Rebirth

Chapter 10

"What are going to do?" Draco repeated. He sounded like a child, scared and unsure.

Although he didn't show it very much, Severus was also deeply affected by Hermione's death. The swirling anger and grief nearly drove him to kill Bellatrix in that dark, dank basement. But he refrained, if he had killed Bellatrix it would have given his position as a spy away.

Through the haze of grief and anger lied a third emotion, guilt. If he had answered Bellatrix's summons earlier, maybe he could have gotten help. Saved Hermione, done something, anything besides watch her completely wither and die.

Severus also felt guilt over the way he had treated his former student, now it was too late to apologize and make things right by her. He had to spend the rest of life living with the guilt. As he looked into Draco's grey eyes he saw the same guilt and anguish that ran soul-deep present in Draco's eyes.

"We-we have to tell someone about this. You do realize this right? We can't just leave her down there to rot, we can't" Draco told him in a still shaking voice.

"You're wrong," Severus told him.

Draco opened his mouth to protest Severus' words, but he was cut off by Severus continuing.

"We don't have to tell anyone because Bellatrix will tell everyone herself. She hates muggleborns, people who stand with the ministry, and ministry workers. Hermione was all three of those things, Bellatrix will brag about her death. I wouldn't be surprised if Bellatrix herself brazenly entered the ministry and announced the death of Hermione and that she was the one who caused it," Severus explained to Draco.

Draco was silent as he took in Severus's words and nodded in agreement.

"You're right, she's caused the death of an innocent young woman. And she's going to bloody brag about it!" Draco shouted in dispair.

Severus nodded while feeling sick, and wanting to take vengence upon the violet eyed witch. But he knew he couldn't do that.

"So, we're not going to tell anyone about Hermione's death?" Draco questioned.

"No, we'll wait for a few days and see if she confesses to it. If she doesn't, then we tell someone," Severus explained.

Draco nodded but didn't look pleased with the descision.