A/N- All y'alls love keeps me so motivated! Thanks for the follows/favorites/reviews, they make me smile ((: I have a vision of how I want this chapter to go, hopefully I can pull it off! Thanks to leanix2009 for being my 300th reviewer!

Disclaimer: Nothing you see here belongs to me except maybe the specific twist on the plot. The rest belongs to our queen.

Chapter 14

September 15, 1995

Hermione was bloody nervous. She was meeting her grandfather today, and while normally this wouldn't be a major thing in her muggle life, in her witch life, it had the potential to become a disaster. If she said or did something wrong, Tom Riddle could very well try to kill her.

Severus had taken her aside every day since the meeting with Dumbledore and had tried to give her pointers on how to deal with Voldemort. He called him the Dark Lord, but Hermione wasn't sure that she could manage that. She didn't think that she could ever bow to him and kiss the hem of his robes like her father did. He truly did sacrifice so much for the cause and the fact that most of the Order still vilified him pissed her the fuck off.

Draco had told her exactly what the Dark Lord did to his followers, Severus included. The fact that the man could torture his own son didn't make her too optimistic about the outcome of their meeting. Severus suffered far more than anyone knew, nobody in the Order knew just what exactly Voldemort was capable of. Hermione hadn't either, but she felt that she had found a reliable source in Draco. The fact that nobody treated her father with the respect he was due was going to change eventually.

Her hands smoothed down the witch's robes that she was wearing. It was a nervous habit that she really needed to break, but she didn't think that now would be the right time. While she had wanted to wear her jeans and a jumper, Severus had almost had a mental breakdown. The Dark Lord was all about preserving the old customs and there was no place for jeans and jumpers in his vision.

Therefore, Hermione was eyeing herself in the mirror. Her robes were crimson, Severus had insisted upon it, and they fit her like a glove. While her appearance had changed when the glamour broke, her curves had not, and Hermione had always been blessed with curves galore. The robes showcased exactly what her genes had blessed her with.

Hermione had questioned Severus as to why it was mandatory that she wear red. She had thought that green would be better since the heir of Slytherin thing was actually a big deal. Severus had firmly told her that since she would be special she needed to make a statement. That statement would be that she wasn't scared to shed blood and nobody would be able to tell because of her robes.

Hermione had been horrified at his words, but her father had simply chuckled. He had explained that it wasn't the follow up on the statement that mattered, but the impression the threat had been more grateful than she remembered being in a few months.

Harry and Draco had helped her ready herself in an empty classroom. Both had tried their best to keep her calm and tried to give her pointers. After Albus and Severus stopping her at every possible moment they could to do the same, she was about ready to scream. She knew what to expect and how to counter everything she came up against. Hermione finally held up her hands to stop the barrage of comments.

"Enough. If I'm not prepared by now, I never will be. Severus will be there and will be my guide. If I have to hear one more tip or pointer I fear I may scream." Both boys went quiet (they would forever be her boys to her) and nodded. Harry was the one that broke the silence.

"You're going to do great, 'Mi. We're the ones that are nervous, not because you don't know what to do, but because we aren't going to be there to protect you." Draco nodded before moving forward to pull her into his embrace.

"What he said. I'm just scared of what the Dark Lord could do if he doesn't approve of what you say." Harry stepped forward hugged her from behind, his cheek resting on her shoulder.

"Just promise you'll be careful. Embrace your inner Slytherin and make it through this meeting intact." She chuckled into Draco's shoulder before turning to kiss the side of Harry's head.

"I'll be fine, I promise. You two just be waiting for me when I get back and I promise I'll get through it." They both seemed to realize that she needed them to calm down so she could calm her own nerves. Both went quiet and stood there in a three-way embrace with her for an undetermined amount of time. Harry was finally the one that spoke.

"It's time, 'Mi. Lets get you to Snape so you can fool the most evil wizard of all time." She snorted at his words, but said nothing.

Hermione let him grasp her hand and pull her towards the door. Draco snagged her free hand and brought up the tail of line. Once in the corridor, the trio stayed linked together. They no longer had anything to hide from their peers or the public.

Hermione had never been happier that she had told the Great Hall that they were all three involved in a triad. Before, she had been leery and nervous about showing too much affection for both men. While she normally didn't believe in displaying too much public affection, she did like to be able to hold their hands and kiss their cheeks without worrying about it being too much.

The trio made their way to the Headmaster's office. She had thrown a set of her school robes on over her day robes to cover the fact that she was actually headed somewhere other than the library. When they were admitted to the Headmaster's office by the griffin, Hermione gulped before pushing through the final door.

When the three of them entered the warm and cheery office, Severus was already waiting for them. Professor Dumbledore was seated at his desk and they appeared to have been discussing something important. The pair fell silent when they approached and Hermione found herself annoyed.

"Please tell me you two aren't discussing contingency plans in case I mess this up." Severus had the good grace to look sheepish, but Professor Dumbledore just smiled his twinkly smile.

"Miss Granger, we simply wish to be prepared." Hermione crossed her arms over her chest and glared at the old man who had altered her life so drastically. She still hadn't forgiven him for binding her magic or taking her from Severus without at least telling the Slytherin her identity when she came to Hogwarts.

"You don't think I can do it." Severus raised one brow at her statement while the Headmaster held his hands up in a placating manner.

"I didn't say that, Miss Granger. I meant that we like to be prepared for all manners of situations." Hermione snorted softly.

"Sure you do." While she knew her tone and words were a tad disrespectful, Hermione couldn't feel too badly about it. She spoke again when nobody else took the initiative.

"Lets go. I swear, I'll lose my nerve if we don't get started." Severus flashed her a worried glance.

"Are you sure you're ready? I can come up with an excuse if you need more time." Hermione flashed him a half smile.

"I'm a lion at heart. We're doing this. Lets go." Severus shook himself visibly and nodded. While he didn't offer her his arm, that would draw too much attention in the corridors of Hogwarts, he did walk close by her side.

With one last look and wave towards her boys, she turned and allowed Severus to lead her out of the castle. While they were walking, she noticed that he was wearing the thick woolen cloak that was often seen on Death Eaters. Hermione couldn't help but wonder if he had his silver mask hidden in it's folds.

Even though she and Severus looked no different than they normally did as they traversed the corridors, they drew quite the number of stares from students and staff alike since they were indeed walking together. In a true show of gentlemanly fashion, Severus held the main doors open for her as six Slytherin seventh years watched from the doorway of the Great Hall. While they were clearly not surprised at the actions of their Head of House, the Hufflepuffs watching from the corridor were extremely confused.

The night air was cool and Hermione was thankful for her extra set of robes. She hoped that Malfoy Manor wasn't as cold as Draco led her to believe or she would freeze in just her day robes. Now that they were out of sight from other students, Severus offered her his arm. She hesitiated only a moment before wrapping her hand around the crook of his elbow.

The pair travelled the expanse of the grounds until they reached the front gates. Hermione once more felt a flash of nerves. This was it. They were going to portkey to the gates of Malfoy Manor and she would then meet her grandfather. As if sensing her bout of anxiety, Severus squeezed the hand that rested on his arm.

"I'll be there the whole time." She gave him a shaky smile before she nodded and pulled herself together. This was nothing in the scheme of things and she knew she could do this. She simply had to act as arrogant as he did and play into his hand.

Severus held out a quill that he had pulled from his pocket. Hermione stared at it for only a moment before she grasped it in one hand so Severus could tap it with his wand. As was the way with portkeys, Hermione felt a jerk behind her navel and was gone.

When they landed, it was a hard jolt that almost landed her on her arse. She would have if it hadn't been for Severus reaching out to grab hold of her arm. She flashed him a grateful smile as she righted herself and surveyed her surroundings.

Wrought iron gates rose at least four meters high in front of her, a large ornate M hanging in the middle. A gravel driveway lay behind it leading the way up to the biggest house she had ever seen. While her parents hadn't been rich, they had been well off. She was used to living in a nice house and having nice things. Money had never been an issue for her. This, however, took living comfortably to a new level. Severus snapped his fingers in front of her face to catch her attention.

"You need to take off your school robes so I can shrink them." She was quick to comply with his request. She did believe that he was the best judge of what she should or shouldn't do in this situation. The breeze was cool on her bare skin, but she ignored it. She had far more important things to focus on.

The gates swung open of their own accord and Hermione threaded her arm through her father's once more so he could escort her in. He had assured her that it was proper pureblood etiquette. While neither she nor Severus were pureblood, they were still expected to respect the customs.

Hermione took in the manicured lawns and the massive garden that was just visible to the side of the Manor. An albino peacock wandered through one of the lawns so he could drink at one of the many ponds. The house was beyond them and was ornate even on the outside. It was pure white with a large black set of double doors leading inside. Hermione leaned closer to her father so she could whisper.

"It seems rather uncomfortable and overdone, doesn't it?" Severus snorted at her words, but didn't answer. Hermione shouldn't have been surprised when the front doors opened without them knocking. A tiny elf had opened it before escorting them in. The creature gave them a nervous look before pointing to another set of ornate doors. Hermione couldn't help but wonder if there was a simply decorated room in this whole house. Severus nodded.

"Thank you, Mipsy." The elf bowed before disappearing in a near-silent crack. Severus looked down at her and she couldn't help but hope that he was nervous. She knew it would make her feel better if he was.

"He's in the ballroom. He wants to make a good impression. Remember what I told you." She gave a resolute nod.

Severus started forward and Hermione did her best to keep up. For all her bravado, she truly was scared shitless. It would take just one simple spell to end her forever. She gave herself a mental shake and made her get her head in the game. If Harry could face him, she could as well.

Severus swung the doors open and Hermione was stunned beyond words. There wasn't just Voldemort in attendance. Every single Death Eater he had recruited through the years was there as well. Hermione couldn't hide the fine tremor that travelled through her arm and down to her hand. Severus must have felt it because he laid a hand on top of hers to calm her.

They approached the throne that seemed to be situated by the massive fireplace. Hermione started slightly when she saw the appearance of her grandfather even though she had been warned as to what he looked like. He was as pale as Severus, much paler than herself, and his head was completely bald. His facial features seemed to be much more angular and pointy than what looked natural and his nose had shortened into slits. The most prominent feature was his glowing red eyes. All in all, he looked like a fucking snake.

Speaking of snakes, his large python was curled at his feet, head raised at the appearance of Hermione and her father. Hermione took in the people located around the room. Thoros Nott, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, Corban Yaxley, Thorfinne Rowle, Walden McNair. The list went on, but there were also many that she didn't recognize. Deciding that their numbers made her more nervous, she turned her attention back to Voldemort. She almost fell over when the snake began hissing at him.

"This is the flesh of your flesh? She doesn't look very impressive." Voldemort reached down to stroke the head of his beloved snake. The hissing continued, but she could understand what every sound meant. She suddenly understood why Harry had found it so unnerving.

"She may not be yet, pet, but she will be. She is destined to bring my vision to fruition."

Hermione decided that she would pretend she couldn't understand what they were saying. It might be an edge to have over the sick bastard at a later date. Therefore, she kept her expression blank and continued forward steadily at her father's side.

When they finally reached the Dark Lord, Severus dropped to his knee and gathered his hem in his hand so he could press a kiss to the filthy fabric. Hermione was sickened at what her father was forced to do to bring information back to the Order, only for them to be distrustful and ungrateful.

Severus had been very clear in his instruction. He had told her that she would be required to bow at his feet and kiss his robe. He had told her to address him as the Dark Lord and to never meet his eyes or challenge him. Seeing how her father, an extremely powerful wizard himself, was forced to bow at his own father's feet as if he were nothing pissed her off.

Hermione remained on her feet.

She kept her face impassive, but stared her grandfather right in the eyes.

While she saw a flash of anger it disappeared quickly and was replaced by amusement. A slight smirk appeared on his features as he stared into her eyes. She realized that he could have been performing legilimency on her, but she didn't care. There was nothing vital in her mind to share with him. As sure as she was of this, she really didn't think that he was attempting to see into her mind. It would be considered extremely rude and like Severus had said, he was trying to make a good impression. Severus was glaring daggers at her, but she paid him no mind.

"Hello, Grandfather." The room at large gasped at her words. She still didn't look away from his glowing red eyes. He broke the contact when he threw back his head and laughed. His loyal followers had no idea what to make of the scene before them. When his laughter finally fell silent, Voldemort deigned to speak.

"Beautiful Isabella Rose. How wonderful to be reunited with you." She wanted to snort, but she refrained. She wanted to unnerve him, not get herself killed.

"I'm happy you think so since you and your loyal followers have been trying to kill me for a number of years now." Voldemort stared at her again for almost a minute before turning to his followers.

"I'd like to introduce to you all my granddaughter, Isabella Rose Snape. She is also known as Hermione Granger, Harry Potter's mudblood friend." She could see the disbelief on the Death Eater's faces, but she remained silent. Her grandfather continued.

"The old fool had her stolen from Nott Manor. He placed horrid glamour charms on her and bound her magic to try and hide her from me. He knew she was the child of a prophecy. He knew he had to hide her from Severus. Little did he think that sweet Isabella would seek out her father for a paternity potion when her muggles parents were killed." Hermione felt a stab of pain, the ever-present pain that she experienced whenever her thoughts turned to Jake and Miranda Granger.

"There is a prophecy that says the heir of my heir would have power not seen in a century and that once she finds two mates, she will bring the world away from darkness or plunge it to depths never seen." He paused again and Hermione couldn't help but wonder if he did this for effect.

Severus was still on his knee next to her and while she wanted to tell him to get up, she knew he wouldn't. He would do what was expected of him and kneel until he had permission to rise. She decided to see what she could do about the situation. Her grandfather turned back to face her again.

"I never thought I would admire a Gryffindor trait, but I find that I approve of your stubborn pride. Your refusal to bow and call me your Lord has piqued my interest." Hermione folded her hands securely in front of her waist.

"I see no need to bow or call you my Lord because you aren't. You're my grandfather. If you wish me to bow, you would have to make me." To her surprise, he started laughing again.

"Sweetling, I do not wish you to bow. I wish you to rule by my side." Hermione had not been expecting that. She had been told that he would never hand over power to her if he could help it. Therefore, she decided to call him on it.

"You wish me to rule by your side while your own son grovels at your feet? Why would I believe you were serious?" Voldemort seemed to only remember that Severus was still knelt before him.

"Rise, Severus. Tell me, what do you think of your daughter?" She could see that he really didn't want to answer the question, probably because he was afraid she would believe his answer. She met his eyes, hoping to convey that she knew he would say what he had to.

"She is young and impetuous, a Gryffindor at heart. She has much to learn, but the potential is enormous." Hermione didn't think that it was a terrible answer. Far better than she had expected. Voldemort turned back to her and Hermione realized what he was doing. He was hoping to drive a wedge between the two so he wouldn't have to give up having her father on his knees before him.

"What do you think of his opinion of you?" Hermione gave him a small smile.

"Truthful. While the sorting hat did consider putting me in Slytherin, it told me that I was a true Gryffindor. I can most certainly be impetuous if correctly provoked, and I do have much to learn." Her grandfather began tapping his chin with one of his long bony fingers.

"I want you on my side, Isabella. What is your heart's desire? Riches? Power? A manor the size of this one? Name your price and I'll give it to you." Hermione cocked her head to the side and pretended to be considering his offer. It was almost a minute before she spoke.

"I have money, I have no need of a manor, I have power enough for several wizards now that my magic is freed. What else can you offer me?" There were mutters all around the room and she could almost guarantee that nobody present had ever deigned to speak to their master as she was. She knew that he was going to ask after Harry and Draco. It was just a matter of time.

"Have you found your mates, Isabella?" She gave him a other small smlie.

"You know that I have." He barked out a single laugh before turning to Nagini to hiss at her.

"What did I tell you, pet? She's delightful." The snake didn't respond, but she seemed to get the impression that the snake was exasperated. She really needed to research parseltongue when she returned to Hogwarts.

"What if I were to promise to not harm your mates? Young Harry Potter would benefit greatly from our alliance. I would no longer hunt him. I would call off the search for his whereabouts during holidays. Young Malfoy would be promised the same safety." Hermione took a step forward and the air around her thickened. She could feel the magic coursing through her much the same as it had when she had attacked Umbridge.

"If you even think of touching my mates, I will kill you." Before Voldemort could answer, Thorfinne Rowle called out from the crowd. Hermione had never liked the Slytherin. He had been a seventh year Slytherin when she had been a first year Gryffindor. To say that he had bullied her would been the understatement of the year.

"Don't listen to her! I'll kill Potter myself. The prophecy says you can't both live." Hermione barely heard Severus snort, but she was sure that he had. She turned slowly to face one of her bullies. She knew that she was being put on the spot so she forced herself to think about this man hunting down Harry and killing him. She wasn't entirely sure that it would work, but when her magic lashed out, she knew she had succeeded.

Rowle was lifted in the air a good six feet, her wand still in her pocket, and he was slammed into the hard stone floor beneath him. The magic in the air was palpable and everyone took several steps away from her. The only two who remained remotely close were Severus and Voldemort. The man laying on the ground, a growing pool of blood beneath him, groaned before falling silent. Hermione could only hope and pray to whatever deities were listening that she hadn't killed him.

"Whether I join your side or not, anyone who dares harm Harry Potter or Draco Malfoy will suffer a fate they'd rather not contemplate." Voldemort began clapping his hands.

"Bravo! Gordon, take Thorfinne and give him to the elves to he is well, instruct the elves to send him to me for speaking out of turn." Whoever the Gordon fellow was, he hurried to do his master's bidding. The Dark Lord turned back to his granddaughter.

"Join me, sweetling. I will give you my word that no harm will come to you or your mates, at least not on my order. I will allow you to participate as you wish, no required appearances. I will make requests, but you will have a choice. Neither you nor your mates will be Marked. You will be able to help make decisions. You won't be lied to. Your magic will be worshipped, not bound." Hermione cocked her head again and pretended to be considering his offer. When she finally spoke, she could tell that the whole room was anxious.

"You have a deal on one condition. You make this a true family affair and have Severus stand in my stead when I cannot attend. I am still a student after all." The Dark Lord rubbed his chin as if he was considering her words, but she knew that he was already going to agree.

"I accept your terms. There is the matter of Potter trying to kill me, however. If he attempts my life that will null and void our agreement." Hermione gave a slow nod.

"That actually shouldn't be a problem. Harry has lost faith in Dumbledore since he learned what he did to me. I don't think he'll be hard to convince when I tell him you've called a cease fire so to speak. He probably won't be able to get past your history together, but I know he doesn't want a war." A slimy grin pasted on his snake-like features.

"It seems we have an accord." Hermione nodded once and was unsure of what to do next. It seemed that her grandfather wasn't finished though.

"How are young Malfoy and young Potter treating you, sweetling? Like the Dark Princess you are?" She wanted to snort, but once again, she refrained.

"They treat me well. Walk me to class and keep me from the whispers. They carry my bag and sit with me at meals. They take good care of me." Voldemort moved forward and Hermione forced herself not to flinch when he reached down and stroked a finger down her cheek so he could cup her chin.

"If they are less than attentive, I don't have to harm them to make their lives miserable." She decided to not take this as a threat since he said he wouldn't hurt them. Although, she had to make a point.

"It sounds an awful lot like you care, Grandfather." He now stroked her chin and it took every fiber of concentration to not shiver in revulsion. When he spoke, it was low enough that nobody but she and Severus could hear.

"I've always dreamt of a powerful heir to the throne." She cocked an eyebrow.

"You had one before you had me. You don't care for Severus." He released her chin before he smiled a slimy grin.

"That's where you're wrong, sweetling. I have cared for Severus. Just not in the same way I care for you."

Hermione knew exactly what he meant. He cared for Severus in the capacity that he could provide an heir. He cared for her because he wanted to ensure that her power stayed on his side of the war. She had no illusions that there was any real depth of feeling for her or Severus. It seemed that this ended their conversation.

"Severus, return her to Hogwarts and do your best to evade the old man. The less he knows of our plans the better. I will contact you when I request her presence again." Hermione didn't acknowledge his words since they were spoken to her father. Severus started to go to his knee, but was stopped by the Dark Lord.

"You no longer bow before me, Severus." He seemed to freeze for a moment before he straightened. Hermione decided to see if he would acknowledge her again.

"Goodbye, Grandfather." His lips pulled back over his teeth and it was truly hideous to behold.

"Goodbye, sweetling. Study well."

Severus reached out and folded her hand back into the crook of his arm. He didn't have to pull Hermione on the way out. She kept pace easily as they exited the Manor with only a nod of the head to Mipsy. Severus remained silent as they made their way up the drive, the cool air kissing her bare skin again.

Judging by the pitch black color of the sky, it was past curfew. When the gates opened and allowed them passage, Severus wordlessly held out the quill again. She didn't hesitate to take it in her grip. She was getting the very distinct impression that he was angry with her. Call her a rebellious teenager, but she didn't care. There was no way in blue hell that she could bow and scrape at his feet.

Once again, he caught and steadied her until she regained her bearings after landing back in front of the Hogwarts' gates. They swung open soundlessly and Hermione followed after her father. He was no longer formally escorting her so she had to lift her skirts so she could rush to keep up with him. It was in her hurry that she stumbled over a rock because she was concentrating on keeping her skirt high enough. She went down with a thud, her knee scraping painfully on a sharp rock. She only whimpered softly in pain, but her father still heard it and whirled around.

"You little fool! You can't even watch where you're going! You expect to survive a war when you can't even walk across the grounds in a skirt." The venom in his voice was the same as it had been when he had demanded that she drop Potions. She really wanted to apologize, but she refused. Tripping in a skirt wasn't an offense that warranted an apology, especially since he was being a prat about it.

Severus reached down and grasped her wrist and pulled her to her feet roughly. She snatched her wrist back from him and started back towards the castle. She just wanted to go see Harry and Draco, hug both of them tight, and go to bed. Unfortunately, now she had to deal with her father being a prick and Dumbledore chastising her for not following the plan set forth.

"Do not walk away from me, young lady." Suddenly, she was livid. How dare he pull the parental act on her when he had allowed Dumbledore to take her. She spun so quickly that she was surprised she didn't fall.

"Why shouldn't I? You walked away from me. The only reason you stopped is because you had an opening to insult me and make me feel stupid and inferior again. I should have known better than to give you a chance. First time I don't fit the form of what you deem acceptable, you slide right back into being a cold, unfeeling bastard." Her father strode forward until their faces were only inches apart.

"I trusted you enough to know that you would follow my counsel because I would never steer you wrong and the first second into an encounter with the most powerful wizard in the world, you act like a petulant child and do the exact thing I told you not to. He could have killed you and then where would you be? Where would Potter be? Everyone knows that idiot can't put two and two together without you to count his fingers for him." Maybe he was right, but Hermione didn't care. He had no right to bring Harry into the argument and then insult him. It was always Harry, never Draco. Her magic came forth and blew him backwards much the same as it had Ron.

"If I'm such a disrespectful and stupid daughter, don't bother claiming me then. Fuck off, Professor Snape." She could tell that her words hit him like a punch in the gut. At that moment, however, she didn't care. She turned again and picked up her skirt so she could begin to make her way towards the castle again.

For the longest time, Hermione heard nothing behind her. Her heels were sinking in the now dew-soaked grass so she bent and took them off. She hooked the heels of her shoes with her fingers and carried them in one hand while the other continued to hold her skirt. They had almost reached the castle when she heard him speak.

"Hermione, please stop." She really didn't want to, but she also didn't want to permanently damage their relationship by being a stubborn bitch. Therefore, she halted on the hard stone of the pathway and she tried to wiggle feeling into her numb toes. She finally had to shiver. There was no repressing the cold any longer. Her father seemed to notice and removed his cloak. Even though it was his Death Eater cloak, she was still grateful when he settled it around her shoulders.

Severus wrapped his arm around her shoulder and led her to the main steps leading to the Entrance Hall. He gently guided her to sit so he could pull up her skirt and inspect her knee. She did her part by pointing her own wand and lighting it so he could see better. With a couple silent spells, she felt her knee knit together again. Once it was healed completely, he lowered her skirt and sat next to her on the steps.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that you were stupid or a fool. I was angry because you blatantly disregarded what I warned you about the Dark Lord. He could have killed you. I don't think I can stand to lose you again." Now Hermione felt guilty. She reached out and took his hand so she could thread her fingers with his.

"I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have called you a bastard. I was just angry because you sounded exactly like you did when you wanted me out of Potions. It hurt." He pulled their hands apart and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, hauling her close.

"Why didn't you listen to me?" Hermione snuggled further into his frock coat, the subtle scent of potions keeping her calm.

"I had every plan to follow your instruction until I saw you kneel and kiss his filthy robe. I was livid that he would treat his own son like that. I was livid that you let him take away your dignity just so the Order can mistrust you and treat you like scum. He didn't even remember you were on your knees and that made me want to blast him to hell. Maybe that makes me evil, I don't know, but it's the truth." Severus pressed a kiss to the side of her head before he spoke.

"You handled yourself well. I'm proud of you for playing it exactly right. I should have told you to play the quintessential Gryffindor. If you had acted like the obedient Slytherin he may have suspected something." She didn't answer, merely hummed softly in his coat. Sleep was suddenly threatening to overtake her. Her father seemed to understand instantly what was happening.

"Come now, sweet, we still have to report. Tomorrow is Saturday so your suitors can wait until you sleep half the day away to see you." She chuckled softly and allowed him to pull her to her feet.

Her feet currently now had no feeling in them and she didn't understand why she hadn't cast a warming charm on them earlier. With a mere thought, her magic flared to life to do her bidding and warmed her feet. They stayed warm as they traversed the castle corridors once more. Hermione was still leaning heavily on Severus as she really did feel like she was going to drop, but she plugged on since there was no other choice.

When they passed by the griffin, Hermione couldn't remember being so grateful. She was exhausted and hoped that the Headmaster didn't become too much of a pill about the situation since it had worked out well in the end. They were still at odds and she strongly suspected herself capable of telling him to stick his plans and the Order up his wrinkly arse and finding a way to defeat her grandfather on her own.

Harry and Draco were waiting for her as they entered the room. Both stood from the couch they had been reading on and rushed to her, pulling her from her father's warm embrace. Harry hugged her from the front and Draco from behind, and she had to bite back the chuckle when she thought that she was the cream filling of a hot man sandwich. She just let them hug her and it was in that moment that she realized what could have happened if things had gone terribly wrong. Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat and when the trio parted, he motioned for them to take a seat on the couch.

"I'm happy to see that you have returned unscathed. Tell us everything." Hermione didn't really know where to start. She glanced to her father and he nodded encouragingly. She drew in a deep breath and began her story.

The Headmaster's eyes flared with what she thought was anger when she told them of her defiance to the Dark Lord. She enumerated everything that she had exchanged with Voldemort and she had to tune out the disbelieving looks from her two mates when she had attacked Thorfinne Rowle. The whole evenings events just poured from her lips and she was hard pressed to stop it. Once she started, it was almost cathartic to confess everything. When she finally finished, she felt ten stone lighter. The Headmaster finally spoke.

"You went against everything you were supposed to do, Miss Granger. How can we trust you to do what needs to be done when you can't be trusted to follow instructions?" Both Harry and Draco bristled next to her and she knew that if she didn't speak quickly they would take the conversation into their own hands.

"You have no other choice but to trust me, Headmaster. Sure, you could keep me here, try to keep me from my grandfather, but what would you accomplish? Nothing, except pissing off the most powerful wizard this era has seen." She paused for effect.

"Furthermore, you may be satisfied with allowing that sick excuse for a human being to demean my father, to treat him as little more than a slave, but I'm not. If I can change how Severus is treated in the ranks of his imposed servitude, I will. As you are now well aware, I handled Voldemort quite well." She fell quiet and she could see the pride shining in Severus' eyes. Hermione decided that she had nothing else to say. She rose to her feet and both Harry and Draco followed suit.

"I have nothing else to report, Headmaster. Well, actually, that's a lie. An interesting fact that I kept secret from everyone until now. I'm a parselmouth. I could understand that hideous snake he had curled up at his feet." Severus lost his impassive mask.

"You understood them? What did they say?" She snorted as she headed for the door.

"Nothing important. He calls her pet and they bantered back and forth about how I was going to bring his vision of ruling the world to fruition." Both Harry and Draco burst out in laughter before shepherding her towards the door once more. She stopped in front of Severus and raised to her tip toes since he had a good 10 inches on her. After pressing a quick kiss to his cheek, she called out a quick goodnight.

Hermione let the boys lead her down the stairs and out into the corridor. Once they stopped, she turned to them both.

"Lets find somewhere we can hole up for awhile. I don't want to be alone." Her two boys kissed her forehead at the same time and held out their hands. Draco stroked the back of her hand with his thumb as he pulled her down the cirridor for once.

"Lets go."

-O-

Severus was astounded at how the evening had turned out. In one single meeting, his daughter had turned his life around. He would no longer have to kneel before his bastard father and kiss his filthy robes. He wouldn't have to suffer through the jilts and jeers of his fellow "brothers in arms" because he was now in a position of authority. It was extremely gratifying, although when she had been bargaining for him, Severus had been terrified.

He had been sure that his father would punish Hermione for her outspoken tongue, but he had seemed to enjoy it. He didn't know the exact reason behind it, but he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. He knew his daughter was a true-born Gryffindor so she would never be able to curb her tongue completely.

What surprised him the most was that the Dark Lord truly did seem to care for her. He didn't think it was in the capacity of what a parent or grandparent feels for a child, but perhaps as a high born lord cares for his heir. Severus wasn't sure why it unsettled him so, perhaps because the Dark Lord cared about nothing, but it did. Albus interrupted his train of thought.

"You know what she did was reckless and impulsive and she could have gotten you both killed. Where would the Order be then? No spy and no leverage over Tom." Severus stood quickly and leaned over the desk so he could portray just how serious he was.

"Don't presume to think that I can't quit being your spy. My loyalty has changed and it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to that wonderful girl that just left with those two idiot boys. If she walks on your plan, I walk." Albus folded his hands under his chin and just looked steadily at Severus.

"I'm not angry, not now, but she needs to be more careful. A lot is riding on her and I don't think she's aware just how much she could ruin things if she doesn't tread carefully." Severus remained on his feet.

"I think you should be treading carefully with my daughter. She's already lost all respect for you since she discovered you bound her magic and took her from her family. Sure, she understands it had to be done, but you still robbed her of something very important to her. Push her too far and she may just turn away from you and the Order. You also know that not only will I follow her, Potter will as well." Severus flipped his cloak back over his shoulder before he headed for the door.

"Goodnight, Albus. Consider my words."

Severus didn't wait for an answer before slamming the door behind him and stalking off into the night.

-O-

Albus stared into the fire after Severus had swept from the room in his usual manner, cloak billowing behind him. While the result of the evening was as good as he could have hoped for, it made him more nervous than he cared to admit that Hermione had changed their well-laid plans.

The last thing he wanted was for the young girl to turn dark. Severus had fallen by the wayside so easily and he was scared to death that Hermione could as well. She was far more powerful than Severus and he suspected that if she truly wanted to, she could surpass Tom as well.

The prophecy had foretold that she would save the world from darkness or plunge it to depths untold. He needed to remember that when dealing with Hermione. She was already angry with him, rightly so he could admit, and he didn't think it would take much more for her to turn away from him completely.

The last thing that he needed was to worry about a new Dark Lady that was more powerful than he was. He considered himself evenly matched with Tom, but after witnessing Hermione's power and hearing what she did just this very evening to Thorfinne Rowle, he knew she surpassed even him.

Albus stroked his beard as he considered what he had to do. He was going to have to play the game like Hermione wanted, there was no other way around it. It killed his pride, but there was nothing he could do about it. Albus sighed as he stood to make his way to his bedchambers.

Days like these, he truly felt his age.

A/N- Another massive chapter. I hope it meets your expectations and keeps ya hooked on the story. I hope to have another chapter out in a couple days so bear with me. Leave me a message after the beep.

Next chapter, we finally see some Theo/Hermione action.

Love,

Alicia