The Lady and the Tiger
Hermione was lying in bed in an unfamiliar room trying to remember what had happened. She looked down to see that she was in a white nightgown pain potion was in the side table next to her. As she looked around she saw that it was a simple room with a wardrobe bed and table that had a masculine feel. The witch could see the familiar black cloak lying on the bed that belonged to her former Potions professor.
Then it came back to her. Captivity, being a Death Eater toy, being cared for by Snape, his discovery of her, and the deal to save her friends. The Wizard’s strong arms, Severus showed uncharacteristic compassion as she was informed of her miscarriage with Sirius’s child. The strange locket that was a gift from Severus was still on her. The witch heard people come down the hall and she lay back down and pretended to be asleep as three figures entered the room.
“How much longer Snape?” asked the cold voice that could only be Voldemort
“My Lord she is still healing, a day maybe two until she can move freely again” replied the cool voice of Severus.
“You were correct Malofy she was an Animgus and a lovely one at that. Thank you for informing me Snape. Strange trinket where does it come from?” asked the Dark Lord
“It was found with her things in the forbidden forest. I saw no reason not to give it back to her” lied Snape
“Did she say what her name was or where she came from?” asked Voldemort
“The girl did not say My Lord. I have been calling her Mina as I have been calling her Animagus shape. She refused to tell me anything otherwise, was understandably shaken and upset.” Replied Snape
Hermione could feel the bed move slightly as he sat on the bed next to her.
“Very well Snape she may have the time to heal. No one but the three of us must know of her status as an Animagus. Now leave me” She heard two sets of footsteps leave.
Hermione tried to contain her inclination to shiver as Voldemort pulled down the sheets and for the lack of a better term inspect her. The unnaturally long fingers first ran their fingers up a thigh and hear a grunt of satisfaction at what he saw.
“I know that you are awake my dear open your eyes” terrified Hermione opened her eyes and swallowed her scream as she saw the frightening pale skin, red cat -like eyes, slits for a nose and thin lips of what was known as the Dark Lord
“I must say that I am impressed. I sense much fear in you yet you control it remarkably well.” as one hand pulled the straps of her nightgown down and pulled it to her waist exposing her breasts to him. Hermione bit her lip so hard she drew blood to avoid her horrified and violated scream.
“I must say that I can’t say which shape I prefer the most. I always enjoyed animals company. However I must confess I always did prefer busty red heads when I was a young man.” He then ran his tongue over her bare nipples eliciting a shiver from her.
“However your delicious form has been kept from me for months. Indicating that you could be a spy for the enemy. Though it may break my heart I might have to execute you. So your fate depends on what answers you provide me. It is a terrible dilemma indeed. “
Hermione simply nodded her head to indicate she was listening.
“Have you been sent to spy on me?” asked the wizard
“No sir I was not sent here to spy on you. I had a fight with my boyfriend; I wanted to be alone. I was practicing being an Animagus when I was caught.” Replied Hermione in a shaky voice.
“Practicing you say?” as he pulled off the nightgown completely.
“Yes practicing. It was the first time that I was able to change shape successfully. That is why it was hard to turn back I was not in control of it”
She had read that Voldemort always knew when someone was lying. Hermione hoped she told enough truth to satisfy him.
“Impressive accomplishment for someone so young.” He said as he stroked her battered sex sending cold chills down her spine. After what felt like an eternity he finally removed his hand from her body and sat back. He seemed to be satisfied by her or with her answers she was not exactly sure. Then as suddenly as he started he threw the covers over her again as though he had lost complete interest.
“I will expect you in two days time in the dinning room” he said before he left the room.
He was barely out of the room before her tears of humiliation fell down her cheeks and bile rose in her throat.
Hours later
Hermione managed to put the nightdress back on her. She had gone on the floor and with the bedsheets. She was lying in the fetal position was on the floor with the bedsheets around her on the left side of the bed hoping to hide from the world for a little while. It hurt to think about how things went so badly wrong. She heard the door creak and saw a familiar figure dressed in black approach her. Hermione could not find the words to say she wanted to stay where she was. So very typical her choices were taken from her once again.
Her dark angel looked down at her with a critical eye looking her over to be sure that nothing was broken, He probably assumed that she had fallen off the bed instead of voluntarily going on the ground.
She was terrified that she had lost her only friend because she saw the unguarded parts of him that he didn’t want others to see. Hermione felt his soft touch wiping away her tears and giving her another potion to help the healing process. As Snape left the room she grabbed his arm. He was her only friend she could not let him go angry with her, she would not be able to live. He sat down next to her and asked, “What is wrong Miss Granger?” she could feel herself flinch at being called that. “ I am not your student anymore. Please you are my only friend now can we just be Hermione and Severus?”
She asked in a desperate tone of voice.
“Very well you may call me Severus. Now get some rest you are still healing”
he replied patting her shoulder and left the room giving Hermione a small sliver of hope.
Somewhere else in Malfoy Manor
Lucius Malfoy was sitting in his study going over his orders that the Dark Lord had given however he had trouble concentrating. His mind would go to the Animagus Mina. Lucius had known Severs Snape for many years and knew how talented he was. The locket around the girl’s neck was a combination glamor and object that prevented mental penetration that he invented when they where teenagers. Then there was appearance of the girl that was portrayed. tomato red hair green eyes, so very similar to Lily Evans, his best friend and secret love. This begs to the question who was this girl to Snape to make him risk everything to protect her in such a way? Who was this girl that made him feel things other than paternal love contempt and skepticism? Lucius’s heart felt cold and dead over the years in his marriage. He felt nothing for Narcissa anymore except gratitude that she had given him a healthy son to carry on his name. He long ago realized the strong feelings that he had for her in the beginning were a product of a love potion to ensure that Narcissa had a proper pure-blood marriage. He hardly saw his wife anymore she was angry with him for allowing the death eaters to use her beloved home for prison and meeting place for death eaters. Narcissa felt especially insulted when not only was her family ridiculed in front of everyone by Voldemort, the Dark Lord insisted that Mina is moved to their bedroom and Lucius and Narcissa be moved to a guest room in her own home. Narcissa presently commiserated with her sister Bellatrix in her room and barley leaves it out of fear of the Dark Lord and the tiger that caused so much trouble for her. On top of her troubles neither Narcissa nor Bellatrix knows what had become of Draco making Narcissa terribly worried. Lucius would be terribly worried as well if he did not speak to Snape and was assured by him that messures were taken in the event that Snape and Draco were ever separated. Such event had happened when they were forced to leave their compound in a moment’s notice. Lucius knew that his loyalty was no longer with the Dark Lord and he recently found out that Rabastan did not have his loyalties with the Dark Lord either. The youngest Lestrange had approached him and confessed that he was never loyal to the Dark Lord to begin with and suggested that they form an alliance for the sake of Draco and their mutual caring for Mina. Lucius was suspicious Rabastan’s motives but when it came down to it nothing was more important to him than his son and if Rabastan wished he could tell his suspicions of Lucius’s disloyalty to the Dark Lord at any time. Lucius was entertaining these dark thoughts when he heard someone come in his study without knocking. He looked up and saw that it was Rabastan himself standing there as bold as brass.
“ What is your answer ‘Brother’?” asked the dark wizard. Lucius sighed and simply nodded. Rabastan grinned a dark satisfied grin and left without another word to him.
Meanwhile at the Order headquarters…
Remus was going over the newest information collected by the Order and trying to keep his mind off of the shocking events of two days ago. Kingsley was on the mend but still had trouble with the fact that Hermione stayed behind to insure his freedom and the freedom of Tonks and Ginny. Kingsley was furious with Ginny for putting Hermione in such position and at Tonks for not allowing him to die a clean death so Hermione could have gone free. Ginny had not been seen since Kingsley shouted at her that night. She presumably was staying at the three broomsticks but no one seemed to be able to find her.
Tonks found she was pregnant on top of everything adding a new level of complication to her relationship with Kingley. The father met what should have been happy news with suspicion and hostility.
After much deliberation Harry decided that he needed to compete his task of Hecruex hunting. Harry did not want to leave Sirius who was having a hard time accepting what had happened to Hermione. Remus insisted that Harry go it would be what Hermione would want him to do. The war was going badly and the magical objects were just the thing to turn the tide of the war. Harry and Ron had left Grimmauld Place a day ago after Harry gave the order that the DA keep a look out for any information on Hermione while they were away. Remus worried for Harry but Harry was a talented wizard and could take care of himself his main concern now was Sirius. Since their return two days ago Sirius after flying into a rage and breaking everything that he could put his hands on burned out his rage. It was as if his reason for living was burned out of him and he turned to stone. There was no fight in him anymore he never left Remus’s room nor spoke to anyone and hardly ate anything. He barely spoke to even Harry jeopardizing their reconciliation.
Remus was happy that Sirius chose to find comfort in his bed but Remus was cautious about putting too much of himself in this relationship when the future was so unclear.
Sirius was using him Sirius did not say “I want you”. And of course Remus bore the guilt of knowing Hermione was still alive being out through unimaginable hell while he was sleeping with her boyfriend taking comfort in him for the loss of her. He prayed that Harry would succeed and they will be able to free Hermione. However she probably would not be the same girl anymore.
Meanwhile in Ginny’s room at the Hogshead
***
The red head was lying next to Draco Malfoy after they finally acted on their feelings for each other.
Ginny did not want to spoil the mood but she had to ask
“Draco why did you want to see me?” she asked hesitantly
He lifted his eyebrow at her
“Besides that” she replied to the silent question irritably
“There is something that I found out that I thought the order should know” replied the blonde
“What is that ?”asked the witch
“Peter Pettigrew was not in control of his faculties my Uncle Rabastan was” replied Draco full of shame
“Who told you this?” demanded Ginny
“He did” replied Malfoy
“Pettergrew would say anything to save his neck.” Replied Ginny
“Yes but I received proof from a neural source that proves it” replied Draco
“Who?” asked Ginny
“They prefer to be anonymous.” Replied Draco.
He then rose and gave Ginny a vile of memories then dressed.
“When will I see you again?” asked Ginny
“Whenever I am able. It is not so easy now with Snape on the run. He left things that would help but I am not as knowledgeable with them. I will send word when I can” he kissed her on the cheek and left solemnly.
It was better that Ginny did not know the alliance between him and Pettigrew and Pettigrew’s source that he did not even know. He knew that things were dire for him and he didn’t care he just did not want to take Ginny down with him. Draco did not want to feel anything for her a blood traitor. However he could not help himself the moment he contacted her he had fallen for her hard. He was so distracted by his thoughts of her he did not see the small man in a cloak in the alleyway. Out of nowhere Draco felt hands come out of nowhere and drag him into the alleyway.
***
Ginny decided that it was time to back to headquarters where there Dumbledore’s pensive was hidden. If there was proof that Pettigrew was not responsible for his actions Harry , Remus and Sirius deserved to know. Harry was no longer her boyfriend but she still cared for him and his mental well being. Remus and Sirius were her friends and she did not want to loose them like she apparently lost Kingsley’s friendship.She had snuck back in when no one was looking and was watching the pensive and was shocked beyond belief at what she saw.
A room with a cadge and a white tiger in it. Rabastan Lestrange comes to the tiger and looks pleased with himself. He sits down and stars to talk to it.
Long ago I fell in love with a boy, his name was Regulus Black. He was the younger brother of my sister in law’s cousin. I knew him all my life saw how he was abandoned broken and thrown away to be murdered. I bided my time, allowed my brother and father to teach me Leglamancy and Occlamency and to recruit me to the bloody murderer’s group, how I hate them all. I needed to infiltrate the group to get close to the man who killed my love and to bring him down. I needed the power base to execute my vendetta against those who abandoned Regulus to be used and broken, his own brother Sirius, how I hate him. He saw the dangers that that house and family posed, yet when he was old enough and ran away he did not take Regulus with him or contact him after he left. He fell into what his parents view where. It appeared that he always wanted to be a death eater but I knew better. He had no choice, no one to turn to or alternative to that view. When he finally was strong enough to rebel he was in too deep and Voldemort or someone close to him killed him.” He paused, eyes turning red with unshed tears. He then began to speak again.
“That day I vowed to get revenge on Sirius and his friends that contributed to his choice to leave. I seduced a friend named Peter Pettigrew whom they nicknamed Wormtail, made him take me into his confidence and finally I was able to break into his mind and turned him against his friends. I would have liked to be a fly on the wall when Voldmort killed James that day, to see the look on his face as the life went out of his eyes. He stepped into Regulus’s place, and was partner in crime to Sirius and his many emotional tortures of Regulus.
“ I was indeed sorry that his wife had to die, but she did know what she was getting into when she signed on to the fight. Sirius I did not kill, no that would have been too easy. I planted a spell in Wortail’s mind to frame him for his death, essentially breaking him off from the one last friend he had, Remus Lupin. Lupin did not stop his friends from what they did, but did not partake in it, the only reason why his punishment was not as great.”
His face turns from sorrowful to cold as stone and looks incredibly dangerous.
“Wormtail however did and James and Sirius did without thinking about it or the consequences of his actions. That is why he suffers now, his life destroyed as he help destroyed everything I held dear. How he screamed and cried at the realization at what he had done, that he could not stop himself from doing it. It broke my ears with the screaming and crying the night he was confronted by the friends about what he did, having no other choice but to run again to Voldemort’s side. One that is held in the worst regards and treated the worst. I revel in the helplessness he is faced with, hating his life and what is forced to do. He is particularly mournful of the death of a Hogwarts student that was caught at the wrong place and wrong time. It is good punishment until James’s son will come to finish the job or Voldemort will tire of him and kill him personally. I work for the day when Voldemort himself will die for the final time, finishing Regulus’s work and mine. I care not if I die in the process, I will die happy knowing I accomplished my goal.
Wormtail’s only real use to me now is to alert me how an Animagus behaves. He let me know that he strongly suspects that you are one, I do not care either way. You are the only thing left in the world that makes me remotely happy. I will be here for you if you choose to reveal yourself to me.” He pet her head and got up
Ginny heard someone behind her and she heard Tonk’s voice say “Ginny? Thank goodness that you are back! I was so worried. What is the matter?” Ginny said nothing she just sobbed in Tonks arms and pointed to the pensive.
Meanwhile in Snape’s new quarters
***
Snape had picked up the sheets of parchment that had become his diary now that he was forced to abandon his home. He had enchanted the parchment but he refused to take any chances. He no longer used the date or names that were customary.
My Dear Friend
I am sorry to have abandoned you the past two days but I was very busy. My theory was proven correct and the tiger reveled herself to me after some gentle prodding on my part. I pry that she forgives me for my actions in putting her in a situation that is not ideal. However the boss would be more merciful with her now that I have informed him of the young ladies existence. The poor girl had been pregnant and not even known it. The stress of her situation cased her to loss it and is currently on bed rest to fully heal.
The father of the child clearly did not know if it’s existence and is unreachable so informing him is impossible. Her care falls to me now and I will help her the best that I can. The prodigal son is on his own for now however I left him an inheritance that will ensure his safety until his father’s plans are complete
Please ask for Merlin’s help for me, I need it in a bad way.
Your Devoted friend Severus
The dark haired wizard put down the quill with a sigh. The events of the past few hours returned to him again. Hermione looked up at him with her beautiful chocolate eyes and begged him not to be angry with her. How could he stay angry with his angel? Yes she had seen him unguarded as none living seen him and for anyone else he would not have forgiven it. However Hermione did not have any sort of a choice in the matter, she did what she had to do to ensure her survival; it was not a deliberate attempt to hurt him.
Could he dare to believe that Hermione returned his feelings? Her face reflected such honesty and need, she had even asked to call him by his first name. A part of him rejoiced while the other part was skeptical. Hermione was in a desperate situation, she was alone and she was frightened clinging to the only person she knew that she could count on as a friend. She was in love with someone else; she even carried his child, and quite possibly could go back to him when she was free. Sirius Black was charming, attractive and part of a long line of powerful wizards that could provide Hermione with a good life. He on the other hand was poor, was not at all attractive and had no family influence at all. Snape only had a meager means in supporting a wife, he doubted that she would ever be truly happy with him.
Snape missed his friendship with Lily the most when he was confronted with situations like these. Lily always knew what to do or say to make him feel better. But Lily was gone and his only confidant turned out to be a tiger who turned out to be the woman he was in love with.
Fate will make itself clear as it always did Snape hoped this time that it would be kinder to him this go around and let him have something good in life.
Then it came back to her. Captivity, being a Death Eater toy, being cared for by Snape, his discovery of her, and the deal to save her friends. The Wizard’s strong arms, Severus showed uncharacteristic compassion as she was informed of her miscarriage with Sirius’s child. The strange locket that was a gift from Severus was still on her. The witch heard people come down the hall and she lay back down and pretended to be asleep as three figures entered the room.
“How much longer Snape?” asked the cold voice that could only be Voldemort
“My Lord she is still healing, a day maybe two until she can move freely again” replied the cool voice of Severus.
“You were correct Malofy she was an Animgus and a lovely one at that. Thank you for informing me Snape. Strange trinket where does it come from?” asked the Dark Lord
“It was found with her things in the forbidden forest. I saw no reason not to give it back to her” lied Snape
“Did she say what her name was or where she came from?” asked Voldemort
“The girl did not say My Lord. I have been calling her Mina as I have been calling her Animagus shape. She refused to tell me anything otherwise, was understandably shaken and upset.” Replied Snape
Hermione could feel the bed move slightly as he sat on the bed next to her.
“Very well Snape she may have the time to heal. No one but the three of us must know of her status as an Animagus. Now leave me” She heard two sets of footsteps leave.
Hermione tried to contain her inclination to shiver as Voldemort pulled down the sheets and for the lack of a better term inspect her. The unnaturally long fingers first ran their fingers up a thigh and hear a grunt of satisfaction at what he saw.
“I know that you are awake my dear open your eyes” terrified Hermione opened her eyes and swallowed her scream as she saw the frightening pale skin, red cat -like eyes, slits for a nose and thin lips of what was known as the Dark Lord
“I must say that I am impressed. I sense much fear in you yet you control it remarkably well.” as one hand pulled the straps of her nightgown down and pulled it to her waist exposing her breasts to him. Hermione bit her lip so hard she drew blood to avoid her horrified and violated scream.
“I must say that I can’t say which shape I prefer the most. I always enjoyed animals company. However I must confess I always did prefer busty red heads when I was a young man.” He then ran his tongue over her bare nipples eliciting a shiver from her.
“However your delicious form has been kept from me for months. Indicating that you could be a spy for the enemy. Though it may break my heart I might have to execute you. So your fate depends on what answers you provide me. It is a terrible dilemma indeed. “
Hermione simply nodded her head to indicate she was listening.
“Have you been sent to spy on me?” asked the wizard
“No sir I was not sent here to spy on you. I had a fight with my boyfriend; I wanted to be alone. I was practicing being an Animagus when I was caught.” Replied Hermione in a shaky voice.
“Practicing you say?” as he pulled off the nightgown completely.
“Yes practicing. It was the first time that I was able to change shape successfully. That is why it was hard to turn back I was not in control of it”
She had read that Voldemort always knew when someone was lying. Hermione hoped she told enough truth to satisfy him.
“Impressive accomplishment for someone so young.” He said as he stroked her battered sex sending cold chills down her spine. After what felt like an eternity he finally removed his hand from her body and sat back. He seemed to be satisfied by her or with her answers she was not exactly sure. Then as suddenly as he started he threw the covers over her again as though he had lost complete interest.
“I will expect you in two days time in the dinning room” he said before he left the room.
He was barely out of the room before her tears of humiliation fell down her cheeks and bile rose in her throat.
Hours later
Hermione managed to put the nightdress back on her. She had gone on the floor and with the bedsheets. She was lying in the fetal position was on the floor with the bedsheets around her on the left side of the bed hoping to hide from the world for a little while. It hurt to think about how things went so badly wrong. She heard the door creak and saw a familiar figure dressed in black approach her. Hermione could not find the words to say she wanted to stay where she was. So very typical her choices were taken from her once again.
Her dark angel looked down at her with a critical eye looking her over to be sure that nothing was broken, He probably assumed that she had fallen off the bed instead of voluntarily going on the ground.
She was terrified that she had lost her only friend because she saw the unguarded parts of him that he didn’t want others to see. Hermione felt his soft touch wiping away her tears and giving her another potion to help the healing process. As Snape left the room she grabbed his arm. He was her only friend she could not let him go angry with her, she would not be able to live. He sat down next to her and asked, “What is wrong Miss Granger?” she could feel herself flinch at being called that. “ I am not your student anymore. Please you are my only friend now can we just be Hermione and Severus?”
She asked in a desperate tone of voice.
“Very well you may call me Severus. Now get some rest you are still healing”
he replied patting her shoulder and left the room giving Hermione a small sliver of hope.
Somewhere else in Malfoy Manor
Lucius Malfoy was sitting in his study going over his orders that the Dark Lord had given however he had trouble concentrating. His mind would go to the Animagus Mina. Lucius had known Severs Snape for many years and knew how talented he was. The locket around the girl’s neck was a combination glamor and object that prevented mental penetration that he invented when they where teenagers. Then there was appearance of the girl that was portrayed. tomato red hair green eyes, so very similar to Lily Evans, his best friend and secret love. This begs to the question who was this girl to Snape to make him risk everything to protect her in such a way? Who was this girl that made him feel things other than paternal love contempt and skepticism? Lucius’s heart felt cold and dead over the years in his marriage. He felt nothing for Narcissa anymore except gratitude that she had given him a healthy son to carry on his name. He long ago realized the strong feelings that he had for her in the beginning were a product of a love potion to ensure that Narcissa had a proper pure-blood marriage. He hardly saw his wife anymore she was angry with him for allowing the death eaters to use her beloved home for prison and meeting place for death eaters. Narcissa felt especially insulted when not only was her family ridiculed in front of everyone by Voldemort, the Dark Lord insisted that Mina is moved to their bedroom and Lucius and Narcissa be moved to a guest room in her own home. Narcissa presently commiserated with her sister Bellatrix in her room and barley leaves it out of fear of the Dark Lord and the tiger that caused so much trouble for her. On top of her troubles neither Narcissa nor Bellatrix knows what had become of Draco making Narcissa terribly worried. Lucius would be terribly worried as well if he did not speak to Snape and was assured by him that messures were taken in the event that Snape and Draco were ever separated. Such event had happened when they were forced to leave their compound in a moment’s notice. Lucius knew that his loyalty was no longer with the Dark Lord and he recently found out that Rabastan did not have his loyalties with the Dark Lord either. The youngest Lestrange had approached him and confessed that he was never loyal to the Dark Lord to begin with and suggested that they form an alliance for the sake of Draco and their mutual caring for Mina. Lucius was suspicious Rabastan’s motives but when it came down to it nothing was more important to him than his son and if Rabastan wished he could tell his suspicions of Lucius’s disloyalty to the Dark Lord at any time. Lucius was entertaining these dark thoughts when he heard someone come in his study without knocking. He looked up and saw that it was Rabastan himself standing there as bold as brass.
“ What is your answer ‘Brother’?” asked the dark wizard. Lucius sighed and simply nodded. Rabastan grinned a dark satisfied grin and left without another word to him.
Meanwhile at the Order headquarters…
Remus was going over the newest information collected by the Order and trying to keep his mind off of the shocking events of two days ago. Kingsley was on the mend but still had trouble with the fact that Hermione stayed behind to insure his freedom and the freedom of Tonks and Ginny. Kingsley was furious with Ginny for putting Hermione in such position and at Tonks for not allowing him to die a clean death so Hermione could have gone free. Ginny had not been seen since Kingsley shouted at her that night. She presumably was staying at the three broomsticks but no one seemed to be able to find her.
Tonks found she was pregnant on top of everything adding a new level of complication to her relationship with Kingley. The father met what should have been happy news with suspicion and hostility.
After much deliberation Harry decided that he needed to compete his task of Hecruex hunting. Harry did not want to leave Sirius who was having a hard time accepting what had happened to Hermione. Remus insisted that Harry go it would be what Hermione would want him to do. The war was going badly and the magical objects were just the thing to turn the tide of the war. Harry and Ron had left Grimmauld Place a day ago after Harry gave the order that the DA keep a look out for any information on Hermione while they were away. Remus worried for Harry but Harry was a talented wizard and could take care of himself his main concern now was Sirius. Since their return two days ago Sirius after flying into a rage and breaking everything that he could put his hands on burned out his rage. It was as if his reason for living was burned out of him and he turned to stone. There was no fight in him anymore he never left Remus’s room nor spoke to anyone and hardly ate anything. He barely spoke to even Harry jeopardizing their reconciliation.
Remus was happy that Sirius chose to find comfort in his bed but Remus was cautious about putting too much of himself in this relationship when the future was so unclear.
Sirius was using him Sirius did not say “I want you”. And of course Remus bore the guilt of knowing Hermione was still alive being out through unimaginable hell while he was sleeping with her boyfriend taking comfort in him for the loss of her. He prayed that Harry would succeed and they will be able to free Hermione. However she probably would not be the same girl anymore.
Meanwhile in Ginny’s room at the Hogshead
***
The red head was lying next to Draco Malfoy after they finally acted on their feelings for each other.
Ginny did not want to spoil the mood but she had to ask
“Draco why did you want to see me?” she asked hesitantly
He lifted his eyebrow at her
“Besides that” she replied to the silent question irritably
“There is something that I found out that I thought the order should know” replied the blonde
“What is that ?”asked the witch
“Peter Pettigrew was not in control of his faculties my Uncle Rabastan was” replied Draco full of shame
“Who told you this?” demanded Ginny
“He did” replied Malfoy
“Pettergrew would say anything to save his neck.” Replied Ginny
“Yes but I received proof from a neural source that proves it” replied Draco
“Who?” asked Ginny
“They prefer to be anonymous.” Replied Draco.
He then rose and gave Ginny a vile of memories then dressed.
“When will I see you again?” asked Ginny
“Whenever I am able. It is not so easy now with Snape on the run. He left things that would help but I am not as knowledgeable with them. I will send word when I can” he kissed her on the cheek and left solemnly.
It was better that Ginny did not know the alliance between him and Pettigrew and Pettigrew’s source that he did not even know. He knew that things were dire for him and he didn’t care he just did not want to take Ginny down with him. Draco did not want to feel anything for her a blood traitor. However he could not help himself the moment he contacted her he had fallen for her hard. He was so distracted by his thoughts of her he did not see the small man in a cloak in the alleyway. Out of nowhere Draco felt hands come out of nowhere and drag him into the alleyway.
***
Ginny decided that it was time to back to headquarters where there Dumbledore’s pensive was hidden. If there was proof that Pettigrew was not responsible for his actions Harry , Remus and Sirius deserved to know. Harry was no longer her boyfriend but she still cared for him and his mental well being. Remus and Sirius were her friends and she did not want to loose them like she apparently lost Kingsley’s friendship.She had snuck back in when no one was looking and was watching the pensive and was shocked beyond belief at what she saw.
A room with a cadge and a white tiger in it. Rabastan Lestrange comes to the tiger and looks pleased with himself. He sits down and stars to talk to it.
Long ago I fell in love with a boy, his name was Regulus Black. He was the younger brother of my sister in law’s cousin. I knew him all my life saw how he was abandoned broken and thrown away to be murdered. I bided my time, allowed my brother and father to teach me Leglamancy and Occlamency and to recruit me to the bloody murderer’s group, how I hate them all. I needed to infiltrate the group to get close to the man who killed my love and to bring him down. I needed the power base to execute my vendetta against those who abandoned Regulus to be used and broken, his own brother Sirius, how I hate him. He saw the dangers that that house and family posed, yet when he was old enough and ran away he did not take Regulus with him or contact him after he left. He fell into what his parents view where. It appeared that he always wanted to be a death eater but I knew better. He had no choice, no one to turn to or alternative to that view. When he finally was strong enough to rebel he was in too deep and Voldemort or someone close to him killed him.” He paused, eyes turning red with unshed tears. He then began to speak again.
“That day I vowed to get revenge on Sirius and his friends that contributed to his choice to leave. I seduced a friend named Peter Pettigrew whom they nicknamed Wormtail, made him take me into his confidence and finally I was able to break into his mind and turned him against his friends. I would have liked to be a fly on the wall when Voldmort killed James that day, to see the look on his face as the life went out of his eyes. He stepped into Regulus’s place, and was partner in crime to Sirius and his many emotional tortures of Regulus.
“ I was indeed sorry that his wife had to die, but she did know what she was getting into when she signed on to the fight. Sirius I did not kill, no that would have been too easy. I planted a spell in Wortail’s mind to frame him for his death, essentially breaking him off from the one last friend he had, Remus Lupin. Lupin did not stop his friends from what they did, but did not partake in it, the only reason why his punishment was not as great.”
His face turns from sorrowful to cold as stone and looks incredibly dangerous.
“Wormtail however did and James and Sirius did without thinking about it or the consequences of his actions. That is why he suffers now, his life destroyed as he help destroyed everything I held dear. How he screamed and cried at the realization at what he had done, that he could not stop himself from doing it. It broke my ears with the screaming and crying the night he was confronted by the friends about what he did, having no other choice but to run again to Voldemort’s side. One that is held in the worst regards and treated the worst. I revel in the helplessness he is faced with, hating his life and what is forced to do. He is particularly mournful of the death of a Hogwarts student that was caught at the wrong place and wrong time. It is good punishment until James’s son will come to finish the job or Voldemort will tire of him and kill him personally. I work for the day when Voldemort himself will die for the final time, finishing Regulus’s work and mine. I care not if I die in the process, I will die happy knowing I accomplished my goal.
Wormtail’s only real use to me now is to alert me how an Animagus behaves. He let me know that he strongly suspects that you are one, I do not care either way. You are the only thing left in the world that makes me remotely happy. I will be here for you if you choose to reveal yourself to me.” He pet her head and got up
Ginny heard someone behind her and she heard Tonk’s voice say “Ginny? Thank goodness that you are back! I was so worried. What is the matter?” Ginny said nothing she just sobbed in Tonks arms and pointed to the pensive.
Meanwhile in Snape’s new quarters
***
Snape had picked up the sheets of parchment that had become his diary now that he was forced to abandon his home. He had enchanted the parchment but he refused to take any chances. He no longer used the date or names that were customary.
My Dear Friend
I am sorry to have abandoned you the past two days but I was very busy. My theory was proven correct and the tiger reveled herself to me after some gentle prodding on my part. I pry that she forgives me for my actions in putting her in a situation that is not ideal. However the boss would be more merciful with her now that I have informed him of the young ladies existence. The poor girl had been pregnant and not even known it. The stress of her situation cased her to loss it and is currently on bed rest to fully heal.
The father of the child clearly did not know if it’s existence and is unreachable so informing him is impossible. Her care falls to me now and I will help her the best that I can. The prodigal son is on his own for now however I left him an inheritance that will ensure his safety until his father’s plans are complete
Please ask for Merlin’s help for me, I need it in a bad way.
Your Devoted friend Severus
The dark haired wizard put down the quill with a sigh. The events of the past few hours returned to him again. Hermione looked up at him with her beautiful chocolate eyes and begged him not to be angry with her. How could he stay angry with his angel? Yes she had seen him unguarded as none living seen him and for anyone else he would not have forgiven it. However Hermione did not have any sort of a choice in the matter, she did what she had to do to ensure her survival; it was not a deliberate attempt to hurt him.
Could he dare to believe that Hermione returned his feelings? Her face reflected such honesty and need, she had even asked to call him by his first name. A part of him rejoiced while the other part was skeptical. Hermione was in a desperate situation, she was alone and she was frightened clinging to the only person she knew that she could count on as a friend. She was in love with someone else; she even carried his child, and quite possibly could go back to him when she was free. Sirius Black was charming, attractive and part of a long line of powerful wizards that could provide Hermione with a good life. He on the other hand was poor, was not at all attractive and had no family influence at all. Snape only had a meager means in supporting a wife, he doubted that she would ever be truly happy with him.
Snape missed his friendship with Lily the most when he was confronted with situations like these. Lily always knew what to do or say to make him feel better. But Lily was gone and his only confidant turned out to be a tiger who turned out to be the woman he was in love with.
Fate will make itself clear as it always did Snape hoped this time that it would be kinder to him this go around and let him have something good in life.