Hermione took solace in the room Mrs. Potter had set up for her after the weird conversation with Balin. She knew hiding wouldn't solve the current lack of control in her life, but it temporarily made her feel better. House elves still made her uncomfortable even trapped decades in the past. She assumed it was her muggle upbringing, but she couldn't wrap her mind around the concept. It didn't help that she'd had so many negative encounters with elves. Kreacher never stopped insulting her birth status, and the elves at Hogwarts hated her for trying to free them. Only Dobby seemed to like her. Having another Black elf with powerful information gave her déjà vu.
Hiding was better than dealing with the situation. The suite she'd been given was beautiful, and she shared a sitting room closet hybrid with Lily. Her living room furniture had been artfully arranged and both their bedrooms had access to the large room. Normal girls, like Parvarti and Lavender would've been delighted. Lily certainly thought it was marvelous, but as it were Hermione never had time to care about her appearance. Voldemort didn't care about whether she wore make up.
Mrs. Potter hadn't been bluffing about relocating the group. The large wardrobe that Albus and Minerva insisted on purchasing for her were accounted for, and there were even new items mixed in. If she were to guess, Dorea had found an excuse to buy Lily and her more clothes. It was disconcerting to say the least. Hermione felt as though she'd lost all control, and her instincts told her to blast her way out of the manor. Hearing Dorea's suggestion to use Potter Manor as a safe house confused her, and the potion lab didn't help clarify the situation. It did convince her that Dorea Potter was more dastardly than Voldemort and Dumbledore combined. The older witch's behavior aroused Hermione's curiosity, although her paranoia insisted that it was a Slytherin ruse to get her to stay.
Why did Harry's grandmum care so much about whether Hermione killed herself or not?
"Well, she is a mum, remember," Lily said. Hermione jumped and nearly rammed her knee into the nearest wall. She hadn't realized Lily was in the room, or that she'd vocalized her thoughts out loud.
"James is an only child, and purebloods often have trouble conceiving. It could be her just trying to protect James."
Lily had a point. It was also imperative to consider that Sirius was adamantly interfering with Hermione's plans, and James would follow at any cost. Any doubt was erased by the day's events. She and Potter had fought Death Eaters. The irony wasn't lost on her either. She'd grown up protecting Harry, and now his father was watching her back. It helped her keep an eye on him at the very least. There was a problem with Lily's theory; namely that parental and adult protectiveness was a foreign concept to Hermione. Her birth parents had certainly been dependable until she entered the Wizarding World. Unfortunately, their relationship had started to disintegrate when she was eleven years old. The troll attack was the catalyst which first put her in charge as the adult. It was that moment that she, Harry, and Ron started down the path of soldiers in a war fought by children.
"How formal are we supposed to dress?" Lily asked interrupting Hermione's internal thoughts.
"I don't know. I was just going to wear this," Hermione said.
"You're joking right?" Lily asked. "Hermione your clothes are torn and dirty. I'm also pretty sure you've got blood stains on them. Go take a shower, and I'll find you something to wear." Hermione looked down at her clothes and realized that Harry's mum was right. She hadn't changed since arriving at Potter Manor.
"Honestly," Lily muttered as Hermione walked towards the bathroom. "A nutter that one. She actually thinks wearing torn clothes will help the situation." It brought a smile to her face. It was something that would've come straight out of Ron Weasley's mouth.
"We don't normally use the formal dining room," Dorea said when Sirius, Hermione, James and Lily had joined Mr. and Mrs. Potter downstairs. "However, since both Aberforth and Albus have decided to join us for dinner, Charlus and I thought the breakfast nook would be a bit tight. Girls you look lovely!"
"Thank you Mrs. Potter," Lily said. "The bedrooms you gave us are amazing."
"Call me Dorea dear," Mrs. Potter said. "That goes for you as well Hermione. I'm glad you like them."
"I just wanted to thank you again for letting us stay in your home," Lily said with a smile. "I really appreciate it, and if there's anything I can do to help out just let me know."
"You could agree to—," James started speaking only for his mother to cast a silencing spell over him.
"Please accept my apologies for my son. He hasn't grown out of what I call the 'Potter Charm.' Unfortunately, you'll have to wait a bit before that happens. I assure you that while you are under my roof, James will be under his best behavior. Won't you James?" Dorea asked looking at her son expectantly.
"Yes mum," James agreed while nodding a bit too enthusiastically.
"James have some pride," Sirius muttered. He looked embarrassed enough for both boys.
"I should have moved in here ages ago," Lily said grinning at Hermione who rolled her eyes. Harry's parents would be married before they graduated at this rate. No doubt Lily was in love with Dorea and her ability to control James' behavior. The idea of getting married so young didn't sit well with Hermione. No doubt it was the result of growing up in the muggle world. Her parents didn't even want her thinking about boys until she'd graduated and gone to college. No doubt the war impacted many of the decisions though. "Master and Master Dumbledore are here," Ellie announced as she led Albus and Aberforth in to the sitting room.
"Thank you for joining us," Charlus said as he greeted both men. "Albus, I feel as though I haven't seen you in ages."
"If only it were under better circumstances," Aberforth interjected. Charlus nodded solemnly in agreement before looking at his son. Hermione watched as Albus and Charlus struck up a conversation and Dorea distracted Lily. While everyone exchanged greetings, Hermione realized that Aberforth managed to separate her from everyone. It didn't take long for Charlus to call for everyone to move to the dining room, which was precisely when Aberforth made his move.
"Not so fast," he said stopping her and waving his wand, and casting what she assumed were privacy spells. Hermione couldn't help, but cringe at the prospect of a lecture. Despite all the changes in her life, she still hated when she was lectured, and she couldn't imagine that Aberforth would be pleasant when upset. Thankfully, he got straight to the point.
"You did well," Her adopted dad said.
"Sorry?" She asked confused.
"You heard me. Don't dig for compliments. It's unbecoming," Aberforth said. "You managed to rescue how many students?"
"At least twenty," Hermione answered still vastly confused at the direction this lecture was heading. "I didn't really count. I just knew they were all muggleborns."
"All dead in your time?" He asked. She nodded in response, "Well then, I'd say that's a job well done."
"Thank you?" Hermione said slightly dazed.
"Don't get cocky. You made plenty of mistakes, and now you're in a mess," Aberforth said glaring at her. "Starting with the fact that you tried to take on an entire squad of Death Eaters."
"I was successful," Hermione pointed out.
"You were lucky," Aberforth said. "What if the Potter spawn had gotten caught before finding you?"
"I know," Hermione said. She hadn't even considered the possibility. The mere suggestion sickened her.
"No. You don't. You're acting as if you're invincible," Aberforth told her. The future isn't set in stone kid, and you've already proven it well enough. Taking these uncalculated risks will get you killed. Exactly what am I supposed to do with the Black boy then?"
"I'm sorry," Hermione said. "Sirius will be fine." She wasn't expecting the snort that came out from Aberforth.
"Don't lie," he said. "You're terrible at it, and you damn well know that your death will destroy that boy. Regardless you drew too much attention today. Did it never cross your mind to conceal your identity like muggle superheroes?"
"Yes, I know how to read," Aberforth said after her eyes widened dramatically.
"Why are you so concerned about the attention?" Hermione asked choosing to ignore the fact that her dad read muggle comic books.
"Was your 'Chosen One' this dimwitted?" Aberforth asked. "You've loudly announced your opposition to Voldemort by attacking Bellatrix and opposing an entire Death Eater squad. I can't imagine why the newest 'Dark Lord' would want to go after you. Hell, I wanted to gut you. Furthermore, you now have twenty witnesses or so who are crediting you with saving their lives. Auror Moody has already blasted my ear off about your actions."
"Auror Moody?" Hermione asked faintly. What would Mad Eye Moody want with her?
"He's torn between offering you a job, and arresting you for violating half a dozen laws," her dad said. "Thankfully for you he was more impressed with your skills than irate. I told him he could hound you after you graduated," Aberforth said.
"Thanks," Hermione said uncertain about how helpful his decision was to her.
"Of course, letting the Potter brat follow you was extremely careless," Aberforth said. "His mother is not to be trifled with, and you lured her only son into a death match with a dozen dark wizards. Not your best work kid."
"I didn't lure James anywhere," Hermione said defensively.
"No, but giving him the exact information he needed to know where to find you was unbelievably careless," Aberforth said. "His father found both of you at a crime scene, or have you forgotten that already?"
"Of course not," Hermione said. "How is this the worst part of the situation?"
"Dorea Potter is not to be trifled with, and you ensured that her attention is now focused on you. I'm glad that the kid was loyal enough to follow you, but you have start looking at the consequences of your actions."
"So what am I dealing with here?" Hermione asked.
"She's not going to let you out of her sight," Aberforth told her.
"I've gotten the feeling that I won't be escaping the manor any time soon," Hermione said. "You caved awful quickly when she demanded to relocate me."
"Unlike you, I know how to pick my battles," her dad said. "You should try acquiring that skill. It'd do you a world of good with the Black boy. Besides, the woman's not wrong. I've allowed you an incredible amount of autonomy, even for a male heir of a pureblood family. James and Sirius will never be given the opportunity to live on their own before they're of age. It's not done."
"That explains James' initial horror when you let Sirius stay with me the first time," Hermione said. "Why did you let me have my own place then?"
"It's what you needed," Aberforth said. "Just do me a favor and let the woman take care of you. At the very least until you're back at Hogwarts. I don't want you dead, kid."
"I really am sorry," Hermione said. "I just couldn't—'
"You just couldn't let it happen again," Aberforth said with a nod. "I get it. However, there are consequences to our actions, and yours—aside from murderous Death Eaters—will be Dorea Potter who is far more resourceful than you could ever imagine."
"Good to know that you're just handing me over to James' mum," Hermione said now that the mood had lifted slightly.
"Don't be too heartbroken. She'll be a formidable ally, and I think you'll find her help invaluable," her dad said.
"Your solution is to force me into a position where my best option is to ask for Dorea's help?"
"Glad to see you can keep up," Aberforth said. "Kid, I'm doing you a favor. If Moody finds you he won't leave you alone."
"I know," Hermione muttered.
"Then act like it," Aberforth told her. "Now come on, let's go eat."
"Can you give me a minute?" Hermione asked. Her adoptive dad nodded.
"Don't disappear," He said before leaving the room. Their conversation wasn't what she'd been expecting, however it did confirm her suspicion that she was stuck at Potter Manor for the foreseeable future. Aberforth had given her a lot to think about, which wasn't exactly what she wanted. Why couldn't it just be an easy choice? Harry had always seen the world in black and white, so why was she cursed to live in a grayscale perspective? Part of her wanted to hide in Potter Manor, but she also wanted to defeat Voldemort quickly.
She knew that if she didn't head to the dining room, someone would show up and drag her there. What Hermione really needed was some time to sit down and map out all of her options. If her stomach wasn't growling she'd simply do it now. Walking out into the corridor, she couldn't get the Aberforth's lecture out of her head. What if she'd gotten James killed? Harry wouldn't be born, which she knew he wouldn't appreciate. Ginny would definitely be pissed if her future husband was erased.
It wasn't until she heard Dorea's and Albus' hushed voices arguing that she realized she'd been wandering aimlessly in the manor. Growing up with Harry and Ron had influenced her greatly, and she creeped forward to eavesdrop on the conversation rather than continuing to look for the dining room.
"Dorea you're acting ridiculous. Locking the girl in the manor isn't reasonable, and you're being naive," Albus said.
"Naïve," Dorea repeated. "Need I remind you what happened today? Rodolphus Lestrange threatened her, and you're simply okay with letting her live by herself. Aberforth also informed me about her history with Bellatrix. We both know what those two are capable of, and you have the audacity to call me naive?"
"Dorea," Albus said.
"No. She's a minor, and hasn't even graduated. When did you become so callous that sacrificing a teenager doesn't make you blink?"
"What if we could stop him now? Think of how many people we could protect from his actions? There are families disappearing or turning up dead. Hermione has already showed that she has the power to defeat him. She singlehandedly save two dozen seventh years today from his minions."
"You don't think I realize that Albus?" Dorea yelled suddenly. "My son was there with her! My child was fighting against adults' intent on murdering children, and he was there because of you! You've taken advantage of Hermione, and now my family is at risk. Do you honestly think that they won't go after James to get to her?"
"It is unfortunate that James was in danger," Albus said in a blatant attempt to placate her. "I doubt it Hermione meant for him to follow her, but you can't protect him forever. He's almost an adult.
"Bloody hell, Albus. Hermione shouldn't have been there either. How can you not understand this? Why are you encouraging her to take these risks? Are you so horrified at what happened with Gellart that you're willing to sacrifice your own niece?" Dorea snapped. "You cannot force her down this path."
"I'm not forcing Hermione to do anything. She is adamant on stopping Voldemort and has so far been successful," Albus said.
"Again, Hermione isn't an adult. It's your job to protect her even from herself. Circe's knickers are you this blind? Between the two of you, she'll be dead before she graduates. Are you so set on the furthering 'the greater good' that you've lost all sense? "
"You're belittling her abilities. Hermione is more than competent. Dare I say it, she's the Brightest Witch since Morgana Le Fae, and if she's willing to take on this task, I don't see the harm in encouraging her. She's been far more successful than anyone else," Albus said.
"It's not about her abilities. I have no doubt about her brilliance or determination. This isn't her job. She shouldn't be fighting a war on behalf of the Wizarding World by herself. We have trained Aurors to fight dark wizards. Why the bloody hell are you intent on giving this job to a child?" Dorea asked.
"What about your brother? What happens when your so called 'encouragement' gets his only child murdered? What will you do then? Will you expect him to just move on; to understand that it was for the best?" There was a brief moment of silence.
"You forget yourself Albus. You're not the only one with claims on Hermione. Need I remind you that I have a stronger claim than you, at this point? Imagine if Walburga finds out. She could establish one as well. Have you given no thought to the consequences of Hermione's death or injury?"
"Walburga Black disowned her son," Albus said. "Orion will not reestablish his son as heir. Besides, I highly doubt that Walburga would find Hermione remotely interesting and my brother allows the girl to run wild. Dorea, I think you're letting your imagination run wild." It wasn't difficult for Hermione to imagine the fury on Harry's grandmum's face. Albus was speaking to her as if she was a petulant child.
"Albus, I would caution you about insisting on this path. You may be correct about Orion and Walburga. However, you are underestimating me," Dorea hissed at him.
Dorea, are you truly prepared to begin a war with me over this girl?"
"Yes," Dorea said. .
"Surely you'd welcome an early end to another Dark Lord. You remember how destructive Gellart's actions were, and Voldemort has already proven his determination to outdo his predecessor."
"You speak callously of war," Dorea said in a dark tone. "Fight him yourself. I will not let you risk the lives of my children."
"Dorea, please see reason," Albus said.
"Get out of my house," Dorea said. The conversation ended there, and Hermione didn't know how to react. She was greatly concerned about why Harry's grandmum was so protective of her. Thankfully, neither of the adults walked in her direction and she was able to fall into her thoughts. Albus' behavior didn't surprise her. He had always been willing to use everyone and anyone to defeat Voldemort. He'd treated Harry the same way.
Her head was spinning, and she needed to just sit down. She needed clarity. There was too much confusion, and plotting that she couldn't control. Dinner was the last thing she wanted to participate in, but her dad and Sirius would drag her. Although, she still didn't know where the dining room was located.
"Mistress shouldn't be eavesdropping," Balin said suddenly from behind her. Hermione shrieked as she spun around to see the little house elf staring up at her with his bright eyes.
"Mistress is skittish. She should get Balin a bell."
"Why don't you ask her for one then?" Hermione asked him after catching her breath. Balin cocked his head to the side and stared at her.
"Balin just did," he said. "Mistress speaks curiously. Master said Balin should ignore it, but Mistress speaks like Balin. Master doesn't want Balin to upset Mistress, but Balin is curious. Is Mistress part elf?" He looked at her as though she were hiding a great secret from him, and Hermione had no doubt that Balin belonged to Sirius Black.
"Alright," Hermione said after they both stared awkwardly at each other. Balin was clearly expecting an answer, and Hermione wasn't sure what she was supposed to answer.
"Any chance you know where the dining room is located?"
"Yes," Balin answered before resuming his staring.
"Can you show me?" Hermione asked. She was beginning to wonder if Sirius had ordered Balin to be as irritating as possible. She wouldn't put it past him.
"Balin can," the elf said.
"Will you?" Hermione asked when it was clear that the little elf was waiting for her to say something.
"Will Mistress answer Balin's question?" The elf asked. Hermione looked at him confused. "Is Mistress part elf?" Balin repeated.
"How would I know? I'm not a Pott—" Hermione realized midsentence that Balin wasn't talking about Dorea Potter, and felt stupid for not considering it earlier.
"Balin," Hermione said in a stern voice. "Why are you calling me that?"
"Mistress is betrothed to Master Sirius," Balin said. "Mistress accepted binding from Balin." When Hermione opened her mouth to object Balin kept speaking. "Mistress didn't listen carefully enough."
She had absolutely no doubt that Sirius Black owned this elf. Balin was watching her with a smug satisfaction which she often saw on Sirius' face, particularly when he thought he'd won an argument with her.
"Let's just go to the dining room," Hermione said exasperated with the utter lack of control in her life. When Balin continued to look at her, she groaned. "No, I am not part elf." Balin smiled sweetly, and snapped his fingers.
"My apologies for my lateness," Dorea said from the doorway. "Hermione, why are you hiding in the corner?" The young witch looked at her hostess startled. She wasn't expecting the abrupt arrival, and was confused at the possibility of beating Dorea to the room. Everyone else reacted as if they hadn't noticed her arrive at all. "Well come sit down." Hermione listened, and looked at Sirius with a bit of a daze.
"House elf apparition," he muttered into her ear. "Balin dropped you off in the corner, with a slight twist on the time. That's how I avoided missing curfew when I was still living in my parent's house." She was slightly relieved at the explanation, and her curiosity peaked at the concept of House Elf magic. Brushing it aside for the moment she leaned over to Sirius.
"We need to talk," she said so that only he would hear her. "I just had a lovely chat with our house elf, who seemed overly pleased with himself about the entire situation. I have no doubt that you are involved." Sirius' face paled, and Hermione couldn't help the smirk that appeared on her face.
"Mrs. Potter?" Lily asked as she glanced around the table.
"Dorea," James' mother corrected her. "What is it dear?"
"I was just wondering what happened to Professor Dumbledore?" Lily asked. Hermione looked up and realized that Harry's grandmum really had booted Albus from dinner. She hadn't been entirely sure if Albus would've left, although admittedly she'd been distracted.
"Unfortunately, Albus was called away on school matters," Dorea answered giving Lily a small smile. "Minerva flooed unexpectedly about a problem which needed straightened out immediately. Though, I'm sure there's nothing to worry about." When it was clear Lily's curiosity was satisfied Dorea turned to Aberforth.
"Now, Aberforth how is the Hogshead doing?" Hermione's dad grunted.
"Overly busy. Students suddenly think its Rosmerta's place. Anytime I try to throw them out, they claim their best friends with Hermione. It's a bloody nightmare," Aberforth answered. "They just keep coming back asking for Firewhiskey."
"They're not my friends," Hermione interjected.
"You don't think I know that?" Aberforth asked. "I'm well aware you have no friends. Except this lot who have latched on to you. They're the only ones wise enough not to ask."
"Good. They're too young to be drinking," Charlus said. Aberforth and Dorea exchanged a glance, and she gave a slight shake of the head. It was clear that Aberforth planned on switching topics, but before he could Hermione jumped in.
"That's because they don't have to ask," Hermione answered looking up from her plate. "I mean, Dad just handed Sirius a fistful of bottles the moment they met. It usually plays out the same every time."."
"Hermione," Aberforth, Sirius, and James groaned simultaneously. She looked at them while purposefully making her eyes wide.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Were you not wanting to share that information?" Hermione asked as Dorea winked at her from across the table.
"You know boys, while your hearts are certainly in the right place, I don't recommend crossing Hermione unless you're willing to deal with the consequences," Dorea said. "Now Charlus, calm down." Everyone looked at the head of the table to Mr. Potter, who clearly wanted to object to the underage drinking.
"It isn't like they haven't been supervised," she said.
"Besides, you'd be a bit hypocritical," Aberforth said. "Weren't you a sixth year when you tried to break in to my bar?" Everyone at the table balked, and Charlus muttered under his breath as James and Sirius both loudly started asking questions about the incident.
"Thanks for that," Charlus said with a roll of his eyes. "Boys, I'm not discussing it. Now, I think we do need to talk about what's expected of you lot this summer." Dorea and Aberforth nodded in agreement. "We've decided that you will all stay here in the manor until Hogwarts term starts. You'll have access to the grounds, but will only be permitted to leave with an approved escort."
"Dad," James protested. "Isn't that a bit extreme?"
"Not in the slightest considering I found you at a crime scene, and subsequently learned that both of my sons have been living unsupervised with two of their classmates. Needless to say the only one not in trouble here is Lily," Charlus said.
"Unfortunately, James and Hermione the Death Eater squad you challenged is one comprised of his most valued members. We've been trying to track them for several months. Each member is highly skilled in dark magic with a specialty in torture spells. Needless to say, they're not pleased with you two."
"What does that mean?" Lily asked worried.
"It means that James and I have targets on our backs," Hermione said bluntly. "If any of them find either James or myself, we'll be captured and tortured before death." Lily looked at Hermione horrified before looking back at Mr. Potter, who was clearly exasperated at Hermione's interruption.
"She's right," he conceded. "I was going to be a bit more delicate about it."
"No reason to sugarcoat it," Hermione said with a shrug. "Do you honestly think the manor will be safe enough?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" James asked after swallowing a bite of food.
"It won't take them long to identify you," Aberforth said. "Hiding in a manor with protection spells, and a parent who is a professional Auror would be the obvious choice. Thankfully, it would take a small army to break through the wards here, and I doubt they'll exert that force for two teenagers."
"Why wouldn't they?" Sirius asked. "Hermione did attack Bellatrix, remember. She's not the most stable."
"You did what?" Dorea and Charlus exclaimed.
"Idiot," Hermione muttered. "He's an Auror. I can still get arrested for that, remember?"
"Dad's not going to turn you in," James interjected over his parent's voices.
"Can we get back to the issue here?" Dorea asked angrily. "What in Merlin's arse were you thinking? Aberforth did you know about this?" His silence was answer enough.
"Well, this explains why Rodolphus is so angry," Charlus said. He looked at Aberforth and Hermione. "It certainly changes the situation."
"What aren't you saying?" Hermione asked.
"Bellatrix recovered from the attack," Charlus began hesitantly. "However, she had been a few weeks pregnant. The baby didn't survive." Hermione stared at Charlus. She killed a baby? The idea made her nauseated. Although, logically what Charlus said didn't make any sense. Bellatrix didn't have any children in her timeline. Had she simply caused the event to happen earlier?
"They're never going to stop then?" Sirius asked his adoptive parents. "Those two will always come after Hermione?"
"It's not like that's a new development," Hermione muttered. Everyone at the table was looking at her. "Let's not pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. It's clear that dad filled you two in already," she said to the Potter elders as she dropped the glamours she wore each day.
"Holy shit," James said when he saw the numerous scars that littered her skin. She gave him a brief glance and shrugged.
"Bellatrix decided to use me as a carving board, which is why I reacted when she threatened me again. Clearly I didn't know that she was pregnant, nor did I intend any harm to an innocent child. I was, however, outnumbered and terrified."
"The Wizarding World doesn't need a family blood feud," Aberforth said. "This is quickly developing into one, and I've no doubt that Rodolphus will pursue it. We're already on the brink of war."
"Sorry," Lily said. "Can someone explain what's happening? I've never heard of a Wizarding blood feud."
"It's a war between families, usually purebloods, and it lasts centuries," James answered. "They aren't to be entered into lightly, and they're almost impossible to end. The last one was between the Malfoys and the Weasley's, and the families still hate each other."
"It usually happens when an heir is killed," Dorea said. "This may be the first time two females are the cause. At most, if a girl is involved it usually means that a male heir was killed either in self-defense or by a rival in love with her."
"Do you insist on bringing Shakespeare's plays to life?" Lily asked Hermione, who started snickering.
"It's not my fault that my parents named me Hermione," she shot back. "I never did like Romeo and Juliet anyway."
"Can we prevent it from getting to that point?" Sirius asked. "My family is merciless, and I don't fancy this situation. It's bad enough that we're talking about two Death Eaters."
"Good news is that right now, no one is aware that Hermione's responsible except for us, and those present. They won't share until they're willing to cross the line of initiating a feud. Right now, I suspect that Death Eaters are the only ones who know, and even then Bellatrix is extremely prideful. I doubt she told most the actual reason," Aberforth said. "So we have a bit of time."
"The only way a blood feud can be prevented is if those initiating it are members of the same family before it begins," Dorea said. "For example, Charlus cannot start one with another Potter. More importantly, Bellatrix cannot start one with Sirius because she is still claimed by the Black family. It gets complicated quickly though. If she had a son, or her husband had initiated the first offense, then a blood feud could be started since there is no direct relation."
"Sirius as a male heir, however, would extend that protection to Hermione," Charlus added looking at Aberforth.
"I'd forgotten about that," Hermione's adopted dad said. "That would certainly help, especially, if he was reinstated as an heir." No one expected Hermione to start laughing.
"Hell will freeze before Walburga Black asks Sirius to come back to the family," she said. "Have you met that woman? She's insane. Besides, Sirius wouldn't willingly return."
"You may be right about the former," Dorea said. "However, I'd say given the right reason, Sirius could accept it." Hermione looked at Sirius, and knew that Dorea was correct.
"This was your plan wasn't it?" Hermione asked him. "Trap me here, engaged and then use crazy pureblood traditions to force me into a wedding." Sirius immediately groaned.
"Not this again. You can't blame me for something that I haven't done," he argued.
"Watch me," Hermione said. "I don't know how, but you did this."
"Aberforth, what are they talking about?" Charlus asked pinching the bridge of his nose. Hermione's dad waved his hand.
"Story for another time. Let's focus on what options we can utilize, shall we?" He asked with a sharp glare at Hermione. "You're already betrothed, kid. No harm in just getting the wedding over with, you'll have to eventually." She opened her mouth to object and had Lily cut her off.
"Let's say, for sake of argument, that Hermione didn't get married to Sirius. What would a blood feud mean? What sort of consequences are we talking about?"
"Besides the obvious deaths?" Aberforth asked. "Families would have to answer ally calls. In Hermione's case, that would include: the Dumbledore's and Potters as immediate participants. I'm not sure which families you're allied with, but the Longbottom Family, and Weasley's on our side."
"The Prewitts," Charlus said. "The Weasleys and Longbottoms would be pulled because of us as well. I think there are more, but I'll have to look at the treaties."
"The Black's will be split," Dorea said. "My direct family would be aligned with us, Alphard too."
"So we'd be starting a civil war," Hermione said. All three adults nodded, and so she looked at Sirius. "I hate you."
"Again, this isn't my fault," Sirius said before he grinned at her. "Although I accept your proposal of marriage."