000(((-~~~-)))000
" It is so easy at times for a lonely individual to begin fantasizing about what the people outside are saying about him and, in result, irrationally and fearfully, and sometimes angrily, fancy himself a villain." Criss Jami
"...because love is continual interrogation. I don't know of a better definition of love." Milan Kunder
"But we are never prepared for what we expect…" James A. Michener
000(((-~~~-)))000
By the time he had made it to the greenhouses, Severus had convinced himself that his flight from the stone gargoyle was purely strategic. He had wanted Hermione to be heard in her own right, and wanted the discussion to focus on why she was there- not on him.
He had known, realistically, that Minerva could never be content without subjecting him to a full scale inquisition about why he was suddenly out and about, particularly with Hermione in the midst of a marriage law.
"Severus! Stop this instant! I don't even know where to begin! What are you doing here?"
He had stopped. It had nothing to do with the slight tremor down his side, and he leaned against the nearest wall as though bored.
"Miss Granger is not using magic at present as she evades the MLE, so I escorted her here as a means of apparating into the castle. Had I known she would break down and have a panic attack at the mere sight of the place, I would not have bothered, I assure you."
Manipulating Gryffindor women was simple enough, and Minerva's maternal instinct had always been strong.
A quick mention of the incident in the hallway, framed as an inconvenience and all thoughts the older woman had about his own health and stability were sidetracked. It probably meant she'd be more likely to provide help to Hermione as well.
Except, Minerva had known him too long
You've been drinking yourself to a slow miserable death in the same dark room for months. Last time I saw you, you couldn't even stand! What are you doing here, and with Hermione!
And that, Severus reflected as he walked up the grassy slope towards the greenhouse, had been the question he was running from. His shields were in tatters and he'd not meant to delve into her mind but the thought was so potent he heard it as though the words were shouted.
Except, Minerva had known him long enough and all she asked was:
"What do you mean, breakdown?"
Severus rather thought his answer too shallow to cover the weight of what had transpired.
"I mean, not five minutes ago she was on the ground sobbing and having what appeared to be visceral flashbacks to the final battle, and yet she still got up and walked to your office to ask for help. But instead of being with her, you're chasing me down, when I've never requested your help, or deserved it. Go to your cub, I've done my part."
Minerva narrowed her eyes and he could all but feel her digging in her heels.
"If you insist, I will of course return to your office so you can continue to berate me like a student."
It had caught her off guard and with long strides that cost him a considerable effort he had beaten her to her office, secluded himself away, then left at the earliest opportunity distraction provided.
Entering the greenhouse he convinced himself the relief was only the result of finally being alone, not at some sort of escape. Until a familiar voice made the distinction moot, as the feeling quickly dissipated.
"Hello? Is that you Hagrid?"
000(((-~~~-)))000
In fairness to Minerva, she had at least waited until Hermione had washed and donned a thick navy blue set of robes before beginning to pry. A tea service
was laid out and the Headmistresses quarters were warmed by the mid morning sun and a quietly spluttering hearth, the cushions of the small settee absorbing her as the inquisition began.
"How is it you managed to contact Severus, my dear? He's been in an all but comatose state, self imposed excommunication and the bottom of a bottle to be perfectly blunt. I faintly remember you asking me to forward a letter, but I didn't hold hope for him reading it."
"He didn't." Hermione wasn't particularly aware of the fond smile accompanying her abrupt reply, but Minerva caught it, and sipped at her tea.
"I'd sent half a dozen owls about a research project to improve dittany, it's a long story but he didn't get in touch until I'd published it. Well -" Hermione chuckled nervously, "when I say got in touch I mean stormed into the Burrow and accused me of academic theft. Exactly in time to witness my relationship with Ron implode. I, uh, I hadn't told him my research had nothing to do with my internship, and Severus' timing was disastrous."
Minerva pursed her lips and Hermione took a sip of the tea, feeling awkward. She'd used his first name and the silence felt delicate, before Minerva pressed on.
"That man, honestly. I've known him since he was 11 and still don't understand a thing he does. How on earth did he go from 'academic theft' to helping you with research?"
Hermione floundered as memories of the last few days escaped succinct description.
"I guess he realised he was wrong? He said my research was promising at least." Minerva's heart had never truly received from the stunning spells all those years ago, and she took another sip of her tea to fortify herself. Severus realising he was wrong? And sparing a compliment for the girl?
"I think Kingsley must have informed him of the law. He just showed up in Paris and offered help, after a fashion, in his own way at least. He's- he's not easy to understand, you're right. But I trust him, and he's part of the order."
Minerva eyed the young woman in front of her, whose small indulgent smile had told her more than any proclamation of trust could, especially with such carefully chosen words.
"Well, It can't do him more harm than slowly killing himself in his arm chair, which I've watched play out for the last year or so."
Hermione sipped her tea and wondered what the headmistress would say if she knew he'd been drinking himself into a stupor on the lounge of an order safe house instead, and the thought was quite humourless. She had no idea, truthfully, that he'd been so indisposed, and suddenly Narcissa's insinuations rang through her mind once more.
Just as she was wondering if Kingsley would follow the same line of questioning, the man himself called out from the out office and Hermione pulled the warm, if austere, borrowed robe around her, thankful that she might seem slightly more put together.
000(((-~~~-)))000
The urge to disappear behind the wall of greenery was thwarted as Severus turned to glare at the venomous tentacular. Thus, Longbottom spotted him easily enough, halting in his tracks still wiping earth from his hands as a tense silence fell.
"No, not Hagrid, I'm afraid."
The silence seemed all the louder after his damaged voice fell flat, and for a fleeting moment, beneath his patchy occlumency shields, the snide thought that Hermione would have picked up on the self-defacing tone rose up and bothered him.
"Professor Snape."
The young man's face was tilted, but the polite smile didn't meet his eyes, and the lack of any further greeting was telling from the Gryffindor.
"Thankfully, I am no longer your professor, Neville." Severus stressed the use of the first name. After all, he used Hermione's and Longbottom was no more his student than she was. "I hear you've made yourself indispensable to Pompona."
Neville dropped the tag he was holding and stared.
"Um, I…"
Severus had seen the boy fight death eaters and openly defy the Carrows, being beaten black and blue for his troubles, and yet an attempt at flattery had undone him.
"Don't be modest. I assume Pompona has finally managed to leave the castle for more than a few weeks, without fretting for her Greenhouses. That is the highest compliment you'll receive from her."
"What are you doing here?"
The young man had put himself together and his broad shoulders were straight. Severus meanwhile felt the ache in his spine that signalled he had been upright for too long, and it was somewhat of a relief the pretence at civility could now be abandoned.
"I just left a meeting with Minerva." Technically correct. "I had a sapling sent here a few days ago, which I am researching. Perhaps you received it."
"I did. That plant is illegal." Neville looked faintly surprised the words had left his mouth, but he retained his resolved stance. Severus wondered how much to divulge, and took a risk that while the young man might despise him, Hermione had earned his help in a thousand salvaged potions over the years.
"The plant is currently being researched at St Mungo's and Hermione Granger has asked me to conduct some private research for her, she's meeting with Minerva as we speak."
"Hermione's here?" Neville eyed him speculatively before continuing, "and you're helping her?"
The indignity of the boy's disbelief swelled and fighting against the urge to snap at him, Severus merely nodded curtly, lips curling into a sneer.
"I've got the plant here." Neville turned away and Severus followed him through to a large potting station, where the sapling sat, still within its travel crate.
"I was going to get rid of it, once I found out what it was."
"Be thankful that you didn't. It was difficult to obtain." Severus was curt and he stepped past Neville, picking up the plant.
"Let me get it for you, I'll walk you up and say hello to Hermione."
It was immature, and ill advised, given how much he'd already over exerted himself this morning. But the thought of making small talk with Longbottom while they traipsed to the Headmistresses office was too much to be borne.
The crack of apparition left the dust of the greenhouses swirling in Neville's face.
000(((-~~~-)))000
"You're meant to be abroad and in hiding! Not attending a meeting of the governors where there will be ministry workers and Wizengamot members!"
As Severus lurched into the middle of the Headmistresses office, the heated tones of Kingsley trickled down from Minerva's quarters. Placing the sapling on Minerva's desk, he listened for a moment longer, steadying himself until a voice behind him proved he was not the spy he once was.
"She's holding her own."
Minerva picked herself up from the floor of the hearth, brushing floo powder and ash from her robes.
"Olympe will take the boy. She's getting the paperwork ready."
Severus held himself stiffly for the renewed bombardment he'd clearly only managed to delay, but the elder witch merely walked past him towards the stairs.
"Coming, Severus?" She looked over his shoulder and alarm bells rang in his head, but he followed her into his former chambers.
"Kingsley, by the time magical law enforcement arrives, I will have left the governors. Unless you're suggesting bloated Bureaucrats are going to detain me. There's no warrant for my arrest."
She was, indeed, holding her own. It felt cheap to tack on the yet that immediately sprang to mind, and so he stealthily made his way into a corner of the sitting room.
"Your association with the bill will immediately raise suspicions as to its contents and any hope of a loophole for apprenticeships is gone."
Kingsley was not, as he had sounded from below, making substantial headway and his measured tone sounded weary. From his position, Severus noted the way his shoulders sagged as he leaned against the low sofa, and was sure that if he could see the ex-ministers face it would wear a look of resignation.
"And if it weren't a loophole?"
"If the Ministry is aware you are openly campaigning for an exemption to the law, they will presume it is for yourself. They clearly still believe they can persuade you to champion the marriage law, and an obvious exemption will not pass."
Hermione paced the room and Severus saw her step falter slightly as she spotted him. It was brief, and she resumed her step, but not before he felt Minerva's eyes on him. Kingsley followed her gaze.
"Severus. Fantastic to see you." He nodded, and considering sparing Severus a trial had cost the man his ministership, Severus bowed his head in reply.
"Likewise."
"So, what if I attend the meeting with a draft that has no loophole. They pour over it, and then someone adds the apprenticeship clause later?"
Kingsley turned his head back to Hermione and considered this.
"You would appear to be acting on Dennis' behalf, and I now have two Wizengamot members who would willingly endorse and introduce the amendment."
"Who?"
"Thomas Shelby and Robert Coates."
Severus recognised the names from the broadcast and hummed slowly to himself in appreciation. Hermione glanced at him, and ignoring Minerva he finally spoke.
"You outed them on Radio because they're not under Burges' thumb, and now they're desperate to pander to public opinion."
Kingsley nodded and continued, "Dennis is currently with George Weasley at Diagon Alley and the press are camped outside. Which hasn't stopped the crowds flocking the store."
Severus noted Hermione pale, and frowned in confusion. Her eyes darted to meet his and quickly found the floor, as she quietly asked
"Is Ron there?"
Kingsley nodded, and Minerva made a show of magically heating the teapot and pouring out for herself, and into Hermione's neglected cup. Severus schooled his features and wondered what the red headed dunce had made of the mornings paper, and what would happen should he learn the ruse had some mooring in truth.
"Hermione, if you stay and petition the board of governors, you lose the opportunity to publicly encourage Dennis to emigrate. The press coverage on that will show hundreds of other Muggleborns that they still have options. If enough do leave for France, that's a bigger blow to Burges than handing the Ministry a victory for an educational amendment."
"But, we can do both." Hermione looked at one of the most politically powerful men in recent history as though he were a fifth year, and Severus smirked.
"You can't do both."
"We ask for the amendment, the governors either endorse it or reject it. If the latter, we go ahead with Beauxbatons as planned, if the former then while the wizengamot debate it, we go ahead with Beauxbatons as planned. That way if it fails, Dennis is vindicated for leaving, if it passes, we make a statement saying we had no faith left in the government to act in the best interests of muggleborns, but Dennis will return to Hogwarts."
Kingsley considered her, his eyes drifting across the room thoughtfully.
"Severus? Your thoughts?"
Severus made no response, keeping his face stony, and did his best to look bored.
"The logic seems sound to me." he drawled, wishing Minerva would stop staring at him, her lips thin.
Kingsley nodded, and his voice was genuinely curious as he continued
"Hermione, would you consider taking advantage of the loophole?"
Severus felt Minerva's gaze as though it was palpable, but it didn't stop him turning to watch Hermione, finding her face already turned towards him.
"Severus has offered. But, no."
Minerva stepped in, "My dear, it would be an honour to have you as an apprentice."
Severus sneered and felt his temper surge through his veins, his shields doing nothing to stop his fists curling at his sides.
"No Minerva. Given the choice, I would choose potions, but as Severus has so bluntly put it, I plan to martyr myself, to the press. There's no entertainment for the masses if I'm safe while repealing the law."
Minerva blinked at the young woman, and the sarcasm rolling off her last comment, then shot an assessing glare back at Severus, as though he had somehow tainted her precious cub.
Not in the way he wanted to, of course
Kingsley finally stood tall once more and moved from behind the settee.
"If you are determined to meet with the Governors yourself, I will arrange for reinforcements. I'm sure Percy can make his way here under some pretence prior to the board meeting without drawing attention, he can help draft the bill. I also think it wise to have Dennis present, to provide a united front. Then you can both make your way to the French Ministry directly."
Hermione nodded, and Severus nearly winced at her 'covert' glance towards him, only the ever present observation of Minerva enough to keep his face blank.
You are no longer necessary. She'll leave with the boy. What are you still doing here?
Apparently Kingsley had begun to ask himself the same questions.
"If I might make use of your floo Minerva? Severus, could you accompany me?"
Severus left the room without bothering to pause, his hands unclenching as he strode from the room and doing his best to curtain his face with his hair. He ignored the portraits as he strode to the desk, itching to leave this thrice forsaken prison, thoughts flooding his mind as embarrassment swamped him. He'd been foolish to think he could come back here, imbecilic to imagine no one would question-
"Severus, I have to express my surprise at finding you here. Hermione is under the impression I told you where to find her." Kingsleys low melodic tone was calm and, despite the rage swelling up within, Severus remained silent.
"How did you? Find her, in Paris. How did Narcissa Malfoy manage to contact her?"
Severus looked down at the plant on the desk, and as he battled with the right amount of truth to disclose, a quiet voice spoke up in his defence.
"Kingsley, I'm sure you know and understand how resourceful Severus is. We would not be here now elsewise. Not that I am here, but then, you already pardoned him for that."
The rage bubbled over as Severus met the glittering blue eyes of the portrait.
"Merlin's sake, can not even death stop your meddling with my life!?" His voice spluttered more than he would have liked, the gravel robbing it of the vitriol he'd intended, and he wrenched the plant from the desk to compensate, spinning to meet Kingsley's now guilty visage.
"She wrote down her whereabouts with a note copying quill. The copy was given to me by George Weasley. That is the hardened agent of espionage you're sending back into the field. As for Narcissa, you sent her a slight tip off when the port key deposited Hermione to a field on the Malfoi estate, which considering her son is working for Burges, was another masterful stroke. So aside from amending your query to how it is that I'm the only one who's found here thus far, go ahead and ask me the real question, Minister."
To his credit, Kingsley didn't back down.
"Why are you helping us?" The plural pronoun strained beneath the euphemism.
Severus sneered at the former Auror and for a moment, the feelings that had dogged him at each and every Order meeting, the distrust and self hatred and despair, wore down his ire.
"Because I finally can." Severus thought it sounded hollow, and he did his best to find words that wouldn't incriminate him or reveal that, were it anyone else, he wouldn't be here.
"Because I don't have to watch another muggleborn's life be destroyed, while I stand by and do nothing."
His voice caught, and Severus thought he'd rather over-sold it, but Kingsley remained stony and silent before him.
What more did the man need him to say?
Because she saved my life. Because she wrote an article, credited me and made sure I was compensated. Because she thought my writing was personable. Because she's brilliant. Because she said please. Because she trusts me.
Severus felt the sneer form on his face once more, and it had more to do with his self disgust than anything else.
"Why does it matter?"
"I'm glad for your help, Severus. I'm simply trying to consider the optics." Kingsley looked troubled and sighed deeply.
Severus flinched and let this hair curtain his face. He was more than aware of the way his involvement could taint public opinion against Hermione.
"If only you'd done that a year ago, there might not be a law to contend with." His voice was waspish as he spat the venom out.
"Severus." Kingsley employed his measured tone to entreat him to reason, but Severus heard soft footfalls on the stairs behind him, and twisted into the swell of apparition without another word.
