I don't own Harry Potter.

As always, please read and review

Chapter 64

Tom suffered an "attack" on June. It was a protest, more so than an outright attack directed at him. The protesters were in favor of Archimedes Montague. It turned nasty when one of the witches hexed Tom with a slashing curse.

Tom responded with a simple protego. Two aurors escorted the woman out of the event.

Severus was interested to know about the follow up measures to that incident. Minerva and him invited them to lunch the week before term ended.

It was good news, "Lucius decided to come to the fold." Tom said as they ate. They were in Muggle Inverness.

"How?" Hermione asked. She was convinced it would take months to get the pureblood man to change his mind.

"I gave him a way out. I sent Abraxas a reminder. You may be interested to know that the Malfoys made their fortune from muggles. Abraxas's first wife, Ms. Wilhelmina Pucey was found dead under mysterious circumstances. I've reminded Abraxas that I could easily open an investigation. It was rumored that the woman frequented muggle men and one of her lovers killed her in a rage."

Severus arched an eyebrow. He never knew that. "What about Cygnus?"

Tom frowned, "I have been unsuccessful with him. He's refused to answer my owls. Young Narcissa is correct in a sense. Cygnus has lost contact with reality. Druella and Bellatrix have succeeded in poisoning him into misguided action. He is aware the plot was thwarted. Last I heard he is in Germany visiting Bella. Druella is sick and staying home.

"Narcissa? What will happen with her?" Hermione asked.

Tom smirked, "they don't suspect her. They believe that I sent Abraxas that warning because of Lucius and Arthur. There is bad blood there. I asked Arthur to investigate the family. He found out all the information through Muriel Prewett. Molly and Lucius were playmates if you believe that."

Severus frowned, "surely Arthur is not in agreement with your play on Abraxas."

Tom looked away, "certainly not but he's a smart man and knows that our information is more valuable used this way. They are trying for a girl once again."

Severus rolled his eyes. The twins would be on their way soon.

"Abraxas will not try anything while Cygnus is away."

"What do you have on Cygnus?" Severus asked, confident that something needed to be done about him.

"Nothing. He is respected among wizards. No sons, three daughters. Bellatrix and her husband live in Germany with their daughter, Delphini Lestrange. Andromeda Tonks, the second daughter is disowned. Narcissa's marriage is scheduled for June next year, once she graduates Hogwarts. Cygnus was never terribly outspoken. I have consulted with Dumbledore. He believes Cygnus will not act on his own. I quite agree, Cygnus depended on Abraxas and Orion. Walburga must beside herself with anger."

"She never quite liked us." Minerva said airily, "unpleasant witch."

Hermione smiled, "why is Orion Black on your side?"

Tom smiled back, "Sirius and Regulus."

Severus frowned, "what about them?" He was intrigued.

"Orion takes them to the ministry on occasion. As you know he is also independently wealthy."

Severus frowned, "as you are. You are the Prince heir."

"Not anymore. You are the heir. You are the youngest Prince." Severus frowned and forked some of his beef.

"Tell me about the Blacks." Severus continued as if nothing.

Tom sighed, "Orion, like Abraxas goes to the Ministry at least once a month. He also holds a seat on the Hogwarts Governors. He takes his kids with him. At first it was only the eldest Sirius and then once Regulus could they both came along. You could not see two more different and yet alike brothers. I remarked that to Orion and he smiled at me. He fears for Sirius. Walburga is rather strict on him."

Severus frowned, "spare me the theatrics. That spoiled brat has a home, good food and clothes to wear."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "They hate each other. Severus and Sirius."

"Oh, I know. Sirius speaks of Severus as well." Tom remarked.

Hermione and Severus frowned at Tom. "How would you know?" Severus asked, intrigued.

"Surely, you must remember. Orion and I were classmates. I also met Walburga, she was a few years ahead of us. We were never really close but kept on friendly terms. You will be surprised to know that the Blacks are not as wealthy as before. Unlike the Malfoys, they are not financially stable. Their vaults were almost empty by the time Orion asked for guidance."

Severus smirked, "so they are poor."

"Gloating is not a nice shade on you." Hermione said. "They cannot be poor. Sirius just bought himself a new broom. A very expensive one according to James. He said it was a gift from dear old dad."

Severus frowned, "Regulus also has a new broom and his mum bought him new dress robes that happen to have silver and emerald lining. He would not shut his mouth about them."

"Will you two let Tom speak?" Minerva smiled at them.

Tom chuckled, "Orion came to me three years ago. He asked for a loan. I believe he asked Cygnus who happens to be just as indebted to his sons in law. It was a blow to lose Andromeda's connection to an eligible man. No matter, Orion found himself with less than accommodating friends by that time. Walburga started to realize the peril of lack of gold. Walburga enjoys her gold deeply. Orion, for all his faults, cares for his family more than anything. He reached out to Crouches, Warringtons and Mcmillans alike none could give him money. He then reached me. I was of course his last option."

"I was quite surprised to see him seek my help but he did. He explained that he barely had any money to buy new clothes for his children. He was worried about Sirius and Regulus' future. The biggest shame would be for them to have to work like the Weasleys. I loaned him a sum to tide him over and pay some of his debtors. Orion came back the following month, asking for another loan. I refused but I worked out financing with him and offered a payment plan and muggle investing. Orion left my office enraged but came back a week later and took a look at the financing. He's invested in different sectors. I lent him seed money and he sold a few relics through the muggle market. Money began to increase. Orion and Walburga's marriage bettered. The Black brothers have the latest and the best. Believe it or not Orion although not outwardly receptive to the laws I propose, he is willing to let the economic trade and mingling of muggle and magical currency a chance. Sirius, I hear is very pro muggle born." Tom finished.

Severus rolled his eyes, "Black is an arse, uneducated and bigoted against his own kind. He has not bothered to get to know his little brother. Your best chance is with Reg. Regardless; the mutt is supposed to be disowned soon."

Hermione frowned, "he was supposed to be disowned when he turned sixteen. His uncle Alphard would leave him money on his will and he will not need to live with the Potter any longer."

"Orion may spout pureblood rubbish in other pureblood company but he will not act on his own. He will not disown Sirius either. I hear that Sirius is still firmly engaged to young Delphini Lestrange. There is also no Alphard Black." Tom said with finality.

"Then who helped Andromeda marry Ted Tonks?" Severus asked. He remembered that scandal well. Lucius was quite happy to not marry Andromeda, as he liked Cissy better.

"No one. Andromeda did not turn up for the engagement party. She ran off with Tonks and they are living off of Ted's work at the ministry. He actually works for the meteorological department." Minerva supplied.

"Did Orion know about the plot?" Severus asked.

"I do not think so. I believe Walburga may have known but as we said, she is a pretty unpleasant person. He seems to care for her children, yes, even Sirius, Hermione." Minerva stated.

"Sirius knows that. Walburga cured tummy aches and he came to me his first year with a horrible stomach ache from eating so many sweets. He wanted his mummy. He made such as fuss that Walburga came through my fireplace and retrieved him for a weekend. He came back happy and cured."

"Spoiled brat." Severus muttered and finished his dinner.

Hermione smiled at him. "He's just upset that Sirius' parents are not complete rubbish."

Tom became Minister of Magic on July 3rd. There was a victory party that night. Hermione wore a blue formal dress. She pulled up her hair and let some curls fall around her face and neck. She had a long neck, his Hermione.

"You look beautiful." He said and kissed her cheek. He knew better than to mess her lips. She smiled at him.

"You do not look bad yourself." She said and winked at him. He wore a muggle tailored suit. He was all in black and Minerva forced him to either get a haircut or tie his hair back. Severus refused to cut his hair. His face would look stranger. He was sure.

They waited for the adults. Tom wore a suit and black robes over them. Minerva also wore dress robes but like Hermione wore a dress underneath. Her hair was not in the severe bun but in waves. She looked pretty too.

"We'll apparate now." They could all use magic now. They apparated to the atrium. Tom and Minerva went to greet some people. Severus saw Albus talking to an older looking warlock. He thought that it was Harfang. Severus also recognized Rodolphus Lestrange and Bellatrix. She looked striking. Hermione and him were left to their own devices. He steered her away from Bellatrix. Hermione trembled a bit. "She is not the same woman." Severus said softly.

They saw some people from school. Alice Smith was there with Frank Longbottom who appeared older than Severus remembered. There was Amelia Bones and Marlene McKinnon. Severus also saw some Slytherins. Lucius and Narcissa were there. Where Cissy was, there was Regulus and sure enough there he was with the mutt.

"Hermione." The boy called and came to her. Severus frowned. Black wore robes, as did the rest of them. He was surprised when the rest of them approached them. Regulus and Narcissa never spoke to Hermione.

"Fancy seeing you here." Sirius addressed Hermione.

"I do not believe we have been properly introduced. Lucius Malfoy." His old friend offered his hand.

"Severus Snape." Severus replied and shook it. "This is my girlfriend, Hermione Granger."

Hermione for her part smiled tightly but did not offer her hand. Lucius did not ask for it either. "Charmed."

"I believe you know Narcissa my soon to be wife." Lucius replied.

"Yes, we are acquainted." Hermione replied. There was a lot of tension in the room. He was surprised to see Orion and Walburga Black. The mutt looked like his mother. She was a beautiful woman, very elegant.

Regulus took a stab at things, "Do you have any summer plans?" He asked Hermione.

Hermione shook her head, "none. Mr. Snape will not leave England so Sev and I are homebound."

Lucius smiled, "Mr. Black has agreed to let my take Narcissa to the Greece, of course Regulus and Sirius are invited as their male cousins."

"I rather not. James and I are going to America." Sirius said swiftly.

"How wonderful. Where are you going?" Hermione asked excitedly.

"New York and then L.A." Sirius replied, "We are trying to get Remus to come. You should too."

"She will not." Severus said with a frown.

"I wasn't talking to you Snape." Sirius returned the frown.

"Fuck off." Severus hated him. He truly did. "Fancy a dance?" He asked Hermione who nodded and went to dance with him.

"You really should not antagonize him." Hermione frowned but moved along the music.

Severus brought her closer. "He wants to have you and Lupin fuck in front of him. I know it so."

"Must you always be so crude?" Hermione scowled.

Severus twirled her but remained quiet. They danced to three more songs and suffered through three speeches. Arthur was not half bad. "He looks like Ron, I never realized how much Ron looked like him." Hermione said and tried to control her face. Severus squeezed her hand. He knew that looking at Potter affected her at times too.

Tom gave his speech shortly after Arthur who was delighted to announce him as the Minister of Magic.

"I am not one for long speeches. I want to thank my wife, professor McGonagall. She is the smartest and most patient woman I know. My better half, none of this would have happened without her. I also want to thank two special young men. Arthur, who revitalized our office. He is a true friend and a most accomplished young wizard with a bright future. I also want to thank Lucius who recently joined our efforts to educate our fellow wizards on the importance of muggle integration." Tom smiled and waited for the applause to stop.

Severus smirked, "very well played."

It happened an instant after that. He saw the hex before Tom did. It was a green jet of light coming out of Bellatrix' wand. "Tom." He yelled. Severus stood up and stunned Bella. He looked to the podium but Tom was not there. He was to the side dueling Rodolphus. He must have ducked.

Severus looked around and watched as Rabastan aimed his wand at him. There were more wizards dueling. He then saw Grindelwald advance with what appeared to be twenty witches and wizards. They were surrounded. A few people apparated. Cygnus aimed his wand at Tom but he disarmed him quickly. Bella came to. Severus and Hermione fought her and another hooded figure. Albus fought Grindelwald.

Severus and Hermione fought hooded figures. Orion, Regulus and Sirius fought some more people. Walburga attempted to hex some people as well but she was disarmed by a reedy looking witch.

"Mum." Sirius yelled and placed himself in front of her as did Regulus. Severus made quick work of the witch. Lucius and Narcissa fought other people as well.

He saw Narcissa fall. Molly and Arthur fought three men. It was mayhem. Severus then looked to the side and found Minerva dueling with Vinda Rosier. Tom and Albus teamed to duel Grindelwald and Bellatrix. Severus looked at Hermione, "We have to get them out." He yelled and Hermione nodded. She caught sight of Narcissa and Walburga and apparated them out. She then came back and fought more witches. It was a streak of lights and sounds until Grindelwald aimed his wand at Tom once again. Severus saw things in slow motion. Albus fell to the side. Tom stepped aside of the green light.

Severus stood up and joined the other two wizards. He aimed a hex at Grindelwald.

"Avada Kedavra." Grindelwald aimed at him but he moved. The curse blew the Unity Fountain.

Tom stood up and pushed him aside with a protego. Albus stood up as well and aimed at Grindelwald with Tom by his side.

"Incarcerous." He said. Tom aimed at Grindelwald. Bella aimed at Albus once more. "Crucio." She said. Albus twitched on the floor.

Severus stood up and aimed his wand at her. He cursed her and she fell, stunned with a spell of his invention. She would not get up once again. He went to Albus and helped him up.

"You know what you have to do Albus." He hissed and they joined Tom once more. They advanced on the man who had nothing to lose anymore.

"Stupefy." The three of them shouted and Grindelwald fell.

Severus breathed harshly and looked around. He saw Rodolphus try to escape. "Incarcerous." He shouted and the black ropes bound the man.

Tom looked for Arthur who looked sick to his stomach. "They're dead." Arthur pointed to Lucius and Cygnus.

Severus went to the side. Albus went to attend to Grindelwald. It was a simple spell. Albus performed it near his old lover. Grindelwald was no more. Minerva shook with fury. She grabbed her wand and bound Bellatrix. Regulus and Sirius were around their father who was bleeding out on the floor. Severus ran to them and pointed his wand at the man. He chanted the spell for the sectumsempra in hopes that it would help. Sirius tried to push him away.

"Siri, don't. Look." Orion's wound bound themselves.

"He needs to go to St. Mungos." Severus said. He had a gash on his shoulder. Tom looked at him. "Go home. Take Hermione with you. I will solve all of this. Go home. You've done beautifully." Tom said to him and smiled again. Severus shook and hugged him tight. It was hard to know who comforted who.

"Where is Narcissa?" He asked Hermione whose dress was half undone.

"With Mrs. Black. I think they apparated away to Grimmauld Place." Hermione said. They were both shaken. This was like the war before.

"We have to go home." Severus said. They apparated to Hammersmith and watched as Sirius and Regulus were escorted by mediwizards.