Saving Grace

Disclaimer: I do not own anything. JK Rowling does

Note: once again, this is a re-post with corrections and extensive changes. I am posting this up on both FanFiction.Net and AdultFanFiction.net. The old version was also on both sites but I have taken it down. In any case, hope you enjoy the new chapter.

Saving Grace
Chapter 6
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Harry, as if in shock said in a matter of fact tone, “Oh her? I killed her.”

Ron and Ginny jerked up at Harry’s words. Hermione even stopped crying.

“You…you…you what?” Ron stuttered.

Harry looked down and muttered softly, “last year…when I was taken, and I fought them…well I never told you guys but, I killed Narcissa.” He looked up quickly after his confession and they all just looked back with sad eyes.

At the end of their sixth year Harry had been kidnapped by a group of Deatheaters. He had returned completely unscathed but had never talked about it. That was all the three knew about it. Harry had obviously not wanted to talk about it so they had left it alone.

Ginny reached out and took Harry’s hand, “Harry, tell us what happened that night.” She said softly.

Harry looked at all three slowly than sighed, “Crabbe and Goyle Sr. jumped me after practice and knocked me out fast. I woke up tied and gagged with my wand in Narcissa Malfoy’s hand. We were alone. We were in some dungeon and I was tied to a wall with shackles. She just stood there for a while, twirling my wand. She talked to me for a long time, about how she had always wanted to meet me, about how I was stupid for not following Voldemort, how a revel was going to start soon and I was…the main attraction. But while she was talking I had discovered a rusty old nail jutting our of the wall right next to my hands. I worked the rope on it until I sawed through. Then when Narcissa turned away for a moment I just…leaped at her. I pinned her to the ground and grabbed my wand out her hand while knocking hers away. I just froze on top of her for a second, when suddenly she spat into my face and said ‘you cant do it you little boy’ so I just looked down at her and pointed my wand and…” his voice died out as he looked down. “I’d never killed anyone before.” He finished softly.

They all sat in silence for a moment, digesting this revelation when Hermione said quietly, “I knew.” Harry looked up questioningly but she answered his unspoken question, “I didn’t know who, but I knew you had used…Avada Kadavra.”

Ron raised an eyebrow, “How did you know that?”

“My wand…it feels different. That’s why I never let you touch it…it…it just feels dark now. More powerful, but dark.” Harry answered hollowly.

Hermione nodded, “That’s right, I picked it up when you were in the hospital wing and I could just tell.” She said softly. Harry only nodded.

Ron cleared his throat at the uncomfortable silence that fell upon them. Finally he picked up the forgotten proposal and spoke in a worried tone, “We need to talk to Dumbledore about this. I don’t know what Malfoy is up to but with his influence we are going to need serious help to get passed this.” They all nodded and silently walked out.

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Meanwhile, in the teachers lounge Dumbledore had never seen his faculty look so morose.

McGonagall spoke first, she had always been level headed and first looked at the logical decisions that had to be made. “We will need a separate dorm for married students…a nursery… councilors for the young couples to talk to…” she ticked off the list. All the teachers nodded.

Dumbledore finally spoke deciding to start immediately, “Alright, Flitwick, you and I will start immediate construction of another dorm. I will draw up the plans tonight and we shall start tomorrow. Mia, Ya, You and Poppy will please go and begin the addition of a suitable nursery in the Hospitable Wing. I shall also look into the hiring of a med witch who specializes in pediatrics.” Poppy huffed at his, obviously offended that he didn’t think her enough, he sighed and continued, “Oh Poppy, its not that I don’t believe you have the ability but you must continue to focus on the rest of the children, having another qualified witch will be helpful and reassuring to the new mothers.” Poppy nodded and sat back. Dumbledore nodded and continued, “I agree with Minerva that councilors will be a good idea. I shall also look into the hiring of a couple qualified individuals. Are there any other thoughts on the matter?”

The assembled group all looked beaten, as if it were their actual children being pushed into adulthood with no warning. Dumbledore stood up and said, “That is all, I hope to have the dorm and nursery finished by next week.” The teachers all filed out and Dumbledore began to slowly walk towards his office, his mind running over plans for the new dorm. He gave the stone gargoyle his password and stepped on the revolving stare. He walked into his office and was brought up short by the people waiting for him. Ronald and Virginia Weasly, and Harry Potter all looking extremely sober. And Hermione Granger, sitting in one oh his chairs, staring blankly ahead.

He crossed to his desk and sat down before asking, “What has happened?”

Hermione, seemingly noticing his presence for the first time looked up and said in a flat voice, “Lucius Malfoy has petitioned for me.”
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Severus was walking back to his rooms deep in thought. He could not help but wander if Edgar McClaw and Kaine Pewter had something to do with this new law. They certainly had the power. The only thing was that he couldn’t figure out was the motive. ‘What is in it for Voldemort to force Purebloods and Muggleborn’s together?’ He had just begun the descent into the dungeons when a breathtaking pain shot through him. He clutched his left fore arm and swore. ‘At least I’ll find out what the hell this law is about.’ He muttered as he did a 360 and walked back into the Great Hall. He didn’t need his mask anymore so he just walked to the gates and withdrawing his wand, apperated away.

The world reappeared around him and he found himself in a comfortable sitting room he didn’t recognize. It was large and judging by the furniture belonged to someone very wealthy. Voldemort was sitting at a desk looking over papers while Kaine was pouring drinks at a bar in the corner. Severus fell to his knees but Voldemort simply told him to stand and get a drink in a bored tone. Severus was thrown off guard. He was not used to this sort of atmosphere when meeting Voldemort but he supposed that it was simply how the Beloved interacted.

He went to the bar and Kaine smiled and waived him away saying, “Tell me what you want Severus I’ll get it for you.”

Severus was once again taken aback. From his few prior encounters with Kaine he had always seemed condescending and cold. Apparently Kaine now saw him as an equal. “Bourbon, on the rocks, a ‘43 if you have it.” He said before sitting down in a high-backed leather chair.

“Ah! A man after my own heart! It’s all I drink, and yes I do have ‘43 - it was the best year.” He said over his shoulder pouring the drinks.

Another ‘pop’ sounded from the door way and Severus looked over his shoulder. Lucius had just apperated. He immediately fell to his knees and Voldemort told him to rise without even looking up from the paper he was studding so intently. Lucius went straight to the chair across from Severus and sat down with a big smirk on his face. His eyes didn’t have their usual cold and unemotional glaze; they were actually pleased.

“What are you so happy about Lucius?” Severus asked nonchalantly.

Lucius chuckled and said, “So I suppose you haven’t heard yet?” Severus shook his head, wondering what had happened. Lucius smiled and continued, “well, lets just wait for the others, it’ll be a surprise.” Severus lifted an eyebrow but Lucius just got up and went to the bar.

Finally another ‘pop’ sounded from the door and McClaw appeared. After he was told to rise and had gotten his drink they all settled in and waited for Voldemort to finish.

After a few moments of silence broken only by the clink of ice in glasses, Voldemort finally got up from the desk and sat down in an arm chair.

“My Beloved, today is a day of victory for our cause. Edgar and Kaine you have succeeded in your mission to get the Marriage Law passed and for that you have my gratitude. At the next revel I shall reward you both.” The two death eaters nodded their heads and thanked the Dark Lord. Voldemort accepted their thanks and went on, his gaze turning to Lucius. “Am I to understand your endeavors were successful Lucius?”

Lucius smiled and nodded, “Yes my Lord. I sent in the petition and with my influence have insured that she will have to accept.”

Voldemort nodded and said, “Well done Lucius, you too have pleased me.” Then he noticed Severus’ confused look and chuckled. “Ah Severus, forgive me, I have forgotten to explain our plans to you.”

Severus bowed his head and said respectfully, “It was not my place to question it my Lord. I would be honored to be involved.”

Voldemort smiled approvingly and began to explain. “As you must know by now, the marriage law has been passed. That was entirely due to your fellow Beloved members. You might be wondering what the purpose of the law is and how it will help our cause. The reasoning is simple. It is true that Purebloods are dying out due to too much inbreeding within our circle. And much as I am loath to admit it, we must unify the Wizarding world. I am sure that our ancestors would see the wisdom in this. The law is the first effort in enlarging the wizarding population for the foundation of a completely magical world. When we have had our victory and our enemies are no longer there to hinder us, we will begin an extermination of Muggles.” His smile returned at the last sentence and the other men chuckled.

Severus was shocked by two things. First, that Voldemort planned a complete genocide of 80% of the world’s population. And second that he had overcome his racism against blood enough to see that pureblood segregation could not continue. It was true Voldemort wanted power more than anything and wasn’t blind.

“My Lord, it is a brilliant plan but may I ask what Lucius’ involvement has been.” Severus asked carefully.

“Ah of course you may Severus. You see, in my continuous efforts to bring Harry Potter and Dumbledore down,” He spat out the two names as if they were vile, “I have decided that I need a spy, someone close to them not just professionally like yourself, but personally. I have chosen Hermione Granger to become my spy.”

Severus reeled and his eyes got big in shock ‘WHAT?’

Voldemort continued, “In that effort I have decided to utilize this wonderful new law. Lucius has petitioned for her and with his influence has insured her acceptance. Once married Lucius will use his influence to turn her to our side.”

Severus sat shocked for a moment, his mind working fast. He HAD to find a way out of this. Though he had no particular liking towards the girl (on the contrary he thought her intensely irritating,) he wouldn’t subject any woman to Lucius Malfoy. It was a well known fact that Malfoy’s sexual appetite was perverse to say the least. ‘Think, think, think! What would satisfy Voldemort but get Hermione out of Lucius grasp…that’s it!’ He reached a conclusion quickly and spoke.

“My Lord, may I offer an opinion?” he said vary carefully.

Voldemort scowled only slightly but nodded for Severus to continue.

“My lord, the plan is a good one. It would be very beneficial to have Granger be your servant. However I do not think that Lucius would be a good candidate for her ‘tutor in the dark arts’ shall we say.” At this Lucius sat up and almost growled. Severus continued quickly, “Not that I do not have the most respect for Lucius’ abilities it is only that I know for a fact that Granger loathes him, and his son for that matter. I do not think that she would take any suggestion from Lucius.” He stopped waiting for some sign from Voldemort. Lucius looked murderous.

Much to Severus’ relief Voldemort nodded, “you are right Severus, I had not thought about this. It does seem likely that she would be driven even further from what I desire of her if she had to deal with someone she hated. But what would be your suggestion that we do?”

Severus smiled and continued, “My Lord, I would suggest allowing me to petition for her. Even though I am her teacher I know that she would choose me over Lucius. Also, she trusts me, thinks I’m a spy for Dumbledore. I have also heard her mention her desire for more magical power and I am sure that I could eventually persuader her to see our way…and, If she were married to me she could live at school and still have daily dealings with both Potter and Dumbledore, something she could not do living with Lucius.” He finished and held his breath hoping for the best.

Voldemort sat contemplating the plan. Finally he nodded and smiled. “Good work my son, I am pleased. It will be as you have said. You shall write your petition immediately and get married just as quickly. Lucius’ connections will continue to stop any other petition from getting through.”

Severus thanked the Dark Lord and they all rose to leave. Severus did not miss the vengeful looks Lucius was shooting him for screwing his plans up but Severus was too elated at his victory to care. Plus, he knew that if Lucius ever wanted to duel he would be the victor. No matter how Lucius boasted, he could not match Severus magically.
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Severus apperated back to the gate and walked up to the school, through the doors and up to Dumbledore’s office. At the door he heard voices and knocked, At Dumbledore’s beckon he entered and came face to face with Potter. Behind him the two Weasleys and Granger herself were sitting there. From Grangers deadened expression he guessed what they were here for. He scowled at Potter who was staring at him, and swept into the office.

Without preamble he stood next to the desk and spoke the Dumbledore. “Headmaster, I have just come from a meeting. I heard about Miss. Granger’s situation and the reason behind it. I was able to dissuade the Dark Lord from his original plan and he has accepted my idea.”

Dumbledore looked up, a worried look in his eyes. “What did Voldemort decide Severus?”

“That I am to marry Granger.”

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Note: hope you enjoyed that. I asked for suggestions for couples last chapter….no one suggested any…..so please do that…..
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-Demos