Chapter Sixty-Two: Time's Swift Chariot
Hermione's changed status passes under the radar because of Narcissa's interview.
(i) The characters and world of Harry Potter are the property of J.K. Rowling. I make no money from this.
(ii) A million and one apologies.
Thank you to all the readers who have stayed with me through the writing of this tale. Your patience has been truly amazing and your continuing reviews are so appreciated.
I know I promised to be a more frequent writer this year, but I went back to do another teaching qualification in February. This happily led to lots of work both within the UK as well as outside. Summer was especially mental. However, I'm unemployed at the moment, studying for a maths qualification to go back to university again (I truly need my head examined sometimes) and have time on my hands.
So here you are. The next chapter.
The title of the chapter is taken from Mary Sparkes Wheeler's hymnal by the same name. I'm not a church goer, but this must have stuck from goodness known when and where.
Then let time's swift chariot roll by!
Let time's swift chariot roll by—roll by!
The sooner earth's trials and sorrows shall cease,
The sooner we'll enter the mansions of peace!
Then let time's swift chariot roll by!
Hermione read the morning edition of The Prophet while eating breakfast in the Great Hall. She's made it a point to come down early. There weren't many students to contend with, just a few diligent Ravenclaws reading as she was, and a scattering of seventh-years from the other three Houses.
Lavender's article, Narcissa's spin, was perfect. Hermione grinned as she read further into the so-called interview.
"Hermione, as our daughter, and one of the most brilliant students to come out of Hogwarts in recent years was already finding the seventh-year curriculum ridiculously uninspiring. She could have sat for her NEWTs last year with Draco if she had wanted to, they did study together most of the summer, but she's a Gryffindor, and she was determined that the Dark Lord would not prevent her from completing her seven years of schooling.
Now she knows better. Ginevra Weasley's little melt-down in the Common Room just proves that Lucius and I were correct in trying to encourage her passion for research, history and culture and take up more exciting possibilities. It is gratifying that her professors, especially Professor Flitwick more than agrees with our point of view and suggested Hermione finish her final year working on a research paper. They've agreed to co-write it with Lucius, who himself is a Charms expert with wide-ranging interests."
This correspondent can only agree with Lady Malfoy's pronouncement. Having spent six years as Lady Hermione Granger-Malfoy's roommate in Gryffindor Tower, it is beyond doubt that the Order of Merlin, Second Class winner is and has always been dedicated to research and especially gifted in charm work. She was always the first in class to master a spell, sometimes learning in the first few minutes what it took others hours, if not days of study to perfect.
Hermione put down the paper and looked up to meet Minerva's eyes. When the plan had been hashed out, this front-page publicity, and much more detailed exposition of the Malfoys, for example, hadn't been anticipated.
But given that it was Slytherins who were to do the PR, they really should have anticipated the attention.
Barnabas Cuffe, delighted at the prospect of guaranteed sales increase for his Tuesday editions, had followed up the interview was a long, and name-dropping, editorial. It was obvious the editor-in-chief hadn't been able to contain his delight in the coup of having Lady Malfoy agree to be a society columnist every Tuesday. The interview therefore was given top priority, the picture of Narcissa prominently displayed. She looked regal; the White Queen made flesh in her white furs with the background of snow. It meant that Narcissa's role in the Final Battle, her willingness to lie to Riddle to save Potter, was vomited across the paper in a bid to make her seem the epitome of Slytherin cunning, grace and trustworthiness. Her antecedents, the Malfoy connections, all of it had been highlighted with great detail to give credibility to Narcissa's utter suitability to discuss society happenings.
Realising that Minerva had finished her breakfast, Hermione finished the last of her pumpkin juice and headed up to the Head-Table.
"No announcement needed," she said with a grin. "Narcissa's interview is brilliant."
Minerva chuckled. "That it is. I'll set you up in the Research Room off the Library during the second period and then leave you to it."
Severus knew he was dithering, something he rarely did. But he couldn't bring himself to go down to breakfast. The changes in his appearance were so monumental. It would make a mockery of the hard-won misdirection so skilfully undertaken by Narcissa. He really would need to talk to Lucius later this evening.
But what to do? How to counter this change?
Sighing, Severus Flooed Flitwick. Filius was as tardy as he was in getting to breakfast most mornings, he might still be in his chambers.
Minerva was lingering over breakfast, sipping a last cup of tea. She'd seen Hermione depart as the Great Hall started to fill up with students. She had first-years, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw during the first period, so she didn't have anything to prepare.
She didn't want to admit it, but a tiny part of her wanted to see how the students were going to react to the change in their Headmaster's appearance.
His frown and stalk were surprisingly as they'd always been. She looked and looked again, surely the changes wrought with the breaking of the curse hadn't already dissipated?
Severus took his place at the Head Table and glowered at Minerva.
"Quit your gawking, witch," he growled at her. "I've been to see Filius."
Minerva hid her smile by taking another sip of her cooling tea. "It's an excellent glamour," she said mildly.
Severus disdained from responding and looked out onto the sea of students. Some were reading The Prophet, but no one seemed to be unduly curious and looking up at him or the Head Table.
Romilda Vane and Ginny's usual cohorts weren't looking overly anxious and sending him death stares as was customary if they suspected him of masterminding some evil plan.
Minerva nodded towards the Gryffindor Table. "I told the Gryffindor Prefects that Ginny was well, but had been taken home by her parents for post-traumatic stress treatment. Hermione being down for breakfast and obviously unhurt means they've bought the story we've circulated."
Severus angled his head, but didn't respond.
"What's worrying you now?" inquired Minerva, knowing her younger colleague's tendency to brood.
"Hermione's status. Claudia's family. The repercussions for everyone who was present when the curse was broken, take your pick," said Severus snidely.
He sighed. "We've not even seen the beginning of the fallout of that bit of magic. When the Ministry sees that Potter and the two Weasleys are blood-bound to Lucius, they are going to ask all kinds of questions."
"Who would dare?" ejaculated Minerva.
"I was writing to Kingsley of possible ways to deal and explain. And who would dare? Have you forgotten Umbridge, her little toadies and friends? There are enough idiots in middle management to ask awkward questions during briefing meetings, even if things don't end up being printed in The Prophet. You know what the gossip-mill is like. Nothing is ever a secret. And if people don't know, they'll make up the worst possible scenario to explain things to their satisfaction."
Silence fell between the two of them as Severus drained his cup of coffee.
Minerva was observant, thoughtful. "You can't wear the glamour forever, you know," she said gently. "It isn't good for you."
"I know. Filius explained as well. But it's not a drain, and we'll start dropping it a little at a time. Filius' suggestion was to allow my skin to slowly start showing a healthier colour by the end of the month. By Easter we can remove the glamour on the hair and one or two of the features. Yes, the difference is startling, but Filius suggested that they aren't big changes overall, but more that everything has altered. If we allow for gradual revelation, by summer, the whole should seem less obvious."
Minerva bit back a laugh.
"He's delusional, I agree. But it is the best course of action."
"I agree," said Minerva. "Has Hermione seen this face?"
"Not yet," said Severus. "And, no, she's not going to like it, but she'll accept it, because she's sensible."
Roger Granger had thankfully found the Weasley men and Lord Malfoy without too much mishap.
He'd been queried, gaped at and followed by a whispering, yelling, cursing and fainting audience, depending on their disposition, of the inhabitants of the magical portraits, once he'd stepped out onto the guest chamber corridor. Roger had nearly turned tail then, but he'd willed himself to keep walking.
He was glad he'd been brave, because half way down the next corridor he was greeted jovially by a fat, smiling friar. Something in the portrait reminded Roger of Friar Tuck from the television series he'd taped to watch with Hermione, "Robin of Sherwood", and that something, together with the portrait's hail, well met demeaner had him encouraged him to stop and return the greeting. Realising that Roger was trying to find the Weasleys, the portrait had provided directions to the correct suite of rooms.
The men had sat down and talked, honestly, and Roger had started to feel less fearful. Both wizards, as fathers, respected him in their own way for standing up for Hermione. By coming, by taking part in the ritual, barriers had if not completely disappeared, then at least been lowered on the part of the Dark Wizard. Roger and Arthur had met on previous occasions, so that helped ease conversation as well.
As Roger had learned, both of wizards were blood-bound to Hermione; they were family. Malfoys did not let family go. Neither did Weasleys, not if they could help it.
The result was, Roger would go back and speak to Ruth. He would wind up his affairs in Australia. Only then, would he officially fly back to England. Magic would help. So would Lucius Malfoy's contacts in the business world, but it would be done without fuss so that no one was wiser about the return of Wendel Wilkes to the UK.
Hermione had had time to say her goodbyes before Lucius had taken Roger back. To part so soon was difficult for them both. Hermione however now knew to the very depths of her soul how much love her father had for her. It made words almost superfluous.
A/N: Love it or hate it, please let me know what you think.