The Lady and the Tiger
Severus Snape was at his desk in the small home he had in Spinner’s End writing in a journal that he has written for over 15 years. This was his only release he had during his solitary existence.
November 2, 1998
Dear Lily,
I had that dream again. Albus was standing at my doorway bloody and broken from the fall. His left arm black and burned chest open from the curse that I used to kill him.
Hermione Granger staring at me with tear stained eyes and asking me why and then she fell to her death as well. I wake up shaking from guilt and shame. I never would have harmed Albus in a million years he was there for me when I lost you giving me livelihood and friendship all these years.
The fates are cruel, they never wanted me to have love or friendship. I was forced to kill the only friend I had to save his dignity and the cause we worked so hard for all these years, to defeat Voldemort and protecting your son. The curse he had was killing him slowly, a terrible fate indeed. He chose to die and save the soul of Draco Malfoy than save his own life, a mark of his rare kind soul.
With the act I lost the only person’s respect that mattered to me other than Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall. We where never what be called friends but we had a mutual respect that will never be recovered. It pains me since her opinion mattered. No doubt that now she resents me and will never forgive me.
Hermione, my dear sweet darling girl.
I honestly don’t know when I started to have feelings for Hermione. She used to vex me so with her know it all attitude and cleverness that rivaled my own. Somehow along the line she grew into an attractive young woman who vexes me in my sleep. I dream of her eyes, deep chocolate brown that is full of curiosity and thirst to learn., her mouth how she bites her lower lip when she is upset or deep in thought, her pale while skin how soft it would fell against me as we lay together at night. Tasting her skin as she lays under me trembling crying out my name in orgasm. I wonder how her hair would feel in my hands as I stroke it after we make love.
The fates most likely would not let me have her. It was no secret in the Order she was with Black, that mutt! Of all the people that she chose to be with why did it have to be him? Why am I always the one who losses? He will hurt her I know it, he never understood or appreciated the rare jewel she is, he only thinks of himself and his needs, he would not even know how to put her needs above his own to worship her like the goddess that she is. I worry for her, my source say that she disappeared without a trace four months ago.
.I pray the order listens to Shacklebolt and his ideas, he is really the only one with any brains in the enter group. If he cares about her the way he always claimed he would not stop for anything till he does. I can’t do it myself, I have enough to deal with protecting one as headstrong as Draco Malfoy. In saving his life I am now bound to keeping it that way. It was what Dumbledore wanted. Not that I have any say in the matter, I am bound by an unbreakable vow from Narcissa to protect her son.
He is not unpleasant company but he is young and restless. He does not have the experience or the will to be cautious. I worry daily about his safety and in essence my own. If he is careless and let anything slip that it all will be for nothing.
I at least have my tiger Mina. I named her Mina after the character Wilhelmina Murray Harker, a character in one of Hermione’s favorite books, Dracula. She always admired the irony of an author making up something that ended up being true. Tending to her and talking to her makes my burden easier.
I do not know where she comes from or who her owners where before hand. I do not think that her master will come for her, I like the idea of having her to myself. There is something about her that spellbinds me, she has the type of beauty that breaks your heart. I am thankful that another Death Eater was not chosen to tend to her, they do not appreciate her as I do.
Sometimes I wonder if worrying about Hermione is making me nutters. I could almost swear that I saw Mina bite her lip after I feed her like she was deep in thought. I also saw her eyes half closed as in contemplation the way Hermione does when she is working on a problem that is hard for her to solve. Maybe I just need sleep I am tired from being Headmaster, Spy and Caretaker. I cannot lose focus otherwise the plan would fail and everything would be for nothing. Give a good word for me to Merlin I think I will need it
Your Friend
Severus
Meanwhile in the Dark Lord Compound,
Hermione was in her cadge after a vicious battle with a werewolf. She won but she was almost bitten by it before its death. She was surprised to see two forms approaching her, One with long blond hair and another with long dark brown hair. She recognized the blond hair man immediately as Lucius Malfoy. He was impeccably dressed in black silk robes his usual snakes cane in his right hand. It took a moment to realize that the man with him was Rabastan Lestrange. He looked a lot like his brother same brown hair and height. Rodolphus had a mustache and a small scar over his right eye. His brother had a more muscular build with a strong jaw and goatee. He was wearing his death leather robes over a bare chest and black leather pants.
“ Greyback choose a particularly vicious champion this time, nearly tore the poor thing to shreds. “ said Rabastan.
Lucius put a hand on his shoulder, “It is alright dear boy she will be fine. Severus will arrive soon with some potion that will fix her right up.”
He pulled away from Lucius and knelt down in front of her to look for himself that she was all right. Rabastan was looking at her with concern and worry. Rabastan Lestrange had feelings? Is that even possible? She as doubly shocked when Lucius copied the motion and looked at her with a critical look in his grey eyes, the usual coldness gone. He lifts his had and starts to gently pet her to comfort her she supposed in her pain. She should rip out his lungs for everything that he did to her and Harry in the past but somehow he could not make herself do it. She found herself starting to purr at the contact and warmth. Rabastan after some hesitation did the same making her purr even louder. The tender moment was interrupted by the arrival of Fenrir Greyback who looked as brutal and vicious as ever. Lucius and Rabastan both got up and drew wands at the werewolf ready to curse him if he tries something on them.
“What do you want Greyback? To see if your pack finished her or to finish her yourself?” demands Rabastan.
“ I came to talk to Malfoy, Lestrange it is no concern of yours” he says bearing his sharp canine teeth. He was a frightening sight to be sure. He had long iron grey hair deep brown eyes that had animalistic gleam to them as though he is staking out prey. His nails where long and sharp and he was wearing long ragged Death Eater robes.
“ I will be with you in a moment Fenrir. “ He said in his silky voice the coldness in his eyes returning.
Fenrir was angry at something perhaps her for besting his pack once again, which as alpha it must have been an insult. He looked like he was ready to tear her to shreds to avenge the ones that she killed. She never thought that in her lifetime she would be thankful to Lucius Malfoy or a Lestrange. Greyback must have thought better than to attack her or decided to do it at another time for he backed out with a growl.
Hermione before she even realize what she was doing was licking Malfoy’s fingers in thanks just as she saw the veiled image of someone coming with potions.
Order of the Phoenix Headquarters,
Harry Kingsley and Sirius had a terrible fight that afternoon. Harry heard what happened 5 months ago with Ginny and Hermione when he was curious about Ginny and Tonks heated arguments all the time. Tonks wanted to tell the order what happened, the fight would be some sort of clue for they reached a dead end, Ginny however said that they promised not to tell anyone about it. He took out the infamous Extendable Ears and listened in. The fight was so loud that Kingsley came in to see what the three of them where arguing about when he also found out about Sirius. Remus never thought he would see the day that Harry was so furious with Sirius that he hit him and Kingsley actually drew out his wand. The old Sirius would fight back, but this Sirius did not put up much of a fight like he wanted them to take him out.
If he and Tonks were not there to pull them apart there would have been a blood bath. Kingsley was upstairs with Tonks while Harry went out to the local bar to meet Ron and have a drink. Remus and Tonks convinced Kingsley and Harry not to tell the rest of the Order about what happened. Remus was not so sure that it would stay that way, not with the Extendable Ears still lying about.
Sirius rather Padfoot was on the couch sulking, nuzzling a red sweater that Hermione was wearing the day before she left still smelling of the orange shampoo that she always used. Padfoot barked at him in response to his presence.
Remus was not amused at all. “ Sirius cut the crap and talk to me!” he demanded.
Sirius changed back to his human form but only in his jeans and dragon skin boots. The tattoos on his chest neck and stomach where as visible as the ones he had on his fingers. The Azkerban tattoo was clear on his left biceps, a mark of guilt that never really went away. He did not have the energy to transfigure anything else. His eyes where red and he had a black eye and cut lip from the fight, he looked heartbreakingly beautiful to Remus at that moment.
The hollow look of Azkaban returned to him in his grief. Remus knew that he should be angry, but Remus could never be angry with Sirius, with everything that they had been through together. He knew that he was hurting, there was no need to add more.
If Hermione where here she would not want him to self destruct this way, she worked too hard to get him back from the veil to make him whole again for this to go to waste. The Lycan summoned his wand and began to patch up his favorite Animagus.
“ Harry hates me Moony, and I can’t say that I blame him.” Said Sirius dejectedly.
“ I can’t say that I blame him either Padfoot you are git sometimes,” replied Remus.
“But somehow everyone still cares about you. Harry will get over the shock, he needs you too much to turn his back on you now. Out of curiosity, why didn’t you tell her about our past together?”
Sirius sighed, “I don’t know I guess I enjoyed the idea of you being mine and mine alone”
Remus could feel his body react to Sirius hand on his lap where he put it to fix it up. They had been together when they where teenagers taking comfort in each other during the bad times. He was a drug that Remus could never get out of his system even 20 years later.
Sirius carefully sat himself up and regarded his best friend “Do you think that she is still alive Moony?” He asked in a lost childlike voice.
“I think so Padfoot. There was no body and she is a smart girl. I have faith that wherever she is she will survive and come back to us.” Remus replied.
“ You love her too don’t you? He asked as he put his head on his shoulder.
Remus sighed “love her more that I loved any women in this life, and she deserves better than what I can give her.”
“I miss her so much Moony.” Sirius said with tears pricking at his eyes
“I know love I miss her too.”
Then he kissed him as a reassuring gesture, which got heated after a few minutes in their mutual need, and grief. Remus then Apparated them to his room where he and Sirius comforted each other.
***
Somewhere in Wizarding London
Draco was in another flat that he knew nothing about, no friends or family in sight.
His mind was still reeling from the information he had heard regarding Hermione Granger. He had tried to get the information out of Snape but he was too good at evasion for it to work. He however could tell that Snape was also concerned about her disappearance and possible murder. Draco just could not imagine have a world without Hermione Granger in it. As far as Draco could remember she was there, annoying him in one way or another. He had always said that he wanted her dead many times, but faced with the reality that actual harm would come to her made Draco ill.
Against all rational thought and judgment he found that he wished that he could help her get her out of whatever mess she was in. If he could not then he would have to find someone who could, someone he could trust and not give him away to the authorities.
But who could that be?
***
The next morning
Remus was watching Sirius sleep after another night of getting to know each other again, as James would put it. Nothing changed much since their previous liaison. He would have to figure out where they stood later. He was concerned about Harry and Sirius and their relationship. He never saw Harry so angry and Sirius so hurt. It was amazing how much like James he was at that moment. A boy no man that would fight for his friends to the death and hurt anyone that hurt his friends. It was only a day since the fight but he could tell that it would take a while for Harry to calm down, if ever and talk to Sirius. Normally Remus would allow the parties to calm down a little first before orchestrating reconciliation. But this time he knew he had to act to talk to Harry, Sirius needed him and he knew that Harry needed him.
He gave Sirius a kiss on his full lips and went to find Harry.
Harry was sitting at the table of the kitchen drinking tea going over the orders given to the Army in his head.
The Patil twins would use their connections in St Mungo’s to see if anyone matching Hermione’s description was admitted without official knowledge.
Seamus, Cho and Lavender would use their jobs at the ministry to see what the ministry actually have on Hermione, what they clearly where not telling Kingsley,
Neville, Katie, and Lee who where studying under Professors at Hogwarts would report Snape’s movements the new Headmaster at Hogwarts
Luna ,Dean, and the Creevy brothers would use their journalist connections to gather rumors and information of Death Eater activities.
An option that Harry prayed that they would not have to look into, but as Hermione would say you need all options to be open.
AS for the Weasleys he asked them to harvest all family connections that the Weasley name could muster to cover everything else that they might have missed and to overhear what the Order was doing, in the case that they knew something that they don’t.
If only he listened to his gut from the beginning. Maybe he would not be in this position. How could he not see what was happening around him? How could he not see that Hermione was at her breaking point? Remus entering the kitchen interrupted his reverie.
“Hello” he greeted in a dull voice. “Can we talk?” Asked Remus.
Harry just shrugs and points to the chair. “ Look Harry I know you are shocked at what happed so was I. But what is done is done. Sirius needs you and you need him none of us will survive this war if we don’t learn to count on each other.”
‘Like we counted on Snape? I am better off alone than with someone who puts his needs before the person that sacrificed everything for him. She almost died Remus, I almost lost her while she brought him back for us. Now she is gone and I can’t forgive him for driving her away. And I will always hate him if she is dead.
“Are you sure about that Harry? are you sure you do not blame yourself for what happened? For not seeing her in pain and not doing anything about it?”
Harry jumped up and nearly decked him at that one. Thanks to his werewolf reflexes Remus was able to avoid it and grabbed him and pined his arm to his back. His voice was calm but there was a note of anger in it to.
“Never do that again Harry. Hermione sacrificed for love that is true. But not reconnecting with Sirius makes that sacrifice count for nothing that would break her heart wherever she is. You think on that, and if you need help with the DA let me know
“How…”
Remus smiled “My two best friends where the best at secret meetings, can’t get that much past me you know”
Harry relaxed and the tears and fear that he was holding on to came out in sobs. Remus let him go and took him in his arms and sank to the floor with him as he sobbed his heart out for his best friend.
Meanwhile at the compound
Hermione lying on the carpet that Rabastan had recently given her as a present for winning her last battle. It was soft and comfortable, closest thing to a bed she had in a long time. He too started to talk to her about things when no one was looking, as did Rodolphus and Lucius she was rather popular in that fashion. She turned into the Death Eater confessor. Could they have guessed that she was something more than an animal? Or where they so desperate for someone to talk to they spoke to something that could not talk back? In any case She discovered that there is good in them both, they could change if they found the right catalyst.
“Hello pet” she heard as Lucius Malfoy entered what was now known as “the cadge room”. He was impeccably dressed as always. “ Snape fixed you up wonderfully as usual. You would not know you where injured.”
She could tell that he was troubled. He looked as though he was choosing his words, which was unusual, he always knew what to say in any situation.
“ I have always tried to do what was best for my family maintain it’s power it has had for centuries, even align myself with a powerful wizard to ensure that power. I always believed that it would ensure the safety of my son, but it has not. It has put him in great peril.” He sighs a great big sigh a look of great pain on his face.” I knew the sacrifices I was making when I took the mark. I was ready to take the obligation and the risks that went with it. My son was so young, not even out of school when he was approached to take my place after I failed in my last two assignments. The punishment should be mine, not his”
Hermione was touched and confused. She had no idea that Lucius Malfoy cared so deeply for his son. What did Draco do that was punishment? Was there a way to help him? Bugger it All! She wish she was not locked up in this bloody cadge. She could at least attempt to find out what she could do to ease his mind. Ok where on earth did that come from? Sympathy for Lucius and Draco Malfoy?! Ok if she was really honest with herself she was mildly attracted to them, damn them and their attractiveness! She should hate them and be happy that they where suffering for their sins. Somehow she could not, she felt sorry for them. She vowed when she got out of this situation that she would try to figure out what Lucius meant and do what she could for Draco. Before she knew what she was doing she put her paw on his hand as a comforting gesture. When she realized what she was doing she pulled away quickly hoping that he did not notice what she just did. It would be bad for her to reveal that she was an Animagus. That was the first step into figuring out who she was.
Lucius straightened up and regained his usual cold composure in an alarming rate as he heard someone approaching. It was a woman with long white blond hair, pale face and blue eyes, and incredibly beautiful. She only heard pieces of information here and there about her but she believed it was Narcissa Malfoy that entered the room. Her suspicions where confirmed when he straightened up and said “hello wife. What do I owe the pleasure?”
“Bella has word on our son, that he is well and that he has sent us a letter. I wanted you to know.” Lucius was calm but from what he just confessed to her he must have been relieved that he was alive if not all well.
“She also has word that Harry Potter’s friend, the girl named Hermione Granger is missing. Perhaps it is time to strike when his moral is low and mind is elsewhere. I figured that you would want to be with us to tell the Dark Lord the news and share in the glory of his praise.”
He did not say a word but bow and allowed her to leave first. He then gave Mina one last look before he followed.
As she looked up to see Lucius go, she saw something that she never noticed before. An eye in the corner that looks like the Egyptian pictograph. Oh bloody hell! Of course how could she be so stupid? Of course Snape would put surveillance on her. Snape was not a fool by any means. The question is, would she reveal herself to him or wait and see what Snape does?
November 2, 1998
Dear Lily,
I had that dream again. Albus was standing at my doorway bloody and broken from the fall. His left arm black and burned chest open from the curse that I used to kill him.
Hermione Granger staring at me with tear stained eyes and asking me why and then she fell to her death as well. I wake up shaking from guilt and shame. I never would have harmed Albus in a million years he was there for me when I lost you giving me livelihood and friendship all these years.
The fates are cruel, they never wanted me to have love or friendship. I was forced to kill the only friend I had to save his dignity and the cause we worked so hard for all these years, to defeat Voldemort and protecting your son. The curse he had was killing him slowly, a terrible fate indeed. He chose to die and save the soul of Draco Malfoy than save his own life, a mark of his rare kind soul.
With the act I lost the only person’s respect that mattered to me other than Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall. We where never what be called friends but we had a mutual respect that will never be recovered. It pains me since her opinion mattered. No doubt that now she resents me and will never forgive me.
Hermione, my dear sweet darling girl.
I honestly don’t know when I started to have feelings for Hermione. She used to vex me so with her know it all attitude and cleverness that rivaled my own. Somehow along the line she grew into an attractive young woman who vexes me in my sleep. I dream of her eyes, deep chocolate brown that is full of curiosity and thirst to learn., her mouth how she bites her lower lip when she is upset or deep in thought, her pale while skin how soft it would fell against me as we lay together at night. Tasting her skin as she lays under me trembling crying out my name in orgasm. I wonder how her hair would feel in my hands as I stroke it after we make love.
The fates most likely would not let me have her. It was no secret in the Order she was with Black, that mutt! Of all the people that she chose to be with why did it have to be him? Why am I always the one who losses? He will hurt her I know it, he never understood or appreciated the rare jewel she is, he only thinks of himself and his needs, he would not even know how to put her needs above his own to worship her like the goddess that she is. I worry for her, my source say that she disappeared without a trace four months ago.
.I pray the order listens to Shacklebolt and his ideas, he is really the only one with any brains in the enter group. If he cares about her the way he always claimed he would not stop for anything till he does. I can’t do it myself, I have enough to deal with protecting one as headstrong as Draco Malfoy. In saving his life I am now bound to keeping it that way. It was what Dumbledore wanted. Not that I have any say in the matter, I am bound by an unbreakable vow from Narcissa to protect her son.
He is not unpleasant company but he is young and restless. He does not have the experience or the will to be cautious. I worry daily about his safety and in essence my own. If he is careless and let anything slip that it all will be for nothing.
I at least have my tiger Mina. I named her Mina after the character Wilhelmina Murray Harker, a character in one of Hermione’s favorite books, Dracula. She always admired the irony of an author making up something that ended up being true. Tending to her and talking to her makes my burden easier.
I do not know where she comes from or who her owners where before hand. I do not think that her master will come for her, I like the idea of having her to myself. There is something about her that spellbinds me, she has the type of beauty that breaks your heart. I am thankful that another Death Eater was not chosen to tend to her, they do not appreciate her as I do.
Sometimes I wonder if worrying about Hermione is making me nutters. I could almost swear that I saw Mina bite her lip after I feed her like she was deep in thought. I also saw her eyes half closed as in contemplation the way Hermione does when she is working on a problem that is hard for her to solve. Maybe I just need sleep I am tired from being Headmaster, Spy and Caretaker. I cannot lose focus otherwise the plan would fail and everything would be for nothing. Give a good word for me to Merlin I think I will need it
Your Friend
Severus
Meanwhile in the Dark Lord Compound,
Hermione was in her cadge after a vicious battle with a werewolf. She won but she was almost bitten by it before its death. She was surprised to see two forms approaching her, One with long blond hair and another with long dark brown hair. She recognized the blond hair man immediately as Lucius Malfoy. He was impeccably dressed in black silk robes his usual snakes cane in his right hand. It took a moment to realize that the man with him was Rabastan Lestrange. He looked a lot like his brother same brown hair and height. Rodolphus had a mustache and a small scar over his right eye. His brother had a more muscular build with a strong jaw and goatee. He was wearing his death leather robes over a bare chest and black leather pants.
“ Greyback choose a particularly vicious champion this time, nearly tore the poor thing to shreds. “ said Rabastan.
Lucius put a hand on his shoulder, “It is alright dear boy she will be fine. Severus will arrive soon with some potion that will fix her right up.”
He pulled away from Lucius and knelt down in front of her to look for himself that she was all right. Rabastan was looking at her with concern and worry. Rabastan Lestrange had feelings? Is that even possible? She as doubly shocked when Lucius copied the motion and looked at her with a critical look in his grey eyes, the usual coldness gone. He lifts his had and starts to gently pet her to comfort her she supposed in her pain. She should rip out his lungs for everything that he did to her and Harry in the past but somehow he could not make herself do it. She found herself starting to purr at the contact and warmth. Rabastan after some hesitation did the same making her purr even louder. The tender moment was interrupted by the arrival of Fenrir Greyback who looked as brutal and vicious as ever. Lucius and Rabastan both got up and drew wands at the werewolf ready to curse him if he tries something on them.
“What do you want Greyback? To see if your pack finished her or to finish her yourself?” demands Rabastan.
“ I came to talk to Malfoy, Lestrange it is no concern of yours” he says bearing his sharp canine teeth. He was a frightening sight to be sure. He had long iron grey hair deep brown eyes that had animalistic gleam to them as though he is staking out prey. His nails where long and sharp and he was wearing long ragged Death Eater robes.
“ I will be with you in a moment Fenrir. “ He said in his silky voice the coldness in his eyes returning.
Fenrir was angry at something perhaps her for besting his pack once again, which as alpha it must have been an insult. He looked like he was ready to tear her to shreds to avenge the ones that she killed. She never thought that in her lifetime she would be thankful to Lucius Malfoy or a Lestrange. Greyback must have thought better than to attack her or decided to do it at another time for he backed out with a growl.
Hermione before she even realize what she was doing was licking Malfoy’s fingers in thanks just as she saw the veiled image of someone coming with potions.
Order of the Phoenix Headquarters,
Harry Kingsley and Sirius had a terrible fight that afternoon. Harry heard what happened 5 months ago with Ginny and Hermione when he was curious about Ginny and Tonks heated arguments all the time. Tonks wanted to tell the order what happened, the fight would be some sort of clue for they reached a dead end, Ginny however said that they promised not to tell anyone about it. He took out the infamous Extendable Ears and listened in. The fight was so loud that Kingsley came in to see what the three of them where arguing about when he also found out about Sirius. Remus never thought he would see the day that Harry was so furious with Sirius that he hit him and Kingsley actually drew out his wand. The old Sirius would fight back, but this Sirius did not put up much of a fight like he wanted them to take him out.
If he and Tonks were not there to pull them apart there would have been a blood bath. Kingsley was upstairs with Tonks while Harry went out to the local bar to meet Ron and have a drink. Remus and Tonks convinced Kingsley and Harry not to tell the rest of the Order about what happened. Remus was not so sure that it would stay that way, not with the Extendable Ears still lying about.
Sirius rather Padfoot was on the couch sulking, nuzzling a red sweater that Hermione was wearing the day before she left still smelling of the orange shampoo that she always used. Padfoot barked at him in response to his presence.
Remus was not amused at all. “ Sirius cut the crap and talk to me!” he demanded.
Sirius changed back to his human form but only in his jeans and dragon skin boots. The tattoos on his chest neck and stomach where as visible as the ones he had on his fingers. The Azkerban tattoo was clear on his left biceps, a mark of guilt that never really went away. He did not have the energy to transfigure anything else. His eyes where red and he had a black eye and cut lip from the fight, he looked heartbreakingly beautiful to Remus at that moment.
The hollow look of Azkaban returned to him in his grief. Remus knew that he should be angry, but Remus could never be angry with Sirius, with everything that they had been through together. He knew that he was hurting, there was no need to add more.
If Hermione where here she would not want him to self destruct this way, she worked too hard to get him back from the veil to make him whole again for this to go to waste. The Lycan summoned his wand and began to patch up his favorite Animagus.
“ Harry hates me Moony, and I can’t say that I blame him.” Said Sirius dejectedly.
“ I can’t say that I blame him either Padfoot you are git sometimes,” replied Remus.
“But somehow everyone still cares about you. Harry will get over the shock, he needs you too much to turn his back on you now. Out of curiosity, why didn’t you tell her about our past together?”
Sirius sighed, “I don’t know I guess I enjoyed the idea of you being mine and mine alone”
Remus could feel his body react to Sirius hand on his lap where he put it to fix it up. They had been together when they where teenagers taking comfort in each other during the bad times. He was a drug that Remus could never get out of his system even 20 years later.
Sirius carefully sat himself up and regarded his best friend “Do you think that she is still alive Moony?” He asked in a lost childlike voice.
“I think so Padfoot. There was no body and she is a smart girl. I have faith that wherever she is she will survive and come back to us.” Remus replied.
“ You love her too don’t you? He asked as he put his head on his shoulder.
Remus sighed “love her more that I loved any women in this life, and she deserves better than what I can give her.”
“I miss her so much Moony.” Sirius said with tears pricking at his eyes
“I know love I miss her too.”
Then he kissed him as a reassuring gesture, which got heated after a few minutes in their mutual need, and grief. Remus then Apparated them to his room where he and Sirius comforted each other.
***
Somewhere in Wizarding London
Draco was in another flat that he knew nothing about, no friends or family in sight.
His mind was still reeling from the information he had heard regarding Hermione Granger. He had tried to get the information out of Snape but he was too good at evasion for it to work. He however could tell that Snape was also concerned about her disappearance and possible murder. Draco just could not imagine have a world without Hermione Granger in it. As far as Draco could remember she was there, annoying him in one way or another. He had always said that he wanted her dead many times, but faced with the reality that actual harm would come to her made Draco ill.
Against all rational thought and judgment he found that he wished that he could help her get her out of whatever mess she was in. If he could not then he would have to find someone who could, someone he could trust and not give him away to the authorities.
But who could that be?
***
The next morning
Remus was watching Sirius sleep after another night of getting to know each other again, as James would put it. Nothing changed much since their previous liaison. He would have to figure out where they stood later. He was concerned about Harry and Sirius and their relationship. He never saw Harry so angry and Sirius so hurt. It was amazing how much like James he was at that moment. A boy no man that would fight for his friends to the death and hurt anyone that hurt his friends. It was only a day since the fight but he could tell that it would take a while for Harry to calm down, if ever and talk to Sirius. Normally Remus would allow the parties to calm down a little first before orchestrating reconciliation. But this time he knew he had to act to talk to Harry, Sirius needed him and he knew that Harry needed him.
He gave Sirius a kiss on his full lips and went to find Harry.
Harry was sitting at the table of the kitchen drinking tea going over the orders given to the Army in his head.
The Patil twins would use their connections in St Mungo’s to see if anyone matching Hermione’s description was admitted without official knowledge.
Seamus, Cho and Lavender would use their jobs at the ministry to see what the ministry actually have on Hermione, what they clearly where not telling Kingsley,
Neville, Katie, and Lee who where studying under Professors at Hogwarts would report Snape’s movements the new Headmaster at Hogwarts
Luna ,Dean, and the Creevy brothers would use their journalist connections to gather rumors and information of Death Eater activities.
An option that Harry prayed that they would not have to look into, but as Hermione would say you need all options to be open.
AS for the Weasleys he asked them to harvest all family connections that the Weasley name could muster to cover everything else that they might have missed and to overhear what the Order was doing, in the case that they knew something that they don’t.
If only he listened to his gut from the beginning. Maybe he would not be in this position. How could he not see what was happening around him? How could he not see that Hermione was at her breaking point? Remus entering the kitchen interrupted his reverie.
“Hello” he greeted in a dull voice. “Can we talk?” Asked Remus.
Harry just shrugs and points to the chair. “ Look Harry I know you are shocked at what happed so was I. But what is done is done. Sirius needs you and you need him none of us will survive this war if we don’t learn to count on each other.”
‘Like we counted on Snape? I am better off alone than with someone who puts his needs before the person that sacrificed everything for him. She almost died Remus, I almost lost her while she brought him back for us. Now she is gone and I can’t forgive him for driving her away. And I will always hate him if she is dead.
“Are you sure about that Harry? are you sure you do not blame yourself for what happened? For not seeing her in pain and not doing anything about it?”
Harry jumped up and nearly decked him at that one. Thanks to his werewolf reflexes Remus was able to avoid it and grabbed him and pined his arm to his back. His voice was calm but there was a note of anger in it to.
“Never do that again Harry. Hermione sacrificed for love that is true. But not reconnecting with Sirius makes that sacrifice count for nothing that would break her heart wherever she is. You think on that, and if you need help with the DA let me know
“How…”
Remus smiled “My two best friends where the best at secret meetings, can’t get that much past me you know”
Harry relaxed and the tears and fear that he was holding on to came out in sobs. Remus let him go and took him in his arms and sank to the floor with him as he sobbed his heart out for his best friend.
Meanwhile at the compound
Hermione lying on the carpet that Rabastan had recently given her as a present for winning her last battle. It was soft and comfortable, closest thing to a bed she had in a long time. He too started to talk to her about things when no one was looking, as did Rodolphus and Lucius she was rather popular in that fashion. She turned into the Death Eater confessor. Could they have guessed that she was something more than an animal? Or where they so desperate for someone to talk to they spoke to something that could not talk back? In any case She discovered that there is good in them both, they could change if they found the right catalyst.
“Hello pet” she heard as Lucius Malfoy entered what was now known as “the cadge room”. He was impeccably dressed as always. “ Snape fixed you up wonderfully as usual. You would not know you where injured.”
She could tell that he was troubled. He looked as though he was choosing his words, which was unusual, he always knew what to say in any situation.
“ I have always tried to do what was best for my family maintain it’s power it has had for centuries, even align myself with a powerful wizard to ensure that power. I always believed that it would ensure the safety of my son, but it has not. It has put him in great peril.” He sighs a great big sigh a look of great pain on his face.” I knew the sacrifices I was making when I took the mark. I was ready to take the obligation and the risks that went with it. My son was so young, not even out of school when he was approached to take my place after I failed in my last two assignments. The punishment should be mine, not his”
Hermione was touched and confused. She had no idea that Lucius Malfoy cared so deeply for his son. What did Draco do that was punishment? Was there a way to help him? Bugger it All! She wish she was not locked up in this bloody cadge. She could at least attempt to find out what she could do to ease his mind. Ok where on earth did that come from? Sympathy for Lucius and Draco Malfoy?! Ok if she was really honest with herself she was mildly attracted to them, damn them and their attractiveness! She should hate them and be happy that they where suffering for their sins. Somehow she could not, she felt sorry for them. She vowed when she got out of this situation that she would try to figure out what Lucius meant and do what she could for Draco. Before she knew what she was doing she put her paw on his hand as a comforting gesture. When she realized what she was doing she pulled away quickly hoping that he did not notice what she just did. It would be bad for her to reveal that she was an Animagus. That was the first step into figuring out who she was.
Lucius straightened up and regained his usual cold composure in an alarming rate as he heard someone approaching. It was a woman with long white blond hair, pale face and blue eyes, and incredibly beautiful. She only heard pieces of information here and there about her but she believed it was Narcissa Malfoy that entered the room. Her suspicions where confirmed when he straightened up and said “hello wife. What do I owe the pleasure?”
“Bella has word on our son, that he is well and that he has sent us a letter. I wanted you to know.” Lucius was calm but from what he just confessed to her he must have been relieved that he was alive if not all well.
“She also has word that Harry Potter’s friend, the girl named Hermione Granger is missing. Perhaps it is time to strike when his moral is low and mind is elsewhere. I figured that you would want to be with us to tell the Dark Lord the news and share in the glory of his praise.”
He did not say a word but bow and allowed her to leave first. He then gave Mina one last look before he followed.
As she looked up to see Lucius go, she saw something that she never noticed before. An eye in the corner that looks like the Egyptian pictograph. Oh bloody hell! Of course how could she be so stupid? Of course Snape would put surveillance on her. Snape was not a fool by any means. The question is, would she reveal herself to him or wait and see what Snape does?