The Change

Disclaimer: Still don't own.

A/N: Much thanks to those who have reviewed and Rose, I am still trying to figure out the Cookie Award but at least I finally got a Award for a story.

Now for a more serious note...


I will be perfectly honest with everyone who reads and reviews this, I feel you have the right to know and no it isn't a pity trip, I just wanted you to be aware of the circumstances if the story isn't updated. I know I promised to update once a week but on Monday, this story was very close to being removed offline and never completed. It was almost doomed thanks to one person. I will not mention this person's name but my feelings right now are, I don't care if I loose them as a friend for stating this. A true friend would not have reacted as they did.


For those who don't know, my stepfather, the man I call my dad, was diagnosed last year with cancer. Since then he has taken chemo and we thought it had got it but we were wrong.

I got an email from a family member stating he was back in the hospital. The cancer has returned, he has pneumonia and the cancer, now has moved to his hip.

I had just read the email not ten or fifteen minutes before this person messaged me about past postings. I told them, not now because I didn't feel like chatting and I posted the reason due to my father being back in the hospital.

There was no pause between the statement from me and their next statement, which was.. "Oh, your still going to post your Hermione and Severus story right?"

I am very sorry to say I lost it. I really did. I blew up.

I understand if a person loves a story, to ask the author about it but no way, shape form or fashion, should a story take priority over a family member. They should have had enough respect as a friend to not say nothing about the story but no, they choose to mention it.


Then yesterday, I went to the doctor and had to have a biopsy done in the office. Trust me, I was not happy.


So if the story goes on Hiatus for a while, you now know why. It is either my health or my father's but I came to realize that the ones who enjoy this, shouldn't have to suffer because of someone's selfishness. So now without further ado
Chapter 6


Hermione slowly opened the door and stepped inside. She raised her head whenever she heard three chairs scooting backwards and saw not only Severus, but Lucius and Voldermort as well.


Voldermort actually rolled his eyes at Severus being frozen into spot at Hermione's looks. He walked over and gently took her arm. "Come Miss Granger. Some of us, in attendance, do have manners. Let me help you sit."


She found herself blushing and nodded as he led her to a chair.

The food was soon served by another elf, one named Josie. Hermione waved her off, after the food. "I will serve the drinks, you go." The elf bowed and vanished out of the room.

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Hermione sat in silence, eating as the males had their conversation. Ever so often, Lucius would look over, expecting her to be bored but the witch was listening. Whenever one of them would need a drink, Hermione would lay down her fork and immediately serve them. Finally Lucius spoke to her.


"You know, Miss Granger. One would never know your a muggleborn. You present yourself with the poise and grace of a pureblood."

"Thank you Mister Malfoy. I do aim to please."

"It was no problem my dear, soon you should meet Narcissa and Bella for tea."

"Perhaps one day.", she responded.

Voldermort smiled. "You look lovely tonight, doesn't she Severus?"


Hermione and Severus' gaze locked. "Yes, very lovely.", he said. "One would think, that dress was made for her and only her."

The young witch stood up. "Excuse me. I must retire for the night. I suddenly find myself tired. Lord Voldermort, Lord Malfoy, Severus, have a pleasant evening." She ran from the room quickly, causing both Lucius and Voldermort to slap Severus in the back of the head. The dark haired man just glared and continued to stare at the door.

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After everyone had left and the manor was silent, Hermione walked down to the pool area. She thought that she had the manor alone and quickly jumped into the water, swimming around.

Severus cocked his head from his study, hearing the water splash. He stood up and walked to the door, freezing in his tracks.

Hermione was wearing a two piece bikini that was not only green but Slytherin green. The top and bottoms both left nothing to the imagination. When she came out of the water, her hair was down to waist of the bottoms. He found himself swallowing and then waving his wand to change into his swim trunks.

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The young witch had her head resting on her crossed arms on the side of the pool. She never knew Severus had slipped into the water, and never knew that he was slowly making his way over to her. Only when she felt a hard chest against her back and two arms trapping her against the wall, did she jump, only to relax when she saw the Dark Mark, etched into the left forearm of the man.


"Deep in thought were we?", he purred in her ear, causing her to shiver.

"I thought I was alone.", she whispered.

"Didn't I tell you? You'll never be alone."


She jumped as her right ear was nipped gently. "I..well...um..."


His chuckle sent chills up her spine. "How quickly you forget. Do you feel that comfortable around me?"
"Yes.", she panted. "For some reason I do."


"The dress tonight, who picked it out?" he half growled.

"Celeste did."

"I must thank her for that. You conducted yourself well tonight."


She giggled as she arched around to try to get more comfortable, in the process brushing his groin. "I try to please."


He sucked in his breath at the contact of her against him. "One would think you were my wife tonight..."his voice caught and suddenly the warmth surrounding her was gone as he apperated straight out of the pool.


"What the hell?", Hermione whispered and looked around to find herself alone. "I know he was just here."

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Lucius walked out onto the back porch of Malfoy Manor to hearing someone apperate in and the sound of flesh hitting the wall, echoed into the sitting room. He looked on in shock as Severus bashed his head into the wall of the manor over and over again.

"Brother?"


Severus slowly turned his head. "I told her...I said......"

"That you love her?", Lucius baited.


"NO!", Severus bellowed and then lowered his voice. "I told her that one would think she was my wife."


Lucius leaned back against the wall. "And what did she say to this?"


Severus blushed. "I don't know. I froze and then apperated straight out of the pool to here."
Lucius rolled his eyes. "You fool. You tell the woman, she could have been your wife and then you apperate here. Where is your mind?"


Severus looked over in shock. "I was scared. I didn't mean to say it, it just came out."


Lucius chuckled as he was award a picture from the past of Severus being frightened of other women. "So, the pool huh? What does she look like in a suit?"


"Lucius Malfoy. You stop teasing Severus. Severus, go home. It's too late for you to be here in nothing but you swim trunks.", Narcissa scolded. "And besides, there is a beautiful witch, that you just left alone in a pool. Think of how that makes you look. Now, GO!", she finished with a yell.


Severus jumped and apperated out, making Lucius chuckled. "You still scare him to this day my love."


Narcissa shrugged. "It's what I do best. Give them time Lucius. It is plain to anyone who can see, Severus is in love with her. As for her, I do not know but I will find out. Extend an invitation to tea in a few days. It is time that I and Miss Granger have a woman to woman talk."


Lucius shivered. " Oh Miss Granger. I hope your prepared for this."

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When Severus apperated back to the manor, Hermione had already left the pool. He walked up the stairs and opened the door to her quarters, slipping inside. He only stopped when he opened the door to her sleeping quarters, enough for him to see inside.


Hermione was already asleep, her body under the comforter. He watched her for a while and then turned going back out of the room.


"Do I really see her as my wife, already? When did this happen? I mean true I saved her but I didn't expect to fall in love. Wait, in love? I'm in love with her? I can't love her, she would never love me back. She sees me as a friend and nothing more. I won't allow her to get hurt, I...damn, I am in love with the know it all. This is going to be complicated."

Severus laid down in bed and closed his eyes. "Could she love me?", he whispered into the room and allowed sleep to overtake him.

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The next afternoon, Severus looked up as Hermione came walking into the study. His member went rock hard in an instant at seeing her in a short summer dress. "Severus?"

His eyes went up her legs, only to finally reach her face. "Yes, Hermione?"


"Narcissa wants me to join her for tea. Is it alright if I go?"

Severus cocked his head. "Why ask me?"

"Well I am living in your manor. I am a guest.", she said back.

He smiled. "You are free to do as you wish. If you want to go to tea, then you can go to tea. Would you like me to accompany you there so we can apperate together?"


Hermione nodded. "Yes, please. Should I change?"


"NO!", he shouted. "Um, no, Hermione. What you have on is fine. Excuse my outburst."


Hermione smiled and spun around in a circle. "This isn't too childish?"


Severus stood and rearranged his slacks when she was turned towards the door. "No. It is fine. Come, we better go, when Narcissa calls, it is best that one answers quickly."

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As soon as their feet landed, Severus steered her into the glass sitting room, where he knew Narcissa took her afternoon tea. With a quick hello, the man vanished somewhere into the manor, leaving Hermione staring at Narcissa.

"Hello Lady Malfoy, thank you for..", Hermione started.


"Narcissa is fine and have a seat. There is much we have to discuss Hermione and a very limited time to do it in. Sit, have a cup of tea."


Hermione sat down with the feeling that her life was going to be very complicated from now on.

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Draco walked into the study to see Severus, Lucius and Voldermort sitting there. "Where's Hermione?"


"With your Mother.", Lucius said with a smirk.


Draco's eyes went huge and Severus moaned. "What have I done?", he groaned out. "Narcissa will pick her apart."


Draco patted his shoulder. "It can't be that bad, Uncle. Mother will get to the bottom of whatever is bothering her."


Severus met his eyes. "I know. That's what worries me."

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I promise a full chapter later on. I just wanted to explain what had happen, what is happening and get this part of the story out of the way. Just what is in store for Hermione? You'll find out next time.