The Half-Blood Prince and the Pure-Blood

Disclaimer: Don’t own anything you recognize! This story is for fun only, nothing more!

Summary: Why did Severus kill Albus? Was there more to everything? Here’s what really happened. (My take anyway) R/R

The Half-Blood Prince and the Pure-Blood

Chapter 2

It was three days after the death of Albus that Voldemort summoned his followers. Hermione was the highest ranking member. Hermione only had Voldemort to answer to. She didn’t bear the Dark Mark. Instead she was given a bracelet that heated up once he summoned them. Of course she didn’t always have to go.

“This is it. Ready?” Hermione asked.

“Yes. Let’s go.” Severus answered.

Severus grabbed his Death Eater robes and mask. Hermione wore a black leather cat suite, black heeled boots and black leather jacket. They apparated from Spinner’s End. Seconds later they appeared at Riddle Manor. As the others gathered before Voldemort, Hermione walked right up front and took her place at Voldemort’s right hand. As everyone bowed Hermione remained upright.

“My faithful followers. Rise. Three days ago we had a major victory. Albus Dumbledore is dead!” Voldemort announced.

The Death Eaters all nodded. Hermione stood beside Voldemort with a satisfied smile on her face.

“But, I understand that it wasn’t young Malfoy who killed Albus, but Severus. Explain this.” Voldemort ordered.

“He was weak.” Alecto said.

“Was he?” Voldemort asked.

Hermione saw Draco tremble slightly. She knew Voldemort would turn to her for an explanation on that night’s events. She waited patiently.

“Hermione, what do you believe?” Voldemort asked.

“Draco is capable, but I feel he wasn’t properly trained. If I had been able to train him myself, he wouldn’t have been deterred by that old fool’s words.” Hermione replied.

“Then why did Severus do the job?” Voldemort asked.

“Because of Narcissa. She went to Severus and made an Unbreakable Vow. She did it to protect him. Of course she unknowingly guaranteed that Dumbledore would die. Severus would kill the old man. I am proud of Narcissa. Had I been in her shoes, I would have done the same thing.” Hermione answered.

The room fell silent. Voldemort looked from Hermione to Narcissa and back. He then began laughing. It was a happy laugh.

“Excellent!” Voldemort cried.

“Thank you.” Narcissa whispered quietly.

“Now, I believe it’s time to celebrate. Into the ballroom.” Voldemort ordered happily.

Hermione linked her arm with Voldemort and led the way. The others followed. The ball room had several banquet tables set up. Hermione and Voldemort sat at the head table. Severus joined them and took his seat beside Hermione.

Once everyone was seated, the food was sent in by the house elves. The feast began. As Hermione ate, she noticed Bellatrix glaring at her. She knew Bellatrix hated her. The only reason was because she had Severus and Bellatrix didn’t.

“So my dear, do you honestly believe young Malfoy could have killed Dumbledore?” Voldemort asked.

“Yes I do. If I had been able to train him from the beginning. He made a beginner’s mistake. Which brings me to a request.” Hermione answered.

“Well, let’s hear it.” Voldemort said.

“I would like for Severus and I to take Draco and Narcissa away to a secluded location. Severus and I would oversee the training and his mother would be there to continue his magical education. She would send you reports every other day.” Hermione replied.

“That sounds wonderful my dear. If I need you, I will be able to reach you of course?” he questioned.

“Of course. You can either send an owl or summon us.” she answered.

“When were you hoping to leave?” he asked.

“Two days.” she said.

“Very well. It will be done. Now, you and Severus enjoy the festivities.” Voldemort said kindly.

Severus and Hermione finished their meal. Once the food was gone, tables were moved and a dance floor was formed. Hermione and Severus made their way to the floor. A soft waltz began to play.

“That’s your plan?” Severus whispered.

“Yes. That way we are free from watchful eyes. I’ll explain later.” Hermione whispered back.

At a nearby table Bellatrix sat with Alecto and Amycus. The three stared at the couple. Bellatrix wanted the two things she would never have. The Dark Lord’s favor and Severus Snape.

“I don’t trust her. How do we know she’s on our side?” Bellatrix hissed.

“She is. We went with her on her first mission. She’s even more ruthless than you. She not only used the Curico on those muggles, but she took out this dagger and carved the Dark Mark into their bodies. Right over their hearts.” Amycus answered.

“Big deal. I don’t trust her.” Bellatrix snarled.

Bellatrix got to her feet and sauntered over to where Severus and Hermione were standing talking.

“Hello Severus. You look rather dashing tonight.” Bellatrix purred.

“What do you want?” Severus hissed.

“I was hoping you would join me for this dance.” Bellatrix replied.

“I think not.” Severus said as he glared at her.

“You obviously weren’t taught any manners LeStrange. Severus and I were having an important conversation.” Hermione said.

“You may have everyone else fooled, but you’ll always be nothing more than a lowly mudblood.” Bellatrix spat out.

The music stopped and everyone faced them. Voldemort rose from his seat. Hermione simply continued to stare at Bellatrix as if she were nothing more than an insect.

“Care to back up your words?” Hermione asked.

SLAP! Hermione’s head snapped to the right. Hermione slowly turned her head so she was once more facing Bellatrix. An evil smile formed on her face.

“Thank you.” Hermione said sweetly.

Before Bellatrix could blink she went flying through the air and landed in the middle of the dance floor. Everyone got out of the way. Hermione stalked toward the shocked Bellatrix, while drawing her wand.

“You think you know me? You think you can take me? You wish. Now, you get to see first hand why you don’t want to piss me off. CURICO!” Hermione yelled.

“AAAHHHH!” Bellatrix screamed as she writhed and squirmed under the effects of the curse.

For five minutes Hermione kept the curse on Bellatrix. Everyone stood by and watched. Hermione released Bellatrix. Bellatrix lay there gasping for air. Hermione stood over the woman.

“You want to know what I do to my victims? Now you get to find out.” Hermione said.

With lightning fast speed, Hermione withdrew a dagger and began her attack. Hermione pinned Bellatrix to the floor and began slashing away the top portion of her robes.

“Tell me something, do you like pain?” Hermione asked.

“ARGH!” Bellatrix screamed as Hermione began to cut into her skin.

Hermione ignored her screams as she continued to cut into the witches breast, right above her heart. A few minutes later Hermione got to her feet and glared down at Bellatrix.

“You think I’m done? Hardly. You doubt that I belong here. Well, let’s see what you think once I’m done with you bitch. SECTUMSEMPRA!” Hermione cried.

It seemed as if an invisible sword slashed across Bellatrix’s face and chest. Blood began to pool beneath her. Hermione smiled evilly as she watched the blood flow.

“I should let you die, but I think I’ll allow you to live. For now.” Hermione said.

She traced her wand over the wound while muttering an incantation. For a few minutes she did this. The wound sealed itself, leaving behind a faint scar.

“Just a few things to remember me by. Never, and I repeat, never challenge me. You do and I will kill you.” Hermione sneered.

Hermione then turned and stormed out of the ballroom. Severus quickly followed her. He found her in the sitting room staring out the window. He was a little scared to approach her, so he remained at the door.

“Come in Severus.” Hermione said.

Severus walked in and closed the door behind him. He walked over and sat in one of the arm chairs. He let Hermione speak first. He knew she was angry, after all she had just proven that with what she did to Bellatrix.

“I shouldn’t have lost control like that. She just finally pushed me too far.” Hermione sighed.

“I know love. Bellatrix has that way with people.” Severus said calmly.

“My dear, is everything all right?” Voldemort asked a he stepped into the room.

“I’m sorry Tom. I’m normally more controlled than that.” Hermione answered.

“It’s all right my dear. If you hadn’t handled the situation, I would have. Bellatrix LeStrange will never forget the day she crossed Hermione Jane Canton. Now, Severus my son, I suggest you and Hermione head on home. I told Narcissa and Draco to meet you two at Spinner’s End for tea tomorrow.” Voldemort said pleasantly.

“Of course. That will be fine.” Severus replied.

“Head home and rest. On Hermione, I found your treatment of Bellatrix rather…entertaining.” Voldemort said with a smile.

Severus and Hermione headed to the front door. They held hands and apparated back to Spinner’s End. Once there, Hermione flopped onto the couch while Severus headed for the kitchen. He returned a few minutes later with two glasses and a bottle of Brandy. He poured them both a glass.

“Okay, now I’m feeling better.” she sighed as she sipped her drink.

“You kind of scared me. I’ve heard you’ve been pretty ruthless when you’ve gone on missions. Tonight was the first time I saw it. You seemed to enjoy it.” he said.

“I see. When I go on the raids, I shut down my emotions. It’s as if I’m watching from outside my body. I just shut everything down to process it all later. Now what I did to Bellatrix tonight, I did enjoy. She deserved what I did to her.” she replied.

The pair sat there and drank their Brandy. Meanwhile at 12 Grimmwauld Place, headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, there was a meeting going on. Minerva McGonagall was now the leader. Remus Lupin, Nymphoria Tonks and Mad-Eye Moody were helping out where they could.

“Will everyone please settle down! Thank you. Now, over the next few days I will be going through Albus’s things at Hogwarts. We must continue our work. That is what Albus would have wanted.” Minerva said.

“Professor, you do know I have a mission of my own right? I promised Dumbledore.” Harry said heatedly.

“Yes Mr. Potter I am aware. I believe Mr. Weasley has volunteered to join you. Isn’t that right?” Minerva replied.

“Yes ma’am.” Ron answered.

“Very well. I will be meeting with the school governors to decide the fate of Hogwarts. For the time being, I want everyone to continue with their assignments.” Minerva said.

“What about Snape and Hermione? I mean, if we see them.” Tonks asked.

“Arrest them.” Harry hissed.

“Harry. We don’t even know why Snape or Hermione did that. Don’t you think we could at least hear their side of the story?” Ron asked.

“NO! They betrayed us! They betrayed everything we’ve been fighting for!” Harry yelled.

“Harry, do you think Hermione would do that?” Remus asked.

“You weren’t there! You didn’t see her giving orders! As far as I’m concerned she can die with the rest of the Death Eaters!” Harry yelled.

Harry then got to his feet and stormed out of the kitchen. Minerva brought up a few more topics then ended the meeting. Ron quickly left to find Harry. He found Harry in the library.

“Harry.” Ron said quietly.

“She’s a traitor.” Harry hissed.

“Mate, we don’t know the whole story. Perhaps she had a good reason. Maybe Dumbledore knew.” Ron insisted.

“No! She knew what she was doing. She did this on her own.” Harry said.

“If you say so. When are we leaving?” Ron asked wearily.

“Two weeks. After we know what Hogwarts’s future is. Once we know, we’re off to Godric’s Hollow first.” Harry replied.

Ron nodded. A few minutes later Ron headed upstairs to bed. He entered the room and spotted the letter on his pillow. He quickly grabbed it and read it.

Dear Ron,
Severus, Draco and I are safe. In two days Severus and I are going to a secluded location with Draco and his mother. You will be able to send owls to me there.
I gather Harry hates me. I’m also pretty sure McGonagall will go through Dumbledore’s things. She will find his journals and pensives. These will explain everything. I hope you can forgive me and Severus for what happened.
I have to go. Wait a few days before replying. Do not let anyone know I have contacted you. It’s not safe. Take care and be safe.

Love,
Hermione

Ron read the letter once more then hid it. He was glad Hermione and Severus were safe for the moment. He changed into his pajamas, put out the light and laid down to sleep. He prayed everything went smoothly for Hermione and whatever she had planned as well as for him and Harry on their mission.

T.B.C