A/N- Y'all are the best readers in the world. Your feedback and support mean so much to me! I would never be able to finish this fic without y'all. I appreciate it more than I can say. On to the next chapter!
Disclaimer: None of this story belongs to me. I haven't made any money off any of my fics. Nope, not a single dime.
Chapter 9
September 6, 1995
Hermione came awake a little at a time, the sun warming her face and making her feel safe. She turned her head on the pillow and a stiffness that she hadn't been expecting made her groan. As she tried to move, she found that her whole body was stiff and sore.
Suddenly, last night flooded back to her and Hermione knew exactly why she was sore. She remembered Draco finding her in that empty classroom down the transfiguration corridor, Ron unconscious on the floor across the room from her.
The last thing she remembered was Draco holding her close and her snuggling into his comforting scent. She wondered if he had told Harry, if anyone had. She wouldn't want her friend to be worried about her.
It was almost an afterthought when she wondered just what had happened to Ronald. What if her magic had killed him? She would be expelled from Hogwarts for forever and she would truly have no place in either world then. Ginny and the twins would hate her, her only female friend would curse the very sight of her.
Hermione slowly sat up, doing her best to keep her movement slow and steady so as not to trigger any unknown pain. When she was finally upright, her curls fell forward and she started. Instead of the dull, mousy brown color that she had become accustomed to, they were a raven color, soft and shiny in texture. Her heart began to race and she knew that she needed to see what else had changed.
Leaning over and grabbing her wand from her bedside table, Hermione conjured a large hand mirror. Peering into the glass, Hermione was astounded at what she saw. Her hair reached past her waist and the raven curls were soft, shiny, and silky. Her skin was much paler than she remembered with a fine sprinkling of freckles across her nose. Her eyes were no longer a chocolate color, but a bright, brilliant blue.
Her hands felt at her body, cupping her breasts and tracing her curves, deciding that nothing there had seemed to change. The general shape of her face appeared to be the same, but she still felt so different. Apparently, she had to have been under the influence of a glamour. How or why it was broken was unknown. At least now she understood what the spreading of her magic had been the night before during her altercation with Ron.
There was now no pretending that she hadn't learned that Professor Snape was her father. While she wasn't his mirror image, it was quite clear that she was related to him. Suddenly, she realized that he was going to hate her even more now that she looked like him and he couldn't deny her to other people.
Her breathing sped up, along with her heart, and she could feel a cold sweat covering her body. Hermione tried to keep calm, to regulate her breathing, but it didn't seem to be doing any good. She didn't even realize that she wasn't alone until the bed dipped next to her and Harry's familiar scent filled her nose.
His arm went around her shoulders and she buried her face in his neck. Warm fingers threaded through her opposite hand and she turned to see that Draco had moved to her other side. For just a moment, she forgot her own troubles when she realized that the two sworn enemies were both on the bed with her, both comforting her, and neither was hexing the other.
Hermione kept her face buried in Harry's neck while Draco held her hand and used his free hand to rub her thigh softly. She was surprised that she tolerated their touch so easily after Ron's treatment of her the night before. Finally, Harry pulled her away from him and gently pushed her under Draco's waiting arm so he could do something. Draco's arm went around her and together they watched Harry disappear into the office that Madam Pomfrey kept.
When he reappeared, Harry had a vial in his hand that Hermione instantly recognized as a calming draught. She took the proferred potion and drank it down without comment before burrowing back into Draco's side. Harry took a seat at the foot of the bed so he could take one of her tiny feet in his large, warm hands and rub them softly. She finally felt herself calm, feeling able to remove herself from the blond's side.
"Thank you, I feel better now." She raked a hand through her silly curls. Harry spoke, but continued rubbing her foot.
"What had you so upset, 'Mi?" She scrubbed her eyes with the the flat of her palm before speaking.
"He's going to hate me even more now. He won't be able to get rid of me." Both young men looked at her, completely confused. Finally, Draco broke the silence.
"Hermione, I don't think you should care if the Weasel hates you after what he did to you." His voice was soft when he spoke. Harry spoke before she could.
"I agree with Draco. I'm done with Ron and I think you should be too." She gave them a confused look before she realized that they had interpreted her words wrong.
"No, I was talking about my meeting with Professor Snape." Harry instantly understood, but Draco looked completely lost.
Rather than make Hermione repeat the story to Draco, Harry summarized the events of her summer and just what had made her believe that she was in fact adopted and that her parents had been coerced magically. It took several minutes to explain, but when he was finished, Draco rubbed her thigh again in comfort.
"No wonder you were a mess yesterday." She nodded and Harry spoke before she could.
"You don't have to tell us, 'Mi, if you don't feel comfortable with us knowing. It must be a big deal if it has you this upset." She pulled a lock of hair forward and began twisting it in her fingers. When she looked up and met their eyes, she spit it out before she could take Harry up on his offer.
"My biological parents are Professor Snape and Alexandra Nott." Harry stared at her like he didn't comprehend exactly what she was saying and Draco drew in a sharp breath. She shot him a dirty look, but he held his hands up in his defense.
"I don't think less of you for it, but it's a well-known story in my circle." Her curiosity was piqued and it seemed that Harry's was as well. She gave him her full attention, urging him on. He sighed and laid an arm around her shoulders again.
"Everyone knew that Alexandra Nott had had a baby fathered by someone else, but it was never stated who the father was. All anyone knew was that the pregnancy was sanctioned by the Dark Lord. Then out of nowhere, when the little girl was around a month old, she disappeared without a trace. Nobody ever discovered how she was taken or what happened to her. Most people suspected that Theo's father had something to do with it, but the Dark Lord questioned him extensively and found him innocent. Theo still gets pissed when people bring it up around him because everyone said that his mother died giving birth to him because she was so brokenhearted." Hermione couldn't help but feel her eyes fill with tears at Draco's story. Her story. She couldn't help but wonder if Theo blamed her for their mother dying. Suddenly, another thought occurred to her.
"I wonder why Voldemort would sanction a child born from a married pureblood woman and a half blood? It just doesn't make sense." Before anyone else could answer her, another voice spoke.
"That's precisely what we're here to discuss." Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape stepped into the Hospital Wing and Hermione was instantly embarrassed to be caught speculating while the Headmaster and her father were listening. She tried to draw her foot out of Harry's hands, but he held fast to it until she was forced to relax.
Hermione watched as both men pulled chairs up next to the bed, neither one of them commenting on the fact that she had two men in bed with her. She was slightly surprised when she saw Professor Snape eyeing Draco's arm around her as if it was a personal insult to him. Professor Dumbledore fingered the ends of his beard before he spoke.
"Before we embark on the conversation regarding your parentage, we need to discuss the events that occurred last night between yourself and Mr. Weasley." Hermione felt a hot flash of shame when she replayed the events in her mind. She looked down in her lap and knotted her fingers together. Harry squeezed the instep of her foot to catch her attention.
"Nothing he did to you is your fault." Draco brushed her lng ebony tresses back behind her shoulder when she met Harry's gaze. Professor Snape spoke for the first time since entering the room.
"Would it make you more comfortable if you spoke with only the Headmaster?" Even though she knew Professor Dumbledore didn't look at her in a sexual way, the thought of her speaking of something of such a personal nature with only him unnerved her. She met her father's eyes briefly before shaking her head.
"No, no, it's fine." She heaved a sigh as Harry continued to massage her foot.
"I was shocked at the results of the paternity potion, I mean, I know Professor Snape doesn't like me so I got upset and ran. Ron found me and reminded me that we had rounds. It went fine for awhile until we reached the transfiguration corridor. He locked us in the classroom and asked me to be his girlfriend. I was honest with him, told him I see him as a brother but nothing more, but he started insulting me.
He told me that I threw him over for Harry and for Draco. When I didn't deny it, he called me a whore and told me that he was going to teach me a lesson and obliviate me. He slapped me and then took my wand. I was already dizzy because of the blood I gave for the paternity potion so I wasn't as quick on my feet as usual.
Ron cut my clothes away and punched me in the belly so hard I threw up. He hit me a few times before he he put his mouth on my breast and bit me hard enough to make me cry out. I was still struggling, but he pushed his fingers inside me. While he was working them inside me, I could feel his fingernails cutting me open. It hurt so badly.
Then my magic flared within me and I could suddenly feel it everywhere. I didn't direct it at all, but it threw Ron off of me and into the wall. He got back up though and went after me again. He asked me what happened to me, but at the time I didn't realize he meant my appearance. The second time he hurt me, my magic threw him off of me again. He didn't move and it was then that Draco found us. He helped sit me up and wrapped me in his robe. I don't really remember anything else after that."
Hermione couldn't help but raise her eyes to see how they were taking her story. She didn't think that Harry, or even Draco for that matter, would think she was lying, but there was always that underlying fear. She was thrilled to see that everyone in the room seemed to believe her.
Harry's face had hardened and she could see that his jaw was clenched as if he was gritting his teeth. His hands remained gentle on her foot and ankle, however, so she knew he wasn't angry with her. Draco didn't show any outward signs of anger, he had perfected his impassive mask long ago after all, but she could feel the tension rolling off of him in waves. Professor Dumbledore's eyes had lost their twinkle and his expression was somber. What surprised her the most was Professor Snape. The fury painted across his face was unmistakable. His words were more like a hiss.
"You need to punish the boy, Albus, I won't stand for anything less than expulsion. He tried to rape her and planned to obliviate her afterwards." Hermione felt her heart warm just a little at his words, but she quickly tamped down on the feeling. She didn't want to get her hopes up in regards to her father actually caring about her. Dumbledore sighed.
"You know I had to make a deal, Severus." The Slytherin huffed angrily, but remained silent as the Headmaster turned back to Hermione.
"Professor Umbridge was made aware of the events of last night by rumor. She came and questioned me as to the truthfulness of the claims. As she is a ministry official, I can't outright lie about things like this happening in our school." He paused and folded his hands in his lap.
"Professor Umbridge has stated that Mr. Weasley can't be expelled due to an old law that was never repealed. It states that when a pureblood commits a crime against a muggleborn, there is no recourse. We can show the world that you are indeed a half blood, but I'm not sure we should tip our hand quite yet. I feel Mr. Weasley will be wary of interaction with you after the lesson taught him."
Hermione was horrified at what she heard. A pureblood could do whatever they wanted to a muggleborn and fear no punishment? What kind of world did she live in? Her heart was starting to pound again and Draco tugged her curls lightly so she would look up at him.
"It's not right, but there isn't anything we can do about it right now. I agree with the Headmaster. We shouldn't tell anyone your parentage yet." She gazed into his silver eyes for a moment before she turned to Harry.
"How did you teach Ron a lesson?" Harry met her gaze unapologetically.
"Draco told me where he found you and I went and found him immobilized. I even allowed him a chance to explain, but he pretty much backed your story. I beat the holy fuck out of him. Don't give me that look either, he tried to rape you. You're my best friend and I love you, I won't stand by and allow that to happen."
As much as Hermione wanted to be angry at his words and actions, she couldn't be. He had turned his back on his best friend for her. Instead of lecturing him, she leaned forward onto her knees so she could hug him. After pressing a quick kiss to his cheek, she whispered in his ear.
"Thank you. I love you too, Harry." He kissed the side of her head and allowed her to take her seat once more.
Hermione snuggled into Draco's side and allowed him to rub warmth back into her arms. Professors Snape and Dumbledore watched impassively as she allowed the two young men on her bed to comfort her. When the Headmaster spoke again, his tone was still serious.
"I have insisted that Mr. Weasley serve detentions, and they will be with Severus here, but that is all I can do at the moment due to the laws still active in the Wizengamot. I apologize, Hermione." She nodded wearily.
This whole situation was already more than she wanted to deal with. The Headmaster and Professor Snape straightened in their chairs before speaking again.
"Now we need to speak of your parentage and how you came to be known as a Granger." Hermione knew it was coming, but she still couldn't help but tense at his words. The last thing she wanted to hear was why her true parents had managed a way to get rid of her under the detection of the Dark Lord. Instead of voicing her words, she nodded and laid her head on Draco's shoulder while Harry continued to rub her other foot.
The fact that she continued to let the men comfort her with no guilt still astounded her.
"I think I'll let Severus begin the story and I'll fill in the blanks." Hermione nodded slightly and turned her attention to her father. Professor Snape sighed before he began.
"I had just joined the Death Eaters, a mistake if I've ever made one. The Dark Lord called me to his side and told me that he needed me to complete a task that would strengthen our world. Eager as ever, still unaware of the huge mistake I had made, I agreed." For the first time, Hermione saw signs of distress in their professor as he raked his hand through his hair.
"The Dark Lord ordered me to bed Thoros Nott's wife, Alexandra, and make her conceive. I was young and she was gorgeous with her long blond hair and bright blue eyes. I took to the task with fervor despite the hatred that developed between myself and Thoros.
It took nearly four months for her to conceive, the Dark Lord was ordering progress reports nearly every two weeks on my progress. I had even set up a room at Nott Manor, most uncomfortable since the head of the house despised me.
The Dark Lord was thrilled when Alexandra announced her pregnancy. He insisted that she receive the best care that the healers could provide so a healthy pregnancy would be viable. The months passed without any new problems. I still had no information as to why the Dark Lord wanted me to father a child with a married woman, thus creating dissention in the ranks.
The pregnancy progressed well. There weren't many problems with mother or baby. Even though I had sworn that I never wanted to continue my line because of my father, I found myself excited for the birth of my daughter." He paused and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Hermione held her breath since she knew the answers she sought were just ahead. Professor Snape turned her way and spoke directly to her.
"My daughter was born the thirteenth of September, not the nineteenth that you grew up believing. I was there when you were born and I heard your first cry. I held you even before your mother. Even though you were only considered a half blood, Alexandra loved you desperately.
You were the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. You had inherited my dark hair, but Alexandra's curls and blue eyes. My mother's freckles appeared on your nose within the first week. We brought you before the Dark Lord at just two weeks old and he cackled with glee when he saw you, called you the change we needed in the world. I didn't care about any of that, I had just been thrilled that he had let you live." He sighed as if he was getting ready to confess his soul.
"Out of nowhere, the Dark Lord sent me to the Hog's Head to meet with Dumbledore for a job interview. I didn't know it at the time, but he was also interviewing Sybil Trelawney. I overheard a vital prophesy that I was honor bound to report to the Dark Lord. However, that ended up being the worst mistake of my life." He sighed before he buried his head in his hands.
"I was best friends with Lily Evans growing up and when I reported the prophecy, the Dark Lord assumed that she and her unborn offspring were the subject of the prophecy. When I realized that Lily was in danger, I realized that I had to do something. Therefore, I swallowed my pride and I went to Dumbledore. He assured me that he would keep Lily safe if I turned spy.
When Hermione was just a month old, the Headmaster called me to his side to inform me that Hermione had to be taken. He assured me that she would be well-loved and cared for, but that she needed to be placed with another family immediately. I was confused as to why she had to be moved, but Albus assured me again that it was necessary and that I should trust him. I drank myself stupid the day I heard from the Dark Lord that my child was gone."
Hermione couldn't believe the words out of her father's mouth. Why would Voldemort want her conceived and born? None of it made any sense considering he valued purebloods and she was an obvious half blood. She didn't understand and for the first time ever, she felt an ounce of pity for her father. She couldn't even imagine accepting something like this without any reason from either master. He had been used by both Dumbledore and Voldemort, plain and simple. To say that she had lost a great amount of respect for her Headmaster would have been an understatement. As if she realized that the Headmaster would have plenty to say, she met his gaze and gave him her full attention. The Headmaster sighed, running his fingers through his beard.
"My story begins when Severus came to me about the prophecy he overheard and how he had relayed it to Voldemort. He begged me to keep Lily and James Potter safe, along with any child they may bear. Of course, I promised it. I had been informed that Sirius had been made their secret keeper and he would be guarding the location of their residence.
I had no idea that they had all decided to 'pull a fast one' as the muggles say. They switched to Peter Pettigrew and he betrayed them to Voldemort because he had accepted the brand willingly. Everything was made clear when Voldemort appeared in Godric's Hollow on Halloween night and killed both Lily and James Potter like they were nothing.
I knew at that point that Voldemort had accepted the prophecy as gospel and I had to do something to protect Harry from his wrath when he finally returned." Harry broke the silence.
"Pardon my ignorance, sir, but I haven't heard of a prophecy in regards to myself." Professor Dumbledore chuckled.
"Of course you wouldn't. You were but a babe. When Professor Snape overheard Professor Trelawney giving the prophecy, he didn't hear the whole thing. It is the Dark Lord's downfall. I will tell you the prophecy, but you must remain calm." Hermione felt herself nod and watched Harry as he did his best to act like it wasn't affecting him.
"What Professor Trelawney spoke to me read as follows.
'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies...'"
Hermione was speechless. How dare Professor Dumbledore keep something like this from Harry? This was a matter of life and death and Hermione knew that Harry would feel betrayed. He would likely never trust the Headmaster again, and if Hermione was completely honest with herself, she didn't blame him. At the moment, this seemed like the ultimate betrayal.
Harry seemed to be shaking. Her foot was still gripped gently in his hands, but the rest of his body was shaking uncontrollably. Without a second thought, she pulled away from Draco and crawled towards Harry so she could sit herself comfortably in his lap. Her arms went around his neck and she began mumbling in his ear low enough so only he could hear.
"Don't blow up. You won't get answers if you blow up, you have to remain calm." Draco's hand wrapped around both her bare feet and he took Harry's place. Harry took deep breaths and did his best to calm down. When Harry spoke, his voice was hard.
"You're telling me that either I have to kill Voldemort or he has to kill me? There's no in between?" Dumbledore looked regretful as he shook his head.
"No, there's nothing you can do to change that. You can put it off, but he will continue to live and bring terror to our world for as long as you leave him alive." Hermione wasn't too fond of how the Headmaster had worded it, but she supposed there was nothing for it now. Hermione broke in before Harry could start an argument.
"Alright, we've heard about Harry's prophecy. You told me you knew why I was completely accepted by Voldemort despite the fact that I was a half blood." Hermione stared the Headmaster down and he finally nodded. He looked reluctant to share the upcoming information, but Hermione didn't care what he wanted. She had a right to know since it pertained to her.
"When Severus turned spy for the Order, he told me of his orders in regards to Alexandra Nott. I instantly knew that another prophecy had come to pass, one just as dangerous as the one about Harry. I knew it had because I alone, aside from Voldemort, knew that Severus is Voldemort's son."
Hermione wondered if the Headmaster was trying to joke with her. How would Professor Snape not realize that his father was Voldemort but Professor Dumbledore would? None of it made any fucking sense and her head was beginning to pound. If the wizened wizard before her was to be believed, that meant that she was the granddaughter of the most evil wizard alive today. Now, suddenly, her sorting made sense.
"That makes so much sense." All eyes turned to her and she couldn't help but to giggle. It did no good to get upset or cry, so she may as well giggle.
"The sorting hat insisted that I belonged in Slytherin. I argued with it since I knew I was muggleborn and it just wasn't possible. Therefore, it put me in Gryffindor." Draco chuckled too.
"I can see now how we all would have reacted." Her father waved his hand as if to shut them up.
"That's all well and good, but I know for a fact that Tobias Snape is my father. I also utilized the paternity potion my seventh year at Hogwarts." Professor Dumbledore looked just a tiny bit sheepish.
"You did indeed, but you don't remember the correct results. I found you staring at the steam asking yourself aloud who Tom Riddle was. I knew I had to act so I cast a memory charm on you to make you believe that you were in fact sired by Tobias Snape." Hermione couldn't help but to be enraged at the Headmaster on her father's behalf.
"How could you do that, Headmaster? That was his life, not some game." Professor Snape held up his hand to her.
"I appreciate your indignation, Miss Granger. Rest assured I will continue this conversation with our esteemed Headmaster in private." The Miss Granger was a slap in the face. Maybe it had been habit? She shook her head slightly, trying to clear her thoughts. This was getting far more complicated than she ever thought possible. Hermione decided to continue with the conversation at hand.
"Alright, I'm the granddaughter of Voldemort. How does he know that? What's this prophecy about me?" The Headmaster sighed.
"When Voldemort was in school, his actual name was Tom Riddle. He was an extremely well-liked student, very smart. It was during his sixth year that he actually got caught out of his common room after curfew so he was serving a detention with me and another young Hufflepuff." Professor Dumbledore leaned forward and the gleam in his eyes was unmistakable.
"In the middle of the detention, the young Hufflepuff's eyes rolled back in his head and he began speaking in a voice that didn't belong to him. It was quite clear that he was coming into his Seeing powers. Tom and I both witnessed the prophecy and it has stuck with both of us ever since. The prophecy is why I knew you had to be taken from your true parents. You could not be allowed to follow your grandfather." Hermione couldn't help but to lash out.
"You're the one who kidnapped me." Professor Dumbledore nodded.
"Yes, well technically a Dumbledore house elf did. She apparated through the wards and took you in the dead of night. I had found the Grangers the next day. Miranda Granger had just given birth to a stillborn baby that left her barren. I followed them home from the hospital and cast the appropriate memory charms on them so they would believe that she had given birth a month prior. I changed your birthdate so Severus couldn't find you once you came to Hogwarts and I placed you under a glamour charm. I knew your hair and eyes would make you very recognizable. The glamour was to only lift if specifically done by myself or if your magic flared so strongly because it needed to protect you. I had placed it in hopes that if you were ever caught by Voldemort and they didn't know your identity, the change in appearance would save your life."
Hermione didn't know what to think about any of this. Her whole life had been a lie and she hadn't even been told. She never would have known if her parents hadn't been killed. Her fists clenched on their own accord. Harry carded his hands through her hair and tried to keep her calm. The magic within her seemed so much stronger now. Instantly, she understood. She glared at her guardian.
"You bound my magic. I can feel it bubbling just under the surface all the time since my glamour broke. You bound my fucking magic!" Everyone turned surprised eyes towards the Headmaster. Professor Snape looked even more angry if that was possible. Professor Dumbledore nodded.
"I did indeed. It's a fact that most muggleborns aren't as powerful as purebloods, or even half bloods for that matter. You are the product of a very strong wizard and a moderately strong witch with over a century worth of power in your bloodline. You never would have passed for a muggleborn. I did what I had to do to keep not only you safe, but everyone else in our world."
Hermione wanted to tell the Headmaster just how much of a lie that was, but she knew she couldn't. While she knew that most of muggleborns she knew could practice passable magic, it wasn't extraordinary. Draco was her top competitor and he had a pedigree most magic folk would kill for. Muggleborns did always seem to rank towards the bottom of the class. She hadn't been the rule, she was the exception. Finally, she huffed and continued.
"I want to hear the prophecy. I have a right to hear it." The Headmaster nodded.
"You're correct. I believe you are ready for it, but beware. It's even more serious than Harry's. The consequences could be dire." If her curiosity hadn't been piqued yet, it would have been then. She nodded. Harry squeezed her waist and Draco continued his comforting foot rub.
"The heir of the heir of the Dark Lord approaches. One with her power has not been seen in a century. Backed by her two true mates, her magic will either save the world from darkness or plunge it to depths that have never before been seen. Those who stand in her way or bring harm to her mates will surely perish. The darkness will answer to the heir of the heir and her children will bring forth greatness never imagined."
Hermione had no idea how to feel about the prophecy. It did sound incredibly serious, but she still wasn't sure that the Headmaster's actions were justified. Suddenly, she wanted to know why any of this was even necessary.
"Why didn't you just tell Professor Snape the truth? You could have hid me, but he could have still seen me, he could have made his own decisions instead of being manipulated by you and Voldemort. I know he's a bastard most of the time, but he turned spy to protect his best friend. He wasn't completely evil and if he cared for me like he says, he would have wanted to protect me. What gave you the right?" The old headmaster spoke quietly.
"He had very willingly joined the Death Eaters. Yes, he wanted to protect Lily, but that didn't mean he didn't want Voldemort to prevail. That would have been handing him the greatest weapon of all. You can hate me all you like, but I did what I did to protect the largest amount of people, not worry about the sensibilities of a young girl and her morally confused father."
Hermione supposed that he was correct, but that didn't mean that she liked it or that she had to be happy about it. She removed herself from Harry's lap and stood next to the bed. The floor was cold on her bare feet, but she didn't notice it overly much. Without any warning, her feet were warm. Even though it warranted thought, she didn't have time for it at the moment.
"Maybe you're right, Headmaster. Maybe you're not. If you have no more enlightening explanations, I'll be on my way. I need some time alone."
Nobody said anything so she took her leave. Before she reached the doors of the Hospital Wing, she thought that she should perhaps change her clothes. Instantly, her clothing appeared, although they weren't what she would normally wear. The royal blue witch's robes fit her perfectly and she loved how they felt next to her skin. The men behind her gasped, but she continued on her way without a word.
Let her father and the scheming headmaster try to figure out how she managed it.
-O-
Harry stood as soon as Hermione left, Draco following his lead. He didn't say a word to either professor, but gave them a quick nod before they left the Hospital Wing. Hermione had said she wanted to be alone so he figured he could manage that for a couple hours. He worried about her state of mind, but he also knew she valued being able to work through her problems on her own sometimes.
Both Harry and Draco made their way towards the Great Hall. It was already lunch time and they were both starving. Harry knew that he was going to have to answer questions in regards to Hermione and just where she had been, but in truth, he figured everyone already knew. Dumbledore had said that Umbridge had heard about what happened through rumor.
The pair reached the Great Hall and before they stepped through the doors, Draco spoke.
"I know you know where she went. We ahould go find her after we eat and make sure that she's alright. That was a lot to drop on a person that was just physically and sexually attacked." Harry nodded.
"We'll eat first. I'll grab her a sandwich and we'll go find her." Draco gave a resolute nod before they entered the Hall together.
Everyone turned and stared at the pair, but neither let it bother them. Harry made his way to the Gryffindor table and sat down warily by Ginny. While he knew that Ron had gotten what was coming to him, he doubted that his siblings would be in agreement. Therefore, he remained silent until Ginny and the twins leaned over so they could hear. Ginny broke their silence
"We want to let you know that we aren't angry about what you did to Ron. He deserved what you gave him and a lot more. We aren't mad at Hermione either. In fact, we hope she isn't mad at us." Harry met the gaze of all three Weasleys.
"You all feel this way?" Fred, George, and Ginny all nodded. Harry gave them a quick smile.
"I'm sure she isn't angry with you. In fact, she's probably worried that you all hate her now." Ginny smiled too.
"I can't wait to tell her that we aren't angry. If I know Hermione, she was up all night worrying about it." Harry nodded her way before asking after Ron.
"Where is Ron? No offense, but I want him as far away as possible from Hermione." It was George that answered.
"He's hiding in the common room. Mum and Dad are coming up here later to speak with him and he's dreading it. He keeps whinging and wants everyone to feel bad for him. I think everyone is taking a lead from us though and they're ignoring him." Harry nodded.
"As long as he stays the fuck away from Hermione, I'll leave him alone. He won't get another chance to hurt her." Nobody said anything and that was perfectly fine with Harry. He didn't have a problem with the other Weasleys and he really didn't want to fight with them over their waste of space brother. Fred broke the silence this time.
"A bird came through just a few minutes ahead of you. Never seen her before. Merlin, she was fit. Long black hair, curls past her waist, bangin' body in witch's robes. Any idea who she is?" Harry couldn't help but smile. Fred was right. Hermione was gorgeous.
"It was Hermione. She had a glamour charm placed on her when she was small and it broke when your brother attacked her. Did she at least get something to eat before she went outside?" Everyone sitting around them went silent. Harry hadn't realized that everyone at the table had been listening to their conversation. Ginny finally spoke.
"I feel like there's more to this then what you're telling us." Harry nodded.
"There is, but I can't say anything yet. Apparently it's a big secret." The three Weasleys nodded, accepting straight off that they wouldn't be getting anymore answers.
Harry finished quickly and gathered a sandwich for Hermione. He went to wait by the door leading outside. It took only a couple minutes for Draco to appear next to him. The pair left the Great Hall to whispers abound, neither casting a glance behind them. Draco spoke first as soon as they reached the courtyard.
"Where is she?" Harry glanced his way.
"She has a favorite willow tree by the Black Lake. She always goes there to think when she's upset. That's where we'll find her." Draco nodded, but stopped Harry from moving forward.
"Did you see her change her clothes? That's magic that I'm not even sure adults can do. Not everyone can master nonverbal magic." Harry nodded.
"Yes, she probably didn't even realize she did it. Her magic has been bound so she's going to have to learn how to regulate it again. I have a feeling she's going to have accidental magic for a bit before she gets the hang of it." Draco nodded and they started walking again slowly. Harry decided to address the elephant in the room.
"Is there any chance you're going to back off of her?" Draco shook his head.
"Nope. I'm going to fight for her. She's the one thing I've wanted since third year. I'm tired of my father telling me what I have to do and what to believe. She's my freedom." Harry nodded his head thoughtfully. Several moments passed before he spoke again.
"I love Hermione. I would die for her. I can also see that she cares for you and that if we made her choose it would hurt her deeply. If fact, I guarantee you she wouldn't choose either of us because she wouldn't want to hurt the other. Therefore, I'm shooting you a proposition." Draco narrowed his eyes slightly, but nodded as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"I'm not normally a person that would consider sharing a woman with another man. Especially not with you. However, I don't want to lose her. Therefore, I propose that we both date her if she'll agree. I know you offer her that intellectual stimulus that I just don't do for her. I also know that I'm better with emotions than you are. You appeal to her sneaky ambitious side and I appeal to her brash and brave side. She would never find a man to do both so I think we should try to both date her." Draco looked focused, like he was concentrating on Harry's words. He was definetely considering them. Several minutes went by before the blond spoke.
"We would all be equals in the relationship, neither one of us would come first so the other felt like he was getting screwed?" Harry nodded.
"That's how I would like it. If she only wants one of us, the one she doesn't want concedes without fight so she doesn't feel guilty." Draco rolled his eyes.
"Such a bleeding heart Gryffindor. Fine." Harry smirked at his blond companion.
"We can't be jealous of the other. The second she sees it, she'll worry that she's doing something wrong. We just both have to accept that she'll want the other for different reasons and that our time will come." Draco rolled his eyes again.
"Merlin, Potter, fine! Are we done with this ridiculously uncomfortable conversation?" Harry shook his head.
"We don't broach it today. She's had enough thrown at her today." Draco shook his head and started off at a walk.
"No shit, Potter. Are you a complete idiot thinking I didn't realize that?" Harry didn't take his words to heart. Instead, he chuckled to himself and followed after Draco in search of Hermione.
-O-
Severus couldn't stop pacing. He wanted to rage and throw things at his supposed friend, his greatest confidant, but he wasn't sure he could do that and not feel guilty later. Merlin knew he had enough guilt in his life that he didn't need anymore.
Therefore, he paced.
Albus watched him for at least ten minutes without saying a word. He seemed to be waiting for Severus to calm down, but the Slytherin knew that wasn't going to be happening any time soon. Finally, he whirled on the old man.
"I don't think I can trust you as a friend any longer, Albus. I have no choice but to trust you as a leader of the Order, but the personal trust is gone. You may have been confused as to my loyalties at first, but through the years, you were assured. You could have told me the truth, but you kept it a secret. I've treated that girl like mudblood trash as I was instructed to by you, and now she hates me for it. I will never forgive you." Albus remained silent, which is what Severus wanted since he wasn't done.
"I could maybe forgive you for what you've done to me, I'm aware that I made some of my own grief by choosing the Dark Lord, but I can't forgive you for what you did to her. You bound her magic! You know as well as I do that not only is it illegal, it's a form of slavery. Now that she's a halfblood, she could bring you up on charges from the Wizengamot! Then where would your precious Order be? Merlin, the Dark Lord is just as manipulative as you are, but at least he's honest about it." Albus nodded.
"I know she can, Severus. If she does, I won't fight the charges. I am most definetely guilty. However, did you see how she changed her clothes? I know she's especially gifted in transfiguration, but I wasn't able to do what she just did unknowingly until two years into my mastery. She is a fifth year and extraordinary. Tom will covet her and he will do everything in his power to possess her. Can you imagine what our world would be like with Hermione at the helm, that power she just displayed on accident very disciplined and looking to promote Tom's views. The results would be catastrophic." Severus finally deflated and flopped down in a chair. He buried his face in his hands and felt a lick of despair.
"She will never forgive me, Albus. I allowed you to take her and then I treated her as trash for the whole of her school career. I'm pants at emotions and I have no idea to act around her. She hates me and she has every right. Do you know how she got me to brew the paternity potion?" Severus didn't even wait for his old friend to answer.
"I traded her. I made the potion and she agreed to drop Potions after this year. What kind of fucking parent does that? Fuck, what kind of fucking teacher does that? If it had been Longbottom I could have justified it, but she's brilliant! I knew what her education meant to her and I didn't care because I was so fucking mad at the filthy dog she lives with. I saw it in her eyes that day, the hurt when she realized that I hated her so much that I didn't even want her in my class. Her eyes watered, but she lifted her chin and soldiered on. Fuck, she doesn't even realize that I wish I could just teach her and Draco, they're the only students worth the time and effort." He lifted his head as he paused.
"The only person in my life who I love enough to die or kill for and she hates me." Albus folded his hands under his chin as he spoke.
"You're wrong, Severus. She may not love you yet, but she wants to. She already respects you and thinks you're brave. If she didn't feel something positive for you, she wouldn't have stepped up to me and put me in my place like she did in the Hospital Wing. Even if it isn't at the level that you would like, she does care for you. It's up to you to make her realize the truth of words. You have to show her how you feel. It will take time, but you'll get there. Do not despair."
Severus heaved a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. Losing control like a brash Gryffindor wouldn't do him any good. He raked his hand through his lank hair and sat up straight. When he spoke, his voice was once again controlled.
"I have to tell the Dark Lord. She waltzed right through the Great Hall and every child of a Death Eater saw her. They won't lie for her or for me. I have to tell him how she discovered her true parentage. If what you say about a prophecy is true, he'll want me to bring her to him so he can try to sway her to his side." Albus leaned back in his chair and twirled a strand of his beard.
"Do you think Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy are the two true mates the prophecy spoke of?" Severus nodded.
"It would appear so. I know Draco has been holding a torch for the girl since she got so angry with him over Hagrid's beast in their third year and hit him. Potter has only recently become besotted, but both appear to have feelings for her. She allows their touch and seems to take comfort in it. I would say it's a safe assumption." Albus nodded absentmindedly.
"Try to conceal it from Tom if you can. The last thing I want is for Harry to have another target on his back until absolutely necessary." Severus snorted, but remained quiet. Albus suddenly smiled.
"You'll have both Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley in detention tonight. What do you plan to have them do?" Severus couldn't keep the evil grin from his features.
"I think Mr. Potter will be free to work on any homework he may have. Mr. Weasley will be dicing frog spleens. I have quite a large number that are in need of attention." Albus chuckled though he would deny it to his dying day.
"That sounds highly appropriate. Might I suggest he also spend time with Argus through his month of detentions?" Severus nodded.
"That is acceptable. He can work on numerous 'dirty' jobs throughout the school then."
It wasn't long after that that he excused himself from Albus' office. He felt decidedly better since he had let loose his frustrations on his old friend. He was by no means forgiven, and he would probably never trust him again, but Albus had always been the kind of wizard to do what needed to be done no matter the cost. The old man was decidedly more Slytherin than Gryffindor in his opinion.
He needed a plan of attack on how to broach Hermione and get her to realize that he didn't hate her, that he had loved her fiercely since the day that she was conceived. He wasn't the best in the emotions department. He sat at his desk and decided to draw up a plan, but first he needed to find those rat spleens.
Nobody touched his daughter and hurt her without Severus getting revenge, even if it was only by means of the worst detention ever.
A/N- Holy balls! Another chapter finished. I know this chapter took just a bit longer, but when they're longer like this, they do tend to take more time. Hope you all like it. Leave me a message after the beep, lemme know what ya think!
Next chapter, Snape meets with Voldemort and gives him the news, a heart to heart between father and daughter, and a frank conversation between our new trio.
Love,
Alicia