A/N: So I had a review that wasn't nice, they happen, but I guess I should have put a warning that this would have a bit of Dumbledore and Weasley bashing. So I apologize for those of you reading that are still expecting the story to turn out that Hermione ends up with Ron and lives the life he wanted. That won't happen. I doubt any of my stories will have that ending (never say never and all that, but still). I've learned, and will be more detailed in my summaries.
Anyway...here is the next chapter and we see what Draco's take on the horcrux discussion was and their first meeting with Snape. I do love Snape (RIP Alan Rickman).
*R&R**R&R*
'Amor Vincit' Chapter 3 - What is a horcurx
By Draco Malfoy
Hermione was sitting in the library furiously scribbling on a parchment. She had at least four books open on the table and there was probably one in her lap as well. She was frustrated, that was obvious. After she threw her quill down and growled I knew it was time to make my presence know. Our relationship was still in its infancy at this point and I needed her much more than she needed me. At least, that was what I thought. I had spent the week prior going through all the information the elves had provided to me. It seemed like those animals who still inhabited my home were planning on attacking muggles and specifically targeting those related or important to the Light. I needed to tell Hermione her parents were high on the list. In fact, the only muggle thought of less highly (so higher on the list of targets) than the couple who bore the 'brightest witch of the age' was my Uncle Ted.
I knew the right thing was to try and save them all, I just didn't know how. So I turned to the witch who had sworn to help me through my darkest hours.
"What caused such a ferocious sound?" Hermione was a bit surprised to see me. It seemed as if I was the only one able to sneak up on the witch. I had told her she was unobservant but in reality, the girl was the most observant one around. The stress of the war was started to get to her. She slid the piece of parchment toward me and I knew why she was frustrated. The words burned bright in my mind. I don't remember writing anything on the parchment but I know I did. The words changed the direction of the war and how we would fight it.
Diary.
Ring.
Necklace.
Diadem.
Cup.
…
Snake.
As with the targeted muggles, I didn't know how to tell Hermione the 'unknown' horcrux was actually her best friend. So I went an alternate route and detailed the destruction of the three that were no longer a problem. While I hate Riddle for all that he had put my family through, I had no real love for Dumbledore either. When I learned he had cursed himself with one of the horcuxes, I found it funny. The man had spent his life telling everyone how powerful he was. How needed he was. As the fates intended, he too would be dead and remembered for what he was. Not what he pretended to be.
It was after having detailed the destroyed items that I still found myself unable to tell her about Potter or the very real risk to her parents. I decided we needed someone else to be on our side and it had to be Severus. We needed someone to help us and there was no way we would go to Dumbledore. Hermione felt McGonagall was an option, but in the end, the Scottish woman believed every lie that seeped from Dumbledore's mouth. We wouldn't be out of the office before she was telling him everything. So I made the decision and it was the brooding potions professor that everyone thought they knew. As expected, he was not pleased to see Hermione. At least, that was how he acted. No one could know just how deeply he despised the leaders of the 'Light' and 'Dark' sides.
"Godfather, Hermione is aware of the horcruxes." The man had already happily assisted in procuring the items for the healing potions Hermione needed, but was wary on how to respond.
"Draco showed me the list and thinks there is a seventh. He doesn't want to tell me what he thinks it is. I worry it is something we won't be able to obtain if he is so worried." Hermione grabbed my hand and her fear was palpable. "I also worry whatever it is will end up putting Draco in more danger than he is already in." Hermione looked at me and for the first time, allowed her barriers to drop. I could see she genuinely cared for me. Being raised as I was, I was taught to never show emotions. Emotions were a weakness. My mother always showed me her love for me. Because of her, I was able to drop my own guard and allow Hermione to see how deeply she had reached me. She squeezed my hand tightly before turning back to my godfather.
Severus Snape was a man who would never admit to loving people. Rumors were rampant about what exactly he felt for Potter's mother and he refused to tell me the truth. But in that moment, when Hermione and I let our guards down, Severus did as well. Apparently I was something he loved and seeing how protective Hermione was of me, he had found a kindred spirit.
"Miss Granger, the unknown horcrux will not hurt Draco physically. I believe his fear in telling you is because it could hurt you emotionally. And I believe my godson would move the heavens if it would save you pain." My godfather had never been more accurate in his observations. "I have recently been informed by our headmaster that there is a seventh horcrux. This was thought to be impossible. However, based on what Draco informed me about his snake, Nagini, I know it is indeed possible for a living creature to be a horcurx."
Hermione gasped spinning before grabbing my other hand. "It's Harry isn't it? That's why Voldemort can get into Harry's mind." Severus was impressed at how quickly Hermione came to that conclusion. I just nodded.
"We only know of one way for a horcrux to be destroyed and that is using basilisk venom. And that venom is poisonous to living creatures." Hermione stood in silence for a few minutes before coming to a conclusion.
"So we keep looking for ways to destroy it. I know it's the darkest magic around and there is very little written about it but I am sure between the library here, Professor Snape's contacts and whatever dark secrets are buried in the library at Malfoy Manor, we can figure something out. It certainly explains why Harry was never removed from the family that raised him." Severus and I were confused until she fully explained what her friend's childhood was actually like. "Dumbledore wanted him to be raised ready to sacrifice himself without a second thought. I never understood it until now. Bastard." Hermione was upset at the actual reason her friend had suffered so much. Severus too was upset, I suspected it had something to do with Lily Evans and whatever their relationship had been.
It wasn't until Hermione and Kitmu met that she had her most brilliant idea to date. Ask the elves what they knew. I was shocked at when Kitmu came up with a solution to the 'Harry as a horcrux' problem. It was just a matter to figure out when the correct time was to remove the connection.
*R&R**R&R*
A/N 2 - So this will be it for a few days. Traveling for work and doubt I'll have time/energy to do much more than crawl into bed at night. I'll post something when I get home at the end of the week. Thanks for reading and hope everyone has a great next few days.
