Chapter Sixteen-
Hermione had barely a week of peace before she began regretting Snape's absence.
"Zinone!" She cringed as she heard the woman who had given birth to her call her name. "Where are you, my dear?"
Harry, the traitor, sat beside her, an amused smirk on his face. They were seated in her room, against her bed, hiding so that when Capricia came nebbing in, which she inevitably would do, the heinous woman wouldn't immediately see them.
"Stop laughing, Harry Potter. We are not friends anymore if you keep it up," she threatened, even though neither of them believed her words to be true. "This isn't funny!"
Capricia, as Hermione should have realized from the comments her father so often made about the woman, was not a woman who liked to be ignored. Unfortunately, she was thoroughly indoctrinated into the Pureblood culture and enjoyed her position as a woman of leisure, now that her heirs had been secured.
The woman did not respond well to being bored. And being back in her ex-husband's manor, with him not being there no less, left her with little to do. Since Blaise and Draco- damn those lucky sods- were currently being 'punished', Capricia had no one but Hermione to turn her attentions to.
And Harry being there had only egged the woman on. She had been hinting about looking at wedding gowns since Snape had left!
"I'm sorry, Mione," Harry said, in his sweetest, most insincere voice as he tried to tame his smile.
They waited, holding their breath, as Capricia's footsteps grew closer. There was a pause and then they both sighed in relief as another door closed and muffled voices were heard. Their only reprieve had finally come- Capricia had gone to speak with the boys.
Hermione and Harry had quickly realized that Blaise and Draco were getting visits from Capricia almost as frequently as they were, though her brothers couldn't escape the woman and her insane ramblings. For all her flightiness, and her intent on ridding Hermione's wardrobe of any and all Muggle jeans, Capricia truly did seem to be a good mother, very interested in her children.
Now Hermione could only wait in vain for Severus's return. As little as she wanted to think about the 'distractions' her father mentioned her mother finding in Italy, she didn't care anymore! She just wanted some peace from the woman.
"This is ridiculous." She said, standing up abruptly as she grew strong with righteous anger. "This is my room- I shouldn't have to hide!"
Harry took his cue from her, slowly rising to his feet as well. "She's just trying to spend time with you, Hermione." He said helpfully. "It doesn't seem like she's here all that often. Just, you know, enjoy the time you have."
"Enjoy?" Hermione shuddered. "How anyone could enjoy magazines upon magazines of clothing is beyond me. Let's do something fun," she decided quickly. "Do you want to go flying?" She asked, looking about her room for a book to read. She already knew the answer to her question, so she needed something to read while he was up in the air.
"Of course!" Harry exclaimed at once. "Wait here, I'll just go get my broom."
Hermione finally decided on a book and sat on her bed, idly waiting for her friend to return. He had a guest room right next to hers, which the girl had absolutely no doubt that Capricia was responsible for. Hermione couldn't wait for her father to hear about that, she was sure he'd love that situation.
"Hey, Hermione, you ready?" Harry asked, a little doubtfully as he reentered her room, his broom resting comfortably on one shoulder. He knew how long it took her to find a "decent" book to read sometimes.
She gave him another ineffective glare and stood. "Of course, I've been waiting for you," she said in her haughtiest tone.
He grinned in amusement, just itching to point out the several times they'd run out of daylight as she looked for her entertainment. "Well, I must beg forgiveness then," he said, bowing deeply to her. "I have been remiss in my duties, leaving you all alone with nothing else to do. Come!" He exclaimed, grabbing her by the hand. "Let us away!"
They leisurely made their way back into the manor a few hours later, splitting up so that Harry could shower, before they had to go meet Capricia for supper. She had insisted on seeing them every day for the meal. She wasn't a stupid woman, she knew that they were avoiding her. She just had to be cunning enough to make sure they didn't realize that she knew.
She hadn't kept her nefarious plot a secret, however, attempting no subterfuge as they were, after all, merely Gryffindors. Therefore, Hermione had ignored her book while Harry was flying and applied her mind to situation at hand. Both of her parents were Slytherin and Merlin knew that many of their schemes at Hogwarts had decidedly Slytherin tones thanks to her insistence on not being caught. She had the ability to be Slytherin locked away in her and now she just needed to utilize it.
She'd figured out a plan and supper would be the perfect time to implement it. "Mother," she said as they were eating, she and Harry placed to the left of Capricia, who was seated at the head. "I was wondering if I could, er, make a request."
Capricia knew she was not the best mother in the world. She was far more interested in her own life and couldn't see the point in feigning interest in subjects her children enjoyed that she couldn't have cared less about. Nevertheless, she did care for her children and wanted them to be happy. That was how she had been raised. There was rarely a thing she was denied as a child, other than the company of her parents, who had spent their lives travelling. Though she knew it wasn't the best method, as she'd hated the lifestyle while growing up, she was best at showing her love through material means. If there was something she could provide for her children (and really, with the money she had access to, she could put even other Pureblood families to shame), she was damned well going to do it.
Severus was the only real buffer she had. He had been indoctrinated by his own father into the Miser club and didn't believe in spoiling his children. But he wasn't here, she thought, grinning victoriously. And she could do whatever she pleased with her children.
"Of course, my dear Zinone." She said, incredibly curious. The child had been avoiding her for days, attached as she was to her amor, not that Capricia blamed her. The girl needed to stake her claim before the boy realized what his position in the Wizarding World meant in terms of slags who'd do anything to be connected to the Boy Who Lived. Still, her daughter hadn't asked for anything, though Capricia had racked her brains for what exactly she could buy the girl. But this was perfect- the child was asking. She had been waiting, desperately, for such a miracle to occur. "Anything. You name it."
Hermione smiled, trying to keep her face schooled in innocence. Her mother had walked right into a trap, as she didn't even think twice about what her innocent, Gryffindor daughter might be plotting. "I was wondering, since Father is gone, if Harry and I could go visit my grandparents? I know Father doesn't enjoy spending time with them and I thought maybe while he was gone I could visit them again. And this way, you would have the week to yourself!"
"You- you want to visit the Snapes?" Capricia asked, raising a hand to her chest, horrified at the thought. Yes, she might have left Severus and yes, she might have known it was going to cause him pain to a considerable extent, but that never meant that she wouldn't stay loyal to him. One of the first things she'd learned about the man was not to mention his family. He hated his family and was not rational when it came to them. Then again, if she'd been treated as he was, as a curse instead of a gift to her family, perhaps she'd have some lingering issues as well.
"I do not believe your father would approve of that." She said, trying for a neutral standpoint. She had never had a problem with Severus's view of not wanting to acknowledge his parents' existence. She knew, however, that Severus would take issue with simply allowing their daughter to go visit. Blaise had only seen his grandparents a handful of times his whole life and Severus was often moody for weeks after those forced appearances.
"Nonsense, Mother," Hermione strove for the lightness she knew she would need to successfully carry off her lie. "He told me if I enjoyed my time with them so much, he would allow me to visit again. I just think," she looked down at her hands, suddenly pretending to be abashed, "That perhaps it would be better if I didn't have to get Father to take me. He didn't seem very happy last time. But I enjoyed my time with them! I'd love to introduce Harry!"
"Introducing Harry won't take a week," Capricia pointed out, already weakening. Her children wanted nothing to do with her, Hermione ignoring all her attempts to bond and Draco and Blaise pouting over their punishment and frankly she could do with a break. She knew the changes that Severus's parents had gone through, even if her stubborn ex-husband refused to see them, and knew that they'd be thrilled to have a chance to spend time with their granddaughter.
They would never make the mistake with Zinone that they had made with Severus. Her daughter was safe. And then, with no one to look after, perhaps Capricia could spend a few hours back in Italy.
"Very well, my child. If that is what you wish, then by all means, contact them. I will give you a week with your grandparents, but I expect you to return home the day after your brothers are released. I want us all to come together and talk before Severus and his temper come home." Capricia added, keenly aware that the girl would otherwise try to extend her trip.
Though Hermione wasn't enthused about returning, she still couldn't stop an excited smile from gracing her face. "Excellent! Come on, Harry!"
A quick Floo conversation and a two packed bags later, Harry and Hermione were on their way to see her grandparents.
As before when Hermione had arrived, both Septimus and Eileen were there to greet her. "Hello, Serena!" Eileen said, squeezing her granddaughter in a tight hug but quickly releasing her. Best not to get too clingy, especially while they were still trying to overcome the horror stories her father was no doubt feeding her. That was how he'd turned young Blaise Silas against them, as he rarely visited them willingly. "I can't tell you how thrilled we are to see you again."
"Hello Grandmother, Grandfather." Hermione smiled at the woman, nodding to her grandfather, who was thankfully without his camera this visit. She grabbed Harry, pushing him into the firing zone with no guilt whatsoever. "I'd like you to meet my very best friend, Harry James Potter."
Harry had only a brief moment to glare back at his friend for her betrayal before he too was caught up in Eileen's grasp. "Hello, dear boy!" The woman said, "I'm so glad to meet one of Serena's friends. Her brother brings his good friend over all the time. Serena, have you met Draco?"
"Eileen, don't be foolish," Septimus scolded his wife, gently prying free the Boy-Who-Lived before his wife accomplished what the Dark Lord had failed so many times to do and actually kill the boy. "Of course they know the young Malfoy, he's in their year at Hogwarts."
"Oh, of course you're right." Eileen said, briefly shooting her husband a glare. She would not be talked to like that! Who exactly did he think he was? "Of course you've met then. How lovely, you all must become great friends!"
"Grandmother, I'm a Gryffindor." Hermione said, reaching out discretely to pat Harry's arm as he retreated to her side. He looked like he could use the comfort, shell-shocked from the sneak attack. "Slytherins and Gryffindors don't exactly get along."
Eileen looked like she wanted to protest, but unfortunately she'd heard too many anti-Gryffindor rants over the years to believe her granddaughter might be exaggerating. If anything, the girl was definitely making an understatement.
"Ah," she said instead. "Well, I'm sure that you'll get to know each other better now. Draco often spends summers with Severus, from what I understand."
"I hope so." Hermione lied politely. "Um, I hope we didn't put you out any. I just wanted to spend some time with you two since Severus is away."
"No, don't even think it." Before Eileen could speak, Septimus took control of the conversation. "I'm retired and your grandmother only works a few days a week, mostly to get away from me, I think." He added, winking at his wife.
Eileen simply raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so you do know then." She said drolly, causing Septimus to gasp. She couldn't hold in her laughter at his shocked face. "You make it so easy, dearest," she teased him, tapping him playfully on the nose. "I couldn't resist!"
As his eyes narrowed, she abruptly turned back to the children, both of whom were giggling at the show before them. "Well, I do have some paperwork to finish up," she said, backing away from her husband as discretely as she could, "so why don't you and your grandfather take Harry on a tour, Serena dear?" She suggested.
"Yes, why don't we do that." Septimus said, his dark eyes still vowing revenge for his wife's antics. Later. "Come, my girl, we can start in your favorite room."
"The library," both teens said at once. Hermione's voice couldn't contain her excitement, while Harry's held all the resignation of an active boy who was so often sentenced there.
Septimus smiled at them both. "Exactly." He said. "Lead the way, Serena."
As Harry had feared would happen, he soon lost Hermione into the stacks upon stacks of books in the library. She and Lord Snape had dutifully shown him around the place where they'd be staying for the next week, but he could practically feel her being pulled back to the library.
He wasn't surprised, nor was he angry at her for being so interested. Her obsessive need to read had saved his life more times than he cared to admit. Frankly, anything that kept her that happy and had the added benefit of saving his life was alright with him.
What was a problem, was that her retreating into her own personal paradise left him all alone with her grandfather. Her tall, ominous, not at all happy his granddaughter's best friend was very male, grandfather.
"So, Mr. Potter," Septimus Snape said, practically towering over the boy. "I understand you've been friends with my granddaughter for quite some time?"
"Yes sir." Harry said, smiling fondly. "Hermione and I have been friends since First Year. She's stuck by me through everything- she's the only one who's ever done that. Ever." He couldn't help but emphasize the last bit, just remembering the last year.
"I read those articles," Septimus took a seat in one of the many armchairs around the library, making sure he could discreetly watch his granddaughter as well as the young man he was talking with. "Sit. Explain them to me. Knowing now that Hermione Granger is my Serena, I can't say I'm very glad about those papers, Mr. Potter."
Harry couldn't hold back a gulp, hearing the threat within Septimus's tone. Explain to my satisfaction, now, or die.
"Sir, you shouldn't believe anything." Harry said adamantly. "Rita Skeeter always was a liar, but she hates Hermione! Um, I mean, Serena. Serena- you should be proud of her, sir," he added, grinning. "She's a great Gryffindor, but she has a Slytherin streak running through her that has to make even Professor Snape envious."
"Really?" Septimus couldn't help but grin at the mention of his son. He'd heard the reputation his son had built for himself at Hogwarts School and it never failed to amuse him. "What did she do?" He asked curiously.
"Her-Serena figured out a secret of Rita's." Even now, looking back, Harry could only remember the time as one of Hermione's best moments. "She blackmailed Rita into stopping the stories. You might remember that Rita stopped writing for a long time, except for that one article in the Quibbler. Serena made her write that too."
Septimus nodded in remembrance. "I've always found that while most of Ms Skeeter's writing is false, it is always unpleasantly filtered with half-truths." He appreciated the tale, but would not be swayed. He snuck a look over at his granddaughter, reassuring himself that she was still caught up in the books, which she was. He had no doubt when she remembered they were still there, she would end the interrogation. Eileen too would quickly end his fun, he'd also have to watch out for her. "And I do recall there were two young men Serena was associated with, Mr Potter."
Harry blushed at the implication. "Hermione is my best friend!" He protested immediately. "And I'll be honest, she always was a beautiful girl. But we've never dated. She's the only one who has ever stood by me through everything and I'll always love her for that. But Viktor Krum is the one who dated her, at least last year. I think he's the first boy that has ever dated her. Hermione- Serena, I mean- spends most of her time in the library if she's not with Ron and me. We're best friends! That's all."
Harry couldn't help but sneak a glance over at Hermione too. He knew she'd be angry at the both of them if she caught wind of their conversation, especially him. She didn't like people to talk about her, especially not about Viktor Krum, who he knew she was still writing to. He felt a little bad about throwing Viktor out like that, but felt that it was better for Hermione's Grandfather to be angry at Krum rather than him. At least Krum might be able to defend himself. He was a grown wizard, supposedly from a Dark Arts school.
Harry had almost managed to make it to his fifteenth birthday. He had just escaped Voldemort again, he wasn't about to put his life on the line again this soon.
"Krum?" Sure enough, Septimus did not look happy. "What is a full grown man doing a fourteen year old girl?" He demanded, eyes darkening at the thought. "A professional Quidditch player too- those men are only ever after one thing."
"Krum's a good guy." Harry defended rather weakly, not about to turn Septimus's anger towards him again. "He was respectful at the dance- believe me, Ron and I watched to see. They still write to each other."
Septimus contemplated his granddaughter again, trying to picture her matched next to the tall, dark Seeker he remembered seeing all over the papers after the Quidditch World Cup. He could not remember ever reading anything about the younger man other than his Quidditch career and his stint as Durmstrang's Champion in the Tri-Wizard Tournament, which meant he did manage to avoid being splashed all over the newspapers. And he couldn't exactly stop his granddaughter from writing to the Bulgarian- with her background that was only likely to lose him another member of his family. So, he decided to leave it for the moment.
"Alright." He said after a moment, turning back to the Boy-Who-Lived, who was still watching him warily. "I suppose I will take your word on Krum. What about this Ron whom you keep speaking of. What are his feelings towards my granddaughter?"
He knew immediately that he'd asked the right question, for Potter quickly dropped his eyes. "Answer me, Mr. Potter." He said warningly.
Harry sighed, barely resisting the urge to run away as quickly as he could. "Well, Ron is complicated. He's my friend and Hermione's too. But he has issues. He's the youngest Weasley boy," he explained. "Meaning he has five older brothers who've managed some impressive things. Between my fame and Hermione's grades, he gets jealous sometimes. And by sometimes, I mean, well, rather often. He fights with Hermione a lot, as he never wants to do homework when she does, but then he wants to copy hers. He kinda ruined her date with Krum, at the Yule Ball, too. I think he was jealous of Krum- he was definitely angry at her because she turned him down when he asked her to the Ball about a day before it happened. I think he likes." Harry admitted, sneaking another look at Hermione. "But I know she doesn't like him like that. I don't think she'd be friends with him still if it wasn't for me. Like I said, she's always stuck by me."
"Hm." Septimus couldn't help but be displeased by that summary of one his granddaughter's supposed 'best friends'. He had to scoff though, about all the stories that were filtering around the Wizarding World about the unbreakable 'Golden Trio'. "Weasley's are known to be loyal to their friends." He said musingly. "It disappoints me that Arthur would allow one of his son's to be so reckless. But he never could stand up to that Prewett girl he was dating."
"Uh, yes sir." Harry had no idea what to say. "Um, that's his wife. Molly."
"Molly, yes." Septimus nodded. That would be the one. "Well, you may rest assured Mr Potter, that I will be watching this Ron quite closely. A young lady's ego is fragile, most especially during her teenage years. I will not let her be turned into a convenient target for your friend. He can keep his opinions to himself. If my son were to hear of this…" He trailed off meaningfully, knowing his point got through when Harry winced.
"Yes, sir." Harry said at once. "Believe me, Ron is terrified of Professor Snape- most of us are. He is a good friend though. He just doesn't always think things through. But Hermione is willing to stand up for herself, sir, believe me."
Septimus smiled slightly, done interrogating the boy. "That is good to hear. So, Mr Potter, I hear you like to fly." He said, turning to easier topics. "Why don't we venture out to the Pitch? Serena, why don't you gather a few of those books and you can relax outside while Harry and I take to the air?" He called over to his granddaughter.
And so a rather peaceful few days passed for Hermione and Harry. Both were always interested in learning more about the world that they had only discovered when they were eleven and Septimus had a wealth of information, not only about his own family but about the Wizarding world and how it worked.
Eileen, though gone several days throughout their visit, also made sure to spend time with her granddaughter and her best friend. She spoke to them together and also made sure to speak with them privately, concerned about some of the turns their conversations had taken. Her training as a Mind-Healer made her sensitive to some of the throwaway or muttered comments that the two teens made.
Still, they ended their week together on a high note, eating a lovely dinner and then lingering over drink in their sitting room.
"Well, Serena," Septimus said, "we could not have enjoyed your visit more. I do hope you'll return to do this again, perhaps next year. You are more than welcome to bring back Mr Potter, of course."
"And perhaps you'll bring your brother." Eileen added, smilling at the very thought. "We could even contact Sebastian, perhaps bring your cousins over for a day or two."
"That would be interesting." Hermione said politely, even as she smiled at her grandparents. She had gotten to know them a lot better over the week and had enjoyed her time with them. Still, she could see signs of the issues Severus might have had with them. Septimus could be cold, throwing out callous statements that he both intended you to take and not comment on, while Eileen could get so caught up in her wrok that she forgot anyone else was in the Manor. Neither was the best of ways to raise a child. Obviously they had figured it out for her Uncle Sebastian, but the obvious love they held for each other had come too late for her father. "Well, we had better get going. We're going to spend time with Blaise and Draco before Severus returns."
"Serena," Septimus had to intervene. He'd held his peace over most of the week, not wanting to cause any trouble, but wanted to at least raise the issue. "That is another issue I'd like to bring up with you. I do believe that Severus is your Father. I know you've just lost the two people who've raised you as their own, but you are his. Don't you think you could call him by his title?"
Hermione had to be honest, she hadn't really thought of the issue since she and Severus had first spoken of it. She had seen Septimus wince over her speaking his son's name several times over the week, but she hadn't realized why. "I've never really thought about it." She admitted. "I found out the truth about him just after my parents died."
"I don't want to push, dear," he said, seeing the sadness grow over her face. "But I would like you to consider it. Some of the hardest years of my life were when your father refused to speak to me at all. I know if he had ever stopped calling me 'Father' that I would have been devastated. He has protected you throughout your life; every move he has made has been to protect you."
Eileen could kill her husband for his callous statements, but now that he had brought it up, she stepped into the conversation, "Your grandfather has a point, Serena. Calling Severus by a more familiar title doesn't mean your parents are diminished in any way. It merely acknowledges the sacrifices he has made for you. I'm sure he would appreciate it."
Hermione bit her lip, toying with the butterbeer in her hand. "I will have to think about it." She said uneasily. "But, I think that Harry and I had better get going."
At her words, Harry sprang up from his seat beside her. A few quick good-byes were exchanged and the two of them left.
Eileen and Septimus stared at each other for a moment in silence. Septimus broke the silence, a grin appearing on his face, "Severus doesn't know his daughter was here for a week."
Eileen laughed. "No, he doesn't. He's either brewing up a storm or he's out for the week. He'll be urious when he finds out where she was."
"Absolutely." Septimus agreed. "But I don't blame the girl, I couldn't stand that Zabini girl when Severus was married to her."
"She is a bit…flightier that I imagine Serena being comfortable with." Eileen said diplomatically. "I always thought the same about Severus, to be honest. I'm just glad we got to spend this time with her. Merlin knows, Severus wouldn't have allowed it."
"No," Septimus said, smile fading. "That he wouldn't have. He hasn't even allowed us to see Silas in quite awhile. Perhaps this visit will ease some of his worries."
"Mm." Eileen wasn't quite that optimistic. "What do you think about Mr Potter?" She asked instead. "I'm surprised you didn't try to eliminate him over the week."
Septimus let out a harsh laugh. "Don't think the thought didn't cross my mind. Serena, unfortunately, seems quite attached to him. He said that she was the only person who always stood by him. I can't help but think he would feel the same about her. That can't be a bad thing."
"Especially as he adamantly denies having an attraction to her." Eileen said, arching an eyebrow.
Septimus bowed in acknowledgement of her point. His Eileen was not only beautiful, but was brilliant. She could always read him. "True." He admitted. "I am unhappy enough about her apparent involvement with Viktor Krum. I wonder if Severus knows about it?"
Only Eileen's laughter answered him.
Hello to all of you out there who might still be with me! I'm sorry it's been so long, but this last semester was horrible. Word of advice- don't ever take three 300 level English classes. I don't know what I was thinking... Anyways, I am now home and unfortunately back without the internet, so I can't even promise you when you'll be getting your next update. I promise, it will be as soon as I can. In the meantime, please let me know what you think of this chapter. Do you want to hear about Severus's adventures? More about the visit with the Snape's? Or should we jump right back to Blaise/Hermione/Draco/Harry interaction? Let me know!
Minara.