The spell had been born deep in the bowels of the Ministry where Harry and Voldemort ended it all. The backlash knocked people unconscious for miles.
Wild magic was unpredictable, after all.
Voldemort's lifeless body was found near Harry's unconscious form and was in storage in Gringotts.
Harry had yet to regain consciousness. He had gained the slit pupils of a snake, and his scar had spread, splitting his face.
He was in a padded room surrounded by Aurors, bound to the table he rested on, and occasionally letting out small bursts of wild magic.
Lily's magic had been stronger than anyone imagined.
Ginny lost the little finger on her right hand. She gained a blue scar in the shape of Italy.
Fudge and many members of the Ministry were killed in the attack.
Mrs. Weasley managed to keep Percy, Fred, George and Arthur busy trying to subdue her, and they never saw combat. She would look back in her later years and be terribly pleased with herself.
Ron had regained consciousness the same day as the attack, and had been waiting in St. Mungo's for them to wake for weeks. His arguments were weak and unenthusiastic at best when he confronted Severus. His heart wasn't in it anymore.
Bellatrix LeStrange lost her mind. She was placed in the same ward as the Longbottoms and for the first time, Alice Longbottom raised one finger, pointed, and cackled dryly. Her healers said it was the most progress she had made in years.
Neville was still unconscious. His grandmother sat by his side every day telling him how proud of him she was. Sometimes Alice sat with her.
The captured Death Eaters were being kept in a secret location so they could be tried.
The Amazons had lost thirteen girls. Alexandra had boasted she had encapsulated seven Death Eaters and drove four more to death by dragon.
The Jotun had asked for the unclaimed dead. The few Ministry that were left had granted them their request and had asked no questions.
The black skinned warrior that rode near Hermione and Severus gave Alexandra a pendant for Hermione. He said it would assist her in her journey and it was hers by birthright.
Alexandra had been glad when they retreated into their mountain and the door had disappeared. She knew better than to open a box not meant for her and gave it to her father.
0
Hermione woke in St. Mungo's. Her head felt sluggish and her bed was surrounded with a white curtain, blocking her view from the rest of the room. She groaned.
"I think we've got another one," Hermione heard an unfamiliar female voice outside her confines.
The curtain was whipped back, and Hermione saw a wide-faced blonde healer standing by her bed.
"Don't try to move, dear," said the healer, taking Hermione's wrist and feeling her pulse.
"Where—" Hermione whispered out of her lips. Her mouth felt dry, as if she hadn't talked in a while.
"Don't you worry." The healer fluffed Hermione's pillow under her head gently. "Just save your strength."
Hermione rested her head on the pillow behind her and closed her eyes.
"Am I a widow?" she asked, her voice cracking.
The healer was silent. Hermione opened her eyes and looked at her.
The healer glanced quickly behind her. She shuddered.
"No dear," she said as if she felt very sorry for her. "He woke last week."
Hermione let out her held breath.
She recognized his voice on the other side of the door. There were other beds in her room. She wondered who was in them.
Severus opened the door to the ward and Hermione's eyes were open. She was smiling weakly at him.
He took three large steps that covered the distance between them and took her hand in his. He pressed her hand to his forehead as he knelt by her bed. He gently dabbed at his eyes with her sleeve and when they rose to hers, they were dry.
"I thought I might die without you," Severus said hoarsely, pressing her hand to his chest. She reached up with her other hand and caressed his cheek. She pulled him to her, and he kissed her gently on the lips, afterwards taking both her hands and kissing each of her knuckles carefully.
There was a loud sniffle behind Severus, and he turned to see the blonde healer and another healer near her snuffling behind their charts. He glared at them. The blonde healer busied herself by scuttling to one of the covered beds, and the other all but ran out of the room.
"I've really got to learn how you do that," said Hermione softly and trying not to laugh. It hurt too much.
"No," he said. "You'll do it to me."
"Of course, I would." She closed her eyes and rested back on her pillow.
Ron walked into the ward and Hermione's face lit up. She winced.
He sat on the other side of the bed and took her other hand. "You look a wreck."
"I've been here for weeks," Hermione croaked. "At least it sounds like it. Why haven't I been healed?"
"You got hit with an experimental potion," said Ron excitedly. "They didn't know if healing would complicate things."
Hermione frowned at this and turned to look at Severus.
"You can photosynthesize," explained Severus. "It'll wear off eventually, but you got hit with the full cauldron. It's only supposed to be taken a few drops at a time.
"You were really green, and your eyebrows looked like grass. Wish I'd thought to have Colin take a picture." Ron looked excited.
Severus looked incredulous, but Hermione laughed along with him.
"I hope they were smart enough to take notes."
"I ran tests myself," Severus said, wiping the tears trying to seep out of his eyes. Weasley had seen him break down several times in the last week, but he didn't want Hermione to see him like this. "I kept careful notes. You'll find them very interesting."
A brown-haired healer with a thick German accent bustled in and told them it was time for Hermione to rest. She should not overtax herself. Severus tried to protest but the healer finally shooed them from the room.
0
Hermione recovered within the week, and found herself back in their quarters at Hogwarts after a trip to France and some time with their parents.
"Your friend has awakened," Helga announced as Hermione left her room. Helga's mirror had been returned to Severus' quarters.
"Which friend?" Hermione asked.
"The Potter boy," said Helga.
"How is he?" Hermione asked nervously.
"Alive," said Helga grimly. "Phineas is reporting to Dumbledore as he finds out information."
"How does it look?" said Hermione nervously.
"I would not hazard a guess," admitted Helga.
"We'll meet you in the office," said Hermione as she turned to get Severus.
0
Severus and Hermione practically ran through the halls of Hogwarts, including through several hidden passages not included on the Marauders Map.
"Key-Lime Truffle," Severus boomed at the gryphon guarding Dumbledore's office.
Dumbledore sat in his office, the frame of Phineas Nigellus levitated near his desk so he may talk to him with ease. His fingers were steepled and glasses rested on the end of his nose. His eyes moved as Hermione and Severus entered his room, but he didn't turn from the empty frame.
Severus sat down in a chair in front of the desk and Hermione chose the one next to him. They sat in silence. Hermione stared at her hands, folded in her lap and just wished someone would say something.
Phineas finally reappeared in his frame and gave a distasteful look to Dumbledore.
"The boy seems to be, in fact, the boy," said Phineas with a sniff.
"Thank you, Phineas," said Dumbledore, rising from his seat. It was best they go to see it firsthand. The Ministry needed all the help it could get.
0
"Hermione!" Harry smiled weakly.
Severus stood behind her with a hand on her shoulder.
Harry looked frightful. His scar cleaved his face in two. His slitted eyes were the same bright green they had always been, at her from sockets that crinkled at the corners in a familiar way. Hermione couldn't help but think back on the prophecy.
When the mark of thunder shines upon one
One with fathers taken twice shall rise into the light
Plunging darkness into he will fall
Within him power will grow
Two paths here are laid
Light and Dark will be inside
Cleaving one into two
The answer lies with the givers of life
To show the path
Under the sea
How are you feeling?" asked Hermione tentatively as she approached the bed. The bonds she had heard about were gone, but Aurors still stood guard out of the room.
"Tired," said Harry. "My brain feels slow."
Hermione sat next to the bed nervously. Severus stood near the door, arms folded, watching them.
"Has anyone told you anything?" asked Hermione, hoping that was a vague enough question.
"I killed him," said Harry, letting his head fall back on his pillow. His eyes closed and he looked serene. "It's finally over. I don't know how… there were creatures there…"
Hermione reached out and took his hand. It was easier with his eyes closed.
"Now you're really a hero, Harry," said Hermione, quirking a corner of her mouth at him.
He barely lifted his eyelids at her and grinned cynically. "Nice to be able to live up to it for a change."
Severus snorted from the doorway.
"Well, you'll always have people to keep your head from swelling," said Hermione shooting Severus a look.
Harry chuckled.
"Now, what's so funny?" asked Hermione gently, as she brushed a wild lock of hair out of his eyes.
"You two," Harry said.
"How did everyone find out?" Hermione demanded. "I mean-,"
"The elves told Charlie," said Harry. "He had to tell Mundungus."
"Mundungus?" Hermione said confused.
"Well, he was the one running the betting pool," said Harry, laughing and suddenly regretting it as he winced in pain.
Hermione was appalled. If Harry wasn't in such a state, she would have been shaking him.
"There was a pool?" Hermione managed to squeak out.
"Who won?" asked Severus curiously.
"Fred and George," said Harry.
Severus sniffed.
"You're all disgusting," said Hermione, folding her arms.
"I didn't bet," said Harry. "And Ron didn't even know. No one thought it would really happen."
"What do you remember, Potter?" Severus asked evenly.
"Well, we'd all had a bit of wine—"
"At the Ministry!" Hermione clarified.
Harry took a breath and acted like he was trying the best way to word things.
"We locked wands and Voldemort tried to get in my head," said Harry. "We fought." Harry was silent for a time. "I won."
They knew that was the only explanation they would be given.
"Potter, have you seen a mirror?" asked Severus.
"A mirror?" asked Harry, confused. "Why would anyone give me a mirror?"
"Your scar grew," said Severus.
"Well, I'm a hero," said Harry, feeling like he could rest for the first time in years. Feeling exceptionally brave enough to be snarky to Snape. "I don't have to be pretty."
"And your eyes, Harry…" hazarded Hermione.
Harry reached up to realize he wasn't wearing his glasses.
"What happened?" said Harry. His face went blank. "Oh, that makes sense."
"What makes sense?" Severus asked warily, taking a step forward.
"The knowledge of Abraxas would change my appearance, and I am a parselmouth, aren't I?" asked Harry.
Severus shifted uncomfortably.
"Knowledge would be enough to change your appearance?" Hermione asked, her eyes wide.
"This knowledge would," said Harry placing his hand on the side of his head.
The door to Harry's ward opened and Dumbledore walked in, followed by Arthur Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Arthur tried not to show anything in his face, but a muscle in his jaw twitched.
"Hello," said Harry, trying to sit up. "Where's Ron?"
"In the waiting room with the rest of the family," said Dumbledore. Worry lines creased his forehead. "How do you feel?"
"Tired," said Harry. "Groggy."
"The family reunion can wait for another day," declared Arthur. "You've been through too much for today."
"He's right," Hermione said before Harry could protest. "Sleep now."
Harry scrunched his face at her and laid his head back onto his pillow.
"You'll thank her later," said Kingsley.
A healer came into the room with a gold potion bottle. Severus stopped him and sniffed the contents. The healer was affronted, but allowed the intrusion. Severus nodded and the healer gave Harry the potion. He fell into a relaxed, dopy state.
"We'll see you later, Harry," said Hermione, smiling at him in a way she hoped looked normal.
"I promise to be more awake tomorrow," said Harry sleepily.
"Of course, you will," reassured Hermione.
0
Molly Weasley spooned chowder into the long line of bowls running along the counter in number twelve Grimmauld place.
Since the destruction of the Ministry, Grimmauld Place had been used as a place for Aurors to gather information, rest, eat, and plan reconstruction of their department.
The Aurors had been a great help in finally getting the place clean and the dark objects removed or destroyed. Some of the items were in observation where the Department of Mysteries had been temporarily located. It had been very convenient for all involved.
"I'll serve them, Molly," Remus Lupin said, taking two of the bowls from the counter. "You sit down. You've already done more than your share."
When Lupin put her bowl in front of her, she ate silently.
Tonks slipped into the room and took a seat beside Molly.
"How's Harry?" Lupin asked.
"Awake and talking to Dumbledore," said Tonks. "Harry's seen a mirror."
"And?" Lupin asked, raising an eyebrow as he placed a bowl in front of Tonks.
"He seemed to take it well," said Tonks shrugging. "You never can tell."
Lupin nodded as he laid a basket of bread on the table and other Aurors filed into the room.
There was a 'woosh' of green flame and Hermione and Severus walked through the fireplace.
"Harry's awake and about," said Tonks.
"How is he?" said Hermione as a witch in bright green robes bustled her way past to get her meal.
"Feeling much better," said Tonks, waving to a handsome middle-aged blonde wizard in dark blue robes as he grabbed a bowl and left the room. "He's up and talking to Dumbledore."
"Any on what happened to him?" asked Severus, getting jostled by an ancient little wizard in orange robes trying to balance four bowls of chowder on a tray for people elsewhere in the house.
"As far as we can tell, Voldemort's brain collapsed during battle," said Tonks. "Harry got all his memories and knowledge."
"What?" whispered Molly, looking up from her chowder and staring at Tonks horrified.
"Voldemort's not hiding in him," said Tonks quickly. "Dumbledore did the examination himself. Harry said it was like watching a movie in fast-forward. His whole body turned into a pensive."
Hermione collapsed onto the bench across from Molly and Tonks. The green-robed witch sat beside her and ate quickly.
"He'll be alright," said the Auror between mouthfuls of chowder. "Listened to some of the interviews. Very informative. We'll learn a lot from him."
Molly stirred her chowder absent-mindedly.
"He was born to do this, Molly," Lupin reminded her, handing her a hunk of bread. "Nothing we could have done. We tried, you know."
Molly nodded and nibbled at the bread. Hermione reached across the table and squeezed Molly's hand. Molly didn't look up, but clutched at it.
Green flames leapt in the hearth and all of them turned to look at Dumbledore as he entered the kitchen. No one said a word.
"I've never seen all of you so glum," said Dumbledore, a tired smile playing around his lips. "The war is over. Harry will recover. He can see visitors tomorrow."
"I'm sure we can manage to hold it together," said Hermione firmly before anyone else could say anything.
Molly tiredly nodded in agreement.
0
The Ministry was taking Harry's condition very seriously.
Molly, Arthur and Dumbledore were in Harry's room. Hermione, Severus and Ron sat in the private waiting room. They had been in there nearly thirty minutes and Ron was beginning to fidget.
The door finally swung open. Molly looked pale, but looked satisfied.
"He's going to be all right," she breathed as her fingers clutched at the handle of her handbag.
"You can go in and see him now," said Dumbledore. "I'm sure he'd appreciate seeing someone normal, for a change."
Molly gave him a look, but Hermione and Ron practically leapt to their feet and ran to Harry's door.
Hermione stopped Ron with a hand on his arm before he charged in. He stopped in his tracks. She looked at him and he took a deep breath before opening the door calmly.
Severus watched as Hermione and Ron quietly entered the room.
"Hello, Harry," Hermione said as the door closed softly behind them.
"Well?" Severus asked the others, steeling himself for anything.
"He has all the Dark Lords' knowledge," said Molly, brusquely. "He's lucky to be alive."
"Indeed," said Severus nodding, his eyebrows raised. He was surprised the boy wasn't mad.
"But it is Harry," said Arthur shaking his head. "Horrible burden for a boy to bear."
"Harry has done more than most lifetimes ever see," said Dumbledore. "If he travels the right path, he'll become a very wise man."
No one could think of anything to say.
0
"Wow, Harry," said Ron, impressed at Harry's new and improved scar.
"The healers say they're working on it," said Harry. "But I wouldn't hold your breath."
"You thought people stared at you before," Ron mused.
"Ron!" Hermione said sharply.
"He's right, you know," said Harry quietly as he set down the hand mirror he had been holding. His light blue pajamas looked rumpled and a stack of Ron's comic books sat near the bed.
"You'll probably never be able to return to the Muggle world," said Hermione softly.
"I know," said Harry. "I don't know if that upsets me or not."
"Wouldn't be that upset if I was you," snorted Ron.
"Why is that?" Hermione asked curiously.
"A scout for the Hornets was in the Ministry the day of the attack trying to get a Floo connection for his new house," said Ron excitedly. "Saw you on your broom, Harry. He was really impressed."
"What did you do on your broom?" Hermione asked.
"Well there was air battle getting in," said Harry, shrugging.
"'Bit of air battle?'" asked Ron incredulously. "It was some of the best flying I've ever seen. You should have been there, Hermione!"
"You're lucky you're such a good flyer," said Hermione, finally snapping. "I can't believe you just ran off to do this yourselves. It was stupid and thoughtless of you!" Her stern tone had risen in pitch and was approaching a screech.
Dumbledore opened the door to Harry's room to see what the commotion was. Hermione shot him a look and he backed out.
Ron looked worried.
"Hermione-," Harry began.
"Don't you start!" Hermione boomed. "You could have gotten killed, or worse! You should have waited for the others."
"They never would have let us go-" protested Ron.
"With good reason!" yelled Hermione. "What if the Death Eaters had gotten hold of Harry?"
"Well, they didn't," said Harry, raising the eyebrows over those green serpentine eyes of his.
"Well, isn't that convenient," Hermione said testily.
Ron threw his hands up behind her and she wheeled around on him. He stepped back and stumbled into a chair.
"And you," Hermione began. In Ron's eyes she seemed to get bigger than she really was. Her nostrils flared. "You should have known better, of all people."
"What, 'of all people?'" Ron exploded back at her. His fingers were white clenching the arms of his chair. "You weren't here, Hermione. It was pandemonium! No one could organize, the Ministry was in pieces, Dumbledore was missing—" Ron rattled out.
"I know," said Hermione guiltily.
"Where was he?" Harry asked.
Hermione hesitated.
"Oh, come on, Hermione," Ron persisted. "It's all over now."
"It may not be," said Hermione. "The Amazons have an obscure prophecy that might apply."
"How many prophecies can one person have about them?" Ron asked, looking at Harry.
Harry shrugged. "If it makes you feel better, I'd rather there are no prophecies about me at all."
"I'm sorry, Harry," Hermione said. "But you idiots had me so worried and I was so far away…"
"How was Russia?" asked Harry.
"Oh, you don't want to hear about my trip." Hermione waved him off.
"Of course, I do," said Harry. "It will be a normal subject. Maybe you'll even stop yelling."
She made a face and told him.
"His mother sounds desperate for grandchildren," laughed Harry. "Be careful if you don't want a brood."
"I don't think it would be a practical time to start a family." Hermione shook her head. "I mean, if one were to happen."
"You haven't even talked about it?" Ron asked, incredulously.
"We haven't been… intimate for that long," Hermione said, embarrassed. "I've known you for years and I don't know how many kids you want."
"None," Ron said.
"None?" Hermione and Harry echoed.
"I'm sure I'll have plenty of nice nieces and nephews to entertain me," said Ron. "Then I can give them back."
"I'd like a couple, maybe," said Harry thoughtfully. "Although I'm not sure who'd be with me now."
"Don't say that, Harry," said Hermione. " I can think of someone."
"Yea," said Ron. "If you aren't married to Ginny by the time you're thirty, the Ministry'll get you a wife. She might even be nice."
"Ron!" Hermione said, shocked.
"I'm sure that's going to be one of the first things to go," Harry laughed. "A lot of things at the Ministry are about to change."
"I don't doubt that," Hermione said. "Mr. Weasley has been working really hard. There's talk he may become Minister of Magic."
"My dad?" Ron asked, stunned. "Minister of Magic?"
"Well there's not many from the Ministry left, are there?" Hermione asked. "Many remember Fudge trying to discredit your father when he wanted to get prepared for the Dark Lord."
"Your dad's a hero, Ron," said Harry.
"Wow," said Ron, looking surprised and proud. "Might get some respect out of this after all."
"We've always respected you," said Hermione softly. He grinned at her and hugged her back when she flung herself in his lap and threw her arms around him.
"I leave for two minutes and I find you in the arms of another," came a cold voice from the doorway.
"Stop doing that!" Hermione demanded.
"Hermione, Ron, can you please leave us?" Harry said in a strange voice. "Severus and I should have a talk."
"Of course," said Hermione awkwardly.
Hermione and Ron rose to leave the room.
"Want us to smuggle you anything, Harry?" Ron asked.
"Chocolate frogs, if they have any," said Harry. "There should be money in the drawer over there. Get whatever you want."
Ron rustled in the drawer and came up with a heavy leather purse that jingled.
"Thanks, Harry," said Hermione. "We'll be back in a bit."
Ron and Hermione left with a soft click of the door.
Severus turned and looked at the face split by a lightning scar. The slit pupils of his eyes narrowed even further.
Severus looked into the eyes of his two greatest fears rolled into one. He could do several things. He chose the honest way for the sake of his wife. He told the truth.
"I love her."
Harry looked at Severus as if for the first time. "You must. I remember everything that ever happened in Tom's life."
Severus looked at Harry quizzically and sat down in the chair next to the bed.
"Tom?" Severus asked.
"No matter how much power he got and what titles he gave himself he always thought of himself as Tom," said Harry rubbing his forehead and the area between his eyes. "He hated himself for it."
"It-," Severus started. "Your knowledge must be-"
"You have no idea."
"I have a small idea."
"You-," began Harry fumbling for words. "Are a brave man."
"Thank you," said Severus sincerely.
"Take care of Hermione," Harry said. "If you don't, I will be displeased."
Severus shivered for the second time that day.
"I will."
0
"What do you think they're talking about?" Ron asked Hermione. They were walking back from the cafeteria, clutching bags full of vending machine candy and sandwiches.
"Probably about Severus' time as a Death Eater," said Hermione. "I wonder if Harry can activate the Dark Mark."
"Do you know about Severus' past?" Ron asked.
"Not a lot," Hermione admitted.
"Aren't you curious?" Ron asked.
"I'm not sure I want to know," Hermione admitted. "I've already seen his library. That's enough for now."
Ron suddenly stopped in front of a door. Hermione looked through the window to see what he was staring at.
A stuffed vulture perched on a witch's hat. It bobbed as the witch talked. It didn't look as if anyone was sitting up and talking back to her. Hermione looked at Ron and he looked at her guiltily.
Hermione pushed the door open and the witch turned around.
"Hello, Mrs. Longbottom," said Ron as he and Hermione walked into the room.
"Hello, children," said Mrs. Longbottom. Hermione mused they'd be grandparents and Mrs. Longbottom would still be calling them children.
"How's Neville?" Ron asked and was instantly sorry. He winced.
"Still sleeping," said Mrs. Longbottom. "He did have a shock. It will probably take him longer than you did to come around."
"Probably," Hermione said forcing herself to smile.
"They say he can hear people when they talk to him," said Mrs. Longbottom. "You should say hello."
Hermione forced Ron to walk forward and go around to the foot of the bed. Neville lay motionless on white sheets. His face was thinner than she remembered it ever being. His pajamas looked crisp and new, and his hair was freshly combed.
"Heya, Neville," Hermione said cheerfully. "We miss you."
"We sure do," said Ron. "Harry beat you in waking up. You need to catch up."
Mrs. Longbottom beamed at them.
"I keep telling him he managed to avenge his parents," said Mrs. Longbottom. "I don't know if he understands yet."
"I'm sure he does," Hermione said softly. "I was there."
Mrs. Longbottom's smile seemed frozen for a second, but she nodded at Hermione.
"Good," Mrs. Longbottom said. "He was very fond of you. If he'd been of age, he'd have petitioned for you himself."
"He's always thoughtful of others," said Hermione awkwardly.
"That's our boy," said Mrs. Longbottom proudly. "Just like his father."
Ron smiled and nodded politely.
"Look at the time!" Mrs. Longbottom exclaimed. "If I want to see Frank and Alice I have to get going."
Hermione and Ron said their good-byes to Mrs. Longbottom and Neville; then quickly left the ward.
"Well, that was creepy," muttered Ron walking quickly along a corridor. Hermione had to quicken her pace to keep up.
"Most of her family is here, Ron," said Hermione. "I can't imagine how she holds it together."
Ron was quiet while they made their way back to Harry's ward.