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The month had gone by quickly as the event of the Gala drew near. It was now only about a day away and everyone was beginning to feel a bit pressured. Through out the month both Amelia and Hermione did their best to school the young Vajirian in the cultural advances since her time. They had also spent that first week coming up with a name to call her by and Alfred had come up with the name of Jess. Short for Jessamine B. Granger, though she would only answer to Jess.

Both Amelia and Jonathan had registered the girl in their adoptive care as did Aaron and Tate. They were glad that no one disputed their claim for this girl who all but mysteriously appeared in their lives but it was better then those inquisitors questioning every little thing they did. Amelia had indeed been correct that they would be watched closely.

As they went about their normal business they took notice of several trackers shadowing their footsteps. Even so much as following Hermione to school though they only went so far with that. The young Magi had opted to take the floo and apparate more often now as she did not wish to have the feeling of being followed as she made her way home. At least at home she could pretend there wasn't anybody outside watching their home.

They couldn't go to the Federation, it would definitely bring more unwanted attention and no doubt probably bring more tension between the ruling governments. It was best to keep everything as they were as long as possible. The first sign of blood would surely bring about another Great War like in the History books.

Jess had taken quite a liking to the Granger women and only seemed relaxed and carefree with Jonathan and Tate. Being as the two were mated, Alfred was still met with some hostility but at least now they were able to be in the same room with each other. Though with Hermione John had guessed because Hermione seemed more like an older sister while Aaron and Amelia were like mothers. Though with Aaron it was strange, Jess would always seemed work herself to frustration when the explorer was around. The young Vajiri would try to talk. Amelia had theorized that because Jess was frozen all this time it would take white some time for her to use her voice if they hadn't shut down completely from the lack of use for so many years, she also surmised that the little brunette was a mute and couldn't even speak at all.

Though with out proper medical tools the former geneticist was unable to tell for sure. Jess was definitely quite small for her age which gave her the appearance and height of a four year old despite being two years older then what she actually was..

Hermione sighed as she walked through the door. Jess came running from her father's study a bright smile on her face as she leapt into the witch's arms. The older brunette giggled happily growing accustom to the little girl doing this when she came home from school. They had had to explain to her as best they could that Hermione was coming back at first. Jess had cried the first three days she left but had come to learn that the witch would come back in the late afternoon.

"Ooo some ones happy today. Did you go to the park today?" The little Vajiri nodded vigorously still with that bright smile."Oh so that means you finished your writing for today?" Again the little girl nodded.

Just then Amelia came from the kitchen,"Oh there you are.." She smiled warmly,"Hermione bring little Jess with you I've fruit salad for us to eat. This way your father and cousins can have the rest…you know how they get."

Hermione hummed as she took her seat at the table and Jess crawled to the seat next to her. Giving a small thanks in prayer before digging in whole heartily, it seemed she too held a great love for fresh fruit.

"Is something the matter dear?" The older woman asked taking her seat as well. Hermione sighed again,"It would seem the Gala tomorrow is much bigger then I would have thought."

"You know the each Gala is an event of great prestigious. You are new to this." Amelia said calmly before eating the watermelon off her fork.

"Yes I know...it's just how many have the entire aristocratic society invited not just from here but from everywhere else."

"Only very few poppet. Especially with the findings of your cousins it's really a grand celebration for such discoveries." John said as he came to join the girls with Alfred.

"Hello darling I see you've been expecting us." Jonathan smiled referring to the large bowls filled with a pile of fruit where as his wife and daughters were of a normal serving size. Jess' bowl mirrored the large bowls though smaller in scale.

"Speaking of the Gala…Hermione would you mind being my escort for tomorrow evening?" Alfred asked removing his coat before he too took a seat.

"I would think a dashing young man like you would have at least a few female acquaintances to accompany you." Amelia teased.

"I am much of a dreamer aunt Amelia. I would rather wait until I find she who is right for me."

"Yes, both you and Hermione are much the same in that aspect. But I am glad in knowing I will still have my little girl to myself self that much longer." Mrs. Granger playfully swatted her husband who laughed along with his nephew and daughter.

"John, Hermione is hardly a little girl anymore."

"Not to me. She will always be my little girl." He said with a wink to Hermione. The magi grinned,"Of course Alfred I would gladly be your escort."

"Wonderful. Much better that boars in read head you called boyfriend." Hermione deflated then at the in direct mention of Ron."I'm sorry I did t mean to…"

"It's fine Alfred. I'm going to have to face him sooner or later, and it seems the tomorrow night I will have to."

"He's going to be there?" Both Alfred and John asked in unison.

Shaking her head Amelia pushed her now empty bowl away."Stop it both of you. Neither of you will do anything to that boy tomorrow night. Hermione will handle this her way and if she asks for your assists, it will be given with class and dignity. I don't want tomorrow's celebration ruined because Both of you and Tate got hot headed and over protective. Am I understood." The men blinked at the tone but only nodded silently not willing to test the fury of Amelia Granger.

Jess who hadn't paid much attention until now looked up to find the men nodding and so did the same. Hermione giggled at this as asked her quietly,"Would you fight for my honor too?" Jess paused only to nod mor vigoursly and smiled sheepishly when Hermione hugged her.

"Well it seems I've my only little protector."

"Darling when are Tate and Aaron?" The older brunette asked after the lull in conversation.

"They wished for some time alone dear." John said and the matter was not questioned further.

~x~

That night Hermione sat at her vanity brushing her hair. Jumping slightly at the sound of her mother's voice,"Your hairs grown quite long."

"Hmm and it's become less frizzy." Amelia stepped into her daughters room little Jess following behind sleepily holding on to the woman's night sift. Hermione smiled softly pulling the little girl to her and sitting her on her lap. Amelia continued in brushing her daughters hair while Hermione ran her fingers through Jess'. Hermione hummed the lullaby her mother use to sing to her when she was little and Amelia smiled softly at her daughter.

But she had come into speak with the magi and so asked,"Are you really that worried about seeing him there tomorrow?"

Hermione sighed and nodded,"What he did…it's unforgivable mother. He was using me."

"I know darling. I know it's just…ever since that…you've become a bit closed off..I can't help but feel you think yourself less then what you really are."

"How am I suppose to feel? I was nothing more then a breeder to him. I wasn't his equal and it was only while with him did I get any sort of recognition at all. Especially during the civil war."

Shaking her head the older brunette put the brush down and moved to kneel before her sitting daughter,"Hermione you are more then what he thinks he made of you. Those people who gave praise only to now to give insult do not deserve to know you or your thoughts. You have always been so much more then you can ever realize my darling daughter. And I am so very proud if the young woman you've become, there is still so much for you to accomplish and I will stand by you in what ever you choose to do in your life. That boy was nothing more then a stepping stone…I know you're losing hope in finding some one you can be with but don't. Things like that can come to you as quickly as you can blink. But you must keep believing in such things or they'll pass you by…..You are beautiful Hermione both inside and out….and anyone female or male to win your heart would be the luckiest in the Galaxy."

Brown eyes had geared up a bit as the magi leaned forward to hug her mother. She was glad to have a mother to be understanding and supportive just like her father. But her mother she could ultimately say is her greatest friend.

Amelia hugged both girls close as she eased her daughter to calm. When Hermione's tears were spent she lead both girls to bed and tucked them in. But Hermione had not wanted her to leave and so that night the Granger women slept peacefully in each other's embrace.