A Perfect Match

Disclaimer etc. see chapter 1


A PERFECT MATCH
By Geena


Chapter 22: Fame and Glory

Everyone went silent and looked at Dumbledore. He stayed calm and asked Harry for more information. He told him they had searched the Mansion, but there was no sign of the fugitive. Draco had given them directions to the Malfoy summer residence where his mother was staying. They put her under surveillance, but Malfoy senior had not turned up. Dumbledore sighed.
“Well, there’s not much we can do, except keeping an eye out for him. He’ll turn up eventually. I will inform my fellow Headmasters and I suggest you do the same with the foreign Ministers, Arthur.” Arthur Weasley nodded and left immediately. Then Dumbledore continued: “Although this is an unwelcome setback, we must not let it stand in our way to celebrate our victory. This is truly a great day in history and I suggest we don’t let Lucius’ escape spoil it. Let the festivities begin !” And with him saying that, his office got invaded with house elves, serving the most delicious food assortiments, showering them with champagne.

The celebrations continued the following day in the Great Hall allowing the students to participate. As the news of Voldemort’s defeat spread, journalists came to Hogwarts to look for a first-hand report. Dumbledore briefly explained what had happened and asked to let everyone deal with last night’s events first, before giving any interviews. But how careful he wanted to handle all of this, he wasn’t able to prevent rumours from spreading and soon the reporters wanted to know everything about the role Severus Snape and Hermione Granger had played. They couldn’t resist this splendid opportunity to add a romantic touch to the already legendary battle. In an attempt to avoid this media-frenzy, Dumbledore decided to go on with things as if nothing happened, continuing the lessons on Monday, as usual. The students were obviously disappointed, for they had hoped to go home to their parents to celebrate and get a week off. Dumbledore assured them there would be enough time to celebrate during the Christmas-holidays. He pointed out to them it wasn’t over yet. Not with one Death Eater still missing ! This made them settle down a bit and the capture of Lucius Malfoy was the main topic of conversation from that time on. Bets were made on how long it would take to catch him and who would do it, Harry being the top favourite on that list.

Hermione seemed unaware of all the commotion. She had participated in the celebrations the first night, but found she couldn’t relax while Severus was in pain. Therefore, she confined herself to the dungeons where she indulged in studying large volumes of potion books. They had moved Snape to his own bedroom and Hermione left the communicating door open, so she could check on him regularly. Madam Pomfrey had given him a strong sedative and he looked totally wiped out, but sometimes he managed to move his head and then she heard him moan. It cut right through her heart.

It was close to midnight that Sunday when Draco Malfoy knocked on the door. Hermione let him in, not really surprised to see him.
“Hi Draco.” She felt a little awkward, knowing he had to raise his wand against his own father. “Er, how are you ? You know, how are you coping ?”
His eyes went cold when he looked at her. “I don’t care what happens to him. Professor Snape has always been more of a father to me than Lucius ever was.” Then he showed concern. “How is he ?” He whispered like one does when visiting the terminally ill.
“You can go in and see him.” Hermione said. “He hasn’t regained consciousness yet, but I’m working on that.” Draco hesitated to go into the room and Hermione went with him. Together they sat by the bed looking at his motionless body, Crookshanks curled up at his feet. They sat in silence until Draco scraped his throat. Overwhelmed by emotion, he stood up and said: “If you need help; don’t hesitate to ask me. I can come and sit with him when you are needed elsewhere, for instance.” She nodded, happy to know she could rely on someone. “Never thought I’d be glad to see you, Draco.” Hermione chuckled, succeeding in making him smile for a little while. He sighed. “Well, I’m off to the Slytherin common room.” Seeing the surprise on her face he explained. “Since I didn’t graduate last year, I’m staying at Hogwarts to finish my education.” Hermione was happy for him. Now he could be with Ginny and lead a normal life. Outside Hogwarts it would be very difficult for him to get by, given his family history and no doubt his father would be looking for him and it wouldn’t be a pleasant reunion !
When Draco had left, Hermione had just started to read her book again, when Ron came in. He walked into the room, inspected it, looked through the open door and said:
“So it’s true.”
Hermione immediately knew what he meant. She nodded. “I guess it is. If you’re referring to my feelings for Severus, that is.” She felt really uncomfortable seeing the devastated look on his face. Finally he sat down and held his head in his hands.
“Oh Hermione, how could you. First Ginny and Malfoy. MALFOY for Merlin’s sake ! And then all these rumours about Snape giving his life for you anu spu spending the night with him … I … I … Honestly, I don’t think I can take it anymore.” He sighed deeply. Hermione went over to him and laid her hand on his shoulder.
“I’m really sorry you had to find out all of this at the same time. Please try to understand. I cannot control these feelings. Believe me, it’s not the kind of relationship I would have chosen for myself, but these things are never rational to begin with.”
“I know, but what is it with these Slytherin guys ? Suddenly all Gryffindor girls fall for them and we Gryffindor boys are left in the cold.” Hermione couldn’t help herself from laughing. “Oh Ron, it’s not that simple and trust me, you and Harry will find the girl of your dreams, rest assured.”
“Yeah, Harry will. He’s the great hero, so everyone wants HIM. But where does that leave me ?” Hermione sighed. So it was that old inferiority complex again. She thought that he would be over that by now.
“Ron, listen. Life isn’t about being a hero or being noticed. You’ve chosen a career at the Ministry, which means working behind the scenes, you knew that on forehand. Look at your mother and father. He wasn’t a big hero when she met him, right ?” Ron slowly shook his head.
“You just don’t get it. You’re in your happy bubble right now and no one is allowed to feel depressed.” He wanted to continue his self-pity when she interrupted him furiously
“Look Ron, just for once open your big self-centred eyes and see what’s going on around you !” She pointed at the bedroom. “Does that look to you like I’m in a ‘happy bubble’ ? P-lease! Wake up and realise everyone has a hard time once in a while. The difference between you and me is that I deal with it and you whine about it.” Ron stood up and walked to the door. “Well, if that’s how you fabouabout it. I guess … Oh, I don’t know Hermione. Just don’t get hurt, will you ?” He looked at her once more and left.
Hermione was relieved he was still speaking to her. All things considered it had gone rather well. He needed some time to let things sink in and then he would be the old Ron again, her friend. She needed her friends ! She reached for her book again when there was another knock on the door. Rolling her eyes, wondering if she would ever get any peace and quiet, she waved her wand to open the door. She instantly began to smile when she recognised Harry as her visitor.
“So, here you are hiding, instead of joining our little bacchanal.” It looked like he himself had engaged in some serious partying.
“I wasn’t really feeling like it.” Hermione said.
“I know. What a day, huh ?!”
“You can say that again. You just missed Ron.”
“Yeah, I saw him on my way down. He’s really freaked out you know.”
“Tell me about it !” They both laughed, finally Harry continued. “Don’t worry, he’ll live. In fact, I was a little taken aback myself when I found out about you and Severus, not to mention Draco and Ginny.”
“Are you going to whine as well ?” Harry raised his eyebrow and Hermione told him about her conversation with Ron. Harry seemed amused. “Oh, that’s our Ron ! I’ll make sure he gets enough credit, he deserves it. Now, about you and Severus…”
“What about it?”
“How serious is this ? You ready for the big commitment ?”
Hermione looked a little confused. “I don’t think it will come to that.”
“Huh ? You’re talking about a man who was willing to die for you !”
“Right, but is he ready to live with me ?” She had sounded so sad, Harry didn’t know what to say and let her continue. “I mean, it’s not like we have talked about it much. He wanted to give it some time and I guess he never really counted on surviving.”
“You honestly think he will not want a relationship with you ?” Harry was totally astonished.
“Yes. Remember, this is still Snape we are talking about, Harry.”
“Hmm. I see.” Then he laughed, leaving Hermione puzzled. “Oh, in that case I’d really love to see his face when he gets to see the extra edition from today’s Daily Prophet.” He gave the paper to Hermione and she blushed when she read the article on the first page. It read:

“FOR THE LOVE OF A WOMAN, an exclusive by PJ Blackink.”
“The epic battle at Malfoy Mansion would not have been possible without some brilliant potion-brewing from Hogwart’s Potions Master Severus Snape and his young assistant Hermione Granger, a close friend of the famous Harry Potter. Not only did they invent the potion that drained the power from He-who-will-now-be-known-as-Tom-Riddle. No, with her own life at risk, Miss Granger was willing to infiltrate in Malfoy Mansion to take the potion to Riddle. It is here, dear readers, our story takes a dramatic turn. Working so closely together must have lead to a more ‘intimate’ relationship between the two wizards. Severus Snape, known to be a former Death Eater, found himself overwhelmed by love for the fair Miss Granger and could not let her put herself in danger. Knowing his former master would definitely kill him, he sacrificed himself to perform the task he would not allow his beloved to carry out. He is now fighting for his life at the Hogwarts infirmary. May we hope their love will guide them through these difficult times ! Severus Snape and Hermione Granger, we are indebted to you both for saving our world !”

Hermione put her hand in front of her mouth. “Oh no.”
“I’m afraid it will only get worse. This is just the first day. They’ll want interviews from all of us. You know what they’re going to ask you.”
“This is terrible. He’s going to fume when he wakes up and hears about this.”
“Oh yes.” Harry laughed anyway. “You’ll just have to get used to being the most famous couple in the wizarding world.” Seeing the horror on her face he took her hand and said: “Don’t worry abou too too much. By the time he wakes up, it may all have blown over.” She desperately needed to believe that.
They sat together for a while, talking about what happened at the Mansion.
“We’ve been able to reconstruct what went on before we got there.” Harry told her. “Severus replaced the potions, found Draco’s doll – which Albus will get rid off, by the way – and then he must have gone to the office where he replaced the recipe.” He showed her the human-accio spell and suddenly Hermione realized something. “I’ve wondered why we found him outside. Why Voldemort hadn’t discovered him inside the lab. I think …”
“You think he must have read what was on the parchment ? That he …”
“Let himself be discovered outside the house to divert attention from the potion.” Then they both said simultaneously :
“He did it on purpose !”
“Oh, dear.” Hermione started to cry and Harry needed some time to let it sink in as well. Then he laughed: “Just think about what the Daily Prophet would make of this !” and then theth lth laughed.
It was quite some time later when Harry was ready t.
“.
“Come, you’ve done enough for today, you need your rest if you’re going to teach Potions tomorrow.” He went for the door, holding out his hand, expecting her to follow.
“No. I’ll be staying here until he’s fully recovered, or … asks me to leave.”
Harry wished her goodnight and went to his guestroom, thinking they might have won the war, but some battles still needed to be fought.

TBC
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