The story of the Dark Lord's daughter.
Hello everyone, this is the reworked/ edited version of the story that was called: 'Hermione, the dark lords daughter.'
As stated in the last chapter posted of that story, this will become the new version and only version of the story to be updated.
With help from my amazing new beta: Ydanae, this story has now been completely edited and is being rewritten chapter by chapter,
to hopefully make it the best it can be.
I own nothing, maybe a few plot points. Everything recognized belongs to J. K. Rowling and her universe.
Chapter 4:
Meetings.
After my uneventful charms class which finished with Slytherin being 30 points ahead due to our, well mainly my, knowledge within the review pop quiz, I wrote a letter to Aunt Cissa. Climbing the steps to the Owlery and finding a handsome tawny that was willing to carry my letter, I reviewed what I had written one more time before sending it off.
Dear Aunt Cissa,
Please don't be alarmed, but as soon as I have sent this, I'm going straight to Professor Dumbledore; I'd like Uncle Lucius to meet me there. Some stupid pupil thought it would be funny to trip me down the staircase. I'm in quite some pain; but I don't want, or need, to go to the Infirmary. I'm reporting to Professor Dumbledore about the fact I was shoved on purpose. I'd like Uncle Lucius to be there so I can fully explain myself to him without him dismissing me. I'm sorry for the trouble.
Love, Cali. XXX
After tying the letter to the bird's leg I watched the owl wing its way towards Malfoy manor. Walking the halls towards Dumbledore's office I stopped before the griffin statue near the entrance and said: "Everlasting Gobstoppers", feeling a little foolish. I had found the password out from Drake. I really hoped he wasn't messing with me, making me say stupid things. Fortunately the password seemed to be correct as the statue moved to the side. I started climbing the moving circular staircase. Once I reached the top I paused before knocking on the door.
"Enter." The headmaster's voice was loud even through the door. I did as I was bid and opened the door.
"Good Afternoon, Miss. Lestrange." Dumbledore said, his voice laced with a concealed amount of spite. It was obvious he didn't want me to hear it and if I hadn't been used to detecting such things, I wouldn't have noticed. I felt a twinge of sadness.
"How may I be of service? Lemon drop?" he asked, offering me one. Shaking my head I declined.
"My uncle is on his way. If you don't mind I'll explain fully once he gets here." I explained, trying to keep calm and act mature.
A few moments later Uncle Lucius knocked and, upon receiving permission to enter, strode into the room. Looking impeccable as always, he addressed us with his usual air of superiority. "Afternoon Headmaster Dumbledore, afternoon Cali."
I smiled up at my uncle, pleased by his presence. He may not look it, but in truth, my uncle was a very sweet and loving person once I got to know him.
"Thank you for coming." I said, trying to hide that I was slightly nervous.
"Narcissa was worried by your letter." He said, looking me over scanning for injuries. Satisfied when he could not find any, he smiled at me.
"I hope I didn't cause her too much stress." I said feeling relieved when he shook his head no.
"Could someone explain why you are here Mr. Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked, looking perplexed.
"Cali, I have a feeling you would like to tell Professor Dumbledore this yourself." Lucius said, gazing at me.
I nodded and felt grateful to him. Having him here gave me a real confident boost. I feared that if I tried to do this on my own, Dumbledore would not have taken me seriously.
"Thank you Headmaster. After my Potions lesson this morning I was purposefully pushed down the staircase, ensuring I was late to my Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson. I'm lucky that Professor Lupin is so kind and took pity on me. I wish to report the incident." I said with the signature Malfoy scowl on my face. I had picked that up quite quickly.
"While I am grieved to hear of such an incident, I'm afraid even as headmaster, I don't have complete control over every action my students take Miss Granger." The headmaster said, obviously trying to stay neutral.
Uncle Lucius cleared his throat. "Headmaster," he started sharply, "I believe her name is Lestrange."
"My apologies Miss. Lestrange. A side effect of becoming old I fear." He said looking apologetic, but with a twinkle in his eye. "However, I still don't know what you wish for me to do."
Lucius cleared his throat and, somehow, while not changing his posture or his tone of voice, he suddenly sounded a lot more threatening.
"I expect this to be investigated Headmaster. I will not stand for this, neither will the board of Governors. Also, if there is another incident like this, I assure you, actions will be taken immediately."
I resisted the urge to smile. My uncle was good.
The twinkle disappeared from the headmaster's eyes and he suddenly looked his one hundred and fifty two years.
"I do not doubt that Lord Malfoy." He said returning Uncle Lucius' stare with one of his own.
My uncle broke the silence between the pair of them. "Come with me Cali, I wish to talk to you and Draco before I depart."
"Of course Uncle, good afternoon Professor." I said politely.
Professor Dumbledore nodded curtly to Uncle Lucius and me, pausing to stare at me before we left his office. He refused to look away before I did. His stare was piercing and made my head hurt, it felt so weird. Fortunately Uncle Lucius stepped in and cut off Dumbledore's view of me.
On our way to the great hall, Uncle Lucius and I passed Severus in the hall, stopping him in surprise.
"Lucius? What are you doing here? Have you been terrorizing the headmaster again?" he asked, raising his eyebrow while chuckling softly.
"We have indeed Severus. We have indeed." Lucius said a hint of a smile on his lips.
"We're trying to find Draco Professor. Do you know where he is?" I asked, eager to see my cousin.
"Yes, he went down to the dungeons with me about half an hour ago. I left him at the entrance of the Slytherin common room." Severus replied.
Walking to the dungeons with both men behind me, deep in conversation, I got to the dungeons in record time.
"Cali, I've been bloody worried about you, where have you been?" Draco greeted me loudly when I walked through the door.
"In a meeting with Professor Dumbledore and Uncle Lucius." As I said his name Uncle Lucius walked in, Severus in tow.
"Draco, I need you to keep an eye out for Cali. You too Severus if possible." Lucius asked, all traces of humor gone, suddenly serious.
"Why?" Draco asked, naturally curious.
"Because I've told you to." Was Lucius' curt reply, leaving no room for discussion.
I almost snorted at the look on Draco's face.
"Seriously Lucius, is Cali in some kind of trouble?" Severus asked. He sounded worried. Staring at his friend closely, he was trying to work out what was happening.
"She has been pushed down the staircase on her way to class today and when she reported it to Dumbledore, he did not seem to have her best interests at heart." He said.
Draco looked at me in concern. "Are you alright?" He asked gently.
"Just in a bit of pain." I replied.
"I know a few healing spells." Severus commented, looking concerned. "I can take a look if you want."
I smiled at his offer. "No thanks, I'll be fine."
"Are you sure, you don't look too good." Draco pressed obviously concerned.
"It couldn't hurt." Uncle Lucius added.
I shrugged before remembering that it looked unsophisticated as Aunt Cissa put it.
Severus guided me to his private chambers. He helped me to a chair in the middle of his chambers. They were moderately decorated, mainly in shades of black, silver and green, with large oak bookcases lining a majority of the walls. The tombs that were stocked on them looked old and heavy and I really wanted to go and browse them but a stern look from Severus told me that it wasn't going to happen any time soon. The rest of the room was filled with potion ingredients and piles of paperwork which I assumed linked to his status as a Potion Master.
"So, please tell me what happened." Severus started as he sat down opposite me.
"It's nothing. I am fine." I replied stubbornly.
Severus didn't respond but instead, raised a single eyebrow and scowled at me.
My gaze dropped from him to the floor. I didn't want to admit to him that I let my guard down and that I can't even tell them who did this.
"Cali, please look at me and talk to me. I want to make sure that you're ok. Please don't shut me out, you don't need to have this wall up against me." He told me softly while looking into my eyes.
Finally after a minute or two of silence I looked up at him. "I was leaving Potions and as I was walking down the staircase, it began to move. Suddenly I felt this shove from behind me and next thing I knew I was in a heap at the bottom" I tell him. "I'm sorry." I whispered, looking at the floor.
"What, dear girl, do you have to be sorry for? It is not your fault that somebody chose to hurt you, especially for something you can't control." He said sincerely. The look on his face was surprisingly soft and caring.
"I...I wasn't paying attention, I was rushing trying to get to DADA I was intrigued by the idea of a new professor. I let my guard down." I whispered. As I said the words, I felt the emotions leave my body in tears. My gaze dropped again and my head fell to my hands. "I've let myself down and now I feel so weak." I sob softly, mainly to myself, but apparently loud enough for him to hear.
"Look at me Caitlyn." Severus said, voice stern but kind.
I whimpered softly as I slowly met his gaze.
"This is not your fault! Do you understand me? You should be safe at school. You shouldn't have to be fearful or have a high guard. You are not weak!" He said each of these statements slowly as if to impart the seriousness of them. "You have not let yourself down! Do you understand me?"
I remained silent for a minute, trying to take in the information he was imparting.
"Do you understand?" He repeated again, taking my hands in his. His hands felt surprisingly soft, something I really did not expect. He always came across as such a hardened man, both physically as mentally.
I nodded, not trusting my voice yet.
"Use your words please. You are an intelligent girl, prove it." He encouraged me.
"I understand." I said softly. "I am not to blame for this." I smiled cautiously at him. "Thank you Severus." I added.
"It's nothing dear girl. You needed some sense talking into you, now are you injured?" He asked me.
I sighed and shook my head. "I don't think so. My wrist and ribs hurt, I think I landed on my right wrist funny, it feels a bit stiff and I've got a bit of a headache but I think I'm ok." I told him truthfully, knowing he would be able to tell if I had dared to lie to him.
He took my right wrist gently into his hand and ran a diagnostic spell over it. With a touch as light as a feather he examined my ribs next. "You are physically fine. You have bruised your ribs and wrist. Fortunately nothing's broken. So all is fine in that respect. I will give you a potion to relieve you from your pain and I wish to pop some bruise paste on your wrist to help reduce the swelling. Is that acceptable to you?" He asked and even though he phrased it as a question, I knew that there was only one answer.
I nodded my acceptance and waited while Severus rose and found the potion and paste.
When Severus returned to our seated positions, he once again took my wrist in his hand and slowly but smoothly rubbed the paste around my wrist bone. It felt incredible, the effect was instant and the relief was amazing. I didn't realise how much my wrist had been bugging me. "Thank you." I said to him as I flexed my wrist and got it moving again.
"Potion next." He instructed and uncorked it and passed it to me.
I downed in instantly, ignoring the slightly bitter taste, and the ache in my head was no longer pounding and was just a small buzz of discomfort. "You're a godsend." I chuckled. "Or should that be merlinsend." I laughed at my own joke and Severus shook his head but chuckled slightly.
He smiled at me and we relaxed for another few minutes, talking about my first few days in Slytherin, before finally deciding we had better head back to the rest of my family. As we got to the door of his chambers, I turned and looked back at him. "Severus?" I said cheekily.
"Yes Cali?" He replied.
"At some point in the future, can I come back here and examine your books more?" I asked pouting and giving him my best puppy dog eyes.
Severus rolled his eyes but nodded slightly. "One day. Maybe… Oh go on then, this weekend I'll allow you but my books aren't to leave my chambers." Severus caved... Squealing happily I hugged him on impulse.
I must have completely caught him off guard as he started stuttering my name. "There, there. It's nothing." He told me while patting my back awkwardly. It was hilarious and I made a mental note to hug him more often.
Half an hour later Severus and I made it back to the Slytherin common room where Uncle Lucius and Drake were competing in a friendly game of chess. I watched as Uncle Lucius' rook took a beating from Draco's bishop before being dragged off the board. As soon as Uncle Lucius saw me he stood and walked over. Draco was close behind.
"Is she alright?" Lucius asked, the question directed at Severus. I rolled my eyes at him.
"She is. There's nothing broken, just bruised so I've given her a pain potion for the headache as well some bruise paste on her wrist from the dodgy landing. I've also ordered her to rest. Draco, take her to the dormitories and make sure she stays there till tomorrow morning." Severus ordered.
"What about dinner?" Draco asked. I almost laughed at the look on his face before remembering it would likely aggravate my side.
"I'll take some food up to her, after you've taken her up you may leave." Severus said, eyeing the boy knowingly. Severus knew better than to send Draco to the kitchens. Last time he was sent over he completely raided them. The house elves might not mind, but Severus did.
Draco looked slightly put off, but turned around and offered me his arm.
Finally arriving at the door of the 3rd year girl's dormitory, I swayed on my feet. I had dragged myself up the staircase, Draco hovering by my side.
As I was about to enter the girls dormitory, I turned and bid him good night. Undressing after pulling the hangings shut around my bed, I felt my body get unnaturally heavy. I think Severus might have slipped something in my pain potion. I'll have to ask him later.
I let my eyes flutter closed and a few seconds later, I was out like a log. Not even the lingering pain in my side was able to keep my eyes open another second longer.