The Family Ties that Bind

Disclaimer: I by no means own any characters from the world of Harry Potter. They belong to the wonderful and talented J.K. Rowlings. So, please don’t sue me, because I have no money.

Summary: Hermione finds out her entire life has been a lie during the summer before her 7th year. How is she going to react to the news once she finds out who her real father is? Will Hermione and her father get along? Read and find out.

The Family Ties that Bind

Chapter 7- End of Summer and Return to Hogwarts

Hermione and Draco enjoyed their time at Snape Manor. Over those last three days of summer vacation Hermione got to know her father even better. He told them both about his childhood, his parents, his reasons for joining with Voldemort, how he fell in love with Jocelyn and how he felt when he held Hermione for the first time.

“You do know that I will not treat you any different in class. I will treat you just like I treat the rest of the students.” Severus told Hermione.

“I wouldn’t have expected anything less.” Hermione said.

Soon it was the morning they were to return to Hogwarts. Draco and Hermione had packed all their things the night before. They were now sitting at breakfast with Severus, Helena and Victor.

“I’m sorry you’re not Head Girl.” Severus said.

“That’s okay. It gives me a chance to actually relax this year. I’m not taking as many classes. I figured, that would make it even harder to make a connection between Hermione Granger and Hermione Snape.” Hermione replied.

“That means you’ll be a little more fun and not so much a brain?” Draco teased.

“Yes. Of course there will be certain subjects that I will be the brain. Ancient Ruins and Potions, and maybe Transfiguration. But that’s it.” Hermione answered as she playfully punched Draco’s shoulder.

At ten the five of them climbed into Victor’s SUV and headed for King’s Cross. The drive took about thirty minutes, leaving Hermione and Draco plenty of time to put their things away and wait for Harry, Ron and Ginny.

“You two be good. If you run into any problems tell me as soon as you reach the school.” Severus said.

“We will dad. Stop worrying.” Hermione said.

“Have fun and try to stay out of trouble.” Helena said as she and Victor hugged Hermione and Draco.

“Can’t make any guarantees.” Draco said with a smile.

“I’ll see you two at the school. Have a safe trip.” Severus said as he too hugged them.

He then apparated back to the school. Victor and Helena left as well. Draco and Hermione went ahead and boarded the train. They had been seated for about ten minutes when Harry and Ron entered. Remembering they had to play an act, they greeted Draco first.

“Hey Draco. How was your summer?” Ron asked.

“Fine. Oh guys this is Hermione Snape. Hermione this is Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.” Draco answered.

“Nice to meet you.” Hermione said with a smile.

“Same here. You have the same first name as a friend of ours who died this summer.” Harry said.

“I know. My father told me. I’m sorry for your loss. Father said you four were close.” Hermione said sadly.

“Who’s your father?” a new voice asked from the door way.

“Who are you?” Hermione asked as she eyed Pansy Parkinson.

“I’m Pansy. And you are?” Pansy replied.

“Hermione. Hermione Yvonne Snape.” Hermione said as she glared at Pansy

“Snape? You mean Professor Snape has a daughter? Where did you go to school?” Pansy asked.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I was taught at home by my aunt and uncle. Now, I think you should leave.” Hermione answered.

“You know, if you want to make an impression at Hogwarts, you really should watch the company you keep.” Pansy said.

“Thanks, I’ll keep it in mind.” Hermione snarled.

Pansy huffed and left. When they were sure the coast was clear they stopped acting and began laughing.

“Aahh. That was great. I’ve never seen old pug face that embarrassed.” Draco laughed.

“Yeah. I sure hope I’ll go to Gryffindor. Same thing with Draco.” Hermione said.

“Don’t worry. You may be a Snape but you’ve got the heart of a Gryffindor. Draco too.” Harry said.

The friends spent the rest of the trip talking about their summer. They reached the castle. Hermione had to ride with the first years, but that didn’t bother her. She sat with Hagrid.

“You’re a bit old for a first year.” Hagrid said.

“I’m going to be in 7th. I’ve been schooled at home by my aunt and uncle. My father decided I should come here my last year.” Hermione answered.

“Who’s your father?” he asked.

“Professor Snape.” she replied.

“I never knew he had a daughter.” Hagrid said in surprise.

They arrived at the castle. Minerva was waiting for them. She and Hermione shared a brief smile before Minerva gave her speech. The first years and Hermione waited. The first years were nervous, while Hermione was excited. It was finally time. Hermione would be sorted last. When they reached the Great Hall she saw Draco standing to the side. He smiled and moved to her side. Minerva began the sorting. It seemed like forever, but finally it was only Hermione and Draco. Albus rose to his feet.

“I’m sure most of you are wondering why Draco Malfoy and this young lady are standing here. Well, Mr. Malfoy has requested to be resorted. It is rare but has happened before. The young lady next to him is Hermione Snape. She is the daughter of Professor Snape. He felt she should join us in her final year. We will begin with Mr. Malfoy.” Albus said.

The hall was buzzing. Malfoy changing houses? Snape having a daughter. There was still whispering as Draco placed the hat on his head. After a few seconds the hat shouted it’s answer.

“GRYFFINDOR!”

Draco happily pulled the hat off and rushed to his new house, which was cheering for him. He sat next to Harry. They all watched as Hermione once more placed the hat on her head.

*Ahh. Glad to see you have found out the truth little one. Now, where should you go?* the hat said.

‘Anywhere but Slytherin. Of course I would love to be with my friends and fiancée.’ Hermione thought.

*Yes. Young Malfoy. He should have been in Gryffindor from the start. I see no reason to break you and your friends up. You will and have done well in that house.* the hat replied.

“GRYFFINDOR!” the hat shouted.

Gryffindor table clapped as Hermione came over and took the space next to Draco. Once everyone quieted down Albus rose to speak once more.

“Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. As we all know, these are dark times in our community. Now is the time for us to stand united. If we and our community continue to remain divided, we will fall. Now, everyone tuck in and enjoy this wonderful feast.” Albus said.

“That’s got to be the shortest speech he’s ever given.” Ron said as he piled his plate full of food.

“Yeah. Oh well. Let’s eat.” Draco added.

As they ate, the other Gryffindors asked Hermione all kinds of questions. Where did she study magic? Where was her mom? What was it like to be the daughter of Snape? And a dozen others. Hermione answered them all. They all said they were sorry when she said her mother was dead.

The Gryffindors quickly found that Hermione was nothing like her father. Throughout dinner she would smile up at her father and he would smile back. Hermione couldn’t remember when she had so much fun during the Welcoming Feast. They finished their dinner and went to their common rooms. Hermione sat with Harry, Ron, Ginny and Draco. Just then Parvati approached them.

“I’m sorry to hear about Hermione. I know how close you guys were with her.” Parvati said.

“Yeah. It was hard, but we’re dealing.” Harry said sadly.

“It’s weird that you and their friend Hermione Granger have the same name.” Parvati said to Hermione.

“What happened to her?” Hermione asked.

“She..she died this summer. In a car accident with her parents. We were really shocked.” Ron stuttered as real tears began to fill his brown eyes.

“Oh. I’m so sorry. That has to be hard.” Hermione said gently.

‘Wow. They’re doing good at acting. I’m impressed.’ Hermione thought as she gently placed her hand on Ron’s shoulder.

The group in the common room quickly dispersed. Hermione joined Lavender and Parvati upstairs. As they got ready for bed Lavender noticed Hermione’s new wardrobe.

“Wow! You’ve got great tastes!” Lavender said as she held up a black leather mini skirt and blood red sleeveless shirt.

“Thanks. I take it you guys are into fashion?” Hermione asked.

“Are you kidding? We are the resident fashion police!” Parvati answered.

The girls all laughed. Hermione had always hid the fact that she really liked to dress up and wear make-up. Now, as Hermione Snape she could change that. Before she was a mudblood, now she didn’t have to hide anything. Well, except that she and Hermione Granger were one and the same.

“I think we will get along great.” Lavender said.

“Hey, is that an engagement ring?” Parvati asked as she held up Hermione’s left hand.

“Yeah.” Hermione answered

“Who is he?” Lavender asked.

“You guys have to promise not to tell anyone. You give a wizard’s oath?” Hermione answered.

“We do.” Lavender and Parvati answered.

“It’s Draco Malfoy.” Hermione said.

“You’re kidding!” Lavender cried.

“You’re so lucky.” Parvati added.

“We met when I was 15. He came to stay with my father for the summer. We didn’t get along at first, but we kind of grew on each other. He asked me to marry him on my birthday. Which is August 18th by the way.” Hermione explained.

Her and Draco had come up with this story in case anyone noticed the ring. After discussing fashion, Draco and other guys in the school the three girls turned in for the night. Hermione lay there. Only one thought running through her mind.

‘Welcome Home Hermione.’

T.B.C