This idea has been in my head for awhile now.. I wanted Hermione to inherit the Malfoy Manor by Draco leaving it to her in his will. This is a horror story mixed with romance. I plan on writing some very dark and scary chapters. If this isn't your sort of thing please leave now.

There is a place that is settled above the rolling hills of Wiltshire, England. Its large structure looms over the countryside, causing great grief to those who attempt to approach it. The large gates are practically covered in the hedges that have overgrown, causing the place to appear deserted.

The 6 columns stand tall, their pointed tips standing like sharp teeth in the darkness -A warning to those foolish enough to come close to the home.

Moaning and cries of despair can be heard if traveling near the manor at night. The wails so loud it reaches the gravel road outside of the gates.

Some say they see a man walking the allure, constantly pacing, and then disappearing. Whatever the reason behind this troubled spirit staying behind one thing is known - He waits.

But for what? Or whom?

"HERMIONE!"

The sudden screech caused Hermione to startle in alarm. Her cup tipping over and spilling her morning tea all over The Daily Prophet she was reading.

Sighing, she started to dab up the brown liquid with her crisp napkin. She was careful to avoid looking at the piercing grey eyes on the front of the paper, knowing it would break her resolve.

After the death of the youngest Malfoy heir, Hermione had become obsessed with him. No one knows for sure how he passed on; a house elf had found his lifeless body in a study at the Manor. The autopsy concluded that neither a killing curse or muggle means of murder killed the youngest Malfoy, he had simply ceased to live.

He was laid to rest with the other members of the Malfoy family in a crypt on the property. Hermione, Ron, and Harry had all been invited to the funeral of their classmate, but declined. It would be in poor taste to attend the funeral of someone who loathed you so much. It would seem as though they were there to gloat.

Hermione was pulled into the present by the sound of Ginny Weasley rushing into the room with the familiar paper in her hands. The only difference was hers wasn't soaked and falling apart.

"Did you read todays paper? Malfoy Manor will be released to its rightful owner! Oh 'Mione the pureblooded gits are all in an uproar about it. Apparently, Malfoy left it to someone they deem 'unworthy'. I bet it was a prostitute, you know how he was rumored to hang around the seedier parts of wizarding London" Ginny's face was in pure delight as she read from the paper.

Furrowing her eyebrows in irritation she continued "Apparently the person hasn't been contacted yet, but their representation has."

Hermione stopped listening at that point, and started to clean up her half eaten breakfast. She knew the red headed Weasley would continue to gossip like her mother, and had decided to pay her no mind. She had other things to do than hear about Draco Malfoy's business affairs.

As soon as she reached her kitchen, a slight tapping sound could be heard at the window. Opening it up she expected to find either Harry's new owl or perhaps Rons. She was wrong. She allowed the dark regal looking bird in with a wary expression. This was not her owl, nor was it any owl she had seen before. Its dark feathers and orange eyes frightened her a little.

The owl seemed to understand her discomfort and quickly dropped the letter. Not waiting for a treat of any kind, it escaped back from which it came.

"That was a frightening looking bird..I wonder who it belongs to."

Hermione had almost forgotten Ginny was still there.

"I think it's from someone of the Black family, it looks somewhat like Sirius Black's old bird. Frightening thing that bird was"

Too frozen to move Hermione just stared at the seal on her letter. It was from the house of Black, except not anyone she should be afraid of. It was from Andromeda Tonks, Nymphadora's mum.

What on earth could she be sending me? Hermione thought.

Ripping open the seal Hermione was presented with a short letter:

My Dearest Hermione,

I hope my letter finds you well.

This morning I received a most unusual guest to my home.

It was the Minister of Magic.

He informed me that the estate of my deceased sister Narcissa and her family had been left to someone not of Black or Malfoy blood. They were unsure of what to do, or if Draco's last will and testament had been fabricated at all. They wanted my opinion on the matter, and to see if I would petition a fight if it were handed to the person it was left to.

When I inquired who the estate was left to, the Minister stated 'Hermione Granger'.

Of course I've never wanted that drafty old manor, and I had to no problem seeing it handed to you so I declined any interest in the estate.

The only question I have my dear is, Why you?

Do not misunderstand me, I am thrilled you will be given the home I am just unsure as to why it was left to someone outside of our family.

I fear something dreadful is there waiting for you Hermione.

Do not go alone

Please have it 'cleaned' before you or any other muggleborn enters.

Dark magic is not something that should be taken lightly, and Merlin knows my brother-in-law collected one or more pieces that could harm you.

Please be careful Miss Granger

Sincerely,

Andromeda Tonks

P.S. Teddy misses Harry, could you be a dear and ask him to visit sometime?

Hermione felt the letter drop from her hands, her face a mask of shock. The Malfoy Manor and estate was left to her, Hermione Granger. The mudblood all of the Malfoy's hated.

"What does it say 'Mione?"

Hermione heard rather than saw Ginny pick the piece of parchment up.

So many questions were running through her head, what would she do with the manor? Would she accept it? Would she decline and let it sit? Should she turn it over to the Order? and finally what traps are still residing in that decrepit old estate?

A few moments later another gasp could be heard as Ginny finished the letter. Hermione's eyes finally found Ginny's as her friend looked at her in despair.

"You're the new lady of Malfoy Manor, Hermione.."

Hermione shook her head and looked down at her hands, finding them suddenly very interesting "No Ginny, not unless I accept, which I'm not so sure I will. Even then, I wouldn't be Lady of Malfoy Manor. I would be the owner of a cold mansion that the war destroyed. There are so many bad memories there; it would never feel like a home."

Ginny finally understanding the real conflict nodded her head.

Hermione had been tortured in their Drawing Room..not exactly a place she would want to revisit, let alone own and call home.

Ginny squeezed Hermione's shoulder reassuringly and placed the letter on her table.

"We need to talk to the boys, maybe get their opinion on this" is all she said before heading over to the fireplace.

Hermione nodded numbly. That seemed the best plan as of right now.