( What Severus Snape has β among other things β is a PR problem. As it turns out, when one plays their role as an irredeemable jackass too well under the assumption that they will not survive the war, people are generally reluctant to believe anything but the irredeemable jackass bit. The ultimate truth of his allegiance is a pill many are still reluctant to swallow, no matter the vocal endorsement from the wizarding world's most famous savior.
If it were only public perception that mattered, though, he wouldn't be here. It's the lingering legalities of the situation. The still-living aurors who'd very much like to see his soul kissed clean from his mouth, and the very thin threshold of law that keeps him from being put on trial with the rest of the known Death Eaters.
He's here to reinforce reality, much to the chagrin of the Moodys of the world. He doesn't have to pretend to be happy about it.
On the bright side, he does get the amusement of being seated with Granger at the second highest table of honor. Not normally company he'd seek out, but knowing she's likely still perturbed by their last encounter at least ought to provide some measure of entertainment.
That, and the fact that he intends to get absolutely roaring drunk on the Ministry's dime. He's already partway into his second glass of firewhiskey by the time she joins him at the table. )
I assure you it's a mutual pleasure, Granger. Consider me in all ways delighted.
( Which would be a very nice sentiment, if he weren't saying it completely tonelessly and with absolutely no inflection. It isn't even right to call it sarcasm, there isn't nearly enough bite. It is, at best, a very dry apathy β and it's punctuated by a very deep drink. )
[ That infamous monotonous drawl of his is what makes her drop the act, if only briefly. There is really nothing quite like it, when it comes to grating her nerves. Maybe what gets her the most is that she is seething with envy at how Snape doesn't care to keep up with appearances.
Hermione, on the other hand, has to make sure that her reputation precedes her and that it remains pristine so that the donations don't stop coming in for all the causes she's got under her belt, and for the oldest wing at St. Mungo's gets the renovations it deserves. To have been bestowed the Honor of Merlin at the age of eighteen is really not all it's cracked up to be.
Her martini floats itself lower and lower until it's sitting on the table next to her name card and she follows suit, sliding into the seat next to him.
The hall is beginning to flood with people β important people β much to her dismay, neither Ginny nor her best friends are in tow. The crowd is growing and there's enough chatter around the room that their conversion will no doubt get drowned out, so Hermione takes a chance. ]
Regardless, I hope you've been well. [ Fake niceties, except this time, her lips are pursed in a tight line. ] Can we agree not to ever speak of That Incident in the presence of others? Or rather, perhaps we should take it to our graves and never speak of it again?
oh my GOD the meme please
If it were only public perception that mattered, though, he wouldn't be here. It's the lingering legalities of the situation. The still-living aurors who'd very much like to see his soul kissed clean from his mouth, and the very thin threshold of law that keeps him from being put on trial with the rest of the known Death Eaters.
He's here to reinforce reality, much to the chagrin of the Moodys of the world. He doesn't have to pretend to be happy about it.
On the bright side, he does get the amusement of being seated with Granger at the second highest table of honor. Not normally company he'd seek out, but knowing she's likely still perturbed by their last encounter at least ought to provide some measure of entertainment.
That, and the fact that he intends to get absolutely roaring drunk on the Ministry's dime. He's already partway into his second glass of firewhiskey by the time she joins him at the table. )
I assure you it's a mutual pleasure, Granger. Consider me in all ways delighted.
( Which would be a very nice sentiment, if he weren't saying it completely tonelessly and with absolutely no inflection. It isn't even right to call it sarcasm, there isn't nearly enough bite. It is, at best, a very dry apathy β and it's punctuated by a very deep drink. )
lmfao i am so pleased u like it πΌ
[ That infamous monotonous drawl of his is what makes her drop the act, if only briefly. There is really nothing quite like it, when it comes to grating her nerves. Maybe what gets her the most is that she is seething with envy at how Snape doesn't care to keep up with appearances.
Hermione, on the other hand, has to make sure that her reputation precedes her and that it remains pristine so that the donations don't stop coming in for all the causes she's got under her belt, and for the oldest wing at St. Mungo's gets the renovations it deserves. To have been bestowed the Honor of Merlin at the age of eighteen is really not all it's cracked up to be.
Her martini floats itself lower and lower until it's sitting on the table next to her name card and she follows suit, sliding into the seat next to him.
The hall is beginning to flood with people β important people β much to her dismay, neither Ginny nor her best friends are in tow. The crowd is growing and there's enough chatter around the room that their conversion will no doubt get drowned out, so Hermione takes a chance. ]
Regardless, I hope you've been well. [ Fake niceties, except this time, her lips are pursed in a tight line. ] Can we agree not to ever speak of That Incident in the presence of others? Or rather, perhaps we should take it to our graves and never speak of it again?