Chapter 9
Chapter 9 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. I will only take responsibility for their actions within the confines of this story. JKR will have to discipline them otherwise. Kudos to GrammarPolice and SlytherinsHeirx for their betas and Britpicking. Any glaring mistakes were made by me after they were finished.
Chapter Nine
Filius Flitwick
Professor of Charms
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Filius,
How dare you try to purloin one of my students? Mr Malfoy has told me of your offer to take him as an apprentice when he leaves university. I have already offered both he and Miss Granger apprenticeships, with the reservation that I have first refusal after their schooling. Wait your turn, you old wand waver.
Severus
* * *
Severus Snape
Malfoy Manor
Wiltshire, England
Severus,
I believe Mr Malfoy mentioned to me that he intended to study the effects of Charms on Potions while at university with an eye to becoming a Healer. If that is the case, my apprenticeship would make more sense than yours in Potions.
I understand from Minerva that Miss Granger used a Muggle method to neutralize the snake venom. Do you know if there were charms used as well? Perhaps I should offer her an apprenticeship as well. Minerva has already said she gets the first choice if either student refuses your offer, and Septima and I can duel for second choice.
Filius
* * *
"Over my dead body," Severus muttered, reading his latest correspondence by the library fire.
"Sir?"
"Miss Granger." He looked up and waved her into the library from where she stood, frowning, just outside the door. "What exactly do you plan to do once you complete your university education and satisfy your parents’ expectations?"
"I'm not sure, sir," she said, plainly thinking of her options. "I had thought to teach at one of the Wizarding schools, but I would like to have a Mastery before I did that."
"Just one Mastery?" he asked smoothly.
"Maybe to start with," she said, a dreamy look on her face. "The Headmistress offered me an apprenticeship as well—" Her voice trailed off as Severus nodded his head in acknowledgment. "Then I also received letters from Professor Flitwick and Professor Vector—" He nodded again.
Severus growled in frustration. "Thank you, Miss Granger. I already knew that Flitwick had considered offering an apprenticeship to you, and he insinuated that Vector would offer one as well. You have just confirmed my suspicions."
Hermione backed out of the library without picking up the books she had come for while Severus muttered, "Damn poachers. Let them find their own apprentices. Leave mine alone."
* * *
"Oi, Granger, wait up!" Draco called as she hurried down the hallway. "What's the matter with you?"
"Malfoy," Hermione sighed in relief. "Just the person I needed to talk to."
"Wait. You want to talk to me? Without us working on a project together?" Draco asked, his hand on his chest in simulation of shock.
"Yeah," Hermione said with a small laugh. "Freaky, isn't it? But you know Professor Snape better than anyone except your parents. Did you know he's talking to himself about poachers and apprentices?"
"Oh, that," Draco said with a laugh.
"You did know!" accused Hermione.
"Well, not that he was talking to himself," Draco admitted, "but I did know about the 'duelling Masters', as it were. Professor Flitwick offered me a Charms apprenticeship after university if I wanted some advanced study."
"Me too," Hermione said. "I also received offers from Professor McGonagall and Professor Vector. That makes four, if you count Professor Snape's."
"Well, don't you rate," Draco sneered.
"Jealous much, are we, Malfoy?"
"In your dreams, Granger," he countered, and then he grinned at her. "I'll make a bet with you."
"What kind of bet?" Hermione demanded, her eyes narrowing.
"I'll bet I can get better N.E.W.T. scores than you," he said, "and I'm willing to swear on my wand that I won't cheat or try to hinder you in any way."
"What's the prize?" she asked. "I refuse to bet if it's something kinky."
"If I get better scores than you—" Draco paused, obviously thinking, "then you have to kiss me in front of the entire student body and staff at the Leaving Feast." He wiggled his eyebrows in a lascivious manner. "And with tongue."
"And if you lose?"
"Then I'll stand up in front of everyone at the Leaving Feast and sing the song of your choice to you."
"Draco, I've heard you sing." Hermione giggled, remembering. "You've an awful singing voice. Everyone will laugh at you."
"All the more reason for me to win then, isn't it." He pulled his wand out of his arm holster. "Do we have a deal?"
Hermione drew her wand. "Deal," she said, and touched the tip of her wand to his with a shower of sparks.
They separated and went on about their business, unaware of the two sets of eyes watching from an alcove under the stairs.
"Well, dear," Lucius purred, "shall we make our own side bet?"
"Are you asking me to bet against my son," Narcissa said with a smile, "because I agree with Hermione. He does have the most awful singing voice." She laughed.
"I am willing to wager new dress robes against their cost in galleons that Draco will win this bet of theirs."
"New dress robes, hmm?" Narcissa mused. "Who would get the robes, me or you?"
"Well, I was thinking of you," Lucius said smoothly, "but if you want to buy me new robes, I won't demur."
Narcissa laughed again. "All right, I'll wager that Hermione gets better scores than Draco. In fact, I'll do you one better."
"Oh?" Lucius asked, raising his eyebrows.
"I'll wager you that Hermione will match or surpass Severus' N.E.W.T. scores. After all, his record hasn't been broken since he left Hogwarts. And if I win, you will take me to Italy this summer and buy me a new wardrobe, shoes and all."
"Done!" They also touched wands to seal their wager.
Severus smirked as he watched their machinations from the door of the library. Then he returned to his seat by the fire and began to make his own plans for the coming year.
* * *
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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." ^_^