Her Knights
Lady Countryrose
Ch. 4
Once they were shot out of the fireplace, in a perfect looking sitting room. Surrounded by marble. They knew that they were back in Malfoy Manor. A house elf popped into the room, shivering as the two glanced at him.
"Yous to go to dining room," before popping out again.
Erik turned towards Hermione. "Don't worry, I'll be right next to you. Is there anything else you...need to pass off to?"
She gave a small smile, "To Severus…"
He nodded, "Okay…" He gave her his arm and led her out of the sitting room. Since he knew his way around the manor. He sometimes wished he hadn't. He enjoyed his family home more than...Malfoy's sense of style. Dark and flashy.
Erik led Hermione at a clam and graceful pace towards the dining room. When they had reached the room. They saw that only a few had shown up for said dinner with the Dark Lord. He could see that at least four. Including young Malfoy from Slytherin house and three from Ravenclaw. Which means, he could ask about his own, personal friend to join as well.
They made their way towards Voldemort and sat next to him. Which met Hermione sat to his left, while Erik sat at her left. He was not going to allow anyone, but him to be next to her. She was going to be his wife and he will prevent others to think otherwise. Even those from Gryffindor will not forget such things, either.
"Do you have everything that you needed?" Voldemort nearly purred in a warning tone, sounded like he put out for being left out for such a long time. If Erik had to think about it. He would have to believe that he was jealous since he had been away from Hermione...for many years if had to guess.
"Yes, father," Hermione sounded crisp in her answer.
The young men around the table mumble softly with one another. Sounded surprised to hear her calling their Dark Lord, father. Erik found it interesting that he hadn't told them much of anything.
The dark-haired man chuckled, "It seems it was your turn to let the cat out of the bag." His eyes glanced towards the other young men around the table. "As you've heard...she is my daughter. One that you'll act as her devoted knights while at Hogwarts. Which means you'll be protecting her...from anyone will try to harm her."
He then glanced towards Erik with a raised eyebrow. "Did you meet the Gryffindors? Was it Pettigrew's group, since I couldn't get a hold of him?"
"Yes, my lord. He was there...with his friends." He gave a gleam in his eyes. Just like he would on a normal day when dealing with the madman. "I heard them saying that they finally caught him. Or something and that they were going to do..something together."
Voldemort waved his hand, "Fine. I guess I'll allow it...for now. We wouldn't want to let them know that they have...a rat in the mix of things." A chuckle left his lips, causing most at the table to do the same.
"Alright to business," the Dark Lord had gotten everyone attention. "Erik and Hermione will be marrying soon...before the start of school. The marriage will provide an added protection for her. But while at the school, he'll be a snake that will be close to her. His cobra form...could kill you if you're not careful. You all know him well enough to know that if you try to get close to what he declares as his...you might as well as death."
Antonin Dolohov grumbled from his seat down the table. "Why should Erik be the lucky bastard to marry your daughter? When there are others here…that can be...just as willing."
Hermione glared towards the table, not liking what she was hearing. She had heard from her time...that Dolohov wouldn't stop wanting to hunt her down. She had thought it was because she had survived from his curse. She was a bit fearful to find that might not be the case.
Voldemort raised his wand like a flash of lightning and struck the Russian with a torture curse. Causing the man to fall onto the floor, screaming like the halls were alive of ghosts of the long dead. After a minute under the curse, the Dark Lord had let up his curse. He glared around the table with a hiss on his lips, "Any otherwise...questions?"
When he had gotten a shake of the head, he sat back down. "Good, as for your question Antonin. I've found that...Hermione matched Erik in personality well enough. Enough to where I know they wouldn't...kill one another. Since I would like to them live...I want grandchildren!"
Hermione glanced towards her father with raised eyebrows. "Father," she asked with a slight growl in her tone.
He gave her a sheepish look, causing many at the table to look in disbelief. She was living and breathing after berating him. "What," he asked kindly.
"What about...my future plans in all of this?" She stood up, placing her hands on the table glaring at him. Her magic vibrating the table. "You said…!"
"Daughter," he gasped with a nervous sound in his voice. "You'll...be able to become...Minister of Magic…"
"When," she growled. "Before or after the children that we've not discussed yet? I just MET Erik TODAY. I AGREED to the marriage. BUT CHILDREN!"
At that moment many footsteps came rushing towards the dining room. In came a few Death Eaters that Hermione had seen from a time or two. One of them being Bellatrix Black and Rodolphus Lestrange.
"Yo, bitch," yelled Rodolphus with a glare in his eyes. "What gives you the right to yell at our lord?"
Hermione turned her eyes towards him, her own glare flashing towards him. "HIS DAUGHTER!"
"He has NO daughter," yelled Bellatrix, as she was about to raise her wand towards Hermione.
It was Voldemort that flashed his and brought that black haired woman down on the ground. Screaming her bloody lungs out. He glanced towards Hermione, even while his wand was still upon the woman on the ground. "I saw the memories...I will not tolerate her doing this again."
Hermione gave a small nod. She wasn't going to get in the middle of...her father's followers. Not with the likes of Bellatrix. Not when she knew the crazy witch had killed Sirius...in the future.
Erik leaned into Hermione, allowing her to seek out his warmth. Knowing that she hated torture, with those that she hated. And he knew that Hermione hated Bella, he could just tell. But she just couldn't handle the screams.
After a while of being torture, Voldemort had stopped his curse. Causing the crazed witch to gasp out, "Please….for...give...me." She had allowed a purr of...what sounded like...pleasure of being tortured. Hermione turned towards Erik with a raised eyebrow, he knew she was asking. He gave a nod that Bella really enjoyed being tortured by her lord.
Hermione shivered, as she trying to move closer to him. Nearly climbing into his lap for support. He knew that she was not met for that kind of life. She was not met for the darkness that her father...was supporting. She was made for the light and life, the kind where her father had no right of experiencing.
Voldemort turned towards Hermione, seeing that she was uncomfortable. He let an angry sounding sigh to leave his lips. "I know that you were angry, daughter and you have every right to be. Since you are going to Hogwarts, you won't be needing to provide an heir to your husband. But you will, nearly as soon as you graduate. When your husband deems it that is."
He walked towards Hermione placing a hand on her shoulder. "You are a bright young witch, you will go far in life. You will be Minister for Magic, don't worry about that. But I need you...to show an example to all witches of our world. That family is a top priority when it comes to growing our world."
Voldemort then turned towards the young men in the room. He took his hand off of Hermione, as he walked around the dining room. "Like I had said, you will be my daughter's knights while in school. Erik with act as her pet cobra, who will be carried by her." He then turned his focus towards Erik. "Will she be providing some kind of communication for her to get ahold of anyone?"
Erik nodded, Hermione had said something about it. Before they had left Hogwarts. "She was also going to get those...Gryffindors the same thing as well. I think it was so...she could appease the headmaster."
"Good," the Dark Lord nodded. "Good. It would sure make it a bit simple for...everyone." His eyes turned towards Severus. "Mr. Snape, I need you to work with Hermione with that. I know you're...good at potions and other projects. I've heard that you've made your..own charms."
"It would be my pleasure, my lord." Severus's voice was baritone and drawn out. Erik could read him, clearly. Sure it was intelligent but hates to show it. Not wanting his enemies; even his close associates to know, his full potential.
"Plus, it'll get you a bit of time to get to know...your new cousin. I'm right to believe that Erik, is your cousin?"
"Yes, my lord. My mother spoke highly of his father," stated Severus in his dull sounding voice. Erik knew that there was little say about his father and Severus's mother. Sure they were close growing up, but once school had ended. So did their family ties to one another.
"Ellien," Erik spoke with fondus. "I was told that she...was a highly intelligent woman of the family." He only spoke the truth and kindness.
"And I heard Ellet...was determined as a well-aimed curse." Severus's lips pulled into a small smirk. 'If he had only known,' thought Erik. His father was good at what he was known for. Pointing his wand at anything that he put his mind to and he had gotten it done.
Hermione glanced at each of the cousins and lay her head back on her chair. She really didn't care that she wasn't being a lady at that moment. "Give it a break," she huffed. "Would you two stop sizing each other up!"
At that moment many within the room had started laughing. Erik shook his head, as he glanced towards Hermione. "You do realize that if something happened to me, he would have to take over… In taking care of you?"
"You mean the old rule of...a brother died or imprison. That the other brother would...take the wife in...as his own?" Hermione did not like the sound of that...at all.
"Well, if I was in prison. All he gets to do is to make sure that...your health was well. He can't touch you...unless I'm legally dead." Erik gave a smirk, as his eyes darkened. "I don't share...what's mine."
Severus chuckled, "All I get to do is manage the household like any acting husband would do." The potions enthusiastic smirk. "I could even test out the potions lab that I've...heard so much about," stated the man with a pleasing look in his eyes.
Hermione groaned as she glanced towards Erik with heat in her eyes. "You better stick around, I wouldn't want to share...the potions lab with anyone." She smiled, causing Severus to groan.
"Come, Severus," stated Erik, as he had gotten to his feet. "I would like to talk to you...privately." He walked over to Hermione with a smile on his face. "I'll show you to your room, sweetheart. You look like you've had...one of those days?"
"I have," she wrapped her arm around Erik's as he leads her out of the room.
"You want me to visit you, once I'm done with this meeting," asked the Dark Lord.
"No, father." Hermione was trying to sound calm, knowing that this was Erik's way of getting Severus alone. So she could handle off the items that she was given, by his elder self. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Alright, but I don't want you and Erik sleeping in the same room. At least, not until the wedding." His voice told he was serious about his statement and his rules will be followed.
"Can I at least have a calming tea with intended," she asked with a slight hint of irritation in her voice.
"That you can do," the man in charge answered back.
So the three of them left the room. Heading towards the stairs to head up to the tower that Hermione had stated in the future in. Knowing that she couldn't be that far away from her father. Because, in his odd way of showing it, he was protecting her. Through his power of manipulation alone.
When the three had entered the room, Erik called out, "Nix!"
A pop sound came and a small elf was before them. "Yes...Prince Erik."
"Can you bring us some tea, Nix?" The elf nodded before popping out of the room. Allowing the three to sit around the small sitting area. Then the elf came back with three teacups before popping out again.
"Alright, what's all this about," stated Severus with a hard stare in his eyes. "I know this has something to do with you," he pointed towards Hermione. "But I can't get a good read into your mind…"
She gave a small smile before handing the objects out of her bag. Then placed them before him, on a small table separating them from one another. "In the far future, you gave me these to give to you."
"I did," he asked with harshness in his voice. He then picked up the book, where he opened it to the front page. Then he slammed it after reading it. "Alright, so what happens now?"
"Be one of her knights and do whatever your older self-had told you." Erik took a deep breath before drinking his tea. "Act like the thing is different." He then glanced towards his intended. "Just know if something happens to her, I may harm you for allowing it to happen."
"Who else is protecting her?"
"Your favorite people from Gryffindor," Erik smirk. After hearing the groan coming from his cousin. "But I believe they were told to be...civil."
Severus gave a glare of his own that would do him well when becoming a teacher. "I'll believe it when I see it," his voice stated his distaste for what's to come. He sat back in his seat, giving Hermione a glare. "Are you even his beloved daughter?"
Hermione didn't know what to tell him. Sure she may have been his daughter, all in the blood. But he wasn't in her life, not in ways that a daughter would love to interact with her father. No.
Erik smirk, seeming to have read her thoughts. "Does it really matter," he purred softly to the air. Acting like he really didn't care either way. "All I see is a fine looking woman with a head on her shoulders. That's enough for me and it should be enough for you, to safeguard your family, Severus."
Hermione took a deep breath. Not really knowing what she should say. Yes, she had known her professor for six years, in and out of school. But not enough to know him at this time. Not enough to truly know that he would protect her, at least not like he had done for her in the past.
"I can assure you, Severus Snape." She made sure to use his name. "That someone who is apart of the Prince family should honor…" She knew that she had gotten him from the fire that flashed into his eyes. "You have much to gain in helping us…"
"What will I get out of this, for helping you?" He was a Slytherin, threw and threw. He wouldn't want to lose something without gaining something in return.
"How about we fund your potions apprenticeship...with a well-established potioniare in Italy." Hermione glanced at Erik, trying to remember the man's name. The one who had done a lot in many years to come. "Antonio Bosco."
Severus' dark eyes popped out. Hermione had never seen such a sight of her old potions professor before. She could only believe that he was interested. At least, she hoped that he was.
"You better not be lying to me," he threatened darkly within his tone. Nearly causing a shiver to run down her spine. "I would do anything to study under him."
Erik smiled in a way that reminded Hermione of his other form. "If you do this, I was to fund for your study under him. Plus two years of your research project to make whatever potion for you to get your mastery." His eyes flashed his amusement for his cousin's passion. "All you have to do is agree…"
Severus stood up and started pacing the room. Back and forth, for a couple of minutes before rushing towards Erik for his hand. As the two shook hands. Severus spoke with in a clear, strong tone, "Agreed." It was the start of their partnership.
After the two had solidified their agreement. Hermione was fighting to keep her eyes open. She wanted to spend some time with Erik. But her body was fighting for her to listen.
"We should leave and allow Hermione to sleep." She was about to argue with Erik but he held up his hand. "You and I can talk some more. While I take you out to go shopping...for your school supplies and your...new upgraded wardrobe." He gave her a smile, after realizing that she was giving him a face. "I'll even throw in about ten new books for your cooperation," he stated with a hint of humor.
"You got me at books," she smiled kindly to him. She had gotten to her feet, following the two of them out of her room.
Erik turned around after Severus had left. He gave her a peck on the cheek. "I'll see you in the morning, my dear." His eyes flashed with amusement before leaving her.
'Bloody hell,' she couldn't help but use Ron's words at that moment. 'How am I going to live in this era with Erik being my husband. Severus, my new cousin-to-be. And on top of all that, Voldemort being my father.'
As many thoughts came rushing towards her, all at once. She had forgotten a few things that came back into her mind of focus. 'How am I going to live, seeing Harry's parents every day?' She had battled with herself when she had seen James, then Sirius and Remus. All being so young...it was almost sinful for her to know them and Harry, not so much.
'What about Malfoy's father,' she nearly forgot her bully's young looking father. She had to say, it was a good-looking man. Nearly similar to what Draco had once looked, at least before leaving her time. 'How many enemies am I going to face as my bodyguards?'
She knew from what close ties that the Death Eaters of her time had been very close in the 70's. Meaning, the ones she saw downstairs aren't the only ones that will watch out for her. There would be more, even more than Voldemort himself knew about. Because many came to his side, after years of leaving Hogwarts behind.
'I need to spread my word out and far than I would imagine. I need to stop many from following that madman of a father…' She knew that she had work cut out for her. She just didn't realize how big that job was becoming.
Hermione made her way to her...bed and crawled under the covers to sleep. She could no longer fight against nature that wanted her to sleep. Not even your brain was loud enough for her to stay awake to plan things out. 'Harry, I wish for your luck...I'm going to need it.' It was the last thought she had before sleep took her.
The next day found Hermione still in her bed. Not really wanting to get up. She barely acknowledges that someone had come into her bedroom. She felt warm arms wrapped around her, causing her to snuggle up to it even more.
"Come on, sleeping beauty." Causing Hermione to jump up, to see her intended smirking at her. She gave him a glare before turning away from him to sleep. "I guess you don't want those ten books…"
She popped up again, giving him a harsher glare than before. "Fine, I'm up." She stretched out her arms as she yawned. "But I don't have anything to wear."
"Aren't you a witch," he asked with amusement in his voice.
"I lost my wand," she stated with a huff, as he crossed her arms. "Your dear cousin lost it for me."
"I guess there is more I have to buy for you." Erik shook his head, with wonder in his eyes. He fished out his wand before casting a few spells onto her. She glanced down to see a different looking dress and felt her hair being managed into soft looking curls. "Come, we have to have breakfast with your father before we go. Otherwise, he'll have a fit."
Hermione gave him a thoughtful glance, before getting up from the bed. "I really don't want to see that happening." She crossed the room before Erik had gotten up to follow her. "If I had heard stories about that man. I really don't want to see anything that could push him over."
"Wise decision, sweetheart." A chuckle had left his lips, as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He was leading her down the stairs of Malfoy Manor. "It's hard to believe, but your father…," he whispered as he glanced around. "...hates waiting. He rather makes you wait than him having to wait for someone."
"With good reason," stated a deep voice. Before a man came out of the shadows from under the stairs. "I have too many plans for someone such as I, to wait around for anyone."
"Morning, father," Hermione spoke with sweetness in her voice. Hoping it would be enough for him to let their lateness go.
"Morning, Hermione." He gave a kind looking smile for a madman to have. "How did you sleep?"
"I know I had slept, but it feels like I could still sleep for ages." She knew that she had to be truthful with the man. Hermione didn't know what kind of relationship she wanted with him. But she knew to be...bearable.
"I guess I should have accounted that fact that time travel could tire someone out. Since the stress, it could put on one's body. When jumping through, time." He gave a worried look before leading them into the dining room.
Once in the dining room. She was not surprised to see the two Malfoy men, Severus Snape. But was a bit surprised to Narcissa Black, who would become Malfoy in a couple of years. As well as her sister, Bellatrix Black. All sitting around the table, waiting for their Dark Lord.
Voldemort sat down, waving his hand for Hermione and Erik to sit near him. Just like the future version of the crazy black curly haired witch hissed at Hermione. Causing her beloved Dark Lord to raise an eyebrow at the young woman.
"How come you get to sit with our beloved Lord, when you're the newbie around here?"
Hermione took a deep breath, giving her father a sight glare. The kinda daughter would give a father...for his employees to behave. He growled towards Bellatrix with a harsh glare of his own. "Behave Miss Black or I will allow my daughter to punish you."
"Your daughter," gasped the crazy black-haired witch. As her eyes popped out of her skull. "I don't believe she's your daughter. Since when you had been married to have such a daughter?"
"Well," Hermione gave a knowing smile, as she took a sip of her coffee. Normally she would have tea. But having to face her father's...men. She needed something stronger. "I'm seventeen years old, you can do the math from there…."
Erik gave a smirk, as his eyes darkened. He laced one of his fingers with hers. "Now, sweetheart… It's not the time to educated that masses just yet." He brought her hand up to his lips to kiss her knuckles. "We still have a wedding to plan."
"B...but…" Bellatrix didn't sound so educated at that moment. Even one who was raised to be...a lady. "I thought I was...going to be a favorite…"
Voldemort glanced towards Hermione with a raised eyebrow. Before he was given permission to look into her mind. She only allowed a small bit of information for him to see and nothing more. Once he had exited out of her head, he turned towards the crazy witch with a hiss. "I think not, you'll be marrying Rodolphus Lestrange like your family had planned…"
"But...I wanted…"
"No," growled the Dark Lord. "You will not want this," he waved towards himself. "My wife was it for me…" He then glanced towards the Malfoy's. "I need to talk to you about planning a venue for the wedding...since we will be having it here."
"Yes, my lord," the two answered.
He then turned towards Hermione with a question in his eyes. "Where would you like to be married, daughter?"
"The gardens," she stated with a smile. A true smile, she had always enjoyed outdoor weddings. At least the ones that she had seen before.
"Good," he then turned towards Erik. "What else do you have planned?"
"I'm taking my wife-to-be for a shopping trip." His eyes glistened. "Since I'll be paying for her school and wardrobe that she is lacking from her travels." He then glanced towards Severus. "I want my cousin to join us. Because once we're done with the shopping, I want to show these two to Prince Manor before the wedding. I would like to have my...intended's flare of fashion before she moves in. It really needs a woman's touch, after all."
"You'll be taking my daughter...island hopping. Since Prince Manor is indeed in Ireland if I'm correct?"
Hermione glanced towards Erik. It was something she should have asked, now she knew. Her new home after marriage would be in Ireland. "What part of Ireland?"
"In Ulster Province of the County Down of Ireland," Erik replied. "Or Cóis Dara…"
"Second Party," asked Hermione with a worried tone. "Do I really want to ask?"
"Not really," Erik stated with a hint of humor in his voice. "Sometimes history has a way...of losing track of time…"
"Speaking of time," stated Voldemort with heat in his voice. "We should eat up and start with our day. Because we're wasting time if nothing gets done." He gave a glare towards Erik. "I want her back by dinner and not a minute late."
"Yes, my lord." Once everyone was done with their breakfast. Erik turned to Hermione with a calm looking smile, which only told her how much a predator he was. "Let's get the day started, shall we?" He then glanced towards the Malfoy's. "Can we have use of your floo network?"
Abraxas gave a slight nod. "As you wish," he stated with a dull tone in his voice. Nearly reminded Hermione of his son, when he was Lord Malfoy.
Hermione followed Erik and Severus to the fireplace in the sitting room, near the front of the house. Erik kept Hermione close to him, even through the floo network. Stating that he didn't want to lose sight of her. When the three had made it to the Leaky Cauldron. It was when they were faced with a group of Gryffindor's that would follow her around the school...the Marauders.