After lunch Hermione went up to their quarters and grabbed the little black and white kitten/kneazle. Pansy's mom had said she would keep the kitten so that Mikaela wouldn't see the kitten before Christmas.

Walking back down the stairs carrying the kitten; Hermione thought about how much she liked Pansy's parents. She had met them briefly that morning and Pansy's mom was so nice; she had offered to keep the kitten hidden. She had also asked a lot of questions about Mikaela and her brother; with Pansy being her youngest and getting married, she didn't know what she was going to do with herself. She was already having trouble staying busy with the Pansy in school.

Hermione wondered if her and her husband might be interested in adopting Mikaela and Mikaca. The more Hermione thought about it the more she hoped it happened. Pansy had turned into a good friend and Hermione has saw how close she was to her mom. Mikaela and Mikaca had lots of sadness in their lives Calantha, seemed to have the love to stop the sadness.

Hermione knocked and the door and it was quickly opened, "Lady Hermione please come in. Oh, look at that little cutie; from what you told me about Mikaela I bet she will love him."

"I hope so we got Beatrice a Pigmy Puff. I thought both girls needed something to love."

"I would have to agree, now do you want me to bring this fella up Christmas eve or Christmas morning?"

"Umm, why don't I come down Christmas eve after I get the girls in bed; that way I can turn him lose with Crooks till morning and put a bow on him."

Calantha nodded, "that's probably the best idea. I promise I'll take good care of him."

"I can't thank you enough, I have to run I still have about a dozen presents to wrap and hide before we go after the children in just a little over an hour."

Hermione hurried back upstairs; she quickly set the packages to wrapping and moved the Pigmy Puff to her bedroom. Then she checked to make sure the rooms were ready for Mikaela, Mikaca, and Beatrice; she wanted everything perfect for all of the children.

The twins were staying with the Greengrass's they had two girls that were both almost grown and thought the boys would make a nice addition. Beatrice of course would be spending a lot of time with Cissy. In addition, it seemed that Mikaela and Mikaca would be spending a lot of time with the Parkinson family.

Hermione took the wrapped presents and hid them in her wardrobe then went to straighten up her hair and dress. Severus had decided that the children needed to understand how court operated so they would behave themselves. Hermione was going to teach them some very basic skills when they got to Hogwarts. As Hermione left the bedroom she heard the door open in the sitting room.

"Severus is that you coming in?"

"Yes, are you ready to go to Hogwarts?"

Hermione finished walking into the sitting room. "Yes, I am ready all of the gifts are wrapped and hid away, the kitten with is Calantha, and the rooms are ready for the children."

Severus walked to the fire and held out his hand to Hermione, throwing in floo powder the two of them flooed into Hogwarts. Hermione stepped out of the fireplace and did a quick Scourgify on herself and then Severus.

Severus offered Hermione his arm and the two of them went down the stairs to the Great Hall. When they entered the Great Hall Hermione saw that Yaxley and the students were playing around with their wands. It looked like he was teaching them things like tickling charms and shields which she was sure most knew. The twins were having a great time tickling each other they were both on the floor rolling around.

"Good afternoon, it looks like you are all having way too much fun." Hermione smiled as she said it.

Everyone stopped and turned to Hermione and Severus.

"How is everyone this afternoon, are you ready to get out of the school for a couple of days?"

All of the students nodded, and Mikaela came up and slipped her hand in Hermione's.

"Let's sit down for a minute, I want to explain to you about the Manor and some things you will need to know. First of all when we are just all of us and no one else you may call me Hermione like you do now. But, when we are with anyone else and when school starts back up you need to either call me Lady Hermione or Lady Prince; the same goes for the Headmaster, either call him Headmaster Prince or Lord Prince ok?"

The students all nodded and Beatrice asked, "are we really meeting Lord Voldermort?"

"Yes, you will be meeting him, that is something else you need to know, you must curtsy or kneel whenever you see Lord Voldermort, Queen Ginevra and unfortunately, myself or the headmaster if we walk into a room or are present when you walk into a room. Now once again you don't have kneel or curtsy to us when we are in private. I hate to make you all do this but it is required at court.

Now the next thing is that meals are very formal; so you need to wear your school robes to all meals. Also there are lots and lots of silverware and rules to follow. So as soon as you are seated take your napkin and place it on your lap. Typically, with the silverware you start at with the piece that is the farthest from your plate first. If you aren't sure what utensil to use watch someone at your table. Also, remember all of your manners say please, thank you and keep your elbows off the table.

If at any time the rest of the courtroom gets up and kneels, you do the same. If you follow the lead in the room you should be fine. And no one will fault you if you mess up; it takes a while to learn all of this ok?"

They all looked a little scared and like they didn't know if this was a good idea.

"Now listen to me Lord Voldermort truly cares about each of you that is why you have been invited to the manor. He is going to introduce you to some families that might invite you to their houses. If you are invited and like the people that ask accept. He doesn't want any of you to have to go to an orphanage or something like that while school is out over the summer. That's part of this weekend a chance for you to meet new people and possibly have some place to spend your breaks and summer.

Some of the families have older children that are grown and miss having young people around; others don't have children but love them. But, it's your decision if you like someone or not and if you want to visit with them and see what it would be like staying with them for summer break."

The children all seemed interested; "Lady Hermione do you know any of these people?" Beatrice asked.

"Yes I know all of them, the lady that wants to get to know you, is single now and her son is grown. She has always wanted a daughter; I told her about you and she wants to meet you. If you aren't comfortable with her or just don't get along we will also be introducing you to a lot of other families. That goes for all of you, and we will not allow anyone to split up families you will be with your brothers and sisters."

That seemed to help the children relax a little, Severus looked at his watch, "We need to go, and do you all have your bags?"

They all nodded and Severus offered Hermione his arm as they led them up the Headmaster's office to floo through to the Manor. Hermione went first and then each of the students. Hermione did a Scourgify on each student as they stepped out of the fireplace. Once Severus was through the fireplace Hermione explained to the students about sleeping arrangements.

"Severus and I only have two extra bedrooms, so I have Beatrice and Mikaela sharing the bigger room and Mikaca in the smaller room. You two pointing to the twins are staying with the Greengrass's; if you find you don't like staying with them let us know and we will either make pallets on the floor or find you another family to stay with.

You will spend Christmas morning with us here in our quarters; either Severus or I will be down to pick up the two of you early. So that you can see what Father Christmas left for you."

Hermione led Mikaela and Beatrice to their room and then showed Mikaca to his room. Then she took the twins and led them down the stairs to the Greengrass's set of quarters. Hermione told the boys that the family they were staying with had two girls that were at Hogwarts; and that Mr. Greengrass loved to play chess and quiditch and had promised to see that the boys got to fly over the break. Both boys were very excited about getting to fly; so that when Hermione knocked on the door they couldn't wait to meet the new family.

"Alicia greeted Hermione as she opened the door; and you must be Joshua and Jacob. Welcome to our quarters here at the manor."

The boys got suddenly shy, until the big boarhound that the Greengrass's took everywhere with them came up and dropped a slimy quaffle for them to throw. Then they both smiled, "He wants you to throw it, just try not to break anything when you play with him."

Hermione smiled as the boys tugged on the quaffle for a few minutes before Joshua won and threw it for the hound. Soon both boys were chasing the huge dog all over their quarters. Alicia smiled as the boys played around with the dog; "I think they are happy for the time being. I'll see that they are settled and are ready for Christmas morning. I think they are going to enjoy themselves with us and I can see I'm going to love to have them around."

"I can't thank you enough, they are little imps but I think they are pretty special. They remind me a little bit of Fred and George Weasley, I just hope they are as mischievous as those two are."

"Oh now I hope they are, that's what makes little boys so much fun."

Hermione just shook her head and called the boys, "You two behave yourselves, I'll see you at tea in about an hour. You listen to Mrs. Greengrass."

Both boys nodded then called goodbye as they ran back to play with the dog.

Hermione said her good bye to Alicia and returned to her quarters. Beatrice, Mikaela and Mikaca were all sitting at the kitchen table trying to put a jigsaw puzzle together. Hermione still liked working them and had been working on this one for a couple of weeks. Beatrice had never seen one, so Mikaela and Mikaca were explaining it to her.

"I see you found one of my vices, I still have enough of my muggle background that in the cold months of winter I like working puzzles."

Mikaca looked at Hermione, "We used to always work a big puzzle at Christmas break with our mom and dad."

Hermione felt so bad for Mikaca, she could tell he was missing his mom and dad. "Mikaca I know I can't take the place of your mom and dad but I'm here for you. If you need to talk or just to sit together I'm always here. I truly know what you are feeling my mom and dad were killed just last year. I miss them every day."

Mikaca walked over to Hermione and put his arms around her and started to cry, soon Mikaela was wrapped around her crying. Hermione rubbed circles on both of the children's back and kept whispering, "shhh, its ok, cry it all out, I'm here."

After a few minutes both children settled into hiccups and sniffles. Hermione conjured tissues for both of them and then sat them down at the table. "I am sorry that this brought up all the memories, but just remember your parents are always with you they are watching over you. And any time you need anything, anything at all I'm here for both of you."

Both children nodded and Hermione lifted their chins so she could look them in the eye. "Now you both need to go wash your faces and comb your hair, we are going to go have tea and you are going to meet a bunch of new people and see just how grand court is."

The two children ran off to the loo and Hermione turned to Beatrice, "Are you ok?"

"Yes, I don't remember my parents just my grandmamma; and I knew she was sick before I left for Hogwarts. I feel sorry for them because they remember and their mom and dad were really young."

"Yes but all of you are going to find new people to help share your lives with. "

Hermione led the three young people down the stairs and into the court room, the twins and the Greengrass's were already at the head table along with, Cissy, Draco and the Parkinson's. Hermione introduced everyone to the children and then took a seat. The kids were amazed when everyone knelt and curtsied when Hermione walked in; the twins had stumbled when they tried to get up and were telling Hermione all about it when she heard the side door opening. Hermione quickly rose and curtsied, the children were perfect and followed suit.

When the Dark Lord got to the table he quickly asked all of them to be seated. Severus pulled out Hermione's chair for her and sat her; Draco did the same for his mother, so the boys made sure that the two girls were sat. "Well it looks like we have some young men with manners. I'm very proud of you. I am sure your Headmaster and Lady Hermione have explained to you that we have friends that want to meet you. I know that Jacob and Joshua have met the Greengrass's, Miss Beatrice this is Cissy Malfoy, I imagine you know Draco from school. We thought you might enjoy spending a little time with her.

I take it that you are the Mikaela and Mikaca that Lady Hermione has talked about, this is Mr. and Mrs. Parkinson, their daughter is Pansy that you attended school with. You may not know her since she was in Slytherin and older then you."

Hermione could feel the fear coming of the students but tried to calm them. "See I told you that Lord Voldermort cared that you were happy. I think you will find that you enjoy spending time here. At dinner you will each sit with the families you were introduced to. You will also attend weddings tomorrow. Calantha and Gibor's daughter Pansy is getting married tomorrow, along with several of my other friends. So you will get to see how beautiful wizarding weddings are. I believe we have ten couples marrying tomorrow.

And I'm sure if you look around you will see several of your classmates scattered among the tables. I know that Jane Crassweld is here and Avery Bludstroe. I'm not sure who else but that's a start. Also Mr. Greengrass said that if you want he can round up enough brooms and players for a quidditch match after tea."

Mikaca looked at Mr. Greengrass, "Really sir we could have a quidditch game?"

"Of course we have Draco, Harry Potter, Ron, Fred, and George Weasley, Adrian who is marrying Calantha and Gibor's daughter. We have a lot of players; and I know that I have at least three brooms here. I'm sure you have your broom don't you Severus?"

"I have two brooms here and I can always floo into the castle for school brooms if I need to."

"I'll pass the word around after tea and we can have a game. Make sure you wear gloves and warm clothes with the wind off the ocean it will be cold."

All of the students were excited even Beatrice. Hermione noticed she was staring at Draco like she was star struck. Leaning over and whispering, "I take it you like Draco?"

Beatrice turned bright red, "Please don't tell him I thought I was hiding it."

"Well you will be spending lots of time with him since it's his mom that wants to get to know you."

"But, that would make him my brother, EWEEEEEEEE!"

Hermione laughed, and the whole table looked at her. "Sorry everyone Beatrice and I were having a discussion and she told me something funny. Sorry it's personal so I can't share."

Cissy looked over at Beatrice she loved the girl's pretty eyes and wanted to get to know her better. Cissy was really lonely now that Lucius had messed up and died from the hexes that the Dark Lord inflicted on him. Cissy was very mad at Lucius, she personally liked Hermione, and Lucius should have grown up and kept his mouth and mind shut. "Beatrice, do you like to go shopping?"

"Yes, I do but when I lived with my grandmother we didn't go very often."

"Have you ever been to Paris shopping? It's so amazing, the shops are just beautiful and the dresses are amazing. The gown Hermione is wearing came from our last trip to Paris."

Beatrice looked at Hermione's dress for the second time that day. "Her dress is so beautiful everything I've seen her wear is just beautiful! Lady Hermione looks so much like a lady I don't feel very pretty next to her."

Hermione pulled Beatrice into a hug, "Oh sweetie you are just gorgeous don't you ever doubt yourself. You can ask your headmaster; I was the ugliest kid growing up. I've just straightened up in just the last month or so. It takes girls a little longer to grow into our looks then men. You are so pretty now that by the time you get 17 or 18 you are going to knock the socks right off the guys."

Everyone at the table except for Severus and the Dark Lord agreed neither of them ever gave people praise like that. Beatrice looked happy, and Cissy added to what Hermione said, "We will get you some pretty dress robes and you will knock the socks off of them now. You just wait and see; maybe I can talk this strict headmaster of yours into letting you got to Paris between Christmas and New Years."

Mikaela was watching all of this with wide eyes, "Wow Beatrice Paris!"

Everyone smiled at her sound and look of wonder. "Maybe we can take both of you since you are surrounded by boys." Cissy added.

Severus just shook his head he knew this was a bad idea the women were going to leave him to supervise the three boys. Sure enough all of the women at the table were talking about making a full day of shopping for all of them.

Severus groaned, and Hermione heard him, "What was that about?"

"Who will be watching the young men while you ladies are out shopping?"

"Well you men will you will be playing Quidditch and doing men things won't you?"

Gibor Parkinson and Stewart Greengrass laughed at Severus and Stewart spoke up, "Don't worry Lord Severus we will keep the boys busy. As long as the weather is half way decent we can fly and if the weather is bad we can play chess."

The Dark Lord spoke up, "I'm afraid you gentlemen will have to keep the boys busy; Severus and I still have some mattes for both the school and the ministry to finish up over break. Nevertheless, I think my wife could use a gown or two and I'm sure Lady Hermione will watch out for her for me. The girls can make a day of it with protection."

Ginny looked at her husband and smiled, "I'll find a corner and have Hermione conjure me a chair and I'll supervise."

The group continued to talk until tea was over, Gibor and Stewart went around to the tables and told everyone to meet out by the rose garden for a game of Quidditch. The boys started having trouble sitting still, Hermione realizing this looked to the Dark Lord, "Excuse me my Lord would it be ok if I released the children to go get heavy clothes on so that they can get ready to go out?"

"Yes, of course, I will see you children later, make sure you have plenty of warm clothes on and have someone cast a warming spell on you if you don't know how to do one."

Hermione looked to the children, as they started to spill out, "Children you need to thank our Lord and show your respect."

The twins wondered a minute and then Beatrice started, "Thank you my Lord for allowing us to visit, and thank you for allowing us to leave," then she curtsied. The others followed they said thank you and bowed or curtsied.

Once the children left, the Dark Lord turned to Hermione, "You are going to make an excellent mother, you handled the children perfectly. You reminded them when they needed it but you didn't hand fed them, you let them think a minute about what they needed to do."

"Thank you my Lord I don't feel like I'm managing that well, I'm not that much older than they are."

"Oh you might not be in age but in knowledge and maturity you are light years older than they are."

Hermione smiled, blushed, and didn't know how to answer that; so she kept her mouth shut. Soon after the tea broke up, Hermione and the girls met with Cissy, Alicia and many of the other women to watch the men and boys play quidditch.

Hermione transformed a couple of the benches in the rose garden into quidditch bleachers and then cast a warming spell over the bleachers. The group climbed up and enjoyed a nice warm seat even with the wind blowing off the ocean.

Severus acted as referee the boys and the men played quidditch until they could no longer see the balls. When they finally came down everyone that was flying was half frozen; even with warming spells and heavy clothes, they couldn't feel their feet.

Hermione hurried the students she was responsible for into the house and make Mikaca go take a hot shower before they got ready for dinner. The girls were sent to get dresses on for dinner, while Severus was showering Hermione changed into a dressier robe and had Pippy put her hair up. Then she went out into the sitting room and helped the girls do their hair.

Once Severus and Mikaca joined them, they went back down to the courtroom. Severus and Hermione met with Calantha and Gibor at the door and Mikaca and Mikaela joined them at their table while Beatrice came to the head table with Hermione and Severus since Cissy now at the head table with Draco.

Hermione was beginning to think dinner was never going to end. She was very sleepy after sitting out in the cool air all afternoon. She noticed that many of the children were covering their mouth so they could yawn. Even Severus who never showed he was tired was showing signs of it.

When the meal finally ended, Hermione and Severus visited with the Greengrass's and Parkinson's for a few minutes in the hall along with Cissy. The kids were so sleepy that Hermione; quickly ended the visiting and herded her children up to the quarters so that they could get to bed. The group was so tired that they didn't even complain when they were sent to bed.