Life Begins Anew

Chapter 52 Departing For The Holidays

Hermione arrived at the funeral site earlier than the rest of the students and faculty. It was taking place near the lake and she wanted to compose herself before the ceremony. She noticed that the rest of the faculty had arrived, resplendent in the robes of their profession and sat down to listen to Professor McGonagall‘s instruction. She explained that each professor was supposed to make a eulogy about the departed headmaster.

“Minerva, I cannot do as you ask me.” Hermione heard her Defense professor speak up as her fellow professors shifted uncomfortably. “I never attend funerals, and the fact that I am here goes against my views. If anything, we should be celebrating instead of mourning. The Veil welcomed the Headmaster. What more is there to say?” Sara looked to the lake. “Besides once they hear the name of Snape everyone will feel anger considering it was my brother that murdered the Headmaster.”

Minerva looked to Sara, offended.

“Besides, I have only known the Headmaster a few months. My eulogy would be quite short and unfeeling. It would consist of “He was an adequate Headmaster and loved his profession.” Do you think that it would be fair to whatever memory you hold of him?” Sara asked her coldly.

Just then Alastor Moody trumped up. “Minerva, allowing a Snape to grace this ceremony?!” He pulled his wand out and pointed toward the traitorous witch. “You know what she is. A Snape. One not to be trusted and she should not be allowed here at all!”

Hermione watched as her Defense professor as she pulled out her wand. “Minerva, I’ve changed my mind. If my being here irritates this pathetic wizard, then I will spout all sorts of accolades just to fuck with him. It seems that I am guilty because of my brother’s actions.” She smiled evilly to the Ex-Auror as she pointed her wand at him.

Minerva looked to the two noticing their drawn wands. “Sara! Alastor! Put your wands down now!” She commanded, noticing Hermione watching the altercation. “You’re making a scene!”

Sara looked to the Deputy Headmistress as she lowered her wand. “I will go and watch from the forest as it is obvious that Mr. Moody will not allow a decent burial if I remain.” She sneered at the Ex Auror. “Consider this my true sign of respect!” Sara angrily walked away from them.

Hermione put her hand into the pockets of her outer robes thinking about the Headmaster’s death. She wondered if Severus was well. Her hand felt an envelope and she pulled it out, recognizing the familiar scrawl of her Potions professor “My Hermione”. She quickly placed it back into her pocket as Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Lavander sat around her.

“I can’t believe he is gone.” Harry quietly stated. “I am alone now in defeating Voldemort.” He hung his head low, fat tears splashing onto the ground as he sobbed.

Hermione placed her hand on his shoulder. “Harry, you are not alone. You have us, and we will be with you right until the very end.”

Ron placed his hand on Harry’s shoulder. “Hermione is right, Mate. We will stand by you and fight by you until the very end.”

Harry looked at his friends in appreciation as he noticed the chairs began to fill around them. Looking back he noticed a huge gathering of witches and wizards standing behind the chairs, many of them openly crying.

“Blimey Harry. Every adult wizard and witch in Britain must be here today!” Ron spoke up startled at the amount of people attending.

Harry looked out to the assembled as the funeral began. He snorted as the Minister of Magic gave his eulogy. He had not forgotten that it was the ministry itself advertised that he and the Headmaster was a nut case when they stood behind their claim that Voldemort had returned. He noticed Lord Malfoy in attendance. What an insult as he knew where that wizard’s loyalty lay.

Fawkes suddenly landed on the shrouded body of the Headmaster and started to sing a soothing trill. There was a flash of light and a white marble tone appeared, with Fawkes disappearing as he sang a sad trill.

The wizards and witches started to leave as Harry looked to Hermione, seeing the sadness in her eyes. “Come with us Hermione.”

“No Harry.” She quietly replied. “First my parents, and now the Headmaster. I will join you soon. I just need to get my thoughts in order alone.” Hermione answered, tears falling.

Harry looked to her as he sadly replied. “I understand Hermione. Please join us soon. You know I worry about you.”

She patted his hand as she made her way to the lake.


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Voldemort called his Inner Circle. “Knights of Walpurgis, it is time for us to move forward.” He stated as he stroked his snake, Nagini. "Call your elements to what I have commanded of you!”

Soon only the Snapes were left in his presence. “Severus! I commanded young Malfoy to kill the Headmaster. Explain yourself!” Voldemort looked down red eyes flashing.

“My Lord! I had no choice!” Severus humbly replied. “Bella doubted my loyalty to you and along with Narcissa forced me into an Unbreakable Vow. My Lord, all I ever wanted to prove was my loyalty to you.” Severus bowed, waiting for his punishment.

“Rise Severus!” Voldemort intoned. “You will teach young Malfoy of what is expected in my service. You will be his mentor, and if he fails, you fail. Do you understand?”

Severus looked to his Lord. “I understand and it will be my honor.” Snape replied, once again bowing.

“Go Severus.” Voldemort stated. “I know Draco is abiding with you. Teach him correctly or suffer my wrath.”

“Your will, My Lord.” Severus exited the Dark Lord’s throne room as Voldemort red eyes rested on Sara Snape.

“Sara, I have a special mission for you.”

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Hermione sat down on a large rock and watched the Great Squid splash a tentacle. She hated deceiving her friends, but her tears were for her husband. She wondered if she would ever see him again. She sighed as she pulled out the letter and began to read.

My Hermione,

It is hard to tell what the future holds for us. I like to think that after everything is said and done, we would be joined together once again. That is the thought that will carry me through in whatever I have to do. You will hear things about me Hermione. Things that will most likely be true as they paint me as an evil wizard. And I am an evil wizard. But an evil wizard that has begun to heal because of your love.

I want you to know that I love you Hermione. I will always love you. When things seem hopeless and it seems that you cannot go on, remember this. And if the Fates decide that I have to die, remember I will be waiting for you at the Veil.

She was amazed that the letter did not burn up as his previous notes had. She smiled as he had given something tangible to give her hope. She placed the letter in her pocket and glanced toward the Forbidden Forest. She saw her Defense professor in conversation. It must be DEATH she thought as no one was there. Hermione hopped of the rock and made her way towards Sara.

“Mrs. Snape.” Sara greeted her.

Hermione looked to her professor. “So what happens now Professor?” She softly asked.

“The Dark Lord will take over the Ministry soon, now that his most powerful opponent is dead. It was the only thing holding him back in his plans. He is not worried about Mr. Potter as he is a mere boy. Keep your friends close Hermione. After he takes over the Ministry, I assure you that he will focus his attention solely on Mr. Potter.”

Sara began walking back to the castle as she heard Hermione call out to her.

“Professor, the Aurors are going to be targeting you as an accomplice in the Headmaster’s death.”

Sara chuckled as she stopped and addressed the witch. “I imagine they will Mrs. Snape. Walk with me back to the castle. The hour is getting late and you need to pack.”

Professor Snape and Hermione parted ways and she made her way to Gryffindor tower. There were no students about and she was not surprised at that fact.

She heard someone crying in one of the unused classrooms and opened the door, surprised that it was a first year Slytherin.

Hermione walked over to the young student. “Go to your House young Slytherin. You need to pack and get ready for the train.”

The boy looked to her. “The Headmaster and Professor Snape are no longer here to protect me!”

Hermione looked to the frightened wizard. “There is nothing here to fear Mr. ……”

The boy looked to her as he replied. “Donaldson. I am a Mudblood same as you.”

Hermione observed the young wizard. How in the name of Merlin had he ever been sorted into Slytherin?

He answered her unspoken question. “I suppose the reason why I was sorted into Slytherin is that I am distantly related to the Kray brothers.”

Hermione gasped out in shock. The Kray brothers were notorious gangsters that ruled parts of London in the 1960’s and 1970’s. She could see how he was sorted into Slytherin. “And why are you reluctant to go to your House Mr. Donaldson?”

“Head Girl, you know that with the Headmaster dead, He Who Must Not Be Named will be targeting us.” The boy sadly replied.

The young wizard was very perceptive she realized. “Mr. Donaldson, your secret is not out at this time. Go back to your House and pack. If you are classed with us, I promise that I will stand by you if need be. “ Hermione pulled out a piece of parchment. “Write down the address down where you will be spending your holiday. If I hear of any danger, I promise that I will warn you.”

The young wizard looked to her. “I do not believe the drabble that Slytherin speaks. All I aim for is an education and to find myself a niche.” He handed her the parchment. “Slytherin is overjoyed in the fall of the Headmaster.”

She placed the parchment in her robes. “I am sure they are. Go and pack Mr. Donaldson.”

Hermione watched the young wizard leave. Merlin! A muggleborn in the House of Slytherin! She shook her head as she made her way toward Gryffindor.

She entered the Gryffindor common room and noticed there was no one about. Entering her quarters she saw two penseives, several books, and 3 leather pouches on her table. She picked up the letters next to the penseives. They were from the Headmaster and Severus Snape addressed to Harry.

She sighed as she left her room to get Harry. Using the Head Girls authority, she entered the 7th year dorms and noticed that everyone was packing. “Harry, Ron I need a word with you.”

Harry and Ron looked to her, noticing her distressed look and quietly followed her to her chambers.

“Harry these were left for you.” Pointing to the penseives.

Harry opened the letter from the Headmaster and read it. The parchment turned to ash as he read the last words.

Hermione and Ron watch as he lowered his head into the penseive.

Harry came out of the penseive looking thoughtful. “The Headmaster had a lot on his plate.” He told them about the unbreakable vow between the potions professor and the Headmaster, the shock at finding Voldemorts weakness was horcruxes.

His friends listened to him somberly as he continued. The surprise the Headmaster felt at the announcement of his Defense professor’s name, knowing that she was placed there by Voldemort, his shock of Sara healing his hand and throwing his plans awry. The potion masters reluctance at killing a whole and healthy Headmaster and the shock that Sara Snape commanded death, was the Missing Headmistress, and that she had presented him an unknown prophecy. And the fact that she had destroyed all but two of the horcruxes. The Headmaster stressed the fact to trust the Snapes as they were the only ones that had access to Voldemort and could guide him.

“Blimey!” Ron whispered. “Sara Snape commands DEATH!”

Harry looked to Hermione. “You knew of this.”

“Some Harry, but not all of it.” Hermione whispered, tears in her eyes.

Harry sighed as he hugged her. “I am not angry Hermione. I understand why you did not say anything.”

Ron looked to his friends not understanding the conversation.

Harry picked up the letter from the Potions professor and read it. He looked to his friends as the letter turned to ash. “All of us need to view this penseive.”

They eyed the penseive warily for a moment before lowering their heads into the penseive.

They fell into the empty library of their notorious Potions professor, noticing the form standing next to the fireplace, roaring fire burning within it.

“The Golden Trio.” The form of Severus Snape sneered. “If you are viewing this then the Headmaster is dead, killed by my hand.”

His expression softened as he continued. “Mr. Potter….Harry. You promised to stand by her, and I expect you to honor that promise. My wife, be well and be safe. For me and our daughter that grows within you.” They watched the form fade as Severus Snape’s memory played before them.

They watched a playground scene as a little boy in threadbare clothes addressed a red headed girl at a playground. Then forward to Hogwart’s and the bullying of Severus Snape by Remus, Lupin, Serious, and James. Watching the pain that he felt after he called Lily a mudblood and her decision to choose James over him. The taking of the Dark Mark and the death of his parents. His approach to the Headmater after the Death of Lily and the Unbreakable vow to the Headmaster to protect his son. Then, Harry lying in the infirmary after the Tri-Wizard Tournament asking if he was prepared to do what was required of him. They viewed numerous tortures by the Dark Lord as he failed to bring any significant information. Hermione being gifted by Snape for her research and the realization of being bonded to Hermione for life. Harry’s promise to claim their child if he did not survive and his change of view on the Potter boy. His wedding and the promise of Harry, Shacklebot, and Tonks to stand by Hermione if he died. Then his shock at the fact that Harry had to die and the demand to be released from his bond. Then his [reparation to kill the Headmaster.

The memories faded as they once again found themselves in the empty library with Snape standing next to the fireplace. “The Dark Lord will now take over the Ministry and once that is done Harry, his focus will be on you. You can trust my sister and me.” He looked doubtful for a moment. “Do not return to Hogwarts after the holiday. I have a feeling that the Dark Lord will take over the Ministry during the holiday break, but I am not privy to that information. Hermione, my love be safe.”

They found themselves back in Hermione’s room as the penseive disappeared.

Ron looked to his friends in anger. “You hid this from me!”

Hermione hugged Ron. “You would not have understood Ron. You hold so much anger against Severus.”

Ron sighed as he knew that Hermione’s words spoke truth. “I vow that I will stand by you and Severus Snape.” He felt the vow take effect as Hermnione and Ron hugged Harry. The tactician within him took hold.

“Snape is a private wizard Harry. What has made him come clean like this, especially to his hated students? He would never do it otherwise no matter what.”

Harry and Hermione looked to Ron as he suddenly exclaimed. “The Order! He expects the Order to fall!”

Harry and Hermione looked to him in shock. They had never thought of that.

Hermione looked thoughtful. That explained the books on survival. She suddenly remembered the Headmaster’s plan of 1A.

Harry looked to them as he told them about his “Near Death” experience and his parents words that he would have to trust those he had no reason to.

Hermione looked towards her friends as she handed them the leather pouches with their names on it.

“Let’s discuss all of this when we get to the Burrow. We can think of everything tonight and discuss it later.”

Harry and Ron agreed with her as they went back to their dorms and finished packing.


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Monday morning found them at the platform at Hogsmeade waiting for the train. Four Aurors appeared and started calling out names. Soon all the muggleborns were separated from the rest of the students.

“You will board the last carriage on the train. That way we can protect you if need be.” The Aurors ushered the muggle borns to the last carriage.

Hermione entered last, glancing at the two Aurors guarding the entrance to the carriage. This did not bode well. They were all in one place, susceptible to attack.

Harry and Ron tried to join her as the Head Auror spoke out. “Only Muggle borns here. Go back to another carriage."

“No! I want to be with my friend! We have always travelled together!” Harry demanded.

One Auror looked to the other and replied. “You may enter, but know that you cannot leave the carriage until Kings Cross.”

Harry and Ron mumbled their reply as they sat down next to Hermione.

After forty five minutes on the train her bond suddenly opened. “Hermione! When you feel the train start to slow, you must leave! Deatheaters are on the train and they are going to murder all of the Muggle born and Harry Potter! The Dark Lord will be waiting!” She felt the bond close once again.

Hermione gasped out as Harry looked to her. “We have got to get off this train or we will all be killed!”