I know it's been a while since I've updated. I have no excuse except for writer's block. I decided to cross post this story to AO3, so I recently just re-read and made a few small changes. This chapter was up before, but I changed up quite a bit in it, so I decided to post the updated version of the chapter here as well. I posted two chapters today. The next chapter isn't really a chapter, but a family tree sort of guide. I wrote it to get back into my characters and help myself to figure them out better.
After everyone got back from the court hearing, Narcissa, Lucius, Severus, and the twins took Draco and Harrison down to the Slytherin common room to pick up Luna from Marcus and to explain what happened to their housemates. Marcus often watched Luna when no one else could. Luna enjoyed spending time with the older Slytherin prefect, and he seemed to dote on her as well.
When they entered the common room, everyone looked up from what they were currently doing and stared in shock. Being cunning, most of them were able to guess by the people present who the young children were. Luna spoke first, "Mummy, what happened to Draco and Harrison?"
Narcissa led Draco into the room, and he immediately went to Marcus as well. Lucius carried a sleepy Harrison into the common room, and the students cleared one of the couches for the adults to sit. Fred sat on the edge of the couch next to his dad, but George went and sat near Marcus. Severus and Lucius shared a quick look regarding that new development.
Severus addressed his house, "I was attacked in the corridors today by an unknown assailant. He or she knocked me out and then polyjuiced themselves to look like me. They taught my classes this afternoon. 4th years will remember that the assailant kept Harrison, Draco, Hermione Granger, and Regulus Black behind after class. He poisoned them with some unknown de-aging potion. Madam Pomfrey has looked them over, and she assures us that there is nothing wrong with them. They are just younger than normal. They have retained their memories, but they act the age they appear. Harrison is 3, Hermione and Regulus are 5, and Draco is 8. They will not be attending classes until this matter is resolved. We will not know how long that will be, but I am asking you to help in watching out for them. Hermione will be staying with Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall as her parents are unwilling to take care of her. Any untoward acts against Miss Granger, Mister Black, or our own de-aged Slytherins will be dealt with harshly. As for the unknown assailant, we have not found any clues to determine the suspect or their motive. We ask that you stay in groups in the halls at all times, especially as I was attacked in the dungeons. There is safety in numbers. Any questions?"
There were lots of questions, and the adults patiently answered all of them. Marcus volunteered to babysit and asked, "Where will they be staying during class times?"
Lucius chose this opportunity to reveal the new developments, "As you are all aware, there was a break-out at Azkaban last week. The Lestranges voluntarily handed themselves over to the Ministry today to plead their innocence. They were given a trial, and they were pardoned for their actions. You will read all about it in the morning paper, I'm sure. The other thing you will read is that Regulus Black, Professor Black's brother, is still alive. He was disguised as Rabastan Lestrange, and he has been imprisoned with the Lestranges all along. As they are family, Narcissa will take the children to Lestrange Manor during the day so that she has help caring for them."
The students congratulated Lady Malfoy on getting her sister back, and they took turns cooing over the now sleeping Harrison. He was tucked into Severus's neck, and he had his thumb in his mouth. It was time for dinner, so the adults decided to escort the entire house to the great hall. Severus handed Harrison off to Fred so that he could keep his wand ready.
Regardless of their quiet demeanor, the entirety of Slytherin house arriving at Great Hall in uniform with their professors made a scene. Everyone turned and waiting for something further to happen, but the students calmly took their seats at their table. Once seated, they returned to their normal selves. The entrance was almost enough to distract the students from noticing Draco and Harrison.
Whispers started immediately. All of the students were staring at the two children at the Slytherin table. Lucius sighed and walked over to Fred to take Harrison back. Harrison eagerly allowed himself to be picked up by his daddy, but Draco whined at being removed from Marcus's side, "Father, I'm not a baby like Harrison. I can stay here."
Lucius could tell that this was going to turn into a scene, and he wanted to avoid it right now. He turned to Marcus and asked him if he would watch after Draco until dinner was over. Of course, Marcus agreed. He and George were sitting on either side of the Slytherin Prince. Lucius kneeled down and reminded Draco to eat his vegetables quietly. Then he carried his baby, truly now, up to the staff table.
As he approached his seat, he noticed Sirius, Remus, and Minerva coming in from the side entrance with Regulus and Hermione. The students whispering increased ten-fold. Albus ignored the students, for now, in favor of providing the younger children with his attention. Minerva sat Hermione down in his lap, and he pretended to pull a lemon drop from behind her ear. It was obviously fake magic, but the girl was amused no less. She giggled at the joke. Some of the students poked fun at the little girl, and Albus had heard enough.
He stood and addressed the students with Hermione in his arms, "As you can see, there has been an incident involving four of your fellow students and a professor."…He described the incident in detail much like Severus did to his snakes. At the end he added, "These young children, Draco and Harrison Malfoy, Hermione Granger, and Regulus Black are still your classmates. Any foul behavior directed towards them from any house for any reason will not be tolerated. If anyone has any questions or concerns, I urge you to take them up with your heads of house or any member of staff."
The Great Hall erupted in loud chatter for the rest of the meal. After dinner, Lucius stopped by Marcus and George to pick up Draco and Luna. He stared at the obviously flirting 6th years, and he considered threatening Marcus to behave with his nephew. He didn't want to embarrass George, so he refrained from doing it in the great hall. He made a mental note to speak privately with the Slytherin prefect. Draco wouldn't hold Lucius's hand, but he didn't mind holding Luna's on the way back to their quarters.
When they reached their quarters, he ushered his young sons to get dressed for the night. Draco could take care of himself with a little motivation, but Harrison needed help to perform he smallest tasks. Lucius secretly loved getting the opportunity to take care of a small child again. He promised himself he wouldn't be as stiff with little Harrison as he had been when Draco was younger.
He held his baby on his hip as he walked through and turned the taps on in the bathtub. Then he dug through his PJ's, and he waited patiently to see which ones Harrison wanted to wear. There was a pair with golden snitches on it, and he picked those excitedly. Lucius then carried him back into the bathroom. He checked the temperature of the water in the tub before setting his precious son into it.
He transfigured a bar of soap into a little boat for Harrison to play with as he bathed him. Harrison quietly and happily played with the toy while his Daddy lathered him up really well. When it came time to rinse his hair, Harrison got a little nervous, but Lucius calmed him easily. When he was done bathing the toddler, he engaged in play with Harrison until the water started to become too cool.
He grabbed a large fluffy towel and wrapped it around Harrison, and then he scooped his son into his ams. Harrison giggled as the soft, fluffy towel tickled him, and Lucius knew that Narcissa would want to see how cute he was being. He carried Harrison through their chambers intent on taking him to the master bedroom, but he was stopped when he saw his entire family sitting in his living room.
They all cooed at the adorable sight Harrison made, and Lucius didn't mind being seen coddling the child. Sirius came up and grabbed the toddler into a big hug, towel and all. Harrison giggled happily and shouted, "Pafoot!"
He wriggles his arms free from the towel and threw them around Sirius. Sirius spun in circles and made the little boy laugh louder. A mini Regulus Black looked on with envy from the couch next to his Papa. He looked at his Papa and asked, "Papa, will you hold me since Daddy is playing with the stupid baby."
Everyone had heard him, but they all decided to let Sirius and Remus to handle it. Sirius stopped playing briefly to silently converse with his mate. Remus shook his head minutely, so Sirius kept entertaining the basically naked toddler in his arms. He kept an ear out on his family, though.
Remus gently pulled Regulus into his lap to face him, and he firmly said, "Reggie, that wasn't a very nice thing to say about Harrison. He's your cousin and your best friend."
Across the room, Draco argued from where he sat close to George, "Nu huh! He's my best friend and brother, and he's not stupid. You are!"
Remus ignored him, and continued with his own son, "He may be a toddler now, but he isn't stupid, and he isn't really a baby. He can do more than a baby can, but he can't take care of himself. You are so much older than him. You're a proper big boy, and you need to help take care of him. It's your responsibility as his family and best friend."
Draco argued again, "I'll take better care of him. I'm older, and he's my baby brother! I'm older than you too, so I'll help take care of you too…but only if you're nice to Harrison!"
Lucius hushed Draco. Remus gently lifted his son's chin to look him in the eyes, "Reggie, do you think you can be a big boy around Harrison? Be nice and help take care of him? For Papa?"
Regulus smiled and hugged Remus, "Of, course, Papa! Anything for you….but not for Daddy. He chose the baby over me."
Sirius paled a little, and he immediately handed a still giggling, still mostly naked Harrison off to Fred, who happened to be the closest in proximity to him. Harrison didn't seem to mind the change in holder, but Fred didn't really want to hold the naked child. He uneasily walked over to Severus and plopped the toddler down into his lap, "Here, Dad. Have a naked baby. I bet this isn't how you thought you would see your mate naked first, is it?"
Snape froze at the nasty comment from his son, and the other alpha's in the room all growled slightly. Lucius started to walk towards Fred, but Severus shook him off. He turned and addressed his slightly elder son, "Fred James Snape! That comment was wicked and uncalled-for. I think maybe you should spend some time in the corner remembering your manners, young man. Don't think I won't turn you over my knee just because we aren't alone." He smirked at Fred and continued, "Let me also remind you that every elder alpha in this family has my explicit permission to punish you as they see reason."
Fred looked like he was about to argue, but then he thought better of it. All of the adults were glaring at him, so he walked to one corner of the living room blushing brighter than his old Weasley hair. He wasn't about to argue right now. He didn't expect his joke to be received so poorly.
Lucius accioed the pajamas that he had picked out for Harrison and handed them over to Severus. Harrison was happy and nearly asleep with his face buried in Severus's neck. The man easily put the sleepwear onto his sleep compliant mate. When he put it on (after being spelled to fit), the snitches flew around. Harrison was nearly asleep, but the moving snitches got his attention. He smiled and stared at his pajamas with rapt fascination.
Reggie was sitting in Remus's lap and trying his best to ignore Sirius as he walked up to the pair. He tried to pick his miniaturized son, but the child held tight to Remus. Instead he spoke gently and seriously, "Reggie, I'm sorry if I've hurt your feelings, pup. I'd never choose anyone over you…not even your Papa. You're my number one priority. Do you think maybe you could let go of Papa long enough to give Daddy a hug?"
Sirius' heart swelled at being able to call himself Daddy. Like Remus, he didn't think they'd ever have children. He waited with baited breath to see how his son would react. He was thrilled when the little boy tentatively reached out to wrap his arms around his neck. Sirius took advantage and picked him up completely. He spun with Regulus just like he'd just been doing with Harrison, and his son giggled and squealed with glee.
With the two little ones distracted, Lucius chose this moment to find out why everyone was in his quarters. "Not that I'm not happy to see all of you, but why are you all in my quarters a this time of night? Shouldn't the little ones be getting to bed?"
Severus blushed a little answered, "After being attacked in the dungeons earlier, I'm not exactly comfortable staying here with my sons while I sleep. We've both been targeted with attacks, and my assailant was never caught. I'd rather go somewhere safer, and I was hoping you'd allow us to go home to Malfoy Manor. I'd really appreciate it if you came with us to Malfoy Manor."
Remus spoke for his own little family, "With us not knowing the assailant or their motivation and the full moon being tomorrow, I wanted to make sure Sirius and Regulus would be ok too. Grimmauld Place has not been childproofed yet. Such a feat would take longer than one night even with multiple qualified wizards or witches, and I'd really like to get Reggie to bed sooner rather than later."
Lucius thought for a second and then responded, "That's fine with me. Has Albus agreed to letting you all leave at night? I assume this will not be a one-time event. You will all be staying at the manor until everything has been settled at the castle, right?"
Sirius answered, "Yes, I put in a call to the auror's office, and they agreed to send two Aurors over each night to patrol the halls. If anything happens, they can notify us immediately. With the floo network, there's really no difference in being notified in our quarters here or at Malfoy Manor. The response time will be the same.
Narcissa spoke to her husband, "I'd like for us to leave as well. Charlie won't be back for another week, and Draco, Luna, and Harrison can't really defend themselves. In an attack, we would be outnumbered."
Lucius didn't require much convincing, "I agree, but what if we stayed at Lestrange Manor instead. I'm sure they would appreciate the company, and it will give us some more time to become more acquainted as a family.
Severus seemed a little hesitant. He wanted to take his boys home to Malfoy Manor and have them get more acquainted with where they would be living. He didn't want to live under Rodolphus's rules, but he trusted Lucius. He looked up to see Lucius silently asking if Severus was ok with this. He knew that if he said no, Lucius would bring everyone to Malfoy Manor. He looked down to his sleeping mate. He thought about how Harrison loved Rodolphus, and he didn't want to be the reason that Harrison wasn't spending time with him. Severus locked eyes with Lucius and minutely nodded his head to give his ascent.
No one else had any arguments. It was nearly 10PM. Luna was tucked into Narcissa's side looking tired. Harrison was asleep in Severus's arms, and Reggie was fighting sleep in Sirius's. He was currently bouncing up and down trying to maintain his energy in the way that children do when they are overtired.
Lucius fire called Lestrange Manor, and Rodolphus answered, "Lucius, is everything alright?"
Lucius assured him that everything was fine. He explained what was happening, and he asked if they could all stay the night there for the foreseeable future. Rodolphus was pleased and asked them all to come through immediately. He had always dreamed of filling his large manor with family. The family followed Lucius through the floo, and they were all given rooms.
Harrison's room was basically turned back into a nursery. He had loads of children's toys, books, and games. He was tucked into bed first. Everyone took a turn wishing him goodnight as he lay snuggled in bed with his stuffed snake (Sal) and his stuffed grim (Pads).
Reggie got a small room that was attached to Remus and Sirius's room at the end of the hall. Draco and Luna were put in a room together next to Lucius and Narcissa's. The children's rooms were all age-appropriate. The twins shared a room because they didn't want to split up, and their room had a connecting door to their father's room. Their room had tons of prank supplies and books. Tox had everyone set up and in their own rooms quickly. He was very excited to have so many people and children to care for.
Back at Hogwarts, Minerva and Albus were having a very similar with Hermione as the Black's had with little Regulus. She was playing excitedly with the dolls and stuffed animals that Minerva had transfigured for her. They were having a tea part, and Hermione was speaking animatedly with all of the toys as the adults looked on.
Minerva and Albus sat on the couch talking and watching her fondly. Minerva spoke quietly so that Hermione could not hear her, "Albus, I think we should keep Hermione here with us tomorrow. She can't be too much trouble for one day. She can spend part of the day with you and part with me in my classroom."
Albus twinkled knowingly at her, "Is this because you are afraid to let her be with Rodolphus and Bellatrix?"
Minerva sighed, "Am I that obvious? It's just that she is a muggleborn. I know hat the Lesatranges say that they have changed, but Hermione is so sweet and innocent….and helpless right now. I would feel terrible if something happened."
Albus smiled at her, "I think the Lestrange's, Narcissa, and Regulus would take proper care of her, but I won't argue if you want her to stay with us. I find that I have become pretty attached to her myself. Her charm is too much to resist."
Minerva smiled and kissed her husband thankfully. Then she called out to her new granddaughter, "Hermione, dear, how would you like to stay here with Grandpa and I tomorrow instead of going to the Lestrange's?"
Hermione beamed at them, "I get to stay at Hogwarts? Will I be able to visit the library and learn new things?"
Albus chuckled and patted his knee to call the girl over to him. She eagerly climbed into his lap and looked up at him. He spoke sincerely, "You will always have a home here with us, and we will support your endeavor to learn anything. Grandma Min and I think you are a wonderful little witch, and we love you very much."
Hermione smiled and hugged him back, "Good, because I love both of you too, Grandpa!"
Minerva sent a letter to Narcissa to let her know that they were going to keep Hermione tomorrow during school. They all got ready for bed, and then Hermione into her bed in her new room in their quarters. When asked about what kind of stuffed animal she wanted to cuddle, she immediately said that she wanted a fluffy owl because they were cute and smart. She named him Archimedes.
Regulus (adult) was tossing and turning in bed trying to fall asleep. The 26 year old couldn't relax. He was trying hard to calm his anxiety and sleep in the dark. His thoughts were in turmoil. Adults didn't need night lights to sleep. He was not in Azkaban. He was safe at Lestrange Manor with Rodolphus and Bellatrix. Rod wouldn't let anything happen to him. As if thinking about the man he considered a pseudo older brother/father was a summoning charm, Rodolphus entered his room.
Reg held his breath as the door to his bedroom opened. He thought back to his time in Azkaban. Maybe if he kept very still and quiet, the person would go away without hurting him. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt the bed dip and hands land on his shoulder. Rodolphus spoke softly, "Regulus, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you, child."
Rodolphus lit up the glow sphere that he had given Regulus to keep a calming light in the room at night. Regulus relaxed as soon as he heard Rodolphus speak and saw the soft glow of the light. He didn't know what to feel when the man called him a child. He was part embarrassed and part saddened. He secretly wished that he were a child. He wished that Rodolphus were his father. He wanted to erase the bad memories of his past. Rodolphus was talking to him, and he didn't even realize. He turned towards the man and apologized, "I'm sorry, Rodolphus. I was lost in my thoughts. I didn't catch what you were saying."
Rodolphus frowned slightly at him in worry, but he repeated himself, "I was just checking in on you. I wanted to let you know that we have guests now."
He explained the potion's accident and the children being de-aged, and he explained why they were all staying here at night for a while.
Regulus looked unsure, "S-Sirius will be here?"
Rodolphus nodded, "Yes, you're brother is staying here with his husband and Regulus Jr. I think this will be a good opportunity for you two to make amends. You have been at odds with each other long enough, and a lot has changed."
Regulus now looked unsure and worried as he nodded slightly, "I'll try, Rodolphus, but I don't think he will want to spend much time around me."
Rodolphus frowned, "Nonsense. He named his son after you. I think this will go better than you expect. I want you to sit at my right side at breakfast in the morning. I will make sure everything goes smoothly."
The younger man blanched and looked up at him shocked, "Your right side? But that's where Lucius should sit as your second in the family. I-"
Rodolphus interrupted, "Actually, it's where my heir should sit. Lucius can sit at the other end of the table with his 2nd at his right. Everyone else will fill in."
Regulus was thrilled with the thought of sitting in the place of the Lestrange heir. Again, he wished he actually were the Lestrange heir. Bella was his oldest cousin, but she was kind of like a second mother to him growing up. He briefly wondered if his brother would be upset about his close relationship with Rodolphus.
Regulus realized that he had been lost in his thoughts for a little while. He looked to Rodolphus to see that the man had a thoughtful expression on his face.
Rodolphus pushed Regulus to lie back down. Then he pulled the covers up and tucked him in. The young man blushed, but he didn't fight the coddling. Rodolphus turned the glow sphere to a nice calming blue. He knew that it was Regulus' favorite. Then he asked kindly, "Regulus, why didn't you have your glow sphere illuminated when I entered your room?"
Regulus looked embarrassed and mumbled, "I'm too old to require a glow sphere. They are for children."
Rodolphus gently cupped his cheek and directed Regulus to look at him, "Nonsense. You are never too old to be comforted by something you like. Most people do not spend nearly ten years in Azkaban either. I got you this light for a reason. I don't want to see you not using it again, understand? If I find out that you are losing sleep because you can't calm down without the light, there will be dire consequences. Understand, young man?"
Regulus gulped and quietly answered, "Yes, sir."
Rodolphus pressed a chaste kiss to the younger man's brow and spoke calmly, "Goodnight, Regulus. Sleep well. Don't hesitate to come find me if you require anything. I will see you first thing at breakfast."
Regulus was exhausted and calmed by the older man's presence. He snuggled into the blankets and sighed contentedly, "Goodnight, Rod."
Rodolphus left Regulus' bedroom with a large smile on his face.
Sirius was leaving the bathroom and heading back to his and Remus's room when he saw Rodolphus exit from another bedroom. He didn't remember anyone being placed in that room, but he figured the man might have another guest staying at the manor as well. Rodolphus briefly made eye contact with Sirius before he wished him goodnight kindly. Sirius wondered if he would find out who the mystery guest was at breakfast.
The next morning, Rodolphus went to wake up Regulus. He passed Lucius in the corridor, and they explained that they couldn't stay for breakfast today. They needed to get some things ready before class since their decision to come to Lestrange Manor was so sudden. After today, they should be able to enjoy breakfast as a family.
Rodolphus nodded in understanding and continued to Regulus's room. The younger man was sitting anxiously on the edge of his bed in his pajamas. Rodolphus smiled at him, "It's ok, Regulus. They've all had to go back to Hogwarts early this morning. We can expect them back tonight. Narcissa and the children are staying, but you look like you could use a few more hours of sleep. Why don't you climb back into bed? I will wake you for morning tea, and then you can come meet all of the children."
Regulus gave a small sigh of relief, and then he silently got under his covers. His chest constricted when Rodolphus tucked him in again. He tried not to focus on the happy feeling so that he didn't get his hopes up, and then he easily fell back into peaceful slumber.
Rodolphus stared at the broken young man. He had spent the last ten years in a cell with this man pretending to be someone else. While he knew Regulus some, he was still learning the real Regulus. He decided he didn't have to be anywhere, so he conjured a chair and watched his charge sleep.
Rodolphus paused at calling the grown man his charge. He was a grown man after all. He thought about Regulus's submissive and dependent behavior. He may be a man by years, but he was not a man by heart. His crazy mother abused him. His father neglected him, and his older brother left home as soon as possible. The Dark Lord took him in at a very young age, and then he was left to the tender mercies of the dementors. It was a wonder this man….boy….that's what he is….was sane at all. Rodolphus made a vow to himself to be a positive male role model for him because he had probably never had one before.
Back at Hogwarts, Albus and Minerva were walking slowly through the castle as Hermione ran around them. They were on their way to the great hall, and Hermione spotted the twins. She ran to greet them, "Fred! George!"
She saw that they weren't alone. Luna and another boy were with them. She saw that George and the boy had quickly let go of each other's hands when they were spotted, and she smiled.
She greeted Luna as well, and then other boy introduced himself, "Hello, Miss Granger, I'm Marcus Flint."
Hermione smiled shyly at him, "I know, silly. You're the captain of the snakes." Then she blushed and whispered to him, "You're really good at quidditch, but I'm not supposed to say that because you're a snake, and I'm a lion!"
Albus and Minerva had caught up to her at that point and they had heard her "whisper" to him. Everyone in the immediate radius had heard her. Many students laughed, but Hermione didn't realize. Marcus kneeled down and kindly spoke to her, "Thank you, Miss Granger. It's ok to say whatever you want as long as it's not hurtful to anyone. You are allowed to like other houses, even Slytherin."
She smiled at him again, and then she told him, "Call me Hermione! It's my name, not Miss Granger. I don't live there anymore. I live with Grandma and Grandpa! It's waaayyy better!" Then she paused and turned to the aforementioned adults, "Does that mean I'm a Dumbdoor now?"
Fred and George laughed at her botching of Dumbledore, but Marcus just looked at her sadly. As a Slytherin, he was used to children not having good home lives.
Albus sadly responded, "No, sweetheart. You are technically still a Granger by law. You can be a Dumbledore by heart for now, and we can see about figuring out a more permanent solution. Would you like that?"
She hugged him and yelled, "I'm going to call myself Hermione Dumbdoor!"
Minerva gently corrected her, "Ok, dear, but it's Dum-ble-dore, not dumbdoor."
Hermione said it out loud, "Dum-ble-door."
Minerva rolled her eyes, "Close enough, sweetheart. Let's go get some breakfast."
Hermione sweetly asked, "Can I sit with my friends, please?"
Albus looked up in question to the 'friends', and they nodded their heads. He agreed, but he told her, "Mr. Flint is in charge. You will do as he says, and you are not to leave his side no matter what. Understand?"
Hermione nodded, and Marcus seemed a little surprised that the Headmaster would make him, a Slytherin, in charge of his adopted Granddaughter. He thought he would have made the Gryffindor twins in charge of her. Then he remembered that the twins still needed to be resorted. He assured the Headmaster, "I will take care of her, Headmaster. Don't worry. My first class is Transfiguration, so I could bring her along with me back to you, Professor McGonagall. Also, shouldn't Fred and George be resorted this morning?"
Albus responded, "Thank you, Mr. Flint. Yes. The sorting hat is already in the Great Hall waiting for them. Fred, George, please follow me. I'm sure you'll be seeing Mr. Flint again soon, as I have no question which house you'll be sorted into."
The twins grinned, and they all entered the Great Hall. Albus addressed the students and told them about the resorting. Sure enough, the hat didn't even need to touch their heads before they were sorted into Slytherin. Severus was very proud. Their uniforms switched over to the right house, and they took their usual seats at the Slytherin table.
One Slytherin sitting near them made a comment, "We're taking all the best Gryffindors. They don't have a chance with the house cup this year. How about you, Hermione? Are you going to come over to our side too?"
Hermione giggled, "I don't think so. I don't know. I'm a Dum-ble-door by heart, so I can be a snake by heart too, right?"
Marcus wrapped an arm around her and replied, "Of course, sweetheart."
Another Slytherin rudely commented, "Yea, right. She's Gryffindor's sweetheart! She doesn't have what it takes to be a snake."
Marcus gave that person a glare and reminded everyone that they were not to be rude to the de-aged students.
The owls came in with the morning paper, and the Great Hall went into an uproar. On the front page was the article about The Lestranges and Regulus Black. It explained everything in detail. The Lestranges were being pardoned. At the end of the interview, each person revealed what they truly wanted to do now. Rodolphus was a master of Arithmancy and mind magics, such as Occlumency and Legilimency.
He explained that he would love to teach at Hogwarts. Regulus wanted to become an Auror. Bellatrix didn't know what she wanted to do right now, but she knew that she wanted to become reacquainted with her sisters.
The day passed uneventfully until Lunch. A huge fight broke out in the halls and led into the Great Hall. Albus immediately summoned a house elf and told her to take Hermione to Narcissa Malfoy and explain the situation. He couldn't watch the child and take care of the fight at the same time. Minerva would understand.
When Hermione arrived to Lestrange Manor, they were just sitting down to lunch with the children. Tox popped into the room with food and dropped the tray when she saw Hermione. He screamed, "Little Mistress is home! Tox family is back together again, finally!"
Bellatrix started to cry, and Rodolphus demanded to know what Tox was talking about. He knew this child was a muggleborn, Hermione Granger, and he told that to his elf.
Tox cried happily, "No, Master. This is Little Mistress! I would recognize her anywhere! She was stolen from here 14 years ago, but she looks too young right now."
Rodolphus quickly introduced himself and his wife to the child, and he asked her to accompany him and Bellatrix to Gringott's. Hermione agreed. Rodolphus held her and they quickly apparated to just outside of the bank.
People stared, screamed, and ran away when they saw the feared ex-Death Eaters. It would take more than a day for people to get used to the idea of them being freed. Rodolphus wore a murderous yet hopeful expression while Bellatrix was completely distraught. She was uncontrollably crying. He quickly carried Hermione and pulled his wife into Gringotts. Their family goblin, Rignak, ushered them to a private room as quickly as possible.
Rodolphus spoke seriously, "Thank you for your discretion. I'd like to have inheritance tests run on Miss Granger, now."
Rignak replied, "Certainly, Lord Lestrange. Follow me to the specified ritual area."
They made their way to the correct room, and Rodolphus set Hermione down into the center of the circle. He explained that they would prick her finger and run a spell in a funny language and that she should stand still while it was all happening. Hermione asked why they were doing all of this and Rodolphus explained.
She answered him, "I'm Hermione Dum-ble-door now. I'm not a Granger anymore."
Rodolphus looked puzzled at this, but he told her that it didn't matter. If she was who the elf thought she was, she would be coming home with them.
The ritual started, and soon the results were read,
Name: Drusilla Bella Lestrange
Date of Birth: September 19, 1979
Parents: Rodolphus Lestrange, Bellatrix Black
Blocks present: memory, magical, animagus
Charms present: glamour, filial
Curses present: de-aging
Bellatrix ran to the little girl, "My baby!" She scooped her up and held her tight. Rodolphus hugged them both tightly with tears in his own eyes. Then he turned to the goblins, "Can you remove all of the unwanted blocks, charms, and curses?"
Rignak smiled greedily, "For a fee, we can remove all but the de-aging curse. She will age back quickly. By our accounts, she is currently five. She will age 1 year per week. This will be fairly painful."
Rodolphus sighed, "It's fine. Do it. Hermione, Princess, do you understand what is happening?"
The little girl nodded happily, "Yes, sir. You're my real parents! Can I call you Mummy and Daddy?"
Rodolphus smiled at her with pride, "Yes, sweetheart. We would love it if you called us that. You are going to live with us too, ok? Some bad people stole you from us a long time ago, and they did some bad things to you. Now, we need to undo what they have done. It's going to hurt, but it needs to be done. Can you be a brave girl for me and Mummy now?"
Hermione nervously replied, "I can do it. I'm a Gryffindor. What about Grandma and Grandpa? Will they be said that I won't live with them anymore?"
Bellatrix hugged her tighter and Rodolphus responded, "They probably will be a little sad. They will miss you, but they know you belong with us. They can visit whenever they want, and you will still see them at school. We will probably have you re-sorted though."
Hermione smiled, "Ok, Daddy. I'm ready."
The Goblins started removing everything, and Hermione screamed. When it was finally over, the girl was the slightly taller, and she looked different. She now had Bellatrix's black, curly hair. She had high, aristocratic cheekbones, and she was the spitting image of her father. She was very pretty.
As her parents were hugging her and checking her over, her stomach growled. She giggled, "Excuse me. I'm just very hungry."
Rodolphus liked her manners, "Ok, sweetheart. Let's go get something to eat. We've got some shopping to do."
The newly completed Lestrange family ate lunch on Diagon Alley, and then they bought clothing, books, toys, and furniture for their daughter. When they returned to the Manor, everyone was present. Narcissa had sent notice to everyone after the house elf recognized Hermione. After classes, everyone, including Albus and Minerva, had come over. When they arrived, Hermione ran up to them, "Grandma, Grandpa! Look at me! I'm a Lestrange. I found my real Mummy and Daddy!"
Albus hugged her tightly, "I see that, sweetheart. We are very happy for you and your parents. We will miss you, though."
Hermione comforted him, "Daddy said you could visit whenever you wanted, and I will still see you at school. I'm going to switch houses, though."
Minerva exclaimed at that, "You're going to have her resorted? But she's in my house!"
Severus answered her, "I think it's wise. Minerva, your house has a bad track record with people they don't like right now. They attacked Harrison and my sons. How do you think they will treat Hermione once it is revealed that she is a Lestrange?"
Minerva sighed, "I guess you're right. I don't want anything to happen to her. She would do well in either Slytherin or Ravenclaw, but I don't see her being sorted in Hufflepuff."
Rodolphus answered simply, "I agree. The goblins said that they should age about 1 year per week. She had many other charms and blocks applied. I'm interested to see how magically powerful she is now."
Lucius remembered, "The next event is in 7 weeks. Even if they age 1 year per week, Harrison will only be ten. He can't possibly compete. I need to speak with the tournament officiators and see if anything can be done." Then he smirked, "I guess one good thing came out of this, we don't have to worry about any of them going to the Yule Ball with their dates anymore."
Severus rolled his eyes, "Consider yourselves lucky. I've got two children to worry about. Fred is going with Angelina Johnson, and I'm quite sure Marcus Flint asked George today. The ball is two weeks away. Now I have to help them color coordinate. I only wear black."
The adults all laughed, but Hermione complained, "We don't get to go to the ball anymore? But Regulus and I were going together!"
Rodolphus raised his eyebrow and stared at the other six year old. He made a mental note to watch him when he was back to his normal age. Bellatrix spoke up, "No, dear. You can still go to the ball if you want to. We can go shopping and get you matching outfits this weekend. You two will be adorable!"
Narcissa spoke to the twins, "Boys, I understand you father is fashionably challenged, but I would love to help you both with outfits. We can all go this weekend if that is acceptable."
The twins looked a little embarrassed, and Fred replied, "Actually, Aunt Cissa, we already have some dress robes. They used to be Bill and Charlie's. We don't have to get new ones. Those will be good enough."
George silently nodded beside him to show that he agreed. They didn't want to be a bother. Narcissa stepped forward and embraced them gently, "Nonsense, boys. You're the Heirs of the Prince line, and you're my nephews. You'll need robes that fit your new life. I know in the past you had to make by with hand me downs, but now you are in a wealthy family. Severus inherited the Prince fortune, and he makes a lot of money as a Potions Master. You will never want for anything ever again, alright? And if for some reason, your dear old Dad doesn't want to buy you something, you just come see Aunt Cissa, and I will put Uncle Luc's money to good use."