Chapter 3
Chapter 3 of 8
phoenixWith the poisoning victims saved, Hermione turns her sights to discovering the truth about Severus' role in the war.
ReviewedChapter 3
Severus paced the main room. He knew that she wouldn't be long, and he needed time to collect his thoughts. He rationalized that how he felt towards Hermione was just manufactured in his mind since she was the first person who had been nice to him in years. He had spent six years belittling and tormenting her, there was no way she could like a man like him. Or could she?
Why else would she offer to help prove his innocence, something she shouldn't have believed in given his prior attitude towards her. But she had. She believed he was innocent and was now focusing her keen intellect on proving that.
"It's just another mystery to be solved," he muttered. "A puzzle. Another cause. Nothing more. She has no personal interest in me." His rambling was cut short as the Floo roared to life for Hermione.
"You didn't have to leave so abruptly," she said shortly after stepping through the fire.
"I thought the less attention I drew the better. You seemed to indicate that was the fact," he replied pointedly.
"Well, yes," she replied sheepishly. "I just wanted to thank you for what you did. Your potions were brilliant. The ideas in them... How did you come up with those combinations?"
This was not something he wanted to think about. "In order to truly understand antidotes to poisons, one must have an excellent understanding of poisons."
"Right," she said quietly.
"That is why none of you were able to devise an antidote." He turned away from her, feeling unworthy of the praise she had given him.
Changing the subject, she said, "Well, I'll go see Mr. Weasley and get your wand back. Then we can make plans for finding any testimony or memories Dumbledore might have left behind."
Severus turned around and snapped, "Did you not hear what I just said? I have brewed poisons, heinous poisons, poisons that have killed people." He could not believe she could shrug off his past so easily.
She crossed her arms and held her ground before him. "Yes, I heard. Had you refused, you would have lost your position as spy and probably your life. The law does account for people being under duress."
He was dumbfounded. "Why are you doing this?" he finally asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. He was not used to acts of kindness being directed his way. Normally anyone who did anything for him desired something in return.
She relaxed her demeanor slightly. "Because I believe you. I believe that you were acting under Dumbledore's orders. Don't ask me why, but I just feel it wasn't consistent with what we knew and Dumbledore said about you."
Severus was at a loss for words. Only Dumbledore had trusted him. And surely, after all the lies and manipulation she and her friends had suffered at the hands of Albus Dumbledore, he couldn't believe that she would cling so blindly to anything the old man told them. Albus had known for almost a year that he was going to die from destroying the Horcrux in the ring, yet he had never told Harry, never prepared the boy for losing his mentor and, just like with Severus, left so many other facts unsaid.
"Now, I'll go see Mr. Weasley and be back as soon as I can. Then we can start planning what we want to do. I suppose I'll need to send an owl to Professor McGonagall to set up an appointment, and I'll go talk to Headmaster Brumford and see if the portrait will tell me anything. If not I'll see about arranging for you to come to the castle."
He could tell that there was no stopping her and decided it was best to let her have her fantasy for a little while longer. Once the search proved fruitless, she would see that he would always be an outcast and would lose interest in him.
Hermione arrived at a Ministry abuzz with the news that the last victims of the war had been cured. No one was mentioning Severus's name, which she thought was a shame. The wizarding world should know who saved those people. Severus should not have to hide in the shadows. It had seemed to make sense before she got to know the real Severus Snape that his assistance should be kept quiet, but now she had changed her mind. He deserved to be recognized for his contributions.
When she arrived at Arthur's office, she had to wait for nearly half an hour before she was allowed to see him. The longer she sat, the more impatient she grew. She took a couple of cleansing breaths before entering the office. "Thank you for seeing me."
He took his glasses off. "So obviously you wanted something more than Snape's wand. What's on your mind?"
She knew that what she was about to say would sound awkward. "I know it seems odd, but in working with Severus, well, I've come to believe him that he was operating under Dumbledore's orders."
"Hermione, people have looked, but there has been no proof..." He rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"I know that, but I think that the wrong people have been looking. It's like when Dumbledore set us on our mission to find the Horcruxes. He gave each of us the tools we would need, but we just didn't know what they were for at that time. But when the time came, working together we figured it out." She watched Mr. Weasley lean forward in interest. "Well, no one has ever let Snape try to prove his innocence. Yes, he had his trial, but it was a very cursory trial."
"Minerva..."
"I know that Minerva asked Dumbledore's portrait, but think about Harry's Snitch. The whole Ministry of Magic couldn't determine what purpose it served. Even Harry couldn't until the time was right. Well, I think the time is right. Severus just saved a large number of people from certain death by brewing the antidote to that poison. This is the best time to prove his innocence, when there are some people who are going to look at his actions and be more likely to believe that he was on the side of the Light the entire time. At least, they are going to question whether he could work so hard to help the poisoning victims if he was evil enough to murder the Headmaster on Riddle's orders."
Arthur pondered this for several long seconds.
She scooted forward to the edge of her chair. "Please, Mr. Weasley, let us go to Hogwarts and speak with the portrait. All I ask is for one last chance to find the evidence that Dumbledore surely left behind."
"I don't know. Snape back at Hogwarts. If word were to get out..." He trailed off as he pondered the ramifications.
"Then let me go and speak to the portrait first. I might be able to convince him to give me the information we need to exonerate Severus." She refused to give up without making every effort.
He considered her offer for a few moments. "Because it's you vouching for him, I'll allow it, even though it's against my better judgment."
She jumped out of her seat to grab his hands. "You won't regret this. If we can prove his innocence, you'll be lauded as the Minister who makes sure everyone receives fair treatment under the law." She knew that while there were many things they had not known about Dumbledore, she was reasonably sure that if Severus truly had been following his orders, that proof must have been left somewhere.
"I'll contact Headmaster Brumford and let him know to expect your visit. I assume you can wait until tomorrow?"
"Oh, yes. I can go during the day, and if Dumbledore's portrait won't speak to me, I'll bring Severus to Hogwarts over dinner when the students will be in the Great Hall and not likely to be in the upper corridors. Besides, we were working quite late on the potions, and I think some rest would be in order before speaking with Dumbledore's portrait." She knew that the old Headmaster had not liked to give a straight answer to anything.
"St. Mungo's is very eager to get a full report on what you did," he prompted.
"Professor Snape will have to write that. I saw what he did but I can't explain why his antidote was effective. I just don't have his depth of knowledge of Potions. I expect it'll take a couple of days. Thank you again, Mr. Weasley."
She felt much lighter, as though a great weight had been lifted. She knew that they would succeed, that Severus would be proven innocent.
Hermione arrived at Hogwarts the following morning with a little trepidation. She hadn't been back since the war the memories were far too painful. And because she had been there, she knew where to look for the scars in the stone. They were subtle, but they were still there. Too many wonderful people had given their lives that night. She was so lost in the past, that she did not notice Mr. Filch's muttering under his breath about how her visit had inconvenienced him.
With great difficulty, she pushed those thoughts from her mind and entered the castle. She saw that Professor McGonagall was waiting for her in the Entrance Hall. "Professor, it's so good to see you again."
Minerva gave her former star student a welcoming embrace. "It's the least we can do. Albus always told me he had a reason for trusting Severus, and that I should do the same. For a while I thought that trust had been misplaced. It would be very comforting to believe that Albus knew what he was doing. I'm afraid Professor Bumford had business elsewhere today, but he gave me permission to take you to his office."
Hermione found herself glad that she wouldn't have to deal with the new headmaster. She didn't really know him, and she felt that Dumbledore's portrait would be more forthcoming the fewer people who were around. "That might be for the best," she said as they walked towards the headmaster's office.
When they arrived, the room looked nothing like it had under Dumbledore. Gone were the myriad of instruments. The room was very Spartan. There were no personal effects and only one shelf of books. Dumbledore's portrait was hung prominently behind the desk, its occupant seemingly asleep. Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione could see the occupants of the other portraits watching her, while trying not to appear as though that was what they were doing.
"I'll leave the two of you," Minerva said as she nodded her head and Dumbledore's portrait.
Once she was alone, Hermione asked, "Professor Dumbledore, may I speak with you?"
"Ah, Miss Granger. What a surprise to see you here," Dumbledore replied, acting as though he was just awakening and had not known she was there.
She'd grown up under this man, and respected him, but she had learned the hard way that trust had been misplaced after the things he had done to Harry, along with Ron, herself, and others. She still harbored a great deal of anger toward him, actually. He had, after all, sent out three teenagers on a wild hunt for Riddle's Horcruxes, so woefully unprepared that it was sheer chance they survived. She wasn't really in the mood to play his little games, even though she knew it might become necessary. "Good morning, Professor. I'm looking for some information. Professor Snape has testified to his role in the war and the orders you gave him, and people have looked for but no one has been able to find any evidence supporting his testimony. Evidence that would clarify things for him and everyone."
"Oh, really!" He tried to sound surprised, tried to look surprised, too, raising his eyebrows and widening his eyes behind his half-moon spectacles.
Hermione could see right through him and knew that demanding he tell her would not be fruitful. After all, his own brother, Aberforth, had told her that Dumbledore had always kept secrets, sometimes telling only half-truths, giving just what he thought was enough information She had to be more subtle now; she had to outwit him, if that was possible. "Professor, I have talked with Professor Snape, and he told me that he was never able to find any record that he acted on your orders. Of course, he wasn't able to conduct a decent search of the castle when he was headmaster."
"You talked with Severus?" he asked skeptically.
Hermione was reasonably sure this was some sort of test on his part. "Yes. The two of us spent the last couple of days working on an antidote to one of the poisons that was used in the war. I was able to secure his pardon in return for his help, but I believe he deserves more than that. The wizarding world deserves to know the truth so that he can have his life back." When she finished she crossed her arms, daring the portrait to disagree with her.
"So, you believe he's innocent?" Dumbledore asked slyly as he leaned forward in his chair.
She was right; she'd have to be smart, as smart as everyone touted her to be. "I believe that he was acting on your orders for the greater good. I believe you are the most manipulative person I have met. Just look at what you did to Harry, Ron and me. That was incredibly cruel. You could have been more forthright in giving us the information that we needed, especially since you knew that your death was rapidly approaching. You used us just like you used him." She tried to keep the anger out of her voice, but the unending respect she had once had for her old headmaster had faded over the last year.
"I have my reasons for what I did," he replied simply, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands on his lap.
She pointed at him. "You owe it to Snape to reveal the truth about his behavior. You just can't take a person's life away like that, or did you not expect him to survive, just another sacrifice for your greater good!" she snapped. At the raising of his eyebrows, she continued, "Oh, yes, your past was dug up. I may not approve of much that Rita Skeeter has done, but she did open our eyes to the truth about you, that all was not as it seems."
"No one's life is as it seems," he said sadly, gazing off into the distance before meeting her eyes. "While there was much that you did not know about me, there is also much that you do not know about Severus. I daresay you would feel about him much the same way you feel about me if you knew the truth."
"He joined with Voldemort because he was young and under pressure. It is a well-established fact that Slytherin was a recruiting ground for his supporters. I don't imagine he had a lot of choice," she replied defensively as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"And I was young when I had my first encounter with Grindelwald. Yet you judge me on what I did when I was young. I righted that wrong. I convinced him that his way was wrong, that he should stop and turn himself in. I atoned for my wrong. Has Severus done that?" he asked pointedly.
"Yes, he did. He spied on Voldemort for you all those years, kept tabs on his followers. He kept the students at Hogwarts as safe as he could from the Death Eaters he was forced to hire. He kept Gryffindor's sword safe so that we would be able to use it in the final battle and he delivered it to us. He did everything you expected of him and more. Don't let him be an outcast when he should be a hero." She hated how much the last sounded like pleading.
Dumbledore sighed and slowly shook his head. "I can see how little you know of Severus. He does not want fame, and I daresay having everyone leave him alone would be his preference."
"How little you know about him. Over the last few days I have seen how lonely he is, how starved for a legitimate friend he is. He may not want fame, but he most certainly does not want to be ostracized. If you won't help me, I'll figure it out myself. Of course, that's probably what you wanted all along. Heaven forbid you actually help someone rather than give us all these little puzzles to do it ourselves." She turned on her heel and stormed to the door.
Before she could open it, he rose from his painted chair and said, "Wait!"
Impatiently, she turned to face him. "What?" she asked sharply.
"You really do believe in his innocence, don't you?" he asked cautiously as he regained his seat.
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't, but I don't see what that has to do with it." She was growing impatient with him. While she hadn't expected him to freely offer proof, she had expected more cooperation than she was getting from him.
"It has everything to do with it. It is the same principle that allowed Harry to call Fawkes to him and to draw the sword out of the Sorting Hat. Faith is an incredibly powerful emotion."
"Yes, yes, just like love," she replied impatiently having heard Harry mention it several times.
"You do not believe in the power of love?"
She sighed, her patience finally at an end. "No, I don't," she snapped. "I'm just tired of how you used all of us like pawns only giving us half the information we would need, seemingly not caring what happened to our lives, whether we lived or died. Well congratulations, you sacrificed Severus, but I'm not going to let you win. One way or the other I will find the proof that he was acting on your orders. I've wasted enough time talking to you." She was determined to just walk out of the office, even though she was incredibly disappointed that a man she had so highly respected had been so cavalier with people's lives.
"You want your proof?" he called out to her as she placed her hand on the doorknob.
She almost didn't stop, thinking this was just going to be one more of his games. "What else do I have to do before you let me have it?" she asked cautiously without turning around.
"Nothing. Well, that is assuming that my possessions can still be found. Severus kept them safe here, but I notice that his successor had them all removed. I think that Severus suspected that one of them might contain the information he needed."
She had heard about the myriad of magical instruments that Dumbledore kept in his office, but she had never really looked at any of them. "Which one do I have to locate?" she asked as she turned to look him the eyes, trying not to sound too excited that she was going to succeed after all this was Dumbledore she was dealing with.
"You must find the keepings box," he said simply with his hands clasped on his lap.
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 Work Release
76 Reviews | 5.76/10 Average
Well, I'm hoping you are still working on this story, and haven't given it up. I quite like it. And who says you have to follow JKR's story now? Just write what you were always going to, and the rest can go hang. Mark it as A.U. If you have to; we'll still read it. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Don't worry, this won't be abandoned. :) It's actually almost complete. I have a couple of more chapters almost ready to post. I've just had one of those pesky attacks of RL - you know things like cooking, cleaning, taking care of children. LOL I also don't want to spam the board by updating both of my stories at the same time. Thanks for reviewing and glad to see you are enjoying the story.
Response from TheCopperDragon2004 (Reviewer)
Yay can't wait! So many of my beloved stories ate being abandoned, I'm glad this one isn't!
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I know what you mean. I did the review-a-thon and saw so many stories that looked interesting from the descriptions, but had not been updated in 6 months or more so I reluctantly passed, even though I was sure I would enjoy the story.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Don't worry, this won't be abandoned. :) It's actually almost complete. I have a couple of more chapters almost ready to post. I've just had one of those pesky attacks of RL - you know things like cooking, cleaning, taking care of children. LOL I also don't want to spam the board by updating both of my stories at the same time. Thanks for reviewing and glad to see you are enjoying the story.
Response from TheCopperDragon2004 (Reviewer)
Yay can't wait! So many of my beloved stories ate being abandoned, I'm glad this one isn't!
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I know what you mean. I did the review-a-thon and saw so many stories that looked interesting from the descriptions, but had not been updated in 6 months or more so I reluctantly passed, even though I was sure I would enjoy the story.
Well, I'm hoping you are still working on this story, and haven't given it up. I quite like it. And who says you have to follow JKR's story now? Just write what you were always going to, and the rest can go hang. Mark it as A.U. If you have to; we'll still read it. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Thank you for your review. I haven't given up on it, I just have summer vacation and visiting relatives in the house, so it's been chaotic to say the least. The next chapter should be up soon. I generally don't have problems with AU (heck, most of what I've written has been AU), but I was writing this when DH came out and the muses were gutted by what happened to Severus and refused to cooperate for years. They finally got over it. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Thank you for your review. I haven't given up on it, I just have summer vacation and visiting relatives in the house, so it's been chaotic to say the least. The next chapter should be up soon. I generally don't have problems with AU (heck, most of what I've written has been AU), but I was writing this when DH came out and the muses were gutted by what happened to Severus and refused to cooperate for years. They finally got over it. :)
Gah, hell of a cliffie!it's probably just as well Dumbledore is already dead, because no doubt Severus would be inclined (after he's cleared) to repeat the task for all the missteps and wandering path he's leading the pair of them on.I tend to agree with Hermione, that it's all moving at too fast a pace, but then love is not something that runs to a definable schedule. ;)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
<eg> Cliffies are always such fun - from the writing point. I know how frustrating they can be for the reading point.I have to agree with you that given all he's been through, Severus is probably going to start feeling a bit less guilty about the role he played in Dumbledore's demise. And poor Hermione is in a bit of a land of confusion. She didn't even want to work with Severus and now she finds she not only can get along with him, but might have some feelings for him. Pretty scary for her.Thanks for the review, and the resolve for the cliffie should be up soon.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
<eg> Cliffies are always such fun - from the writing point. I know how frustrating they can be for the reading point.I have to agree with you that given all he's been through, Severus is probably going to start feeling a bit less guilty about the role he played in Dumbledore's demise. And poor Hermione is in a bit of a land of confusion. She didn't even want to work with Severus and now she finds she not only can get along with him, but might have some feelings for him. Pretty scary for her.Thanks for the review, and the resolve for the cliffie should be up soon.
I can't help thinking that Dumbledore wanted Severus back in the castle, so used the idea of a 'keepings box' as incentive,knowing full well that it would take both of them to open it.The revelations into the psyche of Severus are interesting, and it's layering of his life that is making Hermione more and more cognisant of how large a role he had in saving their skins. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Dumbledore is so annoyingly cryptic. I don't know that he planned for the two of them to get together, but he certainly is annoyingly pleased about it, isn't he?Hermione is definitely getting her eyes opened to the real Severus, though she is more open minded than the boys and always defended him - knowing the Dumbledore had a reason for placing so much trust in Snape. I think she's actually a bit relieved that despite everything Dumbledore put her and her friends through, that she was correct in standing by Severus. And she is gaining a new appreciation of what he did to keep them alive, even if all of it from the books isn't relevant to this story, he did still help out immensely.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Dumbledore is so annoyingly cryptic. I don't know that he planned for the two of them to get together, but he certainly is annoyingly pleased about it, isn't he?Hermione is definitely getting her eyes opened to the real Severus, though she is more open minded than the boys and always defended him - knowing the Dumbledore had a reason for placing so much trust in Snape. I think she's actually a bit relieved that despite everything Dumbledore put her and her friends through, that she was correct in standing by Severus. And she is gaining a new appreciation of what he did to keep them alive, even if all of it from the books isn't relevant to this story, he did still help out immensely.
Curiouser and curiouser. Manipulative old coot that he is, I doubt it's been too often that Dumbledore has ever had a dressing down from anyone.To give the information readily means there are things at play than neither Severus or Hermione realise.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Yeah, the old codger really had it coming. I don't know if she would have had the gumption to do it to his person, but she definitely reached the breaking point here, didn't she? Not that anyone can blame her.And yes, he would never make it that simple, would he?
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Yeah, the old codger really had it coming. I don't know if she would have had the gumption to do it to his person, but she definitely reached the breaking point here, didn't she? Not that anyone can blame her.And yes, he would never make it that simple, would he?
A pleasant snape in a position to ask, and receive pretty much anything from the Ministry. it seems a little too easy that the antidote worked so quickly, and I sense that it's going to be a long and windy path (with lots of jagged edges) before Severus truly is exonerated
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
It was nice to see Snape find his backbone again, wasn't it? He knew he had something he could bargain with.And there is a difference between a pardon and being exonerated. The latter clearly having a much more arduous path. Here's to hoping that path leads somewhere, right?
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
It was nice to see Snape find his backbone again, wasn't it? He knew he had something he could bargain with.And there is a difference between a pardon and being exonerated. The latter clearly having a much more arduous path. Here's to hoping that path leads somewhere, right?
This is such an inventive and original start, and it's sucked me in almost straight away. :)The mystery and hard decisions made make me wonder just what could be so toxic, and I can't help wondering if Minerva isn't one of the victims. It would make Severus work that much harder and longer to find a cure I think, given his previous friendship.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Thanks. I'm glad you liked the start. I was trying to find something that would cause the Ministry to decide that perhaps working with Severus is better than leaving him to rot. Of course, given he's working for his freedom, I don't know that it would matter too much who the victims were. Cure them or spend a lifetime in Azkaban - not really much of a choice, is it?
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Thanks. I'm glad you liked the start. I was trying to find something that would cause the Ministry to decide that perhaps working with Severus is better than leaving him to rot. Of course, given he's working for his freedom, I don't know that it would matter too much who the victims were. Cure them or spend a lifetime in Azkaban - not really much of a choice, is it?
Hermione, he cooks. Don't let that one get away! I'm glad he was able to get his feelings out in the open, but that she wasn't afraid to let him know it was too much too soon. Now, I really want them to get some answers!
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
LOL I love the sentiment about him cooking. His eagerness and her reluctance come from their respective ages, but at least he wasn't put off and deciding to pull away from her over it. Of course given he's who he is, he's probably inwardly thrilled that she didn't recoil from his affections. And yes, they need some answers.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
LOL I love the sentiment about him cooking. His eagerness and her reluctance come from their respective ages, but at least he wasn't put off and deciding to pull away from her over it. Of course given he's who he is, he's probably inwardly thrilled that she didn't recoil from his affections. And yes, they need some answers.
I should have known that Dumbledore's answer seemed to clear cut. He never quits, does he?That was quite an intimate secret that Severus shared to his newly acquired friend. Of course, he probably does realize how much he owes her, and he still wants to get in her good graces. I hope they find what they are looking for.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Nope, Dumbledore just has to obfuscate everything. As to him telling Hermione, I think he's finally realizing that there is a give and take to life, that now that he's a free man (well, almost free) he can do what he wants for the first time ever. He wants to learn more about her, so he realizes he has to tell her more about him. He's still trying to figure out why she wants to help him since no one else seems to want to do so. Of course, he was also careless with his remarks and backed himself into a corner where he was forced to answer, but it felt good for him to finally share that with someone who cared about him.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Nope, Dumbledore just has to obfuscate everything. As to him telling Hermione, I think he's finally realizing that there is a give and take to life, that now that he's a free man (well, almost free) he can do what he wants for the first time ever. He wants to learn more about her, so he realizes he has to tell her more about him. He's still trying to figure out why she wants to help him since no one else seems to want to do so. Of course, he was also careless with his remarks and backed himself into a corner where he was forced to answer, but it felt good for him to finally share that with someone who cared about him.
Well, at least Severus wasn't too stubborn, and he is allowing her to help him, even if he just thinks he is humoring her. Now, let's hope they can find this keepings box.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Severus is still a bit beaten down from his time being left to rot in prison and being abandoned by everyone. Of course Hermione while not Dumbledore's number one fan, has to have her Gryffindor belief that there was no way he could have abandoned Severus.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Severus is still a bit beaten down from his time being left to rot in prison and being abandoned by everyone. Of course Hermione while not Dumbledore's number one fan, has to have her Gryffindor belief that there was no way he could have abandoned Severus.
I didn't expect success so quickly. That just means more time for a developing relationship. Well, provided he doesn't get fussy and run off or something. That would be totally unlike him though, wouldn't it? :) I suppose he probably can't really move on until he is officially pardoned, even though it has been promised. Off to find out more ...
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Well he had to succeed quickly since the Ministry left securing his help until just about the last minute. But that's okay, Hermione has found herself and underdog to champion. 
So it's not like she will be abandoning him. Thanks for your review. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Well he had to succeed quickly since the Ministry left securing his help until just about the last minute. But that's okay, Hermione has found herself and underdog to champion. So it's not like she will be abandoning him. Thanks for your review. :)
Being mean is not in Hermione's nature, and I'm glad she realized it and backed off. I wonder how long it will take them to decide that working together is not so bad? Snape will find an answer; there is too much at stake.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Being mean isn't in her nature. I think she was trying to find that line between authoritatve and mean and having some trouble with it. But she is bright enough to know that some methods don't work with some people. Ahem, Snape. ;) We're all rooting for Severus. I doubt anyone has the knowledge or experience he does, hence Arthur being forced to turn to someone he isn't sure he should trust. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you enjoy the rest of it. New chapters come every 4-7 days if I don't forget. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Being mean isn't in her nature. I think she was trying to find that line between authoritatve and mean and having some trouble with it. But she is bright enough to know that some methods don't work with some people. Ahem, Snape. ;) We're all rooting for Severus. I doubt anyone has the knowledge or experience he does, hence Arthur being forced to turn to someone he isn't sure he should trust. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you enjoy the rest of it. New chapters come every 4-7 days if I don't forget. :)
And being the Potion Master he is, I suspect him to be quite a formidable cook.I like that Hermione allows herself time to be in doubt. Some things should not be rushed.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I'm sure he is quite a good cook. As everyone has said, following a recipe is a lot like brewing a potion.Hermione would naturally have doubts. Her life has been a whirlwind of adventure that is just now starting to slow down. Of course, his life was stagnating in prison and he's likely got the 'take the bull by the horns' mentality. Quite a dichotomy there, isn't it?
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I'm sure he is quite a good cook. As everyone has said, following a recipe is a lot like brewing a potion.Hermione would naturally have doubts. Her life has been a whirlwind of adventure that is just now starting to slow down. Of course, his life was stagnating in prison and he's likely got the 'take the bull by the horns' mentality. Quite a dichotomy there, isn't it?
I'm guessing that when Hermione realises she loves Severus the "keepings box" will open, perhaps they already have it but won't know until it opens, The kiss was very sweet, and unexpected 
.
I'm sure that Severus is a good cook, being a potions master would help in that line.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Soon the mystery of the keepings box will be revealed. I'm glad you liked the kiss. I think Severus is in this place where his thoughts are something along the lines of 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' and that he knows his time with her is quite finite if something doesn't happen. This is a man who can finally take control of his life.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Soon the mystery of the keepings box will be revealed. I'm glad you liked the kiss. I think Severus is in this place where his thoughts are something along the lines of 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' and that he knows his time with her is quite finite if something doesn't happen. This is a man who can finally take control of his life.
Dumbles and his riddles. Why do I get the feeling that they are making this harder than it really is this time? A keeping box sounds so much like a house-elf term for something. Hermione is so very cute when she's flustered - I get the feeling Severus enjoys seeing her that way when he's responsible for getting her that way.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Yup, Dumbledore has to have his riddles. Can't give a straight answer to anything, even if it keeps an innocent man out of prison. And isn't flustered Hermione fun? Something tells me Severus' has enough personality quirks he could do that for years. :) Thanks for reviewing.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Yup, Dumbledore has to have his riddles. Can't give a straight answer to anything, even if it keeps an innocent man out of prison. And isn't flustered Hermione fun? Something tells me Severus' has enough personality quirks he could do that for years. :) Thanks for reviewing.
That elderly wizard in Magical Probate was getting on my last nerve. If Hermione hadn't decided to talk to Arthur to sort out this folderol, I think I might have cursed the old man myself just to get him out of the way. I keep thinking about what that Keeping Box might be, and we have a few clues to go by:•Severus had said that "It's a magically sealed object that will open when the time is right." •Dumbledore had talked about Faith, and how Harry's faith had allowed him to call Fawkes when he an Ginny were trapped in the Chamber of Secrets. •And Hermione has already demonstrated the quality that was necessary to open the keeping box.Well, I have no idea right now what that "box" might be, but I'll keep reading this story and looking for more clues. You've really set us quite a puzzle to unravel.I'm glad that Severus' kiss didn't put her off. I think they can find the evidence to prove his innocence and get to know each other better at the same time, too. In fact, I don't know how the two of them could find that proof without getting to know more about each other.Thanks for another great chapter!Beth
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Aren't lifelong, institutionalized bureaucrats fun? NOT! I really enjoyed having some fussy old, by the rules wizard for Hermione to have to deal with. Thank goodness she knows the Minister.I'm glad you are enjoying the puzzle of the box. It just wouldn't be right if Dumbledore had left evidence where someone might actually be able to easily find it. So frustrating that he can play these little games even from beyond the grave.That kiss was a nice subtle shift in their relationship, wasn't it? He figures he can finally live his life on his terms and not feel like he has to protect others and she's coming into adulthood and not quite sure what she wants. And he can feel confident that he didn't get outright rejected.Thanks for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Aren't lifelong, institutionalized bureaucrats fun? NOT! I really enjoyed having some fussy old, by the rules wizard for Hermione to have to deal with. Thank goodness she knows the Minister.I'm glad you are enjoying the puzzle of the box. It just wouldn't be right if Dumbledore had left evidence where someone might actually be able to easily find it. So frustrating that he can play these little games even from beyond the grave.That kiss was a nice subtle shift in their relationship, wasn't it? He figures he can finally live his life on his terms and not feel like he has to protect others and she's coming into adulthood and not quite sure what she wants. And he can feel confident that he didn't get outright rejected.Thanks for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review.
And, as a Potions master, I'm sure he's an excellent cook at that. ^_^
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I'm sure that he is. Given his reputation, I'm sure he has plenty of skills that can surprise Hermione.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I'm sure that he is. Given his reputation, I'm sure he has plenty of skills that can surprise Hermione.
Now there's a new idea for Severus to warp his mind around, someone that cares about him, and doesn't make him suffer for it.
On to the search for the keepers box.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
It is a new idea for Severus, isn't it? She's be nice to him and really has nothing to gain for herself. She's doing this because it's the right thing to do. Very novel for him.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
It is a new idea for Severus, isn't it? She's be nice to him and really has nothing to gain for herself. She's doing this because it's the right thing to do. Very novel for him.
YES! at last someone willing to stand up to the old bastard esteemed Headmaster, I hope he will at least tell Hermione what this " keepings box " looks like.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
LOL I love everyone's reaction to her lashing out at Dumbledore. Someone had to do it, right? Hopefully she can solve the mystery of the keepings box and help Severus get his life back.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
LOL I love everyone's reaction to her lashing out at Dumbledore. Someone had to do it, right? Hopefully she can solve the mystery of the keepings box and help Severus get his life back.
Hermione doesn't have much reason to trust Severus, and yet she does, she must be listening to her heart. Cant wait to see what the great bearded tit... sorry professor Dumbledor, has to say for himself.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
LOL I love your description of Dumbledore. Severus has said just enough to picque Hermione's curiosity, to help her realize that none of them really knew him. And of course she loves to champion and underdog. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
LOL I love your description of Dumbledore. Severus has said just enough to picque Hermione's curiosity, to help her realize that none of them really knew him. And of course she loves to champion and underdog. :)
Perhaps there is method to Dumbledore's madness. At each stage when they have run into a barrier to finding what they needed, they have worked together to put the pieces in just the right order. As it was with brewing the healing potion, now to find the keeping box they are working together... and at each stage they learn something more about each other... and each time they grow closer and trust more deeply. I can't wait to find out what they find in that stroage room!Beth
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Given it's Dumbledore, I'm sure he thinks there is a method to his madness and always has been. Just not everyone shares his vision of things. And I think he's meddling from beyond the grave, much to everyone's annoyance.
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
LOL! I think you're right about Dumbledore's opinion of his meddling ways. He was always clothing his plans in that "greater good" ploy which, if one happened to find him/herself not among the ones who benefitted, was very annoying, indeed.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Given it's Dumbledore, I'm sure he thinks there is a method to his madness and always has been. Just not everyone shares his vision of things. And I think he's meddling from beyond the grave, much to everyone's annoyance.
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
LOL! I think you're right about Dumbledore's opinion of his meddling ways. He was always clothing his plans in that "greater good" ploy which, if one happened to find him/herself not among the ones who benefitted, was very annoying, indeed.
Y'know, why does Dumbledore have to be so cryptic? There's NO NEED for it. Jerk.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I think your last word answers your first question. LOL When has that man ever given a straight answer to anything? But at least he gave her some sort of an answer - which is more than Minerva got.
Response from cmwinters (Reviewer)
Yeah.Dumbledore? NOT high on my list of "favourite people". Even IF I DO think Snape and Harry were right to be "Dumbledore's Men". That's less praise of Dumbledore than condemnation of the Dark Lord and the Ministry; the alternative was so much worse...
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
I think your last word answers your first question. LOL When has that man ever given a straight answer to anything? But at least he gave her some sort of an answer - which is more than Minerva got.
Response from cmwinters (Reviewer)
Yeah.Dumbledore? NOT high on my list of "favourite people". Even IF I DO think Snape and Harry were right to be "Dumbledore's Men". That's less praise of Dumbledore than condemnation of the Dark Lord and the Ministry; the alternative was so much worse...
I wonder what Snape makes of Hermiones comment about her being the only one that cares for him. I hope he doesn't balk too much.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Definitely a shock for him to hear to that someone actually cares about him. That's something that probably hasn't happened since Lily. Dumbledore may have acted like it, but I think in hindsight Severus realizes he was merely a tool. Hopefully his new lease on life will allow him to open his eyes and realize he doesn't have to be alone, that no one would be in danger from getting close to him.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
Definitely a shock for him to hear to that someone actually cares about him. That's something that probably hasn't happened since Lily. Dumbledore may have acted like it, but I think in hindsight Severus realizes he was merely a tool. Hopefully his new lease on life will allow him to open his eyes and realize he doesn't have to be alone, that no one would be in danger from getting close to him.
Enjoyable chapter thank you. Wonder if the House Elf could have found the item. But then they would not have the opportunity to cement their friendship.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
The house-elf would have gladly helped, but there is the small matter of not knowing exactly what they are looking for. And as you said, it gets her more opportunity to unravel the enigma of Severus Snape.
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
The house-elf would have gladly helped, but there is the small matter of not knowing exactly what they are looking for. And as you said, it gets her more opportunity to unravel the enigma of Severus Snape.
I bet writing this chapter was something of a catharsis for you. I know I had some major grief with the 'Sainted Dumbledore'. Enjoying!
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
It really did feel good to have someone finally lash out at him. Yes, he was a powerful wizard, but he was by no means perfect and those cracks were showing before Rita's book, but her investigation really put them in perspective. I'm glad you are enjoying this so far and thanks for the review. :)
Response from phoenix (Author of Work Release)
It really did feel good to have someone finally lash out at him. Yes, he was a powerful wizard, but he was by no means perfect and those cracks were showing before Rita's book, but her investigation really put them in perspective. I'm glad you are enjoying this so far and thanks for the review. :)