The True Heir of Dark

Summary: Hermione discovers the truth about the war and her heritage. How will this affect her friends and the love of her life? R/R

The True Heir of Dark

Chapter 9

Before Hermione could ask why her dad was hiding, Crabbe and Goyle fell to the floor stunned. Hermione stared in surprise as one of the women stood over the two Wizards, holding a wand. A few seconds later, the woman removed the spell and the two got to their feet.

“What happened?” Crabbe asked.

“You two morons captured a witch!” the woman yelled.

Crabbe and Goyle took a good look at the woman and began backing away. Very quickly.

“I had hoped you two would have gotten smarter over the years. I guess not,” the woman said as she fired sparks at the two Wizards.

Everyone began laughing as Crabbe and Goyle tried to avoid the sparks flying at them. The woman turned and faced Tom, who was cowering behind Lucius and Severus. Lucius and Severus tried to move, but found Tom had a hold of the back of their coats.

“Hello Tom, long time no see,” the woman replied.

“Hi,” Tom said quietly.

“Your idiot followers need to be trained better,” she shot back.

“I’m…I’m sorry. It was an accident,” Tom stuttered.

“Oh really? Wait, are you scared of me Tom?” she asked with a mischievous smile.

“Yeah,” Tom whimpered.

“Why?” she questioned.

“Rhonda, I remember what you did to me my sixth year when I put a sticking charm to your seat at breakfast. I still have the scar from that curse,” Tom answered as he poked his head over Severus’ shoulder.

“Wait one second. Did you just call her Rhonda?” Hermione said.

Rhonda turned and looked at Hermione. All trace of anger vanished. She put away her wand and approached Hermione. Disbelief was written all over her face. “Oh my god. Hermione? Is that really you?” Rhonda asked.

“Aunt Rhonda?” Hermione replied.

Tearfully, Rhonda rushed foreword and hugged her niece. Hermione returned the hug. Tom carefully stepped out from behind the two wizards and walked over to the two women.

“Oh look at you. You’re so beautiful. Just like your mother. I can’t believe it’s really you,” Rhonda said as she stepped back to get a better look.

“You have Severus here, to thank for her being here,” Tom added.

Rhonda looked over at Severus. She walked up to him and hugged him tightly. Severus returned the hug a bit awkwardly. She released him and smiled up at him. “Thank you Severus, for bringing my niece home,”

“You’re welcome,” Severus nodded.

“Let’s get this celebration started,” Lucius smiled.

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So the party began. While the Death Eaters and the women danced, Rhonda filled Hermione, Severus, and Tom in on what she had been doing for the past eighteen years.

“So, you own your own riding club? I’ve always loved horses,” Hermione said.

“Well, maybe you and Severus could come out this weekend,” Rhonda suggested.

“Rhonda, Hermione is pregnant. Would it be safe for her to ride a horse?” Severus asked worriedly.

“Severus, Jezebel rode up until she was six and half months pregnant with Hermione. Do you know how to ride Hermione?” Rhonda answered.

“Yes. The Grangers had me in riding lessons till I started at Hogwarts. I still ride when I get the chance,” Hermione replied.

“There you go…and congratulations,” Rhonda smiled.

Hermione and Severus thanked her. Rhonda then headed off to talk to Lucius and Bella. Severus and Hermione made their way out onto the dance floor. As they danced, Severus held her close.

“Are you happy Hermione?” he asked.

“Very. I have you, dad, Aunt Rhonda, the other Death Eaters, you all are my family. Plus, our child. I couldn’t ask for more,” she answered blissfully.

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Across the room, Remus stood staring at Rhonda. She was a vision. Plucking up his courage, he sat down his glass and made his way over to her. Hoping he didn’t trip and fall on his face or something equally embarrassing.

“Hi,” Remus greeted.

“Hey,” Rhonda replied.

“Care to dance?” Remus asked.

Rhonda nodded. The two moved onto the floor. Hermione and Severus smiled as they swept past them. As they danced, Rhonda and Remus began talking. Slowly opening the door for a future…without even knowing it.

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At Hogwarts, Ron paced his room. He had been made Head Boy in order to keep and eye on not only Harry and Hermione, but the Slytherins as well. But with Harry and Hermione gone, he was just watching the Slytherins. Right now, he was furious. It had been a little over two months since Hermione disappeared and there had been no sign of her. He was growing impatient.

‘There should have been some sign of her by now. Even if Snape did take her to Voldemort, there still should have been something. Maybe it’s time I do something. I think I’ll go and find her myself and rescue her. Then she’ll be mine forever,’ Ron thought.

He stopped pacing and headed for his trunk. He grabbed his own Invisibility Cloak, a few maps he had stolen from his dad, a pack, some clothes, and his back up wand. He put everything in the pack, slung it on his shoulder, grabbed his wand, and headed for the kitchens for supplies.

Ten minutes later, he was off the grounds and making his way to the first stop on one of the maps. The Order had discovered several places where Death Eaters met, but hadn’t figured out which one was Voldemort’s main base.

“Time to get back what’s mine,” Ron growled as he slipped off into the night.

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Back at the mansion, the revel was in full swing. Severus and Tom were talking quietly while Hermione danced with Harry. Tom was trying to reassure Severus.

“My boy, don’t worry. Everything will be fine. You’ll see,” Tom said with a smile.

“Tom, I want everything to be perfect. As I said earlier, I want to do this right by Hermione. She deserves that much from me,” Severus sighed.

“I know you do. Well, it’s time,” Tom smiled as the band stopped playing.

Severus followed Tom as they stepped onto the small stage. The ballroom fell silent as Tom stepped up to the microphone. He cleared his throat. Once he had everyone’s attention, he began speaking.

“I’m glad to see everyone here having such a wonderful time. First off, Hermione dear, will you please join Severus and I here on stage,” Tom requested.

Hermione wrinkled her brow in confusion, but began making her way through the crowd. Severus took her hand and helped her walk up the steps and onto the stage. She moved to stand beside Severus and her father.

“I have some wonderful news to share. A week ago, Hermione and Severus found out that they are parents-to-be. They are expecting a child,” Tom announced.

Everyone began clapping and cheering. They happy couple just smiled and held each other’s hands. Tom cleared his throat again and everyone fell silent once more. “I’m going to turn the mic over to Severus. He has a few words he’d like to say,” Tom said.

Tom stepped aside as Severus moved to the mic. He removed it from the stand and faced Hermione. After taking a few calming breaths, he started talking.

“My darling Hermione, you have changed my life. Before you, I was a cold, soulless shell of a man. Now, my life is full of love and happiness. You are the mother of my child and the love of my life. Will you…” he paused as he knelt before her. “Hermione Jane Riddle, will you fulfill my dreams and become my wife?” he asked.

Hermione was floored. She never expected him to propose in front of everyone. Tears of joy and love filled her honey amber eyes as she held her hand out for the microphone. With trembling hands, Severus handed it to her, holding his breath as he did so.

“Severus Philippe Snape, I would be honored to become your wife,” she answered with the brightest smile he had ever seen.

The crowed roared in cheers and claps. Severus stood up, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her. As they kissed, he picked her up and began to spin her gently. Her laughter was music to his ears. He sat her back on her feet and pulled a ring box from his breast jacket pocket.

“I hope you like it,” he said as he opened it.

Inside, on a pillow of black velvet sat the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. The band was platinum. In the center was a four carat, princess cut blue diamond. On either side were two ½ carat yellow diamonds.

“Severus! It’s beautiful!” she gasped.

With a huge smile, he pulled the ring out of the box. She held out her left hand and gently, he slid the ring into place on her left ring finger. They once more shared a tender kiss as everyone began clapping again.

“Congratulations,” Tom smiled tearfully.

“Thank you daddy,” Hermione replied as she hugged him.

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After Tom and Severus shook hands, the couple made their way off the stage. The Death Eaters gathered around them offering their well wishes. As the band began playing again, the crowd around the couple thinned out.

“I’m so happy for you both,” Bella said as she hugged Hermione.

“Thank you Bella,” Hermione beamed.

“I never thought I would see the day when you would settle down,” Lucius joked as he shook his old friend’s hand.

“Neither did I, till I met Hermione,” Severus laughed as he looked over at Hermione, who was showing her ring to Rhonda, Bella, and Harry.

“I’m happy for the both of you and wish you both the best of luck and happiness,” Lucius replied as he gave Severus a brotherly hug.

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The revel continued until nearly three in the morning. Instead of returning home, Rhonda decided to stay at the mansion for a few days. Hermione and Severus retreated to their bedroom and laid there talking.

“Did you see Remus and your Aunt?” he asked.

"Yes. I think they make a charming couple. Don’t you?” she replied.

“I think, right now I would like to devour my beautiful goddess of a fiancee,” he answered.

“Then devour away,” she said with a wicked smile.

T.B.C