Doppelganger

Chapter 25 Back In Grace With The Phoenix

Severus walked Hermione back to Professor McGonagall's chambers wishing that she could stay with him. He pulled a bar of chocolate out of his robes and handed it to her. "Eat this Hermione as it will make you feel better."

She murmured her thanks and took the chocolate as he lifted her chin and looked into her eyes pleased that he did not see any darkness in them. "If you feel remorse about tonight Hermione think of our love. I know you have healed your soul on your own before and even healed a good bit of mine." Nodding to her before he walked away, his robes billowing behind him.

Hermione entered and found Minerva waiting for her. "Apprentice how did your evening of collecting go with Professor Snape? I hope he wasn't his over-bearing self."

Hermione laughed. "Mistress everything went fine though I can say he just stood around as I did the grunt work and at the end saying my work was barely acceptable and I was better off in Transfiguration as I would make a pathetic Potions apprentice."

Minerva chuckled. "I'm not surprised though I must admit Albus was insistent on having you accompany him."

"May I have my leave Mistress? It has been a very long day."

Minerva nodded and watched as Hermione went to her room. She wondered when Hermione would come clean about her relationship with the Potions master. Being a teacher for so many years and watching her students grow up developed a skill to spot relationships immediately.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Severus made his way to the Headmaster's office and found the stairway revealed and walked up and through the open door.

"Albus." He greeted as strode over to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a drink.

"How did things go Severus?"

"She will be able to complete what is commanded of her." He replied as he handed the Headmaster Voldemort's parchment.

Albus sank to his seat in relief as he read the parchment. That was one less thing he would have to worry about.

"Four days to plan this Severus. You will have to present this to follow through with the charade."

"I can't wait." He drawled out as he sat down his empty glass and left the room.

HGSSHGSSHGSSHGSS

Severus arrived at the Headquarters and stood away from the group and observed them. He felt a burst of jealousness as he observed the ginger Weasley wrap his arm around Hermione and kissed her on the cheek before remembering that it was Melody and not his wife. Looking further he found his wife chatting to Lupin. Mad-Eye Moody clumped past him muttering "Snake!" as he went to talk to Albus.

Everyone watched as Albus approached the podium in the meeting room and announced. "I have been informed that fifty Deatheaters are going to attack Hogsmeade specifically to kill the muggle-born and half bloods that reside there. We are here to plan a defense as I have a list of the intended targets."

Moody spoke out. "And where did you get that list Albus? Surely not from that snake Snape? I tell you that he is not to be trusted!"

He turned to the group that started to speak out that they trusted Snape.

"You are all blinded! All he does is provide information and we go and die. You must realize that we have always had deaths on our side and all he does is watch. How do you know that he does not pass our plans to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named? Shake the pixie dust from your eyes and see what he truly is! A traitor that we cannot trust!" Moody shouted out in anger.

"Severus, could you please respond to Alistor's words?" Albus called out.

Severus walked to stand next to Albus. "Most certainly Albus." He replied in a silky voice. "I will go with you. As the Order no longer goes around openly I will dress myself in the robes and mask of the Order and fight beside you." He looked to Moody. "You can even be my babysitter Moody and team up with me."

Albus spoke out. "Severus and Alistor are teamed up. Now let us plan as we only have three days to prepare."

The doppelgangers, Minerva, Remus, Mad-Eye, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Melody, Arthur, Molly, Ginny, Luna and Kingsley gathered around the table where a map of the village of Hogsmeade was laid out and began to plan their defense.

Soon the plans were laid and everyone began to leave. Severus watched as Harry and Ron pulled Hermione aside.

"It's unfair Hermione. Almost as soon as we were reunited with you Dumbledore pulls you to the castle." Harry told her as he hugged her.

She hugged him back. "I know guys but there is one thing that I have noticed and that is the feeling of fore-boding. I can even see it in the Slytherins at school. It's hard to explain. The world is definitely not the same since I left. I feel that evil and the Darkness is just biding its time and waiting for something to happen that will allow it to come out openly. Do you feel it?"

Ron hugged her as well. "I feel it too Hermione but it is stronger since you and the doppelgangers arrived. Something that we can't see is waiting and it knows that it will win and that scares me most Hermione. Sometimes I feel helpless and I sense it laugh at me."

Hermione gathered her friends closer in a hug. "But we are all here together and we will force it back. We will prevail because we love one another."

They stood together for a while as they felt the strong feeling of love wash over them and calm their thoughts.

Hermione broke the silence. "As an apprentice I have weekends off. I promise you that I will stay with you this weekend." She looked over and saw that her husband and Albus were waiting for her. "I have to go now. Be well and I will see you this weekend."

Harry and Ron watched her as she left the room with the two wizards.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

The days passed quickly and Friday was upon her. The bell rang marking the end of classes for the day and Hermione watched the students leave the Transfiguration classroom as Minerva reminded the departing students of their assignment due Monday.

Minerva walked over to her desk and sat down sighing as she pulled out a bottle and two glasses and set them down and poured them a large helping. She held the glass out to Hermione and said "To the end of the second week. It is all downhill from here."

Hermione pulled up a chair and sipped her drink recognizing a ritual. "One day Apprentice you will appreciate the significance of this day."

Hermione laughed. "Oh please Mistress enlighten me on this profound moment."

"Don't get cheeky with me or I'll have to think of a way to punish you." Looking to the young witch with a smile. "The first two weeks of school is always hardest on a professor because we have to whip the students back into a routine and the pranks spring abound. After that everything falls into place and we can relax and began to truly teach."

Hermione took another sip of the liquor appreciating the flavor. "The scotch is wonderful Mistress. I was wondering if I could be given permission to leave the school and be away for the weekend as I want to visit with Harry and Ron."

"Be careful Hermione. You know what we have to do tonight and I don't see a problem with you being away for the weekend."

Hermione stood up and placed her empty glass down on the desk. "Thank you for sharing your special moment with me Mistress. I'll see you at dinner."

She made her way through the corridors as the students jostled around her and she felt a parchment thrust into her hand. She stopped and looked around but could not find whoever it was that had given her the note. Noticing a door to an unused classroom she entered it and warded the door behind her.

Apprentice Granger,

I overheard the seventh year Slytherin Prefects threatening a house elf and handing it a potion to add to your food. I'm not sure what's in it but they said it would change you into something disgusting and be very painful. I enjoy your classes and would not want to see anything happen to you.

She sighed noticing the parchment was not signed and was not surprised. That was why she always checked her food before eating because she knew it was only a matter of time.

Leaving the room she made her way down to the dungeons and knocked on the door leading to the Potions classroom. The door opened and she noticed her husband sitting at his desk sipping a glass of Firewhiskey.

"Professor Snape may I have a word with you?" Unsure if anyone else was in hearing distance.

Severus flicked his wand at the door and warded it. "Of course Hermione."

She walked up to his desk and looked at the glass. "Is this a ritual for all professors?"

He chuckled. "Yes Apprentice. You'll find all of us doing this very thing on the two week mark though I do not know what the fuss is about as my students know better than to try anything."

She pecked his check and sat down in the chair that suddenly appeared. "Speaking of students someone gave me this." Handing the parchment to her wizard.

Severus read it and set it down recognizing the neat handwriting. "I'll take care of this."

"No Severus, let me. Do you know who wrote the letter?" Hermione asked as she noticed the anger in his eyes.

"As a matter of fact I do Hermione. It seems that you have a protector in the House of Slytherin in the form of a first year."

"Are you going to punish whoever wrote it?" She asked in worry.

He finished his drink and stood up. "No." He replied as he pulled her up from her chair. "The Prefects should have been vigilant in who was around when they implemented their plan."

Severus brought her into his chambers and wrapped his arms around her as he kissed her. "It is difficult for me to see you walk these halls and not be able to touch or speak to you the way that you deserve Hermione."

She enjoyed the feel of her husband against her and sighed as she broke away and sat in the settee next to the fire. "I know Severus and I hate it too as I have to act and talk like I despise you when that is certainly not the case."

"Are you still going out with Alice despite the fact that you know what will happen?" Disapproval apparent in his voice.

"Yes Severus. If I back out she may be become suspicious. Don't worry about me. Did you read the book from Dumbledore?" She asked changing the subject.

"Yes and I agree with your assessment. Killing the host will not result in their death. It means that we will have to kill the snake twice. But you realize that once you kill Potter he will be vulnerable to death. Albus wants him to die before he departs the mortal plane. What do you think about it?"

Hermione sat deep in thought as she felt him sit next to her and held her hand. After a few moments she spoke. "I don't think it will make a difference Severus as Voldemort will move quickly to take over the Ministry as soon as Albus' death is announced. Probably before as Alice will give the poison in the Great Hall in view of the students and it will take a week for him to die. Don't look surprised as our link tells me." She moved and laid down placing her head into lap. "Your touch is soothing to me Severus."

He looked to her as he ran his fingers through her hair. "As your presence is to me." Watching as she fell asleep. Lily was right Hermione loved him.

"Hermione." He whispered as he shook her awake as it was close to dinner. "You must go now as it is soon to the dinner bell."

She woke up and look to him with her deep brown eyes. "Be safe Severus."

"Always my Lioness." He murmured as he helped her up. "Do not underestimate Alice. She has surely told Lucius about her date and do not be surprised when he arrives."

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Hermione watched as the plate of food appeared before her and glanced to the Slytherin table. Yes the Prefects were watching her intently. She also noticed first year Mr. Lestrange watching her as well. She realized he must have been the one to warn her.

She picked up her plate of food and walked over to the Slytherin table and stood in front of the seventh year Prefects. "I think you need to try a bit from my plate before enjoying the rest of your meal."

"You cannot force us you mudblood!" One spat out.

Albus stood up and sounded out. "Ten points from Slytherin for a rude remark and I think that you need to take a bite from her plate as something is amiss here. Professor Snape your House is out of hand."

"Thank you Headmaster for stating that very fact." As he walked down in anger and joined Hermione. "Well get to it." He snarled to his perfects.

The Prefects looked to their Head of House knowing that there was no way out as they took a bit of food from the plate and large boils oozing with pus erupted all over their body as they screamed out in pain.

Severus looked to the Headmaster. "By your leave Headmaster. It seems that two of my House imbibed something that did not agree with them." Yanking up the two students by the collar and dragging them out of the room.

He threw them to the Floor. "Obviously the Mudblood was warned. You must make sure that no one overhears your plans and you disgrace your House and me as you were caught. She always checks her food. Go back to our House and try to figure out how she realized your plans." He snarled out. "Don't bother going to the Infirmary as you need to learn a lesson through suffering. I'll heal you tomorrow." Watching the two students scamper out of his presence as he returned to the Great Hall.

He took his seat. "Headmaster my house has been addressed and I assure you that this will not happen again."

"Very Well Professor Snape. Forty points from Slytherin for trying to inflict harm to a member of staff. Be sure to tell them that they were lucky that I did not expel them."

Severus watched the green emeralds drop from the glass and stood back up. "Slytherin house you will go to your common room NOW and wait for me!" He shouted out in anger and watched as his Slytherins jumped up as one and immediately left the Great Hall.

He glared out to the now silent hall as he sat back down to finish his meal.

"Don't be too harsh on them Sev as it was only two that caused this." Hermione sent along their link.

"But I thank you for the opportunity for a learning experience for my First Years wife. They are going to see a side of me that will put the fear into them. It is rare that I get this opportunity so early in the year as most of my House's shenanigans are not caught." He sent back.

"Try not to enjoy yourself so much dear." She sent back.

She watched as her husband stood up and left the hall as the hall erupted out in laughter as the Headmaster stood up to get the hall back to order.

Alice tugged Hermione's robes to get her attention. "Hermione you still on for tonight?"

Hermione looked to the mousy witch. "Yes Alice. Give me an hour and meet me at the gates." As she stood up and left the hall.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Lucius looked through the curtains of the Hog's Head waiting for the hated mudblood to arrive. He was tasked to attack the village but he hoped that he could capture her and take her to his Lord before that time. He grinned as he saw the two witches approach the entrance and pointed his wand and whispered "Imperio"."

Hermione stood at the entrance to the Hog's Head as she felt the intrusion into her mind and quickly pushed it away. "Alice let's go to the Three Broomsticks as I've changed my mind." Pulling the witch to her as she began to walk away.

"Why Hermione?" She asked as they walked down the street.

"It did not feel right Alice." She replied as they walked down to the Three Broomsticks and entered into an almost empty room.

Rosmerta hugged Hermione. "I heard that you were back at the castle from the students. I was saddened at the news of your death."

Hermione hugged the witch in return. "I'm sorry but my survival had to be held in secrecy." Glancing about the pub. "Anyone that I should worry about?" She asked.

"No Hermione as most that you should worry about hang about the Hog's Head. Business is slow." Rosmerta replied as she led the witches to an isolated table at the corner of her pub. "If you need to leave quickly go through that door." Pointing to a dingy brown door. "So what's you poison?"

Alice replied. "Firewhiskey." As Hermione voiced the same.

Rosmerta left to get them their drinks.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Severus stood with the Order adorned in the robes and mask of the Phoenix. Harry looked to seventy five wizards and witches as he spoke. "No prisoners today. Kill any Deatheater that you meet. Let's go!"

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Lucius watched as the witches walked away and followed them. So, the Mudblood could fight the curse. Even better he thought as he entered the pub and took down Rosmerta. He strode over to the table and looked to the young witches. "Well I find a Mudblood here. My lord will be pleased that I have captured you. Alice your services shall be rewarded faithful witch!" Disarming Hermone of her wand.

Severus finished killing the Deatheaters at the residence he was assigned as he felt Hermione's distress through the Link. Grabbing Moody's hand he rushed through the street not paying attention to the burning buildings as they passed by and burst into the pub.

"Where are you leading me to you snake? " Alistor roared as he noticed Lucius Malfoy's arm wrapped around Hermione's neck.

He watched in shock as the snake shouted "Avadera Kedevra!" and watched as Lucius slumped to the ground dead.

Suddenly Harry and Ron burst through the door shouting as Hermione shouted out "Expelliarmous!" and watched as her best friend fell down dead as the others looked to her in shock.