"Did you eat dinner?"Severus asked Hermione as he watched the girl add ingredients into a caldron.The pair were in his personal potions lab where Hermione was working on her potion to reverse the effects of the werewolf curse.The results so far had been promising and Severus was excited for the next day to see how it would work on actual werewolves.He had been so excited that he canceled classes for the day so he could accompany Hermione to the hospital.
"Food?When was the last time I had food?"Hermione wondered.
Severus sighed as he called for an elf."I'll take that as you haven't eaten dinner."
"Hello master Snape how can Tipsy help you?"The house elf asked as she appeared in the room.
"Hermione needs to eat.Can you please bring her some food?"Severus asked.
Tipsy smiled brightly."For misses Hermione anything."
"I don't understand your relationship with those creatures."Severus said as he watched the elf disappear.
"They do everything they can to make me comfortable and happy.It's just natural for me to treat them with respect and talk to them."Hermione told him.
"I suppose."Severus didn't agree with Hermione but he would respect her choices."How is the final product coming?"
"I think we were overly cautious and could have stopped working on this four batches ago."Hermione cut Severus off before he could reply."That being said I think this one will act faster and take away most of the pain that is caused from reversing the curse."
"And you still insisting on using muggle medicine for the pain?"Severus had been skeptical that any muggle medicines could work better than a potion but Hermione had proven time and again the benefits of using them.
Hermione nodded not taking her attention away from her work."The only pain potions that could make a difference are ones that have a negative reaction to the main potion.I tested out several different types of muggle substances and high doses morphine administered every 4 hours is the best bet."
"I assume you already have a supply?"Severus asked.
"My aunt was more than willing to provide what we needed."Hermione's aunt was a muggle doctor who helped out with the many healing spells and potions Hermione needed help with.
"What did you have to give her for it?"Severus knew that when it came to Hermione's family there was no free gifts.
"She wanted a rejuvenation potion."Hermione told him.
"She has always been vain.I'm surprised she hasn't haggled to get that already."Severus said.
"I think she is trying to get the role of chief of surgery in her department.She mentioned something about having to interview and needing to look her best."Hermione had tried to pay attention but her aunt liked to ramble and it was hard to keep up with the woman.
"Did you have to deal with her husband?"Severus asked.
"No he was playing golf with his brothers."Hermione told him.
"Good."Severus hated most Hermione's family because they were constantly trying to pigging back on Hermione's success.Be it by money or favors they never missed an opportunity to ask Hermione for something.
"Yes well you know squib culture.When a magical child is born the family relies on them to bring fortune to the family."Hermione reminded him.
"Just because you were born in a pureblood squib community doesn't mean you owe them anything."Severus knew the traditions of squibs born of a pureblood line.The fact that Hermione was the result of generations of pureblood squib marriages didn't mean she owed her family anything in his opinion.
"I know that and you know that unfortunately they don't."Hermione said.
"Tipsy has miss Hermione's food and mail."The elf said popping into the room holding a tray and at least a dozen letters.
"Set everything on the desk and we will let you know when to pick up the dishes."Severus told the elf.
"Yes Master Snape."Tipsy placed everything on the desk and left the room.
Severus picked up the pile of letters."It seems like you have already gotten correspondence from your houses."
"Oh what do they have to say?"Hermione wasn't really that interested and wished she could let the goblins deal with everything but Minerva and Severus forbid her from doing it.
"Let start with Molly Weasley."Severus opened the letter and read.
To who it may concern,
I demand that you give me the access to the family accounts and properties.You have no right to keep me from my birthrightAs are just a teenager I am willing to overlook this insult as just a mistake if you do as I have demanded.If not you can expect to hear from my lawyer!
The rightful Rosier Head of Household,
Molly Weasley.
"Straight to the point.I like that."Hermione expected nothing less than demands from Percy's mother.It just showed the apple didn't fall far from the tree.
"I want to know where she is going to get the money to pay for a lawyer."Severus along with the entire Wizarding world knew that the Weasley's didn't bring in that much money as only Arthur worked.He had a job at the ministry in muggle relations where he spent the day playing with muggle inventions.
"I'm not worried about it.If she tries to sue me the goblins will take care of it."Hermione said.
"That's true trying to force you to give her money is stealing in their eyes.With you as a member of Griphook's tribe they will take it as a personal insult."Severus was actually looking forward to seeing how that would play out.Number one rule with goblins don't try and steal from them.
"I will forward the letter to Griphook to deal with."Hermione knew the goblins took measures in case of instances like that.She actually felt bad for Molly because if the goblins were feeling petty they would probably start repossessing anything she bought with Rosier family money."Who else sent something?"
"The next one is from Malfoy."Severus couldn't wait to see what the pompous ass had to say.
Dear misinformed child,
I don't know who told you that you have the right to claim Head of Household of the Malfoy family but I am writing correct you of that thinking.I don't know who you are as you are to much of a coward to reveal yourself but I am warning you if you don't step down and return my title of Head of Household there will be consequences.You have made a powerful enemy this day.My reach is far and wide and there is nowhere you can hide that I will not find you.I expect to receive word of my reinstatement by the end day tomorrow.
Lord Lucius Malfoy
"He's not a Lord anymore."Hermione said as she stirred her potion.
"I think it's funny that he thinks that he has any type of power to demand that you step down from your position.With all the contacts you have in the wizarding world alone you could easily crush him.That's not even considering your relationship with the various magical creature characters communities.Why I'm sure if you wanted to you could make it so house elves would refuse to work for him."Severus wasn't worried about Lucius' threats.He was all talk.
"What do you think will happen when he realizes that he will no longer hold the Malfoy seat in Wizengamots anymore?"Hermione wondered if the man would make a scene when he was turned away.
"Well since you claimed your birthright and the goblins filed the paperwork with the ministry he should find out tomorrow.Maybe we can stop by on the way to the hospital and see the show."Severus would love the opportunity to see one of his school yard bullies taken down a peg.
"Carrow will probably find out at the same time."Hermione said.
"You got a letter from him also."Severus opened the letter and read.
As I don't know your name I do not know who to address this to.I have heard disturbing news today that you a mere child are the new Head of Household for the Carrow family.As I know that this is a mistake I request a meeting tomorrow at 9am to discuss your false claim on my family.I expect you to be on time.
Lord Amycus Carrow
"He signed it lord as well."Hermione said.
"I like the fact that he thinks that you will meet with him on demand."Severus was already planning what Hermione would write back as he and Minerva helped Hermione with formal correspondences.
"It's strange to me that they haven't mentioned the fact that I have combined the houses."Hermione would think that was something that would be mentioned.
Severus shrugged."They probably didn't check the family tree and I doubt the goblins gave them that much information."
"Well there is only one of head of house left.What does Sirius have to say?"Hermione asked.
"There may be one head of house left but you have three letters.One from Sirius,one from Narcissa Malfoy and one from Andromeda Tonks."Severus told her.
"Let start with Sirius."Hermione figured they should get all the blustering out of the way.
"Here's what this idiot has to say."Severus scoffed at the atrocious handwriting."The man is from a highly influential, respectable family and he can barely write."
"I was told he was always rather lazy.I assumed that meant in school also."Hermione said.
"True."Severus squinted his eyes as he began to decipher what the man wrote.
Why are you doing this to me?I have done nothing wrong and yet you take all my money and property.I don't know who you are but you should know that I have a lot a sway in the wizarding world.All it will take is a floo call and I will ruin you.Think about that before you get to comfortable in your position.
Lord Black
"Another Lord!"Hermione exclaimed in excitement.
Severus rolled his eyes."He only uses the title when he wants something."
"For a threatening letter it is very lacking."Hermione expected better from the head of the house of Black."The Black's are known for their ruthlessness and yet he started his letter by whining."
"If that's what you are expecting maybe you will get it with the Black sisters' letters."Severus said.
"Start with Malfoy.I'm more than curious on what she would have to write me about."Hermione didn't know the woman well so she was very interested in what she would have to say.
"I am as well."Severus opened the letter and read.
To the new Head of Household for the Malfoy, Black, Rosier and Carrow families,
I admit to say that when I checked the family tree I was rather surprised by these turn of events.I know that you don't know me but I ask for a meeting.There are many issues that I wish to discuss.One of them being my marriage to Lucius.I know that you don't want to make yourself known but I ask that you make an exception.I fear it is life or death because after what has happened Lucius is nothing more than a loose cannon and I am more than likely to be the target of his rage.
Please consider my request,
Narcissa Malfoy
"Whoah I was not expecting that."Hermione had planned on investigating Narcissa's marriage after hearing Minerva's concerns but didn't think that Narcissa would come right out and admit the abuse.
"I knew that Lucius was a horrible match for her.When we were at school she was kind to me and stopped others from bullying me.That stopped when she became engaged to Lucius."Narcissa was one of the bright spots in Severus' life when he was at Hogwarts.That was until her parents arranged her marriage to Lucius.
"Do you think I should meet her?"Hermione asked.
"I guess you need to ask yourself if you want to help her.If you do then you should meet with her,if you don't then ignore her."Severus was curious on what Hermione would decide.Her mind worked differently from normal humans and she had a skewed vision of what was right and wrong.
Hermione thought about how she would feel if she were to ignore Narcissa and she was hurt."I don't like the idea of having control of someone's fate.That being said I don't want her to get hurt.So maybe you or Minerva could meet with her and find out what she wants me to do?"
"We can do that for you but I think for this you need to be in control of what happens."Severus cut Hermione off before she could object."I know you aren't comfortable dealing with strangers and are even more uncomfortable dealing with stranger's feelings but in this case it's the duty of the head of household to deal with.Minerva and I can go with you but you need to deal with this personally."
"Alright if you think I need to meet with her I will."Hermione trusted Severus to lead her on the right path so if he said that she should meet with Narcissa Hermione knew that it was the right thing to do.
"We will write her a letter after you are finished.Now let's see what Andromeda has to say."Severus wondered what Andromeda would want with the house of Black.It was common knowledge that she had been disowned and burned off the tapestry.
The new Head of Household for the Black family,
My name is Andromeda Black Tonks.I'm not sure if you have heard of me but I was kicked out of the family for falling in love and marrying a muggle.I'm hoping due to the fact that your family line doesn't provide names on the family tree that you have a favorable opinion regarding muggles.A child born of the squib community usually relates to muggles better than magical beings.I write you this letter to ask that you allow me to keep drawing from the Black family accounts.I work at as a healer and my husband works in the muggle world.Both our combined income does not cover our living expenses and we have to come to rely on Black family money to support ourselves and my daughter. The account manager informed me that I can write you a petition for any expenses I have.I will gladly comply to your requirements by sending an itemized scroll of every bill we have.I know that you want to stay anonymous so I won't ask you for a meeting.However I would like to extend an invitation to visit my home at any time.It would be nice to interact with family again.
Thank you for your time,
Andy
"I think that was my favorite letter."Hermione said.
"She did approach the issue humbly."Severus was impressed that Andromeda didn't try and manipulate the situation."Then again she was always the most level headed Black family member."
"After hearing her letter I am more confidant in my decision to reinstate her into the family."Hermione would be happy to have someone with more progressive views on her side."Maybe I'll even give her the Black family seat in Wizgngamots."
Severus chuckled thinking of what everyone's reaction would be to that."It would definitely create waves.There are not many people in the ministry who are pro muggles.A lot them are anti squib as well."
"Then she would be the perfect choice."Hermione would have to meet with Andromeda to discuss things in person.
"Have you decided who else to give your seats to?"Severus knew that Hermione had some people in mind but wasn't sure who.
"The Rosier seat is going to the Lovegoods of course.I was thinking about maybe giving Narcissa the Malfoy and if I give Andromeda the Black then I just have one seat left."Hermione hadn't really decided who she would have fill the seat."I want you to do it but you are going to be to busy and you know Minerva has little patience for politics."
"It would be quite interesting to see her there though."Severus knew his fellow professor would stand up to all the stuffy old men who thought they ran the ministry and put them in their place.
"Maybe I should just take the seat myself."Hermione mused.
"I thought that you didn't want to do that."Hermione had been rather vocal in her dislike of taking a seat for herself.
"I don't as I have little time for it but it could give me a way to change the laws and present new bills."Hermione hadn't wanted to focus her time on the ministry but if she could help her friends get more rights then it could be worth it.
"Well you've finished your masters.all that was keeping you at Hogwarts was you waiting until you turned 17."Hermione had worked on two or more masteries at a time and had finished all that Hogwarts had to offer when she was 15.They just used the excuse she was still studying as a cover for why she was still living at Hogwarts.
"I can't do anything until this stupid tournament is over."Hermione had to keep the narrative of her putting her own name in the cup going until they could figure out who actually did it and for what purpose.
"How you had a chance to examine the cup?"Severus asked.
Hermione shook her head."I was planning on doing a full diagnostic the day after tomorrow."
"Do you think you will find anything?"Severus knew that Hermione was the only one who would be able to find anything.Dumbledore wasn't talented enough to alter the cup more than adding an age line.
"I am positive I will."Hermione pulled the cauldron off the heat."This is done it just needs to cool and then it can be bottled."
"Why don't you eat your dinner and I'll take care of that for you when it's done."Severus offered.
"Thank you Sev."Hermione happily took a seat and dug into her food.She just realized that she hadn't eaten for a lot longer than she thought.
Severus just smiled at the girl.Hermione was not only his favorite student but she was his favorite person as well.When she and her parents were in a car accident Hermione had used magic to protect herself.That put her on the radar of the ministry who gave Dumbledore permission to take the girl in as his ward.Only he, Minerva and Severus knew the girls origin and had raised the child since she was brought to castle at 5 yrs old.During that time Severus had found his life all the better with the girl around and saw her as his own child.He knew Minerva did as well and because of that she and him consulted each other on all things involving Hermione.It was weird family set up but Severus wouldn't have it any other way.