Chapter 9, Echoes of the Past, Echoes of the Future
HP not mine. I did the research on the lineage, and while I did take some license with Harry's lineage on his father's side, and Neville's, it isn't a stretch beyond possibility. So, again, it fits my story, sticking to it.
Thanks everyone for reviewing, favoring and following. Hope you are enjoying this.
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Harry knew he had to explain some of this to Ginny. He told her as much as he felt he could. But, he also didn't want her panicking.
"Harry?" Ginny said. She was used to him not always being able to tell her everything about his missions. But her instinct kicked in.
"As you heard, Bellatrix had a daughter. I don't understand everything, but the daughter has a bond with Hermione. And, she is growing really fast."
"How did she get a bond with Hermione?" Ginny asked, horrified by this. Ginny knew what that meant.
"Likely that night in the Malfoy's house, when she got the scar on her arm." Harry ran his fingers through his already messy hair, leading Ginny back to the sofa.
He also sent an owl to Arthur and Kingsley, explaining what had just happened. And, he asked if Molly could come sit with Ginny. When Molly arrived, he apologized, but went to the floo and returned to Hogwarts.
Stepping out of the grate into Snape's quarters, he noted that everyone was still there, except for Professor Snape himself. "Where is Professor Snape?" he asked.
"He hasn't returned, Harry." Draco answered.
Harry became alarmed at that, and sent a Patronus, which was answered immediately with Snape's own Patronus. He was in Hermione's quarters, adding wards to protect it against invasion. A few moments later, the door opened and Snape himself walked in.
He surmised that either Arthur or Kingsley would join them shortly, and asked if Harry had sent for them. Harry nodded in answer.
"The child is obviously bonded to Hermione. And she knows it. She was calling to her, trying to summon Hermione." Severus explained. He held a hand up to forestall questions, then continued. "The child is older than she should be, but I am uncertain why, as of yet. But, the child also shows amazing strength in her magic. I don't know yet if that is natural, or somehow magically enhanced."
"Our time is limited, partially because of the presence of Rebastian Lestrange, but also because of the advancing age of Altaira. That bond is an original bond, forged with this child. The pull would be weaker with an inherited bond. And, Hermione will not be able to resist this pull."
He stopped at this, and walked over to pour himself a drink. He needed it to calm down. He now knew he had two targets in his crosshairs. And, very little time. So little time to get the answers he needed, and to formulate a plan of action, and then to effectively execute it. At least Hermione's parents were out of the picture. That was a blessing, with Rebastian involved. He was brutal, and when it came to muggles, without mercy.
He finished his drink before speaking again, and sure enough, both Arthur Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebolt arrived. He offered and poured them something to drink, then pulled two more chairs forward, summoned from the room of requirement.
He caught the two new members to their party up on what he had told everyone, then continued.
"Rebastian is likely planning to take control of both Hermione and Altaira. We must avoid that at all costs. Which means we must get her in custody before she reaches puberty. The very moment she enters puberty, Rebastian will likely bond with her. And, if he does that, nothing we do will break that bond with Hermione." He looked around the room. Everyone looked like they were about to burst with questions.
"Hermione deserves to hear this information, but I would rather tell her most of it in private."Severus stated. Harry nodded his agreement. "I would like you to be there, Mr. Potter, and also you, Draco."
Harry started to object, but Severus cut him off, "After you hear what I have to say, you will understand why Draco should be there. Minister Weasley, you may wish to be there too, but we can decide that after you hear what I have to share. Perhaps, given Hermione's past relationship with your youngest son, you may wish to give her some space.
"The fact that this blood bond was forged with Altaira, while she was still a minor, and hasn't been completed, means that it can be transferred. Altaira has a legal and magical guardian, even if she isn't aware of it. Which I am pretty certain she is not."
"We have to determine who is her magical guardian. There are several possibilities. Draco here is a strong contender. As is, perhaps, Mr. Potter. And, yourself, Mr. Weasley, may in fact be a possibility, which would also mean your sons would also be possibilities. There is also a chance that Mr. Professor Longbottom here is a possibility. And, of course, Teddy, Andromeda's grandson is a possibility. Also, Mr. Marcus Flint may be. Also, there is a slim chance that I am."
"The most likely candidates are Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Longbottom, and Draco and his cousin Teddy. The strongest contender is in fact very likely Mr. Potter, who is in fact a direct descendent of the Peverell family from two of the brothers, which earns him a spot on the same family tree as Tom Riddle's. He is also likely to be related twice on the Black side of the house. However, for reasons which will become obvious, he may want to defer this honor to someone else. The closest blood ties are Draco Malfoy and Teddy Lupin, who are both cousins of Altaira's. Neville Longbottom is likely a second cousin."
"Mr. Potter is the declared legal and magical heir of Sirius Black, which makes him a first cousin, once removed, magically speaking. There are complications with each person I have named. Those who are married have a consideration as to how a joining of three, or a triad, would affect their current relationship. Those who have a personal relationship with Hermione need to consider how becoming intimate with her would affect that relationship. And, we have to consider Hermione herself, and her wishes."
Severus paused, and looked around the room. He assessed the emotions on each person's face. His own personal choice was Draco. He knew how Draco felt about Hermione, and he knew how Hermione felt about Draco. However, he wasn't sure Hermione knew how Draco felt about her, and perhaps she didn't even know how she herself felt about Draco. Draco had held off declaring his interest in Hermione, and Severus thought perhaps Hermione had let go, at least in her mind.
His second choice was either Charles Weasley or he himself. As much as he hated the idea that he might have to consummate a relationship with Hermione, he thought that he had proven to himself he could do anything at all, if he had to, and he would be damned if he would let Rebastion Lestrange or Marcus Flint get their hands on Hermione , especially in a blood bond, regardless of what he had to do to prevent it."
"I propose that we split up tomorrow. We have a slim chance to catch Rebastian and Altaira at Chateaux Lestrange. Very slim." Severus knew he wouldn't have returned there, after this afternoon. "But, if we try, we may surprise some of their servants, elves, or other devoted idiots."
"I am going to speak to Hermione tomorrow, and apprise her of some of this, and then I wish to convene with Draco and Mr. Potter, to finish this discussion. And, I want to increase and strengthen the wards here in the castle. No one should be able to apparate except headmistress or headmaster of the school. And, we need to know why she could."
"I would also like the opportunity to examine the memories of anyone who was present years ago, when Voldemort was regenerated. It might be helpful. And, Draco, I would like to examine your memories of that night, so long ago, at Malfoy Manor."
With that, Severus simply stopped talking. He had nothing further to say to this group, at least not until he had a deeper understanding of the magic used to make that child grow so fast, and also had an opportunity to speak with Hermione privately.
"What happens if Rebastian bonds with Altaira before she hits puberty?" Harry wanted to know. He hadn't researched all of this, had only recently researched his family history and genealogy. And, that only because he wanted to understand his heritage, his control of the deathly hallows, and his father a little better.
"If he bonds with her now, it can be invalidated by her magical guardian. Sort of. However, if he bonds with her, and she completes this bond with Hermione, he will have control of Hermione. And, if he so choses to bond with the two witches together, then regardless of whether the bond with Altaira could be invalidated, the bond with Hermione could not." Severus answered.
"I suggest we communicate with each other in the morning, and keep each other informed. I suggest we meet day after tomorrow, with plans formulated, open for discussion, and alternatives." With that, he looked around. He really needed to think.
Everyone nodded, deciding that mulling things over was probably a good idea. As they all filed out of Hermione's floo, Severus put his arm on Draco's shoulder, both in a gesture of support and as a request that he stay behind. Draco nodded, and stepped back.
When everyone had left, Severus gestured back to the sofa. "Draco, I want you to know, even if this is a slave bond, which I suspect it is, there is a way to change it to a marriage bond." He looked at Draco, who nodded, but made no comment. Draco had a lot on his mind, and wanted to analyze everything.
Severus thought he knew what Draco would decide, at least he hoped he did. But, it had to be Draco's decision. Severus respected that.
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Salzburg
Altaira apparated to the home she shared with Rebastian in Salzburg. This was Rebastian's own home, a small villa he purchased after his escape from Askaban prior to the second Wizard War. It was in the name of Alwaid Auslander. Not many people would think how to trace that derrivative of his actual name. Alwaid was the Arabic version of Rebastian, and Auslander the German translation of stranger. Altaira loved this home, sitting as it did with a beautiful view of the Salsach River, and sporting a equally lovely view of the Alps from the top floor.
She went looking for Uncle Rebastian. And found him, with JAuger Cerney, who lived in the home and managed Uncle Rebastian's affairs. He was Uncle Rebastian's advisor, and he also functioned as one of her tutors, but Altaira didn't like him. He didn't trust her, and he didn't obey her, like the others did. He wasn't bonded to her, and in fact, he seemed more powerful than even Uncle Rebastian. He didn't need a wand to do magic, and hadn't hesitated to punish Altaira when she didn't study hard enough, or didn't listen, or hadn't completed an assignment. And Uncle Rebastian listened to him, heeded his advice.
She started to step back quietly, trying to escape before they noticed her. But, unfortunately, she stepped back onto the toe of Emmalina, Herr Cerney's companion/maid/servant, who squealed and dropped a bottle of wine she was carrying. Altaira snatched her wand to save the wine, but now had no choice but to enter the room. She stepped immediately to her uncle's side. It was the best place for her to be when in the presence of Herr Cerney.
He glanced at her, before turning to Emmalina, taking the wine and glasses from her, and nodding for her to leave the room. She wasn't a talented one, a muggel, as Herr Cerney termed her. All of Herr Cerney's servants were muggels. He said they were easier to control. This one certainly was. She lowered her eyes submissively to the floor, and backed out of the room, closing the door after her. JAuger turned back to Altaira, leveling a thoroughly assessive silver gaze at her.
Altaira tried not to look away first, but after several uncomfortable moments, she averted her eyes. Staring into this wizard's eyes made her nervous. She felt like he was reading her mind. He looked like something out of a story book. His hair was silver, and his features were sharp, refined, and bold. His mouth was a thin slash of an upper lip, with a slightly fuller lower lip. And, his eyes seemed to spear right through her defenses, and it always scattered her thoughts when he stared into her eyes. After a few more minutes he turned back to Uncle Rebastian.
"So, you seek the schlammblut," he asked. "She will not be easy to acquire." JAuger stated.
"She should be. All Altaira has to do is summon her." Rebastian countered, puzzled by JAuger's confidence in his statement.
"But, she will be heavily guarded. This one has already approached her and failed." JAuger angled his chin towards Altaira.
Rebastian turned to look at Altaira, questions in his eyes.
Altaira nodded. "I didn't mean to, but suddenly, she was there. It just seemed natural to take her."
"But you failed." Snapped Herr Cerney.
Rebastian's eyes darkened, and glared at her, wishing he had mastered Legilimency. "You were not to engage her. I specifically told you not to be seen. Who saw you?" He snarled the last part of those questions. He was getting angry. All this planning and plotting, just to be undone by this child. Maybe before the night was out, he should just do it, complete the bonding.
"She was seen by four wizards and a witch. Harry Potter was one of the wizards." JAuger stated. "We had an advantage. Now, we do not. Severus Snape was another."
"Uncle Rebastian, I am sorry. Please, do not be angry with me. I just tried to bring her to you. You want her, I can tell." Altaira really loved her uncle. He was all the family she had left. "I am so sorry." She put her hand on his arm, and he put his other hand over hers.
"Ma Petite, you must follow instructions." He was shaking in rage, but he needed to calm down, to think.
"You cannot return to France. They will be coming for you."
"Yes, they will, and soon. And, we had left Fabien, Etienne, and Allard there." Rebastian said, frustrated. The rest of their servants could be replaced, but those three had taken the mark, and had been trained quite ruthlessly.
"No matter, now. Casualties of stupidity." JAuger snapped.
"Perhaps I can go get them? I can call them from a distance." Altaira offered.
"Too risky." JAuger countered. "You are reckless, you clearly think as a child, and you believe you do not have to follow orders. Perhaps we should rectify that immediately." This last was said pointedly to Rebastian.
Altaira thought she knew what he meant, punishment, and she backed up until she was behind Uncle Rebastian. JAuger smirked. As if Rabe would protect her from him. He wouldn't harm her, but he was going to make it painfully clear what her place in this partnership was. She was a witch, born of a union that guaranteed strong wizard offspring, a witch who carried portions of her mother's and her father's magic in her, fortifying and strengthening her own magic. She also possessed, surprisingly, a slave-bond to Harry Potter's weak link in his power armor, one Hermione Granger.
It was amazing that Bellatrix had managed to form that bond. It was extremely difficult to form a slave bond to a witch or wizard without either their complete consent or them facing a prison sentence. It was normally forged when a crime had been committed, and as part of the sentence, a witch or wizard was ordered to submit to it. The consequence of refusal in that case was death.
Consent was normally given only when one family was planning to, or had served another for generations, and the continuation of service was part of the honor of some oath between the families. And, in those cases, the slaves were usually well-treated unless they betrayed their master. They were in fact considered trusted extended family members.
The only other time it was forged, without the consent of the new slave, was during the marriage bond. That didn't require the witch's consent, only the consent of her magical guardian. And, almost no pureblood family anywhere would allow their wizards to marry without the witch being bonded to her husband, whether slave or mutual bonding occurred.
JAuger had scoffed when Rebastian first told him. It wasn't until he had seen the memories of Altaira at Hogwarts that he had believed it. It was very clear that the witch was trying desperately to obey Altaira's summons.
However, he did know that Altaira was able to form this bond with all of her witches and wizards at the Chateaux. And, she could burn the dark mark into a wizard or witch. So, Bellatrix had been very powerful, and very insane. He wondered if that insanity was inherited, or developed as a result of being so devoted to Tom Riddle.
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Hogwarts
Hermione woke up in a strange bed, disoriented and groggy. She sat up, looking around and realized where she was, Severus' quarters. She looked down at herself, and realized she was wearing a man's shirt, likely Severus' from the fit.
She stood up and walked into the adjoining sitting room, and Severus was sitting there sipping tea. He also had hot chocolate and some scones and butter and jam sitting on the small table.
"How did I get this on?" She fingered the shirt, which reached her mid-thigh, almost to her knees. It was made of the softest silk.
"Luna changed you. Please, have some hot chocolate or tea?" He indicated for her to choose. She chose hot chocolate, and sat down opposite him, in the middle of the sofa.
She sipped silently for a few minutes, then looked up at him. "I am bonded to that little witch, aren't I? How did that happen?"
"Hermione, that little witch is Bellatrix's daughter. The one she was pregnant with when you were captured and brought to Malfoy Manor with Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley." Severus answered.
"How is she so old?"
"I don't know. Yet. How much do you remember of yesterday?" Severus asked.
"All of it. Every single, blasted, irritating, infuriating, bloody, fucking, frightening moment." It was more disturbing that she didn't yell this, didn't speak with any emotion, and showed no emotion on her face. She just quietly said it as if she were asking someone to pass the salt. And, she never took her eyes from his. Her eyes were an amazing mixture of colors, cinnamon, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, with flecks of dark gold, if you looked closely. And then the colors in her eyes all swam into a muddy, watery blend, and then the tears spilled slowly over the corner of her lower eyelids, and she sobbed once, then twice, then doubled over as the wracking tremors overtook her. The hot cocoa went to the floor, where the cup toppled over on the rug.
Severus got up and went to sit next to her. He put his arm on her back, and she just curled to her side and put her face on his knee, and cried, soaking his pantleg, from the knee down. He let her cry until the tremors stopped. He pulled her up, and she curled into him. She hiccuped, sniffed, and he handed her a kerchief.
She blew her nose, and then, without lifting her head, asked, "What am I supposed to do with this? How do I fight this? Severus, I couldn't fight it. I couldn't fight it. I COULDN'T FIGHT IT." Her voice rose to a shrieking crescendo.
"Shh, becoming hysterical won't help you. You need to understand. You need to be strong. Stronger than you have ever had to be, in your entire life. This is a battle for you. You are the target, you are the pawn, and you are the prize."
She didn't respond, just started shaking again, the tears flowing silently.
After a few minutes, Severus decided to continue. "Hermione, this will be a battle you have to win. And, only you can win it. No one else can fight this for you. Do you understand? Are you listening to me?" He reached down and tipped her face up to look at him.
"I couldn't fight it."
"No, you can't fight this bond. But you can fight the fight. You can win."
"How? She wants to give me to Rebastian? She can summon me and control me?" How is that winning? How is that in any bloody way winning?"
She was despondent, but Severus could see that she was also hoping that there was some hope to be had. And, there was, at least some options.
"She is a minor, Hermione. This bond was forged with her and Bellatrix, and somehow it stuck. But, she is a minor, and Bellatrix is dead." Severus explained.
"What does that mean for me?"
"She is a minor, and as a minor, has a magical guardian until she comes of age." Severus shifted his position and hers so they were facing each other. She crossed her legs so her knee was touching his leg, and he kept his hand on her arm. He leaned forward and poured her another cup of hot chocolate. The spilled one was still on the floor.
"Every single witch or wizard who is still a minor has a magical guardian. And that magical guardian can take control of any oath, bond, or magical capability of a minor." Severus informed her.
"But what about someone like me, someone muggle-born?" Hermione inquired, curious. This was something she had never heard of, in all of her research and readings.
"Even a muggle-born wizard will have a magical guardian, somewhere. There are ways to discover who it is, and ways to determine between two or more possible magical guardians for a wizard or witch. This is for the protection of minors, to prevent someone taking advantage of their youth and inexperience."
"If someone tries to forge a blood bond, or obtain an oath, from a minor, and the magical guardian wishes, he can invalidate it, as long as he does so before the minor gains their majority, or comes of age." Severus leaned forward to take a sip of his own tea, setting the cup back down, just in case.
"If the minor tries to form a bond, the guardian can invalidate it. Or transfer it. The guardian can also control the magic of the minor, if he determines that it is necessary."
"Who is the magical guardian?"
"Typically, it is the eldest, closest wizard blood kin to the minor. Often the father, or grandfather, but sometimes a cousin, or brother even."
"Is the guardian always a wizard?" Hermione wanted to know. That just seemed wrong, on so many levels.
Severus smiled. If she could ask this question, then she was truly listening. And she was calming down. "Not always, and sometimes there are two or more equally eligible guardians. But, typically it is the head of the house, and that is typically a wizard. And, the magical spells that bind and protect families typically tie the control to the wizard. For instance, if a young wizard had a father that died, but the mother lived, and the parents had married in a traditional, wizard marriage, the marriage bond between the two parents would tie the offspring to the magical head of the household, which would be the next wizard who was heir. Since that is now her son, but he is a minor, he cannot be the magical guardian of himself, the house, and the magic would recognize the mother as the magical guardian. Until he came of age."
"What about muggle-borns?"
"Do you remember the Creeveys?" When she nodded, he continued. "Well, Dennis went a little berserk when Colin was killed in the war. The Ministry had to find his magical guardian to control the magic until Dennis could learn to deal with his rage. It turned out his magical guardian was Professor Flitwick, who was his fifth cousin. Filius helped him come to terms with Colin's death, and continue his education. He is now in training with Mr. Potter."
"How do you find them?"
Patiently, he answered all her questions. "There are some spells and rituals that are performed, and they point to the correct house, and then you perform further rituals and they point to the correct guardian."
"So who is Altaira's?"
"Likely, any one of the following six wizards: Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy, Arthur Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Marcus Flint, or Theodore Lupin." He watched her face carefully for betrayal of emotion, good or bad.
She ran the names through her head over and over. "Teddy is a minor."
"Yes"
"Marcus Flint is disgusting."
Severus pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. He just nodded.
"Can I choose?"
He smirked, wondering which she would chose if she knew the entire set of requirements. "No, but there are some choices that can be made when there are two or more equally valid possible wizards. Take Arthur Weasley as an example. He is a likely possibility. Since he is married, and may not wish to disrupt his household, he could allow any of his sons to take responsibility."
"Between Theodore Lupin and Draco Malfoy, since Draco is of age, and Theodore is not, Draco would be the obvious choice. If Marcus Flint and Draco were also of equal status, then we could perform a ritual to determine which of the two were a closer match."
"So what happens if two or more are equal? Exactly equal?"
"Then, one of them can strengthen the bond with a blood bond. The other one would participate, but not give the minor his blood. This can transfer the entire guardianship to one wizard." He explained. She deserved to understand what had happened, and he would answer every question in privacy, so she didn't get surprised in front of the others.
"If Draco is a possibility, is Lucius Malfoy also a possibility?"
"Yes. Not that we wish him to learn of it, until it is too late." He gave his typical sneer as he said this. He was close to Lucius, but he also knew Lucius. And there was no way he would let that happen.
So, when do we research the magical guardian of Altaira Black, or is it Riddle?"
"Technically, it is both." He answered. "And Arthur and Kingsley are already on that. They have people at the Ministry researching it."
"They do? Since when?"
"Last night, Kingsley and Arthur met with myself and Draco and Harry, here. The Professors Longbottom were also here."
"Well, that is good, since Neville is also a possibility, along with Harry and Mr. Weasley?"
She sounded hopeful.
"Hermione, do you understand what this bond means?" he asked gently.
"Yes, I am slave bonded, and when we find the magical guardian, they can invalidate the bond. So, when we do perform this ritual?"
"Hermione, listen to me very carefully. This bond was formed with a minor. But, it was forged with you, and you were not a minor. And it was sealed by Bellatrix, who was not a minor. And, she was a valid magical guardian of the minor. This bond cannot be invalidated. It can only be transferred to another valid magical guardian. And that must be done before Altaira becomes of age."
"What does Rodolphus have to do with it?"
He sighed. "Nothing, fortunately. He is dead. Were he alive, that bond could also be transferred to him, since he was bonded to Bellatrix. At the time of her death, he became the owner of that bond from her. Were he still alive, you would be bonded to both Altaira and Rudolphus."
"So why didn't it hurt before now?"
"You never came into proximity of him. He was in Askaban, and then received the kiss of the Dementors. It was sort of in limbo, till he died. And since it was never completed with him, it stays in limbo."
"Am I now bonded to Rebastian?"
"I don't know. I wouldn't know until you came into proximity with him. It is possible, but unlikely. This bond was forged after Bellatrix was bonded to Rodolphus, not before. That makes a difference to inheritance of heirs. Bellatrix was not bonded to Rebastian. And, it may be that Voldemort found a way to break the bond she had with Rodolphus. Because Altaira should not have been fathered by him."
"It's very confusing."
"I know. Hermione, this bond is sort of a floating bond. It will stay alive as long as the original participants are alive, and it is not completed. It will die only when all the participants are dead, or when there is no further heir to it. Therein lies the problem.'
"It was completed enough to make it permanent, so it appears. This bond belongs to the house of Black. There is no end to a slave bond with the house of Black. The Longbottoms, the Weasleys, the Potters, the Malfoys, the Greengrasses, the Notts, the Zabinis, the Scamanders, the Flints, and on and on and on, are all related."
"Somewhere there will be a possible heir to this bond. And, if that person dies, there is likely to be another. All of the pureblood families are related, and all are blood-bonded, at some point. And, you have an incomplete bond. That makes it a sort of floater."
"And, if you leave it in the hands of fate, and Altaira bonds with a wizard, he will inherit a direct bond to you, as the original lies with Altaira. And, he will likely blood-bond with her, and you will be at his mercy, because she knows of it, so he will."
"Well, what if she just dies?" Hermione thought to ask.
"If she dies, and you are close enough to her, she can choose to take you with her. That is what Bellatrix was likely trying to do when you felt pain when she died. She knew you were there, and was possibly pulling you with her. She failed because of the child."
If you are survive her death, without completing this bond, this bond will possibly just float from one heir to the next heir to the next heir, likely for the rest of your life. And, it will crop up and surprise you the moment you come into proximity with the heir, until it is completed and finished."
"And, right now, because she is the original participant, we have an opportunity to transfer it, to rip it from her, and end it. You have an opportunity to chose your fate and control it. If you just leave it, the opportunity to transfer it dies with Altaira. After that, you are at the mercy of whoever the heir is. Until it is completed with someone. Such is the magic of a slave bond to the house of Black."
She looked up at him, narrowed eyes focused on him. "You have researched this." It was a statement, not a question. "When did you know?"
"I knew when I saw you react with her. And, yes, I borrowed the book of magic of the house of Black, to see what spells were used, the strength of them, the binding rituals. Once bonded to the house of Black, in such a manner, it is never-ending."
"I want you to be able to choose your fate. At least take whatever control is afforded you. Don't give up, don't 'Hope for the Best'. Make the 'best' something you choose. Fight!"
She just nodded, but at least it was a nod of determination, not defeat. She would be damned if she would just float like a cork on a storm of Bellatrix's machinations. She would end it. She focused on that word.
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Arthur, Kingsley, Harry, Draco, Bill Weasley, and the entire department of Aurors met. They planned a raid on Chateaux Lestrange, and were briefed on Rebastian Lestrange and his niece, Altaira. Morgus Trumpula also joined them. He was one of the best curse and ward breakers, along with Bill Weasley. They would be needed to break through the wards without getting killed. Cells were to be prepared in Askaban. And, it was agreed that the niece would be taken into custody by Draco and Arthur, as she was likely their cousin, somehow. No one who didn't already know was told that she was Voldemort's daughter, or Bellatrix's. And they were not told of the bond to Hermione Granger. The fewer people who knew that, the better.
A team of four were going in to ascertain whatever intelligence they could on the property.
There was a lot of discussion on who would and would not accompany them. Draco wanted to go, but he carried a dark mark. It was possible this could alert someone to his presence. Finally, it was decided that Blaise, Seamus, and Tracey would go in, with Oliver Wood
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Susan Bones was researching the magical guardian of the house of Black. Auror Potter had requested all possible leads to be researched, and the strength of their claims. Susan had decided to follow her Aunt into Magical Law, and had never regretted her decision.
She gathered her team, and set them on the various paths. Auror Potter had asked her to research a listing of 25 candidates, in descending order, and the lineage that made them a possibility. The easiest were the 4 closest, so she started with them. And found the list growing.
The research continued to the first wizard ancestor in the list.
First on the list was Mr. Potter himself. Although it soon became apparent that there were in fact three lines connecting him to the Black family. His godfather, who had declared him as his heir, legally, invoked the following: Sirius Black III was the son of Orian and Wallberga Black, who were cousins, and Sirius had been declared the legal heir to the entire house of Black. Arcturus Black III was his paternal grandfather, Pollux Black his maternal grandfather.
Harry's own blood relationship was also discovered. Harry Potter was the grandson of Dorea Black and Charlus Potter. Dorea Black was the daughter of Cygnus Black II, which made Pollux Black his great uncle, which made Phineas Nigellus Black his great grandfather. This relationship was discarded as not being as close as the one created by his adoption by his godfather.
Arthur Weasley was a cousin to Bellatrix Black Lestrange, as Cedrella Black was his mother. His grandfather was Arcturus Black II, and Phineas Black was his maternal great-grandfather.
Nevile Longbottom was a cousin, once-removed, Calidora Black, Cedrella Black's sister, was his great grandmother, and Arcturus Black II was his maternal greatgrandfather.
Ernie MacMillan's name came up, but when researched, he was a distant relative, but more than 8 generations back before he actually was related enough to be considered.
Bellatrix Black had been the daughter of Cygnus Black III, which made Pollux Black her paternal grandfather.
Thus her daughter would have had Cygnus Black III as her maternal grandfather.
Theodore Lupin was one step down from Draco Malfoy in relation, as Bellatrix's sister Andromeda was his grandmother, whereas Bellatrix's sister Narcissa was Draco's mother. Research stopped for Teddy.
Marcus Flint was also found to be a very distant relation, and research was discontinued.
Draco Malfoy was also related as closely as Harry Potter, as Pollux Black was his maternal great grandfather, Cygnus Black III was his maternal grandfather.
The wizard with the strongest claim to head of the house of Black was Harry Potter, with two grandfathers who were Black wizards.
The wizard with the closest wizard blood relation to Altaira was Draco Malfoy.
The two closest witch blood relations were Andromeda Tonks and Narcissa Malfoy.
By right of the blood-bonded marriage of Narcissa Black to Lucius Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy was the eldest magical blood kin of Altaira.
On the paternal side, nothing could be researched without revealing who the father was. However, it was a safe assumption that almost everyone in the wizarding world could be traced somewhere back to the father's line, eventually. However, since the father's line was extinct, it could be declared so by the Wizengamot. But, Susan and Harry both knew that he carried a distant relationship with Tom Riddle on the Peverell family tree, and likely with him on the Gaunt and Slytherin family trees also.
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Harry left instructions to complete the research on the family line of the House of Black, from the line of Bellatrix, and while he informed Susan of the limitations of the paternal line, she was to keep that information to herself.
With that, he and Draco and Arthur departed to Hogwarts to meet with Severus Snape and Hermione Granger. Harry had set everything in motion he could, and while he had no answers to any of his questions, he could at least obtain some from Severus.
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Fortified with breakfast shower, and her talk with Severus, Hermione was ready to meet with Harry and Draco. Arthur Weasley decided to participate in this, to support Hermione, who was like a daughter to him, even though she and Ron had not worked out.
Neville and Luna also elected to be there, because he and Luna and Hermione were very close, and she was here at Hogwarts, so he and Luna were the closest protection she had. And, of all of them, Neville knew how hard Hermione had fought his grip to get closer to Altaira.
And Minerva McGonagall also chose to participate, as Hermione's friend and Headmistress of Hogwarts.
Kingsley Shacklebolt had also decided he should be there.
Once all were seated, this time in the Room of Requirement, to comfortably seat all these people, and refreshments had been ordered, Minerva opened up the conversation.
"We have not found a way to lock down Hogwarts entirely to Altaira's presence. However, we do believe we have strengthened the wards, and there will be no more unauthorized apparating about the castle." She and Severus had worked with several of the teachers to strengthen those wards. "There are three pensieves set up over there," she indicated a table with a gesture of her hand, "should the need arise to use them."
"Right, then, first order of business: The Ministry of Magic is researching the legal and magical guardianship of this child. Miss Bones should have the answers we need soon. The Auror department is putting together a team and planning a raid on Chateaux Lestrange. At this point, we should share whatever information we have, and make certain we all know how to protect the school, Hermione, the students, since school will be starting in a few months." Harry stated.
"We will be taking custody of Rebastian, Altaira, and whomever else we find at Chateaux Lestrange. Draco will inform his mother about her property ownership of the estate, and the wards will be changed to accommodate the Malfoy family. Rebastian will be remanded over to the custody of Askaban, to be held for trial for crimes perpetrated against muggles and muggle-borns."
Harry then informed them of as much as he knew regarding Altaira. "We still don't know why she is aging so fast. And, we still technically don't know which way she is bonded to Hermione."
"Auror Potter, I would like you to extract your memories of the night Voldemort was regenerated. I think it may help." Severus instructed. "Draco, I would also like you to extract your memories of the night you remember Bellatrix and Voldemort performing whatever ritual they were doing."
Severus then looked at Kingsley and, not requesting, but practically demanding, "And, I am going to Askaban to look at the memories of every death eater still alive, who was present that night. I was not there, and many of those that were have died, so we are running out of resources."
Kingsley nodded, "I will sign the order allowing that, as soon as I get out of this meeting."
Severus nodded, satisfied.
Harry and Draco went over to the pensieves, and withdrawing the memories requested, deposited them in the pensieves. Severus walked over to immediately examine them. When he was finished, he looked thoughtful for a bit, and then walked back to the group. "Interesting. Mr. Potter, you were focused the entire time on Voldemort after he regenerated. However, you noticed something interesting. Wormtail had saved some of the potion that was used to generate him, and you clearly remembered the magic used."
"Draco, what you remember is likely the brewing and setting up of a life-giving potion. Red is the color of life, of blood, of the very essence of life force." Severus turned and faced the entire room, "What I am thinking is that perhaps, the answer to the child growing is the potion used to regenerate Voldemort's body. Wormtail would only have saved this on the Dark Lord's orders."
"Of course, I am merely speculating, but it would make sense." Severus mused to himself like this for several more minutes, then suddenly whipped around and asked the room in general, "When does Lucius get released?"
"Sometime this week." Draco answered. "The exact release date of prisoners is never announced ahead of time. But, his sentence is officially ended in three days."
"They won't wait till the last day," Arthur added. "It isn't safe."
A bit of time had passed, and shortly, there was a knock at the door, and in came house elves with sandwiches, pumpkin juice, and cut fruit. Talk was stilted while they ate, and shortly, there was another knock, and the Headmistress' new admin assistant, Charish Yoorpeece came in with an owl for Harry. Harry opened it, read it quickly, and then shared with everyone what had been found regarding the research on the magical guardian of Altaira.
"The research is ongoing and will be finished by today. Then, they have to get an official court decree, and we can proceed from there." Harry announced.
This lead the discussion to the bond, which took up much of the rest of the time.
"How did Altaira know of this blood link?" asked Harry.
Hermione was at least comfortable, now that she understood what was happening, and spoke up to answer Harry's questions.
"She can feel it," answered Hermione. "I can feel the activation time coming closer. My scar itches at times, only slightly now, but it is there. And, it becomes red at times. She will have the same feeling, if she received my blood, especially at close proximity. Since she was a fetus, it could be anywhere, but it will be noticeable. And, if she didn't receive my blood, then as she becomes of age, she will sense my presence. She will also sense my thoughts and moods. And, she will sense my proximity to her."
"But the bonding wasn't completed?" asked Harry.
"Apparently, enough of the spell was completed that she sensed Hermione's proximity to her." Severus answered.
"So, what happens to Hermione with this bond?" Harry snapped this out. He had realized that regardless of what they did or didn't do, Hermione was a partner in a blood bond. And it was real, active, and alive. And he wouldn't let her be someone's slave. He just wouldn't allow it.
Hermione spoke up, "Harry, Severus knows a way we can break the bond. Remove it from Altaira." Hermione had been excited when Severus had told her this. Apparently, she hadn't listened closely enough.
Severus looked at Hermione, sadly. Shaking his head, he softly told her, "Not broken, Hermione, transferred. To her guardian."
Hermione digested that for a moment, then inhaled sharply. Hermione started, "But, that . . . means . . . that . . .that. . .I'll . . ." She stopped, tears filling her eyes. She looked at Harry, then at Severus, then back at Harry, and tears started rolling. Her breathing became broken as she started hyperventilating. She started to crumple to the floor. Harry caught her.
Harry pulled her in closer, enfolding her into his embrace. He didn't know how to shield her from this. But, if there was a way, he would find it.
"He let Hermione cry until she was finished, and no one talked. They just let her cry. After a few minutes, she had composed herself, sort of. She had at least stopped crying and shaking, but Harry could tell she was silently still sobbing. He rubbed her back.
He spoke over her head to everyone. "I may very well be Altaira's guardian. What has to be done to transfer this bond?"
But, before he could get an answer to that, there was a second knock on the door, and a second owl came to Harry from the Ministry of Magic.
By Order of the Wizengamot Court, decreed on this day, July 1, 2001
In Regards to the custody and guardianship of one Altaira Black, born to Bellatrix Black, birthdate unknown.
The wizard with the strongest claim to head of the house of Black is Harry Potter, with two grandfathers who were wizards of the house of Black, based on Mr. Potter's relationship as declared legal and magical heir and legally adopted son of Sirius Black III. This is based on Sirius Black III's relationship to Arcturus Black III as his paternal grandfather, Pollux Black as his maternal grandfather.
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The wizard with the closest wizard blood relation to Altaira Black is Draco Malfoy, based on his relationship as the maternal grandson of Cygnus Black III.
The wizard with the next closest wizard blood relation to Altair Black is Mr. Arthur Weasley, based on his relationships to Arcturus Black II as grandson.
The wizard with the next closest wizard blood relation to Altair Black is Mr. Neville Longbottom, based on his relationships to Arcturus Black II as great-grandson.
The two closest witch blood relations are Andromeda Tonks and Narcissa Malfoy, based based on their respective relationships as the daughters of Cygnus Black III.
By right of the blood-bonded marriage of Narcissa Black to Lucius Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy was the eldest magical blood kin of Altaira.
It is the official and final determination of the Wizengamet that Lucius Malfoy or Draco Malfoy may, by right of the laws of Magical inheritance, assume the role as magical guardian of Altaira Black.
It is the official and final determination of the Wizengamet that Harry Potter, Lucius Malfoy, or Draco Malfoy may, by right of the laws of Legal inheritance, assume the role as legal guardian of Altaira Black.
This order remains in effect until the attainment of Altaira Black's age of magical and legal consent.
SIGNED
Gawain Robards
Chief, Department of Magical Law Enforcement
And, the receipt of that led to the discussion turning to the results of the bond.
Severus sat down next to Harry and Hermione and put his hand on her, trying to comfort her. He had known Lucius was likely a strong contender for this.
"What does all that mean, bottom line!" Harry barked.
"Basically, it is now a race between Lucius and Draco, or Altaira and Rebastian, as to who gets that slave bond to Hermione completed first." Spoke Kingsley, for once in his lifetime, totally forgetting who his audience was.
Draco spoke up. "Her magical guardian is me and my father. While my father was removed as head of the Malfoy family, and I was instated as such, and am the binding magical guardian of the family, he could also be rightfully construed as the magical guardian. While that power can be granted to me while he is still living, it can't be removed from him by a decree of the Ministry. It could only be removed from him by death, or if he lost his magic, completely."
"Furthermore, his marriage to my mother gives him equal rights to the role of magical guardian of Bellatrix's family, unless it was on the Lestrange side of business."
And, with that, once again, Hermione bolted straight up from Harry's embrace, shoved the door open, and was racing down the hall.
And, once again, three wizards took off after her. And, of course, Draco and Harry were faster than Severus.
Except, Severus snarled, "Hermione, I am going to chain you to my fucking wall." His booming voice rebounded off the stone walls.
And then, he apparated directly in front of Hermione's flight path, scooped her up and apparated away.
Harry and Draco skidded to a stop, staring at the empty corridor.
