Harry left the hospital soon after the doctors were convinced he was a danger to no one.
Sirius Black had left Grimmauld place, his money, and his possessions to Harry in his will. With the arrival of Harry's birthday, the title and deed were transferred to him. Narcissa Malfoy was furious and was contesting Harry's claim to what she insisted was her family home and fortune. Perhaps she was upset at the death of her husband and capture of her son during the raid at the Ministry.
Her upset turned to fury when Draco decided to testify against the followers of Voldemort.
Harry soon moved into his new house and honestly, seemed lonely after the Aurors moved back to the rebuilt Ministry. Grimmauld Place had been completely scourged of all charms and spells. Any protections were standard, although Harry could add any of his own. He started the day he moved in.
The magical items that were safe were kept; others were taken elsewhere or disposed of. Harry was compensated with a large amount of gold and the thanks of the Department of Mysteries.
The scout from the Hornets began hounding Harry shortly after he had moved in, but Harry decided he needed time before settling himself in a career. Especially one so public, looking the way he did.
Reporters bothered him constantly and he was pelted with owls at all hours.
Harry had been offered house-elves from some of the older wizarding families as a token of their thanks. With help from Hermione he assured them of a steady wage and time off to pursue other hobbies. For some of the elves that meant doing work in a different part of the house.
Hermione was frustrated, but took Severus' advice and finally gave up. Harry was impressed.
Harry even negotiated a contract for an enthusiastic young elf on behalf of the Weasleys and Molly finally got extra help around the house. She nearly cried.
Arthur pointed out that most of the children were out of the house and she seized on the opportunity to proclaim she had retired, and it was someone else's turn.
Dobby accepted Hermione's invitation to visit the Snape estate in St. Petersburg, before the school year started. Soon after, he wrote to Professor Dumbledore requesting vacation time he had saved up.
When Dumbledore asked Hermione about it, she just smiled and said Dobby had so much to entertain himself, he probably wanted to make the most of his trip. Dumbledore had looked at her suspiciously, but approved Dobby's request.
Hermione still didn't know whether she wanted a Ministry position anymore. She didn't want to be apart from Severus, so she took a temporary peer counselling position at Hogwarts.
To Hermione's surprise Dumbledore had also hired a former Slytherin, Blaise Zabini to be a councilor as well. Hermione vaguely remembered the Slytherin, although they had shared classes. He was a thin young man of medium height. His hair was cut unevenly, as if he had done it himself. His skin had an ashen pallor to it and his dull brown eyes blinked slowly.
Now that the war was over and they were out of school, Hermione was pleased to find Blaise was shy and intelligent. She also noticed he never wore green or black, although he wore a silver pin with a snake on it. She never asked why.
Unfortunately, some of Hermione's friends were still students, and they wanted to pop by at all hours. Most of the time they showed up when they were supposed to be in class and just wanted the afternoon off. Hermione turned them all away, annoyed they were wasting her time. After she had taken thirty points from Gryffindor they finally stopped.
Some of the First Years, away from their parents for the first time, suffered from incredible nightmares, and the house-elves reported an occasional bed wetting to Hermione. She often found herself summoned out of bed in the middle of the night to talk to a hysterical student.
Blaise found himself more often summoned to the hospital wing. He very nearly lost his nerve after they had found the first suicide attempt. He came back to the office he and Hermione shared covered in blood. He had calmly made a cup of tea and stared into the fire until it was nearly time for dinner. Hermione had given him a biscuit and he offered her a single small smile. It looked as if it pained him. The girl survived.
Madam Pince was thankful for the assistance. If Hermione and Blaise hadn't stepped in, it would all fall to her in addition to her normal duties as healer of Hogwarts.
Severus had started out the year with his 'bottle fame, brew glory' speech, much to the annoyance of Hermione and Professor McGonagall who happened to be passing his room as he started his first class of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. Professor McGonagall fixed Hermione with a withering look and Hermione had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing.
Neville had woken a few weeks after the school year. He walked with a noticeable limp and talked much slower than he usually did. Ron commented that his father thought this was because Neville had become more focused, not because he was damaged. Neville had already written to the Ministry about information on their Auror program.
Mrs. Longbottom had showed up at the Ministry while construction was still going on, demanding to speak to whoever was in charge. She demanded Neville be hailed as a hero publicly and her family be noted for their dedication to the cause. Mr. Weasley, who was in charge although no one was using the title 'Minister,' agreed and decided to boost morale by throwing a celebration for the battle heroes with a special part of it dedicated to the Longbottoms. It would be covered extensively by both the Daily Prophet and the Quibbler.
Luna Lovegood was her father's top reporter, and the only person to get an interview with Harry Potter. Mostly, because she let him write the questions and he edited it with her. It talked extensively about his disfigurement, but there was no picture.
Mrs. Weasley was rapturously proud of her husband and joked he had become the nations 'Arthur.' Dumbledore was still peppered by owls a dozen times a day but unlike Fudge, Arthur seemed to pay attention to Dumbledore's replies and the owls soon stopped arriving so rapidly.
Remus Lupin had been granted the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. After some new changes at the Ministry it became much easier for him to get a job, if the proper precautions were taken. His students quickly warmed up to him and he was freely able to discuss lycanthropy, its effects, and how to avoid it happening to you.
Hermione was delighted to find Remus' quarters were somewhat near hers and invited him to join the scavenger hunt for charmed items in her room. Severus wasn't pleased at the intrusion, but rather than argue with Hermione he retreated to his room and bound it with a silencing charm.
Hermione had finally showed Severus the pictures Colin had developed of their quarters. Helga said she vaguely remembered putting charms on the bed at the request of a suitor, but really didn't remember all the charms on the room anymore, or even who the suitor was.
She did, however, remember he fathered her third child.
The Amazons weren't interested in the information Harry had gained about Voldemort, but the process used to make the exchange happen. This was their only difference from the other historians, in Harry's eyes.
Well, and their tendency to send him pretty girls to talk to.
Ginny found herself very popular her Seventh Year. Although she was polite and socialized, she mostly kept to herself. There was no way to hide her missing finger, but the cut was so exact most people didn't notice. Her scar was covered by her robes. She never talked about the battle.
The Marriage Law was disillusioned after the Ministry was ready to take on new business. Several marriages were annulled, some with the authorities having to step in.
Hermione felt it was inappropriate to comment.
0
"Severus?" Hermione asked tentatively.
Severus lay nude under the sheets near her. He had planned to spend the day fishing off her window ledge, but she had been reading a roll of parchment when he came into her room, only wearing a towel wrapped around her waist and one around her hair. They hadn't stayed in place for long.
"What?" Severus frowned at her sternly.
"I was just wondering," began Hermione slowly. "Do you think you'll ever want children?"
"Do you—want children with me?" His black eyes were fixed on her and he looked very serious.
"Well, you are my husband," said Hermione sarcastically. "You're the logical choice."
"Well," Severus smirked and laid his head back on his pillow. "I would be, wouldn't I? At least Hogwarts would have one competent potions student."
Hermione smacked him and rose from the bed.
"Hermione," Severus said seriously as he sat up. "I can support a family. I never really planned one, but I never planned on getting married either." He began pulling his robes back on. He got to his feet and kissed her on the forehead. "I don't regret getting married."
Hermione gave him a crooked smile. "Well, not right now," she said hastily.
"Of course not. Back to work," Severus said pointing at the piles of research material. "I'll go get lunch."
Hermione made a face, but went back to her work.
0
"Hello, Severus," said Remus Lupin as Severus walked through the portal to the kitchens. "How are the fish biting this fine Sunday?"
"I couldn't tell you," said Severus stiffly. No matter how hard he tried he could never really be comfortable in the presence of the werewolf.
Remus chuckled.
"Maybe I should have taken advantage of that law and gotten myself a young wife," he teased. Severus brushed past him, knowing very well the werewolf would have been rejected by the Ministry, and opened the door to a cooling cupboard.
"More trouble than it's worth sometimes." Severus picked a basket off a shelf and placed a couple of apples in it.
"Wearing you out, is she?" Remus grinned wolfishly as he brought a mug to his lips.
"She is not wearing me out!" Severus exploded suddenly. "We are two perfectly capable adults!"
Remus was quiet and appraised Severus for a few moments. He reached into the inside pocket of his robes and brought out a small flask.
Severus poured himself a mug of pumpkin juice and held it out to Remus. Remus poured a healthy dollop of an amber liquid into Severus' mug. Severus took a deep drink and sat quietly.
"She's talking about children," grumbled Severus.
"Right now?" Remus asked, looking mildly surprised.
Severus hesitated. "No. Just generally."
Remus drank from his mug. "She's a young bride, Severus. Of course, she's thinking about babies. All her friends are."
"I suppose you're right," Severus said lifting his mug to his lips.
"I take it you don't want children, then," Remus said.
"I—" Severus started awkwardly. "I never thought I'd have the opportunity."
"It looks as if she's giving you time to think," said Remus.
Severus drained his mug and stood up. "Irritating habit."
0
"What took so long?" Hermione asked as she looked up, her face appearing between stacks of scrolls.
"Lupin was in the kitchens," said Severus.
"Why didn't you ask him to join us?" Hermione asked opening the basket and unpacking it.
"I didn't know if you'd be dressed," said Severus.
A large black barn owl landed on the open window sill with a scroll attached to a leg. His feathers ruffled loudly at his landing. Severus looked at it and frowned.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked.
Severus shook his head. "That's a Black family owl. It must be from Harry. It just – surprised me."
Hermione had never spoken to Severus of Sirius. She wondered if it would be appropriate.
"I wonder where Hedwig is?" Hermione frowned as she walked to the window. To her surprise the handwriting wasn't Harry's.
Dear Hermione and Professor Snape,
Harry is holding a secret celebration at his house next weekend. It's Friday night at 9: PM so you won't be missed at dinner.
Hope all is well with you.
Sincerely,
Neville
"He just bounces back, doesn't he?" Severus
shook his head. He was reading over Hermione's shoulder.
"Must get it from his grandmother," Hermione said folding the letter. "Are we going?"
Severus sighed. "Are you making me go?"
"I couldn't fathom making you do something you didn't want to do," Hermione said with a grin.
"Good to see you applying that intellect of yours."
"I will go to a fabulous party and you'll skulk around the dungeons."
"Smashing," said Severus picking his fishing pole up. He kissed her on the cheek and climbed out her window.
0
"Hermione!" Ginny crowed across the room as Hermione stepped through the fireplace into the kitchen of Grimmauld Place.
Hermione waved at Ginny, not wanting to shout over the noise filling the room. Fred and George ran up to meet her, pumping her arm as they shook her hand and shoving a bottle of Butterbeer at her.
"Where's that man of yours?" Fred joked.
"You expect him to crawl out of his dungeons to enjoy himself?" Hermione asked, her eyebrows raised.
"A snob is what he is," said George grinning and shaking his head. "Doesn't want to sully himself with the presence of us."
"Heya, Hermione," an excited voice said behind her. She turned to face Harry.
He looked as if he had been drawn on, and put Muggle contact lenses in. He hugged her heartily.
"How are you, Harry?" Hermione asked, hesitantly.
"Drunk," said Harry with a solid nod. Hermione looked at the twins and they nodded as well. She sighed.
The flames behind her leapt up green and crackled. She stepped aside as Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall entered the kitchen.
"Well it looks as if the party is already in full swing," said Dumbledore cheerfully. "Excellent."
"Where is Severus?" McGonagall asked as if she already knew.
"Holding down the fort," Hermione snorted.
"He's left her to us tonight," said Fred.
"He's a brave man," said Dumbledore as he took a Butterbeer from George. He sipped from it, and instantly turned into a small shrub. The bottle fell to the floor and shattered.
"You're braver to take something from them," McGonagall remarked raising a single eyebrow at the shrub.
Hermione scowled at her bottle and shoved it back at Fred. He had the decency to look embarrassed.
"Well that was unexpected," said Luna Lovegood in a dreamy voice as she floated up to them.
"It certainly was," said Fred scratching his head. "He was supposed to turn into a chicken."
"Wonder where we went wrong," said George pulling a notebook out of his robes and jotting down something in it.
Dumbledore reappeared in front of them, his hat askew and tilted low over his eyes. He was frowning.
"Was that supposed to happen?" Dumbledore asked, straightening himself.
"Nope," said Harry.
"Interesting," George muttered as he scribbled furiously.
Ron clanged a spoon against the side of a heavy goblet across the room he climbed onto the kitchen table and turned to look at them. As everyone quieted down it gave Hermione an opportunity to see who else was there.
Neville was standing in a far corner with his grandmother. She was straightening the front of his black robes and one of his hands rested on a gold cane. The handle looked like the head of a phoenix.
Tonks stood nearby talking to Arthur Weasley. Kingsley Shacklebolt stood behind him listening to Molly and nodding. Hermione watched Mundungus Fletcher shuffle into the room.
People she didn't know lined the walls and Hermione wondered how many were in the Order.
"First, we have to address the matter of the banishment of You-Know-Who by our dear comrade, Harry Potter," Ron said loudly. The crowd cheered and raised their glasses to Harry who blushed and said thank you.
"Second, we have to give him points for style. Not everyone could save the world and get himself drafted for the Hornets in one day," said Ron, nearly dancing with excitement.
"Congratulations, Harry," shouted Hermione over the cheering.
"We also have to thank the Longbottoms who have given all they could and more," said Ron, his voice getting fuller as the crowd encouraged him. Hermione was stunned. She could see him behind a podium, motivating a nation. "May their line burn true."
Neville looked embarrassed but his grandmother beamed.
Ron went on to thank numerous people, most of whom Hermione didn't know. The crowd had toasted so much they were undoubtedly drunk by the time Ron dropped his bombshell.
"We can't forget my dad, who worked inside the Ministry against You-Know-Who," said Ron. "In the face of adversity, he never faltered, and this is why he was voted Minister of Magic by an emergency vote called by the lower Ministers this afternoon!"
Hermione's jaw dropped as thunderous clapping and whistling filled the kitchen. Arthur was hauled onto the table to take a bow.
"Now we all have to vote for him when the Ministry can call a proper election to make sure he stays there," reminded Neville, yelling over the din.
Arthur waved his hands and the crowd quieted down.
"Now, what was done couldn't have happened without the help of everyone involved," said Arthur smiling.
Hermione felt guilty. She and Severus didn't do much at all.
Hermione felt a tap on her shoulder and Dumbledore was motioning her into another room. He was holding a mug of what looked like mead. She slipped through a few people and followed him.
Once in the other room he closed the door. It muffled the racket from the kitchen and gave them privacy.
"I believe Ron found his calling," Dumbledore chuckled. "What a noise."
"He's always been good at motivating people," said Hermione. "He learned it from Lee Jordan."
"Would you like something, Hermione?" Dumbledore asked as he walked to a chest. He opened it to reveal a small bar. The bottles were tiny, but Hermione suspected they would pour out much more than they appeared to be able to hold.
"Is this serious, sir?" Hermione asked, fidgeting. She really wished at that moment that Severus had decided to join her. Or Harry. Or Ron. Anyone, actually.
"Hermione, do you know anything about Nordic legends?" Dumbledore asked as the bottles clinked.
"Which one?" Hermione asked. "There are quite a few."
"Are you familiar with Heimdall?" Dumbledore asked.
"Guardian of Bifrost, the rainbow bridge," said Hermione. "Let Loki trot across into Aesgard: realm of the gods. Created three races of man: Serfs, peasants and warriors—"
"In a nutshell," interrupted Dumbledore. "You aware that he was able to, and did, manage to breed and create a bloodline."
"Yes," said Hermione.
"The Jotun gave this to the Amazons," said Dumbledore pulling a small black wooden box out of his robes. "It belongs to you. She never opened it and doesn't know what it is."
Hermione reached out and took the box. It had a simple latch on it. Dumbledore watched as a light emanated from the box and decorated her face with colors.
"Did you open the box before now?" Hermione asked.
"I did," said Dumbledore slowly. "Not to pry, but the Jotun are notorious for having a…" Dumbledore seemed to be searching for a word. "Curious sense of humor."
A chill went through Hermione.
It was a lacy, three-dimensional pattern that reminded Hermione of a snowflake. The crystal was almost translucent. As Hermione pulled it out, she spotted a small leather pouch at the bottom of the box.
"What is it?" Hermione asked.
"A piece of Bifrost," said Dumbledore.
"What?" Hermione breathed.
"The bridge shattered," explained Dumbledore. "What is left is the Aurora Borealis."
"This is a piece of the sky?" Hermione breathed.
"This is a part of the bridge. Forged when it was still corporeal," said Dumbledore.
Hermione slipped the leather pouch over the pendant and tied it tightly. She slid the chain around her neck and placed it under her robes. "That must have been over fifteen hundred years ago," said Hermione. "I'm sure there are thousands of descendants by now. Why give it to me?"
"Mithrax is a historian among his kind and was taken by how much you looked like a silver bust of Heimdall. He took a sample hair off your robes when you were injured in the blast," said Dumbledore. "When his test came back as he suspected, he finally had someone to give the artifact to."
"Should I be wearing it?" Hermione asked cautiously.
"It is your right to wear it," Dumbledore said. "The chain will never tarnish or break and the shard itself holds great power only you can learn."
Hermione fingered the pendant through her robes and shook her head.
"I will, of course, want to see any notes you take in your research," said Dumbledore. "Not much is known about it."
"Of course," Hermione echoed faintly.
Suddenly the door flew open and Harry and Ron burst in.
"Didn't like my speech?" Ron laughed as he took a deep drink from his mug. Hermione knew it was full of Butterbeer.
"It was wonderful," said Hermione, smiling at him.
"Truly inspirational, Mr. Weasley," said Dumbledore raising his mug.
"You'll do us proud, yet," said Harry laughing.
Ron turned red, but smiled at them. The door suddenly darkened behind them.
"Hello, Hagrid," said Dumbledore cheerfully.
"'Allo," said Hagrid, a mug the size of a small barrel in his hands. Hermione had never seen him in Grimmauld place and watched him duck through the door frame. She thanked the powers that be for Victorian ceiling height. "Sorry I'm late. Had trouble with the Augureys. Got into a cage of pixies."
"We're glad to have you," said Harry, smiling and turning to face him.
It was apparent from Hagrid's expression that he hadn't seen Harry since his transformation. The color drained from his face. He took a step backwards and hit his head on the doorframe.
"Ow!" said Hagrid, rubbing his head and regaining his composure. "Sorry Harry. Quite a look you've got there."
"I know," said Harry, sighing. "I wonder if I could get away with wearing a veil and sunglasses at all times."
"People will get used to your appearance, Harry," said Dumbledore.
"Especially when the new Quidditch season starts," said Ron excitedly.
"People can overlook anything when Quidditch is involved," said Hermione reassuringly. "Look at Bagman. The people just let him go and he turned out to be Voldemort's most devoted servant."
Ron and Hagrid flinched.
"Oh, really," said Hermione testily. "He's dead."
Dumbledore shook his head and rose from the loveseat. "Let's join the rest of the party."
Hermione finally got an opportunity to talk to Neville, who said he'd be in touch and would like to speak to her. He still had a limp, but the healers said he would get over it in a few weeks as he grew stronger. His hip had been broken in the blast, and inactivity made the muscles grow weak.
Molly cornered Hermione and interrogated her about her life with Severus.
Hermione firmly told her she was happy, and it was none of her business.
After a few hours, and many toasts later, Hermione finally threw a handful of Floo powder into the fire and made her way back home.
"Well, hello," said Severus as she staggered through the fireplace in their receiving room. Helga Hufflepuff sat snoring quietly in her frame and Crookshanks lay curled up sleeping near Severus on the couch. It looked like he had been grading first year scrolls. "How was the secret party?"
"I had a wonderful time," said Hermione. "There were a few important announcements, as well."
"How much have you been drinking?" Severus asked, sniffing her.
"I don't know, but I blame it all on Ron and Dumbledore," said Hermione, leading her head back and staring at the ceiling. The light fixture seemed to be wobbling.
Severus shook his head and ticked something off on a parchment with a red quill.
"What were these important announcements?" Severus grunted.
Harry's been drafted by the Hornets. and Mr. Weasley's the new Minister of Magic," said Hermione wobbling her head so the fixture was moving in a figure eight pattern.
"What!?"
Hermione looked up and felt dizzy. "What's wrong with that?"
"Has the manager of the Hornets seen Harry since the battle?" Severus asked, completely skipping over the change in government.
"I- I don't know," Hermione said apprehensively.
"Don't be disappointed if he changes his mind, " Severus said grimly.
Hermione already feet the pang of disappointment. Crookshanks nudged her and purred deeply. She scratched his ears as he pushed his head into her hand.
She felt her eyes grow tired and she closed them.
She never felt her husband float her to her bedroom and change into her bedclothes. He tucked her in with a kiss and left Crookshanks to get some rest.