Chapter 3
Chapter 3 of 38
MsTreeSeverus is found alive after the final battle and the Wizengamot, in their wisdom, sentences him to five years of probation at Hogwarts.
ReviewedDisclaimer: See Chapter One for standard disclaimer. Much gracious thanks to GrammarPolice for her beta and SlytherinsHeirx for Britpicking.
Chapter Three
That afternoon Severus dissected the books and notes used to make the antivenom and potions that had saved his life and asked Draco and Hermione myriad of questions. Having Professor Snape questioning them in a strict and no-nonsense manner while expecting them to answer to the best of their ability reminded Hermione of Potions class again. She smirked at Draco when Severus pronounced himself satisfied with their answers.
"If the war has been over for seven months now," he asked, "why have you not returned to Hogwarts for your seventh year? In fact, I'm surprised that the two of you worked together so smoothly given your history for the last seven years."
"The Ministry has offered honorary N.E.W.T.s to everyone from seventh year as a reward for fighting in the battle," Hermione said. "I've already spoken to the Headmistress…"
"I hope the Board gave the position to Minerva," Severus interrupted. "She deserves it after putting up with me for the whole of last year."
"Yes, they did," Draco said. "She's agreed to let Granger and I return after the New Year to finish out our seventh year. Of course," he smirked, "I have a slight advantage, seeing as how I already went through seventh year."
Hermione grimaced. "I'm sure I'll catch up quickly. After all, I had all my seventh year textbooks with me and studied whenever I could."
"Leave me now," Severus said petulantly while inwardly smirking at their rivalry. "I'm getting rather tired."
"Of course, Professor,” Hermione agreed. "Can I get you anything before I go?"
"Just send Netty in," he said. "He can help me bathe."
"Oh, but I can…"
"Miss Granger, do you really want to watch me in the tub?"
She blushed. "No, Professor."
Draco laughed. "I'll have Netty come in and help. After all, Mother gave him orders to take care of you to the best of his ability."
"Thank you, Draco."
* * *
"Master wants Netty to help with his bath?"
"Yes, Netty," Severus answered absently. He was looking through the Physical Therapy textbook and reading Draco's annotations on what might work for wizards as well as Muggles.
He looked up. "Right now, I need a quill and some parchment. Can you send an owl without anyone here in the Manor finding out?"
"Netty can do that, yes." The house-elf beamed and snapped his fingers. A quill, inkwell and several sheets of parchment appeared on the bedside table.
"Netty will go and prepare his bath for the Professor," he said.
"Thank you, Netty. I'll need your help to get into the bathroom and back as well." The elf nodded and turned towards the bath.
Taking a sheet of parchment and using the textbook as a writing desk, Severus set himself to write his letter.
Minerva McGonagall
Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Minerva,
I hope this does not come as a complete shock to you that I managed to survive Nagini and the Dark Lord. You might even have held some suspicion when my portrait did not appear on the wall of the Headmaster's office.
I wish to convey my heartfelt apologies to you for the way you and the rest of the staff were treated last year during my sojourn as Headmaster. I did my best to follow Albus' orders of protecting the students from the Carrows while maintaining my position within the Death Eaters, and I know that many of the staff and students suffered from it.
As I understand it, the War has been over for approximately seven months. I am not sure, as I was revived only two days ago and am still trying to catch up. Two of Hogwarts' finest students had a hand in my revival. Lucius tells me if it weren't for the fact that Miss Granger told him and Narcissa of her suspicions that I might have taken some potions to help circumvent any danger from Nagini’s bite, I might still have perished. In fact, I rather expected to receive an Avada Kedavra from the Dark Lord himself.
Miss Granger and Mr Malfoy have laboured these past months on an antidote for Nagini's bite and actually succeeded. They inform me that they will return to Hogwarts to continue their interrupted seventh year after the New Year holidays. I hope you won't think that I am presumptuous to suggest that perhaps the work they have done up to now might be considered as part of their final grades and work as their Honours Project for Potions. Of course, I realize the final decision will rest with Horace Slughorn, but I hope you can convince him of the rightness of this exception.
Miss Granger tells me that Potter is trying to convince the Wizengamot and the Minister—is it really Shacklebolt?—of my innocence. Something about following orders in a time of war, I believe, is his defence. In any case, outside of the Malfoys and Miss Granger, Potter was the only one to know I still live. And of course, now you do as well. I do not need to remind you of the secrecy involved just now, do I?
If Potter succeeds, I plan to offer both Mr Malfoy and Miss Granger positions as my apprentices if they wish to further pursue this course after leaving Hogwarts. I shall ascertain their desires as soon as possible so as to begin making my own plans.
Once again, please accept my heartfelt apologies for the last two years. I do hope you can forgive me.
Your friend,
Severus Snape
"The Professor's bath is ready."
"Thank you, Netty." Severus sealed the letter. "Once I am in the bath, would you make sure this gets sent? I don't want anyone else in the house to see it."
"Netty can do that, Professor." The house-elf helped him to sit up on the edge of the bed. "Does the Professor want Netty to move him by magic?"
"I think so," he said. "My legs still don't want to support me properly. I need to see what Draco intends to do about that with his physical therapy,” he muttered to himself.
A few moments later, he lay back in a tub of hot water and sighed. "This feels wonderful. If you'd get that letter on its way, you can come back and help me wash my back."
"Netty will be back soon. Professor must remember not to fall asleep."
"Indeed." Severus smirked. "Don't want to survive that damned snake and her master just to die by drowning."
* * *
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Latest 25 Reviews for Heaven or Hell
358 Reviews | 6.88/10 Average
Wish you could draw out the last chapter a l'll more :D maybe 2 paragraphs or so? :D
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
I believe I wrote all I needed to for the epilogue as I couldn't think of anything else to write. I AM writing a sequel about the wedding, however, to be posted when it is completed. ^_^
Thank you for the entertaining story you've written, I've had a very good time seeing the development of friendship between Hermione and Draco, their parents - that's been a first, and very well done to boot - and also the relationship of H&S at the end.
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
I always felt Lucius and Narcissa really didn't know any Muggles personally, but were making judgements based on Muggle-born witches and wizards, which isn't a very wide sample of the population. So I asked myself 'what would happen if they met Muggle parents with the same family values they themselves held, ie family first, etc.?' The results are before you. I'm glad you approve of my little story. ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
I always felt Lucius and Narcissa really didn't know any Muggles personally, but were making judgements based on Muggle-born witches and wizards, which isn't a very wide sample of the population. So I asked myself 'what would happen if they met Muggle parents with the same family values they themselves held, ie family first, etc.?' The results are before you. I'm glad you approve of my little story. ^_^
Can we get a hint as to the title of the sequel ?? Pretty Please??
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Tentatively, I'm calling it "A Heaven or Hell Wedding". Narcissa's helping Elizabeth plan the wedding, but Molly wants to butt in and Severus just wants to elope. ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Tentatively, I'm calling it "A Heaven or Hell Wedding". Narcissa's helping Elizabeth plan the wedding, but Molly wants to butt in and Severus just wants to elope. ^_^
You have spun a fine tale, thank you. I like how the elder Grangers and Malfoys found common ground.
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
You're welcome. If you think they found common ground in this fic, just wait until the sequel comes out. Can you say "wedding planner"? ~_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
You're welcome. If you think they found common ground in this fic, just wait until the sequel comes out. Can you say "wedding planner"? ~_^
What a wonderful ending. I like this epilogue much better than the original. I would love to see Albus sorted into Slytherin. I know Hayy said he was okay with it, but would he really be? Thanks for a great story.
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Harry and Severus have a complicated relationship. On the one hand, Harry likes how Severus makes Hermione happy. On the other hand, he remembers how miserably Severus treated the three of them, even if it was an act. I think Harry would prefer Albus be in any house but Slytherin, even Hufflepuff, but he won't hold it against his son. Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for the sequel--as soon as I get it finished. ~_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Harry and Severus have a complicated relationship. On the one hand, Harry likes how Severus makes Hermione happy. On the other hand, he remembers how miserably Severus treated the three of them, even if it was an act. I think Harry would prefer Albus be in any house but Slytherin, even Hufflepuff, but he won't hold it against his son. Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for the sequel--as soon as I get it finished. ~_^
Such a lovely story!
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Thank you. I'm working on a sequel right now that would cover the next six months up to the wedding. It's more than 9.5K and I'm only in the first week of February. So much for a short (8-10 chapters). 
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Thank you. I'm working on a sequel right now that would cover the next six months up to the wedding. It's more than 9.5K and I'm only in the first week of February. So much for a short (8-10 chapters).
Yay! She accepted the right one!
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Did you really expect her to say "No"? 
Response from jenidralph (Reviewer)
Well.. no, but it never fails to warm my heart and make me squee. :)
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Did you really expect her to say "No"?
Response from jenidralph (Reviewer)
Well.. no, but it never fails to warm my heart and make me squee. :)
I'm glad they all made up.
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Minerva's too much of a friend for them not to forgive her. 
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Minerva's too much of a friend for them not to forgive her.
Yay!! FINALLY!
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
You had to know I would get there sooner or later. 
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
You had to know I would get there sooner or later.
Love your version of the epilogue! Much better. :D
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
*elvis voice* Thank you. Thank you very much. ^_^If you liked this story, you'll love the sequel. 
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
*elvis voice* Thank you. Thank you very much. ^_^If you liked this story, you'll love the sequel.
Wow! Three proposals in one chapter. Or at least two real ones and one hinted at! :D
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Yeah! Popular girl, our Hermione. ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Yeah! Popular girl, our Hermione. ^_^
I am sad that this story has ended . I have loved it from chapter one. But I will be looking forward to your next story. I'm glad I was along for the ride with you.
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Thank you. A sequel is in the works, dealing with the trials and tribulations leading up to the wedding.Coming Soon! "A Heaven or Hell Wedding"! Look for it at an archive near you!
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Thank you. A sequel is in the works, dealing with the trials and tribulations leading up to the wedding.Coming Soon! "A Heaven or Hell Wedding"! Look for it at an archive near you!
I loved this story from beginning to end!
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Thank you. I'm working on a sequel for the six months between January 1 and June 30, 2004. So far, I've written over 9.5K and I'm only in the first week of February. This is gonna be some ride! ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Thank you. I'm working on a sequel for the six months between January 1 and June 30, 2004. So far, I've written over 9.5K and I'm only in the first week of February. This is gonna be some ride! ^_^
Poor Hermione having to endure all those proposals until she had the right man ask for her hand. I've really enjoyed this little ride and nice to see that Kingsley does have respect for Severus despite all the other idiots out there.
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Thank you. There's a short epilogue in the queue. I'm hoping it will be up sometime in the next week or so. Depends on the moderators. ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Thank you. There's a short epilogue in the queue. I'm hoping it will be up sometime in the next week or so. Depends on the moderators. ^_^
Yay!!!!!
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
*ahem* {Elvis voice} Thank yew! Thank yew very much! *ahem* ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
*ahem* {Elvis voice} Thank yew! Thank yew very much! *ahem* ^_^
Of course it was the logical thing to do! With confidence intervals of 99% I'll reveal myself as a shameless nerd and ask if they are going to test for Goodness of Fit?
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
I guess you'll just have to "keeeeep reeeeeading", to quote one of my favorite authors. ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
I guess you'll just have to "keeeeep reeeeeading", to quote one of my favorite authors. ^_^
They're getting somewhere at last!
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
It does take a while to become friends if you want a real romance to last. ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
It does take a while to become friends if you want a real romance to last. ^_^
YAY! Finally!!! *does happy SSHG dance*
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Chapter 35 is *ahem* very amusing. ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Chapter 35 is *ahem* very amusing. ^_^
What a great solution!
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Thank you. ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Thank you. ^_^
Very funny chapter MsTree, finally some lemons. Loved when they got caught glad it didn't stop them,
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
They're scientists. More experimentation is required. ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
They're scientists. More experimentation is required. ^_^
snerk! ^.^ yes further testing is, indeed required!
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Of course it is. Isn't that what scientists do? ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Of course it is. Isn't that what scientists do? ^_^
Ten points for climbing a tree? Awwww c'mon ~ooops, there goes another ten~ Sod it! ~and another ten~ That was a fun and immensely satisfying chapter. I wish I had read it before our workplace Christmas function for some inspiration of how to buck an imposed (and increasingly ridiculous) trend with style!
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
I think I was channelling D. L. Sayers' book "Gaudy Night" with the tree climbing bit. *looks at MsTree's bookshelf* Yep, there it is, with the requisite Oxford undergrad prank of climbing every tree within the University walls. ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
I think I was channelling D. L. Sayers' book "Gaudy Night" with the tree climbing bit. *looks at MsTree's bookshelf* Yep, there it is, with the requisite Oxford undergrad prank of climbing every tree within the University walls. ^_^
Great story, really enjoyable. I'm loving your taste in books and authors as well. Clearly you also write brilliantly. Thanks.
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Thank you for the kind words. ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
Thank you for the kind words. ^_^
It's funny that their friends don't suspect the obvious. Wll, Hermiones friends. Sound like there's a fun night ahead.
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
People see what they expect to see. Always have; always will. "Fasten your seatbelt. There's a bumpy night ahead." ^_^
Response from MsTree (Author of Heaven or Hell)
People see what they expect to see. Always have; always will. "Fasten your seatbelt. There's a bumpy night ahead." ^_^