Harry released his official press statement the week of his return to the London Ministry of Magic. While Ginny was bedridden for most of November, the entire family of Weasleys had plenty of time to both read, dissect and reassemble the entirety of every piece of media regarding the incident in Cagailshire. When Ginny was well enough, she heard every bit of the drama and scandal from mum, dad and a visiting brother Ron who had a family sit-down complete with all the articles spread over the Weasley kitchen table and a piping hot pot of tea with a generous dose of Firewhiskey.

The first article spread before the family was Harry's interview at the Ministry, released by the Daily Prophet.

Golden Auror in the Dragon's Lair: Sir Potter saves locals in a historical village from disastrous Potions' Smuggle. Beside it was a photo of Harry at the stand, Ministry emblem behind him and a million flashes lighting up every angle of his smiling face. He was dressed in perfectly-pressed robes and had a cape draped over one shoulder as he saluted the crowd and blew kisses to what Ginny could only assume were his adoring female fans.

"Sir," Ron scoffed.

"Village." Ginny frowned, scanning the article for mentions of Severus, Lucius, Marcia, Talia or any of the other Aurors who assisted in the operation. It was shitty enough that the reporter called Cagailshire a 'quaint little tourist hub for nature-lovers' but also failed to mention any important details of the event besides Sir Potter's 'apex-predator instincts', 'dashing magical prowess' and 'debonair smile'. This was a new Rita Skeeter in the making. That the Prophet had resorted to hiring such staff to write headline news was downright embarrassing and likely done to take away any suspicion that there were in fact Death Eaters trying to rise back to power with the Dark Lord.

"Fancy, that one," her mum said, taking a long sip of her tea and pointing to a female silhouette, reaching out her hand to catch Harry's air kisses. "Who would have guessed he was once a humble boy, sitting here at my own table. Now look at him, witch's man."

"Harry deserves some recognition after all he's been through," dad said. "Who doesn't love a hero?"

"I'll say. Debonair smile and dashing prowess my ars-"

"-let's not be too harsh," Dad said, thoughtfully. "Harry is a family friend."

Here Ron had his word. "Friend? To whom exactly? He's no friend of mine."

"You and Harry are closer than thieves," Ginny said.

"Since when? Ever since last year, he'd been rising up the ranks like its no one's business. Now all of a sudden, he's invited to all these fancy Ministry parties. No Ron Weasley to speak of."

Dad tucked the Prophet back into the pile, his face grimacing at the next article. This one was published by Witch Weekly and featured a Transfigured image of a barely clad Harry's silhouette in front of a flaming lion.

Bachelor Gryffindor Lion seeks his Lioness. Who is the mysterious red-head that captured his heart and where will he find her?

"Bollocks," Ron stuttered, nearly choking on his tea.

Ginny giggled. "Very creative. Just look at his-"

"-oh give me that!" mum cried, folding the Nude-Article-Harry in half and sticking him into a nearby drawer. "Young witches should not be looking at such filth." She glared at Ron. "And young wizards."

"Filth that sells," Ginny said.

"Filth nonetheless. But look here. My— what do you think of this?" Mum handed Ginny a copy of the Quibbler.

Inside on page three was an article by a L.D. Ginny thought she'd heard that name, but, oh yes… 'Lindy Darling' from the Cagailshire infirmary.

"You're gonna tear up the page with your sweaty palms," Ron muttered over her shoulder.

"Huh?"

"You're red-"

"-shut up!" Ginny kicked Ron under the table. "Why do you care?"

"Cause I paid twenty galleons for that issue. Sold out faster than Lockheart's latest book. I want to resell it when you're done gawking at the bat."

Ginny stared at the page. Bollocks, he was right. No wonder this issue was sold out instantly. Inside was the image of none other than Severus Snape himself—sitting by an open window of the Crooked Crone and staring into the distance. Severus Snape had given an interview and allowed himself to be photographed and placed into a public paper. Granted, it was just the Quibbler, an alternative news source, but nonetheless.

Severus looked well—Ginny was pleased to hear his condition was improving. Even though he acted like an arse at the infirmary, she wasn't completely heartless and spiteful to not care about his health.

"That is Severus Snape," mum said as a matter of factly.

"Yeah."

Ginny's eyes stayed glued to every word to the article titled simply: Death Eaters in Cagailshire. In great detail, the back and forth conversation between Ms Darling and Severus carried the facts of the story: the investigations in the warehouse, the Dark Lord's weakening presence and help from a team of brave civilians (whose names would not be included until consent was given). Pettigrew had been back and the familiar faces of former war Death Eaters personally spotted by a witch Severus called 'one of the greatest investigators of the decade, incredibly dedicated to the task, mentally prepared better than most Aurors'. Ginny had to blush at that particular line.

Lucius Malfoy had been given two whole paragraphs of text: his bravery and quick thinking mentioned as key players in the operation. If that didn't polish up his reputation to gleaming heights, Ginny didn't know what would.

The Crooked Crone had been mentioned as a key place of gathering of behind the scenes operations.

"Isn't that where you worked?" her mum asked.

Ginny nodded, reading on. This sort of overt advertising must have been perfect for Talia—no doubt, customers would be flocking in from all over to have a pint there now.

As for Marcia, the article made mention of a very brave witch who was on the side of light that whole time and led everyone to the Dark Lord.

No interview given by Severus Snape could have been complete without slandering the Ministry, especially Potter, but Ginny was surprised to note that Severus very carefully mentioned that the Auror department arrived in the nick of time to help stop the uprising. In the end, Ginny decided it was the right decision—otherwise the Ministry would send out a call to have Severus thrown into Azkaban for political slander. In true fashion, the wording of the article was sharp and poignant and quite…

Honest.

Ginny traced her hand over the page. "Can I keep it Ron?"

"That's my retirement money." Ron cried, snatching his hand into the air. "Give it here!"

"You can't resell this."

"Now-" mum cried, snatching the paper for herself and sticking it into the drawer with Witch Weekly nude Harry. "Nobody in this house is making a Galleon off Severus' words."

"Why not?"

"Because." Mum Levitated all the articles and stuffed them into the already overflowing drawer and went to check on lunch, and that was the end of dissecting the newspaper articles, and the end of Severus Snape for the night. At least for everyone but Ginny, who spent the evening considering how Severus put himself in a vulnerable position to improve the lives of so many wiccans yet again.

-xxx-

"Why don't you owl him yourself?" Talia stuck back at Ginny during one of their midnight Floo conversations. "I'll pass on his new address."

Okay, so Ginny might have asked about Severus' well-being every day for a few weeks since she'd been well enough to Floo Talia. That didn't mean she was interested in him. Right? Nothing beyond checking up on the health of someone she was once associated with for old times' sake. She may have asked about his stay at the hospital. Was anyone advocating for him? Did anyone visit him? Any witches? Just out of curiosity. They were harmless questions. No pressure.

Ginny sat huddled by the fire as the December snow blew outside. With a few days until Christmas, her brothers would soon be Apparating to the Burrow, and her mum was busy preparing pies while dad was wrapping presents to be placed under the tree. even the thought of spending Christmas as a family bore no joy in Ginny's heart.

Last month, there was no way Ginny was going to do anything that would disturb her peace. It would have been one thing to appear desperate in the comfort of her own stupid heart, and another to make her desperation known by writing to Severus after he'd specifically made it clear that he 'worked alone'. But now that sufficient time had passed, her flute sang a different tune.

Why not Floo Severus?

"We both know it's a shite idea," Ginny mumbled to the smokey-green Apparition of her former boss.

"Actually, Brody thinks it would be an excellent idea! Waiting on a wizard is rather outdated."

Ginny all but rolled her eyes. Leave it to the Texan to side with Talia regarding her personal life.

"You told him?"

"He kind of guessed himself." Talia sighed. "Fine…I might have let it slip, but I swear I kept mum until the very last second."

"Talia!"

"I overshared. So what? I've been worried sick about you. Brody had a fresh perspective. Couldn't not tell him."

Yes, a fresh perspective that came with a set of perfectly toned abs.

"Already made up my mind." Ginny crossed her arms. "He hadn't checked in on me once since I've been home, unlike Harry. It's clear he has other things to worry about."

"He di-" Talia said. "I'm sure he felt embarrassed about what he said."

"Sure." Ginny grumbled.

"But he thought of you."

"His mistake-"

"Gin, you've been asking about him every time I've Floo-ed for the past two weeks. Don't think I don't know what's on your mind missy."

"Only want to make sure Severus is well. Nothing more."

"He's well enough. Look, I know its overstepping the line, but Brody thinks you and Severus should have a heart to heart. Talk it out, or fight it out….horizontally-"

"Hey-"

"Sound advice! Fight clean, make up dirty."

Ginny's expression soured. "Who's to say he won't mock me for acting like a stupid young witch?"

"I'd say it's better to act as you do at twenty something than him at forty something."

Ginny schooled her face into a stonewall expression with a generous extract of disgust. "Well well well, what have we here? Miss Weasley coming to make amends for acting like the prime example of an empty minded feeble little dunderhead."

The rustling and low, masculine growl from behind Talia murmured, 'truly, an ideal imitation.'

"I thought you were with Brody…"

"Not entirely." Ginny caught Talia's eyes flashing wickedly as Severus' face came into the image of the Floo.

"I'm sure you have so much to catch up on. Toodaloo!" Talia said quickly before dashing to the door. "Break's up. Got a bar to run."

Ginny stared at a green-faced Severus. Severus' Apparition stared back at her—face quivering— so real she could lean over and touch him. She wrote it off to the flames and her incessant staring. Severus could not seriously be nervous about speaking with her. Ginny felt the silence would go on forever.

"You look better," she blurted out.

"I am," Severus replied, taking his sweet time to drag out the pause between the two short words.

"How much free Firewhiskey did Talia promise you before dragging you to the Crone's Floo place?"

"Enough for me to keep my spirits about me for this…conversation."

Ginny's throat tightened. Fuck. She pushed down the nasty lump in her throat.

"Clearly-" Severus exhaled. "Less than a minute in and I've disappointed you."

"Didn't expect anything less," Ginny mumbled to herself. Why was she surprised that Severus would respond as he always had in the past?

"Finding the proper words has rarely been my problem. Perhaps, finding honest ones-"

"You were honest."

"I was also cruel. There's a difference."

"You meant it when you said you worked alone. That I was nothing more than an asset."

"I did. What I didn't mention was that I couldn't have worked alone so well without the knowledge that I was working to help someone I cared for."

"Did Talia and Brody instruct you to say that?" Ginny said, cheeks beginning to sting.

Severus' lips curled up. "You'll find I have a way with words when aiming to convince a witch."

Ginny smiled back. "Must be a valuable asset."

"As you know."

"If given the right push-"

"-I can be sufficiently motivated." Severus dropped his voice. "You should not be upset with me or Lucius for our actions."

"Because you've both done it for the sake of goodwill."

"And the overall well being of everyone. You included."

"How generous," Ginny said. "That's still not an apology."

"I'm not one for verbal apologies over Floo, but perhaps if I could-" Severus said abruptly. "I'm not one for empty words."

"Fair point," Ginny said. "Speaking of words, I've read your interview for the Quibbler. I was pleasantly surprised."

"With the content?"

"And your intention. I know Talia really appreciated you putting in a good word for her and the Crooked Crone. Business is good, she tells me. Lucius is happy too?"

"Nothing less than an honorable poetic mention for a Malfoy."

"He must be over the moon. Percy says his reputation at the Ministry has clearly improved."

"As expected. At least a few select individuals are pleased with my actions." Severus leaned forwards. "After consideration, I shouldn't have spoken to you in that tone back at the infirmary-"

"You standing up to false news publications from Harry and the Daily Prophet as well as Witch Weekly, telling the world the truth is more than enough-"

'-for you?"

Ginny stifled. "For me? Voldemort is dead, mum and dad are well, my brothers are coming home for the hols….that's a good an ending as any."

"Mr Potter must be part of such a conclusion," Severus said sourly.

"Ever since getting to know him in Cagailshire and seeing the way he acts towards the media, I can't help but feel like we're hardly compatible anymore."

"He is oddly intolerable."

"As before?"

"Worse," Severus said slowly. "But of course, his involvement in the Dark Lord's death makes far more sense than mine and Lucius'. That was always his destiny. Why shouldn't he grow into his role as a celebrity?"

"That's what dad says. He deserves some recognition."

"And your mother?"

"Can't stand him at the moment. Although, she says he's checked in on me practically daily so that softened her opinion of him a little," Ginny said. "Why didn't you ever Floo me or send an owl?"

"I didn't think Margaret or Arthur Weasley would take it lightly if they noticed my involvement. After speaking to you as I had, I didn't think you'd want to speak to me either." He looked into her eyes. "Clearly, I was wrong."

"Mum hid your edition of the Quibbler, said we shouldn't talk badly of you."

"Margaret is a very wise witch. I don't think she agreed with my methods, but often considered and respected my opinion."

"That's mum." Ginny smiled. "And now I think she was grateful you Occluded my mind after I found Riddle's diary back in first year."

"It was the least I could do to support the Order and your family."

"Just them?"

"Miss Weasley, as my student, I could hardly allow myself to watch your suffering knowing I could have well stopped it."

"Just in the past?"

"I am incorrigable."

Ginny suddenly felt quite brazen. "Why don't you come by for Christmas? I'm sure mum wouldn't mind. You could reconnect with her. Dad would like it. We're having meat pie and mash, and I'm sure I can whip you up one of Gin's specials with whatever is in the cellar."

Severus stilled, but Ginny saw a hint of wanting in his eyes. It suddenly clouded over with doubt. "Would you have me there?"

"We could negotiate that appology."

"Very well. I will consider the invitation," Severus said abruptly. "Thank you."

Ginny sighed. "Severus."

"Yes?"

"Please come. I would really like it if you were here with me to celebrate. Unless of course you are only speaking with me to appease Talia and Brody."

"Not at all. I would also like to see you."

"So come visit!"

The wizard's expression softened. "In that case, I -" He stared through Ginny, as though he'd seen the spirit of Moaning Myrtle floating behind her.

Ginny did a double take and her eyes widened. Lit up by green flames behind her stood Harry himself, trunk in one hand and wet hat in the other. Harry approached slowly, eyes focused on the Floo.

"Who's there?"

Ginny straightened. "Severus. When did you get here? Mum wasn't expecting you for a few days."

"Thought I'd surprise you, but it seems I'm the one who's left surprised." Harry pushed Ginny aside to get a closer look at the Apparition. "Hello Snape."

"Potter."

"You don't give up, do you?"

Ginny interjected. "Actually, I had invited him to spend the hols with us."

"Don't think mum would like that."

"It's my decision."

"It's her house. We'll see what mum has to say about this." Harry tossed his outdoor robes on an empty armchair, letting the snow drop over the rugs and turned to Ginny. "Snape of all wizards has no business stepping foot in the Burrow if he knows what's best for him. Ginny, he had disappointed you enough, had broken your heart and left you bedridden for weeks. Does he know that?"

"I am perfectly aware of my actions," Severus snapped back. "I don't need you to chastise me, you wart."

"What did you call me?"

"You know perfectly well what I called you, now step aside. I've no business exchanging pleasantries with you over the Floo."

"You won't be exchanging anything with Ginny or any of the Weasleys anymore." With that, Harry grabbed a nearby bottle filled to the brim with plant water and sprayed it over the Floo, sending Severus' face fizzling into thin air.

Ginny crossed her arms. "That was uncalled for. You come to my house uninvited and tell me who I should and shouldn't be speaking to. Who do you think you are?"

"Someone who's always been there for you. Always beside you from the very start," Harry said, voice dropping to a hiss. "I'm looking out for you Ginny. S-S-Severus doesn't care for you. He didn't even check in on you. You're pining after him like some pup. You don't need to degrade yourself to get his affection."

Ginny's heart skipped a beat. Where had she heard that voice before? "Some wizards need the benefit of the doubt."

"But not someone who lied to you and kept you in the dark. You'd want the person you loved to tell you the truth, wouldn't you?"

"I would. But actions speak louder than words," Ginny said. "You're an Auror. You could have easily used your position to tell the public that Voldemort was back and you and your team were on a mission to defeat him and his followers. Surely coming out of the mouth of Harry Potter, those words would have some meaning. You barely mentioned any of our involvement: Lucius, Severus, Marcia…"

Unless revealing the truth would lead to further questions. The Ministry picked the weakest link and turned them into the proverbial Black Sheep and right now, Severus Snape and his article for the Quibbler was the blackest tuft of wool to exist.

"You have a very weak understanding of politics Gin," Harry chuckled. "What use is one small victory if there is a larger one to be had?"

"How large are we talking?"

Harry smiled. Summoning his trunk over he said, "Life-changing." His eyes glimmered the briefest shade of red and his skin paled, turning gray. In a flash he mounted the stairs, and bolted the door of the guest bedroom shut.

Ginny stayed still in the silence of the room, counting down the seconds until she was sure Harry was gone. What if? No. It couldn't be. But there it was, Harry's voice was the same one she heard during her Legilimency sessions with Severus in the Crone. For a moment, she could have sworn she heard that voice coming out of the diary, heard it in her nightmares as she walked the halls of Hogwarts, stained with blood. Ginny touched her hand, the faint glow of the pentagon from Marcia etched in the skin.

"Marcia," she whispered. "If your Law of Reciprocity is still working, I need you to contact Severus and Lucius and Percy and tell them that I've seen the Dark Lord. He's Harry Potter and he's in the Burrow. I need you to help me find the real Harry and send back up. Now."

The pentagon glowed white and the mark disappeared from her skin. Ginny squinted her eyes.

What if Voldemort never planned on killing Harry? What if his plan was to take his place all along? It explained why Harry had a falling out with Ron, why Harry rose in ranks so quickly and worked the crowd and press so well at the Ministry. After all, Voldemort didn't have to beat Harry to win, he didn't have to find a new Chosen One either. All he had to do was become him.

And now, the bastard was in her house, tucked in under freshly cleaned sheets. Bloody Hell indeed.

A/N: I had to pull a Rings of Power Halbrand here. I just wanted to experiment with a Smart Voldemort. This chapter is for my dear reader excessivelyperky on FNN. Yes, I know that you know this was coming because you've hinted at this twist many, many times in previous chapters. No, it was not the Texan, but the Transfiguration was a huge hint and who the DL was. I had to keep it a little secret for as long as possible (sorry!) but yes, you were right! I'm still working on writing a good plot twist and kind of infusing hints and clues throughout the rest of the story, but of course I had to include one of my absolute fave tropes of all time.