Part 8

Part Eight

The Daily Prophet

Kingsley Shacklebolt Accepts Permanent Position as Minister of Magic

By Rita Skeeter

In an impassioned speech, Kingsley Shacklebolt announced that he had decided to accept the nod from the Wizengamot to become our next Minister of Magic. As you know, Mr. Shacklebolt stepped in after Minister Thicknesse was arrested at the battle of Hogwarts, along with other Death Eaters and supporters of Voldemort. Since then, he has led the efforts to rebuild the Ministry in the aftermath of utter chaos. [...]

During his speech, he gave a nod to Harry Potter, who was seated near the front with his husband, Severus Snape, and closest friends, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. For more about Harry Potter and Severus Snape, see page 3 under the heading Wedded War Heroes. It seemed fitting that gratitude was conveyed in such a friendly, emotional way, as in the past the Ministry hasn't always been very supportive of Potter and the late Albus Dumbledore. It's been proven time and again that Potter's word should be heeded, for he never led us astray, always trying to warn us and help keep us safe from Voldemort.

And so, taking a page from Minister Shacklebolt's book, we at the Daily Prophet apologize to you as well, Mr. Potter, and want you to know how much we do appreciate what you've done for us and what you've sacrificed for the greater good.

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Page 3

The Daily Prophet

Wedded War Heroes Make Appearance Finally

By Rita Skeeter

From the moment the pair Apparated into the Ministry, Potter and Snape were the center of attention. All eyes followed them as they greeted the other guests and made their way to their dinner table, which was shared with Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. Many people have been sending owls to our Daily Prophet offices asking that we get more information on the couple, most wanting to know how the relationship came about so suddenly. Of course, many owls of concern were sent, and we are aiming to put our readers at ease.

Last night, I witnessed a couple who are genuinely in love and happy. Potter had an arm around him for Side-Along Apparation, seemingly pulling away reluctantly when crowds began to gather, and the couple's hands entwined as they walked toward their table. It wasn't forced and seemed as natural as could be. Many young women, and some men, will be disappointed to find out that this is the real thing. I would bet my favorite Dicto-Quill that there was nothing forced about the marriage, as suspected by some.

During the speech by our esteemed Minister, the Potter-Snapes conversed quietly with each other when not paying rapt attention to the speech, touching each other and leaning into each other as much as possible. And I can tell you from past experience that Severus Snape isn't a man who typically smiles just for the sake of it, but during the dinner, he smiled at his young husband numerous times. It was quite shocking, in a good way, mind.

I was able to speak with him when he left their table for a moment, and I asked him a few questions about some rumors that had been circulating. A trustworthy informant disclosed that she'd witnessed Harry Potter meeting with his former lover, Ginevra Weasley, a couple of times...after his bonding to Snape was announced. Further investigation proved that this was true, for I, myself, went to investigate, not wanting to print any falsities.

Upon hearing this, Severus Snape was unsurprised and even admitted that he knew of the meetings and had encouraged his husband to go to them. His exact words were, 'All I have to say on the subject is that Harry never lied to me about anything. Yes, I do know that he had things to work out with Miss Weasley. It's not easy when you have to choose between two things you want and care for deeply. I understand that and approved of their meetings.'

Admittedly, that is very noble of him. This new Severus Snape is quite engaging, and I appreciated that he wanted to speak with me. I must admit that when I'd heard that he'd been harboring love for a woman who left him for another man and then was killed by You-Know-Who, I was touched and felt that if more men stayed true to their witches in such a way, the world would be a better place.

This is obviously a hard subject for him to speak of, so I didn't press him when he asked me to leave off on that subject. It's obvious that he still loves Lily Evans Potter, who happens to be his husband's mother. Some might find that disturbing, but there doesn't seem to be anything dodgy in their past. You can't choose who your heart wants, can you? It all fit together like a romantic puzzle when I asked the following:

'You don't mind that a small portion of his heart belongs to this woman then?'

His silken reply:

'No, I don't. Just as he doesn't mind that a small portion of my heart belongs to a woman as well.'

All in all, I can say nothing but good things about this relationship, and I do hope that once they have time to properly meet with me, they will allow me to write a book about their lives, past and present.

Potter whisked Snape away when he heard a slow number playing and escorted him to the dance floor. I, along with many others, simply watched the pair, and for the first time in my life, I can honestly say that I felt a pang of loneliness and wished I had someone to share my evening with. Apparently, however, this sight was too much for Ginny Weasley, Potter's former lover. She ran from the room in tears.

Photo taken by Scott Keller

After the couple danced and shared drinks, I made my rounds and asked a few questions about them, wanting other guests' opinions.

RS: Hello, Ms. Granger, it's been a long time, not nearly long enough of course.

HG: Not at all.

RS: I'd like to ask you a question...

HG: Let me guess. It's about Harry.

RS: It certainly is. During dinner, I saw you gazing at the couple intently. What were you thinking about?

HG: I'm sure I don't know what I thought of the entire time. Sorry.

RS: Very well. How do you feel about your friend's choice of spouse then?

HG: He looks happy, doesn't he? I expect it was a shock at first, but now, seeing them together...

At this moment, Ronald Weasley joined us, so I took the opportunity to ask him a few questions.

RS: Hello, Mr. Weasley. How are you tonight?

RW: Would be better if the Chudley Cannons had won.

RS: Right. Absolutely. I happen to be a Cannons fan as well.

RW: That right?

RS: Certainly. I wanted to ask you a question about Harry and your sister.

RW: What? Better not say any rubbish about my sister!

RS: Of course not. I've turned over a new leaf, Mr. Weasley.

RW: Oh. Well, what is it then?

RS: Are you disappointed that Harry has chosen to marry Snape instead of Ginevra?

RW: Yeah.

RS: Oh? But you seemed friendly enough during dinner.

RW: Just because I'd rather have him in my family doesn't mean I'll cast him off for doing something else. He's still my best mate.

RS: Very mature of you. How is your sister taking this?

RW: Er... I'd rather not talk about Ginny. That's her business. Excuse us.

He escorted Miss Granger to the dance floor at this point, so I couldn't ask any more questions to them, but I happened to see Arthur Weasley across the room and was able to speak with him for a moment before his wife rudely pulled him away.

RS: Hello, Arthur. All right this evening?

AW: Indeed. Good, good. You?

RS: Having a nice time. Congratulations on your promotion at the Ministry.

AW: Ta.

RS: I don't see your daughter. Has she gone home?

AW: Ah, yes. Ginny wasn't feeling well and my son George escorted her home.

RS: Sorry to hear that. I hope it wasn't anything she ate during dinner.

AW: If you'll excuse me...

RS: One question, please? Thank you. How do you feel about Harry, who was almost as good as your son-in-law, marrying Severus Snape?

AW: I think he did the right thing.

RS: What do you mean by that?

AW: Oh, er, just that you should marry the person you care for the most, yes?

RS: Absolutely. Some people say that maybe Severus seduced young Potter at Hogwarts. Do you...

AW: Rubbish. The only reason they've become... What I mean to say is that they've only just become close... recently. Severus would never overstep the boundaries with a student in his care.

RS: Really? I would think that acting as a Death Eater, he's had to do many things that involve stepping over the boundaries.

AW: I'm sure, but I can guarantee that he never...oh, here's Molly.

I apologize for not getting more, readers, but before I saw Snape pull his husband to him and guide him to an Apparition Point, I was able to get a few more interviews from others. It's amazing how many people want to comment about the wedded heroes. [...]

AN: Thanks go to blue_paris and Soul Bound for reading through this!