Voldemort gazed down at the small figure of Hermione that had ceased
weeping. She laid huddled on the ground next to his feet. Her breath came
in quick short gasps. Slowly she looked up at him and her hatred filled
her eyes. He met her stare and noticed that the smooth color brown of her
eyes was cracking. Suddenly they changed to the most brilliant shade of
gold. Voldemort's expression changed from that of pleasure to one of
bewilderment and marvel. Then with the swiftness of a cobra Voldemort had
pulled her to her feet.
"You are not what you seem." Hermione tugged her arm, trying to release herself. Her now gold eyes flickered with the look disgust.
My Lord? Duvessa's soft voice trailed into the room. Hermione glanced at the door, but it was still shut. She looked to the fireplace where the fire burned brightly. Duvessa's image wasn't there. Voldemort was looking over her shoulder and Hermione followed his gaze to one of the walls that was still shrouded in darkness. A small green light shown off something. A pane of glass? Yes that's what it was, and there was a raven perched on the sill.
"What is it!?!" The raven jumped into the air and with a puff of black feathers, Duvessa was human once more. She made a slight bow, her eyes locked on Hermione's. Her face grew bright as she smiled menacingly.
"Severus has the Potter boy and is on his way." She glanced quickly at Voldemort and then fixed her gaze on Hermione again. "Her eyes. Weren't they once brown?" Duvessa asked coyly, though she knew it was only the beginning. "What has happened to the child that has made them change to such a radiant gold?" Voldemort's face turned icy.
"I believe you already know the answer to that question. Who were her real parents? No Muggle-born would be able to emanate this type of innate magic." Duvessa shuffled uneasily.
"What do you mean, Who were her real parents?" Hermione finally spoke after her near hour of speechlessness. Voldemort and Duvessa both ignored her.
"My Lord, all that I am sure of is that she was left at the Grangers as an infant." She took a few steps forward into the light of the fire. "She is transforming to the power that she holds within and it should be complete by the new moon tomorrow night. Beware of your heart's sorrow girl or it could be the end of you."
Hermione took in a sharp breath.
"That was you! I heard a voice when you were screaming and now I know what it means!" Voldemort stared at Hermione. Her eyes began changing back to their creamy brown.
"Quit speaking cryptic girl! What do you know?" Voldemort shook her roughly and she fell into the chair. Hermione felt a fire course in her blood. Her sight was growing blurry. She closed her eyes, falling to the velvety blackness of her mind. Duvessa went in between Voldemort and Hermione as he stepped closer to the now sleeping girl.
"Lord Voldemort. The girl's strength is tapped by the amount of magic that is being released. May I return her to her room so she may rest?"
"Duvessa, go and find out who the girl's parents are and if I were to discover you have betrayed me in any way I will make sure your death is slow and agonizing." Duvessa was unable to look at Voldemort, but she could feel his red eyes bore into her skin exposing her every secret.
"And what of Hermione My Lord?"
"Leave her to me."
Duvessa watched Hermione's chest rise and fall in smooth, even breaths. She looked at Voldemort. Duvessa wasn't able to read his expression as he watched Hermione sleep, but whatever it was she didn't like it. Duvessa took one last look and left. While walking down the hall something occurred to her. Perhaps he knows the truth! What will happen to her? She thought, and she started to feel. For the first time in sixteen years. She felt love. Love for a child she barely knew and had every right to know.
[pic]
Voldemort stared fixedly at Hermione. He could feel the magic growing inside her. Voldemort gently slid his hands beneath her knees and head, lifting Hermione easily. He carried her over to the bed with extreme care. A grin lit her face as Voldemort lowered her onto the soft mattress. He brushed his thumb across her lips and was lost in the innocence she possessed. Something drew him to the girl. Something he had never felt before. He felt warm and empowered, but why did he feel it? He had long ago buried such weaknesses. How can this child bring them back? He wondered.
He bent down and tenderly kissed her. Her lips were warm and he closed his eyes drinking in the sensation. Suddenly Hermione reached up and put her arms around his neck. Voldemort opened his eyes with a start. She was still asleep, but she raised herself up to him and began kissing him back in the most passionate way. Voldemort held onto her, holding her in their embrace.
[pic]
The air was still. Nothing moved or made a sound, until a small pop. Severus Snape stood fifteen feet from the Riddle House. His cold features impassive. He watched as a shadow emerged from the mansion. It was running right towards him, but he didn't step or move out of the way. He just stood there. Duvessa stopped inches from him. Her face was wet with salty tears.
"Severus I must speak with you!" She said in choked breaths. "It is about the girl." He looked at her incredulously. "Please! Potter can hear as well since he has known her the longest and he has a right to know." She took a step closer and grabbed his arm pulling him towards the forest. "Not here. Harry, stay in Severus' pocket and don't come out whatever you do! Nagini is out tonight."
"How did you know he was in my robes?" Snape asked as they walked into the dense cluster of trees.
"He is upset about Hermione and you should remember that I normally feed off the pain people feel." She stopped and looked around, insuring Nagini was nowhere near them. "Now please don't ask questions until I have finished. I need to explain very quickly before anything else happens."
"Fine. Now what is this all about?!" He snarled.
"Hermione." Snape was about to ask her if she had flown off her rocker, but decided to let her speak. "Long ago I was a Fae woman and not this horrid creature. I was in love with an elf. Cryton, my life, and my love. We were happy and thought nothing would ever take us apart. Then Voldemort came into power and when Cryton refused to join, you killed him." Duvessa's voice broke at the memory and tears ran freely down her face. "When I heard of his death I was grief stricken and as you know, when a Fae loses her love she becomes a Banshee set upon her revenge. But there was one thing no one knew, not even Cryton. I was with child. I thought the child would have surely died from the change I went through, but she didn't and I gave birth to her as a Banshee." At this Snape's eyes widened . It was never heard of a Banshee conceiving before because a Banshee could hold no love and that is what a child needs the most. Duvessa began pacing.
"I know what your thinking. It's impossible! How could the babe survive? I knew that I could not give her the love a child needs to grow, so on my travel through England I found a woman who had just given birth. Unfortunately her child died moments after being brought into the world. So when the nurse left the crib I put Hermione in its place and the Grangers have raised her as their own all these years. They never knew she wasn't theirs and neither did she. But now the effects of her true blood are showing."
"What do you mean?" Severus asked still trying to take all of this in.
"Hermione shouldn't have survived and because of that her natural powers have laid dormant and will be far stronger. She has a power that I have never seen before, but somehow I know what is happening. By tomorrow night at the new moon she will transform her magic to a new level. There have already been some signs. They only show when she is feeling a strong emotion. Earlier she felt such a hate for Voldemort that her eyes changed gold and that would have been from Cryton. He always had the most beautiful eyes when he was angry."
For a moment Severus thought his eyes were deceiving him. Duvessa's hair was now brown with two streaks of silver down each side and her eyes had become a cinnamon color, just like Hermione's. And her skin had a slight hint of a gold sparkle. All in all she was more beautiful as a fairy than as a banshee.
"Duvessa, you've changed back!" Snape said incredulously. She looked down at her hands in amazement. Even her clothes changed to periwinkle blue robes with a black cord adorning her waist.
"It's part of her change. Hermione was a symbol of my love so as she changes, I change as well. I don't understand though. I shouldn't have changed completely back until she has felt someone's touch and she is asleep at this moment."
Could she be dreaming about it? Harry asked uncertainly.
"No, she has to feel it. Like a kiss or something else like that." She looked up at Snape, a look of terror upon her face. "Severus, go to the mansion and find Voldemort before anything happens to Hermione." Snape reached into to his pocket and grabbed Harry.
OUCH! He pulled him out and gave him to Duvessa.
"He won't kill her. She's far too valuable to him now." He said as he left the forest and raced towards the Riddle House.
"That's not what I'm afraid of." She said so softly Harry almost didn't hear her.
What are you afraid of?
"I'm afraid that Hermione will have to suffer the way I have all these years. She can't give into grief." She looked at Harry who was curled around her arm. "Does she have a love?"
No! She doesn't have time for that kind of thing. Hermione tends to enjoy books more than people. She even passed up a Bulgarian quiddicth player.
"Really? Now I know her heart can't be broken. At least for the time being. Harry, you must promise me you will protect her from such misery." She said in a whisper.
I promise. Hermione is my friend and I love her for the friendship she has given me. I wouldn't let anything happen to her. And with that they sat in silence, watching the figure of Severus Snape enter the house. The stars were fading; dawn would break soon, and that night Hermione would have to suffer another trial.
[pic]
Voldemort's hands roamed down Hermione's back. She shuddered. But it wasn't out of fear, or hate, but from pleasure instead. Who does she see in her sleep? Voldemort questioned himself. What boy has she given herself to in this way? Hermione pulled him closer to her devouring the taste of his mouth, her hands now entangling themselves in his hair. Voldemort was not aware of the figure slipping into the room. It shut the door quietly, not yet seeing the two on the bed.
Severus turned around and walked silently towards the four poster. Unprepared for what he was about to see.
"Hermione!" He yelled. She opened her eyes from hearing her name and practically screamed. She was in Lord Voldemort's arms and was kissing him. She pulled her mouth from his in panic. Voldemort smiled coldly.
"And what were we dreaming of?" He hissed still holding her. Hermione struggled against him. He let go and she fell to the bed trembling. "Severus, you really should knock." Snape fell to his knee like everyone else had that night.
"Forgive me Lord Voldemort, but when I received your message I hurried to be at your side." He glanced at Hermione who was fixing her robes that were slightly askew. What was she thinking?! Wait, she was asleep, she didn't know what she was doing. At least I got here in time before she lost more to Voldemort then she would have liked.
Hermione looked terrified and two streaks of silver began to cascade down her silky brown hair like Duvessa's. She must have known something was changing because she ran her hand down the silver. "May I enquire why this girl is here My Lord? She is nothing but a filthy know-it- all Mudblood." At this Hermione shot him a poisonous glare.
"You already know why she is here Severus. Do not act as if you don't! But, she has proven more useful than to just lure Potter to me." At this Voldemort turned to Hermione with hunger in his eyes. "And it seems she is not muggle-born after all. She is something else." Hermione was looking from Voldemort to Snape not able to fully understand exactly what was going on.
"What is she then?" Snape asked fully aware of Hermione's true identity.
"Now, that is the question at hand! I know she is a half breed, part elven." Hermione looked at him shocked. " Her eyes changed to gold because of her hate. You should really learn to control your anger my dear." He said turning to Hermione and he touched one of the streaks of silver that now highlighted her hair. "What made your hair change? Your passion for me?" He said laughing at her.
"I would rather bed a blast end skerwt than you!" She made to strike him but he caught her hand in midair. Snape gasped as Voldemort kissed her again. I can't believe it! Granger has Lord Voldemort in her thrall. Arrgh, I think I'm going to be ill! But Severus' thoughts were broken. Hermione had bitten Voldemort's lip and a line of blood trailed down his chin. He didn't strike her, or curse her, as Snape thought he would. He merely wiped the blood from his mouth and laughed. Then looked at Snape and disappointment filled his expression.
"Where is Harry? Duvessa said you had him."
"He is hiding in the forest Lord Voldemort. I have not yet retrieved him from there." Snape hoped that Voldemort had not seen through this since it was not entirely a lie.
"Very well." He said contently. " Severus take her and find her some suitable clothing. Her powers will be reaching maturity tonight." He said as ropes flew from his wand that he had somehow gotten out without Hermione noticing. They wrapped around her wrists, squeezing her hands together painfully.
"Yes My Lord." And then Voldemort was gone in a small puff of green smoke. With Voldemort gone Hermione started to cry, forgetting Snape was still there. He got up and walked over to her.
"Ms. Granger are you alright?" He asked brushing away a few strands of her hair. She jumped at his touch. Hermione stared at him. Her hate building in her eyes. "I know what you're thinking and I did not betray you or Professor Dumbledore. I can't explain it right now. And Harry is fine. As we speak he is with your mother. Your real mother." He said silkily.
"I don't believe you!" She said scowling at him.
"You better! Because at the moment I'm your only hope." He said with a cruel smile that she had seen so often in class. "And what were you doing kissing Lord Voldemort?" His smiled broadened as Hermione turned deathly pale.
"I didn't know I was!" She screamed at him and tears started to run down her face.
"Who did you think he was?" Snape asked in a softer tone.
"That is none of your business."
"Fine. Well, I should take you to get changed." He said and pulled her to her feet by the ropes that bound her hands.
"I knew I couldn't trust you!"
"Harry and I have a plan to get you back to Hogwarts but it is going to have to wait until tonight when Duvessa can show you how to use your new powers without killing one of us."
"What does that Banshee have to do with this?!"
"Everything. She is your mother Hermione." Hermione was taken aback. She couldn't hear or feel anything for a while. When she finally snapped out of it, they were in another room entirely.
This one had stone walls like the others, but no bed was in here. There was an oak wardrobe on one wall instead and a dressing screen in one corner that was covered in sheer black material. One tapestry hung on the farthest wall. Two unicorns were battling each other. No fireplace was in the room, but there were sconces. Each lit with a type of blue fire, that Hermione herself was very good at creating. She giggled to herself remembering the time she had set fire to Professor Snape, who was no longer near her. Where did he go? Hermione turned on her heel and saw him by the wardrobe.
"What are you doing?" She demanded.
"Getting you a change of clothes. What does it look like I'm doing?" He said as he rummaged through things. "We have to play along with Lord Voldemort for now." He turned around and had a dark green dress in his hands. "And I thought you were the greatest witch of your generation. Shouldn't you be able to understand all this."
"I am, I think. I guess it depends." She said shrugging her shoulders. Snape's eyes fell to her left shoulder.
"What happened to your shoulder? Why are your robes torn?" He asked as he walked up to her already fearing the answer.
"I called Voldemort a few names and he slashed my shoulder." She said with a grimace as she remembered the cold steel ripping her flesh.
"He healed you?" He asked in disbelief.
"Not until after he drove his fingers into my shoulder. And being healed was almost as painful." Hermione tried to smile, but she wasn't able to.
"Finite Incantatumum." The ropes fell from Hermione's wrists and she rubbed them gently. "Here. You better change." He said handing her the dress. "Whenever you're with Voldemort try to not appeal to him."
"Why are you being so nice to me?" Snape looked almost wounded.
"Why does it matter?" He snapped. Hermione turned and walked behind the screen. Snape watched her walk behind it, his arms crossed over his chest. Suddenly Hermione's robes fell off her body. Snape whirled on his heel, blushing madly. The material was as sheer as it looked and she didn't have that much on underneath her Hogwarts uniform.
Hermione finished lacing up the back of the dress. It was quite beautiful. It was a medieval style with silver cord running along the bust and the tops of the puffed shoulders. It seemed to hug her body in the all the right places. She unfolded one of the dagged sleeves and put a silver belt on her slim waist that had been hanging on the screen. Her black robes were lying on the floor. Hermione didn't really care much about those anymore. She ran her hand through her hair and saw the shimmer of silver that hadn't left. Oh well. I guess I'll get used to it. She stepped out from behind the screen and saw that Snape's back was to her.
She cleared her throat and he turned around. His cheeks were still slightly flushed, which gave his normally pale face an unusual glow. He looked stunned.
"What?" She asked seeing his look.
"Nothing." He said with a faint smile on his face. "You look radiant." Where did that come from? Hermione blushed. She wasn't used to getting compliments. Especially from Professor Snape. "I need to get you back, but before I do I need to contact Professor Dumbledore."
[pic]
Dumbledore sat in his office staring at the fire. Something wasn't right, he could feel it. Severus should have returned by now. He was a capable man and Dumbledore knew he wouldn't do anything to harm Harry or Hermione, though he did dislike them both. Dumbledore smiled to himself. He could just see them feuding all the way there and back. A small pop sounded in the fireplace and Severus came into view.
"Severus, I was just thinking about you. Is everything alright?" He asked as he studied the grim look upon Severus' face.
"No Headmaster and I don't have much time to talk."
Dumbledore sat and listened to the tale of events that has happened. Nodding now and then with his hand on his chin.
"That doesn't sound right." Dumbledore said giving his bread a small scratch. "How is Hermione handling all of this?"
"Very well, but she is having a hard time with understanding she is not who she believed she has been for the last sixteen years."
"That's expected. Severus you have to get Harry and Hermione back here at any cost. Minerva and I will meet you in Hogsmeade in case you need any help." The image of Snape started to waver. "Oh, and Severus. Be careful."
"I will Headmaster." And then he was gone.
Dumbledore got out of his chair and snapped his fingers. Instantly he was right outside McGonagall's bedroom door. He rapped lightly and she appeared in front of him. Her hair was no longer in a bun. Instead it was cascaded down her body stopping right above her waist. She was still in her black robes and looked surprised to see him.
"Albus. What's the matter?"
[pic]
"So, how are we suppose to get to Hogsmeade without Voldemort knowing?" Hermione asked as Snape stood up.
"We'll apparate." He said blankly.
"How? Won't we end up in little pieces?" She said making a little gesture with her hands.
"No, not if you know what you're doing! It will tax some of my strength though." He said more gently. "Come along Ms. Granger, we don't have any time to waste. I can't apparate until we're outside. Voldemort has too many wards on this house." He grabbed Hermione's hand and felt a warmth pulse through him. He stared at her finally understanding why he felt that way.
"What's wrong Professor?" He shook his head and released her hand. Immediately the sensation left.
"What ever you do, do not touch any men."
"Why?" She questioned looking a little scared.
"Because they will be drawn to you like Voldemort has been. You're able to have love given to you by your touch, which is very unusual. Even for a fae." She looked confused, but nodded. "Okay. Now follow closely." He pointed his wand at her hands and ropes bound them. She looked up at him with extreme fury. "We have to keep up appearances."
"Fine, but I don't have to like it!" Severus reached out and grabbed the ropes. He then pulled her out of the room. Hermione stumbled a bit, but she was able to recover quickly.
They walked down several hallways that turned into another and another. Finally they reached a hallway Hermione remembered. They stopped in front of the door to Voldemort's room. Hermione's breathing became shallow and faster. Her heart was pounding so hard she thought it would burst from her chest. She was afraid. She wasn't afraid of death, nor torture. She was afraid that Voldemort would kiss her again. That was more than enough of a torture for her. I wonder what Harry and Ron will say when I tell them? They'll flip their lids! Hermione giggled.
"What is so funny?"
"I was just thinking of what Harry and Ron will say when I tell them I was snogging with Lord Voldemort." She stopped giggling. "Oh, I am never going to get rid of that image!"
"Be quiet! Finite Incantatumum!" He whispered harshly. Snape knocked on the door and it swung open slowly. Voldemort was sitting in one of the red chairs and was talking to Nagini from the sounds of it. They walked in the room and he let go of the rope. Hermione just stood there looking at the wall trying not to remember the feel of his lips on hers. Absentmindedly she wiped her mouth. Voldemort looked up at Hermione and smiled a cruel smile with that look of hunger in his eyes again. He stood up and walked to her and reached out to touch her hair. Hermione took a step back remembering what Professor Snape had said. Unfortunately Voldemort was the one in power and seized her arm pulling her to him. Snape started to take a step forward, but stopped. He would be of no help to her if he were dead.
"Don't touch me!" She yelled trying to pull away. He put his arm around her waist, bringing her closer to him.
"You seemed to enjoy it not long ago."
"That was because I thought you were someone else!" Who was he? I can't remember. "You're a snake!" She snarled.
"Flattery will get you nowhere." Voldemort laughed at her. Severus stood rigid as Hermione looked at him. Her eyes pleading for him to help her. It was painful and he had to look away. Just then someone came into the room.
" Lucius? Why are you here?" Snape asked calmly though he was wishing to wring his neck.
"Draco is becoming one of us tonight." He said coldly. Voldemort was now holding Hermione by one arm looking at Lucius with amusement.
"Lucius," he hissed, " who do you think this is?" Voldemort asked as he pushed Hermione into his arms. She tripped and he caught her before she hit the ground. He tilted her head up so he could see Hermione's face better.
"It's the mudblood!" It was more of a whisper than anything else. "She cleans up nicely for a muggle-born." He said a little louder.
"Ahh, but that is where you are wrong! She isn't a mudblood at all. She's part elven and I believe she is also fae." Lucius looked dubious.
"How is that possible? And why hasn't she shown any signs of her heritage?"
"She has though. They were awakened when she was brought to me. As to how...that I am not sure of, but Duvessa shall return soon with that information." He moved back to the chair and lifted Nagini. She moved up his arm to his neck.
"Her powers will be complete tonight and then perhaps I shall give her to your son. A mix breed such as her will have the benefits of both races." Lucius smiled at Hermione, which made her want to get as far away from him as possible.
"I am not a possession! You can not give me to anyone!" Hermione yelled at them, jumping slightly at the sound of her own voice. Voldemort stepped beside her and ran his forefinger down her cheek.
"You are now." He said taking his hand away. "I could always keep you myself." "I would rather die!" Her voiced trembled.
"Take her outside. Severus you may go as well." Snape and Malfoy both made a half bow and left the room with Hermione in tow.
They were outside and the sun looked like it would be setting soon. Hermione looked around the court again. It had been at least a day since she was outside. It was the same except there was no circle of Death Eaters, just a lone figure with its back turned. Hermione knew almost instantly that it was Draco. He was about the same height as Harry and no one else would have the gall to be here. He turned around and his silver- blonde hair fell into his grey-blue eyes. Hermione thought that he actually looked pleased to see her and then she remembered what she was wearing. With the way the dress was cut most of Hermione's chest was exposed and she couldn't cover up.
"Father." Draco inclined his head slightly. His eyes wandered from the bottom of Hermione's dress to the silver in her hair. "Granger! You almost look like a lady and what have you done to your hair?" He began laughing. Hermione felt a surge of anger and her eyes changed from gold and then back to brown.
"Shut up Malfoy!" She said his name as if it were a curse.
"Now that is no way to talk to your new master!" Lucius whispered, but loud enough for Draco to hear. He looked stunned but satisfied somehow. Lucius then threw Hermione towards him. Draco snapped out of it a caught her.
"I feel like I'm in a damn pinball machine!" She said indignantly. Draco looked down at her, a quizzical look on his face and a firm grip around her waist. "Let go of me!"
"Why should I?" He asked angelically.
"Because if you don't you might try to kiss me and I had quite enough of that from Voldemort!" He looked up at Lucius who looked just as shocked.
"He kissed you?"
"Yes, several times in fact." She said with a weird little smile. " NOW LET GO!" Draco started laughing again and Lucius joined in. "What are you laughing at?!"
" I'm part veela, so you're charms have no effect on me!" Hermione felt relieved and worried at the same time. "Granger you don't have to fear me kissing you. Unless I chose to." He bent down to kiss her and SMACK ! Hermione slapped him right across his left cheek. Lucius and Snape began to snicker as his face became a light color of pink.
"You better watch out for that elven temper Draco." Lucius laughed at him. " She might try to bite you next." Snape was laughing harder now as Draco let go of Hermione. she stood in the middle of the three of them like a tiger poised to strike whoever came near enough.
"I warned you, you stupid git!" Hermione felt a strange fire run through her unexpectedly. She fell to her knees and looked to the sky. The sun was beginning to set. An incredible pain shot through her body. She doubled over hitting the ground hard.
"I'll get Lord Voldemort!" Lucius exclaimed and went to the house in a hurry. Hermione's vision was starting to blur again. Snape was sitting on the ground next to her. He lifted her head into his lap and brushed her hair from her face. Sweat was beading on her forehead. She could faintly hear Snape and Draco talking over her.
"Why did she collapse like that?"
"She's not use to the amount of magic that's being unshackled within her body."
" Leave it to Granger to be dramatic."
And then there was a comforting blackness.
[pic]
Duvessa jumped up from the ground. Harry raised his head in alarm.
What's wrong?
"Draco Malfoy has just apparated into the clearing, but where is Lucius?" She looked around for a minute and gasped.
What?
"I know why he isn't there with Draco."
Why? Oh forget it! I'll find out for myself! But before Duvessa could protest Harry had changed back into himself. He gawked at the sight that he saw.
"Is that Hermione?" His jaw nearly fell to the floor. "Wow! Hey, why is Lucius dragging her over to Draco?"
"I don't know, but I can tell you that Hermione is really angry though." Harry looked up at her in surprise.
"How do you know that?" Harry asked quizzically. Duvessa smiled at him.
"Because her eyes just changed to a gold color." Harry started to laugh when he heard Hermione as she was thrown to Draco. "What?"
"She just said that she felt like she was in a pinball machine."
"So."
"It's a muggle game. You have this little ball that you bounce around inside and try to get it into little holes and things." Harry explained. Duvessa looked as though she didn't understand what he was saying. "Oh never mind."
"It's a good thing Draco and Lucius are part veela because if they weren't Hermione would be very unhappy." Duvessa watched as Draco bent down to kiss her.
"I wouldn't do that if I were him!" Smack, "That had to hurt. Last time she did that he didn't look at her for a week." Harry was now rolling on the ground laughing.
"She's hit Draco Malfoy before?"
"Yep! It was hilarious. I will treasure that moment always. I never thought she'd do it again though, since at the time she was stressed out because of the time turner." Duvessa was about to ask another question when she heard Lucius yell something about Lord Voldemort. She snapped her head back to the scene before her. Hermione had collapsed on the ground.
"Harry stay here! I have to go help Severus with Hermione, he has no idea what he's doing." Harry sat down and waved her to leave.
Duvessa picked up her robes and ran over to Snape who was holding Hermione's head in his lap. Severus, you should know not to touch her! She was almost there! If only she could make it before the effect took place. Duvessa noticed that his cheeks were slightly flushed, but he was concentrating hard on making sure she was okay. His hands were trembling.
"Severus! Let go of her she'll be fine!" Snape looked up and a sense of relief took over his expression as he lowered her gently to the ground. Duvessa dropped down by Hermione.
"Remember your life as it should have been, as my family and my kin." Hermione whispered.
"What?" Draco asked.
"Be quiet boy!" Duvessa hissed. Draco looked ready to kill.
"How dare you-" He was silenced by a wave of Severus' hand. Suddenly Hermione opened her eyes and gripped Duvessa's arm.
"Why?" She sobbed. " Why did he have to die?" Just then Voldemort and Lucius were standing over them.
"My Lord." Duvessa said cradling Hermione who was crying. "Hermione is beginning the ankhki. The magic is wild and can become very painful." She was right. Hermione felt as though there was a fire raging in her body.
She couldn't stand the pain. A thousand knives pierced her being and left nothing but emptiness. Her crying turned to screams. Her hands tightened on Duvessa.
"Please make it stop!" She shrieked.
"Sshhh, it will be over soon. Once the moon is in its place in the sky."
Voldemort, Lucius, Severus and Draco walked away from them. Severus and Lucius stood behind Draco as he kneeled. Voldemort pulled forward his left arm and moved his sleeve back. His hands were deathly cold.
"Draco, do you understand that once this mark is burned into your flesh you belong to me?" He nodded. "I can give you great power if you are loyal to me, but if your loyalty wavers I shall kill you myself and it will not be as quick as the Avada Kedavra curse."
"I understand." Draco said quietly.
"Very well. Bruniate Inmarcatus!" Draco screamed out, but he was not alone. Not but ten feet away Hermione had done the same as the moon set in the nights sky. Their screams died in a matter of seconds, though it hung in the air much longer. Voldemort dropped his arm. "Now Draco you may claim your prize. She is bound to you for now. Lucius watch them. I shall return soon." And Voldemort left in another puff of green smoke.
Draco got up and walked slowly to Hermione. She was resting against Duvessa, her breathing fast and uneasy. He stopped. Someone was holding him back. He looked at his arm and saw Professor Snape's hand. His gaze followed up his arm and he looked him in the eyes.
"Give her a moment. She's still weak from all the power." His face was stern and unmoving.
"She belongs to me now Professor, and I can do what I please." He wrenched his arm from his grasp.
"She can't control it yet and if you anger her, you may become a pile of dust!"
"Draco! He's right. Give the banshee time to help her control her new magic." Lucius smiled malevolently. "Then you can do whatever you wish to her."
"Can you stand?" Hermione nodded weakly and Duvessa helped her to her feet.
"Hermione." Duvessa whispered. "What are you feeling?"
"A fire. Burning deep inside of me." She said looking at the ground, feeling very tipsy.
"Try to release the fire." Duvessa said soothingly.
"I can't! I can feel it, but I can't touch it."
"That's okay. Try thinking of something that reminds you of joy and happiness and let it out." Duvessa stepped away from her.
Hermione closed her eyes and started to concentrate. What reminds me of joy and happiness? My friends, Harry. He always tries to make others happy even if he isn't. Hermione pulled every emotion she had into thinking about Harry. She could feel the heat work its way through her body, then it stopped. At first nothing appeared and then a light began glowing around her. It was green and then gold.
"Good!" Snap! Duvessa looked to the forest and saw Harry walking towards them. "Hermione STOP!" She opened her eyes and the light extinguished, but it was too late. Lucius had seen Harry.
"Stupefy!" Lucius bellowed. Harry was hit in the chest.
"HARRY!" The power of Hermione's cry knocked Lucius off his feet, and he landed on the ground with a hard thud. Hermione ran over to Harry, with Duvessa not far behind. They both fell next to his stiff body. "Mother, you have to apparate Harry to Hogsmeade."
"I can't, leave you." Duvessa protested.
"Please! Professor Dumbledore will be waiting and Professor Snape will take me there as soon as we have a chance!" A single tear ran down Duvessa's face as she put her hands on Harry's chest and they vanished. Lucius had recovered from his fall and grabbed Hermione, pulling her to her feet. Both Snape and Draco came to his side.
"The power has gone to your head. Disobeying Lord Voldemort like that."
"I do not serve him. Lord Voldemort is weakened by me!" Hermione growled.
"Then I will have to teach you to be obedient and to hold that ill tongue of yours!" Lucius let go of her arm and pointed his wand at her heart. "Cru-"
"Lucius don't!" Snape shouted taking hold of his wand. " If you put the Cruciatus Curse on her now she will die and will be of no use to us. I am sure Lord Voldemort would be quite livid with you as well. He may have given her to Draco, but that doesn't mean he has lost his interest." Snape pushed his hand down. " And there are other ways to teach a lesson."
"You are not what you seem." Hermione tugged her arm, trying to release herself. Her now gold eyes flickered with the look disgust.
My Lord? Duvessa's soft voice trailed into the room. Hermione glanced at the door, but it was still shut. She looked to the fireplace where the fire burned brightly. Duvessa's image wasn't there. Voldemort was looking over her shoulder and Hermione followed his gaze to one of the walls that was still shrouded in darkness. A small green light shown off something. A pane of glass? Yes that's what it was, and there was a raven perched on the sill.
"What is it!?!" The raven jumped into the air and with a puff of black feathers, Duvessa was human once more. She made a slight bow, her eyes locked on Hermione's. Her face grew bright as she smiled menacingly.
"Severus has the Potter boy and is on his way." She glanced quickly at Voldemort and then fixed her gaze on Hermione again. "Her eyes. Weren't they once brown?" Duvessa asked coyly, though she knew it was only the beginning. "What has happened to the child that has made them change to such a radiant gold?" Voldemort's face turned icy.
"I believe you already know the answer to that question. Who were her real parents? No Muggle-born would be able to emanate this type of innate magic." Duvessa shuffled uneasily.
"What do you mean, Who were her real parents?" Hermione finally spoke after her near hour of speechlessness. Voldemort and Duvessa both ignored her.
"My Lord, all that I am sure of is that she was left at the Grangers as an infant." She took a few steps forward into the light of the fire. "She is transforming to the power that she holds within and it should be complete by the new moon tomorrow night. Beware of your heart's sorrow girl or it could be the end of you."
Hermione took in a sharp breath.
"That was you! I heard a voice when you were screaming and now I know what it means!" Voldemort stared at Hermione. Her eyes began changing back to their creamy brown.
"Quit speaking cryptic girl! What do you know?" Voldemort shook her roughly and she fell into the chair. Hermione felt a fire course in her blood. Her sight was growing blurry. She closed her eyes, falling to the velvety blackness of her mind. Duvessa went in between Voldemort and Hermione as he stepped closer to the now sleeping girl.
"Lord Voldemort. The girl's strength is tapped by the amount of magic that is being released. May I return her to her room so she may rest?"
"Duvessa, go and find out who the girl's parents are and if I were to discover you have betrayed me in any way I will make sure your death is slow and agonizing." Duvessa was unable to look at Voldemort, but she could feel his red eyes bore into her skin exposing her every secret.
"And what of Hermione My Lord?"
"Leave her to me."
Duvessa watched Hermione's chest rise and fall in smooth, even breaths. She looked at Voldemort. Duvessa wasn't able to read his expression as he watched Hermione sleep, but whatever it was she didn't like it. Duvessa took one last look and left. While walking down the hall something occurred to her. Perhaps he knows the truth! What will happen to her? She thought, and she started to feel. For the first time in sixteen years. She felt love. Love for a child she barely knew and had every right to know.
[pic]
Voldemort stared fixedly at Hermione. He could feel the magic growing inside her. Voldemort gently slid his hands beneath her knees and head, lifting Hermione easily. He carried her over to the bed with extreme care. A grin lit her face as Voldemort lowered her onto the soft mattress. He brushed his thumb across her lips and was lost in the innocence she possessed. Something drew him to the girl. Something he had never felt before. He felt warm and empowered, but why did he feel it? He had long ago buried such weaknesses. How can this child bring them back? He wondered.
He bent down and tenderly kissed her. Her lips were warm and he closed his eyes drinking in the sensation. Suddenly Hermione reached up and put her arms around his neck. Voldemort opened his eyes with a start. She was still asleep, but she raised herself up to him and began kissing him back in the most passionate way. Voldemort held onto her, holding her in their embrace.
[pic]
The air was still. Nothing moved or made a sound, until a small pop. Severus Snape stood fifteen feet from the Riddle House. His cold features impassive. He watched as a shadow emerged from the mansion. It was running right towards him, but he didn't step or move out of the way. He just stood there. Duvessa stopped inches from him. Her face was wet with salty tears.
"Severus I must speak with you!" She said in choked breaths. "It is about the girl." He looked at her incredulously. "Please! Potter can hear as well since he has known her the longest and he has a right to know." She took a step closer and grabbed his arm pulling him towards the forest. "Not here. Harry, stay in Severus' pocket and don't come out whatever you do! Nagini is out tonight."
"How did you know he was in my robes?" Snape asked as they walked into the dense cluster of trees.
"He is upset about Hermione and you should remember that I normally feed off the pain people feel." She stopped and looked around, insuring Nagini was nowhere near them. "Now please don't ask questions until I have finished. I need to explain very quickly before anything else happens."
"Fine. Now what is this all about?!" He snarled.
"Hermione." Snape was about to ask her if she had flown off her rocker, but decided to let her speak. "Long ago I was a Fae woman and not this horrid creature. I was in love with an elf. Cryton, my life, and my love. We were happy and thought nothing would ever take us apart. Then Voldemort came into power and when Cryton refused to join, you killed him." Duvessa's voice broke at the memory and tears ran freely down her face. "When I heard of his death I was grief stricken and as you know, when a Fae loses her love she becomes a Banshee set upon her revenge. But there was one thing no one knew, not even Cryton. I was with child. I thought the child would have surely died from the change I went through, but she didn't and I gave birth to her as a Banshee." At this Snape's eyes widened . It was never heard of a Banshee conceiving before because a Banshee could hold no love and that is what a child needs the most. Duvessa began pacing.
"I know what your thinking. It's impossible! How could the babe survive? I knew that I could not give her the love a child needs to grow, so on my travel through England I found a woman who had just given birth. Unfortunately her child died moments after being brought into the world. So when the nurse left the crib I put Hermione in its place and the Grangers have raised her as their own all these years. They never knew she wasn't theirs and neither did she. But now the effects of her true blood are showing."
"What do you mean?" Severus asked still trying to take all of this in.
"Hermione shouldn't have survived and because of that her natural powers have laid dormant and will be far stronger. She has a power that I have never seen before, but somehow I know what is happening. By tomorrow night at the new moon she will transform her magic to a new level. There have already been some signs. They only show when she is feeling a strong emotion. Earlier she felt such a hate for Voldemort that her eyes changed gold and that would have been from Cryton. He always had the most beautiful eyes when he was angry."
For a moment Severus thought his eyes were deceiving him. Duvessa's hair was now brown with two streaks of silver down each side and her eyes had become a cinnamon color, just like Hermione's. And her skin had a slight hint of a gold sparkle. All in all she was more beautiful as a fairy than as a banshee.
"Duvessa, you've changed back!" Snape said incredulously. She looked down at her hands in amazement. Even her clothes changed to periwinkle blue robes with a black cord adorning her waist.
"It's part of her change. Hermione was a symbol of my love so as she changes, I change as well. I don't understand though. I shouldn't have changed completely back until she has felt someone's touch and she is asleep at this moment."
Could she be dreaming about it? Harry asked uncertainly.
"No, she has to feel it. Like a kiss or something else like that." She looked up at Snape, a look of terror upon her face. "Severus, go to the mansion and find Voldemort before anything happens to Hermione." Snape reached into to his pocket and grabbed Harry.
OUCH! He pulled him out and gave him to Duvessa.
"He won't kill her. She's far too valuable to him now." He said as he left the forest and raced towards the Riddle House.
"That's not what I'm afraid of." She said so softly Harry almost didn't hear her.
What are you afraid of?
"I'm afraid that Hermione will have to suffer the way I have all these years. She can't give into grief." She looked at Harry who was curled around her arm. "Does she have a love?"
No! She doesn't have time for that kind of thing. Hermione tends to enjoy books more than people. She even passed up a Bulgarian quiddicth player.
"Really? Now I know her heart can't be broken. At least for the time being. Harry, you must promise me you will protect her from such misery." She said in a whisper.
I promise. Hermione is my friend and I love her for the friendship she has given me. I wouldn't let anything happen to her. And with that they sat in silence, watching the figure of Severus Snape enter the house. The stars were fading; dawn would break soon, and that night Hermione would have to suffer another trial.
[pic]
Voldemort's hands roamed down Hermione's back. She shuddered. But it wasn't out of fear, or hate, but from pleasure instead. Who does she see in her sleep? Voldemort questioned himself. What boy has she given herself to in this way? Hermione pulled him closer to her devouring the taste of his mouth, her hands now entangling themselves in his hair. Voldemort was not aware of the figure slipping into the room. It shut the door quietly, not yet seeing the two on the bed.
Severus turned around and walked silently towards the four poster. Unprepared for what he was about to see.
"Hermione!" He yelled. She opened her eyes from hearing her name and practically screamed. She was in Lord Voldemort's arms and was kissing him. She pulled her mouth from his in panic. Voldemort smiled coldly.
"And what were we dreaming of?" He hissed still holding her. Hermione struggled against him. He let go and she fell to the bed trembling. "Severus, you really should knock." Snape fell to his knee like everyone else had that night.
"Forgive me Lord Voldemort, but when I received your message I hurried to be at your side." He glanced at Hermione who was fixing her robes that were slightly askew. What was she thinking?! Wait, she was asleep, she didn't know what she was doing. At least I got here in time before she lost more to Voldemort then she would have liked.
Hermione looked terrified and two streaks of silver began to cascade down her silky brown hair like Duvessa's. She must have known something was changing because she ran her hand down the silver. "May I enquire why this girl is here My Lord? She is nothing but a filthy know-it- all Mudblood." At this Hermione shot him a poisonous glare.
"You already know why she is here Severus. Do not act as if you don't! But, she has proven more useful than to just lure Potter to me." At this Voldemort turned to Hermione with hunger in his eyes. "And it seems she is not muggle-born after all. She is something else." Hermione was looking from Voldemort to Snape not able to fully understand exactly what was going on.
"What is she then?" Snape asked fully aware of Hermione's true identity.
"Now, that is the question at hand! I know she is a half breed, part elven." Hermione looked at him shocked. " Her eyes changed to gold because of her hate. You should really learn to control your anger my dear." He said turning to Hermione and he touched one of the streaks of silver that now highlighted her hair. "What made your hair change? Your passion for me?" He said laughing at her.
"I would rather bed a blast end skerwt than you!" She made to strike him but he caught her hand in midair. Snape gasped as Voldemort kissed her again. I can't believe it! Granger has Lord Voldemort in her thrall. Arrgh, I think I'm going to be ill! But Severus' thoughts were broken. Hermione had bitten Voldemort's lip and a line of blood trailed down his chin. He didn't strike her, or curse her, as Snape thought he would. He merely wiped the blood from his mouth and laughed. Then looked at Snape and disappointment filled his expression.
"Where is Harry? Duvessa said you had him."
"He is hiding in the forest Lord Voldemort. I have not yet retrieved him from there." Snape hoped that Voldemort had not seen through this since it was not entirely a lie.
"Very well." He said contently. " Severus take her and find her some suitable clothing. Her powers will be reaching maturity tonight." He said as ropes flew from his wand that he had somehow gotten out without Hermione noticing. They wrapped around her wrists, squeezing her hands together painfully.
"Yes My Lord." And then Voldemort was gone in a small puff of green smoke. With Voldemort gone Hermione started to cry, forgetting Snape was still there. He got up and walked over to her.
"Ms. Granger are you alright?" He asked brushing away a few strands of her hair. She jumped at his touch. Hermione stared at him. Her hate building in her eyes. "I know what you're thinking and I did not betray you or Professor Dumbledore. I can't explain it right now. And Harry is fine. As we speak he is with your mother. Your real mother." He said silkily.
"I don't believe you!" She said scowling at him.
"You better! Because at the moment I'm your only hope." He said with a cruel smile that she had seen so often in class. "And what were you doing kissing Lord Voldemort?" His smiled broadened as Hermione turned deathly pale.
"I didn't know I was!" She screamed at him and tears started to run down her face.
"Who did you think he was?" Snape asked in a softer tone.
"That is none of your business."
"Fine. Well, I should take you to get changed." He said and pulled her to her feet by the ropes that bound her hands.
"I knew I couldn't trust you!"
"Harry and I have a plan to get you back to Hogwarts but it is going to have to wait until tonight when Duvessa can show you how to use your new powers without killing one of us."
"What does that Banshee have to do with this?!"
"Everything. She is your mother Hermione." Hermione was taken aback. She couldn't hear or feel anything for a while. When she finally snapped out of it, they were in another room entirely.
This one had stone walls like the others, but no bed was in here. There was an oak wardrobe on one wall instead and a dressing screen in one corner that was covered in sheer black material. One tapestry hung on the farthest wall. Two unicorns were battling each other. No fireplace was in the room, but there were sconces. Each lit with a type of blue fire, that Hermione herself was very good at creating. She giggled to herself remembering the time she had set fire to Professor Snape, who was no longer near her. Where did he go? Hermione turned on her heel and saw him by the wardrobe.
"What are you doing?" She demanded.
"Getting you a change of clothes. What does it look like I'm doing?" He said as he rummaged through things. "We have to play along with Lord Voldemort for now." He turned around and had a dark green dress in his hands. "And I thought you were the greatest witch of your generation. Shouldn't you be able to understand all this."
"I am, I think. I guess it depends." She said shrugging her shoulders. Snape's eyes fell to her left shoulder.
"What happened to your shoulder? Why are your robes torn?" He asked as he walked up to her already fearing the answer.
"I called Voldemort a few names and he slashed my shoulder." She said with a grimace as she remembered the cold steel ripping her flesh.
"He healed you?" He asked in disbelief.
"Not until after he drove his fingers into my shoulder. And being healed was almost as painful." Hermione tried to smile, but she wasn't able to.
"Finite Incantatumum." The ropes fell from Hermione's wrists and she rubbed them gently. "Here. You better change." He said handing her the dress. "Whenever you're with Voldemort try to not appeal to him."
"Why are you being so nice to me?" Snape looked almost wounded.
"Why does it matter?" He snapped. Hermione turned and walked behind the screen. Snape watched her walk behind it, his arms crossed over his chest. Suddenly Hermione's robes fell off her body. Snape whirled on his heel, blushing madly. The material was as sheer as it looked and she didn't have that much on underneath her Hogwarts uniform.
Hermione finished lacing up the back of the dress. It was quite beautiful. It was a medieval style with silver cord running along the bust and the tops of the puffed shoulders. It seemed to hug her body in the all the right places. She unfolded one of the dagged sleeves and put a silver belt on her slim waist that had been hanging on the screen. Her black robes were lying on the floor. Hermione didn't really care much about those anymore. She ran her hand through her hair and saw the shimmer of silver that hadn't left. Oh well. I guess I'll get used to it. She stepped out from behind the screen and saw that Snape's back was to her.
She cleared her throat and he turned around. His cheeks were still slightly flushed, which gave his normally pale face an unusual glow. He looked stunned.
"What?" She asked seeing his look.
"Nothing." He said with a faint smile on his face. "You look radiant." Where did that come from? Hermione blushed. She wasn't used to getting compliments. Especially from Professor Snape. "I need to get you back, but before I do I need to contact Professor Dumbledore."
[pic]
Dumbledore sat in his office staring at the fire. Something wasn't right, he could feel it. Severus should have returned by now. He was a capable man and Dumbledore knew he wouldn't do anything to harm Harry or Hermione, though he did dislike them both. Dumbledore smiled to himself. He could just see them feuding all the way there and back. A small pop sounded in the fireplace and Severus came into view.
"Severus, I was just thinking about you. Is everything alright?" He asked as he studied the grim look upon Severus' face.
"No Headmaster and I don't have much time to talk."
Dumbledore sat and listened to the tale of events that has happened. Nodding now and then with his hand on his chin.
"That doesn't sound right." Dumbledore said giving his bread a small scratch. "How is Hermione handling all of this?"
"Very well, but she is having a hard time with understanding she is not who she believed she has been for the last sixteen years."
"That's expected. Severus you have to get Harry and Hermione back here at any cost. Minerva and I will meet you in Hogsmeade in case you need any help." The image of Snape started to waver. "Oh, and Severus. Be careful."
"I will Headmaster." And then he was gone.
Dumbledore got out of his chair and snapped his fingers. Instantly he was right outside McGonagall's bedroom door. He rapped lightly and she appeared in front of him. Her hair was no longer in a bun. Instead it was cascaded down her body stopping right above her waist. She was still in her black robes and looked surprised to see him.
"Albus. What's the matter?"
[pic]
"So, how are we suppose to get to Hogsmeade without Voldemort knowing?" Hermione asked as Snape stood up.
"We'll apparate." He said blankly.
"How? Won't we end up in little pieces?" She said making a little gesture with her hands.
"No, not if you know what you're doing! It will tax some of my strength though." He said more gently. "Come along Ms. Granger, we don't have any time to waste. I can't apparate until we're outside. Voldemort has too many wards on this house." He grabbed Hermione's hand and felt a warmth pulse through him. He stared at her finally understanding why he felt that way.
"What's wrong Professor?" He shook his head and released her hand. Immediately the sensation left.
"What ever you do, do not touch any men."
"Why?" She questioned looking a little scared.
"Because they will be drawn to you like Voldemort has been. You're able to have love given to you by your touch, which is very unusual. Even for a fae." She looked confused, but nodded. "Okay. Now follow closely." He pointed his wand at her hands and ropes bound them. She looked up at him with extreme fury. "We have to keep up appearances."
"Fine, but I don't have to like it!" Severus reached out and grabbed the ropes. He then pulled her out of the room. Hermione stumbled a bit, but she was able to recover quickly.
They walked down several hallways that turned into another and another. Finally they reached a hallway Hermione remembered. They stopped in front of the door to Voldemort's room. Hermione's breathing became shallow and faster. Her heart was pounding so hard she thought it would burst from her chest. She was afraid. She wasn't afraid of death, nor torture. She was afraid that Voldemort would kiss her again. That was more than enough of a torture for her. I wonder what Harry and Ron will say when I tell them? They'll flip their lids! Hermione giggled.
"What is so funny?"
"I was just thinking of what Harry and Ron will say when I tell them I was snogging with Lord Voldemort." She stopped giggling. "Oh, I am never going to get rid of that image!"
"Be quiet! Finite Incantatumum!" He whispered harshly. Snape knocked on the door and it swung open slowly. Voldemort was sitting in one of the red chairs and was talking to Nagini from the sounds of it. They walked in the room and he let go of the rope. Hermione just stood there looking at the wall trying not to remember the feel of his lips on hers. Absentmindedly she wiped her mouth. Voldemort looked up at Hermione and smiled a cruel smile with that look of hunger in his eyes again. He stood up and walked to her and reached out to touch her hair. Hermione took a step back remembering what Professor Snape had said. Unfortunately Voldemort was the one in power and seized her arm pulling her to him. Snape started to take a step forward, but stopped. He would be of no help to her if he were dead.
"Don't touch me!" She yelled trying to pull away. He put his arm around her waist, bringing her closer to him.
"You seemed to enjoy it not long ago."
"That was because I thought you were someone else!" Who was he? I can't remember. "You're a snake!" She snarled.
"Flattery will get you nowhere." Voldemort laughed at her. Severus stood rigid as Hermione looked at him. Her eyes pleading for him to help her. It was painful and he had to look away. Just then someone came into the room.
" Lucius? Why are you here?" Snape asked calmly though he was wishing to wring his neck.
"Draco is becoming one of us tonight." He said coldly. Voldemort was now holding Hermione by one arm looking at Lucius with amusement.
"Lucius," he hissed, " who do you think this is?" Voldemort asked as he pushed Hermione into his arms. She tripped and he caught her before she hit the ground. He tilted her head up so he could see Hermione's face better.
"It's the mudblood!" It was more of a whisper than anything else. "She cleans up nicely for a muggle-born." He said a little louder.
"Ahh, but that is where you are wrong! She isn't a mudblood at all. She's part elven and I believe she is also fae." Lucius looked dubious.
"How is that possible? And why hasn't she shown any signs of her heritage?"
"She has though. They were awakened when she was brought to me. As to how...that I am not sure of, but Duvessa shall return soon with that information." He moved back to the chair and lifted Nagini. She moved up his arm to his neck.
"Her powers will be complete tonight and then perhaps I shall give her to your son. A mix breed such as her will have the benefits of both races." Lucius smiled at Hermione, which made her want to get as far away from him as possible.
"I am not a possession! You can not give me to anyone!" Hermione yelled at them, jumping slightly at the sound of her own voice. Voldemort stepped beside her and ran his forefinger down her cheek.
"You are now." He said taking his hand away. "I could always keep you myself." "I would rather die!" Her voiced trembled.
"Take her outside. Severus you may go as well." Snape and Malfoy both made a half bow and left the room with Hermione in tow.
They were outside and the sun looked like it would be setting soon. Hermione looked around the court again. It had been at least a day since she was outside. It was the same except there was no circle of Death Eaters, just a lone figure with its back turned. Hermione knew almost instantly that it was Draco. He was about the same height as Harry and no one else would have the gall to be here. He turned around and his silver- blonde hair fell into his grey-blue eyes. Hermione thought that he actually looked pleased to see her and then she remembered what she was wearing. With the way the dress was cut most of Hermione's chest was exposed and she couldn't cover up.
"Father." Draco inclined his head slightly. His eyes wandered from the bottom of Hermione's dress to the silver in her hair. "Granger! You almost look like a lady and what have you done to your hair?" He began laughing. Hermione felt a surge of anger and her eyes changed from gold and then back to brown.
"Shut up Malfoy!" She said his name as if it were a curse.
"Now that is no way to talk to your new master!" Lucius whispered, but loud enough for Draco to hear. He looked stunned but satisfied somehow. Lucius then threw Hermione towards him. Draco snapped out of it a caught her.
"I feel like I'm in a damn pinball machine!" She said indignantly. Draco looked down at her, a quizzical look on his face and a firm grip around her waist. "Let go of me!"
"Why should I?" He asked angelically.
"Because if you don't you might try to kiss me and I had quite enough of that from Voldemort!" He looked up at Lucius who looked just as shocked.
"He kissed you?"
"Yes, several times in fact." She said with a weird little smile. " NOW LET GO!" Draco started laughing again and Lucius joined in. "What are you laughing at?!"
" I'm part veela, so you're charms have no effect on me!" Hermione felt relieved and worried at the same time. "Granger you don't have to fear me kissing you. Unless I chose to." He bent down to kiss her and SMACK ! Hermione slapped him right across his left cheek. Lucius and Snape began to snicker as his face became a light color of pink.
"You better watch out for that elven temper Draco." Lucius laughed at him. " She might try to bite you next." Snape was laughing harder now as Draco let go of Hermione. she stood in the middle of the three of them like a tiger poised to strike whoever came near enough.
"I warned you, you stupid git!" Hermione felt a strange fire run through her unexpectedly. She fell to her knees and looked to the sky. The sun was beginning to set. An incredible pain shot through her body. She doubled over hitting the ground hard.
"I'll get Lord Voldemort!" Lucius exclaimed and went to the house in a hurry. Hermione's vision was starting to blur again. Snape was sitting on the ground next to her. He lifted her head into his lap and brushed her hair from her face. Sweat was beading on her forehead. She could faintly hear Snape and Draco talking over her.
"Why did she collapse like that?"
"She's not use to the amount of magic that's being unshackled within her body."
" Leave it to Granger to be dramatic."
And then there was a comforting blackness.
[pic]
Duvessa jumped up from the ground. Harry raised his head in alarm.
What's wrong?
"Draco Malfoy has just apparated into the clearing, but where is Lucius?" She looked around for a minute and gasped.
What?
"I know why he isn't there with Draco."
Why? Oh forget it! I'll find out for myself! But before Duvessa could protest Harry had changed back into himself. He gawked at the sight that he saw.
"Is that Hermione?" His jaw nearly fell to the floor. "Wow! Hey, why is Lucius dragging her over to Draco?"
"I don't know, but I can tell you that Hermione is really angry though." Harry looked up at her in surprise.
"How do you know that?" Harry asked quizzically. Duvessa smiled at him.
"Because her eyes just changed to a gold color." Harry started to laugh when he heard Hermione as she was thrown to Draco. "What?"
"She just said that she felt like she was in a pinball machine."
"So."
"It's a muggle game. You have this little ball that you bounce around inside and try to get it into little holes and things." Harry explained. Duvessa looked as though she didn't understand what he was saying. "Oh never mind."
"It's a good thing Draco and Lucius are part veela because if they weren't Hermione would be very unhappy." Duvessa watched as Draco bent down to kiss her.
"I wouldn't do that if I were him!" Smack, "That had to hurt. Last time she did that he didn't look at her for a week." Harry was now rolling on the ground laughing.
"She's hit Draco Malfoy before?"
"Yep! It was hilarious. I will treasure that moment always. I never thought she'd do it again though, since at the time she was stressed out because of the time turner." Duvessa was about to ask another question when she heard Lucius yell something about Lord Voldemort. She snapped her head back to the scene before her. Hermione had collapsed on the ground.
"Harry stay here! I have to go help Severus with Hermione, he has no idea what he's doing." Harry sat down and waved her to leave.
Duvessa picked up her robes and ran over to Snape who was holding Hermione's head in his lap. Severus, you should know not to touch her! She was almost there! If only she could make it before the effect took place. Duvessa noticed that his cheeks were slightly flushed, but he was concentrating hard on making sure she was okay. His hands were trembling.
"Severus! Let go of her she'll be fine!" Snape looked up and a sense of relief took over his expression as he lowered her gently to the ground. Duvessa dropped down by Hermione.
"Remember your life as it should have been, as my family and my kin." Hermione whispered.
"What?" Draco asked.
"Be quiet boy!" Duvessa hissed. Draco looked ready to kill.
"How dare you-" He was silenced by a wave of Severus' hand. Suddenly Hermione opened her eyes and gripped Duvessa's arm.
"Why?" She sobbed. " Why did he have to die?" Just then Voldemort and Lucius were standing over them.
"My Lord." Duvessa said cradling Hermione who was crying. "Hermione is beginning the ankhki. The magic is wild and can become very painful." She was right. Hermione felt as though there was a fire raging in her body.
She couldn't stand the pain. A thousand knives pierced her being and left nothing but emptiness. Her crying turned to screams. Her hands tightened on Duvessa.
"Please make it stop!" She shrieked.
"Sshhh, it will be over soon. Once the moon is in its place in the sky."
Voldemort, Lucius, Severus and Draco walked away from them. Severus and Lucius stood behind Draco as he kneeled. Voldemort pulled forward his left arm and moved his sleeve back. His hands were deathly cold.
"Draco, do you understand that once this mark is burned into your flesh you belong to me?" He nodded. "I can give you great power if you are loyal to me, but if your loyalty wavers I shall kill you myself and it will not be as quick as the Avada Kedavra curse."
"I understand." Draco said quietly.
"Very well. Bruniate Inmarcatus!" Draco screamed out, but he was not alone. Not but ten feet away Hermione had done the same as the moon set in the nights sky. Their screams died in a matter of seconds, though it hung in the air much longer. Voldemort dropped his arm. "Now Draco you may claim your prize. She is bound to you for now. Lucius watch them. I shall return soon." And Voldemort left in another puff of green smoke.
Draco got up and walked slowly to Hermione. She was resting against Duvessa, her breathing fast and uneasy. He stopped. Someone was holding him back. He looked at his arm and saw Professor Snape's hand. His gaze followed up his arm and he looked him in the eyes.
"Give her a moment. She's still weak from all the power." His face was stern and unmoving.
"She belongs to me now Professor, and I can do what I please." He wrenched his arm from his grasp.
"She can't control it yet and if you anger her, you may become a pile of dust!"
"Draco! He's right. Give the banshee time to help her control her new magic." Lucius smiled malevolently. "Then you can do whatever you wish to her."
"Can you stand?" Hermione nodded weakly and Duvessa helped her to her feet.
"Hermione." Duvessa whispered. "What are you feeling?"
"A fire. Burning deep inside of me." She said looking at the ground, feeling very tipsy.
"Try to release the fire." Duvessa said soothingly.
"I can't! I can feel it, but I can't touch it."
"That's okay. Try thinking of something that reminds you of joy and happiness and let it out." Duvessa stepped away from her.
Hermione closed her eyes and started to concentrate. What reminds me of joy and happiness? My friends, Harry. He always tries to make others happy even if he isn't. Hermione pulled every emotion she had into thinking about Harry. She could feel the heat work its way through her body, then it stopped. At first nothing appeared and then a light began glowing around her. It was green and then gold.
"Good!" Snap! Duvessa looked to the forest and saw Harry walking towards them. "Hermione STOP!" She opened her eyes and the light extinguished, but it was too late. Lucius had seen Harry.
"Stupefy!" Lucius bellowed. Harry was hit in the chest.
"HARRY!" The power of Hermione's cry knocked Lucius off his feet, and he landed on the ground with a hard thud. Hermione ran over to Harry, with Duvessa not far behind. They both fell next to his stiff body. "Mother, you have to apparate Harry to Hogsmeade."
"I can't, leave you." Duvessa protested.
"Please! Professor Dumbledore will be waiting and Professor Snape will take me there as soon as we have a chance!" A single tear ran down Duvessa's face as she put her hands on Harry's chest and they vanished. Lucius had recovered from his fall and grabbed Hermione, pulling her to her feet. Both Snape and Draco came to his side.
"The power has gone to your head. Disobeying Lord Voldemort like that."
"I do not serve him. Lord Voldemort is weakened by me!" Hermione growled.
"Then I will have to teach you to be obedient and to hold that ill tongue of yours!" Lucius let go of her arm and pointed his wand at her heart. "Cru-"
"Lucius don't!" Snape shouted taking hold of his wand. " If you put the Cruciatus Curse on her now she will die and will be of no use to us. I am sure Lord Voldemort would be quite livid with you as well. He may have given her to Draco, but that doesn't mean he has lost his interest." Snape pushed his hand down. " And there are other ways to teach a lesson."