Witch Hunt

20

November

'This just in. War survivor Katherine Potter seen shopping in Hogsmeade alongside world-renowned Potions' Master.

Did you take a look at that bump? Clearly, the pair did not waste any time in getting their family started.

No word yet on how Hermione Granger has taken the news. The war heroine was, until recently, still on the waiting list for a new match following Snape's scandalous appearance at Hogwarts ball with the Sleekeazy hair potion heiress. After nearly half a year of waiting, how did they ever match her? Perhaps there was only one wizard for plain but ambitious Hermione Granger.

Sources claim the new Madam Snape is already five months along. Not much longer until Baby Snape is to make an appearance.

The soon-to-be parents have recently purchased the Dunbeath Estate in Caithness, in order to be closer to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where Snape is currently employed. Obviously, the money from Madam's inheritance is not going to any waste.

Rumour has it, that Katherine spends most days bed-ridden in their new home. Her appearance out and about in town is becoming more and more rare of an occurrence.

And that rock!

The professor did not miss out on the chance to purchase a rather large and obvious ring for his new wife. Due to the witch's missing fingers, she wears the marquise-cut diamond on her right hand. Right next to the matching bracelet, a gift from several years ago from the same man. Such a doting and generous husband!

More next week.

It had indeed appeared that the two had wasted no time in getting Kate pregnant. The photograph was a simple one, though Hermione still felt a pang in her heart at the sight of it. The woman had a hand on her swollen belly, rubbing it gently. Her eyes were closed, as though she were trying to concentrate on something. Snape was standing before his wife, kissing her temple with an arm around her, coming to rest low on her back.

Her ring flashed obnoxiously. The stone was indeed utterly massive. Perhaps it was to prove that she was real, that their marriage wasn't a scam to get out of the law. Perhaps it was because they were trying to make the most of things, seeing as they were being forced to marry.

The witch seemed thin, her cheekbones appearing sharper than usual, her features gaunt, and she looked miserable. Her hair haphazardly piled into a bun on the top of her head. Her large scarf was wrapped around her several times, her heavy wool coat open. These days, the only news Hermione heard of them was through the media or from Harry. She had stopped writing to Severus, receiving the odd owl every now and again. It appeared the man had understood that she needed her space.

She briefly wondered if he thought she was jealous. She was, obviously. She had come to greatly appreciate their conversations, sitting together before the fire, spending evenings in each other's company. There had been far too few for her liking. The young witch had assumed she would have an entire lifetime dedicated to getting to know the wizard she was about to marry. And because of one single decision regarding a ball, it all went to shit.

She should have gone.

She should have attended with him. She had been afraid of the rumours, and all it landed her in was trouble. She had been worried about the whispering, of the talk her new husband would bring about her. She had confessed to her friends that despite the fact he was quite lovely beneath all the bitterness, she was concerned about how the public would perceive her.

To be the wife of the dreaded dungeon bat.

She hadn't wanted it to be known. She would have been all too happy to marry Snape and have it all kept secret. To get to learn to know him and be comfortable before being seen.

And because of her cowardice, she did not get to marry him at all.

She should be happy. She had not wanted to marry him in the first place, she had run. And yet, she pored over his letters in the middle of the night when sleep evaded her. His comforting and kind words sent her to bed with a quiet lull.

'Little witch, dearest intended, darling Hermione.'

The latest letter had been but a small scrap of paper, tightly rolled, dated about a month ago.

'Sweet girl,

It now seems evident to me that I have lost you to the vile commentary of the Prophet. Despite false claims, I had every intention of following through with our marriage. Katherine had feared for my safety and decided to present herself to the world in order to keep me from a future in Azkaban.

I am only ever a letter away. Until we meet again.

Your friend,

S.'

It was her favourite letter. It was also the one she hated most. He had finally given up on her, with the promise that he would all too gladly write back should she allow him to.

It was not fair.

The news that she had had to marry him had once been devastating. And here she was, pining for him after he had married someone else.

She could do far worse than Severus Snape. She hoped her next husband would have a fraction of his passion, of his interest, of his academic prowess and vast intellect. Though she doubted her intended, Justin Finch-Fletchly, was such a person.

She had really blown it this time.