The Sound Of Silence

Hermione always hated traveling by portkey, but she had to admit it was much cleaner than floo power and much simpler than apparating in a group. The Christmas party was being held in one of the many ballrooms at the Ministry building.

They checked their cloaks and proceeded to the party. Steph was amazed. Fairy light danced around the ceiling, which reflected the night sky. There were many witches and wizards already in attendance. She held onto her father\'s arm tightly as she looked around.

Severus smiled at the enthusiasm on his daughter\'s face. He had to admit, the decorations were lovely. They weren\'t overdone, but they were subtle enough for his taste. He looked around the room and saw several Ministry officials in attendance. Several of his coworkers were attending as well. He sighed.

Hermione looked up at. \". \"I know. I\'d rather be in my room, reading.\" He nodded and looked up to see Ron walking towards them.

Ron stopped in front of them. \"Hermione, Stephanie, you both look amazing tonight.\" He gave Snape a nod, then turned back to Hermione. \"May I have this dance?\"

She started to speak, but Severus interrupted her. \"Mr. Weasly, you know as well as I do that a lady\'s first dance is always with the man that brought her to the ball.\" He turned to Stephanie. \"Do you mind if I dance with your Mother?\"

Steph shook her head and watched as her parents made their way onto the dance floor. Ron smiled at her. \"M\'lady, may I have this dance?\" She grinned at him, and then nodded.

***

Several dances later, Hermione found herself seated at a table with Albus, Minerva, Stephanie and Severus. She had already danced with Albus, Arthur and several times with Severus. Stephanie had even managed a few dances with her Father.

Now, they were enjoying the food the Ministry had to offer. Hermione smiled as she watched those present. She looked up in time to see Harry and Ron making their way over to her. She smiledghtlghtly as they stopped to speak with her.

Harry started to speak, but she stopped him. \"I owe you an apology. I understand you were just trying to help.\"

Harry shook his head. \"Funny, we underd whd why you were upset. First we kick you out of our lives, then when you do come back, we start treating you we we were eleven again. We\'re sorry. Truly.\"

Ron knelt beside her. \"We love you Hermione. All this tonight just made me realize how much. I don\'t want to spend another Christmas without you.\"

Hermione smiled. \"Don\'t worry. I don\'t think Stephanie will let me stay away.\" She looked at her daughter who was talking with her Father.

Harry smiled. \"So, she is going to Hogwarts?\" Hermione nodded.

Ron looked over at the girl. \"Hey Steph.\" She turned to look at him. He grinned. \"Think Gryffindor.\"

***

Later that night found Hermione and Severus sharing another dance. Stephanie was curled on one of the padded benches along the wall, asleep. Hermione was the first to notice. She tapped Severus\' shoulder. \"I think I should call it a night.\"

He raised and eyebrow. \"All ready? You really keep late hours don\'t you?\"

She frowned. \"Thank you for your sarcasm but look at your daughter.\"

He looked around the room and saw her sleeping. He smiled softly and nodded. \"I think you are correct.\"

They waited until the dance ended before going to collect their cloaks. Molly came over to them. \"Leaving already?\"

Hermione nodded. \"Yes. Steph has already fallen asleep. I\'m going to take her back to our room. We have a lot of traveling to do tomorrow.\"

Molly nodded. \"That\'s true. I do wish you would stay.\"

Severus helped Hermione with her cloak. \"She\'ll be back Molly. Stephanie will see to that.\"

The older woman smiled. \"Very well. You are coming to the house tomorrow, aren\'t you?\"

Hermione nodded. \"We\'re not leaving till the afternoon.\"

The two women hugged and Hermione picked up Stephanie\'s cloak. She and Severus made their way over to Steph. Severus wrapped the cloak around the small girl. She woke up slightly and smiled sleepily. He slid his arms under her legs and shoulders and lifted her. She lay her head against his chest. He looked at Hermione. \"Arthur has a port key for us to use.\"

She nodded and walked to find the Minister. She came back holding a crumpled napkin. She smiled and lay her hand on his arm. She spoke the word, and they were whisked away.

***

At the Three Broomsticks, Hermione led Severus into Stephanie\'s room. He lay the girl on her bed and together, they got her ready for bed.

After she was tucked in, Hermione and Severus went into the living room. He took the chair near the fireplace. Hermione hung their cloaks. She looked at Severus. \"Can I get you a drink?\"

He nodded. \"A brandy would be nice.\"

She stepped to the fireplace and floo\'ed the kitchen with her request. She turned and saw the smile on his face. \"What?\"

He raised and eyebrow. \"I see you have given up on S.P.E.W.\"

She rolled her eyes. \"You know that I gave up on that years ago. They appear to be happy.\" She smiled as their drinks appeared on the table. They took one and sat in silence for a few moments.

Finally she looked up at him. \"Thank you for tonight.\"

Severus nodded. \"You are welcome.\"

She sighed. \"I guess it\'s back to work for both of us in a few days.\"

He sipped his drink. \"Do you enjoy your work?\"

She nodded. \"Most of the time. I know I disappointed a lot of people when I didn\'t go into teaching or when I didn\'t go into a more \'academic\' field, but writing has always been my passion. I love the power that words can hold.\"

Severus smiled. \"I remember. I always saw you writing in a journal. I caught you in class at times too. Then, when we were together after the war, your parchments were scattered over my desk and chambers.\"

Hermione blushed. \"I hope that I\'ve gotten better since then.\"

He nodded. \"I assume that you have. The Daily Prophet could benefit from your experience.\"

She shook her head. \"I do have ethics. The Prophet is merely propaganda for the rich. I don\'t want to work for them.\"

He looked at her. \"True, but you could change that.\"

She sighed. \"I have several months before I have to consider other employment opportunities. Maybe I\'ll start my own magazine or newspaper with the money from Harry and Ron.\"

Severus looked at her. \"You decided to accept the gift?\"

Hermione nodded. \"Steph and I are happy as is. We don\'t want to change our lives, but if we need the money, at least we\'ll have it to use.\"

He swallowed the last of his drink. \"Commendable. I will still be sending money for Stephanie.\" She nodded as he stood from the chair. \"What time will you be leaving tomorrow?\"

Hermione looked at him. \"After lunch.\"

He nodded. \"Will I see Stephanie before you leave?\"

She sat her glass on the table and stood. \"Of course. It won\'t be a long amount of time like normal, but we won\'t leave without seeing you.\"

Severus nodded and collected his cloak. \"I\'ll expect you tomorrow.\"

Hermione walked to the door to lock it behind him. \"You\'re more than welcome to join us at the Burrow for breakfast.\"

He pulled on his cloak and looked at her. \"Maybe. Either way, I will see both of you tomorrow. Until then.\" He stepped out of the room and walked down the stairs.

Hermione pushed the door closed and took a deep breath. Tomorrow. Tomorrow it was back to the real world.

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Thanks for all who are reading. Sorry this is so short, but you\'ll get more next week. Almost done with this installment! Thanks again!