I don't own Harry Potter

Thank you all for your feedback. I happen to have stumbled on Harry Potter weekend. (Fellow Americans you know what I'm talking about). So here is an unexpected update. Please read and review

Chapter 71

Severus entered the room with Hermione who looked furious. "You know better." She started on him.

"Of course, I know better. They should both be dead." Severus hissed at her.

Hermione blinked, "you don't mean that." She said and grabbed his hands. "I heard what they called you. It was foul. I will not talk to them again. I promise." She said with shining brown eyes.

Severus looked at her with love. Hermione looked at him and then frowned, "you have to promise me something too."

"What?" Severus asked scowling.

"Don't hurt them. Ignore them for my sake, for Lily's sake." Hermione said. "I cannot bear to have you look at them or treat them that way. Sev, I saw your eyes, you were different. It was scary. I don't want to see you like that." She said with hurt eyes.

Severus felt ashamed, "I'm so sorry, I've ruined your birthday too." He said contritely.

Hermione nodded, "you did. I think it would be best if you talked to Tom. I think you need to sort things out with him."

Severus shook his head, "you are out of control. All this anger, it's misplaced. You are angry with Tobias and Tom. I know you will not consider speaking to your father but at least speak to Tom." Hermione replied intently.

"I won't." Severus repeated.

Hermione, "Think about it. Just try please." She said and kissed his cheek.

Severus frowned, "Where are you going?"

"To bed." She said sadly.

"Will you open the portrait hole?" Severus asked hopefully.

"Lily needs me tonight. Severus, I think you know that it's best if you kept to yourself tonight." Hermione said very sadly.

Severus nodded, "I will see you tomorrow." He said and kissed her lips softly. Hermione hugged him tight. "Think about it." She said and then left the room.

Severus stayed there for a few hours and then went back to his dorm. Evan was awake.

"What happened?" He asked.

"I have detentions until the end of our seventh year. So do Black and Potter before you ask." Severus replied.

"Is it true? Are we banned from Hogsmeade visits?" Mulciber asked from his bed.

"We are." Severus replied.

"Why? They started it." Avery frowned. Apparently all of his classmates were awake. "And the girls are also banned. Narcissa and Helena were very upset. And I was this close to shagging Rollanda. She will never let me into her knickers now."

"I have half a mind of writing to my father. It is not fair, the Gryffindors get to go as nothing." Mulciber said.

Severus frowned, "all seventh years are banned. Potter is no longer Head Boy and was banned from quidditch."

The rest of his peers were stunned into silence. "You are joking. Dumbledore would never." Evan said lightly.

"I assure you. I was there. We are all to remain in the castle." Severus finished and went to bed.

"We'll have to figure something else then." Avery said. "Don't worry Snape. We have your back." Severus frowned and went to bed thinking of Hermione and what she said.

He did not sleep a wink but he knew that Hermione would not open the portrait door. Narcissa and Rollanda Selwyn gave him very dirty looks. She looked a lot like Magnolia, who was traveling. They all knew that she was waiting for Regulus to leave Hogwarts to marry him. Severus however knew that Magnolia would meet Greengrass and marry him before the year was out. Bigger and better fish and all that. Helena Travers glared at him too, even quiet Blanche Clemment was nasty to him. Blaise would inherit her good looks and quiet attitude.

Regulus smiled at him. "Siri is grounded. Father is forcing him to spend Yule with us."

Severus frowned, "why are you so happy? You hate your brother."

"I don't hate him. I hate that he thinks that he's better than us. It will be good. He will have plenty of time to spend with his intended." Regulus said. "They can play house and have tea. Delphine loves her tea parties." Regulus said gleefully.

Severus rolled his eyes. He heard from Tom that Delphine was with the Blacks after a lot of red tape from the French government. The little girl joined Orion's household in early September. "Sirius is home for the weekend. Mother and Father took away his broom and decided to suspend his allowance. Siri threatened to leave. Father went as far as to open the doors for him."

Severus frowned, "why did he not leave? You would think that the mutt would leave to lick Potter's balls the moment that he could."

Regulus laughed, "you don't know."

"Know what?" Severus frowned.

Regulus looked positively smug, "Potter's money isn't his just yet. Your uncle made sure of that. You see, the heirs can dispose of their money and trusts once they are seventeen or at least it used to be that way. You see how it would not foster filial love. Not anymore, your uncle made sure that young wizards would not get their money before they left Hogwarts or were married. James is not in full control just yet. He cannot support Siri. My dearest brother cannot afford to disobey father."

Severus frowned, "again, why are you so happy? I would think you would want your older brother to be disinherited. You would be the heir then."

Regulus shook his head, "Father has money aside for me. I will not be in charge of any of it. Sirius hates it and frankly so would I. Father thinks Sirius will come to reason."

"Have you any idea of how your father makes his money?" Severus asked the boy.

Regulus nodded, "it was mostly old money but mum likes to spend her galleons. Father has had to invest with the muggles." He said in a hushed voice.

"Does your brother know?" Severus asked.

"Why would he?" Regulus retorted, "the bleeding Gryffindor that he is thinks we are all dark wizards. He does not spend any time with us anyway. This was the longest that I've seen him since we started Hogwarts. He was forced to stay with us. Since James had to stay with the Longbottoms who are their guardians until he graduates."

Severus did not know any of that. "I am quite bored of talking to you." He said and stood up. Regulus smiled, "See you around. Be careful around Vance. She's sworn to hex you when she sees you. She had plans for the next Hogsmeade visit."

Severus left the common room and walked to the Great Hall. He had hopes of seeing Hermione there but her usual spot was empty. He ate some breakfast and saw little Lizzie walk by with another little girl. They laughed and went to their table. Lizzie always looked at him. It had to be because of Tobias. He looked very much like the man.

He ignored the little girl and focused on his toast and pumpkin juice. He was surprised to see a red eyed Lily come to him. She sniffed, "I need to talk to you."

Severus nodded and stood up. They walked hand in hand to an empty classroom. "Where is Hermione?" He asked her. "How is she?"

"She is fine. She stayed back with Remus. He is feeling under the weather." Lily sniffed.

"We all know it is not even near full moon. She is avoiding me." Severus finished. It was the first time in years that she avoided him.

"Sev, I spoke with James. He was out of line. I think it is best if James and I stopped seeing each other." Lily said woodenly. Lily looked the saddest that he'd ever seen her. It hurt him to see her like this. He touched her face.

"You love him don't you." Severus said gently.

"I do. Sev, but I can find someone else. He may not be my James. My James was mature by now." Lily said hastily.

"Oh Lils. This is your James. You just never saw it. We always fought, just behind your back." He said with a sad smile.

"I don't want you to hurt him. I know that you could. I don't want him to hurt you and things are escalating. You are my brother." Lily continued.

Severus looked into her green eyes, "you feel so guilty about that other time. You are willing to let him go. I don't want you to be unhappy. I know how much James and Harry mean to you. They are your family." A lifetime ago he would have taken her up on her offer. Hell, he would have asked her to be with him but now it seemed pointless. He would not deprive her of her family. He tried to think of a lifetime without Hermione and his heart dropped.

"You were my family first." Lily said bravely.

Severus hugged her. "I loved you very selfishly years ago. I will not do the same. I will stay away from Potter. I swear I will. Once you two are made up again. I will be at your wedding and I will smile at Potter. I'll give the stupid toast and you will cry. I will be Harry's godfather like it should have been. Hermione and I will even babysit on occasion and you will name your second born after me." He said while holding her. Lily hugged him.

"I don't want him anymore." Lily cried. Severus was half afraid that Lily would be confused and would say something stupid.

Severus looked back and arched an eyebrow. "Fine I do, but he's stupid."

"You have horrible taste in men." He said and squeezed her shoulder. Lily laughed and punched his arm.

"You have to help me with Hermione." He continued as they walked to the library. Severus knew that Hermione would eventually go there. She had to.

Lily stayed with him all day. They skipped lunch and stayed reading and talking. "I heard that Sirius will not be back until Monday."

Severus ignored her, "how many NEWTS will you take?" He asked her.

"Same as before." She said, "D.A.D.A, Potions, Charms, Transfiguration and Herbology. How about you?"

"All of those but with Arithmancy and Ancient Runes." Severus said. He almost forgot they were estranged last time and did not know which NEWTS they would take.

"What will you do?" Lily asked him.

Severus shrugged, "depends. What will you do? Auror training again?"

Lily shook her head, "no, I want to be a mediwitch. Seems like a solid career choice. James wants to be an auror. So that will be that."

"Hermione is going into magical enforcement." Severus finished. They finished the assignments for the week and then went to the potion labs to work a bit more.

Severus scribbled down on his book. "What happened to the Half-Blood Prince?" Lily asked him when she noticed the new book.

Severus smirked but stayed quiet. Their stomachs rumbled. "I'm starving." He said and they walked up to the Great Hall.

He was surprised to not see Hermione. Lily walked to her table and ate with Lupin. James and her ignored each other. He was sure it did not help that they came to the Great Hall together. Severus ate some kidney pie and then talked to Narcissa who appeared very angry with him.

"And you should have not hexed him. Why would you do that? and then fighting like muggle filth." Narcissa scowled at him.

Severus frowned back, "I am part muggle, so I am filthy."

Narcissa continued to berate him, "I did not mean you."

"Narcissa, I am not ashamed of being muggleborn." He said clearly, "my problems with your cousin are because he is an entitled prick."

"Surely, you must know that we are above them. We are magical, we are better." She said.

Severus frowned, "Cissy, we are not, we may have magic but that does not make us any better."

The girl was about to retort when Severus stood up, "I think you should choose your words very carefully. Narcissa, I will not stand for pureblood silliness." He left the room and could tell a few of his fellow Slytherins heard him clearly. Narcissa looked confused, affronted even.

He walked to the Gryffindor Tower and waited outside the portrait. It was the second time in a row where Hermione did not answer.

He looked at Tom climbing up the stairs. "She's not there. She's with Minerva."

"Why?" Severus asked as they met halfway. Severus just wanted to know before leaving for the dungeons. Tom looked tired. He must not have slept well, because there were dark rings below his eyes.

"Robert McGonagall died this morning. Hermione went with Minerva to help a bit." Tom said somberly.

"I've come to ask you to come with us." Tom said quickly.

Severus nodded, "I have to grab some clothes." He said quickly. He remembered Robert as a very smart man. A humble and calm person.

"I will meet you at the entrance. Albus lent us thestrals for the ride." Tom said

Severus ran to the dungeons and magicked a traveling bag with some clothes. He walked back quickly to the entrance.

Tom and him walked in silence. They reached the carriage and Tom petted one of the animals.

"You can see them." Severus said.

Tom nodded, "it's strange. I always have seen them. I think it's because I saw Merope die."

Severus looked away, "must be." He then remembered what Albus told him about Tom. They rode in silence. It was quick.

The house was filled with people. He saw Minerva's brothers and her nieces and nephews, all older than him and Hermione, if only by a few years. He then greeted Isobel who looked very sad and broken. Hermione served tea and biscuits. Minerva appeared from the kitchen.

Severus regretted being so nasty to her. He went to her and hugged her. "I'm very sorry." He said. Minerva, a bit taller than him now wept.

"Thank you Severus." She said and wiped her tears.

Severus joined Hermione and helped. The siblings discussed arrangements for the funeral. They were to have a small ceremony the following day. Isobel refused. "No, he deserves something big. My Robert was loved by the community." She said firmly.

Tom took care of the arrangements. Hermione and him helped with the muggle translation. The following day was the busiest, trying to make sure everything went according to plan. Minerva held the fort with Isobel who tried to be strong. Robert and Malcolm were like children. They had no idea of what needed to be done.

Severus had some alone time with Hermione after two days in the manse. They slept in separate rooms with the some of the nieces and nephews. The ceremony would take place the following day. Robert would be buried after the ceremony. It would be open to family only then.

"Hey." She said as she sat down.

"Hey." He replied while patting the ground next to him. They were in the garden. It was freezing cold.

"It's my birthday." She said gently.

"Oh Hermione. I'm sorry." He said and scrambled for words.

"Don't be." She said and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I don't think I will bear it." Hermione said and cried into her hands.

Severus frowned, "bear what?" He asked and held her.

"When Tom dies." She said.

Severus thought her silly, "there's many, many years for that to happen."

"But it will happen. It's the natural way of things. He's so much older than us." Hermione said.

Severus held her, "Hermione, did you age?"

She looked at him and nodded. Severus grabbed the parchment and it read "18"

"This is good." He said with a smile.

"Please talk to him. I couldn't bear it if he died and you two were at odds. I would never forgive you." She said seriously.

Severus looked into her eyes and knew that she was not lying. "I will, after the burial. I promise."

"Thank you." She said and stayed close to him.

It was a beautiful service. Many people spoke about Robert and his great qualities. Minerva gave a nice speech. Robert and Malcolm were in tears. They said their goodbyes very somberly. It was planned that Isobel would move with Malcolm and his wife. She could not bear to remain in the manse. She needed a change of scenery. Minerva promised to visit for Christmas.

Hermione helped Isobel back into the house. Minerva and Robert would take care of the house and the packing. The manse would remain closed for the time being.

Severus approached Tom. "I need a word." He said simply.

"Hermione wants me to talk to you." He started.

Tom nodded, "I want to apologize for not telling you about Tobias." The older man said as an opener.

"Are you truly sorry? Or is this something Minerva and Hermione have pushed you to say?" Severus asked shrewdly.

Tom sat down by a bench and Severus sat next to him. "I am sorry to have caused you pain." The man said. "But I would do it again."

Severus frowned, "you lied to me. I asked you and you lied."

"To protect you. I think that night, I finally understood why you did it." Tom explained.

"Did what?" Severus asked.

"Lied about Tom Riddle. You knew it would hurt me to know that they didn't want me. You loved me and didn't want to see me in pain. I think it is the same principle." Tom said with a small smile.

Severus sighed, "I've made a mess of things with your mother."

"I think she'll forgive you. She is good like that, so very forgiving." Tom said once more.

Severus nodded. "A word of advice Severus." Tom looked at him carefully.

"I do not entirely know what you feel. You see, I had two parents who loved me and cared deeply for me. I however, remember the anger I felt when I confronted Tom Riddle. Find useful ways for that anger." Tom pointed out.

Severus was angry, hurt and confused, "it is not as easy. Your biological father did those things. He turned against Merope. Tobias did not do those things, technically this Tobias is not my father. He never met my mother. He does not remember me because to him, I do not exist. He never made me and it makes me so angry. He gets to go along with life without knowing the harm that he did to me." Severus hissed and his fists clenched.

"What can you do?" Tom asked him.

Severus looked at him and frowned, "nothing."

"Exactly. You are a smart man Severus. I would say let go but you have to arrive at that conclusion by yourself." Tom said.

"I never asked you, why did you confront him?" Severus did not like to think about that time.

"Curiosity, I was stupid and almost lost myself. You two were everything and I almost lost that."

"When I think of that time, I write to you, the last time I thought of Riddle, you were in New York and sent me that picture of the park. Don't think of him anymore. It won't help. You'll hate someone who isn't real and will harm yourself in the process. Tobias does not think of you. Why would you think of him?" Tom finished.

Severus was quiet, "you sound like Albus."

"Please don't say that. I have tried all my life to distance myself from such bad comparisons." Tom said. Severus laughed.

"How is the hunt going?" He asked softly. It was time to move on. Severus would try to not blame Tom any longer. Their conversation was enlightening. Tom was correct. He'd forgotten about the lies he told him when he was young and asked for a father who did not want him. In his pain, Severus forgot that he too lied to protect the people he loved, specially Tom who knew nothing of Lord Voldemort or killing others with accidental magic.

"A few results here and there. Moody is unstable and unreliable as I expected but Mr. Scamander is most experienced and a pleasant man. Did you know that we met his younger brother?" Tom asked as they walked back to the manse.

"Yes, the magizoologist? With Bilbo." Severus added.

Tom frowned, "yes. I started distrusting Dumbledore then." Tom said darkly. "Well, enough reminiscing. We have to go and help Minerva and Hermione.