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 9- Getting Away

Hermione returned to classes two days later. The feel of the school was filled with anger and hate. The three other houses were furious at what Pansy did to Draco. The Slytherins were treated as if they had the plague. Everyday Hermione, Ron and Harry would visit Draco.

“Miss Snape, could you stay after? I need to discuss something with you.” Minerva asked after Transfiguration one week after the explosion.

“Yes ma\'am.” Hermione answered.

The class filed out. Hermione packed her bag and walked over to her god mother. Minerva signaled for Hermione to sit at the table in front of her desk. Hermione sat down and waited for Minerva to speak.

“How are you holding up dear?” Minerva asked.

“Not too good. It’s been a week and Draco hasn’t even moved. I’m scared Minerva. I can’t lose him. We’ve had enough problems and now this.” Hermione answered sadly as tears began to fill her eyes.

“Oh honey. It’s going to be all right. I spoke to Poppy this morning. She says that Draco is physically fine. The only problems seems to be that he’s still unconscious. How often do you stay with him?” Minerva said.

“Only after classes and then for a little bit after dinner. Maybe an hour at the most.” Hermione replied.

“As your head of house, I’m giving you leave from the rest of your classes for the day. Go onto the hospital wing and spend some time with Draco. I will send word to Severus so he doesn’t worry.” Minerva said.

“Thank you Minerva.” Hermione said with a smile as she got up and hugged her god mother.

Minerva quickly wrote a note and sent Hermione on her way. Hermione dropped her things off in her dorm then rushed to the hospital wing. She showed the note to Poppy, who smiled and nodded. Hermione went to Draco’s side, sat in the chair and took his hand in hers.

“Draco, it’s me. I miss you. You’ve got to wake up. Dad found the one who did this to you. It was Pansy. Dumbledore not only had her expelled, but also charged with attempted murder. Her trial is in two weeks. Me, Ron and Harry along with dad, are going to testify. Please. Please Draco. Come back to me. I need you.” Hermione pleaded.

Her vision became blurred as she once more began crying. She leaned over wrapped her arms around her fiancée and cried. Poppy poked her head out of the office. Her heart went out to the girl.

‘Poor girl. She lost her mother before she ever knew her, for all intents and purposes lost her father, raised by her aunt and uncle. Now she is facing the chance of losing her fiancée.’ Poppy thought sadly.

After an hour Poppy noticed Hermione had fallen asleep. Feeling pity for her, she enlarged the bed, removed Hermione’s shoes, placed her in the bed next to Draco, covered the two, drew curtains around the bed and returned to her office.

“Where’s Hermione?” Neville asked.

“McGonagall excused her from her classes so she could spend some time alone with Draco.” Ron answered.

“Did they grow up together or something?” Seamus asked.

“They became close friends when Professor Snape introduced them the summer after our fifth year. At least that’s what she told us. Personally, I think there’s more there, but she’ll tell us when she ready I guess.” Harry answered.

“How is she Poppy?” Severus asked as he watched over his sleeping daughter and Draco.

“Oh Severus. This has to be so hard for her. I mean she comes everyday to see him, but there’s never any change. Hermione needs a distraction right now. I suggest, you talk to Albus about taking her away from the castle for the weekend. Perhaps you could leave tonight and come back on Sunday before dinner.” Poppy answered.

“She won’t leave him.” Severus sighed.

“I know, but she needs to get away for a while. Get her mind back on track.” Poppy added.

“You’re right. I’ll go talk to Albus now. If she wakes up, make sure to have something for her to eat.” Severus said.

Severus went to the Great Hall and asked Albus if they could talk. The two left the hall and headed for Albus’s office. Once seated Severus began.

“Albus, Poppy suggested I take Hermione away for the weekend. To distract her from everything that’s happened with Draco. I agree.” Severus said.

“That sounds good. I’m sure Hermione could use a change of scenery. It couldn’t hurt. Where were you planning on taking her? Snape Manor?” Albus asked.

“Not the manor. Too many memories. I was thinking about the summer home in Ireland. The one on the outskirts of Dublin.” Severus answered.

“Good. I suggest you go tell Hermione. I expect you back by dinner on Sunday. Have fun and enjoy yourself.” Albus said.

Severus nodded and left. He returned to the hospital wing and found Hermione sitting with Harry and Ron. He walked over and sat beside her.

“Hermione, I have permission for Albus for you and I to go away for the weekend.” Severus said.

“That’s a great idea. It would do you good Hermione.” Harry said as Ron nodded.

“What if Draco wakes up and I’m not here? No. I won’t go.” Hermione said.

“Honey, if Draco wakes up Poppy will send for me and we’ll come straight back. I swear.” Severus replied.

“You promise?” Hermione asked.

“You have my word. Now, go pack you a weekend bag and come to my office. We’ll leave as soon as your packed.” Severus said.

Ron, Harry and Hermione got up and left the wing. Once they were gone Severus spoke to Poppy then left as well. Half and hour later found Hermione and Severus walking to the gates of Hogwarts. Hermione took her father’s hand and they apparated away.

T.B.C.

Author’s Note: Sorry this chapter is a bit short. Next one will be longer.