Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. A/N at end.

Some Scars Never Fade

WendyNat

Chapter 10

~~~~~~~~

"What the bloody… "

"Ron-" Tonks interrupted, trying to calm the redhead.

"No way, Tonks – he's had to have read about the cursings and the scar – it's been all over the Daily Prophet. You've been holding back on us, you bloody bast -"

"Mr. Weasley!" Kingsley Shacklebolt thundered. Ron fell silent immediately, his face going rather pale as he turned his attention to his irate boss.

Hermione spoke up in a cold voice. "Ronald Weasley. I told you we don't read that rot. Neither of us knew anything about it until now!"

While they were speaking, Severus had pulled his shirt back on and was re-adjusting the cuffs. "I assure you, Mr. Weasley," Severus sneered as he said Ron's name, "had I known anything of the current… issues… I would have spoken with your superior immediately."

Kingsley's deep voice sounded in the room. "Auror Weasley, I will speak with you later concerning your demeanor." Ron flushed a dark red, but thankfully kept his tongue still.

A moment later, the door to the ward swung open and a mediwitch bustled in, giving them all a stern look. "Please move your conversation to the visitor's lounge. These patients need rest," the woman said in an implacable tone. Kingsley nodded sharply and turned on his heel, leading the way to the visitor's lounge. Turning to Nathan on her way out, Hermione whispered a promise to return later. He nodded and smiled in reply.

Thankfully, there was no one else in the lounge. When they had all arrived, Kingsley sat in one of the chairs and addressed Severus in a respectful tone. "Now, if you will, Severus, can you explain where – and when – you received that scar?"

Severus also took a seat before telling them the bare facts of the story. When he was done, everyone sat in silence for a moment before Tonks spoke up.

"It was definitely Draco, then?"

Severus nodded. "Potter saw him also. We spoke about it later… we were both… disappointed… that our efforts to turn Draco had failed." His voice and face were carefully blank, but Hermione could sense his grief and tension. Moving behind his chair, she put a hand on his shoulder and was surprised when he covered it with one of his own, squeezing gently. Severus had never been comfortable with what he deemed public displays of affection… for him, this gesture in front of others was the equivalent of a thorough snogging in the middle of Diagon Alley.

Kingsley sat forward. "What was the curse? Do you remember the incantation?"

Severus frowned slightly. "No… too much was going on at the time. Potter may-"

"What about a Pensieve?" Remus suggested.

Tonks nodded approvingly. "Good idea, Remus."

Severus' grip on her hand tightened, and Hermione lifted her free hand to rest comfortingly on his other shoulder. "Severus?" she said, the question in her voice evident.

He nodded curtly, and said, "Yes. It may work."

Kingsley rubbed his forehead. "We should ask Mr. Potter for his memories, also. There may have been points where you were… distracted… and vice versa." Peering at Severus through narrowed eyes, Kingsley said, "When you first heard about the curse, you said something about only the Malfoys knew… knew what? The curse itself? Is it a blood-sealed curse?"

"Yes. It was a Malfoy family secret. We were all aware of its existence, and had seen its effects on… some of the Dark Lord's enemies." He lifted his gaze to Kingsley. "As far as I knew, I was the only one to ever survive it. Thanks to Madam Pomfrey's fortuitous arrival on the battlefield."

Kingsley nodded slowly. "Blood-sealed, then." Severus nodded.

Hermione asked them what they meant, and Severus explained, "Only those who bore the name of Malfoy knew the curse. Lucius, Narcissa, Draco… Lucius' brother knew it, I am sure, but the man and his wife died years ago, leaving only a squib son."

Tonks nodded, and looked at Kingsley. "That's the cousin who inherited the estates. Pardus Malfoy. The last of the Malfoy line, besides Draco. He was socially disowned, but not property disowned. We're still trying to determine his whereabouts."

Ron shook his head, snorting. "Typical. Better a Malfoy pureblood squib inheriting the fortune than risk a muggleborn wizard buying their stuff in auction, I suppose?"

Severus nodded with a wry grin. "Knowing the Malfoys as I did, that was exactly the thought process, I am sure, Mr. Weasley."

"Let me get this straight – the Malfoys had a secret curse, passed down for generations, kept within the family?" Hermione asked, aghast. She saw Severus nod and turn his head slightly in her direction. She continued, "So while some families hand down Grandma's secret cookie recipe, the Malfoys hand down Grandma's secret organ freezing curse?"

Severus chuckled, releasing her hand and turning in the chair to face her. "It's not unusual. Many pureblood families have certain spells, usually developed by a family member, that they keep to the bloodline. Blood-sealed."

"Do you think he told someone else about it? Crabbe, maybe? He and Draco were always close in school," Hermione asked.

Severus and Kingsley both frowned, Severus speaking first. "Doubtful. Draco's pride in his bloodline was extreme. I don't think…"

"What about that cousin?" Tonks asked.

Severus' brow furrowed in thought. "This doesn't make sense." He sat silent for a moment, then began to speak again in a thoughtful tone. "I suppose Lucius' brother could have told the boy… but I doubt it. Pardus was an embarrassment to the bloodline, Lucius was always sure to hold that over his brother's head, and as a squib the boy wouldn't have been able to cast it. He could try to describe it to someone, I suppose… but with something that powerful a description from a non-magical person wouldn't suffice. That is, unless the caster is extremely talented with curses and charms."

Kingsley's deep voice sounded in the room. "I think we need to pay Draco Malfoy a visit." Severus' head shot up at that statement. "The most likely option is that he told someone about the curse. I know your feelings on that, Severus, but consider the options we have before us," Kingsley said, raising a hand to forestall Severus' comment. "If nothing else, he can tell us more about the curse itself."

Ron snorted. "He could, but he's not likely to, is he?"

Severus shook his head, in complete agreement. "No, Mr. Weasley, he's not likely to tell you, or any other Auror, anything useful."

Kingsley nodded. His next words took Hermione's breath away. "You're both right. And that is why you're the one who is going to talk to him, Severus."

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

The conversation then turned to that morning's incident. Hermione and Severus listened with rapt attention while Kingsley described the attack on Nathan. It was disturbingly similar to the attack on Hestia, except this time the attacker was only interested in the Manere notes, according to Nathan. When Nathan attempted to resist, he was hit with the heart-slowing curse from behind by the second attacker.

Unlike Hestia's confrontation, this time the attackers obtained what they had come for. They had the notes.

Immediately upon seeing the heart-slowing curse appear on the tracker, Ernie had Apparated to the destination. He hadn't waited for Katie, who had followed a minute after. The mistake cost them both dearly.

When Ernie had appeared outside of Nathan Blanchard's office, one of the attackers had quickly disarmed him while the other hit him from behind with the curse. Katie had appeared soon afterwards, effectively blocking the Expelliarmus attack but unable to block the freezing curse.

Kingsley didn't say it aloud, but he was livid at his Aurors' breach in procedure. All of his Aurors were trained to Apparate at precisely the same time when entering unknown territory. If they had both appeared simultaneously, they would have had a better chance against the two assailants. If Ernie survives this curse, he'll wish he'd never been born! Kingsley seethed to himself. There's no excuse for such carelessness… damn it! He'd better survive!!

Wrenching his thoughts back to the present conversation, Kingsley caught Hermione's gaze. He knew she wouldn't be enthusiastic about what he was getting ready to propose. In a serious tone, he said, "Hermione. You're in a great deal of danger. From what Nathan Blanchard has told me, there are very few brewers who are skilled enough to correctly adjust the Manere potion. Which means…"

"That the idiot that stole your notes will realize they can't do it, and come after you instead," Hestia finished with a cold tone. "You're not going anywhere alone, woman."

"I can handle-" Hermione began, but was cut off by no less than four voices. Remus' low, calm voice finally cut through the noise.

"Hermione, there's no doubt that you can handle yourself. We're not saying that. But there's no shame in accepting help when it's necessary. You're a known target of at least two assailants. The idea here isn't to fight them off successfully; it's to intimidate them so they won't attack in the first place."

Ron spoke up. "'Mione, listen – we don't know why these guys want your potion. But they want it, desperately. And they've shown that they aren't too squeamish to use any weapon in their possession."

"There's no telling what a desperate person is willing to do," Kingsley deep voice reverberated in the room.

"And no offense, honey, but I'm a lot better at dueling than you are and just one of these bastards was able to knock me on my ass without too much trouble," Hestia said. 

"I don't suppose I have much choice, do I? So I get to deal with a babysitter twenty four hours a day now?" Hermione was scowling. "Who's it going to be?"

Kingsley chuckled. "I think you'll be satisfied with your 'babysitter,' Hermione. I don't know anyone more capable of protecting you than Severus. If he's willing, that is." And indeed, that was the absolute truth. Kingsley had greatly admired the other man's abilities while in the Order, and his conduct during the Final Battle was nothing short of amazing. He would have made an exemplary Auror, but taking into account the man's brilliant, cunning mind Kingsley had to admit that it would have been a waste of his talents. The only other wizard he respected more was Albus Dumbledore, and he said as much.

"At Hogwarts, she'll be under the protection of us both, Kingsley," Severus said, with an appreciative nod at the Auror.

Hermione had relaxed a bit, but she still looked slightly mutinous. "So I'm supposed to hide away at Hogwarts? What about my work?"

Hestia rolled her eyes. "Well, right now your work is at Hogwarts. And after you're done stockpiling the lycanthropy cure… I doubt Fudge or Dumbledore will complain if you continue to do your work from there. I can come there just as easily as the Ministry offices."

Kingsley nodded thoughtfully. "I'll speak with Fudge. It may not be necessary for you to stay at Hogwarts during working hours… I know the term is going to be starting soon, and that could be disruptive to your research. The Ministry offices are quite secure – but I'll want someone with you when you travel to and from the location."

Hermione pursed her lips with annoyance until Severus moved beside her and whispered something into her ear. The sour look faded, and a resigned expression appeared on her face. "Okay. Fine."

"Thank you," Severus whispered.

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

A couple of hours later, Tonks was knocking on the door to Harry's flat. She had agreed to approach him about adding his memories of the Last Battle to a Pensieve, and Kingsley was meeting with Fudge to get approval for Severus to speak with Malfoy. Kingsley had insisted - he wanted no hint of impropriety attached to the investigation.

"Oh, hullo, Tonks! Are you here to see Viktor?" Harry said, opening the door and looking at her with bleary eyes. She smiled, looking at his rumpled hair. Must have been napping, she thought.

"Were you off from work today, Harry?" Tonks said, entering the flat and taking a quick look around. It hadn't changed much in the last two years.

"Nah. But my last meeting was at lunchtime so I came back here for a nap. Didn't sleep too well last night," Harry replied, the last few words almost a whisper. Tonks understood. She had had plenty of those nights, as well, since the war.

"I am here to see Viktor, but I needed to talk to you, too, Harry," she stated. "Let me know when you're awake enough," she said, smiling a little.

Harry nodded and went to the kitchen. "Tea?" he called out.

She smiled. "Yes, please."

Sitting in the study, she could hear him moving around in the kitchen as he prepared the tea. In a few minutes, he returned with a tray bearing a teapot and three cups. "Viktor ought to be here soon – he gets off from work around now," Harry said, taking a seat across from her and pouring two cups. Taking a sip, he sighed deeply and his eyes seemed to clear some. "That's better."

She took a sip from her cup and winced at the strength. "Gods, Harry – you could peel the varnish off a broomstick with this!"

He shrugged. "I need it to wake up. Viktor likes it this way, too."

"No, I don't. I am just too polite to tell you that it tastes as if it vould peel varnish," Viktor's voice came from the doorway. Tonks turned and smiled. Viktor smiled back and gave her a wink.

"Argh. Right. Gang up on me," Harry said in a plaintive voice. Tonks rolled her eyes and laughed at him while Viktor came around to sit beside her.

"I haff to say yours is a nicer face to come home to than Harry's," Viktor said with a smirk in Harry's direction. "So - vat is the occasion?"

"Well…" Tonks began, and told them about that afternoon's excitement. As she spoke, Viktor and Harry both listened closely. By the end, Harry had put the cup down and had his forehead resting in his hands, his elbows balanced on his knees as he stared at the floor. Viktor was looking at her, a troubled expression on his face.

"Will 'Mione be all right? Is Snape going to stay with her?" Harry asked, not lifting his head.

Tonks nodded, and then realized he couldn't see her. "Yes, Harry. She's stationed at Hogwarts right now, anyway, by Fudge. Severus isn't planning on letting her out of his sight."

"Good." Harry lifted his head. "He's the meanest, most dangerous bastard I know of that's on our side. If he can't keep her safe, no one can."

Viktor spoke up, an odd tone in his voice, "Hermione vill not like to be vatched over. She is very stubborn."

"You can say that again," Harry said with a harsh laugh. "Do you know how hard it was to keep her from the Final Battle? I thought she was going to hex me, repeatedly, when she realized what we'd done." 

Viktor nodded in silent agreement. "She vas not at all happy vith you and Ron. I vas just glad that I vasn't involved."

Tonks tried to calm their fears. "Listen, guys, she's not stupid. And I daresay Severus Snape is far more stubborn than she is, especially where her safety is concerned. Believe me," she finished in a dry voice.

Harry gave a short laugh, then grinned. "You're right on that one, Tonks. But you'll keep an eye out, too, won't you?" Tonks nodded.

"Yes. You should be careful, too, Tonks," Viktor said, putting a hand on her arm. Harry looked at him quizzically for a moment, then seemed to stifle a smile.

Tonks shook her head, smiling slightly. "I think Harry meant I should keep an eye on Hermione, Viktor." His hand was still on her arm.

"Vell, I vant you to keep an eye on yourself, also," he said meaningfully, looking into her eyes. She was caught, trapped by his gaze, until she heard Harry clear his throat.

"Well, I'll prepare the Pensieve and get it to you in the morning, Tonks. Will you be in the Ministry offices first thing?" Tonks tore her eyes from Viktor and gave Harry a nod. "All right, then. I'm going to get cleaned up and head out for a while. I've got to… er… meet someone. You kids have fun," he said with a wink.

"Okay, thanks for doing this, Harry. I'll see you in the morning," Tonks said. With a final wave, Harry went to his room, saying he'd leave from there. They talked about inconsequentials until they heard the unmistakable popping sound when Harry Apparated.

"Harry is used to his friends being in danger, I think," Viktor said thoughtfully. Tonks glanced at him and nodded.

"That's true. He's also used to the idea that I'm an Auror. When I first met him, I was on an assignment to protect him the summer before his fifth year. I think he sees me as invincible, in a way." She realized, suddenly, that Viktor's hand was still on her arm and it was moving. Slowly, he slid it down and twined his fingers in hers. Her stomach tightened in response.

"I am not used to it. But I vill become used to it, I suppose." His eyes met hers unblinkingly. "I vill alvays vorry, though."

She tried to answer, but the words were caught in her throat. He seemed to see straight into her, to see her thoughts, her feelings. Unconsciously, she leaned forward slightly in invitation. His lips parted, and he bent down slowly…

…and then pulled back, shaking his head. "No, I can't…"

"What? You can't what?" Tonks sprang up from the chair, emotions raw and seething. So close, so close to what she wanted…

"I- I do not vant to take advantage of you. Hermione said-"

"Hermione? Is that the problem? Well, here, is this better?" Tonks said heatedly, closing her eyes and transforming. "Is this what you want? Can you kiss this form?" she demanded, her hair now hanging in thick brown curls. In the mirror above the fireplace, Hermione's image was reflected into the room.

"Vat are you doing?" Viktor demanded, his eyes snapping with an angry fire.

"This is what you wanted all along, isn't it? It's all anyone wants me for – live out their fantasies with their dream woman, right? So – go ahead!" Tonks' voice was loud. "Here she is!"

"No, she isn't!" Viktor shouted, turning away from her. His shoulders tensed as he fought to control his temper. "Change back," he said harshly, running one hand through his hair.

"Why?"

He wheeled on her, grasping her shoulders tightly. "Because I do not vant her!" he said, frowning at the face he saw. In a softer voice, he said, "I vant you, Tonks."

Tonks froze, stunned. "But…"

"Please. Change back." His voice was sincere, pleading. Tears forming in her eyes, she did as he asked. He let out the breath he had been holding, and his hands softened on her shoulders. "Thank you."

"If you don't… I mean, if you…" Tonks stammered for a moment. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and asked, "Why don't you want to kiss me, Viktor?"

His voice was low, almost sultry. "I do vant to. But I do not vant to rush you, to make you think I am trying… vell, I did not vant you to think I am trying to use you to get over-"

"Oh, Gods – I really screwed that up, didn't I?" Tonks said, squeezing her eyes shut.

Viktor pulled her into his arms, chuckling. "No, no – it is my fault. I am not good at this, I think. My… clumsiness… made you think the opposite of vat I really vant," he said sincerely, looking at her intently. "I apologize," he whispered, pulling her closer.

She pressed her face into his chest and wrapped her arms around him. "The only thing you should apologize for is not kissing me." She pulled back slightly and looked up at him. "Viktor, I'm not as fragile as you seem to think. And I know, now, that you aren't using me for… that you're not using me. I think I already knew that… I was just angry, or frustrated-"

He silenced her in the best way possible. His head lowered until his lips were on hers, his hands on her back, pulling her close… as the kiss deepened, one hand left her back and cupped her cheek, his thumb running gently along her jaw line. It was better than she had imagined, than she had dreamed.

She was overjoyed - he didn't want her in another form, to pretend… he wanted her, Tonks, not his ex-wife… her heart almost filled to bursting at the thought.

She knew it was too early - for them both - to go any further. But mutual, unspoken agreement, their kisses became lighter and less demanding until they parted and he pulled her into a tight embrace, stroking her short hair with one hand. "Nymphadora…" he whispered.

For once, she didn't mind the sound of her name.

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A/N: Hey, no cliffhanger for once! Thought you guys'd be appreciative of that. Next chapter should follow quickly, by Friday unless something untoward happens. As always, feed the muses and review!

Louise Luvgood – Thanks for the review… hope you like this chapter, too! Next one will have another look at the plant-damaging potion… stay tuned!

Lizzie – Thanks for the review ;)

Katie – Thanks for reviewing – I'm glad I can evoke that kind of response!

Electryone – Heehee – I thought the same thing as I typed it, so both of our minds are in the gutter!

DagginLady – :)

Onesnowyowl – Thanks for reviewing! LOL @ rivaling Parvati/Lavender – I find myself over-exclamantion-pointing when I type A/N for some reason… I guess I'm excitable lol! So – you're not the only one! - see, did it again

Billyjoe – In Chapter 7, Severus clutches his right arm because he's remembering the cut from the knife ceremony, which is described in his flashback immediately after grabbing his arm. He wasn't grabbing his Dark Mark (which is no longer there in my story BTW) – that's why he didn't grab his left arm. Thanks for taking the time to post that, sorry if it was unclear!

Gergef – Very true, in pure mathematical form (my degree is actually in mathematics, although I specialized in applied math vs. theoretical); however, in standard written English converse and reverse are used as synonyms. I thought "reverse" sounded better (when someone says "converse" in spoken English I always think of tennis shoes!) so I used that word instead. :) Loved your Ethan Allen going head to head with IKEA comment – lol!