The Family Ties that Bind

Summary: Hermione finds out her entire life has been a lie during the summer before her 7th year. How is she going to react to the news once she finds out who her real father is? Will Hermione and her father get along? Read and find out.

The Family Ties that Bind

Disclaimer: I by no means own any characters from the world of Harry Potter. They belong to the wonderful and talented J.K. Rowlings. So, please don’t sue me, because I have no money.

Chapter 18- Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve came quickly. Ron was released on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. His friends were waiting happily for him. The two Death Eaters had received the Dementor’s Kiss the day before.

“Welcome back Ron. How are you feeling?” Hermione asked as they made their way to lunch.

“I feel great. Especially after dad came by this morning and told me those two got the kiss. I wonder why they went after me though?” Ron answered.

“They weren’t after you Ron. They were after me. When they saw I wasn’t there, they began attacking. They figured they could at least kill one of you.” Hermione replied sadly.

“Don’t start thinking this was your fault. It wasn’t. If you had been there, you would have taken them out without any problems.” Draco said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

Hermione merely nodded. She knew they were right. After she had finished the book, she found out that witches in her family tended to be stronger than Wizards. Her mother was very powerful. So was her uncle in his own right. After what had happened in Albus’s office, she realized just how powerful she could be if she ever let lose her true potential. She hoped she would never have to do so.

After lunch, the six retreated to Draco’s rooms to study. Halfway through the study session, Hermione decided to tell them what had happened.

“Guys, there’s something I need to tell you. When I left after Poppy kicked us out of the hospital I went to Dumbledore’s office. I confronted those Death Eaters. I threatened to kill them. I was using so much of my Wiccan magic to stop myself from using that magic to kill them, that I started glowing silver.” Hermione said.

“Wow. And I thought my temper was bad.” Harry said with a crooked smile.

“This is serious guys. What if during the final battle I can’t keep my cool when we face Voldemort? I could kill anyone who’s close if I can’t learn to either control or suppress that urge.” Hermione stated as she got to her feet and began pacing.

“Did you talk to your dad?” Ginny asked.

“Yes. He said my mother was the same way. She must have learned to at least control it, but what if I can’t? I read that book dad gave me on the Devaroux family. It says that Witches in the family are usually stronger than the Wizards. My mother was the strongest. Now it seems that I’m not only the strongest in the Devaroux line, but you add the Snape line and well, there you go.” Hermione answered.

“When you, Neville and I meet with Dumbledore the day after tomorrow, tell him about your concerns. If you can actually kill someone using your Wiccan abilities, perhaps, if the three of us can combine that, we may be able to beat Voldemort.” Harry suggested.

“Harry’s right. It’s worth a shot right?” Neville added.

“You’re right. I’ll do that. Maybe you two being there will help me control that urge to kill.” Hermione agreed.

They headed down for dinner. The Great Hall was as decorative as usual for Christmas. The mood was cheerful and happy. The next morning, Severus had invited the six to his rooms for breakfast and to open their gifts. After dinner Hermione decided she needed to clear her head and made her way up to the Astronomy Tower to think.

‘Why is the urge to kill so strong with me? Does that mean I’m a bad person? Did my mother have the same urges to kill? It’s scary how easily the thirst for blood seemed to almost take over.’ Hermione thought as she stared out into the winter night.

She was so lost in thought she never heard Minerva enter the tower. It wasn’t until Minerva cleared her throat that Hermione even moved.

“Hmm. Hmm.” Minerva coughed.

“Uuuhhh! Oh Minerva, you startled me.” Hermione gasped.

“I’m sorry dear. You looked kind of troubled at dinner. Anything you care to talk about?” Minerva asked.

“Yes. Could we go somewhere warmer?” Hermione answered.

“Of course. Come on.” Minerva said gently.

The two left the tower and headed for Minerva’s quarters. Minerva poured them a cup of tea. Hermione then launched into her tale. She told Minerva what she had told the others and voiced her fear of her being evil for having such a strong blood thirst.

“Oh Hermione. You’re by no means evil.” Minerva said gently.

“But why did I get such a strong surge at the thought of killing those two? Did mum ever have these urges? Or am I the only one in the family?” Hermione asked.

“There’s a simple answer really. Your mother didn’t have the same urges, because she wasn’t a fighter. I mean she was strong and fought if it was a last resort, but that’s not you. You were born a fighter Hermione. Your whole life you’ve always fought in some form or another. That’s why this urge is so strong with you. Your grandfather Devaroux was the same way.” Minerva explained.

“Is there a way to control it?” Hermione asked.

“I don’t know. Heed young Potter’s advise. When you return to training, bring it up with Albus. He’ll know how to help.” Minerva answered.

“Thanks Minerva. I feel much better now.” Hermione said with a smile.

Hermione finished her tea, then turned in for the night. Looking foreword to spending Christmas with her dad, friends and fiancee.

T.B.C