Somewhere in the Middle

Moving Forward -

Hermione woke early the next morning feeling refreshed. She was a little guilty knowing that the man that raised her – well, sort of… he was there while she was growing up – was locked up in a cell somewhere in the manor. She was not sure how she felt about them punishing him, she felt like it was something she should face on her own. She wanted to see him – maybe he was remorseful. Only problem was, she was sure Theo would not allow it.

“Mipsy” She called out for the elf.

The eager house-elf popped into her room, “Miss is needing me?”

Hermione nodded at the creature, “I want to go to the cell that they are holding that man in- the one from last night.”


The poor little creature’s already large eyes went impossible wide, “But, misses.”

Hermione let out a sigh, she hated to take advantage of the creature’s loyalty like this, but there was really nothing for it.

“Mipsy, you were assigned to serve me, correct?”


The elf squeaked, “Yes, miss.”

“And you want to make me happy, right?” Hermione pressed, almost losing her resolve as the poor elf’s eyes filled with tears.

The elf nodded, “Yes, misses.”

“Good, then you will take me to where they are holding that man.”

The elf reached for Hermione’s hand – Miss thought she had Mipsy, but Mipsy knew – she knew that if she brought miss right outside the wards, then Master would be alerted that someone was there, as soon as she stepped through them.

Hermione and Mipsy appeared at the top of the steps leading towards the dungeons. Hermione looked at the elf, “You can go, Mipsy.”

Mipsy violently shook her head, “Mipsy is not to be leaving miss without one of the young masters.”

Hermione nodded, “Very well, wait her.”

Hermione made her way down the steep, winding stair well.

~oOo~

Lucius sat in his study eyeing his son. “I must admit, I am a bit surprised she so readily accepted having you as her suitor.”

Draco sighed, “I may not have covered everything that the formal courting process entails.”

Snape looked at his godson, ever the consummate Slytherin. Although he had to wonder, was this because of some greater plan, or a fear of rejection. He suspected latter, but the gods only knew what was going through his head – damn Bella, for teaching him Occlumency.

“Do you think that is wise? I heard her temper rivals Tom’s and Severus’s.” Lucius asked

Draco nodded, “I am going to tell her.” He paused to scrub his face with his hands. “The thing is, nothing is binding so it’s not like I am forcing her to do anything.”

Snape interrupted them, “But, her father could make it a binding contract.”

Draco shook his head, “Not without me agreeing, and I wouldn’t agree unless she does.”

Lucius put and abrupt end to the conversation as he stood and headed towards the door. “The wards to the holding cell have been breached.”


~oOo~

Hermione approached the cell that her father – Samuel was in. She was not really sure what she was going to say to him, but she needed to confront him. She knew in her heart that in order to fully move forward she needed some closure on the past.

Stopping in front of his cell she eyed him shrewdly, taking a perverse pleasure in every cut and bruise on him – she found herself a bit jealous that she was not the cause of his injuries.

“Enjoying your Daddy’s handy-work?” Samuel’s raw voice asked from inside the cell, as he stretched his legs out in front of himself, and folded his hands behind his head.

Even though she knew she was safe she could not stem the urge to cringe when she heard his voice– of course she couldn’t, years of abuse could not be countered in one day. She found herself becoming extremely irritated at his lackadaisical attitude. She didn’t bother looking over as she heard footsteps coming down the stairs.


“Yes, I am quite enjoying the handy-work of my father. I will have to congratulate him on his ability to give a thorough beating.” Her voice was cold. She always thought she would never be able to take another life, but now she was wondering if she was wrong.

As Draco moved forward Snape’s hand on his shoulder stopped him. “She needs to do this; let her go.”

Lucius whispered to Mipsy, “Get Tom and Alex.” The elf quickly popped out of site.

“Why?” She realized the question was ridiculous. Does it really matter why? She knew nothing he could say could justify his actions, and by the looks of things Samuel new this as well.

“Your grandfather killed my brother.” He sneered at her.

“I was a child!” She couldn’t keep from raising her voice.

He laughed, “You and your mother were necessary for getting Riddle. Now, tell me why are you here; for an apology - maybe; or you want to hear that I didn’t mean to hurt you or your mother? Guess what girl, I won’t be groveling to you; I enjoyed myself. Did your mother tell you that she would let me fuck her, to keep me away from you? I had plans you know, I was going to teach to be a good whore for me.” He leaned up in his chair before whispering “I still can.”

Theo was thrust back against the wall by Severus. Alex Nott was being both physically and magically retrained by Tom. Before Lucius could even think to grab his son he heard “Crucio” called out from beside.

Draco stood holding the curse on Samuel with a cold fury in his eyes. His entire body shook with the intensity of the magic he was pouring into it. Draco was not sure how long he held the curse – seconds, maybe minutes passed before his father tackled him to the ground to stop it.

Hermione was standing deadly still, yet her whole being seemed to crackle with energy. The ends of her hair were lifting and moving as if being gently blown by a soft but turbulent breeze. Her eyes grew dark with the surge of power coming from within her. She knew she was losing control, but she couldn’t bring herself to care. Oddly enough watching Samuel scream in agony did nothing to ease Hermione’s temper. If anything it angered her more – she was angry her family had to hear that, and she was angry Draco heard it, and that he was angered enough to use an unforgivable.

He will grovel.

Her voice sounded deadly when she finally spoke, smooth and soft, like a finely brewed poison she was ready to strike. “You didn’t get to Riddle though did you?”

Samuel shrugged his shoulders as he drug himself back into his seat. He knew he pushed too far. “No matter, Albus will come for me.” He tried to sound strong, but the rawness of his voice combined with the tremors from the curse made that impossible.

Hermione laughed, a shrill mirthless laugh, “Dumbledore, coming here?” She let out another cackle. Reaching her hand to Theo she silently Accio’d the unsuspecting man’s wand, and quickly cast a shield to stop the men from approaching.


She walked to the door of the cell and opened it, Samuel stood quickly.


“Get on your knees, Samuel. Now!” Hermione leveled the wand at him. He obeyed. She stood staring at him for a few moments as she decided her next course of action.

She started to walk away from him reaching for a torch on the wall, she heard him call. “You’re not allowed to use magic outside of that school of yours; the old man told me that.”

She laughed again, “You will grovel by time I’m done.”

Samuel tried to move only to find he was magically bound. He started to weakly struggle against the bonds, “What are you going to do? You can’t do anything to me it is against your laws!”


Hermione conjured four small bowls, and went through the process of filling each bowl with an element, while she answered him. “Your sounding nervous, are you afraid? You really shouldn’t be worried about the laws I am braking- really I assure you; I won’t get caught.”

Taking Theo’s wand she drew a circle in the dirt around him. She looked at Samuel and in her best teaching voice told him. “You are in the center of the circle alone, because you will be the focus of the spell.”

She relished the look of utter fear and panic in his eyes, “What are you going to do to me?” he asked.


She ignored him and continued to teach him. Putting one bowl in each position on the outside of the circle she told him, “North, south, east and west. These elements represent the watchtowers. Well, that is what I prefer to call them. Some call them spirit guardians – but, they won’t really be guarding you. They have other names as well, Grigori, Elemental Guardians. But, I am invoking them to punish you – or rather teach you.”

Hermione pointed to the men still in teacher mode, “These are my witnesses, typically they would be dressed in a plain earth color or black robe – and be women – but, we can make do with what we have.”

“Please, Hermione, don’t do this.” Samuel began to plead.


Hermione smiled cruelly at him, “Really, I haven’t done anything yet and you’re already groveling. Now, be patient I’m almost done.”

She began walking on the outside of the circle slowly chanting in under her breath.


A wind picked up in the small windowless dungeon, and the bowls placed around the circle glowed. Wisps of smoke seemed to dace between the two of them, weaving its way around them. When Hermione completed her circle Samuel let out a blood-curdling scream.

“Stop! Stop! Please stop.” He pleaded.

The men watched with baited breath, even Lucius paused in his work as he was trying to disarm the shield.

Samuel stopped screaming, and started to rise to his feet when he realized the magical bonds had been released. When he was standing completely before Hermione she balled her small hand and swung her little fist connecting with his jaw. “I didn’t say you could get up,” She taunted, as he slammed back down against the dirt floor.

The men watched at Hermione continued to fight with the large man; his large fist impacting with her face, she laughed, “Haven’t you figured it out, you’re the weak one now.” After several more useless attempts to defend himself, Samuel resorted to drawing his legs up and wrapping his arms around his head; his body forming a ball on the dirt floor. Her measured and controlled swings became wild and frantic, “Are you going to teach me to be a woman now!”


Lucius was able to bring down the shield. Hermione felt an arm grab her waist and pull her away as she continued swinging trying to connect one last time. She felt completely exhausted when she was lifted into someone’s arms, and pulled closely to their chest.

Before she knew it she was carried up two flights of stairs and was in her bedroom. It was her father that was holding her as she began sobbing. “Shh, it’s alright, baby. I’m her now… I’m here.” He continued whispering to her until her sobbing abated and she drifted into an exhausted sleep.


~oOo~

Tom sat in the study with Alex and Severus. Lucius had gone to check the Library for any books that might contain information on the magic Hermione had used.

Bella and Cissa walked into the study, both of their eyes went wide at the sight of the snifters the men had in their hand. Cissa questioned the men, “You do realize it is only half past nine?”


Tom nodded, “I believe my granddaughter invoke the Guardians this morning, transferring Samuel’s physical strength into herself.”


Cissa let out a low whistle before taking a seat. Bella looked absolutely thrilled.


Bella took a seat and addressed them, “What did she do?”


Tom looked disquieted when he thought back to the events in the dungeon. “She beat him. She opened a circle, conjured elements – we could not hear exactly what was said; but in the end she was physically strong and he weak. I can only assume she invoked the watchtowers.”


Cissa nodded her head in approval, “Very smart of her.”

Severus was taken aback at how nonchalant the two women seem to be about this. “How would my niece learn of this type of magic?” There was uneasiness in his voice; he has seen his niece perform quite a bit of magic that was not taught in school. What exactly was she getting herself involved in?

Bella took pity on her friend, “Well, last time I spoke to Pansy, she confirmed that all references to coven magic was removed from the library, and I don’t recall seeing any while I was in school.”


Severus nodded, “Madam Pince, had told me, Albus, had her remove the books years ago. She was very upset about it, thought it was important that the muggle-borns learn it.”

Bella nodded, “I agree with her on that, while it’s not openly practiced anymore it is an important part of a witch’s history. There was an agreement with the Ministry ages ago that the practices would not be documented. Most of our information has been passed down from mother to daughter, never outside the family, although we were able to get around that.”

Alex asked, “How did you get around it.”

Cissa smiled, “Family can have a rather broad definition the contract with the Ministry did not specify blood relations. So, take Lily Potter, once she declared Sirius as Harry’s godfather, I was able to stretch the law and pass the information to Lilly.”

Tom looked at her, his facial expression showing he was truly skeptical of what she was saying.

Cissa laughed, “What, Sirius is my cousin. So it was a huge stretch but I was able to pass the old ways on to someone.”

Alex interrupted, “While this is informative we still don’t know where she is gleaning her information from. I personally am very worried – you should have seen the amount of power she displayed.”

Severus nodded, “I agree, I am wondering if we acted a bit too soon with having Isabella’s power unbound. It may have been prudent to keep Isabella with Hermione. I realized this morning Hermione has not been asking many questions, she actually seems to be taking all this in stride.” Severus held up his hand to halt any protest. “She normally questions things incessantly, even in school when she fully comprehends a concept; she’ll ask questions and try to poke holes in it.”

Cissa looked at them for a moment, “Did she invoke the guardians on her own?”

Tom nodded, “She also called us to witness. I only knew what was happening due to my exposure while I was in the states. Covens are highly respected in the southern states, I shudder to think what would have happened if one of us disrespected her circle.”



Cissa laughed, “Nothing would have happened, other than that she would have told you what to do.”

Bella interrupted, “But invoking the circle on her own does suggest that she has invoked one before. The first invocation is typically done within a coven.”

Alex’s eyes went wide, “So you’re telling me my daughter belongs to a coven?”

It was Bella’s turn to laugh, “Alyssa would be so proud of her daughter. But, I would suggest questioning her. It only takes two witches of like-mind to form a coven, whether they acknowledge it or not.”


~oOo~


Draco sat in the sitting area in Hermione’s room, he was sure he was braking some rule on propriety – but he was passed caring. He was sure that after the events this morning Hermione was going to send him politely on his way. Of all the curses he could have used, he chose an unforgivable. Even though it was not actually a conscience decision, he still threw the curse – and if he was honest, a good portion of him did not regret it. He still could not believe the vile things that came out of that man’s mouth. At first he did not understand why Lord Riddle did not kill him instantly, but now – now he can see, a quick death would not be fair; but what would be?


He was not above groveling if he had to – that was of course how he got Mipsy to allow him into the room in the first place.

Hermione was numb as Mipsy dressed her; the elf must have been able to sense her mood as she put her in loose yoga pants, and a tank-top, covered in a loose lightweight robe.

She was fairly certain Draco would want nothing to do with her after this morning’s episode. He probably realized just how large a trunk of personal baggage she carried around. She was completely and utterly embarrassed the group of them heard what Samuel said, they must see her as some weak and pathetic excuse for a witch – and if she thought about it she had to agree. She didn’t know if she would ever be able to face her mother again, knowing that her mum allowed those things to protect her weak daughter. Then on-top of everything her hands hurt – bad, and Mipsy seemed too preoccupied to notice as she popped out of the bathroom.

When Hermione walked out of the bathroom the first thing she noticed was the white blond hair in her sitting area.

Guess he wanted to get this over with.

Without saying anything, she walked over to the nightstand and picked up the small box that contained the gift he had given her the previous night, and walked back to stand in front of him.


He was sitting knees spread, leaning forward with his forearms on his thighs, and his hands folded in between his knees. The fringe from his hair was concealing his eyes from her – which was fine really, because she didn’t need to see the pity or disgust in them.

She gently cleared her throat. “I’m sorry that you had to hear that… see that this morning – and I can understand why you would want to cut your losses, but I would like to remain friends.” Her voice was quiet, and hoarse from crying. He look up at her and was staring at her like she was insane, she quickly added, “I mean if you still want to be friends, if you-“


“Hermione,” Draco’s smooth voice cut her off. He was still looking at her as if she had two heads. “Are you – are you apologizing to me?”

She nodded, but he began speaking again before she could further justify herself.


“You are quite possible the most ridiculous witch I have ever met.” The potentially insulting comment seemed complimentary with Draco’s soft voice and goofy grin.

He reached out grabbing her waist and pulled her close to him. Resting his forehead on her abdomen he asked, “Whatever in the world would you be apologizing for?” He gently tugged on her waist pulling her down so she was sitting on his one knee.


“You had – had to hear all of that, this morning, and he made you so angry – and then I completely lost control and my mum… I’m so weak.” Desperate tears mad her their way down her cheeks as she angrily tried to swipe them away.


Draco pulled her back against him, so he was cradling her. He gently ghosted his large calloused hand over her hands, as he realized how red and swollen they were. He couldn’t help taking notice – and not for the first time, of how small and fragile she seemed. It was difficult to reconcile this Hermione with the avenging goddess he experienced that morning. Although, he had to admit to himself he held a spot in his heart for both, and couldn’t help wanting to personally kill off all of her demons.


He took a couple of moments to observe her, and realized even with swollen red eyes, and a red snotty nose he still found her quite beautiful. “Can I ask you something?” She nodded tucking her head more securely into his neck. He was pretty sure she wiped her nose on his robes and for some reason that seemed to amuse him more than anything else.

“Why didn’t you do that before, with the circle and the elements?” His tone was soft and he hoped reassuring – he was also praying that there was a good reason why she didn’t; although he was sure fear of Dumbledore was a good enough reason.

“We tried - we snuck off of school grounds on night and tried, but the Ministry was alerted. A man came right away, he was really nice to us and sent us back to school, but warned us not to try it again unless we were in a heavily warded area. He said they even register the disruption when the muggle Wiccans invoke the Guardians.” Her voice was still a bit raw, but he was glad to hear she was no longer crying.


“Hmm, and why didn’t you ask for help?” he continued.

“We really couldn’t, we went to muggle authorities, but Dumbledore took care of that and modified their memories. Dumbledore wouldn’t let my mum leave, and I guess without magic my mum didn’t have many options. She couldn’t tell anyone who we were, and I didn’t know.” Draco kissed her hairline when she finished her explanation.


“Why didn’t you use wandless magic on him?” He felt her smile against his chest when he asked this.


“I put him through a wall once, it was by accident. I did it a second time intentionally, but someone from the Ministry came. Now, I wonder if he really was from the Ministry; he healed Samuel and told me if it happened again I would be tried for using magic against muggles and expelled. Mum, asked me to just stick to healing magic after that, they either were not watching for it or it didn’t register with them.”

“So, then really it would be more accurate to say you and your mum were trying to make the best of a shit situation. It sounds like you’re a lot stronger then you give yourself credit for.” Draco held her close as he waited for her to respond. He was enjoying providing her comfort; basking in the small nuzzles he would feel as she tried to burrow herself closer.

After a long comfortable silence Draco adjusted her so he could remove his wand from his robe, taking her small hand in his hand, and gliding his wand over it with the other; he healed both her hands. Draco picked up the small gift box and opened it. She looked at it a bit perplexed for a moment before she told him, “I couldn’t figure it out, I tried putting it on my finger but it’s too big; I thought maybe it would resize itself.”

He smiled and picked it out of the box. “It’s designed to go on a wand, but you can wear it until you get one. May I?”

She nodded her consent, and he took her hand, and turned it so the inside of her wrist was facing up. Taking the small cuff he laid it on top of her, and she watched in awe as it grew larger and encompassed the entirety of her wrist. Once the cuff was securely around her, the metal seemed to dissolve into her skin, leaving her wrist outline in emeralds with a small Malfoy crest tattooed in the center. Draco smiled, and gently caressed the crest on the inside of her wrist with his thumb. Hermione felt a strum of magic quickly course threw, and she gasped.


“What does it do?” She was a little with a hint of concern, she learned the hard way to be leery of magical objects.


He smiled at her, “Well, when it is on your wand it will alert me if you perform any defensive magic. When it is on your wrist it will alert me if you are scared or upset. One of my ancestors’ wrote that he did not recommend using it on the wrist; that it is too sensitive, and he found himself responding to several ridiculous scenarios. He wrote, ‘witches are strange creatures and find themselves distraught over the most non-consequential things’.” Hermione huffed at him, but he just smiled. “My wand will glow when you are in trouble, and there is a spell I can cast that will show me an image of where you are at.”


Hermione nodded and asked, “So if I cast a shield in the potions lab, you will be alerted. That seems a bit over the top.”

He shrugged, “Not really, if you need to cast a shield in the potions lab, it probably would not hurt to have someone check on you. Plus if you were working on something volatile you can just tell me before hand so I am prepared for it.”

She snuggled back into his chest, as she asked. “Does it notify me if you’re using defensive magic, because you might need help too.”

He shook his head, “No, it was made back in the days when wizards hunted and protected, and witches gathered and nurtured.”


She laughed out loud, “Well I’m not gathering for you, I hope you know that.”


He laughed at her, and placed a soft kiss on her lips, before asking her, “So, you’re not made at me for earlier, then?” his expression was hopeful, and it was her turn to stare at him like he had two heads. “I performed and Unforgivable, Hermione.”

“Well, I normally don’t condone violence, but what I did was no better. I don’t really think you thought about it either, I think I was more upset you even got that angry.” Her tone was thoughtful.

Draco dipped his head and gently kissed her on the lips, once… twice, looking into her eyes for any hesitation. When her eyes fluttered close he fully encompassed her lips, reveling in the way she responded, her mouth complimenting his every move, tongues gently dueled as he hoped to convey to her how much he cared.


A throat clearing at Hermione’s doorway had the two quickly pulling apart, and Hermione practically leaped from Draco’s lap.

Theo laughed, “I hope you’re not besmirching my sister’s virtue, Draco.”

Draco grumbled under his breath, “apparently not with you around,” which caused Hermione to giggle.


“You’re wanted downstairs, Hermione.” Theo waved his hand for her to follow.

Theo seemed more serious than normal and she hoped he really was not mad a Draco – really besmirching, can you even besmirch in this day and age?

“Theo, is something wrong?”Hermione asked quietly


“No, not really, it’s just you have been doing magic that is not taught, and I guess everyone is a little concerned about what you have been learning and where.” Theo himself sounded concerned as he told her.


~oOo ~

Theo, Hermione and Draco walked into Lucius’s study. Hermione was shocked to see, her father, grandfather, Lucius, Professor Snape, Bella, and Cissa all sitting waiting for her. Her grandfather conjured three more chairs before directing them to sit.


Hermione folded her hands in her lap and stared down at them, she knew she was getting in trouble and she so hated getting chastised – well at least McGonagall is not here, she’s the worst with her looks of disappointment.


Severus let out a sigh of annoyance, “Oh, for crying out loud, Hermione, you’re not in trouble…yet.”


She turned her large innocent doe-eyes up at him, and Snape actually chuckled. “That look will not work on me, Hermione.”

She huffed, and waited for someone to start the conversation. Having her father and grandfather staring at her, as if they were trying to figure out the mystery of life was a bit unnerving. One minute, two minutes… she was not going to brake - she refused to break the silence. Four minutes, Five minutes – she sighed, “I have done nothing illegal.”


Her grandfather smiled at her, “No one suggested that you have done anything illegal. However we have seen you use magic, on both your journal and in the dungeons; that are not commonly taught. Coven magic, in particular has not be documented in centuries, the few books available are a part of private libraries that you do not have access to. So please explain, who is your teacher?”


“I was Madam Pince’s assistant during my fifth and sixth year, she allowed me access to the books that were pulled off the shelf by Dumbledore; under the pretense that I was cataloging and cleaning them.” Hermione was back to staring at her hand as if they held the answers. She really had no intention of getting Madam Pince in trouble, and hoped they would not punish her.


Snape raised an eyebrow to her, “She could lose her job, not to mention that there have been a great number of books pulled off of the shelves over the years, because of very valid reasons.”

Hermione shook her head, “She has a section of books that Dumbledore pulled, which was all I had access to. She confirmed I was an Occulmens before the access was offered; we staged a conversation where she gave me strict instructions and told me all the books were spelled so I could not read them. They only had some references to coven’s.” she took a deep breath, “Mr. Lovegood brought Luna back an informative book from the States. Luna and I were able to figure out that the rituals for the muggle Wiccan’s were very similar to the few in the book Mr. Lovegood gave us. We extended our library from there; looking for muggle books that seemed to fit the same structure, our theory is that you only need the ritual for invoking the guardians and after that you can kind of wing it.”

Hermione continued to explain to the group about the magical disturbance invoking the Guardians’ can cause and her run in with the Ministry official.


Her grandfather looked at Lucius, “See if you can find out who responded.”

Lucius nodded.

Theo looked at Hermione, “You did all of this with Loony Lovegood?”

Hermione scowled at him, “She’s not loony, she happens to be quite brilliant. She is the one who had the information on the blood wards we used with the journal. She also helped in the creation.”

Tom looked at her appraisingly. “That was a creative use for a crystal ball.”


Hermione nodded and blushed, her voice was morose when she spoke. “Harry, he bought the crystal ball as a joke gift, and I told him I would make something useful out of it – I was only kidding at the time, but they do focus and hold magical energy. We played around with it for a bit, and found that they were quite easy to manipulate into voice recorders; we progressed from there.”

Her father addressed her, “You miss Harry? We are working on a way to get to him. We are hoping we get a chance during the school year.”


Hermione looked at her hands again, “He will not cooperate, not until he finds the artifacts that Dumbledore is after. He is planning on going with Weasley.” She spat the name. “He is convinced that these objects are the key to something big that Dumbledore has planned, and I have to agree with him.”


Snape asked looked at her thoughtfully before asking, “Are you sure Potter can be trusted?”

She thought it was strange he didn’t ask about Luna, but answered anyway. “Harry has not trusted Dumbledore since fourth year. Aside from the issue with the tri-wizard tournament – which really, if you think about it makes little sense, that a minor who should not have been able to enter the competition, had to participate once they were entered. Dumbledore claimed it was a magical contract, but since Harry never put his name on the paper – it was entered for him – he would have no magical obligation. But, not even taking that into consideration, there were several instances where Harry tried to cut off his friendship with Ron, and was always urged by Dumbledore to remain friends with him. On a few occasions, Harry, felt compelled to be friends with him, he said it was like he couldn’t stop being his friend even if he wanted to.”

As Hermione spoke she notice a look of surprise cross Snape’s face for a split second before he masked it – honestly did he think they were complete idiots.

Lucius eyed her shrewdly, if he could teach her to mask her emotions a bit she would make a fine Slytherin. “Hermione, you mentioned the Boot boy, and Luna, how do you know that you can trust them?”

“Terry had made some comments during the DA meetings. Things like, you can never tell who your real enemies are... He agreed to be questioned under Veritaserum . Luna – well, Luna, is hard to explain. I think she is a seer, but she doesn’t really talk about it. She just kind of came along one day and started helping with research and such. I think Dumbledore might have had something to do with her mum’s death, but I never asked her directly. Her father is the one adult we have been able to trust.” She looked at Snape with no small amount of guilt in her eyes.

Lucius nodded at her, got up and left the room; leaving Hermione a bit flabbergasted in his wake – did she do something wrong?

He returned moments later and handed her a book, she looked at the title on the tome, and read out loud, “Our Archaic Laws, and Why We Follow Them, edition MMMCMLXXXII, modern English.” She raised an eyebrow to Lucius.


He smiled, “This book best describes the dissolution of the coven in Britain. I marked the pages relevant.”


Hermione opened the book to the first marked page and laughed out loud when she read the first passage. She started to read out loud, the laughter in her voice could not be missed. “All covens will cease to exist, while the practice will not be outlawed, it is forbidden to openly practice and will be frowned upon. Witches in need of protection will seek out their family patriarch. – Did the Minister that year have a short wand?”

Both Bella and Cissa laughed, Bella explained. “I do not believe he had a short wand, he did have a very powerful wife who was head of her coven. She was the reason that the practice was not outlawed completely. But, she was also the reason for the laws, she was brutal and people feared her. In order to keep his post as Minister and keep his wife happy, the laws were put into place.”


Hermione nodded and continued reading. When Severus intended to interrupt her Tom held up a hand, not fully understanding Hermione’s obsession with books. The group silently waited for her to finish the passage she was reading. As she turned the page she proceeded to kick her shoes off, and pull her feet up under her on the chair. Tom looked at Severus and raised an eyebrow. “Does she always do this.”

Severus nodded in response. When Hermione finally stopped reading, it was not to go back to the conversation at hand, but to scold Draco whose shoulders shook in silent laughter. She scowled never removing her eyes from the book, “Draco, Stop. You’re shaking my chair!”

Draco laughed out loud in response. Hermione looked at the group and blushed, “Um… sorry.”

“That’s quite alright, dear. Before you I let you leave – I’m assuming I will not see you for the rest of the day once you start reading this book, I want to make sure you are adjusting well.” Tom asked questioningly

She nodded to him.

“Are you sure, your Uncle is a bit concerned you have not had many questions.” He continued to press.


She scrunched her eyebrows crinkling her forehead in confusion before she realized she has not really approached them with questions. “Theo and I talk. He has been able to answer my questions.”

Alex looked at Theo clearly annoyed, “You could have told us that Theo.”

Theo just shrugged, “You didn’t ask what we talk about, only if she was doing okay.”

Severus looked to Hermione, “Tomorrow you will be leaving for Greece, your mother is there – But, if you would like we can bring her home today.”

“No!” Hermione answered a bit too quickly. “That – that is not necessary.” She really was not sure how she was supposed to face her mother, knowing what she sacrificed to protect her.

Alex eyed his daughter astutely, “Hermione?”

Hermione felt Draco take her hands in his as Hermione pushed forward. “It’s okay, I can wait until tomorrow. We still have to go to London – and I want to read this book – there will be little left of the day by the time we get back – and will be heading there tomorrow, anyway.”

Alex nodded, “Very well. We do need one more thing from you. We need a drop of blood. Severus has already seen your mother to gather the requirement from her.”

Hermione looked at her father with a sense of foreboding. She noticed out of the corner of her eye Bella, Cissa, and Lucius were leaving the room, while Tom, Theo, and her father were staring at her with looks of apprehension. She was glad Draco still had a firm hold of her hand, anchoring her and keeping her panic at bay.

Severus began speaking as he kneeled in front of her holding a gold pin and a small vile. “There has been a lot of talk on the most appropriate way to punish Samuel. His crimes are punishable by death in our world, but none of us feel a quick death is fair.” Hermione’s eyes went wide as Snape continued. “We have found an obscure potion that will allow him to feel the pain and fear he has inflicted on his victims. We need you to focus on all of the pain he has caused you over the years as I remove the drop of blood.”

Hermione stared at him blankly, and he added in a soothing tone, “If you are not able, we do have your mother’s contribution already.” Thinking of her mother’s sacrifices gave Hermione the strength and anger she needed to proceed. She handed her Professor her hand before closing her eyes and focusing on the more traumatic events in her life.

She opened her eyes as the needle was removed and was immediately pulled into a hug by her brother. She looked at her grandfather content to remain in Theo’s embrace and asked, “What exactly will it do?”

“He will feel everything that you and your mother have been through over the years, but in a twenty-four hour time period. The potion will either kill him, or drive him into insanity. Either way he will not be able to cause pain again.”

She nodded, too dazed to truly process the information.

Draco stood to leave as well when Alex called him back into the room.

It did not escape Alex’s notice that Draco took Hermione’s hand when her mother was brought up. “Can you explain my daughter’s posturing at the mention of her mother?”


Draco sighed, “I believe she is feeling a bit guilty after the things Samuel said this morning. She had mentioned that she was not sure she would be able to face her mother. I think she feels that her mother had to do things, because Hermione was to weak herself to handle them.”

Alex scrubbed his face with his hands, “Thank you, Draco. You understand Isabella did what she had to in order to protect Hermione, correct.” Draco nodded, Alex continued although he sounded extremely tired. “If the opportunity arises, please, try and help Hermione understand this is not her fault- a child should not have been put in that situation at all. I will talk to Isabella about this development as well.”



~oOo~

Hermione met Draco and Severus in the traveling room. Theo and Lucius joined them moments after, both deciding they would go as well. Mipsy was able to provide her adequate clothing for her outing. Dressed in a fitted tee-shirt, dark-blue mid-rise jeans, and a cute little boot that came a little higher than her ankle that had a nice three inch heel on it. She wasn’t sure how Mipsy charmed the shoes, but she felt like she was walking on pillows; and she was glad for the extra height – she was sure all wizards must somehow charm themselves to be taller, it just wasn’t normal knowing so many tall people.

She stood with her black cloak donned over her arm and watched the men study her. Theo and Severus wore identical scowls’. Draco eyed the form fitting clothes appraisingly before meeting her eyes and giving her a small smile. Lucius just raised an eyebrow to her – sometimes he really wished wizards would give up the robes.

“We are Flooing to a safe house in London, from there we can either walk or apparate depending on the distance.” Snape’s deep voice cut through the silence. “If we are followed the first person able to get to Hermione is to port-key her home.” Snape turned looking directly at Hermione. “We will be disillusioned, two at you sides and two at your back, since you are refusing to tell us exactly where we are going.” He sneered at the last bit.

Hermione just nodded as she was lead into the Floo.

She spun out of the Floo into a dark and musty home it appeared as if it hadn’t been inhabited in many years. Before she could get a good look at her surroundings she was ushered out the front door, and was able to immediately recognize her surroundings. Instead of waiting for the men to instruct her she proceeded to walk down the street calling out behind her, “It’s about a fifteen minute walk.”

Severus Snape could not decide whether he wanted to be concerned or angry, the little chit was leading them through an extremely dilapidated area of the city like she lived there all of her life. He was a bit relieved when his nephew broke his orders, removing the disillusionment and appearing next to Hermione, but only after an old man leered at her.


Hermione refused to make eye contact with Theo, she thought he was being a bit to over protective. She quickly walked down a small alley way between two run-down buildings, when she reached the end she stopped and just waited.

A scruffy looking teenager came out of the shadows. Hermione had to roll her eyes, his pants were too big and were falling down his hips, and his shirt was too large as well. She could tell the clothes were new and designed to fit that way, he looked like a little rich-boy juvenile delinquent. It really should not have surprised her; she knew the type that Dudley hung out with.

“You’re the bird Duds told me to meet.” The boy snorted, his whiney voice grating on Hermione’s nerves. “Dudley told me you were dangerous, and not to upset you.” He leaned in closer to her. “You don’t seem so dangerous to me, pretty bird”

Before the boy could continue he found himself slammed against the wall by an invisible force. Draco quickly disillusioned himself as he held onto the boy. When he spoke his voice was menacing, “Perhaps, the danger is not her but who she travels with. If you have a package for her I suggest you hand it over.”


The boy sputtered for a moment, before Draco slackened his grip allowing him to pull out two envelopes. As Draco reached for them the boy pulled his hand back, “I was told to only give them to the bird, and I don’t get paid if I do otherwise.”

Hermione walked over and grabbed the envelopes, opening the one in Harry’s writing.


Hermione,
The password is the usual. Take care and be careful, I will be in touch.

Love, Harry

Opening the second envelope, in the center of the parchment read in a hastily scribbled script, Atrum and Rarus.


Hermione nodded to herself and started walking again. Draco and Theo quickly caught up to her flanking her sides. She heard the obnoxious boys voice call out, “that’s it then; I better get paid.” She chose not to acknowledge him, it wasn’t like he was going to come chasing after them.”

Hermione looked up at Draco, as she continued winding them up and down the streets and through alley ways. “You know, Draco, I was fine – I did not need you to protect me.”

Draco looked at her and raised an eyebrow, “I didn’t say you did, Hermione.”

Hermione huffed, “Well, you certainly implied it when you decided to act like a caveman.”

He smirked at her, “Caveman - really, Hermione, if I was acting like a caveman I would have drug you out of this gods-forsaken neighborhood by your hair, as soon as we entered it.”

Her nostrils flared, “I don’t need you intervening when I am more than capable of handling a situation.”

He smirked at her for a second time, - gods she wanted to smack that smug look off of his face. “It’s really a good thing I didn’t ask you than, Hermione.” Draco gritted out.

Before the conversation could become too heated Theo decided to intervene. “Hermione, leave it alone.” Hermione raised her head to give her brother a heated stare.

Draco took her hand and gently pulled her closer to his side. “Don’t be angry, Hermione.” He ran his thumb over her palm as he spoke. “I am going to protect you, and it has nothing to do with you being capable or not – I want to, Hermione, and I will.”

Hermione couldn’t remain angry at him, it was really kind of sweet in some kind of macho – Dark age - testosterone filled way. She relaxed by his side, and Draco mentally rewarded himself for putting a halt to the argument. He could tell Theo was glad to, as his friend kept shooting him amused looks over Hermione’s head.


They stopped when they reached a dead-end, Draco and Theo both looked at her curiously. Lucius and Severus both appeared in front of them, Severus looked enraged; while Lucius looked somewhat amused.

Snape’s voice was low and deadly when he spoke, “Give me the letter and I will retrieve the book.”

Hermione stood straight and jutted out her chin, “They will not give you the book, and they will be expecting me and my signature.” Her tone was prim.

“Who is they, Hermione?” Snape just about hissed at her.

“Atrum or Rarus, whoever is in.” She replied, her stance still defiant. She huffed at him a bit exasperated, “Where did you think we were going… Flourish and Blotts?”


Both Draco and Theo sucked in a deep breath, they realized as Hermione said Atrum they were headed to Knockturn Alley and apparently Hermione has been there before.

Lucius had to give the girl credit – really where did Severus think they were going to pick up the book?

Lucius decided to interrupt. “I will bring her to the store, the rest of you can head back.”

The three other men just gaped at Lucius, Lucius just sighed and continued to explain. “Really, the five of us strutting through Knockturn Alley is bound to draw attention.”

Severus bowed his head slightly, and watched as Hermione donned her cloak, pulling up the large hood to conceal her face.

Draco looked to his father as he transfigured his robes into a long cowl. “Shouldn’t we at least walk you to the entrance.”

Lucius smiled at Hermione before looking at his son. “We are at the entrance to Knockturn Alley.” Lucius tapped on the stones of the wall, and they all watched as the entrance appeared.

Taking Hermione’s arm he nodded towards the door, “Shall we?” Hermione missed the scowls on both Theo and Draco’s face as her and Lucius entered the dark alley.

They made their way quickly through the alley, Lucius could tell she had been there on more than one occasion. She kept her eyes down, and her face protected from sight within the confines of her hood.

When they entered the dark book store Hermione took a deep breath, enjoying the smell of old parchment and the musky scent of the tomes.


A little old man, who was possible part Goblin stood in the front of the store. His skin was a bit bumpy with yellowish tint to it, he had slightly pointed ears, and random strings of gray hair on his face in spots that hair should not grow.


“Ah, Miss Granger, welcome… welcome.” His voice was kind and warm, it always struck Hermione as being a bit odd that such a nice man was working in this dark alley.


“It’s Miss Nott now, Mr. Rarus.” She smiled kindly at him.


“Of course, dear, and for some reason I am not as surprised as I should be.” He smiled at her. “I have your manuscript right here dear, you know the drill.” He handed her a quill and ledger as he said this, “Name and password dear.”

“She started signing her name to ledger, hissing out in pain as the quill magically engraved her name in the back of her hand, her blood being used as ink in the ledger.”

When she was finished the Rarus approached her with a vile of dittany and poured some on the back of her hand. “Sorry about that, dear, but it is the safest way.”

She only nodded as her handed her the book. “You take care Mr. Rarus.”

He smiled at her again, “You take care as well, I imagine with Mr. Malfoy escorting you around you won’t be back her for a while, that Uncle of your would probably put me out of business if he knew you were here.”

She grimaced a bit, as she waved and walked out the door. She handed Lucius the book and watched as he shrunk it and tucked it into his robes.

They made their way quietly out of the alley, and quickly removed their robes as they entered back into muggle London.

As they made their way back through the streets Hermione couldn’t help asking, “Why are you so relaxed about this, Prof- Uncle Severus seemed so angry?”


Lucius smiled, “Your Uncle likes to make pretend we did as we were told when we were your age, but that is not the case. Don’t worry about your Uncle, Hermione, I will talk to him when we get home. I personally think he should be proud of you, despite the many obstacles put in your path you continued to persevere. Also, you were right, the knowledge you were after was not going to be found in Diagon Alley. You and your friends managed to do what needed to be done, I’m rather proud of you. Although you do understand you will not be going to Knockturn Alley again, at least unsupervised.” He smiled at her, and she nodded to him in response.

They made their way back to the old house they started in and Floo back to the manor. They were greeted by Draco in the traveling room, who was apparently seething in anger waiting for her.

“Did you have a nice trip, Hermione?” His voice was quiet yet foreboding.


A/n

Sorry for the delay in the update… can you believe they expect me to be productive at work – how unreasonable of them!

I had a bit of a hard time with this, I had PMS in the beginning of the week, and I had Hermione kill Samuel, I had to delete and re-write, although it would have been easier to add in some bad cramps and PMS for Hermione.

foreverawriter , Tale, ,foreverawriter , Gryffindor_Slytherin , smurphy , Monddame - Thank you for all of the kind reviews. If I forgot anyone please do not be upset, copying and pasting names from the review screens was not fun :)
margaritama - I have to agree, I am not a fan of changing Hermione’s appearance, I did intentionally try to keep it subtle and I considered only going to dark brown but I figured with Snape and Riddle having dark hair I would go with black.
kazfeist - almost European lol (I tired)