An Unusual Solution

Severus was directed by a nurse to a room where Hermione was being seen by Healer Neville Longbottom. She was sitting up leaning against a stack of pillow in a hospital gown, while Longbottom was looking in her eyes.



“What happened?” He asked coming to her side immediately and kissing her cheek. His lips barely touched her and he held her hands delicately, still not sure how injured she was.



“Apparently a Ministry official got word that a demonstration was in the works and made an appearance with a few colleagues. When he began going over why the law was needed a fight broke out and soon enough chairs and table began getting thrown about.” Neville explained. “Hermione was hit in the head with a chair, but apart from a good headache, she’s not seriously injured. She can go home in a few hours.”



Severus took in Longbottom’s casual clothes. “You were at the meeting?” Yes, being unmarried, and a highly paid healer, I’m first in line to be paired up. I’m still going to the demonstration though. This law can’t be passed.”



“I’m still going too.” Hermione said from her place.



“Like hell you are.” Severus said glaring down at her. The fierce look she gave him didn’t make him waver. “You don’t even know if the meeting will still take place on the law, once word of this fight gets to the Ministry they may reschedule it. Especially when they realize some of their own saw fit to show up without their knowledge. Besides Healer Longbottom said you could go home, but he may have orders to stay in bed.”



“No he wont.” She said, looking over at Neville.



“We’ll have to see. I’ll be back to check on you later, the potion should have taken effect by then.” He looked up at Severus. “I gave her a healing potion with a sleeping draught. She’ll be able to rest soon enough.”



When Longbottom left, Severus adjusted her bed so she could lay down, then held her hand until she fell asleep. He left the room and found Neville outside, giving orders to a nurse. “What was the severest injury?” He asked.



“One of the others broke his nose and his collarbone, but nothing that couldn’t be healed. Most if it ended up being cuts and bruises.”



“I’m going to the Ministry now, Draco must have heard something.” He said.



“If you need anything from me, send word.” He said. Secure that Hermione would sleep for a few more hours, he left for the office of Draco Malfoy.





Draco had indeed heard about the fight. He was one of the few public officials who did not support the proposed law. Most of the Wizengamut did, but Draco was not a member.



When Severus had told him about Hermione’s injuries as well as the other he decided to approach the Minister directly.



“Mr. Fudge, I’m sure you know Mr. Snape, he was once the potions teacher at Hogwart’s.” Draco introduced him to Cornelius Fudge.



“Of course, how are you Mr. Snape?” He offered a hand, but Severus ignored it.



“I’d do better if my wife had not been hospitalized.” He said.



“Hospitalized?” The old man looked confused



“My wife was at the meeting hall that your men started a fight in. While her injuries were not serious, the same cannot be said for some of the people in attendance.”



“The fight as I understand it was started by some over enthusiastic protesters who decided to take out their anger on ministry employees. You wife should keep better company.”



Severus slammed a fist down on his desk, causing Fudge to jump. “That fight was started by a Ministry official who shoved a young girl to the ground when she said she refused to be paired up with an old man like him.” I can give you pensieves from everyone there including your own ministry employees. This law with cause more problems then its worth, and if today is any indication, you are not ready for the fight it will bring.” He stood straight up and looked down at Fudge, who had fallen in his seat. “Rest assured Mr. Fudge I may be married and unaffected by this proposed law, but I will take just as active a part in opposing it any anyone else. You cannot do this to your public.” He left in a flurry of black robes, leaving Draco to deal with the him. He just wanted to get Hermione home.



Neville released her when she woke up. She would still be extremely tired, but would be looked after fine by her husband, who had his own stores of healing potions.



Severus had settled her in bed, wearing her husband t-shirt. The house elf levitated a tray in while Severus kicked off his shoes and jacket, then joined her in bed. “Severus I can feed myself.” She said as he lifted a spoon of soup to her.



“Do you need more potion?” He asked, ignoring her statement.



“No, I’m fine. Did you get to talk to Cathy?” She asked, opening her mouth or more soup. The house elf made a wonderful chicken soup.



“After what happened to you, you want to discuss her?” Severus looked at her then shook his head. “Yes, I spoke with her, and told her in no uncertain terms that she needed to stay away. It was over for good.”



“She can’t have been happy about that.” She said, taking the juice he offered.



“I’m not sure either way, but I heard from Madame Rosemerta that she left for Cairo early.” He said, not mentioning how relieved he was.



“Are you glad she’s gone?” She asked.



“You nearly died today and you want to discuss Cathy?” He gave her an inpatient look.



“I didn’t nearly die I was brushed by a chair.” She said leaning into him.



“A chair that was being hurled across the room.” He countered, showing more soup in her mouth. Before she could answer him, he had shoved a cracker in her mouth.



“Just in case you are thinking of talking some more, I have plenty to shove in your mouth to keep you quiet if I run out of food.” He lifted an eyebrow at her as she chewed slowly. She returned his look with a malicious glare of her own.