Disclaimer: This is still hers, and not an ounce of it mine.
A/N: Hi again. It has been far, far, too long. But I am back and I can only hope I am forgiven for my extreme lapse in posts. Life has been crazy, and amazing, but this story has never been forgotten, and each notification I get from one of you is a blessing that does not go without notice. Thank you so terribly much for your support.
I hope to continue with more regular posts, as regular as my work, my children, and planning my wedding will allow. (Did I mention that I am now engaged, to an amazing man) Its been a whirlwind of crazy these past months, but as I find more moments of quiet for myself I have been working to get more of this story down. I hope you enjoy what I have for you now.
As promised, the press conference – a nice way, I hope, to catch up with the story before we dive in with more developing between Hermione and Severus.
My sincerest thanks to all of you who have stuck with me on this journey to this point. I love you. For every review, and favorite – I am more determined to finish this story.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
-All my love. Lil.
Monday morning found and anxious George sat off in the wings with Molly and Arthur as they prepared for Kingsley to take the stage at what was the wildest circus to grace the Ministry since the end of the war.
Reporters were visible in every corner, waiting to find their angle, and what seemed all the witches and wizards of England were filling the atrium. The row of hit wizards on the perimeter of the room was an obvious show of the gravity of all the information about to be revealed. George tried to be there for his parents, knowing that it wasn't easy for them waiting to hear, in front of all those people, what they already knew and hated to believe; that two of their sons were facing serious time in Azkaban. Percy was there already, awaiting his trial for his role in the crimes of which he was accused including those that led Ron on the path he was on; a path that nearly lost George his chosen sister and closest friend. It was hard for George, however, to listen to the hushed words escaping his mother's slightly parted lips when his eyes were searching the staging area for signs of his partner. He had spoken with Kingsley that morning about what he would have to divulge and knew it was weighing heavily on the man who wished for nothing more than a way to take the lime light off Hermione and allow her time to heal. It was time they both knew she would scarcely be allowed. He had never once envied Kingsley's role in the War or in the Wizarding world now. George made people laugh and rejoice in small moments of joy while Kinglsey carried the weight of the Wizarding world on his shoulders; and now that weight was heavy with the burden of their dear friend. He heard the roar of the crowd before he saw him, heard the reporters as they shouted questions without thought or purpose beyond being heard. He heard them beg for a salacious story and knew that Kingsley would be taking his post as the Ringmaster of the show.
Kingsley emerged with his staff close at his side. His cerulean robes were the epitome of regal, their gold embroidery glinting in the artificial sunshine of the atrium. He was the Minister of Magic and his word was law. His presence alone spoke volumes before his silent sonorous amplified his voice and carried it across the crowd.
"Witches and wizards, thank you for joining me here at the ministry today. It is my sincerest hope that today I can put to rest several misconceptions and tall-tales circulating through our community. Weeks ago a task force of Aurors and Hit Wizards closed in on someone they believed to be a ring leader in the group brewing and selling highly illegal and dangerous concoctions of Potions that had been altered with Muggle drugs. This person was celebrated war hero Percival Weasley. The task force followed the evidence executed a raid on a property where Percival Weasley was believed to be in residence. Not only did this raid result in the confiscation of copious amounts of altered potions and equipment, and the subsequent arrest of Percival Weasley it also led the task force on a hunt to find Muggles they believe were harmed by the distribution of these potions. Percival Weasley now sits under Auror guard in Azkaban prison." Kingsley barely got the word Azkaban out before the crowd broke out into a frenzy of questions.
George listened to shouted questions as they buzzed about the room like Cornish Pixies. Reporters were all shouting over each other; and the people were fretting and talking to each other and to themselves. The overriding question, heard over and over, was what these potions would do. George though wasn't interested in their questions. His focus was squarely on the man he loved.
Kingsley waited a minute to silence the crowd giving himself a moment to center his thoughts before he continued on. When finally he'd had enough he chose to end the chatter and take control. Doing nothing more than standing strong and silent, his power was evident to everyone there and it wasn't long before the slow raising of his hand drew the buzzing to a halt. "Please, I will answer your questions after the press conference in over, but I ask, out of respect for all involved, that you allow me to finish before further interruption. Thank you."
It was easy to see how many wanted to ask their questions anyways, to beat the rest of them to the story. The mass of reporters with their quills poised to cause panic and destroy the public's trust in their leaders lived for this game. It was a game that had been played out over and over again, throughout the course of time. It was how reporters like those employed by the Prophet made their galleons. This would be no different, and George could already see the outcome as surely as if he had been a gifted seer. His family would be villainized and targeted; not one of them above reproach as the hunt for his younger brother grew, and the truths came out amidst gossip and lies. Those associated with his family would be brought into question as conspirators, and as soon as the connection with the Death Eaters and more specifically the late Death Eater Dolohov was released so too would come accusations of dark magic.
He knew Kingsley planned to try to keep Hermione's pending trail a secret as long as possible, but there were no guarantees and no false promises. If her name was brought into question he would have to do his duty and release the information on the investigation that was pending into her own use of dark magic. If all of it came out then her role in the rest would be questioned. Her relationship with Severus, which was odd certainly, but the best thing for her - it would all be under fire. George didn't want to see his dear friend run through the muck again.
George was so lost in the thoughts of what was to come he didn't notice at first when Kingsley resumed speaking. Once he started to listen it was easy to tell what he was talking about. "…believed to have been distributed to Muggles, a clear breach of the Statute of Secrecy along with being in violation of laws set down by the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. We do not believe that any witch or wizard should be concerned at this time or fear for their exposure to the altered Potions."
Once again the reporters in the crowd broke their silence and shouted questions out at the Minister. It was obvious that the crowd was not going to be held at bay with a long speech about potions or an arrest that had already been made. The public wanted answers on the ongoing manhunt of their one time hero. Ron's name was being shouted out louder and louder as the crowd roared and built on one another's anger and mistrust of the Ministry in the face of the investigation into one of their own. It was however the one voice in the crowd that George expected to hear rising above the rest, and didn't hear at all, that had him concerned. A silent Rita Skeeter was never a good sign, as much as it was a welcome reprieve. He knew without a doubt that she was there. She wouldn't have missed it now that she was back to writing, if one could call it that. She would pen her story with a ruthlessness only she could manage and he was certain that Hermione would not be safe from the poisoned quill of Rita Skeeter.
When Kinsley's voice again cut through the calamity George took hold of his mother's hand, Arthur gently grasping her other, as they all prepared to hear the story they knew too well.
"I know that many of you have heard versions of the events that have cast a dark cloud over this Ministry and the community we serve. On the same day that the raid was executed resulting in the arrest of Percival Weasley one of our own incited a manhunt that has thus far led Aurors across the world. As the special task force was closing in on his brother Auror Ronald Weasley was on the run for the attempted murder of Hermione Granger."
George felt Molly's clammy grip on his hand tighten, as he himself had to fight back a fresh wave of anger at his brother. He knew that Kingsley had gone over and over the words he would say, reworking them with his team and reading them over and over again as he paced the floor in their living room until the words no longer sounded like they were his own. He knew that things could get ugly for Hermione, having her name in the papers again after working so hard to avoid the spotlight. Kingsley had promised to do everything in his power to keep her protected.
"Miss Granger has been recovering in private and requests that we respect her in her time or recovery and mourning. It saddens me to confirm that as a direct result of the violent attack on Miss Granger she lost the child she was carrying." George wasn't the only one in the crowd who could hear the change in Kingsley's voice.
It was talking about Hermione that he had been looking forward to the least. They knew that there would be those who would be quick to blame the Muggle-born Princess of Gryffindor. It wouldn't be the first time that her character would be under fire. Everything would be questioned and she was going to need to be strong enough to face what was coming. Kingsley hated to be the one sparked the flames of interest in her once again but he knew he couldn't let his role as her friend over-ride his role as Minister. The public had a right to know the nature of the crimes one of their hero's was accused of, and running from.
Kingsley worked for a moment to strengthen his resolve and carry with his voice the true importance of what had happened. "The loss of new magical life is not something that this community can afford to withstand. Every child born to a witch or wizard in this time of rebirth and rebuilding has been a blessing and a ray of hope that future generations will not have to know the horrors that each of us has seen. The child lost by Miss Granger, known only as 'Baby girl' would have only been only the sixth magical birth since the fall of Voldemort. We must, as a community, come together to protect our future and to do so we must protect our children." His proclamation was not one to be ignored, and it was a truth too well known to a people who had sustained such loss of life over the last decades of war. It was a truth that was taboo and spoken of only in hushed tones behind wards and privacy spells. But it was not to be ignored anymore. Kingsley would see that the death of Baby Girl Granger served higher cause, starting with a discussion too long put off by those who could effect change. "We must choose to continue to live in the ruins of war or rebuild and rise from the ashes like the phoenix. It was the choices of two people, to dwell in the devastation they had seen, instead of finding new reasons to rejoice and choosing to rebuild, that led to this tragedy."
Voices began again to rise in the crowd at the mention of two people, not one, being responsible for what had happened to Hermione. It had been Kingsley's hope that he would be able to gloss over Hermione and focus on Ron and Verity, using Verity and her parentage as a perfect distraction. So far, it seemed it would work. Shouts arose throughout the witches and wizards in attendance all asking the same question. "Who else was involved?"
Kingsley grew hopeful that he could get through the press conference without Hermione being the center of attention. "It was through combined efforts of multiple departments that we were able to learn the identity of the person ultimately responsible not only for the attack on Miss Granger, but also responsible for the illegal potions being distributed to Muggles. It is believed that this individual was controlling Ex-Auror Weasley through the usage of these potions, keeping him in an increasingly agitated and aggressive state of mind. We do not yet know what, if any, effect these potions have had on his magical capabilities, but it is known, after a confrontation last week that his focus is severely compromised."
The crowd's attention was securely on Kingsley as he carefully wove the tale he needed everyone to know and avoided giving too much information that could be used to hurt his loved ones. "We are working to determine what, if any, danger is posed to the general public but it is currently believed at this time that the crimes, including the potions tampering, were all perpetrated with the express intent to bring forth the humiliation and ultimate destruction of Miss Hermione Granger." Kingsley had chosen his words carefully, in true politician form, and was prepared to keep the people focused on the story he needed them to hear, knowing if all else failed he had his wild card and would be able to pull all their attention far away from Hermione. Carefully planned speeches wouldn't keep them all quiet though, and shouts of "why?" rang loud and clear.
But he expected their questions, was prepared for their outrage, and it had all been calculated, carefully thought out, and planned. Each possible sway of the crowd and each question that demanded answer before he could move on considered. Kingsley had been involved in politics longer than many in the crowd even realized, or at least he had been close enough to Politicians to see what worked and what didn't. He knew well enough after years spent watching the British Prime Minister, that a press conference like this could expose more than you wanted it to, and less than was needed if you didn't take control of the crowd. He also learned when to let them think they were dictating the information you were giving them. Moments like this, with the crowd all begging to know who the person was controlling Ronald, who was making the potions, who would want to destroy a symbol of hope and light, these were the moments to let the chaos reign and distract them from what you didn't want them to know.
He waited long enough, the cries ringing out throughout the crowd demanding the identity of the villain who had been living among them. He chose his moment perfectly, using the one reporter they all worried about most to seemingly lead the press conference, right in the direction he wanted it to go. Rita Skeeter, in a pathetic attempt at wowing her readers, turned into her Animagus form and flitted towards the front of the crowd. Regaining her feet Rita cleared her throat and spoke as loudly as she could while maintaining her pseudo polite and girlish façade.
"Eh em. Minister, Rita Skeeter – Daily Prophet, perhaps you could be so kind as to divulge just a smidgeon more information on this supposed Mastermind. Who is the evil dark wizard rising to his throne on the back of fallen heroes?"
George had to shake his head and bury a snort. It was actually pretty reserved for Skeeter the beetle as far as things went. George began to wonder what she was hiding up her sleeve. He couldn't imagine her leaving it there, without going for Hermione's throat while she had the chance. Kinglsey however seemed to have been entirely prepared for her to ask just that question, at just that time.
Kingsley raised his hand as if to ward off any further questioning and regain control of the crowd. George couldn't help note that he became more and more the stereotypical politician when it suited him and mused that the Order could not have chosen a better leader in the wake of the death of their founder. Kingsley showed just the perfect amount of manipulation, carefully restrained and serving its purpose, when he felt the ultimate ends were worth the means. Kingsley's carefully worded response only helped to seal the opinion in George's mind. "Ah, Miss Skeeter, it is true, the Wizarding public deserves to know the key truths behind these events, including the identities of those involved. Many of you may know a young woman by the name of Verity Cane; a former shop assistant at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. New information has come forth through the course of our investigation that leads us to believe Miss Cane is actually the daughter of deceased Death Eater Antonin Dolohov."
Kingsley waited for the expected shouts from those gathered before plowing forward. "Our intelligence currently points to Miss Cane having been raised by a Muggle mother to worship the Death Eater that sired her. Upon the death of her father Miss Cane began to plot out the destruction of Hermione Granger in an attempt to right what she saw as personal wrongs against her family. It is believed that she saw Miss Granger as the shining example of everything her father stood against and desired nothing more than to tear down that idyllic image." It certainly wasn't the whole truth, as Kingsley did not want to bring into light the investigation against Hermione so long as it could be prevented, and her killing the Death Eater would certainly invite questions no one was ready to answer, least of all Hermione.
Rita couldn't be stopped as she pressed further towards the stage area. "Excuse me, Minister, but you have continued to refer to the strump…to Hermione Weasley as Miss Granger. Can we assume from that the marriage to the sadly disgraced hero and Auror is at an end? Are you able to confirm her affair with notorious Dark Wizard, Potions Master, and her former Professor – Severus Snape?" she asked, her voice becoming more frantic as she pushed to get all the words out before she could be cut off.
George frankly wondered what would take her so long, why the wait to begin an attack on Hermione after her last article. She seemed positively subdued for the salacious journalist.
Kingsley for his part still seemed as calm and collected as ever. Anticipating and calculating to the end. "Miss Skeeter, you find yourself warned. You are here at the invitation of this Ministry and as such can be asked to leave. You will see to it that you restrain yourself in your line of questioning." His face darkened with an unspoken threat and the beetle backed ever so slightly away as Kingsley continued on. "That said, I find it within the scope of this press conference to inform you all that before the bonds of marriage could take hold and finalize their union Ronald Weasley was involved in an affair with Miss Cane that prevented a legally binding union. Thus my referring to her as Miss Hermione Granger, and not Mrs. Weasley, for in truth she has never had a claim to that name. Their marriage was, unbeknownst to Miss Granger, a falsity; and as such with that knowledge now available to her she should not be begrudged the opportunity to move on with her life and find joy where she may. That is all I will say on the personal lives of those involved with this case." His word was final, and surprisingly enough even Miss Skeeter seemed quieted by that finality.
Kinglsey managed to go on for nearly half an hour after that, uninterrupted as he divulged details of the case he felt pertinent. He asked for the public to be aware, and let the status of Verity's pregnancy be known in an effort to prevent would be hero's from attempting to take on the powerful witch if she was to be sighted. He answered questions about the investigation, and spoke more on the design of the potions at the center of the drama.
George rested his head on his mother's shoulders with a curious smile on his face. Things had gone much better than he had anticipated. He couldn't believe that Skeeter was so well behaved considering her personal vendetta against Hermione. Even some of the more reputable reporters were trying harder to get more information from the Minister. Still as time went on carefully rehearsed responses were all that the public would get, and many of the reporters grew impatient for the story behind the story. Suddenly one reporter, with deplorable speaking skills, hit a little too close with his questioning.
"Thank ya' Minister, Dan Dander wif the Knockturn Note. An' what of the story I 'ere told tha' a certain young Miss we all know an' love is in fact facin' a 'vestigation all her own, a 'vestigation into hers using Magics most Dark? Now tell me 'ere Minista' what of that?" he asked boldly, a devious smirk upon his face. No doubt thrilled with himself for having the information no one wanted him to have. No doubt information he gained eavesdropping in one of the seedier pubs some of the Aurors were known to frequent when they wanted information or cheap brews.
Kingsley was visibly frustrated with the dim-witted journalist, who no doubt used dicta-quills and self-writing parchment to come up with articles that were worthy of publication, even for the least reputable newspaper there was. More than likely he was frustrated with the leak. It was the first time in the last hour that Kinglsey looked unprepared. "Mr. Dander, was it? I will not speak to any but the investigation which prompted this press conference. If you have questions pertinent to the matter at hand please, feel free to let me know." Outburst from the crowd grew more and more insistent. It was obvious now that there was something being kept from the public about Hermione Granger and it would take a miracle to sway them from their current path.
It was lucky for Kinglsey that he had planned a miracle. George watched with wonder as the carefully plotted scene unfolded before him.
Skeeter's voice was the only one that rose above the chatter and noise, as clear as day she asked the question no one was anticipating. "Minister, perhaps you could tell us about the rumor that you yourself are involved with Miss Granger, and that it is due to that illicit relationship that you are now covering for her actions?" George was dumbfounded by the smirk only he could see. It was a twitch of his lover's lips as he was asked about an affair with Hermione that gave a hint to more at play. It wasn't the smirk of someone who was amused by the ridiculous accusation, but of a man who had everyone where he wanted them. It was almost predatory.
Kingsley took a moment to speak, almost looking as if he was formulating the best plan of action. "There is no truth to that statement." His response was so quick and short it begged for more questions than it had answered, and true to her form Rita did not disappoint.
"Tut tut, Minister. You can't think we would be assuaged by that. After all, you haven't been seen in the company of a woman in some time. Have in fact, never been linked to anyone romantically. It begs the question, what is there to hide Minister? Surely a man such as you self isn't lacking for companionship. Yet you deny an affair with the known harlot Miss Granger. Perhaps it is the fear of losing reelection if you are linked to the troubled young witch that keeps you from admitting to the truth. Tell me minister, what proof do you have to support your claim that she doesn't warm the Minister's bed at night?" Rita Skeeter's smile was grotesque in its glee. It was the moment she had been waiting for.
George held his breath as he waited for a response. There was no proof. Not really, not without divulging who did keep his bed warm. Hermione was a large part of their life. She had been to their home, they to hers. The only proof was George, and he knew that Kingsley couldn't give that up. Or at least he thought he couldn't.
Surely enough, the crowd was distracted from the rumored investigation into Hermione, as they awaited a response from their leader. Kingsley waited, he waited for them to quiet, waited for their attention to be rapt, waited for the perfect moment to bring together his ultimate plan. He only hoped that it was the right thing to do and that George wouldn't kill him for it. When finally the crowd seemed to sense he was waiting for their silence Kingsley drew himself to his full height, the slightest change in posture leaving no room to deny his power.
When his voice rang once more through the atrium it was the voice of a leader, a man who would broker no foolishness or argument. His voice was the strong voice of their leader. "While I have asked little more than the right to my privacy there are some secrets, some truths that should not have been kept from you all for so long. It is not now for myself that I tell you the truth, but it is for the one who has stood beside me all these years, and accepted my silence. It is true that over the years I have developed a deep and incredibly close relationship with Miss Hermione Granger. She is beautiful inside as she is out, and I have been truly blessed to have her in my life. It is for this reason that I remain uninvolved in any investigation that involves her until it has concluded. I am nothing more than a messenger in these matters."
George wasn't sure what to think. He knew it was misdirection and falsities masked in truths, but to what end he did not know. Why would Kingsley lead everyone to believe he was dating Hermione? How would that protect anyone?
It was then that George caught Kingsley's eye, and the predatory smirk began to make sense just as Kinglsey turned his attention to Rita Skeeter once more. "On the subject of proof Miss Skeeter I am afraid I cannot offer you proof that I have not been romantically involved with Hermione Granger." His admission was enough for the crowd to begin shouting over one another. None of their voices, however, were enough to drown out the sound of the Ministers final admission, and the inevitable end to the press conference. "I do however," his smooth voice boomed, "have ample proof that I have been intimately involved, and devoted to, the love of my life for many years now. Mr. George Weasley has been by my side offering me his strength and his unwavering loyalty and love, and it is time for me to quit hiding that away, if for no other reason than he deserves the best of me, not just what is left when I leave the office. It is my hope that he can accept my sincerest apologies and will consent to be bound to me, and to share my life and my love for all the days I have left."
The silence descended upon the Ministry atrium so quickly one would think that a silencio had been cast. When Molly gave George a push it was like chains he didn't know were there had been released. George pushed his way from his corner of the room towards the stage, towards Kingsley, with a ferocity that few had ever seen from the ginger haired jokester. He hadn't even processed what he was doing as he flung himself at his lover in front of everyone. His kiss was the answer to the question he wasn't sure he had even been asked.
George didn't notice the chaos that erupted around them. He didn't notice that no one was asking about Hermione anymore, he didn't notice that members of Kingsley's staff had come forward to close up the press conference and clear the atrium, and he didn't notice the triumphant smirk on the beetles face. No, all George knew in that moment was the love of a great man. The rest would figure itself out in the morning.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed it. I am working more on the next installment, more Hermione and Severus – as they grow ever closer and more intimate while Hermione works to overcome her past.
I hope you have enjoyed. I would love feedback. What did you find lacking? What was your favorite part? And what do you want next?
Thank you. I love you. Lil.