Waking up the next day I felt like a kid on Christmas. A big smile on my face and I almost jump out of bed to start the day. I can't wait for my new life to begin. I check the time, 8.30. I'll grab some breakfast in Diagon Ally before visiting Gringotts.
I quickly put on my worn jeans and a grey cashmere top, I braid my hair and put on my white air force and grab my coat on the way out. I turn around the corner in to the alley behind my apartment building and apparate. I land in the apparition point in Diagon Alley next to the small café that opened last year and walk inside. The smell of freshly baked bread and coffee makes me sigh. I walk over to the cashier
"Good morning miss Granger! What can I get you?"
I smile and read over the menu on the wall "The grilled cheese sandwich and a medium signature brew with some oat milk please"
I take a seat at one of the smaller tables next to the windows, watching the people outside go about their day. Smiling wistfully as a couple walk by holding hands laughing. The door to the café opens and a familiar figure enter, Severus Snape. Dressed in black robes as usual and a scowl on his face. His eyes scanning the café looking for an empty table. His eyes meet mine and his scowl turns in to a smirk. I smile and wave, making a motion for him to join me. He nods and turn towards the cashier to order before walking over sitting down in the chair opposite from me.
After Voldemort fell I rushed off to the shrieking shack, the thought of leaving Severus there dying alone after all he had done for the wizarding world was nothing I could accept. I apparated him straight to the hospital wing and shouted for Madam Pomfrey to help him. And he survived. At first he called me a meddlesome bitch but after a few months he thanked me and since then we've been friends of sorts.
"Severus" I smile "How are you? I haven't seen you in forever "
The server walks over placing our orders on the table with a smile before walking away.
"Indeed, I'm surprised to see you out, not living in your office anymore then?"
His eyes are teasing as he sips his tea. I frown and look down. The joke hitting harder than it should and I shrug " I just found out that my enthusiasm is not as welcomed as I first thought" I stir my coffee looking up at him forcing a smile.
" I always said your talent would be wasted at the ministry. They are corrupt fools" He mutter taking a bite of his muffin "What happened?" He asks and his eyes concerned.
I hesitate for a second, should I really tell anyone what I discovered? But then again this is Severus Snape. The man that told the Minister of magic to shove his Order of merlin up his ass before storming out of the Ministry Yule ball.
I look down again and sigh "You know how I've been pushing for the law to change in regards for the centaurs and the werewolves "he nods his head for me to continue. "And you also know how they always get turned down with out a good reason, so I spoke with Kingsley about it and he said he would look in to it.."
"But he never did, did he?" I shake my head and blink back the tears.
"How could I be so stupid Severus? Does everyone know how they've played me for a fool for two years?" I wipe my tears and look at him. He pats my hand awkwardly and sigh
"I don't involve myself in ministry business, as you know. Don't let them step all over you Hermione. Your talent is wasted in the ministry"
I smile laughing a little "Is this when you tell me I told you so?"
He smirks and shakes his head. "No need, you know I'm never wrong"
I laugh and I feel lighter than I have in months. We talk about everything and nothing. I laugh and he smiles.
I glance at my wrist watch and sigh. I have to get going if I want to get everything done today.
"I'm leaving "I blur out and he looks confused "I'm leaving England" I clarify and decide to let him know my plans. I trust Severus to not tell anyone.
He motions for me to continue "I'm going to the states, I've read that the MACUSA is having problems with their magical creature department, I haven't contacted them yet but I'm willing to take a chance. Anything would be better than my situation right now"
He stares at me for a few seconds before nodding "I agree, anything would be better than working for the British ministry. If it doesn't work out for you in the states, you're welcome to work at the apothecary"
" Thank you Severus, I really appreciate it" He smiles " What does Potter and Weasley say about your plans?"
I frown and look out the window "They are not aware of my plans and I don't plan on telling them before I'm already gone"
Severus hums in agreement "I think that is a wise choice, potter is Kingsleys lapdog these days" I look at him,the question is on the tip of my tongue and he nods his head
" I believe he's aware of the treatment you're receiving yes. Politics is a game, head auror in two years." He scoffs "He is under the thumb of the ministry just the same as you. Only stupid enough to not see it for what it is."
I smile sadly, I know he is right. But the confirmation of my suspicion hurts more than I could have guessed. I sigh and glance at my watch again, I really have to get going.
"Thank you Severus, for your honesty and the company. It feels good knowing you're on my side. I have to get going. "I stand up and lean down to hug him "I will send an owl as soon as I can"
He hugs me back, somewhat awkwardly "Take care Hermione" I walk out of the small café and breath in deep before walking towards Gringotts.
The goblins accepted my apology after the war and have been very accommodating since. I feel a smug smile grow on my face when I think about how they refused to accept Harry and Rons apology saying that they are pompous bastards with no respect for other than themselves. Their funds had been moved to the wizarding bank in Switzerland.
I exchange some galleons for the US currency and make sure that I'm able to withdraw money from the US without having to close my vault at Gringotts.
I step out and apparate away. I land in an alley not far from Oxford Street and I slip my wand up my sleeve before walking out on the busy street.
Hours later I land in the alley behind my building, my feet hurts and I'm starving. I walk slowly up the stairs to my floor, my bags shrunken down in my pocket. I love magic.
I unlock my door stepping inside with a sigh, indulging myself was fun but I still hate shopping.
I resize the bags and emptying them on my bed before folding everything and putting it in my trunk. I can't help blishing when I pack my new underwear. The girl in the store convinced me to buy some lace bras and panties. Compared to my old cotton panties and bras these are very sexy and it's not something I would call myself. Im practical and comfortable. But the shop girl said "If you have sexy underwear you're going to feel more confident"
I guess it's worth a shot.
I finish packing my trunk, my new clothes, my NEWTS scores and some memories from my childhood and of course, my books.
'Pling' I reach for my phone on my nightstand and open my email. An order confirmation on my plane tickets.
August 12th
London Heathrow (LHR) 10:00 – New York Newark (EWR) 13:05
I smile, a giddy feeling bubbling through my body. I can't wait for this journey to begin. I walk in to the kitchen opening my wine bottle and summoning a glass pouring the dark red liquid. Taking a sip feeling my shoulders relax, everything is going just as planned. I pull out my phone again scrolling through my take-out options, some Italian tonight. I feel like its fitting for a celebration.
A penne pasta with a 24h ragu is going to fit nicely with my wine. I settle down in front of the tv channel surfing for a while. The doorbell ringing makes me jump, that was quick.
I grab my wallet walking to the door opening it with a smile coming face to face with Harry. I feel my eyebrows rise in surprise.
"Harry! What a surprise, what are you doing here?" I ask faking a smile. After my conversation with Severus today I really don't know what to feel.
He smiles awkwardly shuffling his feet, "Hey Mione, I just wanted to see how you're doing, feels like I haven't seen you in forever"
I snort shaking my head, "You saw me yesterday, what do you want?" I ask feeling my patience slipping. He looks a bit chocked at my tone and run a hand through his hair. "Am I not allowed to come visit my best friend?" he asks smiling, it doesn't reach his eyes and I feel my stomach drop. He just confirmed what Severus said. He knows.
I shake my head meeting his eyes and whisper "No, you've not been my best friend in a while, have you?"
I watch his eyes widen and he swallows nervously, he opens his mouth to speak but I cut him off. "I want you to leave" I blink back my tears and stare at the stranger standing in front of me.
His face goes from chocked to sad before nodding his head. Just when I'm about to close the door I watch as if in slow motion how his wand drops in to his hand and I summon mine from the living room table throwing up a shield just in time. His stunner hit my shield with a crack. I stare at him with my mouth hanging open in shock.
"I had hoped to avoid this Hermione but it seems like you always have to make everything hard" His eyes cold as they stare at me.
"What the fuck is wrong with you?" I cry out.
He tries to break my shield throwing spell after spell but I know the shield will hold. I know I'm stronger than Harry fucking Potter. It's thanks to me that he's even alive today.
"What do you want?" I ask again my voice hard as I stare him down.
He laughs a cold and cruel laugh "I want you to come with me to the ministry where you, me and Kingsley is going to have a little chat"
I stare at him in disbelief and laugh "No, I'm not going back to the ministry ever again, run along Harry. I don't have time for arse lickers." I sneer watching his face twist in anger at my words. His stunners turn in to curses and I know I have to do something before the neighbours call the cops.
I keep my shield up, holding my wand tight in my right hand as I flick my left hand and silently stun him. He lands hard on the floor in the hallway and I quickly levitate him in to my apartment and close the door. I cast a quick Incarcerous and place his wand on the kitchen counter. I'm breathing hard. Watching his unconscious form on the floor makes me feel sick.
I have to make a statement, otherwise it will look like I've just attacked the head auror, boy of wonder and former best friend for no reson. I summon a parchment and quill writing two separate letters before sending my black-banded owl Zissou away. I pace back and forth waiting. The doorbell ringing again makes me jump and I grip my wand tighter. I look through the peephole. I rest my forehead on the door for a second before opening the door. "Food for miss Granger"
I give him the money and take the food without a word before closing and locking the door. I place my order on the counter next to Harrys wand and start my nervous pacing again.
The fireplace suddenly flares as Severus steps out, brushing the soot of his robes. He looks over at Harry before turning around raising and eyebrow
"Why is Potter unconscious and bound in your apartment?" It looks like he is holding back a smile and I almost laugh at the absurdity of the situation. "Please wait, were waiting for one more guest before I tell you"
He takes his robe of and sit down at the kitchen table.
"Would you like some wine?" his laugh makes me jump again, I've never heard Severus laugh like this. "Wine would be lovely thank you"
I walk over to the counter pouring him a glass before placing it in front of him just as the floo flares to life again and a witch with blonde curly hair and glasses studded with pink rhinestones step out. I hear a choked gasp before she twirls around letting out another choked gasp as she notices Severus sitting at the table. "Well, well, well, what do we have here? Miss Granger, being naughty again?" She smirks and licks her pink lips. I roll my eyes and lean against the counter "It's almost a pity you can't fabricate a word I say Rita, it would probably have been a really good story. Now you have to settle for the truth instead. Refreshing don't you think?" I say and smirk at the sour look on her face.
I turn to Severus "Did you bring the Veritaserum? "I ask. He nods and pull out the small vial from his breast pocket.
I smile "Shall we begin?"
I step through the security check at the airport when my phone starts ringing. I ignore the call and continue to the gate and sit down.
My phone starts ringing again and I pull it up from my pocket. Severus name flashes on the screen. I giggle thinking about Severus Snape with a smartphone on the other end calling me. I answer "Hello Severus! How are you?"
" Did you read the prophet before leaving this morning? Or do I get the pleasure to read it to you?" I can hear on his tone that he's smirking
I laugh "No I didn't, if you would be so kind Severus"
He clears his throat and begin to read the article;
"The boy who lived ordered to obliviate the Golden Girl"
Yes, you read it right. The boy who lived, head Auror, Harry Potter arrived at Hermione Grangers home last night on the orders of the Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Under the influence of veritaserum the head auror reviled the horrifying truth
" I was ordered to bring Hermione in, obliviate her and drop her off in Australia at her parents house with no memory of the wizarding world"
Miss Granger recently discovered that the minister purposely turned down every proposition and law change regarding magical creatures.
"I've worked for the ministry for two years and not a single one of my propositions to change the law, to make life better for the magical creatures in our world, have been passed or changed"
Miss Granger looks defeated and sad as she continues
"I believed that the war would change our world, make it better, but I was wrong "
What is the reason behind this betrayal you wonder?
"She is dangerous! She wants to make those filthy creatures equal to us wizards, give them rights to work, own property and vote!" The auror shouts in anger.
When asked about his late professor and friend Remus Lupin, a known werewolf, who sadly died in the battle of Hogwarts the auror coldly answer
"One creature more or less makes no difference. But the decline in wizards and witches would mean the end of the wizarding world "
Miss Grangers heartbreaking sobs makes my own eyes water.
" I've lost faith in the British ministry, the minister of magic and in my best friend. I've been pushed down at every turn but no more. I'm leaving England and I don't have any plans on ever returning."
The foul play inside the ministry have led to our own Golden Girl fleeing the country. The witch who is, alongside Severus Snape, the sole reason that Harry Potter managed to defeat Voldemort.
Our future is uncertain once again.
Your devoted truthteller Rita Skeeter.
By the time Severus is done reading the article I can't hold my laughter in any longer and I sit there at the gate laughing so hard that other people around me look at me as if I'm crazy. Severus chuckles makes it even funnier.
"She have a way with words that woman" he chuckles and I agree. I smile "She managed to make you look like a saint " I giggle when I hear him mutter under his breath.
"I have to go now Severus, it's time for me to board the plane. I will send you a message when I arrive in New York"
He clears his throat again "Thank you, and don't hesitate to contact me if anything happens and don't act like a Gryffindor"
I laugh my tears falling now, I'm going to miss him and his dry sense of humor.
"I promise. Take care Severus."
He ends the call and I take a couple of deep breaths before walking through the gate and towards a new beginning.
Irishcanadian : I will update as often as i can and I really want to finish the story. I hope you'll like it!
