Augury & Ardor

“What do you mean?” Hermione cried in frustration, “you and Professor McGonagall were the ones encouraging me to visit him as much as possible!”


“Yes, I know,” Dumbledore sighed. He adjusted his glasses, sighed even more deeply and continued, “I’m sure it was your visits – your voice - which brought him out of his comatose state. Now that he’s regained consciousness, however…”


“What?” she asked, restraining her impatience as best she could.


“I’m sorry, Hermione.” His lined face did look sorrowful as he gazed at her. “Remus has told me Severus explicitly stated he doesn’t want you visiting.”


For a moment, all she could do was stare in disbelief. Then, shaking her head in confusion, she asked the only question she could form. “Why?”


“He hasn’t given an answer to that, but I understand he’s adamant about it.”


“What about Sepharus?” she asked. Unable to finish her breakfast, she pushed aside her plate and rose to her feet. “Doesn’t he want to see his son?” The look in Professor Dumbledore’s eyes was enough answer. “How can he not want to see his son?”


Minerva McGonagall hurried into the kitchen during the last bit of their exchange and, with a pinched expression, tossed a copy of The Daily Prophet onto the table. “This may have something to do with it.”


The bold headline glared up at them: Dumbledore’s Murderer Captured! Hermione snatched the paper up, unfolded it and read aloud, “Hogwarts’ Ex-Potions Master and Death Eater, Severus Snape, was captured by Ministry officials late last night. Under heavy guard, this dangerous wizard is being held at St. Mungo’s Hospital where he recovers from injuries sustained during the skirmish.”


“What’s this rubbish?” Hermione asked, looking up at Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore. “Captured? Skirmish? How difficult was it to capture a man who just recently resumed consciousness?”


“You know the Ministry,” Dumbledore said, waving a dismissive hand.


“I thought you said he was safe there,” Hermione said in accusation.


“Safe from Voldemort,” he replied, patiently. “His being prosecuted by the Wizengamot was expected.”


“Prosecuted for what?” Hermione asked, glancing back down at the paper as if she couldn’t believe what she’d read.


“For murder. For being a Death Eater.”


“You’re not dead!” Hermione shouted, her thin control snapping under the pressure. “He was following your orders!”


“Yes, I know, my dear,” Dumbledore said in a soothing tone, “but except for those in the Order, no one knows I’m alive. It’s been crucial to keep my existence secret from the outside world while I convalesced. All but one Horcrux has been found and rendered benign. The moment of Voldemort’s defeat is imminent.”


“You can’t let him go to Azkaban when he’s innocent!”


“Hermione, do try to calm yourself,” Professor McGonagall interjected. “Professor Dumbledore regains strength every day. Harry and Ron are, even now, searching for the last Horcrux. While it’s true Severus has regained consciousness, he’s still in a weakened state. He’ll be safe from Voldemort and well taken care of while the Ministry plans his prosecution. By the time this comes before the Wizengamot, I’m sure this will all be resolved.”


The wisdom of McGonagall’s words had their desired effect. Hermione calmed enough to turn back to the first piece of information that had concerned her “You’ve seen him recently, Professor,” she said, searching the older witch’s face. “Why won’t he see me or Sepharus?”


“Murder and spying are not the only charges he’s facing,” Professor McGonagall said, by way of explanation. “Read on.”


With trepidation, Hermione found where she’d left off and skimmed through a brief biography of Severus’ life before she resumed reading aloud. “When contacted, Ministry official, Percy Weasley -” Hermione snorted in derision before continuing, “-Ministry official, Percy Weasley, commented, ‘Severus Snape will be brought before the Wizengamot on charges of murder, spying, kidnapping and rape’.”


Hermione’s head came up sharply. “Kidnap and rape?” She looked between Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall. “But. . . how -?”


“I would guess this is Voldemort’s doing. He’s used those loyal to him inside the Ministry to leak this information. He’ll want his revenge for Severus’ betrayal. In Azkaban, Severus will be easier to get to. Not only that but a trial forces you and Sepharus out into public. As much as he wants revenge on Severus, Voldemort’s first thought will be on regaining control of the boy,” McGonagall said, gravely. “He leaked the information and your parents, I’m afraid, confirmed it.”


Following McGonagall’s gesture, Hermione scanned the article. “‘David and Sarah Granger, Muggle parents of missing Hogwarts student, Hermione Granger, told the Daily Prophet that it was, indeed, ex-Potions professor Severus Snape who had abducted their daughter that fateful Sunday afternoon, over a year ago, when she went missing from their home. Ministry officials declined to release the whereabouts of Miss Granger saying not only was she forbidden, under wizarding law, to comment on events tied to the prosecution of Severus Snape, but that she had suffered a great trauma and deserved to recuperate in privacy until such time as the trial commences’.”


Her eyes skimmed over more, inconsequential information about her and her life before coming full stop. Her voice choked, she lifted her eyes and recited the next part. The one sentence had immediately burned itself into her brain. “‘Severus Snape confessed, when questioned, that he had repeatedly raped the girl before she escaped’.” She shook her head. “Why would he say that? Why would he even speak to them before the trial?”


When neither Dumbledore nor McGonagall answered, she dropped her eyes back to the article. With disgust dripping from her voice, she continued, “When asked, Dolores Umbridge, Special Assistant to the Minister of Magic, said she’d suspected, during her time teaching at the school, the ex-Potions Master had an unnatural interest in the girl. When owled for comment, Hogwarts Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall, replied with a terse ‘no comment’. Those closest to Miss Granger are unable to be reached or refused comment’.”


The rest of the article went on to conjecture the defense’s response to the charges brought against Severus; ending with a quote from the Minister of Magic assuring the wizarding world they were working to ensure their safety. Hermione dropped the paper on the table as if it were fouled. “I used to think this rag was a source of news.”


“I think we all could use a cup of tea,” Dumbledore announced.


“I can’t stay, Albus. I have my duties at the school to think about. I did want to come, however, and let you know about this, Hermione.” Professor McGonagall said, while tapping her robes with her wand to make them waterproof. “I’ve shut down the Floo network at the school due to parental concerns and I wouldn’t trust anything important by owl. As much as I’d love a cup of hot tea, I’ve got to go back out in this cold March rain, Apparate to the school gates and walk to the castle. For that, alone, Voldemort deserves a sound drubbing.”


“Have Hagrid meet you with an umbrella, my dear,” Dumbledore said, “and give him my best, will you?”


“Of course.” The Headmistress turned to Hermione and surprised her with a gentle pat on the cheek. “You’re a strong girl, Hermione. Very soon you’ll need every reserve of that strength. You and Severus are about to become the center of a great deal of unwanted attention. I expect you to ignore the drivel being printed, stay safe inside, and endure your boredom along with Albus until such time as you must be out in public. There’s nothing either of you can do at the moment except wait for a chance to be heard.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

One evening, a week later, Harry found Hermione in the library reading to Sepharus. Exhausted from his non-stop search for the last Horcrux, Harry stretched out on the rug and rested his head against her slipper-clad feet. “I can’t believe you’re reading ‘Hogwarts, A History’ to that poor child.”


“He likes being read to,” she replied with a grin. “He’ll certainly be better prepared than you and Ron when he attends.” The smile melted from her face in degrees. “How. . . how is Ron, by the way? Did he come with you this time?”


“He’s still opting to stay at The Burrow,” Harry replied, reaching up to tickle Sepharus’ bare feet. A grin split Harry’s face as the boy giggled. “He did suggest he might stay here again, but was a bit vague. That’s positive, I think.” Harry tickled Sepharus’ feet again, this time adding quacking sounds as he did.


“You’re going to get him revved up and it’s nearly his bed time,” Hermione said, trying to sound stern as she watched their exchange. In reality, she loved the fact that Harry had warmed so quickly to Sepharus. There had been a part of her that had feared some outward sign of the prophecy between them. Instead, the two had developed an affection for each other immediately.


Harry popped his head up and made a face at Sepharus before disappearing again. “After listening to that book, he needs something to keep him from slipping into a coma.” His head came back up again quickly, a grimace pulling at his features that, while not meant to, set Sepharus giggling again. “Sorry, that wasn’t intentional.”


Sepharus lunged and grabbed Harry’s glasses, pulling them from his face. The owner allowed the theft, too concerned by the possibility that he’d hurt Hermione’s feelings to worry about retrieving them from the baby’s grip. Even blurry, he could see the frown on her face. “Look, I know we’ve agreed to disagree about him but, believe me, I wouldn’t joke about something like that.”


“It’s not that,” Hermione said. She gently disengaged Harry’s glasses from Sepharus’ chubby grip and returned them to their owner. “He regained consciousness since you were here last.”


“That’s great!” Harry said with more enthusiasm than he felt. After nearly putting his foot in it moments before, he felt he needed to make amends.


“Yes,” she replied, but her tone sounded anything but pleased. “Except for he refuses to allow me to visit or bring Sepharus to see him. Except for the fact that, once he’s well enough, he’s going to be brought before the Wizengamot on charges of murder, kidnap and rape.”


“Oh…” Harry allowed Sepharus to grab a hold of his nose but kept him from stealing his glasses again. “Oh.”


“It’s not even the charges,” Hermione said, using one hand to close the book and put it aside. “It’s the fact he won’t see us. I mean, I might understand him not wanting to see me. It’s reasonable, really. He was forced into a relationship with me, wasn’t he?” The bravado in her voice was as substantial as the wind but she forged forward, regardless. “It’s not odd to imagine he’d like to put that behind him and move on. But, why wouldn’t he want to see Sepharus?” Her eyes strayed to her son as did Harry’s.


“Look, Hermione,” Harry began, cautiously. While he’d come to terms with the fact he’d misjudged Snape’s actions concerning Dumbledore, he still disliked the man intensely. He knew, however, that Hermione not only felt differently, she wouldn’t hear him disparaged. “Snape’s a fool if he doesn’t want to be involved in Sepharus’ life. He’s a lovely baby.”


Harry lifted the infant from Hermione’s lap and, lying back down, sat him on his chest. Sepharus gurgled out a string of nonsense words while smearing spit from his fingers onto the lenses of Harry’s glasses.


“Harry?”


“Yes?” Harry asked, his question followed by a groan of both amusement and disgust. Opening his mouth to answer had invited Sepharus’ fingers into his mouth.


“Would you be Sepharus’ godfather?”


Harry sat up, quickly, making Sepharus giggle in delight. “Really?” His grin, while huge and brilliant, quickly faded. “He wouldn’t like that, you know.”


“Well, he’s chosen not to be involved, hasn’t he?”


“You sure?” Harry asked, his grin firmly back in place.


“Absolutely.”


“I’d be honored,” Harry answered succinctly before lying back. “Hear that, you? I’m to be your godfather so treat me with some respect!” He laughed as Sepharus tried to plunge his spittle-covered hand back in his mouth. “Who’ll be godmother, then?”


“Ginny, of course,” Hermione answered and responded to his knowing grin with a smug smile.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Hermione, if I might have a word with you,” Professor McGonagall said.


Hermione nodded. She smiled at Tonks and was about to take Sepharus back from her when Harry plucked him out of the older witch’s arms. “I’ll take him.”


“You sure?” Hermione asked, needlessly. If Harry was at an Order meeting, Sepharus could be found sitting in his lap. Tonks had only had a chance to hold him because Harry had shown up late.


“Absolutely. I’ve been wanting to introduce Ron to the joys of nappy changing,” he laughed.


She shot a surreptitious look over at Ron. This would mark the second time he’d stayed at number twelve, Grimmauld Place since their tiff. The first time, he’d hardly said more than two words to her. This time, he’d greeted her at his arrival, but the meeting had already been in progress and they hadn’t had any chance to talk.


“I’ll try to rescue you before too long,” she said, addressing him specifically. In response, he gave her a shrug and a weak smile before following Harry from the room. It was progress, she supposed.


Remus, who seemed to notice everything, looped an arm around her shoulder and gave her a quick, one-armed hug before following Tonks out. When the rest of the members had filed out, she turned back to Professor McGonagall.


“Tea?” the older witch asked.


“Yes, please.” Hermione raised an eyebrow and joined Professor Dumbledore at the table. “Why do I feel I’m not going to like this conversation?”


“It’s about Severus.” Professor Dumbledore said, struck by the closed look that came over Hermione’s face. It strongly reminded him of the very man he wanted to discuss. “I know you’re angry, my dear, but -”


“I’m not angry,” she interrupted, accepting a cup of tea from Professor McGonagall. “I’m confused and even hurt, but not angry. As I’ve said before, I can understand that he might not want to see me but to ignore his son…?”


After handing Dumbledore his cup, Professor McGonagall sat down across from Hermione. “He’s asked me to tell you: he’s having papers drawn up offering you an immediate and uncontested annulment as well as a document signing over his parental rights to Sepharus.”


Both professors traded grim looks as Hermione dropped her head in her hands. It took a full two minutes before she lifted her head. When she did, her eyes were dry but full of a careworn weariness. “I don’t understand. I just . . . don’t understand why he’s doing this.”


“I think I do,” Professor McGonagall said, her expression disapproving, “but he won’t confirm or deny it. I imagine some of it may be under the advisement of his barrister. At the moment, his legal counsel, like most of the wizarding world, is laboring under the premise that Severus committed every atrocity with which he’s been charged. They’d advise him to make swift amends to you which, under the circumstances, would mean offering you freedom from any ties to him.”


“You have told him I don’t blame him for any of this, haven’t you?” Hermione asked.


“I’ve tried to talk to him,” Professor McGonagall sighed, “but he absolutely refuses to discuss it. While he’s much better, he’s still not completely well and I hesitate to agitate him.”


Hermione rose and nodded, stiffly. “Thank you for letting me know. I’ll – I’ll look over the paperwork when it comes.”


The two professors silently watched her leave the room before speaking. “I’m afraid the trial will begin sooner than we’d hoped. While he’s not completely regained his strength, he shortly will,” Minerva said, glancing over at Albus.


“We’ll have to place our trust in Harry and Ron to find the last Horcrux before then, won’t we.” Albus answered, simply.


“And if they don’t?” she asked.


“I’ve asked more of him over the years than anyone else,” he replied, studying the dregs of his tea. “Now, as he’s preparing to sacrifice once again, it’s my turn to give. I won’t let him go to Azkaban.”