Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot on this fanfic and a couple
or more characters you certainly won't find in the HP books so when I say
anything I mean anything! Heck, I don't even own this computer! I'm just
renting it until I get my own. So please bear with me if my updates are
slow? ^___^;;;
Spoilers: You'll know 'em when you see 'em! ^o^v!!!
Author's Note: Enjoy!!! ^__~*
Chapter One: Fetters of Duty
"Floating sherbet." Severus ordered the giant griffin guarding the entrance to the headmaster's office.
As usual, it turned in circular motions and revealed steps that lead up to the Headmaster's rooms. When he reached the top, he knocked on the wooden door softly.
"Come in, Severus," the old wizard invited, clearly expecting him. "Have a seat."
He settled on one of the comfortable chairs in front of the Headmaster's desk and scowled at his cheerful demeanor after acknowledging Fawkes with a slight nod of greeting. "You called, Headmaster?"
"Yes, my boy, I did." Dumbledore merrily answered. Popping a lemon drop in his mouth. "And don't frown at me so because I have every reason to be excited."
Merlin give him strength. How was he going to cope with an excited Dumbledore? Especially when he's feeling quite irritable today. The events last night made him cranky with confusion. Sometimes, he thought that Dumbledore and the Dark lord had a lot in common. One of them would be extreme weirdness when they were excited. Well at least the Headmaster's plans didn't include severing several muggle body parts to express his happiness. As much as he would like to avoid both elder wizard's eccentricities, he was duty bound to dance to their whims.
Yes. His duty. His duty to both masters meant his life. Either way, if he missed a single step, he would die. And so, he had to play his life like a tightly strung violin string. Constantly practicing the role he must play in the presence of unsuspecting students and convincing himself that he loathed the lot of them. For his duty bade him to keep them safe, as it was his duty to do all he can to prevent the spilling of their blood. No matter what the consequences. Such was the cage of his redemption. A cage he cannot possibly escape from as he cannot go back to being the deadly, murdering, dark Death Eater that he once was. The moment he realized what a mistake he made in being seduced by the dark, it was like being a hundred year old vampire that just had his soul back and was then reliving in his mind every he had committed. Like becoming an empathy all of a sudden. The worst thing was... he can't give his soul back anymore. What was left of it is now rotting in hell and the rest has just ceased to exist no matter how much the Headmaster told him otherwise...
"If you don't mind me asking, Headmaster, exactly what has made you so suddenly happy? If I remember correctly, I think I told you some troubling news last night which is no cause for any kind of celebration. We don't even know what the Dark Lord is up to even if with me spying on him because of his damned unpredictability!" Snape said through gritted teeth. His hands hidden inside the sleeves of his robes.
He knew that the Dark Lord was up to something big with his latest plan but he didn't know what it was! That was the most frustrating part. The meeting last night bordered on... cryptic. It was puzzling him even now and it was driving him insane. And now, the Headmaster was threatening to do just that to him. It almost made him want to bash his head on Fawkes' perch.
"Patience, patience, Severus," the Headmaster twinkled. "I took the liberty of seeking the help of one of our members."
Snape's brows lowered and he gritted his teeth hard. "Not World Savior Potter."
Dumbledore's blue eyes laughed at him making him all the more irritated. "Much as I would like to see Harry again, I'm afraid Voldemort would become suspicious if we sent him to tackle this problem, especially since we still don't know what Tom's planning."
Against his will, Snape felt his interest piqued. "And you found someone who would know why the Dark Lord is planning something like this? Well? Where is he, Headmaster?"
"I am expecting her arrival anytime now— ah... it seems that she is early. Come in, my dear."
The door to the office swung open and Snape stood to see who just arrived, briefly speculating as to who just arrived, only to freeze at the sight in front of him.
A lovely woman stood just inside the door of the room wearing a pure black cloak over simple robes of deepest burgundy. Her wavy, mahogany brown hair was tied back in a loose braid that framed her heart shaped face and her sharp, Malaga honey brown eyes, modestly but elegantly. Her pink tinged lips smiled a little as she walked over the Headmaster and gave him a hug.
"Good morning, Headmaster," she greeted in a soft voice filled with genuine pleasure. "It's so good to see you again."
Dumbledore returned the hug with genuine affection. "My dear! It's been a long time! I'm sure you remember Professor Snape?"
Her smile grew a bit wider and her eyes shone a bit brighter when she turned her eyes on Snape who stood here as though nailed to the floor, staring at her.
"How can I forget?" she walked over to him and extended a graceful hand. "It's good to see you again, Professor."
Snape scowled at her hand before enclosing it in his own and blowing a kiss on its back. As soon as he touched her, bolts of sizzling fire launched itself covertly in his whole body. He almost released her. Almost. If only her hand didn't feel so soft and warm. Something he hadn't the luxury of these past twenty one years. His scowl went deeper when he caught himself thinking in such a manner. Surely there was just something wrong with him.
If she called him professor then this may have been one of his former students. But he couldn't recall any student of his to look like this! Or give out this sort of aura. Or made him feel this confused.
She looked a bit amused now though still keeping a cool demeanor. "A simple handshake would have been enough, Professor. And I see you don't recognize me. I should be hurt."
What was she? Slytherin or Ravenclaw? But then, if she were a former student, wasn't she supposed to be cowering and giving him disgusted looks? So who was she?!
"I see you really do not recognize our former student, Severus. I believe introductions are in order then." Dumbledore said smiling at the two young people in front of him. "Severus, I would like you to meet the Head of the Department of Muggle Relations. Miss Hermione Granger."
Snape could only stare in shock as Hermione Granger bowed her head slightly towards him. Life was just too cruel to him.
As he gaped, Hermione walked away from him and faced the headmaster again and smiled at the phoenix who gave a trill of greeting for her. "I understand that you wanted to talk to me about something for the Order. Please just ask and I'll do what I can to help."
Dumbledore smiled affectionately at her. "There, child, take a seat. Severus will tell you everything you need to know."
It took Snape a relative amount of time before he could get his bearings up once more, and then some more to put his invisible cloak of cold distaste in place before he joined the girl— woman— seated in front of the Headmaster's desk. The woman he just met was not the Hermione Granger he once knew. Well... the physical resemblance was still there, now that he knew her name, but there was something... different about her. It was as though she placed a glamour charm on her very movements. Sure, he noticed the changes in her attitude during her last year in Hogwarts. Their last few moments of compromise prepared him for that. But this... It was like she had sketched a whole new, slightly refined personality. In the five years of her exile from friends and allies in the Order, she became a lady...
He decided that, the best way to dispel the awkwardness he was feeling was to cut straight to the matter. So he spoke looking at the Headmaster instead of at her.
"The Dark Lord is planning to have the muggle Russian Ambassador assassinated soon. I do not know who he has ordered to do this but I am sure of its validity. He has spoken of his plan last night but referred to it as a project currently being executed, though by whom, I do not know." He stated bluntly. He didn't feel like mincing words today.
Hermione nodded slightly. "I fail to see why you need my input in this then. It seems to me that you have your work already cut out for you."
Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "True, my dear although, we cannot decide if Voldemort only wishes us to indulge in a wild goose chase or if he really has a valid plan. We cannot comprehend what earthly use it is to his cause would the assassination of muggle diplomat would serve. We were hoping you can enlighten us in this matter."
"Oh," she said softly. "I see... That's why you were so worried."
Tearing his eyes away from the woman he was bonded with by a long time grief that still plagued him, he started to recount his report and register once more the seriousness of the situation in his mind. True, no one in the Order could figure out why the Dark Lord wanted this assassination. Most just brushed it off as sheer pettiness but Severus' instincts told him that there was something more than that there. Something far more potent and dangerous. This opinion was only strengthened by the fact that now, more than ever, the Dark Lord was being cautious. An attack caused by mere pettiness would surely undermine his hard won security measures.
"The Dark Lord seems to be gaining some good advice lately, if he can think of such a strategy," Hermione said thoughtfully, as though, only thinking aloud. Snape raised his eyebrows curiously and Dumbledore hung on her every word.
"What are you getting at, Hermione?" the old wizard asked from her seat.
Hermione raised her eyes and acknowledged him with a smile before speaking seriously. "Voldemort must have known that the political relationship between the muggle nations of Russia and Britain are a bit edgy of late. An assassination of Russia's muggle ambassador the Death Eater way would surely anger Russia enough to bring out an all out war. If my suspicions are correct, Voldemort will create more hidden chaos among the muggles until they destroy each other outright. It will bring about his life long dream of erasing muggles— and Muggle borns— faster. A holocaust, if you will. Just like what happened in the muggle world during his time. And as you know, destruction of the entire muggle race is what we are trying to fight against. This way, he doesn't even have to get his hands very dirty and no blame can be obviously cast on him."
Snape forced his eyes away from her. The brilliant little Gryffindor always got it right. He hadn't thought of it that way. The picture she painted was so uncannily accurate and simple that he was tempted to knock his head on the table until he was unconscious for not realizing it sooner. Oh how Black would have loved to see that. If only he were still alive...
This is not the time, Severus...
Dumbledore nodded. "You are right, dear. I had my suspicions lately but you have confirmed it. Thank you." He then turned to Severus. "And now that Miss Granger has analyzed how potentially dangerous Voldemort's recent plans are, I think it is time to start planning steps on how this holocaust can be prevented, am I right, Severus?"
Snape spared Hermione a glance. He knew that, wherever the Dark Lord was, Lucius Malfoy would be there as well, but she remained impassive. So unlike the seventeen year old girl he found grieving beside the lake of the castle.
"Yes, Headmaster." He answered.
Dumbledore stood up quietly and walked to a window. He stared out for a few minutes with Severus and Hermione looking at him silently, awaiting his reaction. Finally he faced them with a grave expression on his face. And surprised the two younger people by turning to Hermione. "Do you have any suggestions as to how we should proceed to foil this plan, my dear?"
She looked flustered for a minute before recovering her calm. "I can't see how anyone can foil this plan from the wizarding world, Headmaster, since they are targeting the territory of the muggles. Our best chance would be to foil the assassination from there. We can't afford any disruptions in the relations of the muggles. Our world is the one creating the trouble, after all. I suggest you find out the identity of the assassin and stop him while covertly protecting the Russian ambassador. That or kill Voldemort now."
Dumbledore nodded and Severus silently agreed.
"That would be sensible, dear," the old wizard said. "But I'm afraid Voldemort would be suspicious if the Order sent any one of our members out there without thinking. We might blow the cover of not only our members but our world."
"Then why don't you send someone who can readily identify the would be assassin, or give the ambassador an unseen bodyguard?" Hermione asked in a businesslike manner.
"No one in the Order can possibly identify any would be assassin except for Severus but he doesn't know much about the muggle world I'm afraid. Are you up to it Severus?"
"I am in agreement with this." He finally answered though his tone made it known how much it was costing him to actually concede to the conclusion of his own logic about the present and impending situation. "Just as long as our whereabouts are to be made a secret and as unnoticeable as ever."
"Thank you, Severus. Now, about your other problem..."
"Then you have to find someone who could guide him in the muggle world and cover for him when he's away. Perhaps Harry—"
"No! Absolutely out of the question!" Snape snapped before he could stop himself. He ground his teeth hard.
She tried to hide an amused smile and Severus wondered if she was teasing him. "Or maybe one of the muggle born or half blooded members of the Order. I'm sure Dean Thomas or Seamus Finnigan would proudly volunteer."
"It would be possible but it wouldn't make Severus' position believable in a place like the muggle world and it won't cover if any untoward situations that may arise. I'm sure you know of Severus' position."
Hermione nodded. "I suggest you think of someone else then, for I'm afraid I'm running out of candidates, Headmaster."
Dumbledore looked her over from his half moon spectacles with grave intensity. "What about you, my dear? Can you not help us in this situation?"
He saw Hermione narrow her eyes a bit in thought. She indulged in a few minutes of silence as though mulling a matter over in her mind before speaking again.
Severus sneered. She must be gloating inwardly at the Headmaster's open compliment. Know-it-alls never change, he guessed. But his sneer disappeared when she glanced his way, her eyes distracted. It occurred to him that she was giving thought to the whole situation! How very... un Gryffindor like of her. Usually, her lot would jump into the heart of a riot without thought. She was acting more like a Slytherin now. So much has changed in her.
Finally, she met the Headmaster's gaze. "I would be glad to help... provided that I call the shots."
Severus' jaw tightened further at the situation he was now going to have to face. A delicate mission with one third of the Golden Dream Team. Oh joy. Can there be any other irony of sweeter flavor than this? And for her to call the shots? No way! He wasn't going to stick out his neck for a hapless, reckless Gryffindor!
He longed to say that he preferred to work alone but he knew that would be next to impossible. His redemption did not include having to accompany women of any kind on any assignation, but it was his duty to ensure that the assassination fails. His duty to Dumbledore, and he promised himself long before, that his duty to the old wizard comes first in everything. Remembering what happened eight years ago, when Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban, he winced.
Well, in almost everything...
"May I remind you, Miss Granger, that I am still your senior. I shall be the one, as you have said, 'to call the shots', in this mission." He told her menacingly in a soft tone.
To his further surprise, she was far from intimidated. Instead, she looked him in the eye calmly and he found himself foolishly ensnared. "Professor Snape, I have no doubt that your skills in the area of espionage are exemplary, however, you, of all people, should know that being familiar with enemy grounds is more important than any other skill. It will see you through and blend in and pretend to be someone you are not. That is what I'm calling the shots for. I have no desire to hinder you in any way. I aim to help."
She looked away from him calmly and stared at a spot on the Headmaster's desk in thought as she steepled her fingers together. "I defer the mission in your more than capable hands whilst I take care of the essentials, i.e. living space, inside muggle contact, money, transportation and the like. It would make things easier for you to think. However, I trust that my opinion would hold a little merit for you to listen from time to time."
Severus was speechless. How could he argue with such calm, precise logic? He felt like a fool for trying to intimidate her. To gather his scattered composure, he sat there quietly, and thought, much like the way she did a few minutes before.
Aside from his knowledge of Muggle studies, he was still not confident enough to handle a mission and living in the muggle world at the same time. What this mission needed was a precise handling of events that he needed to manipulate to his own advantage and he could have a hard time doing that and seeing to it that he didn't make any incompetent muggles curious with his actions. Very much like the brewing of a particularly challenging potion. And he could find no better helper in this little quest than Hermione Granger. One of Hogwart's finest and Head of Muggle Relations.
He could do worse. And the situation was rather dire.
"Alright, Miss Granger, we shall have it your way." He said sneeringly at her.
She ignored this and nodded. "Alright then, here's the plan. With the Headmaster's permission, you and I shall travel as husband and wife. That would be easy enough to accomplish with a little magic that I can do myself. We shall be very rich, international business owners and if I contact a friend of mine, I am sure that we will be able to secure an invitation to the Queen's palace so we can stay there as long as the Russian ambassador is in the country. I suppose you know of the wine business in Muggle studies, Professor?"
Yes. One of the few things, really, that had caught his interest about muggles. Not that he's openly admit that. "Yes."
"Good. I advise you to brush up on several notes about the business though. My wine company is exclusive and I have made several innovations on red wine, whiskey and my own brand that you need to know. You are the owner. You are supposed to know your business inside and out." She answered, not breaking that remarkable cool of hers.
"You own a wine company?" he asked, a bit incredulously.
A faint smile appeared on her lips and she looked a bit rueful. "Being Head of Muggle Relations mean that I have to have considerable influence in both worlds. If I didn't, I won't be in a position in which I can influence anything to happen, so I used some Arithmancy to secure some big investments I made in the muggle market and acquired knowledge in making wine. Such an occupation is quite exclusive and well respected in the muggle world."
Severus' brows lowered a bit and said condescendingly, "The former Head of Muggle Relations didn't require such a thing."
She raised her eyebrow a bit at him. "Yes, and look how effective he was. It took no considerable effort for me to oust him from his position and he wasn't even missed. Surely even you have to admit how abhorring the steps he and Fudge made during Sirius' escape from Azkaban?"
Yes, well... he did. But he scowled at her instead.
He was impressed at the cunning and the ambition she displayed to get one of the head posts in the Ministry. And here he thought she was going to become one of those noisy activists or irritating reporters!
"As I was saying, you will need to look up my innovations since you may be questioned about them. I shall give a week. Will that do?" she continued.
He bristled, "Two days hall be enough, Miss Granger."
"I hope that is not pride talking, Professor. We can't afford to endanger the mission with such... trivialities." She glanced at him meaningfully.
"Of course, it's not! Do not compare me to the dunderheads you have hung around with while you were still studying here!" he almost yelled at her.
It made him furious to feel so defensive at the littlest baits she threw at him. He felt like a first year! This Hermione was too... new to him, and he didn't know how to handle her. Yet.
"Very well. My notes shall arrive tonight by owl. I will therefore contact you after three days so I can secure an invitation to the palace and prepare what we need. If you have any questions about the notes, please contact me." With that she stood up and smiled warmly at the Headmaster, who was watching their conversation avidly. "I must be going now, Headmaster. It's so nice to see you again."
Dumbledore hugged her. "Same here, my dear. Thank you for giving us a moment of your time."
"Nonsense. We are doing this for the Order. We need to close all avenues the Dark Lord has of escape." She answered, her tone soft. Quite the opposite of the tone she used on Severus. It made him feel surly.
"Let me walk you out to the grounds, my dear."
"No need, sir. I have another engagement and I would not want to bother you. Besides, if professor McGonagall sees me, I'm afraid she won't let me leave." She said, eyes twinkling.
Dumbledore laughed. "Quite right, dear. Take care."
"Yes, sir." She then turned towards Severus. "I'll see you again, professor."
The two men watched she swept out of the door and both were silent for a full minute the Headmaster decided to break the silence. "She has been a great help to us these past years and now she has grown into a lady. Don't you agree, Severus?"
Severus scowled. "She'll always be a know-it-all to me."
Dumbledore chuckled. "I see she has surprised you."
Severus turned his scowl at the old wizard. "I haven't heard about her doing any active work in the Order. I thought she was being locked in a safe house by Potter and Weasley."
Dumbledore smiled at him indulgently. "I'm afraid she has had no time to come in contact with any of her friends. You see, I required her to acquire the post she is holding now."
"You WHAT?!" Severus exclaimed, standing up and staring at the old wizard as though he just spouted some nonsense about being inlove with Voldemort. "You TASKED her to become head of that department?! Working in the present Ministry of Magic is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, let alone one of our best alumni!"
Dumbledore chuckled. "I know, my boy," he then turned serious. "But she knew that we need someone inside the Ministry who has the potential to gain a specific amount of influence. The ability to gain subtle power and... as bait."
The Potions Masters' face darkened. "Headmaster—"
"I know, Severus, I know. She has sacrificed much since then and she never complains. She knows how important all of this is to the Order. I regret that I have ever caused her any pain."
Afterwards, long after he left the presence of the old wizard, Severus still felt a deep welling of empathy for what became of the school's former Head Girl. Remembering the words a golden haired boy whom he loved like his own son, though not openly, all those years ago...
He was in his office, reading a new issue of Ars Alchemica over a mug of hot latte when he was disturbed by a set of soft knocks on his door. Wondering who would visit him in his office at this time of year and at this time of night, (usually, everyone left him well enough alone during the holidays with the exception of the Headmaster.) he called out.
"Come in."
In came a slightly nervous looking Draco Malfoy, his silver gray eyes held a desperation that made Severus sit up a bit straighter and attune all of his senses to the boy's feelings. Carefully conditioning himself to use his abilities in Legilimency if necessary.
"Did you need something, Mr. Malfoy?" he asked in his usual soft, dark voice.
The boy swallowed hard and was breathing deeply before he finally looked him in the eye and told him the statement of the century.
"I'm in love with Hermione Granger."
Snape couldn't contain his surprise for a whole minute before he could muster enough self control to ask scathingly, "And what, pray tell, does this have anything to do with me, Mr. Malfoy? Your... love life, no matter how shocking, is of no concern to me."
The boy swallowed again and, without being invited, seated himself on a nearby chair facing Snape. Severus figured that, had the boy chosen to remain standing for five seconds more, his legs would have given off.
"We both know that I'm helping you gather information inside Father's circle for two years now. We also both know of the danger we are placed in," he buried his head in his hands. "Don't ask me how she figured it out but Hermione knows what I am, professor! She knows and she still won't let me go and I—I can't fight what I feel for her any longer. She loves me..." he whispered harshly, in awe and disbelief. "She doesn't care that I have to take the Mark this summer! She said she'll wait for me! That she'll try to find a way to help me! That she'll do everything she could for the Order so the Dark Lord can be defeated faster!
"Gods, how I want to believe her! How I want to put my life in her hands and hold her and never let her go!" he raised his face and looked at him. "But we both know better, don't we?"
Severus had to agree. They both know the high stakes they were playing. The fifty- fifty chance of getting out of a Dark Revel unscathed. For Draco, the stakes were a bit higher because he was actually living with a man who was capable of killing him in a space of a heartbeat. In his very own house. At any time the fates so choose. But Granger... how the hell did she know? Why did she bother to look into Draco's life in the first place? After everything he did to her, all the pain, all the grief...? And how the hell was she planning to make that promise come true? Was she planning something?
"I don't doubt that my father will know about her sooner or later. The spies here at Hogwarts are bound to know about her no matter how secret we keep our relationship. Even now, Parkinson is looking far too closely into my personal life than what's comfortable. The situation is getting a lot more dangerous for me. One of these days may find me dead." Draco continued.
Severus cocked him a sarcastic eyebrow though his tone was somewhat lacking in its sarcasm. For he understood, more than anyone else, how much the boy was standing to lose. Especially now. "I still fail to understand what this has got to do with me, Draco."
Draco looked him straight in the eye for a full minute, in deep seriousness before stating his request. "When— if, something happens to me, you are the only one capable enough to protect Hermione from Father and the Dark Lord. Please, professor... please take care of her when I'm gone."
Was he mad? Severus wasn't entirely sure if the boy was thinking properly. To entrust him with the, obviously, most precious thing in his life!
"Why me? I'm hardly eligible for trust. She'll never agree to be under my... dubious protection. Why not go to those numbskulls she calls friends?" Severus asked after a while. A Slytherin never takes a promise lightly and without thinking, and Severus was taught enough by life to realize how true and useful those sentiments were.
Draco smirked a little. "Because that's exactly what they are. Numbskulls." He then turned serious. "I am not entrusting Hermione to those two idiots who can't even appreciate her worth! They actually depend on her to save their arses most of the time and they still can't even see her as anything more than a damned support beam!" he breathed deeply one more time and spoke more calmly. "Besides, she respects you and she trusts you. Other than Lupin and Tonks she trusts you more than anyone else, more than you think."
Snape's breath was caught in his throat. He never knew. Although Hermione Granger spoke to him with far more respect than her so called friends, he never knew in how much regard she placed him in. all the other students feared him but she had always showed him deference especially during her fifth year. And, to his chagrin, he realized with sudden clarity that he has ceased to regard her as an enemy the moment that he saw with his own eyes the form of Peter Pettigrew alive and one hand less. Everything she tried to tell him three years ago was true but he was too blinded by hate to listen. If he only listened to her then the Dark Lord would not have risen. He would not have to return to the world he had long ago renounced.
Nonetheless, he didn't want any more involvement with Gryffindors!
"She's a bloody Gryffindor! You want me to take care and watch over another bloody Gryffindor?!" he roared.
"Please, professor," Draco pleaded softly. "Please protect her for me. When I'm gone Father will surely come after her. If only to blame her for turning his own son against him. Hermione devised this plan so as to protect you, just in case. And though she's firmly trying her best not to let anything happen to me, I know that this will not be enough. The cause comes first and it's important at least one of us should be left behind."
The lump in Severus' throat grew and he had to swallow hard. That the two would actually think of his safety touched him more than words could ever say. Damnit! The girl was truly something else entirely!
He looked at the boy he regarded like a son. He saw the desperation and the plea in his eyes and Severus knew the boy was serious. No need to use Legilimency there. He'd never seen Draco like this with anyone before. What did Hermione Granger have to change a boy such as Draco Malfoy into this man who cared not for his own life but the life of a woman who was supposed to be his enemy for the last six years?
If he were Gryffindor, or Hufflepuff, he'd be standing up and patting the boy's back in comfort, say over and over and over again that those things won't happen and that everything will be alright. But he was Slytherin, and making up flowery little phrases and hoping for the best did not make up the people in that particular House. They rely solely on reality and that is the only line of thought they follow. No matter how hard it is sometimes.
So Severus nodded at the young man in front of him and gave him his word. "I'll take care of her for good or ill. Though I hope the circumstances will not allow such things to come to pass."
Draco closed his eyes in relief and smiled at his mentor. "Thank you, sir. You just made living for me a lot more easier."
Was he breaking his promise to the boy now? Did he fail Hermione Granger and sentenced her to a fate of shadows and deceit, destroying that which Draco once loved about her?
Vaguely, he realized that his mind was telling him that trouble was looming over the horizon of his life. But he decided and that was all that mattered. He had his duty to Dumbledore and the only thing he could do now was prepare, and follow through the plans as required by his duties to the old man who gave him a second chance at life.....
Spoilers: You'll know 'em when you see 'em! ^o^v!!!
Author's Note: Enjoy!!! ^__~*
Chapter One: Fetters of Duty
"Floating sherbet." Severus ordered the giant griffin guarding the entrance to the headmaster's office.
As usual, it turned in circular motions and revealed steps that lead up to the Headmaster's rooms. When he reached the top, he knocked on the wooden door softly.
"Come in, Severus," the old wizard invited, clearly expecting him. "Have a seat."
He settled on one of the comfortable chairs in front of the Headmaster's desk and scowled at his cheerful demeanor after acknowledging Fawkes with a slight nod of greeting. "You called, Headmaster?"
"Yes, my boy, I did." Dumbledore merrily answered. Popping a lemon drop in his mouth. "And don't frown at me so because I have every reason to be excited."
Merlin give him strength. How was he going to cope with an excited Dumbledore? Especially when he's feeling quite irritable today. The events last night made him cranky with confusion. Sometimes, he thought that Dumbledore and the Dark lord had a lot in common. One of them would be extreme weirdness when they were excited. Well at least the Headmaster's plans didn't include severing several muggle body parts to express his happiness. As much as he would like to avoid both elder wizard's eccentricities, he was duty bound to dance to their whims.
Yes. His duty. His duty to both masters meant his life. Either way, if he missed a single step, he would die. And so, he had to play his life like a tightly strung violin string. Constantly practicing the role he must play in the presence of unsuspecting students and convincing himself that he loathed the lot of them. For his duty bade him to keep them safe, as it was his duty to do all he can to prevent the spilling of their blood. No matter what the consequences. Such was the cage of his redemption. A cage he cannot possibly escape from as he cannot go back to being the deadly, murdering, dark Death Eater that he once was. The moment he realized what a mistake he made in being seduced by the dark, it was like being a hundred year old vampire that just had his soul back and was then reliving in his mind every he had committed. Like becoming an empathy all of a sudden. The worst thing was... he can't give his soul back anymore. What was left of it is now rotting in hell and the rest has just ceased to exist no matter how much the Headmaster told him otherwise...
"If you don't mind me asking, Headmaster, exactly what has made you so suddenly happy? If I remember correctly, I think I told you some troubling news last night which is no cause for any kind of celebration. We don't even know what the Dark Lord is up to even if with me spying on him because of his damned unpredictability!" Snape said through gritted teeth. His hands hidden inside the sleeves of his robes.
He knew that the Dark Lord was up to something big with his latest plan but he didn't know what it was! That was the most frustrating part. The meeting last night bordered on... cryptic. It was puzzling him even now and it was driving him insane. And now, the Headmaster was threatening to do just that to him. It almost made him want to bash his head on Fawkes' perch.
"Patience, patience, Severus," the Headmaster twinkled. "I took the liberty of seeking the help of one of our members."
Snape's brows lowered and he gritted his teeth hard. "Not World Savior Potter."
Dumbledore's blue eyes laughed at him making him all the more irritated. "Much as I would like to see Harry again, I'm afraid Voldemort would become suspicious if we sent him to tackle this problem, especially since we still don't know what Tom's planning."
Against his will, Snape felt his interest piqued. "And you found someone who would know why the Dark Lord is planning something like this? Well? Where is he, Headmaster?"
"I am expecting her arrival anytime now— ah... it seems that she is early. Come in, my dear."
The door to the office swung open and Snape stood to see who just arrived, briefly speculating as to who just arrived, only to freeze at the sight in front of him.
A lovely woman stood just inside the door of the room wearing a pure black cloak over simple robes of deepest burgundy. Her wavy, mahogany brown hair was tied back in a loose braid that framed her heart shaped face and her sharp, Malaga honey brown eyes, modestly but elegantly. Her pink tinged lips smiled a little as she walked over the Headmaster and gave him a hug.
"Good morning, Headmaster," she greeted in a soft voice filled with genuine pleasure. "It's so good to see you again."
Dumbledore returned the hug with genuine affection. "My dear! It's been a long time! I'm sure you remember Professor Snape?"
Her smile grew a bit wider and her eyes shone a bit brighter when she turned her eyes on Snape who stood here as though nailed to the floor, staring at her.
"How can I forget?" she walked over to him and extended a graceful hand. "It's good to see you again, Professor."
Snape scowled at her hand before enclosing it in his own and blowing a kiss on its back. As soon as he touched her, bolts of sizzling fire launched itself covertly in his whole body. He almost released her. Almost. If only her hand didn't feel so soft and warm. Something he hadn't the luxury of these past twenty one years. His scowl went deeper when he caught himself thinking in such a manner. Surely there was just something wrong with him.
If she called him professor then this may have been one of his former students. But he couldn't recall any student of his to look like this! Or give out this sort of aura. Or made him feel this confused.
She looked a bit amused now though still keeping a cool demeanor. "A simple handshake would have been enough, Professor. And I see you don't recognize me. I should be hurt."
What was she? Slytherin or Ravenclaw? But then, if she were a former student, wasn't she supposed to be cowering and giving him disgusted looks? So who was she?!
"I see you really do not recognize our former student, Severus. I believe introductions are in order then." Dumbledore said smiling at the two young people in front of him. "Severus, I would like you to meet the Head of the Department of Muggle Relations. Miss Hermione Granger."
Snape could only stare in shock as Hermione Granger bowed her head slightly towards him. Life was just too cruel to him.
As he gaped, Hermione walked away from him and faced the headmaster again and smiled at the phoenix who gave a trill of greeting for her. "I understand that you wanted to talk to me about something for the Order. Please just ask and I'll do what I can to help."
Dumbledore smiled affectionately at her. "There, child, take a seat. Severus will tell you everything you need to know."
It took Snape a relative amount of time before he could get his bearings up once more, and then some more to put his invisible cloak of cold distaste in place before he joined the girl— woman— seated in front of the Headmaster's desk. The woman he just met was not the Hermione Granger he once knew. Well... the physical resemblance was still there, now that he knew her name, but there was something... different about her. It was as though she placed a glamour charm on her very movements. Sure, he noticed the changes in her attitude during her last year in Hogwarts. Their last few moments of compromise prepared him for that. But this... It was like she had sketched a whole new, slightly refined personality. In the five years of her exile from friends and allies in the Order, she became a lady...
He decided that, the best way to dispel the awkwardness he was feeling was to cut straight to the matter. So he spoke looking at the Headmaster instead of at her.
"The Dark Lord is planning to have the muggle Russian Ambassador assassinated soon. I do not know who he has ordered to do this but I am sure of its validity. He has spoken of his plan last night but referred to it as a project currently being executed, though by whom, I do not know." He stated bluntly. He didn't feel like mincing words today.
Hermione nodded slightly. "I fail to see why you need my input in this then. It seems to me that you have your work already cut out for you."
Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "True, my dear although, we cannot decide if Voldemort only wishes us to indulge in a wild goose chase or if he really has a valid plan. We cannot comprehend what earthly use it is to his cause would the assassination of muggle diplomat would serve. We were hoping you can enlighten us in this matter."
"Oh," she said softly. "I see... That's why you were so worried."
Tearing his eyes away from the woman he was bonded with by a long time grief that still plagued him, he started to recount his report and register once more the seriousness of the situation in his mind. True, no one in the Order could figure out why the Dark Lord wanted this assassination. Most just brushed it off as sheer pettiness but Severus' instincts told him that there was something more than that there. Something far more potent and dangerous. This opinion was only strengthened by the fact that now, more than ever, the Dark Lord was being cautious. An attack caused by mere pettiness would surely undermine his hard won security measures.
"The Dark Lord seems to be gaining some good advice lately, if he can think of such a strategy," Hermione said thoughtfully, as though, only thinking aloud. Snape raised his eyebrows curiously and Dumbledore hung on her every word.
"What are you getting at, Hermione?" the old wizard asked from her seat.
Hermione raised her eyes and acknowledged him with a smile before speaking seriously. "Voldemort must have known that the political relationship between the muggle nations of Russia and Britain are a bit edgy of late. An assassination of Russia's muggle ambassador the Death Eater way would surely anger Russia enough to bring out an all out war. If my suspicions are correct, Voldemort will create more hidden chaos among the muggles until they destroy each other outright. It will bring about his life long dream of erasing muggles— and Muggle borns— faster. A holocaust, if you will. Just like what happened in the muggle world during his time. And as you know, destruction of the entire muggle race is what we are trying to fight against. This way, he doesn't even have to get his hands very dirty and no blame can be obviously cast on him."
Snape forced his eyes away from her. The brilliant little Gryffindor always got it right. He hadn't thought of it that way. The picture she painted was so uncannily accurate and simple that he was tempted to knock his head on the table until he was unconscious for not realizing it sooner. Oh how Black would have loved to see that. If only he were still alive...
This is not the time, Severus...
Dumbledore nodded. "You are right, dear. I had my suspicions lately but you have confirmed it. Thank you." He then turned to Severus. "And now that Miss Granger has analyzed how potentially dangerous Voldemort's recent plans are, I think it is time to start planning steps on how this holocaust can be prevented, am I right, Severus?"
Snape spared Hermione a glance. He knew that, wherever the Dark Lord was, Lucius Malfoy would be there as well, but she remained impassive. So unlike the seventeen year old girl he found grieving beside the lake of the castle.
"Yes, Headmaster." He answered.
Dumbledore stood up quietly and walked to a window. He stared out for a few minutes with Severus and Hermione looking at him silently, awaiting his reaction. Finally he faced them with a grave expression on his face. And surprised the two younger people by turning to Hermione. "Do you have any suggestions as to how we should proceed to foil this plan, my dear?"
She looked flustered for a minute before recovering her calm. "I can't see how anyone can foil this plan from the wizarding world, Headmaster, since they are targeting the territory of the muggles. Our best chance would be to foil the assassination from there. We can't afford any disruptions in the relations of the muggles. Our world is the one creating the trouble, after all. I suggest you find out the identity of the assassin and stop him while covertly protecting the Russian ambassador. That or kill Voldemort now."
Dumbledore nodded and Severus silently agreed.
"That would be sensible, dear," the old wizard said. "But I'm afraid Voldemort would be suspicious if the Order sent any one of our members out there without thinking. We might blow the cover of not only our members but our world."
"Then why don't you send someone who can readily identify the would be assassin, or give the ambassador an unseen bodyguard?" Hermione asked in a businesslike manner.
"No one in the Order can possibly identify any would be assassin except for Severus but he doesn't know much about the muggle world I'm afraid. Are you up to it Severus?"
"I am in agreement with this." He finally answered though his tone made it known how much it was costing him to actually concede to the conclusion of his own logic about the present and impending situation. "Just as long as our whereabouts are to be made a secret and as unnoticeable as ever."
"Thank you, Severus. Now, about your other problem..."
"Then you have to find someone who could guide him in the muggle world and cover for him when he's away. Perhaps Harry—"
"No! Absolutely out of the question!" Snape snapped before he could stop himself. He ground his teeth hard.
She tried to hide an amused smile and Severus wondered if she was teasing him. "Or maybe one of the muggle born or half blooded members of the Order. I'm sure Dean Thomas or Seamus Finnigan would proudly volunteer."
"It would be possible but it wouldn't make Severus' position believable in a place like the muggle world and it won't cover if any untoward situations that may arise. I'm sure you know of Severus' position."
Hermione nodded. "I suggest you think of someone else then, for I'm afraid I'm running out of candidates, Headmaster."
Dumbledore looked her over from his half moon spectacles with grave intensity. "What about you, my dear? Can you not help us in this situation?"
He saw Hermione narrow her eyes a bit in thought. She indulged in a few minutes of silence as though mulling a matter over in her mind before speaking again.
Severus sneered. She must be gloating inwardly at the Headmaster's open compliment. Know-it-alls never change, he guessed. But his sneer disappeared when she glanced his way, her eyes distracted. It occurred to him that she was giving thought to the whole situation! How very... un Gryffindor like of her. Usually, her lot would jump into the heart of a riot without thought. She was acting more like a Slytherin now. So much has changed in her.
Finally, she met the Headmaster's gaze. "I would be glad to help... provided that I call the shots."
Severus' jaw tightened further at the situation he was now going to have to face. A delicate mission with one third of the Golden Dream Team. Oh joy. Can there be any other irony of sweeter flavor than this? And for her to call the shots? No way! He wasn't going to stick out his neck for a hapless, reckless Gryffindor!
He longed to say that he preferred to work alone but he knew that would be next to impossible. His redemption did not include having to accompany women of any kind on any assignation, but it was his duty to ensure that the assassination fails. His duty to Dumbledore, and he promised himself long before, that his duty to the old wizard comes first in everything. Remembering what happened eight years ago, when Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban, he winced.
Well, in almost everything...
"May I remind you, Miss Granger, that I am still your senior. I shall be the one, as you have said, 'to call the shots', in this mission." He told her menacingly in a soft tone.
To his further surprise, she was far from intimidated. Instead, she looked him in the eye calmly and he found himself foolishly ensnared. "Professor Snape, I have no doubt that your skills in the area of espionage are exemplary, however, you, of all people, should know that being familiar with enemy grounds is more important than any other skill. It will see you through and blend in and pretend to be someone you are not. That is what I'm calling the shots for. I have no desire to hinder you in any way. I aim to help."
She looked away from him calmly and stared at a spot on the Headmaster's desk in thought as she steepled her fingers together. "I defer the mission in your more than capable hands whilst I take care of the essentials, i.e. living space, inside muggle contact, money, transportation and the like. It would make things easier for you to think. However, I trust that my opinion would hold a little merit for you to listen from time to time."
Severus was speechless. How could he argue with such calm, precise logic? He felt like a fool for trying to intimidate her. To gather his scattered composure, he sat there quietly, and thought, much like the way she did a few minutes before.
Aside from his knowledge of Muggle studies, he was still not confident enough to handle a mission and living in the muggle world at the same time. What this mission needed was a precise handling of events that he needed to manipulate to his own advantage and he could have a hard time doing that and seeing to it that he didn't make any incompetent muggles curious with his actions. Very much like the brewing of a particularly challenging potion. And he could find no better helper in this little quest than Hermione Granger. One of Hogwart's finest and Head of Muggle Relations.
He could do worse. And the situation was rather dire.
"Alright, Miss Granger, we shall have it your way." He said sneeringly at her.
She ignored this and nodded. "Alright then, here's the plan. With the Headmaster's permission, you and I shall travel as husband and wife. That would be easy enough to accomplish with a little magic that I can do myself. We shall be very rich, international business owners and if I contact a friend of mine, I am sure that we will be able to secure an invitation to the Queen's palace so we can stay there as long as the Russian ambassador is in the country. I suppose you know of the wine business in Muggle studies, Professor?"
Yes. One of the few things, really, that had caught his interest about muggles. Not that he's openly admit that. "Yes."
"Good. I advise you to brush up on several notes about the business though. My wine company is exclusive and I have made several innovations on red wine, whiskey and my own brand that you need to know. You are the owner. You are supposed to know your business inside and out." She answered, not breaking that remarkable cool of hers.
"You own a wine company?" he asked, a bit incredulously.
A faint smile appeared on her lips and she looked a bit rueful. "Being Head of Muggle Relations mean that I have to have considerable influence in both worlds. If I didn't, I won't be in a position in which I can influence anything to happen, so I used some Arithmancy to secure some big investments I made in the muggle market and acquired knowledge in making wine. Such an occupation is quite exclusive and well respected in the muggle world."
Severus' brows lowered a bit and said condescendingly, "The former Head of Muggle Relations didn't require such a thing."
She raised her eyebrow a bit at him. "Yes, and look how effective he was. It took no considerable effort for me to oust him from his position and he wasn't even missed. Surely even you have to admit how abhorring the steps he and Fudge made during Sirius' escape from Azkaban?"
Yes, well... he did. But he scowled at her instead.
He was impressed at the cunning and the ambition she displayed to get one of the head posts in the Ministry. And here he thought she was going to become one of those noisy activists or irritating reporters!
"As I was saying, you will need to look up my innovations since you may be questioned about them. I shall give a week. Will that do?" she continued.
He bristled, "Two days hall be enough, Miss Granger."
"I hope that is not pride talking, Professor. We can't afford to endanger the mission with such... trivialities." She glanced at him meaningfully.
"Of course, it's not! Do not compare me to the dunderheads you have hung around with while you were still studying here!" he almost yelled at her.
It made him furious to feel so defensive at the littlest baits she threw at him. He felt like a first year! This Hermione was too... new to him, and he didn't know how to handle her. Yet.
"Very well. My notes shall arrive tonight by owl. I will therefore contact you after three days so I can secure an invitation to the palace and prepare what we need. If you have any questions about the notes, please contact me." With that she stood up and smiled warmly at the Headmaster, who was watching their conversation avidly. "I must be going now, Headmaster. It's so nice to see you again."
Dumbledore hugged her. "Same here, my dear. Thank you for giving us a moment of your time."
"Nonsense. We are doing this for the Order. We need to close all avenues the Dark Lord has of escape." She answered, her tone soft. Quite the opposite of the tone she used on Severus. It made him feel surly.
"Let me walk you out to the grounds, my dear."
"No need, sir. I have another engagement and I would not want to bother you. Besides, if professor McGonagall sees me, I'm afraid she won't let me leave." She said, eyes twinkling.
Dumbledore laughed. "Quite right, dear. Take care."
"Yes, sir." She then turned towards Severus. "I'll see you again, professor."
The two men watched she swept out of the door and both were silent for a full minute the Headmaster decided to break the silence. "She has been a great help to us these past years and now she has grown into a lady. Don't you agree, Severus?"
Severus scowled. "She'll always be a know-it-all to me."
Dumbledore chuckled. "I see she has surprised you."
Severus turned his scowl at the old wizard. "I haven't heard about her doing any active work in the Order. I thought she was being locked in a safe house by Potter and Weasley."
Dumbledore smiled at him indulgently. "I'm afraid she has had no time to come in contact with any of her friends. You see, I required her to acquire the post she is holding now."
"You WHAT?!" Severus exclaimed, standing up and staring at the old wizard as though he just spouted some nonsense about being inlove with Voldemort. "You TASKED her to become head of that department?! Working in the present Ministry of Magic is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, let alone one of our best alumni!"
Dumbledore chuckled. "I know, my boy," he then turned serious. "But she knew that we need someone inside the Ministry who has the potential to gain a specific amount of influence. The ability to gain subtle power and... as bait."
The Potions Masters' face darkened. "Headmaster—"
"I know, Severus, I know. She has sacrificed much since then and she never complains. She knows how important all of this is to the Order. I regret that I have ever caused her any pain."
Afterwards, long after he left the presence of the old wizard, Severus still felt a deep welling of empathy for what became of the school's former Head Girl. Remembering the words a golden haired boy whom he loved like his own son, though not openly, all those years ago...
He was in his office, reading a new issue of Ars Alchemica over a mug of hot latte when he was disturbed by a set of soft knocks on his door. Wondering who would visit him in his office at this time of year and at this time of night, (usually, everyone left him well enough alone during the holidays with the exception of the Headmaster.) he called out.
"Come in."
In came a slightly nervous looking Draco Malfoy, his silver gray eyes held a desperation that made Severus sit up a bit straighter and attune all of his senses to the boy's feelings. Carefully conditioning himself to use his abilities in Legilimency if necessary.
"Did you need something, Mr. Malfoy?" he asked in his usual soft, dark voice.
The boy swallowed hard and was breathing deeply before he finally looked him in the eye and told him the statement of the century.
"I'm in love with Hermione Granger."
Snape couldn't contain his surprise for a whole minute before he could muster enough self control to ask scathingly, "And what, pray tell, does this have anything to do with me, Mr. Malfoy? Your... love life, no matter how shocking, is of no concern to me."
The boy swallowed again and, without being invited, seated himself on a nearby chair facing Snape. Severus figured that, had the boy chosen to remain standing for five seconds more, his legs would have given off.
"We both know that I'm helping you gather information inside Father's circle for two years now. We also both know of the danger we are placed in," he buried his head in his hands. "Don't ask me how she figured it out but Hermione knows what I am, professor! She knows and she still won't let me go and I—I can't fight what I feel for her any longer. She loves me..." he whispered harshly, in awe and disbelief. "She doesn't care that I have to take the Mark this summer! She said she'll wait for me! That she'll try to find a way to help me! That she'll do everything she could for the Order so the Dark Lord can be defeated faster!
"Gods, how I want to believe her! How I want to put my life in her hands and hold her and never let her go!" he raised his face and looked at him. "But we both know better, don't we?"
Severus had to agree. They both know the high stakes they were playing. The fifty- fifty chance of getting out of a Dark Revel unscathed. For Draco, the stakes were a bit higher because he was actually living with a man who was capable of killing him in a space of a heartbeat. In his very own house. At any time the fates so choose. But Granger... how the hell did she know? Why did she bother to look into Draco's life in the first place? After everything he did to her, all the pain, all the grief...? And how the hell was she planning to make that promise come true? Was she planning something?
"I don't doubt that my father will know about her sooner or later. The spies here at Hogwarts are bound to know about her no matter how secret we keep our relationship. Even now, Parkinson is looking far too closely into my personal life than what's comfortable. The situation is getting a lot more dangerous for me. One of these days may find me dead." Draco continued.
Severus cocked him a sarcastic eyebrow though his tone was somewhat lacking in its sarcasm. For he understood, more than anyone else, how much the boy was standing to lose. Especially now. "I still fail to understand what this has got to do with me, Draco."
Draco looked him straight in the eye for a full minute, in deep seriousness before stating his request. "When— if, something happens to me, you are the only one capable enough to protect Hermione from Father and the Dark Lord. Please, professor... please take care of her when I'm gone."
Was he mad? Severus wasn't entirely sure if the boy was thinking properly. To entrust him with the, obviously, most precious thing in his life!
"Why me? I'm hardly eligible for trust. She'll never agree to be under my... dubious protection. Why not go to those numbskulls she calls friends?" Severus asked after a while. A Slytherin never takes a promise lightly and without thinking, and Severus was taught enough by life to realize how true and useful those sentiments were.
Draco smirked a little. "Because that's exactly what they are. Numbskulls." He then turned serious. "I am not entrusting Hermione to those two idiots who can't even appreciate her worth! They actually depend on her to save their arses most of the time and they still can't even see her as anything more than a damned support beam!" he breathed deeply one more time and spoke more calmly. "Besides, she respects you and she trusts you. Other than Lupin and Tonks she trusts you more than anyone else, more than you think."
Snape's breath was caught in his throat. He never knew. Although Hermione Granger spoke to him with far more respect than her so called friends, he never knew in how much regard she placed him in. all the other students feared him but she had always showed him deference especially during her fifth year. And, to his chagrin, he realized with sudden clarity that he has ceased to regard her as an enemy the moment that he saw with his own eyes the form of Peter Pettigrew alive and one hand less. Everything she tried to tell him three years ago was true but he was too blinded by hate to listen. If he only listened to her then the Dark Lord would not have risen. He would not have to return to the world he had long ago renounced.
Nonetheless, he didn't want any more involvement with Gryffindors!
"She's a bloody Gryffindor! You want me to take care and watch over another bloody Gryffindor?!" he roared.
"Please, professor," Draco pleaded softly. "Please protect her for me. When I'm gone Father will surely come after her. If only to blame her for turning his own son against him. Hermione devised this plan so as to protect you, just in case. And though she's firmly trying her best not to let anything happen to me, I know that this will not be enough. The cause comes first and it's important at least one of us should be left behind."
The lump in Severus' throat grew and he had to swallow hard. That the two would actually think of his safety touched him more than words could ever say. Damnit! The girl was truly something else entirely!
He looked at the boy he regarded like a son. He saw the desperation and the plea in his eyes and Severus knew the boy was serious. No need to use Legilimency there. He'd never seen Draco like this with anyone before. What did Hermione Granger have to change a boy such as Draco Malfoy into this man who cared not for his own life but the life of a woman who was supposed to be his enemy for the last six years?
If he were Gryffindor, or Hufflepuff, he'd be standing up and patting the boy's back in comfort, say over and over and over again that those things won't happen and that everything will be alright. But he was Slytherin, and making up flowery little phrases and hoping for the best did not make up the people in that particular House. They rely solely on reality and that is the only line of thought they follow. No matter how hard it is sometimes.
So Severus nodded at the young man in front of him and gave him his word. "I'll take care of her for good or ill. Though I hope the circumstances will not allow such things to come to pass."
Draco closed his eyes in relief and smiled at his mentor. "Thank you, sir. You just made living for me a lot more easier."
Was he breaking his promise to the boy now? Did he fail Hermione Granger and sentenced her to a fate of shadows and deceit, destroying that which Draco once loved about her?
Vaguely, he realized that his mind was telling him that trouble was looming over the horizon of his life. But he decided and that was all that mattered. He had his duty to Dumbledore and the only thing he could do now was prepare, and follow through the plans as required by his duties to the old man who gave him a second chance at life.....