange men of ages ranging roughly from hers to Dumbledore's materialized all asking Hermione for dances. Snape glared at them menacingly.
"Sorry gentlemen, I am leaving now with my date." Hermione said and took Snape's arm. He covered her hand gently with his and guided her through the crowd.
Once outside the Ministry, they apparated to Hogsmeade and flooed back to Snape's office.
"I didn't intend to make a scene tonight, sir. I hope I didn't embarrass you."
"I can not say that I have ever enjoyed myself more while in the presence of any Fudge. Do have a seat, Miss Granger. Swiss absinthe, Glen Morangie, Fire-whiskey, Spirits of Walking Death, cognac, elderberry wine?"
"I'll have what you're having so long as it's a double."
He handed her a tumbler of Glen Morangie.
"Here's to your efforts on behalf of Slytherin House. Cheers, they are appreciated."
"You seem to be taking this whole thing well," Hermione said as Snape took his seat.
"It is no more and no less than I have come to expect from the Ministry. Ultimately, awards are like House Points. They do not matter."
"At least Luna's might. I think it is terribly clever of her to auction it off for a good cause."
"What on earth is a magical xeno-creature?"
"Best I can tell she's talking about creatures that don't exist."
"Ah."
"Perhaps I should tell Luna about my parasite. It almost qualifies."
"I did warn you that there was not much information."
"I'm sorry I brought it up. I really don't want to talk about that tonight, if it's all the same to you, sir. Did you know they were married?"
"I gave one of the brides away as did Flitwick."
"I don't think anyone from our House even knew they were seeing each other. I take it this happened after Draco was sent to Azkaban?"
"Before that. It seemed Miss Parkinson came to the conclusion that she was no happier in their relationship than Draco."
"Did all of Slytherin House know?"
"Eventually, but it took Miss Brocklehurst's mother to inform Mrs. Parkinson. The Brocklehurst family produces infamous gossips."
"Maybe that's why she felt more like a Slytherin than a Parkinson because Slytherin House protected her and accepted Luna."
"That is my best guess. Why do you think Miss Lovegood kept their romance a secret from her Gryffindor friends?"
"As batty as she acts Luna is smart. We wouldn't have been good about it."
"Because she chose a witch or a Slytherin?"
"No one would have cared had Pansy been from another House."
"Yet you did consider how your housemates might feel about my escorting you to the Ministry tonight."
"I don't care what they think, Professor. I'd prefer it if they would shun me, honestly"
"It seems unlike you to isolate yourself."
"Does it? Before I came to Hogwarts and met Harry and Ron I didn't have any friends. I never minded being on my own. I think being alone is better than being surrounded with people with nothing in common."
"Beyond being Gryffindors, what do you feel you had in common with Mr. Potter or Mr. Weasley?"
"We were all loners in our way. Ron never had friends aside from his family. I told you about Harry. Maybe we were all just desperate for a bit of acceptance from each other. Harry and Ron were the first students I ever met who never cared when I ruined a bell curve."
"Hardly a shock given their dedication to study."
"It was more than that. They accepted me for who I am. I'm not really sure how Ron and I happened. It was nice having someone who felt the way he did about me. I always knew it wouldn't work out. I thought he should have dated Viktor Krum. They were both mad about chess and Quidditch."
"You loved Mr. Weasley as a friend?"
"Yes, and not enough to settle down and become Molly Weasley for him."
"Not even Trelawney on her worst day could envision that future for you."
"She might. I'm not exactly her favorite person."
"It would not be me who beat you out for that dubious honor. Had I suffered a paper cut every time she predicted my imminent demise I would have bled to death the first month of our acquaintance."
"She was the same with Harry. Merlin! You should have read his homework for that blood thirsty faker. He used to sit around the common room every day trying to think up a nasty way to kill himself off that he hadn't used in some previous prediction. They were all horrible. About a week before the battle he predicted that Voldemort would throw him in a giant bread slicer at a Muggle bake factory and that bits of him would get sold all over the UK. He said Trelawney really liked that one."
"The Boy-Who-Lived as pre-packaged consumption for the masses is telling imagery on the part of Mr. Potter- and bread no less. I only can wonder if he were confirming a Christ complex or making fun of one."
"I think you're right. I always wondered why Harry stayed in that class. I suppose it would make sense if it served some psychological benefit for him."
"Perhaps."
"Would you like some help stocking the infirmary tomorrow, sir?"
"Poppy has not requested potions. The rate of injury by stupidity must be down this week."
"Perhaps that means we are all finally getting more clever, sir."
"More likely, there will be twice the average number of accidents next week."
"Is the glass never half full?."
"No, and our glasses are empty. Would you care for another?"
"I'd like to but should probably get some sleep. At any rate, I'd like to walk out of here under my own power."
"May I offer you an Occlumency lesson tomorrow?"
"What time, sir?"
"After dinner?"
"I'll see you then. Thank you again for escorting me tonight."
In his last gallant act as her escort Snape opened and held the door for her. "Should you find yourself in need of an escort in the future I do hope you will keep me in mind, Miss Granger."
Hermione couldn't help but smile. From someone else those words could constitute no more than empty courtesy. From Snape, it sounded like a declaration of undying affection.
"Thank you, sir. I will. Don't worry. I won't be receiving invitations from the Ministry any time soon."
"I rather had counted on that fact."
"Goodnight, Professor Snape."
Ho Ho Ho! Happy seasonal observances! I ask for nothing. This is my love gift to you.