Came out of the Darkness 7 – Letters

As always – all recognized characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

And once again many thanks to Harry Potter wiki – without whom I would never get some of this right. I made up Barnuk.

X * X * X

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." – Elizabeth Stone

X * X * X

Griphook was in his position long before the doors opened for business, as was customary among the Goblins at Gringotts Bank.

"Letter Griphook," the passing mail Goblin snorted as he dropped it into his tray.

Griphook studied the envelope for a few long minutes, lifted it to sniff, ran a finger over to check for dark magic. Finally he opened the seal.

Dear Mr. Griphook,

My name is Harry Potter. On July 31st, I was brought to the bank by Mr. Rubeus Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. I wish to apologize for my behavior that day. You see, I was raised by my mother's sister who is a Muggle. I did not know anything about the Wizarding World until that very morning. I know that does not excuse rude behavior, but I was in shock at all that I saw and experienced. I wish to thank you for your assistance in accessing my vault as I would not have been able to do anything else without those funds.

Which brings me to my second reason for writing this letter; I am concerned that I may have withdrawn too much money from my account. I realize that these funds left by my parents have to last me until I graduate from Hogwarts. I also realize that supplies will increase in expense as I get older. I was wondering how I can find out how much I have in my vault and how I can return some of the funds if need be.

I look forward to doing business with you in the future. Again I extend my gratitude and apologies.

Harry Potter

Griphook read the letter through three times. Then he did something he'd never done in all his years of employment. He slammed his gate closed on his window and left his post. He had to seek out his supervisor.

His supervisor sent him to his supervisor, who in turn passed him up another level. Within the hour, he found himself in front of the supervisor of all supervisors Barnuk. He handed over the letter. Barnuk checked it over, then opened it and read it at least four times.

"Well 'Mr.' Griphook, you must have made an impression on young Lord Potter. It is my belief that a complimentary letter such as this one has never before been received from a wizard. You are hereby promoted to account supervisor of all matters related to young Lord Potter. I expect you can arrange a thorough audit of said accounts immediately."

"Right away."

"No. First you shall reply to young Lord Potter. By letter. Acknowledge his appreciation and apology. Advise him of your plans for the audit and that you will contact him again when it is complete." Barnuk turned away, "I will place this letter in your employment file."

"Could I have a copy please?" Griphook asked. "To refer to as I respond."

Barnuk nodded and an exact duplicate appeared. Griphook left the office with the letter clutched in his hands. He was half way back to his post before he remembered, he now had an office.

Somewhere.

*x*x*x*x*x*

Harry and Hermione watched the white owl disappear into the clouds. "Thanks, Harry," she said.

"Certainly," Harry replied. "I told her and you, she's your owl too. It's not like I have tons of letters to send out."

"I was so horrible these last few weeks," Hermione sighed as she leaned against Harry. "Just trying to figure out what was going on. I felt like I was going crazy. And I completely shut them out. I don't think I said anything to them for days. Then my sole focus was getting back here to you."

Harry kissed the top of her head, "They'll understand. They're your parents. They love you. It will be fine." They sat in silence as a few more owls were sent out.

Dear Mum and Dad

I want to apologize for my behavior the last few weeks. I can only say that I became completely overwhelmed by the realization that I was not some sort of freak. That all the strange things that have happened in my life have been because of magic. I love you very much and I miss you.

School is great. There is so much to learn! We were sorted right away. I'm in Gryffindor, which supposedly means I'm brave, daring, and chivalrous. (Can girls be chivalrous? I'll have to look that up.) And I'm making friends. You met Harry at the station. And there's Neville, a young boy who is really good with plants! Oh the plants, Mum, so many more exist then you could ever imagine. Dad, so many medicines come from them! The girls in my dorm are nice, but a bit giggling and twittery.

This is Harry's owl Hedwig. Please let her rest before flying back. She drinks water or juice (no coffee Dad) but should be able to feed herself midflight. If you want to send a letter back, please just tell her and she will wait – she's really, really smart.

Your loving daughter,

Hermione

*x*x*x*x*x*

Mrs. Jane Granger stared at the beautiful white owl that sat on her dining table taking small drinks of orange juice from her husband's glass. Mr. Daniel Granger finished reading the letter from his daughter and folded it up carefully.

The owl hooted at her softly, seeming to gaze deeply into her eyes.

"I want to send a letter back," Jane said.

Hedwig blinked then took flight, back out the open kitchen window.

"Wait! I want to send… oh, she's just roosting in the tree outside," Jane sighed in relief. "You're not talking. Why are you not talking?"

"An owl just dropped a letter on my plate, then stole my juice," Dan replied. "Just wrapping my head around it."

"But she's all right. She sounds all right."

"Sounds happy."

"I wish I could be sure," Jane sniffed.

As though conjured, there came a knock at the door. Dan went to open it, then stood blinking in shock at the tall elegant woman on his front step. "Hello?"

"Dr. Granger, may I come in?"

*x*x*x*x*x*

"The Governors of Hogwarts started a test program a few years ago to assist Muggle Born children with their acclimation to the Wizarding World. Magical couples agree to become the Magical guardian of a Muggle born witch or wizard. Historically, the magical guardian has been the child's school headmaster."

"So this Dumb… Dumble…" Dan frowned.

"Dumbledore, Albus Dumbledore," Jane corrected him. "So this one man would be the guardian of multiple children?"

"Yes," the woman nodded. "And therein lies the problem. With so many children in need of guardianship as well as his Headmaster duties, it is feared that children could 'slip through the cracks' so to speak. Therefore the Governors have requested that Magical families step forward and take the guardianship of a child." She took a sip of tea. "This is quite good."

"Thank you," Jane nodded. "So what does it mean exactly."

"My husband and I would act as a liaison between you and the magical world as it relates to your daughter. We would receive the same updates as you and would be able to translate things such as grades, course selections, career paths. And of course we would be available in the case of an emergency."

"Emergency?" Dan looked startled.

"Children become ill, they have accidents, the world is a very dangerous place, Dr. Granger," she replied. "Unfortunately as Muggles, you would be contacted by the school, but you would have no way to travel there, to see her. My husband and I could of course. And if need be, we could transport you to her side."

"Have you done this before? Taken on the guardianship of a Moogle born child?"

The woman simple smiled at his mispronunciation, "No. Your daughter would be the first. But as my own child grows, it occurred to me how much the Wizarding World asks of Muggles. We hide our world from you, then suddenly tell you it exists and expect you to hand over your child. We take that child, hide him or her away for months at a time, teach them things you will never fully understand and expect you to just calmly accept it. And once we have hold of that child, it is quite difficult for you to break that grasp." Off their shocked expressions, "When you signed the scroll to allow Hermione to attend Hogwarts, you placed her education and guardianship into the hands of Dumbledore. You could not withdraw her from the school. She must attend a magical school until her fifth year and she sits her O.W.L.S. And as you could not exactly request catalogs to other schools as Muggles, you are essentially required to leave her at Hogwarts. To violate that agreement could result in you losing custody of her and risk the possibility that the Ministry would simply wipe her memory from your minds."

"What?" Dan gasped. Jane was simply speechless.

"I suppose that was not in the brochure." The woman pulled a scroll from her bag. "As her magical guardian, that will not happen. If for any reason you feel the need to pull her from school, and my husband and I agree, we can do so without any risk. I swear to you here and now, that I will not do anything that risks your daughter's well-being. Everything my husband and I do will be in the best interest of your daughter and no one else. I will leave the paperwork here for you to read over. I must ask that you not involve anyone else from the Muggle world. If you wish to discuss it with a lawyer, I can give you a way to contact a Magical one. There are several reputable ones with offices off Diagon Alley. I must also ask that you refer to us always as Lord and Lady Craven. That is the name my husband and I use when conducting Muggle business." With that, Lady Craven rose. "I will leave you to your Saturday. When you have decided and wish us to return, please break the wax seal on this scroll and say the name Craven. My husband and I will come with our family lawyer to finalize the details."

*x*x*x*x*x*

Hedwig returned with a letter on Wednesday morning. Hermione opened it, desperate for word from her parents. She smiled broadly as she began reading, but her smile quickly faded. "Well this is new."

Harry snatched it to read. "What the hell is a Magical Guardian?"

"Language firstie," a voice came from behind them. Harry turned to see Cedric Diggory standing right behind him. "Who's got an M-G?"

"M-G?"

"Magical Guardian," Cedric explained. "My parents became one last year. It's been pushed through the Governors for a few years now. Just gives your parents a foot to stand on in our world. And it gave my parents a little girl to fawn over. Amy Brookline second year Hufflepuff. Who are they?"

"Lord and Lady Craven," Hermione said. "They came to see my parents on Saturday. Mum and Dad are still considering it."

"Craven. Wow, haven't heard that name in a long while," Cedric said as Oliver Wood and Percy Weasley walked over to see what was going on. "Wood. Weasley."

"Diggory. Problem?"

"Slightly coarse language from a firstie," Cedric replied. "Cravens want to M-G this little one."

"Cravens really?" Wood asked. "That family left Britain soon after the first Wizarding War. Went to France I believe."

"West Coast of France," Percy nodded. "But they've been rumored to have family back in Britain now. At least according to Father. They have a seat at the Gathering of Lords. That's really an honor, Granger. And truly helpful in whatever career you choose."

"What's the Gathering of Lords?" Harry asked.

"Meeting of all heads of ancient and noble houses," Cedric answered. "Happens a couple times a year. Completely boring. My Dad is a lower member. Diggory House is not so old, not so noble. But it's our position so we go. Percy's lucky; he's got an older brother. Just wait until you're older Potter. The Potter seat ranks up there with the Blacks and Malfoys."

"You kids need to get to class," Percy reminded. "Granger, if you have any more questions about the implications of Guardianship or linking to the Craven family, I would be happy to meet with you sometime this week."

"Thanks, I've got it," Hermione said. They made their way to class and Hermione marched straight up to Professor McGonagall. A few questions later a much more relaxed Hermione joined Harry. "She says the family is highly respected, known for doing business in both Magical and Muggle worlds, and has recently been making the move back to Britain from France. She says it's becoming much more common, especially since the Governors are pushing it through. It may even become mandatory within a year or two."

"So no need to panic," Harry said.

"No. It's just…."

"Something new."

"Yeah."

*x*x*x*x*x*

With the letter from their daughter in hand, Jane Granger broke the seal on the scroll and said, "Craven." In less then an hour, just after sunset, there was a knock at the door.

"Dr. Granger, I am Lord Craven," the tall man dressed in black bowed to them. "My wife, the Lady Craven, and our solicitor, Brian…."

"Is that a vampire?" Jane gasped in terror.

"Of course, all lawyers are vampires, at least the best ones are," Lord Craven replied.

"If you prefer, we can conduct our business on your back patio," the vampire bowed deeply. "As I understand your aversion to inviting me into your home."

"Probably would be best," Lady Craven said. "Dr. Granger, may we have some more of that delicious tea?"

A short time later, business concluded, and Dr. Granger fully involved with a conversation on vampire dental care; Lady Craven turned to Jane and smiled. "Tell me all there is to know about your darling daughter. What are her interests?"

*x*x*x*x*x*

For the next week, you never saw Neville without the book. In between classes, at meals, even walking in the halls, he was reading. He sacrificed his wrist during their first flying lesson, but it gave him an afternoon in the hospital wing, reading undisturbed. And with Harry firmly once again the youngest seeker in a century, they felt they were heading in the right direction.

Then he came down to breakfast without it. And with a very serious somber look on his face. "I get it. The man behind the curtain. I really see it." Then he fell silent for the rest of the meal.

They were just finishing up, grimacing as Ron tried to shove yet another roll into his mouth, when a girl came over and cleared her throat. "Excuse me, Neville?" Neville turned, found himself face to face with a pretty girl, and was struck completely mute. "Are you Neville?"

"Yes, he's Neville. I'm Harry," Harry introduced.

"Yeah, kind of know who you are, I'm Amy Brookline. Hufflepuff second year. I was wondering about the book you've been reading."

"It's a Muggle book," Hermione answered.

"Yeah I know," Amy nodded. "Muggleborn. And it's one of my favorites. I was telling the story in the common room and a few people said they'd like to read the book. I only brought a few of my literature books with me and that wasn't one of them. So I was wondering if we could borrow yours."

Hermione bit her lip for a moment then nodded.

"Thanks," Amy smiled broadly as Neville slipped the book out of his bag and handed it over. "We'll take really good care of it. I've got a copy of Charles Dickens' collected works, and The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett if you'd like to trade for either?"

"Oh yes, Dickens please," Hermione said. "I also brought Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, and Charlotte's Web by E.B. White. Nev you should read Charlotte's Web next, Charlotte is a SPIDER!"

Ron shuddered violently, "Not sure which is worse, reading for fun, or reading about spiders! URGH!"

Amy laughed loudly. "I'll bring the Dickens book down to lunch."

The other Gryffindor's hearing the conversation, wanted to know what the books were all about. Many had read books for pleasure, but Muggle literature wasn't frequently distributed in the Wizarding World. Quickly, Hermione had people interested in the books she had. Which led to other Muggleborns offering their books up for trade, either for other Muggle books, or for Wizard books written for leisure reading. Ravenclaws were quick to jump on board, as many of the Muggleborns in that house had also packed more books than clothes in their trunks. With the Hufflepuffs already on board, the Slytherins were not willing to be left out. Within a few days, the entire school was involved in a book exchange program. Even McGonagall asked to borrow a book she remembered borrowing from her childhood school roommate. As per school policy, when a child does something extraordinary, McGonagall quickly dispatched a letter both to Hermione's parents and her Magical Guardians, praising her willingness to share an obviously treasured volume with students not even in her own house.

*x*x*x*x*x*

The front doors to the castle slammed open during supper. They opened with such force that a tremor rippled through the walls and floor. A great burst of wind blew through, rustling napkins and robes, sending candles fluttering. The students quieted to a dull murmur.

Snape was on his feet and moving forward fast. Harry scowled at him. He'd thought that the connection he'd found with the potions professor at the train station and that first night meant that things would be easier. But Snape had quickly reverted back to his same angry persona by their first potions class. He'd greeted Harry as their "new celebrity." Then proceeded to question him. He'd read the potions book through twice during his two week preparation for school but the only thing he could remember was that a bezoar cured people of poison. Mocked for answering the wrong question, Snape docked points. The big difference was Hermione, instead of dancing in her seat, hand raised high, she simply sat there, fingers twitching as she fought the impulse. It only made Harry angrier to see her trying to not be herself and he'd ended up losing more points for getting snarky with the professor.

Snape was at the hall entrance, McGonagall and Flitwick right behind him when a figure appeared in the doorway. It looked like a House Elf only was about three times as big. It pulled out a scroll, opened it, and shouted "HERMIONE GRANGER!" One shout that completely silenced the entire gathering of students.

Hermione's eyes went wide.

Snape leaned over to look at the scroll, only to have it snatched back and a fierce scowl cross the creature's already wrinkled face. McGonagall turned and crooked her finger at Hermione. With a hard swallow, Hermione got up and began to walk the long distance to the entrance.

Harry had been sitting across from her and it took him a minute to register her movement. But then he was on his feet and moving to follow. He didn't get far before an arm reached out and grabbed him.

"Easy Potter," Cedric Diggory said.

"She's fine," said George, followed by,

"Nothing to fear," by Fred.

Dumbledore was suddenly behind him. "Let him pass, gentlemen," he smiled, eyes twinkling. "Come along. All of you can come along."

Snape glowered as he was surrounded by students.

The creature leveled his chin at them, "I am a Cobbler Elf sent by the Lord and Lady Craven. Headmaster I have permission to change a room here in the castle."

"Permission from whom?" Snape asked.

"From the castle of course," the Elf replied. "Lord and Lady Craven have commissioned us to provide a place for the Muggleborn students to store their books for trade. We have also brought a large selection of books."

"Wow!" "Cool!" "Wicked!" echoed through the students.

"Of course, of course," Dumbledore made his way through the group. "Perhaps next to the Library?"

"Not your decision," the Elf replied. "Miss Granger? Where do you want your book room?"

"Next to the library is probably best," she said quietly.

"Very well, accompany me please."

"Rest of you back to dinner," McGonagall ordered. "Come on, you can see the room later when it is finished."

"Professor, can a few of us go with Hermione?" Amy asked. "Like Neville? We did sort of start this whole thing."

"Yes, but only a few of you!" McGonagall allowed.

Harry instantly grabbed hold of Hermione's hand and held tight. Neville quickly took hold on the other side.

"I've eaten, I will supervise them," Snape sneered.

"Good Severus, good," Dumbledore swept the other students along ahead of him. "Let us return to our meal. I believe the kitchens have fixed a variety of dumplings for dessert this evening."

"Come along!" the Elf called.

Snape gestured for them to follow. The library witch, Madam Pince, emerged to see what the noise was all about. She suggested using a room just down the hall from the entrance. The Elf, now joined by a dozen more, agreed to the location.

"I've always said, if we're going to have Muggleborns here, we should have Muggle literature here as well," Pince said to Snape. Snape just grunted.

The Elves went into the room; looked around, seemed to argue a bit, then shut the door. From inside came a fast barrage of hammers and nails almost too rapid to comprehend. It was only a few minutes later that the door opened. Snape went to the doorway and looked in, then stepped back and nodded to Hermione. She went to the door and gasped. "Holy cricket." Wall to wall, floor to ceiling, bookshelves filled the space. There were shelves in the middle of the room that stood about four feet high. Hermione walked through running a finger along the book spines.

She whirled suddenly, "Oh Mr… Mr. Elves, thank you so much, this is beautiful." She walked out as the others walked in to ooh and ahh over the collection.

The Cobbler Elf bowed low so that his nose touched the floor and his tool belt jangled. "Our pleasure, dear lady." The other Elves bowed as well. They turned as one and left.

Snape still stood in the doorway, as she passed to return to the room, he leaned down slightly, "Happy Birthday, Miss Granger."

*x*x*x*x*x*

AN – my deepest apologies for any insulted lawyers out there. I know you're not all blood sucking fiends. Just speaking from a law enforcement standpoint, I have a deep aversion to most of you.

Also will mention here that the idea of a Magical Guardian was first presented in "Nobody Cared" by Etherian. I story I first read long before I started writing Darkness. I guess that part of the story stuck with me, along with the idea of the Malfoys being decent, loving parents. The story is in my favorites (warning – deals with child abuse). Though I still feel this is a very different story, I was accused of plagiarism twice the first time I posted so feel a full disclaimer is in my best interest.