Hi everyone! i just wanted to take a moment to thank those who have read and reviewed. I also wanted to address one posters comment about the pace of this story which is a slow burn. It will pick up a bit from here on out and this story is outlined for around 85 chapters in total. Hope you all are still enjoying it and I thank you for the lovely support.

"Grandmother!"

It was the third time Hermione had called out for her Grandmother, and she was starting to get worried.

"Sabbo!"

The tiny elf appeared, her eyes glistening as she stared up at her.

"Missy Hermione!"

"Hello Sabbo. Can you tell me where my Grandmother is?"

"She just floo'd to the Burrow a bit ago."

Hermione sagged in relief and then smiled kindly at the elf.

"Thank you Sabbo."

Running towards the floo, and calling out for the Burrow...the green flames immediately whooshed her away.

When she stepped out into the Burrow, her stomach grumbled with the heavenly smells coming from the kitchen.

"Grandmother?"

A squeak and then a plate dropping in the kitchen signaled that she'd been heard as a moment later, Molly came bustling into the room, followed closely by Arthur, Muriel, Fred and George.

"Bless Merlin!" Molly smiled widely, taking Hermione into her arms with a crushing hug. "How in the world did you get here? Aren't you supposed to be on the Hogwarts Express?"

"Sorry?"

Hermione wasn't sure what to say to that point. She had hoped to speak with her Grandmother privately and now realized that wasn't going to be possible.

"Don't be sorry, Dearest. Why don't you join us for breakfast? Have you eaten?"

The perfect timing of her stomach rumbling a second time, outed the fact that she hadn't indeed, not eaten and Molly didn't waste a single second pulling her along into the kitchen for breakfast.

Once seated and served, Hermione noticed that everyone was waiting expectantly for her to clarify why she was here.

"I left school early, Grandmother."

"Yes, I can see that," Muriel's voice was dry, but not angry. "What happened?"

Setting her utensils down, Hermione couldn't help but wonder just how this news was going to go over.

"Professor Slughorn had his Christmas get together last night. The Minister was there, as was Amelia Bones," Hermione paused and then stared petulantly at her Grandmother, "Why didn't you tell me about the Wizengamot seat?"

Muriel just hummed, as she took a sip of her tea and then replied, "That's a conversation for another time and not the real reason you came home early. Is it?"

Pouting, Hermione shook her head. "No. Adrian and I ended things last night."

If Hermione was expecting her Grandmother to be shocked by her admission, Muriel's lack of reaction was somewhat surprising.

All she said was, "I see."

"I'm so sorry, Dearie." Molly's reaction however, was more of what Hermione had expected.

Her eyes watered a bit and she sniffled once, but nodded. "Thank you Molly."

"Did something happen?" Fred asked, his voice a bit less amused than normal.

"Did he do something wrong?" George piped in, his expression too, was more serious.

"Because if he hurt you..."

"We can take care of him easily."

"And that's a promise." They both finished simultaneously, causing Hermione to shake her head even as she smiled through her tears.

"He didn't do anything, you two," Hermione admitted with a sigh. "He was so wonderful and understanding. He realized before I did that my magic likely wasn't going to choose him in the end, and he didn't want things to continue if that wasn't going to be the case. I knew he was right, but I didn't want to end things."

Both Fred and George nodded together, their expressions mimicking the surprise they felt at Adrian's chivalry.

"Unexpected..."

"For a snake."

"You both be quiet." Molly admonished as she took her niece's hand, knowing how much she genuinely liked Adrian and how hard this would be for her. "How did you leave Hogwarts, Dearie?"

Hermione's eye flickered to her Grandmother and Muriel nodded with a smirk, letting her know that it was alright if she decided to share with her family.

"Uhh...I can apparate through the wards at Hogwarts."

Arthur's eyes widened and both George and Fred whispered, "wicked" together.

"That's quite impressive Hermione." Arthur responded finally, with a slight cough. "Only Dumbledore, to my knowledge, has that ability."

"Well," she began timidly, "it's not me...exactly."

"I don't think I understand." Arthur replied, bemused while the rest of the family sans Muriel, were all perplexed as well.

So Hermione explained what had happened on her birthday and how she'd transformed into her animagus, how Fawkes had been there but left out the parts about Malfoy.

Her Grandmother smirked at her omission, while everyone else was just stunned silent.

"Are you planning on attending me to Kings Cross?" Muriel asked and Hermione shrugged.

"If you need me to."

"We can pick up Harry, when we get Ronald and Ginny." Molly was quick to reassure them both. "That way you don't have to see anyone, Hermione."

The young witch smiled tremulously at the kind offer.

"Thank you Molly."

Muriel just nodded in agreement and once breakfast was done, escorted her granddaughter back to Fosgate Hall.

"Grandmother?"

"Yes, Dearest?"

"I did invite Theo and Lord Nott to brunch tomorrow, if that's alright?"

Muriel lifted an eyebrow, but called out for her elf.

"Sabbo?"

The small elf popped into view with a bow. "Mistress?"

"We will be having guests come tomorrow for brunch. Can you let Corky know that her currant scones as well as her sweet pea and leek tartlets will be expected."

Sabbo bowed in the affirmative. "I wills let's Corky know, Mistress."

"Thank you, Sabbo. That will be all for now."

With another bow, the elf popped out of the room, leaving Hermione and her Grandmother alone.

Muriel gestured for Hermione to follow her into the solarium, which she did. Once they were seated, the interrogation began in earnest.

"Dearest, why did you leave the grounds of Hogwarts and not go by train with Harry?"

"Are you upset with me?"

"Not as such," Muriel responded dryly. "I'm just concerned. Did something else happen?"

So Hermione told her Grandmother everything that had transpired from her conversation with Adrian to McLaggen's idiocy.

"That boy," Muriel shook her head in exasperation. "Siobhan has told me that Cormac has a rather peculiar sense of entitlement. You truly silenced him?"

Hermione nodded, blushing in embarrassment.

"He's a foul, loathsome wizard."

"If memory serves, didn't you call the young Malfoy Heir something of that nature back during your third year."

Muriel watched with a keen eye, Hermione's cheeks darken further.

"I did."

"Hmmm," She murmured, "well, it would seem that I should expect a missive from Siobhan then?"

Hermione shrugged but didn't deny it. "The spell can be lifted if he apologizes on his own, but something tells me that isn't going to happen."

"Probably not, however it would behoove me to at least forewarn Siobhan before she picks up her son in a few hours. I'm sure she will be far more understanding if I were to explain the circumstances of his punishment."

"If you think that's best, Grandmother."

Muriel nodded and stood up, excusing herself to make the floo call while Hermione decided to head to her room to unpack her things.

When she got there, she enlarged her trunk and placed her assignments that were due over the holidays on her writing desk and then hung up her clothes. The ones that need to be laundered, Hermione placed in her basket inside her closet and as she was about to close the door, her eye caught on a shoe box sitting on the top shelf.

Sighing, she took the box down and moved over with it in her hands as she sat down on her bed and opened it.

Inside was her valued keepsakes from her time with her parents. The Grangers. Pictures of family vacations to France, Greece, Italy and a singular trip across the pond to Disneyworld when she was ten. Hermione smiled at one of the pictures of her mother, Helen and herself wearing Mickey Mouse ears as they sat down under an umbrella'd outdoor table, sipping on iced drinks and enjoying a momentary reprieve from the warm humid day. Hermione wiped a tear from her eye as she remembered fondly how sunburnt her Father had gotten from the lack of sunscreen.

As she fiddled with the pictures, Hermione had to wonder just how thoroughly the charm was that had hidden her. Had she been wiped from all traces within her parents home. Pictures, home movies? Could Magic really erase all Muggle traces?

Sitting up straight, Hermione pondered if it was possible that there might still be a vestige of her former self left behind?

Did it matter, since her parent's didn't remember her?

She sighed heavily as she set aside some of the photographs and pulled out a diamond star necklace that her Mum had given to her on her sixteenth birthday. It was a simple piece of jewelry, but she'd loved it. Hermione's eyes fell to her vanity and she moved over, opening the top drawer and pulling out the red jewelry box her Grandmother had given her over the summer. Opening it, the fire opal bracelet stared back at her.

Gripping it tightly, Hermione just shook her head.

She had watched the memories that Molly, Arthur, Remus and Andromeda had all gifted her of her biological parents. Fabian had been a serious wizard, but he'd had a wicked sense of humor too...much like George, who was the more rambunctious of the Twins.

But it had been seeing memories of her Mother, Marlene...that had been the hardest to get through. She was beautiful, intelligent, diabolically clever and brave. It was harder still, to reconcile the fact that Fabian and Marlene had been the one's to give her life...when she didn't know them at all except for a few sorted memories.

Placing everything back into her shoebox except for a single item...a small Christmas snowglobe that was also a music box...Hermione put the cherished item by her bedside and waved her hand—returning the shoe box to its rightful place inside her closet.

Shaking the globe, she couldn't help but smile at how much she'd loved this silly thing. She'd seen it in a gift shop when she was six and had begged her Mum to buy it for her. Inside was a tiny sled, filled with gold and silver presents and a sparkling Christmas tree with a shiny star on the top of it. The music from the globe played a rendition of White Christmas...which Hermione had always loved and was her Mum's favorite.

She used to sing it with her Mum every year on Christmas Eve.

Shaking her head out of the maudlin thoughts permeating like a dark cloud over her, Hermione decided that somehow...she needed to try and remember how blessed she was in her life. She had Harry, the Weasley's and her Grandmother. Theo too. The Grangers were safe and happy, as far as she knew.

Perhaps a visit to Muggle London to check up on them might not be a terrible idea?

She just wasn't sure what her Grandmother would think of that.

Looking at the time, Hermione found herself tired all of a sudden. Harry wouldn't be home for another few hours and she really hadn't slept well at all last night. Her heart was still sore from her break up with Adrian and she couldn't help but wonder what his parents must be thinking of all of this.

Would they blame her?

She'd actually found herself liking Adrian's mother quite a bit and had maintained a somewhat casual correspondence with her these past few months.

Would Anastasia Pucey shun her for the fact that she couldn't give Adrian what he'd wanted from her?

Was it really her fault since it was her magic that needed it's perfect match?

Flopping down on her bed, Hermione decided that perhaps a nap was in order. She needed to try and let go of all the emotional baggage for a little while.

Her final thought as she drifted off to sleep was wondering just what was happening on the Hogwarts Express right about now.

If only she knew...

Hundreds of miles away...Harry, Ron, Neville, Dean and Seamus were boarding the train and making their way to find an empty compartment. McClaggen has been taken to Madam Pomfrey by his classmates, when they couldn't lift the silencing spell that Hermione had placed upon him. Unfortunately for Cormac, the Medi-Witch had been unable to reverse it and had called both Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore to the infirmary to try and undo the damage.

Both had been unsuccessful.

McGonagall has refused to believe that Miss Prewett would've placed such a spell without good reason, while Dumbledore had just tutted in feigned disapproval, even if his blue eyes were twinkling with mirth.

Cormac had been released with no voice and no understanding how to undo the enchantment.

By the time the entire school had gotten on the Hogwarts Express, everyone knew just how McClaggan had been hexed.

Theo's expression when he'd seen the git on the train with his friends had been interesting. Malfoy, Zabini, Crabbe and Goyle had all watched as their friend noticed the older wizard and then made a beeline for him. When Theo was within reach, he told Cormac in front of the rest of his mates and some of the younger years that if he ever drew his wand on his cousin again...he'd make him pay for it.

The Gryffindor seventh years wizards had scoffed until Malfoy and Zabini had sauntered over and one quelling look and comment from the blonde wizard, had the rest of the Gryffindors paling.

"I'd listen to Theo if I were you, McLaggen. I'm sure you all understand Theo's responsibility as Prewett's cousin. We take those kind of things rather seriously in Slytherin House. I'd hate to see any of you fall to a Nott Family curse because you couldn't keep your mouths shut and your hands to yourself."

"What's it to you, Malfoy?" Jimmy Peakes glowered, and Draco shrugged lazily.

"We Slytherins take care of our own, Peakes. A fact you might wish to remember." Draco's smirk was wicked as he concluded, "Or perhaps I could write a nice letter to Fred and George Weasley? I wonder what those two would have to say about their cousin's less than stellar treatment earlier today? I can't imagine those two pranksters would take too kindly to anyone who might seek to harm Hermione? Do you?"

All four Gryffindor seventh years paled at the mention of the twin jokesters.

Everyone knew not to mess with the Weasley twins.

"They'd never believe you." Stated Ritchie Coote, his voice wavering with a tinge of uncertainty, but Draco just chuckled deeply.

"Bet on it?"

Grey eyes smoldered as he stared down each of the Gryffindors in turn while Theo and Blaise were just grinning in solidarity.

"I think we're done here," Draco murmured at last. "Stay away from Prewett. This is your only warning."

The three Slytherin wizards walked away, ignoring the interested stares and whispers as they passed by several compartments before they came to an empty one. Once they'd entered, Theo immediately warded the area private.

"Explain."

Draco sighed, but instead of speaking he just lifted an eyebrow at his friend, and waited.

It didn't take but a minute before Theo was leaning towards him, forearms resting on his thighs as his blue eyes tried to pierce through Draco's defenses.

"How long have you known?"

Blaise coughed uncomfortably, while Draco just stared at his fellow Slytherin.

Seeing no reason to lie, Draco just said, "I don't know for sure."

"But you suspect?"

Draco nodded, noticing immediately Theo's mouth pursing in anger.

"How long?"

"Since the summer."

"Fuck." Both Blaise and Theo hissed simultaneously.

"She's going to kill you mate." Blaise quipped while Draco just smirked.

"Why didn't you say something?" Theo demanded and Draco just shook his head.

"Come on, mate?" Draco's voice was incredulous. "How would that have gone, exactly? You saw how she was with Adrian? This is not my choice to make but Hermione's, right? Her magic has to choose me and she's a Gryffindor. Stubborn, mulish and reckless. I'm Malfoy to her. The boy who tormented her, who'd wished her dead. That's all I've ever allowed her to see...Malfoy. She's never seen Draco because I wasn't allowed to show Hermione Granger that side of my personality." Theo went to speak but Draco just lifted his hand up to stay the retort...

"Theo, we all know what our reality was like. We all knew from second year on that the return of the Dark Lord wasn't an 'if' so much as a 'when.' We've never been close you and I, but I'd like to think you knew what it was like for me these past five years. I can't change it, but I've tried to make amends for it."

"And Hermione?"

Draco looked out the window for a few moments before he replied, "I've always noticed her. Always. I may not have handled it well..."

"May not have?"

"Fine," Draco groused, "I was a prick. But even so, it doesn't change the fact that I've always..."

"Had a thing for her." Blaise finished, to the hard stares of his two friends.

"That too." Draco admitted finally.

Because it was true. For years he'd lived in denial of his own attraction and feelings towards Hermione. She was infuriating and loud, far too bossy and brash...but she was also clever, cunning, intelligent and beautiful.

And deep down, in places he couldn't fathom in his deepest held desires— he'd wanted her even then.

"You're really going to pursue her?" Theo's voice was somewhat bemused and Blaise just snickered...ignoring Draco's stern look.

"Yes."

Theo whistled and shook head in wonder.

Then he said, "She's going to turn you to ash if you fuck this up."

Draco chuckled and nodded in agreement.

"Most likely."

He had no doubt that Hermione Prewett would make him suffer if he screwed this up.

The thought made him smile.