Chapter 06
Chapter 6 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: Not mine. JKR owns everything except the plot. I think Lucius owns title to that. ^_^ Virtual chocolates to GrammarPolice for her beta and SlytherinsHeirx for Britpicking. Also, chocolates to the admins who keep my commas corralled.
Chapter Six
Once congratulations were given, Kingsley and Harry left in order to return to the Ministry and present Severus' agreement to the Wizengamot. Harry was chortling to himself at the expressions he could imagine on some of their faces. Few of the members had endeared themselves to him, having been more of a hindrance than a help.
Lucius and Narcissa excused themselves as well, citing various responsibilities as to why they needed to leave. Minerva also started to excuse herself when Severus spoke up.
"Please stay, Minerva. This will concern you as well as Draco and Miss Granger."
"Professor?" Hermione was puzzled. She glanced at Draco, only to see confusion on his face as well.
"What concerns us, sir?" he asked.
"I have spoken with the Headmistress about your work this autumn to revive me and we agree that it could stand as your Potions Honours project if you so desire. The Headmistress suggested that Care of Magical Creatures might also be covered..." Severus paused. Draco and Hermione looked at each other, then back at the bed and their professorial patient.
"I realise this is a bit rushed, but there are only a few weeks until the end of the year when, under the terms of my probation, I will have to return to Hogwarts. What I wish to know is...would the two of you consent to serving as Potions apprentices when you leave school..." He paused expectantly.
"There's no need to answer today," he said warmly when they didn't answer. "Give it some time to settle in." Then he changed the subject. "Draco, I have looked over this physical therapy regimen you wish to use. Do you think I can be brought up to a hundred percent by the New Year?"
"Not a hundred percent, no," Draco said musingly. "But I can probably get you to where you would be strong enough to face a classroom by the time term starts. After that, we would have to work therapy in as time permits. As the book states, it can't be done all at once."
"Then I suggest we get started this afternoon," Severus said. "I should at least like to walk into Hogwarts on my own, not as baggage for a house-elf to carry." He glared at Hermione, who had the temerity to giggle. "Or as hand luggage for a witch."
* * *
Minerva, after joining the Malfoys and Hermione for luncheon, and astonished to find herself enjoying the experience, excused herself to return to Hogwarts. Looking in to say good-bye to Severus, she found him immersed in a medical textbook.
"Is that the book Mr Malfoy and Miss Granger used to find your cure?" she asked.
"Yes, it is," Severus answered. "I am finding it most fascinating. Some of the procedures described seem almost barbaric. You should thank your lucky star the Dark Lord considered this beneath him. Otherwise, we might have had some real trouble."
"As if we didn't have trouble enough," Minerva countered. "I will see you at Hogwarts on New Years Day, preferably walking on your own. Mr Malfoy was describing what sounded like the worst torture in order to build up your strength and stamina. I will wish you good luck. I have the feeling you'll need it." She chuckled to herself as she walked out the door to return to Scotland.
"Oh," she said, sticking her head back in the room, "be sure to continue our correspondence if you can. I have missed you, you know." With that, she left the manor and Apparated back to Hogwarts to share the news with the other teachers and begin preparation for the new year.
* * *
Draco entered Severus' room with trepidation. A curt summons to enter was the response to his knock and he wondered what had gone wrong.
"Mr Malfoy," Severus purred. "I am given to understand that you wish to torture me into gaining strength and stamina."
"No, Professor," Draco said. "It's a regimen of exercise and massage to retrain your muscles. After lying in bed for seven months, they have forgotten how to work properly, that's all."
"Exercise and massage?" Severus questioned. "The exercise I can understand, but why the massage?"
"Your muscles have kinked up from the inaction. According to the book..."
"Mr Malfoy, never did I expect to see the day you would sound like the Know-It-All Gryffindor," Severus interrupted, smirking. "I have read your book, and I fully understand what you are saying. Now, let us begin."
* * *
Minerva McGonagall
Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Minerva,
As much as it pains me, I am writing to thank you for your visit the other day.
Draco has given me exercises to help strengthen my leg and arm muscles. He says once I can sit up on my own, then we will start some harder exercises. Not to complain, but any harder and I am not sure I would survive. Of course, the massage afterwards is most excellent.
I can see you smirking at the thought of Severus Snape receiving a massage. This is not what you think. Draco is manipulating the muscles in my extremities and stretching out the kinks, as he calls them, in other parts of my body. I call them painful.
Tell Slughorn that all the papers he has assigned this term are to be completely marked before I return. I do not wish to start out the new term correcting his inane assignments. I am sure I will have enough to do without doing his work as well.
Severus
* * *
Severus Snape
Malfoy Manor
Wiltshire, England
Severus,
The Muggles have a saying: "No pain, no gain". I'm not exactly sure what it means, but it does sound good. Tell Draco to keep up the excellent work.
Horace has agreed that all his assignments will be marked before you return. He has stated that it would feel good to return to his little house again. Of course, Albus told me that Horace was living in a Muggle's home in Budleigh Babberton when Albus and Mr Potter discovered him. A Muggle who was out of the country at that! The man probably didn't even know Horace was there.
I informed the other teachers of your return to Hogwarts at the last staff meeting. I'm sure you realise that not all of them are pleased that you're returning. However, I hope to talk them into some semblance of civilised behaviour before you arrive.
Minerva
* * *
Minerva McGonagall
Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Headmistress,
May I ask you for some advice? After you left the other day, Malfoy and I spoke about Professor Snape's offer of apprenticeships. It sounds lovely, but my parents made me promise that I would consider University after leaving Hogwarts as a condition of being allowed to enrol.
I understand there is a Wizarding University attached to Cambridge, and that I could also enrol in the Muggle University to study Chemistry and Advanced Mathematics. Does this sound like a good idea to you? I am honoured that Professor Snape thinks my work good enough for an apprenticeship, but I do want to honour my parents' request as well.
Could you please advise me as to what I might tell him? I don't want him to think I don't appreciate his offer, because I really do.
Sincerely,
Hermione Granger
* * *
Hermione Granger
Malfoy Manor
Wiltshire, England
Miss Granger,
I am sure if you explain your promise to your parents and your plans for tertiary education after leaving Hogwarts, Professor Snape will understand. After all, it is your education which is important here.
Cambridge does indeed have a Wizarding University. I have some acquaintance with the Dean of Transfiguration. I will speak with him and get you some information about what you can and cannot enrol in on the Muggle side, as well as what kind of records you will need to do so. I understand that Muggles are very keen on having the proper records for their students.
Please keep in mind that there are other careers out there besides Potions. Professors Flitwick and Vector have both expressed an interest in your possible apprenticeship after Hogwarts. I would also be pleased if you would consider becoming my apprentice. Even if you were to attend Cambridge, I am certain there would be a place for you here at Hogwarts when you are finished.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
* * *
Story Actions
To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.
Leave a Review
Log in to leave a review.
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." ^_^