A\N: I do not own any of these wonderful characters.

Warning: Dumbledore bashing ahead.

Scowling at the owl, she grabbed the letter and threw it into the fire without reading it. He had warned her this could happen. Their lives weren't their own from the minute they'd met.

"How could he?" she screamed at the empty room.

"I take it the old coot has done something to anger you again?" he asked setting out of the fireplace. He brushed the soot from his cloak.

"They've issued a warrant for your arrest. For his attempted murder," she added rolling her eyes.

"Should I be surprised he threw me to the wolves?" He laughed.

"Don't worry, my sweet, the old fool is just angry with us because we aren't following his manipulative little plans. I've already got Lucius looking into ways around this bit of foolery."

"Can he really do anything? I mean, Dumbledore is one of the most powerful wizards."

"He's not as powerful as he wants us all to believe, have you not read everything that was ever written about the man?" Hermione nodded. "And how much negative information about him did you see?"

"None, really. I mean, other than a few daily prophet articles."

"See, nothing about his greater good ideals from the first war, nothing about Grindlewald and his friendship?"

"No. Are you saying he controls his image somehow?"

"That is exactly what I'm saying. No one dares speak ill of him. Look at what he did to the Potters. He knew who their secret keeper was, all these years," Severus stated his eyes misting for a second before he blinked and looked uncaring again. "How many innocents have died because they trusted him with their lives?"

"Severus?! You home?" Lucius' voice called from the fireplace. Severus smiled and slipped from Hermione's arms.

"We are both here. Any news?"

"Some. They tried to examine Dumbledore's memories, but you can guess how that went. However, a certain portrait happened to overhear the conversation and once again, my friend, you are cleared of all charges."

"See, I told you Lucius would come through for us." Hermione didn't answer but instead kissed Severus hard nearly knocking him over.

"Thank you Lucius. I don't know what we would have done without you."

"Anything for a friend, my dear. Speaking of friends, Narcissa wanted me to invite both of you to dinner next Saturday. Draco has gotten an acceptance letter from the ministry and we wish to celebrate."

"Of course we'll be there," Hermione promised with a smile.