Somewhere in the Middle

Hermione’s mother took her hand and walked over to the only other male in the room that she did not recognize, “Hermione, this is my father and your Grandfather, Thomas Riddle.”

Home Coming –


Hermione’s mouth opened and closed a couple of times. When Tom reached out for her, she quickly took a step back. He appeared hurt by her actions. A hysterical laughter threatened to bubble out of her.

I just hurt Voldemort’s feelings.


She continued to stare at him for a moment. “You have lips,” she sounded a bit perplexed at this revelation.


Tom looked annoyed. Oh, how he hated Albus Dumbledore. He nodded at his granddaughter. “Yes, I have lips, hair, eyebrows, a nose, and I even manage to keep the hissing down to a minimum when I talk.”


She gave her potions Professor a pointed look and in an accusatory tone asked, “Why didn’t you tell us he had lips! Voldemort-“


She was cut off by several people hissing, grabbing their arms, and yelling at her, “Do not say that name.”

Hermione raised an eyebrow, “and why not? He’s standing right here,” she pointed at Tom Riddle.


Tom sighed, “How about we move this to the drawing room.”

Theo approached Hermione to escort her, taking her arm in his own he asked quietly, “You alright? I know this is a lot to take in, but the people here really do love you, I love you.”


Hermione looked at him incredulously, “A lot to take in!” she hissed at him. “Most of the people in this room have tried to kill me; either directly or indirectly, or have looked at me with no small amount of hate and disdain; simply because they believed I was of muggle heritage.


Theo looked at her sadly, “I have never tried to hurt you, nor have I looked down on you.”


She had no response to this, she just allowed herself to be led into the drawing room.

The room itself was large with a warm and masculine feel to it. The large windows that lined the walls were only covered with tan sheer curtain, allowing soft natural lighting to fill the room. There was a large fireplace that most of the men could have stepped into without having to stoop. The mantel and walls were lined with pictures of the Malfoy family both past and present. Several paintings of landscapes adorned the walls throughout the room.


Hermione was surprised to find that there were no moving portraits, she imagined that the Malfoy’s would have paintings of their ancestors throughout their home. There were two large brown soft-leather sofas with a table separating them, arranged next to them was an over sized loveseat, and there were two high-back chairs on either side of the fireplace. The furniture was arranged so it almost formed a circle.

Hermione was so busy taking in her surroundings she did not realize that everyone had taken a seat. She looked at the couches, taking in the occupants of each one. Her mother sat in between Alex Nott and Tom Riddle. She could have easily fit on the couch with her mum, but the thought of sitting next to Tom Riddle did not sit well with her. She looked over at the loveseat to see Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy sitting closely to one another hand in hand. The chairs were occupied by Professor Snape and Elena Goyle. She looked over to the remaining sofa to see Greg, Draco, and Theo. The three teenagers sat with their legs spread practically lounging; Draco’s arm was stretched out along the back of the sofa.

Making her decision, she went over to the sofa that contained her school mates. Using her legs to shimmy their legs out of the way; she sat in between Draco and Theo. The young men seem to realize their poor form as she sat. The boys began shifting and straightening their positions allowing for the four of them to fit comfortable.


Theo took her hand in his as he waited for his grandfather to begin speaking.


Tom took a deep breath as he gathered his thoughts and began, “I think it would be best to start at the beginning.” He nodded, as if giving himself approval to continue. “First it is very important that you do not say that name, I go by Tom Riddle, Sir, and occasionally in formal environments Lord Riddle. You, my dear, may call me grandfather. It causes any of us who bare the mark pain when you say it.”


Seeing Hermione’s confused look he decided it would best to elaborate now, lest she be preoccupied for the rest of the conversation.


“In 1975 we discovered that Albus was using some nefarious means in order to control people. He has a natural charisma that makes people susceptible to his manipulations; but we also discovered he was using different mind altering charms to sway people that continued to oppose him. It was at this time that we started solidifying the small group that was not afraid to stand against him. The mark was brilliant it allowed us to be connected to a degree, we could summon each other, and even pin-point ones location. He cannot use these charms on a person with the mark. Well, he can use them but not without us knowing. Late 1978, was when Albus found away to tap into the magic within the mark. We believe that when that name is used it activates tracking spells, and may cause physical pain for any person who bares the mark in the immediate vicinity. As far as we can tell, the link he was able to establish was not strong enough to pin-point an exact location and cannot counter wards. To counter-act the issue of being caused pain- which can help Albus easily identify my supporters; we started the He-who-must-not-be-named campaign. He countered with the fear of the name campaign. The thing is, by this point Albus had a large number of supporters believing we were terrorizing muggles, and that I had indeed changed my name. We tried to dispel the rumors, but by that point things were to out-of-control.”

Hermione sat trying to digest this information, she had to admit she had her own suspicions about Dumbledore. But honestly, who created a mark that was a skull with a snake coming out of its mouth?

Before she could ask any questions Tom continued, “I think we should address your relations, and then we can focus on the issue of the war.”


Hermione couldn’t believe how nonchalant he seemed. Issue of the war indeed. He tried to kill my best friend, more than once!

Tom looked over to Narcissa, “Cissa, can you get the albums and perhaps some tea would be nice, please.” She nodded and left the room.

An extremely old looking house-elf popped into the room with a tea service floating next to him. Lucius thanked him and dismissed the elf.

Hermione stared at him and couldn’t stop herself from blabbing, “You’re not nice to elves!”

Lucius looked at her confused before understanding dawned on him, “you’re speaking of Dobby, yes?” Without letting her answer he continued, “I can assure I am not in the habit of abusing my elves. It would not be good practice to abuse the creatures that serve you. They know all of my secrets, kept watch over my son when he was young, prepare my food, and not to mention they have full access to all of my estates. Most of the elves have been with our family for generations.”


Before he could continue with his explanation Tom cut in. “In 1960, I met the love of my life. I saw her in muggle London and recognized her immediately, she was a vision of loveliness.”


Hermione notice Snape roll his eyes, as Tom was speaking. “Tom, perhaps you should stick to the facts.” Severus had listened to this tale on more than one occasion, and honestly the man leaned towards dramatics and the sappiness was too much for him to handle.

Tom pulled a face but nodded in agreement. “Very well, the women I met was Eileen Prince. She was a Snape by this time and had just given birth to Severus. I saw her, introduced myself and asked if she would like to have a cup of tea. She agreed, she was very eager for news of our world and her family. Her family did not disown her as was believed, they cut her out of their lives while trying to get her to see reason, she was with an abusive man; and her family was hoping that by giving her an ultimatum she would choose her own and leave him.” He sighed before taking a sip of his tea.


“We feel in love quickly. I begged her almost every day to leave the muggle. She held firm that she could not leave him. In 1961 I left to travel the world and continue my magical training. All different cultures perform all sorts of types of magic, Hermione, you should see it-“

Snape cleared his throat, “Perhaps we should stay on topic.”


“Of course.” The annoyance in Tom’s voice could not be missed.


“I left in 1961, after begging Eileen to leave with me. I did not know she was pregnant at the time, or I would have never left. It was ten years before I returned. Her father helped her conceal the pregnancy, and her parents took the girls in after they were born. We had twin daughters, Isabella and Alyssa Riddle. Your mother married Alex Nott, they had Theo and to our great surprise, had you only a year later.”


Hermione looked at her mum, “so you two are married then.” Her mum shook her head with tears in her eyes.


Hermione froze, her hand tightened around Theo’s, before Isabella could respond Theo took over, “Hermione, are mum died. The night you were taken, they killed mum. Aunt Isabella was kid-napped with you, they planted a body in Isabella’s place; all these years we thought she was dead.”


Hermione had tears rolling down her face, she was so tired and this was too much. Isabella kneeled before her and took her face in her hands. “You have to understand Hermione, you are my own- my twin sister’s daughter- once we were taken away from our family- I have never seen you as anything other than my own daughter.” She smoothed down her daughter’s hair, “Do you understand, baby.”


Although she was completely worn out, she did understand. Growing up she had always felt loved by her mum. She needed time to process all of this information.

Narcissa and Elena were openly sniffing, even the men in the room seemed a bit glassy eyed. Narcissa approached Hermione with an album. “This dear, has pictures of your birth mum.” She handed Hermione the book and then with a small smile added, “ Although, she looks identical to Isabella with the exception of her eyes.”

Hermione noticed Snape stood before she had the chance to open the album, he whispered something to Elena who nodded and left the room. He looked over at Hermione and addressed her, “I believe a glamour has been put on you and your mother. I think it would be best to remove them before you look at the pictures.”

Hermione looked dumfounded, she was pretty sure she had somehow walked into an alternate universe. She heard of mirrors that were doorways to different dimensions. Could it possible that she accidently walked through one? She nodded slowly at him.

Elena had returned with a very short women in tow, who almost resembled a miniature Professor McGonagall. Her gray hair was pulled back in a severe bun, she had a stern look, and pointed features. Elena introduced her, “Hermione, this is Healer Pulchek, she is going to check you over for charms.”


The women approached Hermione. Elena took a small handheld mirror and laid it on the floor in the middle of the room, and with a wave of her wand it turned into a full size cheval mirror.


The Healer started casting spells on Hermione, without stopping her work she asked Hermione not unkindly, “do you wear anything that you never take off?”

Hermione held her hand up, “my baby ring, it’s stuck on my finger.” The women took Hermione’s hand in her own, and started casting spells on it. Several spells later, the Healer was able to slide the ring off of her finger.


Hermione looked at the Healer, “is that it, I don’t feel any different.”

“No, that is an anchor. Charms do not hold well on children for a long period of time. As they grow and gain magical strength any magic placed upon them is broken or distorted. The anchor adds magic to the glamour as it weakens, the castor does not have to worry about reapplying as often. I am going to remove the glamour now, you’ll feel the magic lift, but it is not painful.”

Hermione just nodded her head. The Healer raised her wand one last time, and Hermione felt a warmth start from the top of her head and flow down to her toes. She heard some gasp, and was extremely nervous to look into the mirror. Part of her couldn’t help wondering if they had just cast a glamour on her in order to trick her.


Theo helped her stand to look into the mirror. The healer approached her mother and started the process over.

Hermione’s first impression when looking in the mirror, was that she looked awful. She really needed sleep.

Her second impression was that’s it, why even bother with the glamour. She was still a petite 5’3”, her body was the same, not that she had a problem with her body. Once she grew out of the awkward adolecent phase she developed quite nicely, full breast, she was thin she could probable gain a bit of weight but she didn’t look sickly, and she had curvy hips. Her curly mane went down to her waist. Her once bushy hair was no longer frizzy, she still has a lot of it; but it was better described as wild, as it still seemed to have a mind of its own.

Her hair was the first major change she could see, instead of the mousey brown hair that she was used to it was now jet black. The only other change in her appearance was her eyes. Her once plain brown eyes were now an luminescent amber color. Trying to get a better look at them she realized they seemed almost ethereal.


She turned to her mother, whom Hermione had shared her appearance with all of her life and noticed she too looked the same. Her mother’s hair was black, although her eyes turned an inky black color similar to Severus Snape’s. She was grateful that at least her and her mother still looked similar.

In one last ditch effort to prove to herself this was real, she placed her hand on the mirror. When she remained firmly in the drawing room at Malfoy Manor she let out an audible sigh; gaining her some strange looks from the occupants of the room.

Oh well, it was worth a shot.


Alex Nott stood, “Come Hermione, I will take you to your rooms. We can talk more after you rest.”

Alex lead her through the manor, when they reached her room he reached for her and gave her a hug. Her subtle flinch did not go unnoticed.

“It makes me so happy to have you home, dear.” He released her and gently lifted her chin so she was forced to look him in the eye. “We love you, and you will come to love us. Right now, you are tired and you need time to adjust.” She just nodded at him, she wanted to give him something more, but just couldn’t bring herself to say anything.


“Cissa had robes and sleepwear laid out for you, I will send an elf to help you in the bath.”


Hermione nodded again before mumbling, “good night.”


She went into the room barley noticing her surroundings, flopped on the bed and almost immediately feel asleep.

Mipsy the house-elf popped into her room, and found the girl sound asleep with her legs hanging off the bed. She removed the album from her grasp and laid it on the bed-side table. She used elf-magic to change her into a soft nightgown, and tuck her in under the blankets.

~oOo~

Alex Nott walked back into the drawing room, “Isabella, I would like to know everything regarding my daughter’s life.”


Isabella nodded, her father had already retrieved a pensieve. “Perhaps, we could do this with smaller audience.”


Elena Goyle stood, “Greg,” she spoke in a tone broke no argument. Greg looked at his friends one last time before following his mother out.


No matter, Theo will tell him anything important anyway.


Narcissa stood to leave, “Draco.”


“I’m not leaving, mum. I’m staying with Theo.” He stared at his father while saying this, knowing his father would have the final word.


To his surprise it was not Lucius to speak but Isabella. “Cissa, it’s fine. I would like you to stay as well.” She was hoping her half brother would leave the room, but could not think of a reasonable reason for him to leave.


“Severus, could you get us some tea?”


Snape eyed his sister shrewdly, did she think him a fool. “No, Isabella I will not leave. There are house-elves that can bring tea.”

Lucius waved his wand, the two large sofa’s shrunk down in size. He made them large enough that they held two people comfortable. Tom had moved to the chair Elena had occupied. With another wave of his wand the furniture pulled in towards the center of the room, creating a more intimate environment. The pensive sat on the table in the middle of the room.

Tom looked at this daughter, “How about you just tell us whatever you can think of and we can ask questions.”

She nodded. “Well, she was such a good baby, hardly ever cried. I guess she was about seven months old before I realized she was levitating her toys when she was alone; keeping herself happy. She was eighteen months old the first time Dumbledore came to see us.” Isabella seemed to get lost in her thoughts for a minute.

She smiled softly, “I don’t know if she has a touch seer in her, but she really has keen sense of intuition. The first time Dumbledore came she hit with ceramic figurine I had on the mantel. He went to pick her up and before he could lift her into his arms the statue went flying at his head. Hit him so hard he stumbled.”

Then he bound her magic.


“He tried to convince me that he kid-napped us for our own safety. I should have gone along with him, and acted like I trusted him; but I was so afraid that I would forget myself, forget that it was a game to him.”


Then he told Samuel to keep us in line.

Severus Snape sat in the chair, on leg crossed over his knee and his hands folded in his lap. His eyes penetrating his sister’s. He had surreptitiously cast Legilimens, and was listening to his sister’s internal dialog. He was not certain if Tom had done the same, but from the expression on his face he had an good idea.


Severus interrupted his sister, “I want to see it.” He paused for a moment before adding, “The entire visit, Isabella, leave nothing out.”


Her eyes went wide but she nodded. She focused her thoughts as Alex removed the silvery thread from her temple.

The group entered the pensieve, and watched the memory. They let out a laugh as the little girl who was seemly paying no attention to Dumbledore walloped him in the with a small figurine. The laughing stopped as Isabella argued with the man as he told her this was for her safety. Jaws clenched as Samuel was given the order to keep them in line.


Isabella sat with her eyes downcast as the rest of the group settled. Alex took her hand, she gently cleared her throat before continuing. She listed all of Hermione’s milestones and achievements. She explained how the binding Dumbledore put on her magic was only to weaken her magic, not completely bind it; and the subsequent issues she had in muggle schools, when she would have the occasional outburst of uncontrolled magic.

She spoke very little of Samuel Snape, which did not go unnoticed by the rest of the group.

When she started on her Hogwarts years, she looked at both Draco and Severus, “You know your comments have cut her to the quick. All she wanted was your approval, Severus, she loves potions; your comments have her actually believing she is not good at them. Book smarts, indeed!” Isabella huffed, she had wanted to chew these two out for a long time.

“A second year making Polyjuice, and you call her book smart. She could probable mix things found in a common muggle home and create something magnificent. The comment about her teeth, I still hear about.”

Severus looked contrite, “I’m sorry, Isabella. I have a role to play as well,” he mumbled.

His sister barley batted an eye at his apology. She redirected her ire to Draco. “You! You young man have been nothing but cruel to her! Do you know how many holidays I spent lying with her while she cried. You have insulted everything about her, from her hair to her lineage. What were you thinking?”

Draco had a very guilty look on his face. Narcissa interrupted to ask, “What have you said to her, Draco?”

Draco started mumbling off different things he has said over the years. “Bushy-hair, beaver, know-it-all, wench, trio toy, and I may have called her mudblood on occasion.”


“Draco! It’s no wonder Albus manipulates the half-bloods and muggle-born so easily.”

“It’s not my fault, the epithet just rolls out of your mouth when you’re at that school!”Draco protested, “and you should see her comportment, mother, nothing seems to phase her. She’s always with Potter and the Weasel, and she’s think she knows everything. I didn’t call her that name at all last year- and for the other things she has a mirror, she knows there not true. Half the boys in our year stare at her, when she runs around in those muggle clothes.” His expression turned a bit dreamy with last the piece of information.


Lucius put up a hand to put a cease to the conversation and smirked at his son knowingly. “Draco, if you are attracted to a women it is best to compliment-”


Without taking the time to think about what he was saying Draco blurted out, “it’s not like I could get close to her she always had Potter with her, or the Weasel drooling all over her!”


Theo smirked, poor bloke didn’t even realize what he admitted.

Lucius rolled his eyes at his son. “Maybe next time you should try pulling her pig-tails, and lay off the racial slurs- hmmm?”

Lucius could hear Cissa mumbling something about apple trees under her breath, and raised an eyebrow at her.

“Of course I raised her with proper decorum, Draco. That does not mean she was not affected. She is a proud young women, and she does not like to let people to see her weak. But, I can assure you, she was hurt very deeply by the things said over the years. You have to understand, young girls rarely see the same thing in the mirror that other people see; and I am sure she has no idea boys are watching her.” Isabella continued.

“She better not,” was grumbled by Theo.

Lucius addressed Isabella, “I would like to see the first time Hermione performed healing magic thru you.”

This got the attention of everyone in the room. Isabella stared blankly for a moment, unsure of what happened that they even knew Hermione was capable of wandless magic. “There’s not much to tell, I got hurt very badly and she healed me, I think she was scared and just willed it to happen.”

“Hmm, Isabella, ever since you were a child you were awful at lying. Now, I would like to see the memory, and I would like to see how you acquired your injury.” Tom eyed his daughter shrewdly. He was well aware what type of people the Snape’s were, and he knew that Samuel blamed him for his brother’s death. He really needed to know what both women have dealt with over the years, and not this glossed over version. He knew his Isabella did not want to upset them- but he needed to make sure that Samuel and Dumbledore received the proper retribution for any misdeeds against his kin.

Alex again pulled the silvery thread from her temple and placed it in the stone bowl.



Isabella stood at kitchen counter filling a large glass pitcher, Hermione sat with Samuel at the kitchen table.

Hermione stood up holding her plate and before she could turn around to walk it to the sink, Samuel stood and back-handed her across the mouth.


“I don’t remember dismissing you, girl,” he sneered at her menacingly.


The force off the blow knocked Hermione back-wards, she fell over her chair and landed in a ball on the floor.


Her mother spun quickly, dropping the picture on the floor. When Samuel moved to advance on Hermione for a second time, she shouted “No!” As she moved to intercept him her feet slid out from under, the surface of the kitchen floor was coated in glass and drink. As her feet flew up into the air she landed back first on the floor and instantly went limp.


Severus reached for his sister, who was quietly crying. He turned her away from the scene and into his chest and embraced her gently.


“Mum, mum, answer me mum.” Hermione drug herself over to her mother.


She immediately took notice of the large piece of glass in her mother’s side. Memory Isabella opened her eyes. “I’m okay, Hermione.”


Hermione shook her head. “No, no you’re not mum, there’s blood all over.”

Samuel sneered, “Maybe if your mother dies, you’ll learn to follow the rules,” and walked out of the room. A moment later they heard the front door slam.


Isabella had placed her hand on the wound to try and stem the bleeding. “Hermione, you need to go next door and get Jim.” Isabella’s eyes had a dazed look in them and her speech seemed slow. She closed her eyes and went limp again.

Her mother’s hand rested on the wound and Hermione placed her hand on top, trying to keep pressure on it. “Mum, you have to stay awake mum.”


As Hermione started crying a soft blue light engulfed them. The glass was slowly pushed out of the wound and the flesh started to mend together. When the process was complete, Hermione stretched out next to her mother; the floor still littered with glass and drink; and went to sleep.


When they were expelled from the memory Severus helped his sister sit, and then went and poured several snifters of brandy. Bringing the serving tray back to the group. Everyone including Draco and Theo took a glass.


It was several moments of silence before Isabella spoke. “She was tired for days after that. After she realized she was able to do wandless magic she started working on controlling it. She taught herself some shields, but wandless magic requires a lot of focus so she really hasn’t-“

Tom interrupted her, “Isabella, enough.” His voice was soft. “How often did things like this occur, and I am not asking about wandless magic?”

“Father, please.” She pleaded, she really did not want to rehash the last sixteen years.

Tom seemingly reading is daughter’s mind clarified, “Once a week, once a month, everyday.”


She sighed, “When Hermione was home from school, it seemed like something happened almost every day. He knew hurting her was worse for me then physically hurting me. I always intervened, and usually he would direct his anger at me. We tried to avoid him as much as we could.”

Tom nodded and walked over to his daughter, placing a kiss on her head he told her, “You’re both home now and you’re both safe. The healers are going to see about unbinding your magic tomorrow, and you will not be left defenseless again.” As he was leaving the room he looked at Severus, “See to your sister, some calming draught may be helpful.”

Severus nodded in response.

Tom turned to Cissa, “Cissa, please arrange a shopping trip, both my granddaughter and daughter need full wardrobes. Lucius, I want no less than three guards to attend with them.”


Theo interrupted, his hands were still shaking with barely controlled rage, “I will be in attendance.”


Draco, who seemed to be a strange mixture of angry and sad added in, “I will attend as well.”


Lucius contemplated whether or not to allow them to go before nodding. It wouldn’t do to hold them back, they would most likely go after Snape otherwise. “Very well, both of you will attend.”

“Lucius, put Gibbons on finding Snape, and see about contacting Gregorovitch, for wands.” With that Tom walked out the door.


“Isabella, has he touched you without your consent.” Severus was facing the fireplace with both arms stretched in front of him holding onto the mantel. God, he didn’t want to ask this, but sixteen years imprisoned with the man.


Isabella jumped up from her seat, “You have no right to ask such a thing, Severus, I don’t have to answer that!”


Severus turned to see his sister crying again for what seemed the hundredth time that day. “I think you answered the question, Izzy.” The only outward sign that he was very close to losing control was the occasional flare of his nostrils. “And has he touched Hermione.”

“Gods, no.” She was certain he had not touched her, as her daughter started to develop she was even more careful not to leave her alone with the beast.

Lucius eyed his friend discreetly, and turning to his wife asked her, “Can you take Isabella to her room, I need to discuss some things with Severus.”

She nodded and went to her friend.


Severus poured himself some more brandy, and quickly threw it back. Once he heard the door click, he violently threw the cup into the fireplace. The loud shattering sound caused Draco to jump.


Lucius raised an eyebrow. “Feel better?”


Severus just glared in return.

“Gibbons will find him, Severus. Just be patient, don’t do anything foolish.” Lucius tried to soothe him.

“Have you ever known me to do anything foolish?” Severus raised a questioning eyebrow at his friend.


Lucius shook his head, “no, I can’t say that I have.”


Draco sat deep in his own thoughts. Contemplating mainly on how he was going to kill the muggle. He didn’t want to focus too much on the why he was so angry, he would be angry for any women forced to endure abuse- wouldn’t he?


Severus addressed the boys, “You two need to get some rest. Theo, Draco, I will include you in any plans in regard to the muggle; but I want agreement from both of you that you will do nothing on your own. Do you understand?

After two mumbled yes sir’s later, both young men were on the way.


Draco turned to his friend and asked, “Are we going to listen to him?”


Theo nodded, “I think for now, give Gibbons a chance to find him. He is an excellent tracker.”

~oOo~


Hermione didn’t wake until the next morning. She missed the Healer that checked on her several times and confirmed she was just suffering from exhaustion. She also missed the constant flow of people that went in and out of her room, afraid for her to wake and be alone. Finally at midnight the Healer told them she would wake her in the morning if she did not wake on her own. Mipsy the house-elf helped Isabella settle on a transfigured cot next to her daughter’s bed, and locked the door so no-one could disturb them.


When she woke she was extremely disoriented. It took her a few moments to remember the events of the day before. As she got out of bed she noticed her mother sound asleep in a cot next to hers. She tip-toed around her, heading for the door across the room, praying to any god that would listen that it was the bathroom.


To her delight it was a bathroom. It was huge, there was a large in-ground bath, it’s irregular shape and huge size gave it the appearance of being a small lake. There was a giant stone statue that surrounded it, Hermione’ eyes followed the dinosaur like creature up from its tail, taking in its fin like feet, all the way up to its giant head. Even though it was obviously a beast it had what could only be described as a gentle facial expression, and even in its stone form it appeared to have kind eyes.


Hermione let out a giggle. Loch-ness monster, indeed.


She stripped out of her clothes and stepped into the warm water. She had to swim across to reach the taps. She choose a pomegranate scented bubble to add to the water, and laid back on one of the steps to relax.

Mipsy the house-elf popped into the bathroom. Hermione jumped, “Mipsy is sorry Miss, I is being sent to help you get ready.”


Hermione smiled at the elf, “That’s okay, Mipsy. I can get ready on my own.”


Mipsy shook her head. “Master is telling me to help Miss get ready. Master promised when you came home I could be your elf.”


Hermione was shocked. “My elf! I don’t need an elf.”


The elf turned wide tear filled eyes on Hermione. “Is Miss not wanting me! All misses need an elf.”


Hermione sighed, she really didn’t have the heart to turn the creature away.


“Very well, Mipsy, I would be delighted to have you assist me.”

The little elf clapped her hands and squealed.


Within twenty minutes Hermione was wash, dried, dressed, her hair was done, and she had a small amount of make-up applied.

She felt a bit over-dressed the robes were more formal than any she has ever worn. A short empire waist sundress was over laid by a long robe. The robes were made from a silky fabric, that Hermione could only guess was fairy silk, and they had gold button that held then together beneath breast bone; which allowed the scoop neck of the sundress to remain visible. She felt like a princess.

She looked into the mirror taking in her new appearance, she had to admit to herself she liked it. She was amazed at how much a change in hair color and eye color could alter you appearance. Mipsy left her down in a pile of long riotous curls. The little elf even took the time to place a cooling charm on the underside of her hair, so she wouldn’t get warm if she went outside.


~oOo~


Hermione exited the bedroom, being careful not to wake her mother. She wandered aimlessly down the hall, she should have call Mipsy to escort her. But really, how hard could it be to find your way down to the first floor? Apparently, in the grand manor it was extremely difficult. Hermione wound her way around another corner, and was completely relieved to see a figure walking towards her.


“Theo!” she squealed, as the figure got close enough for her to distinguish.


Theo chuckled, “Hermione, I am delighted that you are so happy to see me- Ahh, but alas I fear it’s not me you are happy to see, but my ability to navigate through this monstrosity of a home.


She smiled in response, and took his proffered arm.


“Grandfather is requesting your presence in the dining room.” Theo paused and faced Hermione. “You look lovely, there is no mistaking what family you belong to.”


Hermione looked at Theo for a moment, and she had to agree. While she was considerable shorter than him they looked remarkable alike. She never realized how stunning his eyes were while in school, but they were the same amber color as Hermione’s . Their skin coloring was the same, his eyes were not a large as hers, but he also to had an abundance of long thick lashes.


He pursed his lips for a minute before interrupting her thoughts. “Aunt Isabella, told us yesterday morning-“ he paused a moment trying to decide the best way to approach the subject. “She told us about your father, or rather the man who you were told was your father, and I want you to know- no one here will hurt you, and we won’t – I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

She was not sure how she felt about him knowing. How many people did her mother tell? She was a bit mortified, not wanting everyone to think of her as weak. She turned to start walking again and in a quiet voice asked, “How many people know?”

Theo thought she sounded almost defeated, he could never truly understand what she felt, he only hoped she could realize this was outside of her control. “Only the immediate family was told.” He didn’t want to let her know that they had seen the abuse firsthand, he could understand that she would see it as a violation of her privacy; to tell someone about an incident is entirely different from viewing it and seeing her in that weakened state.

“I wasn’t sure if Draco was going to be sick or blow something up when we were told.” Theo being the Slytherin he was, decided to take the opportunity to help his friend get into Hermione’s good graces.


“I thought you said only the immediate family was there?” She looked extremely annoyed. Great the little ferret is going to use this against me. I’m not weak, and if he thinks-


Hermione’s mental tirade was cut-off by Theo. “Well, the Malfoy’s are considered immediate family, and I really think Aunt Isabella needed Aunt Cissa there. The Malfoy’s are my godparents, and Uncle Severus is Draco’s Godfather, so we grew up rather closely. I guess you could say Aunt Cissa was the women in our life after mum died.”


Hermione huffed, “well, I am sure Malfoy was elated someone thought to put the mudblood in her place.” She felt Theo stiffen when she said this, but pressed on. “I sure he was quite upset that it wasn’t him that got to do it.”


Theo was surprised at the venom in her voice, but it really should have been expected. Draco tormented her for six years.


He sighed, “Hermione, I can assure Draco was in no way elated, in fact I am certain he was ready to go find the man and kill him. Uncle Severus made use promise we wouldn’t doing anything. Consider this, Hermione, sometimes when children want attention they will do anything to get it, and they don’t always care if the attention they receive is good or bad. Didn’t you ever realize that you were the only muggle-born Draco tormented.”


“All that means is he hates more than anyone else,” she huffed.


Theo smiled, “oh, no is does not, and I am going to prove it.” He stated this as he held up a small dropper. Hermione stopped to look at it, there was a very small amount of a clear and odorless liquid.

“Veritaserum! Theo, you can’t give him that.” Hermione was appalled.


Theo smiled, “I can and I will. It’s only effective for a short period and I have the antidote. Plus, I think it is the quickest way to prove to you he is not a bad guy.”

~oOo~

Draco, Lucius, Remus, Severus and Tom Riddle stood in the dining room staring at the contents of Hermione’s backpack. There was a stack of about fifty index cards with writing so small it was not discernable. They figured that the contents was hidden with a spell, but could not figure out which spell was used.

Tom was thumbing through what appeared to be a diary, occasionally running his wand over it trying to decipher it’s secrets. He couldn’t decide if the journal was simply a diary with spells to keep the true contents hidden or something else entirely. He suspected the latter due to the complexities of the spells used to guard it’s secrets. Out smarted by a sixteen year old, how embarrassing.

They even brought Draco in, thinking maybe it was something new that they have not seen. Now, here they sat waiting for Hermione, and somehow Tom didn’t think his granddaughter was going to appreciate them riffling thru her belongings.

~oOo~

Remus looked up to see Hermione enter the dining room, “Hermione!” He walked over to her. As he opened his arms to embrace her she side-stepped him.


“Hermione?” The hurt in his voice could not be missed.


She leveled him with cold narrowed eyes, “Lupin, I trust you are well.” Her tone was as cold as her eyes.

She eyed up the rest of the group, seeing the contents of her bag laid out on the table. “Find anything interesting?” Although her tone was no longer as cold, she certainly sounded annoyed.


Draco was in shock, he wasn’t sure what Lupin did to deserve her cold brush off. But he did know that in all of his years of tormenting the little witch she never looked at him like that, she was completely cold, and the poor wolf looked devastated.

“Hermione, please, let me explain. You don’t understand.” Remus pleaded with her.

Yesterday they had her, she was tired, sore, and confused. Today she was well rested and annoyed. She wanted answers.


Walking over to the dining room table seemingly ignoring Remus’s plea, she place her finger’s tips on the top of the index cards. She waited a moment before a soft orange glow was emitted from the cards. She lifted her hand palm out with her fingers slightly bent, the top index card seemed to stick to her fingers as she lifted her hand. Gently she pushed her hand towards the wall and the card released from her fingers. As the card floated slowly towards the wall it increased in size causing the words to become legible.

She took at seat at the table, “Please, explain, Lupin.”


Tom lifted an eyebrow to his granddaughter, feeling a bit smug at the impressive bit of magic she just performed. He was reading the card that essentially challenged Remus’s loyalty to the Order. Listing the characteristics of Lycanthropy.


“Well, Hermione, I guess you could consider me one of Dumbledore’s experiments. He felt that is he took me away from the pack at a young age I would look to him as the alpha. Fenrir allowed for me to go, he felt it was important that I receive a proper wizarding education. Albus never realized that one of my pack was always sent to the shrieking shack to transform with me, we think he left me alone so I would feel abandoned by them. He also did not understand that while the marauders were not werewolves they were accepted into the pack once they started to accompany me on my transformations.”


He paused a moment before adding, “My loyalty is always to my pack, we assist Tom, because we believe Albus will destroy our world if he assumes control.”


Hermione took a deep breath and eyed him shrewdly, “So in our fourth year was it your intention to kill us.”


“What! No, Hermione, I forgot to take the potion that is the truth!” Remus was shocked, he couldn’t believe she would think that.


“Hermione, you have to understand, James was accepted as part of the pack, his kin would be included in that.”

“So then explain why would you allow Dumbledore to control Harry, and me for that matter.” Hermione was hurt, how could he let them be lead around by the old fool.


She was surprised when Snape started to explain the situation to her. “You have to understand, we were not in the position to discuss things with you directly, and short of kid-napping you we had no way to be sure you would not go back to the headmaster. We do not know the level of control he has over someone, and it is extremely hard to identify if he is using mind altering charms. We know he is using charms in Hogwarts, we have identified several in the Slytherin common room that make students aggressive to students outside their own house. It could possibly be suicide to approach someone who is under Dumbledore’s thumb.”


Hermione nodded, she seemed to be accepting of what the dour man had said. With wave of her hand another card flew up to the wall. On it was a picture of Snape, and it listed all of his past actions in regards to the Order.


Snape was surprised to see that the card had very little regarding his nasty attitude. He was put out a bit when he read one line that stated, does not like us yet continues to protect us.

He sighed and took a good look at his niece, he knew he had a lot to make up for, especially after his sister’s outburst yesterday. “I do like you, Hermione. You have to understand, Dumbledore does not want Harry trusting me. I’m not sure why, it may be he does not fully trust me himself or that it makes Harry not susceptible to the things I teach him – I don’t know. The point is, I was directed to behave the way I do. Do keep in mind that I have never been the easiest person to befriend, but I’m not cruel. I think I was a bit harsher with you, subconsciously I did not want you drug into this mess and when you befriended Potter I knew that you would be.”

She rolled this information around for a minute before asking, “How long have you known who I am?”


“We never knew for a fact until your birthday, and even then we had three likely candidates. During your sixth year a couple of things were brought to my attention. The main thing being that your magic was bound.” He put up a hand to stop her from interrupting. “Minerva had explained that you seemed to have a magical increase every year, which is not heard of. Magical beings tend to have two fluxes of power. Between the age of twelve and thirteen and then the second at the age of sixteen. We were not even sure if we missed your coming of age entirely due to your use of the time turner. Tom sent someone to scout out your house, they found the wards were too strong to get close without alerting someone; and they were even keeping the muggles away. We used a potion with your blood in it to track you on the morning of your birthday.”


Hermione was shocked, “my blood! Where did you get my blood, and I have never heard of a tracking potion that uses blood.”


“I assure you Hermione there are many potions that you are not aware of, however this potion happens to be very rare. It’s main ingredient is placenta and the cord blood of the person being tracked.”


Hermione looked at them appalled, she couldn’t get the mental picture of buckets filled with birthing product shoved in someone’s closet, out of her mind.

Tom interrupted her thoughts, “Come now, Hermione, I know even the muggles have started saving the samples of a child’s cord blood at birth. Both the placenta and blood can be used in several life saving potions. It’s common practice in our world to save them.”

Hermione felt a bit silly for not thinking about that. She nodded at him acknowledging her acceptance.


She decided to move on from her Uncle and with another wave of her hand six cards flew up to the wall. Each card was divided into two with a line drawn down the center. One side had Dumbledore and the other Voldemort. The cards were labeled by year.


She looked at her grandfather and raised an eyebrow. “Can you explain why you have been trying to kill my best friend for six years now?”

“I have not been trying to kill him!” Tom protested vehemently. “I am not sure what occurred in your first year, Severus explained about Quirrell and the stone, but I was not lurking about. Think, Hermione, how would I get close enough to a unicorn to kill it, and drink it’s blood?


She mumbled in response, “that is already on my card.”


Tom continued, “Quierrell is not on our side, he is one of the dark wizards who have approached us over the years. Many witches and wizards believe Dumbledore’s stories of muggle baiting, torture, and world dominance. Unfortunately, this attracts many Dark Wizards to us. There are sick people who would love to participate in things like that.” He took a deep breath.


“The thing is Quirrell acted as if we did not turn him away, and then started to do things saying that he was acting on our behalf.”

Hermione waved her hand again and several cards flew to the wall. A single card each for Bellatrix and Rudolphus Lestrange, Lucius Malfoy, Rabastan Lestrange, Antonin Dolohov, and Greyback.


She looked pointedly add her grandfather, “no Dark Wizards?”


Draco, who had been quite thus far shouted out, “My father and Aunt are not Dark Wizards!”


Hermione stood and shouted back, “You can’t be serious, your Aunt is insane; she tortured the Longbottoms to the point of insanity- and your father- your father tried to kill me at the Department of Mysteries!”


Draco continued to protest, “My father never tried to kill you, and my Aunt is not crazy, she just- she just has a bad temper!”


Lucius snorted, saying Bella had a bad temper was like saying lava is hot; it’s not incorrect per se, just grossly understated.


Hermione stared at Lucius incredulously, did he just laugh?

“Bella went after the Longbottoms, the night her two best friends were killed, and you were kidnapped. She saw them take you. It was the same night Tom was injured, the Potter’s died, and Harry became the boy who lived. By that time the Potter’s had already deflected to our side, they were buying time planning to escape Dumbledore, and go into hiding. We knew the child in the prophecy was Harry and so did the Potter’s.”

Lucius took a deep breath before continuing, “I’m sure Severus will show you the memory of that night. The entire night was chaos, it started with an attack on your home, and ended at the Potter’s. Tom went to retrieve Harry and Bella went after the Longbottom’s, you were already gone when she found them. Dumbledore was already at the Potter’s, he shot the killing curse at Harry and Lily jumped in front of it, Severus was injured by Arthur Weasley and witnessed the entire event. The second killing curse Dumbledore fired off hit his target but the curse ricocheted off of Harry and hit Tom. Albus is the one who marked Harry, Hermione, not Tom.”


Hermione looked at blankly for a second, “But the prophesy states ‘the Dark Lord’.”


Severus interjected, “Tom has explained he does not and has never gone by that name. There is not one prophecy in history that actually names the person it is referring to. Both Tom and Albus are Lords, I believe the prophecy is in reference to a dark lord not the dark lord.”

Hermione looked skeptical but pressed on, “What about the diary and the chamber of secrets?”

Lucius started, “I put the diary in Ginevra’s bag intentionally to get it into the school. It was an artifact similar to wizarding painting, Tom used his hair and some spells to imbue it with his essence. We can only assume that Albus got a hold of the diary at some point. But consider this, the Basilisk was put in the castle to protect the inhabitants, not destroy muggle-borns. A parselmouth was needed to open the chamber, but not to control the beast. The basilisk follows the orders of the headmaster. I really don’t think that it was a coincidence that you were petrified.”

“But Draco even said he hoped I was one of the first it killed.” Hermione protested.


Lucius’s only response was to smack his son in the back of the head.

Breakfast appeared on the table as they were talking, Hermione didn’t realize how hungry she was. With a full English breakfast appearing in front of her she completely forgot about the conversation and started digging into her food. She received some amused stares, but they all just took it as their queue to start eating.


Theo smirked, this was going to be fun. He had Mipsy put the truth serum in Draco’s drink, after he took a couple of sips he covertly hit him with the babbling curse. As he watched Draco’s eyes glass over he asked, “So Draco, what do you think of my sister?”


Hermione looked up from her plate with wide-eyes. He didn’t give him the verituserum!


Draco couldn’t help himself, “I think she is just lovely.” Oh god, I just said that.


He couldn’t stop himself from adding, “I always have.”


A thud was heard as Draco let his head fall forward and bang on the table.


Lucius and Severus looked amused. Lucius couldn’t help being grateful that Theo had the sense not to do this in front of the women. They would hear about it for months.


Theo pressed on, amused at his friends dramatics. “And what do you think of my sister’s hair?”


Draco sighed, “I love it, it suits her fiery temper and it’s beautiful.”


He could do nothing to stop his verbal diarrhea as he pressed on. “I just want to wrap my hands in it and push her-“ Draco stuffed an entire roll into his mouth to stop the flow of words. Oh, he was still trying to talk, there was just too much food in his mouth for anyone to understand him.

The entire table was staring at him. Tom and Severus looked like they were going to kill him, Theo looked like he wanted to be ill, his father look thoroughly amused, and Remus looked concerned. Why does he look concerned?


Theo looked at Hermione. “Anything you want to ask before it wears off?”

Before Hermione could stop herself she blurted out, “Why were you so mean to me?”

Draco let out a soft groan his forehead still laying on the edge of the table. “When I was a kid, I think I convinced myself that I didn’t like you- you were a little swat. As I got older it was the only way I could get your attention.”

He didn’t need the babbling curse to continue, he lifted his head from the table so he could look at her. “I’m sorry Hermione, I really didn’t mean to hurt you- or at least not like I did- nothing seemed to phase you so I just kept pushing. It wasn’t until yesterday when your mum laid into me that I realized how much you were affected by what I said.”

Hermione looked at him, she couldn’t believe Draco Malfoy just apologized. She couldn’t help asking one more question. “Are you only sorry because I’m not a mudblood anymore?”


Draco was quick to answer with a vehement, “No! It has nothing do to with that.”

Theo handed his friend the antidote, Draco scowled at him as he reached for the vial.


Theo smiled, “That was interesting, yeah?” He couldn’t keep the laughter from his voice.


Draco was mumbling something unintelligible as he continued to glare at his friend.

They continued to eat their meal in silence, Draco spent a good amount of time reading the cards posted on the wall. He was amazed how many cons Dumbledore had. She listed all of his convenient disappearing acts, which often led Harry and subsequently her into danger. The half truths that he had told them, and the fact that he never gave them all of the relevant information they needed to complete a task. He was disturbed when he read the section questioning why Dumbledore did not allow her to talk about her home life, and why wouldn’t he help her mother leave.


As they were finishing up Draco looked at Hermione and in an accusatory tone asked, “You were defecting from the Order, weren’t you?”


She shrugged, “possibly.”

Draco stared at her, “if you defected you would end up right where you’re sitting now.”


She shook her head, “No, I was thinking more on the lines of starting my own side.”


Theo laughed, “You would, wouldn’t you?”

Draco looked at her in awe of her audacity. “Hermione, there’s already two sides you pick one and go with it. Who would you have join your side?”


Severus couldn’t help wondering, who indeed?

Hermione looked at the group, she might as well just tell them. “Well, right now it would be me, Harry, Luna and her dad, the Creevy’s, Terry Boot.”


Tom interrupted, “We already have the Creevey’s”


Hermione looked confused, “No, you attacked them.”

Tom eyed his granddaughter, “No, we evacuated their parents, and put them in a safe house for the summer. Unfortunately their home was destroyed.”


Hermione shook her head, “No, your mark was sighted, the house was burned to the ground.”

“Yes, the mark was left. But not by us. We are assuming that the Order destroyed the house, but we are not positive, we didn’t send anyone to investigate.”


Hermione huffed, “and what did you do with their parents! Torture them?”


“We do not torture muggles. Think about it Hermione, the muggles might not have magic; but they out number us four to one, and they have access to weapons that we could not even imagine. They could easily destroy our world, yes, we would probable escape, but at what cost.”


Tom took a deep breath, “I learned on my travels that some cultures do cohabitate with wizards and witches. But, most of these cultures are considered uncivilized, and the civilized cultures around them brush it off when they talk about their magic people. The civilized cultures that do acknowledge their magical community, do so in a very guarded manner and would never give information on their mages to outsiders. Most of these cultures are Asian.” He watched his granddaughter process what he said.


Tom watched his granddaughter, she was really quite intelligent. She reminded him of himself when he was her age. Really Tom did exactly what she said and started his own side. But, in his case it was more of rallying people together. “Why were you going to defect, Hermione? I am guessing there is more to it than Albus’s poor leadership skills.”

“I disagree with him, he thinks he can recreate the days of Merlin, and I don’t think he can. I think he will give the predominant religions of the world reason to band against us- instead of fighting each other. Then there is the issue of trust, he has misled us to many times to trust him.” She looked at Severus.


“Why did he fake his death? Harry was devastated.”


“The plan itself started out as a joke, there was a large gathering and Tom had jokingly asked Draco to get rid of Dumbledore for him. Somehow the information got back to Dumbledore and he played it up. Cissa came to me when she heard about it and made me take a vow of protection. Not that it was needed. Dumbledore thought that if I appeared to kill him it would put me firmly in Tom’s camp.” He paused to let out a rich chuckle. “I guess it did, never mind that I was already firmly in the camp. So I worked with Draco to let in the Death Eaters, and killed Albus. Of course he had multiple protections against the killing curse on him. It was a very complex bit of magic to perform, and the protection is very short lived- god, how I hoped it had worn off.” Severus’s expression turned a bit dreamy. “Tom had realized that if we gained control of the school we would be able to reach the youngsters before Albus. Didn’t you ever wonder why he never ran for minister? He uses his position in the school to recruit the strongest the wizarding world had to offer.”

Hermione became agitated at the mention of the battle. “Why were you allowing Death Eaters into the school! They were trying to kill us. Greyback mauled Bill Weasley- and why in the world would you call your army Death Eaters?”


To Hermione’s surprise Remus jumped up, “No, Hermione, Fenrir did not just maul Bill. Bill had his wand trained on Fenrir, and Fenrir was unarmed. It was the only way he could protect himself.”


Hermione looked shocked at that information, she never considered it was an act of defense.


Draco continued the explanation. “The Death Eaters were formed as the Knights of Walpurgis, and with Dumbledore’s manipulations became Death Eaters. None of the Knights considered that the name would stick. Sometimes you’ll hear the older members still refer to themselves as the Knights. Dolohov absolutely refuses to call himself a Death Eater.”


At the mention of Dolohov’s name Hermione scowled. “That man tried to gut me.”


“No, that was an unfortunate accident. He was aiming at Tonks, and you got in the way of the spell. He was devastated when he realized he hit a child, and it was fortunate that Severus was there and able to heal you.” Tom couldn’t help thinking how fortunate is was, he wasn’t sure he would be able to forgive his old friend if he had accidently killed his granddaughter.

“Why even lead us there?”


“We already knew the prophecy, Hermione, we thought if Harry heard it firsthand he might understand Tom was not his enemy.” It was Lucius who addressed Hermione’s question.


“Bellatrix killed Sirius.” Hermione continued.


Lucius continued, “No, Sirius was sent thru the veil, only to be retrieved by her later. Sirius, while a strong wizard could not emotionally separate himself from the war. He panned on kid-napping Harry, which would have been foolish, Albus would have been alerted as soon as he left Grimmauld Place with him. Sirius would have been killed, and Harry most likely obliviated.”


Remus looked at Hermione. “He has been living with the pack since then, we keep a close watch on him, Hermione. Our goal is to get Harry away from Albus, we just have to be smart about how we do it.” Remus sighed, “Sirius has lost probable more than most of us; he lost his best friends, his godson, and at the time he thought he lost Isabella. Albus knew Sirius betrayed him; that was why he allowed him to go to Azkaban. He didn’t count on him escaping, that’s for sure. But, he decided to gain his compliance by using Harry.”

Hermione’s mouth opened and closed a couple of times before she squeaked out, “They were using Dark magic.”


Draco looked her in the eyes, “Dark magic is just a matter intent, Hermione, with the exception of some potions which require ingredients to be taken by force. Weasley used a slicing charm on you. Eventually you would of died from blood loss if we were not there to help you.”

Hermione nodded, she knew this information. She had also seen on more than one occasion the damage charms can cause.

There was really just one thing left that was really eating at her. “What about the tri-Wizard tournament?”

Severus spoke again, “unfortunately, the only potion I could find to heal Tom required blood, flesh, and bone. The blood had to come from an enemy. We knew it had to come from either Albus or Harry, Albus being the one who cast the curse and Potter was targeted by it. The blood had to be taken by force, the chances of us being able to take the blood from him was slim, and he is also knowledgeable enough that he would have willing offered it, if we did try to take it from him. Harry was the easiest way to get the ingredient, by this time Harry considered himself an enemy of Tom.”


Tom interrupted Snape. “I only expected Peter to give me a finger, not his entire hand; his mind has been a bit addled since spending ten years as a rodent. He was very scared when Sirius was captured and didn’t even think to seek refuge with the werewolves. After the potion was created I drank it. Lucius came soon after and took me to his home. It took several weeks for the potion to take effect and for me to regain my health. I heard what Harry believes happens, and Severus saw firsthand in Harry’s mind what he believes happened. But I have to ask was Harry left alone with Dumbledore at all before you spoke to him.”


Hermione forehead was scrunched in concentration as she nodded. “Kill the spare, you had Peter kill Cedric.”


Tom shook his head, “Cedric was stunned, I assure you he is well. He was taken out of the country with his mother. Amos is one of our spies in the ministry, after everything that happened at the end of the first war; he wanted his family out of the equation, he would continue to spy as long as his family was safe.”


Hermione felt ill, she knew things were not what they seemed. But this was almost too much for her to digest. Looking at her grandfather she asked, “What are your plans for muggles, muggle-born, and squibs?”


Tom nodded, expecting this question. “Muggles like the Creevey’s, I have no plans for. We may place them in positions of liaisons. While we do not need to be involved directly in muggle issues, we would be foolish not to keep up with their current events and advancements. Squibs would mainly be put in place acclimating muggle-borns to the wizarding world, connecting the dots for them, if you will. Squibs will also continue working in the ministry as liaisons. One major difference for squibs is that they must pursue a muggle education. As the muggles have proven, not being able to practice magic does not make you useless. As for the muggle-borns, I want them monitored from the time from the time they are born. We will make sure they are being treated well, those who are will be left with their parents, those who are not will be take from their home. Similar to what Salazar started.”

Hermione seemed to accept this, “And what of Harry.”


Tom sighed, “Harry is the one who will destroy Dumbledore. We will continue to play Albus’s game until we get him on our side.”


Remus interrupted, “Speaking of Albus’s game, I believe if you plan to take over the Ministry now is the time to act.”

A/n

Bit of a long boring chapter, but it was necessary to address some of these issues, I tried to incorporate as much canon details as possible (although I may have done it a loosely). The next chapter is going to have more Draco and Hermione interaction, also Draco's reaction to Hermione belonging to Ron.

Questions
margaritama – Harry is not dead, and he will be in contact with Hermione
VoraciousReader- love the pun, thank you for the review. Dumbledore’s to cocky, he may be too late to stop the dissension amongst the troops.
kazfeist - Vincent will also be making an appearance. Also did you have to change the font becasue of something i did wrong, I can't get the upload file to work so I am using input text.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to review, I really appreciate them.