Chapter 3 – Truths and Endings

Disclaimer – See chapter 1

A/N Thanks to all those that reviewed, it's great. Now on we go...

Harry sat in Dumbledore's office with a cup of tea in his hands and Ron sat beside him. Dumbledore had lost the twinkle in his eyes, apparently even he couldn't twinkle at 1.00am.

Harry took a deep breath and began to recount his vision.

"I saw him... Voldemort I mean... he was happy and smiling..." Harry paused trying to remember every detail. "He was standing in... a lab... it looked like the dungeons but grubbier..."

Ron interrupted: "No way, no wonder you were screaming."

Harry smiled gratefully at Ron, knowing he was trying to lighten the moment before continuing. "He was standing over a potion... it was dark green... it looked thick... and it was smoking."

Dumbledore nodded, curiously wondering if Severus could identify the potion.

Harry sipped the tea and deep several deep breaths "He said: 'Now I will have what is rightfully mine' then I heard another voice say 'yes master' I think... it... was Snape."

"No way," said Ron.

"Professor," Dumbledore added quietly.

Harry nodded. "I think it was Professor Snape but I'm not certain."

"Harry, try to remember does any one else speak?"

"No definitely not;" answered Harry.

"What about other people, could you see anyone else or anything? Asked Dumbledore.

Harry replayed the vision over in his mind looking carefully to see anything else. Then he remembered "Nagini was there sir."

Dumbledore nodded, "Thank you for coming to me with this Harry, you were right it is important. Now I think the two of you should return to bed - there's nothing else you can do tonight."

Harry and Ron nodded and left heading back to their dormitory.

"Harry, what d'you think the potions for?"

"I don't know Ron... but Voldemort was really happy about it" Said Harry sadly.

Ron shuddered. "Stop saying the name."

Harry merely nodded as they entered Gryffindor tower and went to bed.

Throughout the entire day Severus felt his arm itch and tingle, he had a nasty feeling about this evening.

Sure enough at 8.00pm while he was grading essays he felt the dark mark burn. He cursed as it became more painful. He stumbled towards the wardrobe and flung it open he waved his wand, exchanging his teaching robes for his death eater robes.

Severus had spoken briefly with Albus, and so was ready to be on the look out to see if he could notice the potion that Harry had seen. Though he thought it was much more likely that the Dark Lord would mention it himself, being as Severus was a Potions Master - and the only one capable of brewing anything complicated. With the possible exception of Lucius; he added as an after thought.

He stumbled out the dungeons through a secret tunnel and was outside in the grounds. He walked briskly but carefully towards the forbidden forest just in case any one saw him. When he had reached the edge of the grounds, he apparated to Voldemort's waiting place.

He arrived in a forest, it looked rather like Dartmoor, and it was also cold. He saw a large cave to his left and listening carefully he heard sounds coming from it. He entered cautiously.

Lucius appeared out of the gloom and greeted him, "My old friend, you've come at last."

Severus nodded. He decided not to say that he had hardly had any choice in his coming.

"Come this way."

Severus followed Lucius, the cave was surprisingly dry (it must have been a spell). after some distance the tunnel widened into a large 'room'. Voldemort waited in the centre.

"Severus..." he said with a hiss.

"Master," Severus crawled forward and kissed the hem of his robes.

Voldemort smiled (yep still gross!) "Severus, my loyal servant, you will brew a potion for me."

"Of course my Lord." murmured Severus quietly.

"The potion is merely a restorative for me, here are the instructions" Voldemort said, handing a piece of parchment to Severus.

Severus recognised Wormtail's scrawl and looked over the ingredients. This was no restorative potion. Severus wondered if he could get anything out of Voldemort, so he tried.

"My Lord, this is unlike any restorative potion I have brewed. However, I have my own which is very powerful..." Severus waited. His little gamble would either pay off or not.

Voldemort stood taller and towered over Severus, which wasn't difficult seeing as Severus was kneeling. This was also the reason for having his servants kneel as Voldemort would have had trouble towering over most of his death eaters.

"You will brew that exactly as it is written, EXACTLY!!" bellowed Voldemort "UNDERSTAND?!"

"Yes my Lord..." said Severus. Oh dear. The gamble didn't pay off at all this was not looking good.

"Go." said Voldemort calmly.

Severus knew only too well that he'd never get out unscathed but still stood. He bowed once and turned to leave. He'd only taken a few steps when Voldemort said "Oh and Severus, don't question me again."

Severus was impressed the man, no creature had managed to make that sound almost friendly, however Severus braced himself none the less.

"CRUCIO!" shouted Voldemort.

The pain was intense however Severus never uttered a sound. He did fall to the ground, writhing in agony but he didn't cry out.

Lucius looked on in amusement. He always enjoyed watching while someone else was in pain. But he did feel that it wasn't as much fun when they didn't scream.

Voldemort apparently agreed with him, and kept Severus under the curse for ten minutes, waiting for him to cry out.

Eventually Severus moaned.

Voldemort grinned and released him. "Now get out."

Severus rose shakily to his feet and walked out of the cave, as soon as he was outside the cave, he apparated back to Hogwarts.

He entered the dungeons and waited patiently in his chair by the fire. He waited for two things, the first was for his limbs to stop trembling from the curse, and the second was for Dumbledore to come and ask about the meeting.

"Ron," said Harry forcefully "Please."

Ron sighed and nodded. He and Harry were standing just outside the doors into Hogwarts. It was afternoon and their classes were over. Harry was convincing him to go and talk to Hermione. Ever since their row there was an unpleasant amount of tension in the air and Harry was fed up he hated the fact that his two best friends weren't getting along. Granted Hermione hadn't put Harry in the middle, not at all since she was spending loads of time with Neville.

Ron and Harry walked towards the lake where Hermione and Neville were sitting.

Hermione and Neville were sitting by the lake Neville was reading poetry to her. Hermione found the sound of his voice calming it seemed to wash over her like the water in the lake.

Ron interrupted their peace.

"Hi 'Mione. Can we talk?" said Ron, with a cheery smile.

Hermione turned and looked up at him "Sure Ron."

Hermione waited for Ron to sit down, he didn't. So she stood then Neville did too.

Ron looked down as if unsure what to say Harry prodded him Hermione noticed.

"Harry you can't make him apologise." she said quietly "If Ron's still angry then it won't change anything."

Though Hermione spoke quietly and resignedly, Ron took offence "What, so this is all... my fault?"

Hermione looked at him surprised "No that's not what I said."

"Yeah you did" he said

Hermione could feel her calm fading she had spent the last day of so trying to stay calm and collected it had been going well, she was determined that she wouldn't keep changing the weather with her moods.

Taking a deep breath Hermione spoke "Look Ron, I don't want to argue."

"Yeah well we're outside now so there's no pipes to break," Ron's voice was getting louder.

Ron had told Harry about what had happened with Hermione before, but Harry assumed it was coincidence; and since Hermione hadn't wanted to talk about it, he thought nothing of it.

"Ron, please." Hermione's voice sounded forced and Neville noticed.

"Hermione breathe slowly, just breathe"

"Oh you need Neville to help you breathe now, well I wouldn't count on him not to screw up."

Harry, Neville and Hermione all looked up in shock, never had Ron been cruel to Neville and never had they involved him in their fights.

Neville looked at Hermione unsure of what to do, despite wanting to hex Ron he knew he wouldn't be successful.

Hermione was furious, she tried to breathe, to stay calm but all she could feel was anger that Ron had been so mean. The sun had been shining but now thick dark clouds were rolling in overhead.

"Ron that was out of line," said Harry unaware of Hermione's inner struggle.

Ron looked at Harry "I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN YOU'D TAKE HER SIDE."

"It's not about sides Ron!" said Harry angrily

"TYPICAL, I CAN'T POSSIBLELY BE RIGHT CAN I?"

"Ron go away. Now." said Hermione quietly "Just leave."

Neville was backing away from Hermione and Harry also took several steps back.

"NO HERMIONE!! YOU'RE A FREAK! AND THESE TWO ARE JUST A BAD. HIM WITH HIS SCAR AND HIM WELL..."

Hermione stopped trying to stay calm. This was unbelievable Ron her supposed best friend... Hermione lost control... again.

The clouds above seemed to grow thicker, darker almost... angrier.

Despite being in the dungeon Severus had windows showing the grounds, he had been reading when he realised it was quite suddenly dark. He looked up at the window and saw the dark storm clouds moving in.

"No... surely not?" he muttered.

Taking his secret tunnel he stood outside and saw four students by the lake. He also saw one of them was Hermione Granger.

"I thought Weasley learned the first time" he started towards them.

"I HATE YOU!" screamed Hermione "I HATE YOU!!"

Thunder clapped in the sky, and the rain poured down from the heavens as Hermione screamed.

The winds picked up and whistled though the trees, the lake surged as it became tidal. Lightning streaked through the sky Neville stepped back further and grabbed Harry's arm.

"WE HAVE TO GET INSIDE!" he screamed trying to be heard above the sounds of the storm.

Harry and Neville turned to grab Ron but he was backing away from Hermione who was advancing on him.

They turned to watch as the water in the lake surged upwards to become a water spout as Hermione walked past. Trees in the forbidden forest began to creak and strain under the power of the winds.

Severus drew closer and closer to the group. He grabbed Harry and Neville, and pushed them towards the school. They followed his lead and ran, but only to the doors they wanted to see what would happen.

Severus caught up with Hermione and Ron.

"SEE?! I WAS RIGHT! YOU'RE A FREAK!" screamed Ron.

Hermione glared at him and a bolt of lightning hit the ground next to him fortunately he jumped out of the way in time.

"RON! RUN... RUN... PLEASE" screamed Hermione and Ron looked confused then he saw her look of pure fear on her face.

Severus knew the boy was an idiot but this gave the word a whole new meaning. The boy was a buffoon. He grabbed Ron and flung him in the direction of the school. Ron took the hint seeing Professor Snape and ran.

Severus was freezing and soaked he stood before Hermione, he needed to distract her.

"PROFESSOR! GET OUT OF HERE!" she shouted.

"NO YOU MUST STOP!" he shouted back.

Hermione simply stared as lightning streaked the sky over and over again, "I WILL."

Severus had been researching way to help Hermione ever since Albus had told him about her condition. He knew that something was wrong here she shouldn't have this much control yet.

"HERMIONE STOP THIS!" he screamed "I KNOW YOU DON'T WANT TO HARM ANYONE,"

"I DON'T KNOW HOW!"

Suddenly Severus understood the power of her anger had summoned the storm but she had lost control of it.

"HERMIONE YOU MUST CHANNEL YOUR POWER!"

Hermione opened her arms and looked towards the sky, she began to concentrate, the water spout fell back into the lake (the squid was rather relieved) the lightning and thunder stopped. But still it kept on raining and the wind was still whipping through the trees.

"I CAN'T," she cried "IT'S TOO STRONG"

"THEN CALM YOURSELF," cried Severus. He was getting worried now, if she couldn't stop this...

Hermione tried to take deep breaths she could feel the power of the storm above her it was pulling her in. Hermione suddenly looked at Severus she saw memories flash through her mind, he was safe, he protected her, she was safe with him.

Hermione threw herself into his arms.

Severus was surprised but his arms instinctually came around her, holding her close to him. Well if I'm going to die, then at least I get to hold her... just once he thought.

"Hermione." he spoke her name loudly to be heard "Please try, you can't die now."

Hermione looked up and saw sadness in his eyes, looking around her she realised if she didn't stop the storm then the resulting flood would kill her and Severus.

She moved her arms around his neck and pulled him closer "I won't let you die, not because of me" she said.

She closed her eyes and concentrated on feeling, she was safe and warm and happy, she could smell sandalwood, Severus. Hermione focused solely of feeling happy and calm.

Around them the storm calmed more and more until there wasn't a drop of rain or a puff of wind.

"Well done Hermione" said Severus "You did it."

Hermione looked around before looking back at him "Actually you did, you were the one who made me feel safe and happy."

Severus smiled, not a sneer or a smirk but a genuine smile. "We should get inside and dry, no drying spell in the world could help us now."

Hermione laughed gently and nodded. Both began to walk towards the doors of Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Neville had all been sent to the infirmary so only Albus saw what happened. He smiled. I wonder... he thought.

Hermione was in her room changing and drying off when an owl arrived at the window with a note for her.

Miss Granger

Please would you join me in my office for dinner.

Professor Dumbledore

Hermione cringed. This would not be good.

Severus had just finished changing when Albus' head appeared in the fire.

"Severus, would you join me for dinner, in my office this evening?"

"Of course Headmaster." He had known it wasn't a request.

Hermione stood in front of the gargoyle and rallied her courage. "The Headmaster wishes to see me" she spoke to the gargoyle.

The statue turned revealing a twisted staircase, she walked up to Dumbledore's office. She stood outside the door and gently knocked and waited.

"Come on in Hermione."

Steeling herself, Hermione walked in, the first thing she saw was a circular table right in the middle of the room. It was set for dinner, but it was set for three.

Albus was already sited and waiting for her to join him he held out his hand, "Please sit."

Hermione sat down. "Who is joining us Professor?"

As she uttered the words, the flames in the fireplace turned green and Severus appeared. He stepped out and grumbled something about soot.

"Headmaster what is it you..." he stopped when he noticed Hermione sat at the table.

"Her... Miss Granger,"

"Professor,"

Albus had caught Severus' slip easily enough "Since this promises to be an informal evening why don't we stick to our given names."

Hermione hadn't looked at Albus as he spoke. Her eyes had stayed locked with Severus'. "Severus," she said quietly.

"Hermione." he said gently, the moment was electric the air itself seemed to come alive.

Albus grinned (yep grinned). "Well why don't you sit Severus," he waited for Severus to sit before continuing. "I'm sure that you can be in no doubt why you are here."

"Miss... Hermione needs to work on controlling her new powers."

"Exactly Severus,"

"But where did they come from?" said Hermione "Why is this happening to me?"

Albus knew at this point he had two choices. He could tell Hermione and Severus the entire truth about Hermione and his plans, or, he could... omit certain details. He chose the latter.

"Hermione you believe you are a muggle born witch, as does the rest of the school." Hermione nodded, waiting for Albus to continue. "This however is not true."

Hermione stared, confusion written clearly on her face. "my parents are a witch and wizard..."

"No Hermione, both your parents are muggles, but Mr. Granger is not your biological father, I don't know why Rocha hid it but..."

Hermione was stunned but she still caught on one of Albus' words. "Rocha?"

"Your mother, Hermione, though I understand she goes by 'Rachel' now."

"Wait. My mother is a witch?... but you said..."

Severus sat back quietly wondering why on earth Albus had included him in this.

"Hermione, your mother was a witch but she had her powers stripped from her, changing her into a muggle. From what I understand, she knew Paul Granger since she was little."

"Yes they grew up together, they were best friends even though they didn't go to the same school. So my mother had an affair." Hermione almost whispered the last bit

"Hermione... I don't know exactly what happened but Rocha informed me that you... you weren't entirely human... from what I can tell you appear to be half elemental."

Hermione was reeling, this was nuts! but then she did have these powers... but elemental sprites were...

"Hang on Albus. A union between wizards and sprites are forbidden." Severus cut in.

"Yes, which was why Rocha was stripped of her powers"

"What about my father?" asked Hermione quietly.

Albus paused "I don't know Hermione."

"Albus surely we can... bind these powers somehow... they nearly killed Hermione today."

"And you," added Hermione softly. Severus smiled at her and nodded.

"No, Severus I want you to teach Hermione meditation and any other calming treatments."

"Why did these powers show up now why not earlier or later?" asked Hermione

Severus waited for Albus response this was something that even he wanted to know.

Despite the fact that they had been talking all had in fact finished their dinner and Albus decided that the meeting was over. "Well we can't worry about that now, we just need you to learn how to control this power."

He stood and ushered Severus and Hermione out of his office. Before they knew what was happening they found themselves outside the gargoyle.

"How?"

"He does that a lot Hermione."

"There was something he wasn't telling me..." she said softly.

Severus nodded "Yes," he paused then said, "but isn't it convenient that the Order should be in need of... dire help, and now you have a power that would be very helpful in a battle, if you could control it."

Hermione listened to his words are looked up. "Are you saying that the Headmaster did this?"

"No, but it is convenient,"

Hermione had to agree, she knew that Dumbledore wasn't above manipulating people for his own purposes. He'd been doing it to Harry for years.

TBC

A/N: Well what do you think? I know I kind made Dumbledore a bit sneaky at the end there but I reckon he'd be willing to do anything to win the war.

Please review, suggestions welcome.