Disclaimer: This story belongs to the great JK. I just play with the characters once in awhile I wanna thank my beta/pre-reader (jjake09) cuz he's the best and patient with me even when I'm being impatient with him lol.
Without further adieu, here's chapter three
AN: I would also like to thank everyone for the reviews, follows and faves, they really do keep me going :) Didn't get around to replying to any of the reviews (I sadly don't have internet...) But I did get to read them and couldn't wait to upload the next chapter for all of you! Happy reading!
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Chapter Three
The next week in the Granger household went by quickly and quietly. The rift between Hermione and her parents was slowly closing the more time they spent together. Every night, Hermione helped her mother in kitchen and sat with her father in the study after dinner.
A few days before, Sirius had penned a reply to Hermione, wondering why she wanted to know anything about the Blacks and Lestranges. Since then, she had sent him another letter giving him the reasons why. She hadn't received anything from him and she was growing slightly worried.
On the seventh day since Hermione returned home, she spent the day wandering her neighborhood and then driving to town to catch a movie while her parents worked. While at the movies she bumped into a few of her muggle friends, who asked about her boarding school. She gave them all general answers about it before excusing herself from their company. The rest of her time was spent driving aimlessly until it was time for her parents to close the office for the day.
Arriving home, she noticed that she had reached the house before her parents had. Going inside and entering her bedroom, she spotted Sirius's owl waiting for her on the windowsill. She hurried across the space to relieve the bird of its burden, unrolling the parchment as she sat down at her desk.
Dear Hermione,
I truly can't believe that you're adopted, and from what you've told me about the letter from your birth mother as well as the letter from the law firm, it would truly indicate that you are a pureblood witch. I am unable to tell you of which family you belong, because I have not been allowed in pureblood social circles since I was a teenager.
I can tell you this about both the Black family as well as the Lestrange family. For the Blacks, it is tradition among my bloodline to name our offspring after constellations and the Lestrange family, as of the past few generations, names their offspring with such names beginning with an "R," as you might know by Rodolphus and Rabastan's names.
Hope that helps a little.
Fondly,
Sirius Black.
"Well Sirius's letter wasn't helpful in the slightest," Hermione muttered to herself.
Not bothering to reply, she made her way downstairs to greet her parents, who were coming through the front door. The words of greeting died in her throat when she spotted the couple directly behind them.
"What are you doing here?"
"Hermione, be nice, they are guests in our home."
"Of course Mother. Hello Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy."
"Good evening child, you are will I hope?"
"Yes ma'am. May I ask why you're here?"
"Hermione let them come through the door before giving them the third degree."
"Yes Father. If you'll follow me, I'll take us to the sitting room so that we can talk."
Doing just as she said, all five of them moved to the sitting room. Hermione watched them glance around the room as they sat on the sofa, taking in their surroundings. She studied their behavior as her mother offered refreshments to their guests. Accepting tea, Hermione watched her mother leave the room. Not waiting for her to return, she started her questioning.
"Not to sound rude or disrespectful, but why are you here?"
"Well Miss Granger, are we correct in assuming you received a letter from Artemis Crowley?"
"Possibly."
"And are we correct in assuming you have a letter from your birth mother?"
"How would you know?"
"Because Hermione," interjected Mrs. Malfoy, "I was with your mother when she wrote it. She asked for you to be placed in a magical orphanage, but I felt you were safest in a muggle one. I left the letter with you when I dropped you off."
"So why didn't I have a name when you left me there?"
"You did have a name; I just didn't give them any information. Your name isn't Hermione, its Rhea."
"None of this tells me who I am or who my parents are."
"Lucius and I are here to return you to your family. That's all I'll divulge at this present moment."
"So you just expect me to go with you to Malfoy Manor? How do I know you aren't lying to me? And what about Draco?"
"We do expect you to return with us Miss Granger. We have a letter from your mother, and don't you worry about Draco."
Reaching into her purse, Narcissa pulled out a sealed envelope with the name 'Rhea' scrawled on the front.
Dear Rhea,
I'm hoping this letter finds you well. I am writing this in the comfort of Malfoy Manor, waiting for Lucius and Narcissa to bring you home to your father and me. From what I've gathered about your personality, you will be skeptical about leaving with them. Your place is no longer with the family you were given to, but with your true family. I expect to see you with them when they return to the Manor.
From,
Your Mother.
"Like that really settles anything," muttered Hermione.
"Hermione, may I talk to you a minute alone?"
"Of course Mum, excuse us Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy."
"But of course, take your time."
Hermione followed Jean into the kitchen and grabbed a drink while she was in there. Taking a few sips, she sat down across from her mother.
"Hermione, I think you should go with them."
"Are you mad," she shouted.
"Keep your voice down. I'm not mad at all; I believe you should do this. If you don't, you might regret it for the rest of your life. Go sweetheart, your father and I aren't going anywhere."
"You're sure?"
"Yes. Go."
Hugging her mother, Hermione went to let the Malfoys know of her decision.
"Everything alright Miss Granger?"
"Yes Mr. Malfoy. I just wanted to let you know that I'll be leaving with you. I also wanted to state that if something happens that I don't like, I reserve the right to return home."
"Of course you do dear. Why don't you lead me to your bedroom so that we may pack your trunk? You'll stay throughout the rest of winter break with us and return to school wit Draco."
Hermione led Narcissa upstairs and to her bedroom. The older witch looked around the room, examining Hermione's living space. She took in the multitude of photos spread about the room, muggle and magical alike.
"Pack everything you usually take with you to school Miss Granger. Anything you forget may be either sent for or purchased by either myself or your mother and father."
"That would be too much Mrs. Malfoy."
"Nonsense Miss Granger, you deserve it. You are, after all, a pureblood now."
Hermione continued to pack her tings as she spoke with Narcissa.
"Mrs. Malfoy, just because I'm a pureblood doesn't mean I must flash it about."
"I never said that dear girl, but you deserve to have the nicest of things this world has to offer. Now then, our schedule for the next few days is a simple but busy one."
"What shall our schedule be?"
"After we've returned to the Manor, you'll be acquainted with your family, and there is to be a small gathering to be thrown in your honor. Do you own any decent dress robes?"
"Yes ma'am, I do."
"Good. Tomorrow you are scheduled for a fitting for not only formal robes but also for everyday wear. We are holding a Christmas ball at the Manor, as we do every year. Your attendance is required."
"Is that all them ma'am?"
"It is indeed."
"Good, it all sounds simple enough. I'm ready to go."
Narcissa shrunk Hermione's belongings and placed them in the younger woman's hand to put away. They then proceeded to make their way back to the sitting room, where Samuel was demonstrating to Lucius how to work the television.
"Come along Lucius, Miss Granger is ready to go."
Hermione went to both of her parents and gave them each a hug.
"I'll write to you soon."
"Have fun sweetheart, we love you."
"I love you both, as well."
Retreating, she grabbed a hold of Lucius's outstretched arm and watched her surroundings vanish from her sight. They appeared moments later in the foyer of Malfoy Manor where a house elf was there to take their traveling cloaks.
"I thought apparition wasn't possible into pureblood homes?"
"It's not. Only blood members of the family may do so, but in Narcissa's case, she is my wife so she is permitted to as well. Let us go to the sitting room Miss Granger, your parents and uncle await your presence."
"Yes sir."
Once more, Hermione grabbed Lucius's outstretched arm so that he could escort her while Narcissa led the way. A short time later, they arrived at the sitting room. Lucius and Narcissa entered the room to greet their guests while Hermione hung back. She wasn't able to get a good look at the people so she had no clue who they were.
Narcissa moved to the woman while Lucius went to the men.
"Cissy, it took you long enough. Well, where is she? You assured me you would return with her in tow."
"She's right over there. Show some patience dear, I'm sure mother taught them to you at some point."
"Enough dawdling Cissy, drag the girl in here and introduce us already."
"Of course."
Narcissa moved to stand in from of Hermione, blocking the girl's view of the room's occupants.
"Come along Miss Granger, they'd like to meet you now."
Grabbing her hand, Narcissa dragged her over to their guests, whom were all waiting in suspense.
"Hermione Granger, I'd like to introduce you to your mother, father and your uncle who is your father's brother."
Sliding her gaze upwards from the floor, Hermione felt like she was going to die of a heart attack. Standing before her was none other than Bellatrix, Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange. Taking one look at them she fainted and knew no more.
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~!~HG~!~RL~!~
Harry and Ron, along with the rest of the Weasley clan, were spending Christmas at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. The two boys were in the library with Sirius, who was reading while they played a game of exploding snap.
Ever since he had received Hermione's letter, Sirius had begun to comb through all of the Black family records that he could find. At that point in his search, he had come up empty handed. If anyone in his family had given birth to a child, it either wasn't recorded or it wasn't stored in his mother's house. The only reason he had even decided to search his own family's records was because of Harry and Ron's description of Hermione ever since her 16th birthday. From what the boys had described, she bore a striking resemblance of the Black family, although they didn't know it.
Putting the book down, Sirius rubbed his hands down his face in exhaustion. He hadn't been sleeping well lately, which wasn't surprising in the least. He still had nightmares of his time in Azkaban, though the others didn't know it. He always made sure to silence his room at night time so that the others in the house didn't hear any possible yelling coming from him. He didn't want to worry them; everyone already had enough on their plates as it was.
"You alright there Sirius?"
"What? Yes Harry, I'm alright. The two of you are still at it I see."
"Not for much longer, I'm about to kick Harry's ass."
Sirius said nothing, he just chuckled.
"Hey Sirius?"
"Yes Harry?"
"Was that Hermione's owl we saw the other day?"
"It was, why do you ask?"
"No reason, just curious is all because we hadn't heard from her since she went home."
"Don't worry so much Harry, I'm sure you'll hear from her soon. Is she coming to visit during your break?"
"We still aren't sure, she wouldn't say one way or another before we left school."
Sirius stood from his seat and headed for the small table in the corner of the room, where he kept his firewhiskey. Pouring a generous portion for himself, he downed it quickly before heading to his bedroom. A nap was in order before he sat down for supper.
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~!~HG~!~RL~!~
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Hermione came to to find herself stretched out on the sofa. She figured that she must've blacked out because the last thing she remembered was…
"Mrs. Malfoy, you can't be serious?"
"About what, dear girl? Are you alright?"
"I'm alright, and about my parents! They couldn't possibly be Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange."
"It's very possible Rhea because it's true. Rodolphus and I are your parents, so get used to it."
"My name is Hermione, not Rhea."
"I know what your name is girl, and it most certainly isn't Hermione," Bellatrix sneered her name, as if she had something disgusting beneath her nose.
Rounding on her sister, she let loose her anger.
"And you, Cissy, the nerve of you to place my child in a muggle orphanage! I thought I gave specific orders for her to be placed in a wizarding one! Because of you, a child of the most Noble House of Black has been contaminated by muggle beliefs!"
"Please Bella, enough with the grandstanding. I placed her there because it was safer. There had been no telling if your spells would stay in place to hide her identity! What if they had fallen before you meant them to? In the wizarding world, she would have surely been identified as a member of our family."
"Hello?" Hermione spoke up, "I am sitting right here, you know."
"Do you hear that Narcissa? The impudence of that girl, those filthy muggles have destroyed her for sure! If you had just kept her and raised her with Draco—"
"How would I have explained her presence Bella? Be glad that she's here now, sister."
"Yes, I'm extremely happy," she replied sarcastically, "my child was not only raised by muggles, she's also a Gryffindor and friends with Harry-bloody-Potter! Did I forget to mention that during her fifth year she also had a hand in not only imprisoning some of the Dark Lord's followers, but Lucius was almost one of them! She also saved Sirius from certain death!"
After Bella finished her rant, everyone was quiet. Once they were sure she was done, Narcissa spoke up.
"You finally finished?"
"Yes."
"Good, I know who exactly the girl is Bella. I also know who she is friends with, what house she is in as well as what almost happened to Lucius last year. Sirius shouldn't even enter into the equation because like it or not, he's not only our cousin but now that girl's cousin as well. I also know that Hermione is a very clever and brilliant girl, if Draco's complaints are anything to listen to. She may be a Gryffindor but she's top of her class and a Black, through and through."
Bella scoffed and stormed out of the room, Rodolphus following closely behind.
"Ignore her Rhea. Your mother is a very abrasive woman even at the best of times. I am your Uncle Rabastan, I'm been waiting a long time to meet you."
"And why is that? Weren't you at the Ministry last year?"
"Because you're my niece, my only niece. And I was not, I had other, uh, matters to attend to."
"I know what you are Rabastan. The same goes for Bellatrix, Rodolphus and Lucius. How do you all know I won't go running for the Aurors or run my mouth?"
"Because Rhea, no matter how you've been raised, you're still a Lestrange. Lestranges don't betray their blood, no matter what offense that person may have committed against them."
Rabastan left the room, leaving Hermione alone with Narcissa and Lucius. Neither of them spoke, not knowing what to say to the young woman. Both of them knew Bella would react badly, but they hadn't realized it would have gone as far as it did.
"Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy?"
"Nonsense dear, you shall call us by our given names, we're family after all."
"Alright… I read in a letter that I would find out who my intended is from my parents, but since Bellatrix stormed off, I wondered if you might tell me?"
"All in due time child. Lucius, if you'd escort Hermione to her rooms, I'll check the house elves' progress."
Hermione followed Lucius silently throughout the house, attempting to memorize the way. When they reached her room, Hermione's mouth hung open not only at the size of it but also at the splendor.
The general room was extremely spacious with only a bed, an armoire and a vanity table, all in dark cherry oak, taking up the space. The walls were painted a forest green with white crown molding. Her bed was a king size and the sheets, comforter and multiple pillows were the exact shade of grey as Hermione's eyes.
"If you'll get out your trunk, I'll resize it for you so that you may dress for supper."
"What? Oh, yes, yes of course. Thank you Lucius."
"Not at all. If you get lost on your way down, just summon Tilly. She's the house elf at your disposal. See you at supper, it starts at seven sharp."
As soon as she unpacked, Hermione summoned Tilly.
"Mistress summoned Tilly?"
"I did. I'll need you to take a letter to an owl to be delivered."
"Of course Mistress, Tilly lives to serve Mistress."
Rolling her eyes, Hermione sat down to write to Ron and Harry.
Boys,
How has break been so far? Mine has been alright, just spending time with my parents. I'm actually writing to inform you that I'll be staying with my parents for the duration of our break. I'll see you on the train!
Love,
Hermione
While she was sitting down, she decided to go ahead and write a letter to Sirius.
Dear Sirius,
I'm not exactly sure how to tell you this… I still can't believe it myself. Remember that pesky adoption thing? Well, as it turns out, I was close to indentifying my birth parents. You really won't believe me when I tell you… It seems that my birth parents are, in fact, Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange. It would also appear that my true name is actually Rhea, which I hate. I guess that would make us cousins now, huh? I still haven't found out who I'm betrothed to, although I have a feeling I'll learn that tonight. Yeah, I'm currently at Malfoy Manor…
But Sirius, I beg of you to please keep every bit of this information to yourself! Please don't tell the Order of if you do, I'll go down as well because they would no longer recognize me. Please don't tell Harry and Ron. I know you hate lying to Harry, but I'll tell him, both of them, eventually. Please just keep my secret… I hope to see you soon.
Fondly,
Rhea (ugh, hate it…)
As soon as she set the quill down, she turned to Tilly.
"Alright Tilly, I need you to spell this one letter for me."
"What would Mistress have Tilly do?"
"Spell it so that only the reader can see the true words. To an onlooker, it is merely a boring letter."
"As Mistress wishes. Anything else?"
"Yes. Please come back at 5:30 to make sure I'm awake. Supper starts at seven."
"Understood Mistress."
Snapping her fingers, Tilly disappeared. Tiredly crawling into bed, Hermione fell asleep quickly.
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~!~HG~!~RL~!~
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A few hours later in London, Harry, Ron and Sirius had received their letters from Hermione. The three men sat in silence as they absorbed what they had read.
"Well boys? What's it say?"
"She's not visiting."
"Well that's too bad, I'm sure she hate it just as much as you do but her parents don't get a lot of time with her."
"You're right. Looks like she wrote you as well. What's it say?"
"Not much, it's mostly about a book that both she and I have read."
"How boring. We'll see you downstairs mate, Mum made roast tonight."
Sirius stayed seated, watching the boys leave the room. He quickly reread Hermione's letter, cursing a few times for good measure.
"What the hell have you gotten yourself into Hermione?"
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