A/N - So to start off. Trigger warning - it doesn't happen but it is discussed (nothing too graphic). Be warned.
Today we learn how Ron and Tom became head case - roommates.
I thought for this story it made sense for Ginny to be around and not annoying. That is why she has had such a small role. With the discussions in this chapter and the next one, she couldn't remain totally quiet. Quiet isn't a Weasley trait.
And Cissy still slays me. Wouldn't want to cross the woman but she certainly has a flare about her...
Story is finished, it comes in at 27 chapters total (that includes a short epilogue). I'll try to post two to three chapters a week which should have this done by the end of the year if not sooner.
Remember, I don't own them.
' - - - - - - - '
"Let me tell you all a story." Snape let out a growl and wished he could drink. He had once thought that in death he would get away from the overly optimistic man with twinkling eyes. It was to his great dissatisfaction that he found his portrait hanging next to the man. Potter ensuring the picture was hung with all the former headmasters sealed his fate. He was starting to dislike the boy, now man, again.
"When Harry succeeded in finally defeating Tom; the megalomaniac spent his final moments trying to find someone who would be weak enough to still accept his lies. Above all, Tom knew humans, regardless if they were magical or muggle had the same failing. They all want something they can't have. The trick for him, was to find that desire and show the person if they accepted him, they would get whatever it was they wanted. In reality they wouldn't and would never stand a chance to truly survive. Once he found someone he could manipulate, he would be able to move his spirit to them and use their physical body to do his bidding. As his strength returned he would overpower their mind and thus their body."
Hermione gasped realizing what had happened. Draco was astounded at the level of power the psycho had accumulated. Harry was stunned his best friend would fall for something like that. Dumbledore continued with the story as if the trio standing before him hadn't just realized their friend was now their mortal enemy.
"Tom did this by sending out a small part of himself with the powers he had gained over the years. The powers were intended to show the person what they could gain by agreeing; however, the real reason was it gave him the ability to see if he could use them. Due to proximity, Harry and Hermione were the first two he saw; however, once he sent his power away he couldn't bring it back and he realized they would never succumb to his lies. He continued to search until he found Mr. Weasley. It was in his last moment when he saw the weakness. He saw that all Ron wanted was to be the one with the power, the money, the acclaim and the women." Harry dropped his head. He was grieving he friend who was lost. There would be coming back from this. Resolute in this knowledge Harry focused on Dumbledore.
"Everyone knew Ron had always been embarrassed by his family's lack of wealth, position and power. He had spent his entire life jealous of the other pureblood families. What no one understood was the depth of his displeasure when a good majority of those purebloods joined the Light. Ron wanted to be better than them and believed their change in allegiance lessen his importance after the war." Hermione and Draco both nodded. They had noticed his demeanor change with each additional convert. Neither realized just how much he was willing to sacrifice to have a higher standing in society. Harry, noticing the expressions on the others, realized he had missed Ron's reaction. It could be expected, he did believe he was going to have to sacrifice himself in order to end it. And he was willing. Looking to Hermione, his sister in all but blood, he knew he would do it again for her.
"Hermione that night, the night that I will not bring up but you know what I mean..." Dumbledore looked at the witch who nodded slowly and opened her mouth.
"Professor, they need to know. I don't have the strength to relive it. I've tried to tell them both and just cannot do it. I am scared they will feel the same. Please just tell them."
Hermione sat in the nearest chair and pulled her knees to her chest before she closed her eyes and started to slowly rock herself. Draco and Harry continued to look between each other, Hermione and Dumbledore as he started to speak. The images of the words began to play in front of Hermione's eyes.
"As I was saying, Harry and Hermione were at the Burrow right after the final battle. Draco, this was shortly after we had put you back in hiding to ensure your safety. Ron and Hermione had started seeing each other but almost from the beginning Hermione knew something was wrong. The attitude, not to mention the verbal abuse, was hurting her. She tried to help him work through it. She didn't know that it wasn't Ron anymore. By that point Tom was controlling Mr. Weasley's mind, a good portion of his actions and some small aspects of his magic. Tom had not expected Ron's magic to rebel so much. It refused to be used against Hermione or Harry. Tom decided that if he couldn't destroy Hermione yet with magic he would make sure she could never get away and decided to...how to put this delicately...decided to take her. I'm sure you both understand what I'm saying."
The two young wizards in the room broke their gaze from Dumbledore and turned to Hermione who was silently crying, holding herself and rocking on the chair. Draco moved quickly and picked her up from the chair. They sat on the couch next to Harry, where each wizard was giving her gentle reassurance. Draco realized why she had pulled away from that first day back. He was angry and tense. He no longer heard Dumbledore but was thinking of how to kill Ron...it didn't matter that it wasn't Ron and that it was really the darkest wizard the world had ever seen. Draco was going to make sure he paid for what was done to Hermione. He would make sure Hermione knew he would always be there for her regardless of what happened all those months ago.
"Since you've both caught on now, I'll continue. Hermione woke to find him in her room and on top of her. It took her all of a few moments to realize that his intentions were less than pure. Ron had already removed all of their clothing and had been trying to pry her legs apart. Being so close to what he felt would give him ultimate power over her, Tom again underestimated our witch. Before he knew had happened Hermione had him pinned against the wall, some very important bits were missing and she was dressed. She hexed him in such a way that he forgot what he had saw and touched; she also broke a few bones and ended the relationship. The next morning she left the Burrow and I don't believe she has been back. While Miss Granger may not have been physically violated that night the emotional nature of the attack and the verbal abuse has been quite difficult for her to overcome. We've asked that she include you both in her recovery but her fear some of his comments may have been correct stopped her from confiding."
Draco was trying to calm his anger, not for him but for the witch he held. She sensed when he tensed and he felt her reaction to him. After a few very deep breaths Draco realized Dumbledore had said Hermione wasn't physically assaulted. He held her a little more tightly. He continued to plot the destruction of the red headed weasel while trying to figure out a way to get Hermione to agree to leave the school and let him protect her. He knew she was strong and didn't need it especially given what Dumbledore said she did to him. It took him another five minutes before he had calmed enough for Hermione to do the same.
Harry was stunned; he was the first to regain his power of speech. "What did he tell you?" Hermione sighed and moved herself so that she could address those in the room.
"That I was useless now. The war was over and who would want some know-it-all, mousy, virgin witch who couldn't put an outfit together let alone turn a man on. It was then that I realized that no one had ever seen me as a girl. I was Harry's friend, the muggle-born, smartest witch of the age. But I wasn't special to anyone." Hermione's small body was racked with sobs as a new set of tears started to flow and she dropped to the floor. Draco was pissed. Again.
He stood up, took hold of Hermione's shoulders and set her on her feet. His fingers went to chin and slowly pushed until she was looking him. The ice blue flames in his eyes were intense with anger, frustration, fear and love.
"Hermione, first off, I wish you had told me. I would have spent the last four months convincing you how wrong he was. Secondly, we would not have to be worrying about where that insignificant, brainless, swamprat is right now because I would have destroyed him already. And finally, Harry and I will always be here. When you want to talk we will drop whatever and be there, no questions asked, no matter what. Do you believe me?"
"Yes"
"Do you believe that we love you?"
"Yes"
"Do you believe that you deserve our love?"
"...I...don't...know..."
"Ok we are starting here. Hermione Granger, you above all witches in this world deserve the love, admiration and devotion of every witch, wizard and muggle out there. You are loved as a hero. I love you as Hermione. I will always love you and one day, when you are ready we will stand in front of our family, friends and school. We will tell the world that we love each other. I will love you until the end of time if you will allow me. I swear upon everything I have that you are all that matters and if you want to understand the depth and breadth of my love I will take a wizard oath now."
Hermione had stopped crying and looked at the man before her and knew she loved him too. She had probably always been his.
"Draco, I...I love you too. I don't know when it happened but I think I've always loved you and the pain I felt from the war and Ron's actions would lessen when I was near you. I think those feelings also made me want to fight with you whenever I had a chance when we were younger. I didn't understand my own feelings and I knew that I couldn't love you so those feelings must have been hate. You don't have to take an oath because I would take one too and at that point we might as well just get married. And I'm not ready for that, yet. But like I told you at the Manor right now I'm just happy to be in your arms." Hermione pulled herself farther into Draco as he leaned his face to her hair.
"I will protect you."
"I know"
"Um, 'Mione did you just admit that you loved Draco and that you wanted to marry him? Maybe have his little blonde babies?"
"Yes, I do love him Harry but I didn't say anything about little blonde babies, you prat. How do you know that our children won't have brown hair?"
Draco was stunned. He had fantasized a few times, well more than a few times, about their life and there were always multiple children. He knew it was a fantasy because Malfoys only had one child. But now Hermione was talking about having children, his children. This day was actually shaping up to be a good one.
"Because Malfoys have blonde babies so our babies will be blonde." Draco responded while holding Hermione a little more tightly. Hermione didn't want to think too much about the fact that Draco was talking about their babies. She was, technically, an adult but she was still in school, sort of. 'Too much. Too fast.' Was her first thought however it followed quickly by a small voice that rarely got any attention 'Really? You've loved him longer than you actually realize. He loves you. Let him in and give him a chance.' That little voice was right and she was going to give him a chance.
"Harry, he is really a great guy and I know that you trust each other now. Maybe you'll consider him a friend?" What Hermione didn't know was that Draco and Harry had buried the hatchet at the beginning of the year.
"Dearest, Potter and I are all good. Once classes started and I realized there was something wrong between you and Ron; Harry and I decided Ron's focus was entirely too much on you and we decided to never let you be alone with the git."
"That's why you were always with me and here I thought it was because you loved me." Hermione's giggle was the best sound Draco had heard in sometime. He silently vowed to make her do it more often.
"I do, at first I told myself that I was protecting my friend. I have had feelings for you since before the final battle but didn't think you felt the same; I just knew something was wrong and I couldn't let you get hurt. After the first night we started to hang out again I realized how deep my feelings were; how alike we really are and that without all that pureblood crap maybe I could prove that I could be someone worthy of you. But now that I look at you I realize you were joking and I just admitted, again, my weakness. Oh the Malfoys are rolling in their graves." With a pained looked Draco turned to Snape.
"Draco they are rolling for many reasons. The least of which would be admitting, again, that you love her." Snape smirked at his former students.
"Thank you Godfather. Now does anyone know where Professor McGonagall is? We really need to get Ron under lock and key. Maybe if we hurry we can get him and let Kingsley and his aurors take care of the rest." Draco was pleased with that thought.
"Right here Draco. Hermione I'm glad you allowed Albus to explain. Now before you go after him might I suggest that we wait for Miss Weasley?"
Three voices rang out in unison "Ginny!" All had forgotten that Ginny wasn't with them and Ron was starting to focus too much of his attention on his 'younger' sister.
' - - - - - - '
"What are you screaming about? Professor McGonagall you needed to see me? I'm supposed to meet Ron." Ginny popped into the room not knowing what was about to hit her. Harry was the first to reach her. He held her before pulling away and putting a chaste kiss on her lips.
"Ginny, we have something to tell you, I don't know if you will believe it but the professors will confirm that what we are telling you is true. I need you to know this now before you get mad and tune us out."
"Harry, I'm not Ron and I don't lose all control." Ginny looked up noticing the expressions on everyone's face and added "All of the time." Harry started to tell the story and looked at Hermione to see if he had permission to include the portion of the story he recently learned pertaining to her. She nodded slightly. By the time Harry was finished Hermione was the one consoling Ginny. What Draco hadn't expected was the vehement response from the ginger regarding her brother's actions.
"So I just want to make sure I understand." Everyone conceded the floor to Ginny. "My brother, who fought with us to defeat that maniac, spent a year searching with you two to find the horcruxes, watched friends and FAMILY die for that cause at the moment we won, he started to believe the lies that had caused the fighting to begin with? And then allowed his body to be possessed by the spirit of the homicidal psychopath Harry had just killed? What sort of fucked up circle is that? How could that happen? And then he decided to try and rape my best friend, his self-proclaimed love and a woman my parents consider their daughter? Now he is out in the forest acting like a baby because he was stupid enough to leave the wand of the ego-maniacal sociopath with his other best friend who spent his entire life trying to destroy this moron for KILLING his parents?"
Hermione had been nodding slowly. "Well that pretty much covers it."
"So that map tells us where he is?"
"Yes"
"I know that each of you have reasons to claim rights to kill him; however, I claim family rights. He is my flesh, my blood and has dishonored my family name. I claim first right to kill him."
Ginny's statement had been powerful and everyone knew that she did have this right. There were nods around the room and the group stood up. Before any planning could start or anyone thought about getting Kingsley again the floo lit up and Narcissa's face appeared.
"Minerva? Are you there?"
"Yes Cissy I'm here. Draco is here too. What is wrong?"
"I would like Draco and Hermione to come to the Manor. I have been planning the annual Malfoy ball and there are a few last minute things that I need their opinion on as they will be hosting the ball. I would like to send out the invitations this afternoon assuming these last areas have been decided. If I remember their schedules correctly, they should be available until after lunch."
Narcissa realized with Lucius' attacks there was a chance the school would be locked down. Ever since the war, and more specifically the final battle, the Ministry had taken extra precautions with regard to Hogwarts and the students. At the beginning of the year it seemed the school was locked down every other day. However, Lucius Malfoy was an entirely different situation considering that he was more dangerous than the Ministry realized. They also had not been able to apprehend him and that was making the situation even more dire. If Narcissa could get Hermione and Draco to the Manor they would have no option but to stay. This would give them the time to grow closer and for their love to bloom fully. If Narcissa were lucky she would be a grandmother by the next Christmas holiday. As Narcissa requested their presence she noticed the two other students and realized their presence would only help to make her plan seem less sneaky. A small smirk graced her lips. Draco noticed and wondered what she was planning. Theo had already been sent home earlier in the day to help his mother with some family business but in reality was to aid in the plot. Theo just didn't know it yet.
"Minerva, if their schedules allow, please allow Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley to visit also. As they are close friends they will be assisting with some of the duties and I would like to discuss those responsibilities with them as well. I'd like to do this today due to Lucius and recent activities. I believe that the Ministry will be contacting you soon to request more security at the school until that lunatic has been apprehended. "
"Cissy, we have had an incident here today and Kingsley just left. All of us were getting ready to discuss how to address this situation."
Narcissa was crestfallen. She knew if Hermione and Draco were there when the school was locked down they would be forced to act in their official capacities. This would never do. Narcissa wasn't sorted into Slytherin for nothing.
"Minerva is this something that I should be made aware as a parent?"
"Mother nothing that bad. A student decided to try and take a shot at Hermione. It was low and uncalled for and Pansy stood up for Hermione before Harry or I could get out a single word. The student tried to attack Pansy and was subdued."
"Well if that is all and the student is no longer an issue why must you all stay?"
Minerva knew she had been backed into a corner. Draco knew his mother was plotting and if they went after Ron right now it would not end well. He hadn't had a chance to explain to everyone but if it was him controlling Ron's body then he was probably too strong to beat without a plan. Some time at the Manor would be greatly beneficial. He gave Harry a quick glance and he seemed to catch onto Draco's thoughts quickly. What neither wizard noticed was that Severus and Albus appeared to be having a similar, non-verbal exchange.
"Minerva, I think Cissy may be correct. Let them go and we can evaluate the situation later. Send a note to their professors. I doubt they would be in classes if they remained anyway." Everyone was surprised by Dumbledore's statement. Minerva nodded toward the portrait.
"I will allow it. How long will they need to be away? My floo will be locked down if the Ministry enacts more strict security measures."
"I'm not sure; however, I don't think it should be more than a few hours and in fact they may be back before lunch. If your floo has been locked I will send an owl. The children will remain here until it is safe for them to return. The wards are quite strong at this point." Narcissa's eyes flickered to Hermione and Draco. The "children" groaned quietly at the comment. They all wondered, as survivors of the war, when they would escape the "children" comments.
"If staying at the Manor this evening makes sense please do so. It would probably be a better idea anyway. Draco and Hermione have you completed your lesson plans for the rest of this week?"
"Yes Professor." The pair answered in unison.
"Good before you go to the Manor please provide them to me. I'd rather be prepared in case you do end up staying the day. Harry and Ginny please wait here."
Draco and Hermione floo'd to their common room and quickly pulled together their plans.
"Hermione, why don't you grab your jewelry too so that you can wear them today? Mother would be pleased to see you with them on." Hermione pulled up the sleeve of her robe and showed Draco the bangle bracelets. After the actions of the Ministry earlier in the year both believed that the school would be locked down shortly. They realized that staying at the Manor would probably be likely so they grabbed a few things they would need and accioed a few things that Harry and Ginny would also need before flooing back to the Headmistress's office.
"Here are our lesson plans Professor. We will see you later."
"Off you go then."
With that Minerva swooshed the students into the floo. "Albus now what are we supposed to do about Ron?"
"Harry and Hermione will have to do it. Now that they have gone back to the Manor, Mr. Weasley will soon follow." Minerva and Severus knew there had been so much already asked of those children but destroying a friend may be too much.
' - - - - - - '
Narcissa waited expectantly for her four visitors. "Twinky" with a quiet pop to Narcissa's left Twinky appeared.
"Yes Misses what can Twinky do for Misses?"
"Twinky, what a lovely skirt! Is that the present Master Draco gave you?"
Twinky proudly turned "Yes he says that Twinky should wear it for the next party."
"I agree, it is lovely. Would you please bring tea for seven and some small snacks?"
"Twinky will take care of Misses and Master Draco. Will Master Draco friend be here also?"
"Yes Twinky why?"
"Misses Herminniny like her tea like you and Is going to make it for her. She make Master Draco happy." Twinky shyly looked down.
"Yes she does. All I've ever wanted for Draco was for him to be happy. I have great respect for Hermione. I'm worried it will be a long day for Hermione with what I have to tell her. I think she would love to have some tea." She smiled at the small elf.
Narcissa began to think about the story she had told Draco and Hermione. It had not been entirely the truth...she hadn't lied but she had left out some very significant parts. Hermione may be the one witch who could right those wrongs. If the map could be tweaked then maybe they could find the missing Phoenix heiress. She did not want to break either Draco or Hermione's heart but the heiress needed to be found. After that they could figure out everything else. Hermione did seem to be the perfect woman for Draco.
Twinky popped out lightly as everyone came through the floo. Narcissa held back her laugh as Harry rolled into Draco. Both men popped up and helped their respective ladies into the house. Narcissa put on the façade that was so ingrained and looked to her visitors.
"Draco and Hermione, I'm very glad that you were able to return. While I do have a few things to finish up with the ball I do not need you for that. In fact the invitations are ready to be sent after lunch. I needed an opportunity to tell you the full story of Percy and Stephanie Phoenix."
It was then that Narcissa noticed Hermione wearing the sapphire bracelets. She smiled and nodded toward her wrists.
"I'm working on getting used to wearing them. Draco suggested that I could wear the bracelets each day. We brought the rest of them. I wouldn't want to worry about them being at Hogwarts while I am here." Draco set the case on the table. He removed the sapphire necklace and clasped it around Hermione's neck. Again his fingers lingered on her skin. Narcissa wasn't the only individual who noticed Hermione's response to Draco's touch. Hermione slipped the earrings on and stood for inspection. Ginny was stunned at the quantity of jewels that were on her best friend. These weren't the emeralds from the other night, those were still nestled in their case on the table, but sapphires.
"Mother, I thought you would like to see her wearing them so we brought them along." Draco's hand remained on Hermione's shoulder as he spoke.
Narcissa knew that Draco suspected her of plotting something. She wouldn't tell him exactly what but he acted as any good Slytherin would and made sure his beloved had everything she needed for an extended stay. Before continuing the story, she directed everyone to the chairs and couch that faced the fireplace.
"There is more to the Phoenix story I told you; however, I had not realized I should have included it. I'm hoping that you will be able to help right a wrong. Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley please come in and you are both welcome back into my home. Please do not let the actions of my former husband make you uncomfortable. We are safe here."
"Thank you Lady Malfoy. May I ask how you know the Manor is safe? We've thought may times that Hogwarts was safe but again and again people seem to get in. I know that everything seemed fine at dinner; however, my mother sent an owl today saying that the Alley has a stronger auror presence and Bill informed us Gringotts has brought in a security force of their own." Ginny's question held no malice.
"Your concern is justifiable. After Lucius appeared at the edge of the property a few days ago Hermione and Draco set up some very powerful wards. I doubt that the Dark Lord himself could get through let alone the inept man that used to live here. As for what happened at the Alley; Hermione was able to protect us all. The Ministry's actions are a little late but are hopefully enough and will not in vain."
Harry and Ginny were stunned, Draco had heard it before and Hermione was proud Narcissa believed in her power that much. With that Louisa and Theo came through the floo. Draco looked suspiciously at Theo. Theo responded with a good natured smirk.
"Good, now that we are all here I'm closing the floo for all incoming – anyone can leave at any time." Narcissa looked at Hermione and smiled.
"Thank you Cissy but I don't think, at least I hope, it won't be necessary. You had said there was more to the story?"
"I'm sorry 'Mione but do you think that Ginny, Theo and I could be caught up?" Hermione blushed and quickly recapped the story. They sat in stunned silence after the story was complete. Theo had heard almost that entire story from his mother shortly after joining the Order.
"Cissy, I'm sorry I had intended on doing more research on the Phoenix family. I was unable to locate any evidence that Percy or Stephanie existed in the Hogwarts annuals or common family history books. Also what was Stephanie's maiden name? You had never mentioned it and I didn't think to ask."
Draco and Harry chuckled out loud at the sting of statements and questions from Hermione. Draco watched the expressions on his mother's face as she attempted to follow the rapid fire words coming from Hermione's mouth. Hermione continued her comments unfazed by either man.
"The reason I was not able to continue my research was the fact we were distracted by Ron Weasley. Apparently my former boyfriend, Harry and my former best friend and Ginny's brother has been corrupted by Voldemort's spirit and is now trying to be the next dark lord." It was Narcissa's turn to be shocked and come to a realization.
"Well, that explains how you were able to sweep the house and never leave the room. A present from him no doubt, how quaint." The mocking nature was somewhat covered by the dripping venom in her voice. "Are you the only one with new powers?" No one answered; however, when Harry dropped his head that was all Narcissa needed to see.
"Harry and Hermione, I assume you have been informed how this happened?"
"Yes Cissy, Professor Dumbledore explained it to us before we left. He said that we were too strong in our convictions for any of the nonsense to stick and that he was unable to pull the powers from us. We aren't sure if there would be any long lasting repercussions." Hermione finished the statement a sigh and sad look to Harry. Both had discussed that they would do whatever had to be done, if needed. Cissy, seeing this and realizing what their shared look was conveying, quickly jumped in.
"Now both of you listen to me all that was given to you was a new power. You use it for good. He saw there was no place for him to hide, no dark corner where deep and dark secrets were lurking. That is why he moved on. Only the weak can be corrupted. Neither of you are weak; I think I can speak for everyone when I thank Merlin for that." Hermione and Harry smiled at Narcissa realizing that she was right.
"Now as to your question about the Phoenix name and why you couldn't find it or that it was a name you had ever seen or heard it is really a simple answer. When they were killed we, Louisa, Albus and I, removed them from every book. The Phoenix family never married into the British wizard world. They were from the continent." Cissy hoped that was enough information for Hermione, for now. A greater explanation would be needed once the story was finished. "Now if everyone is ready I'll try and get through the rest of the story. This will be very difficult for me." The rest of the group gave Narcissa a nod and she launched into the story.
