I own nothing you recognize. I simply play in JKR's universe for fun.
Planning an Appearance
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Hermione was seething inside as she followed Ron back into the Great Hall. Severus met her eyes and knew that particular reunion had not gone well.
Weasley's long legs made short work of the space between the door and the table where Arthur, Molly, and Draco sat with Severus.
"Dad," said Ron, "Will you use your connections to get me on Rita Skeeter's show tomorrow night?"
"What?!" sputtered Hermione.
"I created a lot of problems for Hermione and Snape by refusing to talk to the press or those writers after the war ended," said Ron. "I need to fix this."
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Molly nodded approvingly and gave Arthur's arm an encouraging squeeze.
"I can certainly make the request," replied Arthur, looking around the table. His eyes settled on Severus, who was pulling out a chair for Hermione. "I think it would be the more effective if Hermione and Severus appeared on the show, too."
Hermione stiffened at his side. Severus put his hand on her shoulder to reassure her.
"As much as I loathe the media and Skeeter in particular," said Severus, "I agree that an appearance by the three of us would be irresistible to the viewers. What will you say, Weasley?"
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"I have to make it clear that I didn't see that final confrontation between Harry and Voldemort," said Ron. "I was too busy fighting off Death Eaters. I misinterpreted Hermione's actions and her reasons for them. I hurt her badly without any justifiable reason. My refusal to take responsibility for my actions has resulted in all kinds of speculation, including some pretty whacked-out conspiracy theories. I didn't understand what really happened until I saw Snape's memories."
Weasley sat down next to his father. He looked at Hermione regretfully.
"It would work better if both of you appeared, too," he said.
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"You both testified under Veritaserum before the Wizengamot," offered Arthur, his eyes moving between Hermione and Severus. "Both of you vanished from the wizarding world shortly after. This left an information gap and too many people filled in the blanks with their imaginations. The three of you are the only living witnesses to what happened and you have only talked to the Wizengamot. You can counter a lot of those rumors and stories by answering questions in a more public way. Rita Skeeter has the most popular news and talk show on British wizarding television. She is the best choice."
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"That's why I suggested her," added Ron. "It may have been over twenty-five years ago, but it will still be rough. I only want to go through this once. If we talk to her, it will reach most of the public."
"She was always so nasty with the things she wrote about Harry," protested Hermione.
"It is different in a broadcast interview," replied Arthur. "You will be present to counter anything she says that is inaccurate. She can't twist your statements the way she always did in writing. She has interviewed me many times and I have found her manageable."
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'A rather Slytherin way of wording it,' thought Severus. He looked at Hermione and silent communication passed between them.
'If it was only about us, we would remain silent," thought Hermione, 'But, it isn't anymore. It's about Emily and Jonathan being able to use their real last name and attend Hogwarts. It is one thing for Severus and me to live in hiding. It's another for them to have to do the same thing.'
She raised her head and looked at the others. "If we do this, it won't be difficult to find us. If someone wants to seek revenge…."
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"A means of testing the waters," said Severus, speculating. "We appear on this television show, tell our stories, answer questions, and see how the wizarding world responds." He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. "We shall see if twenty-five years is truly enough time for British wizardry to put the events surrounding the fall of Voldemort into some sort of perspective."
"It isn't as if we are talking about moving back to England," replied Hermione. "We need safety for our children while they attend school. Severus and I won't be here as a constant reminder of what happened."
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"If we are in agreement that a bit of a public relations campaign is in order," said Arthur, "I will arrange for the contact with Madame Skeeter."
"She'll leap at the chance to interview the three of you," added Molly with a nod. "No offense, Arthur, but she'd bounce you off the show in order to make room for them."
"In that case," said Ron, "I'll collect Hannah and the rugrats. I need to explain all of this to her so she'll be ready for whatever comes after tomorrow."
"I'll firecall tomorrow morning," said Arthur.
"We'll be waiting," replied Hermione
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