The Hearing

Hermione walked calmly into the courtroom, followed by Draco, Lyra and Severus. She took her seat; Draco sat next to her with Lyra and Severus directly behind them. Her eyes surveyed the other occupants of the crowded room. The gallery was nearly full; it seemed that there were many interested in the fate of the Malfoys' latest project.

Kingsley Shacklebolt, Amos Diggory, and Robert Hilliard were the Interrogators for the case. Harry Potter sat as a member of the Wizengamot, as did Arthur Weasley, Andromeda Tonks, former Auror Gawain Robards, Minerva McGonagall and about forty others. In the gallery, Hermione nodded to Bill Weasley, Filius Flitwick, Horace Slughorn and a few other familiar faces.

Amos Diggory would take the leading role, as the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Hermione knew that this was Robert's first case as the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister.

Amos cleared his throat and began to speak. "Ladies and gentleman, Malfoy Industries has asked for an appeal regarding the injunction placed upon the distribution of pharmaceuticals to the Muggle community. Advocate Granger will be presenting the case for Malfoy Industries. I understand that you have several witnesses available to answer questions from the Wizengamot."

"That is correct, sir." Hermione addressed Amos with a polite nod.

"The Department for the Misuse of Magic will be represented by Lead Prosecutor Percy Weasley. Advocate Weasley, I understand that you have a witness to call as well."

"Yes, sir." Percy's obsequious smile was met with a chorus of subtle groans.

"Very well, we will begin with Advocate Weasley's opening statement." He motioned to the center of the courtroom.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Wizengamot, the matter before us is simple. The agents of Malfoy Industries deliberately flouted the International Statute of Secrecy. They marketed no less than seven illegal substances directly to Muggles. They did so with blatant contempt for Muggle safety or the secrecy of our world. This request is merely a legal smokescreen they have filed in an attempt to protect themselves from criminal prosecution. We will prove today that not only should their request be denied but the company should be sanctioned for its flagrant disregard for the law."

"Advocate Granger, your opening statement, please."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this matter is anything but simple. Malfoy Industries and their Muggle subsidiary Black Pharmaceuticals has developed or improved approximately twenty medications in the twelve years since the war. These products were developed using tried and true research procedures, both Muggle and magical. They were rigorously tested by all applicable governing bodies before they were administered to anyone. The products have been immensely successful, saving thousands of Muggle lives and improving the quality of lives for thousands more. Many of the specific allegations brought forth by the Department of the Misuse of Magic are patently false. Malfoy Industries does acknowledge that Ministry approval should have been pursued prior to the distribution of some of the products, but ambiguities in the law made the proper course of action unclear. Malfoy Industries and Black Pharmaceuticals are represented here today to present the facts to the Wizengamot and to develop a strategy going forward that will benefit both the magical and Muggle communities."

Kingsley spoke next. "Thank you both. Now, Advocate Weasley, please elaborate on the charges of past violations."

"Certainly, Minister," Percy said, walking over to a large flip chart with the heading of Black Pharmaceuticals Violations. "I would like to point your attention to this chart that describes the list of magical products illegally marketed to Muggles." Percy pointed his wand towards the flip chart as the products materialized on the chart.

Tremor Reducer – Treats neurological condition. Widely distributed to Muggles.

Blood Restorative – Modified blood replenisher. Administered to Muggles in hospitals.

Sedative – Used for medical procedures and in trauma situations. Administered to Muggles in hospitals.

Prenatal Potion – Designed to prevent miscarriage. Widely distributed to Muggles

Nausea Reducer – Anti-nausea potion. Widely distributed to Muggles.

Scar Vanishing Potion – Anti-scar treatment. Sold directly to Muggles without the interaction of a Muggle doctor.

Cholesterol Balancer – Treats heart disease. Prescribed by Muggle doctors.

Percy continued. "All of these products use magical ingredients and are illegal in their current form. They have all been sold directly to Muggles." Percy smiled smugly at the Wizengamot. "I would like to call Marietta Edgecombe to the stand."

Amos nodded and called Marietta to the stand. The heavy bangs she had worn in her later years of Hogwarts were gone. The scars from the 'Sneak' hex were completely gone. The look she gave Hermione as she passed was deadly. Hermione looked straight ahead, not allowing her past encounters with Marietta to show.

"Ms. Edgecombe, please tell us what your role was at Malfoy Industries."

"I worked in the accounting department."

"Ms. Edgecombe, please tell us how you learned that the company was using magical ingredients in Muggle potions."

"I found records of a transfer of potions ingredients from Malfoy Industries to Black Pharmaceuticals."

"Magical ingredients?"

"Yes, sir."

"What did you do next?"

"I thought it might be a mistake, so I checked the historical records. Each month for the past several years, Malfoy Industries made purchases of potions ingredients. They purchased far more than the Wizarding potions needed. Each month, a transfer was made to Black Pharmaceuticals."

"And who does Black Pharmaceuticals serve?"

"Muggle pharmacies. There are a few products that are over-the-counter that are sold directly to non-pharmacy retailers."

"Thank you, Miss Edgecombe. I have nothing further."

Percy smiled at Marietta. She gave Hermione a satisfied sneer.

Amos Diggory spoke up. "Advocate Granger, do you have any questions for Ms. Edgecombe?"

"Yes, sir." Hermione stood and smoothed her robes. She crossed over to where Marietta was sitting.

"Miss Edgecombe, can you tell me which ingredients were used for which of the medications?"

"Pardon me?"

"Advocate Weasley has published Exhibit A, which is the record of the product transfer from April, 2010. Did you provide this to Advocate Weasley?"

"Yes, Advocate Granger."

"So, this is how you became aware that Black Pharmaceuticals was using magical ingredients in potions for Muggles?"

"Yes, Advocate Granger."

"Then, I would like you to tell the court which magical ingredients were used in which formula. In particular, I would like to focus on the scar removal medication to start."

"I do not know."

"Then, how did you know magical ingredients were being used in those formulas?"

"I knew they were used in some of the products."

"But you don't know which products used which ingredients?"

"Correct."

"Are you a Potions mistress, Ms. Edgecombe?"

"No."

"Did you complete an N.E.W.T. or equivalent in Potions?"

"No."

"An O.W.L.?"

"No."

"Are you an accredited Muggle scientist?"

"No."

"So all you were privy to was a purchase order? You really have no idea how the products were used?"

Marietta froze. "They had to be using them for something."

"My apologies, Ms. Edgecombe; you have made it quite clear that you discovered an inventory aberration. Tell me, who is your supervisor at Malfoy Industries, Ms. Edgecombe?"

"Justin Finch-Fletchley."

"And when you informed him of the potential problem, what did he do?"

"I-I did not inform him."

"Can you tell me what Master Snape's role is at Malfoy Industries?"

"He is the head of Potions Research."

"Did you speak with Master Snape regarding your concerns?"

"No."

"And Miss Malfoy? What is her role?"

"She is the head of research and development at Black Pharmaceuticals, and she sits on the Board of Directors of Malfoy Industries."

"Did you speak to Miss Malfoy about your concerns?"

"No."

"Did you speak with Mr. Malfoy?"

"No."

"Employee relations?"

"No."

"Legal?"

"No."

"Did you speak to anyone inside Malfoy Industries about your concerns?"

"No."

"Is there a company procedure for concerns about company wrongdoing?"

"We're supposed to talk to our supervisor or to the legal department."

"And you did not?"

"Correct."

"You went directly to the Ministry without attempting to find the root of the problem from your supervisor, the head of the Potions department, or anyone else inside the company?"

"Yes."

"Do you know specifically what illegal ingredients were used in any of the potions?"

"No, Advocate Granger."

"Miss Edgecombe, have you ever used this product?" Hermione held up a tube of ScarBGone, which was a product marketed to wizards.

Marietta frowned viciously at Hermione. "Yes, I have."

"And how did it work for you?"

"Quite well, thank you, Advocate Granger," Marietta spat out bitterly.

"Can you read me the list of ingredients from that product?"

Marietta read the list aloud.

"Could you verify that none of these ingredients appear on the list Exhibit A?"

"That is correct."

"What about this product?"

"Scar Vanishing Solution..."

"Have you ever heard of it?"

"No."

"Thank you, Ms. Edgecombe."

Marietta returned to her seat in the gallery.

"Ladies and Gentleman, this is the commercial name for the scar reduction potion listed on the injunction. It is the same product as ScarBGone. As Ms. Edgecombe has just told you, it contains none of the magical ingredients provided on Exhibit A. Both products are perfectly legal for use on both Muggles and wizards. ScarBGone, as you can see, has been used successfully for years."

"Objection!" Percy asserted. "There is no proof of Advocate Granger's assertions. This is all merely hearsay."

"If Advocate Weasley would like to provide other evidence that magical ingredients were used, I would be happy to listen." Hermione gave Percy a mischievous smile.

Amos Diggory turned to Percy. "Do you have additional evidence on this matter?"

"No, sir."

Then, Amos turned to Hermione. "Can you provide evidence of the ingredients used?"

"Absolutely, sir. Master Slughorn, please come forward. Members of the court, allow me to introduce Master Horace Slughorn. He taught Potions at Hogwarts for decades before his recent retirement; he has reviewed the reports, and he is prepared to answer questions on this matter from the Wizengamot."

Kingsley motioned for Horace Slughorn to come up to the front of the room.

"Master Slughorn, can you tell me if there are magical ingredients in this scar removal cream?"

"No, Advocate Granger, there are not."

"Were there any magical techniques in developing them whatsoever?"

"None at all. Mr. Malfoy took me to the Muggle laboratory where it is produced. I procured part of my samples from there."

"And this product, Master Slughorn?" Hermione held up the anti-nausea medication.

"That is an anti-nausea medication used in Muggle hospitals. It is used for cancer patients undergoing treatment. Severe nausea is one of the unfortunate side effects of the Muggle cancer treatments."

"Does this product contain any of the ingredients found on Exhibit A?"

"No, Advocate Granger."

"Thank you, Master Slughorn. I have no further questions."

Hermione continued. "Ladies and gentleman of the court, here are three sets of analyses, conducted by independent apothecaries with no ties to Malfoy Industries. They all corroborate Master Slughorn's testimony. Here are the production and distribution records for 2008 through 2010 for the two products. Note that these two formulas are developed in Muggle laboratories."

"Advocate Weasley, do you have any questions for Master Slughorn?"

"Yes. Master Slughorn, do the other five products on the list of sanctions contain magical properties?"

"Why yes, Advocate Weasley, they do."

"Thank you, Master Slughorn. I have nothing further at this time."

"Advocate Granger, you may call your next witness."

Hermione smiled. "I would like to call Healer Hippocrates Smethwyck."

Healer Smethwyck crossed the room slowly. He was a small, frail man, but his eyes were sharp and intelligent.

"Healer Smethwyck, are you familiar with these two products?" Hermione held up the blood restorative and the sedative.

"Yes, Advocate Granger."

"Have you ever used these products on your patients?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Wizards or Muggles?"

"Both."

"At St. Mungo's?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"How often does St. Mungo's treat Muggles?"

"Occasionally. Usually, it is the result of a magical accident, but sometimes, we help in the case of an emergency or natural disaster."

"And are magical remedies ever used?"

"Yes, Advocate Granger. This practice has been documented since the 1940's. Muggle hospitals were overrun with victims of the Muggle war. St. Mungo's treated Muggles as well as wizards during this time and frequently used Wizarding healing techniques. After the war ended, the restrictions were added regarding Muggle testing. That is the only major change in practice."

"Have you seen evidence that the Muggle testing was completed?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Did it follow proper protocols?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Hermione turned to the court. "Here is the documentation that proper licenses were obtained for these two products." She turned back to Healer Smethwyck. "So, in your opinion, are there any legal ramifications to the use of these two potions on Muggles?"

"No. St. Mungo's has worked with Malfoy Industries and Black Pharmaceuticals for several years to ensure these two products were used properly. Given the protocols that were followed, there was no need for Ministry involvement."

"Thank you. I have no further questions."

Hermione turned to face the Wizengamot as she waved her wand, causing several stacks of documents to appear on a table in front of Kingsley. As they appeared, she said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, several other Chief Healers at other hospitals have provided affidavits regarding the use of these two products. This packet contains testimony from the U.S., France, Italy, Canada, and Australia.

"These two are not in violation of the International Statute of Secrecy. Here are distribution reports for these two formulas. It was only sold to licensed magical hospitals for use under strict Healer supervision."

Hermione paused for effect. The members of the Wizengamot all looked thoughtful. Percy looked horrified. He regained his composure.

"Healer Smethwyck, did St. Mungo's supervise the broad distribution of the other three potions in question?"

"No, sir. They were used by St. Mungo's on occasion, but it is my understanding that they were also marketed to Muggle hospitals."

"Thank you, Healer Smethwyck; I have nothing further.

"If I may draw the court's attention to the distribution reports for these potions, they show that these products were, in fact, marketed directly to Muggle facilities and not supervised by St. Mungo's or other wizarding facilities."

Kingsley Shacklebolt turned to Hermione. "You may respond."

"Malfoy Industries concedes that magic was used in the creation of these potions. However, we do not believe that this violates the International Statute of Secrecy. I would like to address this directly with the Wizengamot at this time."

Amos Diggory nodded.

"First, I can find nothing in the law that specifically forbids giving a potion with magical properties to a Muggle. Most past cases involving Muggles and inappropriate use of potions involved harmful potions. The ones that I can locate where the potions were not harmful generally involved coercion of some form."

"Surely, Advocate Granger, you are not arguing that the Statute allows potions to be freely distributed to Muggles. Magic is not to be used in the presence of a Muggle." Robert Hilliard had found his voice.

"Sir, it is my understanding that it is a crime to knowingly perform magic in a Muggle-inhabited area or in the presence of a Muggle. The magic used to create these potions was completed entirely in magical laboratories. No magic was performed in the presence of Muggles."

"Advocate Granger, magic is performed on the ingestion of these potions, even though it isn't performed directly by a witch or wizard at that time." Amos Diggory spoke directly to Hermione.

"Sir, I agree that it is a questionable practice under the Statute, a gray area. However, another clause of the Statute states that magic can be used in front of Muggles in situations where lives are threatened. It is on this basis that we apply for special permission to continue marketing these potions. These potions have saved many lives, and in addition, they have improved the lives of many others."

"You may begin your argument, Advocate Granger."

"Thank you, sir." Hermione stood and walked in front of the court.

"Malfoy Industries seeks exception to the Statute for the requested products. We believe this action will improve quality of life for wizards and Muggles.

"The use of magic on Muggles is not without precedent in our society. Charms are used on Muggles by law enforcement officials when deemed necessary to protect public safety. Memory charms are also used to protect the secrecy of the magical world. As discussed by Healer Smethwyck, Healers often perform life-saving charms on Muggles in emergency situations. Approved potions are allowed to be used under Healer supervision.

"Malfoy Industries views their work in potions research as a logical extension of the work of those Healers. The more sensitive products have only been distributed to Healers, while the other products follow all Muggle protocols for safe distribution.

"I will first address the benefits of the products. After that, I will address the steps that Malfoy Industries has taken, and continues to take, to protect the secrecy of magic.

"First, I shall address the benefits for Muggles and wizards.

"Please see the following exhibits for the progress reports of each of the three products respectively. We have included the reports on the clinical trials of each product. Each binder details what steps were taken to ensure the product's safety. It also includes the certifications and licenses necessary in the Muggle world to market the products. Finally, the binders contain ongoing studies of the progress of each drug.

"Once again, I have provided these materials to Healer Smethwyck. He has reviewed the materials and can answer any questions you may have. Mr. Malfoy, Master Snape, and Miss Malfoy are also available for questions."

Amos Diggory called Healer Smethwyck back to the stand. "Healer Smethwyck, please give us your opinions of these products."

"All three of the products that have been marketed by Malfoy industries have been extremely successful. Highly effective and safe, they have each improved the medical outcome for the recipients."

Several members of the Wizengamot had questions for Healer Smethwyck, which he answered to their satisfaction.

Hermione nodded her thanks to Healer Smethwyck before starting her next argument. "Next, I would like to address the benefits for wizards. Mr. Malfoy and Master Snape will provide testimony in this area."

Draco spoke of the research process that Severus had brought to Malfoy industries. He explained how all of his researchers were now charged with looking for answers from multiple cultures. He believed that Severus' research process had helped develop improved procedures in many other areas.

Severus spoke of the ways they had used the Muggle-based medicine to improve a number of wizarding potions. As he and Hermione had choreographed, he dropped names of several of his products that caught the attention of the members of the Wizengamot.

"Now in addition, I will also address the quality control process. Exhibit twenty-nine details information on some of the products developed that Black Pharmaceuticals has decided not to market on a broad basis.

"Master Snape, please explain why the blood restorative was not marketed directly to Muggle hospitals for use by Muggle doctors."

"Originally, Advocate Granger, it was intended that this product would be available in Muggle hospitals for broad use. The product is very safe; it is also very effective. However, in the clinical trials, we encountered a unique problem. The doctors involved in the trials reported that it worked 'magically.' Obviously, this proved a concern in terms of exposure. We didn't want any doctors, or rival pharmaceutical companies, digging too hard into the origin of the product. As a compromise, we opted to market it only to be used by Healers."

"What about the sedative?"

"It is a similar story, Advocate Granger. Patients commented on how remarkable the effects were compared to other products. It seemed a potential exposure risk. When managed by Healers, that was less of a concern. Many patients treated by Healers receive an Obliviate for other reasons."

"Can you tell us about the unreleased fertility potion?"

"Like the version that we distributed, that is a potion to help reduce the risk of premature birth. It was effective in its testing stage. However, due to the particular combination of magical ingredients, it may increase the likelihood of magical births. We did not want to upset the balance of magical births through artificial means. We are monitoring the children born on this medication to see if an unusual number exhibit magic."

"And the pain medication that was not released, Master Snape?"

"This was mildly addictive. We stopped the testing on it and helped the subjects. There were no long term effects, but again, we did not wish to market anything unless it was proven to be completely safe."

The members of the Wizengamot asked a few questions about how their standards compared to Muggle standards; they were all impressed that the company had even tighter standards before releasing a product.

"Finally, ladies and gentleman, I wish to address the issue of exposure. One of the primary concerns in this matter is the protection of the wizarding community. As a result, it is important that the magic present in the products cannot be identified. I would now like to address actions that were taken to protect the secrecy of wizardry.

"Master Snape, please explain what precautions were taken to prevent exposure."

"I developed a Concealment Charm that hides the existence of magic. If a Muggle tries to determine the ingredients in the medication, they are given the components of a mirror remedy with no magical ingredients. The mirror medicine is also safe and effective, though not as effective as the magical product."

Amos Diggory spoke up. "How do we know the charm is effective?"

Lyra addressed Mr. Diggory. "If I may, sir, we had Muggle scientists test each drug. All of them reported back the same list of ingredients. They all matched the non-magical mirror product."

Hermione handed the panel yet another stack of papers before she spoke. "In addition, we have submitted the charmed potion along with an uncharmed Muggle mirror product to a well-known Charms master. Master Flitwick is with us today."

"Master Flitwick, please come forward," Kingsley called to the tiny professor.

Hermione turned to Master Flitwick. "Please tell us what you discovered about the charm."

"The charm itself is very subtle. I could not detect its use through conventional magic. I was eventually able to break the Concealment Charm. However, there is a protection in the charm that is quite ingenious. Any use of magic against the Concealment Charm triggers a Finite Incantatem on the magic within the potion. Trying to identify the magic actually ends the use of the magic. I consulted with more than one other Charms master and one Gringotts Curse-Breaker. They all reported similar findings."

"Objection!" Percy called. "That is hearsay."

"Gentleman, I submit the following letters from several Charms masters to and from Master Flitwick regarding their experience with the potion. The letters were checked by court officials for potential forgery. I also would like to call Bill Weasley. He is the Curse-Breaker in question."

"Very well, Advocate Granger."

Bill stepped forward. Percy's jaw dropped. Hermione turned to Bill. "Curse-Breaker Weasley, please tell us what you found when you examined the potions."

"It took very advanced magic to break the Concealment Charm on the potion. The only way that I was able to identify that there was a charm on the potion was through a confidential Gringotts' spell. And even then, once the charm was broken, the magic lifted, and I was unable to identify what type of magic was used to create the potion."

"Thank you. That is all." She turned to Draco. "Mr. Malfoy, please explain the production process for these medications."

"Most of the labor is done by elves. We did not want a large number of wizards with the information about the Concealment Charm or the products themselves. The elves are not permitted to speak of their work to anyone outside the production staff except Lyra, Severus, me, or a Ministry official. We felt that elves would be less likely to betray the information, either accidentally or on purpose."

"How was the product distributed?"

"The products were distributed through Black Pharmaceuticals. After the appropriate licenses were obtained, the first product was released slowly. Again, we were trying to ensure safety and discretion."

"How long have these products been in circulation in the Muggle world?"

"Five years for the oldest potion."

"Have there been any security breaches?"

"No."

"Any inquiries from the Ministry prior to this one?"

"No."

"Any use of Memory Charms on Muggles?"

"No."

"Thank you."

Amos Diggory chimed in. "Can you explain to us why you did not seek an exception from this court before marketing the product?"

"Sir, I accept full responsibility for the error. I was unaware that there was a procedure for applying for an exception. I was very excited about the possible positive implications of the discovery. The chance to help others while building the company and its sphere of influence was very alluring. We worked very hard to ensure that both the magical and Muggle world were fully protected and that the Muggle world would see only a scientific advance. It was our intent at all times to maintain secrecy, though I concede that we ventured into very grey areas of the law. Our error was not speaking to counsel before deploying the product. I assure you, sir, that our practical plan was very solid, even if our zeal caused a procedural problem."

The members of the Wizengamot asked a few more questions. After a few minutes, Amos Diggory turned to Percy.

"Advocate Weasley, have you any more evidence to introduce?"

"No, sir."

"Advocate Granger?"

"No, sir."

"Very well, then. Advocate Weasley, your closing argument, please?"

"Thank you sir. Ladies and Gentlemen, as you have heard, Malfoy Industries willfully violated the International Statute of Secrecy. They did so with arrogance and little respect for centuries-old procedures. The company must be held accountable for their actions. Further, we ask that the Wizengamot uphold the historical purpose of the International Statute of Secrecy."

"Advocate Granger, your closing statement."

"Malfoy Industries acknowledges that an error in judgment was made in not seeking a legal solution to the Statute before releasing their products. Therefore, we must consider the negative consequences of this error. The simple answer is that there have been no negative consequences. The evidence presented today has shown significant improvement in the lives of thousands of Muggles. We have learned that Malfoy Industries and Black Pharmaceuticals took extensive steps to ensure the safety of its customers. Many of these measures far exceed any legal requirements, either wizarding or Muggle. We have also seen how efforts were made to ensure the security of the wizarding world.

"Several years have passed without incident. The process is safe and secure. We ask that the Wizengamot formally approve the use of these products, nullifying the injunction against the production of these important medications. We ask that the Wizengamot look beyond the letter of the law and focus on the intent and potential to improve lives. Ladies and Gentlemen, we ask that you do not allow fear and prejudice to stand in the way of protection of human life."

Amos Diggory addressed the members of the Wizengamot. "Given the large amount of evidence before the Wizengamot, much of it written, we will adjourn for today. The members of the Wizengamot will meet this afternoon to discuss the case and a verdict will be handed down tomorrow morning. Thank you all."

*************

Hermione moved to the Atrium. She saw Lyra speaking with her parents on one side of the room. Severus was with them; he looked as if he would rather be anywhere else. Her eyes scanned the area, looking for Draco. She had one more form requiring his signature before they could adjourn for the day. To Hermione's shock, she spied Draco talking with Oliver Wood. They were situated well away from the rest of the group.

She turned and walked over to the two men. She felt a pang of nervousness at approaching Oliver. She did not know how he would react to seeing her.

"Draco." She smiled as she approached. "I have some forms for you to sign when you get a moment. Hello, Oliver, it's good to see you. You're looking well," she said honestly. Oliver looked better than she'd seen him in years. He had regained the fire of his youth. He looked back the way she remembered him when he had been married to Katie. It pleased her immensely.

"Thank you, Hermione. I hear your case went well today." He gave her a friendly smile, but then his attention seemed to wander. Hermione looked over her shoulder to see what had caught his attention. Hermione saw Lyra talking to her parents. Looking stunning as always, Lyra looked over towards them; she gave the three of them a glowing smile. Oliver's eyes glazed over.

Hermione laughed inwardly. Typical.

"I hope so. We won't know until tomorrow. But all of the witnesses did better than I could have expected."

"That was good work in there, Granger," Draco drawled. "There's really no need for the false modesty in this crowd."

"Well, someone has to balance you and your bravado out, Malfoy," Hermione shot back, but her words were light and playful.

"Well, Hermione, I've never known you to lose an argument." Oliver gave her a friendly smile. She laughed. She and Oliver had never really quarreled, but they were both extremely competitive by nature and knew that about each other.

"It doesn't happen often," she offered.

"No, no it doesn't." Oliver was now looking over Hermione's shoulder, unhappily this time.

Curious, she glanced behind her to see what Oliver was looking at so intently. Hermione saw Severus talking with Professor Flitwick.

"Professor Snape looks well," Oliver commented coldly.

Hermione cringed. It wasn't like Oliver to be unkind. She reminded herself quietly that few people knew Severus as he was today. The Professor Snape of her childhood evoked that reaction in many of her peers.

"His research suits him," Hermione stated simply. "I think the quiet life he's been living over the past few years has done him much good."

"I'm sure," Oliver choked out. Hermione was again taken aback. Oliver noticed her reaction, and he quickly controlled his own.

"Well, I won't keep you two from your business." Oliver turned back to Draco for a moment. "Thank you for the advice, Draco. Have a good day."

"I mean what I said, Wood. This is a matter that should be dealt with soon." Draco's face was serious. Oliver nodded thoughtfully. Hermione was curious what they could be discussing, but knowing Draco and Oliver, it was probably some Quidditch situation that she wouldn't care about or understand. Oliver turned and left.

Hermione was aware that Draco was watching her face with some interest. Hermione opened her briefcase and pulled out some papers for Draco to sign. She explained to him that they were the request to lower the amount of the fines Percy had proposed. He read over them quickly and signed them for her.

"Thank you, Draco. I will see you tomorrow."

"Actually, Granger, Astoria wanted me to invite you to dinner this evening. Seven o' clock at the Manor."

Hermione nodded. She would enjoy seeing Astoria and Scorpius. Draco crossed over to his father, and they were soon engrossed in conversation. Looking across the room, Hermione noticed that Lyra had disappeared. With a smile, Hermione observed Narcissa talking with her sister. Astoria had told her at one point that Narcissa and Andromeda had reconciled after the war. She was glad to see them rebuilding their relationship. Severus was still a bit removed from the group. He looked distinctly uncomfortable with the attention he was getting from the various members of the Wizengamot.

Hermione decided to take pity on him. As she approached, she adopted her official demeanor once again. "Master Snape," she said calmly and clearly, "if it isn't too much trouble, we have some official matters to discuss. If you could accompany me to my office, it would be appreciated."

He looked momentarily perplexed at her tone and her request. Comprehension quickly dawned, and he nodded imperceptibly before grousing mildly for the benefit of the onlookers. Hermione led him over to the Floo. She told him her office address and then stepped through the Floo.

Severus followed shortly thereafter and stepped out behind her. "Thank you, Hermione. I forget sometimes how much I loathe the Ministry."

"Not a problem, Severus. It must be quite a shock after the serenity of the Manor."

"Yes. There are few outside the Manor whose company I enjoy."

Hermione's face fell. "Well, I won't keep you. Feel free to use the Floo." She turned her back.

"Hermione, you can't think I meant you." She remained with her back facing him. "Hermione..."

"What?"

"Turn around."

She did not comply.

He crossed over and put his hand on her shoulder. "In case it is not clear to you, I enjoy your company very much. Over the past few weeks, I have come to value your friendship more than I want to admit."

She turned around. "You do? You consider me a friend?" Her eyes were hopeful.

Severus warred with himself. Oh, how he knew that was a lie. He did not view her as a friend at all. He saw an attractive, vibrant woman, who tested him and provoked him in ways he wasn't ready to admit to her or to himself. He chose the safest answer possible. "I enjoy our time together, Hermione."

"As do I, Severus." She looked at up at him again with those eyes. Those damn, beautiful, soft eyes that haunted his thoughts when he was alone. She bit her lip, and then she said with much caution, "I certainly hope that we will continue to have time to visit after the case is over."

"I would like that." He gave her a half smile.

"I'll be at the Manor tonight for dinner. Will I see you there?"

"No, I will be away from the Manor this evening."

"Oh, well, then I shall see you tomorrow." Hermione tried to hide her disappointment.

"Very well, Hermione. Thank you again for your help with this case. This work means a lot to all of us."

"You are welcome, Severus. It is important work; I can see that."

He nodded and stepped through the Floo.

********************

Several hours later, Astoria greeted Hermione warmly in the parlor. "How are you, Hermione?"

"Good, thank you. How are you feeling?"

"Quite well, thank you. It will just be the five of us for dinner tonight. Lyra and Severus have plans this evening."

Hermione felt her stomach drop out. Her disappointment at not seeing Severus was nothing compared to the ache she felt at hearing that he had plans with Lyra.

"How is Scorpius?" Hermione changed the subject quickly.

"My-nee!" a tiny voice answered, and Scorpius ran into the room.

Draco followed, laughing. "I couldn't keep up with him. Once he heard your voice, Hermione, he was off. Between you and Severus, I'm not sure who he gets more excited to see."

Hermione bounced Scorpius about while she chatted with her friends. Lucius and Narcissa joined them a few minutes later. Astoria announced it was time for Scorpius to go up to bed a few minutes later. She was feeling fatigued from the pregnancy, so Narcissa offered to help her put little Scorpius to bed, which Astoria graciously accepted.

Lucius looked uncharacteristically uncomfortable. Draco smiled. "Father needs an extra drink this evening. It seems he had a conversation earlier this evening that has left him unsettled." Draco crossed to the sideboard and poured his father a drink.

Lucius shot his son a look. "Draco, your time will come, son. Even though I am happy about the turn of events, it still leaves one feeling nostalgic."

"I do not remember this type of fanfare when Astoria and I were courting."

"Well, son, I'm not sure what to say, except that it's different with a daughter. I know Lord and Lady Greengrass had similar feelings, even though they were thrilled at the union."

"I'm just glad he has finally decided to move forward. Whatever her hesitation, she loves him."

"Draco, this conversation has become unseemly in front of Miss Granger. Do forgive us." Lucius gave a polite nod.

She smiled weakly. Hermione had gone stark white. She was extremely grateful that Lucius had stopped that line of discussion. She really didn't need to hear the romantic tale of Severus Snape and Lyra Malfoy. She could feel her stomach turn at the thought.

"Granger, are you feeling ill?" Draco sounded concerned. Suddenly, his face fell. "Oh, Merlin. Granger, I'm sorry. I thought you knew they were an item."

She looked at Draco in shock. How long had he known about her feelings for Severus?

"I think I need to go home. I'm sorry for my rudeness. Draco, please give my apologies to Astoria and your mother. I'm not feeling well at all." Hermione bolted to the Floo. Upon arriving in her flat, she collapsed onto the sofa, her heart heavy with the information she had obtained. After the exchange in her office, she had let herself start to hope. Now, she was crushed.