Chapter 16

Three for Tea

Hermione was sitting by the fireplace, she had the sifter of firewhisky and half full glass. This was to be her third one. She knew following after Severus when he dropped the bomb would have been useless and lead to a row. But she was seriously getting pissed that he hadn't returned, it's been hours. Her carefully laid plans were hanging in the balance, she needed all the information so she could alter her plans accordingly. The room had darkened significantly. She hadn't bothered to relight the candles that went out. But settling for dim lighting coming from the hearth.

The door opened slowly. She watched as he took in their space. His eyes found hers in the dimly light room. He walked toward her, she noticed him eyeing her glass. "Before we start, would you like a glass?"

"No. I'm fine for now." He answered

"Alright." She replied and she put her drink down. "So how long have you known?"

"That Albus is dying? He has been cursed since the beginning of the school term. I had been managing it. But it's not long term. The knowledge that I would have to be the one to mercifully end it for him came a month ago. He didn't want to let you know that. The old fool kept hoping we could counter the curse. But it's not an option." Severus paused and sighed loudly. "What do you know of the Malfoys?"

"Other than them being a pureblood family that highly hold the belief that anyone not, was beneath them." There was tense tone in her voice. She didn't understand why they were talking about the horrid family.

"That's the surface. There is more. Firstly they are my friends. Not just because of the Death Eater relationship. Lucius befriended me when my life was shit here as a student. He introduced me to…" he paused and Hermione could see the well of emotion in his dark eyes. "Damnit he stuck his neck out for me to the Dark Lord! Seeing as I was a half blood, he shared with that monster all my redeeming qualities . I was groomsman in his and Narcissa's wedding. And Draco is my godson." Hermione gasped silently at the admission. "Until you came into my life they were the only family I've had.

When Lucius failed to collect the Prophecy last year, him and his family fell out of favor with the Dark Lord. And seeing as Lucius was one of the inner circle, he did anything to keep in His good graces. He offered his home, family fortune and his son. Draco was to take the mark and was to await a mission, to save his family from the disgrace. We were hoping it would never come to be or at the very least nothing overly important, so that I could behind the scenes help him. But he was summoned within three weeks after taking the mark. His mission, to murder Dumbledore before the end of the school term."

"No." Hermione breathed.

"He has made a few clumsy attempts which failed. I've tried repeatedly to convince him to inform me of his plans so I could 'aid' him. But his beloved aunt has been whispering in his ear all year about how I'm a spotlight stealer and not to be trusted. So he keeps me at arm's length. Well the Dark Lord has become impatient and has added the stipulation that there be witnesses. So he now needs to find a way to smuggle into the school a hand picked few to be here. Bellatrix being among them. That's when Albus afforded me the delightful decision that I should be the one to end his life when the time comes. He says it will secure my place as a dedicated solider in His army. So I had to throw myself on the grenade and ask Him to be of assistance to the boy. Albus hopes that once he's gone and when The Dark Lordtakes over the ministry that I will be awarded the school. To protect the students from what will surely be hell on earth. But it's going to be impossible, since no one is going to trust me after I take the old goat's life. It's a complete shite show and the worst of it is, you will be put on the spot for your loyalties. Either you stick by my side and are labeled a traitor or you leave me to side with the protection of the Order and Potter and we are no longer together."

"Severus." She sighed. "If you would have told me sooner. I would have figured this all in. I would have to talk with Order and Harry. I will let them know where our loyalties lie regardless of what will come to pass."

"No, Hermione!" He said firmly. "They can't know. It will compromise everything. And unfortunately I don't want you being used by the Dark Lord ever. So it would be prudent for you to leave me."

"Severus, you can't make these kind of decisions without consulting me. My magic is bound, tied to you. I can't just leave you. I will feel your pain and anguish and I will need to come to you. And god forbid you are fatally injured and I wasn't near to help you…. No! I won't think of that. I will figure something out. That will stop all of this before we even have to end Dumbledore's life." Hermione got up and started pacing as her mind started to run at lightning speed. Severus stood and grabbed her wrists on one of her return strides and pulled her to his chest.

"You stubbornness in caring for me is boundless. I can't help think you are insane for thinking you can change the written future. But I love that you are so adamant. You need to listen to me, right now. You can't be the answer to all the Wizarding World problems. Unfortunately your friend has a rather large role to play. And you can't expect to be able to plan for it all."

"So you know then. Harry was certain Dumbledore didn't mention this to you."

"Know what?" He asked confused.

"The Horcruxes." Hermione watched as the careful expression on her mate's face transitioned to one of aghast horror.

"What do you mean, HorcruxES?" He made stop after each word. He was obviously ill informed here and angry at what had been withheld. "Horcruxes, as in more than one?" He was tight lipped now. The restraint taking a toll on him. She could feel it through their bond.

"We have it in good authority that there are six."

"SIX! For fuck sakes, six!" She could feel the angry pour from him. He was now trembling with rage. She grabbed his face and kissed him roughly. Not out of passion but to regain his senses so she could explain.

"There have been two destroyed." She said

"How? They are the darkest of dark magic. Do you even know what they are?"

"I have educated myself on the scarse amount of information I could find. And they were destroyed with a basilisk poison and the sword of Gryffindor, respectively."

"Oh so simple." He said sarcastically. "And there are still four still out there. Do they even know what they are looking for?"

"Well, no. But they've been looking." She answered, trying to sound reassuring.

"Is that what he and the boy wonder have been running off on their special meetings? Goddamn it, Albus. You fucking fool!" He was seething. He took a few moments to breathe. Hermione noticed the moment he recessed into his mind. He was trying to answer all the questions and connect all the dots.

"Tell me what you are thinking?" She asked after some time, just slightly above a whisper.

"On what the others could be. On whether or not I should wait to murder the old crow and do it now, and mostly what the repercussions would be if I just grabbed you and ran away from all this, right this moment."

"You know we both are to duty bound not to run off. And you are just distraught, his death needs to be meaningful for you and Draco." Hermione was quiet for a moment. Then she remembered something Severus said earlier. "What did you mean that Harry has a bigger role to play?"

"In accordance with the prophecy he has to kill the dark lord. And… nothing, never mind."

"No, finish your thought." She begged. He was silent for a bit. Warring with himself.

"Harry has to die and He has to do."

"What?!" Hermione screamed.

"Albus said…. Oh holy fuck!" He said as he was hit by a sudden strike of realization. "He's a fucking horcrux!"

Hermione's face paled instantly. She looked at all the symptoms he had been experiencing lately and she knew it to be true. "He wasn't one of original six. There is no way! It must have been by happenstance. Or else he would have tried to bring him to his side, he wouldn't make it and then go around trying to kill him."

"How the fuck is Potter meant to bring Him down if he's suppose to die first?"

The weight of everything brought Hermione to her knees and to the floor. "I'm not naïve. I always knew that there would be a chance that he may not survive. But this is a certainty I'm not sure I can handle." Her voice sounded haunted.

The rest of their night was spent in strained silence. But still in each other's embrace. Finding comfort in their bond and strength to continue. When just before first light. Hermione jumped out of bed. Startling Severus that almost fell to the floor.

"What's happened?" He asked, slightly out of breath.

"Have you exhausted all the ways you can think of to convince Draco to let you in on his plans?" Severus could almost hear the gears moving in her head.

He sighs loudly, "I have been attempting all term. He's being unnecessarily difficult. I thought I explained that, but I suppose" he answered hesitantly.

"Well I guess I will have to ask him then." She says with a cheeky smile. While still half asleep, Severus seemed to catch Hermione's tone.

"What is buzzing around in that insane place you call a brain?"

"Have a look." She says as she opens her mind to her mate.

"He may try to kill you, before he sub comes. Not all who are attracted to you are going to be willing."

"I'm prepared for that. But I'm also ok with a little fight. All I need from you my devoted one is put us in the same room." She said as she leans forward and lovingly strokes his face. Her touch making him almost instantly putty in her expert hands.

Feeling as if he was under her summoning control he felt himself reply, "Anything you wish, my Guardian"

IPM

Draco walks into the dimly lit room, that was used to put on the ruse for the boys. But this time it was just a simple classroom. Hermione stood at the desk at the head of room. Smirking, as she sees his shocked expression of finding her there instead of his persistent god father, on Draco's face.

He tried to rebound his cool detached demeanor quickly. "Granger. We thought you'd died. It has been quite pleasant in classes without your incessant hand waving."

Having sung part of her transformative enchantment prior to his arrival, her voice took on the enchanting lyrical nature of her Veela. "I have undergone a transformation." She watched Draco shudder at her voice. She took a step closer and he took a few steps back. "My true potential has emerged."

"A..and class swot wasn't enough?" His voice was unsure. Hermione had never seen him so rattled. She rather liked the way she could manipulate him. Then she really took him in, he looked awful. Not the confident handsome boy she had once fancied her first year, that was before he opened his mouth and spilled his venom on her about everything around the sun. She wouldn't let the assessment deter her plan. His life would be significantly easier once she and Severus were holding the reigns. She went in for the kill. Lightly singing the rest of the enchantment.

Draco watched as the girl in front of him changed. She shimmered as a beautiful song wafted to his ears. Her hair grew longer, straighter. Her body looked softer, shapelier. And in the naturally lit room he could see her eye, once hazel turn to purplish hue. He was mesmerized. And then he noticed the flutter. The near transparent, iridescent wings flicked to life. "W..wh..what are you?" His voice was full of wonder but a hint of terror mixed.

She spun in mid air. "I'm a Veela." She then advanced on him pining him to the nearby wall. "Tell me Draco. Have you pined for me? Have you been jealous of when my attention was spent on Harry and Ron? Did you wish I would look upon you, with great favor?" Her lyrical voice was slightly husky as she toyed with the boy. Leaving a moment of silence between the questions.

"Never!" He said, trying to sound convincingly tough.

She moved her head to the side of his and let her lips graze the shell of his ear. He shuttered, violently as she whispered "Liar."

He jumped, but made no move away from his captor. "I despise you." He said with a hiss.

"My, my that's a rather passionate response to someone, that's just a swot not worthy of his attention." She watched him swallow noticeably.

"You're just a dirty Mudblood." He spat.

"Well we both can see that's not true. And would you like to know how my metamorphosis came about?" Draco didn't respond but she still held his attention. She knew, him knowing would strike the right cord. He would assume one of her friends would lay claim. But his powerful, respected (by the Dark Lord) godfather would feel like a betrayal to everything he knew. "You're magnificent, brilliant godfather freed me." He looked at her with sudden disdain and jealousy.

"How?" His voice sounded far away.

"He figured me out and made his claim to me. We are a bonded, unstoppable force."

"Then why the hell are bothering with me?" Draco looked hurt, like a great injustice had occurred in the world.

"Simple. I want you to include Severus and I in what ever plans you have for the demise of Dumbledore."

Draco's face fell and turned even more pale then it had prior. "How do you know?"

"Severus and I have no secrets and it's my life's mission to protect my mate with everything I am. And I can't leave such a crucial factor in the hands of a incompetent boy."

"I am not a boy! I'm a Death Eater! Entrusted Me in a valuable task from my lord."

"It's a fool's errand! Can't you see that? He chose you to continue to humiliate your family. Why would he give this job, a job that could have possibly been taken care of by a more magically competent wizard and far sooner? Wouldn't it be a far more fitting punishment to your father, to have his only son and heir die." She watched as her words reached him and the utter realization of things came to light. He dropped to the ground and cradled his head in his hands and began muttering.

"No no no no. He's going to kill my mother. He'll kill her if I can't do it." He looks up at her. "He wants to kill my whole family, doesn't he?" Hermione simply nodded. "And and you can make that not happen?"

"Keeping Severus alive is my main objective since his and my life are intertwined. But since he has no choice but to aid you in your mission so then I must aid you as well. For the sake of your family and yourself, clue us in. My newfound magic is fast becoming quite a asset to survival."

Draco still looked slightly skeptical. But he extended his hand.

"Great I will inform our elf it will be three for tea." Hermione smiled triumphantly.

Then there was silence for a beat. Then Draco stared at her with disgust as his mind wandered

"Wait. You said mate. Are you shagging my uncle?" Hermione simply smiled. Draco makes a disgusted face. "That's a horrid image."

"Then don't think about it." She said with a chuckle.