Chapter 4:
Hermione lay impatiently on her bed awaiting the arrival of her friend Ginny, so they could go to Ireland to watch Bon Jovi live at the Royal Dublin Society Arena. Her parents had planned on going to a few museums as well and whilst Hermione was interested in learning more about the Irish culture, and she knew Ginny would most likely enjoy learning about Muggles, she was most excited for the These Days concert, and she had been driving her parents mad by playing the These Days cassette tape back to front since she had picked it up in Woolworths the day before. The faint sound of a pop caused Hermione to be dragged from her thoughts.
"Mr Weasley," she heard her mother greet the man, "It is lovely to see you again."
"You too, Mrs Granger," Ginny's father responded.
Upon hearing that her friend had arrived, Hermione tore out of her room and went running down the stairs, "Ginny," she screamed at the sight of her friend, and she pulled the girl in for a hug.
"Hey Mi," Ginny responded in greeting.
"Come on, let us go upstairs," Hermione smiled, grabbing her friends hand, "I want to play you some on Bon Jovi's songs, so you know what to expect."
Ginny smiled at her friend and allowed the older girl to pull her up the stairs.
Soon Bon Jovi's 'Bed of Roses' could be heard coming from Hermione's room, taking the opportunity that they wouldn't be overheard, Arthur brought up the sensitive topic with Mrs Granger.
"Has Albus informed you?" he asked.
"About You Know Who?" Mrs Granger responded and then added in response to the nod from Arthur, "Yes, he visited us the day before we collected Hermione from the station."
"Molly's concerned," Arthur started, "concerned that he might come after the girls at the concert."
"We are going to be there," Helen responded, "Dumbledore is aware and has given us a family to contact and get the girls to if anything happens."
"Molly likes to worry," Arthur noted, "But I will inform her that there are precautions in place."
"We won't let him get his daughters," Richard stated, having just entered the house from the garden, "We know what is at stake."
The sound of footsteps on the stairs caused the conversation to stop as Hermione and Ginny re-entered the lounge.
"Is it ok if I show Ginny around the neighbourhood?" Hermione asked her parents.
"You got changed, Ginbug?" Arthur addressed his daughter.
"Mi is letting me borrow some muggle clothes for the weekend, "Ginny answered, "So I don't draw any unnecessary attention."
Arthur smiled at his daughter, "I must be off. I will see you next Tuesday, enjoy your weekend girls."
"By daddy," Ginny hugged her father.
Nodding to Helen, Richard and Hermione, he apparated away.
"Are you packed?" Helen addressed her daughter.
"I am," Hermione responded, "I have even packed clothes for Ginny; she's just brought underwear with her."
Ginny smiled at her friend. She was grateful to have Hermione in her life. Sure she loved her friends, but they didn't seem to look out for her like Hermione did. She often wished that when they were older, Hermione would marry one of her brothers so they could be sisters one day instead of just being as close as.
"Is Ginny ok with that, Hermione?" Richard addressed his daughter, unsure if Hermione was dragging Ginny along.
"I am," Ginny answered, "I don't have much muggle clothing, and Hermione's clothes are pretty, I feel like I am borrowing my sister's clothes."
"Thanks, Gin," Hermione responded and hugged the girl. Both missing the look Hermione's parents sent each other at sister's comment.
Tom awoke with a start. He had that dream again. The dream that involved his beloved Adria screaming, cursing and blaming him for her death, she would snarl at him and threaten to maim him. Putting his head in his hands, he sighed, even in his dreams, he blamed himself. He needed to get himself together if he wanted to make a good impression on his daughters. No doubt they would hate him, having been raised by a light family and Muggles, nice ones too if Severus' word was anything to go by. Standing up, he felt something fall to the floor, looking down, he saw a blanket at his feet. Looking around his study, he noticed that the fire was out, the curtains were drawn and the bottles of Firewhiskey that had littered the floor were gone. Running his fingers through his hair, he chuckled. Good old Firefly, he thought to himself. He often wondered why the elf still looked after him; she belonged to Adria and had served her since she was little. Picking the blanket up, he folded it and placed it on the chair opposite his. It was then he noticed the vial on the table, picking it up; he brought the flask to his nose and recognised the smell of a Hangover Potion. Severus, he thought to himself must have sent a vial over as he drank the liquid.
"Firefly," he called.
"Master," the elf answered as she popped into the room.
"Prepare me a light breakfast of scrambled eggs and French toast," he asked the elf, "And a glass of pumpkin juice on the side."
The house-elf nodded "Yes, Master, where would you like to dine?"
"I will have breakfast on the balcony," he responded, "Looking over the garden."
"Of course," Firefly replied, "Perhaps Master should shower while he waits."
Tom glared at the little creature, who only responded with, "Missy wouldn't be happy you're not taking care of yourself, Master," and with that, it vanished.
"No she wouldn't Firefly, no she wouldn't," Tom muttered under his breath and with that he left his solar and headed for the master suite.
"I cannot believe your parents invited me to come away for a weekend with you," Ginny grinned at her friend, as they walked down the street away from Hermione's home.
"I hope it's because I have been badgering them to have you over for a few days for the past two years," Hermione smiled at her friend.
Ginny laughed, "So, this is where you grew up?"
"Yeah, this is the quiet little town of Calmore, Hampshire," Hermione responded to her friend.
"It's nice," Ginny said, jumping as a car sped past, "A bit busier than Ottery."
"That's the muggle world for you," Hermione smiled at her friend, "It is great though, we are about a quarter of an hour from Southampton which is the nearest city, they have a pretty good football team."
"Football, isn't that the sport Dean compares to Quidditch?" Ginny queried.
"Yeah," Hermione answered, "My dad supports Saints, which is the nickname for Southampton's club."
"I suppose, that is like Wimborne Wasps and Chudley Cannons?" Ginny realised, "So is there an England football team?"
"Yeah," Hermione answered, "Yeah, they won the World Cup back in 1966 and got to the semi-final in 1990."
"That's cool," Ginny responded, "So were you showing me?"
"Just a park I used to play in as a kid when we moved here," Hermione answered, "We should be able to talk there."
"You didn't always live here?" Ginny asked her friend.
"No, I used to live in a town on the outskirts of London," Hermione answered, "But I was about 18months old when we moved here, so I don't remember the old place."
"Why did your parents move?" Ginny asked.
"A family friend runs his own Dental practice, and he wanted my parents to join him," Hermione answered.
Ginny nodded in response and walked next to Hermione down the street.
Once they were in the park, Hermione breached a topic with Ginny knowing she would get a better response from her than she did Harry and Ron, "What are your thoughts on Headmaster Dumbledore's end of year speech?"
"What bit?" Ginny asked, wanting to check Hermione was on the same wavelength as her.
"The bit about You-know-who," Hermione replied.
"He's hiding something," Ginny said, "Mum and Dad have been whispering every night since we got back, something must be going on."
"I agree," Hermione nodded.
The girls discussed their ideas before heading back to Hermione's house, neither of them noticing the figure watching them from under a nearby tree.
Severus observed the two girls from his hiding place under the tree. So, the girls were going away for the weekend with Adanya's adoptive parents. This could make grabbing the girls easier. Yes chances are Dumbledore would have guards watching the girls from a distance over the weekend but with them together there would be no opportunity to put one of them into hiding. From what he could gather, the girls were going to a concert on Sunday night; perhaps there could be an attack arranged after the concert. From what he could muster, Adanya was pretty excited about this concert, and he would hate to be on the end of her wand if she was to miss it. Watching the girls make it round the corner and up the road, Severus apparated away.
As they made their way back up the road, Hermione turned around at the faint sound of a cracking noise.
"What is it?" Ginny asked.
"I thought I heard someone apparating," Hermione responded, "But perhaps I was hearing things, or some kids are playing with pop-its."
"Pop-its?" Ginny queried.
"A muggle thing, that when you throw it on the ground, it makes a noise similar to someone apparating," Hermione answered, "Your brothers would probably like them, I can imagine they would use them to scare Ron and Percy."
Ginny nodded in agreement, "Perhaps we can track some down, and I can buy them for the twins for Christmas."
"Sure," Hermione smiled, and the girls carried on walking.
"Mimi!" a voice shouted, drawing the girls' attention to a mother and two young children.
"Afternoon, Hermione," the woman greeted.
"Hello, Mrs Phillips," Hermione greeted the woman, "How are you all today?"
"We are well, thank you," the woman Mrs Phillips responded, "How was boarding school?"
"It was good thank you," Hermione responded, "This is my friend Ginny from school," Hermione added, bringing Ginny into the conversation.
"It's nice to meet you," Ginny said politely.
"Nice to meet you," the little girl who had called out earlier smiled up at the girls.
"Hi Kristina," Hermione knelt down to talk to the girl, "You and your brother have gotten bigger since I last saw you."
"I am three," Kristina responded.
"A big girl then," Hermione smiled.
"It is lovely to see you, Hermione," Mrs Phillips spoke, "but we must get on we have an appointment with Mr Charlton over at the practice."
"Well, I won't keep you," Hermione replied, "It was lovely to see you all."
Waving goodbye to the group, Hermione and Ginny crossed the road and returned to Hermione's home.
Tom stood with his head leaning against the shower wall. He allowed the water the run down his body, his hands either side of his head as he contemplated the world. He thought about how different it might have been if he hadn't gone after Harry Potter when he did. His wife would still be here; his daughters would have been raised, princesses. He sighed; he knew it was useless thinking about the past; he couldn't change it after all time-turners don't go back that far. No, he needed to focus on his princesses, his little girls, and ensuring that they were raised properly. Running his right hand through his hair, he stood up straight and decided from this point on everything was about his two girls. Looking at his hands, he realised that perhaps he had taken too long in the shower, as fingers had become prunes. Stepping out the shower, he cast a drying charm over his body before slipping on a pair of briefs. He then summoned his dressing-gown before exiting his en-suite bathroom and making his way to the balcony that was attached to his bedroom.
"Master," Firefly greeted, "Breakfast is ready."
Nodding at the elf, Tom sat in his chair and began eating the scrambled eggs in front of him.
"The paper arrived while you were in the shower Master," the elf informed him holding out the item mentioned, "Mister Dumbles sir, is being made to look bad."
Taking the paper from the elf, Tom saw that indeed his elf was correct. The newspaper was indeed portraying Dumbledore in a negative light.
Dumbledore Craves Power
The headline flashed on the page in front of him; Tom smirked as he read the article before him.
'Headmaster Albus Dumbledore is spreading lies about the death of Cedric Diggory,' Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge speaks for the first time since the young man died during the Triwizard Tournament held at Hogwarts earlier this year. 'Mr Diggory's death was an unfortunate accident as a result of ...'
Tom skipped over the spiel spouted by Fudge and focused on the articles ending comment.
'I reiterate the earlier statement released by my office, He Who Must Not Be Named has not returned. Dumbledore is spreading lies and trying to overtake the Ministry.' The Minister ended his statement. There you go readers, are esteemed Minister has spoken. There is nothing to worry about You Know Who is not back, and a man greatly trusted who is known for his defeat of Grindlewald (see p.12 for more information in regards to the rise and fall of Albus Dumbledore) is spreading lies and wishes to replace Minister Fudge, by spreading chaos. I ask you, readers, if he is back, where are all the attacks? Where are all the deaths? The Murders? The Chaos? No, this reporter believes in Minister Fudge, Albus Dumbledore is a liar.
Tom folded the paper and smirked to himself. Yes, this plan was working perfectly, and it had only been a few days. With that, he finished his breakfast.
Hermione and Ginny both sat on Hermione's bed; they were talking about their trip to Ireland tomorrow.
"I cannot wait," Hermione squealed, "I cannot believe I actually get to see Bon Jovi live!"
Ginny laughed at her friend, "I am just happy to be spending a weekend away from my brothers."
"I couldn't cope with just Ron for a day," Hermione laughed.
"Its George and Fred that are the worst at the moment," Ginny responded, "They've got their apparition license and keeping apparating everywhere."
Hermione nodded in agreement, "How many times have they scared Ron?"
"Too many to count," Ginny giggled.
"Maybe they are trying to distract your mum," Hermione commented.
"Maybe," Ginny replied.
"Girls," a male voice called up the stairs, "We have to leave early tomorrow to get to London to catch our flight, and you might want to go to bed shortly."
"Ok, Dad," Hermione replied, "Night."
"Night Girls," her Dad called back.
"Let's brush our teeth and get to bed," Hermione said to Ginny, "We can talk a bit more before we sleep."
"Ok," Ginny responded with a smile.
After brushing their teeth, both the girls climbed into Hermione's big bed.
"So what's this about you fancying Blaise Zabini?" Hermione asked with a smirk.
"Oh, not you too," Ginny cried, "Ron hasn't shut up about that all week."
"Well, the ferret would be so happy," Hermione laughed, "I guess that was the reaction he wanted, upsetting Ron."
"Ferret?" Ginny queried, before remembering what had happened with the fake Moody earlier that year, "Did you call him that to his face?"
"Of course I did," Hermione replied, "He called me a mudblood in return, so it clearly upsets him."
"Oh, I wish I thought of that," Ginny laughed.
"So what is the story with Zabini?" Hermione questioned again.
"You know I caught him by the lake?" Ginny asked, and after Hermione nodded, she continued, "Well, I was talking to Luna, Max and Vicky about it, and I told them how hot he is beneath his robes."
"Right and let me guess Malfoy overheard?" Hermione assumed.
"No, Blaise overheard and entered the compartment, and then Malfoy turned up," Ginny replied, "After Malfoy left to tell Ron, Zabini goes to whisper in my ear and basically implied that staring was a filthy habit and I don't have the right to ogle at him."
"Malfoy said something similar to Ronald," Hermione spoke, "Ron then ranted about how true pureblood ladies shouldn't stare at men, I put him in his place, of course, he kept staring at Fleur Delacour, but apparently it's ok for men."
"Sexist pigs," Ginny responded.
"Don't worry Gin," Hermione smiled at her friend, "One day we will prove to the likes of Malfoy and Zabini that we are better than them."
"I will make them kiss my boots," Ginny laughed, "Thanks Mi."
"Anytime, Gin," Hermione replied, "That's what friends are for."
With that, the girls settled for the night and dreamt of Blaise Zabini and Draco Malfoy worshipping the ground they walked on.
Tom sat in his solar; in front of him was a pot of tea, two mugs and a plate of biscuits. He was awaiting Severus for an update on how his daughters were doing. In his lap was his late wife's journal, he had planned on giving it to his daughters as a welcome home gift, he first wanted to check its contents for suitability. He certainly didn't want his daughter's reading about his and Adria's sex life. Most of the material he had read so far was about her childhood and her early Hogwarts years and being the first of her name to attend the school. She had also mentioned her friendship with Severus and how it had blossomed after he and the Evans girl had fallen out. Sighing he thought back to the first time he met Adria Noc, with her dark eyes, dark hair and an even darker vibe and her attitude, still yet to this day with her dead and gone causes his loins to stir.
Flashback
Tom observed the new recruits from his throne. In front of him was a group of six individuals, four of whom were recent graduates from Hogwarts. A girl with dark eyes and dark hair caught his attention; she was standing next to a boy he knew to be Severus Snape who was a half-blood like himself and apparently the boy had a talent for potions if Lucius Malfoy was to be believed. The girl had a very dark aura. Interesting, he thought to himself.
"Welcome," Tom addressed the room, "Today we have six individuals who wish to join us, so please introduce yourselves."
The group looked at each other before the girl who had caught his attention stepped forward.
"My name is Adria Noc," the girl spoke, "I am an ex Ravenclaw student."
"I don't recognise the name Noc," a hooded figure hissed, "What is your blood status?"
"Pureblood," the girl replied, "The Noc family is from Croatia, as is my mother's family the Rijekc's."
"Rijekc," a different voice asked, "As in Aikar Rijekc, the man responsible for deaths of over 1000 muggles?"
"He was my uncle," the girl replied, her head held high.
Sensing that there would be more questions, Tom stepped in.
"Welcome Miss Noc," he greeted.
"Thank you Mi Lord," she replied with a smirk.
"Severus Snape," Severus spoke, "I am a half-blood, and an ex-Slytherin."
"Welcome Severus," Tom greeted the man, "I hear you have a natural talent for potions, if you pass the initiation I will be organising for you to study towards your potions mastery."
"Thank you," Severus spoke, "My Lord."
The other four recruits introduced themselves, but he remembered not taking much notice as he was enticed by the darkness of the aura that surrounded Adria Noc.
End Flashback
"Tom," a voice spoke, "My lord?"
"Severus," he replied, "When did you get here?"
"I've been here for about ten minutes," Severus replied, "You've been staring at that book since I got here."
"It's Adria's" he responded, "I was thinking of giving it to the girls, but I was checking its contents first."
"You had a flashback," Severus stated, realising why Tom hadn't noticed his presence earlier.
"Yes," Tom nodded, "I remembered meeting her for the first time."
Severus looked at Tom, and he too thought back to that day as he remembered how Adria had bravely introduced herself, he decided to change the subject, "No whiskey?"
"I cannot be a drunken mess and a father," Tom spoke, "My girls are my priority."
Severus nodded and took a sip of the tea he had made while Tom was having his flashback.
"Speaking of my girls," Tom raised the subject, "What is the latest?"
"As I told you, the girls are together and going away tomorrow," Severus informed his lord, "Adanya is very excited about going to the concert, I think we should wait until after the concert to collect them."
"Hmm," Tom thought, "Who are they going to see?"
"A Jon Bovis, I think," Severus answered, "A muggle band that I believe to be quite popular, his music isn't bad for a Muggle."
"And you think I should wait?" Tom queried.
"The girls have their mothers temper," Severus commented knowing that would be all he needed to say.
"Well," Tom shivered, "You are right; we wait until after the concert; in fact, we will get them as the concert finishes."
"My Lord?" Severus questioned.
"We create chaos at the end of the concert," Tom spoke, "Make it appear like a muggle attack, no dark mark and the girls will vanish into the night."
"Who?" Severus asked wandering who Tom was planning on using for the attack.
"We will sort the details out shortly," Tom smirked, yes; he thought to himself as he pressed the tips of his fingers together, he would get his girls back soon, "But first tell me some more about my girls."
An Hour Later
"I have called you all here for an important meeting," Tom addressed the group of seven followers in front of him, his glamour in place "I have selected you for an important mission."
"We are honoured my lord," Lucius spoke to his master.
Murmurs of agreement went around the room.
"Your mission is to retrieve a Miss Hermione Granger and Miss Ginevra Weasley," Tom spoke, "The girls are not to be harmed and are to be brought to my manor."
"My lord?" Avery queried.
"All will become clear," Tom commented, "I will require you to use muggle methods, I don't want this attack linked back to us either so no Dark Mark."
"You still don't want them to know you have returned, my lord?" Truman asked for reassurance.
"I am having too much fun hiding," Tom smirked, "Dumbledore is being discredited left, right and centre."
"Of course," Truman responded, and added at the last minute, "My Lord."
"Severus will be leading the attack," Tom informed the group, "He will be fully briefing you, once he has returned from a recon mission."
"Is that wise, my lord?" Higgs asked, "He works for Dumbledore."
"Yes, Severus is one of my most trusted advisors," Tom gritted out, "His loyalty to Dumbledore is out of necessity more than anything, and I would ask you not question my judgement."
"He was loyal to Adria," Higgs returned.
"Do not speak of my wife," Tom spat out at the Death Eater, "Severus is not your concern, if you don't want to be trusted with this mission Higgs then I suggest you speak now so that I can find your replacement."
"Apologies, my lord," Higgs stuttered in fear as Tom's eyes flashed red, "I only fear that he would betray you."
"As I said," Tom repeated with a glare, "I trust Severus; my reasons do not concern you."
Tom straightened himself out, "If any of you have any issues with how I am doing things or my trust in Severus I suggest you keep it to yourselves and do not bring it up, additionally remember that you are here while many of your number went to Azkaban out of loyalty."
The Deatheaters watched him as he stood and walked towards the door before he turned around, "Inform the others."
And with that, he was gone leaving the seven men in the room alone.
"Firefly," he summoned, and addressed the elf when she appeared before him "Please inform my guests that they can now leave."
"Of course my lord," the elf replied, and she apparated away.
As Tom manoeuvred through the private section of the manor he removed the glamour and ran his hands through his hair; he sometimes wondered why he allowed such idiots to join the Deatheaters and what right did they have to comment on his trust of Severus. As he entered his chambers, he collapsed on his bed and fell asleep.
AN: I chose to have Hermione move for one reason. I do not know London, but I do know Totton/Calmore/Southampton enough to know what it was like in 1995. Yes, I am the little girl who greets Hermione.