Chapter Five
Capricia couldn't hold back a grin at her lover's words. Severus's surprises always lived up to her expectations. She trailed a painted fingernail down his austere robes, following the neatly-buttoned row, grinning coyly. "I think I can manage a surprise for you too." She offered.
Rarely did Severus call her, so rigidly disciplined he was. It was always fun when he finally broke down, when his walls slipped the slightest bit and she could see glimpses of the younger Severus that she had been madly in love with.
Tonight, however, he seemed distinctly uncomfortable. He was only ever that way when he had done or said something he wasn't sure she was going to be angry about, she recalled, stepping away.
"Severus," she said, her Italian-accented voice dropping a timber in threat. "What are you up too?"
"Nothing, Capricia." His demeanor was as calm as ever, she noted with distaste, as he answered her. "I do indeed have a surprise for you. One you've waited years for."
She could have wheedled the secret from him, but before she could speak, he put his hands on her shoulders and turned her around. She couldn't hold back a gasp at the sight before her. Severus had brought another woman into his home and then had the nerve to contact her about it.
Severus was long practiced at reading the fickle woman before him and he could therefore pinpoint the exact moment her thinking veered away from the truth. "Capricia," he jumped in quickly to save them all the tantrum that was sure to follow. "We've found her. This is our daughter."
That froze Capricia, but finally wakened Hermione. The girl had frozen in horror as her mother began flirting- flirting!- with Severus. Her shock had continued as the woman then turned to glare at her.
"Hello." She said, standing to greet the woman. "Erm…" Okay, so what exactly was she supposed to say to her long-lost mother? At a loss, she turned to Severus.
"Capricia, there were a series of attacks implemented by the Dark Lord today that resulted in the death of her parents, at which time she reverted back to her original state. The Charm failed without her adopted blood." Severus explained.
Capricia didn't speak for several minutes, her keen Slytherin mind working all the angles while her even-more-keen Zabini mind stared at the vision before her. The girl was gorgeous- though really what could she expect with such a mother? Blaise had turned out well enough, considering Severus's somewhat unfortunate looks, so Capricia had never had a fear there.
But to actually see the girl in person… She was breathtaking.
Before her glee could overtake her, her usually-dormant Slytherin mind picked up a key point. "A Death Eater attack?" She said, turning to Severus again. "She fights for the Light, or a random attack of Muggles?"
She had her answer instantly, as Severus couldn't hold back a wince. "Now, Capricia, not everyone is comfortable living a neutral life." He said trying in vain to console the woman. "She fights for the Light."
"Well, then you're a fool." Capricia had never seen much point in coddling children, especially in such a dangerous world. "You see what fighting for the Light gets you?"
Severus winced, sensing her temper kicking up. Unfortunately, it didn't look as if he'd have time to calm her down, because if there was one thing Hermione Granger couldn't back down from, it was a fight about her beliefs.
"Oh, so I should to Dark Lord and pledge my service to him? That would make me safer?" Sure enough, the brash Gryffindor didn't even think before retorting.
Capricia raised a hand to her chest at the fierce words from her daughter. "How dare you." Though she would be the first to deny her maternal abilities, she most definitely expected respect from her children. Blaise had never once raised his voice to her and within five minutes of their first meeting this chit had dared. "Did I say to go Dark? No. I said nothing of the kind. Choosing either side in this pointless war is just asking for death."
"Capricia, please." Severus stepped in. "Can we hold the politics? I wanted you to meet your daughter."
The relationship between mother and teen could not be denied, the defiant glare in both women's' eyes identical. But, Capricia had been raised a Slytherin all her life. She knew there was no advantage to this fight. It would put her in a bad mood and alienate her daughter as well as Severus, which would be devastating as that would mean he wouldn't want to have a little fun before she left.
"Fine." She said, huffing. "I shall forgive you if you forgive me, child." She offered warily. After all, she knew nothing about the girl. If she was rebuffed here, the relationship might never be repaired- she did have her pride after all.
Luckily, Hermione was more than the stereotypical Gryffindor and had come to some of the same conclusions. "Very well." She said. "I apologize."
Capricia raised her chin haughtily into the air. "I suppose I shall endeavour to forgive you, as this is a rather unusual occurrence. Why don't you tell me a little about yourself- I don't even know your name!" She realized. "Sit, sit," she added, sitting on one end of the couch and waving Hermione to the other end. "You are a Gryffindor," she said, voice neutral.
Hermione's eyes narrowed slightly as she took her seat. "Yes, I am." She said, proudly.
"Hm." Capricia said, tapping a finger on her chin. A Zabini in Gryffindor. Oh, the shame. "Severus, love, be a dear and get us some drinks." She said, shooting a flirty grin at her former husband, who remained frozen in his steps. "Go on, child, tell me more," she encouraged, turning back to her daughter.
"My name is Hermione Granger." Hermione said, pausing there. Although she hadn't anywhere near Harry's fame, she was aware that her name held quite some undertones, much to her chagrin.
Sure enough, Capricia's eyes lit up. "Why you're all over the papers, child. Harry Potter's girlfriend, as well as Viktor Krum's. I compliment you on your good taste." She said approvingly. "As well as you talents, stringing two such men along."
Severus groaned, finally turning and heading to the bar. He usually kept his collection of alcohols for Lucius Malfoy's visits, but he could use some fortification tonight. He had, after all, just prevented what could have been one of the deadliest fights in the history of Wizard-kind. Two Zabini women- the horror! Especially these two women. He poured himself a shot of fire whiskey and downed it at Capricia's last statement. He had never appreciated the burn more.
"Hermione has brains enough not to be dating anyone." He protested, as he carefully poured the wine Capricia enjoyed. He grabbed a butterbeer- kept for Blaise and Draco's frequent visits and joined his women.
"Now, Severus," Capricia scolded lightly, taking her wine with a grateful smile. "It was all over the papers."
Severus handed Hermione her drink before summoning his chair to sit between the two women. He could only hope he wouldn't have to referee between the two for much longer- he wasn't sure his nerves could take it. Give him a dozen Revels any day…
"Oh yes," he said silkily, smirking. "And as you know, the Prophet never blows a story out of proportion." He said meaningfully.
Capricia scowled at that. Well that was certainly true enough. "So you aren't dating either of them?" She asked, disappointed. "But child- you should be living life! C'est le vie!"
"I'm best friends with Harry and Ron Weasley." Hermione said, rolling her eyes fondly. "That's enough life for anyone. I did go with Viktor to the Yule Ball." She offered.
"And he rescued you in the Second task." Capricia said, eyes gleaming. "How romantic."
The conversation was getting a bit too sappy for Severus's liking. "Yes," he said snarkily. "I'm sure seeing a shark come after her was a great way to wake."
Hermione flinched, her automatic response to Potion Master stimuli, but Capricia only laughed. "Oh, Severus." She said fondly. "Don't get protective already. So, do you intend to see Viktor again?" She asked curiously. "He's quite famous."
"Well…" Hermione tried to answer while also deciphering her mother's speech. She couldn't ever tell if Capricia thought something a positive or a negative. "He did invite to Bulgaria for the summer. We're going to be pen-pals for sure."
"You are not going to Bulgaria." Severus said at once. "I forbid it."
He turned and glared at Capricia, daring her to challenge his words. To his relief, he found her nodding in agreement. "He's right, darling." Before Severus could bask in his fatherly superiority, Capricia unknowingly tore it down. "Don't go to his country- that gives him the advantage. Don't ever let the man have the advantage over you, my dear. Ever. Make him come here."
"Capricia, please." Severus siad, rubbing his forehead. Despite all his disdain for Dumbledore's flowery speeches on love, Severus knew he had to be in love with Capricia. There was no other way she could have survived their very first encounter. His harsh words, his glares, his threats, she laughed them all off, something he detested to his very core. She should be afraid of him, fear him…except she didn't. She merely laughed his words away and went about doing things her own way.
He was going to have to figure something out though, because he would not let his daughter become such a devious witch. He had to put his foot down somewhere.
"That is enough." He said sternly. "Hermione is at the very top of her class. That is where her focus will remain. No boys until she graduates. And achieves her Mastery in whatever field she goes into."
"Severus is so adorable when he gets protective, isn't he?" Capricia offered to her daughter, smiling at the obviously-uncomfortable man.
"Um…" Hermione didn't answer, as she placed high value on her life. "I really do just want to concentrate on my schoolwork right now. I barely beat Zabini or Terry Boot this year, I know they were both close." She said.
She was speaking more to Severus than to Capricia, which he clearly understood as he nodded back, looking pleased. But Capricia, not being an academic overachiever herself, caught a more important line. "Hermione! You can't call your brother Zabini. You must call him Blaise. Speaking of which, Severus, we should really invite him over. He deserves to know his sister was found."
"No!" Hermione exclaimed, eyes jumping to Severus. "You promised!"
"Promised what?" Capricia asked curiously. "And Hermione dear, yelling is not necessary. It is uncouth, especially in a young lady." She scolded gently.
"Capricia," Severus said, rolling his eyes at her impromptu etiquette lesson. "Hermione and Blaise have quite the rivalry. He hasn't ever spoken to you about it?"
The woman tilted her head slightly, thinking about it. "Well, not directly." She finally decided. "But I have heard him and Draco often speaking of ways to twit her specifically and her and Harry Potter. I remember something about a library table and then… a rock by the lake or a tree or something." She shrugged. Nature had never really interested her.
"Yes, well, Hermione would like you to remain quiet about her existence. She would like a week of peace before Blaise descends on her." Severus explained. "If you could keep this quiet?"
"Oh, I don't know." She felt for her daughter, truly, she did. But Capricia Zabini and 'secrets' did not go together. "I shall try. But I don't know how I will manage."
"That's all I can ask for." Hermione said. "Thanks."
Before she could get any ideas, Capricia stopped her. "Don't thank me yet. I will do my best, but we will need this week to fix you anyways. Well, to begin. I'm sure it will take longer than that."
Severus cringed again. Only around these two women had he ever found himself as vulnerable and damned if these weren't the two he needed to be strongest against. "I don't need to be fixed," Hermione, sure enough, spat. "I'm perfectly fine the way I am."
"Well, of course you are, dear." Capricia said patronizingly. "But a bit of polish wouldn't hurt. Some etiquette, an updated wardrobe- how else would I be able to show you off when I reintroduce my daughter to society?"
"How about…you don't?" Hermione offered. "I'm not interested in meeting any of your little Slytherin friends. Now, it was lovely to meet you, but I'm going to get back to work." She offered a smile to Severus and quickly raced from the room.
Capricia sat back with an elegant sigh. "Well, she turned out better than I hoped for, being raised by Muggles." She said to Severus. "I don't see how any child of ours could have been a Gryffindor, however."
Severus offered a shrug. "She is bold, that's one of their main traits. Very daring too, though I wish I could train that out of her. You won't get a society belle out of this one, Capricia. If you want any kind of relationship at all with your daughter, you'd best not try."
"She's going to have to learn some manners, even if she doesn't regularly go to the balls and dinners our friends offer." Capricia said, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "She has a lot to learn about being a Zabini. I'm not about to let my daughter die because she has delusions of Gryffindor heroics. She will do as all Zabinis do, flirt the line enough to come out successful no matter the outcome. I will make sure of it."
She stood suddenly, bringing Severus quickly to his feet. "I must begin making plans." She said, kissing his cheek. "I shall Floo you tomorrow. Chau, my love."
Once the whirlwind known as Capricia Zabini left, Severus turned to Hermione. "I have to leave soon. There is going to be a meeting with the Order tonight, as the elder Weasley boys are returning to England. Mr. Potter will be coming over, I hope you will be a good hostess."
"I will, sir." She promised. "Will you be gone all night?" She asked curiously. All he said finally sunk in and another question occurred to her- "The Order? The Order of the Phoenix? I read all about them!"
Know-it-all, he thought shaking his head. "Yes, Dumbledore has reassembled his Order." He answered. "I do not know how long I'll be gone, but I will show you a guest room for Potter if it gets too late. I'm sure you and he will not be able to resist exploring, but I am warning you, some rooms are warded. If you cannot get in, do not try spells on the doors. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir!" He received in answer, Hermione's head bobbing quickly. While exploring might be fun, she knew better than to try and pry too much. And with just Harry around, it would be a lot easier to talk him out of doing anything…rash. "But what about Ron?" She asked, curiously.
"Ronald will be staying with the twins. They are currently in Romania, with Charles Weasley. It isn't possible to Floo to Egypt from here, so they weren't able to get to William. The discussion tonight will let us know more, but it appears as if at least one of them are going to try and come home."
"What about Percy?" She asked.
"Percival is unable to take in three children, two of whom are practically as old as himself." Severus said, nicely sidestepping the issues the Headmaster had been having with the arrogant Weasley. "I need to finish up a potion before I go, so let me show you to the guest wing before I leave."
This chapter has been reloaded, along with chapter 7, as they were both stuck in bold.