** Disclaimer in Part One**
Hermione spent a few hours in the library and only left when her eyes were too tired for reading. Her head was swimming with all the complicated scenarios that time travel could bring. The problem was that there were so many unpredictable variables that almost anything could happen. The two Snapes on the loose in the same time was highly dangerous, and much as it hurt her heart she knew they had to send Salazar back.
Her conversation with the elder Snape had helped her understand things a bit better, but there was no getting around the fact that rejection stings like hell. Hermione was wrapped up in that very thought so much that she didn't realize she was being followed. She turned far too late, giving the pair a chance to knock her over the head and drape an invisibility cloak over the now unconscious girl.
***********
Salazar was brooding. He'd been sitting down by the lake ever since his conversation with Hermione. The look on her face when he'd said 'I can't' played over and over on her face. He sighed, and for the first time since he'd taken an interest in Hermione, he realized that he wished he were back home. Seeing Sirus Black and James Potter seemed like a better option than having to face Hermione and her friends. Salazar saw the irony of the situation and wryly laughed. He decided to leave the lake and go face the music. Hermione deserved to know what was going on, even if it went against Dumbledore's wishes.
"Have you seen Hermione?" Salazar asked Harry.
"No." Came the clipped reply.
"If-"Salazar began.
"Don't start. She probably doesn't want to talk to you after you were being such a great dirty arse to her." Ron cut in maliciously.
"I deserved that. Good night." Salazar said, his plans for Hermione abandoned, it was perhaps better to wait for the morning before discussing heavy topics.
He walked up the corridor and headed to his bed. He found a rolled up piece of parchment with a ring around it. Frowning slightly he unrolled it, he'd never been sent a letter unless it was from Snape and Dumbledore and then it was always just a plain sheet.
Snape,
I have your filthy mudblood of a mother here. Take the port key; 'Transivio' is the catalyst.
Salazar's blood went cold. He recognized the handwriting as that of Lucious Malfoy. He was somewhat disappointed to learn that his housemate was still alive. He quickly left the room and stormed towards the dungeons. When he got to the entrance to the Slytherin common room he tried the last password that had been used 'Mugwort.' The door remained closed and he started shouting in frustration.
"May I help you?" Severus Snape asked, from behind the raging young man.
"Lucious took Hermione." Salazar said as he thrust the letter at Severus.
"Let's inform the headmaster. We need to act quickly." Severus said quickly.
The two took off towards the Headmasters office.
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Hermione woke up to a splitting headache. At first she thought it had all been a nightmare, but she remembered Salazar's refusal of her and realized it was in fact real. Her heart hurt, but she didn't know why her head was in so much pain. She went to move a hand up to inspect her head and discovered that her wrists were bound together in thin white cords.
"Finally awake mudblood?" Lucious Malfoy sneered.
"If I've got to look at your ugly mug I'd rather be knocked out again thanks." Hermione retorted.
She realized it wasn't wise to bait him, but she was uncomfortable and it was probably his fault. She looked around at her surroundings, and discovered she was most likely in a cellar of some sort. It was dark, and cold with only a few torches on the wall for light.
"What do you want with me?" Hermione asked in a tired voice, not sure she really wanted the answer.
"You'll find out soon enough." He answered.
Hermione sighed, 'this day is just bullocks' she muttered before slumping against the wall.
"We'll wait until your son arrives. Then the fun will begin."
Hermione frowned, what son?