Pansy tried to ignore the shuffling under her feet as she ate her breakfast. There were five witches and wizards from Hogsmeade in their cellar, trying to find some means of escape. She had woken in the night to find Death Eaters wrestling with captives and shoving them, wrists bound, down the stairs of the cellar. Her father looked so proud. Pansy could only be horrified. One of the captives was Madam Rosmerta. She hoped against hope her father would not want her to interact with them. Madam Rosmerta had been kind to her. She couldn't bear to think of something happening to the matronly innkeeper.

"Something the matter, Pansy?" Her mother interrupted her thoughts. "You've barely touched your food."

Pansy felt sick. How could her parents eat so calmly as though they didn't have prisoners going hungry just at their feet. "I-I'm not….."

"Our delicate Pansy has a weak stomach, I think." Her father chuckled as though teasing his daughter for being squeamish about bugs. "Better suited for spy work. But that's why we have muscle. To do the dirty work for us, eh Pansy?"

Pansy forced a sheepish smile. Did her parents not care how dangerous this was to her baby brother? Bud sat in his high chair, blissfully unaware of the horror trapped in this house. His innocent babbling as he played with his breakfast was such a stark dichotomy from the situation, Pansy found herself feeling a little dizzy. You mustn't be sick. She told herself. You mustn't be sick. She closed her eyes briefly as she sipped on the cold water in her glass. This eased her stomach some, but she still felt completely on edge.

Just then, an owl swooped in, a red lettered missive and a copy of the Daily Prophet dropping from its talons. Severus Snape was on the front page. Pansy looked on with keen interest as her father read the article. How very ostentatious to make the front page on a Sunday edition. She watched as her father's features darkened. Ah, it seemed Snape wasn't still a sympathizer as she had warned her father. Mr. Parkinson had preferred to think Snape was operating against them because he was under duress from the Ministry. Pansy had tried to tell him Snape looked too comfortable with Hermione Granger to be under any sort of duress. Still, her father had known him to be a skilled spy and assumed her lack of experience contributed to her inability to see any ulterior motives.

"After last night," Her father shook his head. "I could tell he was no longer with us. But to see just to what extent- He has always been working against the Dark Lord. Since the Potters' death. Were he here, I would skin Malfoy alive!. He should count himself lucky he has a dementor rather than me to deal with."

Pansy shivered, looking down at the table. Her eyes rested on the missive with red letters. It was addressed to her. PIcking it up she saw it was from Robards. She was being urgently summoned to her position as was everyone else in the Auror Department. "I have to go to work today." She announced to her parents.

"No doubt they want all hands on deck to get information. You listen and tell us anything that they find out. And keep track of the names of the Death Eaters who say more than they ought. We will make an example of them. They may be in Azkaban but their families are still within our reach." Mr. Parkinson said coldly.

"Yes, father." Pansy replied, then dismissed herself from the table to get ready for the day.

….

Severus sat in the lounge, reading his article in the Daily Prophet. He tried not to blush as he found so much of his personal life there for the entire wizarding world to see. He felt angry, though there was no true place to direct it. He himself had given them permission to write the article and while they hadn't consulted him in its creation he saw the necessity of the information shared. At least Rita Skeeter hadn't been given the story. That he could not have borne. Still, the article served its purpose. People had to know his true loyalties so he could live his life now that he had it. He couldn't say he was free. In a way, he felt he'd never be free of his past mistakes. He had recently realized his loyalty to Lily was due to a need for atonement. He was responsible for the Potters' deaths. While he had loved her, it had been many years since he had felt anything more than guilt over her. Severus didn't like to admit it, but his growing attraction to Hermione helped him see his feelings for Lily as they were; regrets, not love. Not anymore.

His feelings for Hermione, however, he was more uncertain of. He had known her some months now and was surprised by the fondness he definitely felt for her. He also acknowledged his physical attraction to her. That was what confused him. Never had a student, former or otherwise, garnered his attention in this way. She seemed so confident and intelligent that it was easy to interact with her like a peer. Her age was not much of a concern to him in itself as there were many instances of large age gaps between couples in the wizarding world. It was mainly a concern in regards to her Muggle parents and upbringing. Muggle society apparently looked askance at couples with a larger age gap. Likely due to their shorter life spans compared to Witches and Wizards. Hermione might find his interest disgusting and her parents definitely so. Further, she was a former student. Even in the Wizarding World, this raised eyebrows. Severus knew his attraction had only developed very recently, but others would assume this had been a prior interest, perhaps even into Hermione's childhood. The very thought sickened him. He would never take advantage of a child. Severus did all he could to protect his students from any real harm. He would not be so debased as to defile innocence. Others, inclined to thinking the worst of him, however, may think him capable of such disgusting acts. This was precisely why he would need to guard himself. Hermione would have to be strictly off limits. It would be selfish to hope for something more than friendship. Besides, he wasn't even certain he loved her. He couldn't risk ruining her life for some mere infatuation.

"Snape."

Severus snapped the corner of his copy of the Prophet down and raised his brow at whomever had interrupted his thoughts.

"Brinkley." He drawled.
Brinkley spared a noticeable glance at the paper. "Enjoying a read are we?" He commented lightly. "Must be a novelty to see oneself in the papers."

"Hardly." Snape replied to the contrary.

"Yea, I s'pose not." Brinkley agreed with a crooked grin. "Well, you're needed on the interrogation. Robards is waiting for you outside Interro 3."

Snape stood and unceremoniously tossed the paper into the rubbish before heading towards the Interrogation Rooms. Brinkley caught up in short order. "Are you disappointed with the article?"

Severus was so struck by his seemingly genuine concern, he turned his head to look at the man briefly before replying. "In a way. But what right have I to be disappointed with the author when I have already written the events of my life?"

Brinkley opened his mouth, then closed it again. It took him a beat to continue. "I read it, you know." He said slowly.

"Congratulations." Said Snape sarcastically.

Brinkley gave an irritated exhalation of breath, but he was by no means deterred. "What you've been through… you aren't as bad as you seem to be."

"Well considering the fact that most peg me for demon spawn I don't see that as being a great accomplishment." Snape said.

Brinkley grabbed Snape's shoulder and turned him about to face him. "Look." He said earnestly. "What I'm trying to say is that I had you wrong. I know that and while others might still believe you're demon spawn… well, I think I've worked with you long enough now to understand that the last thing you would want is the entire wizarding world to know about your private life. I don't know how I'd deal with having my soul laid bare to the public myself, but I want you to know, that I trust you and wish things could have been different for you considering all you've done. It can't have been easy. Still isn't. But I've got your back here. I know you've got Potter and I pale in comparison to that young man as far as connections go, but in the field, I've got your back." Realizing he still had his hand firmly on Snape's shoulder he released him and stepped back sheepishly. "That's all I wanted to say."

Snape blinked at Brinkley in surprise, at a loss for a response. "Best be off." Brinkley prompted him. "Robards'll be looking for you."

Snape inclined his head and the two parted ways. Suddenly, Snape stopped in his tracks and turned back to the man. "Brinkley!" He called down the hall.

"Oi?" Brinkley turned back.

Snape bowed his head solemnly. "Thank you. I've not many allies and… thank you."

Brinkley grinned. "And thank you, sir." Brinkley started back down the hall, raised a hand in farewell and called back, "Give 'em hell in there for me."

Snape half smiled and returned to his route to the Interrogation Rooms. Perhaps he had a chance to live a life of his own after all. Who knew.

"They won't crack." Robards grunted as soon as Severus approached him outside the designated room. "We have one that will talk, but only if they can speak with you."

"Might I hazard a guess?" Snape interjected. "Lucius?"

"Just so." Robards acknowledged. "What is it that makes Malfoy feel you are friends?"

Snape grimaced. He rather thought he had revealed enough personal information for a lifetime, but since he was going to be working here for the foreseeable future he could hardly refuse to answer. "We were friends once. Even after I changed my allegiance. Lucius had very different views from my own, but he had a difficult upbringing, as I had, and he had a steady head on his shoulders unlike others who had pledged themselves to the Dark Lord. We found other things in common, our interest in potions and spell-creation, for example, which drew us to each other. We got on well enough that when his son Draco was born I was named his godfather. But Lucius grew jealous of my favor with the Dark Lord during the war and has had little to do with me for some time. His wife reached out to me the year before last to guard Draco as he was given a very dangerous task he could not manage on his own. The assassination of Dumbledore. Another reason the Headmaster deemed me fit to cast the killing curse. So a student would not have to. Still, Lucius himself has had little to no contact with me since the Dark Lord's rising. Before that he would only speak with me about Draco's schooling. Our friendship stemmed primarily from the first Wizarding War. After his first downfall, Lucius and I had little reason to associate with one another."

Robards was quiet for a time. "Will you consent to the conversation being recorded?"

Snape gave a curt nod. "I had assumed as much."

"Best go in and see what he'll say, then." Robards urged him. "See if he'll reveal anything of their activities. And Snape?"

"Sir?"

"You assure me there is no partiality on your part towards the Malfoys? Including your god-son?" Robards asked.

Snape hesitated. "I will not lie to you, Robards, I see much of myself in Draco. I feel that his actions were imposed upon him by his father and the Dark Lord. I don't believe he was a willing participant in any of his actions as a Death Eater."

"Are you implying he was under the imperious curse?" Robards pressed.

"No, Draco at no time was under the imperious curse. He was, however, at risk of losing his father's favor. I also have no doubt that, had the Dark Lord found him resistant to any command, Draco would have lost his life. Draco knew this. His father knew this. And yet Lucius expected Draco to follow in his footsteps." Snape let his words sink in before he continued. "However, I understand the seriousness of the Malfoy family's crimes. I will not let my feelings on the subject sway me from doing as this department sees fit for me to. I only hope that you take what I have said under consideration and hear what the Malfoys have to say for themselves when the time comes."

Robards considered for a moment. Finally he said, "I will think on what you have said. I'll not detain you any longer. See what he tells you. You are not to torture him, though. Not today. He has already been through that with others. It is my hope he will give the information to you voluntarily."

Snape nodded and proceeded to enter Interrogation Room 3. He was disgusted by the pitiful figure Lucius cut. The once powerful and prideful wizard had his legs pressed together and arms wrapped around himself, shivering violently. His enchanted restraints jangled. His grimy hair hung in tremorous tendrils around his face.
"Have you been taking something, Lucius?" Severus asked bluntly. "Viperous Vallies? Zephyrus Zannies?"

Lucius looked up at him with an abrupt twitch of his neck, a wild look in his glacial eyes. "Severus." Malfoy said through chattering teeth. "I didn't think they would really send you in."

Snape motioned about himself nebulously as though to say 'here I am.' He sat across from Lucius, hopeful he would have a productive conversation with the man. "What have you been taking, Lucius? I recognize withdrawal symptoms when I see them."

Lucius' mouth twitched into a wry smile. "It doesn't matter, Severus. Nothing really matters much anymore. All I had left was the Dark Lord and now that I'm here I don't even have that."

"The Dark Lord has been dead for months, now, Lucius. You know that." Snape pointed out.

"Ah, but his memory, Severus!" Lucius' tone was rapturous. "His legacy lives on in us. We are his disciples! The chosen!"

Severus' lip curled in disgust. "Sacrilege."

Lucius shook his head. "You just haven't seen as I have. Not yet. He is a god."

"Voldemort is dead." Severus spat. "He was by no means a god of any sort. One could hardly call him a man after he mutilated his soul."

Lucius laughed, quietly; maliciously. "We spoke with him. That night on All Hallows Eve."

Snape's eyes narrowed. "What?"

"We called him forth, with all those sacrifices. On that altar." Lucius was practically singing.

Severus felt sick. Hermione had been on that vile abomination they called an altar. And they had communed with the Dark Lord at it. "You may have glimpsed him beyond the veil, Lucius, but he is as dead as those innocents you slaughtered that night for your little seance."

"You don't believe in his power, but no matter. I do. And one day Narcissa and Draco will see I was right. They'll see I was… always right. To trust-" Suddenly Lucius broke down into a sobbing mess.

Severus was disturbed, both by Lucius' vile assertions and his deranged behavior. "Where are they, Lucius?" He asked, hoping they hadn't been killed for their apparent refusal to participate in whatever Lucius was involved in.

Lucius sniffed fighting to regain some semblance of composure to reply. "They-" His teeth chattered, cutting off his words. He sniffed again and swallowed. "They left me. Left me alone. I don't know where they've gone." Malfoy gave into his grief, his eyes squeezed shut, though tears still forced their way through. "They would not continue the work. They didn't believe. They didn't believe that I was IMPORTANT!" His shout was like an explosion, yet with Snape's years of dealing with the volatile Dark Lord he sat in his chair coolly.

"Narcissa and Draco have not participated in this new uprising?" Snape clarified for the benefit of the aurors who were listening in to the interrogation.

"No… no." Lucius moaned. "They didn't do anything! Even after the Dark Lord returned, do you know what Narcissa said? Do you know what she said?! She suggested that she take Draco to Durmstrang. Imagine. A Malfoy at Durmstrang. And not to fight for our pure blood inheritance? It's no wonder the boy turned out so cowardly. I tried to teach him. It's their fault I was disgraced. IT'S THEIR FAULT!" After his outburst Lucius reduced to tears once more. "I just want them back, Severus. I just want them back."

Severus allowed the man to cry until his sobbing had eased, then urged him gently. "Lucius, do you know what the Death Eaters are planning to do?"

Lucius sniffed and cleared his throat. "No. I won't speak of that. Not even to you, my old friend. I just want my family back."

"You won't say any more?" Severus asked.

Lucius shook his head, not even looking up at Severus.

"Very well. I shall try to get in touch with Narcissa." Severus waited for Lucius to say something. Hearing no response forthcoming, Severus sighed. "I shall request a healer. You need attention for those withdrawals." Still hearing no response, Severus left the room greatly disturbed by the state of the man who had once held himself so proudly.

Upon meeting Snape outside Interro Room 3 Robards sighed and shook his head. "Not much to gain on that front then."

"At least he was able to corroborate the prophecy: that they are, in fact, zealots. It seems they've elevated the Dark Lord into some sort of deity." Severus pointed out with obvious repulsion.

Robards nodded his agreement. "And it seems you were correct in your assumptions about the Malfoys. His testimony should be ample evidence to keep Draco and Narcissa Malfoy out of Azkaban."

Snape looked surprised. "I did not expect you to be so understanding."

Robards gave Snape a gruff smile. "I think we have bigger fish to fry than pursuing a mother and son bullied into submission. Make contact with them, Snape. Let them know we have apprehended Lucius and that we will not seek justice from them. Perhaps they might wish to come and speak with him before the Dementors have their effect on him."

Snape inclined his head respectfully.

"Until then," Robards continued, straightening his back. "We should see if anyone has a better idea on how to get this rabble to spill their guts."

The two men went in search of others who may have input on how to glean the information they sought.

…..

"Hello, Parkinson." A dreamy voice startled Pansy out of her eavesdropping on Trotter and Williamson. Those two had a tendency to gossip near the entrance. Convenient. Pansy turned her attention to the wide eyes of none other than a certain loony blonde. "Lovegood." She acknowledged shortly. "What business do you have here?"

Luna chose to ignore her classmate's rudeness. "Is Harry available?"

Pansy looked Luna up and down sourly. She didn't want to escort the bizarre Ravenclaw anywhere, but Potter was likely to be in the central hub of activity so at least she could pick up on a few important things this way. "Follow me." She said at last.

As she made her way to the lounge, wasting no attention on Luna, Pansy keyed in on the conversation being had directly ahead between Potter, Robards, Snape, and Savage.

"...little. His only concern is for his family. But he will not betray the Death Eaters. They're all he has left." Snape was saying.

"You don't suppose torture would…"

Robards cut Savage off. "What do you suggest? The Cruciatus? What have we not tried already short of Veritaserum?"

"Which would likely be ineffective due to his mental instability if it were not already inadmissible in court." Snape qualified.

Robards' already scowling lips twitched in annoyance. "Thank you, Snape, for that bit of basic auror training."

Severus put his hand to his chest and bowed his head in mock courtesy. Robards squinted in anger then spotted Pansy staring. "Hear something interesting, Parkinson?" He snapped.

Pansy shook herself. "A Miss Lovegood is here for Mister Potter." She said in an aloof way she hoped deferred suspicion from her. She was merely running an errand after all.

Harry's face broke into a grin as he spotted his guest. "Luna! This is a surprise." He blushed, realizing how many people were about to witness their exchange.

Luna smiled warmly, a light pink tinging her cheeks as well. "I came to have lunch with you." She said, approaching him. "If you have the time."

Harry met her halfway. "Of course! We were just about to take a break."

Robards coughed from behind Harry's shoulder. "Mister Potter, do you mind introducing me to your lady friend?"

Harry turned to include Robards in their conversation. "Er, sure. This is Luna Lovegood. Luna, this is the head of Aurors, Gawain Robards."

Robards extended his hand and Luna took it gently with a pleasant smile on her face. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir." She said wistfully.

"The pleasure is mine." Robards replied gruffly. "It's not often one gets to meet such a talented Seer."

Seer? Pansy wondered. Loony Lovegood? No one else seemed surprised by Robards' assertions. She must be missing some piece of information they all knew.

Luna tilted her head. "I've a ways to go before I could claim to be a Seer." She said humbly.

"Perhaps, but your skills are some of the most impressive I have heard of at such an early phase. I anticipate you have a bright future." Robards insisted.

"Thank you." Luna replied politely, not used to such adamant compliments. Still, when she had shook his hand she did not sense any ill intent. Only eagerness. Over what she wasn't certain. What Robards said next clarified things for her, however.

"I wonder, Miss Lovegood, if you would be willing to put some of your skills to the test today?" Robards asked hopefully.

Harry looked alarmed. "Sir, I don't know if Luna would be prepared to sit in an Interrogation Room with a Death Eater."

"I won't lie to you, Lovegood. It's unsettling. But we could use the information, if you are willing." Robards reiterated his offer.

Luna considered a moment. Really it couldn't be any more dangerous than facing a Death Eater with their wand drawn prepared to cast an Unforgivable. She nodded once decidedly. "I'll do it. Is now acceptable? I would prefer not to be anxious over lunch."

Robards barked a laugh. "I like a brave lass. Come. We will take you to Malfoy. He's the least stable so he might be easier to read."

Harry and Snape exchanged concerned looks as they followed Robards, Savage, and Luna. Unbeknownst to them, Pansy trailed behind, then slipped into Conference Room 3 across the hall to listen to what transpired.

Interrogation Rooms were enchanted so that one could hear what happened inside as though there were no walls between them. Though, like Muggle interrogations, the room gave the appearance of being private so the speaker would feel at ease and more inclined to trust the interrogator. They even had a two-way mirror just as Muggle authorities did.

The small party stood in the darkened hallway as Robards brought Luna in. A mediwitch who had been tending to Malfoy took her leave at Robards' dismissal. Malfoy, seeming less sickly, though still just as mercurial lifted his head, his chin jutted towards them. "Strange visitors." Malfoy seemed to recognize Luna after a moment, though seemed unable to place her. "You… I recognize you… You've been to my home."

Luna stiffened and Robards' eyes snapped to her. Apparently these two had a history he was unaware of. Perhaps this wasn't a good idea after all. He didn't mean to make the girl relive anything dreadful.

"How did you enjoy your stay at my manor, child?" Lucius smirked. "I seem to recall it was a scream."

In the hall, Harry made for the door, but Snape clapped a firm hand on his shoulder. "Wait, Potter. She's stronger than she appears. Let her have a chance at this."

Harry huffed. "Yeah, like you'd let 'Mione in there." He muttered under his breath.

Snape hissed in a breath but otherwise said nothing. He glanced at Savage self-consciously, then did a double take. The man was giving him a sideways grin. Snape frowned at him, then returned his attention to the room before them.

"I've had better accommodations." Luna said stiffly. She stepped forward. To her credit, any hesitation she may have had did not show in her calm, even strides. Her expression was practically serene. Robards shadowed her as she went to stand behind Malfoy who looked straight ahead. "Do you expect me to be afraid of a little girl?" Lucius asked aloud. "I hardly think you'll let her exact revenge upon me."

"I am not a monster, Mister Malfoy." Luna said calmly. "I'm not here to hurt you. Just to read a little bit." With that she put one steady hand on Malfoy's shoulder and the other on top of his head. A force seemed to grip the two and their eyes rolled back in their heads. Luna inhaled deeply and issued forth a shaky exhalation. "Captives." Luna said slowly as if it was being drawn from her. "From Hogsmeade. Lined up in Diagon Alley."

Lucius jerked suddenly. "N-n-n-noooo." He forced through his clenched jaw. Trying, unsuccessfully to prevent Luna from seeing more.

Luna retained her hold on him and continued. "The… Archbishop. Who is he?" Luna seemed to be looking for that information but could not find it, shaking her head tersely. She then continued with the flow of information. "The Archbishop has a paper. The Prophet. Monday. The Second of November. An article about the captured Death Eaters. An exchange. Tomorrow. Where are they keeping the captives?" Luna's face contorted in her search for the information. "A basement. In a house…"

"Enough!" Malfoy roared, wrenching himself out of her grasp, his seat listing to the side. He fell heavily on his shoulder even as Luna staggered backwards. Robards caught her before she could hit the floor. Harry rushed in, then, to Luna's side. Robards transferred her to Harry's capable hands as she came back to herself. "Sorry I couldn't get more." She said. "He is very loyal."

"You were brilliant." Harry beamed.

"Bloody brilliant!" Robards enthused as he righted Malfoy roughly. He led the way back out into the hall as Lucius snarled after them. "You got a right sight more than we could have gotten on our own, Miss Lovegood. First your prophecy and now this? You might think on becoming an Auror's Seer Consultant."

Luna blushed. "I'll certainly consider it."

Harry noticed she seemed a little shaken, though she hid it well. "I think we'd best be off for lunch, then." He suggested, eager to get Luna away from the room where such a dramatic event had occurred. He imagined it couldn't have been easy channeling through Lucius Malfoy.

"Enjoy, you two." Robards waved after them. He turned to Snape and Savage, then, and clapped his hands together eagerly. "What a stroke of luck! We know where they'll be next! And their leader, too, no less! Savage, get Brinkley and Weasley. We have much to discuss before tomorrow. Conference Room 1."

Savage hurried off to do as he was bade and Snape and Robards started down to the aforementioned room, talking of their impressions of Lovegood. Pansy listened to their footsteps recede and only ventured back out of her hiding place when she was sure the hall was empty. She hurried back to her post at the front desk, her mind racing with all she had learned. She had to warn her father. He could not be there tomorrow. He would have to send someone in his place.
And Luna a Seer? What prophecy had she given that Robards seemed to find so valuable? She had to find out.

…..

Little Ainsley Place was a flurry of activity that evening. Ron, and even Kreature, had popped in to help pack for the move to Grimmauld Place. Both Harry and Hermione had very little between them having been on the run and travelling light. They had not bought much since they had settled into the house. Severus had much more to pack, though between them all everything got shrunken down and stored away into bags quite quickly. Ron had already brought his duffle bag full of belongings and together, with a fond farewell to the home they had hidden at comfortably these past weeks, they all apparated to Number Twelve.
When they arrived, the group shuffled about awkwardly. "Where would you like us, Harry?" Hermione broke the silence.

Harry laughed lightly. "I guess I don't mind where everyone settles. I just want to keep Sirius' room as it is."

Hermione and Ron nodded sympathetically. Snape refrained from commenting on the topic of Sirius and said instead, "I have a request, if I may."

Harry looked at him expectantly.

"I wondered if I might utilize the basement as a potions lab of sorts in addition to a room. I am prepared to pay for the extra space as well as my lodging." Snape offered.

Harry seemed floored. "I'm not making you pay, Snape."

"No you are not. I am insisting. I shall go to Gringotts once we have stipulated a fair sum." Snape said firmly. "I have trespassed on your goodwill long enough, Potter. Allow me this."

Harry deliberated, then nodded his ascent. "Since you insist. We'll talk about it after dinner."

Snape's lips quirked up into his almost-smile. "Much obliged. I shall begin my unpacking in the basement. I'll choose from whatever rooms are available once you three have chosen."

"Bat's gotta have his dungeon." Ron muttered as Snape turned to leave, but the Potions Master gave no indication of having heard him.

Hermione walked deliberately to the stairs and jogged up them quickly, ignoring Ron. "You might try to stop pestering her." She heard Harry advise Ron once she had reached the second floor landing. She looked down at their exchange.

"I was talking about Snape, wasn't I?" Ron argued.

"Yes, but you know she is protective of him." Harry pointed out.

Ron "Not my fault she's got a white on for-"

A smack resounded through the house. Hermione suppressed a gasp as she saw Ron's head snap to the side. Harry lowered his arm slowly. He had just backhanded Ron for that. "She is like my sister, Ron. This is the only home she has, and I won't have her feeling uncomfortable here."

Ron glowered up at Harry.

Harry sighed. "Ron, when we talked about you moving here you said you wanted to fix your friendship with Hermione. Make a new start."

Ron looked at him for a few more seconds, then huffed out a frustrated breath, massaging his forehead. "You're right." He relented.

"You know you're like a brother to me. You guys are all I have left of family." Harry said seriously. "But I won't let you harass Hermione in the only home she has. We're all she's got, too. If you can't even attempt to work things out, you'll have to go back to the Burrow. I don't want that. And I know you don't want that. So just don't say anything like that again."

Ron nodded. "Yea. Good. Got it."

Harry hesitated a moment, then started towards the stairs as well. Ron glanced up as though he could feel her eyes on him and met Hermione's gaze. She could see him turn beet red from atop the stairs before he looked away. Tears in her eyes, Hermione hurried to the nearest room and began inspecting the various items and furnishings. Harry caught up to her in short order. She pretended to be interested in a dusty old dresser, but Harry put his hand on her shoulder and turned her to face him. Seeing the tears in her eyes, he pulled her into a hug. "I hoped you hadn't heard that." He said softly.

"Dun madr." Her words muffled by his shoulder.

"It matters to me." Harry said. "You let me know if he says anything that upsets you."

She nodded and let her tears fall unchecked for a time. Moments later she lifted her head so Harry could hear her better. "I'm lucky to have you as a brother."

Harry's arms tightened around her and they both shed more tears, mourning those they had lost, yet finding comfort in their friendship.

Ron seethed with irritation. He felt like he should apologize to Hermione, but he knew it would be insincere if he did. Instead he skulked up the stairs to find a room. He really hadn't come to get on better terms with Hermione, though he supposed it would be best not to cause any arguments. He was there because he didn't trust Snape. He wasn't about to apologize for something that was true, though. She does have a white on for that greasy git. And if Harry considered himself a brother to her he would keep a better eye on her.

The next hour passed peaceably. Everyone had picked their rooms. Ron picked the room on the first floor. Harry picked the master bedroom and ensuite on the third floor seeing as it was now his house. Hermione chose a room on the second floor near the study. She knew she would often be up late reading so it only stood to reason.
Snape had asked Harry to let him know which rooms were available. Harry, ever mischievous, only let him know that much information, and did not reveal who had chosen which rooms as he led Snape to the second floor. "There is a study on this floor." Harry pointed out nonchalantly. "And there is a room available across from it."

Snape was interested, as Harry expected. "I would certainly make use of the study."

Harry showed him to the available room and Snape tried not to take it too eagerly. "It will suffice." He commented, even as he admired the ornate furnishings. He seemed particularly keen on the writing desk which he cast a wordless dusting charm on.

"I'll leave you to it, then." Harry said, and Snape just missed the twinkle in his eye. "Kreature is making dinner tonight. I think I'll go help set the table."

Snape inclined his head and went to work cleaning the room he had claimed and putting his things away. Before he knew it Potter's patronus was announcing dinner was ready to each resident. Snape dismissed the stag with something akin to a bitter taste in his mouth. He had gotten to a point where he could almost overlook Harry's resemblance to his father, but the patronus was a stark reminder. He thought on his own patronus, the silvery doe, and a feeling of what he could only call 'wrongness' warred in his heart. His thoughts from earlier in the day came back to him. Did he truly not love Lily any longer? Curious, Snape closed the door and leaned against it, a little anxious to test it. Taking a calming breath, Snape cast his patronus. Oddly enough, instead of thinking on his time with Lily as a child, his mind was cast back to helping Hermione brew the Draught of Peace. Their combined energies focused on the brew. The moment they almost kissed. His emotions were conflicted, though very strong. The mist that issued from his wand was indiscernible. He no longer had a corporeal Patronus. "Damn."

Dinner was pleasant enough. Ron refrained from making any incendiary comments and Snape did not rile him. Kreature had prepared a lovely roast which everyone savored. Harry boasted about Luna's abilities and how she had faced down Lucius. Hermione was impressed, knowing how difficult it must have been considering her own experience with Bellatrix. Who knew what horrors Luna had suffered at the Malfoys' manor.

Ron excused himself from the table after finishing his meal saying he had Order business to take care of with his father. Robards had hoped for a few extra wands in dealing with this coming surprise attack on the Death Eaters. The goal was to capture the Archbishop with as little violence as possible, hopefully to quash the last of Voldemort's forces.

As Ron got up and left, Hermione gathered the dishes to wash. Kreature helped her, feeling obliged to help though he had already prepared a better meal than any of them were really capable of creating. Harry and Snape began working out a monthly fee for Snape's lodging that seemed fair to each of them. Snape was insisting on a much higher price than Harry seemed comfortable taking. In the end they worked out a moderate sum which Snape promised to get from Gringotts the following day.

Harry then excused himself to his room, leaving Severus to fall deeply into his thoughts. He was still mulling over the new state of his heart in discomfort when Hermione came back up from the kitchen and found him still seated. "Alright there, Severus?" She asked timidly.

He continued to look at the wall, his eyebrows knitted together. Worried for him, Hermione edged towards him hesitantly, her hand outstretched to reach for his shoulder. At her gentle touch he started, looking up at her in confusion before he came back to the present. "Miss Granger." He greeted her, his guard clearly up. "Did you need something?"

Hermione's heart drooped at his use of her last name. He was trying to be more distant again. She wished he felt the way she did. That he would embrace their friendship and deepen it into something more. Her hand fell to her side awkwardly. "I suppose not." She said more sadly than she had intended. Ron's words had redoubled her insecurities in her feelings for Severus and caused her to feel more lonely than she had since she had left her parents. She had forsaken the one man she actually had some sort of relationship with and was left to her unrequited feelings for another. "I'll be in my room, then." She turned to go, her bushy hair forming a curtain over her distraught features.

"Hermione." He called just as she had reached the door. A pang of pleasure so sharp it twisted her gut painfully jolted through her as she stopped in her tracks. When had she started to feel so detrimentally much for him? She looked back over her shoulder to see him rise to join her. "Would you like to continue where we left off with the counterspell? I would understand if you were overtired from the days' events."

Looking up at him, one hand still on the door frame, Hermione's heart hammered in her chest. It would probably have been wiser to rest rather than to work with the object of her affections with her emotions raw. It was so easy to justify time spent working towards getting her parents back, though. The fact that she enjoyed the time alone with Severus was hardly a factor in her decision. Really. A smile tinged with sadness brightened her features somewhat. "I was hoping we would have time for that today." She replied.

Snape returned her smile with his own slightly upturned lips, though concern was etched on his face. "Are you sure? You seem… upset by something."

He wondered at her blush. Perhaps it was something he had done and not realized?
"It's nothing." Hermione lied, hardly about to repeat Ron's vulgar words earlier. "I'll be fine to work a little. It'll help me feel better."

Snape seemed to accept this and gestured that she should lead the way.

"I'll need to get my notes from my room first." Hermione commented as they reached the second floor landing and hurried into her room. Snape felt a dark satisfaction and accompanying horror as he realized his room was directly adjacent to hers.

As Hermione emerged from her room she noticed a strange look on Severus' face but wasn't sure what to make of it. Instead of mentioning it, she asked him, "Where is your room?" With a wry expression, he gestured to the room next to hers.

Hermione turned around to look at the door and then back to him, a blush suffusing her cheeks. "I suppose..." She had to clear her throat before continuing breathlessly. "This will make it easier. To work on the counterspell, I mean."

Snape felt hot all over. The girl thought he had done this deliberately and was making allowances for him. Was she truly amenable to sleeping in the room next to his when her friends were on completely separate floors? Did she trust him not to take advantage of that fact? Or perhaps she didn't care if he visited her in the night. At the very thought, desire stirred within him, and he tried to quash it. Oh Merlin he tried. "Potter failed to mention who occupied the other room. I should have asked. There should be space on the third floor…" He said, hoping she would object even as he knew she should agree.

She granted the wish of his baser desires. "You don't have to change rooms." She said rather quickly. Oh, but she wanted him near. He could see it in the renewed flush to her features as she continued. "I'm sure we'll both make use of the study."

A vision came unbidden, of pinning a pliant Hermione to a bookshelf. "I'm sure we will." He heard himself say seductively.

Hermione's breath caught. Unaware of his internal tumult, Hermione thought perhaps she was misconstruing what he had just said. Before she could formulate a response, Harry came down the stairs. "Just going to talk to Kreature." He said, breezing past them. "Making yourselves at home?"

"Is there a reason why you failed to mention Hermione was in the next room, Potter?" Snape asked point blank.

Harry looked up from his place atop the next flight of stairs in apparent surprise. "Is she? Well, I'm sure you'll both enjoy the study. Cheerio." With that, Harry descended the stairs on his way to Kreature's room past the kitchen.

The two looked after him, both secretly wondering if he had deliberately steered them towards this outcome. "Doesn't he remind you of… Dumbledore?" Hermione asked aloud.

Snape gave her a look and started towards his room. "Merlin preserve us." He muttered. Hermione followed him, not quite able to regret Harry's interference.

"Now," Snape began, all business. "We know what the reason behind the spell is."

"A counterspell that only the original caster can use successfully." Hermione supplied.

Snape nodded. "And you have found the Will behind it."

Hermione shook her head in the affirmative. The emotional intention behind the counterspell, or really in the making of any spell, was something that had to be experienced and was not really a feeling one could put into words, just as Snape had showed her before.

"What is to come will be the most difficult yet." Snape said. "We must determine the identity and numerology of the spell."

"Identity?" Hermione queried. She had heard of numerology oft before, but never the identity of a spell.

Snape paced the room as he was in the habit of doing when explaining a complex concept. "The spell's identity consists of the words spoken to cast the spell, and thus the spell's name. This is discovered through a specific kind of Divination."

Hermione wrinkled her nose. "Divination?" She asked in disbelief.

Snape smirked at her. "I know Trelawny does a poor job of representing the art, but it is a useful tool. Miss Lovegood is a prime example. Her skills have guided us well against the Death Eaters."

"I suppose you're right." Hermione sighed. She gasped suddenly as a thought struck her. "Do you think we could ask for Luna's help with this? I'm sure Harry wouldn't mind if she were to visit. And…" Hermione paused, embarrassed to admit any shortcomings to him. "Well, admittedly I am not skilled at Divination."

Snape considered this. "It would certainly speed up the process. I would suggest, for your paper on this study, you should interview Miss Lovegood on her process as well as research about Divining a spell's identity. You will need to include this process in your work if you would like to see it published."

Hermione nodded eagerly. "Of course!"
"Then we can turn our attention to numerology." Snape said. They worked on the theory behind the skills they would need to enact to ensure Hermione was adequately prepared. It was midnight when Snape suggested they end their work for the day.
"I didn't mean to keep you up when you have such an important raid tomorrow." Hermione said by way of apology.

Snape waved a hand in dismissal. "I am accustomed to late nights studying or creating potions. It's nothing."

Hermione smiled. They really had so much in common. So much more than she and Ron, or really anyone else her age. She suddenly felt acutely aware of his closeness. While they had been talking through groundwork for the counterspell, Hermione had moved to sit at the writing desk and Severus had pulled an extra chair over to do the same and edit her notes. As though drawn by a magnet, she began to gravitate towards Severus, his gaze compelling. She thought to try something Severus had done to her on a couple of occasions. She reached out tentatively and caressed his cheek with the backs of her fingers. She felt the warmth of his skin and the slight prickle of stubble across his cheek. The planes of his face were narrow. Mature. Masculine.

She watched in awe as his eyes closed and head tilted towards her hand, savoring her touch. His lips grazed her palm and she trembled, passionate fire consuming her. A soft gasp escaped her lips. Severus' eyes shot open and he straightened in his chair. The moment was gone. Hermione withdrew her hand and watched it fall into her lap. It wasn't as though she had much experience. Perhaps she had read this wrong. Or perhaps he was tired and she had caught him at a time of weakness and just any touch would have caused him to melt like that.

"I'm sorry, sir. I-" Hermione stood abruptly and started for the door.

"Hermione." He called after her, his voice more gentle than she had ever heard it before.

She stopped and heard him approach, but she was too mortified to face him. As he reached her, Severus turned her about gently and tilted head up with a curled finger under her chin. "Hermione, I-" He paused, deliberating what he would say. He noticed his thumb was mere centimeters away from her plump lips, parted expectantly. Just a small movement and he was tracing the pad of his thumb over her soft lower lip. It gave under the slight pressure, promising a welcoming kiss. A longing moan escaped those pleading lips and his expression crumbled into lustful anguish just before his mouth descended upon hers.

Hermione felt dizzy with the force of her passion. Severus' lips brushed hers once. Another sound she didn't know she was capable of making flooded forth, a soft utterance of yearning. He returned his lips to hers, this time roughly, as though he had long desired this moment. Craved her taste. With expert skill, he sucked on her lower lip, then nipped at it. Hermione gasped and Snape took immediate advantage to plunder her open mouth with his tongue. She dug her fingers into his chest desperately, feeling her knees might give way. As though anticipating this, Severus guided her to the nearest wall and pinned her against it, running his fingers through her hair. Hermione reciprocated, tangling her fingers in his dark tresses, pulling him closer. She tried sucking on his lip experimentally and was excited to hear him groan in turn. She bit his lip. Severus growled deep in his chest. He reasserted his control of the kiss and plundered her mouth almost brutally. They were in timeless passion and only ended their kiss when their lungs begged for breath. Severus lingered above her, still scant centimeters away. He seemed to be gathering himself.

It struck Hermione that she had just snogged a teacher. She blushed, though another wave of arousal surged through her at the thought. "S-Severus?" Was that her voice that sounded so sensual?

Severus pulled away slightly, closing his eyes, strengthening his resolve. Hermione remained deliciously pliant in his arms and Snape gently released her. "I didn't intend-"

A delicate finger to his lips stopped him. "Please, don't make excuses I…" Hermione took a breath, taking up her courage. "Let me believe you wanted this as much as I have. I don't expect anything from you, really. Just let me pretend. For a little while."

Were he a weaker man, he would have kissed her again, but he had to be forthright with her. She was too breakable after a war without her parents. At his mercy. Ah, if he could just kiss her until nothing mattered. But she mattered. "I have wanted this." Severus admitted. Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. "I've wanted you, Hermione." Now that he had spoken the words he found it even more difficult not to take her lips once more.
Hermione looked at his chest. "You don't need to lie to me, sir."

Severus guided her chin up to look at him once more. "I wouldn't lie to you, Hermione. Not about this. I have… this is my fault. You are so vulnerable, and I've taken advantage of your grief. I have selfishly wanted you for myself. I've taken advantage of my position as an authority figure and manipulated you. I know you couldn't truly have feelings for me."
Hermione frowned up at him. Snape braced himself for his rightfully deserved admonishment. But it didn't come. "You… have wanted this, too?" She asked hesitantly.

"Yes." Snape replied.

"But you think I only want you because you've somehow manipulated me." Hermione clarified.

"I have. Hermione, from the time of my recovery I have been attracted to you and not taken enough care to keep it from you. I've set you against Weasley and drawn you in. And that night we brewed the Draught of Peace… You came to me for help and I used that…" Snape called to mind how he had very nearly kissed her then. He had a pattern of behavior, preying on her weakness. Surely he had to be some kind of monster?

Hermione shook her head. "Severus, do you think so little of yourself? Do you believe you are not allowed to… feel?"

Snape looked at her, confused. Hermione closed the little distance between them once more and placed her hands on his chest. "I started to feel for you before your fever broke from the snake venom." Hermione admitted, a blush suffusing her cheeks. "You might be surprised to know this, Severus, but you aren't exactly an open book. I thought I had been taking advantage of you, or at least that your loneliness was what caused you to even consider me. You are a man who just went through a great deal and here I was practically throwing myself at you…"

Severus blinked. "You were interested in me before I even awoke?"

Hermione smiled shyly and nodded. "I learned so much about you from the Pensive. And you needed me. You might not have had a choice, but I was the only one who worked so hard to- you suggest that I am vulnerable, and while that may be true, you were, too. I would make sure you had water, nourishment, kept your fever down. And I'd soothe your nightmares by reading to you." Snape blushed. They had never spoken of the time he was incapacitated. He tried not to think on it, but all the while Hermione had been by his side, tirelessly nursing him back to health. "I don't know when concern turned into something else, but I have wanted you for quite some time now, Severus."

Severus lowered his head and kissed her once again, gently this time, with an aching sweetness. How could he object when she argued such a case? Perhaps he could find happiness with her. Though he still knew he would never be deserving.

XXXXXXX

Madam Rosmerta awoke with a start. Pansy Parkinson had prodded her shoulder and was now urging her to stay silent with a finger to her lips. With a wordless charm, Pansy severed Rosmerta's chains from the wall, though they still kept her wrists and ankles bound. Pansy cast a spell on the chains and as the young woman hauled her up, Rosmerta noticed the chains made no sound. A muffling charm. It seemed her loyal patron was going to help her escape.

Carefully, the two women made their way out the door of the Parkinson's mansion and away from the lawn. Pansy waited until they had reached the field beyond the barrier spells her parents had cast before Apperating away with Rosmerta. They landed in Hogsmeade. What was left of it anyway. Rosmerta looked around at the wreckage that was once her home. Shuddering as she relived that awful night. "Why did you save me?" Madam Rosmerta asked.

Pansy had tears in her eyes. "Because you've been nice to me."

Rosmerta's brows knitted together, sympathetic for the girl. "Why don't you come with me? We can get the aurors."

"You don't understand." Pansy objected. "My father wouldn't… And I can't leave my brother."

Rosmerta plead with the girl. "I know your father is a frightening man, but if we act quickly- raise the alarm to the aurors tonight- they can catch them by surprise. We can even tell them about your brother. They'll make sure he's safe!"

Tears began to fall in earnest now as Pansy shook her head. "I've done too much. And if my parents get away… No, I can't. I've saved you. That's all I can do. So go! Run so they can't find you and take you back. I have to take care of my family." Pansy removed the chains that bound the innkeeper with a flourish of her wand.

Rosmerta took a step towards Pansy, who backed away from her. Rosmerta's shoulders slumped in defeat and she turned, sparing a glance over her shoulder at the poor lost girl before turning to head to the aurors' office. Before she had the chance, a spell hit her from behind. Pansy lowered her wand, tears flowing freely as Rosmerta looked around in total confusion. Before she had a chance to see her, Pansy Apparated away, leaving with the hope that her obliviate had erased enough to keep Rosmerta from revealing anything and that she would be found soon.

As she appeared back at her house, Pansy crept back into her room, wondering how she would get away with having released a prisoner. As she cried herself to sleep, she decided she would have to figure it all out in the morning.