Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot

Author's Note: I've been on vacation all week. This is a shorter than usual chapter. Sorry. Please read and review!

The Snake Charmer

Chapter 10: Scars and Promises

Dinner with Snape and McGonagall wasn't as bad as Hermione had anticipated. They both studiously kept the conversation away from what was obviously the elephant in the room. Hermione was completely thankful that they were content to talk with one another and leave her out of it. She only listened to them halfheartedly and ate what she could. Despite feeling ravenous only minutes earlier, the second food was in front of her she found that she no longer wished to eat. She didn't want to be in anyone's company either but knew it would be rude to excuse herself when it was clear that dinner had been arranged for her benefit. A stone seemed to have settled within her. Upon further reflection she realized it was dread. She was afraid to be with anyone else and equally afraid to be alone. The thought of sleeping all the way up in Gryffindor tower was a daunting one. At the same time, where else could she sleep?

"Hermione? Are you feeling all right?" Minerva asked the girl, noticing that she'd hardly touched her food and mentally seemed to be a hundred miles away.

Severus nearly rolled his eyes. Of course the girl was not all right. She'd just revealed something intimate and incriminating about her family and her person. Her skin was decidedly off color and her eyes, normally luminous and lively were dull and lifeless. He went through a mental list of potions that could possibly help the girl. Nearly all of them were variations on Dreamless Sleep and he knew that she couldn't get near the stuff now that she had admitted an addiction to it.

"I'm tired." Hermione admitted in a voice that belonged to someone much older than she.

"I can escort you up to the tower, dear." Minerva offered in what she hoped was a reassuring voice.

"There's no need. I can get there just fine."

"Nonsense Hermione. Severus, thank you for the meal and for watching out for one of mine." Her voice rang with sincerity.

"Certainly." He dared not say anything else for fear that his usual snarky self would re-emerge.

Hermione stood tiredly and Minerva took her elbow and led her from the Potion Masters quarters. As they walked the empty corridors a great sense of foreboding came upon Hermione so that she stopped walking, just before they began to ascend to the tower.

"Do I have to sleep up there?" She asked in a timid voice.

Minerva looked down at the girl in surprise. "No, you don't have to. You can sleep in your rooms if you'd like."

"My rooms?" Hermione looked at her with a confused expression.

"Well, yes. Now that you are technically a staff member, you have been given private quarters."

"No one told me that. I thought I was going to be staying in the tower."

"We thought you'd be more comfortable in your old dormitory during the summer. We were going to move you to your quarters a few days before the start of term, but I daresay you can stay there now, if you'd like."

"Where are my rooms?"

"Back the way we came, actually."

"The dungeons?" She asked carefully.

"Yes. I had argued to let you have rooms adjoining mine but it was decided that since you're Professor Snape's assistant…"

"Are my quarters adjoining his?" Fear crept into her voice.

"They share one wall and there is no adjoining doorway Hermione. Professor Snape was adamant about that."

"He would be." She said under her breath.

"What was that dear?"

"Nothing. I just said I'd like to see them."

"Very well, follow me."

Hermione trailed behind McGonagall's swishing skirt and found herself eager to see her quarters. She hadn't expected to have any, being only an assistant Professor. She knew that hers would not be as large as Professor McGonagall's or Professor Snape's, but they would be loads better than a shared dormitory. Of that fact, she was sure. The only thing that dampened her excitement was knowing that they were located in the dungeons. She had always thought it odd that the Slytherins actually enjoyed being below ground. The other three houses had towers that came with amazing views. Gryffindor tower was as far from the dungeons and the Slytherins as humanly possible. She rather enjoyed the view of the lake that it offered. Hagrid's hut was even visible from up there.

"Now, I know you aren't familiar with the underground corridors but you will walk past the Potion's classroom and at the end of this corridor you will turn left." McGonagall explained while they walked along. "You will come down these stairs and make another left. At the end of this corridor you will make a right. Your door is hidden in the stones at the end of this corridor. To open the door, you tap these stones with your wand, like so." McGongall demonstrated and Hermione copied her. It was much like the street entrance to Diagon Ally. The stones shifted aside and an opening was revealed. They stepped through and found themselves in a small stone chamber. "Here, you can set up any wards that you wish to set. There is only a minor security ward on the entrance now. You step through what appears to be another wall and here we are."

Hermione gaped. The sitting room they had walked into was quite large. It harbored an extremely large fireplace with a beautiful mahogany mantle. The cold stone floor had been covered with thick crimson carpeting and overlaid with a few different area rugs done in golden tones, one of which had the Hogwart's crest embroidered in the center. There were two small leather sofas sitting across from one another, an ebony table sitting between them. There were at least ten bookshelves and a large corner desk done in an ebony finish with a matching chair. The walls featured different paintings, one of which had been her favorite from Gryffindor tower. It was a unicorn and a unicorn foal, frolicking in their meadow in the Forbidden Forest.

"Wow." She dared to breathe.

"Do you like it?" Minerva looked at the girl's enraptured face smugly. She had gone to great lengths to ensure that her favorite student would be comfortable down here in the drafty dungeons.

"It's amazing."

"Wait until you see your bedroom."

Minerva led Hermione across the chamber and sure enough, nestled between two shelves was a door with a golden colored handle. They walked in and Hermione couldn't contain her gasp of amazement. This room, was about as perfect as a bedroom could be, at least to her. Gone were the days of a single twin bed with hand me down dusty bed curtains. In its place was a large Queen size canopy bed done in cherry wood. The spindles of the frame were carvings. There was a serpent, a badger, a raven, and a lion. The silk bedding looked beautiful and intricate and the pillows looked plump and sumptuous. The room's colors were a mix of blue and green, serene and calming to the eye and featured thick black moldings. There was an elegant writing desk and another, smaller fireplace. A large armoire stood in the corner and was flanked by two bookshelves. In the opposite corner there was another door that had to lead to the loo.

"Go on." Minerva prodded and Hermione walked through the room, running her fingers over everything. When she had her fill she walked into the bathroom and nearly squealed. Though not as big as the tub in the prefects bathroom, this porcelain tub could accommodate four people easily. Like the prefects tub, there were several different taps surrounding the exterior. They had different shapes and she couldn't wait to try them out, to see what scents and colors would pour out from them. The floor was white marble and the sink was porcelain with a granite top. Above the sink hung an antique mirror that was of French design. The scrollwork was elaborate and asymmetrical and she wondered if it had come from the Rococo period. A few feet away from the sink was a closet that housed the toilet and a toiletry cabinet stood on the wall adjacent.

"This is wonderful." Hermione turned and hugged Minerva who gave her a smile. "Thank you for doing this." It had been a long time since anyone had cared so much about her comfort.

"You're welcome dear. I can have the house elves move your things into your quarters immediately, if you'd like."

"That would be perfect." Hermione turned from Minerva to hide the tears that had formed in her eyes.

"All right, I'll have them send your things. Would you like me to stay and keep you company?" The question was posed innocently but Minerva couldn't keep the concern out of her tone.

"I think I'm just going to go to bed, I'm rather worn out." As happy as she'd been the last few minutes, she suddenly wanted to be alone.

"Very well. Your fireplace is connected to the floo and if you need anything, don't hesitate to call. I'll be in my chambers."

Hermione nodded that she understood and yawned. Minerva hugged her once again and then left Hermione in the bedroom.

"Merlin." Hermione sat on the bed and looked around her. It was like a hotel suite. She knew she could get used to this. Abruptly, the memories she'd been holding at bay burst forth and she collapsed into the soft comfort of the bed, and began to cry in earnest. Her sobs were heart wrenching and each one tore through her, leaving a growing chasm of pain. Her body shook with tremors and she was filled with inner loathing and shame. She hated herself, hated the weakness that she hadn't been able to keep concealed. Her Professors now knew and she was terrified that they would reveal her secret to other members of the Order. She was duly terrified of someone acting on the information and confronting her father. Though he was generally a congenial man when he was sober, he was a right bastard when he was drunk. He would hate her for telling people what had happened. She remembered his threat quite well.

"You belong to me Hermione. I created you and I can take your life away. You better remember that. You are not to breathe a word of this to your mother, or to any of your insipid friends either. If I find that you did…so help me, you will wish that you'd never been born."

"I won't father, I promise."

"That's a good girl. You know what good girls get, don't you?" He asked in a sickeningly sweet tone.

She shook her head, her eyes filled with fear.

"Good girls get to feel good. Daddy will make you feel so good sweetheart." He rubbed her through her knickers and she bit her lip fiercely determined not to cry. As his ministrations grew rougher she couldn't stop the tears.

"Please stop." She whispered.

"Now why would you say that? Doesn't this feel good? Look how wet you are…the body doesn't lie."

"Please! Stop! I can't let you do this anymore!" Her heart pounded fearfully and her chest constricted.

"Who said you ever had a choice in the matter? You will shut up, or I will shut you up you filthy bitch." He raised his hand and a blinding pain shot through her temple. He grabbed her legs and parted them roughly, settling himself between her thighs. "That's right filthy mudblood…"

Hermione screamed.

She sat upright then. She hadn't really allowed herself to remember past his threat but why would he call her a mudblood? Fear settled in her stomach, hard and cold. It didn't make sense. With a growing sense of panic she tried to remember if she'd ever told her parents what a mudblood was. She hadn't told them, she was sure of it. If not that…was it possible that her father was a wizard? If so, he'd never done magic in her presence. Even if he was a wizard and had somehow managed to hide the fact from her and her mother, it still didn't make sense that he'd call her that. If she was the daughter of a wizard, she wouldn't be a mudblood, even if he was a squib. It would make her a half blood.

She heard a loud crack in the sitting room and jumped. A moment later a house elf appeared, her luggage and books were levitating behind him.

"I is called Cupcake Ms. Where is the Misses wanting her things?"

Hermione pointed in the corner and the elf placed her things there.

"Is there anything Cupcake can do for you Miss?"

"No, thank you Cupcake."

"No thanks is necessary Miss." He bowed low to her and winked out.

Hermione breathed in and out deeply. Maybe she was wrong. Perhaps he had heard the term somewhere. She knew that Dumbledore had been privy a few times to the insults that had been thrown her way by some of the Slytherins, especially Malfoy. Perhaps Dumbledore had informed her parents? Or McGonagall? That was entirely possible. It still hurt that he would call her that. Didn't her father realize that he was insulting himself as well as her by using that term?

"My life is so fucked up." Hermione said out loud.

"I'll say, if you consort to crying like a banshee and talking to yourself."

Hermione whirled around but no one was there. She looked for a portrait but there weren't any in her bedroom. Confused she walked into the bathroom and gasped. A female face stared back at her through the glass but it was not her own.

"Cat got your tongue? Haven't you seen a talking mirror before?"

"I've seen them before but make it a point not to own them. I find most of them to be exceedingly rude." She lashed out, not happy about having her misery being overheard.

"Well, I'd like to see you try to get rid of me." The mirror said haughtily.

Hermione smiled nastily. "I can get rid of you all right. I can probably make it so that you never talk again."

"Have at it, girly."

Hermione drew her wand angrily and sent several hexes at the mirror. The hexes bounced off harmlessly. Hermione glared at the mirror.

"I'm well protected." The mirror answered in response to the unasked question.

"That's just great." Hermione said sarcastically.

"Most people would be honored to have me in their bathroom."

"Well, you have the honor of annoying me." Hermione shot back.

"An honor I'll take great pleasure in." The mirror bragged.

"Whatever. I'm going to bed."

"Aren't you going to bathe? Brush your teeth? Please tell me you're going to do something about that awful hair!"

"Do shut up."

The mirror made a face and fell silent. Hermione silently thanked the gods and left the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.

"Perhaps tomorrow you won't be so crabby?" Hermione heard the mirror call out.

"Silencio!" Hermione cast the charm around the room and was thankful for the blissful silence that enveloped her. She hated talking mirrors. Her bags were in the corner and she walked over to them, emptying them and putting her belongings away. The only thing she didn't take out were her family pictures. She didn't want to think about them, not right now. Her books easily filled the shelves in her bedroom and she walked into the living room and put the remaining ones in there. She considered lighting the fire but decided against it. Instead she settled herself onto one of the sofas and closed her eyes.

The next thing she knew, it was morning. No dreams had come her way and she was thankful for that. Her back was a bit sore from sleeping on the sofa and she wished that she had possessed the sense to sleep in her bed. Oh well. She padded into the bedroom and pulled out some clean clothes. She walked back into the bathroom and began to strip out of her rumpled robes. The bath looked inviting.

"Having a bit of a lie in, were you?" The mirror accused.

Hermione refused to acknowledge its presence and went about her business. She stripped until she was nude and then turned the tap nearest her. It had a violet colored gem on top and lavender colored water poured from it. The scent was similar to jasmine and was relaxing. Hermione watched the tub fill and then dipped a toe into the bath. It was piping hot, just the way she liked it. Though it felt like her skin was being scalded, she stepped into the water and inched herself down, bit by bit. She sucked in a breath as the cool dungeon air chilled the parts of her that were not under the water. Goosebumps littered her flesh and her nipples stood to attention. She brushed them absently with the tips of her fingers and sucked in a breath as little jolts of pleasure raced through her. Her nipples had always been very sensitive. She continued to lower herself until she was up to her shoulders and sighed in relaxation.

"Not bad." The mirror remarked.

Hermione ignored it studiously and began a series of mental exercises that she'd been performing for the better half of a year. She cleared her mind of all thought and strengthened her mental shields. She went to the place where she stored her memories and took the floating orbs of the previous nights encounters with her. She opened a book and placed them inside it, securing the locking mechanism around it. She slid the book into place and stepped down gingerly from the tall ladder. She looked around in amusement. There were few libraries in the world with so many books, and the ones in this room were all her memories. They were impeccably organized. If Snape or anyone else was able to break into the room, they would most likely be shocked at the sheer volume. Hermione had been blessed with a photographic memory and this room was better than a pensieve at times.

As the water in the tub began to chill, Hermione forced herself back into reality. She stepped from the tub, her skin feeling soft and smelling of jasmine. Her hair could only be washed every other day so she didn't bother too much with it, just rolled it into a chignon at the back of her head. The mirror was looking her over as if examining her and Hermione glared at it.

"Do you mind?" Her resolve had broken.

"Mind? No, not much. I mean, you should probably find a potion or something to heal those."

Hermione covered her scars self consciously. "There's nothing I can do to hide them, aside from a glamour."

"If I were you, I'd find a way. A little work and you could turn heads."

"I think I'm going to die of shock." Hermione retorted sarcastically. Magical mirrors almost never complemented her on anything. She found them to be negative when it came to her appearance and her self esteem had suffered a bit from their commentary. It was the reason that she refused to have one in her dormitory.

"I wouldn't die just yet. You still need help. Perhaps some calestenics would help tone you up a bit? I mean, you'd have to shave your head too…"

"As lovely as this conversation is; I have no wish to continue with it. Have a nice day staring at the door." Hermione huffed and stalked out of the bathroom, making sure to slam the door behind her. She put on her clothes and decided to go to the Potion's classroom. Today she was attempting to put in a drain.

Walking through the Slytherin tunnels was creepy. She expected someone to jump out and scare her at any moment, but the corridors were silent except for her footsteps. She went over what Minerva had said and to her surprise found herself lost.

"Lumos!" She held her wand out in front of her and tried to retrace her steps. She found herself staring at a viper made of stone that surrounded a door. It's eyes were emeralds and as she stepped closer to get a better look, the eyes seemed to follow her movement.

"Password?" It hissed.

"Oh, uh. Sorry. I got lost."

The snake hissed menacingly and she took a few steps backward and collided with something solid. She yelped and turned, her wand in front of her.

Severus looked down on Ms. Granger with something akin to amusement in his normally cold eyes. "I see you've found the entrance to the Slytherin common room. What are you doing, sneaking about down here?"

"I wasn't sneaking, I just got lost."

"Indeed. These halls are dangerous Ms. Granger. I suggest you remember that the next time you fancy a stroll."

"How do I get back to the classroom, sir?"

"Follow me." He walked forward quickly and in the dim light looked very much the part of the bat of the dungeons. His robes billowed out behind him and Hermione accidentally stepped on one of the fluttering edges. They both stopped at the sound of the loud rip.

"What was that?" He whirled around and Hermione slunk back.

"I'm…" Her eyes darted to his face fearfully. Unholy terror gripped her.

"At a loss for words, apparently. Watch your feet! These robes will have to be taken to a seamstress now." He glared at her and whirled about again. She followed at a safer distance this time and he led her to her quarters. She wondered why he didn't use a reparo charm to fix the damage.

"I will show you the way out of here. Pay attention."

She studiously followed him and within minutes were standing in front of the Potions classroom.

"You are putting in the drain today, yes?" He questioned.

"Yes sir."

"You will be alone as I will be out for the duration of the day. Be careful not to spill or break anything. It would be unfortunate if your clumsiness cost you your life."

Hermione nodded and swept into the classroom, shutting the door behind her. It could have been much worse after what she had done.

Severus looked at the closed door in distaste. Gryffindor wench. He didn't like having his own door closed in his face. He checked his pocket watch and sighed. He had to get going. His long legs hurried him through the castle and he jogged lightly to the castle gates. It bothered him that he didn't have time to change but knew that he didn't have time for anything else. Grunting in dissatisfaction he reached the apparition point.

"Malfoy Manor."

A tug in his gut and a few swirling colors later and he found himself at the front doorstep of the Manor. The door swung open to admit him and he stepped inside lithely. A house elf appeared wearing a potato sack and led him to the parlour. Lucius sat on one of the velveteen sofas and was sipping a glass of amber colored liquid.

"Severus. How nice to see you."

"Likewise, Lucius."

"Would you care for refreshment?"

"It's a bit early for me, thank you."

"As you wish."

"I haven't seen you lately Lucius." Severus began his gentle prodding for information.

"The Dark Lord has me occupied with other things."

"I see. I've noticed that his tactics have begun to change recently. If I'm not mistaken, he is beginning to employ muggle warfare techniques."

"I suppose without magic muggles had to come up with some way to fight their pathetic little wars."

"Indeed. I'm a bit surprised that you and I didn't end up in the same cell. We've always worked well together." Severus remarked thoughtfully.

"I'm sure our Lord has his reasons."

"Naturally. I do rather miss our teamwork though."

"True. I've never known anyone to fight the way that you do Severus. It's always something I've admired about you. Your skills are formidable."

"As are yours Lucius. What have you planned for us today? You didn't mention anything specific in your letter…"

"I have several things planned. All of them will be enjoyable. I thought you might be in need of a little relaxation, what with working side by side with that annoying little mudblood. What's her name again?" He drained what remained in his glass.

"Granger."

"Yes. Granger. Draco bitches about her constantly."

"Does he now? I wonder why."

"He's always complained about Potter's mudblood. I told him not to worry about her. She's been taught her place."

"Is that so? By whom?" Severus kept his tone nonchalant but was dying to know what Lucius was referring to.

"Never you mind. I brought you here to take your thoughts away from the stresses in your life. I thought that you might wish to see Narcissa first. She's been inquiring about you as of late."

"I'd be delighted. It's been much too long." He found himself looking forward to seeing her.

"Yes. Well, I'll let the two of you visit for an hour or so after which you can meet me back here. We'll have lunch and then there's something I want to show you. I've acquired an amazing little artifact from Russia."

Severus nodded in agreement and the two old friends shook hands. Severus knew the way to her bedchamber and climbed the staircase quickly. The hallway leading to her rooms was dusty and looked ill used. It was also rather dark. Severus found the door and knocked tentatively. If she was sleeping he would allow her to rest. He knew that her time was short.

"Enter." Her voice barely carried through the door but he heard her and opened it with caution.

"Cissy?"

"Oh, Severus! What a wonderful surprise! Come in. You can sit in this chair." She pointed to a comfortable looking chair that was sitting next to her bed. He sat down and looked her over. The disease was not being kind to her. It had progressed since the last time he'd seen her. Her face was gaunt and drawn and her eyes were dim. Bags hung under them and gave her the look of a zombie. She'd gotten so thin she looked like a holocaust victim. Her clothes, while fine as ever, no longer fit her and she looked as though she was a child playing dress up.

"How have you been?" Severus asked softly.

"As well as can be expected, I suppose. The healers have stopped coming." She replied nonchalantly.

"Why?"

"There's nothing more anyone can do. They're still trying to find a cure but the outlook is not good."

"Narcissa…"

"Severus. Don't you dare feel sorry for me. Understand?" Tears welled up in her eyes with the strength of her conviction. "I've had enough pity to last several lifetimes."

"It's not pity. It's waste."

She smiled sardonically. "You always knew how to make me feel better. Lucius avoids me."

Her change of subject did not throw him at all. He knew Narcissa quite well. She was hoping that he knew why. "Lucius has been busy with the Dark Lord…"

"Do not placate me." Her voice turned icy. "I know very well that he is home now."

"You'd have to ask him why."

"I know very well why. I just wondered if you knew."

Severus narrowed his eyes. What was she talking about?

Narcissa began to cough and turned her head away from Severus. After several minutes the coughing subsided. "Can you hand me that glass of water?"

Severus picked up the glass and held it to her lips ignoring her outstretched hand. She drank deeply and settled back into the pillows. Severus returned the glass to the night table.

"Severus?"

"Yes?"

"Will you do me a favor?"

"What is that?"

"Promise me something."

Severus waited.

"Promise me that you'll kill Lucius." Her voice was desperate.

Severus gave away nothing but stared at Narcissa, trying to read her. She stared back at him coldly.

"Tell me why." Severus needed to know why before he agreed, not that he wasn't already planning on it.

"He's a demonic bastard, as you know. I'm sure you are aware what kinds of things have been going on in this house. He's probably invited you to participate."

"The muggle teenagers?"

"What he does sexually doesn't bother me. It's what he does after…"

"What?"

"He drains them Severus."

A cold pressure seemed to fill his stomach. "Are you certain?"

"Yes. Do you know how many ghosts this house has?"

"Several, the last I heard."

"Hundreds Severus. Hundreds of ghosts. He cannot be allowed to continue. As they die, he grows stronger, more powerful. With each draining he is less human. I'm afraid."

"I haven't seen many ghosts in your house Narcissa. You know one of the symptoms of your condition is delusions." He began carefully.

"I am not delusional."

"I'm just asking you to consider it…"

"You do not understand. Listen to me closely. Lucius is planning something." Her voice cracked. She began to hyperventilate and struggled to breathe. Her body began to jerk wildly.

Severus pulled her upright and hit her back a few times. She sucked in a gulp of air and began to breathe steadily.

"Narcissa? Are you ok? Do you need to go to St. Mungo's?"

"All I need is for you to promise me. Please. Don't let him hurt Draco."

Her words made no sense. Before he could say anything more she closed her eyes. The excitement had been too much for her.