The Truth Unfolds – A Little

-Fifteen Years Later-

Loud music reverberated throughout the large brick home. It was painfully cheerful and mirrored the atmosphere of the beautifully decorated garden. It was the perfect party for a sweet sixteen. If only the sweet sixteen did not hate parties.

Hermione Granger found herself underneath her bed with a torch and a very large text book. She was behind in her readings for the following year at Hogwarts and needed to memorise everything by the time holidays ended. This party was a silly distraction that she did not need! It was just another year after all, nothing to go all crazy about.

Freezing, the Gryffindor quickly shut the torch off staying as still as possible. Footsteps were coming her way.

"Hermione," It was her mother.

God bless her overly cheerful soul. Sighing quietly the girl waited for the older woman to disappear. Hermione loved her mother more than anything but they just did not seem to click. Her father on the other hand was much more up her alley. Currently she was sure that he would be hiding in his shed pretending to work on something 'handy'. The birthday girl new for a fact that her father did not know how to build a simple bird house, it was just his place of hiding. She needed one of those.

Hissing inwardly Hermione reeled back as the outside light hit her sensitive eyes. At least she had gotten an hour of reading in.

"There you are!" Anne Granger exclaimed happily. "What on earth are you doing under there? Come and join the fun."

Crawling out from the bed like an army man, Hermione stood and brushed off her clothes.

"You aren't even wearing your birthday clothes Hermione. How can you expect anyone to know that you are the birthday girl." Her mother's frown deepened.

Looking down at herself, she sighed. What was wrong with her normal clothes? Sure they were plain but she didn't need clothes to define her. Hermione Granger was so much more than that. School would come soon any way and she would be back in her favourite outfit ever. Her Hogwarts robes.

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Hermione asked defiantly.

Anne Granger huffed, throwing her hands in the air a little.

"Fine, wear what you want but come downstairs. You aren't missing your birthday party…AGAIN." Her mother stalked out of the room an air of crabbiness following her.

"Just lovely!" Hermione muttered sarcastically, "I have awoken the beast."

Following the direction her mother took, the birthday girl sighed preparing herself for the dreaded party. She hoped that there would not be any games.

The sun was setting peacefully when Hermione entered her room next. At least the nightmare of a party had ended and she could continue on with her life as per usual until the nineteenth of September the next year.

After showering and climbing into bed the Gryffindor pulled out her charms text book once again and placing it upon her full stomach she began to read.

Knock knock

Hermione glanced upward at the sound. Her father was standing in the door way smiling softly.

"Hey dad, have fun today?" She asked smirking slightly. They both knew that neither of them enjoyed the forced festivities but it was an Anne Granger rule.

"You know the answer to that pumpkin." He replied, entering the room.

Walking up to his daughter he gave her a kiss on the forehead before taking a seat at the foot of the bed. There was a box decorated intricately in his large hands. Hermione paid no mind to it.

"I'm just studying for school." The girl stated going back to her book.

George Granger sighed heavily at this. His girl was the best of the best at everything she did. She was caring and loyal and very witty. He hoped that what he had to say would not alter her in anyway. He knew that he was about to lose his daughter, maybe not all of her but a significant part. Looking down at the box given to him so many years ago his face grew sad. Many times over the years he had considered breaking his promise but he realised every time the thought crossed his mind that it would be selfish. Hermione deserved to know of her origins even if it would upset her. It was the right thing to do.

Looking at his concentrating daughter, George cleared his throat.

"Hermione love, I have something important to tell you." He watched her look up from her book and slowly place it on her bed side table. He had her undivided attention now.

"What is it daddy? You look upset." Hermione began to worry a little.

George sighed outwardly, "I am a little pumpkin." He held the box out to her and she took it.

"What is this?" She asked curiously, opening the lid.

Her father did not answer, merely sat where he was quietly praying for the best.

Looking down at the contents of the box Hermione was puzzled. There were things in here she had never seen before, things obviously about her. Pulling out a few pieces of expensive looking jewellery she put them to the side. This box seemed to have a lot of contents for something so small. She concluded that is was a magical box.

What was her father doing with a never ending box? He did not know where to buy these types of magical items. This box also looked very expensive.

Picking up other items she had never seen before, Hermione flipped through an old photo album of her and her parents. She had never seen these photos, she were frozen in time and by the looks of it Hermione was not even one year of age.

Sifting further she picked up the only item that did not look to be worth a lot of money. It was a small tattered box with a faded inscription engraved on the lid. The words were barely understandable. Looking close Hermione read aloud.

"Hermione Grace."

That could not be right! Her name was Hermione Anne Granger. Could this be a cousin?

Quickly pulling the lid off the smaller box the girl gasped at what she found. A birth certificate trimmed with silver and gold, attached was a moving photo of a young man with dark brown hair and emerald eyes. His arm was draped lazily around a beautiful woman. Her hair was blonde and unruly, her eyes large like big pools of chocolate, in her arms lay a baby.

Soldiering on Hermione opened a golden envelope that was attached to the photo. It held a seal that she had never seen before. It was much like the Hogwarts crest that adorned every letter she had received from them.

Ripping the seal unceremoniously the girl pulled out the parchment inside. It was obvious that it had been written with a quill.

Betrothal Contract approved by the Minister of Magic under the pureblood alliance award.

Upon the death of Henry Grace it has been agreed a blood alliance must be sought in the hope of avoiding the old family's extinction. Two of the oldest pureblood lines must unite and continue on its legacy.

Hermione Isobelle Grace the last remaining heir of the Grace family is to marry Draco Lucius Malfoy by the eve of her seventeenth birthday. An heir must be produced within a two year period securing the bloodline.

In order to protect the bloodline at stake Hermione Isobelle Grace will be put under form of protection to secure her life.

This contract bounds the pureblood children together until the day of death. It is the only way to break the bond.

Signed,

Henry Grace II X

Isobelle Grace X

Lucius Malfoy X

Narcissa Malfoy X

Hermione stared at the parchment, reading it over again. This was not possible!

Shooting a look at her father he nodded solemnly. No! It was not right. She could not be the girl the contract was referring to. It was too far fetched.

Yet there she sat staring at the letter tears forming in her chocolate orbs, knowing deep down that the letter was correct, wishing for it to be another way.

Folding up the contract slowly her teary eyes fell upon a loose piece of parchment. The words that filled the page were scrawled in messy hand writing, covered in dried blotches. Tears.

Curiosity got the better of the witch. Hermione picked it up and began to read.

'To my baby, Hermione.

I am writing this in haste, I am being hunted. I am your mother and I know what I must do now. I am Isobelle Grace and I am going to die tonight. Your father has been killed already and I fear if I don't find safety we will be next. I plan to flee to a muggle town and leave you in muggle care where our hunters can't find you. My home, your inheritance, every thing is now yours. The deed is in this box. The wards will let you in.

I am sorry that I have to leave you. I love you and wish it did not have to be this way.

I wish that you could know about me but it is not safe. You will find out when you are of age. Until then the muggles will look after you.

This old key is a port key, use it when you are ready.

Thank them for me.

I love you with all my heart,

Be strong,

Your Mother,

Isobelle

Hermione looked down at the port key. Where did it go?

Closing her eyes she began to cry softy.

She heard her father walk up to her and sit down. He held her while she cried. Hermione fell asleep that way.

The room was dark, she was alone.

Hermione sighed. What a fucked up holiday.

Looking over at her bed side table she groaned.

"Three am." She said aloud.

All of that stress must have knocked her out. Slowly climbing out of bed Hermione put on her night gown to stay warm. Turning on the light she walked over to her dresser where the box of secret sat. Grabbing her wand and flipping the lid open, she nodded determinedly.

It was time to find out where this port key went.

She kept her eyes shut, probably not a wise move. This place felt warm, warmer then she would have expected.

Gaining the courage Hermione opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings.

Realising where she was, she gasped.

"No!" She whispered, "I'm going to be killed, fuck."

Clutching her wand tightly Hermione quickly closed her eyes trying to apparate home. Nothing. Shit! There must be anti apparation wards on the house. This was not good.

Hearing footsteps Hermione whirled around prepared for battle.

"Granger? What the fuck are you doing in my house? How did you get in?"

Why couldn't it have been a house elf.

"Malfoy. I picked up this key and it turned out to be a port key. It brought me here." Hermione did not want to die. She knew that if Malfoy tried to fight her she would win but what came after would not be pretty.

Malfoy looked flabbergasted. Quickly walking towards her he clasped his hand around her right bicep, gripping tightly.

"You are hurting me." She told him as he began to drag her down the hallway.

The previously surprised blond sneered. Gripping tighter.

"Doesn't matter if it hurts Granger, what is going to come will hurt more for trespassing you filthy mudblood!" His strides grew longer and faster. It was hard to keep up.

Finally arriving at two very large doors Malfoy pounded on them with his free hand.

"Father!" He called, "I found a mudblood in the house." His voice was loud, Hermione did not see fit to correct him.

One of the large doors ripped open and Lucius Mafloy appeared looking more intimidating than ever. It did not matter that he was wearing his sleep wear, his face held a look of murder.

Walking forward quickly he grabbed hold of Hermiones throat pushing her against the wall. He held her there tightly, face mere inches away.

"What are you doing here Granger?" He seethed. Lucius Malfoy knew her name. This couldn't be good.

Hermione tried to speak but she found that she could not breath. After a few gasps the older Malfoy loosened his grip before demanding,

"Speak!"

Narcissa appeared at the door way behind him and Hermione searched her eyes for help. Narcissa looked sympathetic.

"I was given this port key to me by my mother. She said to use it on my birthday." Hermione stammered holding up the key. "She didn't tell me it would take me here. I'm sorry I just want to go home." She would not cry. There was no way she could give them the satisfaction.

Glancing to the side, anything to avoid Lucius's cold eyes, Hermione saw Draco looking quite proud of himself. She wanted to ruin it for him.

"My mother is Isobelle Grace. I just found out I am a pureblood." She spoke just above a whisper.

Hearing this Lucius took a step backward, his face had changed from a cold stare to one of complete shock.

Hermione felt herself falling but she could not stop it. Soon she was crumpled on the floor staring up at three Malfoys.

"She is lying!" The young Malfoy accused quickly.

"Shut it Draco." His father raged.

Hermione looked down at her hands, waiting for what was to come. But instead of unforgivables being shot at her, she felt two arms pull her close. It was a womans body.

"How did we not see Lucius?" Narcissa asked all the while hugging the young girl to her breast.

"How could we have?" His voice was calm once again.

"She has the same name." His wife countered.

Silence fell over the group momentarily, Hermione felt herself beginning to cry. This was not happening.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to come here." She whispered. "Please don't hurt me. Please."

Hermione begged Lucius.

"I am not going to hurt you. I apologise for my behaviour moments before." He replied sneering a little at her tears.

"Hermione dear, we are sorry. If I had of known before this we could have prepared. I will have a room made up right away." Narcissa spoke softly.

"Why are you doing that?" Draco asked sounding like a spoilt child. "She is a dirty mudblood, do something to her, don't offer her tea!"

"Draco you will stop that this instance." His mother stood offering Hermione a hand. "This girl is not a muggle born, she was in witness protection and is your future wife."

"WHAT?" The young Malfoy's jaw dropped comically before his face hardened. Glaring solidly at both women he stalked off. He would not listen to their lies.

The bizarre events of the night had not come to an end for Hermione just yet.

After Malfoy had stalked off Lucius bid his farewell leaving the two women alone. Looking over at the older woman Hermione wondered what was going to happen now. Narcissa had a plan evidently, pulling the young girl softly by the elbow she led them along the corridor in the direction that Malfoy had taken.

They walked for several minutes in silence until the older woman spoke.

"Your mother was a beautiful woman. She was my closest friend." She admitted looking in the direction they were walking. "I knew this was coming, I just didn't know when."

She slowed coming to a stop in front of a door.

"I haven't been in this room for sixteen years." Narcissa said moving forward and opening the door.

Hermione followed Narcissa inside. The older woman lit the fire and the lamps. The room was beautiful.

"It isn't ready but this room has been set up for you since you were born. It is early in the morning, would you please stay until morning when we can discuss this more?" Narcissa looked hopeful.

"My parents will wonder where I am." Hermione reasoned. "If I could owl them first please?"

"Certainly."

Calling a house elf Narcissa ordered it to fetch an owl for Hermiones personal use. She called another elf to give the room a once over and clean the bed.

Then with a brief hug the older woman left Hermione to her own devices.

Sitting down on the large king size bed the Gryffindor took in her surroundings. This place was all too much! There was expensive tapestries and plush chairs, a book case bigger than she had ever seen as well as a very expensive rug. The bed she was sitting on was massive! She would get lost in her sleep.

A tapping was heard and Hermione noticed the large beautiful owl at the window. Walking over she let it in and gave it a pat. Then she set about writing her parents an explanation.

The day had certainly been a long one.

Hermione hoped tomorrow would bring less surprises.

Day light streamed in through the window lazily. It was still early but Hermione could not help but be awake.

Rolling over she groaned, burying her face in one of the over sized pillows the bed came with. She did not want to move, it was too comfortable.

Slowly dragging herself out of bed the girl stretched, rubbing sleep out of her eyes. Slouching over to the round table she had composed her letter on she found a sun dress lying with a pair of sandals and demure underwear. A note was attached to the dress written in elegant script.

Hermione,

When you wake please come and see me. A house elf will come and find you.

N.M

Putting down the note Hermione picked up the dress and underwear heading for the en suite.

Once cleaned and dressed the young woman looked at herself in the mirror.

"Stupid hair." She tried to tame it to no avail, finally pulling the curly tendrils from her face and into a loose bun.

Hermione felt ready for the day.

Walking out of the room she was greeted by a house elf.

"Ello miss." The small creature grinned.

"Good morning. How long have you been here. You could have woken me up." Hermione felt bad,

"Is okay miss. I only been ere a full hand round the clock." The house elf did not seem upset at all.

"An hour!" Hermione exclaimed, "That's horrible, I am so sorry."

"No need to be sorry missus. Follow me please. The mistress wants to talk to you."

With that the elf began down the hallway striding cheerfully to a beat Hermione could not hear. After walking down a couple of flights of stairs they came to a large room that resembled an over sized lounge room. Inside sat Narcissa, Lucius and much to Hermione's dismay, Malfoy.

She cleared her throat a little gaining the attention of the Malfoy family. Narcissa looked up from her booklet smiling beautifully, she motioned for Hermione to take a seat next to her son. Yuck!

"We have contacted your muggle parents." Lucius began. "Your adopted father agreed to send over the information you were given." He held up the box. "Everything seems to be in order."

"So it is true?" Hermione asked, hoping maybe it was all a big joke.

Narcissa gave her a look that said 'every word'.

Lucius nodded, "I have requested the complete documentation from the ministry." He took a sip of his tea.

Hermione nodded at his words.

"Um, excuse me. Mr. Malfoy, do you know what is going to happen from here? I'm a little confused." Hermione admitted.

The older man gave a curt nod before beginning.

"After the name changing documentation arrives the ministry will be able to take you off the witness protection list. You may collect your things from the muggle home and will take residency here until the school year starts." He took another sip of his drink, "Also we will notify Hogwarts of the arrangements."

"We hope that you will be able to think of this as a home from now on. The remainder of the holidays you will attend etiquette classes and getting to know my son on a deeper level." Narcissa added.

Hermione sighed outwardly, looking towards the youngest Malfoy. He looked sullen as ever.

"But I can't marry him." She whispered. "He is horrible."

"You aren't sunshine and rainbows either Granger." Malfoy snapped.

"At least I'm nice to people." She countered.

"Nice? You are a bossy know it all!" His voice rose

"Shut it ferret!" Hermione was getting angry.

He stood glaring down at her, "Not a chance mudblood."

Hermione followed suit, standing abruptly she slapped him across the face.

"You're a loathsome little cockroach." She ground out her voice lowering.

"At least I'm not Potters foot rest!" His face came closer to hers as he grabbed the hand that was about to hit him again.

"Snape favours you quite a bit, sure you aren't doing any extra curricular for him?" She implied, not backing down.

"Mudblood!" His leaned further in hoping she would move away. That was a low blow.

"Death Eater!"

Then. He kissed her.

Hermione was flabbergasted. Draco Malfoy was kissing her! And she was kissing back. Wait. What? No!

Pushing herself away from the boy her hand pulled back slapping him with all her might.

"Don't touch me Malfoy." Feeling scandalised she fled from the room quickly heading for her bed room.

Draco stood there mouth agape. He touched the spot where she had hit him, it stung. She was a firey one.

"What was that?" Draco's mother asked the boy.

He had forgotten they were even there.

"It was nothing." He mumbled. Turning to his father he mumbled his apologies before exiting for his own room.

Narcissa turned to Lucius with a knowing look.

"I think our son has a crush on his fiancé." She told him smirking a little.

"Hm." Lucius pondered. "I'm surprised I had never seen it before. The way he complains about the girl."

"He isn't used to people standing up to him Lucius." She told him conjuring another drink.

The older man smirked, "Well she certainly did that, didn't she."

"Certainly, but I think deep down that Hermione feels the same way." Narcissa smiled.

"Isn't it always that way?" Lucius asked.

"That's how it was for us." She replied before losing herself in her memories.

A/N So that turned out nothing like the first chapter of the old story. I hope you liked it. Still on the beta hunt.

Review!

MerinxD