This chapter contains M rated material
Chapter 7: Diagon Alley
Severus Snape hummed to himself as he quickly set his belongings flying to the shelves around his room and office. He'd just made it to Hogwarts to start his 13th year teaching. He truly wished he did not have to be there. This school year was going to be a nightmare with those foul-breath horrors roaming around, the werewolf, Black and Potter. It was almost like he was back in school. Almost. Now he had the power. Gone were the days where he suffered at the hands of others. Now he made others suffered, and oh how he'd love to be the one to catch Black. It'd be great if Black took the wolf out like he did Pettigrew, but he mustn't get his hopes up. He'd settle for just catching Black.
After he's finished unpacking his things, he poured himself a glass of firewhiskey. He only had two days of peace and quiet before the brats arrived. Two days, he thought. He sat down in the wingback chair thinking of how complicated the upcoming year was going to be, as he closed his eyes. Barely two minutes passed before they shot open.
"Shit," he said as he jumped out of his sit. "Today is Charity's birthday." He looked at his watch. It was just turning nine pm. He summoned the diamond necklace, earrings and ring set he'd purchased days before and practically ran into the bathroom. He was in and out the shower in less than five minutes and was dressed in another five, in an elegant all black suit with a blue dress shirt. Charity was a Ravenclaw and he knew she loved to see him in blue. He rarely wore anything but the his customary black but love makes one do unusual thing. At twenty after the hour he was making his way to Charity's office, located near Ravenclaw Tower.
She answered on the first knock. "I thought you forgot," she said as she kissed him on the lips and led him into her rooms.
"I could never forget the day the love of my life was born," said Severus as he kissed her. Charity smiled. "I love you too," she said. "Are you hungry? The elves prepared dinner for us."
Severus nodded and they sat together at the small kitchen table she had in her cooking area. They ate a steak meal consisted of a large T-bone, bake potatoes and steamed green beans. They had a double decked fudge chocolate cake for dessert. Severus enjoyed the meal tremendously. He licked his lips as he listened to the beautiful woman sitting across from him go over the latest debate in Transfiguration Today:Animagi Apparation.
"I've never heard of such a thing," she was saying. "I mean how can you apparate while in animal form?"
"Wandless magic," suggested Severus. "It would take a very skilled and determined wizard to do it"
"So, you actually believe it can be done?" asked Charity.
Severus nodded. "I believe nothing is impossible. All it takes to accomplish the impossibility is patience, determination, will-power and intelligence," he stood and walked around to stand behind Charity. She was wearing a beautiful spaghetti strapped all black cocktail dress, that was leaving little to the imagination. Her auburn color hair was curled in ringlets curls, making her look a lot younger than the thirty-two that she now was. She had pale light blue eyes and a smiled that nearly stopped his heart. She was extremely beautiful and highly intelligent. He loved being around her. She was refreshing.
He kissed her neck and felt her shiver. He smiled. "Happy birthday," he whispered in her ear. He pulled the jewelry out of his pocket. "You are so beautiful," he said as he clamped the diamonds around her neck. He removed the diamonds in her ears that he's given her two Christmases before, and replaced them with the new diamonds. "I love you," he said as he did this. "You are everything I ever wanted in a woman," he said as he slid the diamond ring on her finger. Middle finger, not ring finger, charity noticed. "I hope to share the rest of your birthdays with you." he finished with a kiss on her lips. She kissed him back. "Thank you, baby," she tried to say at the same time as she tried to devour his tongue. They kissed for a long time. Each trying to outdo the other. Severus hands were all over her breast. She began to moan. Severus could feel his erection rising. He let his hands drop to her legs. Up her dress. He gasped. She was not wearing panties. His erection went completely up, rock hard. He swiftly swept her to her feet. She squealed with delight. His penis was throbbing, yearning to be inside her warm folds, in her hot passion flower, wet for him. But today was her birthday. Today was supposed to be special for her. He carried her to the sitting area and placed her on the back of the sofa. He kissed her again. She was trembling, moaning, anxious for him. Ready to be pleased by him. They had not had sex for nearly two weeks now. He wondered if she knew that he did it intentionally every year. It always made the sex so much better on her birthday. She was squirming, trying to free herself of the dress she was in. Severus pulled out his wand and vanished her clothes silently. He stood back to admire her beautiful frame. Not fat, but not bones. She was curvy and there was no hair on her legs, or underarms. Her triangular treasure box would have been cleaned shaved too, but he put a stop to that years ago. He's seen too many young girls raped in his death eating days. He liked hair on his pussy. She had her hair trimmed low and he found it was just right.
He inserted his finger inside her and heard her hiss. He pulled it out and put it in his mouth. He sank to his knees, and began massaging her clit with his fingers. She began to moan louder. He continued working her clitoris with his fingers a minute longer before he bowed his head and began to feast on her. She was moaning louder than ever, her bottom jerking every which way as he nipped and nibbled at her clit and gave her extreme pleasure. She squealed, moaned, and gyrated in ecstasy before she flooded for Severus to drink it all in.
After he was done he carried her still trembling form to her bedroom. He laid her on the bed and began to undress himself. After he was completely naked he climbed into bed. She was already spread open for him. He climbed on top of her and stuck his pulsating penis, dripping with precum inside her hot, wet, triangular treasure box. God, she felt so good. He began to move slowly, going in his complete length as slow as he could, then pulling all the back to the tip. Charity moaned loudly, wrapping her arm around his waist and pulling him in closer to her. He could feel her body trembling beneath him. He could feel her heart beating wildly inside her chest. He studied her face as he stroked her. He saw the way her mouth made o's, clenched closed tightly, and hung loosely open as he gave her extreme pleasure. He saw how her eyebrows rose and fell with her excitement. He saw the sweat forming on her forehead, and how her red hair began to look brown as it got wet with her sweat. He looked in her pale blue eyes, hot with lust and desire and he felt something flutter inside his heart. Something came over him and he began to pound into her, willing her to feel the newfound love that he'd just discovered. He was in love with her. Truly in love, greater than anything he'd ever felt for Lily or Narcissa, or any of the other nameless girls he had meaningless sex with. This was love. True love. He would die for her and he knew that she would die for him. She was howling in bliss, screaming her love for him as he made love to her in a way that he never had before. He came with the force of a canon, dumping his seeds into her as he panted breathlessly. She was unable to speak, but just laid in his arms breathing heavily. After ten or fifteen minutes, he took her mouth in his and kissed her wildly. "Happy birthday," he whispered.
Severus had not realized he had dozed to sleep until he felt himself being shook awake.
"Severus," said Charity sound sleepy herself. He grunted to let her know that he was listening. "When are we going to get married?" she asked quietly.
Severus felt like the tiredness he felt vanished. He groaned inwardly. "We've been over this baby," he mumbled as he tried to kiss her, willing her mind to go elsewhere. She turned his kiss down.
"Yes, we have," said Charity sitting up in bed and folding her arm across her chest. "And I don't understand. Every time I see you, you tell me that you love me,"
"And I do love you Charity," said Severus sitting up to. It was after one in the morning, he did not want to hear this. "Why can't you see that?"
"I've been your personal whore for seven and a half years Severus," exclaimed Charity. "I want to be your wife."
Severus said nothing. He couldn't believe she'd just referred to herself as a whore. That she thought he would see her as a whore. Why didn't she realize how much she loved him? Because he didn't wish to marry? He sighed deeply and laid back down. It was too late. He was exhausted. He just made the best love he'd ever made to her and she wanted to argue about getting married. Again.
"So, you're not even going to answer me?" said Charity.
"No," said Severus firmly. "Get some rest, we have to be up early for Dumbledore's briefing before the Dementors arrive."
Charity turned on her side and didn't say another word. If Severus hadn't fallen back to sleep almost instantly, he would have known that Charity laid awake crying for hours.
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Hermione awoke early on the morning the morning of the trip to Diagon Alley. The sun had barely risen being that it was not much after six. Hermione took a quick shower and headed downstairs. She had been given a Black family elf named Star, but she didn't mind making her own meals as well. She didn't think she liked the idea of the elves enslavement. She figured she would make herself some scrambled eggs with toast and tea.
She entered the kitchen and was surprised to find a coffee mug sitting on the counter beside a half-eaten bacon sandwich. "Narcissa?" she called. No answer. She exited the kitchen and peeked inside the green house. Narcissa was not there either. She turned down the hall and heard retching sounds coming from the bathroom. She entered to find Narcissa with her head in the toilet. She ran forward and swept her hair out of the way.
"Eww," she squealed. "you have puke in your hair."
After Narcissa was done she summoned a wash cloth and washed her face. "Thanks baby," she mumbled. Hermione took a seat at the window seat and looked out over the side yard. She had a beautiful view of a small quidditch pitch. It was beautiful with the early morning dew still glistening. Narcissa came to sat beside her.
"Are you okay," Hermione asked looking at her. Narcissa nodded. "Just morning sickness. I'm used to it."
"Has Mr. Malfoy left for work already," asked Hermione, wondering why he wasn't there helping his wife."
An angry, dark look came flashed across Narcissa's face. It was so quick however that Hermione thought she might have imagined it.
"He didn't come home last night," Narcissa answered turning her picture back to the side yard scenery.
"Am I pregnant," asked Hermione quietly. "I've been touched by a man." Narcissa sat down beside her daughter. "Is that what's been bothering you," she asked as took Hermione's hand. Hermione nodded. "Ever since I found out that you were pregnant it's been on my mind. How will I know if I'm pregnant? Or am I too young to get pregnant," she put her head in her hands.
Narcissa, rested her hands on her shoulder. "The ability to bare children doesn't really come at a set age." Hermione looked up at her with confusion written all over her face. "Do you have your period yet Hermione," she asked.
"My period? I'm not sure what you mean."
"Your menstruation. Flow?" Hermione still did not understand.
"Hermione do you bleed every month from your, from your vagina?"
Hermione flushed, clearly not comfortable talking about that particular part of her body.
"No," she said looking down. "No, I don't."
Narcissa held her chin up. "It's nothing to be ashamed of." she said. "Hermione you're not pregnant," she said rubbing her knee. "You have to have your menstration period to get pregnant."
Hermione nodded. "That's good to know," she said. "When will I get my period?"
"I can't say," said Narcissa. "Everyone is different. I got mine a month before I turned thirteen. My sister Bella, was fifteen and she hadn't gotten hers yet.
Hermione nodded again. I'll send some pads with you when you go back to school the day after tomorrow." said Narcissa. "It will save you a trip to Madame Pomfrey if you do get your period while you are at Hogwarts."
Hermione nodded. They were quiet for a moment. Then Hermione asked. "Can you tell me about your sisters?"
Narcissa smiled. "I can tell you about Bella. We are close in age. Andromeda is the oldest but I don't know her at all. She was already of age when I was born. She married a mudblood and got herself disowned."
Hermione flinched at the word mudblood. Narcissa seemed not to notice. "My parents second child is my brother, Rigel Kentaurus Black, He's in Azkaban. Murdered his wife, her lover, and her lover's entire family." She sighed. "He was decent." she said quietly. "Was very close to Ann. They were two years apart like Bella and me. Didn't care much for Bella and me, said we were dark. I keep hoping for him to get an appeal." she sighed. "Sirius Black is my cousin." she said.
Hermione gasped. "You mean the one who escaped from Azkaban?"
Narcissa nodded. "Yea. We weren't particularly close but he was a year behind me in school, so I grew up with him. I knew him, in and out of school. He didn't do what they say. I know my cousin. He's innocent."
"They say he was evil. Was a big follower of you know who, and killed thirteen people," said Hermione staring incredulously at her mother, not believing that she thought that was innocent.
Narcissa laughed. "Who said that Severus," she laughed again. "Sirius a supporter of Voldemort." she laughed again. "Severus certainly should know better than that. Heisa death eater."
Hermione gasped. She shook her head. "He isn't. Dumbledore wouldn't have hired him. He saved Harry's life."
Narcissa did not answer her instead she said. "I heard of your little expeditions with Potter and Weasley. You guys are quite the detectives, certainly got my husband in a qualm, so I'll give you something to think about. Sirius and Severus are mortal enemies has been since they met at a tea party when they were five. You can't trust his opinions of Sirius. Second, Potter's father and Sirius were best friends. Sirius is Potter's godfather. Third, Sirius hate the Dark Arts. He always did hate the Dark Arts. It's why he hates Sev so much. Now I don't know how or why Sirius got caught up in the Potter's murder but Sirius would die before he betrayed Potter. He was disowned for choosing Potter over his family. He did not have anything to do with their deaths and if he murdered Pettigrew it's because Pettigrew didhave something to do with their deaths. The ministry is just too stupid to put it together."
Hermione said nothing. She just rapidly processed all the information she's just received. Severus didn't tell her any of what Narcissa had. Hell, he didn't tell her anything except an escaped murderer was on the loose. Well this certainly was a lot more to go on. And if Narcissa was telling the truth then how could they prove it? She looked up at her mother who was watching her intently. "Does Harry know that Sirius is his godfather?" she asked.
"I doubt it," she said airily as she stood. "From what your father tells me, he was sent to live with magic hating muggles. He more than likely doesn't know any of this. We will be leaving for Diagon Alley in an hour time. I need to wash my hair." and with that she left the bathroom leaving Hermione with loads on her mind.
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Hermione, Draco and Narcissa made their way out of the Leaky Cauldron into Diagon Alley. It was a very beautiful and very sunny day. People were already out and about. Hermione looked around and smiled. Draco looked at her.
"I guess we'll get to see how Weasel and Potty treats you when you tell them I'm your brother" he said.
Hermione nodded. "It'll be a shocker but they're my friends." she said confidently. "It won't change nothing." Narcissa smirked but didn't otherwise respond. Instead she said, "Let me have your book list, I will go get your books and you two can go get some new robes."
Hermione handed over her book list. "My school robes are still fine from last year," she said.
"Then you can donate them to a secondhand shop," she said without looking up from the list. "God knows Molly Weasley needs them. That daughter of her dresses like trash."
"Narcissa," scolded Hermione indignantly. Draco laughed. Narcissa shrugged her shoulder. "I know they're poor but she only has one daughter. She can put better things on her than those rags."
"Why don't you buy Ginny some clothes then," snapped Hermione. "Instead of talking about her."
"They would never accept it." Narcissa snapped back. "That's why I donate clothes to second hand shops. It's just Ginny can't fit my clothes. But if you donate yours she can fit that."
"Like you care," said Hermione. "Ginny is my friend and your husband almost got her killed."
Draco frowned at her. "That has nothing to do with me," said Narcissa coldly. "And while we're at it let me say, you will not speak to me like that again. I do not tolerate it from Draco and I won't from you. Now do as you were told and go and get some new robes."
Hermione glared at her mother. Narcissa stared her down as well.
"Fine," said Hermione. "But only because I have no choice." She turned on her heel and stormed away. Narcissa shook her head and headed in the direction of Flourish and Botts.
Hermione and Draco entered Madam Malkin's to find Ron, Ginny and Mrs. Weasley. Ginny was getting fitted for school robes. Draco turned to Hermione and grinned at the irony of it. Ron turned and spotted Hermione.
"Hermione," he said coming over to them. "I haven't heard from you all summer. I wrote you but Errol always came back with the letter." Hermione beamed at her best friend and gave him a big hug. "It's so good to see you Ron," she said smiling. "You wouldn't believe the summer I've had."
"Mom will be very upset if you waste time chit chatting." Said Draco turning to Hermione. "She normally does all the shopping first then takes the packages home and then we come back and socialize. Business before pleasure."
"What do Hermione care about you mom, Malfoy?" asked Ron frowning at Draco. "She doesn't have to listen to you."
"Actually, I do Ron," said Hermione quietly. Ginny was done and had walked over to them. Mrs. Weasley was busy with Madam Malkin.
"Hey Hermione," said Ginny. "Why are you with Malfoy."
"It's because she's my sister," said Draco. "Our mother sent her to live with muggles when she was born. She's come back home. So, she must, in fact, listen to Mother. It's not like what Mother enforces is wrong. It's makes a lot of sense. If your parents would have put business before pleasure they wouldn't have more kids than they can afford now, would they?"
Ron's ears went dark red and he drew his wand. "How dare you insult my parents?" he said pointed his wand in Draco's face.
"No stop," yelled Hermione. "Put your wand away Ron."
"O so you're defending Malfoy?" yelled Ron.
"Ron calm down," said Hermione.
"Is it true that you're really his sister?" asked Ginny.
"Yes," said Hermione.
"And she's been staying at the Manor," said Draco.
"So that's why you decided not to answer my owls?" Ron yelled in her face.
"Ron, I didn't get any owls," said Hermione.
"We have barriers preventing unknown owls from accessing our property," said Draco smugly. "Don't bother sending anymore owls Weasley. Hermione will have to write you and you respond via the owl she sends the letter with."
"I didn't ask you Malfoy," snarled Ron. At that moment Lucius Malfoy entered. Ron lowered his wand and glared. Ginny's eyes began to water.
"Father what are you doing here?" asked Draco. "Mother said that you had already left for work."
Lucius' eyes swept over the two youngest Weasleys with a curled lip. "I had business at Gringotts," said Lucius turning his attention back to his son. "I took the liberty to withdraw some gold for you two," he said dropping a large pouch full of gold in both of their hands. "I understand this is a Hogsmeade year. You both will be able to indulge comfortably." he smirked at the sick looking face Ron was making. "I must get back to work now. Draco remember, business before pleasure. Shouldn't the two of you be getting your robes?" with that he turned and left.
After he was gone Ron turned to Hermione. "I guess you're one of them now, huh?"
"Ron look-,"
"No, just stay the hell away from me and my sister." Ron yelled. "You may have forgotten while you were being waited on hand and feet at Malfoy Manor that Lucius Malfoy tried to kill Ginny but we haven't." He grabbed Ginny by the arm and pushed past the two of them.
"That went well," said Draco as he approached Malkin who was just getting down with Mrs. Weasley. Hermione sighed. It will get better she told herself.
She and Draco got their robes and decided to get some ice cream before going to get their refill on quills and ink, parchment, and potion ingredients. At around noon, they met Narcissa who had a trail of elves following her carrying all their books, supplies, and clothing. (Narcissa bought both new daywear besides their robes.)
It was when Narcissa was telling Hermione to purchase an owl did, they run into Ron again. Harry was still not with them. Ron was with Ginny, Fred and George.
"There's the little bitch," she heard Ron say loudly. "You better listen to your new mommy Hermione, wouldn't want to disappoint your real mother. You know the one who raised you."
Draco advanced on him. "You better shut your mouth Weasel," he ordered.
"I see he's defending the spawn after he called her a mudblood all last year," said Ginny. "I guess you forgot how he made you cry like a little baby, Hermione."
Hermione felt her temperature rising. "I'm surprised you remember anything at all Ginny," she retorted. "What with being possessed all year attacking muggleborns."
Both Ron and Ginny advanced on them. "Your father is the one who caused me to get possessed," yelled Ginny with tears in her eyes.
"My father caused no such thing," Hermione yelled back. "And you're the one who kept writing in the book. It was your own fault. You attacked all of us last year Ginny. Not Lucius Malfoy. But nobody hates you. Dumbledore excused your stupidity."
"Now you know that's out of line," scolded Fred.
"Well tell your stupid little brother and sister to leave me alone. I can't help who my parents are."
"Aww, fuck you Hermione," yelled Ron. "Fuck you and the Malfoys, come on Ginny." and he stormed off. Narcissa shook her head and looked at her daughter.
"Are you okay," she asked softly. Hermione nodded. "Well I'm going to take your things home." she said. "I want you to go buy an owl. I want to be able to write you." Hermione nodded and made her way down the side street leading to the Magical pet shop. She was in deep thought about all that had happened with Ron and Ginny. "Guess Ron wasn't really my friend," she told herself and her heart ached a little. Her mind went to Harry. She hadn't heard from him at all either. She wondered if he would still see her as who she was rather than who her parents were. She had not gone far down the empty side road, when somebody grabbed her from behind and slammed her face first into the wall.
"Oh," she managed to say as she felt her nose break.
"Make one sound and I will kill you where you stand," growled an angry voice. She could not see him but she could smell the funk of his breath. His clothes smelt like a sewer.
"Who are you," asked Hermione trembling.
"It does not matter. What matters is what I am going to do to you." Hermione was so afraid she felt herself urinating on herself. "Please don't hurt me," she cried.
"I'm not going to hurt you just now," he said as he pressed her head into the wall harder. "There's no fun in that," he said. "But I will be seeing you around. He released her and Hermione heard a pop behind her. He disapparated. She sank to her knees crying.
She was found about twenty minutes later by Narcissa.
"Hermione," she cried running up to her. "What happened are you okay" Hermione allowed Narcissa to help her to her feet. "Hermione you're wet. What happened?" asked Narcissa frantically.
"What's going on Mother?" asked Draco. "Hermione what's happened?"
"I don't know," cried Hermione."
"Mom her face is bleeding," said Draco. Narcissa grabbed both of her children by the hand and apparated them to Malfoy Manor.
"Twinkle," she called. There was a pop and Narcissa's elf appeared.
"Fetch Hermione a wash cloth to clean her face." she ordered.
"Pax," a second Elf appeared.
"Yes Mistress," he said bowing low.
"Fetch Lucius tell him Hermione's been attacked."
"Yes mistress," said Pax ad he vanished with a whip like crack.
"Tally," said Narcissa, as Twinkle reappeared with the cloth Narcissa requested. A third elf popped into the room. "Go to Hogwarts and tell Severus that Hermione has been attacked." The elf bowed low again and vanished. Narcissa cleansed Hermione's face.
"What happened Hermione," she said as Lucius appeared in the floo fire place.
"What's going on Narcissa." he demanded. "What happened Hermione?"
Before she could speak Tally reappeared hand in hand with Severus. He rushed to her side. "What happened Hermione?" he asked. "Are you okay?"
Hermione nodded. "Please tell us what happened," begged Narcissa.
"I was going to buy an owl like you told me," said Hermione. "And some man grabbed me from behind in the alley. He slammed me into the wall. He said he wasn't going to hurt me now but later and disapparated. I didn't see his face. He smelt really awful though, like he was homeless."
"Did you recognized his voice," asked Severus urgently. Hermione shook her head. "No sir," she said quietly.
"Well I want you to get your things and I'll take you to Hogwarts tonight." he said.
Hermione shook her head. "Do I have to?" she asked. "I rather ride the train like everyone else."
"Hermione some unknown assailant attacked you." said Severus. "I don't know who he is or what he wants. I rather not have you raped again."
"Please," said Hermione, her eyes watering. "I don't want special treatment because you're my father. Students return to school on the first of September. I'll be fine here until the day after tomorrow. Then I will get back on the train. It was an adult not a student." she finished.
"Are you sure honey," asked Narcissa. "You would be safer at Hogwarts."
"I'm sure," said Hermione. "Can I go take a bath?"
"Did he touch you in anyway?" demanded Severus.
"No sir," said Hermione honestly. "He just slammed me into the wall."
"Very well," he said. "But I want to see you immediately after the feast." he said. "I've seen a copy of your schedule. I've dropped Muggle studies and Divination from your courses. You'll kill yourself taking all those classes. I allowed you to keep one extra class. Care of Magical creatures. It's useful to know of certain animals. You can also keep Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. Those two are very useful electives and Potter nor Weasley were smart enough to take it. You will do well in there."
Hermione nodded. After she and Draco had gone upstairs to bathe, Severus turned to Lucius. "I want every auror considering this," he said. "Somebody attacked Hermione and I think it was Black. "
Narcissa rolled her eyes. "Really Severus," she asked. "And why would Sirius attack Hermione.
"Who else would it be." yelled Severus. "She said he was stink. That sounds like a man on the run."
"It also sounds like Mundungus Fletcher," yelled Narcissa.
"It can be anyone," said Lucius. "But I agree with Severus Cissy," he said. "I think it was Sirius."
"Well I don't," yelled Narcissa. "And I don't want the ministry writing this attack off as Sirius when a real mad man is out there and wants to hurt my daughter."
"You're the one who allowed her to wander off on her own." spat Severus. "You should have been watching her"
"Hermione is almost fourteen years old," yelled Narcissa. "She does not want me escorting her all over the place like she's a child."
"She is a child," yelled Severus. "And if you can't take better care of her then tomorrow will be her last day in Malfoy Manor until she becomes of age." and with that he spun on the spot and vanished.
Lucius turned to his wife. "He's right you know. You should have kept her in your sight always after what she's been through this summer. She pissed herself. Did you notice? She's still traumatized."
Narcissa crossed the room and poured herself a drink. "I messed up," she confessed. "It won't happen again."
Lucius nodded. "Well I should get back and inform Magical Law Enforcement. Let them know Sirius was in Diagon Alley."
"Where were you last night?" Narcissa asked him.
"I had some business to handle," he answered. "I'll be home tonight."
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On the train to Hogwarts, Hermione found herself in a compartment to herself. Ron and Ginny were vicious towards her earlier and she still hadn't seen Harry. She sat thinking of how worst things were going to be when they learned that she was not Lucius's daughter but Snape's. She sat there staring into space when the compartment door opened. She looked up to see Harry standing there.
"May I join you?" he asked. Hermione nodded.
"Ron told me what happened in Diagon Alley," he said. Hermione said nothing. "I just wanted you to know that I don't care who your parents are. You still are my best friend." Hermione felt a tear fall down her face.
"Don't cry Hermione," said Harry coming to sit beside her. "Ron and Ginny were stupid and I told them so."
"Snape's my father, not Lucius Malfoy. Draco and I only have the same mother."
Harry blinked. "Snape?" he asked. "And Malfoy's mom?"
Hermione nodded.
"Wow," said Harry. "Just when I was beginning to think all his bitterness came from the lack of a woman in his life."
Hermione burst out laughing. It felt good. Harry stayed with her the entire ride asking her about her summer with the Malfoys and with Snape. She told him everything, except of course how she found out she was adopted. She would not share that with him for a long time, if ever. She was very happy that Harry was still her friend. They were joined later by Ernie McMillian, and Viktor Krum, who caused Hermione to blush furiously.
Once at Hogwarts, Viktor was sorted as a fifth year Slytherin. He was behind in school according to McGonagall, and was not up to par with Hogwarts sixth year students.
"What a year it's going to be," she said to herself as she laid down in her four-poster bed that night. The last thing she remembered seeing before she drifted to dreamland, was the smiling face of Viktor Krum plastered behind her eyelids.
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