Severus woke alone. He sat up and stretched. Hermione wasn't in his bed that morning. He stood and stretched. He saw the pile of presents at the foot of his bed and frowned. Too early in the bloody morning, he thought as he padded to the bathroom.
Hermione walked in just as he was walking out of the bathroom. "Merry Christmas," She said adding her own presents to the pile of his.
He grumbled and sat back down on the bed. His spot had been lost to Crookshanks, who now purred in warmth that he had found.
"Oh, come on," Hermione said sitting next to him. "Oh before I forget I have to tell you that my chambers are being moved,"
This woke Severus up immediately, "What do you mean they're being moved?"
"Well I just finished talking to Albus. And he's said that Your chambers are to be expanded, that is with your consent,"
He stood up and grabbed her spinning her around, "Gods woman! Of course it's all right," he said kissing her.
"Good, can we open our presents now?" She said when he set her down again.
"I'd rather open this present," he said parting her robes. He nuzzled between her breasts, causing her to giggle.
****
After Severus had opened his 'present' they decided to open their gifts together. She picked up the first present which was from Harry and Ginny. It was a set of hair pins, conveniently shaped like serpents.
"Mr. Potter does have a strange sense of humor," Severus said as he picked up his first present from Albus. It was a set of emerald and silver phials for potions.
Hermione nuzzled against Severus, "It's been a while since I've been able to just sit here and enjoy using you as a pillow"
Severus smiled, "You've been very busy love. Either working on potions, or chastising me for not behaving."
"It could have been worse. Shall we dress and head down to breakfast?"
"I suppose we could," Severus said standing. "But I'd rather just stay in bed all day," he helped her up and nuzzled her again.
"I know you would love. But I'm sure there are students that you could terrorize," Hermione smiled and went to the chest of clothes she kept in his room.
*****
Christmas breakfast was always a festive meal, staff and students filled one of the long house tables. This year it was Gryffindor table, Severus scowled as they walked in.
"Merry Christmas," Flitwick said as the couple approached.
"Merry Christmas," Hermione replied smiling, and hanging onto Severus' arm.
"Severus, where's your Christmas spirit?" Albus asked smiling.
"In a jar somewhere," he replied as he sat next to a startled Gryffindor student. "Don't worry, I won't bite. But if I do, I have had my shots." The student scooted away from him as far as he could.
****
The mail owls arrived several minutes into breakfast, Hermione got several letters and seasons greetings. Severus too got a letter, but he scowled as he read it. "Excuse me," He got up and swiftly walked out of the great hall.
"Should I go after him?" Hermione asked Albus.
"You might as well child," he said watching her swiftly get up and follow him.
***
Hermione found Severus in his office, his head down on his arms and the letter crumpled next to him. She knocked on the door, "Go away!" Hermione was not shaken by this.
"Severus?" She walked over to the desk. "Severus is everything all right?" She put her hand on his neck, "Your deathly cold,"
He looked up. His face was also deathly pale, "Hermione, there are something I need to tell you."
Hermione sat down in the chair across from him and waited for him to start. "For several weeks now Sirius had been getting reports of Mysterious shadows meeting in a cemetery many many miles away from here. And the speculation was that they were Deatheaters. The ministry had pulled the Aurors off of the chase sometime ago. They figured that the remaining death eaters were to afraid to regroup. It turns out that these are indeed death eaters."
Hermione waited for him to continue, he did. "They do not know my part in Voldemort's demise. They may think that I was trying to stop them from killing Voldemort. They may also be trying to get me back into the fold."
Hermione watched him, as if carved from stone. Severus got up and walked over to her. She stood and looked at him coldly, "You hid this from me? Severus, how could you do this to me?" She raised her hand and slapped him sharply across the face. Then fled the dungeons.
*****
Hermione sat in the library crying. She hid herself in the farthest Aisle of books from the door. Irma had left for the break and she was alone. How could he do this to me? she thought, I can't lose him again, I just can't.
She heard the doors opening, "Hermione?" It was Remus, "Are you in here?"
She sniffled, "I'm here," her voice was barely above a whisper. She heard footsteps coming towards her.
"Hermione, please get up," Remus crouched next to her, She looked up into his deep brown eyes, "We were going to tell you. We only just found out today that the sighting were indeed Deatheaters. We didn't think Severus would have told you first."
He helped her up. she started to cry again and he held her as she sobbed, "I can't lose him, I can't lose him again,"
"I know," he murmured. He held her until she stopped crying then let go of her, "Severus will be looking for you. He asked me to help find you."
She nodded and held onto Remus' arm as they walked out of the library. "Will you be okay?" Remus asked as she let go of his arm. She nodded. "Okay," he smiled and walked down the hall.
****
"Hermione?!" Severus came up to her and angry red mark across his cheek. "Thank the Gods I found you,"
She hung her head suddenly feeling like a student again. She heard him walking up to her. She looked up and saw him as she had when she was a student, an austere man who had a cruel streak, "I'm sorry," she said dropping her head again,
He pulled her to him, "I should have told you sooner, I shouldn't have waited." he murmured.
"I can't bear the thought of losing you again. I can't lose you Severus i can't lose you again,"
"I know, love I know," he murmured as he held her.
*****
Persephone rosewood and Rubeus Hagrid sat together by the fireplace. Persephone had come to realize over the past few days how much she loved him still, and Hagrid realized that He still loved her.
He sighed and looked up. He had patrolled around the house every morning and every night since the mysterious stranger had startled Cicely so badly. She was afraid to go outside now without someone with her.
"Have ter go out and patrol now, I be back as soon as I can," he stood up an picked up the lantern.
Hagrid left the house and began his patrol around the house. He spotted some tracks just inside the tree line and began to follow them.
Nearly an hour later the tracks led him to the edge of a small cliff. That's not right, he thought as stood there. Then he realized that this had been done on purpose to lead him away from the house. He turned and ran as fast as he could through the deep snow, how could he be so stupid, he chided himself.
He reached the house and saw that the door was ajar and that the lock had been forced open. He carefully stepped inside and walked into the living room. He saw Persephone laying on the floor, "Sephone?!" he set the lantern down and rushed over to her, she was still breathing but unconscious. "Cicely?!" he stood up. Having decided that she would be okay while he looked for his granddaughter.
He made his way up to Cicely's room and opened the door. The room looked as if a tornado had hit it. He looked all over the room, She wasn't there! He searched the entire house before coming back to the living room. He picked up the limp form of Persephone and looked on the mantle for that small box of floo powder.
****
Hagrid stepped out of the flames and into Dumbledore's office. "Hagrid!" Albus stood from his desk, "What happened,"
Hagrid looked at the woman in his arms, "I was patrolling around the house when I found footprints...." Albus listened attentively as he related the entire story.
"Let's take her to the infirmary," Albus said as he directed Hagrid from his office.
****
Hagrid demanded that he keep vigil over Persephone. Madam Pomfrey didn't argue with him.
Albus and Severus stood by the doorway talking in hushed tones, "Hagrid thinks it was a Deatheater that Cicely say,"
"What would they want with a child?" Severus replied.
"I don't know. But I don't want anything to happen to her or you for that matter Severus," He looked up at him, "Acting too quickly almost cost you your life last time,"
"And acting too slowly may cost the girl her life," Severus answered back, "They may be trying to get me back into the fold. I was the only one trusted to brew some of the more, shall we say, exotic potions. I supplied Voldemort with many of the more toxic ones. My knowledge in the dark arts was renowned amongst the Deatheaters. Despite my many failures I was still regarded as the best,"
Albus knew Severus took no pride in his knowledge of certain things, "You may be the only one able to get her back,"
"I know, that's what I am afraid of," Severus replied as Albus left him and made his way back to his office.
******
******
Severus sat at his writing desk while Hermione slept in his, their, bedroom. She had been moved into his chambers Christmas day before word of Miss Rosewood's kidnapping. He sat not wanting to think about Girl. She had proven to be such a brilliant student and a wise child.
He heard Hermione stirring. She had been told about Cicely and cried until she slept. His thoughts were disturbed by a rapping at the enchanted window to his chambers. He saw a dusky gray owl standing just at the sill. He stood up and looked at the owl, who would be sending him letters at this time of night? He thought as he opened the window. The owl dropped the letter, turned and left.
He shut the window and picked up the letter. He sat back down and looked at it carefully. The letter was addressed to him in an unfamiliar handwriting.
He picked up a letter opener and slid it along the top edge. He pulled out the letter and opened it:
Severus Snape,
Your presence is requested at the Worban Cemetery. We were assured you knew where that was. Please show tomorrow night at midnight and tell no one.
The letter wasn't signed bug he knew that he had to show. He slumped in his chair. He slid the letter into the back of his desk, knowing that no one would find it there.
*****
Cicely Rosewood was scared, but oddly she felt at ease in the massive house were her captors had taken her. "Excuse me, who ever you, are when am I going home?"
A smoky script floated in the air in front of her: TOMORROW.
"Okay, that's good," She said aloud. She had awoken up in the vast house with enchanted windows and no doors out. She hadn't been injured. Though she felt that there was something familiar about the house.
She was allowed to wander around the house. As there seemed to be no one else there. Other than the ghost writing that appeared every time she asked a question.
*****
Severus had been moody all day. Hermione had given up on asking him why. He had slipped a sleeping potion into her tea while she was in the bath. As good as she was at potions this one was odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Crookshanks grumbled as Severus tucked Hermione into bed, "Hush now you," Severus hissed, "I'll be back soon. Watch her for me,"
Severus patted the cat on the head and left the chambers,
He made his way out of Hogwarts as silently as a serpent. He walked to the Forbidden Forests and apperated from there to the Worban cemetery. an old favorite haunt of the death eaters.
****
"Welcome back Severus. We've been expecting you," he heard a voice say behind him.
Severus turned around and immediately saw the white masks of over three dozen Deatheaters. "Why am I here?" Severus already knew the answer deep down; they wanted him back. "Where's the child?"
"I'm right here Professor Snape," The group of Deatheaters parted and Cicely walked out towards Severus.
"The girl is fine," one of them said, "We just had to make sure she was the one,"
"The One what?" Severus said wrapping his arm around the child. "Send the girl back first. Then tell me," Severus had the feeling that she shouldn't hear what was about to be said.
"Put a blocking charm on her," the Deatheater replied, "She seems to feel safe around you." Severus muttered a charm that temporarily blocked the girl from hearing what was being said.
"Well, what importance is this girl to you? To Us?" he asked.
"Severus, my dear dear Severus. She is Voldemort's Heir," The first Deatheater said behind the mask, "Surely you would think that Our master would leave an heir?"
"You're right our master wouldn't have let that one slip by," Severus said his voice hissing slightly. "What is to become of the girl?" he asked the charm still in place.
"She's a brilliant student, and will continue at Hogwarts, and with your help she could, can be just as powerful as our lord was," the charm wore off shortly after the girl didn't seem phased by this.
"Professor, I am going home right?" She asked with doe eyes.
"Yes," he said as he continued to watch the Deatheaters. Slowly he began to turn around.
"Oh and Severus one more question before you go," Severus looked over his shoulder, "Why are you seeing that Mudblood,"
"Because she's a damn bloody good lay and gullible too," he replied before walking away, pulling Cicely along with him.
*****
Severus took the risk of Splinching Cicely to get back to Hogwarts as fast as they could. He carried the now sleeping girl up up the hill towards Hogwarts.
He made his way silently towards the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey saw Severus waking in with the cloak wrapped form, "Severus?"
"Shhh, She's asleep," he handed over the sleeping girl to Madam Pomfrey, "I'm glad you're awake. Are hagrid and Persephone still here?" The woman nodded. "Good, you take her and put her in a bed and I'll tell the two of them.
He found hagrid sitting on the floor next to Persephone's bed. He knelt down next to Hagrid and put his hand on the half-giants shoulder, "Hagrid, wake up,"
Hagrid immediately opened his eyes, "What is it professor," he said rubbing his eyes, "Severus? What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I have Cicely. Pomfrey is putting her in a bed here." Severus sagged down on the empty bed next to Hagrid, "It's a long story and I would rather let Dumbledore hear it first." Hagrid nodded.
"But she's all right though," Hagrid looked up at the stern man expectantly, "She's not hurt?"
"No, She was well taken care off despite the circumstances." Severus said standing, "She'll be fine,"
*****
Severus was surprised how well he had slipped back into his facade of Deatheater. And all for the child. How could she be Voldemort's heir? he thought, her grandmother couldn't be related to him neither could her mother. Hagrid most definitely wasn't related that left Cicely's father. Could it be that her father was Voldemort's son? That was the only logical explanation.
He made his way to Dumbledore's office, he suddenly felt old and tired. He knocked on the door not expecting anyone to answer, "Come in," Severus opened the door and walked in. Albus was sitting at his desk his eyes twinkling. "Ah, Severus, I trust you brought Cicely back in one piece?"
"How?" he started as he sat down in a large comfortable chair across from Albus.
"Why else would you sneak out of the castle in the middle of the night? And seeing as you are in one piece I assume that you were welcomed back into the fold?"
"With open arms," he replied dryly, "They took the girl because she is Voldemort's Heir,"
Albus didn't say anything he just watched Severus, "Albus?" he looked up, "They know about Hermione and I,"
"I assume you had to lie about her to protect her?" Severus nodded, "I won't ask you to repeat it."
"Thank you," He said standing, "They want me to make sure she is 'raised right,'"
"I'm sure you'll prevent that from happening," Albus replied as Severus made his way back to his chambers.
*****
Hermione was still under the affects of the sleeping potion when he came back. He dreaded having to tell her what had happened, but he knew he had to. He changed out of his clothes and slipped under the covers. He felt Hermione's warm body pushing gently against him. He wrapped his arm protectively around her.
He lay there with the realization that he may have to risk his life once more to protect all he loved. He felt the tears slipping and didn't try hold them back. Hermione was in too deep of a sleep to wake up. He sobbed silently for the first time in years. He fell asleep crying.
*****
He woke early and sat at his writing desk in the living room. He set his quill down and read what he had just written;
Hermione,
I have to ask you now. That if you truly love me you will leave me, to my fate. I do not want you running into this like a headstrong stubborn Gryffindor. I know you will do this. It's in you nature, your blood. It has been explained to you numerous times that this is not something I want you risking your life for. You have so much to live for, far more than I.
I do this to protect you and all of Hogwarts from what may turn into another bloodbath. But no matter what happens know that I love you, have always loved you and will always love you. And that your Love is the greatest thing I could ever ask for. And that, if nothing else, may save me if all else fails.
Severus Snape.
He slipped the letter into an envelope and sealed it. He put it in the deep recesses of his desk. He would burn it if all turned out well, if not Hermione would wake one morning and find that on his pillow.
*****
*****
Hermione woke the next morning feeling groggy, she turned on the bed to find that Severus wasn't there. She slowly made her way out of the bedroom and into the Living room. Severus sat at his desk his head resting in folded arms; he was asleep.
"Severus?" she put her hand on his shoulder, he jumped.
"Sorry," he said as he stretched, "You'll be happy to Know miss Rosewood is safely back at Hogwarts,"
"Severus," Hermione started, "I know you went and got her, and I kindly ask you to not slip and more sleeping potions into my tea."
Severus knew he couldn't lie, "I had to do that love, i know you're Gryffindor nature would kick in and you would try to rescue me,"
Hermione didn't argue that fact, "Thank you for bringing her back safely," Hermione said as she headed back to the bedroom to shower and dress.
****
There was a tapping at the enchanted window, an owl sat at the sill, this one wasn't like the one from a couple of nights before.
he opened the window and recognized the owls as his brother Salazar's. he took the letter and watched the owl turn and fly back from where he came from.
Severus,
We were wondering if you would like to come back to the manor for dinner before the end of the holidays. Mother would like to see you one more time and she really has taken a shine towards Hermione.
Salazar
Severus chuckled, Hermione came back out of the bedroom dressed with her hair pulled up into a loose knot at the back, "What's so funny,"
"How about dinner at the Snape manor tonight?" he asked setting the letter down, "My family just adores you you know,"
"I know," Hermione said, "I would love to see them again,"
******
Cicely woke up to see three faces watching her; Pomfrey, Hagrid and her grandmother were all watching her, "You know that is rather bothersome, waking up paranoid," she said sitting up.
Hagrid smiled, "We're just happy to have yer back" he said hugging her.
"Professor Snape brought me back," Cicely said nothing else on the matter.
"Do you know who took you?" She shook her head, "Do you know why they wanted you?" she shook her head again.
*****
Later that day Severus and Hermione apperated to the Snape manor once again to enjoy another day with his family. Seline answered the door when they reached it.
"Severus! Hermione!" Seline smiled as they stepped inside, she hugged them both, "So glad you made it," she put her hand on her enlarged belly, smiling as she took their cloaks.
She then led Hermione and Severus into the living room, Hermione saw Serrento and Salazar playing chess and Sabine talking to a young man she didn't recognize. "Severus I don't think you have ever met my husband Joseph,"
"I haven't had the pleasure," Severus replied, eying the blond haired man as if eying possible prey.
"Hello Severus, I have heard so much about you," Joseph stood and extended his hand.
"I hope you have only heard good things," he shook the mans hand. "This is Miss Hermione Granger," Joseph shook her hand as well.
Sabine smiled at Hermione, "You've done wonders you know. I haven't Seen Severus so relaxed in ages," She smiled at her son, "And don't you scowl at me, Do I have to remind you what happened the last time you did that?"
"Please don't mother," He said quietly, respectively, "Though I don't doubt that Hermione would love the story," He stood up and left the living room as Sabine began to tell Hermione the story.
****
"I am glad Severus decided to leave the room, he won't be as embarrassed." Sabine started. "Well Hermione dear, when Severus was eight he was already well into dabbling with potions. He decided one day that he would try and turn our house elves green. well needless to say caught him in the just as he had turned one of them a greenish brown. And after telling him to turn the house elf back to it's original color he had a scowl on him that would have made a troll fearful. I told him on no uncertain terms that if he didn't wipe that scowl off his face I would fuse his lips together and I did."
Hermione stifled her laughter, "It's not too terribly embarrassing," she said giggling.
*****
Severus sat in the kitchen holding a glass of fire whiskey, he thought of the previous night and of Cicely, then it hit him; her handwriting was Voldemort's or very close to it. he set his drink down and watched the house elves bustling around him. He heard the door opening but he didn't look up.
"Severus?" he looked up and saw Salazar, "Something is bothering you isn't it?"
"Salazar, you are the only one in this family that knows for certain that I was a Deatheater and that I played a part in Voldemort's demise," he said in a low tone, "The Deatheaters have regrouped and I have been welcomed back into the fold."
"Despite the fact that you don't want to be," Salazar replied, "You aren't the only one who knows Sirius black, I was the one who told him that the Aurors were pulled away."
Severus looked up at his brother again, "They regrouped because they have, well they don't have her, Voldemort has an heir so to speak,"
"What?" "Salazar took Severus' drink and took a sip of if, "What do you mean."
"A girl, She's a first year Gryffindor," Severus said taking his drink out of his brother's hands, "She is his granddaughter, how that happened and why is not what I am concerned with. She is a brilliant student, she is helping Hermione and I with potions I don't think any first year would ever have attempted. You know I don't think about many if any of my students highly and well this one is different, she can't be allowed to follow the wrong path."
"Tell her," Salazar started, "Not everything, just enough for her to know what importance she is to these people and that she could be wasting her life if she follows them." Severus thought on this, and nodded.
"Come on let's go back out there before they start spouting stories about you," Severus said swallowing the rest of his drink.
"Right." Salazar said as he followed his brother out of the kitchen.
****
Hermione saw Severus first, "Ah ha, there you are," She said as he crossed the room and sat next to her, he kissed her cheek lightly, "Now you have to behave, I have a couple of embarrassing stories about well actually about you and your brothers.: She smiled innocently.
"I will never hear the end of this," he said giving her his cruel smile.
"Never," she said smiling back.
A small house elf dressed in an embroidered green towel appeared, "Dinner is ready masters," the little elf bobbed his head and disappeared.
They filed into the dining room and sat down, Severus sat next to Hermione and Serrento sat across from her, Dinner was served and so began the small talk. "Serrento, I know Seline is a Medi-Witch and Salazar works for the ministry, what do you do?"
Serrento smiled, "I'm a naturalist," he said giving her a warmer than normal smile, "Studying the the water drakes that live in the lakes and aqueducts around Rome."
Severus watched the word play and conversation between the two, careful not to laugh as Hermione quickly got the upper hand. "So I assume that with all of your busy work you have no time for friends, or girlfriends? poor you," Severus had told her of his younger brothers reputation.
Sabine sputtered into her wine, she had never seen any woman take Serrento off his high horse so quickly. he was a womanizer and he deserved it, regardless of being her son.
"Well, erm, I," He flushed crimson, "Severus help me out here, you've always had some cut throat comment."
"I think not little brother," he said taking his glass of wine, "I certainly will not incur the wrath of this young woman sitting next to me,"
"Why not Severus, Is she more important that family?" Serrento struck a nerve, "I still value the differences between pureblood and mudblood,"
Hermione looked at Sabine who looked as if she were about to rip out her sons throat. She looked at Severus who had a cold look in his eyes as if he were facing a dementor. "Oh I am sorry big brother did I offend you? I liked her up until you said her parents were Muggles," Serrento eyed Hermione coldly then turned his attention back to Severus.
Hermione had kept her wand in a small case in strapped to her ankle. A habit from school and having to hang around the boys all of the time. She slid it out and sat up straight again. She looked at Sabine who nodded.
Serrento continued to run his mouth, "What happened to having pride in being a pureblood? Severus, what on earth possessed you to?" he gestured at Hermione.
"Vocalis Quietus!" she raise her wand and struck him with the hex; his voice had been taken away from him. "I'm Sorry I had to do that to you Serrento," she said setting her wand down next to her wine glass.
Seline, Joseph and Salazar had quietly watched Serrento consume numerous drinks and the slowly brewing disagreement, "Hermione, It takes a lot to stand down someone like that," Seline said, "He just doesn't understand that there Powerful witches can come from muggle families,"
Serrento tried to talk but he couldn't make the words into sounds. Sabine glared at her son, it was colder than any look Severus had ever given to her.
Severus looked at his mute brother, "Serrento, Why I have Hermione in my life is mostly none of your business. It took me nearly dying and then having others tell me that here was a woman that, despite my faults and my past transgressions, could love me." Severus looked at Hermione and smiled, "And seeing as Mother likes her so much and has allowed her to come back here says a lot, in way of acceptance."
Hermione quietly finished her dinner before she picked up her wand again, "Serrento i want you to understand something about me. though you think me a lowly mudblood, I am not dumb and can play along with any conversation and take almost anyone with the exception of Severus off of his high horse." She looked as cold as any Slytherin, "I will remove the hex from you on the condition that if you try this again the hex will be permanent and may or may not include something else in it, Possibly a neutering," she whispered the reversal for the hex and Serrento sat sheepishly.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, "Severus, keep her under control,"
"She controls her own person, I don't risk her wrath like i said earlier," Severus said returning to his now cold dinner.
Sabine smiled, "Serrento you deserved it," she said, "Too long you have been allowed to say what is exactly on your mind."
"Hermione," Salazar started, "Severus is damned lucky that he's not on your bad side."
"Who ever said he wasn't," she smiled.
*****
Serrento was deeply chastised after dinner and felt sorry for starting the entire thing. He had to admit to himself that Hermione, despite her heritage, was extremely attractive, and should have a younger man in her life.
he stood in the kitchen watching the house elves cleaning up, Hermione walked in with two empty wine glasses. "Hermione!" he was startled to see her.
"Serrento?" She replied setting the glasses down, "Are you going to pull anything?"
"No," he said looking into her heavenly dark brown eyes, "I am sorry about that, it's it kind of stupid to hold onto pointless prejudices," he smiled and took a step towards her causing her to back up against the wall.
"Serrento, what are you doing?" She said as he put his hand on the wall next to her.
"I just think you need someone younger than Severus..."
"Like you?" She said as he nodded and leaned in to kiss her, she leaned forward slightly the raised her knee up and nailed him in his crotch. She then grabbed his arm, twisted it back and proceeded to lead him into the living room where the rest of the family had gathered for coffee and drinks.
"Hermione?" Severus said as she led Serrento in by the arm. "Serrento?! What did he do now?"
"Your charming brother tried to get a little friendly with me, and seems to me that he had one too many drinks tonight, and he's damned lucky that i didn't have my wand or else he wouldn't have been able to reproduce, not that I think he should,"
"Serrento, I think it's time you went home," Severus said, "Or at least find a room and sleep it off and live with your guilt."
Severus pulled his drunk brother from Hermione's grasp and led him up to a bedroom.
"Hermione dear I am sorry that Serrento had to become the bad apple," Sabine said taking her hand, "He never has been one for holding his liquor well. I am glad you are in Severus' life, And I hope you will think of us as family,"
"I already do," Hermione said hugging the woman, "And trust me Serrento has learnt his lesson."
*****
Severus helped his brother onto the bed, he looked up, "You don't love her, she's, just as you say, a damn bloody good lay and gullible, if she were pureblood we would recruit her..." Serrento slipped into a drunken sleep.
Severus pulled his brothers sleeve up on his left arm and saw the remains of a dark mark. "Bloody hell," he muttered and made his way, quickly back down to the living room.
"Hermione, Salazar may i speak to you in private?" They looked at each other and got up and followed Severus to the library that lay behind the stairs of the first floor, the only thoroughly soundproofed room in the whole house besides the dungeons.
"Severus? What's wrong?" Hermione saw the concern in his eyes.
"Last night I did indeed go and get Miss rosewood back, I had received a letter requesting my presence, I have been welcomed back into the fold with open arms so to speak, and well they know about us Hermione and I had to lie about you to protect you. Don't make me repeat it Mione," He took a deep breath before continuing, "Serrento repeated some of the things I said last night,"
"He's a Deatheater?" Salazar asked his brow furrowed, "That can't be, he was always the happiest amongst us..."
"Looks can be deceiving," Severus replied, "He has the remains of the dark mark on his arm."
"We can't tell the ministry... yet..." Salazar started, "We have to see if we can take care of this ourselves, you will tell Albus?" Severus nodded.
"Mother shouldn't hear about this until we know more," Severus said, "Hermione may i speak to my brother alone?" she nodded, though concerned she would not argue.
Hermione walked out of the room and waited in a chair across from the doors of the library.
Severus walked toward the window in the library and looked out of the window, "Salazar, I love Hermione to death, and that's what it might take to protect her, i am not as young as i once was..."
"Severus, you got off light you went to Hogwarts, I went to Durmstrang, that place will age you quickly. Severus how can you be so sure that you'll die this time around? fate has smiled on you before,"
"When they find out that I played apart in Voldemort's death, I am as good as dead." He looked at his brother, "Promise me that if it comes down to it you will protect her,"
"I promise brother, I swear it,"
******
******
Severus sat with Hermione in their chambers. He had apperated every other night to Worban cemetery to discuss the grand things Cicely would do after her training was complete. Severus had made the girl swear she would never reveal what happened that night. The girl complied.
Hermione stroked Severus' thick raven hair, he lay on the couch with his head on her lap. "Hermione, they suspect something," He started, "I am more apprehensive around them and it's only a matter of time before they decide that they don't need the girl to terrorize the wizarding world once more. They have over a hundred Deatheaters amassed and there several things even I don't know,"
"Severus everything will be fine. They haven't done anything threatening in the month they think they've had you back,"
"That's the thing they can wait for years if they have to..." he sighed and closed his eyes as Hermione ran her delicate fingers through his hair.
*****
Carmilla Nettleburn sat in the Hogsmeade tavern she waited for Draco to turn up. They had continued their Christmas time liaison with Carmilla sneaking into the room Draco rented each weekend in Hogsmeade.
Draco walked in and smiled when he saw Carmilla. It was common knowledge in the tavern and nowhere else that they were seeing each other.
Draco watched as she got up and walked towards the door. "You're late," she said as they walked out of the tavern and to the small inn across the way....
They lay naked in each others arms, sweating and trembling. "I love you Draco," She murmured as he nuzzled her neck.
"I love you too," he said, he had never dreamed of falling in love but it happened.
******
The next night.
Deep within the bowels of Azkaban the murmurs grew. Lucius would be given the Kiss, the dementors would finally have their victim. Lucius had been given warning, and he now sat and waited. He thought of his days at Lord Voldemort's Side. And he thought of Miranda, his brief fling a few years after the birth of his son, Draco. She had become pregnant as a result of the liaison but he never knew what happened to the child.
Door to his cell opened and a tall wraith like dementor glided in. Lucius braced himself knowing that this was indeed the end. He wasn't afraid, he told himself, he wasn't...
****
****
one week later
Severus silently placed the letter on his pillow. Hermione was in a deep sleep and wouldn't wake up until morning. She lay curled into his shirt he had draped over her after they made love. He knew that tonight something would happen, and he didn't know what the outcome would be.
He silently left the school and went to the dark forest to disapperate.
****
Severus apperated to Worban Cemetery, he wore a Deatheaters mask and black robe. He only saw six Deatheaters. He immediately spotted his brother Serrento and walked over to him. Severus had taken three vials of the phantom cure potion ahead of time as he had an uneasy feeling.
"Ah Severus," Serrento turned and pulled off his mask, he had a cruel smile on his face. "You're just on time," he said as five Deatheaters that beside Serrento there turned to him.
"In time for what?" he asked about to reach for his wand that was tucked into a pocket on the inside of his robes. "Serrento?"
Severus felt the pain rushing through his body. He knew he had been hit with the cruciatus from at least five of them. "My dear dear brother, I am sorry that this had to happen. We know that you failed our lord too many times for you to be forgiven. You will be returned to your beloved school. Though your chances of survival, well let's just say that the odds are stacked against you."
Severus fell to the ground and Serrento crouched beside him the other Deatheaters stood over him. One of them took of their masks. He felt another round of the the cruciatus coursing through him. As his vision grew blurry he could only see the white blond hair. He felt them kicking. He heard several ribs cracking. He felt the pain...
"You've failed us for the last time brother, and don't worry we've taken the child under our wing," His vision darkened and he lapsed into unconsciousness. "I'll make sure I give extra attention to your precious little mudblood,"
*****
Hermione woke that morning and immediately knew that something was wrong. Severus wasn't there and there was a letter addressed to her in his handwriting on his pillow.
She sat up and with shaking hands opened the letter;
Hermione,
I have to ask you though, that if you truly Love me you will leave me, to my fate. I do not want you running into this like a headstrong stubborn Gryffindor. I know you will do this. It's in you nature, your blood. It has been explained to you numerous times that this is not something I want you risking your life for. You have so much to live for, far more than I.
I do this to protect you and all of Hogwarts from what may turn into another bloodbath. But no matter what happens know that I love you, have always loved you and will always love you. And that your Love is the greatest thing i could ever ask for, and that if nothing else may save me if all else fails.
Severus Snape
"You bastard," she said out loud as the tears ran down her cheeks. He was not the best at writing love letters,even cheeky love ones.
She hot up and threw her robes on and rushed to find Dumbledore. she ran through the halls and towards Dumbledore's office. She could barely see through her tears as she knocked on the door.
"Come in," she opened the door as was surprised to see Remus, Sirius and Salazar standing in the room with Albus. "What's wrong dear?" Albus said as Remus rushed over to her as she fell into a heap by the door.
Remus carried her over to a chair and pulled the letter from her clutches, "This might be why..." He said handing the letter over to Albus.
He scanned the letter and frowned, "It seems that Severus had gone off once again to another meeting."
"Stupid bastard," Sirius muttered, "He knows he shouldn't be doing this."
"Sirius that's quite enough," Salazar walked over to the chair and knelt beside Hermione, "Hermione, Severus knew that it might come down to this," he started, "He made me promise to keep you safe, I intend to keep his promise. But we should try and find him first..."
Hermione wiped her eyes on her sleeve and looked up at the man who looked so much like Severus, "You're right, we do have to find him.," her voice was barely above a whisper.
The doors to the office burst open and Minerva stood, looking panicked, "Albus, Miss Rosewood had disappeared again," She stood looking around, "Something else is wrong isn't there?"
"It seems our potions master had disappeared as well," Albus replied, "We will search the school first. Sirius, will you and Salazar please search Worban cemetery. That was, is, the most recent haunt of the Deatheaters," the two men nodded and left the office, "Remus will you see to Miss Granger?"
"Yes sir," he watched as Albus and Minerva left the office, leaving him and Hermione alone. "Hermione we will find him," He knelt down next to her, "We will find him,"
She knew they would, whether he would be alive or not she didn't know. "Remus, why would he do something like this?"
"He can't stand the thought that he would fail you, or fail to protect you,"
But it's not just me he wasn't to protect," she said the tears still flowing down her face.
"He has to protect the brilliant young minds that are in this school as well," Remus said as he tried to hide his sorrow, "He doesn't like failure,"
****
****
Nearly a week later
The search for both Severus and Cicely came up cold and though distraught, Hermione filled in as Potions Mistress. In the five days that they had been gone she had become just as harsh as Severus had been.
"Twenty points from Slytherin Miss Nettleburn, for gross negligence," the girl had turn a simple sleeping potion into one that would not only turn the victim purple, but it would make them sick for days if not weeks.
She watched the students filing in and out of the classroom. They had noticed she had grown pale and sickly looking. No one had the heart to ask if everything was all right because they knew it wasn't.
****
Hagrid made his way through the forbidden forests. He carried a lantern in one hand and his crossbow in the other. Despite it being nearly the afternoon, it was still dark. He made his way to the edge of the forest, when he tripped over something hidden under the fallen leaves and grasses. "What in the bloody 'ell?"
He picked up his lantern that was, luckily, still flickering and brushed away the leaves with his foot. He saw a corner of black fabric and dropped to his knees to move the rest of the leaves with his hands.
There in front of him was a body laying face down in the dirt. He quickly rolled the body over, "Professor Snape?!" he checked to see if the man was still breathing but couldn't exactly tell. he picked up Severus' limp body and his crossbow and lantern.
Hagrid made his way out of the forest and made his way into Hogwarts, and up to the infirmary. "Madam Pomfrey?!" he called out, "I need your assistance,"
Hermione walked in just as he was walking out of the bathroom. "Merry Christmas," She said adding her own presents to the pile of his.
He grumbled and sat back down on the bed. His spot had been lost to Crookshanks, who now purred in warmth that he had found.
"Oh, come on," Hermione said sitting next to him. "Oh before I forget I have to tell you that my chambers are being moved,"
This woke Severus up immediately, "What do you mean they're being moved?"
"Well I just finished talking to Albus. And he's said that Your chambers are to be expanded, that is with your consent,"
He stood up and grabbed her spinning her around, "Gods woman! Of course it's all right," he said kissing her.
"Good, can we open our presents now?" She said when he set her down again.
"I'd rather open this present," he said parting her robes. He nuzzled between her breasts, causing her to giggle.
****
After Severus had opened his 'present' they decided to open their gifts together. She picked up the first present which was from Harry and Ginny. It was a set of hair pins, conveniently shaped like serpents.
"Mr. Potter does have a strange sense of humor," Severus said as he picked up his first present from Albus. It was a set of emerald and silver phials for potions.
Hermione nuzzled against Severus, "It's been a while since I've been able to just sit here and enjoy using you as a pillow"
Severus smiled, "You've been very busy love. Either working on potions, or chastising me for not behaving."
"It could have been worse. Shall we dress and head down to breakfast?"
"I suppose we could," Severus said standing. "But I'd rather just stay in bed all day," he helped her up and nuzzled her again.
"I know you would love. But I'm sure there are students that you could terrorize," Hermione smiled and went to the chest of clothes she kept in his room.
*****
Christmas breakfast was always a festive meal, staff and students filled one of the long house tables. This year it was Gryffindor table, Severus scowled as they walked in.
"Merry Christmas," Flitwick said as the couple approached.
"Merry Christmas," Hermione replied smiling, and hanging onto Severus' arm.
"Severus, where's your Christmas spirit?" Albus asked smiling.
"In a jar somewhere," he replied as he sat next to a startled Gryffindor student. "Don't worry, I won't bite. But if I do, I have had my shots." The student scooted away from him as far as he could.
****
The mail owls arrived several minutes into breakfast, Hermione got several letters and seasons greetings. Severus too got a letter, but he scowled as he read it. "Excuse me," He got up and swiftly walked out of the great hall.
"Should I go after him?" Hermione asked Albus.
"You might as well child," he said watching her swiftly get up and follow him.
***
Hermione found Severus in his office, his head down on his arms and the letter crumpled next to him. She knocked on the door, "Go away!" Hermione was not shaken by this.
"Severus?" She walked over to the desk. "Severus is everything all right?" She put her hand on his neck, "Your deathly cold,"
He looked up. His face was also deathly pale, "Hermione, there are something I need to tell you."
Hermione sat down in the chair across from him and waited for him to start. "For several weeks now Sirius had been getting reports of Mysterious shadows meeting in a cemetery many many miles away from here. And the speculation was that they were Deatheaters. The ministry had pulled the Aurors off of the chase sometime ago. They figured that the remaining death eaters were to afraid to regroup. It turns out that these are indeed death eaters."
Hermione waited for him to continue, he did. "They do not know my part in Voldemort's demise. They may think that I was trying to stop them from killing Voldemort. They may also be trying to get me back into the fold."
Hermione watched him, as if carved from stone. Severus got up and walked over to her. She stood and looked at him coldly, "You hid this from me? Severus, how could you do this to me?" She raised her hand and slapped him sharply across the face. Then fled the dungeons.
*****
Hermione sat in the library crying. She hid herself in the farthest Aisle of books from the door. Irma had left for the break and she was alone. How could he do this to me? she thought, I can't lose him again, I just can't.
She heard the doors opening, "Hermione?" It was Remus, "Are you in here?"
She sniffled, "I'm here," her voice was barely above a whisper. She heard footsteps coming towards her.
"Hermione, please get up," Remus crouched next to her, She looked up into his deep brown eyes, "We were going to tell you. We only just found out today that the sighting were indeed Deatheaters. We didn't think Severus would have told you first."
He helped her up. she started to cry again and he held her as she sobbed, "I can't lose him, I can't lose him again,"
"I know," he murmured. He held her until she stopped crying then let go of her, "Severus will be looking for you. He asked me to help find you."
She nodded and held onto Remus' arm as they walked out of the library. "Will you be okay?" Remus asked as she let go of his arm. She nodded. "Okay," he smiled and walked down the hall.
****
"Hermione?!" Severus came up to her and angry red mark across his cheek. "Thank the Gods I found you,"
She hung her head suddenly feeling like a student again. She heard him walking up to her. She looked up and saw him as she had when she was a student, an austere man who had a cruel streak, "I'm sorry," she said dropping her head again,
He pulled her to him, "I should have told you sooner, I shouldn't have waited." he murmured.
"I can't bear the thought of losing you again. I can't lose you Severus i can't lose you again,"
"I know, love I know," he murmured as he held her.
*****
Persephone rosewood and Rubeus Hagrid sat together by the fireplace. Persephone had come to realize over the past few days how much she loved him still, and Hagrid realized that He still loved her.
He sighed and looked up. He had patrolled around the house every morning and every night since the mysterious stranger had startled Cicely so badly. She was afraid to go outside now without someone with her.
"Have ter go out and patrol now, I be back as soon as I can," he stood up an picked up the lantern.
Hagrid left the house and began his patrol around the house. He spotted some tracks just inside the tree line and began to follow them.
Nearly an hour later the tracks led him to the edge of a small cliff. That's not right, he thought as stood there. Then he realized that this had been done on purpose to lead him away from the house. He turned and ran as fast as he could through the deep snow, how could he be so stupid, he chided himself.
He reached the house and saw that the door was ajar and that the lock had been forced open. He carefully stepped inside and walked into the living room. He saw Persephone laying on the floor, "Sephone?!" he set the lantern down and rushed over to her, she was still breathing but unconscious. "Cicely?!" he stood up. Having decided that she would be okay while he looked for his granddaughter.
He made his way up to Cicely's room and opened the door. The room looked as if a tornado had hit it. He looked all over the room, She wasn't there! He searched the entire house before coming back to the living room. He picked up the limp form of Persephone and looked on the mantle for that small box of floo powder.
****
Hagrid stepped out of the flames and into Dumbledore's office. "Hagrid!" Albus stood from his desk, "What happened,"
Hagrid looked at the woman in his arms, "I was patrolling around the house when I found footprints...." Albus listened attentively as he related the entire story.
"Let's take her to the infirmary," Albus said as he directed Hagrid from his office.
****
Hagrid demanded that he keep vigil over Persephone. Madam Pomfrey didn't argue with him.
Albus and Severus stood by the doorway talking in hushed tones, "Hagrid thinks it was a Deatheater that Cicely say,"
"What would they want with a child?" Severus replied.
"I don't know. But I don't want anything to happen to her or you for that matter Severus," He looked up at him, "Acting too quickly almost cost you your life last time,"
"And acting too slowly may cost the girl her life," Severus answered back, "They may be trying to get me back into the fold. I was the only one trusted to brew some of the more, shall we say, exotic potions. I supplied Voldemort with many of the more toxic ones. My knowledge in the dark arts was renowned amongst the Deatheaters. Despite my many failures I was still regarded as the best,"
Albus knew Severus took no pride in his knowledge of certain things, "You may be the only one able to get her back,"
"I know, that's what I am afraid of," Severus replied as Albus left him and made his way back to his office.
******
******
Severus sat at his writing desk while Hermione slept in his, their, bedroom. She had been moved into his chambers Christmas day before word of Miss Rosewood's kidnapping. He sat not wanting to think about Girl. She had proven to be such a brilliant student and a wise child.
He heard Hermione stirring. She had been told about Cicely and cried until she slept. His thoughts were disturbed by a rapping at the enchanted window to his chambers. He saw a dusky gray owl standing just at the sill. He stood up and looked at the owl, who would be sending him letters at this time of night? He thought as he opened the window. The owl dropped the letter, turned and left.
He shut the window and picked up the letter. He sat back down and looked at it carefully. The letter was addressed to him in an unfamiliar handwriting.
He picked up a letter opener and slid it along the top edge. He pulled out the letter and opened it:
Severus Snape,
Your presence is requested at the Worban Cemetery. We were assured you knew where that was. Please show tomorrow night at midnight and tell no one.
The letter wasn't signed bug he knew that he had to show. He slumped in his chair. He slid the letter into the back of his desk, knowing that no one would find it there.
*****
Cicely Rosewood was scared, but oddly she felt at ease in the massive house were her captors had taken her. "Excuse me, who ever you, are when am I going home?"
A smoky script floated in the air in front of her: TOMORROW.
"Okay, that's good," She said aloud. She had awoken up in the vast house with enchanted windows and no doors out. She hadn't been injured. Though she felt that there was something familiar about the house.
She was allowed to wander around the house. As there seemed to be no one else there. Other than the ghost writing that appeared every time she asked a question.
*****
Severus had been moody all day. Hermione had given up on asking him why. He had slipped a sleeping potion into her tea while she was in the bath. As good as she was at potions this one was odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Crookshanks grumbled as Severus tucked Hermione into bed, "Hush now you," Severus hissed, "I'll be back soon. Watch her for me,"
Severus patted the cat on the head and left the chambers,
He made his way out of Hogwarts as silently as a serpent. He walked to the Forbidden Forests and apperated from there to the Worban cemetery. an old favorite haunt of the death eaters.
****
"Welcome back Severus. We've been expecting you," he heard a voice say behind him.
Severus turned around and immediately saw the white masks of over three dozen Deatheaters. "Why am I here?" Severus already knew the answer deep down; they wanted him back. "Where's the child?"
"I'm right here Professor Snape," The group of Deatheaters parted and Cicely walked out towards Severus.
"The girl is fine," one of them said, "We just had to make sure she was the one,"
"The One what?" Severus said wrapping his arm around the child. "Send the girl back first. Then tell me," Severus had the feeling that she shouldn't hear what was about to be said.
"Put a blocking charm on her," the Deatheater replied, "She seems to feel safe around you." Severus muttered a charm that temporarily blocked the girl from hearing what was being said.
"Well, what importance is this girl to you? To Us?" he asked.
"Severus, my dear dear Severus. She is Voldemort's Heir," The first Deatheater said behind the mask, "Surely you would think that Our master would leave an heir?"
"You're right our master wouldn't have let that one slip by," Severus said his voice hissing slightly. "What is to become of the girl?" he asked the charm still in place.
"She's a brilliant student, and will continue at Hogwarts, and with your help she could, can be just as powerful as our lord was," the charm wore off shortly after the girl didn't seem phased by this.
"Professor, I am going home right?" She asked with doe eyes.
"Yes," he said as he continued to watch the Deatheaters. Slowly he began to turn around.
"Oh and Severus one more question before you go," Severus looked over his shoulder, "Why are you seeing that Mudblood,"
"Because she's a damn bloody good lay and gullible too," he replied before walking away, pulling Cicely along with him.
*****
Severus took the risk of Splinching Cicely to get back to Hogwarts as fast as they could. He carried the now sleeping girl up up the hill towards Hogwarts.
He made his way silently towards the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey saw Severus waking in with the cloak wrapped form, "Severus?"
"Shhh, She's asleep," he handed over the sleeping girl to Madam Pomfrey, "I'm glad you're awake. Are hagrid and Persephone still here?" The woman nodded. "Good, you take her and put her in a bed and I'll tell the two of them.
He found hagrid sitting on the floor next to Persephone's bed. He knelt down next to Hagrid and put his hand on the half-giants shoulder, "Hagrid, wake up,"
Hagrid immediately opened his eyes, "What is it professor," he said rubbing his eyes, "Severus? What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I have Cicely. Pomfrey is putting her in a bed here." Severus sagged down on the empty bed next to Hagrid, "It's a long story and I would rather let Dumbledore hear it first." Hagrid nodded.
"But she's all right though," Hagrid looked up at the stern man expectantly, "She's not hurt?"
"No, She was well taken care off despite the circumstances." Severus said standing, "She'll be fine,"
*****
Severus was surprised how well he had slipped back into his facade of Deatheater. And all for the child. How could she be Voldemort's heir? he thought, her grandmother couldn't be related to him neither could her mother. Hagrid most definitely wasn't related that left Cicely's father. Could it be that her father was Voldemort's son? That was the only logical explanation.
He made his way to Dumbledore's office, he suddenly felt old and tired. He knocked on the door not expecting anyone to answer, "Come in," Severus opened the door and walked in. Albus was sitting at his desk his eyes twinkling. "Ah, Severus, I trust you brought Cicely back in one piece?"
"How?" he started as he sat down in a large comfortable chair across from Albus.
"Why else would you sneak out of the castle in the middle of the night? And seeing as you are in one piece I assume that you were welcomed back into the fold?"
"With open arms," he replied dryly, "They took the girl because she is Voldemort's Heir,"
Albus didn't say anything he just watched Severus, "Albus?" he looked up, "They know about Hermione and I,"
"I assume you had to lie about her to protect her?" Severus nodded, "I won't ask you to repeat it."
"Thank you," He said standing, "They want me to make sure she is 'raised right,'"
"I'm sure you'll prevent that from happening," Albus replied as Severus made his way back to his chambers.
*****
Hermione was still under the affects of the sleeping potion when he came back. He dreaded having to tell her what had happened, but he knew he had to. He changed out of his clothes and slipped under the covers. He felt Hermione's warm body pushing gently against him. He wrapped his arm protectively around her.
He lay there with the realization that he may have to risk his life once more to protect all he loved. He felt the tears slipping and didn't try hold them back. Hermione was in too deep of a sleep to wake up. He sobbed silently for the first time in years. He fell asleep crying.
*****
He woke early and sat at his writing desk in the living room. He set his quill down and read what he had just written;
Hermione,
I have to ask you now. That if you truly love me you will leave me, to my fate. I do not want you running into this like a headstrong stubborn Gryffindor. I know you will do this. It's in you nature, your blood. It has been explained to you numerous times that this is not something I want you risking your life for. You have so much to live for, far more than I.
I do this to protect you and all of Hogwarts from what may turn into another bloodbath. But no matter what happens know that I love you, have always loved you and will always love you. And that your Love is the greatest thing I could ever ask for. And that, if nothing else, may save me if all else fails.
Severus Snape.
He slipped the letter into an envelope and sealed it. He put it in the deep recesses of his desk. He would burn it if all turned out well, if not Hermione would wake one morning and find that on his pillow.
*****
*****
Hermione woke the next morning feeling groggy, she turned on the bed to find that Severus wasn't there. She slowly made her way out of the bedroom and into the Living room. Severus sat at his desk his head resting in folded arms; he was asleep.
"Severus?" she put her hand on his shoulder, he jumped.
"Sorry," he said as he stretched, "You'll be happy to Know miss Rosewood is safely back at Hogwarts,"
"Severus," Hermione started, "I know you went and got her, and I kindly ask you to not slip and more sleeping potions into my tea."
Severus knew he couldn't lie, "I had to do that love, i know you're Gryffindor nature would kick in and you would try to rescue me,"
Hermione didn't argue that fact, "Thank you for bringing her back safely," Hermione said as she headed back to the bedroom to shower and dress.
****
There was a tapping at the enchanted window, an owl sat at the sill, this one wasn't like the one from a couple of nights before.
he opened the window and recognized the owls as his brother Salazar's. he took the letter and watched the owl turn and fly back from where he came from.
Severus,
We were wondering if you would like to come back to the manor for dinner before the end of the holidays. Mother would like to see you one more time and she really has taken a shine towards Hermione.
Salazar
Severus chuckled, Hermione came back out of the bedroom dressed with her hair pulled up into a loose knot at the back, "What's so funny,"
"How about dinner at the Snape manor tonight?" he asked setting the letter down, "My family just adores you you know,"
"I know," Hermione said, "I would love to see them again,"
******
Cicely woke up to see three faces watching her; Pomfrey, Hagrid and her grandmother were all watching her, "You know that is rather bothersome, waking up paranoid," she said sitting up.
Hagrid smiled, "We're just happy to have yer back" he said hugging her.
"Professor Snape brought me back," Cicely said nothing else on the matter.
"Do you know who took you?" She shook her head, "Do you know why they wanted you?" she shook her head again.
*****
Later that day Severus and Hermione apperated to the Snape manor once again to enjoy another day with his family. Seline answered the door when they reached it.
"Severus! Hermione!" Seline smiled as they stepped inside, she hugged them both, "So glad you made it," she put her hand on her enlarged belly, smiling as she took their cloaks.
She then led Hermione and Severus into the living room, Hermione saw Serrento and Salazar playing chess and Sabine talking to a young man she didn't recognize. "Severus I don't think you have ever met my husband Joseph,"
"I haven't had the pleasure," Severus replied, eying the blond haired man as if eying possible prey.
"Hello Severus, I have heard so much about you," Joseph stood and extended his hand.
"I hope you have only heard good things," he shook the mans hand. "This is Miss Hermione Granger," Joseph shook her hand as well.
Sabine smiled at Hermione, "You've done wonders you know. I haven't Seen Severus so relaxed in ages," She smiled at her son, "And don't you scowl at me, Do I have to remind you what happened the last time you did that?"
"Please don't mother," He said quietly, respectively, "Though I don't doubt that Hermione would love the story," He stood up and left the living room as Sabine began to tell Hermione the story.
****
"I am glad Severus decided to leave the room, he won't be as embarrassed." Sabine started. "Well Hermione dear, when Severus was eight he was already well into dabbling with potions. He decided one day that he would try and turn our house elves green. well needless to say caught him in the just as he had turned one of them a greenish brown. And after telling him to turn the house elf back to it's original color he had a scowl on him that would have made a troll fearful. I told him on no uncertain terms that if he didn't wipe that scowl off his face I would fuse his lips together and I did."
Hermione stifled her laughter, "It's not too terribly embarrassing," she said giggling.
*****
Severus sat in the kitchen holding a glass of fire whiskey, he thought of the previous night and of Cicely, then it hit him; her handwriting was Voldemort's or very close to it. he set his drink down and watched the house elves bustling around him. He heard the door opening but he didn't look up.
"Severus?" he looked up and saw Salazar, "Something is bothering you isn't it?"
"Salazar, you are the only one in this family that knows for certain that I was a Deatheater and that I played a part in Voldemort's demise," he said in a low tone, "The Deatheaters have regrouped and I have been welcomed back into the fold."
"Despite the fact that you don't want to be," Salazar replied, "You aren't the only one who knows Sirius black, I was the one who told him that the Aurors were pulled away."
Severus looked up at his brother again, "They regrouped because they have, well they don't have her, Voldemort has an heir so to speak,"
"What?" "Salazar took Severus' drink and took a sip of if, "What do you mean."
"A girl, She's a first year Gryffindor," Severus said taking his drink out of his brother's hands, "She is his granddaughter, how that happened and why is not what I am concerned with. She is a brilliant student, she is helping Hermione and I with potions I don't think any first year would ever have attempted. You know I don't think about many if any of my students highly and well this one is different, she can't be allowed to follow the wrong path."
"Tell her," Salazar started, "Not everything, just enough for her to know what importance she is to these people and that she could be wasting her life if she follows them." Severus thought on this, and nodded.
"Come on let's go back out there before they start spouting stories about you," Severus said swallowing the rest of his drink.
"Right." Salazar said as he followed his brother out of the kitchen.
****
Hermione saw Severus first, "Ah ha, there you are," She said as he crossed the room and sat next to her, he kissed her cheek lightly, "Now you have to behave, I have a couple of embarrassing stories about well actually about you and your brothers.: She smiled innocently.
"I will never hear the end of this," he said giving her his cruel smile.
"Never," she said smiling back.
A small house elf dressed in an embroidered green towel appeared, "Dinner is ready masters," the little elf bobbed his head and disappeared.
They filed into the dining room and sat down, Severus sat next to Hermione and Serrento sat across from her, Dinner was served and so began the small talk. "Serrento, I know Seline is a Medi-Witch and Salazar works for the ministry, what do you do?"
Serrento smiled, "I'm a naturalist," he said giving her a warmer than normal smile, "Studying the the water drakes that live in the lakes and aqueducts around Rome."
Severus watched the word play and conversation between the two, careful not to laugh as Hermione quickly got the upper hand. "So I assume that with all of your busy work you have no time for friends, or girlfriends? poor you," Severus had told her of his younger brothers reputation.
Sabine sputtered into her wine, she had never seen any woman take Serrento off his high horse so quickly. he was a womanizer and he deserved it, regardless of being her son.
"Well, erm, I," He flushed crimson, "Severus help me out here, you've always had some cut throat comment."
"I think not little brother," he said taking his glass of wine, "I certainly will not incur the wrath of this young woman sitting next to me,"
"Why not Severus, Is she more important that family?" Serrento struck a nerve, "I still value the differences between pureblood and mudblood,"
Hermione looked at Sabine who looked as if she were about to rip out her sons throat. She looked at Severus who had a cold look in his eyes as if he were facing a dementor. "Oh I am sorry big brother did I offend you? I liked her up until you said her parents were Muggles," Serrento eyed Hermione coldly then turned his attention back to Severus.
Hermione had kept her wand in a small case in strapped to her ankle. A habit from school and having to hang around the boys all of the time. She slid it out and sat up straight again. She looked at Sabine who nodded.
Serrento continued to run his mouth, "What happened to having pride in being a pureblood? Severus, what on earth possessed you to?" he gestured at Hermione.
"Vocalis Quietus!" she raise her wand and struck him with the hex; his voice had been taken away from him. "I'm Sorry I had to do that to you Serrento," she said setting her wand down next to her wine glass.
Seline, Joseph and Salazar had quietly watched Serrento consume numerous drinks and the slowly brewing disagreement, "Hermione, It takes a lot to stand down someone like that," Seline said, "He just doesn't understand that there Powerful witches can come from muggle families,"
Serrento tried to talk but he couldn't make the words into sounds. Sabine glared at her son, it was colder than any look Severus had ever given to her.
Severus looked at his mute brother, "Serrento, Why I have Hermione in my life is mostly none of your business. It took me nearly dying and then having others tell me that here was a woman that, despite my faults and my past transgressions, could love me." Severus looked at Hermione and smiled, "And seeing as Mother likes her so much and has allowed her to come back here says a lot, in way of acceptance."
Hermione quietly finished her dinner before she picked up her wand again, "Serrento i want you to understand something about me. though you think me a lowly mudblood, I am not dumb and can play along with any conversation and take almost anyone with the exception of Severus off of his high horse." She looked as cold as any Slytherin, "I will remove the hex from you on the condition that if you try this again the hex will be permanent and may or may not include something else in it, Possibly a neutering," she whispered the reversal for the hex and Serrento sat sheepishly.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, "Severus, keep her under control,"
"She controls her own person, I don't risk her wrath like i said earlier," Severus said returning to his now cold dinner.
Sabine smiled, "Serrento you deserved it," she said, "Too long you have been allowed to say what is exactly on your mind."
"Hermione," Salazar started, "Severus is damned lucky that he's not on your bad side."
"Who ever said he wasn't," she smiled.
*****
Serrento was deeply chastised after dinner and felt sorry for starting the entire thing. He had to admit to himself that Hermione, despite her heritage, was extremely attractive, and should have a younger man in her life.
he stood in the kitchen watching the house elves cleaning up, Hermione walked in with two empty wine glasses. "Hermione!" he was startled to see her.
"Serrento?" She replied setting the glasses down, "Are you going to pull anything?"
"No," he said looking into her heavenly dark brown eyes, "I am sorry about that, it's it kind of stupid to hold onto pointless prejudices," he smiled and took a step towards her causing her to back up against the wall.
"Serrento, what are you doing?" She said as he put his hand on the wall next to her.
"I just think you need someone younger than Severus..."
"Like you?" She said as he nodded and leaned in to kiss her, she leaned forward slightly the raised her knee up and nailed him in his crotch. She then grabbed his arm, twisted it back and proceeded to lead him into the living room where the rest of the family had gathered for coffee and drinks.
"Hermione?" Severus said as she led Serrento in by the arm. "Serrento?! What did he do now?"
"Your charming brother tried to get a little friendly with me, and seems to me that he had one too many drinks tonight, and he's damned lucky that i didn't have my wand or else he wouldn't have been able to reproduce, not that I think he should,"
"Serrento, I think it's time you went home," Severus said, "Or at least find a room and sleep it off and live with your guilt."
Severus pulled his drunk brother from Hermione's grasp and led him up to a bedroom.
"Hermione dear I am sorry that Serrento had to become the bad apple," Sabine said taking her hand, "He never has been one for holding his liquor well. I am glad you are in Severus' life, And I hope you will think of us as family,"
"I already do," Hermione said hugging the woman, "And trust me Serrento has learnt his lesson."
*****
Severus helped his brother onto the bed, he looked up, "You don't love her, she's, just as you say, a damn bloody good lay and gullible, if she were pureblood we would recruit her..." Serrento slipped into a drunken sleep.
Severus pulled his brothers sleeve up on his left arm and saw the remains of a dark mark. "Bloody hell," he muttered and made his way, quickly back down to the living room.
"Hermione, Salazar may i speak to you in private?" They looked at each other and got up and followed Severus to the library that lay behind the stairs of the first floor, the only thoroughly soundproofed room in the whole house besides the dungeons.
"Severus? What's wrong?" Hermione saw the concern in his eyes.
"Last night I did indeed go and get Miss rosewood back, I had received a letter requesting my presence, I have been welcomed back into the fold with open arms so to speak, and well they know about us Hermione and I had to lie about you to protect you. Don't make me repeat it Mione," He took a deep breath before continuing, "Serrento repeated some of the things I said last night,"
"He's a Deatheater?" Salazar asked his brow furrowed, "That can't be, he was always the happiest amongst us..."
"Looks can be deceiving," Severus replied, "He has the remains of the dark mark on his arm."
"We can't tell the ministry... yet..." Salazar started, "We have to see if we can take care of this ourselves, you will tell Albus?" Severus nodded.
"Mother shouldn't hear about this until we know more," Severus said, "Hermione may i speak to my brother alone?" she nodded, though concerned she would not argue.
Hermione walked out of the room and waited in a chair across from the doors of the library.
Severus walked toward the window in the library and looked out of the window, "Salazar, I love Hermione to death, and that's what it might take to protect her, i am not as young as i once was..."
"Severus, you got off light you went to Hogwarts, I went to Durmstrang, that place will age you quickly. Severus how can you be so sure that you'll die this time around? fate has smiled on you before,"
"When they find out that I played apart in Voldemort's death, I am as good as dead." He looked at his brother, "Promise me that if it comes down to it you will protect her,"
"I promise brother, I swear it,"
******
******
Severus sat with Hermione in their chambers. He had apperated every other night to Worban cemetery to discuss the grand things Cicely would do after her training was complete. Severus had made the girl swear she would never reveal what happened that night. The girl complied.
Hermione stroked Severus' thick raven hair, he lay on the couch with his head on her lap. "Hermione, they suspect something," He started, "I am more apprehensive around them and it's only a matter of time before they decide that they don't need the girl to terrorize the wizarding world once more. They have over a hundred Deatheaters amassed and there several things even I don't know,"
"Severus everything will be fine. They haven't done anything threatening in the month they think they've had you back,"
"That's the thing they can wait for years if they have to..." he sighed and closed his eyes as Hermione ran her delicate fingers through his hair.
*****
Carmilla Nettleburn sat in the Hogsmeade tavern she waited for Draco to turn up. They had continued their Christmas time liaison with Carmilla sneaking into the room Draco rented each weekend in Hogsmeade.
Draco walked in and smiled when he saw Carmilla. It was common knowledge in the tavern and nowhere else that they were seeing each other.
Draco watched as she got up and walked towards the door. "You're late," she said as they walked out of the tavern and to the small inn across the way....
They lay naked in each others arms, sweating and trembling. "I love you Draco," She murmured as he nuzzled her neck.
"I love you too," he said, he had never dreamed of falling in love but it happened.
******
The next night.
Deep within the bowels of Azkaban the murmurs grew. Lucius would be given the Kiss, the dementors would finally have their victim. Lucius had been given warning, and he now sat and waited. He thought of his days at Lord Voldemort's Side. And he thought of Miranda, his brief fling a few years after the birth of his son, Draco. She had become pregnant as a result of the liaison but he never knew what happened to the child.
Door to his cell opened and a tall wraith like dementor glided in. Lucius braced himself knowing that this was indeed the end. He wasn't afraid, he told himself, he wasn't...
****
****
one week later
Severus silently placed the letter on his pillow. Hermione was in a deep sleep and wouldn't wake up until morning. She lay curled into his shirt he had draped over her after they made love. He knew that tonight something would happen, and he didn't know what the outcome would be.
He silently left the school and went to the dark forest to disapperate.
****
Severus apperated to Worban Cemetery, he wore a Deatheaters mask and black robe. He only saw six Deatheaters. He immediately spotted his brother Serrento and walked over to him. Severus had taken three vials of the phantom cure potion ahead of time as he had an uneasy feeling.
"Ah Severus," Serrento turned and pulled off his mask, he had a cruel smile on his face. "You're just on time," he said as five Deatheaters that beside Serrento there turned to him.
"In time for what?" he asked about to reach for his wand that was tucked into a pocket on the inside of his robes. "Serrento?"
Severus felt the pain rushing through his body. He knew he had been hit with the cruciatus from at least five of them. "My dear dear brother, I am sorry that this had to happen. We know that you failed our lord too many times for you to be forgiven. You will be returned to your beloved school. Though your chances of survival, well let's just say that the odds are stacked against you."
Severus fell to the ground and Serrento crouched beside him the other Deatheaters stood over him. One of them took of their masks. He felt another round of the the cruciatus coursing through him. As his vision grew blurry he could only see the white blond hair. He felt them kicking. He heard several ribs cracking. He felt the pain...
"You've failed us for the last time brother, and don't worry we've taken the child under our wing," His vision darkened and he lapsed into unconsciousness. "I'll make sure I give extra attention to your precious little mudblood,"
*****
Hermione woke that morning and immediately knew that something was wrong. Severus wasn't there and there was a letter addressed to her in his handwriting on his pillow.
She sat up and with shaking hands opened the letter;
Hermione,
I have to ask you though, that if you truly Love me you will leave me, to my fate. I do not want you running into this like a headstrong stubborn Gryffindor. I know you will do this. It's in you nature, your blood. It has been explained to you numerous times that this is not something I want you risking your life for. You have so much to live for, far more than I.
I do this to protect you and all of Hogwarts from what may turn into another bloodbath. But no matter what happens know that I love you, have always loved you and will always love you. And that your Love is the greatest thing i could ever ask for, and that if nothing else may save me if all else fails.
Severus Snape
"You bastard," she said out loud as the tears ran down her cheeks. He was not the best at writing love letters,even cheeky love ones.
She hot up and threw her robes on and rushed to find Dumbledore. she ran through the halls and towards Dumbledore's office. She could barely see through her tears as she knocked on the door.
"Come in," she opened the door as was surprised to see Remus, Sirius and Salazar standing in the room with Albus. "What's wrong dear?" Albus said as Remus rushed over to her as she fell into a heap by the door.
Remus carried her over to a chair and pulled the letter from her clutches, "This might be why..." He said handing the letter over to Albus.
He scanned the letter and frowned, "It seems that Severus had gone off once again to another meeting."
"Stupid bastard," Sirius muttered, "He knows he shouldn't be doing this."
"Sirius that's quite enough," Salazar walked over to the chair and knelt beside Hermione, "Hermione, Severus knew that it might come down to this," he started, "He made me promise to keep you safe, I intend to keep his promise. But we should try and find him first..."
Hermione wiped her eyes on her sleeve and looked up at the man who looked so much like Severus, "You're right, we do have to find him.," her voice was barely above a whisper.
The doors to the office burst open and Minerva stood, looking panicked, "Albus, Miss Rosewood had disappeared again," She stood looking around, "Something else is wrong isn't there?"
"It seems our potions master had disappeared as well," Albus replied, "We will search the school first. Sirius, will you and Salazar please search Worban cemetery. That was, is, the most recent haunt of the Deatheaters," the two men nodded and left the office, "Remus will you see to Miss Granger?"
"Yes sir," he watched as Albus and Minerva left the office, leaving him and Hermione alone. "Hermione we will find him," He knelt down next to her, "We will find him,"
She knew they would, whether he would be alive or not she didn't know. "Remus, why would he do something like this?"
"He can't stand the thought that he would fail you, or fail to protect you,"
But it's not just me he wasn't to protect," she said the tears still flowing down her face.
"He has to protect the brilliant young minds that are in this school as well," Remus said as he tried to hide his sorrow, "He doesn't like failure,"
****
****
Nearly a week later
The search for both Severus and Cicely came up cold and though distraught, Hermione filled in as Potions Mistress. In the five days that they had been gone she had become just as harsh as Severus had been.
"Twenty points from Slytherin Miss Nettleburn, for gross negligence," the girl had turn a simple sleeping potion into one that would not only turn the victim purple, but it would make them sick for days if not weeks.
She watched the students filing in and out of the classroom. They had noticed she had grown pale and sickly looking. No one had the heart to ask if everything was all right because they knew it wasn't.
****
Hagrid made his way through the forbidden forests. He carried a lantern in one hand and his crossbow in the other. Despite it being nearly the afternoon, it was still dark. He made his way to the edge of the forest, when he tripped over something hidden under the fallen leaves and grasses. "What in the bloody 'ell?"
He picked up his lantern that was, luckily, still flickering and brushed away the leaves with his foot. He saw a corner of black fabric and dropped to his knees to move the rest of the leaves with his hands.
There in front of him was a body laying face down in the dirt. He quickly rolled the body over, "Professor Snape?!" he checked to see if the man was still breathing but couldn't exactly tell. he picked up Severus' limp body and his crossbow and lantern.
Hagrid made his way out of the forest and made his way into Hogwarts, and up to the infirmary. "Madam Pomfrey?!" he called out, "I need your assistance,"