With so many of the staff going to the Victory Ball Headmaster Snape had to call on help in the form of Aurors, Alumni and a squad of Goblins to make sure that there were enough adults in the castle to supervise the safety of the children. Pomona Spout and Poppy Pomfrey were going to be in charge. The Goblins were expensive but with so many wands out of the castle Severus wanted to make sure that the children were safe. Since he was forced to go to the damn ball he made sure that Kingsley Shacklebolt as the new Minister of Magic was picking up the bill for the additional protections.
Headmaster Snape had been bossed round by Narcissa Black Malfoy to ask Hermione to be his companion for the ball Severus found that he was at the mercy of the witch and his godson when Severus confirmed in floo conversation with Cissy that he had done as he had been told. The pair of Slytherin's dragged him out after school one afternoon into Diagon Alley and then down to Harrods. The next thing Severus knew was that he is getting measured for a custom Armani suit. Severus Snape really did not have much of a say in anything as Narcissa Black was giving everyone his or her marching orders.
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Finally it was the Saturday of the ball. Headmaster Snape had given his briefing to his ring ins and explained the order of command for dealing with problems. The goblins had arrived at 6pm and deposited troops in specific locations. Heads of House had read the riot act to all their Houses in a formal House meeting. The castles house elves were on high alert and the students were getting fed in their common rooms tonight. Prefects were primed. God help any of the little blighters tonight cause Severus was going to a Ball with Hermione and he better not be called back to the school to sort the little rotters out.
While the former spy was not really looking forward to the whole public appearance thing that a Ministry of Magic ball would entail Severus was looking forward spending the evening with Hermione. At 7pm Severus knocked on Hermione's door and she answered taking the breath out of him. She was stunningly beautiful. While not a traditional beauty Hermione looked up at him and he found he was getting lost in her dancing eyes.
"Severus you look handsome in that suit", advised Hermione. Severus was still spell bound by her teal coloured gown which had some sort of cross over panels in the front which emphasised and accentuated her curvaceous figure. The nutritional potions that she had been over the last year had really reversed the malnutrition of the horcrux hunt. Who knew she was built like that under her Teaching robes. Headmaster Snape was quiet used to seeing her in loose fitting clothes however this dress looked like it had been dipped on to her upper body.
"Umm we better be going now Severus," advised Hermione trying to guide the Headmaster back on the planet as he had certainly been knocked for six. Hermione was not used to his dazed look. The intelligent witch thought she looked good in this dress and it appeared that Severus agreed with her.
"Of course this way. I will take your right hand crutch, shrink it down and look after it for you", advised Severus getting organised to escort her on his arm.
Professor McGonagall then joined the pair in the lift so they could descend down to where all the castle residents who were attending the Victory Ball were gathering for a portkey departure. Harry was already downstairs with Luna who was in a golden yellow dress that reflected her sunny personality. Remus and Dora where having their first night without the children who had been left in the care of Tinky and Winky. Andy Tonks was going to be at the ball as well as Kingsley Shacklebolt would presenting an award to her remembering Ted's bravery and how he had saved a number of civilians in a Death Eater attack on Diagon Alley.
Hermione knew that she and Harry would be receiving an award tonight but she hoped that they were not seated on the same table was Ron. Severus was also going to receive an award and Harry had told her he was part of that presentation. Pansy and Draco were waiting for some of the other 8th years to arrive along with Blaise Zabini and Millicent Bulstrode. There were no Gryffindors waiting in the main entrance foyer as yet but Hermione was expecting them to arrive shortly. Professor McGonagall organised the first portkey group and said that she would go with the next group so Severus could take Hermione there and not have her standing so long as she was starting to wobble.
Arriving at the Ministry of Magic's Ballroom entrance foyer the first Hogwarts group moved out of the arrival point and started to mingle with people they knew. There were some old faces from their school years that were now out in the world of work or in the night school program. There was a photo booth and looking at the photographer it had to be Mr Creevey cause he was the spitting image of Colin. When Dennis appeared with a second camera and passed it to his father Hermione had all her suspicions confirmed. After Hermione and Severus had their official event photos taken she went up to the man asked him to organise with Dennis for them to meet up during the summer. She was sure Dennis had informed him who she was when he switched cameras with his father after filling it with a new roll of film. Mr Creevey seemed a little stunned but agreed to organise an appointment during the summer, as Dennis would be home from Hogwarts then.
Severus had gone and found where their table was in the overall seating plan after finding a nice seat for Hermione where Narcissa, Pansy and Draco joined her. Coming back to Hermione he found that quiet a few groups of attendees were watching one of the golden trio speaking on friendly terms to some of her former enemies. There were certainly some here this evening that could not forgive or forget the past. Since they were all on the same table as each other Severus suggested that they move inside and meet up with the rest of those allocated to the same table.
Hermione found that she and Severus were seated at the same table as Kingsley and surprisingly Narcissa was his official companion for the evening. Talk about putting the cat amongst the pigeons. Draco and Pansy were also to be seated on the same table. Tonks and Remus were already there and along with another couple whom Hermione unfortunately recognised from her fourth year, Amos and Margaret Diggory. It was an interesting mix. It was definitely a very mixed church. Finding their place cards Severus seated Hermione and then removed her crutch from getting in the way shrinking it and placing it with the other he had in his suit pocket.
Amos could not seem to speak to Severus or Draco very well. His sentences seemed to be very stilted. Remus took pity on the man and started up some small talk about his work in the Department of Magical Creatures. Chatting with Margaret Diggory, Hermione reminisced about how Cedric, her son, had helped her in the library when she was a first year. She could totally see where his kindness came from, as his mother's easy personality was the same. It turned out that Madam Diggory was an illustrator who worked mainly from their home in Ottery St. Catchpole.
Kingsley joined them, apologising to Narcissa explaining he had been just sorting out some things for the order of proceedings. It wasn't long before the master of ceremonies for the evening called everyone to order so that they could find their seats and allow the first course to be served. Tonight they had magical menus like those at Yule Ball. Tapping her plate Hermione made her selection for her starter.
A waiter had come round and automatically filled her glass with white wine to go with the first course. Severus asked him to take it away as she would prefer an Apple juice. After checking with Dora he asked the waiter if he could bring two apple juices. The human waiter did a double take at the request as though he couldn't believe that they would not take the free alcohol option. Seeing his confusion Dora thought she would put the boot in when she said, "I am a breastfeeding mother and it is not good for the baby" with that she used her metaphor skills to further emphases her milk endowed breasts and the poor waiter peeped with surprise when her breasts moved up and down. Pansy and Draco cracked up at her antics while Remus admonished her for being cruel to the poor boy.
Hermione could see that even Margaret had found it a little funny and it seemed to break the ice on the table between the two groups of former enemies especially when Narcissa asked Dora should she be speaking to her mother about her antics. "No Aunty Cissy I will behave," replied the admonished witch. "For a little while" quipped Draco. "Don't encourage your cousin to misbehave" stated the mother in that universal tone that all children know when they are skating on thin ice. If this family formerly divided by the war could now interact together there was healing and a future for their society.
Looking round the large room Hermione could see where Harry and Luna were seated at another table. She saw the Twins and their girlfriends at another table. Hermione scanned the room before she identified the redheads of Molly and Arthur. It was then she recognised Ron at the same table as his parents apparently in the company of a buxom blond. Now where was Ginny? Turning round she found her at a table with Bill and Fleur. It seemed that the troublemakers were all under the supervision of a controlling wand. Arthur had the power as the family Head of House. Bill as the oldest brother. The Twins would be managed by their girlfriends who had years of practice managing the pair of them.
After the first course, Kingsley excused himself from the table and went to a set up podium. The Master of Ceremonies introduced the Minister for Magic and the formal part of the Ball started. Kingsley speech highlighted the need for reconciliation and working together to build a better brighter future for their children and the magical community after so many years of conflict and suffering. When he finished there was a roar of applause before the master of ceremonies introduced another guest speaker who was some sort of entertainer. During this mans speech the main course was served. Hermione had a lovely steamed fish with summer vegetables. Hermione had found that since she had developed Fibromyalgia she had to be careful about the food combinations she had as there were times when she would have Irritable Bowel and Bladder syndrome and times it would be the complete opposite. Tonight since she was out she did not want to have any tummy problems so she had gone for the safe options that she could see on the menu.
It was now time for the bit Hermione was dreading the award ceremony. Kingsley got up from his seat and returned to the podium and started the announcements. He started first with the Order of Merlin, fourth class. Then third class and second class awards were announced. Some were collected by the individuals but far to many thought Hermione were collected by a family representative. When Dennis and his father collected Colin's award the tears pricked in her eyes but they flowed like a sudden summer cloudburst when Tonks mother Andy collected Ted's award. Remus comforted Tonks and Severus seeing the state of Hermione put his arms around her and rubbed her back while she poured tears into his new suit. Pansy passed the Professor a handkerchief and he gave it to her. Hermione had to pull herself together there more awards to come.
It was time for the Order of Merlin First Class. Ron was called up and he seemed to enjoy all the limelight. Hermione thought that yes he should get some recognition but she was a little unsure that he should receive the highest level of the award. But the Victor writes History and it would look strange if one of the so called golden trio did not get the same award as the others. Fortunately he did not make a speech and just jumped of the stage to return to his table. Looking over he could see that the blonde had moved her plate to his seating position. So she had seconds of the main course lined up for the walking garbage compactor. No wonder the blonde had a tiny waist she lost her main course meals to Ron. Hermione whispered her observation to Severus and he snickered.
The next award was for Harry. Kingsley had obviously prepared his speech with Harry so he was not too embarrassed by it. At the end of Harry's presentation he took the podium.
"Thank you Minister Shacklebolt for your lovely summary. I would also like to thank those who have helped me along the way with their blood sweat and tears. Many have made sacrifices and I would like to talk about the sacrifice of my parents. I am not the boy who lived without being the boy whose parents died so he could live. Not only did I have my parents fighting for me I also had others along the way who cared for me.
There were well known public figures like our late beloved Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. There were officials in their occupation that carried out their duties to the best of ability like my former Head of House Minerva McGonagall who has always provided me with great counsel. Madam Pomfrey the matron of Hogwarts Infirmary without who I would not be here tonight as she has patched me up so frequently she has a plaque on a bed with my name on it. I hope not to be too frequent a guest in the future now we have the peace.
And there were others who worked in the background sometimes taking the most dangerous actions to protect our society. Tonight the Minister is allowing me to present the award to one backroom warrior who was Dumbledore's master spy, Professor Severus Snape. Yes he made a young man's foolish mistake but quickly repented. Using his mistake to fight for what was right. Many will not know that he was a childhood friend of my mother's and I understand that her last words to him were to protect me. This man has protected me and saved my sorry arse so many times. I say thank for overlooking my troublesome teenaged years and surliness. Thank you for all you have done and endured for the sake of others. It is my great honour to call upon Headmaster Severus Tobias Snape, Masters of Potions, to enter the Order of Merlin, First Class for all he has done in the last 20 years in the fight against Tom Riddle".
Hermione had noted that Severus had started to tense up when Harry's award was announced. She had tidied herself up after Ted Tonks presentation and was sitting watching the further presentations. Severus hands were resting on the table and she noticed his fingers curl into a fist. Reaching out she took his left hand and brought it to her lap where she was running her fingers in a soothing pattern over his palm. When Harry had finished his Introduction speech Severus stood up and she grasped his hand giving him a shake indicating that she was there supporting him when he was walking up for his award. He leaned down and quietly thanked her with a buss to her cheek and then went and stood on the platform for the presentation.
The applause after the speech was warm and loud. Severus was surprised that he the former bat of the dungeon was getting this recognition. After Kingsley placed the medallion ribbon over his head and enthusiastically shaken his hand, he found that he was engulfed in a tight man hug from Harry. It was embarrassing for Severus to be the centre of attention Hermione could tell that he was blushing.
Harry held onto Severus arm when started to return back to his seat and found that the Minister flanked him on the other side. "We need you to stay here for Hermione's award" he was quietly advised.
Then a witch dressed in an St Mungo's Healer's uniform took the podium. "Good evening I am Healer Dilbert the current head of St Mungo's and the National Union of Medical witches. I have been deputised by one of my union for the next presentation and I am so grateful to be the one here tonight for this presentation. My colleague Matron Poppy Pomfrey a former head of both St Mungo's and the National Union is officially a semi retired mediwitch but from the sounds of it she has had her work cut out for her the last couple of years at Hogwarts. Poppy has sent some words that I will now read on her behalf.
The next awardee Hermione Granger has often been the silent partner of the golden trio. She is another backroom warrior but she has also been on the front lines as well. This witch has worked to improve the lives of all whether they be witch, wizard, human or another magical creature. During her school years she was also a frequent inpatient including a stretch in my domain thanks to a basilisk. She had worked out what was petrifying the students before Albus did. It is not known by many that she would study with me to ensure that she had the skills to triage a patient to get them to medical help. But considering whom her best friend is it is understandable that this clever witch concluded she would need those skills one day.
During the final battle I had the honour of seeing her bravely step up to the plate and take charge to protect and help many that were injured in the battle as a field medic. Those who were fighting and those innocents caught in the crossfire, it did not matter which side of war they were on she provided medical attention to all who needed it. There will be many here tonight who would not be here today if it had not been for the actions of this young witch to get them to medical attention. Tonight we are awarding the Order of Merlin, First class to Miss Hermione Granger and the Golden Caduceus of Althea. This second award is the highest award that the International Union of Medical Witches and Healers can grant. We give it now in recognition of her efforts to save lives".
This was when Kingsley nudged Severus. Severus and Harry then walked together to Hermione seat. When they got there Severus put out his arm and helped to her rise. On both sides the two men assisted her in her slow walk to the stage area. On the platform Kingsley was the one who gave her the Order of Merlin while it was Severus who gave her the Caduceus. When he presented it to her he kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear "Thank you for my life and giving me a future to live for".
She was touched by Severus' words. The room had erupted into applause and many were standing to give Hermione this ovation. Looking round the room she saw that Ron was sitting and eating not even paying attention. There was a look of distaste on both his parents' faces. Hermione was finding it difficult to breathe and she felt like she was going to burst into the tears at any moment. Fortunately Harry stepped up for her "Our Miss Hermione is not great in accepting praise as she often believes she doesn't deserve it. So I am saying thank you on her behalf". Harry and Severus escorted her back to her seat. The room was still applauding her and Hermione had to gulp the tears in. Her lip was wobbling with the effort of keeping her emotions under control.
When Hermione returned to the table Pansy wrapped her in a tight hug before using another handkerchief to dry her face. Kingsley came round to hug Hermione again before assisting her to settle her down in her seat. Hermione was glad she was now sitting cause she felt like she had been wobbling and would have fallen if she had found a seat quickly. Narcissa came round the table with Tonks and Remus and the three of them took turns to sit in Severus's chair so that they were able to give Hermione a hug. The dark man was standing like a guard letting everyone in to give her their thanks.
The Master of Ceremonies finally called everyone back to order to announce that dessert was being served. When Severus sat back down in his chair Hermione claimed his hand again. Tightly holding onto it. After dessert the dancing started, Hermione and Severus stayed in quiet conversation at the table as the others went off. Others from different tables came to visit and give their congratulations to the two. Seeing Hermione looking at the dancers with some longing Severus turned and asked, "Can I have this dance please"? She looked at him with some uncertainty. "You won't fall I will hold you up" advised Severus thinking why she would be uncertain. There was a quick head dip of agreement.
Standing up Severus Snape escorted Hermione to the floor bringing her to near the middle. "We won't be bumped here by those who are determined to twirl round the room. We can dance at your pace here" he explained. Severus took her hand in a gentle grasp placing his other on her hip.
Together they danced a slow waltz while around them span the high speed dancers. Hermione was dancing and she could not believe it. When the music stopped Severus asked how she was, looking at how pale she looked he took her back to their table. After a rest others came to take her for a dance. Kingsley, Remus, Draco and then Harry. Between each dance she would rest.
Severus reclaimed her for another dance. At the end of the dance when he escorted her back to the table when they sat down she leaned in close to him and said "Thank you for dancing with me. I had forgotten how much I enjoy it" before kissing him gentle on the lips. A look of triumph passed between Pansy and Narcissa. Yes! These two were starting to realise, finally.