Draco rubbed his sleep crusted eyes making his way to the Great Hall for breakfast. He didn't get much sleep last night due to the fact his Godfather informed him what happened to Hermione last night, and who hurt her.
She was resting in Snape's quarters still as far as he knew, he hadn't seen her this morning. He would have to speak to Pansy yet again to get her to understand that Hermione was off-limits. If she continued to go after her, then he would be forced to take matters in his own hands. He promised his mother, and he would never break a promise to her no matter how he felt about his life-long friend.
Stirring his teacup, he looked around the hall for any sign of Hermione. Pansy shuffled towards the table giving him a bright smile sitting across from him. "Good morning, Draco. Did you sleep well last night?"
Placing his spoon down he picked up his cup taking a small sip looking over his rim making eye contact with her. Her smile faltered when she noted his eyes were narrowed at her.
Lowering his cup to the table he folded his hands in front of him. "No, Pans, I didn't sleep well." He raised a brow at her. "I think you know why too. Why did you attack Rosier?"
Pansy scoffed fixing her plate for breakfast not meeting his eyes. "She fell, I had nothing to do with it. Even ask Professor McGonagall what happened."
"I don't have to ask her," he hissed. "Professor Snape came to me last night telling me exactly what happened between the two of you."
Pansy shrugged, "If that were true, then why didn't he speak to me if there was an issue."
"Because Rosier asked him not to say anything. She will handle it herself."
"What could that stupid Mudblood do to me? She is just a slag going from one to another. First, she is all over Potter, then Wesley. Now that she is in Slytherin and thinks her station is equal to ours she is after you. I was simply trying to teach her to keep her hands to herself and not touch what belongs to someone else."
"Oh? You think I belong to anyone?"
Pansy blushed brightly, "You know I am asking my father for a match with you."
Draco shook his head, "No, Pans. That will never happen. I like you as a friend, and lately, I've been struggling with that. You and I," he said pointing between the two of them. "Will never happen. Even if your father approached mine, I would still refuse. You need to get over this and move on."
Pansy slammed her hands on the table, "What? Are you going to marry that cow?"
"Actually, no. Rosier, or should I say Hermione is not only someone I consider a friend now that I have had the opportunity to spend time with her, but she is my cousin. So, you see, she will always be in my life, whereas you will not be if you are not careful. The connection to my family could greatly benefit you, or harm you are depending on which way you act."
"You would pick her over me?" Pansy screeched.
Draco chuckled, "Easily. She asks nothing from me in return. She just wants to be friends with me because we are family. All she wants is friendship, Pans. She doesn't hang all over me like you do even though I asked you not to. You need to back off her, I will not tell you again."
Pansy sneered at him, "I haven't done enough to her. Maybe that little cut on her face will disfigure her enough." Pansy said as she scratched at her left cheek. "Now everyone will see how hideous she is."
Daphne coughed lightly turning her head, "I don't think that would take away from her beauty. Hermione is an extremely kind person inside and out, even that scratch would not make her less so. I agree with Draco, Pans. You need to let this go. You almost killed her yesterday."
"Whose side are you on, Greengrass?" Pansy snapped.
Daphne lifted her chin meeting Pansy's eyes, "I just don't think you are being fair to her. She has done nothing towards you, yet you have made it your mission to torture her. It's a very unattractive trait if you ask me."
"Pans just let it go. I told my mother I would protect her while she is here. You are making that impossible for me to do. My father said if she is not, it will be his head and mine. So, back off." Draco hissed at her.
"Who the fuck does that slag know that she needs to be protected. Her mother is dead. I am sure her father is, too. She may say she is a Rosier and related to you, but I think she is making the whole thing up to increase her station. You are all fools not seeing it."
Theo let out a low whistle from behind the paper, "I don't think so, Parkinson."
Theo tossed the paper at Draco tapping the headline.
Illegitimate Child of Who-Know-Who Found to be Hermione Rosier.
By: Rita Skitter
It has been brought to our attention, dear readers, that Hermione Rosier, formerly known as Hermione Granger, Gryffindor Princess, famous Muggle-Born witch, has recently been found to be the daughter of The Dark Lord. Her mother, Felicity Rosier is listed as Miss Hermione Rosier's mother. Documents at The Ministry confirm the claim via Legitimacy papers.
The question remains, did Miss Felicity Rosier hide her daughter from The Dark Lord sending her to be raised by muggles?
We reached out to Hogwarts yesterday for comment, but Headmaster Dumbledore stated that Miss Rosier would not be giving any statements at this time. He did, however, mention that her new guardians, Lady, and Lord Malfoy have taken her in, and she has been resorted into Slytherin. That comes as no surprise as she is a decedent of Salazar Slytherin through her father. The Headmaster asked that everyone respect Miss Hermione Rosier's privacy as she tries to adjust to this shocking devolvement. Lord and Lady Malfoy were not available for comment.
It was not long ago that Miss Hermione Rosier was caught having an affair with Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived. How will Mister Potter feel about his fallen Princess now being in Slytherin? Will their young love be able to stand the test of time?
See the continuation of the story on page 5b.
Death Eaters Strike Again! Murdered Couple Found with Dark Mark Above House in Hampstead Garden Suburb Were Adopted Parents of Hermione Rosier.
"Fuck," Draco paled skimming the article. He would be lucky if he weren't killed upon his return to his estate. His heart hammered in his chest thinking that perhaps his father was already dead if The Dark Lord had heard that Hermione had been injured.
Tossing the paper at Pansy pinched the bridge of his nose. "That is who she knows," he looked up at her as she picked up the paper. "If my family is injured because of this Parkinson, I will never forgive you."
Albus sat back in his chair watching the chaos unfold. His plan was working well. He met with the new Minister of Magic yesterday after going around Obliviating everyone who had seen Voldemort there the night of the Battle of The Department of Mysteries. He wanted to seclude Voldemort so he could trap him that much easier, make him relax enough to make a mistake.
He tried and failed before to convince everyone that the man in question was back. Fudge, the previous Minister defied him at every turn. Now that Fudge was spouting that Voldemort was back, it was easy enough to erase any memory he had of him making Fudge seem unstable. He needed Fudge out of the picture so he could exact his plans without anyone knowing anything until Voldemort was no more, then he would be praised as the hero as he should be. It would also help seclude Harry keeping him in line, he would be known to be a liar. Albus would be there to comfort him leading him to Voldemort's demise, his own as well.
It was for the Greater Good after all. Sacrifices had to be made.
He told the new Minister that it was all the Death Eaters trying to scare the muggles and magical folks into hysteria nothing more. Thankfully Minister Scrimgeour believed him. Being the former head of the Auror Department, Scrimgeour knew all too well how former Death Eaters could be.
To drive his point home, on the way from the Ministry he stopped to pay a visit to the Grangers to 'move' them into hiding. It was late in the evening, so the neighbours were already sleeping making it that much easier for him. It was simple enough to Avada them, they were, after all, muggles and posed no real threat. No one would suspect him.
When he left, he stood there for a moment outside their house in the dark shadows of a tree thinking what else he should do to frame the Death Eaters for this attack. He needed to give Hermione that extra little push towards The Greater Good knowing that Voldemort was charismatic and could convince her that the Death Eaters were harmless.
No. He couldn't have that. She would be used as a spy for him. She would be easier to manipulate if she feared her father and the people who followed him. Raising his wand in the air he called out a spell, "Morsmordre," he was lucky that you didn't have to be a Death Eater to perform that incantation, it had come in handy already a time or two.
He was disappointed to learn when he returned to Hogwarts that Hermione had been attacked. Of course, the portraits were most anxious to share the news with him what transpired between her and Miss Parkinson.
That was his reason for letting it slip to a known associate of The Prophet knowing that Rita Skeeter would run the story. With any luck, the student body would leave Hermione alone so she could concentrate on her task at hand. She was a valuable piece on the board, and it would do no good if he had to dispose of Miss Parkinson or any other student who were foolish enough to trouble her. Even better, the paper mentioned the passing of her adopted parents as well. The article was already speculating that Death Eaters killed the Grangers to punish for touching what belonged to their Lord.
It was perfect.
He would speak to Hermione about sending her home early giving her no time to recover from the tragic news, her emotions would still be on the edge when she returned to the Malfoys. He was sure Voldemort was there or at least coming to visit. Hermione would be more than willing to spy now. Severus could ensure to guide her properly as well as protect her. Voldemort was a fool to think of bonding Hermione with someone to protect her. Severus was his spy that Voldemort trusted. Having Severus bond with Hermione properly would help keep her in line. She would have to listen to Severus no matter what if Severus used the bonding ceremony that he had suggested. She would become his property, and Severus's word would be law, just like his word was the law to Severus.
He knew Hermione was in Severus's chambers at this moment with him. It was the perfect place for her to be at this moment. He didn't need her to speak to Harry before she left. They needed to be kept separated for the time being. The reason was he needed Harry to go back to the Dursleys where he knew he was mistreated. He would be so worn down enough by the abuse and his worry over Hermione he could get him to act against Voldemort. Albus would convince him that when Voldemort was dead, he would find a way to clear Sirius. Not that it would matter. Harry had to die in the process, the point was moot, but Harry didn't know that, nor would he ever.
Standing up to the podium he cast a Sonorous charm he held his hands up in the air, "Silence if you please,"
He waited for a few moments before the excited whispers died down, "I'm sure most of you have read the news in The Daily Prophet regarding Miss Rosier. This is not a ruse or false story. It is a fact. Miss Rosier, is indeed his daughter. I would ask you to give her time to recover from the shock of this situation. Yesterday, Miss Rosier was injured," his eyes flicked over to Miss Parkinson who was looking slightly green, "She is currently recovering and will be leaving Hogwarts today. I am sure when she returns at the start of next year you all will be on your best behaviour and help her. Now, enjoy the rest of your day, and I will see you tonight for the Great Feast."
He stepped down from the podium cancelling the charm walking towards the Slytherin table to get Mister Malfoy. He would have him accompany Hermione home. He needed Severus to remain here for a bit longer.
Harry jogged up to him before he made it to Draco, "Professor, wait." he called out. "Can I go see Hermione if she is leaving today?"
Albus plastered on his best fake frown. "I'm sorry, Harry that would not be a good idea right now. I am sure you can understand, she is extremely distraught hearing the news this morning and is now packing her belongings to leave."
"But…" Harry started.
Albus raised his hand. "I'm sure you can send word to her when you return home."
Harry's shoulders sagged giving him a defeated nod walking back to Gryffindor table.
Hermione brushed the tears from her eyes trying to regain her composure. Severus sat next to her on the couch, his arm around her holding her against his chest trying to offer some comfort for her. She was grateful for the contact right now, she thought she would shatter at any moment.
It was just too much.
She was outed as being the daughter of Voldemort, and her adopted parents had been killed. For what reason? For knowing her. She wasn't upset that her adopted father was gone, it was her adopted mother. Her sweet, adopted mother was no more. Her father had promised by making the unbreakable vow. How did he get around such a vow ordering the deaths of her parents? If she had been thinking clearly, she was realized sooner that he couldn't instead of having her anger build-up at him. When you make an unbreakable vow, you would die if you broke it. She knew her father would never risk that.
Her mind whirled around trying to think who would do this. If Bellatrix were still alive, she would put money on it being her that did the deed, but as it were, she was most definitely dead. Was it Peter, Umbridge?
"Who would do this?" Hermione sniffed pulling back from Severus's arms.
"I don't know," he said quietly looking away.
"But you suspect,"
He gave a curt nod. "Until we can figure this out, keep your shields up at all times. Let no one know what you think." he cupped both her cheeks wiping the tears from her cheeks carefully, "I do, but now is not the time nor the place to discuss such things."
"I just want this to be some sort of nightmare," she closed her eyes, the tears falling freely from her lashes. "The only good thing out of this is you."
She opened her eyes slowly looking up at him. He leaned forward brushing his lips against hers briefly, "I'm not going anywhere. I promise you. I will protect you; we'll get through this."
"I know," she whispered placing her hand over his.
He stood kissing her forehead, "I need to get you some bruise paste for your cheek before we venture out of the room," he placed his hand on her head for a moment brushing her hair from her forehead before stepping towards their chambers. "And something for your fever," he called over his shoulder.
She frowned placing her hand on her forehead. She did feel slightly warm, but that was probably due to growing her bones back. The process will take longer from the extensive damage so it would not be entirely unheard of for her to run a fever. She leaned against the cushions on the couch tucking her legs under her brushing her hands against her face to get rid of the tears. She willed herself to stop crying, it would solve nothing being a blubbering mess. Her face was already red and splotchy from crying. She cringed slightly. 'How unattractive.'
She silently admitted how she liked how attentive Snape had been to her. He handed her the paper after setting her on the couch putting his arm around her as she read the news. He was safe. He would keep her safe.
Severus entered the bathroom gripping the edge of the sink. He swore under his breath thinking over the current situation. He knew The Dark Lord would not harm the Grangers. He was trying to get closer to Hermione, and that would most certainly turn her away from him. The only other person who would want to get rid of the Grangers would be Albus. Any Death Eater that acted on their own accord without The Dark Lord's permission was signing their death.
He took a deep breath letting it out slowly trying to calm his racing heart. He knew that Albus would use extreme measures to get what he wanted; a prime example of that fact was Harry. He knew that Harry would be made to die. He would be the one to defeat The Dark Lord. He was just fattening up Harry for the kill. But why the Grangers? He suspected the reason was to keep Hermione off balance, but this was extreme.
'So isn't keeping Potter in the dark about his fate.'
He wouldn't let Albus lead the boy in question to his death. It wasn't that he liked Harry. He tried to remember that Harry was part of Lily, his first best friend, his first love. Unfortunately, Harry reminded him of James a great deal. Hermione loved Harry so he would work on accepting him for her sake. He wanted her happy and having Harry in her life would make that easier. If he thought for a moment that Harry had romantic feelings for Hermione, he didn't think he could do that. He already lost one woman to someone else, he would be damned if he would a second time, especially to another damn Potter. She was his, just as much he was hers. She went as far as saying so last night. Tonight, he would take her back to his bed just to remind her how much they were good together. He would have to remain at Hogwarts a little longer before he could be reunited with her again, that would be difficult for him to have her leave him, but it was a necessity.
Opening the cabinet door, he plucked out the bruise paste and something for fever pocketing it, exiting the bathroom. He stopped just inside his bedroom door to the sitting room tilting his head to the side. He heard voices.
Albus. Fucking great.
Wiping his face of any expression he entered the room. Albus looked up from the wingback chair smiling widely at him, "Ah, Severus. Come, join us." he waved his hand.
'Like I need your bloody permission to sit in my room.' Sitting next to Hermione he looked down at her testing her shield silently. They held firm making him relax on the inside.
Albus shifted forward in the chair looking at the two of them, "I was just discussing with Miss Rosier that I think she should leave soon to give the student body time to acclimate to the news of her heritage."
Hermione blinked up at him giving him a small nod, "Professor Dumbledore said that everyone will want to talk to me. He thinks it would be best if I just leave now for my safety."
"I see," Severus said through tight lips, "She can certainly stay here with me for the remainder of her time, Albus. There are no more classes. Today is spent packing and then there is the Great Feast."
Albus frowned, "I know it is a lot to ask Miss Rosier, but I do feel like it would be in her best interest."
"I understand," Hermione whispered. "I would like to see Harry before I leave."
"I am afraid that is not possible, Harry, as you can imagine is far too busy right now to speak to you. I am sure everyone is asking him questions as well. I think it would be best that you did not see him, you can send him word over the summer, just give him some time to recover."
Severus grabbed Hermione's hand when it twitched, "As you wish, Albus." Severus nodded in his direction. "Are the Malfoys coming to collect her?"
"No, I asked Mister Malfoy to join you at the apparition point in an hour after he was done with his packing, he can take her to the estate."
"I am already packed," Hermione said quietly looking down.
"Excellent," Albus smiled. "There are a few other matters to discuss before you leave my dear. First, I am sure you saw the story about your adopted parents."
"Yes," Hermione said looking at him.
"Terrible news, I am sorry to hear of their death. I hope while you are with the Malfoys you will keep in mind to gather all the information you can on Tom's whereabouts. He did after all murder your parents, the people that raised you. You may not know this about him, Miss Rosier, but Tom is a very possessive man, he considers you his, so I am sure he felt the need to…end them for raising you."
"But h-" Severus squeezed Hermione's hand in warning. She took a deep breath, "You're right," she said quietly. "I'm afraid that he will do the same to me if I anger him," she said frowning her Albus.
He waved her concern off, "I highly doubt he would harm you, dear. This is what makes you a perfect spy. If you could manage to get closer to him, make him think you accept him, he would pull you into his ranks. You would be doing The Greater Good a great service, Harry a great service. You wouldn't want him to harm Harry, would you?"
"Of course not!" Hermione growled. "Harry is my brother."
"Just remember what I said. Tell no one you are a spy for The Order. The only ones who know are the three of us…and Minerva. Any information you find out be sure to send it through Severus or to me directly. The Order thinks you can't be trusted, so any information you pass along to any of them will be disregarded and Minerva is not high enough rank to field the information."
"I understand, Professor,"
"Thank you, Miss Rosier. Remember if you must take his Mark, be ready to do so. He must believe that you to be on his side."
Hermione squeezed Severus's hand harder. He was having to clamp his jaw shut from not snarling at the man across from him. He was just shoving Hermione into what Albus assumed was a death trap. The thought of Hermione taking The Mark made his stomach roll. She was too pure for that.
'Not for much longer.'
Albus stood smiling down at Hermione, "Be sure to bond with Severus soon as well. He will be able to keep you safe and tell if you are in danger if the bonding ceremony is done correctly. I think it would be best that you do that as soon as you can when you return to the Malfoys."
No words were spoken when he turned to leave. Hermione watched him with a blank expression on her face. He was proud of her for closing off her emotions. When the green flames died down Hermione slumped against the couch as if her strings had been cut, "Fuck." she hissed.
Fuck indeed.
She looked over at him chewing on her bottom lip, "We have an hour before we have to meet Malfoy," she said shifting closer to him. She grabbed his shoulder swinging her right leg over his hips straddling him, "Help me forget," she said capturing his lips.
And he did. He brought her to heights he had never known before. They were each sated when they met Draco over an hour later. He left her with a promise that he would see her soon giving her a long, seductive kiss with a gobsmacked Draco looking on in horror.