Chapter One: Misery Business

"Explain to me again why we are about to attack this muggle home? Not that I'm complaining..." Igor asked as he stared at the white paneled house in front of him.

Bellatrix practically growled at his stupidity, "This is the Mudblood's house; Potter's friend."

Lucious smirked at her, "Now, now Bella. Take your frustration out on the parents."

With that said they made their way to the door, "The dumb muggles didn't even lock their door!" Lucious grumbled. Pushing the door open he immediately noticed a male fast asleep on the couch with the TV muted.

Bella chuckled and skipped over to the sleeping body, "Looks like someone was a bad boy. Sleeping on the couch... I wonder what he did?" Shrugging her shoulders she glanced over at the others, "Well, what are you waiting for? Go find the bitch."

Lucious and Igor glared at her but did as they were told.

Bellatrix smirked as she slowly pushed her wand into his cheek. Panicked brown eyes suddenly met hers. "Good morning, Mr. Granger. Sleep well?" Digging her wand into his cheek more she leaned closer to his face and hissed, "Would you like to play a game?"

Mr. Granger shook his head and attempted to push the wand away from his face, "What do you want?"

Bellatrix sighed impatiently, "I want to play a game!"

Mr. Granger stared at her confused, "What kind of game?"

Bella smirked darkly and whispered in his ear, "It's called Crucio."

Suddenly the sound of Mrs. Granger screaming from upstairs caused Mr. Granger to jump from the chair, pushing Bellatrix away.

Bellatrix glared at him as he ran towards the stairs, "Crucio!" She yelled causing him to tumble down the stairs screaming as the spell took over.

Laughing lightly, Bellatrix skipped over to his side and looked down at his pain filled eyes, "One point for me! It's your turn now, Muggle."

Another scream was heard from upstairs, "What are they doing to my wife?"

Bellatrix shrugged her shoulders, "Playing a game."

"Get out of my house! Take your friends with you!" Mr. Granger shouted, "Get out!"

Bella frowned sadly and shook her finger at him, "That was not nice, Muggle. Is that how you treat your guests?" She quickly thrust her wand out shouting, "Crucio!"

Once again, Mr. Granger began screaming on the floor.

Bella sighed as she watched him calm down, "I'm becoming bored, Muggle. You're not even trying to play with me!"

He glared up at her, "I don't play the Devil's games."

Bellatrix smirked at him, "Fine. Avada Kadavera!"

Mr. Granger fell limp on the floor with his brown eyes still opened. Fear was not present in his eyes though, instead hatred glittered in his eyes.

With a swift kick to his face she giggled and hopped up the stairs, "Are you done playing yet? I want to go home to Voldiepooh."

Lucious rolled his eyes, "Oh yes, I am finished. Igor on the other hand is collecting her eyes." Lucious glanced down at the blood scene on the floor with disgust.

Bella smiled happily and swooped down beside Igor, "The Lord will be so pleased with you."

Igor tilted his head proudly and whispered, "She has such pretty eyes..."

Lucious sighed in disgust, "Come now, our mission is complete."

Igor stood and held out his hand to assist Bella up, "I'm done anyway."

Bella smiled as she grabbed Igor's hand, "We have one thing left to do. Outside we go."

Once all three were outside Bellatrix lifted her wand and whispered, "Incendio!"

They did not stay to watch the flames devour the house, instead they disapparated back to their Lord.

Hermione felt her heart shatter into millions of pieces as she took in what her headmaster was telling her. Confusion blossomed in her mind as she shook her head in denial, "But they were safe... You are lying!"

Professor McGonagall quickly stepped closer to her and nealed down, "He is not lying, Miss. Granger. Somehow they found out the location of your house."

Tears brimmed her eyes as she glared at the floor, "I will not go to an orphanage!"

Albus smiled gently at the girl as his blue eyes twinkled brightly, "I promise you, Miss. Granger, that will be our last option."

Unsure, Hermione slowly looked up to meet his eyes, "Options?"

Albus nodded his head and offered her a Lemon Drop which she refused, "Yes, my dear, options. I am going to try to find you a nice home."

She suddenly shook her head irritably, "I can take care of myself, thank you."

Minerva raised her eyebrows at the young girl and thinned her lips, "Young lady you may be very intelligent but you must remember that you are only twelve years old. Technically, you are still considered a child."

Hermione rolled her eyes which unfortunately did not go unnoticed by her Head, "Do not roll your eyes at me Miss. Granger. I understand that you are upset and angry but you must remember your manners."

Hermione narrowed her eyes to the floor once again, "I'm not a child."

Albus' eyes twinkled brighter as he watched the exchange.

Minerva shook her head and gently grabbed her hand, "As much as you refuse to agree with me it is true. You will still be considered a child until you turn seventeen."

She quickly swallowed her disrespectful response and stood from the chair, "May I go to bed now, Headmaster?"

Albus smiled at her gently, "Yes, dear, you may. Sleep well, my child. Tomorrow we will talk some more."

Hermione quickly escaped the office without glancing at Professor McGonagall. As soon as the door closed tight behind her she ran towards the doors that lead outside. As she entered the cold night the tears began to fall.

Hermione ran until she could not find it in herself to run anymore. Collapsing on the ground, the tears took over. Once the tears slowed, she closed her eyes and laid down on the grass.

"Happy Birthday, Hermione!" Dad shouted happily as he pulled the covers off me, "Time to wake up, Sleeping Beauty!"

I grumbled and curled into a tighter ball, "I don't wanna."

Dad suddenly jumped on the bed making me laugh, "But I made your favorite breakfast... Don't make me cry, Herm."

Slowly, I sat up and watched him jump on my bed, "Dad, you are breaking a rule."

Suddenly his eyes went wide as realization hit him and he fell onto the bed making me laugh and nudge him with my foot, "You alive, daddy?"

Dad quickly looked up at me and smiled brightly, "I think I will manage. Come now, beautiful." He hopped off my bed and extended me his hand.

Taking it, he gently led me downstairs to the table.

"Oh yeah, Herm, I forgot to tell you. You have a letter on the table; it looks quite interesting."

Hagrid sighed in frustration as Fang began running in a circle, "Fang! You get in here!" As much as he yelled Fang would not listen. Glaring tiredly Hagrid began his way over to his silly dog. Approaching the dog he quickly noticed a young girl fast asleep on the ground, "Good boy, Fang!" Hagrid muttered as he leaned down to see who the child was. Smiling sadly he gently picked the still sleeping girl up, "I'm going to take to bed, Hermione. No worries." He whispered as he watched her eyes flutter. "Fang go home." He watched as Fang ran back to the hut before turning towards the castle.

Upon reaching the Fat Lady's portrait he whispered, "Please bring me Professor McGonagall, I have a student of hers."

The lady nodded her head and disappeared from the portrait.

Not two minutes later Minerva appeared in the entrance. Noticing who the sleeping girl was she quickly stepped out, "Where did you find her, Hagrid?"

"Fang found her fast asleep on the ground, Minerva. Thought I better bring her in..." Hagrid told her as he glanced down at the tear stained face. "Looks as if she cried herself to sleep."

Minerva sighed sadly and nodded her head, "You are aware, correct?"

Hagrid nodded his head, "Yeah, poor girl. She's too young to lose her parents."

Minerva nodded in agreement then said, "Could you carry her to my private rooms? I would like to keep an eye on her during tonight."

Hagrid nodded, "That would be best, don't want her to have a nightmare and no one to wake her up."

Hagrid followed her to her rooms and continued to follow her to the guest room. Glancing down at the sleeping child he gently brushed the hair from her face and waited for Minerva to finish pulling the blankets back.

"Just set her down I will get her ready for bed. Thank you, Hagrid." Minerva said kindly as she watched him lay Hermione on the bed.

She followed him out and shook his hand, "You have a good night, Hagrid." Then she returned to her guest room.

Staring down at the sleeping child, sudden feelings parental actions over came her as she gently pulled off Hermione's shoes then used her wand to change her clothes into pajamas. Once Hermione was all dressed Minerva pulled the blankets over her and tucked her in.

After double checking if she was comfortable Minerva left the room leaving the door cracked then headed to bed.

Feeling the rising sun fall on her face she quickly flipped on her stomach and pulled the pillow over her head. 'I don't quite remember returning to the dorm last night...' Hermione thought causing her to jump and throw the pillow off her head, "This is definitely not my bed." Uncovering herself from the white comforter she noticed her pajamas, "Some freak changed me into pajamas? What the-"

As if she could hear her student, Minerva chose this time to knock on the door, "Miss. Granger are you awake?"

"Professor?" Hermione asked in question.

Minerva opened the door and sat on the edge of the bed, "Good morning, Hermione. I'm sure you are wondering where you are; you are in my private rooms, specifically in my guest room."

Hermione slowly nodded her head, "But why am I here, Professor?"

Minerva thinned her lips and asked with a small amount of ice in her tone, "Care to explain to me, young lady, why you were sleeping outside on the grass?"

Hermione paled, "Well... I-I hadn't realized I fell asleep."

Minerva shook her head in disapproval, "Hagrid found you and carried you to my private rooms. You will be sure to thank him, Miss. Granger."

Taking it as a threat, Hermione nodded her head. "I'm sorry, Professor... Are you going to give me detention?"

Minerva slowly shook her head, "I think my reprimand will do for now."

Hermione smiled gratefully then asked, "Um, Professor?"

Minerva looked over at her in question, "Yes Miss. Granger?"

Hermione swallowed and asked, "Where are my clothes?"

Minerva tilted her head in understanding, "No worries, child, I did not change you out of your clothes last night. I did, however, take your shoes off. I transfigured your clothes into pajamas. When you wish to change into your day clothes again just let me know."

Hermione nodded her head, "Thank you... For last night."

Minerva nodded her head, "You are quite welcome, Miss. Granger." Standing up, she crossed the room to look out the window, "Headmaster Dumbledore will arrive in a half an hour to continue the conversation from last night. Apparently, he has an idea for your future guardians."

The thought of her dead parents caused tears to appear in her eyes. Grabbing the blanket she quickly pulled it over her face as she laid back down.

Minerva sighed sadly and walked back over to sit on the bed again. Touching her leg, she gently began to rub it encouragingly. "I'm sorry for your loss, Hermione. I'll always be here for you."

The blankets shook as her emotions took over, "I don't understand how H-Harry can do it!"

Minerva shook her head, "Mr. Potter has had practically his entire life without parents. Yes, there are times he suffers but he is alright."

Sobs sounded from under the blankets breaking Minerva's heart. "Shh, now now dear. Everything is going to be okay. It's hard right now, I know. Breathe, Hermione."

"I loved my parents and they took them away! It's not fair!" Hermione screamed and kicked her feet against the bed.

Minerva sighed gently as held her feet down, "You're right, it is not fair. Although, just because they're no longer with you does not mean that you cannot love them still. They're always with you, protecting you."

"They're mean, unloving, snotty, hoggish, evil, and I hate them! They took my parents! I'm going to kill them someday! Those bastards will pay!" Hermione screamed in anguish.

Minerva's eyes widened at her surprising language but she chose to not scold her... this time. "I understand you are angry, Miss. Granger and we will get revenge. On time it will happen, no worries."

Hermione's sobs slowed down until the tears stopped coming altogether. She did not want to get out from under the blankets for fear her Head would reprimand her for her language.

Minerva tapped her leg and asked gently, "Miss. Granger are you ready to come out?"

Blushing lightly she shook her head.

Minerva smirked at the small shape under the blankets, "And why not? You wouldn't be the first child I have ever seen with tear streaks."

Slowly, Hermione sat up but she refused to look at her Head, "I'm sorry."

Minerva sighed and shook her head, "For what, child? Crying? I cry, it's a normal human emotion, nothing to be sorry about."

Hermione smiled gently but shook her head, "No for calling them Ba- you know..."

Minerva nodded her head, "Ah yes, well I was planning on letting that slide because you said it during your melt down but if you really would like me to yell at you I can?"

Blushing, Hermione shook her head, "No thank you..."

Smirking, Minerva nodded her head, "I thought not. Now, get out of bed Headmaster Dumbledore will be here shortly. I will have biscuits and milk out on the table." With that said Minerva stood and exited the bedroom.

Hermione sighed, "This is messed up..." Slowly, she pulled herself out of bed and left the bedroom. Luckily, she did not have to go in search of her professor's kitchen because the bedroom door was in the kitchen.

Minerva was already sitting at the table with a biscuit reading the Daily Prophet.

Hermione gently sat down, "May I see the Prophet, Professor?"

Minerva shook her head in denial, "No you may not, Miss. Granger. Eat a biscuit."

Hermione stared at her in question, "Are my parents in there?"

Minerva dropped the paper to look at her with icy eyes, "Young Lady I told you to eat a biscuit."

Hermione huffed and grabbed a biscuit, "Are my parents in there?"

"Yes they are but by commands of the Headmaster you are not allowed to read it." Looking over the paper she quickly noted that Hermione still hadn't eaten her biscuit, "Now, if I have to tell you to eat a biscuit one more time you will find yourself in detention."

Thinking her Professor was no longer looking, Hermione rolled her eyes and silently mocked the threat. Picking up the biscuit she took a nibble out of the breading. Lifting her eyes from the table she noticed her Professor was still staring at her, "I took a bite out of it, Professor, just like you asked me to."

Minerva folded the Prophet and placed it beside her, "I find it highly unlike you to mock me like you just did, Miss. Granger. I understand that you are going through a lot right now but that does not give you the right to be disrespectful towards your elders. Are you begging for a good reprimand and detention?"

Blushing in embarrassment, Hermione quickly shook her head.

Minerva folded her arms in front of her making herself all the more threatening, "Is there something you would like to say?"

Hermione gulped and slowly lifted her eyes to meet her Professor's, "Yes ma'am. I'm sorry Professor McGonagall for mocking you, I won't do it again."

Minerva nodded her head in approval, "I will hold you to that, Miss. Granger. Now, finish your biscuit the Headmaster will be arriving any minute now." With that said Minerva stood to brew a pot of tea for their upcoming guest.

Hermione sighed as she took the last bite of her biscuit, "What now, Professor?"

Hearing her student, Minerva appeared from the sitting room, "Well, child, Headmaster Dumbledore will come and he will tell you about your new family and then we will go from there."

Hermione glanced at the table top nervously, "What if he puts me in a family like Harry's? We all know Headmaster Dumbledore is not good at judging muggles."

Minerva's jaw dropped, "Miss. Granger! I have not threatened any of my lions with this in a very long time but if you continue being disrespectful you will find yourself with your nose in a corner, do you understand me?"

Hermione rolled her eyes at the childish punishment, "You know it's true! Dumbledore didn't even check on Harry! He willingly put Harry in danger! He's an old fool."

Hermione gasped as Minerva strode to her side and pulled her out of the chair not too kindly. For a moment she had a great desire to protect her bum.

Minerva raised her eyes at her young lion and pointed to the corner, "You will stand there until I say otherwise and I will not hear a sound out of you or you will find yourself having to protect your backside next time."

All the color left Hermione's cheeks as she realized that she really was protecting her bottom. Quickly dropping her hands, she ran to the corner and hid her pink face.

Minerva nodded her head firmly then entered the sitting room once again.

Hermione sighed, 'Why am I acting so awful? I'm never like this... Not even mom threatened me with a smacking before! I hate this... I don't understand. I'm acting like Harry on one of his "I hate the world" days!'

A few minutes later Albus appeared at the door letting himself in, "Ah Miss. Granger." Albus' eyes twinkled at the sight of her facing the corner, "What could you have possibly done to deserve this deathly punishment?"

Hermione kept her back turned and stayed silent. A terrible blush appeared across her face at the thought of her Headmaster catching her in this position.

Minerva entered the room and answered his question, "Miss. Granger lost her respect outside last night. Come in, Albus and take a seat. Tea is ready for you. We will come in a moment." Once Albus entered the sitting room she gently turned Hermione around to face her, "Have you found your respect, Miss. Granger?"

Blushing brightly, Hermione lowered her face towards the ground and nodded her head, "Yes, ma'am..."

Gently, Minerva tapped her chin making her look up, "Come now, child, the Headmaster is waiting." With that said Minerva followed her student into the sitting room and took a seat on the rocking chair by the fire.

Still embarrassed, Hermione sat down on the brown couch and refused to make eye contact with anyone.

Albus sighed realizing she would not look at him. Glancing over at Minerva he began, "So obviously you are in need of a guardian because you are still underage. Last night I was juggling names around in my head and I believe I found the perfect person to play the role as your parent."

Hermione sighed sadly and slowly glanced up, "Is it Darth Vader?"

Minerva narrowed her eyes at her student.

Albus chuckled lightly, "Ah, muggle terms how enjoyable. Who may I ask is Mr. Vader?"

Hermione held in her smirk as she said very seriously, "He is your father."

Minerva thinned her lips and snapped, "Respect, Miss. Granger."

Hermione sighed in defeat, "It was supposed to be funny..."

Albus smiled gently at her, "I'm sure it would have been. I will look him up later. Now back to the discussion, I believe Professor McGonagall here would fit the role of your parent perfectly."

Minerva snapped her attention back to Albus.

Albus noticed her look and said, "That is, if she wants the position?"

Hermione held in her groan, 'So it IS Darth Vader... Luke save me.'

Minerva took a moment to think it over then slowly but surely she nodded her head, "Where are the papers?"

To her it was best if she got the guardianship of her young lion then if the poor girl found herself under guardianship of another one of Dumbledore's screwed up game pieces. If she has custody of Hermione she can easily keep the girl out of his manipulative hands.

Minerva looked over at her soon-to-be adopted daughter, "How do you feel about this, Miss. Granger?"

Hermione sighed, "I told you I can take care of myself."

Minerva smiled gently at her and responded, "And you showed me just how well you are at doing that; sleeping outside was not a grown-up decision."

Hermione looked as if she were about to scream, "That's not fair!"

"You're a child, of course nothing is fair to you." Minerva responded sternly.

In frustration, Hermione stood from the couch and held back the temptation to stomp her feet, "I am NOT a child!"

Just as quickly, Minerva stood and was about to reprimand her when Albus quickly intervened, "Please sit down, both of you. Minerva, you may deal with your disobedient daughter in a few minutes, after I leave."

This caused Hermione to blush and shrink on the couch, 'Boy have I done it now... I think I snapped her.'

Albus quickly flicked his wand making a few papers to appear, "Please sign these, Minerva."

Minerva did as she was told and then the papers disappeared in a flash of smoke.

Albus slowly stood, "Min will you show me out?"

Minerva quickly stood and smiled at him gently, "Of course."

Hermione gulped and sat on the couch uncomfortably. A few minutes later she heard her Professor close her entrance door.

Upon entering the sitting room Minerva narrowed her eyes at the girl then said in a quiet yet stern voice, "What do you have to say for yourself?"

Hermione glued her eyes to the floor and responded quietly, "I'm sorry." 'Please don't kill me!'

Pacing back and forth in front of her new daughter Minerva asked, "For what exactly, are you sorry for?"

"Screaming..." Hermione responded right away.

Minerva nodded her head, "And?"

Hermione sighed, "Acting like a child."

Again, Minerva nodded but asked, "What else?"

Hermione scrunched her forehead as she thought, "Being disrespectful?"

"Is that a question or a statement, young lady?" Minerva asked still holding her stern tone.

"S-statement." Hermione whispered.

Minerva nodded her head, "Good. Now what are we going to do about it?"

Hermione stared at her in confusion.

Noticing her confusion Minerva spoke up, "What kind of punishment do you think you deserve?"

Hermione gulped, 'She can't ask me that! I can't just tell her which punishment I'd like...'

Noticing her mind boggle, Minerva spoke up, "Now, normally if I make a threat I go through with said threat but since I just adopted you I do not feel right reddening your bottom today. Therefore, your punishment will not be severe. You are twelve years old and you believe you are a grownup so you are you able to decide what punishment you deserve."

Hermione shrugged her shoulders, she didn't want any punishment.

Minerva sighed softly, "Alright, child, I will give you options: go to sleep early tonight, no dessert, or lines."

Hermione shook her head, "You can't really want me to decide my fate? That's just abnormal. You are my "parent" so in that case it is not my decision, it's yours."

A small smile appeared on Minerva tight lips, "But I thought you weren't a child? Children need parents."

This caused Hermione to huff, "I'm not a child."

Smirking, Minerva replied, "Then you are very capable of deciding what you deserve."

Hermione noticed her defeat and glared at the floor, "Fine! I'm not an adult but I'm not a child either."

"Hermione you are not at the age yet to be considered a teen. Would you prefer I refer to you as a kid?"

Disgusted, Hermione shook her head, "There's absolutely no way that I'm going to successfully win this battle, huh?"

Minerva slowly shook her head, "So, which punishment shall it be?"

Sighing, Hermione lowered her eyes to the floor, "This is not fair."

Raising her eyes, Minerva stopped pacing and glanced at her adopted daughter, "Excuse me?"

Flinching, Hermione quickly noticed her mistake, "I mean- Well you can't o-obviously expect me to be able to decide which punishment I should receive. Obviously I don't want any punishment."

Taking a small step closer to the child, Minerva's lips thinned out once again as she placed her hands on her hips, "I believe I have made my point. Do you understand now?"

Hermione sighed, "Okay so I'm not old enough to take care of myself but please don't make me decide that."

Minerva nodded her head, "Alright, your punishment will be no dessert. Do you think that is fair enough?"

"Well I guess. I mean, it's better then having to write lines." Hermione replied quietly.

Minerva smiled gently in agreement, "It is better then a smacking."

The thought of actually receiving a "smacking" from her Professor caused a deep blush to appear across her cheeks.

Minerva slowly sat down beside her and asked quietly, "Hermione, have you ever been punished by means of a spanking before?"

The blush deepened as she slowly shook her head. "No but I've heard Ron and Harry complain about them before..."

Smiling, Minerva nodded her head, "Mr. Wesley's parents are very firm when it comes to punishments."

Hermione nodded in agreement, "W-would you ever use a spoon on me? Ron says his mom's favorite "backside burner" was her spoon."

Minerva shook her head, "Yes, Molly does tend to use her spoon quite often but I will not use a spoon on you. For the most part if you receive a punishment as severe as a smacking I will only use my hand. On occasion I will use a ruler but you would have to do something very inappropriate to receive that. Also, if you receive a smacking it will be over your skirt."

By now her blush was unbearably hot, "W-what do you consider to be 'very inappropriate'?"

Minerva narrowed her eyes at the young girl, "Why? Are you planning on doing so?"

Hermione quickly shook her head, "No, ma'am!"

Nodding, Minerva continued, "What I consider to be very inappropriate is cussing at a respected adult, sneaking out of the castle," Minerva thinned her lips as a warning to the girl, "Even if Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley sneak out you will not follow. Am I understood?"

Suddenly finding her throat dry, Hermione gulped and nodded her head, "Yes, ma'am."

Satisfied, Minerva continued, "Also you could receive the ruler if you put your life in danger."

Hermione flinched, that scenario was very likely to happen with her group of friends...

Thinking the same thing, Minerva sighed, "I hope that threat steers you clear of any mischief this year."

Knowing what her parent wanted to hear, Hermione nodded her head, "Yes ma'am..."

Nodding, Minerva reached for a cup of tea. After taking a sip she continued, "Since we are already discussing punishments I better go over the rules with you."

Hermione held in the groan that was daring to come out.

Choosing to ignore Hermoine's look of disgust, she proceeded calmly, "As an extension to the school rules you will also have to follow my rules. The rules include eating a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will be in your dorm room by ten minutes before lights out. You will complete all assignments and keep your grades around Outstanding and Exceptional. You will respect all of your elders and Prefects. I believe those rules should be good enough for now. Any questions?"

"No, ma'am."

Minerva nodded her head then glanced at the grandfather clock, "Breakfast will be starting soon, you may go meet up with your friends. I will see you at breakfast."

Hermione quickly stood from the couch, "Yes ma'am." 'Thank goodness...'

When she closed the door behind her she quickly realized she was in the Mindoro Common Room. Fifth years who were lounging on the couch turned to stare at her.

"See? I told you McGonagall adopted one of us lions." The one whispered to the others.

Sighing, Hermione made her way to her dorm to change out of the transfigured pajamas.

Today was going to be one long day...

A/N: Thanks for reading!

Please leave a review or PM to tell me if I should continue the story or delete it.

Thanks, Severus Addicted