Hello all! I want to begin by telling everyone who has weighed in on the question of Draco in Gryffindor that I appreciate your input! For those who haven't commented, there is still plenty of time to let me know what you think of me putting Draco in Gryffindor House when the children start school, so please PM your thoughts!

Also, again, thank you to all who have read the story, followed it, favorited it, and commented on it. I do appreciate reading your comments!

Happy reading!

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It had been a week since Draco's visit. The family had returned to normal as far as not having to pretend they weren't family. Their lives had been busy during the week, the most significant task being the current follow-up appointment for Hermione at St. Mungo's Hospital. Severus took her, and was relieved when Healers reported that Hermione's injuries had healed nicely. The Healers also stated that Hermione was still slightly undernourished, but told Severus that if she kept eating balanced meals, and didn't skip meals, she should get back on the right track.

Since it was just Severus and Hermione this time in London, Severus decided they would celebrate the good news.

"I need potion's ingredients," Severus stated as he held Hermione's hand so they wouldn't get separated as they traversed their way through the busy streets of the city. "I would like to take you Diagon Alley."

"Diagon Alley?" Hermione repeated, side stepping bigger adults to keep up with her father. "What's that?"

"That is where a lot of people like us go and shop," Severus explained, careful not to mention anything about witches and wizards. "They sell quite an array of items."

"Sounds fun!" Hermione exclaimed, beaming up at her father. Severus' eyes softened slightly as he led the way to The Leaky Cauldron.

Hermione was surprised at the dingy street her father guided her down. If this was Diagon Alley, she would prefer to return home, and let her father shop alone for his ingredients. Soon, they stopped outside the door that led into The Leaky Cauldron pub, and Hermione gave her father a slightly worried look.

"Before we go in, I have some rules," Severus said, his voice becoming stern. "First, you do not leave my side. Second, do not touch anything. Many magical objects can be harmful if handled the wrong way. Third, being a professor at Hogwarts, there will be students and parents here who are completing early shopping for their children's school supplies. They will know who I am, and they will certainly be…astonished…to see that I have a child in tow. So, remember, you are Minerva's ward. If anyone should say anything – not that they would if I am around – you tell them you were forced on me since your guardian is at school. I am sorry that it has to be like this, sweetheart."

Hermione nodded. One day she hoped everything would change. Suddenly she had an idea and asked, "Could you transform your appearance like Granddad does? Then no one would be the wiser, and we could pretend to like each other!"

Severus' mouth quirked up slightly as he said, somewhat apologetically, "Your grandfather is an exceptionally powerful wizard who is also a Transfiguration Master. While he can transfigure his features with relative ease, I am afraid I do not possess such mastery."

Hermione's brow furrowed in disappointment. She had been so close to having a carefree afternoon with her dad. Seeing her disappointment, Severus pulled her to his side briefly in a one-armed hug. When he let her go, she heard him say, "Now, stick close to me, Hermione. Do not talk to any strangers."

She looked up in time to see his face become void of expression, his eyes turn cold, his body language silently demanding a great amount of personal space and respect. She liked her father's less guarded mannerisms that he expressed when he was at the Manor much better than she did when he was out in the public eye. She pondered what all had happened, besides her grandfather saying that her father was a spy in the war, that made him act as he did.

She was startled from her thinking as she heard her father push the door open to the pub, and glide inside. She jogged to catch up to him, quickly closing the door behind her. Severus shot a quick glance back at her to make sure she was still behind him as he proceeded wordlessly and swiftly through the pub. She noticed that the patrons had noticed his entrance and were staring at him, watching him silently as he glided towards the rear exit. Suddenly, Hermione realized that her father's wardrobe had changed from his dark jumper and black slacks to his billowing robes. How had he done that?

As she ran to keep up with him, she heard some people whispering as they walked away, looking at her and a few pointing as well. She didn't think she wanted to know what they were saying. She followed her father to the back where they exited to a small court yard, surrounded by a brick wall. As she was about to ask her father what they were doing, he pulled out his wand, and tapped his wand tip to certain bricks in a particular pattern. She gasped as the wall rearranged itself, and formed into an arched opening as her father said, "Welcome to Diagon Alley."

She was grinning broadly as she looked out into a busy street full of colorful witches and wizards, adults and children going about their business. As she looked up and down the street she noticed shop signs hanging out over store fronts that displayed funny names, and merchandise that shopkeepers had moved out front to advertise their inventory. Strange sounds and smells welcomed her as well as all her senses seemed to be wonderfully overwhelmed. There was so much to see that she couldn't see it all.

She felt Severus' hand on her shoulder as he gently pushed her out into the busy street, keeping a grip on her so that she wasn't swept up in the crowd. As they moved north, Hermione was watching the people. There was a collection of different people, some looked normal and others were a little scarier. Then there were what she could only call "creatures" as they clearly were not humans going about their business as well. She felt Severus push her to her left, and into a store that read "Mr. Mulpepper's Apothecary".

It was an eerie store. It was nice and sunny outside, but one wouldn't know it stepping in here as the sunlight was somehow blocked from coming through the windows. She glanced around the store, noticing that there were things floating in jars all around on the shelves. She inwardly cringed as she couldn't help but stare at something dead in a jar that was staring back at her with milky eyes, and she subconsciously drew closer to Severus as he was putting in his order to the man behind the counter. Finally, after what seemed like ages to Hermione, Severus was ready to leave the shop.

As they exited out onto the street, Severus furrowed his brow in frustration, wishing that he could take his daughter to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour for an afternoon treat, even if he wasn't a great fan of ice cream. Knowing that a simple act of getting ice cream could draw suspicious looks and unwanted attention, Severus couldn't help but curse the promise he had made to protect Harry Potter. A Potter getting in the way of his happiness – this seemed all too familiar. However, what wouldn't seem suspicious that both he and Hermione would enjoy immensely would be a browse through Flourish and Blotts.

Surveying the area to make sure no one was watching them, Severus leaned over to Hermione and said, "How would you like to visit the bookstore?"

Hermione beamed up at him, and squealed, "I would love to!"

Severus gave a curt nod, took her by the shoulder, and set out to the bookstore, his robes billowing behind them. While heading to their destination, Hermione saw how people regarded her father. People gave them a wide berth, looking back at them, and staring wide-eyed at the Potion's Master. She noticed that they barely registered her, but then her father's presence was rather large – and billowing.

When they entered the store, silence fell as the patrons saw Severus walk in first, and barely noticed Hermione standing behind him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a group of people who all had red hair, shrink into the rows of books. She briefly locked eyes with the youngest boy before the family disappeared. Severus scanned his surroundings, and then looked down at Hermione saying in a low voice, "You may go by yourself as long as you stay in the store. I will find you when it is time to leave."

Hermione nodded then bounded away to get lost within the many shelves. She saw books on Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology, Charms, History, Biographies, Astronomy, Magical Beasts and more. She was browsing through the Transfiguration books to see if she could find any more books on Animagi, when she noticed a small section that was in the back corner of the shop. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she slowly wandered towards the forbidding looking section. She noticed the theme of the section was about Dark Magic as she read the titles on the spines. There were mostly books on Defense Against the Dark Arts, but there were the odd books that seemed to deal with the casting of Dark spells. Determining this wasn't the section to be in, Hermione quickly turned to leave, bumping right into her father. Slightly bouncing off him, she staggered backwards. When she had regrouped, she looked up at him to see him raising an eyebrow at her, then looking towards the section she had just left.

"Sorry, D — er, Severus," Hermione quickly recovered.

"The Dark Arts is not a section you want to explore," Severus told her quietly. Then cryptically, he added, "They are not what they seem."

Giving him a questioning look, Severus quickly changed the subject as he asked, "Did you see a book that you like? I will buy it for you."

Immediately forgetting Severus' previous words about the Dark Arts, Hermione quickly ran back to the front of the store, and began quickly scanning the shelves. Ten minutes later, Hermione clutched a copy of the History of Magical Families of Great Britain and Ireland to her as the pair left the bookshop. She dared not get anything on Animagi as she wanted, but figured it would be interesting to research her "family tree". As they left Flourish and Blotts, Severus decided they should get lunch, and talk a little about the items on Severus' mental list. Those items included discovering the reason she still safeguarded her food, how she viewed herself, and possible explanations as to why she felt the need to stash food like she did at her parents' home.

There was a small pub on the North Side of the Alley, and since it wasn't incredibly busy, Severus felt this would be a safe place to talk. They ordered at the counter, Severus paid for their food, and they found a table in a secluded corner for them to chat as they waited for their lunch.

"Hermione, I have a few things I wanted to talk to you about that I took notice of the previous week," Severus stated, folding his fingers in front of him as he stared intently at his daughter.

"OK," Hermione replied nervously. "Like what?"

"I wanted to talk about three things," Severus began. "First, I wanted to address the reason you are still protecting your food at the dinner table."

"I wouldn't say I 'protect' it," Hermione argued. "I just don't want anyone to mess with it."

Severus snorted. "I believe that is the very loose definition of the word 'protect'."

Hermione shrugged, refusing to look at him. Sighing through his nose, Severus asked, "What would it take for you to trust that I will never take food or deprive you of food? No matter the circumstance?"

Again, Hermione shrugged still refusing to give him eye contact. Narrowing his eyes slightly at her petulance, he continued, "Which brings me to my next topic. Speaking of never depriving you of food, would you care to explain your reasons for having a stash pile of fruit stored under a loose floor board in your room? And Merlin help you if you merely shrug at me!"

This time he noticed her pale slightly, looking at him in shock. "You found my food?"

"Yes, and I removed it from your room," Severus told her. "Hermione, I want you to trust me. I understand that trust is something that gradually happens; however, since you have been with me, have I ever starved you or deprived you of a meal?"

"No," Hermione said, somewhat ashamed of herself. "It's just a fear…."

"I understand," Severus said a low, soothing voice. "I hope to help you conquer that fear one day."

Hermione nodded. She wanted to conquer that fear too, but she was worried that she would let her guard down, and then at any time he would take food from her. While he hadn't disappointed her yet, there was still a lot of time.

"The last thing I wanted to talk to you about was this picture," from the pocket of his smock coat he produced the drawing she had done of herself. She merely stared at it.

"What's wrong with it?" Hermione asked him genuinely.

"Everything," Severus said slowly and simply.

Hermione visibly shrunk. Severus had to back pedal quickly and explain, "What's wrong with it is that it doesn't look like you at all. You are far prettier than this picture. I do not believe it does you justice."

Hermione stared at him as though he were a creature from another planet. "Really?"

"Of course," Severus answered without hesitation. "Your grandparents would agree with me too."

"Are you sure you aren't partial?" Hermione asked.

"No," Severus said. "Even if you weren't my daughter, I'd still say you were prettier than this supposed picture of you. It more likely resembles a shrinking goblin with the mouth of a beaver with hair so big it looked like it had been electrocuted. Do you honestly believe you look this way?"

Hermione swung her feet under the table. Not looking at Severus, she mumbled something he couldn't understand.

"What was that?" Severus asked her. "Was that English?"

"I don't think I'm pretty or important or smart or capable or anything," Hermione said in a rush, tears threatening to pour out.

Severus wished he could hug her, but with more people starting to come in for lunch, he couldn't comfort her like he wanted. Instead he leaned closer to her over the table and whispered in a calming rumble, "You are beautiful, you are bright, you have magical capabilities that exceed most young children at your age; you are courageous, and you are so important to our family. Without you, we wouldn't be a family."

Hermione glanced up at him, her puppy-dog eyes in full play as she said, "Granddad told me the same thing before Draco came to visit. He said I was the glue that kept our family together."

"And he is correct," Severus reaffirmed for her, for once thankful for Albus' words. "It wasn't until we had you that we realized we were meant to be a family. You have a gift that goes beyond magic. You help others realize what they need when they have been blind to it. That is special and very important."

Before either of them could say more, their waitress brought them their food. Hermione beamed at Severus and began eating her lunch, conscious to not put her arm over her plate.

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Lucius banged his cane down on the floor. He glared at Fudge as he hissed, "It has been a week, Fudge, and you still cannot find anything on Hermione Granger! Who is this girl that there is no information to be found?"

"Dumbledore had all of her information locked," Fudge stated, shrinking slightly at the younger man's ire. "The only thing the child's file lists is that she attended a hearing on the 19th of July. Madam Bones served as Chief Witch over the trial as Dumbledore served as a witness for the prosecution, or as a witness for Miss Granger."

"You as Minister cannot examine a court file?" Lucius snarled.

"No, I cannot," Fudge insisted. "All court reports involving minors are only known to those who served on the panel of judges, or those who were involved in another capacity. The only persons who can talk openly without fear of getting their wand snapped and charges drawn against them are Miss Granger and her guardian."

At the Minister's last statement, Lucius had an idea. "Very well, Fudge. Good day."

He quickly stood and marched from the Minister's office. He walked down to the network of Floo grates in the Atrium, and Floo'ed home. He stepped out of his fireplace and looked around his dark living room. The interior was done in shades of grey and black and green, even the stone that made up the house was grey. Malfoy Manor had a Gothic Era feel, accents done in black marble and pure silver appeared here and there in the house. Occasionally, there was the symbol of a snake carved into a stone, a piece of silver, or sewn into small tapestries. Lucius paid no mind to any of these things as he quickly made his way to his son's room upstairs.

Lucius soon found himself standing in front of Draco's door. He knocked twice and then entered, finding his son reading a book at his desk. Draco looked up sharply when he had heard the knocks. Lucius stood directly in front of his son, staring down his nose at the boy. "Draco, I need you to do me a favor."

"Yes, Father?" Draco complied immediately.

"The next time you are at Severus' house, I need you to ask Miss Granger some…questions for me," Lucius stated.

Draco frowned up at him as he asked, "Why, Father?"

"Because I make it a point to know who my son's friends are," Lucius answered. "You are a representative of our family, and something is off about her."

Draco shook his head. "I like her. Apart from standing up for Muggles and Muggleborns, which I figure is just her being raised by Minerva, she is all right."

"Minerva McGonagall?" Lucius questioned. "The Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts?"

"I suppose?" Draco answered uncertain. "I figured it was the professor from Hogwarts if Uncle Severus was doing her a favor by watching out for Hermione that day. She went through Uncle Severus' Floo to her house, McGonagall Manor, to ask permission to spend the night."

"Indeed," Lucius thought aloud. "Did Miss Granger happen to mention why she is being raised by Minerva McGonagall of all people?"

"No," Draco thought back. "Then again, no one really brought it up. She and Uncle Severus seemed to get along. She even drew him a picture of them holding hands."

Lucius studied his son for a moment. After a while, Lucius clarified, "Miss Granger drew a picture of them 'holding hands'?"

"Ya," Draco shrugged. "Uncle Severus said it was her peace offering when they first met to soften him up to like her. It must've worked because he hung it up on his bedroom wall."

Lucius subtly narrowed his eyes. It was an action that Draco had noticed, and he shifted in his seat uncomfortably. "You have been helpful, son," Lucius praised. "I need you to find out the reason Miss Granger is with McGonagall. Something seems amiss."

"But why is it important?" Draco asked, pleading slightly.

"I will not have my son being friends with a blood-traitor," Lucius hissed, "and I will not have you being friends with anyone who is less than worthy to be in our presence. The fact that Dumbledore himself has locked her files makes me wonder if there is more to Miss Granger than a young witch who is mysteriously being raised by Minerva McGonagall herself; two people known to be open blood-traitors and Mudblood lovers. I have raised you better than this Draco. She is beneath you. Beneath us. Beneath our cause, and we mustn't be associated with her if one day the Dark Lord is to return."

Lucius turned on his heel, and walked to his son's door. Before he exited, he turned to Draco, who was staring wide-eyed at him, and said, "As soon as you have found out what I need you to find out – why she is with McGonagall, and she is not with her parents – you are not to be friends with her. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Father," Draco nodded dutifully.

"Good." Lucius left the room. Draco stared after him, a look of dread upon his pale face.

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"Thank you for lunch," Hermione told Severus as they walked through Diagon Alley.

Severus nodded, but didn't say a word. As they walked south down the Alley, Hermione noticed that Severus, with his hand again on her shoulder, drew her closer to him. She didn't know why until she looked to her left, and noticed a side alley that was dark and had an uninviting appearance. She felt Severus quicken his pace, and then stopped abruptly as an old looking hag of a witch stepped in front of them. She held a vial up to Severus' face, and said, "Finest potion's ingredients this side of London. A Potion's Master such as yourself will want to use these exceptional ingredients from Knockturn Alley."

Tightening his grip on her shoulder, he said in a deadly calm, "I do not wish to buy your products. Step aside."

"What about something lovely for your daughter?" Another witch had joined the first, and appeared beside Severus at his right.

"She's not –," Severus started.

"Perhaps you desire a Darker object?" A third hag asked from behind them.

Hermione whirled around to stare at the third woman. Did the other people milling about in Diagon Alley really not notice their situation? She saw that people seemed to ignore them, wanting to mind their own business, and avoid the hags. When they had been startled by the witch behind them, Severus had let go of her shoulder. Hermione knew they needed help. The only path open to her was the dark alley, and she thought that maybe someone down there could help them. While her father was busy fending off the meddlesome women, Hermione bolted down the alley hoping to come across someone who would give them assistance.

However, as soon as she had gone a few yards, she realized she may have made a mistake. All the witches and wizards down here resembled the hags. She surmised this area was where the witches had most likely come from in the first place. Turning around quickly to join back up with her father, an older wizard was standing behind her, staring down at her with a weird smile on his face. "Are you lost, love?"

"No," Hermione struggled to say, trying to slide past the man, "I was just leaving."

"Let us help you get back to where you belong," the man said, and shortly two other men joined him.

"No!" Hermione screamed, the men backing her into the wall of the alley.

"OY! You lot there! Move on ya pathetic ex'uses fer people!"

Towering behind the men was a figure who was every bit of eight feet tall. He was at least three times as wide as an average man. The men whipped around, and when they noticed the intimidating figure behind them, they bolted down the alley without so much as a backwards glance.

Hermione was still trembling. Even though this person had just saved her, his mere presence was enough to question his intent. Sensing her reluctance to come towards him, he stepped forward so that she could see him properly. Despite his threatening appearance, Hermione noticed that he had friendly eyes, a ruddy face hidden by a bushy beard and wild hair. His hands were the size of dust pans which was the only part of him visible under his mole skin coat. As she tried to soak in everything about this man, he said in a booming voice, "The name's Rubeus Hagrid. Most people jus' call me Hagrid. Keeper of Keys an' Grounds at Hogwarts. An' who migh' you be?"

"My name's Hermione Granger," she answered shakily.

"Wha' are ya doin' down 'ere, 'Ermione?" Hagrid asked, concern showing from his eyes.

"I ran down here for help!" Hermione explained. "Severus and I were surrounded, and no one was paying attention to us, so I thought someone down here could help us get rid of those witches."

"Did you say 'Severus'?" Hagrid asked. "As in Professor Severus Snape, the Potion's Master?"

"Yes," Hermione confirmed. Then with a sinking feeling she realized, "Oh no! When we first got here, he told me not to leave his side! I've got to get back to him! I didn't tell him I was going for help!"

"You bet'er come with me," Hagrid told her as he took off towards Diagon Alley. Hermione followed him at a run to keep up with him. When they arrived back in the Alley, there was a throng of people that were all staring at something. Hermione remained behind Hagrid as the man could part the crowd more easily than she could. When they had gotten to the front, Hermione stepped around Hagrid so she could see what everyone was staring at. She stared in astonishment as she saw that two of the hags were unconscious, and her father had grabbed the last one by the front of her robes, his wand pressed up against her throat as he snarled, "Your two friends didn't have the answers I wanted, so it seems that it's up to you. Where is the girl that was standing beside me?"

"Professor Snape, sir!" Hagrid called from the crowd, pointing down at Hermione.

Hermione and Severus locked eyes, Severus' expression unchanging as he snapped his head back at the hag and said in a deadly tone of voice, "I am aware of what sort of trap this is, so tell whomever you are reporting to that should an incident such as this happen again, I will not waver in going to …extreme measures…to end it!"

He released her from his clutches, letting her slam back onto the ground. Leaving her acquaintances behind, she pushed her way past Hermione, shooting the girl a murderous look, as she disappeared down Knockturn Alley. Severus stared at the crowd of onlookers, his lips curling up as he sneered, "If you all insist on staring at me like a common street performer, I can assure you my next trick will not be one that you find…pleasant."

Almost immediately, the crowd dispersed, giving no indication that there had been a scene there mere seconds before. Once people had gone back to their own business, Severus quickly closed the gap between him and Hermione, and barely restrained himself from bringing her to him in a relieved and protective hug. He had been sure that the hags had set him up once he had discovered Hermione was missing, and he had been prepared to do unthinkable things to get her back. The two he had knocked unconscious should be grateful that that was all he did to them. Gaining control of his emotions, he looked up at Hagrid and said, "You have my thanks for returning Miss Granger to me. Her guardian would have been…most displeased…if anything had happened to her."

"No' a problem, Professor Snape, sir," Hagrid brushed off. "She was in a righ' state when I found 'er. Surrounded by three unsavory characters, she was!"

Severus narrowed his eyes at Hagrid's account, and glared down at Hermione, who had the decency to look regretful. Severus cocked his eyebrow at Hagrid as he said, "Her guardian will want to discuss this situation with her in length. I should return Miss Granger to her now."
"If I may ask, Professor," Hagrid said, looking pitifully down at the young girl, "who is 'Ermione's guardian?"

"Professor McGonagall," Severus answered simply.

Hagrid shook his shaggy head as he said to Hermione, "Good luck, 'Ermione."

"Indeed," Severus agreed. "Good day, Hagrid."

"Good day, Professor Snape. 'Ermione." With a wave to them both, Hagrid walked north up Diagon Alley.

"As for you, young lady," Severus said in a low growl, gently grabbing her upper arm. "We are heading home. We need to talk to your grandparents."

With a pop, Hermione and Severus disappeared.

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As soon as Severus and Hermione arrived home, he sent her upstairs with her new book while Severus called Albus and Minerva through the Floo. A couple minutes later the older couple joined him. Severus was pacing in his living room when the couple stepped through, and they surveyed him with slight concern.

"What has happened, Severus?" Albus asked immediately, offering Minerva a seat before sitting himself. He allowed the young man to pace a few seconds more in silence before he interrupted, "Severus?"

Severus stopped pacing and looked between Albus and Minerva and replied, "I took Hermione for her follow-up appointment at St. Mungo's this morning. You'll be delighted to know that she has healed nicely. In celebration, I decided we would go for a trip into Diagon Alley as I also needed supplies. We went to the bookstore, had lunch, and had a good conversation about some of her behaviors left over from her life with her parents. We were walking down Diagon Alley when we were surrounded by three witches who had crawled up from the depths of Knockturn Alley. I lost sight of Hermione during the confrontation, and she was thankfully returned to me by Hagrid of all people. I recognized these women, Albus. They have been known to be hired by others who do not wish to be associated with any suspicious activity. They were sent to corner us. They wouldn't display this sort of behavior on their own. Someone wants information from me or they want Hermione. Hagrid said that when he found Hermione she was cornered by three men. If Hagrid hadn't been there, Merlin knows what would have happened."

Albus and Minerva were silent. The twinkle had left Albus' eyes, and the color had left Minerva's face. After a few moments of silence, Minerva asked, "Where is Hermione now?"

"She is upstairs in her room," Severus answered. "I didn't want to scare her with this information."

Without a word, Minerva briskly walked upstairs. Albus watched his wife leave, then stood to join Severus as he asked, "So, the women were a diversion to drive Hermione away and into the waiting arms of these men?"

"Yes, knowing of these hags from my days as a Death Eater, I suspected their trap," Severus explained. "When Hagrid told me about the three men, I was certain."

"Why did Hermione leave you?" Albus asked, stroking his beard.

"I believe she was wanting to help me," Severus answered. "I think she ran to get help. The only way open for her to go was down Knockturn Alley."

Albus frowned at Severus as he asked, "She actually went down Knockturn Alley?"

Severus merely nodded. Albus exhaled sharply as he said, "That girl is a magnet for trouble, isn't she?"

Severus grunted. His life could never be simple, could it? Looking over at Albus he asked, "What do we do? Someone is getting suspicious, and someone is wanting answers."

"I believe Lucius is behind this as none of this was happening before Draco came to visit," Albus concluded. "Someone may be questioning your loyalty. Someone is worried you will no longer render your services to assist Voldemort in rising again."

"Could Lucius have read her file at the Ministry?" Severus asked, turning paler at the thought.

"No," Albus answered. "I made myself the Secret Keeper of her file when we found her. No one has access to that file except for myself. However, if Lucius has attempted to look at it, the fact that I personally locked it may make him even more suspicious."

Severus was relieved. At least Lucius, nor anyone else, could get Hermione's information from the Ministry. However, that could make any interested persons more desperate. As Severus thought about the events earlier, something didn't sit well with him.

"I cannot see Lucius orchestrating what happened today," Severus told Albus. "He would not consort with the likes of hags. He would consider them beneath him, even if he would be sacrificing them to the wolves if they were caught. No, someone else has done this."

Albus eyed him critically. Albus started to pace, hands folded behind his back. "If not Lucius Malfoy, then who?"

"Perhaps Lucius spoke with someone else," Severus suggested. "Maybe this person is conducting their own investigation."

Albus nodded as he muttered, "That makes more sense as I would assume that Lucius would simply use Draco to gather information since he is already on the inside. That being said, I don't know that I like the idea of Hermione being here while Draco visits now that we suspect someone may be using him, or someone is trying to take Hermione."

"I wouldn't consider it beneath Lucius to use Draco, no," Severus agreed. "However, Draco is the only friend that Hermione has made, and he is my godson. I do not want to punish Hermione or assume the worst of Draco, automatically assuming the boy will go through with his father's request to find out information."

"However much I believe in not punishing the son for the sins of the father, I am not naïve enough to believe that Draco will not at least try to uphold his father's wishes," Dumbledore pressed. "I do not think that Draco realizes the seriousness of the situation if his father does get the information he seeks. He could, unintentionally, get you killed, and if I can protect my son from that fate, I will."

Severus stared at the older man then nodded. He understood the implications of allowing Hermione and Draco to remain friends. Hermione would begin to trust Draco, Draco may use her trust to please his father, and then something bad would happen to Hermione or at least their friendship. Both Draco and Hermione would be devastated, perhaps worse for Hermione. Staring at Albus who was looking intently at him, Severus had an idea.

"While Draco was here last week, we were able to have a meaningful talk about his use of the term 'Mudblood'. He took the talk well, and he didn't say anything more. Perhaps we could mold him gradually to our cause."

"You wish to turn him against his family?" Albus asked, raising an eyebrow to the younger man.

"I wish to save him," Severus said honestly, "and to help sustain a friendship that deserves a chance to happen. Draco and Hermione both deserve a good friend."

"Much like you and Lily?" Albus asked sagely.

"Perhaps," was all Severus would say.

Albus nodded, thinking of the possible pros and cons to the idea. Giving Severus one last scrutinizing look, Albus conceded, "Very well. If you can persuade Draco to help us, then that will save two birds with one action. It will take a great deal to pull Draco from his father's influence. Where have you learned to manipulate children, Severus?"

"I will love him and show him a better way," Severus challenged. "I will not 'manipulate' him. However, if we are talking about manipulation, I must have learned it from you."

Severus sat down in his recliner as Albus shook his head, chuckling lightly as he left the room.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Minerva knocked on Hermione's door. When she heard a pitiful "Come in", she slowly entered the room. She saw Hermione sitting cross-legged on her bed, thumbing through her new book her father had bought her earlier. She briefly glanced up when Minerva walked into her room, but then went back to half-heartedly browsing through the pages. Seeing that Hermione wasn't going to open up easily, Minerva changed into her cat form, and sprung up on the bed. She rubbed up against Hermione, head bumping her hands until Hermione gave in and scratched her behind the ear. After a while of receiving attention from the girl, Minerva changed back into a human, and looked at the little girl with nothing but warmth and love.

"I hear you had a busy day today in London." Minerva stated.

Hermione only nodded. Before Minerva could explore any more, Hermione suddenly said, "I just wanted to get help. We were surrounded, and nobody seemed to care. Nobody helped us. I thought Dad needed it."

"Och, kitten," Minerva said, pulling the girl to her. "No one is angry at you for doing what you thought was right. Your Dad was just frightened when he thought something bad had happened to you, or someone had taken you."

"He didn't need my help, did he?" Hermione asked softly, Minerva's cat like hearing needed to hear her question.

"Severus is a very capable wizard when it comes to dueling," Minerva answered. "There have been times when he has needed help, but most often, he is more than able to fend for himself."

"He doesn't need me…." Hermione said sadly.

"I didn't say that," Minerva said slightly defensively. "Your father being a capable duelist, and him needing you are two completely different things."

Hermione was silent. She felt as though she had nothing to offer her family. They offered her everything, and she couldn't even ask for help the right way. She felt as though she was taking so much from her family, especially her father, that she was worried that they would get fed up with her being so needy, and they would tell her that they no longer wanted her because they couldn't take care of her. She would be alone and unwanted again.

"Whatever you're thinking, Hermione, you need to stop," Minerva warned. "I am not saying that what you feel is wrong, but your thoughts probably are which is leading you to bad feelings. Mind telling me what is going on up there?"

"I just feel like I'm being needy, and I can't give any of you anything in return," Hermione mumbled.

"Honey, you are a child," Minerva stressed to her. "You are supposed to be needy. I have taught children for many years, and you are by no means 'needy'. Actually, you need to learn to be more reliant on us, to trust us. As far as giving us anything in return, you gave us a family. Albus and I were a family, but we mostly focused on work more so than the family aspect of life. Severus desperately needed someone, and you were here. In doing that, we could form the family we all needed. So, you did give us something in return, kitten. You gave us all a reason to live for…each other."

Hermione peered up at her through her curly bangs. She couldn't help but smile at her Mimi as she snuggled closer to her. While she didn't completely believe her grandmother, she was happy to hear her words. Positive affirmation never hurt anyone.

"Also," Minerva interrupted her thoughts, "Granddad told me that he and your father caught you trying to learn Animagi." Minerva quirked her eyebrow at her granddaughter.

"I was only reading about it," Hermione said exasperated. "I wasn't learning it. The only thing I can do anyway are the meditations."

"Are you meditating?" Minerva's lips went thin.

"Maybe…?" Hermione said unsure. "It's hard enough. I can't keep from thinking. I do want to learn to be an Animagus like you though."

"While I am flattered that I impressed you," Minerva said sternly, "do not move beyond the meditative stage, please? It is dangerous to learn by yourself. You also need someone who is confident in the incantations to change you in the first place, or else you could end up seriously hurt. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Hermione sighed.

"Good."

About that time, there was another knock at Hermione's door. Once Minerva gave the OK for the person to enter, Albus poked his head inside, smiling at seeing his girls in an embrace. His eyes started twinkling again when Hermione grinned at him.

"Am I interrupting girl time?" Albus asked innocently, sitting across from Minerva and Hermione on the bed.

"No," Minerva answered. "We're just cuddling now." She squeezed Hermione to her tighter causing the girl to giggle. Albus couldn't help but chuckle as well.

"Well, I came up here for two reasons," Albus explained. "First, Hermione, I want you to be careful what you tell Draco Malfoy for the time being."

"How come?" Hermione asked.

"Mostly I am wary of his father," Albus answered honestly. "However, that isn't for you to worry about. Draco is a young boy who is wanting his father's approval, but that could be dangerous. Just trust me, kitten."

"Can I still be friends with him?" Hermione didn't want to lose her only friend.

"Yes, you can," Albus smiled at her. "I believe you and your father are a good influence on him. We just need to tread lightly."

"All right," Hermione agreed.

"Second," Albus continued, "I wanted to apologize to you for when you came over last week, and I was rather short with you when you were telling your story about the Muggle teenagers. I was not mad at you. I was angered as it reminded me of a similar situation many years ago in which someone I cared for deeply was forever wounded. I didn't want the same for you. You have a lot left to offer. Do you forgive me?"

Hermione considered him for a moment before she gently pulled away from her grandmother, and launched herself onto her grandfather. She had thought he was mad at her for getting into that kind of trouble. She was glad to learn that she was off the hook. Albus cradled her to him, and kissed the top of her head. "I forgive you, Granddad."

"I am delighted," Albus told her, squeezing her tightly. Looking to his wife, he asked, "Are you ready to return home, Tabby?"

"Yes," Minerva answered. Together they all exited Hermione's room, and made their way to the living room.

Hermione bounded in first, and seeing Severus reclined in his favorite chair reading the paper, she ran and launched herself onto him. Grunting from the sudden impact of her weight on top of him, the corners of his mouth quirked up as Hermione giggled at her own mischief.

"You think that is funny, do you?" Severus asked as he mercilessly tickled her. Hearing Hermione's belly laughs caused all the adults to smile. They hadn't heard her laugh out right before, and it was a beautiful sound to all them. After a moment, Severus relented and Hermione snuggled into him.

The elder couple continued to smile at the pair as Albus said, "We are headed home, Severus. Keep in mind what we talked about, and let me know if you notice anything else. Minerva and I are going to be at Hogwarts more often, so we will likely be there if you need anything.

"When are we going to the zoo?" Hermione asked them all, looking between all the adults.

"Yes, we still need to do that, don't we?" Minerva asked, stifling a laugh at the look on Severus' face. He looked as though he needed a drink just thinking about a trip to the zoo.

"How about next week?" Albus suggested. "We'll go Monday. That gives us a few days to get some work done, and then we can have a stress-free day at the zoo. Then we will return to the grind the following day."

"I can manage that," Minerva said, thinking of her schedule. "Severus?"

"I can do that," Severus stated. "That means I will have to work a lot down in my lab, Hermione."

"That's fine," Hermione told him. "I understand."

"Wonderful!" Albus beamed. "I am incredibly excited about this trip!"

Minerva snorted and Hermione giggled while Severus shook his head. Albus looked at Severus and said, "With that decided, we will be off."

Severus and Hermione rose out of the chair to bid their family goodbye. While Minerva was hugging Hermione, Severus asked Albus, "Can I ask a favor of you?"

"Of course, my boy," Albus answered. "What would that be?"

"Can you teach me to transfigure my appearance?" Severus asked.

Albus surveyed him over the tops of his spectacles, his eyes twinkling madly. "What spurred on that request?"

"Hermione asked me today if I could alter my appearance so that we could openly enjoy our time together in Diagon Alley. She pointed out that she had seen you do it, and asked if I could do it," Albus chuckled at that, "and I had to tell her that I was not adept at that sort of magic. I'll not have you besting me in front of my daughter."

Albus outright laughed causing the girls to stare at them. "I will, of course, teach you, Severus. That may not be a bad idea anyway as times become more challenging."

Severus bowed his head in thanks. Minerva cupped Severus' cheek in goodbye as she moved toward the grate and Floo'ed home. Albus squeezed Hermione goodbye, kissing her forehead, and followed his wife. As the green flames died down, Hermione looked up at her father and asked, "Are you mad at me?"

Severus looked down at her frowning as he asked, "What reason would I have to be mad at you?"

"For disappearing to find help?" Hermione said. "I broke your first rule you said to me before we went into Diagon Alley. You didn't need me though, did you?"

Severus thought for a moment. He had been worried when he couldn't find her, but he was more relieved that she was safe than he was angry that she had left in the first place. He hadn't needed help handling those old witches, but at least he could count on Hermione to help him when he did need it. He knelt down so he was eye level with her as he explained, "I was frightened when I discovered you were no longer by my side. I am relieved that Hagrid was there to bring you back to me. I am not mad at you, but in future, wait for me to tell you to run and get help. I am just glad that I didn't lose you. Also, I do need you, just not for dueling at the present time. We will cross that bridge when we come to it."

"I'm sorry for running away," Hermione told him, hugging him to relay just how sorry she was.

"It's all right," Severus assured her. "However, let's put this action in with the others you need not make a habit of doing?"

"OK," Hermione grinned. Then she asked, "Am I still allowed to be friends with Draco?"

"Yes," Severus answered slowly. "Be very careful, however, when you talk with him that you give nothing away about your family, or what brought you to us. If he does ask you anything direct, let me, Granddad, or Mimi know, please? Or send him to me, and I will talk to him."

Hermione nodded. Severus stared at her a few seconds more before he said, "Truly, I am glad you are safe. I do love you, sweetheart."

Hermione beamed at him as she answered, "I love you too, Daddy."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A dark cloaked figure moved swiftly through the streets of Knockturn Alley. It slithered through and around other people walking through the street and in and out of shops. The figure silently entered the pub, The White Wyvern, and saw the person sitting in the back that it was supposed to meet. In one smooth action, the cloaked figure drew up a chair and sat down at the table, startling the witch who was already seated there. The witch narrowed her eyes at the figure who hadn't made one sound.

"We were unable to get the girl," The witch answered the unspoken question, "but she was in the company of Severus Snape. He was quite distraught when the girl was missing, mind you. Knocked me two sisters unconscious!"

"I don't care about your sisters," the figure snapped. "why were the men unable to grab the girl? Surely the child did not defeat three grown wizards!"

"That great oaf Hagrid from Hogwarts," the witch explained quickly. "Scared them off!"

The figure made a low growl. "Lucius is trying to find out about the girl from the Ministry. He reported to me earlier that he was having no luck. Albus Dumbledore has locked the files himself. Would you say that Severus cares for the girl?"

"If he doesn't, then he's a bloody good actor," the witch huffed. "He also told me to tell whoever hired me that should another incident like this happen again, that he will not mind going to 'extreme measures' to end it."

Again, the figure growled. The witch shifted in her seat uncomfortably at the rising tension at the table as she asked, "What does it matter if he cares for a child?"

"It's not about the child!" The figure snarled. "It's about Severus Snape! Snape has been planted within Hogwarts for years, and he has valuable information on Dumbledore; information that could destroy the Order of the Phoenix and its leader. He will also be in prime position to keep an eye on Harry Potter when he begins school next year! What's more, if Snape defects, then he has information from within the Death Eaters that could aide Dumbledore, and prevent the Dark Lord from taking complete control. Snape is crucial to helping us resurrect the Dark Lord and ensure his victory over that lucky brat, Potter! So, if there is a child involved, Snape may lose his focus, become soft and have a stronger desire to protect the child than assist his Master. Severus Snape cannot betray us!"

The witch had visibly shrunken back in her chair, looking as though she wished nothing more than to become one with it to escape from the figure across from her. There was silence for a minute longer before the figure stated, "However, I will soon be in position to watch Snape's every move. If there is a hint of betrayal there, then I will simply have to remind him what's at stake."

At that, the figure got up to leave. The witch rose too, and grabbed the figure's slender hand. "What about my fee?"

"You want a fee for bringing me absolutely nothing?" The figure challenged the witch.

"I brought you information," the witch spat, "now I want my fee!"

A calmness came over the figure as it huffed, "Fine. However, I do not want to do a transaction in here. Follow me."

The figure made its way out of the pub, and down a side alley, the witch close on the figure's heels. Once they were far enough away from the street, the figure turned on the witch and hissed, "Avada Kedavra!"

The dark figure quickly Disapparated away, leaving the witch's body amongst the garbage.