A/N- Y'alls support is overwhelming. Thank you to everyone out there reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting this labor of love. To everyone that has went and voted for this story in the Hermione's Haven 2018 Awards, you're the bomb. I will find out the 28th if I have won or not. If you want to vote, please follow the link from the previous chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. I don't own the concept of triads. I don't own the Hermione being relation to Voldemort trope. I own my own personal twist, I suppose, but I'm sure it's been done before.

Chapter 23

December 25, 1995

Hermione was tired. She had decided, along with Harry, that they would attempt to sleep in their own rooms for the duration of their holidays for nothing more than to keep the peace in the household. While she didn't see Sirius complaining overly much that his godson was sleeping with a girl, she didn't want to upset Remus.

Severus already knew that they shared a bed in the Room of Requirement every night when they were at the castle, but the werewolf didn't. Sirius hadn't been joking when he had told the two teens that Moony could be overprotective, especially since he considered them both to be pack. This being said, it wasn't even the main reason that they had agreed to sleep seperately.

That reason was Molly Weasley.

The Weasley matriarch had been downright pleasant to Harry, had coddled him the same degree as she did her own sons, but had been downright vicious to Hermione, when nobody was around to hear her of course. As much as she knew that what Ronald had done to her wasn't her fault, it didn't make it any easier to hear that opinion from someone who had once treated her as one of her own.

Hermione had far too much pride to run to her father, Sirius, or Remus, asking them for help with Molly. Therefore, she confided in Harry alone and endured the catty comments by doing her best to ignore them. This didn't help the situation, but it did give her a sense of satisfaction when Molly would huff angrily and stalk off because she didn't think her words had gotten a reaction.

Ron wasn't much better.

Nobody in the household dared to leave him alone with Hermione, the elder Weasleys jumping on board with Severus, Sirius and Remus, but that didn't stop his snide remarks. Twice now, her father had threatened death and dismemberment for hateful comments about her sex life and choice in partners. While Severus didn't really care for Harry, per se, Draco was his godson and he protected him just as diligently as Sirius protected Harry.

Whenever Severus stood and pulled his wand on the redhead, the room would fall silent, but nobody would intervene. Arthur had once said that he had been trying to get his youngest son to see the folly of his actions, but he didn't listen. Therefore, he assumed his son would have to learn the hard way.

Severus had been summoned to his father's side the day before and Ronald had seen it as open season for tormenting Hermione. Harry had already threatened to beat him up for making assumptions about her supposedly loose morals when Sirius had entered the library unseen and watched the scene play out.

Just as Ronald had stepped forward to actually fight Harry, Sirius stepped out of the shadows and drew his wand on the redhead, threatening to show him just why the Blacks were considered insane because he had threatened Harry and defamed Hermione's character. When Hermione had moved between the two, gently pushing Sirius back away from Ron, she could almost see a glint of that infamous insanity reflecting in his eyes.

Needless to say, Hermione hadn't been sleeping so well when she had to do so solo. She didn't know how she had become accustomed to sleeping with Harry and Draco so quickly, but the fact remained that she had. Harry didn't report that he was sleeping much better.

To distract themselves from their lack of sleep, the pair had dived into their holiday homework with gusto. Well, maybe she had done so with gusto, but Harry had followed her lead. Even though he was doing much better academically, he still wasn't excited about learning new things like Hermione and Draco were.

To her ultimate surprise, so far nobody had thrown her paternity in her face. She truly expected it of Ron, even Molly, but both had been uncharacteristically quiet on the matter. After the conversation she had had with Dumbledore the day following her revelation, she almost wondered if the two hadn't been obliviated.

*Flashback*

Hermione and Harry were seated in the library with Sirius and Remus. Severus had claimed to have a headache, charged Remus with keeping an eye on the pair, and retired to his rooms. Hermione had been aware that her father had been battling a headache since he had arrived, but she had been surprised that he was still suffering. She had worryingly asked him if he was going to be alright before he had smoothed her curls and assured her that it was largely stress induced.

Harry had been playing Remus in a game of wizard's chess where Sirius was trying to coach him. Hermione had her head in his lap and was reading a book about the faeries of old. The door to the library swung open and even though nobody noticed at first, the raw magical power that permeared the air was palpable. The voice of Albus Dumbledore broke through her reading and the boy's good-natured ribbing.

"I need to speak with Miss Granger alone." Harry's face hardened and the act wasn't lost on the remaining two Marauders. Both Sirius and Remus stood and moved in front of Harry and Hermione, arms crossed and expressions grim.

"We're not going anywhere. We're both sick of everyone taking shots at Hermione and that means you as well." Hermione rose to her feet and laid a soft hand on both Marauders' arm.

"Trust me, I'm more than capable of fighting my battles with the Headmaster." While both men faded back behind her, neither one disappeared as requested. Hermione appreciated the support.

"They aren't leaving, Headmaster, please feel free to express your displeasure with me in their company. I won't suffer unduly from embarrassment, I assure you." Dumbledore (for she no longer afforded him the title Professor in her mind) glared at her, but let the stress disappear from the set of his shoulders.

"How am I to trust you, Miss Granger, when you say none of the information in our meetings will be disseminated? Both Molly and Ronald have posted letters to me in regards to your parentage and the information you revealed about the prophecy and Sirius." Hermione crossed her arm over her chest as she narrowed her eyes at the Headmaster.

"Since both my parentage and the prophecy relate directly to me, it's my business who I decide to inform as long as I believe the people I tell are trustworthy. I trust everyone here with the exception of Ronald and Molly and I'm sure that you smooth-talked them until they agreed to remain quiet. As for Sirius, he had a right to know that the person he was beginning to worship was nothing but a filthy liar who didn't give two fucks that he suffered for so unbearably long in Azkaban." The Headmaster's eyes blazed in what she believed was hatred.

"We won't have any secrets left if you keep telling everyone, Miss Granger. Your grandfather will eventually hear of your true loyalties if you do not take need of my words." Hermione nodded.

"If I continue to tell people like Ronald and Molly, yes, he surely will. This being said, he won't execute me or mine on rumor alone. He'll search my mind and find nothing but what I want him to see. Need I remind you that not only could you not break through my occlumency barriers, I broke through yours without lifting a wand?" Both Remus and Sirius gasped softly behind her as Harry slid her hand into his. Dumbledore glared at her and when he spoke, his voice was cold.

"I obviously can't make you do anything, Miss Granger. I would, however, like to implore to you that your position amongst the Order of the Phoenix is precarious at best since your true position is unknown. Don't lose trust before you ever truly gain it."

Hermione was unsure as to what his words truly meant. She thought for a moment that he was saying that the Order would turn on her if they truly knew her parentage, but she already knew that. The problem with that threat was that she didn't care. Hermione Granger didn't need to Order of the Phoenix to continue to plot against her grandfather.

"I do not care who trusts me and who doesn't. If they do, then it will be clear. If they don't, it will probably be hidden behind false words. You know all about false words, don't you Headmaster?" The older man flinched, but remained silent for several seconds.

"Very well, Miss Granger. I suppose you are now running this show and you have no need for friendly advice." Hermione met his gaze with a cold one of her own.

"I most certainly need advice, but not from those that seek to control me and those I care about." Dumbledore actually snorted before he turned back towards the door.

"I will spell Ronald and Molly to where they are unable to speak of the things you revealed to them. Make sure you're much more circumspect in the future about who you share important information with."

Hermione stood there, Harry just behind her right shoulder, with Remus and Sirius flanking the pair. She could feel the curiosity in the air around her, but she didn't volunteer any more information. Remus finally broke the silence.

"If you broke through his mind barriers, you discovered more secrets than what you told us about Sirius." Hermione gave them a small wry smile.

"Yes, but I won't be sharing them. They'll be righted and that's what matters. Dumbledore had to make himself into a weak wizard to admit that he had been duped by an unknown wizard during the memory spell. Don't worry, I can handle Dumbledore." The three of them gave her a forced smile.

"Of course, 'Mi, we trust you." Even though she believed the words, she didn't like that they were even necessary to be spoken.

Fucking Albus Dumbledore.

*End of Flashback*

Hermione grinned as Harry joined her in her bedroom. She had already dressed for the day and was excited beyond measure to go downstairs and open their presents. While she was melancholy at the fact that her parents wouldn't be there to celebrate with her, she was ecstatic that she was going to be surrounded by her father and closest friends. This holiday would not be a lonely one.

Harry pulled her down the stairs so they could gather in the library. Kreacher had grudgingly set up a Christmas tree for the household, most unhappy that the half-blood scum was asking it of him. While Hermione knew the old elf would never approve of her, she did her best to block out the hateful words that cast aspersions on her person.

Everyone was already gathered in the library, Harry and Hermione were literally the last people of the household to arrive. She had almost felt bad for making everyone wait on them until she saw how peeved Ronald was that he couldn't open his gifts until everyone was present.

Ginny volunteered to pass out all the gifts, acting as a Santa of sorts. It took almost a half an hour to pass out the massive amount of gifts under the tree and Hermione was thrilled. Christmas had always been her all-time favorite holiday of the year and she sincerely enjoyed buying for everyone attending with the exception of Ronald. If there was one person that she didn't want to give false hope to, it was Ronald Weasley.

Without further ado, Ginny announced that they could all open their gifts. Her father didn't look thrilled to be there, but he did look surprised to have quite the pile of presents in front of him. She rather suspected that it had been the most gifts he had received at one time in his life.

Hermione ripped into her gifts excitedly. As much as she loved giving gifts, she also loved receiving them. She had never been greedy, but she did love to discover who found her important enough to give her a small token of their affections.

From Harry, she received a special homework planner that spoke to her when she opened it and an elegant eagle quill. Draco had sent her the ultimate pampering set, bath beads, soaps, lotions, and scents. Her father had gifted her with a first edition of Hogwarts, A History making her squeal in excitement. She had thrown herself into his arms and pressed numerous kisses to his cheeks. Even though his face burned in embarrassment, he seemed to be pleased.

Sirius and Remus had gone in together for a gift for her and bought her a complete set of encyclopedias that detailed every aspect of the wizarding world. They were ridiculously expensive and very rare. Only a handful of families had a set in the country. Therefore, Hermione had no qualms about throwing herself at both of the remaining Marauders, hugging them close in her happiness.

The Gryffindor also received numerous joke items from Fred and George, bottlecap earrings from Luna, rock cakes from Hagrid, a particularly pretty skirt from Ginny, and nothing from the elder Weasleys. Even though she had gifted them with a gift certificate to Madam Malkin's, she didn't feel offended. Arthur looked embarrassed, but Hermione shot him a small smile of understanding. This had been just one more way to shun her by his bloody wife.

Harry and Severus had already blown through their gifts and seemed quite pleased with their haul. They weren't even paying attention to her, meticulously going through their gifts so they could catalogue them. Hermione was distracted from their actions by a large eagle owl flying through one of the open windows.

The owl was magnificent, swooping down with unseen grace so it could alight on her shoulder. Hermione was surprised at first, but when she realized that there was a letter with two small boxes attached, she shouldn't have been surprised. Once she had removed the letters and boxes, the owl playfully nipped at her ear lobe before drifting back into the air and out the window from whence he had come. She decided that the letters would be opened first. The first was from Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy.

Miss Riddle,

I understand that you probably don't want to hear from us as we have seriously disrespected you in the past. We don't expect your forgiveness, but civility would be nice since our son finds himself in love with you. If you can't find it in your heart to grant us this, we understand and will seek no further connection.

We hope you enjoy our gift. It brought great happiness to generations past.

Wishing you Good Fortune,

Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

Hermione was leery as to what they would consider to be an appropriate gift so she turned to the gift marked with their name quite warily. When she found no hexes or curses upon it, she opened it quickly under the watchful eye of her friends and family.

It was a necklace, a beautiful piece that was encrusted with diamonds and rubies, obviously chosen to appease her Gryffindor sorting. It was stunning, quite beautiful if she did say so herself, but she didn't know if she would ever wear it. Not at school, anyways. She set the gift aside to find a letter from Draco, which meant that the remaining letter was most likely from her grandfather. She leaned over towards Harry so they could read Draco's letter together.

Harry and Hermione,

I hope this letter finds you well. I loved your gift, thank you so much! The World Cup tickets are quite the commodity and I can only imagine how disgusted you were to buy them (Hermione, anyways). I appreciate them all the same.

Life at Malfoy Manor has been quiet and relaxing until yesterday. Your grandfather had been out of the country until yesterday and he seems very anxious. I've kept out of the way and to myself, dividing my time between homework, quidditch, and my parents. I think I'm able to say that Harry will find me more of an opponent come the new year.

There is something brewing, but I've no idea what. I have a few guesses, just things I've gathered from everything being said around me, but nothing concrete. I'll share my thoughts when I see you both in person.

I know it's only tomorrow, but I miss you both terribly. Hermione, you're the star to my skies while Potter is almost that of a brother. I miss our commeraderie and our jokes, but most of all spending time together. I can't wait until tomorrow.

Anyways, that's enough for now since I'll see you in the morning.

Draco

Hermione rested her head on Harry's shoulder for a few moments after she finished Draco's letter. She missed the blond terribly and she had been counting down the days until he would arrive at Grimmauld Place with Severus. She pulled away with a sigh when she remembered that she needed to read her last letter and open her last gift. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of trepidation when she broke the seal on the letter.

Darling Granddaughter,

I hope this letter finds you well, and comforted in the knowledge that I have missed seeing you since our last meeting.

I have further contemplated your opinions about muggle torture or murder. While I will never admit it to anyone else, I find that your reasoning is quite sound. If I had applied this strategy in the First War, I may never have been cast into the unknowing by a mere infant. I might have swayed the entirety of the Order of the Phoenix to support me. I feel that even Potter Sr. would have agreed to support me if he felt that he could keep his mudblood wife as a token of his loyalty.

I'm ecstatic, sweetling, to have you in my life and by my side. While I know you doubt my sentiments, they are genuine. I have a certain fondness for Severus, I had one for his mother as well, but you are the end of the line, the perfect ending to a well thought out plan. I've never been more happy than when you accepted the olive branch that I offered. Please believe that I will keep my word in regards to your beloved mates.

Until next time, sweetling, enjoy my gift. It is a token that when worn, it will multiply your power, making it doubly as strong. While I have no doubt in the strength of your magic, it can always be made stronger. Please wear it.

Grandfather

Hermione wasn't quite sure what to make of the letter. She hated to catch a glimpse of her grandfather's humanity because it made it so much harder for her to condemn him to the death that he surely deserved. She did truly believe that he hadn't been evil when this whole scenario had began, but since making horcruxes and condoning the rape, torture, and murder of hundreds of muggles and muggleborn alike, his soul had been torn irreparably. He would need to feel remorse for that and she didn't think that he was capable of that emotion.

Hermione passed the letter to Harry so he and Severus could share it. While they read, she opened the token that her grandfather had sent her. It was a beautiful emerald stone caught in a silver band and lined with tiny diamonds. Hermione was the first to admit that it was incredibly beautiful, but she couldn't help but think that it would look entirely out of place on her finger.

Both Harry and Severus were studying the ring from over her shoulder, neither saying a word. Hermione held the ring out to her father, who took it and began casting spells on it. Ginny broke the silence that Hermione hadn't even noticed had fallen.

"Is that from Voldy?" Hermione gave a silent nod.

"Yes, it's a ring that amplifies your power. He wants me to wear it. Merlin, if I do, I'll never need a damn wand." Harry snorted next to her.

"Do you anyways?" She shot him a dirty look.

"You hush, Potter." Ginny leaned closer to study the ring, but didn't dare reach out to touch it.

"I think you should wear it, Hermione. It's beautiful, but it might give you even more power to keep yourself safe." Hermione sighed and nodded, but wasn't quite ready to capitulate.

"I'll consider it."

The room swallowed up her uncertainty in it's loud and constructed chaos. Hermione had always loved Christmas at the Weasleys because it had managed to be loud, loving, and fun at the same time. The twins were plotting pranks on Ronald with Sirius' help while Remus discussed Ministry talk with Arthur and Bill. Charlie took up conversation with Severus about the merits of using dragon scales in certain potions while Harry, Hermione, and Ginny were discussing the plans for the next day.

Severus would be leaving to gather Draco and return him to Headquarters. Surprisingly, Voldemort had not demanded the slip of paper that informed Draco as to the location of the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. Instead, he had waved his hand dismissively when Severus had informed him of their plans telling him that he would gain further trust within the Order if he had the chance to gain the information and didn't.

Luna had plans to join them at Headquarters the next day as well. Hermione was unsure as to whether the rest of the Weasleys aside from the twins and Ron knew of the true relationship between the Ravenclaw and Ginny, but she supposed that the old adage applied. Not her circus, not her monkeys. She would worry about the situation only if it applied to her.

Hermione worried slightly about what Luna would do when she learned of the Order of the Phoenix. While she knew that Luna nor her father supported the evil wizard in any way whatsoever, she doubted that the Ravenclaw knew she was coming to the heart of the rebellion.

The smells of Christmas dinner were wafting through the house, making the house at large drool in anticipation. Hermione would fully admit that while Molly Weasley was a small-minded hag, her cooking was phenomenal and she would find it extremely difficult to find its equal.

They were just sitting down to the meal when Severus hissed and clutched at his left arm, indicating that he had just been summoned. The Weasleys at large seemed to be uncomfortable with the notion, but Hermione knew exactly what he could face on the other end of the beckoning. Therefore, she stood and threw herself into her father's arms.

"Be safe, Dad." He carded his fingers through her curls before kissing her forehead, much to the surprise of everyone at the table. They still seemed so surprised when the older Slytherin showed her any affection whatsoever.

"I will be just fine, sweet one. I have a feeling I know what this is about." Hermione sniffled a single time before pulling away and putting a dignified look on her face.

"Of course. Please let me know when you return no matter how late." He gave her a curt nod before he raised the sleeve of his left arm. Most of the table gasped, but Hermione didn't let it bother her. She knew where her father's true loyalties lie. He pressed his wand to the Dark Mark on his arm and was gone without another word.

Everyone was much quieter after he had left. There was still conversation after he was gone, joking from the twins that lightened the atmosphere. While the Weasleys tried to act as if Severus leaving wasn't a big deal, Harry, Sirius, and Remus knew differently.

Hermione had been so grateful that Sirius and Remus seemed to drop all their animosity with Severus. She knew that none of them liked each other, but they were all civil with each other and seemed to understand that the others cared for Hermione, therefore, they would band together when needed to protect her.

After Christmas dinner, Hermione had joined Harry, Sirius, and Remus in the library so she could watch their wizard's chess tournament with little enthusiasm. Even though she was certain that her grandfather wouldn't kill Severus without an extremely good reason, she worried that he would be tortured for some perceived failure.

It was hours later that Harry finally stood and made to pull Hermione to bed with him. She hesitated for a mere moment before she gave up giving a fuck what Molly Weasley thought about her morals after that night. Harry didn't lead her to his room, but her own.

Once inside, he stripped her of her clothing and made her lie flat on her belly so he could knead her tense and tight muscles. She acquiesced and laid there, enjoying his hands on her skin. He didn't push her for anything further, simply allowing her to lay naked in comfort and enjoy his massaging hands.

It was around ten p.m. that there was a tentative knock on her door. Hermione rose and flung her robe around her shoulders, making sure that it was tied tightly and completely covered her in case it was one of the boys that had needed her presence. In honesty, she was hoping that it was Severus on the other side of her door. When she flung her door open, she squealed in excitement at seeing her father on the other side.

"Daddy, I was so worried!" He chuckled softly as he pulled her in for a quick hug. When he pulled away, he sobered, causing Hermione to do so as well.

"The breakout occurred tonight. There are many things to fear in the future, but my place in the Dark Lord's future isn't one of them."

-O-

Severus fought the urge to kneel before his father when he made it to the end of the walkway through the Malfoy's drawing room. While he loved Draco to no end, he loved his ancestral home far less.

Since he couldn't bear to kneel before his father with so many looking on, Severus slightly bowed his head before moving to stand slightly behind and to the side of his father. Even though he had been livid at the danger that Hermione had placed herself in, he was thankful that she had secured him a spot in the ranks that didn't involve groveling on his knees like a house elf.

Severus could hear the dissention on the ranks at his lack of humility. While he kept silent and acted like he didn't hear, the Dark Lord did not.

"Does someone have a problem with dear Severusss?" One of the lower level Death Eaters stepped forward boldly, probably trying to make a name for himself, and spoke.

"He didn't kneel before you and kiss your robe, my Lord. He has snubbed you and he deserves punishment." The Dark Lord grinned at the Death Eater and Severus couldn't help but feel bad for the uniformed man.

"Severusss is my ssson, he has provided me with a most powerful heir. He has earned the right not to kneel before me and kissss my robes. Perhaps you should kneel before him and kiss his robes." Severus couldn't remember the young man's name, but the unmistakable hatred that flashed through his eyes was only there when he gazed at Severus.

The young man knelt to his knees and gathered Severus' robes in his hands so he could raise it to his lips. While he wanted to claim that he was good enough to not want any part of the power struggle, the Dark Lord grinned knowingly at him and Severus was forced to endure the situation.

Not that the situation was a hardship. Severus was a creature that liked being in control, having power, liked knowing what was going to happen before fact that he enjoyed the Death Eater kissing his robes scared him a little. It was a heady feeling, having people kneel before you. It took quite a bit to calm himself after the man was made to prostrate himself before him. The Dark Lord was speaking as Severus struggled to reign in his innermost desires.

"Tonight, our brothers and sssistersss are going to be free. To lead in my stead will be my son, Severusss. All will obey him as if it were me."

Severus knew the basic plan of what was supposed to happen. The plan that had been laid out by the Dark Lord months before, and he hadn't expected for it to come fruition for another couple months, was apparently to happen tonight. While he felt just a burgeoning sliver of nervousness, he heard the Dark Lord call out to everyone else about their positions.

"Severusss will be stationed just inside the doors, the rest of you will banish the dementors with the special spellssss I'm providing. You'll make your way through the passages and release anyone with my Mark or willing to come to me directly afterward and take it. I no longer care if they're pureblood. My granddaughter has made me realize that while purebloodsss will always be on top, we must value our lower members of sssociety as well." Severus noticed that not many people looked thrilled with his words, but nobody spoke out against him If they weren't scared of the Dark Lord, they were obviously cowed by the threat of Hermione.

It was only minutes later that they were all dismissed, told to apparate to the North Sea so they could sabotage Azkaban. A group of no more than twenty disappeared and then reappeared on the outside of the prison. An actual prison guard rushed forward, wand extended, and met his end with a quick green spell that left Mulciber's wand. As much as Severus hated the loss of life, the less time he spent on this desolate island, the better.

Severus entered the prison first, wand extended and ready to fling a spell at the first shadow to move. He didn't want to hurt anyone, but he was also not foolish enough to believe that this endeavor would occur without anyone wanting to stop it and doing everything in their power to do so.

The dementors came forward and Rowle and Avery stepped forward so they could banish them to whence they came. Severus was relieved; he didn't want to broadcast that he was able to cast a patronus as it was not a common ability for a dark wizard.

The human guards all fell back when they saw the force that had come to ransack their place of employment. They did seem surprised when many of the dementors fell back and didn't even attempt to stop the Death Eaters from raiding the prison.

Lucius stepped forward and gathered three of his brothers and took off for the top level, while Avery did the same for the middle level. Rookwood took the remaining Death Eaters and began to scour the bottom floor for their followers. Severus stood at the entry to the prison, locking it magically from the inside so aurors couldn't enter without him being aware.

They couldn't have been there for more than half an hour. Severus was surprised at exactly how many people had been relieved of their prison terms. There were at least double the amount of people than had arrived at the bleak prison by the sea.

When everyone was gathered at the entrance area, Severus cast a blanket silencing charm around them. He didn't want the guards to be able to hear where they would be traveling to. When he spoke, his tone brooked for no argument.

"We will be traveling to the Dark Lord. Those who aren't already marked will need to make their way to the front poste haste in order to be marked. Those who refuse will meet Mulciber and the business end of his wand." Severus didn't say anything else, just instructed those marked to grab ahold of someone who wasn't so they could all apparate.

While everyone was still pairing up, Severus couldn't help but watch Bellatrix and Rodolphus. He appeared to be calm, doing his best to placate his wife, and Bellatrix was hissing like a fucking snake. Severus was unsure if she was trying to pretend that she could speak with snakes or if she had really lost her mind, but the Slytherin didn't want her fucking up his plans. Besides, he knew she was angry about his role in leading the breakout.

"Bellatrix, quit whispering your sweet nothings in your husband's ear and grasp hold of one of the others. Any problems you have, take them up with the Dark Lord when we return." Severus watched as the maniacal gleam in her eyes changed to one of complete adoration. He had a feeling that Bellatrix was going to be more trouble than she was worth.

As one, the large group of escapees and Death Eaters apparated away, leaving a much-emptier Azkaban in their wake. Severus, who had taken hold of young man round the age of twenty, appeared in the ballroom of Malfoy Manor. The Dark Lord was seated in his throne, Nagini curled around his feet, while Narcissa and Draco played attendance.

Severus was proud. Even though Narcissa looked terrified, Draco appeared to be at ease, carrying a conversation with Voldemort about their Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Even though Draco appeared to be enjoying himself, Severus knew the truth. He could tell by the fine tremble in the boy's hand that he was nervous and counting down the moments until he could escape to his room. That didn't appear to be happening any time soon. His father's voice hissed over the entire group.

"Ssstep forward, new recruitsss, and prepare yourselves for my Mark." There was sheer terror on most of their faces, but all of them bravely stepped forward and allowed the Dark Lord to lay his wand against their arm and burn his image into their skin. Bellatrix was cackling in the background, the sound grating on Severus' nerves.

When the Dark Lord finally finished branding his new followers, he sent them off with several of the lower level Death Eaters to find them a room to recuperate in. Once they had all been shuffled out of the room, his father turned his red eyes to those still remaining. He didn't get the chance to speak before Bellatrix threw herself at his feet.

"My Lord, I knew you would liberate us, you have saved us." She was kissing his feet, her tongue slipping out and caressing the scales. Severus wanted to puke. His father let her prostrate before him for several minutes before he shoved her away from him.

"Enough, Bella. There isss information that those freshly freed mussst have. Make no mistake, for those who don't lissssten, death will meet you."

Severus listened to his father as he told his Death Eaters about his son, his granddaughter, his news views in regards to mudblood and muggles, and their new goals. The newly freed Death Eaters looked mutinous. Bellatrix was screeching as soon as the Dark Lord had quieted.

"That filthy mudblood is not going to be welcome in my sister's home, this is all a ruse, My Lord!" Severus wanted to scold Draco for being so bold, but wanted to applaud him because his aunt was mad as a hatter.

"Actually, Aunt Bella, the home doesn't belong to my mother. It's the ancestral home of the Malfoys. Leave her out of your ravings. Hermione is more than welcome here." The crazed woman swung her gaze to her nephew.

"Hermione? Since when do you call the mudblood by her first name?" His daughter had definitely been a bad influence, though Severus predicted that she would be proud of Draco's behavior. Draco raised his chin and stared down his nose imperiously at his aunt.

"Since I began courting her earlier this year, Potter as well. We're a triad." Bellatrix was almost apoplectic with rage. Her wand whipped up to point in Draco's face and Severus had to admit the kid had stones. He neither flinched nor drew his wand, merely stared hard-faced into his aunt's eyes. Severus was surprised when Lucius stepped forward and laid a hand on his son's shoulder.

"Lower your wand, Bellatrix. Draco is correct, as the Dark Lord's heir, Miss Riddle is welcome in our home at any time. To assume that you make decisions for my House would be folly." Severus kept waiting for his father to step in, but he seemed content to watch the proceedings. Bellatrix was almost frothing at the mouth she was so angry.

"You would condone letting your son impregnate a half-blood, Lucius? You would sully your impeccable breeding with that filth?" It seemed that this was when Voldemort had had enough. His voice was silky as he glared openly at his most loyal supporter.

"My blood would sssully the Malfoy line, Bellatrix? You're saying that having my blood in their family would lower their ssstanding in our world?" Bellatrix seemed to realize just then who she had insulted with her words. She began to stammer out an apology, reassuring her lord that she didn't feel that way at all. The Dark Lord, in all his fury, spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Rest asssssured, Bellatrix, my granddaughter is ten timesss the witch you are. She will carry my line into the next generation. Coupled with Malfoy blood and Potter blood, it will ensure greatnessss." The room around them was silent as Bellatrix whimpered her apologies. The Dark Lord stepped back and turned to Severus.

"Ssshe called your daughter, the light of your life, a filthy mudblood and said that she would ruin the Malfoy bloodline. I'll give you the reward of punishing her for a mosssst excellent job done tonight." Severus really didn't want to do anything to Bellatrix but banish her from his sight, but he knew what was expected of him. He gave a curt nod to his father and raised his own wand to the mad woman.

Her screams echoed through the ballroom as he tortured Bellatrix for a half hour. Everyone remained silent while he did so, none of them able to take their eyes from the scene playing out before them. When he finally decided that he had put on a good enough show, he released her from the torture curse and spoke in a drawl.

"You'll do well to remember that having our blood in your line would only be a boon. Do not forget who rules you again."

Bellatrix moaned and panted on the floor, laying in a puddle of her own piss. While Severus didn't enjoy torturing people, if he had to do so, it was best that it was Bellatrix. She deserved the pain for her many transgressions against humanity. The Dark Lord quietly dismissed everyone aside from Severus, claiming that he was tired from the days exertions. Severus was quick as he pulled Draco to the side.

"Stay in your room for the rest of the night. Lock your door, don't let anyone in unless it's me or your mother. I don't trust the current company you're entertaining in your home. I'll be by tomorrow mid-morning to bring you to Hermione and Potter." Draco didn't say anything, just nodded, but he could see that the man understand why he was telling him these things. Any number of their followers that hadn't seen Hermione's rage in action would feel no remorse in "teaching Draco a lesson".

The blond scampered off behind his father and Severus took a steadying breath before he turned to face his father. Even though he was reasonably sure that his father wouldn't torture him without an extremely good reason, he still got frazzled nerves when he had to face the Dark Lord down.

"Tell me, Severusss, how is Isssabella Rose?" Severus still couldn't get over just how much the man seemed to care for his granddaughter. If he hadn't been an evil dictator, his inquiry would have been normal, but the fact that he was quite evil made the whole scenario surreal.

"She's well, enjoying time with Black and the wolf. She got angry at the youngest Weasley when we first arrived and she told the two of them about her attack and what Dumbledore did to her. They no longer seem to be too excited about following the old fool. They are both quite fond of her, I think they could be swayed to our way of thinking."

His father stroked his chin while he began hissing at the snake at his feet. It was in this moment that Severus wished he had been blessed with the parselmouth gene like his daughter. He briefly wondered if maybe Dumbledore had bound his power when he had discovered all those years ago that Voldemort was his father, but he quickly dismissed the thought. Hermione would have seen it in his mind when she ransacked it and would have informed him at the very least.

"I would like to ssspeak with my granddaughter before I make that decision, Severusss. She seemsss to have an uncanny feeling about how best to go about things. You have quite the daughter, Severusss." He bowed his head in agreement.

"Yes, indeed I do. I never seemed to care for the simpering, vapid beauties that were empty between their ears. I'm very pleased that my offspring is beautiful, powerful, and intelligent." Voldemort nodded, almost as if to himself.

"Indeed. I'm sure young Isssabella worriesss for you. Go to her now and assure her of your safety. Tell her I hope she enjoysss her gift." Severus gave him another nod before turning and leaving the ballroom, his robes billowing behind him.

He had warned Draco so he could keep himself safe, he had to stop by his daughter's room and assure her of his safety and the events of the night, and then fall into bed.

He was exhausted.

-O-

Draco rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hands. While he had been on the receiving end of his father's Cruciatus before, he had never witnessed torture before. His mother had always insisted that he be made to leave the room.

Tonight had been intense. He was going to curse both Harry and Hermione when he next saw them for rubbing their brash lion-like ways on him. Looking back on his outburst, it seemed incredibly foolhardy. He couldn't help the small smile that formed when he realized that the two he was inwardly cursing would cheer on his actions.

Watching Severus hold Bellatrix under the torture curse had been painful to watch. It was plain to Draco that his godfather didn't like torturing the woman, but he was obligated to. If there was one thing that Draco could say about his godfather, it was that he always did what needed to be done.

He couldn't wait til tomorrow morning. It had only been ten days, but it felt like it had been forever since he had seen Hermione and Harry. While he had known going in that he would miss Hermione, he was still surprised that he missed Harry's company as well. He laughed to himself when he thought of the cheesy line in his letter to the two of them that morning. He had hoped that it would make Hermiome feel special.

Draco was dragged from his thoughts by someone beating on his door. He had taken Severus' warning to heart and had locked his door twice since he wasn't able to do so magically. He decided to play like he was asleep and not answer, hoping that whoever was on the other side would take the hint and leave.

Draco should have known better than to hope, however. The door blew inward quite dramatically since it didn't seem to actually damage the door itself. His Aunt Bellatrix was standing before him, eyes wild and hair growing bigger the angrier she seemed to become. She waved her wand at the door and not only did it close, it locked. Draco tried not to gulp in dread.

"Hello, nephew. I'm here because you need some lessons about having proper pureblood pride in your bloodline. Shall we begin?"

Draco could only hope she didn't kill him.

A/N- And a cliffy! I'm so sorry guys (actually I'm not!) but I promise to start the new chapter tomorrow. Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter...leave me your thoughts, they make me smile.

To everyone who voted for me in Hermione's Haven awards, again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Next chapter, Hermione takes on Bellatrix!

Love,

Alicia