Finding Love in War *COMPLETE*

Finding Love in War

Chapter 2- Revelations and Oracles

Harry and Ron sat in the kitchen of 12 Grimmwauld Place along with most of the Order. Albus and Severus were standing at the head of the table waiting for everyone to settle down.

“If everyone will quite down, we can get started,” Albus said. The room fell silent. “Thank you. Now, as we all know Voldemort had Hadrian kill Hermione’s parents two weeks ago. She is safe and hidden in a secure location. Severus has discovered the reason behind the attack,” he added.

“It’s my fault. I know it is,” Harry blurted out.

“Actually Mr. Potter, this attack had nothing to do with you. Voldemort attacked Miss Granger’s parents, not because she’s your friend, but because of Miss Granger herself. Intellectually, she is the brightest witch since Rowena Ravenclaw, but magically, she’s the strongest witch anyone has ever seen.

“Voldemort figures he can scare or threaten her into fighting for him. Of course, if this fails, he will kill her. As for the man who killed her parents, he’s the most vicious man to ever walk this planet. His name is Hadrian Snape,” Severus explained.

The room fell silent. Of everyone gathered, only four people knew Hadrian was Severus’ father. Those were Severus, Albus, Minerva, and Mad-Eye Moody. It was Ron who broke the stunned silence.

“He’s…he’s your father?” Ron stuttered.

“Yes Mr. Weasley. When I was seventeen, Hadrian killed my mother the same way he killed the Grangers. After he killed my mother, he went into hiding. It seems Voldemort has called him out of hiding once more,” Severus answered.

“Well, how are we suppose to protect Hermione from someone who can just disappear on a whim?” Tonks questioned.

“I have already taken care of that. She is staying at Dedham manor. The only ones who can find the Manor are those of Dedham blood. I am the last of the Dedham’s,” Severus replied.

“But you said you’re a Snape,” Fred said.

“The Dedham’s are my mother’s family. Now, I can take people to the Manor, but if they tried to find it again after leaving, they would be unable to,” Severus explained.

“How do you know Hadrian can’t find her there?” Moody demanded.

“Because of two reasons Moody. 1) Mother never took him there, even though as her husband he could come and go to the Manor if he wished. 2)As a Death Eater, he can’t enter the grounds,” Severus answered.

“No offense sir, but you’re a Death Eater too aren’t you,” Harry stated.

“I wear the mark, but I’m not loyal to Voldemort. That’s what makes the difference. I created the spell after my mother died and I began spying for the Order,” Severus said.

For another two hours, plans were made. Kingsley and Tonks would keep their eyes and ears open for any sign of Hadrian. The Weasleys would move from the Burrow to Headquarters for the remainder of the summer with Harry. After the meeting concluded, Severus made his way to the front door to leave.

“Sir, can we talk to you for a second?” Harry asked as he and Ron caught up with him.

“I really need to get back,” Severus sighed.

“It’s about Hermione sir,” Ron insisted.

Severus nodded and led them into the library. Harry closed the door behind them and faced Severus. “Professor, we think you should know that Hermione has developed feelings for you,” Harry said.

“What do you mean?” Severus questioned.

“Well, we really noticed it during the end of our fifth year. This past year, it’s become more noticeable to us,” Ron answered.

“What kind of feelings?” Severus asked as he studied the two young men.

“We’re not sure. She’s always respected and admired you. Ron and I aren’t sure if she just wants to become your friend, if she has a crush on you, or if she’s actually in love with you,” Harry explained.

Severus remained unmoving. He was unaware of how intently Ron and Harry were studying him. Not until Ron spoke. “You have feelings for her too. Don’t you?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Mr. Weasley,” Severus snarled.

“We’re not as dumb as you think we are. We found out a long time ago that you can learn a lot more about everyone if they think you’re stupid. I don’t want to overstep my boundaries, but perhaps you should talk to Hermione. If you didn’t care about her on some level, you wouldn’t have taken her to your family home,” Harry pointed out.

“I will…consider it,” Severus said. He then spun on his heel and left the library.

“What do you think mate?” Ron questioned.

“I think they belong together,” Harry smiled.

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“Hello Lucius, Draco. I see you were summoned as well,” Bellatrix said as she entered the throne room.

“Yes. I wonder what mission we are to carry out,” Lucius replied.

“It is an important one my followers,” Voldemort said as he entered the room.

The three Death Eaters dropped to their knees as he sat down on his throne. “Rise. I need the three of you to go to Delphi. The Oracle there has had a vision. I need to know what she saw,” he ordered.

“Forgive me my Lord, but how? I mean the Oracle of Delphi isn’t like the Ministry where they keep records of prophecies and such,” Draco questioned.

“You are jumping ahead young Malfoy. You three will kidnap the Oracle and bring her here. After I hear the vision, we will dispose of her,” Voldemort answered,

“When do we leave?” Lucius inquired.

“At once. Everything you will need I waiting for you in the entryway,” Voldemort said.

The three bowed to their Lord and exited the throne room. They grabbed the three packs and left. Whatever the Oracle had seen, it had something to do with the war and whatever it was, it was important.

“What’s the quickest way to Delphi?” Draco asked.

“We’ll apparate, then travel by foot to avoid being detected,” Lucius answered.

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Severus entered the library expecting to find Hermione, instead he found one of the house elves. “Francisco? What are you doing here?”

“Master Severus! Please don’t be angry,” Francisco cried.

“Were you reading?” Severus asked.

“Y…yes sir. Mistress Leilani taught me. She taught all us house elves to read and write,” Francisco answered nervously.

“Well, why aren’t you in the kitchen?” Severus questioned in surprise.

“Miss Hermione sir. She came down to eat dinner and we was talking. When she found out I could read, she kicked me out and told me to come here,” Francisco explained.

“Sounds like her. Is she still in the kitchen?” Severus chuckled.

Francisco nodded. Severus told the elf to go back to his reading and headed off to the kitchens. He found Hermione drinking a cup of tea and reading a book of her own. He cleared his throat to get her attention.

“You’re back. Your dinner is on the counter,” she smiled.

“You’re the only person who would order a house elf to stop their duties to take a reading break,” he laughed as he walked over to the covered tray.

“Well, there was no point in Francisco hanging around. After I finished my dinner I washed and put away my dishes and decided to wait for you,” she stated.

Severus just chuckled as he sat across from her and began eating his veal parmesan. As he ate, he thought about what Ron and Harry said. He studied Hermione as she read. She looked lovely as the fire cast a golden glow around her.

“What are you reading?” he asked.

“Ernest Hemmingway. My mother used to read his works to me every night,” she answered.

“My mother read me Charles Dickens,” he said.

“She sounds wonderful. This may not mean much, but I’m sure she’s proud of the man you’ve become,” she replied rather softly.

Severus felt his heart swell at he words. “Thank you,”

“You’re welcome. Well, I’m going to turn in. Perhaps tomorrow you can fill me in on what happened at the meeting tonight over breakfast,” she suggested.

“Of course. Good night and sweet dreams Miss Granger,” he said.

“Sweet dreams Professor Snape,” she smiled.

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Severus finished his dinner, washed and put away his dishes and left the kitchens. He was passing the library when Eligh signaled for him to come into the room. When Severus entered, he found all the house elves gathered looking hopeful and excited.

“What’s going on Eligh?” Severus questioned.

“Master, we elves were talking and we wanted your permission to do something,” Eligh said.

“Go on,” Severus nodded.

“Miss Hermione has been a breath of fresh air around here. She’s even brought back a spark to you. We all would like to do something special for her,” Eligh explained.

“Hmm. What did you have in mind?” Severus asked.

“Francisco used his magic to find out her favorite foods. After all, food is his specialty. The rest of us haven’t had the chance to find out anything more. Can we Master?” Eligh answered eagerly.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea. Mind if I help with the planning?” Severus smiled.

T.B.C