Several weeks passed and the trio settled into a routine. Ron would visit when he could manage to get away. As they had expected, members of the Order were in and out of the burrow constantly. They had many questions for Ron and it was hard for him to find a moment for himself. The first day Harry and Hermione had laid low, rumors circulated that they had died in the wizarding battle. Some swore they saw Harry hit by a hex and carried away. Others had more elaborate stories that Harry was cornered by Death Eaters and was executed formally.
Ron assured their friends that these were lies and that Harry was very much alive and well. "You should tell him to come home with us here at the burrow!" Mrs. Weasley cried out at once.
Before Ron could find an excuse for Harry not to come, Kinsley Shacklebolt responded with authority. "No. It's best we don't know where Harry is. Ron is taking enough risk as it is going between here and where ever his friends are hiding. There are still many Death Eaters on the loose who would jump at the chance to assassinate the boy who killed their master."
No one could argue with Kingsley's logic and let the secret be for the time being.
On this particular visit from Ron, there was exciting news that helped shake off some of their cabin fever. "McGonagall sent owls out to everyone who was schooling last year or who wasn't able to attend because of what was happening." Ron shared happily. "She gave me your letters. Here, take a look!"
Harry and Hermione opened the letters and slowly a grin spread on their faces as they read. "We can finish our final year!" Hermione breathed with tears forming in her eyes.
"We can get the rest of our courses to qualify to be Aurors, Ron!" Harry enthused.
Ron barked a laugh. "Not that you'll need it, Harry. I mean, you just defeated the ultimate dark wizard single-handedly."
"I did have help." Harry amended, giving each of them pointed looks of appreciation.
Hermione wrinkled her nose in mock annoyance. "Anyway, it's probably best you both get the coursework just to be sure you haven't missed anything important. There might be a potion or spell you could learn that would save your life. Also, it looks like these classes are going to be geared specifically towards whatever field you decide to go in!"
What would have happened to Hogwarts without McGonagall? Hermione shuttered thinking of it. Just when Hermione was beginning to wonder what she would do to prove her credentials if she were to apply for a job somewhere, McGonagall had a solution. This coming term at Hogwarts, select teachers were going to hold night courses for those students who were either forced to miss their final year at Hogwarts or felt they did not adequately learn the material they needed to join the workforce. McGonagall had also taken it a step further by allowing students to join an internship program during the day so they would be able to train for their chosen profession as well as strengthen their education. Now only one question remained; what did Hermione want as her profession? Right now, all she could seem to think about was restoring the memories of her parents…
Ginny's fist was suspended in the air, hovering over the door as her insides twisted into knots. What she had said. There was no excuse. No matter how tumultuous the situation, she should never have used that horrible nickname for her friend. Everyone else ridiculed Luna, but Ginny was supposed to have her back.
"You can do this." Neville whispered from behind her. "Just think about how much worse it will make you feel if you let it eat you up inside."
Ginny winced. "Maybe I deserve to feel worse."
Neville sighed with slight frustration. "Ginny, both of you deserve to mend your friendship."
Ginny nodded and gulped. She had to do this for Luna. She owed her the chance to reject her apology. She wasn't convinced Luna would still want to be friends, but for Luna's sake she would let her determine that.
At last, Ginny knocked. Almost immediately after, Luna opened the door and greeted them with solemn wistfulness. "Please, make yourselves at home." Luna invited as they shuffled into the small living room.
"Were you expecting company?" Ginny asked. "We can come back later."
Luna gave a secretive smile. "No, the tea is for you. Now, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
Somehow, perhaps the way she had said it, Ginny felt Luna already knew why there were there. And, there was hot tea, cakes, and little sandwiches already prepared for guests when they came in. But how could she have known? Ginny supposed that it could wait and wasn't as important as apologizing was right now.
"Well, it's not a happy visit." Ginny began. "And it's my fault it's even necessary." Luna waited patiently as Ginny gathered her thoughts. "I'm sorry." Ginny continued. "I should never have called you that name, especially when we were at war like that. It was unforgivable. I am so sorry." Ginny forced herself to look her friend in the eye even as ears forced their way to the surface.
Luna blinked quickly several times and Ginny saw a tear fall into Luna's folded hands in her lap. "It's not unforgivable. I forgive you. It was a scary moment and it did seem looney… even to me."
Ginny winced, struck by the acknowledgement of what she'd said. "There is no excuse, though. I was your friend…"
"Was?" Luna inquired. "Aren't you still or do you not want to be friends anymore?"
Ginny was mortified by Luna's quivering lip. Now she had done that, too. "No, of course I want to be friends! I just thought that after what I'd done you wouldn't want to be friends with me anymore!"
Luna whisked a tear away. "Friends don't always get along, but they can always come back and be friends again. That's what makes them so strong! I don't think there's anything you could do that would make me not want to be your friend."
The two girls smiled meaningfully at each other for several moments. Luna broke the moment first by smoothly asking each of her guests how they liked their tea and preparing it for them.
"Luna, did you know we were coming?" Neville asked as she passed him his tea.
Luna smiled softly. "Yes, actually, I did."
"But how did you know?" Ginny asked, reflecting on how she knew Harry wasn't dead.
"I've been rather excited to tell you." Luna said with a spark of enthusiasm in her wistful voice. "I've always been a bit insightful about things. I attributed it to fate or chance mostly, but when I saw Harry being carried back, apparently dead, it was different. I don't know if it was because it was a more important situation so I paid closer attention to it, or if the situation itself was so important it made the thing more pronounced- triggered it, you could say."
"Triggered what?" Neville asked in awe.
"I think I may have the Sight. I can't be certain, but it's happened twice now. Once with Harry and then yesterday I got the distinct impression that you two would be joining me for tea today." Luna blushed, tied between excitement and embarrassment. She didn't want to sound as though she were making grandiose claims. She had man doubts herself, but she felt deep down it was true and she was eager for her friends to be in on her secret.
"That's amazing, Luna!" Neville grinned.
Ginny practically squirmed with excitement. "It makes so much sense! You used to find me when I was sitting alone, sulking, and cheer me up. You wouldn't have seen me all day and there you'd be, right when I needed you."
Luna gave her friend a tender smile. "I never really thought about it like that…"
"You should talk to McGonagall! I'm sure she'll put you in the classes you'll need to work towards a career in prophecy- if that's what you want." Ginny gushed, wondering where this gift would take her friend.
"I think I will. I was never really completely sure what I wanted to do with myself. I always had the Quibbler to help run if I didn't have anything else." Luna confided. "Do you two know what you'd like to do after school?"
"Either pro. Quidditch player or Quidditch Instructor at Hogwarts." Ginny said without hesitation.
"And I know I want to be a Professor of Herbology." Neville said humbly.
"It must be nice, knowing what you want to do for certain." Luna mused. "I wonder why we never talked about our future plans before?"
Neville's face took on a somber quality. "I think we've all changed because of the war. We all had to grow up to deal with the death eaters and protect our younger classmates. We're thinking seriously now about the future; how we'll protect ourselves and each other from the world."
There was a moment of reflection and remembrance. They had lost friends, family-
Neville thought of his parents. Of the classmates who'd died that he couldn't save. If only he could have taught everyone at school. If only he had been able to prepare them better for what was in store for them.
Ginny thought of her brother Bill, now a werewolf. Of Tonks who she'd admired. Of her brother Fred who'd nearly died and was still recovering. And how she herself had almost died if Neville had not been near to stop Bellatrix's curse. Of the thrill of shameful pleasure she felt as Neville killed his parent's torturer.
Luna could feel the trauma her friends were reliving. After being imprisoned at Malfoy Manor, she had experienced the same horrors her friends had by returning to Hogwarts against her father's wishes. The oppression, fear, and punishments had been real and savage. "We have changed." Luna acknowledged. "But we have changed for the good of the Wizarding World, because we changed the world. We may be different, but we didn't lose ourselves. We gained wisdom, strength, courage… Remember that if you feel lost in the past."
. . .
As head of household, Lucius stood closest to the door. The first person one would see upon entering Malfoy Manor. Though he was not the proud, kempt man he was before the war. His white blonde hair that had once been straight, not a wayward strand to be seen, lay gnarled about his shoulders, its natural waviness had been allowed to have free reign. His shaving habits had become sporadic. He now had a five o'clock shadow that seemed to emphasize the drawn expression on his face. In his nervousness about today he had forgotten to shave this morning. His expensive clothes were not ironed as sharply. Narcissa had employed a new house elf that they were not as hard on as their last and the creature was prone to mistakes. Whether purposely out of rebelliousness or just honest poor ability they didn't even care to know.
Narcissa stood tall to his left. She was like a hot poker: firm, sharp, and hot tempered of late. She had grown thin and tired. Restless nights and lack of appetite made her look more angular and even the soft wrinkles of age that were deepened from sleeplessness seemed to emphasize her hardness. She was defensive and worried for her family, not convinced of their safety even now. Especially in light of today's visit. It meant their fall from grace was complete.
Draco stood to his mother's left, shoulders knotted and hunched as he counted the tiles on the floor. Anything to distract him from the tension. For the past several weeks his family had only gathered for dinner. His parents had tried to keep up the charade they were still sleeping together but though they walked in the same door at night, Draco knew his mother had been sleeping in their adjoining bedroom. Things were not well between his parents. He feared a divorce. He feared leaving his father behind in disgraceful solitude. Both he and his mother still functioned. They could at least pretend in public, but his father acted like and abused animal. They could not go out like this.
The sound of apparition was clearly heard on the edge of the lawn. It was so quiet in the Manor they could hear the small party's footsteps precede through the gate and up the sidewalk.
"Button, be ready to open the door." Narcissa nearly whispered, a hint of urgency in her tone.
Button came around the corner from dusting the family portraits in the hallway and walked to the front door mumbling a polite "Yes, mistress" in his wake. Within moments there was a knock at the door and Button opened it to permit the guests entry.
Not even acknowledging the new face, the family that entered flung their hats and purses in the general direction of Button as they came forth to be received by the Malfoys.
"Xyllius, welcome!" Lucius greeted the man, shaking his hand trying for his old charm but failing to hit the mark as his nerves got the better of him.
Xyllius gave a slight though arrogant smile that hardened his eyes rather than soften them. "Lucius." He acknowledged with a curt nod. "Thank you for seeing us today."
Seeing her husband wilt under Xyllius's hawkish gaze, Narcissa snapped into trophy wife mode. 'Hostess' entered her voice and manner. "Heather! It's been too long!" She addressed Xyllius's wife.
Heather smiled in what appeared to be a genuine way, but a feeling of disgust lurked, barely distinguishable beneath. "Ah, Narcissa! It has been. Too long." The women hugged one another like old friends and kissed each other's cheeks.
Draco's face remained stoic. No one expected much else from him since he was still a 'child,' and he was certainly felt it today. "Pansy." He greeted his longtime classmate and friend formally. She had a similar stony expression. "Draco." She replied, hefting her baby brother up higher on her hip. Bedlam was his name, though they called him "bud" for short.
"Draco," Narcissa said, turning her attention from Heather. "won't you show Pansy to the drawing room? We will be conducting business with the Parkinsons in the study."
"Yes, ma'am." Draco inclined his head out of habit, then turned to gesture the way to Pansy. "After you." Pansy bobbed a brief curtsy and started in the direction Draco had indicated with confidence. Of course she knew the way. She had been to Malfoy Manor many a time, but formality had to be preserved. Especially on an occasion like this.
When they reached the drawing room, Draco hurried forward to open the door for Pansy who shimmied by, her brother still secure in her arms. Pansy stood awkwardly in the middle of the room while Draco closed the door behind them. When he turned around he looked at her a moment before wordlessly extending his hand toward the sofas around the coffee table and fire place rather than the wooden table and chairs at the window. Unconsciously, the two broke with their tradition of sitting side-by- side and chose different seats. Pansy sat on the wider sofa facing the table and the fireplace. Draco sat to he r left in a matching armchair positioned perpendicular to the sofa.
Always silence persisted. It was clear to each of them they wanted to break the silence but they were uncertain as to what should be said. Before either of them could make up their mind, Button entered and bowed. "Anything that would please the young master and misses while visiting?"
"A bottle for my brother." Pansy said immediately. "And I suppose some tea and crumpets would be fine for me."
Button turned his attention to Draco who waved a careless hand. "That should be fine."
With another bow, Button left them alone again. Pansy squirmed under the resumed quiet. "Warm day." She commented without conviction. Draco nodded. Pansy's mouth twisted into a grimace.
Draco noticed the look of discomfort and sighed. "This is humiliating."
The sudden honesty took Pansy by surprise. He must really be upset of he just came right out with it. She thought, her cheeks flushing. "I'm sorry, Draco. Personally I think my parents are out of line. Everyone fled… at the end."
"I've heard my parents talking, Pansy, I know it was not just leaving. My father was targeted by the Dark Lord as soon as he'd returned. I've heard it all. Even my mother…" Draco trailed off, not sure if he could say anything. If Xyllius or Heather knew- But this was Pansy. He could always trust her. "My mother lied about Potter being dead to the Dark Lord's face."
Pansy didn't appear surprised. "That's what I've heard people speculate. Why would she do that?"
Draco felt sickened. How were they all still alive if they'd guessed his mum had betrayed them all? "Potter was able to tell her I was still alive so she said he was dead."
Pansy couldn't help feeling a stab of jealousy. Her own mother would never have done that. Her parents hadn't bothered to verify her whereabouts. They didn't even send an owl like the parents of her other classmates who had fought for the Dark Lord. She was sent home from Hogwarts via train. All the Slytherins on the train together, sent home as the losing team. The first she heard from her parents was her father's command to "Come." As he held his hands out to apparate them back home. "She was very brave." Pansy whispered haltingly. It was against everything they had ever been taught to even say something like that.
Draco looked up at her, eyes wide. Before he could say anything, Button came in carrying the tea and crumpets on a heavy trey. His arms were quivering, making the china shiver and he had several bruises on his arms. Undoubtedly from the visiting Parkinson family, or done for their benefit to keep up appearances.
They let Button leave without so much as acknowledging his presence.
Pansy immediately set to adjusting her little brother so he could drink from the bottle. "Do you take care of your brother often?" Draco asked noting the natural way she held the boy, as though it were commonplace. She shrugged. "He's my responsibility since I'm his sister. Mother has been to busy meeting other death eaters, and they don't much like the idea of a stranger in our house… just in case."
Draco nodded. They could only trust other death eaters at this point, but really not even them in the case of his family.
"I would have wanted us not to be together anyway." Pansy said suddenly. "After all of this."
Draco flushed with embarrassment and anger. "Why?" He demanded.
"Not because of your family, Draco. Because of mine. Because of tradition. And because I don't feel like we need anyone right now. There's too much to think about. Pansy couldn't look at him. Everything she was saying was to be disloyal. A pure blood Slytherin did not speak against their family.
Draco leaned forward to prepared himself a cup of tea. A familiar ritual he took his time doing to ground himself before he replied. He took a sip and set his saucer down on the table. "Before, everything was drawn out for us like a map. Mudbloods were an abomination, not worth anything and not capable of true magical talent. Being pure blood was a great pride. The most important thing. Family was everything. And our families were going to be made stronger through our marriage. The Dark Lord's return was going to be our justice. I always knew we would win. We were right. We were stronger- held powerful positions. But it we were right, how did things turn out like this? Why would my mother go against our cause like that?"
Pansy shifted nervously. They shouldn't be talking like this. If someone overheard- but wasn't he giving voice to everything she'd been thinking herself? "Because she loved you more than the pure blood cause. Because she really is loyal. If my family heard me saying this now they'd disown me. They didn't even come for me after the war, Draco. Didn't even send and owl. They let the train take me home." Tears threatened to fall. Shameful tears. She should be proud in defeat but she could only thinking of what she'd lost.
Draco didn't know what to say. There was nothing he could say to make it better. "Do you think… do you ever wonder if everything we were taught is wrong?" He asked haltingly. Scared to even question it.
Pansy squirmed, afraid to agree and continue this conversation, but she couldn't stay silent about it either. "Back at Hogwarts, when the Dark Lord asked us to hand over Harry Potter, I was the only person to stand up and do what I thought was right. Fellow students who I knew their parents were very active death eaters didn't say anything. Even when all the other houses turned on me, almost he whole school, no one did a thing to support me. And I… felt like I'd done something wrong. Like I had betrayed everyone, even myself. But, Draco, wasn't that what I was supposed to do? Isn't that what any of us should have done? But somehow I knew I was in the wrong and all those people protecting Potter were in the right."
Draco gave a mirthless laugh. "Here we are. Us admitting Potter was right all along. Looking back, doesn't it feel like or lives have been jokes? We thought we had it all figured out. Then the Dark Lord comes and it's nothing like we had been told."
"I don't think we were a joke." Pansy whispered. "I think… us together was a good thing. It felt right."
Draco looked up at her through his lashes. "I thought wee were good together, too." Pansy blushed under his intense gaze. Then he continued. "But not anymore…?"
"No." Pansy agreed. "Not anymore."
"I think you're right." Draco said calmly. "We both have a lot to sort out."
Pansy nodded. A quiet settled on them as they each followed their own trains of thought. "Will you be going back to Hogwarts to finish your classes?" Pansy asked after a time.
Draco considered. "I suppose I should since my family's future is uncertain." He said in candid bitterness. "Though I'm not sure what I'd like to do since being a death eater is off the table and somehow doesn't hold the same charm."
Pansy knew all too well how he was feeling. "I'm not sure what I'll be doing after school either. But it would be nice to see you in classes."
Draco forced a smile o his lips. He was grateful to Pansy. She was the only one he could count on at this point. And their parents were in the study dissolving his and Pansy's arranged marriage. He probably wouldn't get to see her often unless he did go back to Hogwarts.
The two of them finished their tea and crumpets in amiable silence as Bud finished his bottle. Occasionally they would mention something mundane- Draco talked of the search for a new house elf and Pansy told Draco about some of Bedlam's cute or frustrating moments. Soon enough, Button came in, begging pardon, and informing them that Mister and Misses Parkinson were prepared to leave.
Pansy gathered up Bud and Draco went to the door to hold it for her, his former fiancé. The small company took their respective places in their families to bid each other goodbye. Button stood ready at the door, fearing another beating.
"It's always a pleasure." Narcissa said in a saccharine purr.
"We will keep in touch." Xyllius said, almost like a threat.
"I will look for your owl." Lucius replied with a touch of desperation.
Draco and Pansy nodded to each other wordlessly. The Parkinson's turned without further ado and Button threw the door open for them, eager to be out of arm's reach. The family disappirated and the Malfoys were left alone once more, feeling bereft.
"They will keep in touch." Lucius said in a rallying tone.
"That's what I'm afraid of." Said Narcissa just as Draco was thinking it.
. . .
Harry, Hermione, and Snape as well, though he was not conscious often, were very fortunate. The Order had extra Polyjuice potion at their disposal which they gave wholeheartedly to Harry and Ron for the sake of finding a house. Posing as young bachelors (Mr. Weasley had found a pair of muggles sitting in a parking lot whom he'd procured the hairs from) Harry and Ron were able to find a three-bedroom house on the outskirts of Scotland, not too far from Hogsmeade but not close enough to catch the attention of any locals. Theirs was the only house on a winding road through dense forest called Ainsley Way so they'd taken to calling it the Ainsley Place. A few short miles to the northeast there lay a little village that suited all of their grocery needs.
It had only taken two weeks to find and Harry fronted the bill personally without discussing it with anyone. Ron, as well as house searching with Harry, had been put to work at home. His father was having him arrange meetings at the burrow for Order members. He also put Ron in charge of news distribution. Ron was learning the code the Order used and the various methods of distributing that information and what each method meant. He was quite good at it and it made him proud to be in charge of such an important task.
"Congratulations, Weasley, you're a glorified secretary." Snape said acidly from his bed one afternoon. It was three days after they had moved to Ainsley Place and Ron had been gushing about his role in getting information to Kingsley Shacklebolt who was acting Minister for Magic (it was not yet permanent.)
Hermione took to tending her patient before Ron could retort. She noted that they should be more quiet on the way to the kitchen since they passed by Professor Snape's room to get there. "Sorry to have disturbed you, sir." She said, filling a glass with fresh water and checking his fever. "No fever now. I was worried the move would have been a strain on you."
Snape gave a short dry laugh. "Would have been a pity if I had died after all wouldn't it?" He said sarcastically, taking note of the familiar way she pressed the backs of her fingers to his brow.
Hermione glanced up to see that Harry and Ron had already preceded her to the kitchen and she blushed lightly. "Yes, sir, it would be. A great pity." She whispered meaningfully. "Now would you please drink a little water. Your voice is cracking."
Taken aback by her tenderness, Snape glared up at her suspiciously. She met his gaze, eyebrows knitted together with worry. Finally he took the offered glass and drank. "Tell me," He said after his throat felt soothed. "What have you done so far in your treatment of me?"
Hermione listed the steps she had taken and all the potions she had used. Since the dittany, antidote, and blood replenishing potion she had mostly given him regular doses of draught of dreamless sleep and the Ashwinder eggs to help fend off the fever. Since the fiendfyre had produced so many Ashwinders they were at no shortage of the eggs, thankfully. Hermione omitted removing some articles of clothing and how she had read to him, wiped his brow, and given him sips of water during his feverish bouts. Those felt like little details that needed to be done but not discussed. He seemed to be doing better this afternoon and his recovery was all that mattered. She could keep those things in her heart. Not even Harry, who had often woken her from Snape's bed side would bring up her attentiveness. Harry had offered many times to tend to Snape in her stead but she doubted he knew exactly what to do, and somehow she felt territorial of Snape. He was her patient. She had made the executive decision to save him. He was her responsibility. Though she feared she may have started, in the past several weeks, to feel too comfortable being alone with her previous professor. It's just because he's been helpless and sleeping. Hermione reasoned with herself. Now that he's awake things will go back to normal.
After he had heard the efforts she had made to ensure his survival, Snape nodded in approval. His tongue felt heavy as he grudgingly acknowledged her ministrations. "Well done, Miss Granger. I am living proof of your capabilities. Any patient would be grateful to you."
Hermione knew he was excluding himself as a grateful patient, but this praise was so unexpected, and so welcome after the sleepless nights and exhaustive care. Tears sprung to her eyes. "Thank you, professor." That was all she could manage as tears fell in heavy drops down her cheeks.
Snape looked up at her uncomfortably as she turned her head. He'd no idea it would have effected her so or perhaps he mayn't have said anything. Damn his guilty conscience. If he had simply been allowed to die, he wouldn't have to wrestle with his regret for how he had treated his students. Well, Miss Granger in any case. Mr. Weasley was incompetent. "I' am not your professor anymore." Snape scolded her to alleviate some of his discomfort. "And for heaven's sake dry your eyes. The Weasley boy will think I've done something dreadful to you."
"Sorry, sir." She apologized with a watery smile, beginning to dry her eyes with one of the many cloths at his bed side table. "I'll let you rest. I'll be in the kitchen with Harry and Ron if you need anything." With that, she left him to his own devices leaving the door cracked behind her. Unwise. Severus mused. He spied a book on the table next to his water. It was lying open. He decided to investigate. Taking the book in his hand, he first examined the cover. A dark blue canvass bound book with gold embossed letters that read The Science Behind Potions: Muggle Meets Magic by Asimov Smelt. Interesting. He had never read this before. Or had he? It seemed vaguely familiar. Severus turned the book over to see what page she had stopped on. As he read the words, they seemed to echo- a memory? "The properties are innate in the items themselves. What muggles lack is the ability to recognize the true potential of these items which is why a medical scientist who is muggle will never be a wizard or witch… That line, he had definitely heard it. Suddenly he remembered. She had been reading it to him. Her soft voice had come to a halt as he had turned restlessly, chills consuming him. Granger had placed the book on the table and dipped a clean cloth into the water bowl, wrung it out, and caressed his forehead and face with it. The cool dampness easing his aching head. "Ssshh it's alright." She'd cooed, combing stray hairs from his face. "This isn't the worst you've been through. You'll be alright. She'd said it as much to comfort him as to calm her own fears. "Here is water." She brought a cold glass to his hot, dry lips like a balm. She tilted the shallow-filled glass until the water eased to his lips all while carefully lifting his head so he might drink. A flush came to his cheeks. That must have been this morning. Humiliation at his helplessness hit him hard, yet something else tugged at his chest. He recalled how mussed her hair was before she left for the kitchen. It had been in a messy bun, wayward strands everywhere. The bags under her eyes that showed proof of her tireless care of him. She had been wearing herself ragged. She had cried when he told her she had done well. Of course she did. He thought sternly. She's beside herself with sleep deprivation. Concern, that was what he was feeling. That's all. He told himself firmly, though he feared that concern was a little too tender for his liking.
Putting the book back on the table exactly the way he had found it, Severus found his wand on the little table and cast a spell of his own invention to listen in on the conversation taking place in the kitchen. Audite procullonginquo. He willed the spell into actuality in his mind. A benefit to years of espionage. One doesn't talk when one wishes to listen.
In the next room the iconic trio plotted their next move. "-hated all this lying low." Harry had been saying as Snape tuned in.
"Being out there isn't really a walk in the park either." Ron said with a half grin. "Glorified secretary my left bludger! I've been running everywhere for the Order, but really everyone in the Order has."
"Don't take it too seriously, Ron." Hermione said quietly. "He's only just gotten through his fever and he's starting to work through everything that's happened."
"What, like you saving his life?" Ron quipped. "How rotten he has it. Maybe he needs a relapse, the self-righteous git."
"Ronald!" Hermione scolded, disturbed that he would wish for such a thing.
"Like him or not," Harry interjected before they could argue further. "we have to be sure King- Minister Shacklebolt will clear his name."
"Yeah, I know. I'll get to work on letting the Order know we have Snape and that he's not a traitor." Ron said with a grimace.
Harry shook his head. "No, we've got to make it seem like we only know his whereabouts. We don't want anyone to know that he's here with us."
"We're still keeping it from the Order?" Ron asked in a frustrated growl. "Harry, I don't know if you realize this, but it's very difficult to be the center for information and keep secrets like this. People haven't forgotten who killed Dumbledore and took over the school. There are a lot of questions about Snape. I'm already going to be in trouble for saying I don't know anything when we come out with the fact that he's alive and we know where he is."
"They'll understand." Harry said. "If not they can talk to me. But we can't risk someone doing something stupid. Like you said people haven't forgotten. Some might hold on to it and not believe us. We have to make sure Snape is safe even if it may be difficult."
Ron heaved a sigh. "Alright I'll keep quiet. But only for you, Harry. Personally I don't think we owe him any favors."
"Well, then," Hermione piped up in a pointed manner. "what if, instead of spreading word by mouth, we meet with Minister Shacklebolt so he can speak to us all since the war wouldn't have been won without our efforts, and talk to him about publically clearing Professor Snape's name."
"He's not exactly official yet, 'Mione…" Ron said hesitantly. "That might be too bold a move on his part- handing out pardons."
Harry's mouth twisted into a grimace. "It is a stretch, but it couldn't hurt to ask. Could you set up the meeting, Ron?"
Ron nodded once. "No problem. He's been wanting to see you safe with his own eyes for days now. Won't stop pestering me about it."
"Excellent." Harry praised, an eager spark in his eyes,. He'd missed being out, talking with people. The last few weeks had been more stifling than the Dursley's a summer time. The uncertainty was crushing. "I've been wanting to see Kingsley myself. It's so good, but strange to think of him as the new Minister for Magic."
"Tell me about it." Ron smiled. "I almost call him Kingsley every time I see him."
Hermione got up then, seeing as the conversation had settled to less serious topics, and went about brewing some tea. "Kreachure could have done that." The sour house-elf mumbled. He had partially reverted back to his grumpy self after the excitement of the battle had worn off, but he was not as hostile as he once was.
"Could you put together a tray of sandwiches, please, Kreachure?" Hermione asked politely.
Kreachure looked up at her with a wary expression. "Kreachure supposes he could for Master Potter and his friends." The old house elf shuffled to the counter and set to work while Hermione gathered the cups, tea pot, and measured out the tea leaves.
"Isn't this cozy?" Ron commented. "Who'd have thought we'd all be having tea together at the end of it?"
Harry and Hermione both laughed in a soft, bittersweet way. A tired, yet gently contented quite settled on the group as Hermione set four ea cups around the table and placed the cream and sugar in the center. Kreachure finished making the sandwiches before the water rose to a boil. After depositing the tray of sandwiches on the table and putting four plates by the four tea cups, Kreachure turned to sit back on the sack of potatoes he had previously occupied. "Why don't you come sit with us, Kreachure?" Harry asked, breaking the silence.
"Is that an order Master Potter?" Kreachure asked with uncertain confusion.
Harry shrugged. "Just a suggestion. We'd be happy if you had tea with us, but if you don't want to…"
Kreachure stood, teetering between his two options. At last he padded back towards the table and scrambled up a chair to sit at Harry's right. "Thank you, master Potter."
Soon the tea was ready and Hermione filled each of their cups before sitting down herself. The group chatted, even Kreachure eased into the conversation. Upon finishing a cup of tea and a couple of small sandwiches, Ron excused himself. "Mum's expecting me home. I'm supposed to help her get supper ready."
Harry got to his feet. "I'll see you out."
The two young men strode down the hall to the front door. Ron turned to Harry after opening the door. "Harry, will you do something for me?"
"I'll see what I can do. What is it?" Harry replied.
Ron leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice. "Keep an eye on those two would you? I don't like the idea of Snape and 'Mione getting too comfortable together. I' mean, we've seen how he's treated one muggle born. I don't trust him not to take advantage of her. You know how nice Hermione can be."
"Ron, Snape does love my mother." Harry said.
"Yeah, but he still betrayed her didn't he?" Ron argued. "Look, all I'm saying is things don't work out well for people who trust Snape and I think Hermione might start trusting Snape a little too much since she's been taking care of him. I'm just worried."
Harry wrestled with this in his head. He was convinced of Snape's good character, though he could understand why Ron might not. There would be many who didn't believe Snape's innocence. Harry knew he'd have to learn to keep a level head about it and give his unequivocal support of the man, just as Dumbledore had before him. "I'll keep an eye on them, Ron, but I do think you worry too much about Snape." Harry said at last.
"I'm not sure you worry enough." Ron urged softly, then sighed. "Oh well, I'm off, then. Take care of yourselves. I'll send word to the Minister this evening."
"Thanks." Harry smiled. "Take care." And with that, Ron disappirated.
Harry trudged back into the kitchen and plunked down in his previous chair. "Where's Kreachure?" He asked.
Hermione gulped her mouth full of tea before answering. "He said something about cleaning the bedrooms and left. He did say 'thank you' again, though."
"Okay. I'm glad he sat with us." Harry said fondly.
"Me too." Hermione echoed his happiness.
Harry took a breath as though to say something and then closed his mouth. He did this several times before Hermione got frustrated and spoke up. "Harry, for goodness sake, what are you trying to say? You're driving me crazy."
Harry shifted in his chair and clasped his hands on the table. "Hermione will you be going back to take classes?"
Hermione laughed. "Is that all? I thought you had something awful to tell me. Yes, I plan on taking classes. I'll be doing my work by correspondence. Why?"
"I'm worried about leaving you here alone all day with Snape. Kreachure wants to go work in the kitchens at Hogwarts again. It would just be you and him." Harry said thoughtfully.
"Did Ron talk to you? Harry, Snape isn't going to hurt me." Hermione assured him.
Dodging the question about Ron, Harry shook his head. "I'm not worried about what Snape would do. I'm worried about someone finding out he's here and hurting you to get to him. Snape is too weak to defend anyone at this point…"
"I'll be fine." Hermione said confidently, putting her hand on top of Harry's wrist. "You will be back in the afternoon and if you're worried you can always send Kreachure to check in on us."
Harry turned this over in his mind. He still didn't like it but they didn't exactly have many options. They couldn't reveal to anyone that Snape was here with them. They couldn't have anyone popping in on them any time they fancied a visit. "Alright. But we'll keep my invisibility cloak here. If anything you can both hide under it if someone comes in."
Hermione nodded in agreement. "So," Said Harry, changing the subject. "What will you be doing after classes? I know me and Ron plan on being aurors, but you haven't ever really said what you'd like to do."
Hermione stiffened. "Honestly, I don't know what field of work I'd like to go into." She said slowly.
"But-" Harry stopped and considered how to proceed. "I guess you're just so hard working in school I thought you had a goal you were pushing for."
"Not really. I just love magic. I want to learn all I can. I've thought of several things of course. Department of Mysteries, a Charms Professor, Minister for Magic… but since we've had Voldemort on our doorstep for a few years… I just haven't taken the time to make up my mind." Hermione said.
Harry nodded, understanding. "And you still have time. It'll be a while yet before classes get out again."
"I suppose." Hermione said in a depressed tone. "I'm really concerned about my parents. I need to find out how to reverse the spell I put on them. I used essentia negare and innatus destinate so they would forget me completely and go somewhere else. It was all I could think of and I thought I was probably going to… but I'm here and I miss them so much. I don't think I can let them go like that."
"Wait, what did you use?" Harry asked, totally floored. "I thought you had used obliviate."
"No, I'd told you, remember? Dolohov and Rowe were the first once I performed a memory charm on. I had to dig around to find the spells I used on my parents." Hermione explained. "First I used a spell called 'essentia negare.' It erases the caster's existence from the mind of the target. It's as if you never were. Then I cast 'innatus destinate' so they would feel a natural desire to go to Australia. There is no known reversal spell for essentia negare but it can't be broken through torture like obliviate either." Tears had gathered in her eyes as she'd spoken and she tried to brush them away briskly only for them to return two fold. "At least they were safe. And we were safe from discovery. I shouldn't be so selfish. Some people really did lose their parents in the war. At least I know mine are alive- "She couldn't continue. Sobs choked her and she hid her face in her hands from embarrassment.
Harry got up quickly and put his arms around her. "You're not selfish, Hermione. If there was a way I could work toward getting my parents back I would too. I know I'm not quite as clever as you, but if you need my help finding a way to reverse it just tell me what I need to do." Harry drew back and handed her a napkin. "I know if anyone's going to be able to get them back it's you."
Hermione gave him a smile though her lips quivered. "Thank you, Harry."
"Anytime. Now you probably better get some sleep before you check on Snape again. I'll clean up the tea."
Audite receptus. Severus mentally retracted his listening ear. This was certainly a great amount to take in. So they expected to clear his name. Through Shacklebolt no less who was current acting Minister for Magic. Severus thought cooperation from that front futile. Unless I have something to bring to the table I cannot be pardoned. I'm the designated demon. Severus recalled Ron saying people were asking about what happened to the man who killed Dumbledore. What is it he could bring that would help the Order trust him once more? Hadn't Potter said that he and the Weasley boy were planning to be aurors? No doubt they would get it considering their prominence in the war. Severus entertained the idea. If he could be an auror and help guide the Ministry to numerous safe houses and give names of death eaters they may not know of, perhaps he would be safe. The Order and others might never come close to trusting him again, but they may simply leave him alone and have no strong desire to see him dead as they did now.
The only real problem, Severus considered, is I don't have a place to be alone. He really didn't have much a choice. His own home was, no doubt, one of the many death eater safe houses, and he couldn't ver y well go parading about the wizarding world himself. No, he was better off here. At least Potter has some sense. Thank Merlin the Order wouldn't know his whereabouts either. All he could do for now is wait, rest, and recover. Which, he thought, he should start doing now. Placing his wand back on his bedside table, again, exactly as he had found it, he rolled onto his side and fell asleep, thoughts of a cool hand to his brow and a sweet, tired voice drifting through his mind. He'd address these errant thoughts later when he was alert enough to remember why they shouldn't be left unchecked.
