The True Heir of Dark

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything you recognize. I’m just having fun with Harry Potter and his friends. (Enemies too) Please don’t sue!

Summary: Hermione discovers the truth about the war and her heritage. How will this affect her friends and the love of her life? R/R

The True Heir of Dark

Chapter 4

The rest of the week passed slowly. Ron acted as if nothing was amiss. Hermione, however, was quieter than usual and kept to herself in the library. That night, Remus was going to go with Dumbledore to kill the Grangers.

“Remus, are you ready?” Sirius asked as he entered the kitchen.

“Yes, let’s go.” Remus answered with a straight face. ‘God forgive me.’ Remus prayed silently.

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Two hours later, Albus appeared and asked for Harry, Hermione, and Ron to join him in the kitchen. Harry and Hermione were prepared to play their roles perfectly.

“What’s wrong sir?” Hermione asked.

“I’m afraid I have some bad news Miss Granger. Earlier this evening, the Death Eaters attacked your home.” Albus answered.

“No! Are my parents all right?” Hermione asked, playing the distraught daughter role to a tee.

“I’m sorry. They were killed by the Killing Curse. It seems that they were tortured for a time before being killed.” Albus explained somberly.

Hermione began crying. Harry gathered her into his arms, much to Ron and Albus’ disappointment. After a few minutes, Hermione looked up and faced Dumbledore. “I…I just want…to be alone.” she said as she sniffled.

“Of course. If you need anything, just have Remus floo me. I’ll be right there.” Albus said.

Hermione nodded. Harry helped her to her feet and she exited the room. Harry and Remus were impressed with Hermione’s acting skills. Ron stood up and left as well, followed by Albus. Once alone, Remus spoke brokenly. “God, what have I done.”

“Remus, Hermione told you the she won’t and doesn’t hate you. After all, the Grangers weren’t actually treating her like a real daughter, now were they?” Harry replied.

“You’re right, but still. The things Albus did to them; even the Death Eaters aren’t that cruel.” Remus sighed.

“Look, next week Hermione is taking us to meet Voldemort. Then, we can plan our next move.” Harry said reassuringly. Remus nodded.

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Upstairs, Hermione was preparing for the meeting of the Inner Circle. Severus would meet her in the entryway at eleven. Luckily, Molly had insisted all the kids retire early, and the adults as well. The house slowly fell silent. The only adults in the house were, Molly, Remus, and Charlie who was visiting from Romania.

Hermione finished getting ready and waited. At three ‘til eleven, she found herself standing at the front door. A second later Severus appeared. Silently, he pulled her into his arms, led her out of the house, and they apparated away. From the library window, Remus looked out and smiled as the couple disappeared. He turned and headed for the kitchen.

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Hermione and Severus arrived at the mansion. She felt nervous. She had no idea what to expect or what the Inner Circle would do or say when they saw her. Severus stopped them in front of the study door and looked down at her.

“Don’t be nervous. Everything will be fine.” He whispered.

“I’ll try not to be nervous.” She laughed quietly.

Hand-in-hand, they entered the study. Inside were Lucius, Bella, surprisingly Viktor Krum, and a few others she didn’t know. When she entered with Severus, everyone turned and looked at them. Viktor smiled and nodded to her. She waved back at him. Then she got a shock, Bellatrix LeStrange came walking up and dropped to her knees at Hermione’s feet.

“Welcome home Hermione. I’m asking you to please forgive me for my behavior at the Ministry during your fifth year.” Bella pleaded.

“Huh?” Hermione gaped, whatever she expecting, it sure wasn’t this.

“When I saw you in the Department of Mysteries, I knew right away you were Tom and Jezebel’s daughter. I hated having to fight against you. Can you ever forgive me?” Bella explained.

“Mrs. LeStrange, I consider that a different time. If I had known then what I know now, I would have joined you. There is nothing to forgive.” Hermione said.

“Please, call me Bella, and thank you.” Bella smiled.

Hermione nodded. She was introduced to those she didn’t know. After ten minutes, she and Severus took their seats in between Lucius and Viktor. Then the meeting began. Tom explained how he had been reunited with Hermione, how she and Severus were in love, about Albus killing the Grangers and framing them for the deed, and how Remus and Harry would be coming to the meeting that next week.

“Now, I need you all to be extra alert. If Dumbledore discovers that Hermione and Severus are a couple and that she and I have been reunited, there’s no telling what he will do.” Tom said.

“Tom, perhaps you should give Hermione an emergency port key. That way, should Dumbledore discover any of this, she can get herself, Lupin, and Potter away.” Lucius suggested.

“I agree. Severus, would this be agreeable? After all, should anything happen to her, you will no doubt be coming to me.” Tom questioned.

“Yes. At least I would know she’s safe and Lupin and Potter will be with her.” Severus answered.

The meeting then concluded. Refreshments were brought in and everyone began mingling. Viktor walked over and hugged and kissed Hermione’s cheek.

“It is good to see you again. Congratulations Professor Snape, Hermione is a wonderful woman.” Viktor said as he shook Severus’ hand.

“Thank you Viktor.” Severus replied.

“I never knew you were a follower of my father.” Hermione said.

“Well, I couldn’t tell you when we first met, because you didn’t know. Plus, I never knew Tom had a daughter.” Viktor explained.

Viktor stayed and talked for a little while longer, then left. Severus walked to the refreshment table for drinks. As Hermione waited, Lucius approached her; he bowed his head in greeting.

“Hello Mr. Malfoy.” Hermione said.

“It’s Lucius to you my dear.” Lucius replied with a smile.

“Then call me Hermione.” she smiled.

“I just want to let you know how relieved I am that you and Severus are together. I always hoped one day he would find love. I also wish to tell you how happy I am that you’ve returned to where you belong.” Lucius said.

“I feel like I’ve finally come home.” Hermione beamed.

“Ah, Lucius. How are Narcissa and Draco?” Severus asked as he returned with drinks to Hermione’s side.

“They’re doing fine. You should come by for dinner before school starts up again.” Lucius answered.

“I will try.” Severus said.

“Um, Lucius, what will happen when I return to school?” Hermione asked.

“I’m not sure Hermione. I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Whatever happens, don’t worry. Severus and Draco will be there should anything happen.” Lucius answered gently.

Hermione nodded. She and Severus visited with Tom, Lucius, Bella, and Viktor. At 12:30, the couple left. They quietly apparated back to Headquarters and entered the house. As the couple made their way upstairs, they didn’t see Albus and Remus hiding in the shadows.

“You all right?” Severus asked as he sat on the edge of her bed.

“Yeah. It felt strange yet comforting being at the meeting. I couldn’t believe how readily they all welcomed me. Like I always belonged there, like family.” Hermione answered as she sat beside him.

“That’s because you do belong there. Tom, the other Death Eaters, and myself are your family. We’ll always be there for you.” He said.

“What about the rest of the Death Eaters? Will they accept me? What about Harry and Remus?” She questioned.

“Your father has already spoken with them. They have and will accept you, as well as Lupin and Potter. They are looking foreword to meeting you.” He replied.

Hermione nodded. Severus pulled her into his arms and kissed her. The kiss was sweet and loving. After a few minutes they pulled apart and just held each other. Hermione sighed and looked into his face.

“You had better get going. We can’t risk anyone catching you leaving my room.” She said sadly.

“I know. Soon, we won’t have to hide anymore.” He replied.

Hermione walked him to her door. They shared one last kiss before he left. Severus silently made his way downstairs. He had just reached the front door, when the Pertrificus Totalus hit him. He fell to the floor unable to move.

“Remus, help me. We need to get him out of here.” Albus ordered.

Severus’ eyes widened in fear. Somehow, Albus had found out. As Remus bent down to take hold of his shoulders, their eyes locked. Severus saw that Remus was still on his side and that he would take care of Hermione.

“Let’s go.” Albus said as he grabbed Severus’ legs. The three apparated away. They reappeared a few seconds later outside Severus’ home in Spinner’s End. Remus and Albus carried the still unmoving Severus up to his bedroom.

“I will set up wards so that he can’t leave. The only ones allowed in will be me and anyone I bring with me. The spell will wear off once we are gone and the wards are set.” Albus explained.

Remus nodded. His eyes locked with Severus’ once more. They had to act fast. Remus turned and faced Albus, “Albus, perhaps I should return to Headquarters.”

“That’s a good idea. I will come by in the morning. We need to talk to Hermione. I want to know what is going on here.” Albus replied.

Remus nodded. He sent Severus one last look, nodded slightly, then left the room. He hurried downstairs and apparated away. He had to get Hermione and Harry out of the house and safely to Tom. He just prayed he wasn’t too late.

T.B.C