Disclaimer: My name isn't JK Rowling, these characters aren't mine. I just like to play around with them and make them do what I want

CHAPTER 2

The silence surrounding the trio was stifling. None of them knew what to say. They couldn't understand how she was betrothed, she was a muggleborn.

"How the hell are you betrothed? That's not possible."
"I don't know Ron, that's what the letter says."

Picking it up, Harry and Ron read it quickly. Looking back at her, there was shock on their faces.

"Hermione, this letter say by pureblood law. Is there something you aren't telling us? You're muggleborn."
"There has been something I've been meaning to tell you both. I'm adopted."
"What? Adopted?"
"Keep your voice down Ronald!"

Hermione peered around to see if anyone heard. Seeing everyone was still enraptured with their own discussions, she turned her attention back to her best friends.

"Yes Ron, adopted. I found out at the start of summer."
"No wonder you've been so quiet. Why didn't you tell us?"
"I'm sorry Harry. I couldn't."
"Hang on a second, I recognize this name."
"Yes Ron?"
"He's a pureblood lawyer for pureblood families."
"Honestly Ron, that's obvious."
"I don't' mean for purebloods like me, Hermione. People like the Malfoys and the Greengrasses use this guy. I heard Dad talk about him before."
"Well that's just brilliant. I'm not doing it. I won't be roped into an engagement and marriage I don't want and didn't ask for."
"If this letter is anything to go by, you don't have much of a choice 'Mione."
"I do! Loopholes can be found anywhere."
"Hermione, I hate to tell you, but pureblood families who still follow the old laws cover their bases so no loopholes can be found."
"Fuck!"

In a manner very unlike her, she continued cursing and stomped out of the Great Hall. The rest of the school day passed and Hermione was still missing. She hadn't shown up to class and she couldn't be found. By dinner time Harry, Ron and Ginny were becoming frantic. They had even went so far as to consult the Marauder's Map and her name didn't appear.

When Neville and Seamus heard about Hermione's disappearance, they canceled her birthday party to the disappointment of the other Gryffindors.

It wasn't until midnight that Hermione decided to resurface. Walking into the common room, she spotted all of her friends on various pieces of furniture, passed out. Leaving them asleep, she took a seat on the rug in front of the fireplace and stared into the flames.

That's how they found her the next day as each of them woke up. She hadn't moved the entire night, not even to sleep. When speaking to her didn't work, Ginny took the older girl upstairs and helped her get ready for the day.

The next three months were a blur for Hermione. She stopped participating in class, only doing the required homework. She was eating enough to get by and getting even less sleep. Everyone had grown worried for her once more and once more, they had no idea what to do.

It was the day before the students were to go home for Christmas and Hermione hadn't spoken to confirm her plans. Ginny helped her into bed and promised to be back the next morning
The next day dawned bright and early. Hermione was lying in her bed with her eyes open, as she had been for hours. Before Ginny came to help her, she got up on her own and went about her morning routine. Not waiting on her friends, she went straight to the Great Hall and had breakfast. Since her trunk was already packed and sent down, she headed out onto the snowy grounds.

Walking around, she looked at the scenery without really absorbing any of it. When Malfoy stepped into her path, she just stood there.

"You know Granger, everything has been so much better since you decided to keep that filthy mouth of your shut."

Nothing.

"Nothing to say? Shocker. So Granger, word around school is your betrothed. What poor, pathetic sod did you manage to wrangle into an engagement?"

Not speaking, she handed him the letter that she took everywhere she went. She wasn't even exactly sure why she was showing Malfoy of all people. She thought it might've been with the hope he'd leave her alone.

"This isn't possible. You're a mudblood, how the hell does pureblood law apply to you? It applies strictly to purebloods…"

Draco stopped speaking and thrust the letter back into her hand. He looked at her for a long moment, not saying a word.

"You aren't a pureblood, I would know. I know every pureblood family in the UK. Besides, Granger isn't a pureblood name, it's muggle."
"I was adopted," she managed to rasp out.
"What self-respecting family would get rid of a child? We take care of our own, Granger."
"Yeah, unless they're squibs. I do read. Go away Malfoy."
"Fine, but this isn't over. I will find out how you managed to talk someone into marrying you. When I do, you'll be hearing from me."

He stalked away, leaving Hermione by herself in the cold. She couldn't understand why she confided in him. It was so easy for her to do. It wasn't because she didn't know him, because she did. He was vile human being, which is why it didn't make sense for her to confirm gossip for him. It didn't matter, today was the last time she would see him until she came back to school.

Deciding not to wait on the others, Hermione slowly made her way to Hogsmeade and boarded the train. Instead of staring out the window, she pulled a book from the inner pocked of her cloak, resized it and started reading.

That's how Harry, Ron, Ginny and Seamus found her awhile later, with her nose jammed in a book.

"Well this is a surprising change. Glad to see you reading again Hermione."
"I've decided that wallowing in my misfortune won't do me any good."
"We're glad to hear it. Are you spending Christmas with us this year?"
"I'm not sure yet Harry. I think I'll just go home and see how it goes with my parents."
"Alright then."

The rest of the train ride was spent with idle chatter between the others while Hermione continued to read. She only half listened to the conversations surrounding her but didn't add any input to the discussions.

Arriving at King's Cross station in London, everyone exited the train and began the search for their families. The trio plus Ginny and Seamus waited for the madness to die down some before getting off.

Leaving the train, Hermione spotted her parents on the platform and, not far behind them, the Malfoys. At seeing the young witch, Narcissa's eyes widened, and she leaned to her left to whisper something to her husband.

Approaching the Grangers, Hermione hugged them, surprisingly happy to see them. Saying goodbye to her friends, she retrieved her trunk and rejoined her parents. She was surprised to see Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy approach them.

"Good afternoon Miss Granger."
"Mr. Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy. May I inquire as to the nature of your approaching me?"
"Draco has informed us that you are betrothed, and to a pureblood no less."
"So it would seem. I don't see why that is any business of yours."
"It's just that it's unlikely for a muggleborn to be betrothed to a pureblood. I wasn't aware that muggles dealt with betrothals and arranged marriages."
"Well, there you have it. If that's all, we must be going. Mum, Dad."

Hermione turned away from the Malfoys and led her parents off platform 9 ¾ and back to the muggle world, where their car awaited them. Jean and Samuel Granger gave their daughter looks, but she ignored them, deciding to wait until they were home.

"Hermione, what was that back there?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all."
"And your new look? Did you do that?"
"No Mum. I woke up like this on my birthday."
"Well it would've been nice if you had told us instead of letting us find out when you got off the train."
"Sorry Mum, it must've slipped my mind."
"I swear Hermione, you have grown more glib every year that you spend at that school of yours. Is that what they teach you? How to disrespect your parents when you get home?"
"No Mother, they do not. They teach me how to survive if I want to become a member of the Wizarding World when I graduate."

The rest of the car ride was spent in silence. She had been happy to see them, until her mother opened her mouth. As soon as the car pulled into the driveway, Hermione was out of it and headed to the front door. Letting herself in, she made a beeline straight for her bedroom. Throwing herself onto her bed, she let out a scream into her pillow. Each year that she returned home from Hogwarts, her mother continued to get worse. She knew it was because she was confused and didn't understand, but her father wasn't like that at all with her.

Speaking of her father, Samuel had just entered Hermione's room, school trunk in tow. Placing it at the foot of her bed, he sat down next to her and waited for her to resurface.

"You alright sweetheart?"
"I'll be fine."
"Listen Hermione, you know you shouldn't listen to your mother. She just doesn't like you gone from home for such long periods of time."
"Well that's just too bad. I love it at Hogwarts and it's the only way I'll be able to make a life for myself."
"Have you ever thought about not getting a magical job?"
Not use magic, are you mad?"
"Don't take that tone with me Hermione I was just asking a simple question."
"Well, it was a daft one. If you don't mind leaving, I would like to rest before supper."

Samuel patted his daughter's leg and left her room. She spent the next few hours tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. Sitting up, she propped herself against the headboard and stared aimlessly around her room. Her walls were covered with photographs from school and wizarding world and a bookshelf sat adjacent to the bed, covered with books both muggle and magical.

A tapping at her window interrupted her staring. Looking towards the disturbance, she spotted Hedwig. Letting her in. She grabbed her letter and was surprised to see it was from Ginny and not Harry.

Dear Hermione,

I know I saw you just this morning, but I wanted to make sure you were alright. I saw the Malfoys approach you at the station. Don't worry, only I saw. Harry and Ron were too busy staring at Daphne Greengrass, though they'd never admit it. Hoping to see you for Christmas, write back soon.

Your friend,
Ginny Weasley

Putting the piece of parchment down, she decided to write Ginny back later.

"Rest awhile Hedwig, I'm not writing back right now."

Hermione went downstairs to see if her mother had started on supper and needed any help.

"Hey Mum."
"Oh Hermione, you startled me," Jean said, placing her hand over her heart. "Did you need something dear?"
"I just wanted to see if you needed any help is all."
"Of course. You can start by peeling the potatoes and carrots."

They worked in silence, each of the women working on the task at hand. Hermione opened her mouth ha few times to speak before shutting it again.

"You know you can talk to me sweetheart."
"It doesn't feel that way anymore."
"Come sit down Hermione."

Placing her potato peeler on the counter, Hermione joined her mother at the table. Jean reached across the surface, grasping her daughter's hand in her own.

"I didn't mean to be cross with you earlier, I just hate not having you around as much anymore. That school of your takes up so much of your time. When you aren't' in school, you're spending breaks with your friends."
"I know, Dad told me. I'm sorry you feel neglected but all my friends are magical also. I can talk openly about the wizarding world with them without have to explain everything."
"You can't begrudge us for asking questions Hermione, your father and I only wish to know what goes on in your life."

Hermione didn't respond, knowing her mother only spoke the truth. She started thinking back on when her and her parents started growing distant. It had been happening since she was accepted to Hogwarts, but the rift grew when they told her she was adopted.

"Mum, what was in that letter?"
"Letter? What are you talking about Hermione?"
"You know exactly which letter. The one that you and Dad had the day I found out."
"Oh, that letter."

Reaching into her pocket, Jean pulled a worn looking piece of parchment from it and gave it to her daughter.

Dear Rhea,

I hope this letter finds you well daughter. As I'm sure you've already learned, you are, in fact, adopted. You were born of the two most ancient and noble pureblood families in the wizarding world. Certain things have happened with your father and me, so I entrusted you in your aunt's care. She told me she has decided to put you up for adoption in our world to protect you. I have taken the liberty of placing spells and enchantments upon you to hide your identity. If anyone saw you, they'd know immediately to which family you belong. It's to save your life.

Oh your 16th birthday, your true appearance shall resurface itself so that myself, your father and your aunt may be able to identify you when we see you again. It is also so that your intended's family may be able to recognize you. I will not share who he is in this, for it may be intercepted.

Once your aunt has seen you and been able to recognize you as of her blood, you will go with them to meet your intended. You are to do your duty as a member of the most pure of families and produce an heir for yourself and your husband to be.
We shall meet again daughter, I'm sure of it.

From,
Your Mother.

"Well that wasn't helpful at all. The old cow didn't provide names or anything!"
"Hermione—"
"And where does she come off, 'do my duty and produce an heir.' She's completely mental!"
"Hermione, calm down!"

Hermione took a deep breath to calm herself and fixed a glass of water, chugging it down quickly.

"Better?"
"Much."
"Now then. Aren't you the one who told me that that's what those old families worry about? Producing the next generation?"
"Yes but—"
"Don't interrupt me. If your biological mother was raised in the old ways, it's understandable for her to think in such a way. Didn't it also mention something about noble families?"
"Yes. Apparently they come from two of the most 'Ancient and Noble wizarding families.' So?"
"Girl, you're so smart you're dumb sometimes. Think about it. How many families claim that?"
"More than you'd think, actually."

Receiving a glare, she reworded herself.

"A fair few, I believe."
"I know you've read about them all. List them."
"Okay. There's the Malfoys, Blacks, Lestranges, Potters, Prewetts, and the Crouches."
"Alright then dear, go from there."

Hermione paused and thought about which family it could be. She knew it wasn't the Potters, that line ended with Harry. It wasn't the Prewetts either, they weren't a noble pureblood family and from what she had read, they were killed during the first war. It wasn't the Crouches, Mr. Crouch died during 4th year and Barty Crouch, Jr received the Kiss and was rotting in Azkaban. That only left three pureblood families; the Malfoys, the Blacks and the Lestranges. She knew it wasn't the Malfoys, they only had Draco but she wasn't sure on the others.

"It's between the Blacks and Lestranges."
"Well dear, I'm sure you have people you can write to ask about those families. You get to it and I'll finish up in here."
"You're sure?"
"Of course. I can't begrudge you for wanting to know who you are and where you came from."
"Thanks Mum!"

Running from the room, Hermione ran back to her room and sat at her desk to write Ginny back. In her letter, she didn't mention anything about any possible family connections. She didn't want to worry her friends. She had an idea on who she could owl, but she didn't want to raise any alarms. She had no idea how Sirius would take it if she suddenly started asking about his family lineage, especially seeing as he hated them fiercely.

Thinking about Sirius, she was glad he was alive, for Harry's sake. It had been touch and go for awhile there after he was struck by Bellatrix Lestrange's spell. She remembered seeing a bright red light flash in Sirius's direction and, before thinking; she crawled onto a higher surface and cast her own spell to knock him away from the arch. To this day, she couldn't explain why she did it.

When the healers came, Sirius had been carted off to St. Mungo's to be checked out. It had taken the healers weeks to discover which spell was used. Once they had, they were able to reverse it so that Sirius made a full recovery. Once he recovered, he learned that he had received a full pardon. Someone had spotted Wormtail and turned him over to the Ministry.
Returning to the present, Hermione glanced down and noticed that while she had been in a daze, she had written an entire letter to Sirius. Reading through it, she noted that it was acceptable to send to him, but she was still unsure. Plucking up the courage, she walked down the hall to her father's office, where they kept the owl Hermione purchased for them. Tying the roll of parchment to their owl's leg, she sent him on his way before she lost her nerve.

"Hermione, supper's ready!"
"Coming Mum!"

Closing the office door behind her, Hermione went downstairs and joined her parents for supper.

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