Iliana Black, Professional Snoop, was sniffing around after scolding her cousin. Of course, she was only sniffing around for one Hermione Granger. Ron had already been scolded for his manners, and now she needed to inform that uppity brat about her mistakes.

Pulling back a tad, the offended scion rethought her course of action. Yes, she was next-in-line for Headship of the Black Family, but this… this was Ronald's action to take. With a huff, she walked back to the Gryffindor section of the Great Hall, and announced icily as she sat down

"Ronald, I've decided against my previous course of action." Ron glanced at her warily, flinching when his brothers snickered at his expression. He nodded awkwardly, which set off Harry and Neville.

With a briskness learned from her mother, Iliana informed the others blandly (or, as much as a ten-year-old could make their voice bland)

"I am not afraid to drag this in front of the entire clan, dingbats." With that, the laughter halted, full stop. A smug Iliana directed

"You have two days before I void my directive."

Later that evening, Iliana was staring at Ron, completely exasperated. Strategy prodigy, proficient spellcaster when motivated, excellent Keeper, these all described Ronald Weasley. Unfortunately, all his strategy acumen had never translated into subtlety.

So yes, he had inelegantly dismissed Hermione Granger's friendless state as her own fault. On her first Hallowe'en at Hogwarts. The little lady would have liked to throw something at her cousin- perhaps the wart jinx she'd mastered by the end of September- but she had an image to keep.

Percy was pinching the bridge of his nose while the twins snickered, but Neville and Harry had already agreed, as had Iliana that Ron was correct. That didn't mean they weren't despairing over his outburst. Brooding, Iliana pointed at Ron and spoke slowly, carefully

"You are taking lessons from Draco in subtlety, or so help me, I will beat it into your skull myself." Harry sniggered into his palm, freezing when Iliana threatened

"I've been trained for Strike just as well as you, cousin. How would you like to lead the Alliance while I run the team?" Although it was an empty threat- Aaliyah and Draco, at least, would refuse to follow someone who wasn't Iliana without reason- Harry understood that his cousins would have no scruples about putting him in the big chair for a while if he pissed them all off.

In fact, Percy looked approvingly at Iliana before opening his mouth, only to be interrupted by Quirrell barreling through the door to announce that a troll was loose in the dungeons. Percy leaped to his feet, directing crisply before the professors had a chance to speak

"We need to barricade the Great Hall! The first years could be left behind accidentally if we were to attempt to make it to the common rooms, besides which, the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs are in the most danger if they tried to make it. First through third years, remain calm. Fourth and Fifth years, keep your housemates from panicking, Sixth and Seventh years and the most talented fifth years to the front of the Hall so the professors can sweep the Castle."

Instead of watching as things were organized, Iliana considered Hermione Granger again. If they were at one of the Potter properties, she would simply throw the girl on her mother's tender mercy. Kira Black's hatred of 'Know-it-all-backtalk' was pathological and infamous among the Alliance. In fact, Iliana mused, her mother had broken even Molly Prewett Weasley to bridle by a combination of grit and grace. Blinking, she decided to write her mother after this was done. After all, breaking in someone as stubborn as Molly had only really been difficult because of her age.

By the end of the evening, the troll had been sorted and Iliana was composing a letter to her mother.

Mumma,

I told you about Hermione Granger, right? I need to know how to iron out 'know-it-all-backtalk' so she doesn't trample Ron again. As Head of his delegation, my duty is to protect him and guide his Heart's mate. Anything you can offer will be gratefully accepted.

I love you, and Dad, and Auntie Ash and Uncle Reg,

Iliana

Less than a week later, Iliana received a message from her mother.

Oh Puppy,

Darling, we've talked about this. You don't iron things out. You educate and try to sway them to your way of thinking. Yes, I hate know-it-alls, as does everyone else in the family. Yes, you and your cousins landed on your arses when you challenged me, or most adults.

That's what we're supposed to do, Puppy. We're supposed to set guidelines and boundaries and kick your arse when your pride is puffed up. Your father and uncles do it for each other regularly, and Andromeda and Aisling have never been the types to let me slide. Your Aunt Lily is learning, slowly, to kick me down when I need, and Nymphadora is doing excellently in growing to be a competent matriarch.

In the end, Puppy, that's all I am. A woman who leads her family. Though, I married in. Once you turn Granger around, it'll be easier because you've practiced. The easiest way to make her change her tune is to have her do a solo flee exercise. She'll have to run, and dodge jinxes, and if she's still a snotty little bookworm, I'll have Gisa dump her on the obstacle course every day she visits one of the properties held by the Alliance.

Are you too old for Puppy? I suppose your cousins are too old for nicknames too, hmm?

Love,

Mum

Iliana scowled at the letter, and noted with approval that Ron had explained himself. Pursing her lips in an expression that still looked ridiculous on her tiny face, she composed another letter to her mother, dismissing her owl to rest.

Mummy,

I'll be yours and Daddy's Puppy even when I have my own little ones. And I'll think about what you've written.

Love,

Iliana Black