A/N- Most of you seemed to enjoy the last chapter which happily surprises me. I can't help but feel that I'm terrible at action scenes but you all keep urging me on. Thank you for that, I appreciate it more than I can say. To everyone out there that is still favoriting and following, thank you. To those out there that review every single chapter, you're the reason that this story continues. Your reviews keep me going and I love it. I'm going to end this now and get on with the chapter, though I don't see it being as long as my usual chapters. We shall see!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything about this story except for my personal twist on the plot. Every trope of this story has been done numerous times before, probably much better too. I haven't made any money from my stories and everything original in this story belongs to J.K.R.
Chapter 35
February 16, 1996
Albus waited impatiently for Poppy to make her way to his side so she could release him. She had fed him potion after potion the day before making sure that he wouldn't die before the poison from the stinger of the scorpion could kill him. He understood that he had come close to death but that didn't make him feel better. He was Albus Dumbledore and the world thought that he was infallible. The fact that he had been taken down by a manticore when Severus Snape had not was embarrassing.
Albus knew that he was losing control of the war effort. Hermione was clearly the one in charge and everyone had made it completely clear that they would back her. Severus, Harry, Mr. Malfoy, and Albus even suspected the elder Mr. Malfoy. He cursed the fact that he couldn't keep the little bitch out his mind. Her powers were clearly superior to his own and that was a new feeling for him. The fact that she knew every single secret that he had ever hidden made him want to damage something, to cause something pain. This wasn't a normal feeling for Albus and it scared him to death.
He was a light wizard, everyone knew that. He had dabbled in his youth but when he saw what the outcome was for his young lover, he had quickly abandoned the darkness for favor of the light. He was scared to death that Hermione was going to do the opposite and abandon the light for the dark. He could already see so many traits in her that would easily turn dark; it was the love in her heart that kept her on their side, nothing more. While Albus didn't completely believe in fate, he did believe in genetics. According to that belief, Hermione and Severus both had the inclination to dark magic and it wouldn't take much to turn them.
It was this fact that kept Albus from telling them both to piss off. It had been much better when Hermione hadn't been aware of who she was, and Severus had been blissfully ignorant as to the whereabouts of his daughter. Since they had discovered the truth, Albus had done nothing but lose face and lose his power over them.
It wasn't as if he was power hungry. He would have been welcomed to run as the Minister of Magic. He most likely would have won since he appeared to be the quintessential grandfather to everyone. He hadn't wanted that. He had wanted to shape young children to follow his footsteps, to fight the evil in the world. While he knew it was wrong, he couldn't help but revel in the fact that most of the house of Gryffindor followed him blindly, never asking questions.
Until Hermione fucking Riddle.
While his first inclination was to bribe the girl, he knew that it would never work. Her moral compass was entirely too straight to consider things that he would offer, that was why she didn't want to join her grandfather. This left him with no other options but to go along with what she wanted. If he didn't she would tell everyone just what he had done in his life and that was the last thing that he wanted. Madam Pomfrey finally approached, a final potion clutched between her fingers.
"Here's a pepper-up potion. I've given it to all of you since I have the feeling that this going to be a long day." Albus wanted to tell her that she had no idea, but he didn't. He knew that Hermione Riddle was going to tell everyone everything and that meant that there would be many judgy looks from all his peers, especially the ones that were planted firmly on the side of the light. He felt that he still belonged on the side of the light, but it was true that he was tarnished.
The Headmaster drank the potion down and watched his counterparts. Hermione, Harry, and Mr. Malfoy seemed to instantly gain energy, talking loudly of the upcoming meeting. Severus perked up as well but didn't seem near as energetic. Albus could only hope that the dark-haired man kept his cool as Albus was. While Albus knew that Hermione was by far the most powerful of them all, her loyalty was to Severus and she would follow his lead. If he left the Order of the Phoenix, Hermione, Harry, and Draco would follow without a doubt.
Madam Pomfrey finally announced loudly that they were all free to go. Dumbledore was still surprised that Hermione was being sent on her way when she had been so close to death the night before. Albus knew that they had all assumed that he was unconscious but that couldn't have been further from the truth. He had simply been hoping that they would say something incriminating while they thought that he was asleep. He needed to turn the tables on the young Miss Riddle and he knew that wasn't going to happen unless he had information to blackmail her with as well.
He had heard nothing of consequence, however. All that had happened was since he was unavailable, Minerva had turned to Hermione and demanded answers. The stupid girl had promised them and when he had told her that that wasn't happening, she had added even more people to the list of people that were going to know the truth about what they were doing. Albus was certain that he would have several people angry with him by the end of the meeting. He was just going to have to convince everyone that his actions were warranted and there was no other way.
He watched the trio leave the Hospital Wing, both boys had their arms wrapped tightly around Hermione's waist. Albus tried to keep the animosity and hatred off his face as he watched them but when he glanced Severus' way, he knew that he had failed. His ever-faithful spy narrowed his eyes at Albus and went to his feet, so he could stalk over to the bed that Albus was resting on. He wasn't surprised when the Slytherin threatened him.
"If anything happens to my daughter, I want you to know that she has given me copies of the memories where she invaded your mind. I haven't watched them but if something happens to her and it makes me think that it's your fault, I'll send them on to Kingsley. If he won't do anything about them, I'll have my pureblood contacts get angry. You know they would love for a reason to throw you in Azkaban." Albus tried to put his grandfatherly look on to soothe the man. How could he think that he would do something to the one person that would win them the war?
"Now, Severus, I would never do anything to your daughter. She's the only way we're going to win this war." His spy raised a single eyebrow at him as if he didn't believe him.
"That's not what your face says. You've been warned. If anything happens to her, I won't stop until you're in prison. If anything happens to me, you know that she'll be the one that you answer to." Albus didn't even get a chance to speak again before the potion's master turned on his heel and stormed out of the room. Albus could do nothing other than curse himself.
There was nothing he could now do about Severus or Hermione without landing himself in even more trouble. If he did anything to Hermione, Severus wouldn't stop until he was in Azkaban. If he did anything to Severus, Hermione would surely kill him. He didn't want to harm either one of them, he simply wanted to be in control again.
Albus sighed as he rose from his seat. This situation required much thought. It was clear that he couldn't do anything rash. He took his leave of the Hospital Wing and made his way through the corridors to his office. He knew that the members Hermione had requested would be there after breakfast, so he needed to prepare.
It was extremely embarrassing that he was supposed to be the greatest wizard alive and he had been the first to fall the night before. Granted, it wasn't a surprise for someone to fall to a manticore, but he hadn't liked being saved by the son of the Dark Lord. Albus hadn't even seen the stinger that caught him in the thigh. Being saved was embarrassing.
He finally reached his office and settled behind his chair, hands steepled underneath his chin. Poppy had told him that he needed to go to breakfast but his time would be better spent here thinking.
After all, it would take deep thought to get him out of the corner he was backed into. There was nothing that he could do about today, he had already accepted that, but he would have to consider his options for the future.
He would come up with something.
-O-
Severus stalked through the corridors, seething at what he had seen on the Headmaster's face. No, he was sure that he didn't want to hurt either one of them if he didn't have to but if he felt that it was necessary to come out on top, Severus had no doubts that Albus would harm his daughter. He had taken her from him once before and he could guarantee that it wouldn't happen again.
Severus really wanted to go to breakfast but he was in desperate need of a shower and clean clothes, especially if they were going to be meeting other Order members. Students gave him odd looks as they passed, and he could only assume that it was because his robes were covered in his daughter's blood. They shouldn't have been able to tell the difference since he wore black so maybe it was the general unkempt look about him.
Severus muttered his password when he reached his quarters, breezing through the door quickly. He was starving so he wanted to shower quickly. He usually didn't use magic to undress but today was a different story. He waved his wand at his clothing as he walked through his sitting room towards his bathroom. All the tiny buttons popped open and he shrugged out of his frock coat and robes, letting them drop to the floor in his room.
Once he was naked, Severus stepped into the shower, reveling in the hot water pouring over him. After lathering his hair and body, he inspected the wound left on his shoulder from the manticore. It was a perfect circle, no wider than half his finger length. He had taken the scar potion, so it had faded considerably but it was still there. He supposed that in the long run it didn't matter. His body was already covered in scars from his service to the Dark Lord.
Severus got out of the shower and waved his wand over himself, drying his hair and body. He usually wasn't so reliant on magic, but it helped when he was in a hurry. He dressed quickly in his usual clothing, trousers and shirt, teaching robes, and then a frock coat. Only fifteen minutes had passed by the time that he was ready to make his way to the Great Hall.
He left his quarters and hadn't made it down the corridor when the bane of his existence turned the corner, clearly coming to his quarters. The woman dressed in pink gave him a simpering smile as she reached out and tried to take his hand in hers.
"Severus, I was just coming to find you since you were late to breakfast. I thought that perhaps we could go together." Severus shuddered at the sight of her and jerked his hand out of her reach. He did his best to keep calm, if he showed emotion, the toad would use it against him.
"I'm a grown man, Madam Umbridge, I don't require an escort." The hag gave him a soft smile and stepped closer. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to move away but he refused to show weakness.
"I know you are, Severus, I just thought that you might want some company. I can be very accommodating." Severus fought the urge to vomit.
His taste in women had always leaned to the girl next door type. Lily had fit the description perfectly and even though Alexandra had been far more sophisticated and high-maintenance, she also had the sweet and innocent demeanor that he liked. Dolores Umbridge was the furthest thing from his type that he could think of.
"I don't know how many times I have to tell you, Madam Umbridge, this is a school. I refuse to flaunt any sort of affair in front of these students. They're hormonal enough as it is." He was expecting an argument, more sweet words to try and sway him to use her body. He was surprised by what happened next.
Dolores Umbridge rushed him. One hand tangled in his hair and jerked his head down to her level, the other hand fondled his cock roughly through his clothing. Her mouth attacked his, her lips dry against his, her tongue thrust in his mouth and stroking his. Her other hand was stroking his thick length and as much as he willed it not to, his traitorous appendage twitched and hardened.
For half a second, Severus considered fucking her like she wanted. It had been months since his last encounter with a woman. He ached for release but knew that he could never fuck Umbridge. It was true that the other Death Eaters would have been thrilled to have her so willing, but all Severus could see was the betrayal in his daughter's eyes if he did. This hag was hurting her friends. This brought all the blood from his cock rushing to his head and he was suddenly filled with righteous anger.
He knew that he needed to play the part of the Death Eater lest she tell the wrong person. Therefore, he felt no remorse when he reached up and tangled his hand in her hair, so he could jerk her away from him. Rather than scaring her away from him, she grinned and licked her lips. It was very clear that she was enjoying herself. Even though he didn't believe in violence against women, it was clear that he was going to have to do something drastic. He reared back his hand and slapped her as hard as he could across her cheekbone. He knew for a fact that it would bruise. Umbridge fell to the floor, dust covering her bright pink robes, clutching her hand over her face. Severus felt terrible when she looked up at him, fear in her eyes, and blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. However, he had a part to play.
"Do not ever touch me again. If you think I'm going to fuck you, you are sorely mistaken. I already have an heir and if I want company it would be simple for me to find someone that was willing. From now on, you do not speak to me unless it is regarding my daughter and her performance in your class." The woman on the ground gave a meek nod so Severus straightened his robes, brushed his hair back, and stalked off toward the Great Hall, leaving her there on the floor.
Severus hurried to the Great Hall, eager to eat breakfast. He hadn't eaten since the day before at breakfast; there had been too much going on and once they were back in the Hospital Wing, he had been too wracked with anxiety about Hermione's condition that he couldn't have ate if he had wanted to. When he entered the Great Hall, he could see that his daughter and her two mates were present, all three of them eating heartily. Minerva was in her usual spot next to Albus' seat but the Headmaster was noticeably absent.
Severus took his seat and was thrilled when Septima Vector came in late and took the seat next to him. While the seats at the High Table weren't assigned, none of the professors switched their seats around. He glanced at the Arithmancy professor out of the corner of his eye and found her to be grinning at him.
"I thought that I'd help you out. Nobody has missed how much Umbridge wants in your pants." Severus glared at her, but she paid him no mind. In fact, she started laughing.
"Your glare may work on the students, but it doesn't work on me. I'm not scared of you, so you might as well just thank me for saving you from the dirty hag." Severus finally gave her a nod as he turned back to his meal.
"I thank you. She's getting out of control. I'm not sure what else to do outside of telling her to fuck off in front of everyone." Severus smiled inwardly. He had just taken care of his problem with Umbridge.
The pair talked amongst themselves about nothing important while they ate their meal. Severus noticed that Minerva wasn't eating much. He wasn't surprised really. She had always been a lioness when it came to her cubs and she most certainly considered at least Potter and Hermione her cubs. Possibly Draco now as well since he was spending so much time with the lions.
His eyes found his daughter and noticed that she had finished eating. She was waiting quietly on both the boys and Severus couldn't help but notice that she looked nervous. His mind returned to the night before when he had talked to Hermione about why she had thrown herself in front of a minotaur for him. He had been livid at the time, angry beyond words that she would endanger herself like that. Looking back, he was touched that she didn't want to lose him either despite his harsh treatment of her the night before.
He felt terrible about how he had treated her at detention. Severus should have listened to her explanation, but he had been too angry. He also hadn't realized that she had been bullied to the extent that she was either. He smiled to himself once more when he thought about Miss Brown spending two detentions with him in the next week; Severus was going to make her life a living hell for what she had done to his little girl.
Once he had eaten his fill, Severus gave a nod to Septima before he left the table. Minerva watched him leave and he knew that she would be following him in only a few minutes. His daughter and her two mates were already gone so he wasted no time in heading to the Headmaster's office. The griffin leapt out of the way and Severus was able to ascend the stairs that would lead him to his daughter and the Headmaster.
Severus didn't bother knocking at the door at the top of the stairs. Albus would know that he was there anyways. He walked in and found Hermione, Potter, and Draco on the couch, all three of them with solemn expressions on their faces. Moody and Kingsley were both in armchairs next to the fire while Arthur wandered around the office looking at all the useless trinkets that the Headmaster had decorated his office with. Black and the wolf were perched together on the love seat next to the couch talking quietly between themselves. Albus stood and began conjuring more seating before the fire. Severus took one half of the loveseat he created while Albus and Arthur took the arm chairs. The Headmaster was about to speak when there was a knock at the door. Minerva strolled through the door and wasted no time in taking the seat next to Severus. The Headmaster cleared his throat.
"I want you all to know that I don't agree with sharing this information. The more people that know about this, the greater the chance of the information being leaked. Hermione, however, feels differently and has called this meeting." Moody snorted.
"You do what students want now, Albus?" Severus really wanted to smirk at the Headmaster's discomfort, but he didn't. Albus gave a sharp nod.
"This one I do." Severus snorted now. It had nothing to do with who Hermione was and that was exactly how everyone was going to take his statement. Albus was giving her her way because he didn't want his secrets exposed to the world. Everyone's curiosity was piqued. Albus motioned towards Hermione.
"I feel that Miss Granger should do most of the explaining. This is her story after all." All eyes turned to Hermione and he could see that she was angry at the Headmaster for putting her on the spot. Harry laid an arm around her shoulders and Draco rubbed her thigh reassuringly.
"As you all know, my parents were killed this past summer. I tried to donate an organ to my mother to save her life, but I wasn't a match. They told me that I was adopted. My mother swore to me before she died that I wasn't. After I was brought to Grim Place, I decided to ask Professor Snape to brew me a paternity potion. He agreed." She took a deep breath before she continued.
"The results weren't what I was expecting. It listed my mother as Alexandra Nott and my father as Severus Snape." Hermione paused to let the surprised shouts quiet. Truthfully, though, Kingsley and Moody were the only ones present that didn't already know that. Moody finally quieted enough to question her.
"You're the missing Nott child?" Hermione nodded.
"I think the next part of this story needs to be told by my father." Severus mock-glared at his daughter which made her grin. Severus wanted to wink at her, make her laugh further, but he didn't dare. Not in present company. It was odd to realize that out of everyone present, he would have been the most comfortable showing affection to his daughter in front of Black and the wolf.
"We all know that I was a true Death Eater for a time before I turned spy. Voldemort ordered me to bed Alexandra and impregnate her with my child. I wasn't made privy to the reason behind it, at the time I was just excited to shag a beautiful witch. Hermione was conceived, and the Dark Lord was thrilled. He ordered the best care for Alexandra once she announced her pregnancy and insisted on the best care for Hermione once she was born." Severus hated this part.
"A month before Hermione was born, I realized that the Dark Lord was obsessed with my child. I went to Dumbledore and begged to switch sides, begged him to help me get out. I told him everything that I knew. I told him of Hermione's existence and that she would have to come with me. Albus wanted me to spy instead. I agreed for my daughter." He took a deep breath and just dove in.
"Hermione wasn't even a month old when Albus called me to him. He told me that he was going to have to take her. He wouldn't tell me why, but he swore to me that he would place her with a loving family. The next thing I knew, my daughter was gone, I was stuck as a spy, and the Dark Lord was livid." He made eye contact with his daughter and gestured for her to continue and Severus was grateful. He hated exposing his weakness in front of others but there was nothing that he could do about it. Hermione sighed again.
"I woke up in the Hospital Wing the next morning and realized that I had black hair and blue eyes. I was scared, unsure of what exactly had happened to me. My father and the Headmaster came in and told me the story you just heard. The Headmaster also informed us that there were two prophecies that applied to Harry and me. I'm sure that he could recite them for you better than I could." Everyone turned to look at the Headmaster and he looked uncomfortable. The wizened wizard stroked his beard before he began.
"You are all aware of the prophecy regarding Harry. It states that either he or Voldemort must die, and it must be at the hands of the other. The other prophecy was made in my presence as well, as well as Voldemort's. He was only a student then and the student that was serving with him at the time was a fledgling Seer. At the time, I wasn't aware of what Tom Riddle would become but once the war began the first time it was clear." Dumbledore cleared his throat before he began.
"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." Severus waited to see who would connect the dots since they hadn't told everyone that he was the Dark Lord's son. It was Moody that made the deduction first.
"Please tell me that you aren't the psychotic bastard's son." His tone was menacing but Severus didn't let it bother him.
"I wasn't aware until our little meeting with the Headmaster. Apparently, I had made the paternity potion in my school years and when the true results appeared, the Headmaster saw them. He cleared away the potion and altered my memories to make me believe that my stepfather was my real father." Moody was about to open his mouth and speak again but Kingsley beat him to it.
"Hermione is the granddaughter of the Dark Lord and has more power than anyone since the founders?" Severus nodded, and Moody couldn't keep quiet.
"Bullshit, she's a fifth year. There is no way that she is the strongest witch since the founders. I'm not saying the girl isn't smart, but I've seen her use magic. It isn't extraordinary." Hermione looked offended and Severus wanted to smirk. If the old auror didn't watch it, she would give him a show and he had a feeling that it wouldn't be pleasant.
"I suppose we forgot to mention that when the Headmaster placed me with the Grangers, he cast a glamour on me and bound my magic. When my magic reacted to Ronald attacking me, it broke through everything. I guarantee I have more power than you, Moody." It wasn't her words that were lacking respect, it was her tone. Everyone was silent since they rarely heard Hermione speak like that to her elders. Severus wanted to rub his hands together and grin. Moody had always hated him and did his best to make his life hell. Kingsley spoke again though.
"You bound her magic, Albus? You know that's illegal. It can land you in Azkaban." The Headmaster nodded.
"I'm aware. I also did what I had to do. If she had shown her true level of power, it would have alerted the Dark Lord to her identity. The fact that he knows now isn't ideal but we're doing what we have to." Sirius and Remus were surprisingly silent while Minerva seemed to be processing their words. Moody spoke again.
"I should have known you would be related to that bastard, you always liked your role as spy far too much." Severus had lost track of how many times Moody had attacked him through the years. He was surprised, however, when the auror was thrown back against the seat of his chair and was struggling to catch his breath. His hands were clawing at his throat but there was nothing there choking him. Severus turned his gaze to his daughter and saw her face was clouded with fury. Kingsley was trying to help the man while the rest of them just watched in surprised silence. Severus decided to step in.
"Sweet, you don't have to. I've lost count of how many times Alastor has accused me of enjoying my time as a Death Eater. Let him go so we can continue. There are still many things to cover." Hermione glanced at him for a moment before she tilted her head to the side and released whatever spell she was using on the old auror. Severus knew she was the Dark Lord's granddaughter at the moment, not affable Hermione Granger.
"You will keep a civil tongue in your head or I will obliviate you and make sure that you are seen out of the school. Don't toy with me." The rest of the room was silent, and it was clear that they were surprised. Draco leaned over and kissed the side of her head while Harry pulled on one of her curls softly.
"Let's continue." Hermione took a deep breath and gestured for Severus to take over.
"Everyone could see that her glamour had lifted, and it was only going to be a matter of time before the Slytherins told their parents. Albus and I decided to tell the Dark Lord exactly who she was. To say that he was pleased would be an understatement. He demanded that I bring her before him." Hermione jumped in and saved him from speaking anymore.
"I went before him and refused to bow before him. He was amused. He offered me a place at his side and told me that he would put out an order for my two mates to remain unharmed." Hermione gestured to the two boys at her side. Hermione caught sight of the disbelieving looks from everyone involved. Sirius and Remus were whispering quietly next to him and Severus was happy he had already told the men all this. He didn't want to imagine the fight that would have broken out if they had been kept in the dark this long.
"Yes, I listened to him tell his followers that neither Harry or Draco were to be harmed. I made my point when I almost killed Thorfinn Rowle for saying that he would kill Harry." Minerva gasped but the others remained silent.
"My father began training us in occlumency since we would all three be required to go before my grandfather. The Headmaster told us that there were things that we needed to know and do before we could kill Voldemort. We trained for a couple months, mastering the skill quickly. I also picked up legilimency. The three of us went before the Dark Lord and his followers and he announced again that the boys weren't to be harmed. I agreed to his terms, joining his side in exchange for the safety of my mates. My power was further proven when Thoros Nott tried to curse me, but Draco stepped between the curse and myself. I was able to heal him, and I made sure that Nott will never cross me again." It was Minerva that spoke.
"Did you kill him?" Hermione gave her professor a soft smile.
"No, he just wished that he was dead. It was Bellatrix that I killed." Everyone but Sirius and Remus began talking loudly. Albus held his hands up and tried to quiet them. It took several minutes before they finally quieted enough for Albus to motion for Hermione to continue.
"Draco was to come to Grim Place the day after Christmas. The Death Eaters were broken out of Azkaban on Christmas Day and were promptly told who I was and that there was a no touch order on myself, Harry, and Draco. Bellatrix sneaked into Draco's room that night and tortured him all night long. She whipped him, used the Cruciatus on him, cut him open, many unspeakable things. I knew that something was wrong, so I went with my father to retrieve him. I found her torturing him. I won't go into details, but she suffered greatly before she died. Nobody touches my mates." Severus could see that the conversation was affecting his daughter, so he took over.
"I was fighting Dolohov and both Lestranges at the time that she was with Bellatrix. Dolohov made it through me and sent a curse towards Draco. Hermione stepped in front of him and took the curse. The Dark Lord and Lucius appeared and immobilized the wizards while I brought Hermione and Draco back to Grim Place. Poppy did her best and I provided the potions that the Dark Lord said that she would need. We barely saved her. I went back and made an example of Dolohov." The room was silent, but Severus wasn't going to be the one to tell them about the horcruxes. After several minutes passing by without anyone speaking, Minerva broke the silence.
"I understand that the two of you did what you had to do, but how does this affect what I saw last night?" Severus was unsure if she referred to the injuries or the fact that Harry and Draco healed Hermione. He decided that he would explain the healing.
"When Draco was hit by Nott's curse, he and Hermione were able to heal Draco by joining their power and flooding him with their magic. The two boys did the same thing for Hermione when she was cursed by Dolohov. Hermione was able to heal them both by herself when the pair of them almost drowned with the Headmaster. They simply healed her last night like they had before." Hermione didn't give anyone a chance to question him before she jumped in the conversation.
"The three of us learned occlumency so the Headmaster could tell us how to kill my grandfather. He told us that Tom Riddle made horcruxes, six of them to be exact." The shocked looks on the faces of those in the room didn't make Severus want to smile. He remembered being just as horrified. Moody was the one that broke the silence.
"That's impossible. That's the darkest of magic and it would be near impossible to rip your soul that many times and not die." Hermione gave him a serious look.
"Believe it. We've already destroyed four of the six." Surprisingly, it was Arthur that spoke.
"That's how Harry and Draco were injured over the holidays." Hermione smiled his way and nodded.
"Yes. The first horcrux destroyed was the diary of Tom Riddle, the one that possessed Ginny her first year. The second was Slytherin's locket that the two boys went with Dumbledore to retrieve. They were attacked by inferi, forced to bring it home only to realize that it was a fake. Regulas Black had found the cave and stolen the real horcrux and gave it to Kreacher. He gave it to us and we destroyed it at Grim Place." His daughter heaved a sigh before continuing.
"Once we returned to school, Lucius came and retrieved us, so we could go to Gringotts. Draco was Bellatrix's heir and he had to take care of her vault. While we were there, we entered her vault and Harry alerted us to the fact that he could feel a horcrux in the vault. We took it without telling anyone and brought it back here to destroy. I should also tell you all that Lucius wants out and has been passing information to us when he can." Moody was much more respectful when he burst out in anger.
"You can't possibly believe him. He's trying to gain your favor, so he can spy on you. Please tell me you didn't tell him anything." Hermione looked affronted.
"Of course, I didn't tell him anything, I'm not fucking stupid. I also know that Lucius isn't stupid either. He's going to back the winning horse and at the moment, that's me. The prophecy speaks of how powerful my children will be. Lucius has always wanted power. Why would he try to kill me when his son will be the father to said children?" Nobody spoke so Hermione took that to mean that she should continue.
"Lucius is the one who passed the information that led us to the next horcrux. He heard the Dark Lord talking about protections sent to his old family home and contacted Severus. He knew that the Headmaster wouldn't believe the information because of where it came from so he lied to him. My father, Dumbledore, Harry, Draco, and I went to the house that belonged to the Gaunts." Hermione took a hand and raked it through her curls, clearly agitated.
"We entered the shack and didn't see anything. The second that Harry stepped into the kitchen, a manticore appeared and my father and the Headmaster were fighting it. Draco walked into the kitchen before me and the second he entered a minotaur appeared. There was no way that I could leave the pair of them to battle two beasts of that magnitude.
The pair of them continued to fight the manticore and once Dumbledore was stung, it was just my dad. He conjured a dagger and stabbed it in the throat but was stung in the shoulder. I went to him and when the minotaur started to charge I figured that his idea was the best there was. I transfigured my wand into a dagger and drove it up through the minotaur's chin and through his brain. He flung his head one last time and gored me in the abdomen." Kingsley didn't wait a second to speak.
"You transfigured your wand? How was the ministry not notified of underage magic?" Hermione smirked at the fact that she had just told them that she had killed a minotaur and been gored, and underage magic is what he was worried about.
"The Ministry can't track wandless magic." Kingsley's mouth dropped open.
"You transfigured your wand wandlessly?" Hermione openly laughed now.
"I fought the minotaur wandlessly. I'm very gifted at transfiguration." Both Moody and Kingsley looked at her in disbelief. With a wave of her hand, Hermione turned herself into a lioness, stretching out across both of her boys so they could rub her. Minerva started clapping, a wide smile on her face, pride shining in his eyes. After a minute, Hermione turned herself back into human body. Minerva finished clapping.
"Wonderful, Miss Granger, simply wonderful." Hermione gave her favorite professor a nod of thanks before turning to Kingsley.
"Doubt me now?" He rubbed a hand over his bald head as he spoke.
"That's amazing, Hermione. That isn't taught until seventh year and most students can't accomplish it." Hermione shrugged one of her shoulders.
"I've always been good at the subject, just better now that my magic isn't bound." Moody growled at the Headmaster.
"I can't believe you kept something of this magnitude from us. You shouldn't have been taking students with you to find horcruxes." Severus had been waiting for it but when it happened he was still surprised. Minerva jumped to her feet and launched herself at Albus. She only managed one hit, but the slap across his face rocked his head to the other side.
"How dare you put those three in danger? You should have told us all of this, so we could help you. I understand that Hermione has her own dangerous part to play in this war, as well as Mr. Potter, but you shouldn't increase the danger they're in, that makes you no different than Voldemort." Kingsley had stood, and his arms wrapped around Minerva's waist, pulling her away from the Headmaster. Severus couldn't help but be disappointed. Albus really did deserve it. Hermione had almost died because he was too stubborn to tell Minerva. Once she was wrestled back into her seat, panting and red-faced, Moody spoke.
"Do we know where the other horcruxes are?" Albus shook his head, a bright red handprint vivid on his cheek.
"I think that his pet snake is one of them, but we have no intel on the other." Hermione looked contemplative before she decided to speak.
"So far, his horcruxes have been items that mean something, not random everyday things. The first was his personal diary from his school days. The second was a locket belonging to Salazar Slytherin. The third was Hufflepuff's cup and the fourth was the Gaunt family ring. Since we have the Sword of Gryffindor, I would assume that the remaining horcrux would be an item that belonged to Rowena Ravenclaw." Minerva nodded excitedly.
"I agree, possibly her diadem?" Severus shook his head.
"It can't be, it's been lost through the ages." Hermione shook her head.
"Everyone thought that Hufflepuff's cup was lost as well. I think that Grandfather found it." Draco spoke for the first time.
"Where in the bloody hell could it be?" The room was silent for a time before Hermione spoke once more.
"Let's reason this out. The first horcrux was the diary and he left it in the possession of Lucius Malfoy. The Malfoy family represented everything that a young Tom Riddle wanted in the world. Power, wealth, prestige. Not to mention someone that idolized him at the time. The second horcrux was found in a cave off the coast. Dumbledore has told us that it was the site of his first muggle torture when he was only a child. That place would naturally be special to him. The third was in Bellatrix's vault at Gringotts. Gringotts represents where every successful witch or wizard keeps their money. You aren't magical if you don't have a Gringotts vault. The fourth was found in the Gaunt family home, where his uncle, mother, and grandfather had resided. Another place that was important to him. I think we need to figure out another place that meant a lot to him and look there." Everyone appeared to be contemplating her words. Severus had to admit that it was sound logic but for the life of him he couldn't think of anywhere that would be special to his father. It was Potter that broke the silence.
"Voldemort was an orphan. Speaking as an orphan myself, I never felt like I belonged until I came to Hogwarts. Are you sure that there isn't one in the school?" Severus knew that he agreed with Potter the second he had said it. Hermione's eyes widened comically, and she hit herself in the forehead.
"Of course, it makes complete sense." Albus held his hands up and stalled them.
"I would feel the presence of the dark magic involved in making a horcrux. I've been here for decades and I've never felt anything like that." Hermione seemed truly stumped at his words. Sirius spoke this time.
"We'll just have to think about other places that are important to the crazy bugger." Severus wanted to grin and add his own comment but refrained. He didn't want the others to think that he had gone soft. The room went silent once again for a time before Albus spoke.
"Perhaps we should adjourn this meeting for now. We can all think on it and reconvene with ideas later." Severus nodded. Moody spoke next, surprising Severus.
"I think we should dismiss the children and have an adult conversation." Severus could see that all three teens looked offended, but he didn't care. His feelings were finally being vindicated and his daughter would be out of harm's way. The three teens stood and shared a quiet conversation with Sirius and Remus. Hermione hugged the pair of them before turning his way. She glared at him.
"Don't look so smug about finally getting your way. You know I did this." Severus burst out in laughter and pulled her into a hug, ignoring the stares that were being sent his way.
"It is your fault and I appreciate it, sweet." She leaned on her tip toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Severus ran his hand down the length of her ebony curls before sending her and her mates on their way. Once the teens were out of the way, Moody turned to Albus, expression hard.
"You've admitted to a lot of illegal activity today, Albus. Kidnapping, hiding the identity of a child, binding her magic, those are just the beginning. Endangering those children is not acceptable. I understand that they must do what they must do, but they're sixteen. Let them be sixteen until it just isn't possible anymore." Albus didn't even get a chance to speak before Kingsley did.
"If I hear of you mistreating any of them for any reason, I will call in a full ministry inquisition. For the record, if anything happens to Hermione, it will be you that I investigate. I know that you aren't listening to that girl because of her parentage, otherwise you would have been listening to Malfoy ages ago. She has something on you and rather than just tell everyone, she's going to use it against you. I'm warning you, go public with whatever it is that she's hiding. She has Slytherin in her blood. She'll never stop using it to her advantage. Speaking as a Slytherin myself, if you will." Minerva promised everyone there.
"I will keep a close eye on the three of them. I know that Severus does a fine job but an extra set of eyes on the three of them couldn't hurt. I would hate to see Hermione turn to the dark because someone hurt or killed either of her mates. The prophecy said that it could go either way." This thought seemed to sober them all. Severus knew that while he would be safe if his daughter went dark, he couldn't say with certainty that many people would be. Moody spoke again.
"Let's not give the girl a reason to go dark. She seems more than happy to bring about the downfall of her grandfather, let's keep it that way." For once, Severus agreed with the aged auror.
There were a few more pleasantries exchanged but their meeting ended quickly. Severus wasn't about to complain. He had marking to do and the detention of Miss Brown to oversee. Minerva caught him outside the office and laid a hand on his arm.
"I see why you didn't tell anyone. Thank you for trusting me with this information." Severus felt that he would be remiss if he didn't warm her.
"Keep your eye to Albus, Minerva. When we left the Hospital Wing I could see that he wanted to hurt my daughter." Minerva looked quite distressed.
"I want to know what she has on him. It has to be big for him to agree to telling us all his deepest, darkest secret." Severus snorted.
"Trust me, that was far from his deepest secret." Her eyes widened so he relented.
"He made me swear an Unbreakable Vow to spy for him. When Hermione broke into his mind, she saw it and made him release me. He is also aware that Potter's relatives abuse him. He knew that Sirius was innocent of turning the Potter's into the Dark Lord. She demanded that Albus get Black reinstated into polite society, that's the real reason that he came forward to the Ministry. There is more but she hasn't told me. From small things she's said, I think that he had to bribe people to become Headmaster here." Minerva's eyes clouded over.
"He knew that Sirius was innocent?" Severus nodded.
"I watched as she broke into his mind and then demanded that he free him. She told him that she would expose every dark and dirty secret he had if he didn't release Sirius, get Potter away from the Dursley's, and release me from my Vow." Minerva shook her head sadly.
"I thought I knew him. I looked up to him. Who knew that it was all a huge lie?" Severus didn't say anything. He laid a hand on the older woman's shoulder and gave her a sympathetic look.
"You're involved now. Keep an eye on all three of them when I'm not around." She gave a sad nod before turning and making her way down the corridor.
Severus could only shake his head. There was nothing else that he could do about the situation therefore he put one foot in front of the other and headed for the dungeons, so he could grade more essays
-O-
Hemione was slightly miffed that they had been sent on their way, so the adults could talk after they left. She had stewed for several minutes until Draco had pointed out that they probably wanted to chew out Dumbledore for all the shite he had done without an audience. When Hermione considered his words, she realized that he was probably right.
Harry led the three of them to dinner. They took their usual seats, and nobody seemed to be wise to the fact that they had stayed over night in the Hospital Wing. Hermione tried not to think about the fact that Madam Pomfrey's scar potion hadn't completely rid her abdomen of the scar she received from the minotaur.
Dinner passed quickly, none of them wanting to hang around and deal with their peers when they were more excited to get back to the Room and relax. Hermione should have considered having food brought to them or asking the Room for it but there was nothing for it now. The trio called out their farewells to their friends before they traversed the corridors on their way to the Room.
Draco paced the corridor and when the door to the Room of Requirement appeared, Hermione let out a breath of relief. She had slept well the night before, but she still didn't feel rested and the night before that had been spent tossing and turning in Ginny's bed. What she really wanted was to curl up in the middle of her boys and sleep the night through. She would have loved to have a lie in the next day, but classes resumed.
The boys didn't waste any time stripping off their clothes as they made their way to the wardrobe. Hermione decided that she wanted a shower; she hadn't felt properly clean since yesterday morning. Cleaning spells were alright in a pinch, but nothing beat a shower. Her boys watched her start for the bathroom, their hunger for her evident in their gazes. Hermione couldn't help the small smile that graced her features. Perhaps she could indulge them before she fell asleep.
The hot water felt glorious on her sore muscles. After washing her hair and soaping her body, she let it loosen the tightness in her shoulders and back. She stifled a yawn even though it was still early. She wondered if the boys were as tired as she was.
After she felt properly clean, Hermione stepped out of the spray and waved her hand over her body and hair, drying them completely. She was unsure how she ever managed to take a shower without magic before; drying spells saved her so much time. She didn't bother dressing since she was sure that the boys were going to want to reaffirm their love, a concept that Hermione wasn't opposed to. Even though she was still a little shy around them both when she was naked, she threw open the door and made her way to the bed. Harry and Draco both paused whatever they were doing by the fire to watch her with hungry eyes.
Hermione laid down on the bed and decided that if they didn't make their way over to her before she fell asleep, she would shag them in the morning. She really was exhausted. She needn't have worried, however, since she had only been on the bed for all of five seconds before they were both next to her, naked themselves. Draco pulled her close for a kiss, his mouth dominating hers. His tongue stroked hers, tasting every inch of her mouth.
Harry was running his fingers through her folds, coating his fingers with her arousal fluid. He bent and pressed kiss after kiss to her new scar, circling her clit with his finger. Hermione was on a sensation overload when Draco suddenly tweaked her nipple roughly, causing her to gasp softly. Her blond lover pushed her flat to the bed, so he could take her nipple in his mouth, tonguing the peak and then nibbling on it. She buried her hands in his hair and held him there, enjoying the sweet torture he was inflicting.
Hermione should have seen it coming, but she was too caught up in Draco to pay attention to what Harry was doing. When his hot mouth descended on her wet flesh, she jumped high enough that Harry reached out and pressed her hips to the bed once more. He was suckling at her pleasure pearl and it was heaven on earth. His fingers were slowly pumping inside her, enough to tease, not fulfill. Though her hips were stuck to the bed, she still fought to rut against his hand, in desperate need of release.
Out of nowhere, Harry pulled his hand out of her and spread her liberal amount of liquid desire over her backside. In the back of her mind, she knew that he was going to stick his finger in her arse, but she couldn't concentrate on anything except his tongue on her pussy and Draco's tongue at her breast. When he worked his finger inside her arse, Hermione clenched tightly, surprised at the pain. Draco lifted his head from her breast and shushed her softly.
"It's going to feel amazing, you just have to relax." Hermione willed her muscles to relax like Draco had instructed and to her complete surprise, it did start to feel good. Harry continued to lick and suckle her, making it possible to slip several fingers inside her. Draco was alternating between licks and nips to her nipples, making her want to lose her mind.
Hermione was surprised when Harry stopped completely, and Draco sat up, so they could pull her to knees between them. Harry's firm hand on her back pushed her down into the doggy-style position and Hermione was excited. This was her favorite position. She felt him press kisses to her lower back and backside before he slipped his fingers back in her arse. It was in this moment that Hermione realized just what he intended to do. She was nervous as fuck, but she couldn't deny that it excited her as well.
Draco was carding his hands through her curls while Harry lined the head of his cock up with her arse. She felt intense pressure as he slowly pushed inside her. Hermione couldn't help the small hiss of pain as his head passed through her ring of muscle. Draco reached out and began stroking her clit while Harry inched his way inside her. Hermione could feel herself getting excited all over again and began pressing back into Harry, urging him to continue. As soon as he had his whole length buried in her, he withdrew halfway and slid inside her again.
Hermione had never imagined herself to be a person that would like anal sex but from what she could tell now, she had no problems with it. Harry had been gentle and took his time preparing her, so she was more than happy to urge him on. She was more than surprised when he reached out and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her upright so he could lean her against his chest. One hand went down to toy with her clit while the other began massaging her breast. She couldn't hold back the moan of pleasure as Draco moved forward.
Draco lined himself up with her pussy and slowly entered her. All three of them groaned at how delightfully full she felt. Hermione felt like she was going to break into two. Her hands reached out and snatched Draco's hair, pulling her to him in a rough kiss. He reciprocated fully and once he was fully seated inside her, they both withdrew and plunged inside her.
It was pure bliss.
Hermione didn't know that sex could feel this good. It was amazing when she had sex with either of her boys, but this took lovemaking to a whole new level. It was dark, dirty, and delicious and she wasn't going to be able to get enough of this. Her boys worked out a rhythm and were pulling moans from her like it was nothing. Hermione couldn't even see straight because the pleasure was making her vision hazy.
She fell over the edge quickly. Both her boys gritted their teeth and kept moving even though her inner muscles were clenching around them making them want to spill inside her. Hermione wasn't sure where they found the willpower to continue thrusting in her. The Gryffindor hadn't fully recovered when Draco reached down and pinched her nub, sending her into ecstasy once more.
This time, both of her boys groaned as she fluttered around them and slammed into her one final time. Hermione's legs were jelly and she wasn't sure how long they were going to hold her after Harry and Draco released her. Both boys leaned their sweaty bodies onto her and Hermione stroked them both as best she could. Small kisses peppered her neck and shoulders, reassuring her of their love for her.
There was slight pain when they pulled out of her body and Hermione was sure that she would have a delicious ache in the morning from their time spent together. She was correct that her legs wouldn't hold her long; as soon as they released her, she fell to her side and recovered there. She was even more surprised when she felt a soft tongue on her nether regions, licking them softly. It was clear that it wasn't meant to stimulate her, and Hermione was grateful for that. She didn't think that she would be capable of coming again.
Her eyes were closed, and she wasn't even sure who was licking her. She laid there and let them have their way. Hermione had no idea how long it had gone on before it stopped. Their hushed voices floated over the top of her and she was enjoying that spot between wakefulness and sleep. Draco was whispering to Harry, leading her to believe that he had been the one licking her.
"You were right, her arse tastes good. Just as good as her pussy." Someone brushed their hand against her cheek.
"We should have waited until tomorrow. Look how exhausted she is." One of them kissed the back of her head.
"I can't believe we almost lost her. We have to be more careful." Harry spoke.
"Are you talking about her breaking up with us or almost dying?" Draco was silent for a long moment.
"Both. We can't lose her." Hermione felt the blanket shift up around her, encasing her in warmth. Both of her boys pulled her close and she reveled in the feel of them.
"We won't. Now everyone else knows, they'll try to keep us out of the horcrux search." Soft fingers drew circles on her belly.
"Fine by me, I've had enough of Voldemort to last a lifetime."
Hermione wasn't sure if the boys continued their whispered conversation because sleep finally overtook her.
A/N- There ya have it, folks. This chapter seemed so repetitive, explaining things that are already known, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. I hope you enjoyed it regardless. Leave me a message after the beep and tell me what you think.
**For the record, I am not justifying violence between a man and a woman. It simply fit the story. Please don't send me messages telling me that I'm saying hitting women is okay because that's not what I'm doing at all. **
Next up, Umbridge is going down.
Love,
Alicia