Part Eight:

Hagrid's Hut:

Harry stood at the door, shivering as he waited for Hagrid to open it.

"What are you doing here?" The half giant asked, shocked to see him.

"I just wanted to be with someone who isn't hiding things from me." He muttered, waiting.

"Well, it's against school policy but I guess it's okay. Just for tonight, mind you," Hagrid moved to the side and Harry walked in.

He saw Fang lying on his side in front of the fire. "What happened?" Harry asked, petting him.

"There was an accident in the forest but he's going to be okay." Hagrid said. "Would you like something to drink?"

"A little water." He accepted the glass and stared at it for a while. "Hagrid, what do you know about the relationship between my parents and Professor Snape?"

"That's a story not even I know, Harry. You'll have to ask Professor Snape."

"Can you see him telling me?"

Hagrid was silent. "Now Harry, you know why he acts this way."

"Yeah." Harry muttered.

"And he might surprise you."

"I doubt it. He took away points for asking and gave me a detention." He added bitterly, wiping his wet cheeks with the sleeve of his robes. "All I want is to know the truth. Is that so much to ask?"

Hagrid could not answer him, there were things that even he knew better than to speak of. Reaching out a giant arm, he pulled him into a warm embrace.

Slytherin Dorm:

"My father has a tendency to be jealous of his position, I'm sure you've noticed?" Draco's expression was pained.

"He's a bit obvious." Dryly.

"That's like saying Big Ben is a small clock."

"Well, if you insist." Hermione smirked at him, "I was not impressed by Lucius Malfoy."

Draco smiled, "I could learn to like you, Hermione."

"You aren't so bad yourself, Draco."

"Thank you. Anyway, Septina held a position of unquestionable authority in Voldemort's circle. Let's just say that my father wanted that place more than anything else. And he would do anything to get it-including betraying his closest friends and colleagues. Yes, that is why I know so much about the Snapes."

"Is that why he favors you so much?" She asked, playing with her fingers.

He shook his head, "I know that's what you believe but nothing could be farther from the truth. He always knew that Voldemort wasn't gone. This was his way of insuring that he would always have a place in the inner circle-as though his potions skills weren't enough."

"What about Quirrell? Won't Voldemort remember about his betrayal?"

"Quirrell?" Draco was confused, he knew that his professor had suspected the man but never heard how it ended.

"You didn't know? The professor was in league with Voldemort. Professor Snape figured it out and tried to save Harry from him, while protecting the Stone." Hermione elaborated.

"Oh, no. There is an actual reason behind that that Voldemort will accept. Professor Snape's behavior increased because he knew that the dark lord was closer to breaking through, he needed to maintain his cover.." Draco explained. "Though I do agree with you, he does favor us above others. But, honestly speaking, can you say that anyone else does?"

Slowly, she agreed with him. "No, I can't."

"Whether or not his methods are right, I cannot comment. Anyway, on one of their missions my father went on with Septina, she developed a rash. It was unrecognizable with any ever seen before and penetrated to her bones, it was literally being produced by her body. Nothing in our world could cure or explain it. She disappeared after Voldemort's fall. My father disavowed any knowledge of her status. But Professor Snape was never fully convinced that my father wasn't behind both incidents."

"You think he might try again?" Hermione asked. "Why?"

"Septina has an ability that many might label psychic. She can see things that should be altered, things that Voldemort would benefit greatly from. The fact that she is asleep can only benefit him more because he'll have direct access to her mind."

"Terrifying." Hermione shivered in the warmth of the room, looking over at him. "Is there nothing he won't do?"

Draco shook his head, knowledge written in his eyes. Knowledge that could only have come through experience. He knew what he was talking about.

Hermione sighed, "Give me tonight to think and talk to Professor Snape on the morrow. Then we can talk."

"All right." Draco and Hermione parted at the door. "Are you sure you'll be able to get back before curfew?"

"I'll be fine." She smiled, walking down the hall.

"Oh, looks like Draco has a girlfriend." Pansy teased, something more in her words than a simple taunt.

"And a very beautiful one she is." He said, smiling at Hermione, who'd turned around with a shocked look on her face. But his eyes were focused on Pansy's.

"Thanks, Draco." The Gryffindor couldn't quite put her finger on it but she knew that she'd just gone through another test-and passed it.

"I only speak the truth. Go on before you're missed." His eyes flicked to hers momentarily, then he moved aside and let the others in.

With a jaunty wave, she disappeared up the stairs.