The life Hermione Jean Granger knew changed the day she received her letter to Hogwarts. Four years later, it's about to change again. Secrets which have been kept hidden from her all her life are about to be revealed. Power which she had been denie...
I'M BACK! Thank you for all your patience. While this is short, it is only part one of a larger chapter. A lot more Severus to come in part two which I hope to get out to you all very soon. Enjoy! X
| R E C A P |
And for the first time since Hermione learnt the truth and since Harry's name was pulled from the Goblet of Fire, they both went to bed that night thinking that maybe everything wouldn't be so bad after all.
Soulbound | S N A M I O N E
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15 | P R O G R E S S | Pt. 1
If Hermione was stared at for her association with Harry that following Monday, she didn't notice. Instead, her mind was too focused on her upcoming Occlumency lesson with Snape that evening.
She did, however, notice Ronald's continued absence from their little friend group. As he continued his downright petty behaviour, he had chosen to sit with his twin brothers that morning. However, to Hermione's utter amusement, they were paying him no mind. In fact, he was all but ignored by them.
Harry's spirits had lifted considerably whilst they could separate themselves from their peers over the weekend, but now that they were back in their weekly routine, it was evident that he once again felt the weight of their stares heavily.
Classes ran smoothly, albeit slowly, and for the most part, the day went by with few incidents.
But as the hours ticked on and Hermione got closer to her scheduled time with Severus, her anxiety grew and grew. She wasn't scared of him, she had moved past that fear long ago. But he could be unpredictable in his attitude and that was what had her so unsettled. The best she could hope for was his regular disinterested disdain for her.
At lunchtime - with her anxiety almost at a tipping point - she was relieved to find a distraction in the form of a small stack of letters which arrived via the Owl Post.
The first had been from Draco;
M, Forgive me for the staring and the snickering. I knew that in order to keep our friendship a secret that I would have to continue to play the role of the bigoted Pureblood towards your supposed Muggleborn status, but I did not expect to feel so damn awful about it. Logically, I'm sure everyone knows that Potter didn't really put his name in the Goblet but gossip breeds gossip and everyone will continue to mock him until they are finally over it. You being the only one on his side does look suspicious to many though. You are undoubtedly intelligent and many believe that you could have found a way around the age line. But have no fear, I am not one of them. I know right now you have more important things going on than trying to cheat your friends' way into a tournament. Speaking of a more important thing; how did your mysterious meeting go on Saturday? Tell me all the details. I lead a fairly boring life and now finally know someone exciting who I can live vicariously through! Oh! Before I forget, I was to mention to you that my parents wish to officially meet you. I suggested a time over Christmas break which they agreed to but do not be surprised if you receive a letter from Father asking to meet with you sooner than that. You are his only goddaughter, you see, so he is rather excited to get to know you. Reply soon, D
Hermione smiled down at the letter, forcing herself not to look up to try and catch the eye of her blonde-haired friend. With every letter they exchanged, she was continually struck by how easily they had formed a close bond. In her correspondence with him, she had divulged more of her inner thoughts and feelings than she had ever shared with Harry and Ron. It should have started her, the easy in which they spoke, but instead, she felt - deep down - that her thoughts were safe with Draco, and that brought her comfort.
Placing his letter back in its envelope, she moved on to the one from Sirius.
Hermione, I got in contact with Remus and I am afraid the news is not favourable. He believes that because we never thought to add a feature where one can hide from the map that it would be increasingly difficult- if not impossible - to discover a way to do so now. I have attached his letter so you may read his words for yourself. I hope you are well, sweetheart. And please do think about what I said about telling Harry. But know that I will always be here if you need someone to lean on. I have been told my shoulders are quite comfortable. Yours, Sirius.
Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, Hermione tried to quell the feelings that Sirius' words brought to the surface. It was the Sweetheart nickname that did it. Not to mention the Yours at the end.
Clearing her throat, she skimmed Remus' letter but it didn't offer any new insight and or information.
The last two letters bore wax seals with house crests - the Gaunts and the Malfoys. Knowing that the first was undoubtedly from her father, Hermione pushed it aside for last.
Wilhelmina, I hope this letter finds you well. My son has informed us of your recent discoveries and I wish you to know that our family are here for you. As your Godparents, my wife and I long to meet you and form a relationship but we are aware that you may be hesitant to trust us. We hope in time that we can earn that trust. In the meantime, I am pleased to hear that you and Draco have formed a kinship. I can assure you that he will watch over you, even when it seems he cannot. Our families share a long history - not all of it good - but we have always remained loyal to one another and I assure you that has not changed to this day. Narcissa and I are available for whatever you may need. We greatly anticipate meeting you in person. Warmest regards, your Godfather. Lucius Malfoy.
Whilst his letter was dripping in the over-polished and refined nature of someone with a pureblood upbringing, Hermione was surprised at the genuine warmth she could sense between the lines. She had never known of having any godparents growing up so it was an unusual feeling to know that a couple - with little to no blood relation to her - cared so deeply for her wellbeing.
Making a mental note to reply to all the letters later, she placed them securely in her bag - including the still-sealed letter from her father - and finished her lunch in relative peace.
Only when she spotted a flash of grey-blue eyes and pearly white teeth did she begin to relax about her impending lesson with Severus.
Just as Lucius was her Godfather, Severus was apparently Draco's. And if Draco looked up to their Potions Master with reverence then he couldn't be too bad, right?
