Lucius Malfoy was surprised by the sudden presence of Thorus. The man was trembling as if he did not know what was happening around him.
- Speak. You look like you're about to explode. - The blonde turned to his anxious guest.
There was disbelief in Lord Nott's eyes. - Do you remember the girl that Severus surprised us with? Back then, when we all thought he was in love with Evans?
- Yes, I remember. She disappeared overnight. Sev is still looking for her over the years. - Lord Malfoy felt his shoulders drop in resignation. He didn't even want to imagine how he would feel if Narcissa disappeared like that. - Why are you asking for her?
- That Muggle-born who got into Slytherin this year is her daughter.
- Lucius growled - Have you talked to my wife? She doesn't allow me to call her a mudblood.
- Considering the fact that she may be our friend's daughter, I would prefer not to offend her. You know he is sensitive to this insult.
- What are you talking about?
- Jean disappeared in late February 1979. The girl was born in September 1979. What is the probability that she was cheating on Severus?
At that moment they heard Narcissa Malfoy's voice. - Do you see my darling? If this information is confirmed, you will do everything you can to introduce this little girl to the family. Understand? - The woman sat down next to her husband and smiled smugly on her face. - We have to write to her mother. Right, Abraxas? - She said to her father-in-law who was sitting in armchair.
Abraxas said nothing. He felt a shiver of nervousness run down his fingers. If there was anyone in anger who was scarier than Tom, it was Merry. He just looked at his son, whose expression showed a little disgust, and thought - Fool, if you knew what family she comes from, you'd be begging for an engagement contract for your son.
xxx
Another day of silence between three friends was disturbing to Mrs. Pince. Ever since these special three students became friends, the Hogwarts librarian was more than proud to be a supporter of them. She hoped that this friendship would not end as tragically as the one from several years ago, when her then favorite, today the bane of her existence, Severus Snape, wandered the corridors of this castle as a student. That's why she was glad to see a shy Ron Weasley heading to the table where Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were sitting.
- Maybe it will not be so bad. - she whispered to herself so softly that anyone who heard it might think it was just his imagination.
xxx
He wasn't sure what to say to her. He knew that the temperament inherited from his mother would be the source of his problems more than once, but he could not believe that he had exploded due to complete stupidity. Therefore, as soon as he saw the two Slytherins in the library, he decided to approach them and apologize to them. Especially her. A bossy, wayward and constantly stressed brunette.
- Excuse me. I am sorry that instead of listening to you fully, I started to argue. - he said to the girl and then turned to the boy. - I'm sorry for making you choose. Sorry to all of you. It just looked like we could have a nice non-class adventure. - He fell into an empty chair, waiting for an answer and possible forgiveness.
A smile appeared on the young witch's face. - If you want an adventure and you can keep secrets, I have a proposal that should cheer you up and not expose us to danger, or even worse, expulsion from school.
- Someone should work with you to change your priorities. he smiled before adding. So what alternative do you have to find out the cause of the presence of Fluffy?
- I'd like to know too. - added Harry, who had been watching this short exchange so far.
Hermione looked around the library and saw the uninvited guest in the company of his friends. - Not now. We'll talk in the evening. Ron, and Harry and I will be in the seventh floor hallway after dinner tonight. I will show you the place I found by comparing the different editions of Hogwarts History.
Harry was surprised at the low voice of his friend. - Why are you so avoiding Malfoy? - he asked worriedly. He lived with the blonde in one dormitory. The fact he was cocky and liked to brag about his family's wealth, but overall he was fine. He did not understand her dislike of him.
- I feel he's been following me since he called my hair cute as a dragon's nest. I don't know what he means but I feel cornered.
- I think I understand what you mean. - Ron whispered. - Lavender Brown is following me. However, she is pureblood. Most purebloods get married after graduation, so girls screen potential candidates quickly. Wealth, connections, skills ... I'd understand if she had tried to get to Malfoy, but me? Real nonsense.
- Maybe she fell in love? - The girl sighed and started to stand. - Are we going? - she added in a whisper - I have a feeling that they are watching me like a laboratory rat. After all, I'm the only Muggle-born in Slytherin. And maybe the first one they have around every day.
xxx
He had to write to his father. Let him laugh at him, let him disinherit him for wanting to associate with the Mudblood, but let him help talk to her.
- I never thought that I would see such a close relationship between those three. The Weasleys are known to dislike anything slightly Slytherin. - Blaise said, taking the books out on the table.
Pansy Parkinson snorted. - I'm not surprised. Hermione has a hard moral backbone. They became friends on the train and she decided not to abandon it just because the old hat had separated them. Neither would I abandon you in such a situation. - The girl looked up and her face was decorated with a wide smile that caught Draco Malfoy's attention. - Hermione are you leaving already?
- Yes. You have to use the weather while it is still autumn. - the curly brunette handed over the package taken from her bag - Here. I told mom you'd like to read it. It took a while, but she got a few issues of the magazine from the 1960s. And you don't have to give it back. It's for you. Bye. - Granger smiled again and walked towards the library door where Weasley and Potter were waiting for her.
Draco hissed - What's the matter? What is this? Since when are you friends with her? Why did she give you this now?
- Relax. - Parkinson smiled. - Let me answer. You shoot questions like with a machine gun.
Theo looked at the girl with confusion in his eyes. - What is a machine gun?
- A machine gun is a type of Muggle weapon. And shooting a machine gun is something similar to a phraseological compound. I had to take it from Hermione. She talks a lot. Sometimes too much, but I like her. - she put the package into the bag. - As for the earlier questions ... My roommate reads useful magazines. I wanted some archival issues. She probably gave it to me now because she already has a heavy bag. Believe me. I saw it packing. It's hard not to make friends with someone who lives in the same room.
xxx
An owl landed on Severus Snape's desk. The black-haired man has long wondered how the Malfoy owl flies in here, taking into account the fact that both his office and sleeping quarters are in the dungeons. Even the classroom where he teaches Potions is there. He unfastened the letter and, before he could pull out the treats for the pet, realized that the owl was gone. The note was short.
Severus, we've probably found the answer. Get your research material from that girl. We look forward to seeing you after dinner. It would be unwise for you to sneak out of the castle so often between classes. - LAM
Lucius has the nerve. He could have sent the note later. Now he will wonder what this madman means. In public, his friend was synonymous with the king of ice, but in private ... He had more temperament than Molly Weasley herself.
xxx
Why is it so boring. She didn't mind learning history, but hearing about the Goblin Revolution was once again more than tedious. Sometimes she wondered if Professor Binns was repeating this lesson because it was the last topic he discussed before his death.
- Professor. - She raised her hand, intending to break this vicious circle.
- Yes, Miss Granger? - he asked curiously.
- I don't want to be brutal. I really like history because it's incredibly interesting even in Muggles, but is there really nothing in the curriculum other than goblin rebellions? We have already covered this topic several times.
The professor seemed surprised. First his face took on an intense pink shade and then he embarrassedly said - Why hasn't anyone told me before? I'm a ghost. There are times when I don't notice the passage of time. I'm a goblin myself and for me it is important but I know most people find it boring. We can move on to the story of Morgana la Fay and Mordred, who are next on the show. And I wonder why the exam results are so low every year ...
As they left the classroom, Hermione felt a tug on her robe. As she turned around, she saw Ron Weasley standing next to her. - Why did you tell him he was talking about the same thing again?
- When I have to learn something, let it be interesting. Currently, I fall asleep first taking notes and then learning from them.
- You know what Hermione … - Ron sighed. - I didn't think about that.
- I know Ronald, I know …
xxx
Job application? How dare he? Like Remus Lupine, who thanks to him was able to study at Hogwarts in peace, who avoided punishment for unknowingly participating in an inadvertent murder attempt, could have applied for a job by avoiding his desk. Medical examination, license for an employee with lycanthropy, registration of your illness? It wasn't supposed to be this way. He was supposed to come to work in the third year of Harry. His job was to be dependent on HIM. Not from the gang of idiots working at the ministry. What's going on? He was always a strategist, he planned a few, sometimes even a dozen or so steps forward and now he could not even persuade the boy to follow the directions.
xxx
- What is this place? Harry asked looking around the room.
- Come & Go room. At least that's what the 1932 edition describes it. Or rather, a student's note for future generations. - She replied proud of her discovery.
Ron sat thoughtfully for a while - You didn't tell anyone else?
- Just the two of you.
- Phew… finally, I will be able to take a break from my brothers from time to time. They are still angry that I stick with the Slytherins. - He turned to Hermione. - So what's your plan in the case of Fluffy and what do you have for us in return.
- As for Fluffy ... I was thinking about imposing security on the entrance which the teachers apparently did not think or did not want to think about. It is not normal to keep a three-headed dog behind a door that can be opened with a spell we learn in our first year. - she said irritated.
- You're right. Even my mother keeps sweets behind a more complicated spell. - The redhead sighed defeated.
- I'm not going to endanger myself for something that can only harm us. I thought we could add a blood totem. - before the boys said something, she added - I'll add mine blood. - With my second wand to cancel my magic signature. - And then I'll add a Fidelius spell.
- Is not it too much? - Harry asked.
- Not. - She said firmly - Someone is playing with the safety of the students. There are so many places where you can hide something and the headmaster has decided to go to school. In addition, he did not even try to protect it, after all, doors and Cerberus are no obstacles.
- None? Don't you remember he had three heads? - Ronald shouted.
- I also remember that Cerbera puts music to sleep. So just play something for him and he won't be a threat anymore.
- I think you're right. - agreed Harry who remembered mythology from elementary school. - And what do you have for us in return?
- I think it will be more interesting. While sorting, the Hat told me there was a set of portraits of the founders with "thinking magical essence" in the castle. Would you like to talk to Godryk Gryffindor?
- Are you serious? Why did he tell you that? - young slytherin asked only so that Ron would not guess that he had already talked to their friend about it.
- I asked how the sorting takes place and how it became an animate object. I don't know why he told me that. In any case, I think it would be more interesting and less dangerous than meddling in an obvious trap.
Harry smiled and said. - I think Hermione is right. And looking for portraits has an added bonus.
- What? - the Gryffindor and the Slytherin asked simultaneously.
- We can learn a lot from the portraits. Maybe even where is the famous chamber of secrets about which older students gossiped. I also wonder when the hatred between Gryffindor and Slytherin began. And ... - he sighed, wondering how to put his thoughts into words - We will bite the nose of the one who is playing with the safety of our colleagues if we do not follow the directions to the corridor on the third floor.
Ron laughed. - Imagine the excitement it will be when teachers are unable to enter there. You offered additional covers. Judging by the amount of time you spend in the library, I can assume that you already know how to do them. And the Fidelius spell?
- I found books on this in this room. she said with a smile. - I just need to find a spell to shrink animals. After all, we are not going to leave Fluffy to starve there. In full dimensions, we will not be able to hide him anywhere.
Harry Potter took off his glasses and began rubbing the glasses nervously. - I hope we will not regret this decision.
The three friends lay down on the couches and spent the rest of the evening talking about their search. Hermione sighed because it meant they wouldn't do something against the rules. She would not like to be expelled from school. She wanted to get to know her father better. She had too little time for this.
xxx
Severus looked around the foyer of his friend's house. It always amazed him how cold this room was compared to the private part of the mansion. He flinched a little when he was greeted by Lucius' personal elf. Personally, he did not mind the servant bond between house elves and wizards, but Lucius stretched his powers to the maximum. The creature was emaciated, dirty, and fearful with every sudden movement. If he had the opportunity, he would free Dobby and tie him to someone who would appreciate his skills. To someone who will respect him.
- Lord Malfoy and Lady Malfoy are about to come to greet you. Dobby vanished, leaving the Potions Master alone.
xxx
He watched the man sitting in front of him. He was surprised when the nurses informed him about the awakening of a man who had been in a coma for about thirty years. He thought he would remember if he had such a patient, but medical records told him that he was one of the patients in the ward that doctors call Dreamland. Long-term comas with no hope of recovery.
- Mr. Riddle, how are you?
- A little dazed. I got married a while ago, started trying to get Meredith to raise my family, and now I don't even know if my wife is alive. - his voice trembled.
- And physically? - Dr. Pennyworth asked.
- Weak. It feels like my body doesn't have the strength to move.
- Relax. There is a long rehabilitation ahead of you. I can put you in touch with my brother. He's a policeman in the unexplained department. Maybe he'll find something useful in finding your wife.
If all Muggles were like him ...
xxx
The Potions Master did not expect that he would see not only Lucius and Narcissa but also Thorus Nott.
- What's going on here? Do you have any clue? - he asked before he even sat down.
Lord Nott was restless. - I saw Miss Granger's mother. I believe this is Jean Blackthorn. I'm not sure because you should recognize her. The girl is almost identical to her mother.
- Jean? My Jean? - Severus' voice cracked. - You're not serious.
- How could I not be serious? I remember you were devastated when she disappeared. You weren't so upset even after your friend died.
- Former friend. - Snape growled.
- The former and yet you decided to ask the Dark Lord to save her.
- Enough about Lily. It's just an echo of the past. I loved her like a sister, but I was apparently unworthy of her friendship. Lupine was able to forgive Black for using him as a murder weapon, and Lily couldn't forgive me for not wanting to be the doggie who obeyed her orders and for a single word spoken in anger. - Severus felt his jaw tighten with anger. It's been so many years and he still feels bitterness in him. He knew that he had never really found an outlet for these emotions. - Could I see a memory of meeting this woman? I don't want to give myself unnecessary hope. I lost her thinking that I would never see my love again.
- It was for this memory that you were supposed to come here. Hermione Granger could be your daughter. We did not know if you would like this information to be available to the headmasterl.
The Potions Master sighed with relief. - Thank you...
xxx
Meredith stared at the ceiling of her small bedroom. Their house was large, but she chose this room because of the sunrise that she could watch without leaving home. Located on the corner of the building and equipped with a large terrace where you can drink tea and enjoy the view.
- Jean, I'm still worried. I don't know what this idiot imagined to hide something like that within the walls of the school.
- Neither do I. Mom. You need to be insane to place a philosopher's stone behind a series of obstacles that a 12-year-old just starting to learn magic could deal with. We're lucky she's okay. - The younger woman said looking at the shiny red stone in her hands.
- There's one thing I'm curious about. When do you think Albus Dumbledore realizes that the stone is no longer in the castle?
- Not fast, I think. I won't say, it would be quite fun to see it when the moment of realization comes. - Jean tried to be serious despite the vision formed in her imagination.
- He'll be furious. - A wide smile appeared on the face of the older woman. - What will we do about it?
- Are we sending to Grandpa? - she asked with amusement in her voice.
- Girl spit it out. He and the stone are not a very good combination.
- Maybe not good, but extremely interesting. The women in our family are like breeders. We're only letting in strong blood. Severus Snape, Tom Riddle, Lord …
- Don't say that name. Some have to be forgotten. Some are not worth remembering.
xxx
Lucius Malfoy looked worriedly at his friend. Severus Snape was known to rarely show any emotion other than anger and contempt for Gryffindor and everything related to the name Potter. Now he could see tears in his eyes.
- That's her? - he asked not wanting to scare his friend with too quick approach to him after the black-haired man left the Pensieve.
- Yes, that's her. I have a girl's hair. The elf helped me get them. Do you have the rest of the ingredients for the potion?
The blond nodded. He preferred not to comment on this situation. If Miss Granger was his friend's daughter, he would rather not be in the shoes of whoever separated them.
xxx
Hope this chapter was worth waiting for. I'm not sure about it, so I would be grateful for your opinion. Regards and to the next chapter. Katie-Krum
