The Dark Lord visits Hogwarts and has a long overdue conversation with his daughter and her betrothed.

Theo woke up, blinking at the sound of snoring coming from Goyle’s bed. Stretching, he cast a tempus charm, noting that it was barely seven o’clock in the morning. It was a Sunday, and breakfast didn’t start for another hour, but deciding it would be best to get up and use the shower before everyone else, he grabbed his things and moved to the bathroom. He noticed that Draco had returned at some point last night, as his pale blonde hair was easy to spot through his curtains. He sighed softly, remembering what had happened yesterday, and hoping that Draco had found Hermione and worked things out with her.

Gazing over at Blaise, he saw that green eyes were watching him closely. They both simultaneously glanced in Draco’s direction and back to each other, both thinking the exact same thing.

Blaise got up and grabbed his things too, deciding it might be best to give their friend some space this morning.

When they were dressed, they moved out together into the common room. It appeared empty at first, until Theo noticed someone sitting by the fireplace, with their back to them. The man had dark hair and was reading a book. When Theo moved around to get a better look, he immediately bowed deeply—when he realized just who was sitting there.

it was then he spotted Nagini, her head in her Master’s lap, as she was being petted absentmindedly by her owner.

The Dark Lord gazed up, his eyes flashing red momentarily as he noticed the two young wizard’s who were bowing before him.

The young Nott heir came from good breeding, but had been an instigator of his daughter’s pain. The Zabini boy looked much like his mother, a fact that made Voldemort inwardly smile.

Elora Zabini was the consummate Black Widow.

She went through husband’s like they were merely disposable entities, a trait he found admirable.

“My Lord.” Both men said together.

“Ah yes, young Theodore and Blaise...is it not?”

Blaise looked up and nodded once. “That is correct, my Lord.”

Nagini hissed softly, saying something in Parseltongue, to which her master responded in kind. “I am looking for young Draco. Perhaps you might be so kind as to fetch him for me.”

Both boys nodded and rushed out of the room to get their friend, knowing that there was probably only one reason why the Dark Lord would be at Hogwarts, and that didn’t necessarily bode well for any of them.

As they entered the room, Goyle and Crabbe were just starting to wake up. Theo however, went over to Draco’s bed and shook him, hissing his name to get him to wake up.

“Draco!” Theo pleaded, “You need to get up now, mate.”

Draco grumbled something unintelligible and placed his pillow over his head but Theo grabbed the pillow and yanked it, earning a growl and angry grey eyes glaring at him.

“What the fuck, Theo?”

“You need to get up now, Draco! The Dark Lord is in the fucking common room and he wants to talk to you...now!”

At this, Draco sat up immediately, his face paling more than normal while Crabbe and Goyle looked like they were going to be sick.

“Fuck!” Draco shouted, as he grabbed his wand and cast several refreshing and cleansing charms.

It wouldn’t do for the Dark Lord to smell the scent of sex on him after all.

Grabbing his best clean robes, Draco got dressed in less than five minutes and bolted out of the door, his two friends in tow.

When they’d reached the common room, there were a few more people who had entered. A few seventh year boys, some lower class mates and a few of the sixth year girls were present, including Pansy and Tracey Davis, who were openly staring at the Dark Lord in awe.

When Draco moved out into the common room, he went over to his Lord and bowed formally. “My Lord, it is good to see you. What can I do for you this morning?”

Voldemort stared at the blonde who, despite being surprised, was extremely put together.

The fact irked him greatly, and Nagini, sensing her Master’s ire, hissed out in warning.

“You are angry with the boy, but you need not worry. He loves Mistress and she loves him. You will not punish the boy—Nagini forbids it and Mistress will be angry with you.”

Voldemort glanced down at his...no...his daughter’s familiar and glared. “Since when do I take orders from you, traitor? Et tu, brute?”

Nagini slithered over to Draco and wrapped herself around the young wizard, much to the astonishment of all in the room. Theo and Blaise paled and were shocked when the Dark Lord started to chuckle softly.

“Even when I come here to voice my displeasure at you, young Draco—Nagini will not allow me to punish you. Perhaps you should have a seat.”

Voldemort gestured across from him, and Draco sat down, with his love’s snake firmly around him. The Dark Lord then glared at Draco’s two friends and gestured for them to sit down as well, which they did immediately. Casting several charms wandlessly, making them invisible and silent to the others in the room, the Dark Lord sat back and observed the three young men sitting across from him.

“Imagine my surprise, when I learned last night several truths about my daughter that were kept from me. I’m sure you three could well imagine my anger and fury at discovering these truths. I find myself in a bit of a quandary, young Draco. My daughter’s familiar will not allow me to punish you the way in which you deserve...but then I’d have to crucio the entirety of Slytherin House for the redress against my daughter and heir. So tell me, how should I handle such a situation? I find myself unable to retaliate, because I know my daughter would have done so herself, if she felt the need...and yet...” The Dark Lord eyed the three young men closely, waiting to see which one would be the first to speak.

He was unsurprised when his daughter’s intended was the first to do so.

“My Lord, I spoke with Hermione last night and she shared with me what I’m sure you’ve come to know as well. I can’t begin to express my remorse, anger and sorrow at what she’s gone through. I told you once before I’d gladly accept any punishment you see fit, as long as it doesn’t exclude me from being in Hermione’s life. She expressed her wish to put the past behind her and I’m going to try and honor that wish.”

“I wish to see this conversation, Draco.”

“Of course, My Lord.” Draco went to make eye contact and Voldemort silently entered his mind.

The memories were up front, and he could see Draco’s reaction when Daphne told him what had happened to Hermione. Voldemort felt the boys sorrow and rage—it was unlike anything he’d ever felt and he was a bit humbled by the boy’s devotion to his daughter. He saw the memory of the two of them by the Black Lake. Again, he was impressed with his daughter’s ability to hide in plain sight. He witnessed their conversation, their mutual declarations of love. He saw further, their evening together—the romantic dinner, dancing—he focused on his daughter singing—he’d never heard her sing. Her voice was truly transcendent. He saw the exchange of gifts, and how happy she was.

He left the young Malfoy’s mind before he saw anymore—that might make him kill the boy on the spot.

When the Dark Lord was finished, he sighed in resignation.

Nagini, who was being petted by Draco, seemed to be eyeing him warily.

“Don’t give me that look, snake. I’m not going to harm the boy.” He hissed in Parseltongue.

“Of course you’re not, Master, because your daughter would be most angry at the both of us. I do not wish Mistress to be angry with me.”

“Coward.” Voldemort hissed, causing Nagini to hiss softly, as if she was laughing.

Voldemort pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation. “I will make you three personally responsible for my daughter’s safety and well-being while she’s here in this castle. If any harm comes to her, I will not spare any of you. Is that understood?”

Voldemort was addressing the three young wizard’s, but staring at his snake in challenge. All three nodded and Draco looked down at Nagini, who appear to close her eyes in consternation, then nod in understanding.

“Good.”

Cancelling the spells, Voldemort heard a gasp and he turned around and saw his daughter standing there, looking at him with uncertainty.

“Father.” Hermione nodded.

“Daughter.” The Dark Lord waved his hand and in an instant the three wizard’s were standing to the side of the couch, appearing a bit confused, while he just smirked at his child. “Sit, we need to talk.”

Hermione moved over to the couch and watched in amusement as Nagini unwrapped herself from Draco and slithered towards her, wrapping herself around her Mistress and hissing softly. Hermione smiled fondly and petted the snake, who hissed in appreciation.

Casting the same spells as earlier, Hermione and her father were now cut off from the rest of the common room. Voldemort smirked at his daughter and familiar. “I keep thinking I should be offended that she prefers you to me. And now your intended has her loyalty...she’s become a traitorous snake.”

Hermione chuckled and scratched Nagini’s head the way she liked. “She’s only doing what you bade her to do. Besides, Nagini is smarter than both of us put together and you told me once she does as she pleases. You can’t be angry at her for that.”

Voldemort sighed, his daughter was right. Nagini had always been quite loyal and intelligent. Voldemort hissed at his snake, “You should share with Hermione your story, Nagini. I think Hermione would find your history most fascinating.”

Hermione looked intrigued and gave Nagini a soft smile. “I’d very much love to hear about your history, Nagini—when you’re ready to tell me.” Nagini nodded, and placed her head back down on her Mistress lap. “I suppose I don’t need to guess why you’re here, Father?”

“No, I don’t suppose you do. Your mother would’ve come as well, but she is busy destroying things today, and I really couldn’t be bothered getting hexed for my troubles. Your mother is quite formidable when she wants to be.”

Hermione nodded thoughtfully. “I know you’re angry, I didn’t tell you. But it’s in the past...mostly.”

“Mostly?”

“I really don’t think much about the past. But sometimes, something will trigger a memory. My Muggle parents tried the best they could to give me a normal childhood, but I wasn’t a normal child. The things that happened were unfortunate, but I was able to protect myself when I needed to—some people never have that chance. I’m not angry anymore. I think sometimes I feel bereft because I wish I’d had you and mother when I was a child. That, I’d known about magic sooner but then, would I be the witch I am today without those experiences? It’s hard to know how I should feel. I like who I am. I’m strong and resilient. Powerful and intelligent. Cunning and ambitious. I’m all the best qualities of both you and mum.” Hermione sighed heavily. “I’m sorry you had to waste your time and come here today.”

Voldemort sat back and watched his daughter closely. She was truly a gifted and brilliant witch, of that there could be no doubt. Lucius was right, in that she abhorred showing weakness, especially in front of him.

Did she think he’d withdraw his affection if she showed her vulnerability?

He definitely could see the truth behind that kind of thinking—he wasn’t known for tolerating what he perceived as others frailties. Marlene had always been the exception, and now his daughter...to whom he owed so much.

“Hermione, I do not condone weakness, and yet I find myself angry that you did not see fit to share your history with me. How can I protect you as your father, if I’m unaware of your pain? Perhaps you should learn to trust me a bit more...yes?”

Blushing in shame, Hermione nodded and lowered her eyes. “Yes, Father. I will try to be more open. But perhaps you might take a page out of your own book.”

Voldemort raised an eyebrow at his daughter’s cheek. “In what way?”

“Well, you’re not exactly warm and fuzzy either. Not that I’d ever expect you to be...that would be...odd. But I know you’re making plans—plans that I’m not a part of.”

Voldemort nodded. “And you feel excluded?”

“A bit.”

“I see.” Voldemort sighed. “Whilst it was not my intention to exclude you, I’ve tried to remind myself that you still have your studies to complete, and finishing school at the top of your class should be your first priority. Do you disagree?”

“Not at all, Father. But I think I’ve proven that I am more than capable of multi-tasking.”

Voldemort chuckled fondly at his child and stood. “That you have, my dear.” Cancelling the charms, he smirked when he noticed the entirety of Slytherin House was waiting in the common room. “I will make it a point from now on to share my plans with you. I value your input, and it was unfair of me to not include you. I will endeavor from now on to do so.”

Wanting to roll her eyes at the startled faces of the other Slytherin’s, Hermione then looked at her Father and nodded. “Thank you, Father. I appreciate your stopping by to see me. Give my best to mother.”

“I will.” Voldemort bowed and then placed a small kiss on his daughter’s forehead, much to the astonishment of everyone in the room. Looking over at Draco, Theo and Blaise, the Dark Lord nodded and the three wizard’s bowed in respect.

“Watch over her, Nagini.” The Dark Lord hissed.

“With my life, Master.” The snake responded sassily, causing Hermione and her father to chuckle softly.

All eyes were on the Dark Lord as he went to leave the common room, but before he departed, he walked over to Daphne and said something privately to her, which caused the witch to nod, smile and drop her head humbly.

Once the Dark Lord was gone, everyone was staring at Hermione, who walked over to her friend and took her hand, and together they disappeared into the sixth year girls dorms. All the Slytherin’s were in a state of shocked disbelief.

Soon, most of the faces turned towards Draco who was staring at the entrance of the girls dormitory.

Perhaps it was a good thing this came out after all. If it strengthened Hermione’s relationship with her Father then it was all for the better.

“Do you think Hermione is going to be upset at Daphne?” Theo whispered so only Draco could hear him.

“I doubt it, but I’m sure Hermione is curious about what her father had to say to Daphne.”

“I’m curious too.” Said Blaise, eyeing the rest of the room warily. “What do you make of what the Dark Lord said at the end?”

Draco smirked knowingly. “It’s like I told you both earlier this year. My witch is far more cunning and ruthless than you could ever imagine. I think she’s been feeling a bit left out of her Father’s plans.”

Theo looked over at his friend questioningly. “And just how involved could she have been, mate?”

Draco’s smirk only got wider and more wicked. “Oh, Theo...would you believe me if I told you that everything that has happened since before the Dark Lord returned was planned methodically by my diabolical little witch?”

Theo’s eyes widened momentarily, but then he scoffed in disbelief. “I’m not sure I believe that’s possible.”

Draco turned to face his friend full on, and gave him a look that Theo was sure he’d never seen before on Malfoy’s face. If Theo had to define it, it would be absolute certainty—there was no doubt in Draco’s gaze. His face had a determined ferocity that he had never seen before. “Trust me when I tell you that everything that has transpired, has been by Hermione’s design. Everything.”

Blaise and Theo appeared absolutely floored, but then Blaise shook his head in wonder. “If what you’re saying is true, and I have no doubt it is? Then what in the fuck does the witch see in you, mate. You’re a complete tosser—we all know it.”

Draco glared, while Theo chuckled. “He’s right, mate—you fucking lucked out. If you weren’t my best mate, I’d find some way to steal your witch for my own.”

Draco growled menacingly. “You go near my witch...” Draco didn’t finish because Theo put his hands up in surrender.

“No worries, mate, she belongs to you. Fuck...everyone talks about it, you know. I think Bletchley was talking to Vaisey about it the other day. How envious he is of you—seems he has it bad for your witch, so I’d watch yourself if I were you.”

Draco glowered darkly, looking over where Bletchley was sitting with Vaisey and Avery. “Fucking tossers! I’ll end him if he so much as tries anything with my witch.”

“I think Hermione would end him quicker. Or Nagini just might.” Blaise offered helpfully

Draco smiled at the thought of what Nagini might do if someone tried to get too familiar with his witch. He just might have to put the suggestion to the snake.

She was far more observant anyway.