Hermione returns home to confront her father.

Chapter Text

Draco blinked his eyes trying to clear his vision, surely he was seeing things. His godfather was kissing Hermione in a way that someone did when they were lovers. His wasn't sure if he should laugh or yank them apart.

Snape gave him a smirk meeting his eyes as he bent down brushing his lips gently against Hermione's once more maintaining eye contact, "Let me know if you need anything, I will join you as soon as I can," he said looking down at her brushing her swollen lips gently.

Then he was gone.

Draco snapped his mouth shut as Hermione turn to look at him. "Let's go," he said roughly, turning to head to Hogsmeade.

She reached out for his hand grabbing it gently in her own, "Are you ready to apparate?"

"You can apparate?" he asked. "How is that possible?" his brows furrowed in confusion. She was the same age as him, she shouldn't be able to apparate until she was seventeen.

She grinned over at him, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "It's a secret," she squeezed his hand tighter. "Hold on."

He sucked in a sharp breath as he felt the familiar tug behind his belly button. When he cracked his eyes open, he let go of her hand giving his mother a small smile as she approached the pair. "Mother," he pulled her into an embrace holding her tightly, "Is everything alright?" he asked gruffly, worry colouring his tone.

His mother pulled back cupping his cheek, "Everything is fine, my dragon," she reassured him.

Narcissa pulled Hermione into her arms rubbing her back. "How are you, my little dove?" she whispered.

Hermione pulled back, "I've had worse days."

"Come, he is waiting for your return."

Draco shivered following the pair up the long drive to the estate proper. He didn't need to be told who he was. He squared his shoulders swallowing the dryness in his throat. He didn't enjoy the idea of being punished by The Dark Lord, but he would accept his fate with grace as was expected of a Malfoy.

His eyes drifted to Hermione watching the sway of her hips. He scowled thinking about that kiss she shared with his godfather. He almost swallowed his tongue the way Snape held her close grabbing her arse pressing her against his body. It was one of his deepest secrets he would never dare tell anyone. He had been infatuated with Hermione for years now. It happened just before seeing her at the Yule Ball with Krum. She looked enchanting, stunning really. He knew he had been cruel to her intentionally to play his part. A part of him was mortified he was attracted to someone of her…station. Try as he might, he could never get her out of his mind.

Spending time alone with her over the past few weeks only drove those feelings higher. He loved her laugh, the glint she would get in her eyes when she was trying yet failing to look innocent. Her looks had changed a great deal. She looked more refined, her body having even more curves, enough to make his mouth water. He wanted to taste her all over, but overall, she was still just Hermione. Her bossy, swotty attitude was still there underneath it all. No matter how hard he tried and failed mind you, he could never really muster up the hate for her.

How was she with Snape? When did that happen? He knew it would be an impossibility before to be with her given she was a Mudblood, but now that she wasn't, he had sadly hoped things could change in time when they finally did become comfortable with each other. Yes, she was technically his cousin, but cousins married all the time in the magical world. They were distant ones at that.

No matter, at least she would remain in his life and he could admire her from afar. He would never put himself in the crosshairs of his godfather. He was deadly and he had no wish to die. More so her father.

He shivered.

Entering the drawing-room, he looked around seeing his father standing across the room next to the fireplace with a man he didn't recognize. His shoulders relaxed slightly following his mother and Hermione into the room knowing at least for now he wouldn't have to face The Dark Lord's wrath.

His mother whispered something in Hermione's ear before giving her a gentle shove forward. He grabbed his mother's hand in own. Hermione's eyes met his briefly before she stepped closer to the two men standing in the room with their backs to them. The look she gave him made him stiffen in worry. She looked…apologetic, almost afraid.

"Father. I have returned," she said quietly stopping behind them.

His eyes widened in fear when the man in question turned around. He had the same eye colour as Hermione, their features too similar not to be related to one another. He knew immediately who it was. 'Fuck.'

Hermione braced herself for the onslaught she knew that was coming. She was glad that she had a few delicious moments with Severus before she had to leave his side. Her body and mind were relaxed as she faced the man that was her father. Hermione squared her shoulder as Voldemort turned around. Before he could get a word out, she spoke. "Why?" she asked. " Why did you out me as your daughter in The Daily Prophet without giving me a warning you planned on doing so?"

Voldemort narrowed his eyes. "I didn't." he took two steps forward so he was toe-to-toe with her, "Are you ashamed to be my daughter?"

"Of course not!" she scoffed.

She meant it. She had time to be separated from the situation to think clearly about her heritage, about him. He had yet lie to her as far as she knew. He showed her that he did care about her, wanted to know her. He, of course, had changed since the first time she had the distinct displeasure of meeting him. No longer did he wear the face of a snake. He was as he should be. She was coming to terms with the dreadful things he did in his past. That what it was, the past. She now realized that not everyone is what they were. Everyone had a past, sadly, his past was dark comparatively. Now that he changed, she would watch to see for herself if he was just plain evil that no matter how many potions, he downed it would be the same. She could already see that he was indeed trying.

Hope. It gave her hope that she could make it through this war not losing herself completely doing so. She already knew she had a darkness within her as well, but there was also light. It was tempting to embrace the darkness letting it overtake her.

She wouldn't. Not yet.

She did as he asked, she watched and listened to what was happening around her. It was with this new knowledge of what she learned that she decided to place her faith in him tentatively. Dumbledore was indeed up to something. She had caught the lies he had told her so far, how many he told her that she didn't catch she didn't know. She wouldn't let that stand any longer. She would protect those she loved even if that meant The Dark Lord.

She shook her head to clear in thoughts, "Then who would do such a thing?"

His mouth tugged up into a small grin pleased with her answer, pleased she believed him. He grabbed her face, holding it tenderly," Use that beautiful brain of yours. Who do you think would benefit from telling the wizarding world that you are mine?"

" He... " she wanted to deny it, but she was already weary of Dumbledore, "For what reason? Dumbledore sent me home for Merlin's sake!"

Letting her go he levelled her with a look. " Was there not an incident yesterday?" his eyes straying to her cheek.

" I fell," she said flatly.

" You're a horrible liar you know," he took a deep breath letting it out slowly, "You'll tell me what really happened."

She rolled her eyes looking away from him, "I'll handle it."

"You will do no such thing!" he snapped. "You will tell me who dared to harm you, and you will tell me now!"

"No!" she snapped back narrowing his eyes at him. "They are mine to punish!"

His head jerked back in shock.

She waved her hand in the air. "You'll just go after them. I must do this myself. I'll not bow down to anyone who thinks they can go after me thinking I'm weak. This incident was my fault. I let my guard down."

His eyes flicked to a pale Draco then back to her, "And where was young Draco when this happened?"

Hermione stomped her foot in frustration, "You will not punish him, or anyone else for something I did."

"Oh?" he gave her a cruel smile. "You dare to tell me how to handle this. I was given promises that you would be kept safe. Promised that was broken."

"You can't!" panic welled up inside her. She grasped her father's robes looking up at him. "Please," she whispered leaning her head against his chest, "They are my family."

Arms circled her, pulling her close to his person, "I'll accept your request if you tell me everything that happened. I'll even let you punish those who are responsible, you have my word."

She sagged against him, "Thank you."

She leaned back meeting his eyes. "I'll show you."

She closed her eyes briefly pulling forth the memory she wanted to share. Opening her eyes she gave him a curt nod bracing herself for that pain that would surely follow. She held perfectly still as she felt him enter her mind. Her body relaxed in his hold feeling the gentleness he was using with her.

He pulled back from her mind, everything coming into focus once again. His face contorted in anger, "If you don't punish her, I will," he growled.

Letting her go he looked over at Lucius, "You will bring Edward Parkinson to me. Today!"

"Father wait!" Hermione reached forward grabbing his arm, "You promised me."

"I did," he turned facing her. "However, her father is mine to punish. He's my Death Eater; he needs to learn how to follow orders. I'll also make sure that his daughter's punishment is up to my standards."

He slipped through her grasp when walked away in a fury. How did she expect him to react? She was his daughter, a newly discovered daughter. She was angry with herself for not being more diligent about her safety. She knew that he would be angered with what happened, that is why she wanted to tell him in person. At least Hogwarts was safe for the time being from his wrath. The Parkinson family was a different matter.

She didn't see her father for the rest of the day after that. She had expected to see him when she went down to the dining room for supper surprised to only see Draco, and Aunt Cissa sitting there. The conversation stayed clear of what had transpired when they returned to the estate for which she was grateful for. She excused herself early from the meal claiming that she was tired and needed her rest.

Narcissa stood gathering Hermione in her arms. "Don't fret so. You know frowning will cause wrinkles," she smiled down at Hermione running her fingers through her wild curls. "He will be alright. He is still adjusting to these…feelings."

She gave her a nod smoothing out her face, kissing Narcissa on the cheek before she left. She was unable to sleep tossing and turning on the large bed. It seemed so cold and empty without Severus next to her. The coldness she could understand, Nagini was curled up on the pillow next to hers. She let out a silent breath before swinging her legs over the side of the bed grabbing her silk robe. She needed out of this room to think. The gardens always seemed to help with that.

Padding down the halls she exited to the gardens through the drawing-room. She closed the doors behind her with a quiet snick hoping not to wake anyone. She walked a few paces to the large column to the left, leaning her body heavily on it. She lowered herself to the ground pulling her knees to her chest resting her chin on her knees. Her eyes gazed at the stars that twinkled gently in the sky, listening to the hum of the insects. She relaxed. This is what she needed.

"You shouldn't be out here alone. Have you not learned anything?"

She stiffened briefly turning looking over her shoulder at her father who stood there with his arms crossed looking down at her. She looked back at the sky after a moment. "Am I in danger here that I don't know about?" she asked quietly.

His shoes clicked against the tiles walking next to her. He paused for a moment before he lowered himself next to her. The rustling of fabric then the pressure of his jacket hanging around her shoulders made her smile. The weather was balmy, she wasn't cold in the slightest. "Thank you," she said quietly her hands coming up to pull it firmly around her.

"You are always in danger," he said just a quietly. "Death Eaters come and go here. You have not been properly introduced to anyone as mine. They will just assume you are a treat."

"I have my wand."

He let out an elegant snort, "They will attack before you even realize they are there."

She shook her head looking over at him, "I'll keep that in mind."

"We didn't finish our conversation earlier," he said shifting slightly closer to her.

"You left," she shrugged.

"I apologize for leaving abruptly," he was quiet for a moment. "I had to calm myself."

"I know. I'm sorry for making you worry."

"I'll always worry about you," he said simply. "I find that even though you are here near me, I still worry that you're safe."

"Nagini is with me most of the time. I'll be fine, father."

"There are things we need to discuss. I have had time to think about several things while you are away, and I must make you understand your position now."

"Did you kill my parents?" she asked suddenly.

"Your adopted parents. And no, you know I didn't. I wouldn't be sitting here if I did."

She let out a defeated sigh burying her head on her knees. "I know," she mumbled. "Do you think Peter did it as payback for what I did to him?"

"Wormtail? No, he is the biggest coward there is. He wouldn't dare cross me," he brushed her hair from her face. "I do know who did though."

She lifted her head looking at him. His fingers brushed against her cheek before cupping it. "As you know, I had my followers keeping a watch out for them."

She gave a small nod.

"They saw Albus walking out of their house hiding in the shadows, but they saw him as he left. He was the one who summoned The Dark Mark over their house, and he was the one who killed them."

Hermione closed her eyes feeling her chest tighten. In the back of her mind, she had already known that. That was the reason that Severus told her to always keep her shields up, not letting anyone know what she was thinking.

"Are you sure?" she asked opening her eyes again feeling the wetness fall from her eyelash.

"I do. I have the memory of it. They went to check on your parents after, but it was already too late. I'm not turning him into the Ministry yet, I'll keep gathering his wrong-doings without him even realizing it before it is too late."

Her breath hitched. She understood his reason for waiting, it was a long-term tactic, this was war. She wanted to know what reason Dumbledore had to do this. "Why kill them? You already obliviated them, they posed no threat."

"Did you tell Albus that I wouldn't harm your parents? That I took a vow not to?" he raised an elegant brow.

"Of course not. I was told not to tell him anything."

"Tell me, how would you feel if you thought I did, would you still be willing to get to know me? To get closer to me?"

She chewed her lip for a moment, "No. I wouldn't. It would prove that you wouldn't care about how I feel. It is no secret I didn't love my adopted father, but my mother…" her lip trembled. She swallowed hard trying to regain her composure. "My mother was innocent."

"I know that," he said wiping the tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry I was unable to protect them. I didn't want them to be killed knowing it would upset you. Sadly, no one saw him enter their home."

"I hate him."

"He wanted that hate turned towards me, Hermione. Don't forget he thinks he is the master of manipulation. Will you tell me what he spoke to you about? I want to know so I can protect you."

She sniffed wiping the tears roughly when he removed his hands. She told him everything that happened when she arrived, how Dumbledore lied about seeing her mother. How he was trying to keep her and Harry away from each other after she was attacked. That when he spoke to her about the news about her adopted parents, he was cruel about it, telling her that Voldemort murdered them in a detached way not appearing sorry for her loss.

"Anything else?" Voldemort gave her a hard look, "Did he approach you about spying on me?"

She knew that look was not directed at her. She nodded, "Yes," she shook her head closing her eyes. "He believes that you and your followers are here at Malfoy Manor, that it put me in a unique position to feed him information on what your plans are."

He scoffed.

"He didn't want me to be a member of The Order, he wanted my situation to stay a secret, to only send him or Severus information, that no one would trust me anymore," she took a deep breath. "I made a condition of my own. I made Professor McGonagall my secret-keeper. I had already caught him in a lie during our conversation and I didn't trust that he wouldn't send me to Azkaban."

"Excellent thinking," he smiled down at her.

"He also told me to take your Mark to convince you," she whispered looking away. "He said that he would glamour it so no one could see it."

"You can't glamour my Mark."

Her eyes widened turning to look at him, "You can't? Does he know that?"

"Of course, he does. Severus has one. Have you not seen his yet?"

She blushed, feeling the warmth tingle her cheeks. "Yes, I did."

"Did Albus explain to you what you have to do to accept my Mark?"

"Why do I have to kill someone?"

"It taints your soul making it easier. The Mark is dark magic," he pursed his lips slightly. "I need you to take My Mark, either way, Hermione. Since you left, I have thought a lot about it. I was conflicted before not wanting to taint your soul, but now I must insist."

She stared at him for a moment, her heartbeat humming in her chest. She thought about this, too. She knew what she would ask for in return if he did. "I'll do it for you, father," she said evenly. "But I have one request before I do so."

"And what is that?" he looked at her with amusement. "Did you want to kill Parkinson instead of punishing her?"

"No," she said. "I want Wormtail."

He let out a small laugh, "You have it in for him, don't you? You want to kill Wormtail for your initiation?" he stroked his chin. "I'll allow it."

She shook her head, "I don't want to kill him, well I do, but I have something else planned for him. I want him turned into the Ministry to stand trial for killing all those muggles framing Sirius, for betraying the Potters. I want him to rot in Azkaban for a long, long time remembering every vile thing he has ever done in his life. He is a coward, a rat and deserves to be punished," she said panting lightly from her anger rising.

"You surprise me. Although, I shouldn't be. You are definitely my child," he chuckled. "I'll agree to that. I'll send him with a nice red bow on him to the Ministry with his memories of the incident so they can view them."

"Thank you,"

"Anything for you," he stood offering his hand to her. She clasped his hand with hers and he tugged her into a standing position. "We have a lot of work to do this summer. Severus tells me that Albus is most anxious to have you bonded soon."

"I thought we were courting this summer, and bonded before I go back to Hogwarts."

"Plans change often when dealing with Albus. Severus came to me last week showing me the bonding ceremony that Albus wishes for him to use."

"And?"

"It is an old ceremony that is hardly used. You would be his property that would have no choice but to obey Severus, no matter how much you wish to object."

"W-what? He can't be serious. I refuse to become someone's property no matter how I feel about them. I have my mind for Merlin's sake and know well how to use it."

"He is completely serious about this; I think he wants to ensure you stay the course thinking Severus is firmly in the light. He doesn't realize that Severus is riding the line between the light and the dark and has done so for many years. I know he is a spy for The Order as he is for me. I also know I can trust him otherwise I would not have him bond with you. He sees Albus for who he is, and recently he expressed his concern with Albus taking things to extremes, like placing you in danger."

Hermione paled.

Voldemort pulled her to him tucking her head under his chin, "There's so much I have to share with you, little one, and I will soon. For now, I think you need to rest, you are still healing. You will be bonding with Severus next week and taking the Dark Mark. My plans for the future have changed, I know with you by my side I can make that happen," he kissed her forehead taking her elbow leading her back in the estate.