A/N: Hello there! This is another story I'm hoping to write (don't worry I haven't abandoned A Lion's Heart, I just got new inspiration for this one). Let me know if you'd like to see this continued. Basic Plot idea: Hermione is adopted. She's actually the illegitimate daughter of a witch and a rather bad wizard that will be revealed later! This one will probably be update less frequently than my other story, but I hope you enjoy it! I think it's an interesting take. This chapter is obviously in the past, but the rest of the story will take place immediately after the war.

I do not own anything that appears in any of the Harry Potter books or movies.


October 7th, 1979.

"Avada Keda-" she could hear being called over her shoulder. She wrapped the bundle in her arms closer to her chest and dodged out of the way of the oncoming spell. Bolting through the trees she fired a spell behind her shoulders and listened for the familiar crack of wood shattering. A voice could be heard cursing as the man felt a large splinter off the nearby tree impale itself into his knee.

"You'll pay for that, bitch!" the man snarled. "Cruc-" he began but his spell was cut off by a large tree on his other side crashing to the ground, blocking his path.

Eleanor kept running, even as her attacker's voice trailed far behind her, soon disappearing into the damp, October wind. When she finally came to a clearing in the woods she slowed to a walk, catching her breath as she tip-toed through the woods, careful to avoid making any noise. She looked down into the bundle of blankets and removed the soft cover from the child's face. "It is okay love, no one will hurt you," she cooed as she bounced the one month old child in her arms. "I am going to take you to some nice people, where no one can find you and everything will be alright," she whispered softly, smiling as she traced her fingers across the brown curls atop the baby's soft head.

A snap of twigs from somewhere behind her reminded her she was not alone in these woods so before her guest had time to show up, she quickly wrapped the baby up further into her arms and closed her eyes, disappearing from the woods with a 'pop' just as she heard that wretched man call after her.

She soon appeared in a clammy alleyway next to two rubbish bins and a squeaky gate. Emerging from her hiding place, she looked both ways onto the street to ensure no one was stumbling along late at night that would see her. When she decided it was clear enough, she made her way down the small street, thankful the clouds provided a darker cover for her. She counted the houses and finally stopped at a small brick house with a cottage garden entrance. Stepping through the creaky gate, she made her way to the front door and knocked exactly twice on the white stained, mahogany, door.

The door slightly cracked open to reveal a petite woman with dark, curly hair. "Eleanor?" she gasped at the sight of the woman in front of her. "Come in, come in, we've been expecting you, but we didn't think so soon, is everything alright?" the woman worried.

Eleanor stepped through the door into the quaint hallway and shook her head, removing her hood in the process. "I'm afraid not Heather, it's no longer safe for her with me, we'll need to move our arrangements up to now as the blood magic within our wards do not work since she shares his blood too. I apologize if this is too soon, but I really have no other option," she said in one panicked breath. She smiled at the tall, sandy haired man that soon joined his wife, an arm draping around Heather's shoulder. "Richard," she nodded.

"I'm so sorry Eleanor, is there anything we can do?" the man smiled sadly.

The witch gave a heavy sigh and sat on the edge of the bench in the hallway, drifting her gaze to her daughter. A small tear rolled down her cheek as the child squirmed in her arms, the tiny eyes fluttering open with a small yawn. "Remember that no matter what happens, you are special my dear, sweet child. He can't hurt you from here, and your new family will protect you, I promise you that. Be good love, be safe," she cried softly. A small hand touched her shoulder and she looked up into the now crying eyes of the muggle woman she has grown to know and care deeply for. "I've written a note to explain everything to her if she ever finds out," Eleanor choked down, unable to finish her sentence. "My husband and I will be safe once she is no longer in our home, the blood binding wards will make sure of that. He will search for her no doubt, but it has been ensured to me that he cannot find her here, nor will he think to search a muggle town at that anyway. I apologize now, I cannot continue contact with you, it is not safe, so after tonight this will be the last you hear from me. However, a professor from Hogwarts will be in touch with you shortly, she knows of our arrangement and will help further explain any concerns you may have. When she turns eleven, she will be old enough to attend the school, and while it is terrifying to think she may once again enter the magical world, I can assure you there is no safer location than that school. But ultimately, it is up to you and her to decide. I want to thank you immensely, and I know you will love her as your own. Do you have anything to address before I go?" she asked nervously, her arms shaking at the thought of giving up her precious little girl.

"Does she have a name?" Richard asked as his wife hesitantly took the small bundle being offered to her. The couple was immediately enamored with the tiny being in their arms they almost didn't notice their guest heading towards the door.

"She does," Eleanor smiled as she opened the door, shivering as the cold wind rushed into the small hallway. "Her name is Hermione," and with that she closed the door behind her, leaving the new family to settle in together for the night.


July 3rd, 1991.

Hermione yawned as she climbed out of bed and made her way down the stairs for breakfast. She blinked her lazy eyes as she opened the fridge, muttering good morning to her mother and father. She wondered who the third guest was sitting at their kitchen table, but figured it was one of her mother's many friends who came over for brunch, her mother's favourite meal. Grabbing the orange juice off the top shelf she moved to pour some in the glass she knew was already waiting for her. However, when there was no glass she frowned and looked up to her father who was leaning against the counter. He cleared his throat and tilted his head towards his wife with a knowing glance. Hermione turned to face her mother with a questioning look.

"Hermione," her mother smiled waving her daughter over to the seat next to her and her strange friend. She finally took in the woman that sat next to her. She was tall and rather thin; her hair was black and tucked back in a rather tight knot at the back of her head. Her eyes were a piercing blue and crinkled at the corners as they peered through her square glasses that sat at the tip of her nose. Hermione thought her clothing was rather odd and remind her of something one of the characters from one of the many books she'd read. The woman's dress was black with long sleeves and the coat she wore over top was long, loose, and emerald green with wide sleeves that swung from her wrists. She also had on a brown and green tartan hat that was pointed and had flaps to cover her ears, with a matching scarf thrown around her neck. While certainly out of place, Hermione couldn't help but admire her outfit, noting that it certainly suited the older woman.

Hermione looked back to her mother with questioning eyes, unsure of just who this woman was, why she was sitting in their kitchen, and what that had to with her. "Hermione, this is Minerva McGonagall, she's come to speak to you about starting at a new school in September, say hello," Heather Granger smiled at her bushy haired daughter.

Hermione immediately put down the carton of juice and held out her hand to the older woman. "Hello, Ms. McGonagall, I'm Hermione Granger," she smiled as the woman shook her hand in return with a twinkle in her eyes and a chuckle on her lips.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss. Granger," Minerva replied in her Scottish brogue. "Your parents have informed me that you have quite a few talents and knack for learning," she smiled.

Hermione nodded, wondering how much her parents have told her of her 'talents'. "I love to read, I read every day," she smiled.

Minerva held back her chuckle and gave the small child a polite nod. "Ah, so I've heard. I also understand that you are able to do things that no one else can, is that correct?"

Hermione chewed on her bottom lip and turned to her parents, worried this woman might think she was a freak, just like all those other children at school did. Heather nodded with a smile, assuring her it would be okay so she looked back to the strange guest and gave a polite, albeit nervous, nod. "Are you here to take me away?" she asked nervously, her lip starting to quiver in fear.

"Oh no dear, nothing like that. You see, I am just like you and I've come to tell you about a school full of children your age that are just like you as well. You see Hermione, some people are gifted with a rather rare talent, you, my dear, are a witch." McGonagall explained with a reassuring smile.

Hermione's eyes widened as the woman told her she was a witch. "I'm a, a witch?" Minerva nodded with a grin. "Shut up!" she shouted excitedly, immediately clamping her hands over her mouth at her slip.

"Hermione!" her mother gasped, but Minerva chuckled and shook her head.

"It's quite alright dear; I can see why it would be a bit of a shock."

"But witches are only fairytales, do you expect me to believe I am a witch and you are a witch too?" Hermione shook her head, her rational side of her brain kicking in.

"Would you like me to show you?" the kind woman asked, and Hermione politely nodded her head. "Very well then." Hermione watched as the older woman rose to her feet and removed her hat, placing it on the table. Her eyes widened and she had to blink a few times to believe it as she slowly watched the older woman's body transform and shift until suddenly a black and grey tabby cat sat by her feet. She crouched down and giggled as she noticed a square outline around the cat's eyes, similar in shape to the woman's glasses. Hermione reached out her hand and squealed as the cat leaned into her palm, rubbing its head against her hand. The cat suddenly moved back to its previous spot on the floor and with the flick of its tail, slowly transformed back into her normal self.

"That way amazing," Hermione said with wide eyes. "You-you're a witch! I-I'm a witch too! Can I do that?" she rambled out her exclamations with wonder.

"Ah, perhaps one day you will be able to, but it takes years of practice and studying a subject called Trasnfiguration," Minerva explained to the small witch.

Hermione frowned and finally took a seat at the table. "But how do I learn Trans-figuration?" she sounded out.

It was McGonagall's turn for her eyes to light up as she replied to her inquisitive future pupil. "I happen to be the Transfiguration Professor at a school called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy where many young witches and wizards like yourself learn all about how to properly use magic. That happens to also be why I am here, I've come to tell you that if you wish, there is a place waiting for you at our wonderful school," she beamed.

"Me? Really? Mum? Dad?" she pleaded as she turned to her parents for answers.

Her parents exchanged a nervous glance before nodding back to their daughter. They had thought about protecting her in the muggle world, but once she started to perform uncontrolled magic when she was only four, they knew that her best chance at a normal life would be to attend this school. "It's your choice ducky," her father smiled and Hermione jumped up and down in excitement.

"When does it start?" she rushed out.

Minerva reached into her pocket and pulled out three things: an envelope, a rather small book, and long, pointed stick. Hermione watched in awe as she tapped the stick against the book, and couldn't believe her eyes as the book grew in size. McGonagall handed the now large book and the envelope to Hermione and she promptly took it into her arms. "I thought you might be interested. The letter will explain more to you, and also holds a list of required items for the school year. I will come back at the end of the summer, a week before the start of school, and help you retrieve those items. However, I've taken the liberty to provide you with a gift, something I'm sure you'll find interesting beyond your wildest dreams. I am glad to hear you will be joining us at Hogwarts this year, I look forward to teaching you," she smiled.

Hermione looked down in her hands and turned the envelop that held her name over to see a red, wax seal with a strange crest imprinted upon it. Tucking the note away to read later, she turned her focus to the book. "Hogwarts: A History," she said, licking her lips in anticipation to read, but held back from opening the book, knowing it would be rude in front of company.

"Oh go on dear, you can go read, we have some more things we need to discuss with Minerva before she heads back to the school," her mother smiled as she dismissed her daughter, watching with sad eyes as a bush of hair bounced away back up the stairs to her room.

She felt a hand grip hers and looked up to her husband who had now joined her side. "She'll be alright Heather," he smiled. "Minerva has assured us it's the safest place for her, and she's said he hasn't been seen or heard from in years. We need to let her grow up sometime after all." Heather felt a thumb wipe away her tears and she turned her smile back to the kind witch in their home. Minerva's kind eyes secured her trust in the woman and she knew they were doing the right thing. A question had been nagging on her mind all morning however, and she hoped Minerva had the answers. "Have you heard anything of Eleanor?" she asked.

McGonagall nodded in understanding at their concern and cast a quick charm to ensure no curious ears could over hear their conversation. "I cannot tell you much, but I can assure you she is safe. She and her husband actually have a daughter that is starting at Hogwarts this year as well," she smiled at the couple.

"Oh that's wonderful," Heather grinned.

"I wish we could tell her the truth, Hermione would be floored to know she'd have a sister attending the same school as her," Richard sighed.

Minerva gave a sad smile to the man and nodded. "I agree, but it is of the utmost importance this be kept a secret, for her own protection. If she knew the truth, then it won't be long before he finds her, you do understand?"

The pair nodded with a sigh.

"I am terribly sorry," Minerva replied.

"It's quite alright, we understand. No matter what, Hermione will grow up loved, and know that we are proud of who she is, regardless of the facts," Richard smiled, staring up the stairs to where he knew his little girl would be furiously flipping through the pages of her new book. Despite the surrounding circumstances, she really was a gift in their lives. When they found out that they were unable to have children, the two dentists were heartbroken. Shortly after they looked into adoption was when Eleanor walked into their lives, exposing a whole new world to them. She had informed them that she found out they were seeking a child from Minerva when she had told the witch about her predicament, and promptly sought them out. While at first they were certainly terrified by the idea, but their friendship with Eleanor grew rapidly over the months and then as soon as Hermione entered their lives they loved intensely and nothing was going to change that fact. They knew they were willing to die to protect their daughter and give her the life she deserves.