Chapter originally posted January 16th 2019. This chapter was beta-read by girl_with_a_sword on AO3 for grammar and linguistics. English is my third language.

19th June 1994

Hermione Potter rested in a bed in the hospital wing at Hogwarts and tried to recover, while Madam Pomfrey was fussing and prodding and casting diagnostic charms. She'd entered the room at Grimmauld Place fully aware that the locket of Salazar Slytherin, a Horcrux, would be there. She remembered when and where it would have been before the headquarters were emptied, and she had done her best to try and prod Hermione Potter's attention towards the damn thing.

Perhaps it had been aware of her, feeling her intent to destroy it, or perhaps she'd just been more vulnerable to it, because she had carried it around her neck for weeks all those years ago. Something like that didn't just go away, it wasn't something one could simply forget and put behind themselves. It was a vile, corrupted and evil thing. The moment she stepped into the room and laid her eyes on the glass case she felt it, and she was pretty sure it sensed her too: she'd felt it recoil and then there'd been a huge mental blow... apparently much too hard for her young body to take, because she'd blacked out completely and woken up here.

And here she was, now, feeling ridiculously weak, while Madam Pomfrey interrogated poor Remus about what her patient been given to eat, if she'd been given enough to drink, and what kind of potions or objects she had been subjected to. Remus did his best to defend himself, and the charms showed Hermione to be in excellent health, but Madam Pomfrey was having none of it. She seemed to believe that someone must have done something, and by Merlin she'd get to the bottom of it. Hermione felt quite bad for poor Remus, really. Hestia Jones had abandoned him with a sly wink towards Hermione the moment she heard the girl wasn't in serious danger and slipped out of the room.

An hour later, Headmaster Dumbledore arrived back to the hospital wing with Professor Snape in tow. Hermione desperately wanted to warn them about the Horcrux, to tell them to destroy it, but there was no way to do that, since she felt even weaker than normal, and there was no way to get through.

"You can release her, Poppy," Professor Dumbledore said genially. "We'll take her back home."

"Most certainly not!" Madam Pomfrey sputtered. "She passed out, so there was most certainly something wrong, and I need to find out what."

"We already found the cause and took care of it," Professor Dumbledore interrupted the matron, "so there is no cause for concern."

"You 'took care of it'?" Madam Pomfrey screeched, "You simply 'took care of it'? And subjected the poor child to dark magic, expecting me to release her!"

"I promise the item in question has been..." Dumbledore tried, but Madam Pomfrey was having none of it.

"Out!" she yelled, "I won't release her until I'm perfectly satisfied there are no traces of dark magic lingering. I'll release her when I'm good and ready and not one moment sooner! Now, out!" She called and began shooing the Headmaster, the scowling Professor Snape, and Professor Lupin out like they were errant hens roaming in the wrong pasture. They departed, helpless to resist the stern matron, and Hermione was left to endure more diagnostics, prodding, and bed rest.

Severus Snape, 20th June 1994

Miss Potter was released from Hogwarts the next day. She arrived back at noon and was greeted enthusiastically by members of the Order. She seemed apprehensive about approaching the drawing room, where she had such a bad reaction to the locket, but followed after Black anyway, proving herself to be the stubborn Gryffindor that she was, and seemed relieved when nothing happened. Following Dumbledore's orders of keeping an eye on her, Severus followed them inside, although Black was glaring daggers at him. When Hermione continued with her tour of the house with Black, Severus went for the library, where he didn't have to face Black or Lupin all the time.

Albus seemed hopeful that the destruction of the Horcruxes would be enough to stop the Dark Lord from ever returning. They'd destroyed three: the diary, the ring, and the locket, and to split one's soul that many times was simply unimaginable and insane. They'd had a long discussion about it, amongst the Order: some thought the Order should now be disbanded, with all the Horcruxes destroyed and the threat eliminated, but Albus didn't seem quite that certain, and had told them he wanted to make more inquiries, though he'd refused to tell them exactly what he wanted to find. He still wanted them to keep researching objects that had belonged to Salazar Slytherin or Tom Riddle, and to expand their search to objects that belonged to all four Founders. There was some grumbling, but the Order, consisting mainly of Gryffindors, obeyed. They all believed Albus to be infallible, an all-knowing entity.

Severus remained in the headquarters for the rest of the day, watching as Black and Lupin fawned over Hermione. Black was trying to re-establish his bond as her godfather, but curiously, Hermione was apprehensive of him, and it didn't take Severus long to realise that her dislike of Black was directly connected to the various snide and unpleasant jabs and remarks Black directed at him. When Severus realised that Hermione disliked her godfather because of his behaviour towards him, he smirked and let the man dig his grave deeper and deeper, until finally Hermione's patience snapped: the usually quiet girl screeched at Black in the bossy way she usually used for her friends — especially Messrs Weasley, Malfoy and Granger, when they were being lazy and neglecting their schoolwork — and stormed off in a flurry of tangled brown hair, and leaving both Lupin and Black flabbergasted and shocked. Severus had to excuse himself to another room, where he had a quick and satisfying laugh.

Black and Lupin did their best to endear themselves to her for the rest of the day, of course, but Black, especially, had problems understanding why she wouldn't approve of his laughing at Snape. Lily, after all, had also reprimanded them because of their bullying, but there had always been that underlying current of amusement, that faint and vague glimmer that indicated that she too was a bit amused and her opinion could be swayed. There was none of that in Hermione, but Black didn't seem capable of understanding it, though Lupin seemed to get a grasp on it in a few hours and cast an apologetic — albeit also quite amazed — glance at Severus. Black tried to continue in his way, and by the end of the day Hermione was refusing to speak to him, while Lupin tried to be a peacemaker between them.

Finally, late that night, Severus was able to return to Spinner's End. He was exhausted and irritated, and he took a quick shower and practically fell on his bed, groaning as his head hit the pillow. He was asleep within minutes.

He woke up late that night from a horrible nightmare, where he'd been summoned by the Dark Lord once again, begging his Dark Mark to remain as faint and faded as it had been. His own cries woke him up. It wasn't unusual, he'd had the same dreams again and again over the years, but this time he was quite certain he felt the Dark Mark tingle. He lit his wand and stared at his bare arm in horror, but the mark still seemed as faded as it had been since the day Lily had died. Or was it? Severus wasn't certain, and he was certain he'd felt a tingling sensation. Had he been sleeping on that arm? Did he really feel...?

There was no more sleep that night for him.

Severus Snape, 20th July 1994

"This is ridiculous!" Sirius Black bellowed. "Of course I must go with her!"

"I'm afraid that is quite impossible, Sirius," Albus said calmly. "You must remain inside this house. The Ministry would capture you easily and turn you over to the Dementors. I'm afraid I cannot allow it."

The conversation had been going on for quite some time now. Arthur Weasley had gotten tickets to the Quidditch World Cup through his work, and had promised to take not only all of his unfortunately numerous and seemingly endless amount of children, but also several of their friends, including Harry Granger, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Potter with them. Young Neville Longbottom had also obtained a permission to attend, though only after Albus, when requested by Hermione, pleaded his case with his grandmother, who hadn't wanted to attend, but allowed her grandson to accompany his friends when the Headmaster of Hogwarts himself asked for it. Unfortunately, Sirius Black, bored because of his confinement at number 12, Grimmauld Place, had decided that he needed to attend the Quidditch World Cup with his godchild. Black adored the sport, much more so than Hermione. The escaped convict was feeling restless and useless, while other members of the Order came and went on their daily business, and even Remus Lupin, a Werewolf, had more liberties than he did. Albus decided that Black, who'd already been a reckless and thoughtless twat before spending time in Azkaban, would be safest inside the old house. Unfortunately Black wasn't one to listen to reason.

"I can go in my Animagus form. They won't capture me, I promise you..." Black tried to argue.

"The security is quite tight, Sirius. Be reasonable."

"Hermione's my godchild. I have the duty to protect her!" Black declared.

"You're just bored and want to get to see the game," Severus sneered, and Black bristled. He now had a wand, but it'd been such a long time since he had one that grasping it wasn't instinctual yet, or Severus would be shielding himself against a hex or two.

"Severus!" Albus snapped, "That's enough! Sirius, I've said my final word. But I won't let Hermione go alone with Arthur and his family."

"Come now, Albus," Molly Weasley scoffed. "You got the final Horcrux. It's over, and Arthur surely can defend her."

Severus didn't bother voicing his disagreement, although he was quite certain that Arthur wouldn't be able to defend himself against a wet tissue paper. Albus, fortunately, was determined. "She's very dear to me, Molly, and I am not quite convinced we've gotten them all," he said, and several people gasped or moaned in despair.

"Are you certain?" Lupin asked quietly.

"Not yet, but I shan't give up until I'm certain. I've found the person who spoke to Tom about them in the first place, and I've asked him about it, hoping he'd give me more information. He gave me a memory, but it'd been tampered with."

"Who? Who'd do such a thing?" asked Vance.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to divulge the information at this point," Dumbledore replied calmly. Several people grumbled, but none dared to protest in the face of Albus Dumbledore. Severus was quite certain he was speaking of Horace Slughorn, the former Potions master and Head of Slytherin before Severus himself had taken his place after Slughorn's retirement. "Nevertheless, even if we've gotten all of the Horcruxes, there are the Death Eaters..."

"One of whom is sitting in this room," Black interrupted.

"Enough, Sirius," said Dumbledore. "I trust Severus. He is a member of the Order just the same as you are."

"I've yet to see a shred of evidence for his reliability, but one only needs to roll up his sleeve..."

"I said that's enough, Sirius," Albus commanded, and his blue eyes bore a dangerous glint instead of their usual twinkle. "This is not a matter under discussion. As I was saying, Hermione's safety is paramount to me. She is like a daughter to me. I am very busy with the arrangements of the upcoming Triwizard Tournament, but I shall personally attend the World Cup with Hermione."

Severus felt a surge of satisfaction at Albus' words: the girl would be safer with the most powerful wizard in the world by her side. The news of the upcoming Triwizard Tournament had greatly upset him, and he'd spent almost a day and a half cursing and snarling. He'd trashed several beakers in his rage, when he considered the upheaval that the influx of extra students from abroad would cause in combination with the already restless students, let alone the extra work he and every other teacher would have to take on to teach the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. The Durmstrang contingency would be led by Igor Karkaroff, who was a Death Eater, although a cowardly and reluctant one, and under his regime the students at Durmstrang had been well versed in Dark Arts and much less in Defence against them. Severus himself had always been fascinated by the raw power the Dark Arts gave, although these days he considered it more important to know the Dark Arts in order to defend the students and the ignorant majority of the wizarding world against the practitioners... like Karkaroff.

"In fact," Dumbledore continued, "I shall also take Severus with me. Hermione and her friends shall be well protected, like I promised Augusta Longbottom. I've already obtained us tickets."

Severus had to struggle against a wide grin that threatened his face. The tickets were expensive, especially the good ones, and while he could have afforded a modest seat, he couldn't have quite justified the splurge of his funds to himself, when he'd gotten used to living frugally. His Mam always had said that poverty went bone deep, and while Severus made sure that his robes were perfectly tailored and his shoes and other clothes the best possible quality, he probably would have preferred a few books, a new cauldron or rarer ingredients than a ticket. A free ticket to the event would, however, be nice. Severus had never played in a team, but he was a good flier, and the Cup game would be an exciting one.

He delighted himself with the dismayed expression on Black's face and allowed a small smirk on his lips. The convict was furiously jealous: he'd not only been denied the possibility to attend the game, but his nemesis had been given a ticket in his stead.

"I'm sorry, Albus, but I'm expected at the Ministry," Kingsley apologised. "I'm afraid I have to leave."

"No matter, Kingsley. I think that concludes the meeting for now, unless someone else has something to add?" Dumbledore replied calmly. Several people shook their heads in silence, and chairs were pushed back as members stood up to leave. Many crowded around Molly Weasley to thank her for tea. Arthur Weasley approached Albus and spoke to him quietly for a moment while people filed out of the kitchen for either their work or some rest.

Severus rose from his chair in the corner and walked to the door, intending to get away from this disgusting place as soon as possible.

"Fuck you, Snivellus," Black snarled, as Severus walked past him, but Severus didn't dignify him with an answer. He felt all too satisfied with the knowledge that Black would rot here while he'd be going to see the Quidditch World Cup.

Albus Dumbledore, 20th July 1994

Albus walked out of the floo at the Burrow and heard several raised voices from outside: cheering, loud and cheerful cries and shrieks, and other unmistakable sounds of a game of Quidditch. He walked outside as the floo roared with green light behind him as Arthur followed him from Grimmauld Place, since Molly had arrived before him and already begun her endless work in the kitchen.

There was, indeed, a game of Quidditch going on. Most of the Weasley children were playing, along with Messrs Malfoy and Granger, while Hermione, Mr Longbottom and Miss Luna Lovegood were lounging on a blanket on the ground. Hermione was immersed in a book, while Miss Lovegood was explaining something to Mr Longbottom.

A loud cheer brought Albus' eyes to the game. They were apparently playing without a Snitch, and someone had just scored so the players were landing, and he saw Fred and George Weasley jump and tackle William Weasley, while cheering raucously. Albus approached the group, feeling very light and happy in the warm and sunny weather at Ottery St. Catchpole.

Draco Malfoy had also landed his broom, and while he was speaking with Harry Granger animatedly, his eyes strayed to the Headmaster. He said something quietly to his Muggle-born friend, who nodded and went to join the others, while Draco walked to Albus and greeted the him in his impeccably polite manner. The young Malfoy heir had been drilled in manners and etiquette since birth, but his friendship with Hermione's group had improved him immensely since their first year, and Albus could see that the boy showed great promise. He was intelligent, although not nearly as ingenious as Hermione, and Albus was quite certain he would go far one day.

"Good day, Draco. How are you?" Albus greeted the blonde boy, who nodded.

"Good day, Headmaster, I am well. How are you, sir?"

"Very well, thank you. Mr Weasley said you wished to speak with me?"

"Yes, sir. It's about my father. Would you like some cake and pumpkin juice, sir? Mrs Weasley left us some treats."

"Thank you, but she just served me some of her delicious cake and tea. Would you like to sit while we discuss?"

"Yes, sir. There are benches over there," Draco said, gesturing to some seats in shade. The raucous noise indicated that the game had begun again, but Draco walked with Albus to the seats and waited for him to sit before taking a seat across the small table. The boy's hair was currently wild, ruffled by the wind and sticking to every direction: he was wearing loose-fitting clothes under his robes, and looked very much like any other child enjoying his day at the Burrow.

"I spent some time at home at the start of the holiday," Draco began. "Before they allowed me back here. Father is very angry with me, for being friends with Hermione. I think he knows something, something he's not telling me. Mother was very tense and seemed worried, and once I heard some shouting coming from father's study. I tried to sneak closer to listen, but it stopped before I got there, and I was almost caught."

"I see," Albus sighed. "Your parents were fighting then?"

"No, sir. Not my mother. It was another man, I'm sure of it."

"Did you happen to recognise the person?"

"No, sir. I think he left through the floo in father's study, and I didn't recognise the voice either. Father's kept me quite far now. We used to be much closer."

Albus could see it saddened the blond boy, who clearly adored his father.

"He'll be attending the Quidditch World Cup too," Draco continued, "but when I told him I'd be sharing a tent with the Ron and Harry and Nev and others, he didn't like it. I thought he was being a snob again, used to having more than just a cheap tent like the Weasleys have, but I could see he was nervous. Really nervous and worried. He hid it well but I know him. In the end he forbade me to share their tent for the night."

"That sounds unusual, considering he's allowing you to spend most of your holiday here," Albus observed.

"It is, that's what got me so worried, sir. He said I've got to return home with my mother immediately after the game."

"But he gave you no explanation as of why?"

"No, sir. Not that that'd be unusual, but he was too nervous. He's up to something, and I think they're in danger. Hermione, Harry, Ron, Neville and the rest."

"Fear not, Draco. I shall be attending the World Cup myself, along with Professor Snape. We'll be close by and we'll protect you."

"Brilliant," Draco replied with a satisfied little smirk, which then drained away, and the boy's grey eyes became solemn again. "But sir, my father seems convinced that Snape is on his side... I mean You-Know-Who's. I remember how he used to speak of him, and I know they're from the same circle. Father spoke highly of Snape, before I became friends with Hermione and he stopped talking to me. Should he be trusted?"

"That's Professor Snape, Draco," Albus gently reminded the boy. "You can trust Professor Snape to protect his students. All of his students."

"Yes, sir," the boy replied, but Albus could see he remained doubtful.

Author notes:

*Severus is, in some way, healing slowly. He's learned enough from Hermione to start getting over Lily and seeing her bad sides instead of just remembering her tits and pretty face. He'll always be a snarky bastard though, don't worry.
**In the book canon Draco seemed to want to warn Hermione to remain out of sight, but his parents left him alone in the Quidditch World Cup. Here, that won't be possible, not with him being friends with Hermione Potter: his father already knows what'll happen after the game.