Chapter 4

The Weasleys, Ms Pomfrey, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Professor McGonagall, Harry, they all entered the room. They were here to remove Fred. They noticed the older woman beside Hermione. A woman crying over Snape’s body. They were intrigued – Severus was not known to have an affair with a woman going on.

Hermione went to them. “His mother,” she just said.

Kingsley went to Snape’s body and met Eileen there. “Excuse me… Mrs Snape ?”

“Yes…”

“Kingsley Shacklebolt. I was a member of the Order of the Phoenix, like your son was. I testify he was a key asset to us in order to bring down Voldemort. He was a great man. I’m sure you’re already proud of him. Know that we are proud of him too.” He cleared his throat. “We’ll miss him and we grieve with you.”

Hermione liked the way Kingsley had talked. Modest, humble, referring to the only status he had in common with Severus Snape, as if it was the most valuable thing in the world. Member of the Order of the Phoenix.

“Thank you, sir,” Eileen said. “I’m glad to know that Severus had some friends that thought highly of him. After what had happened to Albus Dumbledore…”

“It’s okay. Professor Dumbledore had plans and for the safety of his School, our safety, that of Severus, he did not always mention them. We were surprised but we knew that there was something good to come out of Albus’ death. Your son… gave his life so that something good could come out for all of us here.”

Hermione concluded that Kingsley must have seen the Pensieve. If someone else had watched them, be them the Minister of Magic, surely Harry would allow a grieving mother to watch them too. She got closer to her housemate.

“Harry, she should be allowed to see the memories Professor Snape gave you… in the Pensieve… Please.”

Harry looked at her and nodded. “She has the right to know indeed. That her son was probably the bravest man we ever met.”

“I’ll talk with her then about this,” Hermione said.

“Where do you plan to bury your son, Mrs Snape ?” Kingsley asked.

“I don’t know… Severus… had told me, when we buried his father… that he didn’t wish to be buried with him, in our family plot. He had a different with him…”

Harry knew what she was alluding to. He had seen it a few years back in Snape’s Pensieve. The argument between his parents. Tobias Snape had been a brutal man and he had surely abused both his wife and son. Knowing Snape’s ability to hold a grudge for a very long time, in a most intense fashion, he was not surprised that the son did not wish to be buried with the father.

He got closer to them. He introduced himself to her, with his usual humbleness. “If you may, I suggest that Professor Snape be buried in Hogwarts ground, not very far from Professor Dumbledore. As an example of selflessness and bravery for the students. He deserves it, after everything he did for us and for the School, both as a teacher and as a spy for the Order.”

Kingsley watched the young man. “Granted. Mrs Snape, if you have no objection, Hogwarts would be honored to welcome your son’s remains.”

Hearing this, Eileen Snape’s eyes welled up, tears spilled on her cheeks. But her face brightened. “Yes, thank you so much. I’m sure Severus would have loved the idea. I feel honored.”

Eileen Snape felt honored but not soothed nonetheless. She would never have her son back.