Arthur quickly and quietly made his way down the Ministry halls. His sons may have gotten their potioneering abilities from Molly, but his elder sons all got their quiet footwork from him. It was honestly how the twins always got around their mother. When they wanted to sound like a herd of Erumphrets they could, and their reasoning always ranged for either a meal to going to Hogwarts, he smiled to himself. The redheaded wizard quickly found the seat The Order had been using for these shifts. He knew the Department of Mysteries were probably aware of the watches, nothing got by them in their own Department. Thankfully though the Unspeakables let The Order be, as long as they didn't enter any of their rooms without a minder or clearance.
Arthur felt as though he had the best wife and the best kids. He worried for Ron, but held hope that he would get his feet by next year.
Bill was a cursebreaker, extremely smart, extremely crafty, and athletic. Charlie was crafty, but preferred his dragons, which he also required he had his wits about him and be quick. Percy wasn't athletic like his other brothers, but he was very smart. Arthur hoped Percy would come back to the fold before the war was over, but suspected he was working with the Unspeakables and was undercover in a desk position. Arthur was aware that the Department of Mysteries usually poached students a little before they graduated, and the position of Unspeakable came with living accommodations. Percy moved out very shortly after graduating and telling his mother he acquired a position in the Ministry. He knew his son and the morals they instilled in their kids. Percy was even in love and secretly engaged to a muggleborn.
He only knew because all his sons had to go to him for the rings he had ready for them, be it for betrothals or engagements. Percy had begged his father not to tell his mother. It was to remain as hushed up as possible. Percy did promise not to get married without informing the family though. They even staged that fight in the Ministry. Molly didn't know, and the fact she kept trying to get him back into their fold hurt them both. He couldn't share that information with his wife, but her actions also made it more believable to those watching them. Even knowing, he missed his middle son.
The twins were just like Bill, but less adventurous. He knew they were scoping out Diagon Alley for a premise. They were doing great in school and their business was getting its wings. He knew they would leave soon. Ron was crafty, but he wasn't as bright and he didn't apply himself in school. Arthur often felt as though he had somehow failed his youngest son. Ginny… his only daughter, she was like a witch version of a younger Bill, or at least she had been until her first year of Hogwarts. He wanted Ginny to see a mind healer still, but wouldn't force her if she wasn't ready. Molly had been so adamantly against it; he was worried Ginny might wait until things came to a head during her OWL year at peak stress. If she didn't come to him after that, he was going to push the matter while he had the chance. He knew from the books that she might have PTSD. He was head of the sub department Misuse of Muggle Artifacts, but he was still part of DMLE and the condition was covered in the Academy before he got the job. He knew she needed to see a mind healer, but he also didn't want to aggravate his already over protective wife. Ginny had avoided her mother that summer and seeing Hermione had cheered her up, but he knew she still had nightmares.
This summer though he noticed they were all behaving strangely, and it worried him deeply. His youngest son was full of jealousy and rage, he worried his son might have a short stint as a dark wizard. Ron was very righteous and much like his mother, if he believed it was right, it was right, even when it wasn't. He had heard of his gross outburst from the twins and Minerva, and while he would always consider Harry and Hermione part of his family, he knew that the friendship was probably damaged beyond repair. He could tell almost immediately that the witch and wizard were powerful, and their adventures only proved it more and more. Hermione wouldn't leave Harry for anything, and Harry wouldn't abandon Hermione. He knew his son was the biggest reason they had that spat in third year, but it also spoke of Hermione's character. She stole from her friend to make sure he stayed safe, even if it would make them hate her. Everyone always spoke of her brilliance, but he didn't think many of them spoke of her conviction and, if he was honest with himself, her ruthlessness.
Magic was alive and while he kept his unassuming personality, Arthur was still the son of a Black. His mother had been disowned for marrying Septimus Weasley, but Cedrella was still bred and raised within one of the darkest families in their world. Cedrella didn't agree with the prejudices, but she agreed with their stance in Magic. Thus, she had raised her children as she had been, but with more love. He was even thankful when she gave little lessons and tidbits to his children before Molly decided she could handle the kids on her own. He knew that the twins were still in regular contact with her, and she always kept him abreast of which ingredients she sent them.
He had been concerned when she told him she sent them some black powder. However, he knew his ambitious children didn't really do things by halves, and he had seen a few of their notes they tried to keep from Molly. They had done all the arithmancy properly, and it was to make special fireworks. Thankfully he knew he could trust his sons to follow the rules he set them that prevented them from destroying the house. There were a few mishaps here and there, but he knew anything with the potential to actually blow up and destroy the house, they experimented with at Hogwarts. The minor bursts in their room though he knew were usually potions, but with the help of Bill they were able to set up a small ventilation ward that would keep any mistakes from leaking into the rest of the house.
Arthur quietly took a deep sigh before he cast a small silencing charm around him so he could eat the sandwich Molly made him. Once he was finished he cast a cleaning charm on his shirt and the floor to take care of any crumbs he might have spilled. When he was sure there was no sign of him, he leaned back in the chair and placed his chin on his chest to give the appearance of sleeping if someone was able to spot him beneath the invisibility cloak. He knew they weren't fool proof despite what most people thought, he knew Alastor could easily see through them with is eye. He didn't know the magic that went into crafting such a handy prosthetic, but he knew that the Department of Mysteries had access to many things the regular wizard didn't. For all he knew they all had the same magic in their masks that also distorted their voices and appearance.
Hermione and Severus had just finished making another batch of potions for the Hospital Wing when the witch thought of something.
"Hey Sev, I have a serious question," Hermione stated as she twisted the cap for bruise paste.
"What would that be?" He asked, distractedly cantering the last of the potions.
"I know Weasley was on probation and the condition was a single detention and he would be expelled. He got a month's worth of detention for fighting with Malfoy, and he's still here. Why?" she asked.
Severus sneered, "I did bring it up and I was eager to see him out of the castle, but Albus managed to convince the board that instead of the fine line we set, he should be allowed 3 strikes since even wizards are human and we all make mistakes. Albus went so far as to remind the board that we had the ability to give detentions for tardiness. He also said that it might even cast a poor reflection on Hogwarts since we haven't had an expulsion since Hagrid."
"So he needs to be assigned detention 2 more times before he's expelled?" Hermione asked, not pleased in the slightest.
"Yes, and Minerva has requested that it not be me personally since she knows I'd and I quote, 'Be able to pull a reason out of my pale skinny arse'. However, she also said that it would be best if I didn't since then Weasley and Molly would be able to contest his expulsion as I would have personal motivation and it could be twisted that I only assigned them out of revenge due to our relationship," Severus answered.
Hermione rolled her eyes but knew it was nothing but the truth. Meanwhile she moved on to putting balms they made into jars before they solidified.
"Minerva has assured me that she's keeping an extra close eye on him, even going to far as to keep tabs through the portraits, and on the third strike he won't serve any of the actual detention, but will just be expelled and sent home," Severus added as he placed the freshly cantered potions into racks.
Hermione chewed on her bottom lip before she nodded feeling better knowing about how close Ronald was being watched.
"I may not like it, but I do understand. I know the Headmaster most likely did it to keep Mrs. Weasley appeased more than anything," Hermione said with a slight grumble in her voice.
"You will be pleased to know that Mad-eye and myself were able to talk with Molly about her potions and she agreed to stop her absurd lunacy," Severus offered.
"When did this happen?" Hermione asked curiously as she put down the jar after assuring the lid was on tight.
"The last Order meeting," the dark wizard answered as he put the racks into the crates that he used to bring the potions up to the Hospital Wing.
"And you didn't think to tell me then?" Hermione asked quietly, looking at him from under her lashes.
Severus's eyes widened at the quiet tone instantly knowing he hurt her feelings. He quickly made sure the potions were secure in the crate before he closed the space between him and his witch and gently grabbed her chin and raised it so she could see his face.
"I know it's been an issue for a few months and I should have told you when I was telling you how the meeting went, and for that I apologize. I don't know why I didn't, and I can see now that it was a mistake on my part. I was more focused on my frustration with Albus and making sure we were able to make the potions quickly, which is no excuse only my poor reasoning," Severus said gently.
"Please try not to forget important things like that in the future?" Hermione asked, her hazel eyes showing a little more gold in the moment.
"I will endeavor to do so. With my unofficial occupation I find it sometimes has me withholding those details. You are neither of my Masters, you are my witch, and I will work on being more open and forthcoming with what happens at both meetings."
Hermione gave him a gentle smile, "That's all I ask."
Severus leaned in and kissed her gently before moving his hand from her chin to her curls and firmly grabbed them expertly before deepening the kiss. Hermione moaned into the kiss, enjoying the firm tug of her hair that was unlike regular hair pulling.
They were quickly interrupted by Minerva's patronus. Hermione quickly wiped her lips with her middle finger and then patted her hair down so nothing looked amiss.
"Severus, there's been an emergency. You're needed at St Mungos immediately. Arthur was bit by You-Know-Who's snake. He used his portkey to St Mungos and they were able to get a bezoar in him, but he still needs the antivenin."
Hermione's heart sank into her stomach.
"Shit!" Severus said.
"Do you have everything you need for the antivenin?" Hermione asked in a no nonsense manner.
"I have the base pre-made, I'll have to go there to get some of the fresh venom from Arthur's bite wound."
"Make sure you get as much as you can so we can add it to the kits, if there's not enough at least enough for us," Hermione said.
Severus nodded.
"I'll be back as soon as possible, the Weasley children will probably be summoned as well and sent to St Mungos after he's stable," Severus said.
"I'll be waiting," Hermione stated.
Severus nodded and leaned in for a kiss that was quickly given and he turned, his robes billowing behind him.
The petite witch cleaned up the lab and then gathered the crate of potions they had made and decided to bring them up to the Hospital Wing. While she could have called for a house-elf, she needed something to do and walking all the way up to the Hospital Wing would help her burn off some of her anxious energy. She also knew most students would be asleep by now. As soon as she stepped into the hall she noticed Crookshanks was waiting for her in the hall and gave him a half smile.
"We're going to deliver this to the Hospital Wing, then I think we can sit and read by the fire." Hermione spoke to her familiar who rubbed himself against her leg.
Percy held his head in his hands. He was thankful that he had decided to stay a little late to wrap up some loose ends for a project he was working on. He heard the sounds of a struggle and quickly made his way there. All members of the Department of Mysteries knew that The Order of the Pheonix was camping outside the Hall of Prophecies. None of them had trespassed into the Hall itself, but instead seemed to be trying to prevent others from entering, which the Head decided to let them be.
Percy was surprised to see his father fighting a snake, one of which he quickly noticed wasn't going down despite all the stunners and cutting curses his father managed to land on the quick snake. He saw that his father was still struggling having dodged a few of the snake's strikes. He could already see his father starting to slow.
Percy quickly went down a mental list of things he learned during his time in the Department of Mysteries and knew that the snake wasn't normal, and she was able to withstand magic that would normally subdue her, meaning it was dark magic at play. Sadly, he also learned that most dark magic required more dark magic to overcome it before anything could really be done.
Finally though he saw the snake actually manage to bite his father. When it pulled back, he heard his father hiss the word "Shit," before the snake was able to bite him again. Percy was relieved to see his father disappear, most likely a portkey.
It did leave him alone with the snake, who had yet to notice he was there. Thankfully though without his father there, Percy was able to fire a spell without worry he would accidentally hurt his father.
"Protego Diabolica," Percy incanted.
Immediately black flames surrounded him, quickly getting the attention of Nagini. The snake was agitated that her prey had escaped and decided that this newcomer would do well as a replacement. As soon as she tried to launch herself through the fire though, she caught fire and turned to ash. With her destruction came a loud unearthly scream and a sudden burst of a black wisp of sorts in the shape of a man's head that tried to come at him, but was rebuffed by the ring of black fire.
Percy waited 30 seconds before canceling the spell. The spell was considered powerful and dark, however it wasn't illegal. It was similar to Fiendfyre, the fire just as destructive, but it allowed those who were trustworthy and meant no harm to the caster to pass through unharmed.
The redheaded wizard had read upon the spell extensively in the Department of Mysteries' private library. His supervisors had made sure to train the newcomers in advanced magic, light, dark, and gray. While Hogwarts taught Defense Against the Dark Arts, the Department of Mysteries made sure the express that they only taught enough to protect oneself, but not enough to truly overcome dark magic. Dark magic was usually only able to be overcome with either extremely light and magically draining spells or equally dark magic that was hard to control. Percy was glad that the Department of Mysteries' scouters were able to spot those who had a solid basis of self-control that could be built on. He knew Hermione was already in their sights, they were initially waiting for her to graduate Hogwarts and now they were waiting for her to finish her Potions Mastery.
Percy lifted his head and cast a light scourgify in the hall, making sure the ashes and blood were clean from the floor, while also being pleased that there were no burn marks on the floor. He would have to write a report about the incident then he would check in at St Mungos to make sure his father was alright. He sadly wouldn't be able to check on his father directly, but he could speak to the Healer.
Severus rushed into the hospital and was quickly led to their Potions Laboratory where a Healer was waiting for him. The Healer was bald with a neat short boxed beard styled salt and pepper facial hair.
"Master Snape, I'm Healer Omar Abasi, I'm glad you were able to make it in such a timely manner. We've already siphoned as much venom as we could from the patient and were able to separate the venom from the blood, however the venom is such a unique cocktail that we needed your expertise," The healer said professionally.
"Healer Abasi, I was most fortunate that I already had a base ready for an antivenin and I've brought it with me. It will cut time and I should have it finished soon. Is there a time propensity that I should be aware of?" Severus asked.
"We've managed to place the patient in a controlled magic stasis that slows the patient's heart rate to give us more time and lessen the spread of the venom. That along with what we were able to siphon out, I believe we have 2 hours before he reaches a critical state. It was lucky that he was able to get here as soon as he was bit," Healer Abasi said, "I've already set up a cauldron, put the venom in a beaker, and I have a rack of abraxan blood. If you need anything, our stores are open to you, just let me know and I will quickly fetch it."
Severus nodded as he quickly poured the base into the standard size 2 copper cauldron that was already set up for his use. The premade base that he brought with him would save roughly 20 minutes brewing time.
Hermione felt Harry wake up and was worried as he felt extremely anxious. She quickly got up and put her book down. As she was leaving her and Severus' living room, she placed her hand on the flagstones, "Hogwarts, please I need to get to Harry quickly," she said and then ran to where she felt him walking. Crookshanks was quick on her heels. Hermione was thankful that Hogwarts kept her fit and was helping as the stairs were moving in a way to make sure she got to her brother in the quickest way.
Just as she reached the third floor, she was heartened to see his messy black hair among the redheads.
"Harry!" she called out.
"Mia! Thank goodness you made it, I wasn't sure you were going to," Harry said as he rushed ahead of his Head of House and the Weasleys.
"Are you okay? What's going on?" she asked.
"I don't know, Professor McGonagall just woke us all up and told us there'd been an emergency," he said, quickly catching her up.
"Apprentice Granger, I'm sorry I wasn't able to retrieve you, the Headmaster felt it would be best if you stayed in the castle," Minerva said.
"Harry's leaving the castle? Where to?" Hermione said, her eyes hard. If anyone was going to be moving her brother without her knowing would quickly be on her very short shit list.
"I don't believe this is the proper place to have this discussion, you may come into the Headmaster's office with us," Minerva suggested.
Hermione nodded and grabbed the end of Harry's sleeve, she really wanted to hold his hand, but knew that his anxiety would make his palms sweaty. The elder witch nodded and walked up to the gargoyle and gave the password "Jellyslugs", making the gargoyle leap out of their way. Crookshanks glared at the gargoyle and decided to sit at the side of the entrance, much like a fluffy ginger gargoyle.
The elder witch made her way up the steps first, quickly followed Ginny and her brothers, then Harry and Hermione.
"Minerva, thank you for bringing – oh I don't recall Apprentice Granger being on the list I gave you," he said with stern twinkling eyes.
"Be that as it may, she is here," Minerva said without offering anything else, knowing the twinkle was a cantrip trick he used to make people look into his eyes.
"I see, I see," he said, before popping a lemon drop into his mouth.
"I'm sorry to say that your father was attacked tonight by Voldemort's snake, he's currently at St Mungos being treated. I felt it would be best to allow you to visit your father and then head to Headquarters so your mother doesn't have to worry about retrieving you from the station."
The Weasley children were clearly shaken by the news.
"Can we visit him, or do we have to wait in the waiting room?" George asked.
"I do believe you'll be able to visit him, your mother sent me a patronus that she would like you all there," Dumbledore replied.
"Even me?" Harry asked surprised.
"Yes, Harry, even you," Dumbledore said with a grandfatherly smile.
"What about Hermione?" Harry asked, his tone insistent.
"She did also ask for Apprentice Granger, but I'm afraid that it would seem suspicious if she also went," Dumbledore said with disappointed frown.
The curly headed witch made sure to keep her face schooled, she knew he was trying to separate her and Harry. However, she was internally pleased that the witch who had been a pain in her side did want her by the family's side during this trying time.
"It'll just be a day, Harry. I'll stay to keep up appearances," she said.
Harry however shook his head, "No. I do want to visit Mr. Weasley, but I also don't want to intrude. You're right, it's only a day and I think it should be family only tonight."
Harry looked at Ginny and the twins, "Please tell your parents we will see them in a day, it'll look funny if you guys go and I go with you."
"Before you go, let me make sure you all take a calming drought, please," Hermione pleaded.
Ron wanted to snipe at the witch, but his foundations were shaken, his father was hurt. Ginny and the twins however were the ones who nodded, "We would appreciate that," Fred replied.
"I'll be right back," Hermione said as she turned to go back to the dungeons.
"Ah, I can take care of that Apprentice Granger," Dumbledore said.
"Sir?" she asked.
"Dippy." Dumbledore called.
There was a slight noise that sounded like a puff of smoke.
"Dippy can you please stop by the Hospital Wing and pick up 5 calming droughts, one for each Weasley, and one for their mother," Dumbledore said.
There was another sound like a puff of smoke, silence, and then 3 minutes later another puff sound with 5 calming droughts appearing on the Headmaster's desk. Hermione was internally raging at the Headmaster however. It was very telling to her how the Headmaster felt about house-elves if he upheld the standard that house-elves were best to serve unseen.
"Very good. Now Miss and Messers Weasley, please take this before you floo to St Mungos. Your Head of House will head over with you to make sure you make it to your mother safe and sound," Dumbledore said.
"Thank you, sir," the twins said, followed by a quick thanks from Ginny and Ron.
"Minerva, please make sure Molly gets this last dose of calming drought. I'm unsure if she accepted one at St Mungos, if she has, you can just return it to the Hospital Wing."
"Of course, Headmaster," Minerva said.
"Apprentice Granger, please take Mr. Potter back to Gryffindor Tower," Minerva asked.
"Yes, Professor," Hermione said before turning to Ginny and the twins, "Please give Mr. and Mrs. Weasley our love. Come on, Harry."
Harry nodded at his friends before following his sister out of the Headmaster's office. Crookshanks happily weaved between both their legs before he took his proper place by Hermione's side.
"Do you really think Mr. Weasley is okay?" Harry asked quietly after they had walked 20 feet past the gargoyle.
"I think so, Master Snape was called to make the antivenin, I was waiting for him to return," Hermione answered.
Hermione felt Harry's anxiety lessen a great deal. The curly haired witch's heart filled with love and happiness at Harry's trust in her master. It was a big difference compared to how Harry would react just a year ago. She leaned over and Harry took her arm in his. They walked arm in arm to the Gryffindor Tower, not much needed to be said between them.
"Are you going back to your room?" Harry asked as they neared the Fat Lady's portrait.
Hermione nodded, "Yes, I said I would wait for him and I don't feel it would be fair to wait here or wake up Luna and wait in her rooms."
Harry nodded knowing that if they could they would both be by Mr. Weasley's side.
"If you can't get back to sleep, try packing your things," Hermione suggested.
"You're already packed?" Harry asked.
"Of course, I am," Hermione chuckled, "Just remember you can whisper the summoning charm if you're struggling to find something."
Harry grinned at her, "I'll do my best."
"I love you," Hermione said, pulling him into a hug.
"Love you too. Don't stay up too late waiting for him," Harry said, hugging his sister tightly.
When they pulled apart Harry walked up to the portrait and woke her up before giving the password and returning to the lions' den. Hermione smiled as the door closed and turned around, making her way back to the dungeons, Crookshanks close on her heels.
Hogwarts was kind to the petite witch and made sure she made it to the dungeons without bumping in to anyone on the way down. Once she made it to their shared quarters, Hermione whispered the password and let her and her familiar in before they resumed their watch by the fireplace. Hermione sat on the couch, her legs curled under her a book in hand, while Crookshanks made himself comfortable on her lap. Once they were settled Hermione went back to reading, her hand absentmindedly stroking Crookshanks' fur. Crookshanks began to purr loudly enough that she could feel it deep in her bones, it was extremely soothing. Despite Harry's chiding, she would wait up for Severus no matter how late it was.
She hoped it wouldn't be too long since they already had the base pre-made, but she knew he also would try to get as much of the venom that he could to make more antivenin and it would be a matter of taking such a life saving ingredient from the hospital that he might struggle with. Granted they called him because they couldn't make it themselves, but she knew it was a matter of having such a rare ingredient than the Healers actually knowing how to use it. It was ridiculous in her opinion, but wizards weren't very logical. She could see both sides of the argument, but it boiled down to 'Can you do anything with it anyways?'
It was an hour and 23 minutes later that the floo flared green and Severus stepped out of it, casually using his wand to wipe any soot from his person.
"Welcome back," Hermione said with a relieved smile.
Severus walked over and kissed her, touched that she had actually waited for him.
"Thank you," he replied.
"How's Mr. Weasley?" she asked.
"He will recover, thankfully Nagini only managed to bite him once, but it was very close to his jugular. She managed to bite his shoulder instead of his neck. Your idea of the kits helped save his life," Severus answered honestly.
Hermione nodded, "I'm glad he'll make a full recovery. Did anything else happen? Did you get the rest of the venom?"
"I got three quarters of the venom, the other quarter they're going to keep to try to figure out how to make an antivenin of this caliber on their own. I told them they were more than welcome to try, but I would of course be available should they need me. Also I saw the other Weasley, the estranged one," he said.
"Percy?" Hermione asked curiously.
"The very same, he has the same scent of the Unspeakables now. I think he was there tonight," Severus answered.
"What do Unspeakables smell like?" Hermione inquired.
"Lemongrass and sage. The more you get used to your animagus form, the easier it is to pick up those kinds of scents in your regular human form," Severus explained, "Now, you can ask me more impertinent questions tomorrow, it's time for us to sleep."
The petite witch stood up, causing Crookshanks to hop off her lap before running to her bedroom.
"Yes, Master." Hermione purred, reaching up to kiss him. Severus leaned down and met her halfway, kissing her sensually before pulling back. When she smiled impishly before turning around Severus quickly smacked her bottom, "Cheeky witch." Earning himself a small squeak of surprise from his witch.