I do not own any part of the Harry Potter franchise. Reviews and such make my heart happy and I am so excited that most of you seem to like what I have written so far! Thanks for the love.
"Ms. Granger, please don't be embarrassed. I understand that this is all confusing to you. Why don't I just go over what you missed? You passed out due to some internal bleeding and a few cracked ribs, not to mention the whip marks on your back. My sister and I brought you here and healed you up with the help of Severus's potions, you're progressing nicely. The reason you don't feel much pain right now is due to a numbing potion that my sister invented. We didn't want you to be in more pain than you needed to be in, but it will be another week or so before you are fully healed. Bellatrix and myself have watched over you for most the time, with the Dark Lord coming in and making sure you were alright. Do you have anything you want to ask about?"
"Well, mostly I was shocked about how you spoke with Tottie. I'm not wanting to seem disrespectful, but Dobby acted like this house was awful and it doesn't seem like what I have seen from pureblooded families. I am surprised that I was healed so thoroughly, especially since it was his bloody death eaters who did this bullshit to me."
"Ms. Granger, what are you talking about? Who did this to you?" It wasn't Narcissa who spoke, it was Lord Voldemort. His face was pulled into a frown, anger sparking within his eyes.
"Don't feed me lies cousin. The bloody Lestrange brothers did this to me on your orders! They told me as they beat me, cursed me, and left me for dead!" Hermione's magic was crackling around her, her hair lifting upwards in her rage.
A calming hand was placed on her shoulder, "Ms. Granger, Hermione. There were never any orders to harm you. If any of my people found you by yourself they were to bring you to me unharmed. Those were my explicit orders. I promise you they will pay for what they have done." Voldemort stood in front of Hermione, his face solemn and drawn in. "I knew that you were the reason for Mr. Potter's survival. I wanted to bring you into my ranks. Your intelligence is something that I value, along with your magical prowess. I can feel your magic right now and that's without you being trained to your full potential, imagine how powerful you could be without being denied the knowledge of the dark arts! Besides, now that you have told me that we are related, I will ensure that you are trained to become all that you can be and you will be protected as well. I do value family Ms. Granger, though it would be nice to know how we are related. Now, I will be getting the Lestrange brothers and putting them down in the dungeon for when you are ready to take care of them however you want to."
Hermione sat there in complete shock. Here was the leader of a group of people considered evil, protecting her, willing to train her, sacrificing two of his men because they attacked her. Though, she surmised that he was also doing this because they directly disobeyed his orders, but still. She jerked slightly when out of the corner of her eye she saw a head full of black curls slide past, her eyes widening as she remembered that one of the Lestrange brothers was married to THE Bellatrix Lestrange, one of the most notorious Death Eater. She shook her head, she knew that most pureblooded marriages were not made from love, though she was worried that Bellatrix would want to get back at her for lowering her husband in the eyes of Voldemort. Deciding to put that out of her mind for now, Hermione addressed her cousin, "Well Voldemort, I am your cousin like I said before. I'm not actually exactly sure how we are related, but I am kin to you from your mother's side, not your father's. My parents were killed before I turned one, but I couldn't see who killed them. All I know is Dumbledore placed spells on the Grangers to make them believe that I was their child, and then placed me under spells and potions for much of my life. Who the fuck does that to a child?! I got stuck with two dunderheads who have the emotional depth of a teaspoon and the intelligence of a rock. Maybe I would have been friends with them from the beginning, but now I will never know. As for the Lestrange brothers, thank you for taking care of them. I hate to seem rude, but I am rather famished and tired. Thank you for allowing me to rest here, cousin."
Luckily, Voldemort could see just how tired Hermione truly was. She could barely hold her eyes open and was swaying lightly on the bed. Once he walked out of the room with a small bow, Tottie appeared with a tray of soup, bread, and a warm cup of jasmine tea. Hermione thanked Tottie graciously and slowly started eating, letting out an appreciative moan at the taste and warmth that the soup provided. She couldn't remember the last time she had eaten such a delicious meal. The week of torture had just followed a few weeks of training and living off the land. Unfortunately, she wasn't used to eating such delicious food and had to stop not even half way through the bowl. With a content sigh, she set the bowl back down and drank some of the tea, closing her eyes and relishing in the refreshing taste.
"Ms. Granger, I feel like you will be falling asleep rather soon, why don't I put this over here and let you rest some? Call for Tottie if you need anything, alright? Oh! If you would like, perhaps when you wake back up later we can get you bathed and into some clean clothes. Refreshing spells only go so far and I'm sure it would feel lovely to the soreness that I'm sure you're feeling. Well, rest well Ms. Granger." With that, Narcissa left the witch to rest.
Hermione slept for what felt like ages but was only a few hours. When she woke up she noticed the clean towel laid on the armchair along with a clean set of clothes that were obviously not her usual taste in clothing. With a shrug, she slowly crawled out of the bed, wincing as some of the previously numbed pain came back with a vengeance, and grabbed the towel and clean clothes, set on taking a nice, hot bath. However, once she stepped into the bathroom, she was confused as to how to work the bathtub, it not being like her usual tubs. With some hesitance, Hermione called for Tottie, jumping when she immediately appeared next to her.
"Sorry Misses Grangy! Tottie didn't mean to frighten you. I'm guessing you need help with the bathtub? It's magic, you just wave your wand at it and it will adjust to your liking. There are scents right on the other edge to make the bath smell even better." With that, the energetic little house elf popped back out of the room, going to her next task.
Hermione just shook her head in amazement, how could such a small creature have so much energy? With a wave of her arm, the bath turned itself on, hot water swirling in the tub while she searched through the scents until she stopped at the lavender and rose scents. With a light blush she dumped some of them into the water, almost purring at the wondrous smell that permeated the air. Once the tub shut itself off, Hermione stripped out of her clothing and slowly stepped into the bath, moaning as the hot water caressed her worn out body. Leaning her head back, Hermione thought of everything that had happened in just two weeks. She found out she was adopted, related to the man who killed her "friend's" parents, her friends weren't even her real friends, her headmaster was a manipulative old bastard, and she was resting in comfort in none other than Malfoy's house. Her life was spinning out of control and she had no idea how to fix it, so she did the next best thing, compartmentalizing everything that had happened. It was easier if she didn't get emotional and stayed rational. She remembered how everyone always said she was too stoic, but it helped her make sure to always keep a calm head. She wasn't ruled by her emotions like the boys were, like most of the Order were. Once she got her thoughts settled, Hermione started methodically washing her body, removing the residual grime that the cleansing spells couldn't remove. After getting squeaky clean she set about removing all of her body hair, snorting as she remembered how Ginny acted like it was so scandalous that she removed ALL of her body hair. Once she was finished, she drained the water and refilled it, intent on sitting and relaxing.
After a while, Hermione was finally finished with her bath and climbed out, ignoring the pain that was pushing out. Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she dried her body off and dressed in the new clothes that she was given, waving her wand to dry her hair and put it in a messy bun not knowing what else to do with it. She strode back into her room, pulling up short when she saw that the two sisters were sitting there waiting for her. Her breath left her body as her eyes traveled over Bellatrix, the dark sister as she was known. She had shining dark hair, long lashes, full lips that were upturned into a smirk, heavily hooded eyes that looked like they were trying to seduce you, and the body of a 25-year-old. But before Hermione could comment, Lord Voldemort walked in.
"Ah, Ms. Granger, or should I say Ms. Fawley, I'm glad to see that you are awake and moving around, though do take it easy. You had some nasty injuries. Anyway, I found out how we are related and who your real parents are. Though, by the look on your face before I came in here, you are wondering about our lovely Bellatrix, yes?" Seeing her nod hesitantly at him, he continued. "Bellatrix was affected by the Black curse before she even joined my ranks. The Black curse is something that is randomly passed to people of the Black line. It causes the person to pretty much lose their sanity. Bellatrix here was able to fight it off for the most part, however, when she went to Azkaban she lost all control over the curse. The dementors and the guards were not the friendliest to her and as such it took away most of her sanity and destroyed her body. Luckily, I knew a way to reverse the damage done to her, though it was a long and painful procedure for her to endure. I had to transfer some of my magic and energy into her, as did her sister and we had to draw out the curse and destroy it. Luckily, the curse will be no more and will not be passed on through the bloodline. Bellatrix was given her body and mind back from her prime, which was 24."
Hermione was shocked. That kind of magic was dangerous and extremely taxing on all parties involved. It was unheard of using it to restore one's life and sanity, though she had to admit that it was well worth it if the results were as astounding as this. She started thinking about the curse and remembered Sirius with a frown. He had been rather volatile and kind of a creeper, always wanting to get near herself or Ginny, once or twice destroying everything in a room if he was told he wasn't allowed to do something, staying up all hours of the night screaming spells about in his room. Luckily, there was usually a silencing charm up, but on the occasions, he forgot, it was always extremely hard to get to sleep.
"Sirius had the curse too, didn't he? He was always…off I suppose. Very volatile, creepy, could be rather petulant as well." Hermione noticed how Bellatrix's face darkened at the mention of his being creepy and wished she hadn't said a thing.
"Yes, that mutt had the curse. Instead of trying to fight it or contain, he embraced it. I can't tell you how glad I am that he died that night. I wasn't even trying to kill him honestly. I sent a stunner towards him but it hit him wrong and sent him into the veil. Good riddance. He was an awful pig and I hope he got what was coming to him."
Bellatrix's voice was silky and husky all at once, hinting at a darkness that one could only be born with. Hermione flushed lightly and nodded to show that she understood what she was saying. She honestly never liked Sirius and only put up with him because it was expected of her.
"So, my name is Fawley? Wait, isn't that one of the 28 pureblood families? That's…interesting to say the least. Wait, didn't the Fawley's support you during the first war?" Hermione wanted to know why her parents were killed, why she was taken away from her actual family and placed with muggles. She wanted to know why the fuck someone messed with her life.
"Yes, Hermione they did. Order members killed them and were about to kill you as well, but apparently, Dumbledore couldn't have the blood of a child on his hands so he took you and placed you with muggles and made them believe that you were theirs. I assume he realized that you would have an inclination for the dark arts due to your blood so he placed the compulsions on you and laced your food and drinks. I would assume that you aren't a Gryffindor either. Your family was filled with Slytherins and Ravenclaws, and from what I know of you either house would be much more fitting than Gryffindor. Besides being a Fawley, you are also a descendant of Salazar Slytherin, even if it is diluted. You aren't a Parselmouth yet due to the spells placed on you, including I'm sure a glamour of sorts to make sure no one could recognize you, though they are rather shoddy. I knew your parents and you still look like them now. I know I have imparted quite a bit of information to you, but I wanted to tell you that Pius has drawn up the papers for you to claim your family and name. He did it in secret so no one can trace it back to you, but from he tells me you will have plenty of properties, money, and all sorts of artifacts. It should also cause the glamour to dissipate. Well, I'm sure that that is enough information for now, rest easy cousin. Once you are healed we shall talk about what you will do. Also, you should call me Tom if you don't want to call me Voldemort all the time."
"Thank you, Tom. I-I'm glad I know who my parents are. I appreciate what you have done for me. Also, I like you better this way, no slits for a nose, no beady red eyes either." This last part was said with a cheeky grin. To everyone's shock, Tom laughed and smiled at her before nodding. Once he walked out, Hermione turned her attention back to the two sisters. One as light as the other was dark, but both stunning in their own ways. Hermione sent a hesitant smile to the two, and was blinded when they both responded with their own. Hermione didn't know teeth could be so white and perfect.
"Ms. Fawley, I wanted to apologize for my idiot of a soon-to-be ex-husband. You would think he would know better than to disobey our lord, but alas, he's a moron as is his brother. Luckily, now I will be granted a divorce, take both of their wealth, and become an independent woman again. So, thank you for that." Bellatrix was watching Hermione closely, smirking inwardly at how she became entranced at the sound of her voice and how a light flush disappeared underneath the shirt she wore.
"I-um, you're welcome? I uh, accept your apology as well, though there is no need for one. I think I would like to eat and maybe rest some more? I feel a headache coming on and my body is feeling rather tight-I mean sore! Um, so yes. I will see you two later?" Hermione was more flustered than she could ever remember being. She never stuttered this much over a few simple sentences. Chalking it up to her tiredness, she escorted the ladies out of her room, not noticing that her hand lingered a tad bit too low on Bellatrix's back. Once the two sisters were out, Hermione crawled into the bed, curled into a small ball and let her tears flow down her face. After a few minutes of crying, Hermione angrily wiped her face dry and took a few deep breathes. She would lock down these emotions just like she did every other time. Emotions are a weakness, one that she couldn't afford to have any longer. With that thought repeating through her mind, Hermione went to sleep.
When Hermione woke the next day, she found a steaming plate of breakfast and orange juice. As she was eating, a knock sounded on the door before in walked Bellatrix and Narcissa with a handful of books. At her questioning glance, the two sisters smiled and handed her the books.
"I remember that Draco said you loved reading, so I figured you would like to read some of our books that you wouldn't be able to find at Hogwarts. We are also taking you off the numbing potion due to it being quite addictive, so you will need more help doing things and should really stay in bed if you can stand it. I hope you don't mind if Bellatrix and I stay in here with you for a little while?"
Hermione was surprised to hear the nervous lilt in her voice, "Of course Mrs. Malfoy, after all, it is your house. Besides, I could use the company. Thank you again for taking such diligent care of my injuries and myself. Of course, I would never turn down books, especially ones that I haven't read before." With a smile the two women sat, Narcissa on the edge of Hermione's bed and Bellatrix in the armchair. She was surprised when Bellatrix turned sideways in the chair, throwing her legs over the armrest in a decidedly not ladylike manor, which made Narcissa responded with a sigh. Bellatrix threw Hermione a smirk, causing a slight blush to form before Hermione immediately started looking at the books in front of her, zeroing in on one about the dark arts. The sisters were surprised, but realized she did value knowledge and she wouldn't have been able to read about the subject at Hogwarts. She became absorbed with what she was reading, not even noticing the hours flying by until Narcissa lightly touched her hand, letting her know that lunch was here. Hermione was immediately embarrassed and started to apologize, only to be interrupted.
"Hermione, it's quite alright. I am the same way. Narcissa always has to fight to gain my attention once I get drawn into a book. Now then, let's eat, shall we?" With that, the three sat and ate quietly for a few minutes.
"So, Hermione, Draco said that you are the top student, correct?"
"Yes Mrs. Malfoy I am. Though, now that I have escaped from that bloody school, I'm not sure that I will be able to go back to Hogwarts, especially if my calculations are correct about my age. I was born a year earlier than I have been led to believe, and there is also the added age from my time-turner usage in my third year. I will turn 19 in a few months. If I claim my family name and the ministry finds out my actual age, I may not be allowed to return to Hogwarts after winter break, not Dumbledore would allow me to anyway." Hermione fought against the rise of emotions that came from thinking about not being able to finish her schooling. Steeling herself she rolled her shoulders and made eye contact with Bellatrix, just to see her staring at her with a puzzled look adorning her face.
"You mean to tell me your friends never said anything about your birthday? What little assholes. Oh, and the ministry has no real jurisdiction over Hogwarts and I'm sure that my lord would make it to where Dumbledore would have to let you back into the school. Dumbledore wouldn't be able to prove that you were here with us so he couldn't not allow you back in, besides, I'm sure he would much prefer you where he could watch you. You would just have to pretend that you were still under his spells and such, which shouldn't be too hard for you to do. Now, this time-turner usage you speak of. Is that why my nephew was so annoyed, saying you were everyone at once?" Bellatrix was staring intently at Hermione as she said this, wanting to make the younger witch feel better. She was rather impressed that she was given permission to use a time-turner, just to take extra classes. It showed just how much the witch valued knowledge.
Hermione just shrugged her shoulders, telling the two that it didn't really bother her to no one knew when her birthday was, it was just another day. She was however excited about possibly going back to Hogwarts and finishing her education. With that held firmly in her mind, she finished eating and then slowly got out of bed, almost crying out as the pain hit her. Hermione needed to use the restroom and didn't want any help doing it, that would be embarrassing. Unfortunately for her, Bellatrix did whatever she wanted so she grabbed Hermione and helped her to the bathroom, ignoring her huffiness about it. Bellatrix did notice Hermione seemed to lean into her body unconsciously. Once Hermione was finished doing her business, Bellatrix helped her back to bed, hiding a small smile the entire time.
This pattern went on for a week, the two sisters joining Hermione in her reading, eating with her, and helping her do whatever she needed to do. It wasn't always both sisters though, sometimes it was Narcissa, though most of the time it was Bellatrix. To Hermione's surprise, she loved the time that the sisters would come in and just sit with her and keep her company. It was more than what her old "friends" would do for her. They would just make fun of her because her head was so buried in a book, but the sisters would get just as entranced as she was. Hermione noticed that if it was just one sister coming to visit, it would be Bellatrix. Bellatrix also tended to sit closer to her than Narcissa and would make small innuendos that would have Hermione's face flaming red. Hermione didn't know what to do when this would happen, so she would just bury her face back into whatever book was in her hands.
After the week of reading with the sisters, Hermione was finally healed completely. No more pains, her magic level was fine, and she was released from her bed rest by the dour potions master and Narcissa, who was apparently an extremely skilled mediwitch. Before Hermione could celebrate her newfound freedom, the Dark Lord came to her, wishing to take a walk with her to discuss her plans now that she knew who she was.
"Ms. Fawley, I have the paperwork for you to fill out if you want to claim what is rightfully yours. No one will find out about it unless you wish for it to be released. You will gain wealth, properties, become a parselmouth, and the glamour that is on you will disappear. You will become who you were meant to be. Here are the papers on your family tree and all that you will own if you would like to look at it." Tom was very courteous to Hermione. He knew that she would be a key asset to his side if she was swayed and the fact that they were related did warm him slightly, especially knowing how powerful she is and would become. He grinned as Hermione took the papers from him as they walked, not even bothering to slow down as she started to read through them.
"Wait, so your grandfather knocked up Margaret Nott, who gave birth to a daughter who married a Fawley. Then their kid married a distant Nott cousin and had me? I'm surprised that there is only one incestuous relationship this close to me. It makes the choice easier I suppose. I would like to claim my family Tom. Where do I sign?" Hermione's face was the definition of determined. She was going to be making the decisions when it came to her life. No more manipulation, no more not being in control. This was her life and she wasn't going to allow anyone the satisfaction of fucking her over anymore. She was going to be Hermione Fawley, pureblood witch, cousin to the Dark Lord, and puppet of no one. Hermione took the quill that Tom handed her, immediately signing the papers in her hands. As soon as she finished her last letter, her body seized and a piercing wail reverberated through the path before Hermione collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
"Fuck. The sisters are going to be so pissed now."
