Hermione spent the next few weeks learning as much as she could about Severus. There were things she already knew from the years he had just been her teacher. Things she learned from experiences through Harry and Ron. He explained that he had asked her mother to give her up only because he was afraid of what Voldemort would do if he ever found out their connection. Severus didn't want to lose more people he held close.

It was early December when Professor Dumbledore next asked to see Hermione in his office. Again, he pulled Draco in for support.

Hermione entered his office, Draco at her side. Albus looked at them with a sad expression. "Miss Granger, Mister Malfoy. Please have a seat." They sat side by side in the same chintz armchairs they had been in the day he told them he knew who her father was.

"I am afraid, Miss Granger, that I have some unfortunate news for you." He began, "I brought you in here because I received an urgent memo from your mother about half an hour ago. I am sorry to be the one to say this, but your grandmother has passed away."

Hermione sat there for a moment, looking back and forth between Professor Dumbledore and Draco. She sagged a bit in the chair. "How is my mother doing?" She asked. She was saddened by the news, but, with her grandmother not being very close to her, she didn't feel like crying.

"Your mother is coping. She found her this morning. Lynn was sitting in your uncle Jake's bedroom. It appears to have been a heart attack." Albus moved around his desk to place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Your mother has asked me if you can come home for the next two weeks. She would like your help in preparing the funeral service. You will also be helping to go through your grandmothers things, and distributing them according to her will. That is, if you think you can handle it. Provided that he keeps up with his work, and has his parents approval, I am willing to let Mister Malfoy go with you."

Hermione turned to Draco "Do you think they would let you?" she asked.

Draco thought about it for a minute. A few weeks ago he had explained things to his mother on one of her visits to Hogsmeade (she wanted to see him without his father around). She had been enthusiastic and surprisingly supportive of everything he was going through with Hermione. "My mother will agree, I see no reason for my father to be asked. Professor, is there such a way to get her permission without letting Father know?"

"I am sure we can work something out." Albus smiled gently. "I will inform Severus. I am sure he would appreciate the task of making sure the two of you arrive safely at your destination."

Severus was prompt at arranging passage for Hermione and Draco. Within two hours of their meeting with Dumbledore, they were standing the the kitchen of Hermione's home, exchanging hugs and a few sad tears with Marie Granger. Satisfied that Hermione was in good hands, Severus left to return to Hogwarts.

Hermione and Draco were sitting across the table from Marie. She told them the funeral was actually all arranged and pre-paid for by Lynn herself. She had made the arrangements many years prior, telling Marie "That way you can't screw this up." Lynn had been very thorough in the planning. Right down to which people were to be invited, how many flowers were to be allowed in the room, which pictures were allowed to be displayed. The services were to be held exactly 5 days after death, no sooner, no later. This was apparently crucial according to Grandma Lynn's instructions.

Hermione glanced at the list of people who were to be invited and gasped as one particular name jumped out at her. Fourth from the top of the list was Bellatrix Black. Hermione bit back the panic and handed the list to Draco. This was not good. Why was she on the list?

"Mom?" Hermione asked, trying in vain to hide the panic in her voice. "Who is Bellatrix Black?"

Marie froze. She hadn't heard that name in many many years. " Bella..." She whispered. "Hermione... I need to tell you something."

Marie began her tale.

"I met your father when I was sixteen. He was seventeen. My family just moved into the neighborhood where they lived, where Grandma Lynn's house is. Devon and I went to school together. We started out as just good friends. Because Devon was already promised to Bella. It was just how his family did things. Bella was head over heels for him. But your father wasn't as happy. He and I began spending more and more time together.

After about a year, Devon broke this off with Bella, telling her he couldn't be with her. That it wasn't fair for them to keep trying something that couldn't work. Bella was angry, but she kind of backed off. A few months later Devon and I started dating. We kept it quiet for the longest time, but your Grandma Lynn found out and demanded we break up. Instead, your father proposed to me. We got married when I was twenty, he was twenty one.

Shortly after that, your uncle Jake, who was only twelve. Well, he was shot. Or at least that's what everyone said. Nobody except for Lynn ever saw the body. Not even the people at the funeral home. Lynn insisted nobody would 'disturb his peace'. Devon received an unsigned note a few days after the services. All it said was "See what happens when you defy me."

Every few months we would receive a note with another message but the police could never trace them. Devon seemed to believe they were all from the same person... Bella. But we couldn't ever figure out how to connect them. When Bella got married, them notes stopped all together.

About a month before your father died, we got another note. It said "And now its over."

I didn't believe anything would happen, but then your father died. I have always suspected, but have never been sure" Marie finished speaking.

Hermione looked at Draco, mostly in shock. He shook his head slightly as if to say "we shouldn't tell her what we know". Hermione nodded.

"Wow mom. And grandma wants her at the services?" she asked her mom.

"It would seems so" Marie answered. "Though I am not sure how we would even get in touch with her about all of this. Do you suppose your Grandmother kept in contact with her all these years? Lynn always did have a soft spot for Bella after Devon left her for me. I suppose that's why Lynn never approved of my marriage to your father."