Chapter 4

AN: Helllllllooooo, my awesome and lovely readers! We have electricity tonight! Yay! So, I am taking the opportunity to edit this chapter and hopefully the next one so I can post them for you! Since my last posting my children and I have walked to town three times to pick up a few groceries, each time with at least one "angel" helping us. However, I FINALLY got to get full groceries yesterday (Saturday, Nov 5th) from a very unsuspecting source! Anyway, instead of only having the barest of foods (it's been since March), we now have our normal variety (we were really getting tired of pasta and rice! LOL)! Anyway, I know the world is truly ugly and crazy right now but wanted to share that there are still those out there who care and don't mind helping when they can!

Anyway, thank you all for being patient with me and my writings! It means so much to me. Also, I created Steeljaw as the Head Goblin of Gringotts. I didn't like Griphook being in that position because I feel the head goblin wouldn't be able to be put under a Imperious Curse so easily or for so long. :) I hope you like what I've written and it brings a smile to your face. :)

Now, on to the story…

Disclaimer: I make no money with this.

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Two nights later found Hermione grading third year parchments as Severus left for Gaunt Estate to hunt down the ring. As soon as he landed, he felt the taint of malevolence left on everything causing him to shudder and his skin to crawl. He cast several spells to check for dark magic, traps and possible ambush. When the results came back, Severus shook his head; dark magic was all over the falling down structure and there was a particularly nasty trap waiting for anyone not marked in the center of what would have been the sitting room. Severus approached the area cautiously, stopping where the spell indicated the most concentration of dark magic to be. As he reached his hand down to touch the floor, a ghostly shape floated up.

"Ah, a worthy servant, you serve your Lord well to have been given such an honorable task. If you wish to retrieve the prize, place your Mark upon the floor and it will be revealed to you, my trusted servant." the ghostly visage of a young Riddle stated and Severus did, hoping it wasn't a mistake. Voldemort wasn't above torturing his servants even if it was a task he wished performed.

Luckily, nothing bad happened. A piece of the floor, the only area still intact, lifted up and revealed a cloth covered box underneath. Severus tried to use his wand to lift the box out but was blocked. As he took a deep breath, Severus reached his hand down and grasped the parcel. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain and a wash of Riddle's magic rushed over his body. Realizing the trap, Severus quickly occluded his mind so the spell wouldn't read his true motives, only what he wanted it to see. Breathing a sigh of relief when he felt the magic leave his body and release his hand, Severus carefully removed the box.

He then placed the box in a magic dampening bag before slipping it into a robe pocket. Just as he reached the threshold of the structure, Severus turned back to peer inside with a malicious smirk as he dropped his Occlumency. The ghostly shape of Riddle was still hovering, the magic still seeking intruders now that it had been activated. The figure's face morphed from pleased arrogance to a vicious snarl.

"Traitor! How dare you defy me! I am your LORD!" the ghostly figure screamed as it began to float towards Severus.

"You are no longer anyone's 'Lord'" Severus sneered as he cast Fiendfyre. He wanted the whole place burned to ash so no one could be harmed or swayed by its hate and dark magic. Once the fire was out, Severus surveyed the area and breathed a cleansing breath; the bad feeling was finally gone. The area felt neutral now and Severus felt lighter than he could remember ever feeling.

When Hermione heard the sound of apparation, she jumped up and ran to their quarters. She had taken Severus' office hours while he retrieved the ring. A few students had stopped by, which she helped but most of her time was spent studying. It wasn't that she wouldn't be able to pass her N.E.W.T.s right then but it gave her something to do as well as put on a "show" for everyone. Being the knowledge seeker she was, Hermione soaked up all Severus was willing to share and teach her. She had learned her first day as his 'assistant' that the dour wizard was much more patient when one-on-one versus a room full of dunderheads whose interests were on everything but potions.

Once in their chambers, Hermione stopped abruptly, the look and demeanor of her mentor and partner-in-crime made her do a double take. He looked lighter and younger, like a decade or more had been lifted off his shoulders. Quite curious as to why the sudden change, she asked, "Successful trip?"

"Indeed, successful and quite...cathartic." was his reply before he called for tea and shared his night with her.

Hermione was happy for her mentor and proud of him. Not everyone would have been able to give Moldyshorts a two-finger salute, ghost or not. She was pleased that it seemed Severus was beginning to embrace a more positive outlook to the future, letting some of the stresses and worries he had been carrying far too long to fall away, if only in private. The man deserved to be happy, to carry a lighter load upon his shoulders.

After he finished telling her of his night, Hermione shared hers with him before they settled in to enjoy a bit of reading before turning in.

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The next morning saw Hermione making her way to the Room of Hidden Things. However, what she hadn't expected was that there were many rooms of this nature. It took the witch most of the day to find the correct room Ravenclaw's diadem had been stashed. Hermione had turned the bag she was to use to hold the diadem inside out and placed her hand inside it before she accio'd the diadem to her, catching it with the covered hand and quickly righted the bag before she closed it; having not once touched it. Before leaving, Hermione noted the many rooms of forgotten things Hogwarts had created since her origin so she could slip her younger self a note about them since her school years, hopefully, wouldn't be plagued with a brewing war. Her younger self would need another project to focus on, she knew. Oh, and she would save this version of herself from the embarrassment of S.P.E.W. by dropping a book title for her to learn about house elves, it was the most she could do.

By the time she made it back to their quarters, an Unspeakable was waiting for her. She handed the bag to them which they dropped next to the other bag in a box before nodding to each of them as they stepped into the floo and disappeared. Breathing a sigh of relief, Severus fixed them some tea.

"Did you know there are, at least, two dozen Rooms of Hidden Things?" Hermione asked.

"I did not. Is that why it took you so long?" Severus was curious.

"Yes! I guess Harry worded it right that day." Hermione admitted "or Hogwarts helped."

"Possibly both since she saw fit to send you back." Severus added.

"Or that, hadn't thought of that." Hermione agreed.

As they drank a second cup, Hermione reached over for a piece of parchment and quill, ignoring Severus' raised brow. After writing the letter to herself, she cast a spell to change her handwriting so the current Hermione wouldn't recognize it. When finished, she handed Severus the note and chuckled at the look he gave her. She then proceeded to pull the relevant memories out and place them in his pensieve. Hermione couldn't hold back her laugh when Severus gave her a raised brow and smirk when he came out.

"Yes, I know, not my finest moment." she managed after she calmed.

"Indeed." was all he said but the mirth shining in his eyes was enough.

"Yes, well, that's why I gave younger me the book to read; so that doesn't come to pass either." she replied, a shade of pink tinting her cheeks.

There were several minutes of silence, Severus deep in thought and Hermione observing him before he spoke.

"Tell me, Hermione, once the dark lord and his "toys" are dealt with, do you think younger you would accept an apprenticeship with me?" Severus truly wanted to know. He would love to be able to encourage her without boundaries, she deserved it.

Hermione was quiet, giving their situation considerable thought for several minutes.

"I think she would but younger me would be quite surprised and very suspicious, but I think your offer would be accepted." she finally answered. What she had yet to share with Severus was that he was the only teacher younger her wanted to impress the most.

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"Lord Malfoy, please." Amelia told the elf that answered her knock. It bowed slightly before disappearing only to reappear moments later.

"This way, Madam Bones. The Master is in his study." the elf said as they led the way down a hall, stopping in front of a partially opened door.

"Madam Bones of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to see you, Master." the elf formally announced as he bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Dusty, that will be all." Lucius stated just before the elf disappeared.

"Madam Bones, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" Lucius asked as he stood from his desk.

"Lord Malfoy, thank you for seeing me without any notice." Amelia said as she sat in a chair in front of Lucius' desk after being given an invitation to do so.

"Always happy to parlay with the DMLE." he told her. "What can I do for you today?" he asked as he sat.

"I'm afraid this is not a social call and I must insist on a Vow of Silence before saying anymore, other than neither you nor your family are in any trouble." Amelia told the blond when he cocked a brow at her.

Lucius considered Amelia's worlds for some time before his curiosity took over fully. What could she possibly share with him to require a Vow? Amelia Bones was not a witch prone to theatrics or exaggerations, so if she said a Vow of Silence was needed then it must be quite serious. Deciding not to throw away this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Lucius gave a quick nod as he reached his arm out to her. Once the Vow was done, Amelia began her tale. She left out all names but Riddle's so Lucius would only know vague details.

"So, as you can see, Lord Malfoy, it would be beneficial for all of us if you would surrender the book to me as soon as you possibly can." Amelia finally said.

Lucius had listened to Amelia's' story with trepidation, awe and shock. Someone had been sent back in time to keep the Second Wizarding War from happening, had shared significant events with Madam Bones and was helping to correct mistakes made by people like him. How could he refuse? What Amelia was proposing would make the future a much better, safer and saner world than the one they were headed towards. Deciding it would be in his best interests to give the book to Amelia, and a way to snub his father, Lucius excused himself.

He walked to the Manor's library and retrieved the book in question. He hadn't liked having it in his home since his father had brought it in. It felt dark, darker than the other books in his father's "secret stash"'; it felt malevolent and pure evil the one time Lucius had touched it barehanded. Now he levitated it in front of him until he lowered it into a bag Madam Bones was holding open. As soon as she closed the bag, Lucius felt a weight lift from his shoulders he hadn't realized was there until then; his mind seemed clearer, his body lighter and his mood greatly improved. Whatever was inside that book, he was satisfied to be shot of it.

"Thank you, Lord Malfoy." Amelia said as she stood. "I will let you know when everything is taken care of." she added at the door.

"I would appreciate that greatly. Good day, Madam Bones." Lucius responded just before the witch disparated.

Amelia arrived at her office and sighed, happy that Severus was right and Lucius Malfoy seemed all too happy to give her the diary.

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The next day found Amelia standing in front of eleven and thirteen Grimmauld Place. She read the pass phrase and watched as number twelve pushed itself into existence as the bit of parchment burned and floated away.

Knowing no one lived there; Amelia unlocked the door and stepped through. What greeted her shocked her; the place was dark, dingy and totally unkempt. Before she could take another step, an old haggard looking elf appeared.

"How can Kreacher help the Madam Bones" the old elf asked.

Learning the Black family history and Kreacher's loyalty to Regulus Black, Amelia knew she would need to choose her words carefully.

"Kreacher, you serve the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black and your last Master died many years ago, but not before he asked you to do something for him." Amelia stated and almost smiled at the elf's response.

"Bad Kreacher! I not do as Master asked!" the old elf wailed as he tugged on his ears.

"Kreacher!" Amelia commanded to make the elf focus. "Do you still have the locket?"

"Kreacher does! It was my Master's and so pretty but with nasty magic! Nasty, bad magic!" Kreacher answered.

"Would you trade with me, Kreacher?" Amelia politely asked as she held a duplicate out to the old elf to inspect.

"Yous trade nasty magic locket for pure locket" Kreacher asked in awe.

"I would. I would like to free you of the nasty magic." Amelia agreed.

"What yous do with nasty magic locket?" Kreacher asked suspiciously while eyeing the duplicate.

"I will destroy it, just as your Master wanted." she explained.

Kreacher stared at her for a long moment, tugging on his ears, before he popped away. A moment later found Kreacher lowering the Horcrux into a bag as Amelia handed him the duplicate.

"Thank you, Kreacher; you have done your Master proud." Amelia told the elf. She was about to leave when she heard, "Kreacher!"

She watched the now happier elf walk over to a picture frame down the hall before coming back to her. "Lady Black would like a word." Kreacher said.

Amelia approached the portrait of Walburga Black cautiously. The portrait stared at Amelia for a moment before speaking. "You are the reason that abomination is neutralized?"

"I am." Amelia answered.

"Then, I thank you." Portrait Walburga said.

It took Amelia a moment to respond, Hermione's memories flowing through her mind of how this portrait acted anytime a muggle-born or anyone not a Voldemort supporter or sympathizer was near. This was definitely a different outcome.

"You are welcome, Lady Black." Amelia finally managed.

"That abomination cursed poor Kreacher since he brought it in the house." Walburga shared. "What Regulus was thinking is anyone's guess, giving such a shiny and beautiful thing to an elf and expecting them to destroy it!" the portrait tsk'ed.

"I would think he thought Kreacher might be able to do as his Master bade because of the "nasty magic" it held." Amelia responded.

"Humph, well, poor thinking on his part." Portrait Walburga stated. "Riddle finally going to get his comeuppance?"

"Yes." was all Amelia was willing to say, a bit surprised the former matriarch knew Voldemort's true name.

"Good! Don't look so surprised, my dear, just because we initially followed his views doesn't mean we didn't figure out his truth. His means of accomplishing his tasks became too much and Orion and I had started distancing ourselves from him, which was why Regulus went after that blasphemous locket. Good riddance to bad rubbish!" Portrait Walburga said before giving Amelia a genuine smile. "Do not fret, Madam Bones, I will not tell a soul what you are doing. It's about time someone put that evil imposter to ground. I would also wish to bestow a favor to you, should you need one."

Amelia eyed the portrait a moment before giving Lady Black a small nod. She left Grimmauld Place feeling even better about what they were doing. If Walburga Black, portrait or not, could see the good in Tom Riddle's downfall, maybe there was hope yet for the rest of wizarding society.

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Amelia relaxed in her office as she waited for her Unspeakable to return. She was also waiting on the goblins to return her request for a meeting. Just as she finished her lunch, a parchment flew out of her floo. A date was set for the meeting, the following morning. About two hours later, the Unspeakable brought her a box of pure evil. Amelia took the box and placed it with the other box holding the diary and locket. She hadn't wanted to risk having too many in one box, unsure how or if they would react. Sealing and hiding her "extra" drawer, Amelia finished her day as normal.

At nine the next morning, Amelia floo'd to Gringotts.

"I am here to see Steeljaw." Amelia told the goblin clerk.

"Name?" the goblin asked before looking up.

"Madam Bones, right this way." the goblin corrected himself as soon as he realized who she was and led her down a very long hall to the end door.

"Steeljaw, thank you for this meeting." Amelia greeted, showing her teeth.

"Madam Bones, please, sit." Steeljaw said as he returned the gesture.

"I must say I am quite...curious...as to the reason for this meeting. You are not usually so formal in your requests unless it is something sensitive or important." Steeljaw stated.

"I am afraid it is both. What I am to share cannot leave this room." Amelia informed, thankful the head goblin wouldn't take it as an insult from her; others, well, not so much but she had built a solid relationship with the Goblin Nation with her fairness, loyalty to the law and ability to respect them.

"You have my word, Madam Bones." Steeljaw told her.

Amelia then proceeded to explain the situation, what has been done and what was left to do to the goblin.

The goblin listened intently to what he was being told. When Amelia finished, he steepled his fingers and gave great thought to everything.

"Mr. Potter will be no trouble. He is the heir to the Potter Line and the last scion. The Potters have been loyal customers for many centuries. Also, to not destroy the abomination in his scar would be considered Line Theft, therefore, Gringotts is under obligation to rid the wizard of the soul shard." the goblin explained.

"I thought as much and you know a ritual to purge the shard while leaving the host unharmed." Amelia acknowledged.

"We do, yes." Steeljaw confirmed. "Now, about the Founder's Cup in the Lestrange vault, without proper proof, there is nothing we can do." the goblin explained but Amelia knew Steeljaw enough to wait patiently. The goblins had no love for those who would break their rules. "However, it is time for our dark magic sweep." Steeljaw grinned.

"Do you not do that regularly" Amelia was truly curious.

"For the top most floor, it is done every year. The next two levels are every other year. The two levels below them, it is done every five years. However, the bottom and oldest vaults are every ten years." Steeljaw explained.

"And ten years is coming up soon?" Amelia wondered aloud.

"In five days' time." Steeljaw answered.

"What about the other Horcruxes? Will the goblins help purify them?" Amelia inquired.

"Some, yes. The locket and diadem you speak of will be purified with the cup and given back to you once safe." Steeljaw answered.

"What about the diary, ring and Nagini" Amelia asked, knowing the worst to be said would be a no.

"The ring…can you draw the symbol you saw on it?" Steeljaw asked.

"Of course." Amelia answered as she drew the symbol that was on the stone.

Steeljaw inhaled sharply. "Death's stone."

Amelia's eyes snapped to Steeljaw's, she knew it was the symbol for the Deathly Hollows but had no clue the stone was THE Resurrection Stone.

"The Goblin Nation would be most honored to cleanse such filth from Death's Stone." Steeljaw reverently said and Amelia could only nod.

"Nagini and the diary?" Amelia prompted gently.

"The diary you will destroy, there is no reason for us to purify it but tell me about this Nagini and why you wish for us to purify a snake." Steeljaw waited for her explanation.

"Fair enough about the diary, we will take care of it." Amelia conceded. "Nagini is special because she was once a witch from Indonesia who was cursed with the Maledictus curse." Amelia shared.

"I am listening." Steeljaw prompted.

"She was an innocent who was cursed at a young age before she became a Horcrux for Tom Riddle. If the soul shard could be pulled from her, maybe a cure could be found for the curse." Amelia shared.

Steeljaw rubbed his chin, "You do know there is no cure for that curse."

"And everyone "knows" a Horcrux has to be destroyed." Amelia countered.

"Touché" Steeljaw said. "You truly believe there is a cure for such a curse?"

"I do actually." Amelia stated. "Every curse I have ever come across has a cure or a counter, it's just how readily available said cure is and what it entails."

"Very well, the snake will be purified as a boon to you for bringing such honor to the Goblin Nation." Steeljaw told her, much to Amelia's relief.

"Thank you, Steeljaw." Amelia bared her teeth which the head goblin returned. They then spent the next hour or so hashing out times.

Steeljaw figured a way to keep Albus from stopping the Potter Heir from coming to the bank. It was an old rule but one that could be invoked. If an underage witch or wizard was the last of their line, they would need to submit to a ritual to claim their family money or it would go to the bank. Considering the Headmaster had been making withdrawals regularly from the Potter vaults, it would be the last thing he'd want to happen, therefore allowing the Potter scion to go to Gringotts for the ritual.

In two days' time, Harry would go to the bank for two rituals to be done. What Dumbledore didn't know was that the vault ritual only took a few minutes but the Horcrux ritual would take most of the allotted time. The other soul shards would be purged at the same time which left Amelia two days to find Nagini. It was time to speak with Severus; hopefully the snake was kept in Quirrell's quarters. She also took the head goblin's suggestion of speaking to Walburga about the Black family library.

After touching base at her office, Amelia went to number twelve Grimmauld Place. When she was let in by Kreacher, Amelia was shocked at what she saw. The house looked how it should have looked all along: the dust and dirt was gone, the curtains were open, major repairs had been done to everything. It was as different as night was to day and for the better. Also, a happy and younger looking Kreacher greeted her.

"Madam Bones, whats it Kreacher can do for you?" the little elf asked politely.

"I need to speak with Lady Black please." Amelia informed him.

Kreacher walked Amelia to the portrait.

"Madam Bones, what a pleasure. How can the House of Black serve you?" Portrait Walburga inquired.

"The favor you offered, does it still stand?" Amelia didn't want to assume.

"Of course, Kreacher, help Madam Bones with whatever she needs." Portrait Walburga instructed.

"Of course, Mistress. Hows can Kreacher serve?" Kreacher asked as he turned his attention to their guest.

"Do you have any books in the Black family library that may have a counter to the Maledictus curse?" she asked.

"Oh, that's a horrible curse. Kreacher, check the library for Madam Bones and bring her some tea and sandwiches while she waits." Portrait Walburga instructed just before Kreacher disappeared. He brought Amelia a pot of tea and some finger sandwiches before popping out to search the library.

"Is there a counter to the curse, Lady Black?" Amelia was curious.

"I am unsure but I seem to recall at least one book that discussed the curse, whether it will offer a cure I do not know." Portrait Walburga answered.

About two hours later, Kreacher appeared with a large tome in his arms.

"I's found it, Mistress." the elf announced.

"Well, don't keep the witch waiting, give her the tome so she may take it with her to peruse at her leisure." Portrait Walburga told her elf, who then handed the tome to Amelia.

"Thank you, Lady Black, Kreacher. Your help is greatly appreciated." Amelia told them.

"Keep it as long as you need." Portrait Walburga told her.

"I appreciate the offer but may I look through it here and if I find anything then I will take it with me?" Amelia proposed.

"Of course. Kreacher, refresh our guest's tea." Portrait Walburga told her elf. Kreacher popped away and back before Amelia even opened the book.

"Thank you, Kreacher. I will call if I need anything." Amelia told the old elf, who bowed and popped out.

Amelia sat and sipped her tea as she nibbled on a few finger sandwiches while she looked through the thick tome. About halfway through she found what she was looking for and knew why many thought there was no cure, it took house elf magic to counter.

"Lady Black, may I borrow Kreacher in two days' time?" Amelia asked.

"House elf magic is needed to break the curse?" Portrait Walburga wanted clarified.

"It is." Amelia agreed.

"Well that explains why it was not widely known." Portrait Walburga gave an unladylike snort. "Purebloods would allow themselves to die before asking a 'lesser' creature for help."

Amelia wasn't able to hide her shock at the portrait's statement which caused Portrait Walburga to smirk briefly. "I may be a painted portrait but I can still learn. Unlike when I was alive over a decade ago, I can now admit that Purebloods can be quite stuck in their ways and do more harm than good to themselves, especially if getting the help we need is from a "lower" being or creature." she explained.

Amelia was so amazed that she couldn't respond right away. Finally finding her voice she said, "So very true Lady Black, so very true." Then she turned to Kreacher, "I will let you know what time to show up."

Kreacher bowed low, "Kreacher happy to help, Madam Bones."

Amelia returned to her office a bit off balance from her interactions of the day. She hoped their luck held due to only having just over a day to capture Nagini. She sent a patronus to Severus, who quickly agreed to check Quirrell's quarters.

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When Amelia's patronus showed up, Severus was pleased she had been successful with acquiring the diary and locket. He acknowledged her request to inspect Quirrell's quarters for any signs of Nagini.

He and Hermione spent the evening trying to figure out a way to investigate another teacher's chambers without raising suspicion. After some time and several cups of tea, they knew that Riddle would have to be captured at the same time or he would know Nagini was missing and probably do something really rash in his panic.

Severus sent his patronus to Amelia sharing their conclusions and she agreed. So the next day, the Department of the Regulation and Care of Magical Creatures would send a few agents to the edge of the Forbidden Forest, the non-Hogwarts edge, to "investigate" the "complaints" of the muggle Reserve owners. Because they would use the muggle side of the Forest, the agents were allowed to enter the Forbidden Forest without Dumbledore's knowledge, just the centaurs and Amelia knew they would have no problem with it as long as the agents were respectful and took the Acromantulas out.

Amelia told Severus that she would send a patronus when they were there so he could sneak into Quirrell's quarters and investigate. Unfortunately, this all had to be done at night as that was when Riddle's wraith would go feed, less likely for him to be spotted when he could blend into the darkened shadows.

It was about ten at night when Severus received Amelia's patronus and he left to be the spy that he was.

Once in Quirrell's chambers, he found Nagini sleeping in a magical cocoon and Quirrell unconscious on his couch. Severus sent a patronus to Amelia letting her know. Instead of Severus capturing either, Amelia made it a point to "come out" of the Forest on Hogwarts side, signaling to Dumbledore that visitors were present. When she and the agents of the DRCMC were escorted to his office, one Unspeakable was disillusioned and separated to head to Severus' quarters.

Severus let the Unspeakable in and led them to Quirrell's quarters under the guise of patrolling when "hearing" about visitors so late at night. The Unspeakable was able to cage Nagini as they grabbed Quirrell before heading back to Severus' rooms where Hermione would let them in and they could disparate from there since the anti-disparation jinx wasn't active.

Amelia spent another hour in Dumbledore's office, weaving a story about the Reserve before she left. She would have preferred to lure Nagini away with the promise of freedom but knew it wasn't possible, that Severus and Hermione were right that the Volde-wraith would know something was up if they weren't captured together.

The team of disillusioned Unspeakables left in the Forest had done their jobs well. The wraith was captured and the injured unicorn had been tended to. Also, the Acromantulas had been rounded up and disposed of which had Hagrid passing a leaving Amelia as he went to Dumbledore to complain about his friends being exterminated.

Back at the DMLE, Amelia visited Nagini to try to speak to her. Of course, it was done via a translator who could speak Parseltongue. Unfortunately, the snake would hear nothing of freedom while the Horcrux was in her, which meant Nagini would either be set free the following day or be killed, depending on how corrupt she had become due to the influence of the soul shard she carried.

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The following day, Amelia floo'd to Gringotts and brought the Horcruxes she had with her minus the diary. When she walked into the room where the ritual would be held, Harry Potter was already there, having already claimed his family's vaults and learned a great many things that had been kept from him by a meddling old man who liked to play chess with other people's lives.

Once the other Horcruxes were set out in their designated areas, she was escorted to a safe zone within the room as the ritual began. Amelia pushed a coin in her pocket when the ritual started to let the Unspeakable with its mate know when to release Fiendfyre on the diary. She wanted them all destroyed at the same time. Harry and Nagini weren't physically harmed but the pain of pulling a Horcrux out wasn't small either. Harry screamed while Nagini hissed and tried to strike. After two hours, the ritual was complete with the destruction of the foul substance that flowed from each item and being. Amelia was happy to witness the event but knew it would be something she dreamed of for some time to come.

After the ritual, the Unspeakable translator joined her and spoke to Nagini. It seemed as though the snake was willing to be free of the curse but changed her mind quickly. Instead, she told Amelia to put her out of her misery. The Maledictus curse had twisted her mind enough before Riddle had made her a Horcrux and between the two, she was afraid she would bring harm to many before anyone could stop her. Amelia apologized to Nagini about her lot in life and, with the Goblin Nation witnessing, ended Nagini's life forever. Just as she had seen in Hermione's memories, just as the spell hit Nagini, the shadow of woman appeared and Amelia could have sworn she saw the shadow smile, finally at peace.

The goblin healers checked over each artifact and Harry Potter before giving them a clean bill. Harry was given a few potions to drink before being returned to Hogwarts. However, the Harry that returned wasn't the same Harry that left. He was now aware of just how much Dumbledore had kept from him his entire life. He also had a conversation with Amelia about Sirius Black and she promised to do a proper review of his case and to detain a certain student's "familiar". Of course, Harry wasn't told the latter part but it was enough that Sirius could be a free wizard very soon.

When Amelia returned to the DMLE, she learned that the Volde-wraith had let out an ear piercing scream when his Horcruxes had been purified and had folded in on itself to become nothing more than a Quaffle sized ball of writhing blackness. Quirrell, on the other hand, had come to only to faint from the sight of the Volde-ball. However, he was conscious long enough for a trained Legilimens to retrieve the proper memories that cleared the flighty wizard of any charges of willingly helping the Volde-wraith. Riddle's wraith had made itself seem innocuous and had convinced Quirrell that he was only trying to get back to his body that another wizard had forced him out of. Amelia had to admit that if she hadn't known the truth, she could have easily fallen for the ploy.

So instead of being taken to Azkaban, Quirinus Quirrell was taken to St. Mungo's to start his mind healing. Amelia then sent a patronus to Severus and Hermione informing them of the results and she sent a patronus off to Lucius Malfoy as well, letting him know the danger of Voldemort ever returning was gone. The evil despot had been permanently neutralized. Then Amelia sent a patronus to Kreacher to inform him his services wouldn't be needed and to thank the elf and his mistress for their assistance.

Amelia learned through a patronus from Lucius Malfoy and Severus that the dark mark left their skin the moment Tom Riddle had been truly killed, leaving not a blemish behind to show it had ever been there, much to their relief. Also, Severus noted that the Unbreakable Vow he had given to Dumbledore had also been broken with Riddle's death. He was finally a free man and thanked Amelia for all she had done. He sent her some tea he had specially blended for her along with a vial of bath oil to help her relax, which she was grateful for. Lucius Malfoy sent her a basket of the best wine, cheese and meats on offer and although Amelia wasn't supposed to take gifts for doing her job, she allowed herself to accept the two wizards' gifts.

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It had only taken Amelia two days to figure out how to capture Pettigrew. She had one of the Unspeakables who was a cat animagus transform and stalk around Hogwarts, being careful to not cross paths with Minerva McGonagall. It took two more days before Pettigrew, in rat form, was caught and brought to the DMLE where he was forced to transform. It was at this time that Amelia learned that those who truly followed Riddle and his ideals continued to wear the Dark Mark upon their arms. It made it easier to know who the true DeathEaters were and who had only gone along to protect their family.

The Wizengamot went into special session when Pettigrew was proven alive. They used Veritaserum on the rat animagus. It took using a spell to record Peter's testimony due to three scribes getting sick or passing out due to the nature of the crimes he had committed. After sentencing, the Wizengamot only allowed a few crimes to be printed due to the horribleness of the others.

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After receiving Amelia's patronus, Hermione shared one more cup of tea and quiet conversation with Severus before she started to feel off. When she told Severus, she could feel the sadness take him over.

"Don't be sad, Severus. We knew this would happen." Hermione told him.

"I know but it doesn't make it any easier." Severus admitted.

"You know, I wonder if this reality of me will remember any of my life from before." Hermione stated aloud.

"I suppose only time will tell." Severus had often wondered the same thing.

Hermione stared at her mentor and friend; she wished she had more time. As she felt herself start to fade a bit more, Hermione knew her time was close to its end. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, she walked over to Severus, cupped his face and lowered her lips to his. What started out as a gentle and chaste kiss soon turned heated. Severus pulled her down to his lap and crushed her against his chest as he deepened the kiss.

When they came up for air, Hermione's eyes were full of warmth and desire and her smile was full of joy.

"I will wait for you." Severus told her.

"Don't, you may find someone before this me comes of age." Hermione chided.

"No one will come close to you, Hermione. I want you or no one." Severus told her with conviction and Hermione knew he would keep his word.

Feeling her body start to fade, Hermione decided to tell Severus how she felt, just in case this reality's Hermione didn't feel the same.

"I love you, Severus." She said as she laid a finger on his lips to keep him from replying, she only had a little time left.

"I know our history isn't the greatest and I know I've only been here for a short time but I know what my heart feels. I love you and if no one else ever tells you, know that one person did. You are a good man and you deserve happiness. I hope this reality of me sees the same in you but know, even if she doesn't, she will have the highest respect for you. She will absorb all you wish to share, have patience with her. She's young and determined to impress those around her...you most of all." At his surprised look, Hermione smiled.

"Yes, you are the one I have always wanted to impress because if I impressed you then I knew I had truly accomplished something. You, who gives no one quarter. You, who are the strictest teacher at Hogwarts. You, who are the most demanding teacher. It is always you who I strive to show I know what I am doing and that I belong here." Hermione kissed the tip of his nose.

"Offer me the apprenticeship and watch me blossom. Take me under your wing and help me to learn how to survive in the wizarding world." Hermione told him.

Severus felt her slowly slipping away and tried to hold on even tighter. "I will miss you, Hermione and I find myself looking forward to teaching you one-on-one."

"I'll miss you, Severus, even though I may not realize it at the time. I'll know later when I grow up and see just who you are." Hermione said as she caressed his cheek. "Don't change too much on me, I like your snarky attitude and razor sharp wit." she said as she faded completely away.

"Hermione..." Severus whispered, already missing her warmth and beauty, her smiles and debates, her companionship and laughter, what little there was of it.

That night Severus slept fitfully but not because of his past for a change. Instead he dreamed of whiskey colored eyes, bushy brown hair and an intellect to rival his own belonging to a waif of a witch that commanded a room as soon as she stepped in. He would miss her terribly but he would wait. He was curious if this Hermione Granger would know of her former life or would she only have the memories of this one?

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AN: Well, whatcha think? :) Only one more chapter to go (the Epilogue) and I hope I can edit it tonight and get it posted soon. Love to you all! Stay safe and sane out there! 3