Harry entered Hermione's mind as Ron stood by watching. Her memories were blurred momentarily before one came forth.
"Miss Granger, the Order has it on good authority you may be in danger over your holiday." Dumbledore said as he peered over his spectacles. Harry took a step closer to him, sadness washed over him.
"Danger, sir?" Hermione's voice seemed small as Harry turned to look at her.
"Yes, my dear." Dumbledore looked very serious. "Professor Snape has been appointed to protect you. He will be posing as an exchange student in order to simplify matters. Your parents are not to be made aware of the situation. Am I clear?" Hermione nodded before the memory faded into another. Suddenly Harry saw Snape as his seventeen year old self, dancing with Hermione at a wedding. Then he saw them walking through a park, Hermione dancing with an old man…Hermione standing in the middle of a fountain with Snape.
He watched as Hermione called him a prude for pointing out how revealing her running clothes were. Harry laughed. Suddenly he saw Snape telling her he had to do something that he did not want to do. Harry furrowed his brow. He watched them as they snuck out of her house and down the street to the abbey where Dumbledore was waiting for them. He watched them get married. He saw Dumbledore coming for Snape the night he was murdered. Dumbledore apologized to Hermione. Harry felt like he was going to be sick. Without realizing it the memories jumped up to the night before. He saw Snape sneaking into the tent, he watched horrified momentarily as Hermione began to undress in front of him.
"Oh!" Harry cried out as he pulled out of her mind.
"That memory is not for anyone to see!" Hermione cried out.
"Well?" Ron asked as he walked over to them. "What did you see?"
"She's telling the truth Ron." Harry shook his head and stumbled back into a chair. "Dumbledore didn't actually say he wanted Snape to kill him. But…"
"You saw it right? I wasn't imagining it? Something seemed off." Hermione put a hand on her hip.
"No, you weren't imagining it." Harry furrowed his brow. "This is just…really weird for me Hermione."
"You have to admit, it is a bit strange. I mean, it's not like he was ever even nice to you, Hermione." Ron scrunched his face.
"Harry, you saw though. He was nothing like what we thought!" Hermione eagerly defended her husband.
"Ron, has hard as this is for me to say…he seemed normal. He also came across as almost…nice." Harry shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.
"Bloody hell." Ron sighed and sat down with a thud. "'Mione, do you realize what you did?"
"What is that supposed to mean?" Hermione asked angrily.
"You married a bloke that everyone hates almost as much as you-know-who, not only that…but blimey, you're having his baby!" Ron gestured wildly at her protruding belly.
"I know this, Ronald!" Hermione exhaled loudly. She took a deep breath to calm herself. "He also told me that we are to go to Grimmauld place."
"Your husband or not, I don't bloody well intend to just do whatever he says." Ron laughed slightly, shaking his head.
"For your information Ronald Weasley, the order came from Dumbledore not Severus!" Hermione spun around pointing her finger in Ron's face.
"Dumbledore?" Harry asked, confused.
"Well…his portrait. I guess he's still meddling in everyone's affairs from beyond the veil." Hermione smiled.
"When are we supposed to go?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, he didn't say. The sooner the better I would imagine." Hermione walked past her friends and began to slowly start packing up.
"Severus, have you any news?" The Dark Lord asked as he paced in front of the grand fireplace of Malfoy Manor's drawing room.
"I have personally questioned every student in attendance at Hogwarts, my Lord. The only information I have managed to gather has been speculation. It seems as though Potter has avoided contact with everyone, including those that consider themselves his friends." Severus bowed at the neck. The Dark Lord paused and turned to him.
"Yes, Severus. Lucius' son has informed him of some of the rumors being spread amongst the halls of Hogwarts. It seems as though your little mudblood has gone and found herself in a family way." The Dark Lord attempted a sneering smile that made Severus' blood run cold.
"Yes, my Lord that is one rumor I have also heard." Severus nodded slowly.
"Such a shame Severus." The Dark Lord shook his head, "The second mudblood to choose a Potter over you." His words struck him deep. "Ah, well it's of little consequence. Bella and I have spoken at length about the mudblood, and I now feel that any more of your time being spent in pursuit of her is futile. Focus your energy on the pureblood education of the next generation. I will need the children, Severus."
"Yes, my Lord." Severus bowed.
"And if the rumor is true and the mudblood carries Potter's child, I want that child. I don't want the mudblood, I have no use for her. If I have the child, Potter will do as I command. Severus, you will keep a close watch on their Gryffindor comrades, will you not? Come to me at once if you hear anything."
"I will, my Lord." Severus nodded.
"Very well, you may return to Hogwarts." The Dark Lord brushed the air with his hand, and began pacing again. Severus had to force himself to walk from Malfoy Manor. His heart raced at the thought of the Dark Lord wanting Hermione's unborn baby, his unborn baby. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer that she had convinced Harry to go to Grimmauld place. Apparating back to Hogwarts, he rushed into the castle to speak with Dumbldore's portrait.
"Albus!" Severus cried out as he slammed and warded the door behind him. "Albus?"
"What is it my boy?" Dumbledore stood up in his portrait and leaned forward.
"The Dark Lord knows that Hermione is with child. He believes the baby to be Potter's thanks to Draco Malfoy. He wants the baby Albus; he thinks if he has the baby that he will be able to control Potter." Severus took a deep breath. "Was she able to convince him to go to Grimmauld place? I must know if she is safe!"
"Oh this is terrible news, terrible news, my boy." Albus shook his head. "I am unaware of their locale at the moment Severus. Give me some time and I will be back with the information."
"Please, hurry." Severus swallowed hard.
"Take a deep breath, I will return shortly." With that, Albus walked out of frame.