Chapter 4 Magic Kingdom

The following morning found the Potter family, plus Hermione, breakfasting on their balcony while watching a grazing herd of giraffes breakfasting as well. They had discussed the various parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom) the previous night and had decided to start with the Magic Kingdom.

"We need to go and meet Mickey Mouse straight away," said Ginny. "Then Molly will be much more agreeable to other suggestions."

The boys voiced a bit of objection, wanting to appear too old to be interested in Mickey.

"There's plenty of time for all of us to do what we really want. Remember, it's our first day," Harry stated.

"But why does Molly get to choose first?" questioned James.

"Because she is the youngest and has the least amount of patience. You big boys are old enough to understand that," Ginny replied.

"Maybe, but it doesn't mean we have to like it," Evan added, which earned him a reproachful look from Harry.

"You'll never believe who I thought I overheard yesterday," Hermione said, to change the topic. She had felt so silly about the incident that she had not mentioned it yesterday when the Potters had returned from the pool.

"You ran into someone you know?" asked Ginny, who was confused by Hermione's odd statement.

"No, I overheard a voice that was eerily familiar," Hermione tried to clarify.

"Okay, I'll bite. Who did you think you heard?" Harry asked.

"Well, I was walking down the corridor on this very floor, and there was a door ajar just enough to hear conversation." Harry and Ginny were looking quite puzzled by Hermione's lengthy description. "Out of the blue I heard a voice that stopped me dead in my tracks. I swear, I thought I heard Professor Snape," she finished. Harry and Ginny looked at each other and then back at Hermione. For a moment or two they appeared speechless, and then they both broke out in hysterical laughter. The children didn't know quite what to make of this, as they had no idea what was so funny. Hermione sat there, red-faced, as she waited for Harry and Ginny to regain their composure. When they stopped laughing, tears were running down their faces and Ginny had the hiccups.

"That's a good one, 'Mione," Harry uttered. "I've never heard of anything more ridiculous. Imagine, Snape at Disney World."

"You have to admit, Hermione," Ginny added, "the chances of that are slim to none."

"I know," Hermione agreed. "That's why I didn't say anything about it yesterday. Yet, whatever anyone thinks of Professor Snape, he possesses a very distinctive voice."

"True," admitted Ginny. "It was his one redeeming quality."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Harry asked with a degree of horror. "That man has no redeeming anything! I couldn't care less about irrefutable evidence. That man will always be evil through and through, as far as I'm concerned."

"Who are you all talking about?" Evan asked.

"Just a mean, old professor who used to teach at Hogwarts when the three of us went there. You lot are lucky. He won't be there when you go to school. If he was, I might consider sending you all to Beauxbatons," Harry finished. Ginny proceeded to roll her eyes at her husband's pronouncement.

"As if you would ever consider anywhere but Hogwarts for our children. Well, let's get going. We don't want to keep Mickey waiting all day," Ginny added, smiling.

To get to the Magic Kingdom, they hopped on a bus to the Grand Floridian Hotel and then took the monorail to the park entrance. As Cinderella's Castle began to grace the skyline, the children's level of excitement rose. Once inside the park, they headed straight to the area called Mickey's Toon Town Fair, and the resident home of Disney's top celebrity. Due to their early morning arrival, the lines were still amazingly short, and in no time at all they were face to face with the main Mouse.

"Mickey, Mickey," squealed Molly as she ran forward and threw her arms around the person dressed in the enormous plush costume, Harry dutifully filming it all on his video recorder. "I couldn't bring Nibbles (he's my pet rat) but I can show him to you. This is a magic marble," Molly explained as she produced the marble from her pocket. "If you look inside you'll see Nibbles in his cage. He's back home with my Grandma Molly. I'm named after her." The child continued to ramble on as the person in the suit nodded and tried their best to inspect the marble the child was holding out.

"That's enough, Molly," Ginny interceded. "Mickey has to have time for everyone now." They all posed for various shots with Mickey and then moved on.

"I think Mickey liked Nibbles," Molly remarked as she patted her pocket where the marble resided.

"I'm sure he did," Hermione answered, hoping the person in the suit was used to all sorts of odd comments from small children.

The remainder of the morning was spent on rides in Fantasyland. This was the oldest part of the park and contained rides familiar to most guests. They rode the spinning Tea Cups twice, went on Peter Pan's Adventures, took Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and to the horror of all but Molly, rode It's A Small World. When they decided to move on to Tomorrowland, Hermione had an idea.

"You lot carry on. I'm going over to Cinderella's castle. There's a shop there that carries a line of crystal my mum collects. I'll meet you all in two hours. How about at that pub in Liberty Square? We can have lunch, and then head over to the Haunted Mansion."

"Okay 'Mione," replied Harry. "Just keep an eye out for Prince Charming at the castle." Hermione waved in reply and headed off.

As she traversed the park, Hermione found she was truly enjoying herself. The park was beautiful, and it was fun to watch all the wide-eyed children amazed at their surroundings. Crossing the moat, she entered the castle. The walkway that crossed the ground floor was surrounded by beautiful murals from the fairy tale, made up of intricate tiles. As Hermione stood admiring the murals, a door opened from the passage that led to a restaurant at the top of the castle, and out stalked Severus Snape, in all his glory.

Hermione stood transfigured to the spot as Professor Snape exited the doorway, surrounded by six members of the Disney staff, judging by their uniforms. Two staff members were scribbling furiously on clipboards, while the group's leader was speaking to Snape in an imploring fashion. It was obvious to Hermione that Snape was not listening to a thing the young man was saying, but from the sneer on his face, and glint in his eyes, Hermione could tell that Snape was enjoying whatever was going on. As his eyes swept over the mostly vacant walkway, they alighted on Hermione. For a moment, an odd expression passed over his face, a mixture of recognition and confusion. Hermione thought she must look like the proverbial deer in the headlights. Snape turned and spoke to the young man at his side.

"I believe I will continue to tour on my own now. You can tell your employer that I will meet him in his office at 3:00 p.m. sharp. You're dismissed." At this pronouncement Snape's entourage left at lightning speed. He turned to watch them retreat with a look of satisfaction, then turned back to Hermione. Hermione found that she was still rooted to the spot as she watched Snape approach. "Ms. Granger, what an unexpected surprise," Snape uttered as he reached her side.

"I believe the surprise is more mine than yours, Professor," Hermione replied as she found her voice. "Whatever are you doing here?"

"A matter of private business, Ms. Granger, and may I enquire the same of you?" Snape snapped.

"I'm here for the most obvious reason, Professor. I'm a tourist."

"All alone, Ms. Granger?" he inquired with a raised brow.

"No. I'm travelling with Harry, Ginny and their children," Hermione replied.

"Still attached at the hip to Potter, and now his brood as well? Does that mean the esteemed Mr. Weasley is lurking around here somewhere as well?" Snape's features had arranged themselves in a look of distaste, which Hermione's memory associated with Snape's distinct hatred of Harry.

"No, Professor, Ron plays Quidditch for England these days, and none of us are attached at the hip," Hermione replied with the hint of a challenge in her voice. Snape appeared slightly startled by the sharpness in Hermione's tone. Whatever had transpired between Professor Snape and his students, whether at Hogwarts or during Order of the Phoenix business, Hermione had always maintained at least the appearance of respect toward the professor.

"Pray tell, what vocation is the pride of Gryffindor involved in these days?" Snape queried. This was a question Hermione really did not want to answer. She did not want to admit to Snape of all people that she was little more than a glorified clerk.

"I'm currently employed by the Ministry," Hermione offered with a great deal more bravado than she was feeling. Snape appeared to ponder her response as if he were considering something.

"How long will you be staying in the Walt Disney World area?" he asked.

"We arrived yesterday and are here for an entire week," Hermione answered. The response appeared to please Snape, as he nodded thoughtfully before continuing.

"Would you consider joining me for a drink this evening? It seems that my meeting you here is somewhat fortuitous. I'll elaborate on my business, and then seeing that you will be here over the next few days, you may be interested in assisting me in the matter. I would certainly compensate you adequately for your time and effort."

To say that Hermione was stunned by this invitation was an understatement. However, she was equally intrigued. After her brain had processed what had just occurred, she responded with hands on her hips, "On one condition, Professor. If I meet with you, I do not want to put up with any insults, veiled or overt, directed at me or my friends."

Snape folded his arms over his chest, and after a lightning quick, wry smile, he replied, "I believe I can concede to your request. You, however must stop referring to me as Professor. It has been several years since I deserved that title. We are both adults now and have been acquainted longer than I care to remember. Please call me Severus."

"Alright then, but you must call me Hermione. When and where would you like to meet, Sev ... Severus?" Hermione stumbled over his name.

"Are you familiar with the Epcot part of this monstrosity?" Hermione nodded and Snape continued. "Epcot is divided into pavilions they want people to believe are representative of different nations. In China, they have created a supposed replica of the Temple of Heaven." The tone in Snape's voice left Hermione no question what Snape thought of Disney's version of the Temple of Heaven. "Meet me in the front of the Temple, on the bridge over the Koi pond, at 7 p.m. Any questions, Hermione?" Snape apparently had no trouble with her given name.

"Yes, I do have a question. Are you staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge?"

This time it was Snape's turn to look unnerved. "How did you know that?"

"Let's call it a hunch. We're staying there as well. I must be going then. I'm supposed to meet the Potters for lunch. Until this evening then, Severus."

With a sly smile of her own, Hermione turned on her heel and walked off. To have actually got one up on Severus Snape was priceless, and she had to savour the moment.