Chapter 4: Headline

Disclaimer: Don't sue. I promise I don't own Harry Potter; I would be a lot richer if I did.

The Daily Prophet was on the table by the time Hermione woke the next morning. After her morning routine, she decided it was time to catch up on the Ministry’s biased version of the news.

She sat down and gasped at the headline.

Murder at Hogwarts: Are Your Children Safe?

By Rita Skeeter

“The way Hogwarts is run has been a matter of concern for some time,” says worried parent and member of the Board of Governors, Lucius Malfoy. As we know, former Headmaster Albus Dumbledore took little consideration toward safety when he appointed staff members. Everyone will remember that Remus Lupin, a known werewolf, Rubeus Hagrid, a half-giant, and the infamous Death Eater Severus Snape, were all products of the Headmaster’s brand of idiocy. By the look of things, current Headmistress Minerva McGonagall is holding true to Dumbledore’s flighty ways.

Hermione threw the Prophet away; she was too disgusted to continue. How dare that menace to society say such vile things about Hogwarts? Hermione decided then and there, that no matter what, she would do everything within her power to prove her husband’s innocence.

Having received no reply from Ernie, Hermione Apparated to the Leaky Cauldron at half past one o’clock. She had told Severus she was going shopping and would be back by six. He was so focused on what he was brewing that she would be surprised if he’d heard her.

“Good day, ma’am,” said Tom, the barman, in greeting. “What can I get ya?”

“A Butterbeer would be great, for now.”

Tom handed Hermione the bottle, and she made her way to an empty table in the back facing the door. She was watching some of the other customers when a shadow fell over the table. Hermione started and looked up into the smiling face of Ernie Macmillan.

Hermione hadn’t actually seen Ernie since his wedding two years ago. He looked as pompous as always, but he had a good heart.

“I was very surprised to get an owl from you,” said Ernie, sitting down. “To what do I owe this meeting –- business or pleasure?”

“Business, I’m afraid.”

“Well then, Mrs. Snape, do go on.”

“Oh, Ernie, you know to call me Hermione. Even if this is business, you are still a friend,” Hermione said with a small smile.

“All right, Hermione, what’s up?”

“Have you read the Prophet lately?”

“Yes, what dreadful writing from that Skeeter cow, as normal.”

“Well, there has been a murder, and the Ministry is after Severus again. You were one of the first people I thought of who could help us. The Ministry has been after Severus ever since Albus Dumbledore’s murder. Even with Gawain Robards as Minister, there is only so much he can do.” This last bit was said in a defeated tone.

“Now, hear me, Hermione, the majority of the Ministry are a bunch of fools who have been bought by the highest bidder,” Ernie said in disgust.

Trying to get back on track, Hermione said, “Why I wanted to meet is to ask for your help. If it comes down to it, will you defend Severus? You are one of the few who believe he was on the side of the Order throughout the war. Plus, having been a student of his, you already know his temper.”

“Of course, I’ll help in any way I can. How far are they in the investigation?”

“Minerva McGonagall asked Severus very basic questions, and Dawlish, the Head of Law Enforcement, interrogated him for hours yesterday. They’ve also been questioning Argus Filch,” Hermione explained.

“All right, what I want you to do is go home and keep me informed of any new information. I can’t technically do anything unless Professor Snape is arrested. Just use the Floo. We have ours hooked up, and I know you can make calls from Hogwarts.”

“Thank you so very much, Ernie. Now on a lighter note, how is Hannah?”

“Oh, she’s great. We just moved into a bigger house. We needed extra space now that Matthew is born.” Ernie was positively beaming as he said this.

“How is little April? She’s almost two, isn’t she?”

“She’s eighteen months old, and doing great. Are there any children in the plans for you?”

“Not as of yet. I’m not too sure if I want to have kids, and Severus seems reluctant as well. I have all the kids at Hogwarts if you count my teaching. We are rather content as we are now,” said Hermione warmly.

“Well, it’s been nice seeing you, and I’m sorry to cut this short, but I need to get back. The newborn is a handful.”

They both stood up and shook hands.

“Thanks, Ernie. I’ll definitely be in touch.”

They walked out to the entrance to Diagon Alley where Ernie waved and Disapparated, and Hermione tapped the bricks to enter Diagon Alley.

A few hours later, pockets heavy with magically reduced bags, Hermione Apparated to the front gates of Hogwarts. After a quick glance over her shoulder, she tapped the gates with her wand and started to make her way across the grounds to the castle. As Hermione knew all too well, old habits died hard. The threat of Voldemort had been gone for five years, but the old precautions were still firmly ingrained in her soul.

The hike from the gates to the front doors normally took around five minutes. She had just reached the entrance when Minerva met up with her.

“Hermione, a word if you will?”

“Absolutely, Minerva,” Hermione said, shooting a look at the Headmistress.

Hermione noticed she seemed tense but exhausted. Hermione followed the Headmistress up to her office. Once they were inside, Minerva offered tea.

“Please have a seat,” McGonagall said handing a steaming cup to Hermione. “I thought you would like to know that the Ministry has taken Lucius Malfoy in for questioning. I received the owl while you were out.”

“That is wonderful news!” exclaimed Hermione. “Why they didn’t question him first is beyond me.”

“You know as well as I do that Lucius Malfoy has more gold than he knows what to do with and no qualms about using it to his advantage.”

Hermione rolled her eyes at this statement. “It still amazes me that a Death Eater, a nasty one at that, with money is pardoned, and a noble man, shackled by circumstances, has to pay the price.”

Here Hermione stood. “Thank you for the tea and news, but I must get these items put away.” She gestured to her pockets.

“No problem, dear, I will let you know any other information I may receive.”

Hermione left Minerva’s office with a smile. Things were looking up.

Author's Notes: I have two wonderful betas! They are Potion Mistress and Zen Lady. Thanks for your help.

Reviews are appreciated.