Chapter 4 Twisted Family History

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"People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." –Semi-old proverb

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"I really did love her you know. She never felt the same way though." Snape lowered his head in shame as he sat in a chair at his desk.

"Go on, please." Hermione prodded from a green chair on the opposite side.

"After I joined with the Dark lord, I decided I needed a pretty little wife like everyone else. I didn't rape her, but we were both drunk. We had to get married. It's not proper for two purebloods to have a child out of wedlock. She knew she had to, so she did. I adored her but she was a...free spirit, very independent. She loved to travel and longed to see the world before she settled for life. I know Dumbledore told you your father was dead but I arranged that with him and Martin. Hell, Annacious was the one who cursed himself in our duel, he didn't touch me and I didn't touch him. His own curse backfired leaving him inept."

"But why did you run? Change your name? Leave me and my mother?" Hermione rose feeling her anger rising. He stared at her for a moment then hung his head again.

"Sit down," he made eye contact, "please."

"Fine, but answer my questions." She reluctantly sat.

"Annacious didn't remember the duel; some side effect of other. I just slipped out, ran to my new lord, and told him everything. I ran because I knew what everyone thought about me and about what happened. I changed my name to Snape and Severus was already my middle name. The Dark Lord thought it was best not to soil the name of one of his new followers; naturally I agreed. Martin helped me modify Annacious' memory to show him as victorious although certain things could not be overlooked or covered up."

"What about leaving me and my mother?"

"I wanted to tell her but Martin wouldn't allow it. He was still convinced I had raped her so he refused to tell her I was alive. Minia was amazing to say the least. She never truly mourned for me. On lonely nights I like to think it was because she knew I was alive all along and she died knowing her daughter was not going to be an orphan. She had a great gift for knowing truth from fabrication. When she first told me she was pregnant, whe marched right up to me and said, "I'm having your daughter." It was the strangest experience of my life." Snape allowed himself to chuckle softly. This startled Hermione she had never seen him smile before let alone laugh.

"Thank you." She said quietly.

"Your welcome."

"C-can you tell me more about her?"

Snape looked thoughtful for a moment trying to recall memories he had worked so hard to bury before he spoke. He made eye contact before he began, "She was beautiful. She had hair like yours and the deepest brown eyes I've ever seen. They made it seem like she was looking into your soul; in most cases, it seemed like she really could. Her skin was pale and almost seemed to glow. But she was beautiful on the inside too. She was very smart and had a sharp tongue but she was careful and thought before she spoke. She was kind to everyone she met but very quiet preferring to bury herself in books. She didn't have many friends but she treated everyone equally and with respect. She had a lot of family pride; I think she could've given Mister Malfoy a run for his money. Speaking of which, how is Mister Malfoy?"

"Draco's Draco, but he's fine I suppose." She scrunched her face at his casual change of subject determined to learn more about an amazing woman she never met, "You make my mother sound like and angel; like she was perfect."

"She still is in my mind."

"I should go to class, professor." Hermione said satisfied with his answer.

"Actually, we're late for lunch." He escorted her to the Great Hall then the Slytherin Table before going to the Head Table himself.

"Why were you him?" Draco asked as she sat down.

"None of your business." She piled her plate with food and began to eat.

"But I'm your husband."

"That means what exactly?" She ate quickly and left to exchange her books befor he could answer.

"You have to talk to me eventually." He said when he entered the common room after her.

"I know." She sat and he did the same.

"Sorry for what I said, it was stupid."

"Yeah, but I overreacted, I blame the new hormones."

"You okay?" He took her hand in his.

"I think so."

"You think too much," he kissed her lightly; "I love you."

She sighed, "I love you, too, I just don't like you very much right now." She stood and left. Draco watched her walk away. He felt a strange pull from his chest and laid back. He did she do it? How could she make him say stupid things, go wild, and want to just hold her? She had power over him whether she knew it or nor. He truly loved her; it wasn't just a physical attraction. He loved the way she moved, the way she talked, the way she analyzed everything until she had a logical answer. He loved the way she could answer a question that dumbfounded everyone like it was common knowledge. Most of all, he loved the way she could forgive. She wouldn't give in right away, but she was willing to work to rebuild trust and friendship. He loved her with all his heart.

Draco skipped his next class then headed to Care of Magical Creatures with the Gryffindors. He was late and everyone looked as he sat out back away from everyone. Hermione looked at him from her place on the outskirts. She saw sadness in his eyes. He was paler than usual, his hair was disheveled, there were bags under his eyes, and his mind didn't seem to be with his body.

She was distantly aware of her body moving towards his, of the class staring at her in surprise and amazement, she wasn't truly aware of anything but him. She sat next to Draco and looked up at him.

"Right then," Hagrid cleared his throat to get the classes attention then continued with a lecture about some animal or other. The class listened glancing at the couple every new and then. Hermione took Draco's hand. They paid attention the rest of the class then headed to History of Magic.

"So," Draco started as they walked down the hall, "are you going to tell me what Snape said?"

"Later." Hermione replied simply and he flashed a coy smile.

"I thought we could do something else later."

"Don't push it, I've barely forgiven you." She entered the classroom and took her seat.

"But you have forgiven me." He whispered in her ear as he took his seat and Binns began a lecture about some goblin revolt or other.

"I want to be a real couple this time." She whispered back.

"Why?" he whined placing his hand on her knee.

"We were rushed last time and sort of thrown into this, I want to be romanced." He removed his hand and smirked in amusement.

"Romanced?"

"Shut up!" She laughed loudly and the class looked at her but Binns never stopped talking. She blushed and looked down.

"So, you want romance, huh?" Draco asked as they walked out of the classroom at the end of the period. "How about joining me in Hogsmede on Saturday?'

"Fine, but you're still sleeping on the couch tonight."

"What? Why?" he ran after her as she walked to their rooms.

"We're only dating and I don't sleep with men before the first date." She opened the door and walked to the bedroom. She dropped her books beside the bed.

"I don't quite agree with that arrangement (picture a sexy, sultry voice saying quite in a British accent)." He wrapped his arms around her waist as he whispered in her ear.

"Too bad. See you on Saturday." She pushed him away and he made a face, "I could always make you sleep in the Slytherin dormitories."

"No!" He yelled, "Crabbe and Goyle snore."

"Good to know it's not Pansy you're sleeping with." He made a face at the thought of him sleeping with Crabbe and Goyle.

"I might be in the mood to hire a whore."

"Don't talk about other people like that, please."

"Sorry," he looked around, "we should go read some more."

"Yeah, er, actually, do you want to go to the kitchens with me? I didn't eat much lunch."

'You were just trying to get away from me,' He thought sorely but smiled and nodded at her. She smiled back and he followed her out the door.

"Ah, Mister and Mrs. Malfoy, I was just looking for you." Dumbledore's voice called from down the corridor, "Good thing you made up, I think your fight this morning was the talk of the school."

"Was it that obvious we were fighting?" Hermione whined.

"Quite obvious," Dumbledore chuckled, "but on to more important matters, Madame Pomfrey has asked that you be in the hospital wing after dinner tonight, both of you."

"Why?" Draco asked.

"Tests and such."

"Oh, good to know and prepare for."

"Well, I'll leave you on your way, Oh, and tell the house elves lunch was marvelous." He smiled and walked on.

"Told you he freaks me out." Draco whispered. Hermione laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Hallo Harry Potters' friend." Yelled Dobby running up to them as they entered the kitchens. He froze when he recognized Draco and his eyes went wide, "Master Malfoy!"

"Dobby, it's alright." Hermione comforted him then took his mind off of Draco, "How's Winky?"

"Still depressed, but she stopped drinking. We were married last week. Unofficial, house elves ain't allowed to get legally married, but we had a small ceremony here. Dumbledore did it himself." He replied eyeing Draco still.

"Master Malfoy? Dobby?" Draco still looked confused then a look of realization crossed his face, "Dumbledore hire the elf Father was tricked into giving up."

"Well, Dobby, we're just here to have a bite."

"Alright Harry Potters' friend." The elves brought them food.

"So, has Dobby been here since Father let him go?

"Yes, Draco have you told your parents about the baby?"

"No." He replied after choking on his food.

"Why not?" She frowned.

I wanted to tell them in person...over Christmas."

"Oh. Remember after our wedding when you said you hadn't , um, you know in amonth?

"Yes..." He smiled.

"Well, er," She blushed, "did you do that with many women before me?"

"Are you trying to start a fight, I'm already on the couch."

"No! I want to know."

"Yes."

"Huh?"

"Yes I have done that with many women before." Draco looked at his plate losing his appetite, it had to come out sooner or later.

"Oh." Hermione studied him. He'd stopped eating, his jaw was clenched, his body was tense, and his eyes were cloudy.

"Are you mad?" His voice was strained.

"No, I wanted to know." She stood behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck leaning into him, "I'm glad you told me the truth."

He wanted to tell her so many things at that moment. That he loved, that she was amazing, that she was beautiful but he couldn't seen to bring himself to do it. He lifted his head, "Thank you."

"For what?" He had to tell her how perfect she was to him.

"Everything." He kissed her softly letting her know what he couldn't bring himself to voice. Neither tried to deepen the kiss, both were content.

"Harry Potters' friend, we must be making dinner now." Piped a small house elf.

"Oh, we'll go." Hermione took his hand and led him into the hallway. She pulled him to her and buried her face in his neck. He sucked in a deep breath; he was aroused.

"Problem?" She whispered.

"No." He answered breathily. Hermione smiled then reached down and gently stroked him through his robes. He groaned throatily, "Don't start what you aren't going to finish."

"I said no sex, sexual things are still permitted." She smiled but never stopped the slow rubbing.

"Oh Merlin, room...now!" They walked as quickly as possible. Draco entered the bedroom and undressed. Hermione kissed him fervently began rubbing again. He panted in response.

"Bed?" She asked casually trying not to show her own arousal.

"Please." Draco jumped into bed already naked but Hermione took her time stripping off each item. He felt his eyes grow wider every time she dropped and item on the floor. She finally climbed in and took over. After she brought his orgasm he pushed her over.

"My turn." He replied to her questioning look. She was soon shouting his name among other things in pleasure. He laid next to her and hugged her.

"Did I arrive at a bad time?" Came a slow drawl from the doorway.

"Bollocks." Draco muttered staring at Snape.