Chapter 8: Sorting things Out
We will get a glimpse into what Dumbledore is thinking this time around.
I know that these characters may seem OOC at times, but this is a different story, my sandbox if you will. I know in the books Dumbledore was a good man but this story is about what would happen if that was not the case.
Not to worry, Snape and Hermione alone time will be coming up soon as well as some smut, if that is not your thang, I get it.
I hope you enjoy this next instalment.
Draco,
Miss Granger will be coming back to Hogwarts today with your mother. Please be sure when she returns that you take an active role looking out for her, she is not a Mudblood like we were led to believe as I have stated before. Her true heritage will be explained fully once you return to the Manor. Be sure you keep others in line, or it will be my head.
Draco folded the letter from his father stuffing it in his bag his brows furrowed. Granger is not a Mudblood? This was the second note he received from his father in the past two weeks regarding her.
He didn't hate her per se, she just annoyed him to no end with her swotty attitude. No matter how hard he tried he could never beat her in grades. She was at the top of their year. How could that happen with her being a Mudblood? Well, she wasn't one, was she? Not according to his father that is.
Shifting his bag on his shoulder he followed the shuffle of the student body from the dungeons to the Great Hall for breakfast. He would have to remind the others once again not to touch Granger before she returned today. He shoved his way past the hordes eager to see his mother.
Hermione wheezed as Nagini wrapped around her body squeezing. "Nagini." She tried to shove the snake off her, it would do no good to floo with a snake wrapped around her body. "Can't. Breath."
"Nagini, release her," Voldemort said tapping the snake on the snout. "She will be back soon, no need to get over emotional." Nagini hissed before releasing her coiling around Voldemort's feet.
"Thank you." Hermione coughed lightly.
"Do you have everything you need?" Voldemort asked as he placed his hands on her shoulders. She had to actively work on not flinching when he touched her. It did help that he looked like his new self, not the grey snake-like man that frightened her.
"Yes, sir." She said quietly.
Voldemort scoffed before pulling her into his arms. He was anxious about her leaving. He didn't like the feeling. He knew that Severus would keep her safe for the short amount of time she would be gone, then he would have the summer hols to spend with her. "Don't call me that." He said gruffly.
Pulling back Hermione tried to smile. "Thank you…father." Her throat felt tight, but she managed to say the words. The closer she could become to Voldemort, maybe then she could really change his view on the world.
His eyes widened briefly before he turned his head clearing his throat. "Right. I will expect to hear from you soon."
Was that blush on his cheeks? Did he not want her to call him father? She shook her head entering the floo next to Narcissa as Narcissa grabbed her arm throwing the floo powder calling out their destination "Hog's Head Pub, Hogsmeade."
Once outside Narcissa walked beside Hermione taking her hand in hers. That was one thing she noticed with Narcissa; she was very touchy-feely. Not that she minded, she enjoyed affection, and with Narcissa it was easy. She never treated Hermione like she was a chore, she seemed to genuinely enjoy spending time with her.
Her mind began to wander as they picked their way up the narrow pathway towards Hogwarts proper. She had visited her parents, who she had considered her parents. The visit was strained at best. Her father was his usual gruff self, mumbling that it had been a mistake to take her in.
And that was that. They would never remember her.
She was surprised pleasantly so when Voldemort did not react to her father's comments. Of course, she had him take his own unbreakable vow that her parents would not be harmed, killed or maimed by him or his followers. He easily agreed which put her mind at ease. At least they would be safe even if they didn't remember her.
He had warned her this morning to keep her guard up when it came to Professor Dumbledore. To watch and listen. She promised him that she would. She wanted to have proof for herself what they were telling her was the truth when it came to Professor Dumbledore.
He seemed harmless in her eyes. He seemed concerned for her over the years. Now she had her doubts. Could it be a ruse? She was determined to find out. When she did, she had a decision to make.
"Mother," Draco called shoving himself away from the entrance of Hogwarts. His eyes flicked to Hermione's briefly before hugging his mother.
"Draco," Narcissa said with such affection that it made Hermione's head spin. Why was Draco such a git to everyone when his mother, Narcissa was this loving?
Narcissa pulled away grabbing Hermione's hand once again. "Draco, I am sure you remember Miss Granger."
"Granger?" Draco tilted his head to the side looking her up and down. She shifted uncomfortably looking away meeting the raised brow of Snape who was staring at her.
"Yes, she is a Rosier, dear. A cousin, look out for her, will you? Everything else will be explained back at the Manor."
"Of course, mother." Draco smiled at his mother, the picture of innocence. She didn't believe it for a second.
Snape stepped forward. "Cissa, I will take Miss Rosier to see the Dumbledore now. I will send word after everything is said and done."
"Of course, Severus. Thank you." Narcissa kissed him on both cheeks before kissing Hermione on the forehead brushing her hair away from her eyes. "I will see you soon, Love. Remember to write to me."
"I will, thank you, Aunt Cissa."
Draco watched Hermione leave with Snape leaning closer to his mother speaking quietly. She was sure Draco was asking for details on what was going on, but the less that knew who her father was, the better in her eyes.
Dumbledore smiled at her when they entered the office offering her sweets which she declined with a shake of her head. "It's wonderful to have you back at Hogwarts, Miss Granger. You have changed."
"Thank you, Professor. It's Miss Rosier now. I rather not use Riddle." She said her voice soft due to the damage she sustained. "this is how I am supposed to look." She tilted her head to the side, her black hair shifting over her shoulder. "someone put a long-term glamour on me."
"Yes, well, at least you are back to rights. Now, I was told that it has been requested by your guardians that you are to be resorted? Most unusual."
"I thought so too." She smiled at him. "When I learned who my mother was, I had a tough time believing it." She eyed him carefully. "Did you know her, Professor? My real mother? Felicity Rosier?"
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. "She was a student here once upon a time, but I haven't seen her since she left Hogwarts. I received a copy of your lineage from the Ministry as well as documents stating you are under the care of the Malfoys now."
Hermione swallowed down her anger. She knew he had seen her real mother. Voldemort showed her the memories of the events. She was thankful that she learned occlumency, she could feel Dumbledore pressing against her shields, she was glad they held in place. She had an excellent teacher, after all, Dumbledore himself.
Strike one.
"It isn't my choice sadly." She said. "I would rather go back home, but now I can't."
"Yes, terrible news." Albus nodded.
Snape took the seat next to her folding his arms across his chest not saying a word. Hermione couldn't tell if he was bothered by anything at all. His face appeared wiped clear of any expression.
"Miss Rosier, did they tell you who your father was?" Dumbledore asked looking over his half-moon spectacles.
Hermione looked over at Snape then back at Dumbledore.
Dumbledore leaned forward. "There is a privacy charm in the room right now, no one can hear us. What you tell me will be between us."
She straightened up in her seat. "Do you know who he is?"
He nodded. "Yes. I indeed know. Now, being at the Malfoy Manor puts you in a unique situation. I wanted to speak to you about a few things before we get you sorted."
"Of course, Professor." She tried to keep her own expression natural which was difficult under these circumstances.
"You see, it is my belief that You-Know-Who has some of his followers there. When you return this summer would you keep an eye out for any activity for The Order? If You-Know-Who appears, try to send word on what you learn. It would be a tremendous help for The Order, and Harry."
"Of course, I would do anything to help Harry, he is my best friend."
"Wonderful. Wonderful." His smile widened. "I am sure with your intelligence you will be able to find something out to help us. You can speak to Severus if you are able to, you can trust him."
"It was because of Professor Snape I am here at all. He was able to heal me after what I endured. I trust him with my life now."
"Yes, I heard you had quite the time there. I am sorry for your suffering."
"Me, too. The Malfoys have been kind to me. Narcissa shared all she knows about my mother."
"With you working with Severus for The Order, I am sure we can end this quickly with you being with the Malfoys."
Hermione paused for a moment. "Will you swear me into The Order then?"
Dumbledore let out a small sigh. "I think the fewer people know of you being there to spy the better, dear. It would be unwise to let too many people know, that includes The Order."
Hermione frowned. She didn't trust him. She nodded her head, gently pulling out her wand waving it summoning her Patronus. She let out a small squeak when a panther stood before her. What happened to her cute little otter? Cleaning her throat, she spoke. "Professor McGonagall, please come to Professor Dumbledore's office, I need to speak to you."
Dumbledore raised a brow. She raised her own. "While I understand the need for secrecy with some, I would feel better if I knew that someone other than yourself and Professor Snape knew. He is also spy is he not?"
"He is."
"You trust Professor McGonagall, correct. She is part of The Oder, and she knows who my father is?"
"She is, and she does." He said.
"If we are to discuss me spying for The Order without being sworn in as a member, I want to have her as my secret-keeper. I find the prospect of spending any time in Azkaban a bad idea."
The door clicked open and shut. Hermione turned smiling up at McGonagall. "Professor." She cried out standing up wrapping her arms around the older woman.
"Och," McGonagall said pulling Hermione back looking her over. In her haste, she had forgotten she looked different.
"Sorry." Hermione looked down taking a step back. "I'm just excited to see you."
"Miss Granger?"
Looking up she gave a small nod. McGonagall pulled her back into her arms rubbing her back. "Oh, my cub. It's so nice to have you back safe. I heard everything that happened to you, my dear, are you alright now?" She asked pulling back.
Wiping her eyes Hermione nodded. "I'm fine, Professor. Just glad to be back." She mumbled.
"Minerva, we were just discussing with Miss Gra-, Miss Rosier about some details of her new situation, she has requested you to be here."
Hermione sat in her chair once again, Professor McGonagall transfiguring a small teacup into a seat to sit on her other side grabbing her hand.
"Professor Dumbledore has asked me to spy for The Oder on You-Know-Who," Hermione said squeezing her hand gently. "I wanted to ask you to be my secret-keeper."
McGonagall looked up sharply at Dumbledore. "You can't be serious, Albus. She is just a child!"
"She is the best chance we have to gather information." His eyes flicked to Snape's briefly before looking back.
"What if he kills her! What then?" She snapped.
Dumbledore waved his hand dismissively. "He will not harm her, Minerva. You know how Tom is, he will covet her if anything. Severus can only be there in certain situations, she will be there all the time, it's the perfect solution."
Hermione chewed her lip watching the two argue back and forth. She was glad that McGonagall was disturbed about it just as she was about the idea. Dumbledore had no idea what he was asking of her. The risk.
"What if he makes me take The Dark Mark?" Hermione whispered looking down. She had been thinking about that for the last couple of days.
It was silent for a moment. "Then I think you should take it. It would make it that much more convincing." Dumbledore said.
Snape stood up suddenly startling Hermione. "You know what you have to do to take The Dark Mark, I don't think she will be able to do that."
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. "It's my belief that if Miss Rosier knew the importance, she would be able to." He said looking at Hermione.
"What do I have to do?" Hermione asked looking up at Snape.
He looked at her, sitting heavily in his chair pinching the bridge of his nose. "You have to kill someone." He said quietly.
Hermione's lips parted. "I have to…kill someone?"
"Yes," Snape said harshly looking at her. "You have to kill someone to prove your loyalty. It also helps your soul to accept The Dark Mark. It taints it."
She nodded looking down once again. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders looking up at Dumbledore. "I will do whatever it takes to ensure evil does not prevail."
Which evil she was not sure. She hoped that she could convince her father not to give her the mark. She was keen on taking a life. She hoped that she could avoid taking The Dark Mark at all costs, but that seemed unlikely.
Dumbledore smiled brightly at her. "This will help the Greater Good, Miss Rosier. You are doing The Oder a great service. Harry a great service." He paused for a moment. "If you do take The Dark Mark, I can glamour it so no one needs to know."
'Except for me.' She thought bitterly. 'You are quite good at glamours aren't you?'
Snape stood up knocking his chair over in the process storming out of the room. She watched him go, her hands shaking at the prospect of killing anyone.
She didn't tell anyone she already used an Unforgivable Curse. She thought it best not to. The less she shared the better. In that aspect, she was taking a page out of Professor Dumbledore's book. She had already caught him in a lie today, her trust in him was breaking. That was the reason for asking for Professor McGonagall to join them. She would be damned if she would be accused of being a Death Eater and thrown into Azkaban if things went wrong.
She would watch, listen, and wait. She was on her own side. The side that included a limited few. If the ones she loved were protected, she would do what it takes.
"Well, now that's settled." Dumbledore stood grabbing the old dusty hat smiling down at her when he placed it on her head.
Dumbledore placed his hand on the small of Hermione's back as he led her through the halls towards the Great Hall. He looked down at her not at all surprised that she was now wearing the colours of Slytherin. She was related to that house through Salazar. He had hoped that she would remain in Gryffindor, but this could still work.
Her love for Harry would keep her in line. He knew how they both felt for each other. Nothing romantic he knew, something akin to siblings, and how Harry reacted to the news that there was no plan on rescuing the girl, he knew that their friendship would last, and Harry could be easily manipulated if necessary if Hermione's life was at risk.
Wesley was another matter to tend to. He would have to think about that later. The boy was not as important to him as Hermione or Harry, he was just a nice piece to have on the board. Maybe in time, he could get over his mistrust of the girl and things would be smooth once again. If not, it wouldn't matter, as long as he had Harry and Hermione still in play.
He had spent a lot of time grooming the girl to assist Harry and it would be a waste to have to dispose of her so early in the game no matter who she was related to. Her intelligence was an attractive attribute when placing her on the board of players.
He knew of course, who her father was when she was born. He had luck when he came across Felicity reading into her thoughts who the child's father was while she was in Diagon Alley. He knew that he could use Hermione if necessary, against Tom, and he did need her now. He could twist her to his will with her naivety with the world.
Too bad she was slightly damaged. Her voice was raspy and soft. Severus had told him to be mindful not to upset her for she could still have a relapse with seizures. Poor little thing. It would still all work out he was sure. She was strong enough.
Next, he would have to deal with the Grangers. He wanted to give Hermione a chance to visit her parents first before he disposed of them. He had told them they were in great danger telling them they had to pack up and flee, that he would be back to relocate them somewhere safe. He knew that they would relay that information to Hermione. When they were killed, it would help Hermione fight harder for the light thinking that Voldemort did the deed.
Pity they had to go.
Now there was Severus to deal with. He mentioned to him last week that Tom had planned to bond Hermione with someone. It had to be Severus. He couldn't let her be bonded to anyone, and it would ensure both of his pieces were kept somewhat safe and able to continue the game.
Hermione could be Severus's secret-keeper. She would eventually find out that Severus was a Death Eater, and it would ruin everything if she was to speak about it, she knew he was a spy, but not a current Death Eater. If she were to bond with Severus, she would have to keep his secrets, if the bonding was done correctly. He would speak to Severus about that later. He knew he would have a fight on his hands once again when dealing with this issue with him, but he knew he would understand the reason behind it. It was for The Greater Good. Besides, it would help if Hermione did take The Dark Mark, she wouldn't tell on Severus because she would out herself.
Yes, all the pieces were coming together nicely. Soon he would be able to make his move against Tom, defeating him finally. He had waited many years for him to reappear so he could make sure he stayed dead. Harry would see to that. Harry had to die to accomplish it, but the lives that would be saved outweighed the lives of a few. Tom had to go, and Albus had worked too long preparing for his demise to let it all go to waste.
"Thank you, professor." Hermione looked up at him giving him a grateful smile.
He met her blue eyes with his own. "You most welcome, my dear. I know you may have a challenging time adjusting to your new house, you can always come to me, or Severus. I am even sure Minerva would be glad to help. Just make sure you do not share with anyone your new role for The Order."
"I will keep that in mind." She paused at the entrance looking around the room. "I am going to go speak to Harry if that's okay?"
"Of course, there are no rules forbidding you from doing so."
Yes, in time everything will work out. He still had all his pieces on the board, it was just time to readjust their roles. She had unknowingly become a particularly important piece to him. She was intelligent, but not in the way the world worked. He was most thankful for that fact.
Hermione stepped away from Dumbledore heading towards the Gryffindor table. She could see the mop of black hair knowing it was Harry. His hair had always stuck up all over the place no matter how she tried to smooth it down.
Quiet whispers started as she neared the table. She wasn't certain how she would be accepted. She knew she looked different. Her once brown hair was now the same black as Harry's. Her whiskey-coloured eyes now a deep blue. Her features were more defined as well. At least her hair still had the wild curls about them it made adjusting slightly easier. She hoped he would recognize her.
Harry's head poked up from the table leaning back in his seat catching her gaze. His emerald eyes widened briefly when she waved at him tentatively before he all but tripped out of his seat bolting towards her. When he reached her he pulled her into to his arms burying his head in her curls. "You're alright." He breathed. "You're finally here."
He pulled back studying her. "Merlin you look so different." He shook his head. "But I can see it's still you."
"It's still me." She gave him a watery smile. "I will always be me."
Clasping her hand, he led her towards the end of the table where it was clear of people tugging her down to sit next to him. "Tell me what happened. Did they hurt you? Your voice, what did they do to you? And why the bloody hell are you wearing the snake's colours?"
"It was difficult at first." She said looking down at the worn table. "I thought I was going to die. I wished for death. My vocal cords were damaged from screaming I think." She gave a small shrug. "They may heal in time, I don't know. As far as being in Slytherin my new guardians requested I be resorted, but I will tell you about all about that when we have more privacy." She said in a lower octave.
Wrapping his arm around her he leaned his head next to hers, leaning close to her ear so they could not be overheard. "I'm sorry, I should have protected you. I asked for them to come to get you, but…they didn't think they could. No one would listen to me."
"It's okay, Harry. It's not your fault" She leaned back looking at him. "Is Sirius…is everyone alright?"
He gave her a warm smile. "Yeah, everyone made it out alright. We didn't realize you were missing at first, not until we got back to Hogwarts. I'm sorry, I should have noticed."
"Stop saying you're sorry." She chuckled. "I'm fine. I'm here. I just need to adjust to the changes is all. As long…if you are still my friend, I will be alright."
He let out a small scoff. "Like I told Ron, you are the only one that has never left me, 'Mione. I will always be your best friend, my sister, no matter who your father is."
She grimaced slightly. "I will never leave your side, Harry." She promised.
"Well, isn't this sweet." Ron narrowed his eyes at Hermione. "I see that it's true. You're his daughter then?"
Hermione raised a brow. "I don't know what you're talking about, Ron."
"Likely story." He grunted sitting opposite of the duo. "You're even a bloody snake now!" He growled at her slamming his fist on the table.
"You don't know, Hermione?" Harry whispered shocked. "You mean they didn't tell you who…who your father is."
"All I know is my mother's name was Felicity Rosier." She said.
Draco scanned the Great Hall once again looking for Granger. He saw Potty sitting at the end of the Gryffindor table speaking to…'Damn it.'
Standing he adjusted his robes heading towards the Gryffindor table. She was already seated speaking to Potty, but that was not what caused him to increase his pace. It was the bright red face of the weasel. He was gesturing wildly yelling at her.
That would not do. He spoke with his mother about Hermione. Surprise didn't even cover what he felt when he learned who Hermione was, his own cousin of all things. He promised his mother he would protect Hermione, and he would never break his word to his mother.
Leaning his palms flat on the table he turned his head towards Hermione blocking the weasel's view. "Is there a problem here, Rosier?"
He almost did a double-take at the uniform she was wearing. Slytherin. 'What in Salazar's name is going on? Did they resort her?'
"I don't think so Malfoy." She leaned over to look at weasel across the way. "Is there a problem, Ronald?"
"No." He huffed folding his arms across his chest. "I guess there isn't a problem." He paused for a moment narrowing his eyes slightly. "Sorry, 'Mione." He said through clenched teeth.
She waved her hand in his direction knowing he didn't feel sorry for snapping at her. "It's alright, I know I look different, but I am still me. Nothing has changed."
"Except whom your father is." He mumbled before letting out a hiss glaring at Potty who shook his head.
Letting out a small huff Draco gently grabbed her elbow. "Come on, Rosier. Let me introduce you to your new housemates." He said looking down at her uniform shaking his head leading her away from the other two.