Chapter Two: A war begins
Disclaimer:
All Characters and places you recognize belong to the most wonderful J.K. Rowling; I am simply borrowing her brilliance, and am receiving no compensation for this work!
This story will take place as if the events from the end of Sixth year did not happen. This is a Hermione/Severus story.
There are a lot of things in this world that can stop a person in their tracks, but at the moment Hermione had to conclude that walking into her front hallway to find the most hated professor and Death Eater spy standing in her home would have to top the list. "Professor Snape, my parents?" the reply a simple arch of an eyebrow followed by an answer that broke her heart. "The Headmaster has seen fit to recall you Miss Granger and your parents have been moved to a secure location." Recalled? Secure location, but why? Hermione only had to chance to take a shallow breath before Professor Snape answered her unasked question. "No you may not know where, and you are to go upstairs to prepare for our departure which will take place in five minutes. No questions Miss Granger, I have already wasted enough of my evening because of you."
Five steps to the stairs… four steps…then I can cry in peace… three …. two "Oh and Miss Granger? Do not forget this." Hermione looked up at the object Snape (Professor!) threw to her. Glinting gold in the air, her head girl badge landed in her hand, and she could no longer hold back the tears. You knew this moment would come when it was no longer safe to be at home, it's why you worked so hard to convince the Headmaster to let you go home for the summer. Pull your head up girly! Professor Snape has no wish to see your tears! YOU ARE HEAD GIRL! Feeling a calm that seemed impossible spread over her, Hermione was able to continue her trek upstairs with no more than two tear drops falling and with her chin tiled high. Little did she know that those where the last two tears she would be allowed to shed.
Severus was having a bad day. The worst he had had since the students (Dunderheads all of them!) left for the summer. It began at the crack of dawn when he was woken by the sound of Peeves tearing his carefully cleaned student store cupboard apart. It appeared that when he had cleaned and re-stocked it for the new semester he had forgotten the one ward that would keep the pesky poltergeist out of the potions ingredients. His inattention was simply in-excusable and now with only a few weeks before term start he would have to begin all of his preparations again. The relaxing afternoon he had anticipated had been irreversibly ended just after sitting down to enjoy a pleasant lunch alone in his quarters with the latest potions journal when his arm was torn apart as if a hot poker pressed to his skin, the black tattoo like mark pulsed ending any chance of a peaceful day.
Walking through his calm sedate quarters Severus headed into his bedroom to the wardrobe. Donning his heavy black robes, and placing the mask he was required to wear into his pocket had become part of his ritual that helped to calm his mind, and prepare him for whatever tasks lay ahead of him. He had begun this practice just after he had first turned spy for Dumbledore all those years ago. No matter his mood or feelings before the summons it was absolutely imperative that he clear his mind. The Dark Lord was more than capable of tearing through an unprotected and disorganized consciousness. For Severus this would be a death sentence. Lord Voldemort was not a fan of traitors. Leaving his quarters Severus sent his patronus to alert the Headmaster to his summons, and took a moment he did not have to watch the animal gracefully leap down the hallway. Swallowing the sharp pain in his heart seeing the animal always caused, (Lilly!) Severus tore down the passage in the opposite direction to the hidden door that would lead him ever closer to his deplorable master.
The cup of hot sweet tea sat in front of him, and would continue to do so un-touched until it became cold. It had become such a routine over the years that Albus Dumbledore no longer realized that he performed the customary act. He would be sitting at his desk writing to a dear old friend, or Minerva would be sitting by his side in front of roaring fire and a large doe patronus would come bursting into the room. From the moment the first hoof would touch the floor Albus would dread whatever message it carried, for even a simple warning of a summons could spell disaster for the wizarding world. He would dismiss any company, and place correspondence in a drawer to be dealt with later when he could properly commit to it, for when the waiting game would begin again even Albus had to admit that his formidable mind would become quite useless. The powerful old man would then stand, tend to his fire, make a cuppa, then proceed to sit behind his desk. The portraits that hung around the circular ceiling for decades had commented once that the current headmaster looked statuesque when he did this, almost as if in a trance.
Fawkes burst into the room in a brilliant show of red, orange, and yellow flames. His haunting song told Albus much more than words ever could. The phoenix landed on the large desk, and crooned for his master. Albus, lost in his own thoughts, absentmindedly stroked the beautiful plumage of the mystical bird in front of him. The message that Fawkes had passed on was a simple one but also of importance. Their enigmatic potions professor was back on school grounds, in no physical danger, and was making his way to meet with Albus directly. What foul news do you bring me today Severus? I fear that I may be too old to do this for much longer. When will we finally be able to end this war? I have seen so many innocents tortured or killed. Watched so many children get dragged into their parent's squabbles and beliefs. I feel the ache of burying far too many friends so deep in my bones. Tom's quest for blood purity a joke and cover for his lust of power and blood. And Severus, how many more times can I send you into the snakes den and still expect you to return to me whole and undamaged? A sharp rap on the door brought the old man out of his thoughts.
"Headmaster" Severus greeted with a slight bow of his head. "My boy, I see you have arrived back to us safely?" Severus scowled at the Headmasters gift for the obvious. "Yes Headmaster, the dark lord was in a most pleasant mood this afternoon." which is about as safe as one of his tempers, Severus sneered at the thought, and here comes the customary pleasantries, let's get this all over with old man! "Sit down my boy! What can I get you? Tea, something to eat perhaps?" answered by a look that would chill most people's blood, Albus had to hold back a bark of laughter." All right then to business, what news do you bring the order Severus? Has Tom made any more concrete plans or changed his strategy?" At the Headmasters words Severus placed his head in his hands and proceeded to rub his temples to release some of the tension that had gathered there. How am I to tell him what has been asked of me? I will not be able to complete this task for the Dark Lord. I will fail, and with that the Order loses it's one and only spy placed within the inner circle. Albus could sense the utter despair coming off his spy, "Severus tell me! What is the matter?" With only a small sigh, and a barely noticeable twitch of his shoulders Severus Snape, Master spy, cold and calculating man that he was truly trembled for the first time in front of someone other than Lord Voldemort. Looking into the eyes of the only man he had ever seen as a father Severus spoke like a man who had lost all hope. "Please retrieve your pensive Headmaster, for I believe this news is far too critical not to be shared detail by detail." Worry stole over the aged wizard as he eyed his spy "Is it that bad by boy?" Severus lowered his head so that his long greasy hair covered his eyes like a shield. "I fear Headmaster that my usefulness as a spy has ended." Shock stole across the Headmasters face, and Severus continued "The Dark Lord requests that I take an apprentice spy to use against you." "Surely that is not so bad Severus!" The potions master stood and began to pace furiously. "You do not understand! He has requested someone in particular. Someone who will never be able to hide our secrets, or avoid getting themselves killed!" The Headmaster looked at this tired and worn out man and asked the question that would change the entire outcome of the war. "Who has he requested?" and in a tone of voice that spoke volumes to his mood Severus answered "Hermione Granger".
Severus and the Headmaster had talked for a long time after his revelation. Discussions about the possibility of Miss Granger accepting such a burden, the dangers she would face, the pain she would endure, and the risk she could put everyone in. In the end Albus decided that all of the risks were worth not only keeping his one spy in the enemy's camp, but to add another with Voldemort's blessing! All of which had brought him here, walking down a quiet muggle street to recall Miss Granger. Having finally located the house whose number was on the small piece of paper that Dumbledore had given him before leaving, Severus walked up the small garden path before him. How am I to speak with complete strangers, and have them both grasp a portkey to boot? With a trademark sneer he decided trickery would work best. There would be someone waiting on the other side more than ready and willing to explain the situation to both of her muggle parents. Severus stepped up to the white painted door and slammed his fist against it, causing to wood to jump, and his lip to twitch upwards in a barely there smile. The door opened to two muggles standing there staring at him in shock, and he threw the large bundle of flowers that the Headmaster had transfigured straight into the hands of both Grangers. The instant the portkey touched them, they were gone in a flash of light and he stepped over the threshold and into the house, not quite closing the white door behind him.
Walking past a small table just inside the door, Severus saw an unopened Hogwarts letter sitting there. Picking up and tearing it open, he pulled out the golden badge enclosed within. She must not be home; there is no way the little know it all would not have opened this if she were. He was distracted by his thoughts by the sound of footsteps walking cautiously towards the door. I could hear her from a mile off this will never work! Fixing a scowl onto his face he turned just in time to see her push open the door wand in hand, a look of utter fear on her face. He just could not help himself, her letter in his hand he greeted her, "Congratulations Miss Granger, you are Head Girl".
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