Luna sat in her own bubble of serenity among the bustle of the Three Broomsticks. Being a Saturday and a scheduled day for the students of Hogwarts to have free run of the place, the popular pub was in full swing. A sudden unified cheer brought Luna out of her reverie. She knew that had to be Harry. Her heart leapt. She had thought a great deal on her recent xylomancy reading foretelling love between herself and the powerful wizard. She hoped very much that things turned out that way. Until then, she hoped she could help her friend heal from the pain he'd gone through during the war. Even if his feelings were not the same as hers, Luna had already decided she just wanted to be there for him.

Harry came stumbling backwards out of the crowd of people who kept expressing their joy at seeing him and thanking him for his heroic acts. Finally, Harry was able to break away from the admirers and turned to face Luna. "Hi, Luna!" He greeted her enthusiastically.

"Hello, Harry." Luna beamed as the young man took a seat across from her. "Did you have any trouble getting here?"

Harry laughed. "A little. I kept getting stopped by people. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but I guess the newness of Voldemort's defeat has everyone pretty excited. I'm sorry if I made you wait."

Luna shook her head. "I wasn't waiting long. Actually, it took some time to find a seat."
Just then, Madam Rosemerta bustled up to their table and gave each of her heroic customers a hug and big kiss on the cheek. "Oh, you two are very welcome! It's so good to see you safe, Mister Potter! There were all these rumors. But young Mister Weasley was able to lay our fears to rest. I'm surprised he's not with you today. He's become quite the regular."

Harry opened his mouth to respond to the torrent of conversation but the gleeful innkeeper began again after only half a breath. "Follow me. I've a place for you. I'm sure you'll want a quiet spot to enjoy your meal without constant interruption. I know Mister Weasley and Miss Parkinson have taken to eating in our private booths to deter admirers. They mean well, to be sure, but they can be a little tiresome while one is trying to eat and visit." As the two scrambled after the chatty matron, Harry felt quite confused by her reference to Ron. Eating with pansy on the regular? And he'd never said a word to anyone. It was odd and more than a little suspicious. However, seeing as they had reached their booth and Harry was in company he'd prefer not to abandon, he decided to put that knowledge in the back of his mind to address with Ron later. Harry and Luna sat across from each other once again and Madam Rosemerta and took their order before leaving them to their own devices.

Tactfully, Luna didn't say anything about Ron's apparent friendship with Parkinson, but rather changed the subject entirely. "Have you had any trouble hiding from Death Eaters?"

"We're well hidden right now. Especially with Hermione's wards up. The Death Eaters the Ministry have managed to arrest so far don't seem to know anything so I think it's safe." Harry considered for a moment. "How did you know where to send an owl for me?"

Luna smiled. "I don't I found Kreature in the kitchens and asked if he would send you a message for me."

Harry grinned. "You're as brilliant as Hermione. I wouldn't have thought of that."

Luna blushed the softest of pinks at the compliment. "Where there's a will there's a way." She quoted wistfully. "I was wondering how you are after the war. Just because... Voldemort is gone doesn't mean you're happy."

Their food arrived then, announced by a rap at the textured glass and wood door. Harry looked thoughtfully at his dinner companion as the food was arranged before them. Luna acknowledged their server with a distant smile and gentle politeness. Harry gave a hasty 'thank you' as the man left them to resume their conversation. Luna unfolded a napkin to place in her lap, then began to gather food onto her plate while she waited on Harry's reply.

Harry followed Luna's lead and began putting a slice of meat pie, scoops of neeps and tatties (as the local Scotts called them), steaming rolls, and green beans on his plate. "Why would you think I'm not happy?" Harry asked at last. Luna noted that he seemed guarded. If she didn't already know from her xylomancy reading how Harry was internally struggling, his avoidance of the issue made it clear. Luna chose her words carefully. "We might have won, but it was at a high cost. I was lucky that my closest friends made it out alright, but, Harry, I know you lost more than most. It's natural to feel grief. War won or lost."

Harry frowned, processing her words. "Right after I defeated Voldemort, and we were taking in the death toll, I didn't feel anything…" Harry paused her then looked to the side. "No, actually, that's not right. I just didn't care. I was ecstatic. Thrilled. It wasn't just right after, either. The high lasted weeks. Communicating with the Order, training to be an auror, looking forward to catching more of those bastards!" Harry went bright red and his eyes snapped to Luna, surprised by his own outburst. "Sorry." He muttered.

Luna nodded once, forgiving his sudden vulgarity. "You don't need to mince words with me." She assured him. Harry, taking this encouragement, went on. "Well, it's only now, months after everything, that I'm feeling it. I'm so ashamed that it's taken me this long. Clearly there's something wrong with me. How could I be so happy when such horrible things happened? "

Luna considered Harry's situation for a moment. Headmaster Dumbledore, Sirius Black, Professor Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, Lavender Brown- all people Harry was much closer to than herself, some even so close as to feel like family. They were hard losses. Yet Harry didn't feel it until much later. "You don't have anything wrong with you." Luna surmised. "I think it makes sense. You had struggled against Voldemort for years and have finally defeated him for good. Anyone would be elated. All the people who are happy to see you, they've lost loved ones too, but their grief is not present when they see you because you saved them. You did a great thing, Harry. You should be very happy and proud. But more than just that, it might be that you weren't able to feel your pain until now. You may have been in a kind of shock. That was a lot to take in all at once."

Harry mulled Luna's input over as he chewed some of his meat pie. It did seem surreal. Even now. He couldn't believe he was finally living in the 'after Voldemort' concept he had dreamt of, or that it had turned out so differently from the way he had envisioned it. He didn't have Ginny and found he really didn't crave her company. He felt more isolated from his friends that he expected. So lonely. And so many people were missing from the picture. Perhaps he hadn't been able to even begin processing it. Maybe he would never be able to completely accept what happened.

"I guess you might be right." Harry replied lamely. He suddenly felt embarrassed by his divulgence to Luna. She wasn't as close to him as Ron or Hermione. He didn't burden them with these problems. Why was he burdening her?

Understanding by Harry's sudden withdrawal that he felt ill at ease, Luna began another topic of discussion. "I haven't seen you at Hogwarts. Are you taking classes by correspondence? I heard that had been an option for those in their final year."

Harry regained some of his good humor at that. "No. I couldn't keep up if I didn't have a class to attend. Hermione's brilliant so she is, but Ron and I were given internships at the mInistry in placement of our last years' classes. Minister Shacklebolt made some exceptions because of our experience in the war. Though he's probably showing me and Ron some favoritism."

Luna had taken note of the way Harry was handling his fame. She recalled a time he had gotten a little full of himself, perhaps, in her fifth year. None of that pridefulness and arrogance exhibiting itself in infancy then was present now. She wasn't sure why, but it was clear Harry had taken on a very mature humility that she found attractive and she couldn't help but reward that trait with a morsel of encouragement. "It might be favoritism, but taking into account how much time you've spent battling dark wizards, I'd say it's well deserved."

Harry smiled. "I do miss Hogwarts, though. I wonder what it's like without Voldemort haunting it."

Luna thought to mention the Death Eaters were still a source of fear for students and were very much a threat if her prediction was at all correct, but decided against it. If Harry was working with the aurors he undoubtedly knew the Death Eaters were still a great concern to the wizarding world. He was in hiding from them too, after all. Seeing it best to allow this moment of naivete, Luna formulated a suggestion. "Would you like to take a walk around Hogwarts when we're done here? It's a lovely day."

Harry agreed readily and the two finished their food quickly, eager to set out on their little excursion. They found themselves on the grounds of Hogwarts in short order. Harry looked nostalgically on all of the landscape's features. The giant squid seemed to wave at them as they passed. Some bizarre creature screeched from Hagrid's cottage. Harry would have insisted on a visit but it was clear Hagrid wasn't at home presently. He made a note to stop by another time very soon to call on the gentle half-giant.

It was hard to believe there had been a war here considering the untouched state of the land. That was, until they drew nearer to the castle itself. Harry saw large chunks of stone were strewn about. "Why hasn't this been repaired?" He asked, anger and distress clear in his voice.

Luna frowned slightly. "Very old magic is imbued in the structure. No one has been able to put everything to rights. All the damage from the war has remained."

Harry recalled how the Room of Requirement had resisted mending as well. Reaching into the breast pocket of his casual robes, Harry pulled out the Elder Wand. He always kept it on his person.

"Is that Professor Dumbledore's wand?" Luna asked.

Harry nodded. "It's the Elder Wand. One of the Deathly Hallows."

Luna's eyes lit up excitedly. "Do you have all three?"

Harry cast his thoughts back to his encounter with death in the Forbidden Forest. "Accio Resurrection Stone." Harry cast hoarsely. After a time, the onyx stone emerged from the treeline and came to settle in his hand. "I have all three." He said breathlessly. A Master of Death. An apt title for him. More so than 'The Boy Who Lived.' But what does one do when they have mastered death?

"Does it really bring back the dead?" Luna whispered reverently.

Harry drew back in consideration. Would she like to see her mother? As he had taken comfort in seeing his? He tucked the Elder Wand back in its safe place for the moment, then took Luna's hand in his, drawing it to him, palm up. He pressed the voiduous stone into her lily white hand. "Turn it thrice."

Luna tilted her head up to look into Harry's emerald eyes in surprise. A blush suffused her cheeks with a delicate pink. Wordlessly, she withdrew her hand as Harry relinquished it. Pulling her gaze away, she looked down at the legendary artifact. Gulping, Luna turned the stone. Once. Twice. A third time. She raised her gaze slowly. The sun was setting before her, a little to her right. Out of the violet and vermillion haze of dusk, a mist began to form and create a nearly corporeal form.

Luna gasped as her hand shot out instinctively. A nearly intangible hand passed through hers. "Oh." She breathed, understanding that she wasn't physically here. She was still a resident of the beyond. "Mum." Tears flooded Luna's eyes. "I've missed you."

Pandora Lovegood smiled sweetly, yet sadly at her daughter. "And I you." Luna sobbed at the familiar sound of her mother's voice. "But remember, my dear, the things we lose always have a way of coming back to us- in the end. I am so proud of you! A Ravenclaw, just like me. And much wiser. You are so good to your father. Such a sweet young woman. You've grown up."

Tears ran freely and Luna shook with silent sobs. "I still look up to you. Dad misses you."

Pandora's brow wrinkled with aching care. "I love you both so much."

"I love you, too." Luna forced through her tight throat. "We both do."

Pandora's lips quivered into a tender smile. "I'm never far."

Luna nodded, understanding it was time for her to go. "Goodbye, mum."

"Until the end." Pandora promised, her ghostly hand wisping an endearing caress to her daughter's cheek. Luna closed her eyes and turned her face towards the barely feasible touch, putting her own hand above her mother's. Then she was gone. Luna's hands dropped to her side and she opened her eyes to look out at the horizon, absorbing what she had experienced. Harry came into her view and though she gave no reaction to him, he gently pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms comfortingly around her. Luna's defenses completely crumbled and she cried into his arms. Luna had never let anyone see her this way. She only ever let herself give in to her sorrow when she was alone. But her, in Harry's embrace, she felt as though a balm was treating her wounded soul.

Eventually, she pulled back with a sniffle. "Thank you, Harry."

Harry wiped away tears from under one eye with a calloused thumb, wandlessly and wordlessly casting a cleansing charm with a sad smile. "I didn't have a handkerchief." He said apologetically, flushing in embarrassment.

Luna gave him a watery smile and giggled softly. "Here." Taking Harry's hand as he had taken hers and pressed the Resurrection Stone into his hand. "It meant so much- to get to say goodbye."

Harry closed his hand around the stone and held it thoughtfully for several moments before tucking it in his breast pocket, trading it for the Elder Wand. "I'm glad I was able to give that to you. I wish-" Harry paused, unsure if he wanted to say this much but pressed on. "I wish there was a way to bring them back. I wish we could see them always. But- they are happier. They've moved on and all we can do is our best to honor them while we're here." Tears welled up in Harry's eyes and Luna reached out to thread her fingers tentatively through his.

Harry looked at their connected hands, then looked at Luna. He felt so comfortable here, sharing his pain and insecurities with her. He felt a complexity of emotions stir in his breast. He could hardly place the feeling, but he knew Luna was the only one he would want to be in this moment with. He was amazed she seemed comfortable saying goodbye to her mother in his presence. It warmed his heart and softened him towards her in a way that was disconcerting. This depth of emotion was not something he had experienced before and while he knew if Luna was to hurt, he also would hurt, he wasn't sure what exactly it meant. For the time being, he was satisfied holding her hand and casting reparo upon the one place he truly felt home, the power of the Elder Wand restoring Hogwarts to its former glory.

. . .

"Enter." Robards grunted, not looking up from the file before him even as the door opened. The information Snape had divulged. It would take ages to stage raids on all these places. If only Snape was still in the enemy's confidence. He could know which places should be marked as high priority. If Snape was, indeed, what he said he was. There was no way to know which locations these Death Eaters met at most often after the death of their leader. If they still met at any of these locations. Perhaps he could still ask Snape which places were most used previously. It was possible the Death Eaters assumed Snape was dead, or in hiding. Maybe they would be stupid enough to maintain what was habit. He would decide after he had all the intel he could from Snape. Then he would listen to his gut. Somewhere between the facts and instinct Robards felt sure he would know what best to do.

"Weasley." Robards acknowledged when at last he looked up from his work. "What brings you here?"

The red-head's face flushed to match his hair. Flustered. Robards noted. Likely to be some sort of imposition. He waited rather impatiently for the boy to gather his thoughts.

Ron took a breath. He had to do this favor for Pansy. "Sir, I have a classmate who is interested in becoming an auror. I think she would be a great addition."

Robards regarded the young man skeptically. How reliable would this classmate be? They had likely been talked into it because they had some sort of non-professional relationship with the boy or because they felt confident from his inexperienced accounts of the job. "Who is this classmate?" Robards probed.

"Pansy Parkinson." Ron answered. Robards' reaction, a sudden arch of one eyebrow, spurred Ron forward in his persuasion. "She has problems with her parents who I think are either Death Eaters or maybe sympathizers. She seems to want to turn over a new leaf and is very interested in becoming an auror. She told me that after the war it seems like the right thing to do."

Robards hummed gruffly in thought. "I don't like this. Too much uncertainty and a potential daughter of Death Eaters." Robards knew very well the Parkinsons were Death Eaters, but he was keeping any and all information Snape had given them close to the chest. Only himself and Robards were privy to it.

"I know it seems risky, but she might have information we could use. Especially if her parents are Death Eaters." Seeing Robards still looked unconvinced, Ron continued. "I've known Pansy for years and she used to be bloody terrible. But I've run into her recently and she seems like a different person. Her parents really let her down during the war, didn't even check on her until she came home on the train. I think this has made her rethink a lot of things."

"This is based on your conjecture." Robards pointed out.

Ron suppressed a huff of annoyance. "Sir, I don't trust Snape. He's a manipulative git. That hasn't changed. He's still the same man who made potions class hell and he has the Dark Mark himself. He's working her as a nearly fully fledged auror. Pansy just happens to have family on the wrong side. And she has changed. Can't she at least have a chance to start at the apprentice level?"

Robards mulled this over. Hadn't he just been hoping for a more current insight on the Death Eaters? Here was a possibility. It was a risk considering she would have to be willing to potentially betray her parents, and there was the prophecy to take into account. But they were monitoring all new recruits. The auror office, really the entire Ministry, was understaffed. They could certainly use the help. And there was little Miss Parkinson could ruin being a mere apprentice. Robards made up his mind. "Very well, Weasley. Have your friend come her tomorrow and I will give her a chance."

Ron rushed to his feet and reached out to shake the grisled auror's hand. "Thank you, sir. I'll go tell her now."

When the young man had gone, Robards rose to retrieve Snape. He would get insight from the man. And hopefully soon they would have another source to gather information from.

. . .

It was Monday. A complete week in the employ of the Ministry. Severus was eager to begin their crusades against the rogue Death Eaters, but they had yet to conduct a single strike against them. Severus, Harry, and Ron had embarked with Proudfoot again the previous Tuesday and did, in fact, arrest the wizard who had been frightening Muggles with his staged hauntings. The remainder of the week they had spent with Brinkly and Savage going over Savage's preferred raid tactics, participating in physical exams, and training in free-range dueling. It was all elementary to Severus who had lived and breathed this for years now. Perhaps Potter and Wasley learned terms for actions they had already put into practice, but in all Severus found it a waste of valuable time.

As Harry, Ron, and Brinkley left the conference room they had utilized for the day, Severus hung back to have a word with Savage. Straightening his posture, Savage watched Severus approach with guarded curiosity, waiting for the enigmatic man to speak.

"Despite your obvious disdain for me, I wonder if you might indulge me with some insight." Severus opened the conversation nebulously. He didn't expect the auror would like to share any information with him, but it wasn't as though he had many venues available to garner intelligence on their situation.

Savage scoffed. "Unlikely. What insight?"

Severus grimaced, but continued his endeavor all the same. "When can we expect to begin our pursuit of Death Eaters? Surely the information I provided is ample enough."

"Hoping to forewarn someone of the raid?" Savage baited.

Severus was unimpressed by the man's wariness. "I am hoping to catch as many of these fiends as possible, but the more time we let slip through our fingers, the less likely we are to succeed to any degree in capturing them. I have offered numerous opportunities, places and people, to start with. Why is the Ministry dragging its feet?"

Savage eyed Snape speculatively. The man was frustrated with their stagnation. Savage could relate. He, as well as the whole department, had wanted to get to work immediately. Unfortunately, Robards felt there were too many variables and had yet to decide on a course of action. There were not many aurors and the Death Eaters were desperate and gaining power. They had to judge carefully as a misstep could be detrimental to their cause. Though Savage understood these things, he would sleep better knowing even one vile follower of You-Know-Who was rotting in Azkaban. At length, Savage replied. "We have the same hope, Snape. I have the same hope. I agree, we need to act soon, but this is Robard's department. All we can do is trust his judgement."

"Snape." The man aforementioned barked from the doorway. "My office."

Severus raised an eyebrow archly and muttered beneath his breath. "Speak of the Devil…"

Savage muffled at humorous snort as Snape trailed after the old department head. He might not be trustworthy, Savage thought, but he certainly was a facetious bastard. If he wasn't careful he might find himself fond of the Potions Master.

"Have a seat." Robards ordered on his way to his own chair. Severus complied. Once seated the men regarded one another. Robards broke the silence abruptly. "Where would you suggest we stage our first-"

Snape did not wait for the question to reach its conclusion before asserting his reply. "Number Twelve Grimmauld Place."

Robards was stunned into silence and had to gather his thoughts before advancing the conversation. "Why?"

Snape took a breath and settled himself more comfortably in his chair, crossing one leg to rest on his knee. "The Death Eaters may not yet know Potter is working here. They may have no knowledge of his whereabouts so they will not expect the Ministry to know of this particular hideout. Especially since it is protected under the Fidelius Charm. As Mister Potter is not at Hogwarts, nor has he been seen in the company of the Weasley family, the only other place the Death Eaters could look for him, and arrange an ambush, would be Twelve Grimmauld Place. I believe this would be a most lucrative start- if we act quickly." Snape gave Robards a pointed look which Robards pointedly ignored.

"Are you hoping to gain from this situation in any way?" Robards questioned.

"Gain?" Severus drawled.

"Don't be coy." Robards snapped. "You were quick to offer this location. No hesitation. As though you had anticipated this very question from me. Have you, perhaps, arranged for these ten, no doubt expendable, Death Eaters to be captured so you might fulfill your agreement to the Ministry and move about freely? Return to your fellow dark companions?"

Severus' legs uncrossed in silent swiftness as he leaned forward in his seat. To his amusement Robards' hand went to his concealed wand, ready in case of attack. Severus stayed in his seat, but maintained his aggressive posture, like a snake coiled to strike. "I have had a week to consider my response to such an obvious question while this department as twiddled its thumbs in the face of a threat "no less lethal" than that of the Dark Lord. I would have set out myself to make this strategic move, but I assure you if I had a death wish I would have let Voldemort take me and not one of his brainless lackies." Snape spat his rebuttal with as much venom as he could muster, and he had the dark pleasure of seeing Robards' face become mottled with ruddy anger. "You don't know the factors I'm dealing with here, sir." Robards sputtered.

"Few numbers and the fate of wizard-kind depending on our success? What do you imagine I or Albus Dumbledore were doing in the war? We had fewer. Greater was the risk. I give you the enemy unmasked on a silver platter and we wait for the element of surprise to pass us by because we cannot take the risk? I loathe to tell you, but war is a business of risk. This is no longer just a law enforcement office, sir. This is a militia. Let us proceed as a militia."

Robards' fists were clenched as tightly as his jaw. He recognized the truth in Snape's words, but he was enraged to hear his failings thrust at him with so little respect for his position. He had been head of Magical Law Enforcement for years. An auror even longer. He knew how to do his job. At peace time. His traitorous thoughts niggled at him persistently. The Ministry was not so active in the First Wizarding War as it was now. Sape was correct in the assertion that Robards would need to think more like a general and less like a politician if he was to make significant headway in the struggle they found themselves in. He had key players in his pocket now and he would need to use them to their potential or they would abandon him to act on their own. He couldn't afford to lose these precious pieces to be left with rooks and pawns.

"You're a pretentious arse." Robards growled, then admitted grudgingly, "But you are right. I will take what you've so kindly said into account. You're dismissed."

Snape's mouth quirked into a smug sneer and left Robards to his thoughts. That was all he could do on this front for the time being. Now, he had a clever witch to smooth things over with.

Potter and Weasley seemed to have gone ahead of him and, in fact, most Ministry employees had left for the day. Snape had missed the busiest outrush, though many still remained in the main foyer. He wished to return to Ainsley Place via the Floo Network, but that would require him to say the location aloud and that would be foolish. Waiting in a smaller queue than usual, though by no means expedient, Severus finally advanced through the toilets and was able to apparate to his current residence.

"Took you long enough." Harry joked from the kitchen table once Snape entered, his shoes and cloak shed at the door. "What did you have to say to Savage?"

Hermione had frozen mid-plating when Severus had walked in, then returned to her task with keen interest. Snape pretended not to notice, his first steps towards putting the flustered Gryffindor at ease. "We talked of unicorns and bowtruckles." He answered sarcastically, taking his place at the table.

Harry feigned shock. "You do have a sense of humor."

"You've caught me in a good mood." Severus pursed his lips into an unpleasant smile before tipping his cup to his mouth. Harry chuckled.

Hermione joined them after she laid the table. "Speaking of 'good moods.' You seem quite chipper yourself lately, Harry."

Snape was not oblivious to her attempts to avoid him. She had been at the practice for a week. The feeling of impatience that spurred him to instigate Robards into action persisted in his mind now. He would resolve things today. The girl needed her parents after all.

"It was nice to get out somewhere that wasn't the Ministry." Harry was saying. "I had a great time with Luna the other day." He blushed self-consciously as he reflected on their vulnerable moments.

"Hmm. A very good time." Hermione emphasized mischievously into her cup. Harry turned as red as all Gryffindor and began scarfing down his food which made Hermione cover her mouth to keep from spewing her drink everywhere in a fit of giggles.

In the preceding months, the little company at Ainsley Place had gotten quite comfortable with each other. It only seemed to become strained when Ron came by, which was happening less and less lately. The group, distracted by their amicable situation, didn't really notice the red-head's absence- attributing any lost time to his fatigue from work or avoidance of Hermione after their argument over Snape.

This day, however, they ate in relative silence. A tension filled the air as each had their own thoughts to feel embarrassed about. As a result, their meal was eaten quickly.

"I'm off to write a letter." Harry excused himself once his dishes were in the sink.

Hermione couldn't resist another jibe at her friend. "Ooh, won't Luna be pleased."

"Come off it." Harry grumbled bashfully, grinning despite himself.

Hermione smiled tenderly, very happy for her friend. When Harry left, Snape rose to place his own dishes in the sink and began washing them. Hermione eventually gave up the battle with her carrots and approached the counter at Snape's side to give him her dishes. This was the moment of opportunity Severus had been waiting for.

"I think you must mistake my biting wit for actual fangs, Miss Granger. Are you so afraid of me?" Severus thought a bit of humor might bring more comfort to the situation.

Hermione's eyes snapped up to him and a blush suffused her cheeks. "No, sir. I'm n-not afraid of you." The uncharacteristic stutter softened Severus to her further. What had her in such turmoil, then? Surely it had to be some sort of distrust. "Forgive my skepticism, Miss Granger, but you have taken great pains in avoiding me recently. This house is hardly a labyrinth."

Hermione lowered her head, abashed. "I owe you an apology. It was nothing you've done, sir. It was- or rather- I feel I crossed a line last week. I thought you would likely not want anything to do with me."

Snape was surprised. She thought she had crossed a line? Yet she placed no blame on him who had initially called her by first name. Was it possible she had felt that same spark that had so gripped him? "What have you done that you think offends me so?"

Hermione gulped. "When I hugged you. And after you said my name I wanted-" She stopped abruptly and turned crimson, then changed the syntax of her confession. "I was embarrassed. I don't usually act so irrationally."

Severus was not fooled. She had felt something in that moment. But, he objected to his rush of heat at the prospect, it was likely a fleeting instance of lust bourne from her recent break up with the Weasley dolt and the emotional upheaval of finally glimpsing some hope at retrieving her parents. It certainly wasn't a result of any tender feelings she held for him. "You owe me no apology, Miss Granger. Perhaps I owe you one for being so bold as to use your Christian name unsolicited."

Hermione shook her head. "No, sir, that's quite alright. That is, I would like for you to call me Hermione. Maybe I'll finally stop calling you Professor."

"You will have to." Snape replied. "You must call me Severus."

Hermione gave him a brilliant smile. "Thank you. Severus."

Snape returned her smile with his own repressed upturn of his lips. Taking out his wand, Severus finished the dishes with a flourish. "Well then, Hermione, are you ready to begin your independent study?"

Hermione jumped to attention. "I'll go and get my things!"

Severus nearly laughed at her eagerness as she fairly ran to her room. There was no doubt that she certainly would keep him on his toes, but Severus was determined to help her. He owed her his life, after all. And that was his only motivation, he told himself firmly.

. . .

Lucius Malfoy, bedraggled and unkempt in his Death Eater robes, had just arrived home to be greeted by his wife and son. They did not give him a warm welcome. Those days felt like a distant memory. Instead they loomed, expressionless shadows of their past selves.

"Good evening, my dear. Draco." Lucius' hollow voice cracked like the pages of an old book.

"Good evening, Lucius." Narcissa whispered, nearly inaudible.

"Good evening, father." Draco croaked.

Narcissa gave no preamble. "Are you going to remain a Death Eater?"

Lucius' shock was merely the twitch of a paralyzed limb. "What else would you have me do to restore our family?"

"Come away with us. We can make a new start. It may be a quiet life, but at least it will be a life." Narcissa plead Lucius with her eyes.

A bit of the madness that had consumed Lucius surfaced in his reply. "I cannot abandon the Dark Lord. I cannot disappoint him again."

"Draco." Narcissa turned to her son and nodded once. The young man's jaw clenched and his hands curled into fists. He inclined his head to her and strode up the stairs to his room. Narcissa returned her attention to her husband, her eyes sharper than they had been in months. "Lucius, there is no Dark Lord. There is nothing here for us anymore."

Tears welled in the desperate man's eyes. "Our prestige. One of the Sacred. The trusted."

"Listen to me, my love." Narcissa spoke firmly. "We have nothing. We must away."

Lucius simply shook his head, looking past her, unable to see their situation with any rationality. "Parkinson. I was one of his first choices to join them. I can gain his favor."

Narcissa's anger flared. "He is using your name to garner others to his vanity project. This new movement- it can only end in a cell in Azkaban at best. Will you risk our son's life again to sycophants and psychopaths?"

Lucius gave a nasty laugh. "How far you have fallen, Narcissa. How soft you have become. This is not over. The future, our son's future depends on what I am doing here! We are pure-blood. That used to mean something to you."

Narcissa swayed on her feet, all fight gone from her. She knew very well that what she was doing was practically blasphemous. She was betraying everything she had ever been taught. Had ever known. But her family, her son, mattered more to her than any noble cause. How noble could it be if it drove a man so strong and cunning as her husband to this lowly state? "Very well." She breathed.

Draco descended the stairs then, two bags in tow. He was wearing a jacket and hat. He offered his mother her own jacket. Lucius watched his family in disbelief. Narcissa looked at her husband a final time, unspoken thoughts and feelings swimming in the depths of her eyes. Lucius was struck dumb. This couldn't be happening.

Narcissa brushed past him to the door. Draco glanced up at his father, pain etched into his crumpled expression, then he looked away, following in his mother's footsteps out the door. Lucius heard the distinct pop of Apparition. A terrible void opened up somewhere within his being. His wife. His son. They were gone. They had left him. Alone in this world that didn't want him.

Lucius collapsed onto his knees and surrendered to the overwhelming anguish.