A/N: Sorry for the bit of delay in posting this next chapter - I hope you all enjoy it, it's quite a bit longer than the others :D
Once Hermione was able to separate herself from her two best friends, she made her way back to Xavier's office. She walked past his secretary, an annoying blonde who was trying to stop her, and knocked on the door. Upon hearing Xavier's deep voice telling her to enter, she resisted the urge to turn around and stick her tongue out at the blonde bimbo at the desk.
She entered his office, quickly shutting the door behind her. "Hello, again."
Xavier looked up and half smiled. "Well, I wish I could say it's a pleasure to see you again – but given the circumstances, I think that would be a tad inappropriate." He motioned for her to take a seat. Once Hermione was seated, he pulled out some papers and handed her some. Glancing down, she saw that it was the next day's copy of the Daily Prophet, the front page read:
HERMIONE GRANGER, head of the Magical Law Department, PRONOUNCED DEAD
Hermione Granger, a very well known hero of the war, was pronounced dead earlier this morning. She was hit by an intoxicated muggle, driving what is known as a car (see pg. 10 for picture). Muggle witnesses say that the driver was moving at an "alarming speed" and that Hermione hit her head very hard on the pavement of the road. She was immediately rushed to a muggle hospital, from which she was transported to St. Mungo's – it was on her arrival there, at 5:47 a.m., that she was pronounced dead due to extreme head trauma and internal bleeding. Mrs. Newton, a neighbor of Hermione, said: "It's such a shame. She was always a nice young lady. I couldn't sleep well last night and I saw her leave the flat around 5:20 – her cat had gotten out, you see. Such a sad death." Victoria Newton is a muggle that lived across the street from Hermione. A private funeral will be held later today, it is asked that only family and friends attend. Although, there are plans for a memorial service to be held later this week in Hogsmeade in honor of Hermione Granger.
To the side of the article, there were a few pictures of her. Some taken rather recently at a Ministry party and others were a bit older, with Harry and Ron in them. "Well, this is fairly believable – but aren't Harry and Ron going to wonder why they weren't notified of my accident?"
Xavier nodded. "Yes, and that's why at 6:00 tomorrow morning, each of them, including your mother and father, are going to be woken up by a ministry officer speaking news of your accident and death. They'll be distraught and demand to see you – we are going to give St. Mungo's a body."
"But how?" Hermione was so confused. How was she going to be able to pull this off?
"Before you go into hiding and take on your new identity – you have one more task as Hermione Granger. You must let your friends and family grieve your death. It won't be believable if they don't see a body, if they don't see you." Xavier explained.
Hermione's eyes widened. "I don't think I can do that. I can't lie there pretending to be dead! And then listen to my friends and family mourn. They'll be in real pain but my death is anything but real!" Her eyes were filled with tears. She was actually going to witness her own funeral.
"I know it's going to be hard, Hermione. You'll be stunned, of course, we can't take any chance of you moving. You're just going to have to sit through this, for your own sake. Once this threat is eliminated, you'll be back and you can explain everything to those you love."
Hermione nodded. This was going to be difficult. "So, after my funeral, I'll go where? Back into the muggle world?" She asked.
Xavier shook his head. "Nope, you're going to hide right here, in the Wizarding World – right here in the Ministry, in fact. Right under everyone's noses." Xavier was looking through all the papers on his desk. "The Minister is in fact, looking for a new secretary – and while you are a bit overqualified, being in his presence during the day ensures that you are being watched over by the Minister's top-notch security."
Since the fall of Voldemort, Kingsley Shacklebot became Minister of Magic. How was she supposed to be in his presence every day and not confess to him who she truly was? Hermione pushed her question to the back of her mind and nodded.
"Now, we're working on your new identity now."
"Wait, when you say we who exactly do you mean?" Hermione interrupted.
"Oh, silly me; Nathan Sanderson and I are working on your new identity." Xavier said. Hermione knew who Nathan was, well sort of. A more correct statement would be that Hermione knew of Nathan Sanderson, having never actually having seen or met him before. His job in the Ministry was quite uncertain; he would sometimes be brought on into the Auror department or there were times he has assisted down in the Department of Mysteries – he was more or less a floater, she supposed, or someone who was of extreme value to the Ministry.
"You'll receive your identity after the funeral service tomorrow. Until then, Hermione you need to lay low. The ministry has set up every ward possible on a room in The Leaky Cauldron – and there will be a rotation of Aurors keeping watch throughout the night. The room is completely unplottable and no one but you and I know of its existence and the fact that you will be staying there. You should be fine, though, we have reason to believe that he is not going attack until tomorrow." He looked at his watch. "I have an appointment in a few – but I shall be at your room tomorrow morning around five to set the plan in motion. I think it's best for you to go now."
Hermione nodded. She was afraid to speak in fear that her voice would crack and he would see how scared she was. "Thank you." She said as she got up and walked out of his office. Before Harry or Ron could find her again she quickly apparated directly into the Leaky Cauldron.
Hermione felt her body regain its feeling once the stunning spell was lifted – but somehow she still felt completely numb. She just witnessed her own funeral.
The words of her family and friends were playing on repeat through her mind; Merlin, she felt as if she really had died this morning. Harry and Ron's eulogy alone would have had her sobbing had she been able to move.
"Hermione was our best friend; Ron was always the hungry one, I was the one that always managed to find trouble, and then there was Hermione, the brains. I think it would be a very safe bet to say that neither Ron nor I would still be standing today if it wasn't for the brightest witch of our day. I don't think I have enough fingers or toes to count the times when Hermione saved our arses…" Hermione could hear the smile in Harry's voice. "Hermione, I love you. Merlin, I don't think I've said that enough to you – you've been a best friend for so long, I don't think the term friend quite lives up to how amazing you are."
Moisture pooled in Hermione's eyes as Harry's words replayed through her head. She sniffed and wiped
her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt, but it was no use. Ron's words were echoing in her mind as well and
the flow of tears coursed down her face faster.
"…Yeah, I know everyone expected us to get married and pop out like a thousand little red-headed babies – and we, Hermione and I, always got a kick out of that. Seriously though, I bet if I asked for a raise of hands in here today if you thought that Hermione and I would be hitched by now at least three-quarters of you would have your hands raised. Mum, don't shake your head – you know you always saw Hermione as a daughter and weren't very shy in hiding your thoughts on our relationship." The hall filled with laughter. "But you know, we were friends first and we were friends for years. It took us only a short time to realize that being just friends was enough for us. And Hermione, you know that it will still always be the three of us; you, me and Harry. I can tell you right now that not a day will go by when Harry and I don't think or talk of you…"
Hermione was glad that she hadn't been able to see any of their faces, but she could hear the pain in all of their voices as they came and paid their respects to her one by one. Every person that came and spoke to her put another pang of pain in her chest.
A man in a bright red cloak was storming his cellar in fury. Screaming in anger, he pushed over every piece of furniture; kicking and breaking whatever was in his sight. He smashed his fist against a full length mirror that hung from the wall – not even flinching in pain – as he continued to pace around the cold stone floor, red blood pouring from the new wounds on his fist.
At the sound of a latch opening, the man turned. Another cloaked figure entered – he tsked his disapproval. "I see you've finally decided to arrive."
The cloaked figure bowed his head. "I apologize for my tardiness, Adonis." He pulled back his hood, gracing Adonis with the sight of his perfectly structured face. A face that took in the destruction that was taking place just moments ago and now lingered on the bleeding hand of Adonis. He raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow. "I see you've heard of her death."
Adonis nodded. "I must say that there has been a slight change in plans." He rubbed his wounded fist and sighed. "That Rebecca woman was almost too easy – and now this." He threw a copy of the Daily Prophet on the floor. Hermione Granger's smiling face stared up at him almost mockingly from the front page. He scoffed and kicked the Prophet into the dark cellar corner.
"Adonis?" whispered the deep, booming voice of the other cloaked man.
Adonis' eyes flared with rage. "Shut it, Seven." His voice was hard, the anger very obviously resonating through his chest. It sounded as if a growl was caught in his throat, in the dark cellar, the sound was frightening. The man referred to as Seven did indeed shut it; even though he was holding very valuable information, very valuable information that Adonis would very much like to be informed of – but that'll just have to wait until another day.
"I've been too careless," he growled. "Killing her would have been the ultimate satisfaction, it would have given me the feeling of an invincible high – helping me carry out my deeds." This time he screamed. A bone chilling, deep scream that echoed throughout the cellar. Seven didn't move a muscle.
"Alas, I need another target. I need to plan better. And oh, will the Wizarding World cower in fear when they hear my name, when they see my face." His golden eyes gleamed dangerously underneath his hood. "They've lived peacefully long enough, I think it's about time that I disrupt things." He rubbed his wounded fist. "Consider this the calm before the storm." And then the only thing that could be heard in the cellar was shrieks of maniacal laughter.
Hermione Granger was still teary eyed when she was interrupted by a door opening. Looking up, Hermione saw Xavier pop his head through the door.
"Ah! There you are, Hermione." He seemed to look like he was about to smile but then he hesitated and the corners of his mouth had a brief up and downward battle until they rested in a frown. Hermione sighed, she would have found this amusing, but given the circumstances it just brought more tears to her eyes.
She nodded her head, acknowledging Xavier's presence as she began to compose herself. "I'm sorry, I really am. It's just," she sniffed, "everyone said such lovely things and…" Her voice cracked as Xavier patted her soothingly on the back.
"I understand, dear, I'll just give you a minute."
The two sat awkwardly in silence for a few moments while Hermione sobered herself up. Finally rubbing the last bit of moisture from her eyes, Hermione stood up.
"I'm terribly sorry for behaving like this." She said.
Xavier smiled kindly, sadness in his eyes. "Don't be sorry at all. This is for your safety and I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you."
Hermione nodded stiffly.
"Are you ready for your new identity?"
Again, Hermione nodded.
"Okay. You are now, officially, Tabitha Wilkes – secretary to the Minister of Magic. Your parents are Melvin and Wilma Wilkes, wonderful wizards whom you loved very much, but have recently died in a tragic encounter with a wild hippogriff. You were an only child and did not attend any magical school because your parents elected to teach you at home." He flipped to another page in the open notebook that he was holding. "You live at one-oh-nine Cheshire Court, London. And most importantly, Hermione – or should I say, Tabitha – you are not friends with Harry Potter or Ron Weasley. You are not the Head of the Magical Law Department." Hermione nodded her head and slightly winced at the name Tabitha. Was she supposed to be an old granny now too?
Xavier pulled out his wand. Hermione took a few steps back. "What do you think you are doing?"
"Relax, Hermione. I'm just going to tweak your appearance. What good is a new name if you have the same face?"
Hermione immediately calmed down and flushed a bit in embarrassment about her reaction. "Of course."
Xavier gave her a small smile. "Tabitha Wilkes has auburn colored hair that is slight waves, she also has a more olive skinned complexion." A few flicks of his wand here and there. "Also, light green eyes – and some freckles." Xavier gave her a once over. "That ought to do the trick. Nothing drastic, but definitely enough for you to not be recognized as Hermione Granger."
Hermione turned towards the wall and glanced in the mirror. She gasped – because although Xavier was right in that the changes were far from drastic, she looked like a different person. And suddenly, she felt so much safer.
"Thank you, Xavier." Hermione gave him a little ghost of a smile.
"I wish I could say it was a pleasure." He said sadly. "Hermione, there is one more thing." He sighed deeply, his face giving the appearance that he was deep in thought.
"Yes?" Hermione asked.
"Well, I don't know how to ask you this but," Xavier coughed and turned towards the door. "Nathan? Can you come in now?"
The door knob turned and Hermione gasped. She was going to meet Nathan Sanderson? Her eyes quickly moved to the doorway as the most beautiful man walked through. They made eye contact immediately and Hermione was frozen to the spot. His bright eyes captured her as he gave her a smile that flashed some brilliant white teeth. She couldn't help but smile back.
They broke eye contact as Nathan turned towards Xavier and Hermione was able to steal a quick glance at Nathan. His skin was tan and his hair was a thick, dark brown. And oh, was it shiny. He was wearing a muggle black suit and you could still see that he was very defined underneath of it all.
Hermione was so busy thanking the Gods for allowing this God to grace her presence for only a few moments that she did not even notice the small guest that followed Nathan into the room.
Xavier turned towards Hermione. "Nathan, here she is – Hermione Granger." They both made their way closer to where Hermione was standing. Nathan's eyes widened in surprise for a split second and then the next is face was back to its calm, beautiful look. He smiled as he took Hermione's palm and pressed his lips against it.
"It's so nice to finally meet you!" He exclaimed. Hermione felt herself blush as she mumbled likewise and smiled at the beautiful stranger.
Xavier cleared his throat and Nathan dropped Hermione's hand. "Now, Hermione, Nathan will be the only one that you will have regular contact with. He is your safe keeper – and in being such, will be available for your need at any time or day."
Nathan stared into Hermione's new green eyes again and she couldn't help but feel a small bit of excitement starting to bubble up in her stomach. "I'll be living in the house next to you," Nathan explained. "And I'll always be close by, just in case." Did he just wink at her? Oh god, I think he did.
"There is still the matter of one more thing, Hermione." Xavier starts. And it is then that Hermione finally notices the fourth guest in the room.
Peering from behind Nathan's left leg, is a small face – a face with big bright blue eyes, looking around the room in confusion and fear. Xavier stoops down and waves her out from behind Nathan.
Hermione gasps.
She's met with Rebecca's youngest child; Amelia. Her skin is a very pale white, and her hair is mop of short, dark brown curls. The little girl of three is looking at her feet and occasionally Hermione can see her big blue eyes staring out through her hair hanging in her face.
Hermione has only met Amelia once or twice – and both times, she was the most lovely and lively of Rebecca's children. The child before her was but a mere ghost of what she used to be, what she was when she still had a family. But why was she here?
"Hermione," Xavier starts. "I know that this is a lot to ask of you, but I know that Rebecca was a very close friend of yours. And, well – we want Amelia to be safe as well. We aren't exactly sure if this new dark threat knows that she is alive, but if he does then he will want to finish what he started." Hermione's eyes widened as she started to understand where he was getting at, she started shaking her head – she couldn't possibly do what he wanted her to.
"She needs someone, Hermione. She needs a mother." Xavier said, placing his large hands on Amelia's small, fragile shoulders. "She hasn't spoken since the incident, at all. The healers at St. Mungo's aren't sure if she'll ever speak again. She's been through so much, Hermione, and she's so young."
Hermione swallowed and shook her head. "Xavier, I don't know anything about being a mother. How do you know that I can do this? I might make things worse for all you know." She looked down at little Amelia and she felt her own heart breaking. How could she say no?
"Because you have a heart, Hermione. I know that putting Amelia with you will keep her safe and I think it will help both of you to have each other." Xavier gave Amelia a small push towards Hermione, he was still stooped down at her level as he spoke softly to her. "Amelia, honey, this is Tabitha. She's going to take care of you for a little while, is that okay?"
Amelia shuffled forward as Hermione stooped down as well. They were eye to eye – bright blue eyes staring into celery green. Hermione gasped as Amelia's small, warm palm cupped her cheek. Amelia looked back at Nathan, who gave her a small nod and smile, and then she dropped her hand from Hermione's cheek.
"I think she likes you, a lot actually." Nathan said, as he watched Amelia grasp on to the loose black trousers that Hermione was wearing.
"Okay, I'll do it. I'll take of her, I'm the closest thing to family that she's got left." Hermione patted the top of the little girls head. Everything was happening so fast. She was just handed a completely different life. A life where she is a mother; a life where she is hidden; a life where she is always in potential danger. Things certainly have gotten very interesting in the life of Hermione Granger – or, of course, Tabitha Wilkes.
I really expect updates to start coming faster, I'm so inspired right now and the writing is coming so incredibly easy. So, Please REVIEW :D
