Dear Lily *COMPLETE*

cateye: I am still feeling under the weather, but I am going to try to update one of my other stories... anhow... the last three updates... *sniff!*
Oh, and Fenrir talking about Hermione, *grinning wickedly!*

beeky63: I see Ron as dying at the end of the series... I don't know why, I just do... there are just so many clues hidden in the books for it not to be the case. I hope you enjoy the last three updates.

sheedy: Last three updates. It is the end, this story is complete!

Dear Lily

We all peered around attentively and waited for Dora’s announcement. Lupin held her hand and looked down at her with absolute pride.

“Do you want to say it?” he asked.

“No, sweetheart, you say it.”

“It really should be your announcement, cookie, you say it!”

“Arguing like an old married couple,” I said down the table. “Just will one of you say it; I have an announcement of my own to make thank you very much.”

“Then who do you think should say it?” Remus encountered playfully.

“Just get on with it,” Harry said. Even he was getting impatient.

“All right, Dora and I are going to be parents!”

The knives and forks clattered on the plates and everyone froze solid.

“But you’re not even married!” Molly exclaimed disapprovingly.

“Well, um, you see, Mrs Weasley, due to stressful circumstances and the fact that there is a war on we decided to do it very quietly. Our witnesses were two people from the ministry who weren’t particularly busy. We’re very sorry but we couldn’t wait!”

“Highly understandable,” I said.

“Now, Severus, what is your announcement?” Remus asked.

“I have been granted legal Animagus status and am allowed as my first assignment as an Auror to rescue Hermione.”

This was met with equal astonishment as Lupins.

“You can’t!” Molly exclaimed.

“It’s too dangerous!” Arthur said.

“Far too dangerous,” Ginny said.

“When you’ve all finished with your negative exclamations might I remind you all that this is to rescue a member of our group. A friend, a woman, and a sister. If you all want to see Hermione alive again then the safest bet is to send me. I am a professional at this sort of thing you know!”

“Do you have a plan?” Arthur asked.

“A vague one,” I replied. “Unfortunately, the only person I can think of that would have helped me in this is in Azkaban!”

“Who?” Arthur asked.

“Lucius Malfoy,” I said. “Oh well, I’ll have to seek out the help of someone else.”

“Lucius isn’t in Azkaban anymore,” Arthur said. “I kept it quiet because of recent events but he escaped. It seems nowhere is safe anymore, first Sirius (okay we got that one wrong!) then Barty Crouch Jr. Then that massive breakout,” Arthur sighed. “If only Fudge had listened to Dumbledore then we would not be in this mess.”

“Fudge was useless and Scrimgeour is not much better,” I said. “Not even when full proof evidence backed up the story he didn’t believe him.”

“Fudge didn’t believe what I said because he thought I was an attention seeking mad boy probably a relative of Voldemort.”

“I may have hated you Harry but I knew you weren’t lying,” I said.

“I know that,” he said. “You wouldn’t have backed me up by showing your Mark in front of Fudge if that were the case.”

“Your dinners are getting cold,” Molly snapped. The conversation had irked her. And with good reason!

******************************************************************

After our announcements I looked at myself in the mirror, Harry wanted to test the mirrors for communication before I left. He went upstairs and I stayed in the library.

I looked in the mirror and tried not to concentrate on not looking at my face, how any woman could look at me and find me attractive is a great mystery. Especially Hermione! How that wonderful young thing could even put her arms around my body is something I am trying to comprehend.

Hermione can argue blue in the face. She can say it till the cows come home but I will never believe her.

"Severus?" Harry asked uncertainly. His face came to the mirror. "Severus, are you there?"

"I am here," I replied. "And yes I can see you in my mirror can you see me in yours?"

"Yes," Harry replied. "Roger over and out!"

I rolled my eyes. He then came down the stairs to me.

"Roger over and out?" I asked sardonically.

"Yeah, I always wanted to say that as it is something said a lot in my cousins idiotic films. It sounds good!"

I sighed and rolled my eyes. I then took the mirror and transfigured it into a red diamante collar. I then transformed into Ebonium and Harry put the collar on me. He grabbed his invisibility cloak and picked me up gently. We both assumed it was going to be Fenley Gray Manor so that is where he apparated to.

We landed in a bush. I then ran as fast as I could towards the mansion, he then looked at me; I turned and saw him sigh. He waved and then I turned back, jumped in his arms and purred.

"Yes I will be careful, Dad, now go. Your duty is to protect Hermione."

I leapt out of his arms and then ran to the nearest shadow I could.

"So," I heard a growl. It was Fenrir. "You snuck out!"

"No Fenrir!" she said. I managed to peer around the corner; she was on her knees and crying. "No I didn't. I was here hiding."

"Don't lie to me, Mudblood!" Fenrir snarled. He whacked her across the head. She whimpered. "Unless you've forgotten I am your HUSBAND!"

"And I am your wife," she said. "Why would I contradict the will of my Master and Lord? You said I was not to attend the funeral of the despicable blood traitor and I didn't!"

Fenrir walked around her and then yanked her hair. This was the first time in my life I wished Black were with me. He'd have bitten Fenrirs bum by now!

"Don't take me for a fool wench! How come I can smell him on you then?"

"Him?" she asked. "Who him?"

"Severus! HIM! That grease haired slimeball!"

"I have never met him!"

"Are you certain of that?"

It was another voice; it was Voldemort’s voice.

I managed to keep my view.

"I am certain Master!" she quivered. "I have not been anywhere near them and especially I wouldn't betray my husband, my loyalty is to him."

Voldemort had walked up to her and studied her with all the coolness of the Arctic North.

"Then a little smack would put you back to your senses wouldn't it, Mrs Greyback?" he pointed his wand a light came out and I saw her double over in great pain. How I regretted Black's death. Mind you he'd probably be dead in the first five minutes of this particular encounter, the rash, arrogant fool that he was!

Fenrir just stood there not doing anything to stop it. At least Lucius tried to protect Narcissa, at least Rodolphus tried to stop HIM from torturing Bellatrix. But I couldn't step in. I was here to help Hermione. Not hinder her! Fenrir grinned his wolfish grin.

"Now," Lord Voldemort said after that was done. As if he had just done some dusting. "Fenrir, I am growing impatient to hear some excellent news regarding this union. Did you not promise to bear his offspring Mrs Greyback?"

"Yes Master," she sniffed. "And I have my suspicions but please I need to wait an extra month before I am absolutely certain."

Lord Voldemort then picked her up and then kissed her hand, his red eyes glowing with arrogance.

"That is much better, Mrs Greyback, and I will leave you alone for the next month if that is the case; just make sure you don't do any sneaking off in the future. I do care about you and I wish you would stop being such a naughty girl. Come here," he murmured. She went to him with unsteady, faltering steps. "I will envelope you in my arms and protect you for this month, my word is my bond!"

"Yes, Master, you are ever so kind," she said.

"Let us go inside," Lord Voldemort said. He then walked in Fenrir followed and Hermione hesitated. She then looked at my direction and narrowed her eyes. I walked up to her cautiously and slowly. She shook her head and wincing from pain she picked me up.

Once in I saw a disagreeably arrogant house-elf. It was Blacks traitor! Kreacher. Name suited him.

"Kreacher," Hermione said gently. "Please take this cat and feed him and then find a warm place for him to sleep."

"Yes mistress, Kreacher is glad that mistress has decided to choose the better path."

"Thank you, Kreacher, that is all," she said handing me to this walking wart.

As Kreacher took me down I vaguely heard a voice.

"But Master, why can't I have her?" Lucius whined. How did he break out? I hoped Kreacher would linger and he did, his eavesdropping habits have yet to be broken, although at this moment I was grateful for them.

"She is Fenrir Greybacks wife Mr Malfoy."

"But I have no wife and if my son carries on the way he does, well, the name will be in jeopardy!"

"Your son succeeded where you failed Malfoy! Your son managed to smuggle in Death Eaters in the castle. Your son killed a blood traitor! At the moment, Lucius, I am more pleased with Draco than I am with you. Although the stunning spell you used on the minister for your escape was well timed and aimed. And truly I am glad to have you back by my side. Oh and there is good news regarding your name."

"Master," Lucius said. "You are aware that Snivellus is in love with Mrs Greyback too, aren't you?"

"It hasn't escaped my attention, Lucius."

Kreacher did do as Hermione commanded him. And that night I slept. But from now on it was going to be difficult. I had to kill Greyback making it look like an accident, I had to get Hermione out of here, and I had to do it all without any help. I know in the past I never needed help but this was Mission Impossible.

*****************************************************************

I found her room the morning after and saw that she had made extreme modifications, and she was quite a tasteful decorator. She was sleeping and I jumped on the bed. I loved the way she slept. I shook my head. I wasn't here to contemplate her I was here to rescue her. Get a grip Severus.

I realised the only way I was going to succeed is by sucking up to Lucius again. I guess he does have his uses sometimes. Black once cracked a joke about me being Malfoy’s loyal little lapdog. How he was wrong! If he truly knew me then he'd understand that I am NO ONE'S lapdog. If he absolutely understood the situation then he would have understood that it was actually quite the reverse. If he thought I was afraid of MALFOY of all people then death was too good for him! This was going to be tough, but he wanted Hermione and I knew how to use him. Just like I knew how to use Narcissa. Weak minded fools.

I decided to leave the room and then I sauntered through the shadows back to my sleeping quarters. I came across Draco Malfoy in a passionate clinch with Pansy Parkinson. They broke apart.

"So, its definite then?" she asked panting, her eyes looked up at Draco's with absolute love.

"Yes it is, Pansy, we're engaged."

"Oh Dracy I love you!"

Gag me quick before I hock up a hairball. If only she knew how the Malfoy men treat their women after the wedding and honeymoon period is over.

Pansy ran her hands through Draco's hair.

"I'm so proud of you killing that Weasel!" she exclaimed. "The only thing that stinks is that Mudblood being constantly in our midst."

"Hmm, she's not so bad now she's on our side besides she's a Werewolf now Pansy I wouldn't anger her if I were you."

"NOT SO BAD!" Pansy screeched. Her lip quivered and she looked like Malfoy had just betrayed her.

"I'm not saying I want to buy curtains with her, Pans, I'd rather do that with you."

She sniffed.

"Really?" she asked coyly tugging gently at his pointed chin.

"Really!"

I needed to get to Lucius before anyone discovered me. Voldemort, Bellatrix, and Fenrir all now knew what I was and that could get me into trouble.

I walked down the stairs to see Lucius sitting in the library in his smoking jacket and cap. He was drinking his morning cup of coffee and reading the Daily Prophet he had scrubbed up nicely. And if he wanted to die then he'd have a comfortable death. I patted my way into the room and stayed in the shadows. Lucius looked over the newspaper and sighed, I looked over in his general direction. Hermione was awake and she was wearing a very lovely nightdress, which showed her not to be a child anymore but a woman. And Lucius noticed it! I saw his eyes widen in appreciation as she stepped into the room.

She walked over to the silver tray and poured herself a cup of coffee ignoring Lucius completely.

"I truly am sorry for Master Weasley's death Mrs Greyback," he said smoothly. "It was a needless tragedy, and apparently he wasn't even in the firing line to begin with."

Hermione kept her back turned to him and shrugged her shoulders.

"He was a blood traitor. I neither miss him, nor care to bring up my old ties to him which are now loathsome to me."

I saw Lucius smile. Keep it Malfoy! She's mine! He got up and walked up to her.

"But I wish I could convey my condolences to Arthur how terrible it must be to lose a child, I can only contemplate the grief."

"He has other brats to make him happy," she said. Her acting I had to admit had gotten better. But if she could only say those lines looking into his eyes and convince him then that would make her what the Muggles called, Oscar worthy.

He turned her around and looked at her with a penetrating and thoughtful gaze. He walked closer to her.

"You are beautiful Mrs Greyback. Who'd have thought an ugly duckling could produce such a swan?" He tucked some of her hair behind her ear.

"Quack-quack!" she replied sarcastically. "I am married Mr Malfoy. As you so rightly called me, I am Mrs Greyback!"

She stalked off and walked back up the stairs leaving Lucius on his own. He watched her move up the stairs.

"Pity," he replied sipping more of his coffee, a feral grin plastered all over his face.

*****************************************************************

This was not going to be easy, how was I going to transfigure back to myself with this collar on and get a conversation with Lucius. The plan was near to perfection. I just wish that there were someone who could speak cat! I was in the middle of despairing when suddenly I heard a mew from somewhere. I turned around and there was Crookshanks! Hermione's pet cat/Kneazle I hadn't quite decided.

Crookshanks mewed again and then walked a little way in front of me and then turned, his tail swishing slightly telling me to get a move on. I followed him out side and in the bushes I regarded him with a grateful eye. Crookshanks butted his forehead on mine indicating that we were friends and then he put his paw over my head and started to pick at the collar with his claws. I was out of it soon and then I transformed back to my human self. I picked up Crookshanks and held him. He was purring. Then I put him down.

"Crookshanks, I need you to get Lucius Malfoy to come here."

Crookshanks flattened his ears and growled slightly. His tail was wagging in an angry manner and his eyes went hard.

"It's vital to help Hermione, trust me, Crookshanks, please?"

Crookshanks still gave me an air of indifference, he walked off but it was in a, I-don't-really-want-to-do-this manner.

I waited impatiently. Wishing I was a smoker at least it would have relieved the stress but when I read that smoking shortens a life by five minutes with every cigarette you smoke I decided not to take it up. My teeth are yellow from drinking too many black teas, and coffees and not visiting a Healer enough times to have them cleaned.

Moments later Lucius Malfoy swaggered into view, Crookshanks leading him.

"Well, well, so the prodigal returns," he sneered. "I assume you have come back, I am not sure our Master is going to forgive you for this."

"Nice to see you to, Lucius," I said coolly.

"What can I do for you this time, Severus?"

"The appropriate question should be, Lucius, what could I possibly do for you?"

Lucius' eyes widened slightly at that. He smiled and bought out a cigarette.

"Want one?" he asked.

"No thank you," I answered. "You know I consider it to be a filthy habit."

"She's more becoming than I realised," he began conversationally. "When I first met her it seemed like she'd stay that way forever but she has really blossomed, I can't understand why she likes you!"

"She doesn't," I replied. "She thinks she does."

Lucius laughed silently. He put the cigarette in his mouth and dragged a bit of nicotine into his system. He obviously doesn't realise he's killing himself slowly and surely.

"So, what can you do for me then Severus?" he asked. How gullible. Malfoy's are a selfish bunch and it’s that trait which is so accessible to me. I play on weaknesses. Yes I know that doesn't make me nice but I don't want to be nice! Nice is boring!

"You want her," I suggested. "Why don't you get her?"

"It's not as simple as that Severus," he complained.

"It hasn't stopped you before has it," I said smoothly. He looked at me puzzled.

"Why are you helping me gain the affections of the woman you love?" he asked.

"Love? Who said anything about love? Any woman who wants to be in love with me must be out of her mind and as you know I don't want a woman who's senses are muddled. And as for me in love with her? The insufferable know-it-all who plagued my very classroom as soon as she stepped into it with her obsessive hand going up in the air in that compulsory way. You know I sneer at the word love as I have built my heart strongly against such a weakness."

Lucius Malfoy looked at me with a contemptible gleam in his blue eyes.

"You are not a man at all are you, Severus, you're a walking felony aren't you?"

"I think the entire population of woman hood might agree with you and I am sure that they are thankful for it."

He smiled openly.

"Good to have you back," he said urbanely.

"Good to be back, but I'd be grateful if you kept this entire meeting a secret."

"I will it will be like the old times, Severus."

"Yes, just like the old times!" I exclaimed. I stabbed you in the back then Lucius. Metaphorically, but I still did. Just like old times.

"So what is your plan of action?" he asked taking another sophisticated drag of his cigarette.

*****************************************************************

Once Lucius was gone I picked up the collar and went further in the bushes and transfigured it back into the mirror.

"Harry," I whispered. "Harry?"

His face shimmered into view.

"Finally," he breathed into the mirror. "I've been watching this mirror for almost twenty-four hours. What took you so long?"

"It's not exactly easy this you know, Dumbledore didn't expect this from me."

"Even he got worried."

"Is he there?" I asked.

"Yes," he said. "And he said that you never took this long before."

"I have a concrete plan, Harry, but I am not sure how long it will take to carry it out," I said. "The plan involves Lucius Malfoy!"

"What in Merlin’s name are you thinking?" Harry asked. His eyes flashed angrily at me.

"Just hear me out I haven't got much time!" I said. "Look Lucius wants Fenrir dead there are plenty of potions and poisons that can be easily disguised. Remember when I threatened to lace your pumpkin juice with Veritaserum? You wouldn't have noticed the difference. The same can be said with all sorts of potions. I have said to Lucius, (who by the way has become fascinated with Hermione), that I will provide him with said potion. Lucius thinks that I am helping him get Hermione. Fenrir dies from the poison and that leaves Hermione free."

"Won't she die?" Harry asked with a worried frown on his face.

"No, that is the beauty of it Harry. She will be innocent of the entire affair. And she won't die because it won't implicate her in any way shape or form. I've done this several times before.”

"She better not get hold of the plan," Harry said.

"She won't," I said. "I'll bloody well make sure she won't!"

"Good and just remember be careful," Harry said.

"How is everyone there?" I asked.

"Fine, Molly, is all in a spin worrying about you."

"Yes," I replied. "I'm sure she is. Tell her I'll be as quick as possible."

"Bye dad," he said.

"Stop calling me that!"

"All right then, Uncle Severus!"

I gritted my teeth. We said goodbye and I was left to carry out this rather extraordinary plan of mine. And I was going to show EXACTLY to Lucius what a first class pure prize idiot he is! Pride would come before a fall, and what a great fall this one would be.

Severus

A/N - Lucius is something else isn't he? It was whilst I was writing this that I realised Lucius was actually one of my muses...