Sorry that i havent updated over Christmas folks, its been busy, myself my mother and my two daughters have been down with a cold and its summer here (Australia) so its been especially poo. I've been feeling so bad i havent even looked at the computer lately. So here is your update and just a warning that half way through this chapter this a time jump, sorry if this annoys you but at this rate i would be here the next seven years writing this story before i actually got anywhere.

Mistakes are mine everything else... nope.


Hermione had slept all the rest of that day and into the early hours of the nest morning. She woke up alone and sighed softly, her body didn't ache as much any more but it was still sore. Stretching out and sitting up she looked around to see a plate of food by the bed along with her wand and a clean change of clothes. With a soft groan she ignored the food and pulled herself from the bed, her chest felt tight and she pulled the gown off her body frowning at the puffy pink scar.

She hadn't heard Minerva walk into the medical wing or even between the split in the curtains surrounding her bed. She startled slightly when the Professor cleared her throat but when she looked up she couldn't meet the woman's eyes. The information she had overheard yesterday still playing on her mind. Here stood her mother, a mother that abandoned her to people that abused her, just because it wasn't physical didn't mean it was ok. Hermione reached over for her shirt, a white tank.

"Severus says you will always have the scar, something about not being able to heal curses of that magnitude. But on the whole you could have died so maybe a scar isn't such a bad deal?" Minerva speaks gently.

"You're right. There are way worse things than a scar." Hermione speaks up pointedly.

"Hermione, wont you forgive me?" Minerva's voice actually cracks and it shakes Hermione's resolve slightly.

"Wont you tell me who my real parents are?" Hermione counters pulling on her jeans.

"Why do you need to know? Cant you just be happy with the life you have?" Minerva's eyes fill with tears and Hermione looks away grabbing her wand and stepping past the Professor.

"I don't know. Can you?" Hermione doesn't wait for an answer.

The little brunette had considered Minerva friend since the shortly after they had met, she still did, it made it hard that she now knew the woman she just left sobbing in the medical wing in her mother. Vaguely she realised that was probably where she got her own stubborn streak from, from a very stubborn Scot. With a sigh and unshed tears swimming in her eyes she practically sprinted back to Gryffindor tower.

Hermione went and got into the bed that felt more like her own than the one she had spent the last 12 years in. Curling up she let out a soft groan as she relaxed her sore muscles the pain level spiking slightly, the bruises weren't going away in a hurry. No sooner was she finally comfortable did a little black cat pop up in front of her face startling her slightly. Smiling happily the little girl pulled the cat into her arms and rubbed her face on the little black kitten.

"Nox, you wouldn't believe the week i've had so far." Hermione mumbled into soft fur before the little cat nestled in under her chin and gave a little meet.

Hermione didn't need to explain which was good because she fell asleep almost the same moment Nox began purring in her ear. She slept better the next few hours than she had since she had lost consciousness. She woke up a little late and very hungry, a part of her didn't feel like eating, her mind still reeling from learning of her parentage but a bigger of her, namely her empty stomach was screaming at her to have breakfast.

Struggling of her bed at 6 she got her school uniform, a pair of pants and her white shirt along with tie, underwear and socks and went into the bathroom. Hermione poured herself a bath in the tub and sank down into the hot water quietly glad she got up when she did so she could enjoy a hot bath in peace. She soaked for almost a half hour before soaping and washing off and getting out of the water. Hermione dried off and slowly got dressed, she was just drying her hair with a spell when the first few girls stumbled tiredly into the bathroom. Hermione made her escape.

Putting on her shoes and outer robe Hermione grabbed up her wand and the kitten, kissing Nox on the nose before setting her back on the bed. She was mildly unhappy with having to leave Nox but the little cat had outgrown her pocket. With a mumbled 'see you' to the little cat Hermione left the dorm and the common room and made her way down to the Great Hall.

She had almost made it to her table when she was abruptly, yet gently spun around and lips met her own in a chaste brief kiss. Hermione didn't even have to look to know exactly who it was, which was good because the move made her aching head spin. She stumbled sideways slightly but Ren easily steadied her.

"Ren do you want Minerva to lose her mind on you again?" Hermione grumble though a half smile played on her lips.

"I'm just so happy to see you awake Kid. How are you feeling?" Ren tucked a bit of Hermione's hair behind her ear.

"Oh since that kiss i'm 100%." Hermione chuckled and Ren winked.

"Are you flirting with me?" Ren teases only to be interrupted by a young Slytherin

"She's 12 Ren. 12 Year olds don't flirt." Aria Devereux stepped up beside her sister.

"I don't know, ma bichette, you seem to flirt quite a bit with that git Malfoy." Ren slung an arm around Aria's shoulder, Hermione smiled at how close the two seemed regardless of the age gap.

"I only flirt with Malfoy because he is always sitting so close to Daphne Greengrass." Aria pipes up boldly and Ren looks a little shocked before laughing.

"And you say 12 year olds don't flirt." Ren chuckles and the Hermione smirks.

"Well Hermione doesn't, far too busy for that nonsense. Am I right?" Aria smiles at Hermione who nods grinning a little cheekily.

"Exactly, besides Aria is 11 until end of January, 11 year olds are totally wild." Hermione says playfully looking at the two sisters, the little one laughing along with her sister.

"I guess that was so long ago that I just don't remember." Hermione and Aria both roll their eyes playfully at Ren's dramatic sigh.

"Whatever, its almost food time. Come on fatty." Aria says playfully tugging on Ren's robes.

"I'm really glad you're ok Hermione, Ren was very worried about you." Aria spoke up before turning to leave. Hermione had noticed Daphne walk in a moment ago and stop staring at the three witches though mostly Aria.

Hermione on impulse reached out and gently snagged Aria's robe stopping her from turning away. Ignoring the confused and questioning look on the girls face Hermione leaned in and pressed a little kiss to the other brunette's lips. Pulling back slightly Hermione smirks at the stunned look on the younger girls face and has to stifle a chuckle.

"Daphne was watching. Or more she still is only she is kind of glaring at me." Hermione whispers in Arias ear who then brightens.

"You were trying to make her jealous on purpose? You think it worked?" Aria excited excitedly and Ren rolled her eyes.

"A pretty girl just kissed you and you're more worried about if Daphne is jealous. Gee, mon lapin, get your priorities right." Hermione laughed at Ren's exasperation.

"Yes I think it worked. Get going and I will see you both later no doubt." Hermione smiles and moves to the table as the two sisters head for them over table.

Sitting down Hermione shifts a little on the seat her muscles aching but she doesn't let it get to her. She looks up to see Ren and Aria talking with Daphne and cant help rolling her eyes. Personally Hermione thought anyone under the age of at least was too young to worry about dating and romance but at the same time she wasn't against helping out a friend, or at least someone who would be her friend if not for house's and blood status'.

Time jump here, forward to 4th year.

For the rest of that week, in fact for the rest of that year and the three that followed it Hermione and Minerva didn't speak outside of class. Hermione had vowed to wait until the woman told her want she wanted to know but Minerva seemed adamant not to say a word on the matter. Of course the professor had no idea that Hermione even knew that she and Bellatrix were her mothers. Hermione wanted the woman to have enough balls, enough desire, to be honest with her.

Regardless of all the 'mama drama' which is what Ren had often called it in the letters they sent to one another after Ren graduated, Hermione kept up with everything else, she was a formidable duellist just as her mother had been. She made the team every year and had even managed to make it to the 3v3 team this year. So far 4th year was looking good for her, she still didn't have any friends outside of Aria really but she didn't mind that so much. Nox was plenty good company while the witch was studying or sneaking out to train.

In stead of the Dark Tower Hermione had stumbled upon a hidden room on the 7th floor, the Room of Requirement she had learned, which much better accommodated her needs. She no long had to conjure her own targets as the room would do that for her and the space was great. The best part was the fact that unless someone was specifically looking for her outside the room then no one could find her.

It was the Monday before their first match of the year, they were starting with Uagadou School of Magic this year and the match was on the coming Friday. Hermione had learned from the last three years that Uagadou had some of the nicest students they had come across. Many of the students, easily 90% of them, were native of Africa and seemed to simply have an inane desire to share what ever they had. They were very polite and always bowed deep unlike so many of the other schools.

Hermione was looking forward to training as she bounded down onto the pitch after her classes and stretched out. She had really come into herself in the last few years, puberty hit and with the monthly friend and raging hormones her body developed as well. She had actually had to owl Ren to get the French brunette to take her bra shopping when she developed appropriately sized, or as Ren so crassly put it, 'a nice handful of tit'. Like so many days before then Hermione found herself wondering why she was even friends with Ren.

That was one of the few days Ren and Hermione had actually spent together after Ren graduated. The blue eyed brunette had gotten into the Auror Program and had apparently fallen madly in love with a woman named Nymphadora. Hermione had met Nymphadora on one of the other occasions that the two brunettes had gotten together. She could easily see that the two were a perfect fit and Hermione had gotten along with the Metamorphmagus very well.

The only things that remained constant in Hermione's life were Nox and her scar, though a lot thinner and whiter it was still very visible but it didn't bother her much. Nox was always not far from Hermione, she followed her to classes and would wait outside for her or she would simply wait in either the Great Hall or the Library. It was odd but the cat definitely seemed to know Hermione's schedule. Nox was currently standing on the pitch next to Hermione as the girl stretched out.

Hermione was soon, slowly, joined by her team. This year was finally all knew members, the teams of the past being replaced by people who had focussed more or tried harder. There were 3 4th years including Hermione Katherine Trimble who was a Hufflepuff and Slytherin by named Michael Denrith. They were both on the 5s team. Along with the 4th years there were 2 5th years. Malcolm and Malia Fredrickson, twins from Ravenclaw, Malia was on the 5s and Malcolm was a sub.

Taylor Gurdor and Finn Remington were the 2 6th years that were on the 3s with Hermione, Taylor got the job as shield for the two teenage girls which he often joked about. Ella Mitchells was the 3rd 6th year and the second sub. 7th Year provided them with Angela Lincoln who was the teams number one this year and Trent Matthews who was the last 5. Gurdor, Remington and Matthews all being Ravenclaws while Lincoln and Mitchell's were Gryffindor.

"Finally you're all here, and Nox I see. Granger cant you keep the cat in Gryffindor Tower?" Coach Snape grumbles and Hermione grins and picks up the cat rubbing her face on it.

"This cat? You think this cat can be chained?" Hermione actually went so far as to toss the little cat at Snape who quickly and gently caught her, Nox meowed and pushed her head up under Severus' chin.

"I suppose she will even be in the stands cheering you on again this year Granger?" Severus sighed dejected but anyone could see this was one of the rare moments where he was in a somewhat playful mood.

"Come off it, Professor, Nox has been there with Granger ever since 1st year when those Durmstrang guys nearly killed her." Aria and Daphne who had officially been dating for a year now, were there to watch practice for Hermione's sake.

"Of course Miss Devereux, who else would protect one of the few people that actually need it if not for Nox and your dear sister." Severus points out and the group of 12 all chuckle.

"Alright enough chit chat though, lets practice, we only have today and Wednesday before the first match." Snape calls more seriously as the partners up at random Nox was small for her age and was easily able to perch up on Severus' shoulder without a problem.

For the next hour and half they would have 1v1 matches 3 rounds a piece before switching partners and the they would group up for 5v5 for the last half an hour. Once done Hermione was joined with Aria and Daphne, they didn't often hang out with the Gryffindor but Hermione always enjoyed the times they did hang out. It was pleasant spending time with the young couple, the Slytherin girls rarely fought.

"So... did she tell you?" Daphne asked suddenly the question seemed random but Hermione smirked.

"Come on she did didn't she! What's the big secret?" Aria asked glaring at the other brunette.

"Gee you guys cant just hang out with me for me you just want the gossip? Cold." Hermione huffed and both girls pressed into her on either side.

"You're both ridiculous. If you would just wait two more weeks you would find out exactly what Ren is keeping from you." Hermione points out seriously.

Hermione knew exactly what the two wanted to know, Ren had sent her a letter a few days ago and the young couple had been hounding Hermione ever since. Apparently Ren had taken it upon herself to tease Aria and Daphne with the withheld information. It was no big deal, Ren was just planning to propose to Nym is all.

"She told her best friend but refuses to tell her favourite sister." Aria pouts and straightens up letting Hermione walk alone again as she tugs her girlfriend too her.

"She will tell you soon enough she is just enjoying messing with you." Hermione chuckles at the two pouting girls.

"That's low. Is it a good thing or a bad thing?" Hermione snickers at that entirely amused.

"It depends on how you look at it. Get to Dinner, she will tell you soon enough." Hermione urges the two into the Great Hall and towards Slytherin table.

With matching pouts the two slightly younger witches walked off to their table and left Hermione to move to Gryffindor table. Hermione sat and pulled Nox from the bench and into her lap rubbing her ears while she waited for the hall to fill and everyone else to be seated before dinner turned up on the table. Finally when the food arrived the not so little but still kind of short brunette filled a plate and began to eat.

As with every night Hermione could feel piercing emerald eyes on her and part of her wondered if Minerva just watched to make sure she ate or for some other reason. Hermione wanted so desperately to think the older woman cared for her as a mother should her daughter but Minerva still refused to tell the truth and didn't even try to talk to her any more Part of Hermione wanted to rebel in some way that would force the woman to give her some attention but she wasn't the type. If she wasn't duelling, practising or competing, or learning then she wasn't interested.

She had no idea if she rathered boys over girls, neither had really appealed to her yet so she avidly avoided all conversation on the subject of romance. She knew enough to be able to spot when someone had a crush and she was a little annoyed to learn that Ronald Weasley, the biggest thorn in her side, was showing signs of harbouring such feelings. Hermione had no problem shutting him down when he approached her.

Instead of dallying with her dinner like she might usually she instead tucked in and filled up before leaving the hall a bit early. The reason for doing so was that she had promised to write Ren back no later than this evening and she was hoping that if she got the letter done quickly enough she could sneak up to the 7th floor without waiting for everyone to go to sleep. Once in her room she set to work on the letter, it probably took her a total of 15 minutes to write it out and seal it up in an envelope ready for the owl tomorrow morning. Once done she stowed the letter beside her bed and headed out for the 7th floor, Nox a shadow at her feet.