Doppelganger

AN Hermione caught in an unexpected situation and a warning is given. Please review.

Chapter 32 Slytherin Rites Part 1

Hermione held her wand in her pocket as she recognized the voice of the Slytherin student.

"Take your hand out of your pocket and leave the wand in it. And don't bother with your wandless magic as I already have a shield in place and my wand is pointed at you."

Damn! Hermione thought. How in Merlin had he found out about her wandless magic?

The student spoke out again. "Start making your way up the stairs and enter the first unused classroom."

Hermione stated to walk as she tried to come up with a plan that would not hurt the boy.

Severus paused for a moment while he was talking to her parents. "Lioness is everything well? I feel your concern." Feeling that something was not quite right with his witch.

Hermione sent back. "Don't worry about me Sev. Talk to my parents as they would be concerned if you rushed out after me all of a sudden."

Hermione silently casted a shield around her deciding that she would at least listen to the boy before she brought him down. She entered the unused classroom and sat at a table and watched the student enter behind her.

The student lowered the hood that hid his features. "I'm sorry if I scared you Apprentice Granger but this was the only thing I could come up with short notice." He spoke out as he placed a package down and sat on the table across from her.

"Mr. LeStrange there is such a thing as asking to meet with me in a letter and have it delivered to me. I hope that whatever you have to say is worth the possible expulsion for kidnapping a member of staff." Speaking calmly. "And what secret do you think I am holding?"

Brody laughed. "Your relationship to Professor Snape of course. I saw you on his sofa before the door banged shut. Don't worry as I am the only one that noticed. All of the other Slytherins jumped up in fear and focused only on our Head of House making his terrifying appearance."

His laugh reminded her of Bellatrix LeStrange when she tortured her years ago. She grew wary as she waited for him to continue.

"But I did not bring you here because of that though the Dark Lord would find that interesting."

At the mention of the name Hermione grabbed the boy's left arm and roughly pushed his robes up revealing unblemished skin.

She dropped his arm and watched as he pointed his wand and muttered the incantation revealing the Mark deeply etched into his arm. "I am one of three hundred witches and wizards that have a hidden Mark. But we are not here because of that. I brought you here because of this." Handing her the parchment.

She read it and put it back down. "Not sure why this would involve me as it looks like a Slytherin matter."

"It is a Slytherin matter Apprentice Granger." As he handed her the small black book. "Read the whole chapter and you will see why we are here."

Brody watched as she read the chapter, the pages going back indicating that she was re-reading the chapter several times.

She placed the book down and looked to the boy in disbelief. "You want me to be your Second? I'm not even a student here and never in the House of Slytherin Mr. LeStrange."

"Ah but you are Apprentice Granger. The rules of the Founding Four clearly state that apprentices in Hogwarts are still considered students no matter how modernized this school has become. I looked into it."

She studied Brody for a time. "You're very perceptive of things for a wizard of your age Mr. LeStrange."

Brody looked to her sadness evident on his face. "Three years ago my parents were killed by the Dark Lord for failing him in a task. My only living relative is Bellatrix LeStrange and I became her ward. She quickly set me to task in the Dark Arts and I am a protégée of sorts to the Dark Lord. I am being tailored to become one of the Inner Circle when I graduate. I have done unspeakable things and whenever I express my remorse my aunt is quick with punishing me with Crucio. It makes you grow up fast. And I always have to be one step ahead of my fellow Deatheaters."

"And why are you telling me this? You realize I could turn you in to the Phoenix."

"You could Apprentice Granger but I am telling you this to secure you as my Second. Mr. Greystone hates you and I figure that having you as my Second would insult him further just as I intend."

"I hate to sound Slytherin because it is against my Gryffindor values but I have to ask what's in it for me?"

Brody picked up the book and pointed to a passage. "I'm sure the Gryffindor in you would want to join me because of this."

Hermione read the passage as she began to smile. "It seems you have yourself a Second Mr. LeStrange. Besides I owe you for warning me about the tainted food and a Gryffindor never forgets a debt."

Brody laughed again. "I was hoping I would not have to use that card but I would have if needed."

"You are Slytherin. I would not have been surprised Mr. LeStrange."

He handed her the package as he spoke. "Wear these and show up at the Great Hall at midnight." Sliding off the table and pausing at the door. "The hat was going to Sort me into Gryffindor but I begged it not to. It would have been detrimental for my health."

Hermione watched Brody leave as she reduced the package. She waited for a few moments before she left the classroom and made her way to the kitchens.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Hermione arrived back at her husband's chamber's and noticed that her parents were sleeping peacefully on the enlarged sofa. She looked to him questioningly as she placed the tray on a table.

"I slipped Dreamless Draught into their tea Hermione. I showed them the memory of me taking care of you and everything that has happened from my point of view. They accept me and are not angry at all and rather happy that you are back in the land of the living despite the fact that you are married to me."

Hermione wondered why Severus was not asking questions about Brody LeStrange. She then remembered that she had no knowledge of her parent's situation and her husband knew about it for a week. It seemed that the connection went dead if it determined that the action or thought would be hurtful to another.

"Go to your chambers Hermione as your parents will not awake until the morning. I have duties that will take me into the early hours of the morning." Opening the door indicating that she should leave him.

"I would rather stay here Severus."

"I do not know when I will be back and it involves my House. I'm sorry Hermione I must insist."

HGSSHGSSHGSS

The cloaked figures stood waiting at the Great Hall as Professor Snape approached them. "Headmaster, Challenged, Guardians and Seconds follow me and you will not say a word unless addressed." The seven followed him silently as he led them through an unused portion of the castle until they were at a door that obviously not been used in centuries.

They watched as Professor Snape removed a key from around his neck and opened it. "You will stay here and not say a word until I come back. Headmaster?"

Albus followed Severus into the room and it shut behind them leaving the group to their own thoughts.

A large painting hung on the wall with a figure watching the approaching wizards with interest. "Headmaster Dumbledore and my Head of House Snape. No one has been here in centuries."

Severus looked to the painting as he spoke. "Founder of my House Duel Ut Nex has been issued and accepted from a Slytherin to a Slytherin. We are here for your council and approval according to the rites that were written long ago by you."

Salazar looked down to the hooked nosed wizard in interest. That one had not been used in ages as his House tended to rely upon tactics and time rather than risk their lives. "The challenger understands the risk and still wishes to pursue this despite it?"

"So it seems Salazar. He feels that he would not get satisfaction based on the current rules of the school as it limits his actions."

Salazaar looked thoughtful. "Bring in the challenger Severus Snape and let me determine the worthiness of the Slytherin."

Severus walked to the door and opened it. "Mr. Greystone your presence is required."

Mr. Greystone walked in and joined the Headmaster in front of the painting. "Remove your hood and let me look at you Gerald Greystone."

Gerald lowered his hood and looked up to the painting with a smug look changing to one of surprise as a magic enveloped around him and he sensed the Founder within his mind. The strange feeling went away as he waited for the founder of Slytherin to address him. "Gerald Greystone this would not be a wise course for you and listen to my words as I give you council. You are a Slytherin to be sure but you lack the patience to plan and wait for their fruitarian as you are used to getting what you want though popularity within the House or by threats. Overcome your feeling of vengeance through other means."

Gerald became angry. So the Founder thought he would not succeed. He would show them all. "I demand it and it is my right and I will win."

Salazar looked down to the angry young man. "Very well Gerald Greystone your petition has been heard. Send in the Challenged and stay outside until you are called."

Gerald angrily walked to the door and called for Mr. LeStrange to enter.

Mr. LeStrange entered the room and slowly walked up to the painting taking time to observe it as he stood next to his Head of House and waited.

"Remove your hood and let me look at you Brody LeStrange."

Salazar sent his magic out once again and entered the boy. Hmmm a First year that had stood up and taunted the Seventh year unmercifully was resulting in a shift of power within the House of Slytherin. He now understood Gerald Greystone's frustration. Oh the boy practiced Slytherin traits to be sure but there was something more going on with the boy.

"Brody LeStrange I believe you have been mis-sorted but you are a Slytherin just as all in your family before you. I ask you this question only as you are the youngest ever challenged in the House. You understand the consequences?"

Brody replied respectfully. "I do sir and if Mr. Greystone wishes to pursue this than I will agree to it."

Salazar looked to the boy. "Very well Brody LeStrange. Bring in the Seconds."

Brody left the room and the Seconds entered and stood before the painting beside the Headmaster and Head of House.

"Seconds that are loyal to the Challenger and Challenged. Do you understand what you must do and are willing to ensure that they are able to meet on the field of combat at the appointed time? Lower your hood and indentify yourself and speak aye or nay."

Frederick lowered his hood and looked to the painting in awe. "Aye Founder of our House and Gerald stood by me before and I will stand by him now. I am Frederick Bole."

Hermione lowered her hood as well as she heard gasps of shock from the Headmaster, the Second, and her husband. "Aye Founder of Slytherin House and I will stand next to Brody LeStrange. I am Hermione Granger."

Severus spoke out in anger. "This is unacceptable Salazar. She is not of our House nor a student here!"

Frederick shouted out as well. "And a Mudblood as well! She is unfit to even be near anyone of the House of Slytherin let alone Second!"

"Silence!" Salazar thundered out. "I will determine who is worthy or not." His magic entering her mind. What an interesting mix he reflected. She exhibited traits of all the Houses. Loyalty from Hufflepuff. Intelligence from Ravenclaw. Bravery from Gryffindor and Slytherin tactics and able to plan. She definitely was an oddity despite her un-pure blood.

Hermione heard his musings and pulled out her wand and pointed it to the painting. "Say one word about my blood or my unworthiness and I will destroy your painting Salazaar Slytherin. I'm not sure if I would be successful but I will give it a go and you can kiss my ass!" She snarled to the painting tired of the un-pure references.

"Put the wand away Gryffindor. The ceremony allows any to take up the position of Second despite House or lines." Salazar replied as he eyed the wand. "You are an apprentice here and still a student according to the rules of old. You have a challenge more so then most Seconds as you will have to reside in Slytherin House and you have un-pure blood and not of our House."

Hermione put her wand away as she glared at the painting and listened as he continued. "You will wear the robes of Gryffindor House once again and you will stand by the Challenged. Think you are up to that?"

"I am Salazar Slytherin and proud to stand by Brody LeStrange." Hermione stated.

Salazar looked to the witch as he called to his Head of House. "Bring everyone here so that we can finish this."

Severus went to the door and called everyone in and took his place beside the Headmaster and waited for Salazar to speak.

"Guardians of the Challenger and the Challenged. A fight to the death has been determined to be acceptable and will happen in one week's time. It matters not your acceptance but that you are informed. Remove your hood and state your views.

Bella removed her hood and cackled out. "Bellatrix LeStrange and I will be more than happy to witness the death of your son Bole. I am already mourning your loss and cannot wait to tell our Lord."

"Daray Greystone and my boy will kill him Bellatrix mark my words. I am not afraid of your status with our Lord!"

Salazar looked down to the assembled. "So mote it and in one weeks time you will gather before me again. Now leave as I require my head of House."

Severus watched as everyone turned to leave as Hermione looked to him for a moment and began to leave as well.

"Wait for me in the hall as I believe we need to discuss this." Severus sent along the Bond.

Salazar watched his Head of House with interest. "You wife is certainly an interesting woman Severus Snape despite her un-pure blood."

"That line gets tiresome Salazar. You know my status as well and yet I am Head of your House and I do not hear you saying anything about that."

The painting ignored his scathing remark. "The Darkness knows of your true loyalty Severus Snape and is beginning to whisper to Tom Riddle. You must prepare yourself for the worst." The painting warned.

"Thank you for the advice but I ask why you care? Your views are well known and have been passed down through the centuries." Curiosity in his voice as he spoke.

"When you have been dead as long as I you find that it does not matter much anymore. I hated muggle born because they were holding witch hunts and many witches and wizards were murdered because of them. That is not the way of the world anymore as I realized it was just their ignorance. Maybe if you survive the battle that is approaching you can mold Slytherin House into what I originally intended it to be. Nurture the most cunning and ambitious to be the most successful in the Wizarding world."

"Gryffindor must be rolling in his grave to hear those words Salazar. You left because they were taking in non pure wizards."

Salazar looked to the wizard and chuckled. "We had a discussion about it last night. Don't you sense that there is not something right with our world Severus? There is a feeling of anticipation and foreboding and if you listen to your magic you will realize that it is true. Your wife knows it. Even Harry Potter senses it. I was never an evil wizard though most come from my House. It is because my House embraces cunning and with cunning comes deceit to get your way. And the Darkness loves those of that type so it is easy to see why they get pulled into it."

Severus reflected and realized that the painting's words were true.

Salazar looked to the wizard with satisfaction. "You have Darkness within you Severus Snape but it does not come out much as you are married to someone pure and of the Light. But it will whisper to you soon Severus Snape. I have warned you and I will see you next week."

Severus looked to the painting and noticed that the Founder had left. He sighed as he turned to the door to address his wife.

Hermione watched her husband walk into the hall and looked to her. A few uncomfortable minutes passed as they looked to one another.

Suddenly Severus swept her into her arms and kissed her gently. "You love me Hermione Snape? I need to hear your sweet voice."

She looked up to Severus and noticed his troubled expression. "I love you Severus and I always will and you are the only wizard for me." Kissing him again as she pushed her love for him across the Bond.

He looked to her. "You feel the unbalance of our magic and the Darkness waiting?"

"I do Severus and ignore it as we will win. But there is something building and it disturbs me."

He pulled away from her and pointed his wand changing her robes into that of Gryffindor. "I must take you to your new domicile. You must never let your guard down as you enter the serpent's lair."

As they walked she told him of her meeting with Brody LeStrange and his hidden Mark and the fact that there were three hundred witches and wizards with it.

Soon they were at the entrance to his House. "Are you ready Hermione?"

She drew a breath as she calmed herself. "I am Severus."

"You realize that I will not be able to step in to protect you."

"I know Severus but I will be fine." Squeezing his hand in reassurance.

They entered and Severus noticed that his entire House was in the Common room reading the Slytherin book. The factions had already formed.

The room became silent as they noticed their Head of House and the Mudblood.

Severus looked to his House. "I see that word spreads fast about the upcoming challenge." Pointing his wand and creating two separate rooms. "Seconds and those they swore to protect will reside in these rooms when not in class. Mr. LeStrange and Mr. Greystone approach me."

He watched as the two wizards approached him and stood waiting as he conjured up a parchment and watched as they floated into their hands. "The rules for engagement are there. I suggest that you read it carefully. I bid you good night."

He walked to the door to his chambers as he noticed several of his students draw their wands and pointed them toward Hermione.

AN Next the challenge and Severus completes the potion to kill Dumbledore.