Protecting the Future Minister - On Hiatus

Chapter One

"Severus." 

"Potter."

Harry Potter had been watching the man, a man whom he previously despised and now greatly respected, stand in awe behind a magical shield separating the two of them and the combat training below. One might question how Harry knew Severus was impressed when the latter showed little to absolutely no response to the action. To many, Severus would have looked the same had he been staring at a white dot in the center of a white wall for the last several hours. Utterly bored. What caught Harry’s initial attention was when he entered the hallway and Severus showed no sign of having heard Harry approach. While he knew Severus Snape will forever be exceedingly vigilant and perceptive even when not outwardly acknowledging a change to the environment, Harry’s own training would have locked onto any indication that the man in all black had registered his presence. There was nothing. Not a twitch in the jaw, a shift in the eyes, nor any hint of the ever present sneer when the older wizard is forced to be in the company of the Chosen One. He was captivated by the scene on the opposite side of the shield. Enthralled, even. Harry didn’t miss how Severus’ eyes never strayed from the witch standing in the middle of five armed wizards, skillfully fighting off every attack and still managing to remain on the offensive, all while shouting out commands and constructive criticism. Not to mention the occasional jest to provoke an emotional response that will eventually cause at least two of the men to trip up.

"Is that a man bun?" Merely snorting in response, Severus chose to ignore Harry’s trivial inquiry. He came to the ministry at the request of the younger man, he certainly did not intend on striking up any small talk before getting into the reason for his attendance.

"She's a rather impressive duelist" Severus commented flatly. 

"Yes,” the comment threw Harry momentarily, having rarely heard such high praise from his former professor. “She's a master."

"Well, let's not go using that term loosely, Mr Potter. For those of us who belong to the International Dueling and Martial Magic Arts Association, our titles are a show of honor and respect."

"Yes, and with all due respect, sir, I am painfully aware. Hermione wouldn't even let me call her that until after her mastery level Ares ceremony ten years ago. The only one that achieved such a status at a younger age than she was you. Or so she told me. Multiple times.” Harry laughed to himself momentarily, clearly thinking back on a fond memory. “Kingsley was unbearable at her ceremony. Only nine living Ares in the world and three are British citizens. Of course, you weren't there, but he and Flitwick had a ball gloating about."

"Hermione? That's Ms Granger?" 

"Yes, sir." As if to add validity to the conversation, the witch was thrown back, spinning horizontally through the air after being struck by a particularly nasty stunner, releasing her previously tied back hair free. Severus didn't expect the witch to recover so quickly and was shocked to see her jump immediately to her feet, laughing none-the-less, as her signature hair fell past her shoulders making her instantly recognizable to anyone who had met her. Before she had a steady footing, she was sending off three shots, rapid fire. Of the two aurors knocked back, one did not get back up. The third was glued to the wall, seemingly unable to detach himself. Judging by his response to the attack, Severus determined this was how the unfortunate wizard often lost in their duels.

"I didn't know she was an auror." 

"Hasn't been for some years now. Actually, I'm not sure if she ever really was, technically speaking. I don’t know when she would have completed the training. Anytime I asked, she would give me a vague answer then change the subject. There are certain topics that Hermione deems confidential, and I suppose that falls into said category. Now that I think about it, I could have looked it up since I took over the department after her promotion, but I never thought to check before.” Harry looked deep in thought, mildly confused, and possibly concerned. “Or I have and she placed an enchantment on the documentation to ensure I forget what I read as soon as I put it away.”