Disclaimer: I, sadly, don't own any of these characters or books. But they still like to come out and play every once in awhile

The story is AU, starting from 5th year and all of the characters are OOC. Then again, what characters aren't OOC in fanfiction, since we aren't the original writers?

I'd also like to thank all of you for reading and reviewing, it really means a lot to me! Just remember, I'll accept constructive criticism but I don't accept flames, from anyone. If you don't like what I have to write, then don't read it. Simple as that.

I would also like to apologize for not updating on Sunday like I was supposed to but I've been busy with work and everything... So, I hope that you all enjoy this update and don't forget to review! :)

.

.

.

Chapter Twelve

Hermione looked about the room and noted that most of the students don't get the Evening Prophet, which she was happy about. She knew that they would read the morning edition and find out soon enough.

She hurried through her supper and headed to the Gryffindor common room. She still had so much studying to do before her OWLs.

When she was almost there, she heard what sounded like Ron and Harry's whispered voices.

"Are you sure that's what you heard Ron?" Harry asked his friend.

"Yeah mate. I was surprised they didn't see me. Dumbledore told McGonagall that Rabastan Lestrange was seen somewhere in Ireland. The Order is on their way as we speak to catch him."

Hermione's eyes widened at the news. There was no way to sneak past the boys and tell Rodolphus. She made a loud noise to let them know she was there and walked on by, ignoring them.

"Hey Herm, er, Rhea."

"Oh, hi Harry, I didn't see you boys there." She said innocently.

"Really," Harry replied, doubtfully.

"Really! Did you hear the news?"

Before he could answer, Hermione flourished her hand to show off the ring. She secretly enjoyed the looks on both of their faces.

"Is that an engagement ring?"

"Very astute Harry. Yes it is. Sirius just proposed today."

"Oh. Well, congratulations are in order, I guess."

"Thanks. I must be going, lots to do and so little time!"

She wagged her fingers at them and rushed off. Hermione ignored everyone else in the common room and hurried to her room. She had to tell Rodolphus but she had a feeling it was too late.

(AN: Italics is Hermione, Bold is Rodolphus)

'Father, where is Uncle Rabastan?'

'He's out on a mission for the Dark Lord. Why?'

'I think it's a trap! The Order is on their way to get him right now!'

'Why didn't you tell me this sooner?'

'I only just found out! I fear we might be too late…'

'I'll think of something and keep you updated.'

The Gryffindor put the parchment away and threw herself onto her bed. She was deeply worried for her uncle and there was nothing she could do. If she wouldn't have spent so long talking to Draco and stuffing her face, maybe Rabastan would have a chance at getting away. She hadn't known him for long, but he was her uncle and she already felt for him a great deal. Now he was very likely going back to Azkaban and it was all her fault. If she had been more diligent in her job, this wouldn't have happened. A few tears fell as the young girl fell into a fitful sleep.

The next few days were a blur for Hermione. She had failed to hear anything from her father and there had been no news in the Daily Prophet either. She was worried and it showed. Her eyes were bloodshot as she sat down for breakfast on the third day. She slowly ate her breakfast and ignored Draco when he sat down across from her.

"Rhea?"

She didn't say anything.

"Rhea!"

"What Draco? Why are you at the Gryffindor table?" She asked him waspishly.

"I came to check on you."

"Why? I'm fine. People are starting to stare."

"Let them, they know we're related."

"It probably has something to do with the article the Prophet wrote about us."

"I don't give a shit about any of that. I know why you're upset." He said.

Her head shot up. She finally looked at him.

"What have you heard? Has Uncle Lucius said anything to you?" She questioned quietly for fear of being overheard.

"Not a word. Only that Uncle Rodolphus went looking for Rabastan and hasn't returned yet."

"Oh. Hopefully there's something in the Prophet today."

Just as Hermione spoke of the Daily Prophet, an owl swooped down to deliver the daily newspaper. She ignored decorum and quickly unraveled the paper, searching for news. She didn't have to look very far.

RABASTAN LESTRANGE CAPTURED!

Rabastan Lestrange, escaped convict and supporter of You-Know-Who, was captured in County Cork, Ireland three days ago by Aurors. This extremely dangerous man, whom had a hand in the tortures of Auror Frank Longbottom and his wife Alice, was found before he tried to harm innocent people. The Ministry believes he was on a mission for You-Know-Who but nothing has been confirmed.

Lestrange is currently being held at the Ministry of Magic and awaiting extradition back to Azkaban Prison. The whereabouts of his brother and sister-in-law, Rodolphus and Bellatrix Lestrange, are still unknown.

Draco had read the article over her shoulder and saw that tears were building in her eyes.

"Rhea, take hold of yourself. Everyone has read the paper and is waiting to see your reaction. If you show one, it tells them all you've met your family."

"Of course, you're right Draco."

"Finish your breakfast per usual and go about your day as if it were any normal day."

"Okay. See you in class," she told her cousin as she picked up her fork.

Draco stood up and went to the Slytherin table to eat breakfast. Hermione shrugged away her tears, adopted an uncaring look and finished the food on her plate before she went to the Hospital Wing to get her weekly potions.

Throughout the day, everyone watched Hermione to gauge her reaction. Some of them even jeered at her and spoke loudly of Rabastan's capture and she let them. If she defended him, it would prove to everyone that she had met her escaped family members and that she had a relationship with them. That was something she could never let out. Even at the end of the War, it could never be known.

Classes were finally over and Hermione had a chance to get in touch with her father.

'Why didn't you tell me about Uncle Rabastan? I had to read about it in the papers!'

'I didn't have a chance to. I tried to help him but by the time I got there, Aurors already had him.'

'What do you intend to do about it?'

'There's not much we can do while he's at the Ministry, Rhea.'

'So you'll break him out of Azkaban then?'

'If we're able.'

'Don't leave him in that place Father.'

'And you don't tell me what to do, Daughter.'

'I'm sorry, but I know what Azkaban can do to a man.'

'I know. Speaking of Sirius Black, we will talk more on that at your next Hogsmeade visit.'

'How will you be able to be there?'

'Polyjuice. Just look for Lucius. Don't invite Sirius that day. You're spending the day with me.'

'Yes Father.'

Hermione put away the parchment and pulled out a fresh roll to write a letter to Sirius.

Dear Sirius,

How are things in the Order? I hope that you didn't take part in the capture of my uncle. That's not something I think I could forgive.

I am writing to tell you not to come visit on the next Hogsmeade visit. Actually, no, I'm not. You can come on the second day; I'm busy on the first. My father wants to spend the day with me and talk about a few things. He doesn't want you present. You know, of course, to keep all of this information to yourself. I'll see you soon sweet.

Love,

Rhea.

Hermione withdrew her wand and cloaked the letter so that only Sirius could read it. She thought about writing her aunt but decided against it. She had seen the woman recently and figured she would do nothing but fuss over the pregnancy. She had even thought about sending an owl to the Grangers, but figured she had changed too much to even speak to them. She would be seen as a disappointment. Disappointment or not, they had raised her for fifteen years of her life and deserved an update.

Dear Mum and Dad,

I am terribly sorry that I haven't owled you, it's been extremely hectic since I left home with my birth family. I don't even know where to start!

I found out that I had been engaged to Draco Malfoy. I told you about him. That has been voided. Long story. I was able to meet my birth parents and paternal uncle. I am very taken with my father and uncle, not so much my mother. She is a very cold and cruel woman that I have no idea what my father sees in her.

I also have some news that may disappoint you. I find myself in a bit of a situation. I'm pregnant, you see. It is not the boy Draco's; he has since become engaged to a girl only after his money. It is by a man named Sirius Black, I've told you about him. He's Harry's godfather and my mother's first cousin. Don't judge me; things are done much differently in my world. Even the royals in yours marry into family to keep the bloodline pure! He has asked me to marry him and I've said yes.

Tell me how things have been for you? Talk to you soon.

Love,

Hermione.

Hermione also decided to spell that letter in case it was intercepted. It spoke of meeting the Lestranges and that couldn't get out. She put the letters away and fell onto bed for a nap. Being pregnant was exhausting.

She awoke the next morning, gasping for breath. She'd had a nightmare about Rabastan, he'd received the Kiss. Rodolphus had to break Rabastan out, he just had to!

Hermione got ready for the day and ran to the Owlry to send off her letter before breakfast. She had skipped supper and she was ravenous. The Gryffindor walked into the Great Hall and was a bit surprised to see Ginny sitting where she normally sat. Not showing it, she proceeded to take her seat, as usual.

"How are you feeling today?" Ginny asked.

"I'm fine, why do you ask?"

"You weren't at dinner last night."

"I fell asleep is all. It's exhausting. No one has found out, have they?"

"Not that I can tell. There's all sorts of rumors going around about why Sirius proposed. Who cares though?" Ginny said, eyebrow raised in question.

"I do! This is not only my reputation but Sirius's as well."

"Since when do you care about that?"
"Since she's realized that her actions reflect on her family, Weasley."

Ginny spun around and glared at Draco as he moved to take a seat next to Hermione.

"What do you want Malfoy? Last time I saw you, you were fighting with Sirius over Rhea," the redhead spat coldly.

"Rhea and I had a talk. Cleared the air, so to speak. I'm looking out for my cousin; you should think to do the same. She's in a bit of a precarious position, what with her and Black sharing such close blood ties."

"It probably would've been worse had we conceived, Draco," Hermione told him smartly.

"Good thing then, huh?"

Draco chuckled lowly while Hermione looked across the room to Slytherin table. Katrina Green was whispering to Pansy and Daphne Greengrass and glaring daggers at her. Katrina tried to get Pansy and Daphne to follow her but once the girls saw she wanted to approach Hermione, they refused. Their parents were not only in good standing in society, but with the Malfoys as well. If they were to upset Hermione in any way, one word from the Malfoys would bring their entire families into ruin. Katrina didn't seem to care. She felt that, as Draco's fiancée, she held more weight than Hermione did. She was, after all, the future Mrs. Malfoy whereas Hermione was marrying Sirius Black, a man twenty years her senior.

Katrina marched across the room and stopped two feet away from the table, waiting for the trio to notice her. Ginny was just staring at the cousins while they joked and laughed about their fellow students.

"Draco."

The aforementioned young man didn't hear his fiancée calling his name over his cousin's giggling.

"Draco."

He heard her that time, but chose to ignore her. Maybe she would go away?

"Draco!"

"What! What the bloody hell do you want?"

"How dare you talk to me like that! It seems that in spending time with filth, you've forgotten your manners."

Draco moved to stand up to Katrina but Hermione wouldn't let him. The dimwit was insulting her, not him. Only thing to do was to put her in her place.

"Who are you calling filth, Green?" Hermione asked the other girl, venom dripping from every word.

"You, mudblood."

Hermione laughed, sending chills down nearby eavesdropper's spines. It was a sound reminiscent of her mother.

"You poor, pathetic girl, call me a mudblood? Whatever gave you such an insane idea?"

"You were raised my muggles, Granger!"

"In case you hadn't noticed, Green, the name's Lestrange. I'm sure you've heard of my parents. I mean, who hasn't? They're infamous, after all."

"Why should anyone believe you're really their child? You could've used a glamour," Katrina said accusingly.

"You truly are a daft girl! Can't you see the family resemblance between Draco and me?"

"There's no blood between the two of you."

Hermione turned to look at Draco, a look of shock on her face. Amusement twinkled in her eyes.

"Did you know we weren't related Draco?"
"I could've sworn our mothers are sisters."

"So could I. Your fiancée is clearly quite dim. Doesn't know pureblood relations? Not worthy of the Malfoy name."

She turned back to Katrina, her face blank once more.

"So you see? First cousins. I bet you don't happen to know which family our mothers were born into?" Hermione asked the Slytherin girl.

"No, I don't."

"I thought not. Maybe this will ring a bell? The Most Noble and Ancient House of Black?"

Katrina's face lost its color and she opened and closed her mouth, faintly resembling a fish, unable to come up with a response.

"That's right dear girl. You heard me. Black. The one family in our world that's practically royalty. Who is my fiancé? Sirius Black. Who are my aunt and uncle? Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Three of the highest standing purebloods in society. And who are you? Some pathetic, poor HALF-BLOOD, trying to pass as a pureblood so you can gain societal standing and my cousin's money. I don't think so."

Katrina regained her composure, but it didn't last long.

"That's why he's with me now then, huh?"

"Oh sweetheart," Hermione chuckled coldly, her grey eyes stormy in anger and triumph. "I had him first. You're just enjoying my sloppy seconds. That ring looked much better on my finger."

Not having a single rebuttal, Katrina fled the Great Hall. Whispers broke out around the entire room. None of the students could believe that Hermione Granger hand turned into the girl in front of them.

Hermione retook her seat next to Draco and turned her attention to him.

"Sorry for airing our business, but she deserved it."

"It's alright. How did you know she was a half-blood? Even I didn't know that," Draco questioned.

"Draco, I spent five years as a Gryffindor mudblood nobody. I have my ways of digging up information. I suggest you get that ring off her finger. She doesn't deserve to wear it. Wait awhile and find a girl who does."

"You're right, cousin, as always. Just be careful Rhea. She'll be out for blood now."

"Don't worry so much Draco. If any of your Slytherin friends are smart, they'll keep Green away from me. They know there would be consequences if they don't protect the daughter and niece of the Lestranges and Malfoys."

Draco rose from the table to set off after Katrina and do as Hermione suggested. Ginny hadn't turned her attention away from Hermione. She was too stunned at the older girl's words and performance a moment ago.

"What happened to you?" Ginny asked the older girl, saddened.

"Whatever do you mean Ginny? Because I've grown a backbone, something's wrong?"

"That wasn't a backbone, that was downright cruel! And telling Malfoy not to marry Green simply because she's a half-blood? Since when did you start buying into blood purity?"

"Oh shove it up your arse Ginny. Don't act so high and mighty like you don't treat people differently because of their blood status," Hermione spat angrily.

"Of course not, everyone is equal!"

"Really now? So Draco, Pansy, the other Slytherins, they're your equals?"

"They're Slytherins, everyone knows they're evil," Ginny responded, confident in her answer.

"Harry was almost sorted into Slytherin, as was Sirius. Does that make them evil? They were sorted into Gryffindor because they had a choice."

"Of course they're not evil!"

"See there, everyone isn't equal in your eyes. It's the same with your family. Even when you all claimed poor mudblood Granger as family, I was still treated as a low class witch. And as Rhea Lestrange, I'm judged based solely on my parents mistakes. And by a bunch of blood traitors and half bloods, no less. I think I'll be sitting with the Slytherins from now on."

Hermione left Ginny at the table, the younger girl in tears over her words. She went about her day of lessons, slowly incorporating herself at the Slytherins tables. She knew that even as a Gryffindor, she would be accepted, simply because of her name.

Her new 'friends' simpered over her engagement ring like fools. They asked numerous questions about the wedding and plans, figuring the girl had started them already. When they received a negative, they threw around famous designer's names as well as famous venues for the ceremony to be held at. They all wanted to help in some way, hoping that by doing so, it would score them an invite to the wedding. Hermione figured they would be invited anyway because of their family's standing in society, but didn't tell the girls that. She was rather enjoying the attention and wasn't quite ready to lose it just yet.

Potions class was almost over and Snape called on Hermione to stay behind.

"You wanted to see me Professor?" Hermione asked as soon as the classroom was empty.

"I did. That was quite the performance you put on this morning."

"Why thank you Professor. It was quite sudden."

"You have something against half-bloods, Miss Lestrange?"

"Of course not sir. I happen to respect you a great deal, even when I was Granger and you were a complete arse to me."

"Don't lie to me."

"I'm not sir, honestly! You happen to be my favorite teacher. I really do hope you take precautions in your job. You're Draco's godfather and it would hurt him if something happened to you."

"No more of that. The Headmaster wants an answer to a question asked of you before."

"Tell the Headmaster that I'd like to speak to him after supper. He'll get his answer then."

"Very well. Here's a late pass. You're dismissed."

Hermione took the note and hurried to the other side of the castle for Transfiguration. Even if a student had a late pass, McGonagall abhorred tardiness. She felt it interrupted her teaching for a student to enter class when it was half over.

She was running up the last set of stairs when a figure appeared out of nowhere. Hermione wasn't able to stop in time and barreled the other person over, dropping all of her books in the process. She apologized profusely as she crouched to pick up her things. She was in such a hurry that she didn't notice the person's action. Next thing she knew, Hermione lost her balance as a sharp pressure was exerted against her shoulders and she went tumbling down the stairs.

"You…"

Hermione caught a glimpse of her assailant's face but knew no more. Everything went black.

.

.

.

.

The young witch woke up a week later in the Hospital Wing. Sirius sat by her bed, sleeping, but woke up when she stirred.

"Oh thank Merlin you're awake!"

"Sirius? What happened?" Hermione asked him, her voice hoarse from lack of use.

"Don't you remember love? You fell down some stairs on your way to class."

Flashes of the accident jumped forward in her memory, but she didn't correct him. Hermione wanted Sirius and everyone else to think it was merely and accident.

"You're right, I remember now. Sirius! The baby! Is it okay?"

At her question, Sirius lowered his head. He wouldn't be able to bear the look on her face when he told her, but his actions spoke volumes. He needn't say a word for Hermione to get the message, loud and clear.

"No… You can't mean…"

"I'm sorry love. From what I've been told, you had been laying there until classes were over and some students found you and got a teacher. They said that in the fall you broke your arm, back, a few ribs and suffered a concussion. Madam Pomfrey was able to heal that, but the baby's gone. She said she might have been able to save it had you been found sooner."

"No, no… No…"

Hermione's body was wracked with sobs over their loss. It wasn't until then that she realized how much she had wanted their child. Now it was gone. Deep in her mind, she knew they could just make another, but they would never replace their very first child.

Sirius climbed onto the bed and enfolded his young fiancée in his arms. He tried to console her but knew it wouldn't be possible. She hadn't been very far along but he knew she now felt like something was missing. She wasn't the first witch he had been around who miscarried, but she had been the first to carry his child. Tears ran down his own cheeks at their loss and he vaguely wondered if they would ever be able to move past it.

The next day Draco showed up with flowers to show his condolences.

"Why are you here Malfoy?" Sirius said, sneering at the younger wizard.

"Calm down Black, Rhea and I have talked. I'm not after her, I just wanted to see her and pay my respects. The baby was my cousin."

"Is that you Draco?" Hermione asked groggily.

"Yeah Rhea. How are you feeling?"

"Like my child just died," she answered bluntly.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have asked that."

"I'm sorry, too, that was uncalled for. Have you talked to your parents?"

"I did. They should be here either today or tomorrow. They uh, had to inform some guests about the accident first," he said nervously.

"Oh, okay. I can't wait to see them. I miss them."

"And they miss you as well. I best be going, class starts soon."

"What of all my work?"

"Dumbledore has exempted you from all school work until you're completely ready to return to school."

"Oh. Okay. Bye Draco."

After Draco left, Hermione dragged Sirius back onto her cot and cuddled up to him, falling back into a fitful sleep. He stroked her smooth hair, wishing he could take her pain away. She had been through so much in her short life, she deserved a bit of happiness and she couldn't even have that without it being taken away.

On the third day, Hermione awoke to the sensation of being shaken. She jerked up, almost head butting Sirius on the chin in the process.

"You alright sweetheart? You were having a bad dream."

"It was about the fall. I can't get it out of my head. I'm sorry Sirius, if I had been paying more attention—"

"Hush now, it wasn't your fault. It was an accident. And accidents happen, they can't be helped. It's very sad, yes, but we still have plenty of time to have more children when we're both ready."

"You're right. Oh, Professor Dumbledore. I didn't know you were coming to see me," Hermione said.

"I wanted to see you how you were doing and to give my condolences to you and Mr. Black."

"Thank you Professor, but I sense you want something else," said the young witch.

"Indeed. I know this might not be the proper time, but you told Professor Snape that you had an answer for me?"

"Yes I do, actually. I'll do it."

"Good, very good. Anything you find out at all will be helpful. Take as much time as you need to get well, my dear. There's no hurry."

"Thank you sir."

Hermione gave Dumbledore enough time to be out of earshot before she addressed Sirius.

"Hand me the old parchment and quill from my bag?"

"Sure," Sirius said, confused but did as she asked.

'Father?'

'Rhea? Are you alright? Your mother and I have been worried.'

'I doubt she has, but I'm fine, I guess. I lost the baby.'

'I'm sorry love. You're still young though, plenty of time to have more.'

'Sirius said the same thing. However, that's not why I'm contacting you. What I want is of higher importance.'

'Of course. I'll do whatever I can for you, you must know that.'

'I do. Okay, here's my plan…'

.

.

.

.

AN: Well? What did you think? It was a bit of a heavy chapter, and it was a little difficult to write, honestly. I didn't put this in the previous chapter, but I will here, since every one of you know what's going on now. I just want to take the time to say that, even though I wrote about teenage pregnancy, I do not condone it. Granted, no one is ever quite ready to have a child, but a girl of 16 is definitely not ready, no matter how much support she receives from family and friends.

Miscarriages and the loss of a child is also a very terrible and tragic thing to deal with as well. I only hope that I was able to convey the emotions Hermione and Sirius are feeling correctly, although everyone deals with loss and grieves in their own way. If any of my readers are old enough and this chapter possibly hit a nerve, I am sorry and I regret the fact that I might've opened old wounds, but, Hermione had to lose the baby for the plot to progress how I wanted it to. When I first sat down to write this story, that was never my intention, my pen just ran away from me. The only way to fix my own little mess up, was to cause something to happen so that she would no longer be pregnant. No matter whom she is and how smart she is, Hermione isn't ready to be a mother.

Anywho, enough of this terribly long AN! Be sure to R&R and let me know what you think of this chapter and my story so far, lovelies :)