What Goes Around... (cont.)
A drabble series that grew out of the 'Headmistress Hermione' challenge on Grangersnape 100.
Summary: Down on his luck, Severus returns to Hogwarts to seek employment. Will the Headmistress give him a chance?
Rating:PG-13
Thanks to my betas Septentrion and Sempra.
14. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.
The door closed on the last of the fifth-years, and a blessed silence fell on the Defence classroom. Relaxing his stance, Severus wrinkled his nose in disgust at the foetid smell of unwashed, sweaty teenager and wasted no time in opening the windows to let in some much needed fresh air. The place was stinking like Hagrid's hut after Fang had been out in the rain and was drying off in front of the fire.
Dear Merlin! Were they wizards or not? If it was too much trouble to bathe, what was wrong with casting a cleansing charm or two?
'Life skills,' he scoffed, imagining, not for the first time, how the more affluent pure-bloods, accustomed to being waited on hand and foot since birth, had welcomed that little innovation. Smirking to himself, Severus cast Reparo on a hex-damaged desk, remembering one particularly animated discussion he'd had with Hermione on the subject.
Severus turned his head towards the door as it creaked open.
'Excuse me, sir. I dropped something.'
Severus grunted and carried on clearing up. A musty smell assailed his nostrils, and he turned around to face the source of it.
Damp Dog. 'Was there anything else, Mr Vaisey?'
The Slytherin boy shook his head, but remained where he was.
'Mr Vaisey...?' Narrowing his eyes, Severus took a step forward, noticing the stains on his robe for the first time. 'Tell me. Is it too much trouble to place soiled clothing in the laundry baskets provided?'
Vaisey looked him straight in the eye. 'No, sir.'
'Then see that you attend to your attire before dinner this evening.' Severus pointed towards the door. 'Oh, and Vaisey?'
'Sir?'
'Make sure I don't catch you and your friends out after curfew again—it's becoming rather... tiresome.'
The boy's shoulders slumped. 'No, sir.'
Hermione read through the parchment in front of her one last time before signing her name with a flourish. There. Done. With a contented sigh, she rolled the parchment up, attached it to the waiting owl and sent it on its way.
'Skipping dinner again?' Minerva asked.
'Actually, I've invited Severus around for an early supper. We've some things to discuss.' Hermione glanced around the portraits, coming to a decision. 'Something's happened that you should know about.' She took a deep breath as they all looked at her expectantly. 'Severus and I found the door that the golden key unlocks.'
His stomach was rumbling. Loudly. Lunch had been a rather Spartan affair; everyone on the High Table had grumbled about the plain food and lack of second helpings. Severus suspected the kitchen was likely running on a skeleton staff as every elf that could be spared would be desperate to help clean Slytherin Tower. That said, it was still almost two hours before his supper date with Hermione. And he didn't think he could face it on an empty stomach. Concentrating on the unmarked essays in front of him was proving impossible.
'Eljay,' he called. 'Some sandwiches, if you please.'
The elf duly appeared. Severus decided not to comment on the large cobweb hanging from his left ear. Instead, he examined the plate and chose a cheese and pickle sandwich.
'How are renovations progressing?' Severus asked, taking a bite. 'Have you noticed any structural damage?'
'No, sir.' Eljay replied. 'The castle's wards protected the tower despite the Concealment Charm—as you said it would.'
'Hmm... S'good.' Severus swallowed. Hopefully, that would allay Hermione's fears regarding health and safety. 'And did you manage to salvage some of the more... perishable furnishings?'
Eljay smiled happily. 'What couldn't be saved, sir, was replaced.'
Still kicking himself for leaving the renovation of Slytherin Tower to a bunch of unsupervised house-elves, Severus left his rooms (clutching a bottle of chocolate liqueur he'd been keeping for such an occasion) and made his way to Hermione's quarters. Merlin only knows what they've done to the decor, he fumed, marching along the empty corridor. Though knowing their taste in hats, anything's possible. Nevertheless, it would keep until tomorrow; tonight, Hermione wanted to 'talk'.
Arriving at her door, Severus raised his hand then hesitated, feeling suddenly nervous. 'It's just supper,' he muttered. 'No point in getting your hopes up.'
Hearing Severus' knock, Hermione checked her hair in the mirror and tried to ignore the butterflies in her stomach. 'It's just supper,' she told her smirking reflection. 'Nothing more.'
He knocked again.
'It's open,' she called. 'Come in, Severus.'
Hermione smiled as Severus closed the door behind him and awkwardly thrust something at her.
'For you,' he said gruffly.
Hermione took the proffered bottle and glanced at the label. 'How lovely! We'll have some with our coffee, later.'
Relieved that she liked it, he managed a small smile, then sniffed. 'Mmm... Curry? Indian take-away?'
'More of an Indian banquet, actually.'
There was rather a lot of food, and it looked and smelled delicious.
'You can thank Purdy for this,' Hermione said. 'She went to India to get it for us by way of an apology for...'
Did she just blush? 'Well...' He smirked. 'I think this is a most acceptable peace offering.' Severus walked over to the table and pulled a chair out for her. 'Shall we?'
'Thank you.'
After they were seated, Severus waited for Hermione to serve the rice before helping himself to some Chicken Korma.
'By the way,' Hermione began, 'I've told the portraits about the tower.'
If she'd expected him to be annoyed, he didn't show it. Severus merely raised any eyebrow.
'It wasn't easy for me to acknowledge that something was amiss,' Hermione explained, 'but now that I have, it would be negligent of me not to pursue it.'
Severus nodded. 'Agreed.'
'I need to gather evidence, though, which is why I asked the portraits for help.' She smiled as she reached for the naan bread. 'And it gives them something to do other than gossip about us.'
They talked about various things after that: Severus' research, the garden, the summer holidays—but it seemed strained as neither appeared willing to broach the subject they really needed to discuss. Severus switched off, staring hungrily at Hermione's mouth, wanting to lunge across the table and—
'Coffee?' Hermione asked as a house-elf arrived to clear the table.
'Uh? Please.'
Hermione rose and led Severus over to the sofa where they sat in silence until the coffee arrived. 'Would you like some of that liqueur?' she asked.
'Bugger the liqueur.'
'Severus?'
‘No more games, Hermione. Can I kiss you or not?'
Where that came from, he didn't know. Months of longing and lonely nights, probably. He hadn't meant to sound so abrupt, though, and she looked a bit taken aback...
Hermione stared at him, wide-eyed. Then she nodded slowly. Once.
She saw him swallow. Then he leaned forward, the sofa making squeaky noises as he swivelled around to face her. The first brush of his lips sent a delicious shiver down her spine, and she found herself melting into him, tempted to let go, leave him take control, forget her job, her responsibilities, forget about Headmistress Granger and just be... Hermione.
The feather-weight touch on the underside of her breast brought Hermione back to her senses, and she pushed him away, panting.
'I think we should... take it slowly.'
Severus pressed his forehead to hers. 'Slowly?' he gasped. 'It's been months...'
'I'm just not ready—'
'Fine,' he said, flopping back against the sofa. 'Fine.'
'Severus—'
'How long do you intend punishing me, Hermione?'
'I'm not—' Hermione sighed. 'You're not the first man to hurt me, you know,' she said, staring at her hands. 'And each time, I swear I won't let it happen again. I thought thisus—might be... different.'
'Different,' Severus muttered under his breath as he strode along the corridors back to his quarters. 'What the hell does she expect from me?' He was seriously considering tendering his resignation. There was only so much he could take—
He stopped dead. What was that rustling noise? Drawing his wand, Severus cast Lumos and noticed a classroom door slightly ajar.
He pushed it open and sighed. 'Mr Vaisey. How... predictable.' Severus glanced at his companions, all Slytherins. 'Ten points apiece from Slytherin for allowing me to catch you out after curfew, yet again. Now, get back to your dormitories, immediately.'
After pouring himself a large glass of whisky, Severus spelled off his boots and sank into his chair with a loud sigh. He was annoyed, upset and frustrated amongst other things. Hermione Granger was one infuriating witch, but he wasn't about to give up on her just yet. She wanted him; he couldn't remember the last time a woman had wanted him, and God knew he wanted her...
'Ah, you're back.'
Severus groaned. 'Yes, Betty, I am.' Unfortunately. 'Do you have any news for me?'
'Actually,' Betty replied, 'I've remembered something. It may not be very important—'
'Just tell me.'
'Well...' Betty began, 'I overheard a couple of girls mentioning a recurring problem with mould.'
'Mould?'
'Yes.' Betty nodded. 'Growing on their trunks. Cleansing charms weren’t banishing it for long.'
'And?'
'That's it. I told you it wasn't much...'
Taking a gulp of whisky, Severus let his head fall back against the chair and wondered why he was the one trying to make sense of this mess. What was Burbage doing?
Or not doing...?
Severus inhaled sharply. 'Oh, my good God, no.'
Putting his glass down, Severus summoned Eljay.
'How may—'
'Eljay, get me inside the Slytherin common room. NOW!'
15. By the pricking of my thumbs...
It all seemed suddenly so very obvious.
Mould, musty clothing... Vaisey and his friends... He should have realised; no self-respecting Slytherin would get caught in the same place twice... Severus glared at the house-elf. 'Now, Eljay.'
Waving his hands, Eljay backed away in horror. 'Elves are f-forbidden from entering the common rooms, s-sir,' he stuttered.
'This is an emergency, elf,' Severus roared. But Eljay stood his ground.
'Very well. I cannot force you...' It was pointless arguing. 'Purdy!'
It took a moment longer than usual, but Purdy appeared, dived behind Eljay with a squeak and peeped around his side nervously.
Despite his increasing agitation, Severus extended his hand towards the trembling elf and spoke evenly. 'I'm no longer angry with you, Purdy, but I urgently need a favour. Apparate me into the Slytherin common room, and we'll put the past behind us.'
Purdy's ears drooped. 'Headmistress Granger—'
'As soon as we're in there,' Severus interrupted, 'I want you to fetch her, too.'
She took a step towards him, but Eljay held her back. 'It is against the rules,' he hissed. 'You may be punished—sacked, even.'
'I will take full responsibility.' Severus offered her his hand once more. 'Please, Purdy.'
With bated breath, Severus watched the battle taking place on the elf's face, but his pleading seemed to have decided the matter. Ignoring Eljay's protestations, Purdy grabbed Severus' hand and Disapparated.
The shocked faces that met their sudden appearance in the dungeons quickly dissolved into expressions of relief. He smirked at a group sitting on one of the leather settees. 'You have my attention, Mr Vaisey.' But his smirk soon faded as his eyes adjusted to the dim light. The Slytherin common room was not somewhere you would ever call cheerful: austere, certainly, but never this bare and depressing. Never.
Severus' jaw tightened as he looked around. Betty's portrait had of course gone, as had the stuffed animals, the Nundu rugs, the dragon-head trophies—all that remained were some ghostly marks on the stonework to indicate they'd every been there. He shuddered, trying to shake the claustrophobic feeling clutching at his heart. The place was about as welcoming as a tomb. With the friendly glow from the skull candle-holders also absent, the scant light from the wall sconces was only serving to emphasise the sepulchral atmosphere.
'What has happened here?' Severus asked through gritted teeth.
He was met with silence.
'Mr Vaisey,' Severus began. 'You have been putting yourself in my way, deliberately wearing filthy clothing, and...' He sniffed. '... not bathing regularly.'
The Slytherins exchanged furtive glances but remained silent.
'Furthermore,' Severus continued, folding his arms, 'I would remind you that your oath does not prevent the discussion of house matters with other Slytherins within these walls.'
They looked at him blankly.
He sighed. 'I am a Slytherin.'
'Oh,' said Vaisey. 'Of course. I didn't think... Well, in that case, sir... After he took Betty away, Professor Burbage said the rugs and ornaments weren't appropriate and... removed them, too.'
Shaking their heads, the others muttered amongst themselves. Severus frowned. Evidently, they were thinking the same thing he was: the Nundu was a protected species, their skins valuable... He began to breathe more easily, hoping that this... desecration, though unforgivable, was all that was amiss.
'And then there's the dampness, sir.'
Severus' heartbeat speeded up again. 'Show me.' He turned towards Purdy, who was staring in abject horror about her. 'I think the Headmistress should see this for herself, Purdy. Don't you?'
'Yes, Headmaster Snape,' the elf said angrily. 'Purdy is thinking the same thing.' She bowed curtly and vanished.
Severus let Vaisey lead the way, following him down the gently sloping corridor towards the dormitories. The smell of damp had hit him as soon as they'd left the common room, and his sense of foreboding was growing with each step. Vaisey paused just before the corridor ended, opening the door on their left as Severus expected, and entered the vestibule around which the boys' dorms were located.
'We try to keep it in check, sir,' Vaisey said pointing at the walls. 'But it's hopeless.'
Severus touched the stonework and nodded. 'I assume Professor Burbage has been informed of this?'
Under the circumstances, Severus couldn't admonish Vaisey for rolling his eyes like that. It was an inane question, but it had confirmed his suspicions. Burbage had been negligent in his duty; whether this was out of ignorance or malice, he had yet to ascertain.
Vaisey turned away. 'My room's one of the worst,' he said, opening the door to the fifth-year dorm.
Inside, three seventh-years—two of them girls—were busily casting drying charms on the ceiling, walls and beds. They stopped when they saw Severus.
'How long will that last?' Severus asked, looking up.
'Until tomorrow, sir,' Vaisey replied.
'These are the strongest spells we know, Professor,' one of the girls said. 'We don't know what else to do.'
Keep calm. Don't frighten them. 'You've done all you can,' Severus told them. 'But, it's not healthy for you to sleep in these conditions.' He ushered the two girls towards the door. 'Get everyone out of the girls' dormitories. Take what you can carry and head for the common room. The Headmistress should be there by now. Tell her to stay put until I arrive.' He glanced over his shoulder. 'The same goes for the boys. Vaisey, you're with me.'
~HGSS~
Hermione had been enjoying a long soak in the bath when Purdy appeared. Despite the elf's frantic pleading that she should come immediately, Hermione had insisted on dressing first and not budging an inch until Purdy had explained what was going on.
She was therefore partly prepared for the sight that greeted her when they Apparated to the dungeons. The Slytherins stared at her coldly as she took in their living conditions, and for once, Hermione was at a loss for words. She was saved from the embarrassing silence, however, as the first evacuees began trickling into the common room.
The first-years, who had been sound asleep in bed, rubbed their eyes and yawned. Some were clutching books to their chest, others teddies.
'What's going on?' Hermione asked one of the prefects.
'Professor Snape said to stay put until he arrives,' the girl replied.
Further questions were stone-walled. 'Very well,' Hermione said exasperatedly. 'I shall await Professor Snape's explanation. But in the meantime, will one of you please fetch Professor Burbage? He has a right to be here.' She turned to Purdy. 'Some comfy chairs, please, Purdy, and something to drink... and, let's do something about the light, shall we?'
~ HGSS ~
Entering the corridor once more, Vaisey automatically turned right.
'No, this way.'
'But, sir. It's a dead end.'
'Appearances can be deceptive, Mr Vaisey.' Severus paused before the blank wall, hoping that the wards still recognised him. Placing his palm on the stone, he muttered an incantation and pushed. His hand passed effortlessly through the wall. 'Hold my arm,' he told Vaisey. 'I shall only keep you a moment.'
On the other side of the barrier, both wizards cast Lumos and quickly mounted a short flight of steps.
'Where are we, sir?' Vaisey asked, nervously.
'Where do you think, boy?'
Meanwhile, Purdy was busy handing out steaming mugs of cocoa.
'When can I go back to bed, miss?' a first-year asked Hermione, sipping hers.
'Soon, I hope,' she replied, kneeling beside her. 'I'm sure Professor Snape won't be—'
'What is the meaning of this?' All eyes turned towards the Head of House as he stormed into the common room. 'Why aren't you all in bed? And I thought I told you, no Transfigured furniture.'
'The latter would be my doing, Professor Burbage,' Hermione said icily, getting to her feet.
'H-headmistress,' Burbage stuttered. 'I wasn't told you were here.'
'Evidently not.'
It was hard to ignore the expressions on the young faces around her: loathing, hope, relief combined with a certain gloating pleasure that Professor Burbage had been Found Out. But, much as she was ready to wipe the floor with him, Hermione was not about to do it in the Slytherin common room—or without being in full possession of the facts.
'I'm waiting for Professor Snape's report,' she said.
'Snape? Oh, he's here, is he?'
Hermione didn't like the sly look that came over his features. 'Yes,' she replied. 'Can you think why?'
Burbage shrugged. 'I have no idea...'
~ HGSS ~
With a broad sweep of his hand, Severus illuminated the domed chamber. Vaisey Shielded his eyes against the bright light, becoming aware of a silver lattice pattern which shimmered and stretched like a giant web over the low ceiling and reached down to the floor. On closer inspection, he noticed that parts of it were shining less brightly while in other places the strands were black or missing altogether. Here, cracks could be seen in the rock and water seeping through. He gulped.
'We have caught it just in time,' Severus said. 'It is not as bad as I feared.'
'Is-is that all that's keeping the lake out, sir?' Vaisey whispered.
Severus nodded. 'It is.' He reached into his robe pocket and took out the golden key. 'I shall attempt to make repairs. Take this to the Headmistress and explain what I'm doing. She knows what it's for—and make sure everyone stays in the common room. It's part of the castle and therefore protected by its wards. You will be safe there should I fail. Quickly, now.'
He waited until Vaisey had scuttled back down the steps before surveying the damage once more. Breathing deeply, Severus raised his wand.
It was an ancient spell, almost as old as Hogwarts itself. Created by Salazar Slytherin, it had been passed down to every Head of Slytherin since. Had Burbage not been told that the Net had to be regularly maintained? Had the secret died with Horace Slughorn?
Severus' worst fears were confirmed a moment later. Concentrating on stabilising one of the least affected patches, he was horrified to see the dull grey strands turn black... and spread like a fungus over the ceiling. A large chunk of rock crashed to the floor...
A trap?
The Bastard!
Severus turned and legged it.
He only had a few minutes at best. With water already pouring in, Severus charged through the false wall and yelled at the final few stragglers ambling nonchalantly towards the exit, 'Get out! Run!'
They froze for a split second, stunned by the sight of their Defence teacher sprinting towards them... then registered the water that was following him.
'MOVE!'
Panicked into action, they ran blindly, knocking over a bewildered little first-year, who had just emerged from the bathroom, in their haste. Severus hardly broke stride. Picking her up, he slung the girl over his shoulder and kept on running...
~ HGSS ~
'Professor Snape said to give you this, miss.' Vaisey offered the key to Hermione. 'He's trying to repair the wards, but—'
He was cut off by a loud shriek. 'Oh, my God! Look!'
'What the—?'
Turning in the direction of the sound, Hermione was horrified to see a rush of brackish water flowing towards them. But before anyone had time to think, the torrent hit an invisible barrier and folded back on itself.
'Is anyone else down there besides Professor Snape?' she asked frantically. 'How many are missing?'
'Another four, miss,' one of the Prefects answered. 'Here they come, now'
The water was rising fast as Severus and the others waded the last few feet to safety.
In the confusion and with everyone anxiously watching the entrance, no one noticed Burbage quietly unsheathing his wand while an exhausted Severus finally dragged himself into the common room.
Triumphantly, Burbage struck, casting the curse with lighting speed.
‘Rot in hell, you murdering bastard!’
Severus glimpsed the flash, but had no time to defend himself. Instead, he instinctively turned to protect the child in his arms, taking the full blast of the curse. Without uttering a sound, he collapsed to the floor.
'SEVERUS!'
16. Aftermath.
'Incarcerus!'
'Petrificus Totalus!'
Hermione barely registered the outraged, angry cries or the hexes flying behind her. She was only aware of blood. Lots of blood, Severus' blood, and the fact that he was horribly still. Moving would mean accepting this unwelcome reality, and so she remained where she was.
A high-pitched, keening wail shattered Hermione's inertia. Startled, she watched Purdy bound over to Severus' side and winced, covering her ears as the distraught elf shrieked a second time.
Eljay materialised alongside her, closely followed by another elf, and another, until Severus was completely surrounded. And then they began to sing.
A hush descended over the common room as everyone stopped to watch and listen. None of those present would ever forget the scene (although they would later be hard-pressed to describe the peculiar chanting), for as long as they lived. The event would pass into Slytherin legend, a tale the grandchildren of those who witnessed it would never tire of hearing. Hermione would always liken the elf-song to a hummingbird's beating wings. But lovely though it undoubtedly was, the sound of Severus groaning as he regained consciousness was far more beautiful to her ears than any music would ever be.
'Hermione...?' Severus wheezed.
Finding her feet again, Hermione dashed forward, the elves parting to let her through. She knelt at Severus' side, taking his hand in hers. 'I'm here, Severus. Don't try to speak.' Oh, thank God, thank God. 'You're going to be all right.'
He looked so terribly pale. Tenderly, she pushed a long strand of hair off his face and turned to the elves. 'I don't know what you did, Purdy, but thank you for acting so quickly. Now, please take us to the hospital wing.'
Severus' eyes fluttered open. 'Take care... of my house...'
'Severus, I—'
'Stay...'
Hermione reluctantly let go of his hand and sighed. Her mantle of responsibility had never felt so onerous. 'I'll join you as soon as I can.' Sitting back on her heels, she gestured to Purdy. 'Take good care of him.'
'Purdy is always taking care of Headmaster Snape,' the elf replied before gently cradling his body and disappearing.
With Severus gone, Hermione's focus shifted to the others in the room. Some of the older Slytherins were wearing knowing smirks, but the majority, elf and human alike, were waiting expectantly for her orders. Then she noticed the bound and immobilised Burbage.
It had been a long time since Hermione had felt such cold anger. Waving aside the prefects still guarding him at wand-point, she released him from the Full Body bind but left the ropes intact.
Burbage glared at her. 'You're no better than he is,' he sneered. 'Go on, hex me. You know you want to.'
'I wouldn't give you the satisfaction,' she replied icily. 'How could you do such a thing?'
He laughed. 'Easily. Death Eater scum. He—'
'Save it for the Aurors. Eljay...' Hermione handed the key to the elf. 'Open up the Tower. I'll be there presently.'
HGSS
'Any news, Minerva?' asked Albus.
'Poppy's filling him with Blood Replenishing Potion as we speak,' Minerva replied. 'He'll be fine in a day or two.'
Albus looked relieved. 'That was a selfless act on his part.'
'Why can't you admit it, man?' Minerva cried. 'Severus is a hero!'
'Well, he's certainly brave—'
'Say it!'
'Alright, alright. He's a hero. Satisfied?'
'Very.' Minerva glanced around the office. 'Phineas not back yet?'
Albus snorted. 'Still with Salazar. He's going to be insufferable for... oh, the next century or so. You do know that, don't you?'
'Och, let the man have his moment.'
Albus smiled wryly. 'On a more serious note, the governors have called an emergency meeting.'
'Oh, dear.' Minerva sighed. 'It may have been a major lapse of judgement on Hermione's part, but I hope they won't be too hard on her.'
'No, indeed.' Albus stroked his beard thoughtfully. 'Even though some of us had our doubts about Burbage, no one could have known he was a psychopath—Hermione included.'
'True,' Minerva agreed. 'And right now, she's too worried about Severus to care if they ask her to resign or not.'
'Is she still with him?'
'She hasn't left his side.'
'He's lucky to have her,' Albus conceded.
'Albus...?' Wide-eyed, Minerva pointed at his hat. 'There are flashing letters...'
He groaned, remembering his bet with Phineas. 'What does it say?'
'It-it says, "Gryffindors suck Slytherins rule",' Minerva replied, putting her hand over her mouth.
'Could've been worse, I suppose.'
'Depends how you read it... Anyway,' she said hastily, 'must be off. Have to spread the good news...'
Wearily, Albus removed his hat. 'You've no idea how lucky...'
The day Severus' portrait joined their ranks, he would be comforted by the knowledge that his love would soon follow. Albus envied him that.
SSHG
Book lying forgotten at his side, Severus was enjoying the late afternoon sunshine while keeping a critical eye on the elves toiling in his garden. He'd made a half-hearted protest for appearances sake, but letting them help had seemed the least he could do after everything they'd done for him. That said, weeding the parterres and clipping the box-hedging was as far as his concession went and no further.
Severus' hand instinctively touched the dressing on his neck when Purdy looked his way to ensure he was resting. He scowled. Such a fuss. You'd swear he'd never been hexed before.
Huffing, Severus wriggled against the cushions that were wedged behind his back and closed his eyes, inhaling the scent of the honeysuckle that was scrambling up the wall behind him. He felt old. And tired. He hadn't needed a Healer to tell him his body wasn't as resilient as it used to be; it was self-evident, but that didn't excuse all this mollycoddling.
Bloody females. They were clucking around him like mother hens. Purdy, Poppy—even the portraits were trying to get in on the act—and... Hermione... Well, he supposed he didn't mind her pampering him quite so much.
She had been the first thing he'd seen on waking up, brown eyes full of worry and looking like she hadn't slept in a week. Before he'd had a chance to ask, she'd told him the evacuation had gone well and Burbage was in custody. Then she'd squeezed his hand, and he'd known that everything was going to be all right.
Adjusting the blanket that was tucked around his legs, Severus opened his eyes... and there she was, chatting to the elves about something. Corvus, landing on his customary perch, cawed out a greeting and was rewarded with a smile.
Good. He's awake, Hermione thought, walking towards him. Severus was still looking pale, fragile even, in spite of all the potions Poppy had administered. 'Purdy tells me you've been behaving yourself,' she said, sitting beside him on the garden seat.
He snorted. 'As if I have a choice in the matter.'
'Now, you know Poppy only released you on condition you do nothing taxing.' Hermione resisted the temptation to plump up his pillows. 'You need to get your strength back.'
'Interfering old harridan,' he grumbled, but there was little venom in it. 'So. How did it go with the governors?'
'We-ell...' Hermione began. 'I did offer my resignation—and they might’ve accepted if Draco Malfoy hadn’t known something the others didn’t.'
'Oh?'
'Yes... ' She stared straight ahead. ‘Someone in the Aurory told him Burbage never actually intended to harm anyone... until you arrived. Then...' She took a deep breath. 'He dreamt up the plot to lure you to Slytherin House and to-to...'
'Kill me.'
'Yes... And if any children died too, he thought it would be a price worth paying.' She paused. 'Which is why he's in St Mungo's being assessed, not Azkaban...'
'So. He's pleading insanity.'
Hermione nodded.
'The governors accepted I employed him in good faith, and...' Hermione pointed upwards. 'When they saw that, they couldn't talk about anything else.'
Severus followed her gaze up to the top of the newly revealed Slytherin Tower and smirked. Exceeded in height only by the Astronomy Tower, it was an imposing sight. 'I can imagine.'
'Hoisting Salazar's flag was a bit over the top, though.' She smirked back. 'Purdy's idea?'
'Eljay's. He didn't see why a perfectly good flagpole should go to waste.'
Folding her arms, Hermione leaned back against the seat. 'It can stay—until the end of term...'
'I wish I'd killed him when I had the chance,' she said after a brief silence.
'Hermione...'
'Now it looks like he might've wriggled his way out of Azkaban—'
'Let it go, Hermione.'
She stared at him. 'I thought you'd be baying for his blood.'
'For wanting vengeance?' Severus let out a long sigh. 'I know only too well how he feels; how grief can... gnaw at your soul. I feel only pity for him.'
Hermione had to bite her lip and turn away. She stared down the garden while she composed herself, focusing on the heady scent behind her.
'I love honeysuckle,' she said, hoping her voice sounded steadier than she felt.
'I know... Minerva told me.'
Cool fingers tentatively caressed the back of her hand. 'It's not exactly a bower, but I hoped you'd appreciate the gesture.'
Feeling tears pricking the corners of her eyes, Hermione squeezed Severus' hand. How easily the simple pleasure of sitting here, like this, could have been snatched away. And the honeysuckle... He'd planted it just for her.
'It's truly beautiful,' Hermione said. 'You've... accomplished much in a short time.'
'I'd like to think so,' he said softly, lacing his fingers with hers.
'It was Salazar's originally, you know,' Severus murmured, suppressing a sigh as her smaller thumb brushed his own. 'The garden, I mean.'
'Really?'
'Yes, Betty told me,' he explained. 'The lady founders loved it too and enjoyed walking here. Godric, however, was banned. Salazar took great pains to make sure he couldn't get in but could only admire it from his window.'
Hermione snorted, remembering her own attempts at searching for the entrance. 'That explains a lot. Tell me, did you ever look for it when you were Headmaster?'
'I had... more important things on my mind at the time.'
'Sorry, of course. Stupid of me.' Hermione tried to withdraw her hand, but he held on firmly.
'The garden wasn't ready to give up its secret. Although... ultimately, only a Head of Slytherin could have gained admittance...'
'I see.' She tried to look stern and failed. 'Oh, don't look so coy. You've always been head of Slytherin as far as the castle's concerned. The job's yours—if you want it.'
He grinned. 'I shall consider it.'
A cool breeze made them both shiver. Purdy left her weeding and approached them.
'It is time for Headmaster Snape to be going in.'
'A moment more, Purdy. I'm enjoying the fresh air.'
Purdy looked at them both disapprovingly but noted their linked hands.
'There,' said Hermione, casting a warming charm. 'Will that do?'
The elf nodded. 'Five minutes.'
Hermione glanced at Severus expecting to see the customary scowl on his face, but instead there was an indulgent smirk.
'You're being remarkable tolerant,' she observed.
'I owe that small creature my life—twice over.'
Puzzled, Hermione frowned.
'It was her, Hermione. Purdy. She followed me to the Shrieking Shack—despite my orders to stay put and her bond to Hogwarts. She saved my life.'
‘Oh...’ Hermione brought her free hand to her mouth in amazement.
'She brought me to the kitchens,' he continued, 'laid me on the Slytherin table, and then the elves sang me home. It was their voices... Haunting my dreams all these years, and I never knew. They never told me.'
'Oh, Severus.' It was too much for Hermione. Resting her head gently on his shoulder, she snuffled. 'I'm never letting you out of my sight again. Ever. And you're staying with me tonight, too. No buts. If you wake up needing anything in the night, I want to be there.'
'Bossy madam,' Severus grumbled, though his heart did a little somersault. 'Can't wait to get me in your clutches, can you? I shan't be up to much, mind, just so you know.'
'No, wait.' Severus fumbled for his wand. 'I've been thinking. Do you remember, you once asked me about my Patronus?'
'Yes, of course, but you don't have to— No, really,' Hermione protested. 'Please. You have nothing to prove—'
'Maybe not.' He sighed. 'But perhaps this is something I need to do for myself. Call it an experiment, if you will.'
'You shouldn't exert yourself,' Hermione admonished, but there was a determined look on his face.
Severus leaned his head against hers. 'You must realise that in the days when I needed to cast a Patronus on a regular basis, I relied on a handful of trusted happy memories. There were precious few of those to draw on in my early life, and they all involved Lily.' He sighed as Hermione's arm snaked around him possessively. 'But... in these past months, while you have largely infuriated the hell out of me, I do not think I have ever been as... content.'
Hermione laughed. 'Do you really think it might’ve changed?'
'We won't find out unless I try.'
'Poppy said, "No magic", remember,' she countered.
'I won't say anything if you don't.'
'You're incorrigible.'
'I know.’ He chuckled. ‘And you love me for it.'
'Ye-es,' Hermione said. 'I suppose I do.'
‘Yes, well I... He swallowed hard.
‘Expecto Patronum!’
With an indignant squawk, Corvus took wing as the white flash exploded from Severus' wand. Witch, wizard and elves cast their eyes skyward, gazing spellbound, as two ravens, one black, the other of purest light, circled each other in the early summer sky.
~*~ Finite ~*~
Epilogue.
Hogwarts: five hundred years later.
The Headmaster was not looking forward to this in the slightest. 'Is everyone here?' he asked, glancing quickly around his office. The sooner everything was said and done, the sooner he could go down the pub.
Albus looked pointedly at two empty frames.
Tilting his head back, Headmaster Longbottom sighed heavily. 'What are they up to? This is imp—'
The rest of his sentence was drowned out by a cacophony of coughs, snorts and titters.
'You're new here, Augustus.' Phineas smiled kindly. 'So you should know that those two could never keep their hands off each other in life. I'm afraid death had little success in slowing them down.'
Such information, while interesting, was hardly relevant. 'I-I... Look,' he said. 'Look... I need you all to hear what I have to say.' He held out his hands in a plea for order. 'This is really important.'
'It had better be,' a silky voice said. 'I would resent having my afternoon... nap disturbed for anything trivial, Longbottom.'
Augustus tried not to shudder, but there was something about that voice—the way Severus Snape said his name as if it were something unpleasant stuck to his shoe—that made him feel like an errant first-year. 'And where is—?'
'Here, Augustus. Sorry I'm late.' Hermione entered Severus' frame looking rather flustered. She patted her hair, although it was a futile gesture, and sat in the second chair that had thoughtfully been painted in. Leaning towards her, Severus grinned and whispered something in her ear.
'Show some decorum. Please,' Albus grumbled.
Blushing, Hermione undid the two buttons that had been hurriedly fastened and put them in the correct button holes.
Augustus took a deep breath and tried again. 'Now—'
'Is this going to take all day?'
'PLEASE.' Augustus was fast reaching the end of his tether. 'This isn't easy for me, you know. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but—'
'Leaving us so soon?' Severus goaded, sneering down his long nose at the young man and earning an elbow in the ribs from Hermione. 'That would make you the shortest serving headmaster in Hogwarts' history.'
'No, Severus,' Augustus replied wearily, 'that will make me the last headmaster in Hogwarts' history.'
There was a stunned silence. Finally. 'I see I now have your undivided attention.'
~HGSS~
The office door closed with a soft click, leaving the portraits to absorb the bombshell Augustus Longbottom had just dropped. By order of the Minister for Magic, Eljay XI, Hogwarts would cease to be a school at the end of the year. But worse was to come.
'No longer viable.' Minerva sighed. 'It seems time has passed us by.'
And indeed, things had moved on, outside, in the real world. With an ever-increasing number of Muggle-borns each year, the existence of the wizarding world could no longer be realistically concealed, and after much deliberation, the Wizengamot had repealed the Statutes of Secrecy. For the past hundred years or so, Hogwarts had been struggling to cope with the rising intake of these Muggle-borns, which had led to new, cross-culture schools able to accommodate Muggle technology being built. The sad fact was that no one wanted to send their kids to a draughty, antiquated castle in Scotland any longer.
'No respect for tradition,' said Phineas.
Hermione had been largely silent. 'It's more than that,' she said eventually. 'Even in my day, Muggle-borns didn't like giving up their music players and computers to come here. Imagine what it must be like now with all that-that neurotechnology.'
'I never thought I'd live to see the Statues of Secrecy revoked, though.' Dilys shook her head sadly.
'You didn't, dear.' Minerva turned to Albus. 'Can anything be done, do you think?'
'Such as? Some sort of rebellion?' He shrugged. 'We may just have to face it. Our purpose is to advise the incumbent Headmaster. If Hogwarts is sold, presumably that obligation is transferred to the new owner.'
'Yes, but, Albus, a Muggle?'
'And a Colonist, to boot,' Phineas added.
'There is little point speculating,' Severus said, 'until the sale goes through, and we learn more of this... American's plans for the castle.'
~HGSS~
'So these are the famous talking heads of Hogwarts.' Barnum P. Rand III let out a low whistle as he looked around the Headmaster's office. He tried to count the paintings but gave up after a few minutes. 'Say, Augustus. Whadd'ya think they're worth?'
'Worth, Mr Rand?' Augustus replied, somewhat perplexed.
'Call me Randy. Yes, worth. In Eurodollars.'
'I've no idea.' Frowning, Augustus scratched his head. 'They've never been valued. They just appear, you see, when a Head dies.'
'A-hem.'
'Yes, Minerva?'
'It's really rather impolite, Augustus, to talk in front of someone as if they weren't there.' A murmur of agreement went around the portraits.
'So, they're unique, right?' Rand said, turning his back on her. 'And old. And they come with the school?'
'Well, how rude.'
'Yes, of course.' Augustus mouthed a 'sorry' to Minerva while offering a seat to his guest. 'They're there to give me the benefit of their experience...'
The portraits strained to listen as the two men talked rapidly... full-refurbishment... government grants... tax incentives... international standard golf course...
'I don't like the sound of this, Severus,' Hermione said, reaching for his hand.
'Neither do I.' Severus cleared his throat loudly. 'Excuse me. Would one of you... gentlemen kindly explain what is going on?'
Surprised at the interruption, Rand turned around. 'And you are? Or should I say, "were".' He chuckled at his own joke.
'Severus Snape. Mr Rand—'
'Call me Randy.'
'I'd rather not.'
'What my husband wishes to know, Mr Rand,' Hermione said hastily, sensing Severus' rising anger, 'as do the rest of us, is... What are your plans for this school?'
'We-ell, little lady, I don't suppose it would harm...' He took out what looked like a small, square piece of metal from his pocket.
To everyone's astonishment, a three-dimensional image appeared in mid-air.
'Muggles can do that?' Albus remarked. 'Without a wand?'
They stared at the plan, recognising the castle but little else.
'What are those little flags on poles for,' Phineas asked, intrigued. 'And where did the Quidditch pitch go?'
'Quidditch?' Rand frowned. 'Oh, that broomstick game.' He pointed to the map. 'That's where the eighteenth hole will be—after we demolish that old stadium, of course, and clear some of that woodland.' He grinned, looking distinctly pleased with himself.
'Golf? You're building a golf course?' Hermione asked incredulously.
'Do Muggles still play that?' Minerva shook her head. 'Well, I never.'
'Please enlighten us, do,' said Albus. 'What on earth is golf?'
'It was such a long time ago...' Minerva sighed. 'I don't know if you remember, but my great-uncle invented a game for his Squib son, which was all the rage for a while.'
'You don't mean Smack the Snitch?'
'Yes, that's the one,' Minerva replied. 'Some Muggle must have seen it being played, and the next thing you know, everyone was at it—only with a ball, naturally—and little sticks. Uncle Archie should have patented it...'
While the merits of golf were being discussed, Severus had been staring at the sailing boats tacking merrily around the lake. 'Have you consulted the Merpeople about that?' he asked. 'Not to mention the Giant Squid?'
'Squid?' Rand spluttered. 'Do you mean to say there's a monster in that lake—and people? Why wasn't I told?'
'We hadn't got that far—'
'And what about the creatures in the Forbidden Forest?' Phineas asked.
'What creatures?'
'They'll be protected.'
'And what about the elves?' Hermione threw in. 'What about the ghosts? What about us?'
'Everyone, please.' Augustus appealed for order once more as the Heads vociferously expressed their concerns. 'Not all the details have been ironed out yet, but the Elves' place here has been assured by the minister. As for the rest... Perhaps Mr Rand could—?'
'I, too, would be interested to learn what this... Muggle has planned for my school.'
All eyes turned as Salazar Slytherin entered Phineas' frame. In deference, Phineas stood up and offered the founder his seat.
Augustus groaned.
'Why, yes.' Paying no heed to Salazar, Hogwarts' prospective purchaser got to his feet, smiling at Hermione. 'To answer your question, the decor here is pretty depressing for the luxury hotel complex and spa my consortium is planning. Anything valuable will be sold off—although I might keep you.' He winked at her. 'Great hair.'
Minerva gasped. 'Sell us off? You can't be serious.
'Hmmm...' Salazar steepled his fingers and appeared to give the matter much thought. 'Assuming you could unstick us from the walls,' he said, 'selling the portraits would be fruitless. We are able to come and go at will, you see. If we did not like our new, er, lodgings, we would simply go elsewhere.'
'Is that right?' Rand turned to his host. 'Can't they be contained?'
Augustus shrugged. 'Well... there are charms...'
'There you go.'
Hermione gripped Severus' hand tightly and whispered, 'He means to separate us.' Glancing at Phineas' frame, she noticed a shadowy figure hovering near the door. 'Hmm... I've had an idea. Keep him talking until I get back.'
Severus looked at her questioningly as she left the room but did as he was told. 'What do you have planned for the interior, Mr Rand?'
'A-ha... Get a load of this...'
The 3-D architectural plan opened up to show the swimming pool, saunas, indoor tennis courts and hotel accommodation that were being proposed. The portraits stared in abject horror as Rand gave his presentation. To be fair, Augustus, too, looked a little green around the gills as the plans for the Great Hall were revealed, but was saved from commenting on it by the appearance of a house-elf. The Headmaster bent to listen and nodded.
'It seems rumours have reached the kitchen,' Augustus said. 'Please excuse me. I shouldn't be long.' The elf took his hand and they both vanished.
'Do continue, Mr Rand,' said Albus. 'This is absolutely fascinating.'
'Yes,' said Salazar. 'And perhaps you could also explain how you propose to override the castle's defences.'
'Glad you mentioned that...' Rand continued to wax lyrical for a further fifteen minutes during which time Hermione returned, looking grim but determined.
Severus knew that look. 'What have you done, Hermione?'
'Asked a friend for help,' she replied. 'Just watch.'
A few moments later, there was a soft tap on the door. Rand turned his head and immediately straightened up as the most entrancing woman he had ever laid eyes on entered the room. Porcelain skin, straight black hair and blood-red lips, she seemed to glide towards him.
'Good evening.'
'Er, um... Hi. I'm Randy,'
'So I've heard.' The vision of loveliness extended her hand. 'Elizabeth Cavendish.' She smiled slightly, revealing bone-white teeth. 'Astronomy Professor. Headmaster Longbottom has been delayed, unfortunately, so I'm to escort you from the premises—the castle has a nasty habit of playing tricks on the unwary, particularly after dark.'
Rand glanced at the window. Dusk had already fallen, and he hadn't noticed. 'Fine by me.' He took the proffered hand, which was unbelievably cold, and shivered. 'Elizabeth Cavendish... I don't remember seeing your name on the staff list.'
'Ah, no. I'm-um, filling in for Professor Weasley while she's on maternity leave. Now,' the lady gestured airily towards the door. 'Shall we? It is a beautiful evening for a walk.'
Compressing his blueprint down and slipping it into his pocket, Rand followed without looking back. 'I'm staying in Hogsmeade. Would you care to join me for dinner?'
'That sounds delightful...'
As the door closed behind them, the portraits let out a collective breath.
'Hermione... Was that...?’ Severus stared at his wife.
Hermione raised her chin defiantly. 'Yes.'
'You set a vampire on a Muggle?'
'Yes.'
'You set Betty the Bloodthirsty on a Muggle?'
'He was going to split us up!' Hermione sighed. 'Oh, don't look at me like that. Betty's been on plasma substitute for years. She'll just give him a bit of a fright, that's all.'
Memories of a bushy-haired young girl setting his robes on fire came flooding back. ‘You’re terrifying, you know that?’
The shade of Hermione Granger, who in life had sent Dolores Umbridge to the centaurs without so much as a dent to her conscience, merely snorted. Shaking his head, Severus gazed in open admiration at his wife, his best friend and lover, the woman who had stood by his side for the best part of five centuries and who was still prepared to fight for him if she had to.
'How on earth did you find her?'
'That would be my doing, Severus.' Betty entered Phineas' frame and perched on the arm of his chair. 'I always know the whereabouts of my counterpart, and she is most keen to help in any way she can.' She laughed in delight as the former heads of Hogwarts burst into a spontaneous round of applause.
'Well done, my dear,' said Albus. 'Well done, Hermione. Though I fear we haven't heard the last of this.'
'No,' Phineas agreed. 'But Hermione has bought us some time. Forewarned is forearmed. We can make plans, organise an escape route if necessary. They'll have to find us to freeze us.'
'I've spoken to the elves, too,' Hermione added. 'And we have their support.'
'Excellent.' Albus beamed, rubbing his hands together. 'This is just like old times. Now, this is how I suggest we proceed...'
Snaking an arm around Hermione's waist, Severus pulled her closer and nuzzled her neck. 'Now that's sorted—at least for the moment—do you think they'd miss us if we sneaked off?'
Hermione giggled and kissed his cheek. 'Probably, but I think I've done my bit for now.' Taking his hand, she pulled him out of his chair. 'And after all that excitement, I could do with a nice, um, nap.'
'Bossy witch,' Severus growled, following her out of the room. 'Remind me never to get on the wrong side of you.'
'After all this time, I hardly think that's likely...'