A/N

I apologise for NOTHING!

Anything recognisable is, of course, not mine and belongs to whoever owns it.

Descent With Modification
A Magical Glimpse into Darwin's 'Theory of Evolution'

By Masters S. T. Snape and H. J. Granger

According to the groundbreaking works of world-renowned Muggleborn, Charles Darwin, and his very own 'Theory of Evolution', the process of natural selection operates on the heritable variations within a population. And in the case of humans, the ability to use and create tools can be observed to be one such heritable variation. In this sense, early humans who were able to exhibit a greater propensity for tool use likely had a survival advantage over those who did not, and would more likely be the ones to pass on these 'evolutionary traits' to their descendants. This can be seen by the direct correlation between the leaps and bounds of human evolution and tools they had utilised in order to take that next step upon the path to becoming who we are today: homo sapiens.

However, we, as witches and wizards, have our own parallel journey of 'descent with modification'. In our magical world, the evolution of wizards is characterised not only by our physical changes, but also that of the development of magical abilities and knowledge.

Within our wider Wizarding World, the concept of magical evolution aligns with Darwin's theory in many ways, having bore witness to the emergence of many different magical species and the very evolution of our kind over the centuries. And much like the biological evolution of species, magical evolution is driven by the acquisition and enhancement of magical traits that confer advantages in the wizarding environment. One key aspect that sets wizards and witches apart from our non-magical counterparts is our innate ability to actually perform magic: the development of which can be linked to the advantage traits in Darwin's theory. Magical humans inherit their magical prowess, and over time, those with more potent magical abilities are more like to succeed in various magical endeavours. This process of magical selection, though not entirely understood, has led to the evolution of distinct magical lineages and bloodlines.

Even the evolution of spellcasting and potion-making could be considered analogous to the development of tools among Muggles, as, from even the rudimentary of spells that ancient warlocks did cast to the complex magical incantations and potions of modern times, the Wizarding World has witnessed a continuous refinement of magical techniques, and the ability to manipulate magical forces has become a defining characteristic of wizarding kind. And much like our Muggle counterparts, our ancestors faced challenges that required the use of this magical 'tool' for survival and advancement.

As our magical societies flourished and its education became more structured, however, the knowledge of magical theory and practice became a crucial aspect of a wizard or witch's skillset, and those with a deeper understanding of the magical principles were more likely to contribute to their magical communities; passing on their knowledge to future generations much like teachers, professors, and instructors of our world today.

The magical creatures within our magical world have also contributed to the broader picture of our evolution. From House Elves to Hippogriffs, their biodiversity reflects their adaptation to different magical environments. These creatures, possessing such advantageous traits such as inherent magical abilities or unique physical characteristics so unlike those of the beasts within the world of Muggles, have thrived and evolved alongside our ancient ancestors.

In conclusion, the magical evolution of wizards follows a path of descent with modification, mirroring the principles outlined by Charles Darwin. As magical beings, we continue to adapt and enhance our magical abilities, contributing to the rich tapestry of our history. The evolution of our species encompasses not only the acquisition of new magical skills but also the preservation and 'passing on' of magical knowledge from one generation to the next.

The Burrow was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the worn wooden floors. Yet, in the living room, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley brooded like the storm clouds they felt they were, their faces etched with concern for the third and most-currently missing piece of their trio: Hermione Granger. It had been a week since the witch had disappeared without a trace, and the pair's concern was only growing, like a void that seemed to widen with each day that passed.

Ron, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at him, and he glanced to his best mate, hoping for a reassuring word. Yet his friend's expression mirrored his own anxiety. The atmosphere of the room was tense, and the air felt thick with unspoken concerns as the ginger-haired wizard began tapping his fingers on the arm of his overstuffed seat, blue eyes once more darting to the clock on the wall. Each tick the timepiece made, however, only seemed to echo the passing of Hermione's absence, and the fact her hand was still on 'Lost' did nothing to ease Ron's concern.

Leaning forwards in his seat, wanting to get up but not knowing as to where he could even begin to search, Harry rested his elbows on his knees, breaking the heavy silence as he released a heavy breath. "Ron, we need to find out where she was going. It's not like Hermione to disappear without at least sending word first," he stated solemnly, meeting those worried blue eyes of his best mate and hoped his own expression didn't look as doomed as Ron's gaze returned despondently back to the clock.

"I know, I know," he finally growled as Hermione's hand on the clock still hadn't changed, a hand that was all Ron's own being roughly jerked through his hair as he added, "I just can't shake this feeling that something's wrong, that I've missed something. She wouldn't just vanish like this."

Harry sighed, his gaze shifting from Ron's troubled features and to the stagnant clock. We'll figure it out, mate," he said. "We always do, remember," was added with a half-hearted smile as the Boy-Who-Lived-To-Conquer tried to provide some semblance of reassurance. "For all we know she's got some important work at the Ministry, or even something related to those Unspeakable assignments she's always mentioning but can't talk about."

Ron's expression remained unconvinced, a deep furrow etched between his brows. "But she would've told us, Harry," he huffed. "She wouldn't just leave us in the dark, not after... well - everything!"

Before Harry could offer any more words of encouragement or reassurance, the creaking of the Burrow's front door drew his attention and the twins, Fred and George, entered; their identical grins widening at the sight of the brooding duo.

"Harry, Ron!" Fred exclaimed as he strolled up to the pair, the faux concern now contorting his features not fooling anyone. "What's got you two-"

"-looking like the Grim in a tea cozy?" George finished, his eyes glinting with an undeniable mischief.

"Yeah," Fred agreed with his brother as if he hadn't been the one to begin the conversation. "Did Ginny manage to slip a Puking Pastilles in your tea again?"

Ron shot his brothers a withering look, his nerves already frayed. "This isn't the time for your jokes," he all but shouted, his face turning a rather unflattering shade of puce. "Hermione's missing, and we don't have a clue where she could be."

The twins exchanged a glance, and Harry could almost see the gears beginning to turn within their mischievous minds. And when he watched as Fred nudged George with an exaggerated wink - one that their younger brother didn't see - unease began to creep into the younger wizard's stomach.

"Granger's missing, you say?" George managed to gasp out with a rather realistic tone of concern.

Fred mimicked his twin, a hand raising to cover his mouth as he asked, "George, you don't think this has anything to do with the latest gossip from the Ministry... do you?"

Harry sighed as Ron, unable to resist such tantalising bait, suddenly demanded, "What gossip? What's going on?"

George leaned in, ignoring Harry's warning glare as he lowered his voice to a conspiratorially whisper. "Rumour has it that Granger's been working on something highly secretive and sensitive-"

"And," Fred cut in, a slow smile beginning to spread over his lips, "With a very respected and powerful Master."

"Now that you mention it, brother, that description did kind of sound like a certain greasy-haired, former Professor of ours..." George mused with faux contemplation, as if thinking back on the conversation they were currently discussing. "Tall... dark... brooding... and now an Unspeakable to boot. Gosh! Those ladies must be clawing at his door!"

The colour drained from Ron's face as he listened, replaced by a heady concoction of confusion, anger, and jealousy. "What are you talking about? 'Mione wouldn't-" His eyes narrowed on the twins, his stomach in knots with the thoughts running unbidden through his mind. "Wh-why would she be working with that greasy git? And why didn't she tell me?!"

Fred and George exchanged a knowing look before Fred replied. "Well, little ronniekins, you see, it's all hush-hush. Top-secret Unspeakable stuff, you know. Maybe she didn't want to burden you with the details."

"And you know how those white-coats are," George couldn't help but add with a smirk. "Always working closely together on those long, complicated projects; spending hours alone in an office, say... barely larger than your bedroom."

The pair watched as their younger brother's face went from a disturbingly freckled-white to as red as a tomato in record time, Ron's jaw clenching as he shot to his feet.

"You two are mental! Hermione wouldn't be with Snape!" he retorted angrily. "She's probably caught up in some important work or got her nose stuck in another book and forgotten what day it was."

Harry did try to defuse the tension he could feel growing headily within the room, sensing his best mate's turmoil as if it were his own. "Calm down, Ron. Hermione's a capable witch; she can handle herself. And if she is busy with work or lost in a book, she'll surface when she's ready. You know she always does."

But much to his displeasure, the twins seemed relentless in their teasing, Fred nudging Ron and regaining the wizard's attention as he said, "You know how it is, Ron. Long hours, late nights, just the two of them working closely together..."

"It's a recipe for tea and scones," George added, "If you catch our drift."

"You're just making things up. 'Mione wouldn't-"

"Wouldn't what, Ron?" George cut in with a sly smile. "Work closely with Snape, share late-night research sessions, and maybe a cup of tea or two?"

"What?!"

"Enough, you tow," Harry tried once more to intervene. "You know Ron's worried sick about Hermione. Save your pranks for-"

"Oh, Won Won," Fred interrupted with a theatrical sigh, his eyes sad as he looked to his youngest brother. "We've seen the way she looks at him in the Ministry's cafeteria."

George shuddered at Fred's side, as if remembering something he'd seen and clearly would rather forget, before he tacked on, "I swear, it was like a love potion gone wrong."

Ron's jaw tightened, and his fists clenched. "Stop it, both of you!"

But the pair continued their teasing, allowing the seeds of doubt they'd planted in their brother's mind to take root; Fred leaning conspiratorially closer to Ron, his voice dropping to a staged whisper as he told him, "You know, Ron, you might want to consider that Hermione may be irreversibly enchanted by that 'greasy git's new wardrobe."

Disbelief, anger, and a growing sense of urgency welled within the youngest Weasley, and he shook his head, unwilling to believe what he was hearing. "That's completely absurd. 'Mione wouldn't be enchanted by that git or his clothes. She's too smart for that," he growled defiantly.

"Ah, but does the heart not want what the heart wants?" George couldn't help but needle. "And sometimes, is that not white robes, greasy hair, and a stern demeanour?"

Unable to endure his brothers' teasing any longer, Ron's resolve solidified; blue eyes darting between Fred and George before landing on Harry. "I've got to find her," he exclaimed. "I can't let her get tangled up with Snape. Who knows what that greasy git would do to her!"

"Ron, think this through," Harry tried to pacify. "You know Hermione's been working with-"

"I can't just sit here, Harry!" Ron cut in, fuelled by a potent mix of emotions and ultimately dismissing his best mate's attempt at reason. "I need to make sure she's alright. If that greasy git's involved, who knows what trouble she could be in."

That's the spirit, Won Won," George cheered even as he exchanged a satisfied glance with his twin.

"Yeah, go rescue your damsel in distress from the clutches of that greasy git," Fred quipped.

Ron only shot them one last glare before disapparating with a resolute crack, leaving the room in a swirl of displaced air.

Harry could only sigh as Ron disappeared, feeling the weight of the situation settling on his shoulders. And turning away from the spot where his best mate had been standing, taking his glasses off his face to give them an unneeded clean, he couldn't help but tell the twins, "You two are unbelievable," before he asked, "What have you done?"

The twins exchanged a glance, and a mischievous twinkle began to dance in their eyes.

"Done? Done what?" George questioned, feigning innocence.

Harry fixed him with a stern gaze. "Don't play games with me. I know you two too well."

The pair's grins faltered, but they remained silent, something of which only caused Harry to press on, frustration beginning to bubble beneath the surface of his usual boyish façade.

"Hermione and Snape have been working together for years. Ron knew about it, yet now he doesn't. What did you d-?" The Boy-Who-Conquered suddenly shook his head. "You erased his memory, didn't you?" he asked, answering his own question before adding with heavy emphasis, "Do you realise what your brother's most likely doing right now? He's probably at the Ministry, thinking he needs to save Hermione from some imagined threat!"

Fred and George could only exchange smirks at the thought, clearly unrepentant.

"Well, we though Ron could use a little... preparation," Fred revealed, his tone dripping with mischief.

"For what?!"

"Well..."

"You see, Harry."

"Once upon a time, when Hermione and Snape were practically attached to the hip due to work-"

"We thought that we'd have a little fun."

"So, we concocted a special love potion-"

"-thinking we could make their 'relationship' a bit more interesting."

"But..."

"We..."

"It turns out our potion didn't do a thing," the twins finished with a unified shrug.

"You did what?!" Harry all but exploded.

"We spiked Granger's drink one day," George began - only for his brother to finish. "But it was like nothing happened."

"It was exactly as we told our little bro; their 'relationship' blossomed exactly like a love potion gone wrong. Both Snape and Hermione were so absorbed in work or other things that our little experiment, well-"

"It fizzled out," Fred interjected with an unhelpful shrug.

"Not a single spark," George agreed with a rather contemplative frown, sharing a glance with his brother as he added, "It was quite disappointing, really."

"Yeah, and that's why we thought, why not give our little ronniekins a nudge in the right direction?"

"Wait!" Harry's eyes were wide with disbelief. "You're telling me you spiked Hermione's drink?"

"Well, not exactly."

"Yeah," Fred defended, crossing his arms against his chest. "We attempted to, but nothing happened."

"Our love potion didn't seem to have any effect on the 'unsuspecting' victim," his twin continued to explain with another nonchalant shrug.

"And now..." Harry could only sigh, a mixture of frustration and disbelief colouring his words, "Ron's run off to save Hermione from a non-existent love affair with Snape."

The twins could only grin.

"Well, he always was the impulsive one, wasn't he?"

"Besides, it's not like he wasn't going to find out sooner or later about those two working closely together," George couldn't help but reveal, earning a curious look from Harry. "Our obliviation spell was only supposed to last for another five minutes or so."

Harry could only sigh, rubbing his temples. "You two are completely insufferable. Ron's already probably causing chaos at the Ministry."

Meanwhile, at the Ministry...

As Ron appeared within the Ministry of Magic, his determination to 'save' Hermione burned hot and bright. He navigated the bustling corridors with a familiarity he couldn't quite place, his mind entirely focused - fuelled, even, by a mix of jealously, worry, and the rather absurd images painted by his brothers. The notion that Hermione - his 'Mione - might be entangled with none other than Severus 'Dungeon-Bat Extraordinaire' Snape in ways beyond that of their shared work had taken root, and Ron couldn't rest until he confronted Hermione and discovered the truth for himself.

Arriving at the Department of Mysteries, Ron burst through the doors with a thunderous resolve. Fiery red hair and a determined expression managed to turn a few intrigued glances from the Unspeakables, majority of whom were accustomed to a more discreet and composed entrance. But Ron paid them no mind as he made his way straight to Hermione's office.

Upon reaching the door labelled 'H. Granger & S. Snape - Magical Research and Regulations', however, Ron had to take a moment to collect himself; the reminder of why he'd basically stormed the DoM right in front of him.

(Note: it, really couldn't be considered 'storming' the Department, given this is Ronald Weasley, best friend of Hermione Granger, and the Unspeakables had gotten rather used to his unexpected and obtrusive visits - not that Ron actually remembered this, of course).

He was about to confront Hermione - and quite possibly that bloody git - about their alleged affair, the absurd images painted by his twin brothers' playing on a never-ending loop in his mind, adding fuel to the fire of his jealously and determination. And with a sharp breath, Ron pushed the door open and swaggered inside.