Damaged Goods

Severus sat in Dumbledore's office nursing a brandy, looking at the old wizard, who seemed lost in thought. They had sat there for the last fifteen minutes, both waiting for the other to speak.

"It seems we do have a problem." Dumbledore said, breaking the silence.

Severus just grunted.

"Do you have any clue to who has been afflicting our Miss Granger to these atrocities?'

"Several, of course, I am after all the Slytherin's Head of House," Severus said bitterly.

"Now son, you know I don't hold that against you," Albus said lightly, though his blue eyes did not sparkle.

"Damn it Albus, I have failed all of them," Snape snarled standing and pacing the room. "I cannot stop them from becoming Death Eaters, cannot stop them from ruining their lives."

"It's not your fault Severus," Albus said gently. "May I point out that ten of the last death eaters initiated from the school did not come from Slytherin."

Snape sneered at him. "And that is supposed to make me feel better? That we lost sixteen graduates last summer to Voldemort's army?"

"Back to the matter at hand," Albus sighed, trying to redirect Severus' self-berating. The man always took each student who joined the dark order as a personal insult, that perhaps they were doing it because of him.

"Yes I do have a few suspects. Stevens and Lawrence."

"I see," Albus said, "any others?"

Severus had not wanted to venture guessing out of the seventh year students. He had a hard time seeing the lower grades as anything but children, incapable of such violence, though he knew he was being naive.

"Perhaps someone from her own year?"

"A fifth year Albus? Do you think that possible?" He knew the answer to that though he voiced it anyway.

Albus sighed again though fire flashed in his eyes. "We are sure of two things here Severus. One, Miss Granger has been brutality violated not once but several times and two, that it began during the Christmas break. Other than that we can only assume."

"Any problems at her home?" Severus asked.

"None that I am aware of. She is an only child and from what I gather her home life is peaceful and her parents very doting on her."

Severus resumed his pacing. "Have you talked with her parents?"

"No, but I feel I have little choice in the matter now."

"What are you going to tell them?"

"Nothing. I hope they will be able to tell us something that might enlighten us to Miss Granger's holidays."

"Us?"

"I was planning on you accompanying me this evening Severus. You do have a gift when it comes to extracting information from others," Albus said meanfully

Severus nodded, understanding that he would be using Veritaserum this evening if the need arose.

"Good," Albus said rising from behind his desk. "I will expect you here after dinner."

****

They arrived on the Granger's doorstep a little after eight that evening. The door opened and an older version of Hermione greeted them. "Well hello, Headmaster," Mrs. Granger said surprised, before her face turned ashen. "Has something happened to Hermione?"

"Oh no dear," Albus said brightly looking around the area, "but there are some matters I feel we, Professor Snape," he motioned to the man standing beside him, "and I need to discuss with you and your husband if we may."

Relief was clear on her face as she ushered them inside.

"John, Hermione's professors are here," she called from the sitting room where they now were.

A tall middle-aged man came into the room wearing the same alarmed face his wife previously had. "Has something happened to Hermione...?"

"No luv, she is all right," Mrs. Granger said, putting a gentle hand on her husband.

They all sat down while the Grangers looked apprehensively at the wizards. "Lovely home," Albus said, "you have painted since the last time I was here."

"Let's dismiss the small talk," Mr. Granger said gravely. "I know you did not come all this way to discuss the décor. Are you sure Hermione is all right?"

"Mr. Granger, I would like to introduce you to Professor Snape, Potions Master."

Mr. Granger glared at the man. Evidently his reputation had preceded him.

"Sir," he nodded curtly. Then he looked at thePotions Master wide eyed. "There hasn't been an accident with a potion or something? Hermione hasn't changed into a cat again?"

Severus blinked. A cat?

Albus chuckled remembering the incident in Hermione's second year. He had forgotten to tell Severus about the Polyjuice fiasco. "Nothing like that I assure you. We will get down to business. We need to ask you a few questions about Hermione and we hope you will trust us enough to answer honestly."

The two looked at each other nervously. "Of course we will, if you will tell us what is going on."

"Certainly," Albus said gently, "but only after you answer us. Alright?"

"Yes," said Mrs. Granger

"Very well then, Severus," Albus directed their attention toward him. Snape pulled out a parchment and pretended to read questions from the blank page.

"How long have you been married?"

"Twenty years."

"Do you think you have a solid relationship?"

"Why yes, what has this got to do with Hermione?"

Ignoring their question he continued, "Does Miss Granger have a boyfriend?"

Puzzled now, Mrs. Granger answered," I don't think so. We took her to Bulgaria this summer to see a young man, but she told me that it just didn't work out. Something about prejudice or something."

"Is she seeing anyone new?"

"No, unless she is seeing one of the boys at Hogwarts. Maybe Ron Weasley? "

"I see," said Albus

"How did Hermione act when she was at home for the Christmas break? Was she happy, sad or anything seem out of the ordinary?"

The Grangers looked at each other. "What the hell are you talking about?" Mr. Granger yelled getting to his feet. "Hermione spent the holidays at that bloody school."

Severus and Albus exchanged dark looks.

"I demand to know what this is about!" yelled Mr. Granger. "I know you are high and mighty wizards, but that doesn't give you a right to keep something from me about my own daughter. She stayed at school with her friends during the holidays." He grew quiet, his face a mixture of confusion and anger. "Didn't she?"

"I think we have our answer," Albus said quietly. "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, thank you so much for answering our questions and your time. And now as I promised, I will explain to you why we are here." He looked at Severus who nodded and pulled his wand out of his sleeve.