Tempted by Fate: A Serpent's Requiem

“Alright you guys. Get a move on,” Arthur yelled. He watched as Harry and the others started towards King’s Cross. Harry was the last to go through Platform 9 ¾. I hope he listens to me…Arthur waited until Harry went through before preparing to apparate. Just as Harry disappeared, Arthur looked up to see Lucius and Draco headed his way.

“Arthur, Arthur, shouldn’t you be at work right about now? Don’t you know your family can’t afford for you to be engaging in leisurely activities?”

“And shouldn’t you be at home with your wife? I’m sure she’s not the most trustworthy female. Believe me, I should know,” Arthur retorted quickly. Lucius' eyes flashed with anger but he managed a half smile as he sent Draco on.

“Behave yourself son. I’ll see you in a few weeks time.” Draco smirked as he left Mr. Weasley with his angry father.

“Why run your son off? I’m sure he’d love to hear some interesting things about his mother…”

“How’s Molly?” Lucius asked cutting Arthur off. Arthur glared at him before smiling sweetly.

“Fine, of course that’s no thanks to you asshole.”

“Are you certain?” Lucius asked, stepping closer to Arthur. Arthur stared at the ground for several seconds, his body now shaking with anger.

“You fucking stood there and watched Narcissa…”

“I did no such thing,” Lucius replied softly. “Of course, you would know had you been there.” Arthur's head snapped up and he grabbed Lucius’ robe and pushed him against the brick wall.

“HOW DARE YOU! ARE YOU…ARE YOU SUGGESTING…ARE YOU SAYING THAT I’M NOT THERE FOR HER? ANSWER ME!” Lucius easily pushed Arthur aside, knocking him on the ground. Before Arthur could recover, Lucius took out his wand and pointed it down at Arthur.

“You can take that last statement anyway you choose. I was merely pointing out a fact. If you in fact had been there, maybe Cissy would have exercised a little more restraint. In the meantime, give Molly and Ginny my regards.” And with that, he left, leaving Arthur on the ground brooding with anger.

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Draco got on to the familiar train and headed towards the back, looking for an empty compartment. When he got to the back he let out a groan. In the compartment on the left sat two first years eating chocolate frogs and comparing their wizard card collectibles. On the right sat a familiar classmate, reading a novel. He weighed his options and finally decided on the classmate. He sat in the seat across from her and she didn’t even look up. In fact, she looked almost pissed about something. He cleared his throat, hoping she would acknowledge his presence but when she did not he decided to taunt her a little.

“I wonder what’s got the bitchy mud-blood so upset this fine morning.” She looked up over her book and glared angrily at him before returning to her book. “Gee, Muggle you’re no fun.”

“Nothing you can say can possibly piss me off more than I already am so you need not bother with me. And anyway, why are you sitting here? Shouldn’t you be sitting with your two idiot bodyguards?”

“I was going to sit with them but it seems they’ve missed the train. There was no where else. I’ll rot in hell before I sit with Potter," he spat. "Besides, it’s not like I’m thrilled to be here either Muggle.”

“Whatever.”

She went back to reading her book and Draco scoffed. Why did I have to end up with Miss-Know-It-All? He glanced at her and took notice to how neat her hair looked. It was a nice change from the bushiness she sported all last term. It seemed that she had highlighted her hair a little. It was no longer that burnt orange—maybe it was orange—he wasn’t quite sure. Looking at her now, it was hard to picture that mane she used to have. He smiled before closing his eyes to take a nap. It was going to be a long trip.

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“Harry, can you believe her?! I mean, come on. Why she always gotta act like a bitch?” Harry shrugged before turning his attention to the booth across from them. He slid the side door open just a little so that he could catch a glimpse of the girl sitting there. Cho. Her long black hair was neatly pulled back in a pony tail. She was laughing about something. Harry smiled before sliding the door shut again. Ron was now sulking as he played with Scabbers.

“Ron, why don’t you go apologize if it’s bothering you so much?” Harry said. He was now getting a little annoyed with Ron and Hermione.

“Hell will freeze over before I…”

“Then let it go. Damn. You two are the most…I don’t know, but if most couples acted like you two then…”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down mate. Hermione and I are NOT a couple!”

“Then what about that kiss this summer huh? How do you explain that? Or were you just pulling my leg?”

“Well we were…it’s complicated.” Ron leaned back and closed his eyes before telling his best friend what had happened…

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“Ronald! What did I tell you about this quidditch playing with no protection?” Hermione ran over to him and helped him up off the ground.

“Awe is little Ronald hurt?”

“Oh shut up George!” Ron tried to run at George but Hermione held him back.

“Come on, let’s go get you cleaned up.” Hermione led Ron into the burrow and into the kitchen.

“Where’s mum and dad?” Ron asked, as he plopped down in a chair near the table.

“Well had you been listening earlier you would have known that they were out getting you guys some new robes. Then they are supposed to do a little grocery shopping.”

“Oh…oh yeah right.” Hermione walked off but returned seconds later with some bandages and a weird looking potion.

“Stand up Ronald. Oh and take off your shirt.”

“What?”

“Just do it! I can’t apply the medicine if your shirt’s still on!”

Ron sighed as he raised his arms weakly and took off the white tee, which was now muddy and slightly bloody from the small cut on his side. Hermione poured medicine in her hand and started to rub his side softly, applying the medicine. Ron clinched his teeth to keep from crying out. The medicine was burning but after a while, Ron forgot all about the burning. Hermione’s hands seemed to dull the pain as she rubbed each of his cuts. He began to notice how soft her hands were. When she was done applying the medicine, she unraveled the bandage and tried to apply it around his waist while he was sitting. After a minute she groaned out of frustration.

“Ronald, you’re going to have to stand…and raise your arms so I can better get this around you.”

He stood up and Hermione began wrapping the bandage around his waist. At times her hands would brush his bare flesh and Ron would tense up a little. “Turn around now,” she commanded. Ron turned around and she frowned. “Well, I suppose that will do. Don’t go out there playing more quidditch for a while otherwise the bandages will break. I didn’t realize how big you were until now. Anyway, you can go now. I’m all done.”

Hermione grabbed the rest of the bandages and medicine and left to put them away. Ron sat there for several seconds before deciding to follow her, hoping maybe to apologize for earlier. Hermione put the medicinal potion back in Mrs. Weasley’s spice cabinet and when she turned around Ron was standing there.

“Ron!” she exclaimed jumping and throwing her arms up. “You scared me you idiot!” He laughed before taking her by the hand.

“I just…come to tell you that I’m…sorry for earlier,” he mumbled. Hermione stared at him, a look of amazement on her face.

“Are you…did you just say that you’re actually sorry for something?” she asked incredulously. “Now what brought about this striking revelation?” He didn’t say anything, but just continued to hold her hand. His eyes began to wonder over her body, working their way up to her tummy. She had gotten hot earlier that day and decided to parade around in a tight fitting halter, that was now wet from her sweating and playing outside. “Ronald, are you ok?”

“Uh, yeah, I um…I’ll be going now.”

Cursing under his breath, he turned to leave. She shrugged her shoulders and followed after him when he stopped suddenly, causing her to bump into him.

“Ron what are you…?” Before she knew it they were both falling to the floor. Ron had tripped on the foot of one of the dinner chairs and ended up pulling Hermione down with him. “Ronald, the next time you trip, try not to bring me down with you!”

She got up off the floor then reached out to pull Ron up. He grabbed her hands but instead of pulling himself up, he jerked pulling Hermione down on top of him. He laughed when she cursed at him, lecturing him about needing to grow up.

“Oh Hermione, I was just giving you a hard time.” She rolled her eyes and began to push herself off of him, but he wrapped his arms around her back, pinning her to him.

“Ronald…”

“Hermione…” he replied teasingly.

“Well, we can’t stay like this all day. I’d hate to see your mother’s face when she sees you holding me captive like this.”

“I don’t know…I suppose mummy would have a fit. At any rate, she’s not here so I can do as I please.” Hermione once more tried to loosen herself from his grip but he wouldn’t let up.

“Ronald, I don’t know what you’re thinking but if your mother walks in here…this looks…do you have any idea what this looks like?” she asked.

“Yeah, I do, but for some reason I could care less.”

“Fine then. I suppose I should make myself comfortable.” She laid her head on his chest and Ron wrapped his arms tighter around her, but only for a few seconds. His hands began to wonder up and down her back playfully. Hermione let out a small giggle before trying to sit up.

“Ronald, that tickles! Let me up!”

“Oh alright.” He loosed his grip so that she could get up.

“Thank you.” She managed to pull herself up and headed towards the door.

“Hey…aren’t you going to let me up?” he asked.

“Ron…” she walked over to him, hands on her hips and frowning, “I will if you promise not to pull me down again.” He rolled his eyes before nodding his head. She leaned over and pulled him up, but when she did he pulled her into a hug. “Ron, what has gotten into you!” she asked laughing.

“I dunno. You I guess.” She opened her mouth out of shock but Ron took the opportunity to cover her mouth with his. The kiss ended just as quickly as it started for Fred and George apparated into the kitchen right next to them, scaring them both half to death.

“Oh, my,” George said looking quite shocked.

“Have we…interrupted something?” Fred asked.

“Why Fred, I do believe we have.”

“Oh shut up you two,” Ron said angrily, pushing past Hermione and heading out the kitchen door. Ron stood outside on the porch and looked up towards the sky. What the hell was I thinking?

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“Wow. You really kissed Hermione?” Harry asked incredulously. “I seriously thought you were just yanking my chain.”

“It’s not that serious.”

“Apparently it was to her.” Ronald shrugged before turning his attention back to his rat. That kiss…I was only messing with her.

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Three long hours later, the train was starting to slow down. Hermione looked out the window and sure enough she spotted the familiar Whomping Willow, a tree in which Harry and Ron had experienced first hand last term. She jumped at the sound of a loud snore. She looked over to see Malfoy slumped over sleeping peacefully. He almost looks innocent. She shook her head as she stood and changed into her robes. It was almost as if this moment had not come soon enough. It had been a long, dreary summer and even though she was able to read all that she wanted, it seemed the summer would not end soon enough.

She fastened her robe as the train came to a complete stop. She could hear the rustle and chatter of everyone grabbing their things and exiting the train. She glanced over at Malfoy who was starting to slump even further in his sleep. She hesitated for a long time before leaning over and shaking him lightly.

“Draco? Draco get up! We’re here.” He opened his eyes slowly and when he saw Hermione he frowned.

“What are you doing here mudblood?” he asked squinting his eyes at her. Clearly he had forgotten what was going on and where he was.

“For starters, you sat with me and secondly, you’re on the train to Hogwarts. We’re here now. Next time, I think I’ll leave you here. I liked you better when you were snoring.” With one last glare she left the compartment, leaving a grumpy Malfoy behind.

“Stupid Muggle,” he grumbled, as he stood to make his way off the train, secretly grateful for her waking him though he’d never admit it.

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Harry and Ron watched as Hermione walked straight up to the girls dormitory and slammed the door. Harry sighed as he and Ron each took a chair near the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room. Most people were either at the Sorting Ceremony or in the halls catching up with old friends. Harry on the other hand was bound by friendship to make sure that his two best friends were alright.

“Dammit Harry! She can’t stay pissed at me forever!”

“I don’t know Ron,” Harry said, fixing his glasses. “After all, it is Hermione. For all we know she very well could.”

“Whatever. I’ve tried apologizing. You’d think that would count for something.”

“Well…I don’t know Ron,” Harry winced. “I mean, sure you were apologizing but I don’t think it meant much to Hermione if you were smiling and winking at some of the other girls walking by.”

“Oh but come on Harry! Some of the girls…I don’t know how they do it—they are hot now! It’s like the summer just transforms them,” he replied dreamily.

“Yeah, well if you ever hope to get back into Hermione’s good graces then I suggest you apologize to her sometime tomorrow or Sunday. You don’t want her pissed at you on the first day of classes. I hear she’s taking a butt-load of classes this term. That means it would seriously be a bad idea to fuck with her if you get my drift.”

“Yeah, I saw her schedule but it makes no sense. There’s just know way in hell you can be in two classes at one time.” Harry shrugged before standing to his feet.

“I think we should get going. The sorting’s almost over but I’m starving.”

“Yeah…yeah me too. What about Hermione?” Ron asked as he too stood to his feet. His face was full of concern but Harry just shrugged.

“Well, I dunno. Maybe we ought to leave her alone tonight. If she gets hungry, I’m sure she can manage. She’s a girl so you know most girls don’t eat much anyway.”

“Which is why most of them are so little. I can’t seem to understand why…” Ron’s voice drifted off as he and Harry went through the portrait of the Fat Lady. When Hermione was sure they had gone, she made her way down stairs and plopped into one of the straight chairs by the fire. She took out her journal and started to write.

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The sorting was now over and Severus watched as the new comers mixed and mingled with their new associates from their houses. Seconds later he spotted Potter and Weasley traipsing into the dining area, immediately greeted by jeers from his own house table. Severus smirked as he continued to survey the students. His attention was once again diverted to the Gryffindor table as Potter was asked to pose for pictures as if he was some sort of celebrity. Snape rolled his eyes, half wishing that he could make some smart remark on behalf of his house. Potter and Ron both looked extremely annoyed and were now telling people to buzz off. Granger. Snape noticed that Ms. Granger was not with them. Hmmm…maybe she’s realized that hanging with those two was a big mistake. She’s seen the light. I’d gladly welcome her to my house if that be the case.

“Severus.” Snape’s own thoughts were interrupted by the headmaster. Snape rolled his eyes before calmly responding with a nod as Dumbledore took his seat next to him at the staff table.

“Good evening headmaster. Is there any particular reason why you wished for me to sit next to you?” he asked, his bored tone of voice causing Dumbledore to chuckle slightly.

“Ah yes, I need to speak with you about something.”

“Let me guess, it involves Potter.”

“Well, yes…and no,” he said slowly. “Actually it involves our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.”

“You finally trust me enough to let me have the job,” he replied, the sarcasm just rolling off his tongue.

“Severus, it’s not a matter of trust when it comes to that job. I just don’t feel like you should be exposed to such things for now.”

“What you really wanted to say was that you are afraid that I may have some sort of silly relapse and wreck havoc upon the school, killing off some of the annoying students and declaring Lord Vol…”

“Severus…” Snape could hear the tone change in the headmaster’s voice. It was full of annoyance yet he could tell that Dumbledore was losing his patience. Snape sat back in his chair and folded his arms.

“Fine. As you wish. So tell me what it has to do with…”

Snape noticed that the Great Hall had become un-seemingly quieter. He looked up to see a ragged, looking man walking towards the staff table. He walked with a slight limp and although his clothes looked worn, he was still quite young. Snape stood up, eyes wide with shock but body shaking with fury. His head snapped towards Dumbledore who only shrugged. Glaring angrily at Dumbledore, he quickly turned and exited out the back, towards the familiar dungeons. How could he? He let him…HIM of all people…instead of me. Snape entered his potions room and just stood in the dimly lit room. He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath.

“Only for you Lily…”

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“Hey Harry…that’s the guy from the train! I wonder why he’s here…” Harry watched as the man walked towards the staff table and took a seat in the chair that had been inhabited by Snape earlier.

“Damn. I wonder where the dragon has run off to? He was just there a second ago. I could have sworn I felt his eyes on us Harry.”

Harry wasn’t paying attention. He was too busy trying not to remember the dementor attacks. Even though Hermione had mentioned something of a Patronus Charm, he had never learned how to do one for it was advanced magic that wasn’t taught until your fifth year at Hogwarts. As gifted as Hermione was, she too didn’t have a clue as to how to properly learn how to do one. Harry could just remember asking Arthur about it once but he had said that it wasn’t important.

“Your attention please.”

McGonagall tapped her glass silencing everyone in the Great Hall as Dumbledore rose to his feet to speak. It was the usual start of term announcements. Harry laughed as he watched a more than happy Filch smile as the headmaster proceeded to list all of the items that were now “forbidden”.

“Now then, let me introduce your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Remus Lupin.” The sickly looking man rose to his feet and gave a humble bow before sitting again. “Now then, we must address a new issue. As you know the dementors who guard the Azkaban prison are now stationed here at Hogwarts. This is an added safety precaution from our dear friends over at the Ministry. It would seem that Fudge has insisted upon this, even though I feel that you were already perfectly safe. However, since they are here, I must stress the importance of staying away from them. They are not the friendliest sort and I don’t need any soulless students wandering around. It would be a dreadful, dreadful fate for you all. That is all. Dismissed.”

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Hermione slowly rose to her feet and headed towards the dormitory. Once there, she changed and got into bed before others could make their way upstairs. She closed her eyes but could not sleep. Thoughts of the upcoming term were swirling around in her head. First to cross her mind was Ronald. Over the summer they wrote to each other constantly until Mrs. Weasley was able to convince her to spend the remainder of the summer with them. Much to her surprise, she couldn’t have had a better summer. Ronald and his brothers were a riot to be around, always up to something but always worth a good laugh. Ron was also very amusing too. Over the summer she had seen a side of Ron that was a rare sight during the school term…which would probably explain Ron’s attitude now.

Hermione rolled over on her side and let out a huge breath. Ron had been acting like jerk ever since his brothers walked in on…well, what did they walk in on? She replayed that day over and over in her mind, but sadly had not come up with a good answer. There was a moment in time in which she could have sworn that kiss meant something. The other thing that bothered her was Harry. She had heard about the dementors coming aboard the train and for some reason Harry had passed out. She was going to ask him about it but at the time, was too pissed at Ronald to face him. Harry was always acting so brave. She wished just for once he’d admit to being afraid…or needing someone. Boys.

“I’m just a silly girl.” She rolled over and closed her eyes pretending to sleep as Ginny and some of the others entered the room for the night.

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

Lucius sat in his study and stared at wall. He was in a bad mood and didn’t know what to do with himself. Narcissa had shut herself in their bedroom again, now sulking about God knows what.

“I just can’t seem to do right by that woman,” he said angrily, tossing vase at the wall, which easily shattered into tiny pieces. Sighing, he flicked his wand and watched as the vase put itself back together. How did I ever get myself in this position? He laughed at the absurdity of his question. It was a question to which he already knew the answer. He had made a choice long ago that he has been regretting…or maybe not. There were times—like this—when he often would sit and wonder what would have happened had certain things had not come to pass years ago. If he had not met…

“No, I can’t think about her,” he said grimly. He stood to his feet and blew out his candle as he exited his study. He was sleeping in his bed tonight whether she liked it or not.

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Draco watched as Ron and Harry started off towards their tower. I think I’ll have some fun.

“Hey Potter…Weasley! Do you think it safe for the two of you to be traveling all alone?” A few older Slytherins laughed as they stopped to watch the show.

“What are you getting at Malfoy?” Harry asked, his hand now firmly gripping his wand.

“No need to sound so hostel Potter. I was just looking out for your well-being. I mean, I’m not the one who fainted on the train.”

“Why you son-of-a-bitch Malfoy,” Ron sneered, moving closer to Malfoy. Draco put up his hands and took a few small steps back.

“You know Ron, you are really starting to amaze me. If you keep it up, Snape might let you join us Slytherins. As you know, Gryffindor is for pansies.” A couple of Slytherins sniggered as they glared teasingly at Harry and Ron.

“Shove off Malfoy.” Harry grabbed Ron and started steering him up the stairs but Draco wasn’t finished yet.

“So Ron, how’s your girlfriend?” Everyone got quiet as Ron and Harry turned around.

“Girlfriend?” Ron asked, twisting his face in confusion. Harry stared curiously from Draco to Ron, also somewhat confused by his question. “I have no girlfriend.”

“Oh come off it loser. I mean the mud-blood. Tell me, why is it that she was left sitting all alone on the train? I just felt so sorry for her that I couldn’t resist taking a seat next to her.”

“Oh did you now?” Harry asked, hand gripping his wand tighter. “Tell me, how did it go? I hope it’s good…for your sake,” Harry replied, his throat now growing tight with anger.

“Oh you know…I just sat there…called her a few names but she was too pissed to play with me. But while I was sitting there I couldn’t help but notice how much she’s changed in the last year. Man Ron, you’ve got yourself a fine piece of ass. If it wasn’t a shame, I’d do…” Ron ran at Draco and pushed him against the wall, holding him up by the shirt. Draco just laughed as Harry and some other fellow Gryffindors tried to pull Ron away.

“Come on Ron. He’s not worth it,” Seamus said, tugging at Ron’s robe. Ron reluctantly let his friends steer him off back towards the stairs.

“Oh, one last thing Ron before I forget. If she’s not your girlfriend then why are you getting so pissed?” Ron took out his wand and pointed it Malfoy, but before he could mutter a word there was aloud voice that muttered a familiar spell.

“Expelliarmus!” Ron’s wand was knocked cleanly into the air and landed gracefully into the hands of…

“Snape!” Ron gasped. His face now started turning all shades of red and purple as Snape glared at him with some glimmer of satisfaction.

“Ten points, Mr. Weasley will be taken from Gryffindor. My, my, Mr. Weasley the term hasn’t even officially begun and already you are being a nuisance.”

“But professor, it wasn’t him. Malfoy…”

“Ten more points will be taken from Gryffindor,” Snape said calmly, staring at Harry. “Anyone else care to speak out of turn?” he asked, eyebrows raised out of amusement. The Slytherins all snickered as they rounded the corner towards the Slytherin tower, leaving Snape with Harry and Ron. Only Draco remained, who was leaning against the wall waiting for some action between Snape and Harry. Harry, who was not in the mood to deal with Snape, grabbed Ron’s wand before dragging a sulking Ron up the stairs. Draco scoffed as he started towards the Slytherin tower.

“So much for action,” he mumbled. He walked along the corridor slowly lost in thought He now knew how to push Ron’s buttons. The mud-blood.