Disclaimer:- I neither own nor earn anything from this story, Harry Potter characters and world remain the property of JK Rowling and associates.
sSs
A/N:- Many thanks to Petite Mule for her opinions and input into this chapter, thank you again for a wonderful prompt :D As part of the hearing, this chapter goes into what made Minerva McGonagall is like she is, it is angst ridden in some parts, just a warning for those who may not be expecting a sad part to the tale. I have also manipulated the dates a little for when Minerva McGonagall allegedly started teaching at Hogwarts to fit this alternate universe.
hHh
From last time:- Finally the Minister of Magic entered and took his seat in the high desk. "This hearing has been called by the Board of Hogwarts Governors into the Headmastership of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore." Fudge looked to the senior board members. "Please present your evidence."
Chapter Ten – Justice is Served
There was instant silence. Fudge turned to his secretary. "Place the enchantments, Weasley."
A sudden movement had all eyes falling to the door, as a red faced Remus Lupin made it through the door just before they locked, bringing down the protective wards. Severus especially followed the progress of the werewolf as he entered. Lupin's eyes scanned the room, they momentarily settled on his usual group of friends who snarled at him. He appeared unmoved by this display, and his survey continued. He looked in Severus' direction, held his gaze a moment and pointedly walked to an empty seat away from both groups.
The significance of this was not lost on any of the Slytherins. They knew he was stating his position as discretely as a Gryffindor could. It was the day after the full moon, and in Severus' opinion this accounted for both his lateness and the latent power that surrounded him. The Slytherin wizard wondered if he should allow him to approach them. As distasteful as the thought was, perhaps this was the best time to build a bridge to the troubled wizard. The Potions master had only seen calmness in the green eyes that had met his, but he knew what renouncing his friends would have done to him.
Hermione was oblivious to all this interplay. She watched as a charmed quill and a parchment scroll launched itself into the air beside the redhead seated next to Minister Fudge. It was then she heard the voice of the minister's undersecretary—one Percival Ignatius Weasley—as it rang through the court, and the quill started dictating his words. "This hearing shall be conducted under the laws of the Wizengamot, and as such, no one will be permitted to leave during the course of the hearing. It is against the law in this room use a wand or wandless magic without due cause. Coercive spells of any kind are strictly prohibited and will be detected by the wards, if used. As will such spells as Legilimency, Confundo and Obliviate."
As the redhead spoke, it struck Hermione that Ron's brother may have been being extra pompous today, because his parents were present. However, if he wasn't, she was certain she had never heard anyone sound so unnecessarily pretentious. Then she chided herself for being uncharitable, and reflected that he was simply doing his job, regardless of how he sounded to her ears.
Hermione had thought long and hard about her former friends since the incident that had seen her leaving Hogwarts. Harry Potter, and her eyes glanced towards him sitting across from her looking surly. This was apparently, typical of his up-bringing she noted as her vision panned across to his father.
Severus had shared many stories with Hermione about his time at school with James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Lily Evans. She knew that they had almost managed to get Severus killed at one point in his schooling. He had shared with her, that it was his sense of déjà vu which had first alerted him to her plight, and for that matter, Emily's. Regardless of anything else he may have thought, it was the injustice of the witch's situations that had pulled at him.
He'd told her he suspected that hers and Emily's common predicament had something to do with their status as Muggle-borns. He was sure that the two witches had been manipulated somehow because of their parent's lack of knowledge and relative isolation from the magical world. He'd realised that their status might be significant. He had been put in a similar situation, even though he was half-blood, because his mother had snapped her wand and lived like a Muggle when her family disowned her.
The thing that was different in their respective cases was that there had been no glowing academic record following him to Hogwarts, for Dumbledore to latch onto. No, he had been discarded in other ways by the Headmaster. Severus telling her all this had not only prepared her for today, but had also opened her eyes to the extent of what was going on here. It told the tale of a twisted old man who was manipulating students for his own gain.
During the earlier part of the week, discussions with Narcissa and Daphne had also gained her an insight into the Weasley children's situation. Daphne had told her that for a pure-blood family seven children was excessive. In fact three children was considered too many, in very traditional families, the only reason to keep having more, was if the first ones were female. However, Hermione was uncertain where she stood with Daphne's opinions on that yet, as far as she could see it was everyone's right to have as many children as they pleased, regardless of their blood status.
She was suddenly pulled from her thoughts, as she felt the air around her start to constrict and become claustrophobic. It felt so heavy with suppression magic, it made her skin crawl, like ants running on her, and she flinched. She felt Severus pat her hand in comfort as the atmosphere in the room became even more oppressive. The Gryffindor witch forced her focus back onto the under-secretary's words, listening to the list of condition, while she fought not to show her dislike for her surroundings.
Finally Hermione heard Fudge say, "Due to the fact the Chief Warlock is under examination here today," his eyes bored into Dumbledore. The man had to be feeling just a little superior, if Hermione had interpreted her friend's words correctly. "The deputy, Elphias Doge will sit as Chief Warlock and Supreme Mugwump." The wizard in question was already occupying the chair. Albus cast him a glowering stare.
Chief Dodge, acknowledged his possibly soon to be former colleague genially. "Good morning, Albus."
"For some," the obviously insulted wizard replied. "I thought treachery was beneath you, Elphias?"
"We all have a job to do, Albus," his peer stated, evenly.
"So I see," Albus replied, smirking.
This caused Fudge to clear his throat and sound his gavel several times to stop this descending into the brawl he was expecting, before it even started. "Justice Prewitt, I believe you are speaking for the board," the Minister declared, in a clipped voice.
Cygnus gave a single nod and rose slowly, he hated being stationary for too long; it didn't do his legs any good at all. "Thank you, Minister. I am speaking on behalf of the board of governors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." He turned to the Wizengamot as a whole. "On Monday each member of this assembly was provided with background information pertaining to this hearing. The board of Hogwarts governors voted on Saturday the 23rd of March 1998, to examine the fitness of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore to continue as Headmaster of the before mentioned school. This decision was made after certain information pertaining to another gross breach of care and blatant miscarriage of justice came to our attention. We have always been aware of other cases, but until recently we had no ironclad evidence."
There were several gasps from the assembled members, and a pointed scoff from the direction of Dumbledore himself. Cygnus ignored the Headmaster's verbalisation and allowed the murmurs to die down again before he continued. "Honourable members, this morning we shall prove that while Headmaster of Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore, has on more than one occasion been guilty of a breach of trust and nepotism when dealing with student welfare. We shall also give evidence that he has been, and still is guilty of receiving bribes to guarantee the success of certain children's schooling. This has led to the manipulation, on more than one occasion of the sorting process of first years. The first noted occurrence of which was during the sorting feast of 1971. We will also discuss incidents where said nepotism took a more sinister turns in 1976. " The elderly wizard took a deep breath. "I call Minerva Isobel McGonagall to give evidence."
There was much muttering as McGonagall, made her way up to the chair in the centre of the room. She sat demurely her eyes glued to the wall above Dumbledore's head.
"Madam McGonagall, could you please tell the court why you have resigned your position at Hogwarts?"
McGonagall spoke slowly and deliberately. "Because I have come to realise I can no longer turn a blind eye to Albus Dumbledore's self-serving and arrogant ego, no matter of his threats and intimidation. He has twisted, at time flagrantly broken rules, and generally wracked havoc at Hogwarts during his tenure as Headmaster."
Minerva paused and Albus said quietly, so few would hear. "Managing to be the brave little Gryffindor suddenly, Minerva." The elderly wizard chuckled softly. "You realise what will happen if you speak against me, don't you?" he threatened, raising an eyebrow.
Her eyes slowly lowered to rest on his cold blue ones. "You threw me to the wolves years ago, Albus, and held something I had no control over against me. I do not care anymore, it is time you paid." The Gryffindor witch held her head high, and turned to Cygnus. "Ask your questions, Justice."
The Justice had heard the exchange of words and wondered what it was about; he hadn't been briefed on this. But that wasn't why they were here for today, so he bowed his head once to her. "Madam McGonagall, is it true that Albus Dumbledore has a means to manipulate the Sorting Hat?"
"Yes," she stated clearly, amid gasps of shock in the gallery.
The low voice of Dumbledore was heard again. "Carefully Minerva, someone might hear your secret, dear."
"Perhaps it's time they did, Albus," she stage whispered back. "You dosed me without my knowledge or permission when you found out. I had no control over the process from that point on, I wasn't planning on returning."
"It was murder, Minerva," his voice was a little louder this time.
Before either of them could say anything further, Cygnus-determined to keep control—asked his next question. "How did he manipulate the house chosen for the student?"
However, the justice heard Dumbledore growl in a low voice. "Careful, imagine what Azkaban would do to you, Minnie dear."
Cygnus heard Minerva gulp and she stuttered over her first words. There was something serious going on here, but he couldn't just ask in the open court. "H-he c-confounded it with a spell he invented," she finally managed, still looking straight at the long-haired wizard.
Dumbledore final spoke, audibly. "This is preposterous," he stated, with a negligent wave of his hand. "You can't believe a word this witch says, she murdered her own baby," he spat nastily. The sounds of shock reverberated around the assembly and the galleries.
Minerva paled, but remained composed. "You administered an Abortis Potion to me, Albus," she stated pointing at him. "It was without my knowledge or permission," she affirmed clearly. "I had no control over it." She looked at Cygnus, "Why am I only able to say this now?" She appeared to have just had a veil lifted from her.
"Because the Charms on this room cancel any coercive magic," the Justice replied quietly.
The former deputy headmistress clutched at her heart. She slowly turned back to Albus, and noticed his sly smile. "Y-you've been controlling me as well… so I wouldn't… Oh Merlin, you're sick," she managed, before swallowing hard.
A clear voice from the front row of the Wizengamot gallery broke the silence that had descended on the room. "Madam McGonagall, exactly what happened between you and Albus Dumbledore that culminated in this alleged murder?"
"With all due respect to your position Madam Bones, we are not here to discuss another matter today," Fudge said, his exasperation at the interruption clear.
"We cannot proceed without investigating Dumbledore's claim of murder." Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, stated. "If his allegation is justified, this witness," she indicated Minerva, "is unreliable, and her testimony compromised."
Fudge could see Dumbledore slipping from his grasp once more. "Very well, Prewitt," he said testily, "ask her to explain herself." This was not how Cornelius Fudge had seen the day going, he reflected, with narrowed eyes pinned to Dumbledore's smirking visage. Typical of the slippery old bastard.
Cygnus bowed his head. "As you wish, Minister." He turned back to a very pale McGonagall. "In your own words, please inform the hearing why…"
Justice Prewitt was interrupted once more by the same even voice. Amelia had just noticed Dumbledore's eyes narrow and the flicker of a smirk playing around his mouth; she could see he was hiding something as well. "Pardon, Justice Prewitt, I believe Veritaserum would be appropriate here."
"Minister?" the Justice questioned.
Fudge sighed, and was just nodding when another voice interrupted. "This is not what we came here today to discuss. Simply dismiss this witness and move on," a disdainful voice smoothed. It was Augustus Potter, James' father. Like all the pure-blood families, the head of the Potter house sat on the Wizengamot. He had the same arrogant outlook on life as his son and grand-son. "That is, if you're able," he cackled, snidely.
Up in the gallery Hermione wasn't certain what to make of all this. They all appeared to be grand-standing, and this was getting nothing accomplished. She could sense the aggression towards the situation in all the Slytherins around her. There was something truly out of place here. She brought her attention back to the centre, and her eyes settled on the obviously broken woman in the chair. For the first time ever, she felt sympathy for her.
Cygnus was willing his brain to think quickly. He knew that Potter Senior was most probably in league with Dumbledore, especially from what he knew of the manipulations he was supposed to be presenting. The Potter's were not a well liked family; they tended to get a lot of attention because they had money, and splashed it around liberally in all the right places. He smelt a very fetid rat, and was determined to proceed. Before anymore members aired their views, Cygnus walked over to Malcolm McGonagall. "Is what she has to say pertinent?"
"I believe it is," the wizard sighed deeply. "She has never confided in either Robert or I, but we suspect…" he paused and glanced around.
The honourable Justice Prewitt straightened himself with a sigh. This is what he'd suspected from what Minerva had blurted moments ago. "Clerk, arrange Veritaserum," he stated formally.
"Now come, come, Minister. Many of us are busy wizards. We can't spend all day waiting for emotional witches to be administered with Veritaserum," Augustus Potter tried.
Looking from the sly smile threatening Dumbledore's features to the arrogant and disdainful looks of all the Potters and Sirius Black, Cygnus instantly became more determined to wipe their expressions off their faces. "Have a little patience Augustus; it won't take but a moment."
They all watched as Minerva McGonagall was given a small shot type glass of water, with three drops of the potent potion added. Cygnus watched her eyes glaze over and her expression become neutral. He knew he would have to lead her with questions. Where to start? he pondered. Oh, yes, "Madam McGonagall, is it true that Albus Dumbledore dosed you with Abortus Potion?"
"Yes," her voice was even.
"Did you take it willingly?"
"No."
"Can you relate the circumstances under which you consumed the potion?" He knew they didn't have long to get her statement, the potion only lasted approximately ten minutes.
She nodded this time. "I took leave from my apprenticeship during the last term of 1954. My mother was seriously ill, and I went home to nurse her," her voice was still even. "I had no idea I was pregnant before I left. Albus and I had been lovers for several months prior to this point…" she added before her voice trailed off.
Cygnus brought her attention back. "The circumstances, please."
"I informed Albus via a letter, that I was expecting his child. I was scared, an unmarried mother…"
"What happened next?"
"Albus informed me by return mail that I was to rid myself of it, and hence the problem." She looked at her hands a moment. Cygnus saw that the potion was starting to wear off. "He came to visit me in Craithness, just before the end of the summer holidays, and was furious that I hadn't done as he had instructed me to. I couldn't bring myself to…"
They heard a huff from Dumbledore's direction. Cygnus continued, "How far were you along in your confinement at this stage?"
"Six months," she stated, chancing a glance at Albus, who curled his lip into a sneer at her. This seemed to give her strength to finish her tale. "He added Abortus Potion to my meal that night."
"How do you know?"
"Once the contractions started he told me he had. That was just before he locked me in my bedroom to birth my baby alone." There were tears trickling down her cheeks. "Afterwards, I held my daughter until she died. Her lungs weren't developed enough…" Her voice tapered off again.
Just as Cygnus was about to prompt her again, she continued. "The next morning there was nothing barring my room, and a note on the table, but no sign of Albus, and my mother had died during the night."
"What did you do with the child?"
A quiet sob escaped Minerva, before she cleared her throat and steeled her control. "I Transfigured her into a white rose, and placed her in my mother's arms just before the funeral director nailed the coffin shut." Minerva paused to clear her throat once more. "I set the spell to end with the words of the 23rd Psalm, as my mother was laid in the ground."
There was utter silence; some witches had tears in their eyes. Finally Fudge seemed to bring himself out of his reflections, and shivered. "Do you have any comments on what we've just heard, Dumbledore?" the Minister inquired.
Albus sat straighter, but showed no emotion. "No," he said, obviously irritated.
"You must answer the accusation," the Minister insisted.
Dumbledore stood, "I said, no comment," his resonant voice stated evenly and flatly, with just the tiniest hint of annoyance.
"Well, in that case. We will mark your no comment as an admission of guilt and proceed." Fudge's eyes grew wide, as he heard a distinct growl emanate from the long haired wizard. "Continue, Justice." The Minister looked to Dumbledore. "Please sit down."
Cygnus watched Minerva McGonagall fight to regain control of her emotions. The potion had worn off. He saw her reach into the pocket of her robes and withdrew a yellowed envelope.
She handed it to him saying, "Before Albus visited, I had made my mind up not to return to Hogwarts. I was planning to run as soon as mother was gone. When Albus came, I trusted him, I thought perhaps he would do the right thing. That was my biggest mistake, please read the letter to the hearing."
They all heard a hand come down angrily on the arm of a chair. "I think I've had enough of this little game, Cornelius." They all watched Dumbledore rise and coolly survey the assembly. "Every one of you owes me, you should all be thanking me for saving all your ungrateful hides. I killed Gellert Grindelwald," his countenance started to show the anger present in his movements. His gaze levelled at the group of Slytherins surrounding Hermione. "I even thoughtfully disposed of that pain-in-the-arse, Tom Marvelo Riddle for you lot, when none of you had the courage to do it yourselves. Sneaky Slytherins, getting someone braver to do your dirty work for you," he laughed, like he was joking with them.
"And we were thankful, Albus." It was Arcturus Malfoy who spoke. "However, this situation has nothing to do with ridding the world of dark wizards. This is an entirely different matter…" the elderly Slytherin paused a moment. "Unless we're dealing with the emergence of another one?" he finished, cocking a still blond eyebrow at Albus. "You do appear to have all the symptoms."
Augusta cast a glowering glance at Arcturus for attempting to rile Dumbledore further. "This is only concerning your liberties with student safety and fairness," Augusta Longbottom added. "Now sit down and allow us to work through this," she stated tersely.
Everyone was surprise when he did. Cornelius Fudge banged his gavel once more. "Justice Prewitt, continue," the Minister waved his hand like the king of England.
"Very good, Minister," Cygnus said, and he gingerly unfolded the letter. As he straightened it, a Caterwauling charm sounded and the parchment glowed red. Cygnus looked back to Fudge.
"Continue," the Minister indicated. "We will examine it in detail later."
Cygnus nodded his understanding, and took a deep breath.
"Miss McGonagall,
Armando Dippet has retired and I have been appointed the new Headmaster. You are to return as Transfiguration professor, and I expect your full co-operation and support.
Any foolish thought of defying me will bring swift punishment for your misjudgement that you could trap me by becoming pregnant. Both situations are under control now, and you will never speak of them, or there will be retribution.
Professor A.P.W.B. Dumbledore."
Hermione couldn't believe the callousness of that letter. She watched her Uncle Cygnus, refold it and soberly hand it to an Auror for analysis. No wonder her former head of house was like she was, how awful. Fancy having your lover announce to you that he killed your baby and possibly your mother merely because it was convenient, and then expect you to just fall in line with his plans without a kind word or anything. Hermione discretely wiped at a tear that threatened, and gratefully registered Severus' thumb sweeping softly over the knuckles of the hand he had covered. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Regulus conjure a handkerchief for Daphne, and it wasn't long before one arrived in front of her as well. Turning to look at the wizard offering, she tried to smile at him. "Thank you, Severus," she whispered.
There was utter silence, McGonagall sat quiet, but composed, and Fudge seemed to be staring off into the middle distance. He abruptly came to his senses and his eyes landed on Dumbledore. "Madam Bones, do your duty," was all he said.
The gallery as a whole watched as the chief of the Aurors rose from her seat. She nodded, and two burley underlings approached Dumbledore, standing either side of him.
Several intricate wand movements later, Amelia Bones had striped Albus of his wand and shackles designed to suppress magic appeared on his wrists. "Albus Percival Wulfric Brain Dumbledore, you are being charged with the murder of…" Amelia glanced at Minerva,
The Gryffindor witch raised her chin calmly. "Isobel Agnus McGonagall," she answered quietly, "I named her after my mother and... Agnus, innocent lamb of…" but she couldn't continue.
"Isobel Agnus McGonagall. You will be held for trial once the full extent of your involvement has been heard today," Madam Bones continued.
Albus glowered darkly at Minerva. "How dare you refer to my name, in that abomination's name. Don't start with the innocent lamb of God rubbish, Agnus is Scottish for white, the Celtic equivalent to the Latin, Albus. You will pay for this…" he started, and quickly found a Silencio spell brought down on him.
Minerva merely watched, tears threatening, but expertly held back. The only emotion touching her face was relief, she felt somewhat vindicated to the fragile life she had brought into the world on the awful night of the 25th of August 1954. She heard the Justice question her once more. "Are you able to continue, Madam McGonagall?" Minerva found a small but genuine smile grace her lips, she nodded. "Very well," he continued, "back to the Sorting Hat."
Minerva pulled herself together and went on to tell them that that she knew of three occasions where a first year had been sorted into Gryffindor when they should have been in another house. "The first was in 1971, then 1983 and 1990."
"Who were the students involved?"
"In 1971 it was Lily Evans, 1983 was Emily Woodside and in 1990 Hermione Granger."
"Why was this done?"
"Albus Dumbledore thought that being Muggle-borns the first years involved may not have known what to expect. He was paid firstly by Augustus Potter, to make certain James passed. Then by the Blishwick family for Jimbo to graduate, and now it has been James Potter who followed his father's example to guarantee Harry would pass…"
Minerva's words were interrupted by curt words between James and Lily Potter. "So it's true, that's all I was to you," Lily Potter screeched. Then turned away from her husband, arms folded across her chest, pouting.
"Order," Fudge called, smacking his gavel on the sounding block. It rang through the court room. "Silence," he insisted further, the Minister was still crowing internally that he had finally snagged Dumbledore, now he could see the possibility of getting rid of the Potter's as well.
"Madam McGonagall, why has this information only been revealed today?" Amelia Bones wished to know.
"Even before I walked into this courtroom today, I was uncertain I would be able to give all the details." She took a deep breath, "I believe Albus may have used some form of coercion on me that I was unaware of."
"I see," the head of Magical Law Enforcement said. "Thank you Madam McGonagall, we will look into that for you." Madam Bones turned to Cygnus, "I believe your witness my require a break, are the other allegations listed in a document?"
Cygnus handed over a copy of his notes with a bow. Robert McGonagall came and helped his sister back into the gallery as Amelia told Cygnus that the Aurory would investigate each claim fully before the committal hearing.
After he had listened to all this, Fudge said, "Show the Pensieve records we have of the latest incident at Hogwarts before we decide on who has a case to answer."
There were several shocked gasps as the records were shown. Once more Severus Snape's new process was utilized to great success.
Hermione Granger however, found herself not wishing to watch. She was starting to move on from the hurt, and every time she was reminded of it and her former friend's narrow minded attitude it just dragged her backwards.
Soon after this the session was adjourned. But not before it was determined that Augustus and James Potter, along with Thomas Blishwick had cases of soliciting bribes to answer. It was decided that once term came around the issue of cheating by Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Lavender Brown would be dealt with by the new Headmaster/mistress, as this was an internal school matter regardless of how it started.
Minerva McGonagall was quickly whisked away by her brothers. Hermione watched as they left, she hoped things would start to change now for Professor McGonagall. Dumbledore was escorted away and placed in a holding cell.
xox
Hermione was standing with her friends in the Atrium near the fountain of Magical Brethren. They were waiting for Severus, who was speaking to Remus Lupin. As they watched, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter walked past. "Hey, how come we were all dragged to this and the Granger cow wasn't even here today?" Ron asked nastily.
Taking offence at their remarks. Without thinking, Hermione took a step towards them. "I beg your pardon, but I am here and I do not appreciate your tone or words," she replied, hands on her hips.
Severus was just considering it was a day he would remember for a long time, as he walked back to the group waiting. James and Lily had left, ranting shrilly at each other, his nemesis was in a holding cell downstairs, and he had enjoyed a chat with someone he had never thought he would. Then he saw Hermione approaching the two morons with her hands on her hips. Was she about to get her chance to stand up to them as well? It was perfect; he watched as their eyes grew huge as they panned up the woman before them. His beautiful kitten stood her ground, no fear and all confidence.
When Harry finally squeaked, "But?" and Ron just stood there mouth open.
Severus closed the remaining distance between himself and Hermione, placing his hand in the middle of her back to support. He heard her laugh softly. "What's the matter boys, don't you recognise your homework buddy."
They were still standing there gaping as Augusta and Cygnus left the chamber. "Your mother is looking for you Ronald Weasley," Augusta told him coldly. "I suggest you find her immediately, and stop gaping like a fish, you foolish boy."
"Y-yes Aunt Augusta," he stuttered, running off in search of his parent.
This only left Harry, and he had the hide of a rhinoceros. "I hope there's no hard feeling about the mistaken hex, Hermione?" he simpered, reaching forward for her hand.
"Oh, that was a mistake, was it?" Hermione inquired, removing herself to a safer distance.
"Yes, a mistake. I would never mean to hurt you. You're my best friend… I'll see you when school starts back, ay?"
Severus could see him taking in all the scowling faces around him.
Potter was just turning away, when Hermione said, "No, I don't believe you will see me when term starts again. I'm not returning as a student, you'll have to find someone else to be your stooge. Good day, Mr. Potter."
Hermione was just taking a step back to Severus when she felt bruising pressure on her arm. "Now just a minute, Mud-blood, you can't leave me…" and he suddenly squeaked as several wands were drawn on him.
It was Augusta Longbottoms voice that won the battle. "You boy, are a disgrace to the name wizard. If I ever hear you use that term or touch my great-niece again, the full force of the law will descend upon you. Then the elderly witch smiled cheekily, and added, "And most of Slytherin house by the looks of it."
It was a snarling Sirius Black who finally came across and dragged his god-son away. "Stupid boy," he was heard to growl as he ignored all of them and escorted him away.
xox
That night, Severus and Hermione were sitting by the fire in the library at Prince Hall. They were cuddled up together and had been kissing after they'd finished talking quietly about the day's events. It was the first chance they'd had to be alone all day. Now that Hermione was living at Longbottom Hall, it was a little more complicated than she had first thought it would be.
"I hate leaving you here each night," she said suddenly, knowing it was getting close to that time again.
Severus stroked her face. "It won't be forever."
She snuggled into his chest. "I want to stay," she stated almost petulantly.
Severus chuckled. "After her protective display this afternoon, I would rather keep Augusta Longbottom on side." He was licking the bare flesh he could reach through her open blouse while he spoke. Rearranging her slightly, so he could part the material better. Severus took in the sight of her heaving chest and the stretch of the pale pink lace of her bra. "You are so beautiful," he murmured against the middle of her chest.
Watching what he was doing, he ghosted his thumbs over her covered nipples. She shuddered and moaned.
The craving peaks were hard and erect, and he couldn't resist them. Moving one hand his mouth descended capturing the pebbled flesh in his lips, through the lace.
Hermione groaned loudly, her breath coming in pants. She could feel a fire building in her core, and she wanted to feel his mouth on her properly. "Please…" she pleaded. "Please, touch me, Severus." She brought a hand to the lace and pushed it out of the way.
Severus couldn't say he was taken aback, but he was pleasantly surprised she was getting so bold, this was a positive step. His eyes eagerly took in the perfect maidenly, tight pink nipple now displayed to him. He chuckled and teased it, first he traced circle around the areola with the tip of his tongue. Then he leaned back to examine his handy work, softly blowing on it.
Hermione squealed and squirmed in excitement. "Oh god, Severus… that feels wonderful," she moaned, and before he knew where he was she'd pulled the other lace cup down. "Suckle me," she demanded heatedly. "Please…" and she drew the sound out into a hiss when he obliged.
After lathing the rosy tips and working his way back up to her ear, he crooned, "Did you enjoy that, kitten?"
"Oh yes... more?" she moaned.
"Not tonight, my darling," and he captured her lips as he did up her blouse. "You need to go home." He pulled her up as he stood as well. "Will you come through to study tomorrow?"
"Oh yes," she sighed against his chest.
"Well in that case come through as early as you wish, good night, kitten."
"Good night, Severus," she said softly, as he guided her towards the floo.