Chapter 10
Chapter 10 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: The characters in this little play belong to JKR. I can claim only the plot (and the wager). I'll take Hermione by ten points. ^_^
A/N: Thanks to GrammarPolice and SlytherinsHeirx for their beta and Britpicking skills. This chapter would have been very illegible without them.
Chapter Ten
Minerva,
Mr Malfoy and Miss Granger have entered into a wager as to which one will receive the highest N.E.W.T scores without cheating or trying to hinder the other in any way. In addition, Lucius and Narcissa have entered a wager of new dress robes to the backer of the winning student.
Lucius, of course, is backing Mr Malfoy. Narcissa then upped the ante by wagering that if Miss Granger could either equal or surpass my N.E.W.T. scores, Lucius would take her to Italy for a new wardrobe including shoes.
I thought that perhaps the staff might like to participate in this wager. As you know, my financial situation at this moment is rather bleak. I can only afford to wager a galleon that Mr Malfoy will have the higher scores at the end of the year. If you would place my wager for me, I can repay you when I return to the school on New Year's Day.
Severus
* * *
"Minerva?" Poppy Pomfrey looked at the Headmistress with trepidation. After all, it did not seem proper for the Head of Hogwarts to be giggling like a little girl while at breakfast in the Great Hall. Even the students were staring.
"I'll tell you at today's staff meeting," Minerva whispered to the Mediwitch. "It's rather intriguing, really. And sounds like too much fun to miss."
"Fun?" Poppy asked.
"Hmmm," Minerva hummed in reply while rereading the letter she had received from Severus that morning. "Oh, yes. This promises to be great fun, indeed. It should liven up the winter and spring terms no end." With that, she rose from the table and out the staff door, carrying her correspondence with her.
* * *
By afternoon, word had spread through the staff that something interesting was afoot, and it promised to make the end of term staff meeting rather more interesting than usual. Albus looked on benignly from the landscape over the fireplace mantel as the various teachers entered the staff room and greeted him. He nodded as he returned their greetings, his eyes twinkling. When all members of the staff were present, Minerva opened the letter she received that morning.
"I think in light of this development..." she began.
"What development?" Filius interrupted. "What's going on, Minerva?"
"I'll explain if you quit interrupting." Minerva gave him her best quelling look, and he settled in his seat. "I received a letter from Severus this morning concerning a certain wager between Miss Granger and Mr Malfoy, as well as a wager between the elder Malfoys concerning the same subject.
"It seems that Mr Malfoy has wagered he would receive higher N.E.W.T. scores than Miss Granger without cheating or hindering her in her studies. Mr Lucius Malfoy then wagered Mrs Malfoy that Draco would succeed. Mrs Malfoy accepted the wager, and then suggested that if Miss Granger won and also managed to equal or exceed Severus' N.E.W.T. scores, Mr Lucius Malfoy would take her to Italy for an entire new wardrobe."
"Must be nice to be so rich," Pomona Sprout sighed. "What has this to do with us?"
"Severus suggested .we might like to participate in this wager ourselves. He has already placed a galleon on Mr Malfoy, as this is all he can afford at the moment."
Filius snorted. "Mr Malfoy may be an intelligent wizard, but he is nowhere near as intelligent as Miss Granger. I'd wager a galleon on her scores against Malfoy's."
"As would I," several of the other teachers said.
"How would we compare their scores?" Septima Vector asked. "I don't believe they're taking the same number of subjects. Miss Granger has always taken more classes each year than even Filius' Ravenclaws."
"Hmmm, yes," Minerva mused, glancing at the class timetable in front of her. "I believe she is taking ten N.E.W.T.s: Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, Arithmancy, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Ancient Runes, History of Magic, and Herbology.
"Mr. Malfoy is taking N.E.W.T.s in Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Ancient Runes, Divination, and Herbology. That is three less N.E.W.T.s than Miss Granger and only six classes that coincide. I would suggest that we use the scores from the classes they have together rather than their total scores. Is everyone in agreement?"
Nods and "yeses" signified agreement among the staff, and they discussed wagers and placed their bets. Of all the teachers, only Severus, Sybill Trelawney and Horace Slughorn had placed any galleons on Draco's chances of bettering Hermione's N.E.W.T. scores.
* * *
Severus,
I hope you have great faith in Mr Malfoy's ability to outscore Miss Granger. Only yourself, Sybill and Horace have placed wagers backing him. The rest of us have more confidence in Miss Granger. By the way, I am curious. What did they wager?
Since Miss Granger is taking ten subjects and Mr Malfoy only seven, we decided that the six classes they will have together are to be the basis of the winning scores. This seems only fair. Otherwise, Miss Granger would win by default with her three extra class scores.
Now, you old faker, how much do you want to wager on Miss Granger's chances? You see, I do know you quite well, and I am certain that your wager on Mr Malfoy was only a blind.
Albus would also have liked to make a wager, but...fortunately for us...portraits don't have vaults in Gringotts.
Minerva
* * *
Minerva,
Mr Malfoy has wagered that if Miss Granger had higher scores than himself, he would sing the song of her choice in front of the entire school at the Leaving Feast. If he had the highest scores, Miss Granger would have to kiss him in front of the entire school at the Leaving Feast. I felt justified in wagering so little on Mr Malfoy, as I believe Miss Granger will be highly motivated to win.
Of course, Miss Granger would be taking ten classes. You do realise that is one more than I took my seventh year. However, I would imagine she is not taking Divination. The girl is far too intelligent to fall for that claptrap.
Sybill wagers against Miss Granger because she resents the fact Miss Granger not only spoke her mind, but did not adore and worship Sybill during Miss Granger's one attempt at the class (and I don't blame Miss Granger one bit).
Horace, I would imagine, is trying to gain the Malfoys' good graces as part of his lifelong pursuit of patronage and self-aggrandisement. I can see no other reason, as Miss Granger is clearly the better student in Potions. Even last year, when Miss Granger was noticeably absent, Mr Malfoy did not apply himself in any of his classes, as he is quite capable of doing. I am speaking here as the then serving Headmaster, not the Potions professor. If he applies himself for the rest of this year, I would expect to see a significant improvement.
Place five galleons on Miss Granger, if you please, and keep the information strictly to yourself. I have a side wager going with Lucius on the same subject. He, of course, thinks his son is the superior student, despite the evidence in front of his nose during the last few months. My winnings from this wager should make up the shortfall the Wizengamot has forced on me by cutting my salary by half.
Severus
* * *
Severus,
As Pomona said at the staff meeting, it must be nice to be rich.
I will add five galleons to my name in the book. That should keep your name out of it, and you can pay me back out of your winnings.
As I have heard Mr Malfoy sing, I am not sure I want to hear him again, much less in front of the entire school body. However, the thought of Miss Granger kissing him at the Leaving Feast leaves a much less palatable taste in my mouth. All I can say is let the best student (and teacher) win. By the way, how many points do you want for your spread?
Minerva
* * *
Minerva,
By at least fifty points on the N.E.W.T. score comparisons. Miss Granger will have to exceed all my old scores on the other wager.
S.
* * *
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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." ^_^