Chapter 5
Hermione was in Hogsmead with Ginny and Harry (Ron had been banned from going after trying to hex Hermione again) to finish their Christmas shopping. "So any ideas on what to get a crazy dark lord for a present?" She asked her friends, trying her best not to laugh at their outraged faces.
"You can't seriously be thinking about getting him a gift Hermione! The man has tried to kill me multiple times!" Harry said shocked.
"True but it would look suspicious if I showed up with gifts for all my new Slytherin friends but not my father. Besides what kind of Order operative would I be if I blew my cover on my first assignment!" She told them.
"How about a new diary to replace the one Harry killed?" Ginny said, catching on to the fact that they could make the gift a joke to relieve tension.
"No, I have a better idea!" Harry laughed. "How about we go back into the chamber and salvage some of the basilisk skin to make into a robe? Then he can wear his precious pet!"
"You know that might not be such a bad idea. Basilisks are really rare and to have a cloak made out of that would be very high end. Then when he asks where I got it he won't be able to give it back since he will have most likely already tried it on!" Hermione laughed. "He will assume I was trying to be the good daughter and won't suspect that we were just trying to get to him!"
"Well you two can do the salvage work on your own. I may be mostly over my experience down in the chamber but there is no way I am ever going back in there!" Ginny told them as they headed to Honeydukes to stock up on sweets.
"So I thought of an idea for an early Christmas present for you," Hermione told Severus in her best casual manner.
"You do not need to trouble yourself with a present for me. As you know I despise the holiday." He told her, not looking up from his potions journal.
"Fine, if you don't want any basilisk potions ingredients then I won't bother," she said holding in her smirk as his head snapped up to look at her.
"Where would you get such a thing?" Severus asked her with his eyes wide just thinking about all the things he could do with such powerful ingredients.
"Chamber of Secrets," she told him, allowing her smirk out now. "Harry and I are heading down there this evening and I was going to invite you to join us to harvest ingredients… but if you're not interested we can always see if Neville would rather go."
"You mean there really was a basilisk down there? I thought that was a story that Potter and Weasley made up!" Severus said shocked. "You're telling me that I have had access to basilisk parts for years and never knew it!"
"Yep, does that mean you do want to go with us?" She asked slyly.
"You little minx, yes of course I want to go. Not only will I be able to see the chamber built by Slytherin himself but I will get valuable potions ingredients." He said and actually smiled at her. The smile caused her heart to give a little jerk as he looked so much different when he smiled.
"You should smile more often," she told him softly with a smile of her own.
"I wouldn't want to scare the children any more than normal. You see greasy dungeon bats do not smile." He told her seriously.
"Well as there are no greasy dungeon bats here then you are free to smile more often," she said and then before he could protest she continued. "We need to get to the second floor girls bathroom and meet Harry!"
"Why in the 9 levels of hell would Slytherin construct the entrance to his chamber in a girls bathroom of all places?" Severus sneered as he watched the opening appear. He wouldn't admit it but he had always been jealous of Potter's ability to speak parsel.
"It would be the last place you ever looked for it though and it kept it hidden for over 1000 years." Hermione commented.
"That and there may be more entrances that haven't been found. This is just the one that we know of and I didn't exactly have time to explore last time I was down there." Harry told them.
"Look at all this skin!" Hermione exclaimed in glee that her Christmas present/prank would work after all. "This is 20 times the amount that I need to make the cloak!" Severus just raised an eyebrow at her knowing she would fill him in on her need of the skin later.
The slain basilisk corpse was still lying in the exact spot as it fell in Harry's 2nd year. "Wow it still looks really good for being dead for 5 years. It doesn't even smell!" Harry commented approaching the body of the giant snake carefully. "We won't be able to harvest the eyes since Fawkes poked them out so they wouldn't kill me."
Severus held his tongue as he didn't want to loose his chance at ingredients by insulting the boy. He couldn't believe a 2nd year had slain such a powerful creature. "Make sure you both wear dragon hide gloves before you touch the creature. There is not much research on basilisks and we wouldn't want to get poisoned." He told them while pulling on his own gloves and beginning to organize his sample jars for collection.
It took them the next 4 hours to harvest everything they could. Harry didn't want much of it, he only took the fang that had pierced his arm that he killed Tom's diary with and some of the skin for battle robes. Hermione and Severus made sure every collection jar and container was spelled unbreakable and sealed for preservation before the three decided to explore the area.
"Potter, I believe this may be a door of some sort," Severus called across the room to Harry. "It has a different feel from the rest of the stone."
Harry hurried over and hissed at the wall to open, the nice thing with there being very few Parseltongue speakers was that you could just set the password to 'open' and nobody could get in since they could not speak the snake language. The door or wall rather opened up and revealed another chamber inside. Harry drew his wand in caution before the three of them headed into the newly opened room. The room was in pristine condition, the torches even sprang to life as they passed the threshold. Hermione was in awe, it was a library. There were books covering every wall and the middle of the large chamber was set up as a sitting room and office. There was a magnificent desk on the far side of the room. Every inch of wall was covered in books except for a portrait hanging over the desk.
"Slytherin had a private library, I'm standing in Salazar Slytherin's private library," Severus said in awe. He had thought the outer chamber was impressive, but this inner sanctum was spectacular.
Harry moved to inspect the portrait while Hermione was drawn to the books and Severus inspected the contents of the desk. "Hello," Harry hissed to the portrait wondering if the occupant spoke Parseltongue.
"Greetings young one," the man in the portrait greeted him. "Are you one of my descendents?"
"I am not of the Slytherin line sir but my friend over there is," He said pointing at Hermione. "She was not gifted with the ability to speak with serpents."
The man chuckled, "Of course not young one, women naturally dislike snakes and therefore rarely manifest the ability. Come bring her closer so I may examine my kin."
"Hermione, this portrait wants to speak with you since you are his kin," Harry told her while processing the fact that witches could not be Parseltongues. It was a fact that had never been documented before. It was revealed that the portrait was of Salazar's father Malachi, who told Hermione some history of her line and then swung the wall he was hanging on forward to reveal another chamber beyond. It turns out that Salazar actually lived in the chamber and these were his personal quarters. The bedroom was beautiful as well as the bathroom.
"My father must have never found this place," she told them after she had picked up what looked like a journal on the bedside table. "There is no way he would have let Salazar's journal lay here untouched if he had." She showed Severus the journal and he was glad to note that Slytherin did not write in Parseltongue. He had found a few tomes on the desk that looked like lines and squiggles and assumed it was a written form of the snake language.
Hermione addressed the portrait again before she was leaving, "Is there another entrance or a way I can access the chamber since I cannot speak the snake tongue?"
"There are three additional passages into the chamber but only 2 can be accessed by non Parseltongues. The first entrance is accessed by pulling the book "Hogwarts: A History" from the lowest shelf on the south wall. It will lead you to a tunnel and moving staircase that will deposit you near Lady Ravenclaw's room. The password to access the chamber from the other side is "Knowledge Breeds Power." The second entrance you will be able to access is by removing the book "Simple Potion Solutions" from the 3rd from the top shelf on the East wall, it will lead you to a hidden door in Salazar's actual staff chambers. The password to get back in is either 'open' in Parseltongue or "Freedom in Solitude" for you. There is also another entrance off the castle grounds, outside the school's wards but it needs a specific Parseltongue password to access from both directions. In the main chamber you speak "Forrest Access" in Parseltongue and the statue's mouth will open to a large passageway out of the castle. There is a small cave with a rock that blocks the passageway; you speak 'open' in Parseltongue to move the rock from the path to get out. If you want to access the chamber from that route you need to speak, 'I will do no harm to those within these walls' to the rock and it will allow you access to the passageway."
"Thank you great grandfather," Hermione told him with a smile. "I will be back to see you soon!" She said happy that she could access the library without Harry. She was also glad she had decided to talk with her ancestor again. Harry and Severus were examining books on the other side of the room and had not heard his answers.
"Are you sure you are ready for this?" Her mother asked her the day before she was to leave for Malfoy manor. They were having dinner together to celebrate Christmas and exchange gifts. Most of the Slytherins had gone home for the holiday and she had spent her time split between hanging out with Harry and reviewing with Severus, so she was glad for this break to get to know her mother better.
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Professor Snape tells me that I am as far along as he is in shielding my mind, he also believes that the dark lord will not delve too deeply as he would not want to turn me away. Supposedly he has been looking forward to meeting me since he found out that I am his daughter." Hermione told her, she wouldn't admit it aloud but she was pleased that her birth father wanted to meet her so much. She had never expected him to grow fond of her from their letters since he seemed like such a cold man. She was hoping there was something good left in him, but was not holding out hope. She knew her loyalties would always be to Harry, father or no, but still wished the war would just disappear with both sides being happy.
"Just remember that although he may have a soft spot for you since you are his heir, he is still a cruel, sadistic, evil man. He has changed much since he was in school. I used to think he would come to his senses and realize that he couldn't possibly accomplish what he set out to, but he is too far gone now. All the rituals he has gone through to keep himself alive have stripped away his humanity to the point where he is but a shadow of his former self." Minerva told her softly. Over dinner they discussed her school years and how she and Tom were the best of friends and then lovers before he turned her away when he went on to pursue his beliefs. They exchanged gifts with Minerva receiving a photo album full of copies of pictures of Hermione growing up. Although they were muggle they gave her the proof she needed to know that her baby had been well taken care of. Hermione also knitted her a scarf in Gryffindor colors for Quidditch matches. Hermione received a single photo that Minerva had saved of her and Tom when they were young and in love as well as three books on anamagi transformation. "I know you are interested and I would be happy to coach you in it if you are still interested after reading these books."
They spent the rest of the evening talking until Minerva had to leave to meet Albus for their annual gift exchange. Hermione had asked her mother why she never got together with Albus after all these years as they seemed so close and Minerva had just told her that her heart had only ever belonged to Tom and when he left her it went with him and she just couldn't imagine being with Albus in that way. She likened it to her falling for Harry and how it would feel like dating your family.
"You look enchanting, just relax," Severus told her as he helped her fasten her new deep green velvet winter cloak. "Take a deep breath, focus on having a happy and relaxing time and keep your hazardous memories far from your thoughts. Remember that I will be there if you need anything and if it gets bad we will get out and be safely back here before they even realize something was wrong."
"I couldn't ask you to give up your spying just to protect me, we need your information too much," she told him, glad he had offered even if she wouldn't use it.
"You are more important," he told her softly before holding out the portkey that would take them to the festivities. They arrived in the entrance hall of Malfoy manor and handed their luggage and cloaks to a house elf (she had stopped trying to free them after actually talking to a few the year before) and headed into the parlor where the party guests were milling around before dinner.
"Hermione you look lovely," Narcissa told her giving her a short hug. "Severus, it is wonderful you were able to join us this season."
"Yes, if I had known that all I had to do was to offer to escort a Gryffindor for the season I would have tried it years ago," he told her with a smirk as they both knew it was a lie and that Hermione was the only Gryffindor he would ever be seen in public with.
"Our lord is in the study and has requested a meeting with the two of you, perhaps you should head there before dinner," She suggested with a smile before heading over to greet more of her guests.
They entered the study to find Voldemort speaking with Lucius and a few of his other inner circle. She noticed the calculating look she was getting from Bellatrix Lestrange and rose a challenging eyebrow at the woman, a trick she had just recently mastered thanks to Severus' coaching. She saw the other woman look away and realized she had won the unspoken challenge. When she turned to her father he was looking at her with a look seldom seen, a look of pride. "Welcome my daughter," he told her and took her hand in his and led her to a sofa. "I have been anxious to meet you in person, an owl only conveys so much. You look remarkably like your mother."
"Thank you," she told him with a smile, she was surprised it was so easy to relax in his presence. He dismissed all his followers so they could speak in private. He touched her cheek gently, "You have turned into a beautiful young woman. I only wish I had known of you earlier so I could have saved you from life with those horrid muggles."
"My parents were wonderful though and have never treated me differently for being a witch. Sure they do not understand but they have always supported me in anything I do," She told him, wondering how that would go over with the dark lord.
"Then I am glad that all muggles are not like the ones I have had the misfortune to meet. As you know I was abandoned by my father and raised in an orphanage by the worst type of muggles. I have yet to meet a muggle that has not feared or despised magic. They fear what they do not understand and want to eliminate everything they fear. That is why we must eliminate them first before they destroy us all. If the muggle world was to ever find out about magic we would all be dead." He told her
"I agree that the general population of muggles would be averse to finding out about our world but I do not understand the need to eliminate them. I just see the need to safeguard our existence. Stricter laws about magic in front of muggles and keeping a closer eye on magical children in the muggle world would help greatly. I guess you could almost go so far as to remove magical children from non-magical parents if they mistreat them once their magic manifests. I also think that the pureblood philosophy needs revisited," she told him; glad he was letting her express her opinions. "You are a perfect example of how new blood can revitalize a dying line. The Slytherin line prided itself so much on its purity that it inbred to the point of producing almost squib children for four generations before your mother had you. Look how powerful you turned out. From what I have found out, your mother Merope Gaunt could barely handle magic and yet you are the most powerful wizard of the last century. As another example look at the Crabbe, Goyle and Longbottom lines where all three of their sons are only able to perform basic magic and struggle with anything advanced. The only reason the Malfoy line stays strong is that they test any fetuses before birth and terminate any children before they can sully the line. Draco should have had 3 older siblings and they have yet to produce another child since."
"You present a convincing argument," he told her seriously. He had never really stopped to think of the disadvantages of his aims. He had read a book once in his youth on genetics while in the muggle world, it had talked about inbreeding and how some of the world's purebred canine population had severe health problems due to being too close in blood. It was something he would have to give serious thought to. He still hated muggles and always would… but he respected his daughter enough to look into her claims. "Come let us join the others so I may present you to them."
Dinner was a grand affair with 6 courses and a large assortment of deserts. There was dancing and socializing for a few hours before the gift exchange began. Hermione had never seen so many presents in her entire life, and these were just the ones to non family members! She received quite a few books from her Slytherin 'friends', more clothes from Narcissa and the other Slytherin girls as well as a set of rare and hard to find herbs and potions ingredients from Severus. Overall she had a good time at the formal gathering. It was not nearly as relaxed and fun as hanging out with the Order or the Weasley's but it wasn't horrible either.
She exchanged gifts with her father after the party and he was very pleased with her gift and was glad she had made her way into the chamber, even if his eyes flashed dangerously when she had to tell him how she managed the parseltongue. She was also happy to find out that he seemed to know nothing about the library and personal quarters as he mentioned how he never spent much time in the chamber as it was just a large open space, but that he would often bring some of his darker arts books down there to read rather than risk Dumbledore finding him with them. She wondered what other evils he could have accomplished if he had access to the vast library contained within the chamber, she was just glad the knowledge within was safe.
He gave her a snake pendant that would work the same as the dark mark. It would heat up when he wanted her at his side and would work like a portkey to his location. He told her he did not want to mar her beautiful skin with a tattoo but still wanted her to be one of his followers.
"My Lord," Lucius said to his master after most of the party guests had retired. "I was hoping you would allow Draco to court your daughter. She is a fine young woman and I believe they will make a fine match."
"Do you believe your son can handle marrying my heir?" Voldemort asked, wondering if Draco actually liked Hermione or if he was trying to gain favor for his family.
"I believe that he would make a fine husband for your daughter. He had told me that they get along well and have become quite friendly." Lucius told him, he wanted his son married to the powerful witch rather than the Parkenson girl who was only good for her pure blood.
"I will speak with her," Voldemort to him in dismissal and once he was out of earshot he turned to his daughter who he knew had been listening in on the conversation. "What do you say to his offer?" He asked her curious of her answer.
"I would never be happy with the little ferret. He only respects me because of you and would expect any wife of his to bow to his every whim. I refuse to marry someone who would treat me like a piece of property." She told him hoping he would not get upset.
"Are there any other reasons?" He asked her as he could tell she had been holding back in her answer.
"There is someone I have been having feelings for," she told him softly. "I know he would be shocked to learn of my affections as well as resistant to them, but until I know for sure there is no chance between us I would prefer to stay single." She told him hoping he would not ask for the name of the person, with no luck.
"Who may I ask has caught your eye? Is he worthy of your affections? Is he one of mine?" He asked her, refusing to let her get involved with someone on Potter's side.
"He is on your side father," she told him watching him almost look happy when she called him father. "I believe him to be worthy of my affections." She snuck a peek across the room where Severus was speaking with some of his former students.
"So you have fallen for Severus," Tom said amused as he followed her gaze. He realized that his daughter was too smart to fall for any mere boy and decided that Severus was a good match for her. He could help her fool Dumbledore and watch over her. He knew Severus was loyal to him and could see that he cared for Hermione as well. He was unsure of how Severus cared for her but approved their relationship.
Hermione just nodded to her father, embarrassed to admit she had feelings for her teacher who was 20 years older than her. "Do you approve?" She asked timidly.
"Yes, he will be a much better match for you than young Malfoy. I will speak with him about it." He told her watching with hidden amusement as her eyes got wide with panic.
"Oh please don't order him to court me," she pleaded with him. "I only want him if his feelings are genuine. I want to fall in love, not have my attentions forced on someone."
"Do not worry my daughter, I will only ask him of his feelings for you. I would not disrespect you by forcing him." Tom told her and then headed over to speak with Snape.
"Severus what are your intentions towards my daughter?" Voldemort asked, watching with amusement as Snape began to panic.
""I am not sure what you are referring to my lord, she is my student therefore the only intentions I am allowed to have towards her are educational." He said wondering how the dark lord realized he had feelings for his daughter. He knew he would never be good enough for a woman like Hermione but had been greatly enjoying all the time they were spending together.
"I have never seen you look at any woman the way you look at Hermione. You may be keeping a respectable distance because she is your student but you do have feelings for her." Tom told him, "What I want to know is what you intend to do about your feelings?"
"I swear I would never act upon my feelings without your permission my lord. I was never going to even ask your permission as I know that I could never be good enough for her. She deserves someone young and handsome and wealthy like young Malfoy." Severus told him, trying to keep himself from being hexed. He had fantasized about being able to court Hermione but knew he would only be with her in his dreams.
"She refused the courtship proposal from Draco," Tom told Severus. "She seems to already have feelings for one of my death eaters. It seems they have been spending a lot of time together and she had developed feelings for him, even if she believes that he will never return her affections."
"Any of your followers would be crazy not to return her affections," Severus told him wishing she would bestow her affections on him.
"So if she had feelings for you would you wish to court her properly?" Voldemort asked, not having been so amused in a long time without hurting people.
"I already wish to court her my lord but would not dare to hope she would accept," Severus told him wondering why they were having this conversation.
"Good, then you have my permission to begin the courting process. As you are following the old traditions that fool of a headmaster of yours will have no say and consorting with a student will not affect your employment." Tom said with a smirk.
"Thank you my lord, I will endeavor to deserve her hand." Severus spoke with a bow and hurried out of the room to begin planning his courtship. He just hoped Minerva would approve as well, he really didn't want to be hexed.