Mosaics

Mosaics

Chapter 2

March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward perfection. March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life's path. Kahlil Gibran

****

"Ah, good morning Miss Granger," Dumbledore said brightly as Hermione entered his office with Professor McGonagall.

"Morning," she said solemnly.

Minerva patted Hermione's arm. "Buck up girl. It will be all right."

Severus gave Minerva a withering glare. 'If you would just tell her but no, you must indulge Albus' little games.'

"Are you ready Miss Granger?" he asked.

She nodded.

"Now there is no hurry Severus," Albus said. "Take your time and everything should go smoothly."

Hermione flinched at the condescending look Snape gave the Headmaster. Silently she followed him out of the office and down the stairs. Classes were in session and she was glad she didn't have to endure the stares. Though her friends knew the truth about what had happened last year, the majority of the school still thought she and the professor had a 'thing'.

She followed a few feet behind him as they crossed the grounds towards the gates. His stride was quick and with his longer legs she had to jog to keep up. He stopped at the gate and turned to give her a frown as he held the iron gate open for her. "Stop dawdling," he hissed, closing the gate behind them. "I do have better things to do today."

Anger flooded over her but she held her tongue. It was Dumbledore's idea for him to escort her today. She figured Professor McGonagell would have been the one to take her.

They walked to Hogsmeade in silence, the cool September air brushed against her face, making her cheeks pink. She wanted to say something to Snape about his attire but thought better of it. They were headed for Muggle London and he would be very out of place in his robes.

Hermione had dressed in a long gray woolen skirt and a simple black shirt. She thought the cloak was acceptable as it bore no mark of Hogwarts.

At first she thought they were going to have to go on the Knight bus. Although Professor Snape had Apparated with her several times, he had not mentioned it today. They stopped in front of the Three Broomsticks and Snape held open the door for her.

"Good morning Professor Snape, Miss Granger," Rosemerta said with a yawn. The usually carefully put together owner looked very different this morning. Her dyed blonde hair was clipped haphazardly on top of her head and she was wearing a faded blue dressing robe. Without makeup, Hermione noticed how old she looked. She didn't look like the woman who had made Ron blush on their first visit.

"Forgive the intrusion," Snape said in a silky voice.

"Not a problem. Happy to help," assured the woman. "I put the floo powder on the mantle."

"Miss Granger, you will go first," Snape instructed.

Hermione blushed. "I have never traveled by the floo network."

Snape made a small tsking sound.

"I have read about it," she said quickly, dipping out a handful of floo powder and stepping into the unlit fireplace.

"Get on with it then," Snape said impatiently.

"Er, professor, I need to know where I am going." Rosmerta coughed into her hand.

"The Leaky Cauldron," Snape said in a low irritated voice.

"Right." Hermione screwed up her eyes and threw the powder at her feet. "The Leaky Cauldron!" she said clearly.

The sensation of falling made her stomach lurch as she twisted and turned. Within moments she tumbled out onto the floor of the tavern. Getting up, she brushed at the soot on her clothes.

"Move, Miss Granger," she heard Professor Snape say, as he tried to avoid hitting her as he came out of the fireplace. He stepped out without stumbling. "You are to sit at the bar and wait for me," he instructed. She saw him talking to Tom and then he disappeared down the hall.

"Would you like some tea, Miss?" Tom asked, smiling benignly at her.

"No thanks," she said, her stomach quivering at the thought.

Snape returned in a few minutes and Hermione barely kept her jaw from dropping. She had seen even Professor McGonagell in Muggle clothes but never dreamed she would Snape. Though he wore tailored clothing beneath his robes, it was old fashioned. Now dressed in a black suit, complete with a dark gray silk tie, he looked chic and foreign to her. His limp hair was slicked back and a pair of horn-rimmed glasses finished the look. He gave her a look that let her know she shouldn't say anything.

"Called your cab," Tom said with a toothless smile.

"Called? There is a phone here?" she asked him.

"Aye. Keep it in my office. Useful for when certain individuals need to get a hold of a Muggle." He explained with a wink.

"Thank you," Snape said as he pulled on a long black overcoat. "Miss Granger."

They stepped out of the tavern and waited on the sidewalk. Hermione kept glancing at Snape, wishing she had a camera. Ron and Harry would like to see this. In minutes they were in the cab and Snape gave the man the address.

Fear flooded over her once the cab took off. Pulling a handkerchief from her pocket, she wiped the sweat off her palms.

'Don't be so nervous,' she chided herself. 'I am sure whoever the Smythes are they will be nice. Dumbledore wouldn't let her go to people who weren't.

The first week of school had passed without Hermione as she was at her parent's house dealing with the funeral and mourners. Her godparents, the Allistors, had flown in from Switzerland. She had felt so lost amongst a sea of people, mostly patients and colleagues of her parents. Molly Weasley had arrived and had taken charge, helping Hermione with the food people brought.

It was several days after the funeral that Hermione had learned that her godparents were expecting to take her back with them to Switzerland. She had felt like she was being smothered as they told her they had enrolled her in a private school that their own children attended. In desperation she had fled the house, summoned the Knight bus and arrived at Grimmauld place. A concerned Lupin had promptly flooed Dumbledore and had escorted her home. The next day a man Hermione had never met, arrived at the Granger's house with legal papers claiming that he was the Granger's lawyer. The Allistors were informed that the Grangers had changed their will and that guardianship of Hermione was to go to a Mr. And Mrs. Smythe. Hermione had started to protest, for she didn't know any Smythes when the man had looked at her intently. "Miss Granger, Albus Dumbledore wanted me to extend his apologies for not being able to attend to this matter personally." She had nodded, relief flooding over her.

After she had returned to school she had expected Dumbledore to inform what the plan was and who the Smythes were. However he had only said that she would be in good hands with Smythe family. Curious, she had looked through the Hogwarts registry and had found no student in the last century with that name.

'It wont be so bad' she thought nervously. 'Only one more summer then I will be of age.'

She twisted the handkerchief harder and stared out the window.

****

Studying his fingernails, Severus felt the constant motion beside him. Glancing covertly at Hermione he noticed that her lips were pursed, her hands twisting and untwisting a handkerchief in her lap. The movement was annoying and made him feel edgy.

'Damn Albus. He should have told the girl who the Smythes were'. Actually there had been no one to take Hermione at first; the name was only a ruse. It had only been a ploy to keep her godparents from whisking her off to Switzerland. Had the Allistors protested the ruse, Dumbledore had been prepared to stage her death as a last resort. He could not afford for her to be taken away from the Wizarding world now. By being put into the care of another family, Hermione would be able to keep her identity in the Muggle world, which would be easier for her.

Regardless, the nervous twisting was driving him mad. He put his hand over hers to still the motion. Quickly she slid her hand into his, gripping his fingers. Raising an eyebrow, Severus looked sideways at her once more. She was still looking out the window. Slowly he squeezed her hand.

****

They walked down the long sterile hallway. Men and women passed by dressed in suits often talking heatedly. At last they came to a door and Severus held it open for her. Familiar faces greeted them with smiles.

"Mr. and Mrs. We..."

"Mr. and Mrs. Smythe," Severus said coolly, interrupting Hermione. Hermione gaped at them.

"That's us," Molly Weasley said, with a wink.

Relief flooded over Hermione and she almost sagged with the intensity. The ordeal was over with in less than an hour. Papers were presented by a clerk and signed by the Weasleys and Hermione. Professor Snape added his signature as witness as did the clerk.

Once outside the building Molly wrapped her arms around Hermione, hugging her tightly. "Welcome to the family," Arthur Weasley said with a grin.

"I was so apprehensive," Hermione explained with a small giggle. "I didn't know who the Smythes were."

"Albus wanted to surprise you," Molly said, a small frown on her face. "But if you have been worrying about it..."

"It's over with," Hermione grinned. "Thank you so much for doing this for me."

"You are already like part of the family. It was the least we could do," Molly said, hugging her again.

"If you are done with all this sentimentality," Severus said quietly, "I suggest we move it along."

"Yes of course," Arthur agreed.

"Where are we going?" Hermione asked as Snape hailed a cab.

"To the Ministry. We need to sign papers there also to acknowledge that we are your guardians until you are of age."

Snape did not accompany them to the Ministry but was to wait for them at the Leaky Cauldron. Taking the phone booth entrance into the Ministry, Hermione was surprised that the atrium looked very different to that night when they had came to supposedly rescue Sirius. Witches and Wizards were bustling around the bright room, talking and looking grave. A long line stood in front of a desk, where a harried looking Witch sat, handing out brochures.

"The Ministry's response to Voldemort," Arthur explained quietly. "Bloody rubbish if you ask me. Handing out useless information like "How to Handle You-Know-Who and His Death Eaters."

Hermione's eyes widened. "What do they say to do?"

"Stuff like, 'When confronted with a Death Eater, do not panic. Go along with his demands until they leave. Once safe, report to the Department of Aurors to hand in a statement.'"

Molly shook her head. "Also there is one that says, 'Are you a likely target for You-Know-Who?' It is a check list that determines if you are a target."

Mr. Weasley snorted. "Molly and I are not targets due to the fact we are not wealthy and I have no power at the Ministry."

"But that's just misleading the people," Hermione protested. "Voldemort doesn't knock on your door and announce his agenda, does he? I mean it is a subtle attack, promising power and such."

"Right you are," Arthur said with a wry smile. "Still the Ministry thinks that handing out these emergency brochures will alleviate the panic." His voice dropped lower. "It makes it harder to convince people of the danger. Here's the lift," he said.

****

Molly and Hermione flooed directly from the Ministry to the Leaky Cauldron. Hermione immediately noted that Severus had changed back into his teacher's robes, and sat quietly at a table sipping coffee.

"Is there anything you need in Diagon Alley, dear?" Molly asked. "I know you didn't have a chance to go shopping this summer."

"Not really," Hermione said hesitantly, glancing at Professor Snape who was strumming his fingers on the table.

Molly looked at Severus also. "Nonsense dear. Young ladies do need to refresh some aspects of their wardrobe. Come along. Severus will find something to occupy his time."

Severus glared at her. "Is this really necessary Molly?"

"Yes it is. You are welcome to go. A man's opinion is..."

"I will stay here," he said sullenly.

"Don't mind him," Molly said with a laugh as they left the pub. "Men are all the same. Mention shopping and they get their underpants in a wad."

Hermione giggled at the image.

****

It was after two when Snape and Hermione Flooed back to the Three Broomsticks. The sullen expression on Snape's face had not faded and Hermione sighed as she hurried after him feeling confused.

The surly man was an enigma to her. He had shown a gentler, kinder side to her last term as he helped her deal with the abuse she had suffered at Malfoy's whim. They had became kindred souls having both been abused by a Malfoy, yet once school had started this term, he had treated her with the same nasty indifference he usually reserved for Harry. 'But he did hold my hand in the car,' she thought.

Her cheeks burned as she stared at his back, remembering the night in the cell at the Malfoy Manor. What if he hadn't stopped? It was not the first time she had thought about this and had even imagined the scenario if Professor Snape had continued. Deep down, she was grateful nothing had happened. Life was getting so complicated and Hermione was glad there was no reason to add regret from the strange friendship that had developed between herself and the Professor.

Stepping into the Entrance Hall, Hermione said, "Thank you for going with me today, Professor."

He looked at her a moment, a small frown on his face. "You are most welcome, Miss Granger."

"See you in class next week then," she said starting up the stairs.

"We are to go straight to Dumbledore's office," he said flatly.

"But," she indicated the bags.

"Put them down Miss Granger. The House Elves will see they are delivered safely to Gryffindor Tower."

Hermione glared at him a moment before putting the bags on a bench near the door and followed him up the stairs.

"Severus, Miss Granger," Albus greeted them warmly. "Everything went well I heard."

"Yes," Hermione said smiling. "I cannot tell you how glad I was that the Smythes turned out to be the Weasleys."

"Forgive an old man for not telling you. I thought the surprise would be nice."

Severus snorted, shaking his head slightly.

"Yes, well then," Albus said, "before you return to your dormitory, Miss Granger, I would ask you to do me a favor."

"Yes of course."

Dumbledore handed her a large square box. "Please take this down to Hagrid's. He has been waiting on it."

After she had left, Albus beckoned Severus to take a seat. "I do believe you are a bit upset about today."

"Why should I be upset?" Severus said sarcastically. "I am sure the students were delighted to miss Potions. It would have spoilt your 'surprise' had you simply asked one of the 'Smythes' to come collect Miss Granger."

Albus chuckled. "Guilty as charged I am afraid, Severus." His face grew more serious. "I have called a staff meeting in an hour."

Severus raised an eyebrow.

****

"Surprise!"

Hermione looked around at all the beaming faces waiting for her in Hagrid's hut. Ron took the box from her and sat in on the table. "Finally," Ron said opening the box. "I was starving," he said picking up a pastry and stuffing it into his mouth.

Ginny was giving her a hug, then Ron. "Welcome to the family. Just what I needed, another sister," Ron said with a fake moan. Ginny punched his arm.

Harry came over and took her hand. "We got permission to give you a sort of party, compliments of Hagrid."

"Anything for our Hermione," Hagrid said giving her a rib-crushing hug.

Hermione was surprised to see Neville and Luna there. "We figured that we are part of the trusted circle you know. After what happened last year," Ginny explained.

"Oh, and just to make it official," Ginny said, waving her wand over Hermione's hair. "Rufuso." She looked at her hair in the mirror over Hagrid's washbasin. It was a glistening red, like Ginny's.

"Part of a good family, yer are now," Hagrid said blowing his nose in a large spotted handkerchief. "Not that yer family wasn't a good one," he added hastily.

"I understand," Hermione said patting him on the hand.

"I am glad for you Hermione," Harry whispered kissing her cheek.

"Me too," piped Tamara. She looked at Hermione a little worried. "I don't guess you need two younger sisters do you?"

Hermione hugged her. "No one can have too many people to love," she assured the girl. Ginny smiled and cast the spell on Tamara's honey colored locks.

"Looks good," Hermione teased.

"Red haired people are said to scare off Dingle Hoppers," Luna said in her dreamy voice.

"What..." Tamara started.

"Don't ask," Harry muttered.

"Yer to stay as long as you want and enjoy yerselves," Hagrid told everyone. "I have a staff meeting ter get to."

"Thanks for letting us have the party here," Ginny said, as everyone said goodbye to him.

They talked and ate the food. Ginny snuck behind Harry and cast the spell on his hair, his black hair turning a rosy pink color instead of red. As everyone was laughing at Harry's red face, Hermione noticed Neville, who had been very quiet, slipping out the back door.

She followed and saw that he was standing next to the paddock, his head bowed.

"Neville what's wrong?"

"At least you had your parents for sixteen years," Neville said bitterly.

Hermione was shocked at the blunt statement. "Oh yes. That makes it easier. Now when I think about my parents being murdered I can say, 'oh well had them for sixteen years time for new ones'," she said nastily, wondering why Neville would say such a thing.

"No, but you are lucky that you did have them. I would even trade places with Harry. He never knew his parents. He doesn't have to see them slobbering, staring at you blankly, not knowing who you are...I want...I just want my mum to say my name once and know who I am," Neville said thickly as his voice broke.

Hermione's anger ebbed as she watched him cry into his hands. Placing a comforting hand on his shoulder she stood in silent empathy.

****

The staff room settled down immediately as Dumbledore stood to address the teachers. "Once again the Ministry has decided to aid the school by appointing a DADA professor, if we do not procure one by the end of the weekend." Mutterings and groans were heard around the room.

"Who?" Flitwick squeaked.

"Mr. Percy Weasley will be joining our ranks Monday morning."

Most of the room seemed delighted with this announcement as Minerva and Severus exchanged dark looks. Hagrid growled.

"He was Head Boy and a very good student," commented Professor Sprout.

"Yes, and he received top marks," agreed Sinistra.

After the others had left, Severus, Minerva and Albus sat in silence waiting for the other to speak.

"We can't have that...that Death Eater here!" Minerva huffed.

"One Death Eater's more than enough for you, eh?" Severus teased.

"You know damn well what I mean. The man cannot be trusted."

"I agree," Albus said heavily. "We must find someone else. I am open to suggestions."

"Lupin," Minerva said quickly. "He is very skilled and the students liked him."

"You know that the Ministry will not allow it and even if they did he is needed at the Order."

"Perhaps it would be easier to find another Potions teacher," Severus said snidely.

"Severus, now is not the time," Albus said sharply.

"Then what are we to do?" Minerva asked.

"I do believe" Severus said softly, "that a Weasley is the best choice."

Albus cocked his head waiting to hear what Severus had in mind."

****

"It was very gracious of you to visit, Minister," Narcissa said as she poured tea for Fudge. "I know how busy you must be now that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned."

"Yes," Fudge sighed loudly. "Nasty business, this panic that has risen. I keep telling myself that it is all a bad dream."

"I am sure Lucius will be very sorry that he missed you," she said smoothly. "He tires so easily and I do hate to wake him."

"I understand. Horrible accident, just horrible. And to think that those escapees from Azkaban chose that night to try and put the guests under the Imperius."

"I know," Narcissa said in feigned horror. "Lucius was so embarrassed by the incident especially after what happened at the Ministry. To think they were going to try again," she dabbed at her eyes with a napkin.

"I suspect it is because of Lucius' position with the Ministry that He-Who...Lord thingy wants to put him under his power," said Fudge sagely.

"Yes. And that horrid article in that rag, the Quibbler, sullying the Malfoy name. I just cannot bear it."

"Well yes," Fudge said flushing. "That was the Potter boy's doing. He comes up with such tales. Have I told you what happened...?" Fudge stopped as he watched Narcissa's face drain of color, and the teacup slip from her hand gracelessly shattering on the floor.

"Are you all right, Mrs. Malfoy?"

"My wife is not been feeling well Cornelius," came Lucius' voice. "She has been an angel of mercy, taking care of me."

Fudge turned his body to look at Lucius. "Lucius. Glad to see you up and..." His words died on his lips as his mouth dropped open. Lucius Malfoy walked across the room, leaning on his cane. The long white mane of hair was gone. What was left was cut in a burr close to his head. But it was Lucius' face that had caused Fudge to stare in startled horror.

A golden mask graced the right side of his face, so form fitting that it appeared that Lucius was wearing thick makeup. Lucius walked over to the sofa where his wife sat, her eyes wide as she looked at him. Leaning over he kissed her cheek before sitting down. Lucius grinned at Fudge, the golden mask lifting in a smile. "Like it?" he asked, pointing to his face.

"Ye...yes," Fudge squeaked.

"Most ingenious device," Lucius said proudly, his eyes now on his wife. "The explosion seared the skin and tissue on my face, burning it away. The healers were unable to regrow it, something about the intensity of the cauterization effect caused by the heat." Lucius leaned back, crossing his legs. "After a dear friend's visit the other night, I realized that I could not hide because of my disfigurement. I sought out an old friend, who is a master artisan, and asked if he could design a mask for me. Knowing my taste, he created this one, 24 carat gold, and soft enough to allow what facial muscles remain to move freely. He melted the gold directly into the remaining tissues and enchanted it to adhere to the nerves that were not damaged." Lucius winked with his right eye. A gold eyelid closed and then opened again.

"It's wonderful," Narcissa said in a faint voice, her hand trembling slightly as she placed it on Lucius' arm.

"Amazing, simply amazing," Fudge said in awe.

"Cornelius," Lucius said rising. "I do appreciate the visit, but as I said earlier, my wife is not feeling well."

"Yes, of course," Fudge said quickly, getting to his feet. He took Narcissa's hand and wished her well.

Lucius returned after walking Fudge to the door, a big smile on his face. Narcissa stood and touched her husband's face gently. "Lucius," she murmured. "It is so good to have you back." Taking her hand he kissed it, still smiling. "However it was a bit rude to send Fudge off like that. I feel fine," she scolded.

"I did not wish to have an audience," Lucius said with a sly grin. She looked at him curiously. "For I am about to ravish my beautiful wife." Narcissa laughed in delight as he pulled her down to the couch with him.

****

Big thanks to Ann and Michelle for beta services