The Rosier estate was in general terms, just as opulent as many of the other Pureblood homes that Hermione had visited over the summer. She'd been reluctant to come to this event tonight, as she was fairly certain that the news of her relationship with Adrian being no more, was more or less the hot topic of conversation amongst the Pureblood elite over the Christmas Holidays.

There had been a few other events this past week since she'd been home that she'd not attended. An afternoon tea gathering at Rowle Parkland Manor or the Yule Ball that had been held on Christmas Eve at Greengrass Garden Estate...

But her Grandmother had insisted that they would need to attend Evelyn Rosier's New Years gala, as it was the main event of the Holiday season.

So Hermione had picked out the iced blue strapless chiffon ball gown her Grandmother had gifted her for Christmas...the silver snowflake overlay on the full skirt, shimmered like glittering crystals when she walked. The matching silver heels, were a nice touch as were the goblin silver inlaid aquamarine and diamond necklace and drop earrings —that were also a gift from Muriel.

As she and Harry followed her Grandmother through the floo, they were immediately ushered to the receiving line by the Rosier House Elves and Hermione felt her nerves spike uncomfortably.

Harry, who could feel his sister's body tense—gave her arm a reassuring squeeze.

"It's going to be okay, Sister Mine."

"I hope so," Hermione murmured lowly, "I just don't want there to be any awkwardness tonight."

"Have you heard from Adrian at all?"

Hermione shook her head in the negative. "No. I didn't really expect I would though. At least, not right away? He did say he wanted to remain friends."

"Well, you did stay friendly with Viktor after fourth year?"

Hermione nodded thoughtfully. She and Viktor had maintained a friendly correspondence, it was true. He wrote to her every few weeks regardless of where he was playing. He'd share details about some of the sights and local Magical literature. Most people assumed Viktor was nothing more than a Quidditch player, but he was fairly well read and had a disarming intelligence that had left her surprised.

But he truly was more of a physical being.

"Viktor knew me as Hermione Granger though, not this newer version of me."

Harry lifted an eyebrow at his sister's melancholic expression and the tinge of wistfulness in her voice hadn't been missed either.

"I think Viktor would've liked either version of you, Sister Mine."

This caused Hermione to smile fondly as she nodded, then noticed that they were nearly at the head of the receiving line.

When they reached Evelyn Rosier and her husband Tarven—Muriel just nodded politely at the couple.

"Muriel, dear..." Evelyn smiled graciously. "It is lovely you could make it this evening. I was just telling Tarven earlier this evening that I was worried that you might've taken ill as we haven't seen you at all this season."

Muriel just hummed. "Yes, I was a bit under the weather but thankfully, I had my lovely Granddaughter and Nephew here to attend to me. Have you formally met Mr. Potter and my Granddaughter, Hermione?"

"No, I don't believe I have." Evelyn smiled, but the warmth didn't quite reach her eyes as she settled her gaze on Harry, who just stood there politely and bowed. When the woman's gaze flitted to Hermione, her smile became more genuine.

"Welcome to our home."

Harry nodded while Hermione said, "We are pleased to be here. Your home is lovely."

"Thank you dear." Evelyn turned her attention back to Muriel and smirked. "I heard from Siobhan that dear Cormac has a horrid case of laryngitis that the Healers can't seem to cure it. Strange."

"Yes, I do believe I heard the same thing."

Hermione was always amazed at how simultaneously polite and indifferent her Grandmother sounded when discussing pretty much anything that she found distasteful.

Or amusing.

"Well...I do hope you all will enjoy the evening." Evelyn replied at last and Muriel nodded.

"I'm sure we will, as you always do such a splendid job hosting these things."

Evelyn just smiled indulgently while her husband hummed in what Hermione could only describe as boredom.

Thankfully, their son was a few years younger than her and it seemed that the Rosier Family didn't feel the necessity of trying to throw their son in her direction.

Harry led her into the main ballroom, where the majority of the Pureblood society was already present and Hermione couldn't help but sigh in resignation.

Would she ever get used to these ridiculous parties?

"No."

"What?" Hermione's gaze flew to her Grandmother's, who's own expression was amused. "Oh? Did I say that out loud?"

"Indeed you did, Dearest."

Flinching in shame, Hermione blushed. "Sorry, Grandmother."

"Hmmm," Muriel shook her head subtly at her, and Hermione couldn't help but feel suitably chastened. "I suppose now probably isn't the best time to inform you that we will be required to host an event at Fosgate Hall come summer." Chuckling at her Granddaughter's horrified expression, Muriel just tutted knowingly, "it is only proper after all. We will have to decide on what kind of event might work best."

Hermione turned her attention to her brother, who was silently laughing next to her and she growled lowly before a wicked smirk appeared on her lips.

"Are there some events that Harry and I could co-host together, Grandmother?"

Harry's sharp intake of breath and dismayed expression almost caused Hermione to laugh out loud, but Muriel just nodded once.

"There are and I am so gratified that you both can do this together," Muriel eyed her adopted nephew with a predatory gleam in her eye, "as Harry here will be turning seventeen during the height of the summer season, it would only be seemly that we do something to honor that occasion."

"But..." Harry whimpered, and then flinched when he felt Hermione's talons gripping his arm tightly.

Aunt Muriel's expression also disabused him of the notion he'd have any say in the matter.

"You both are evil."

"But you love me anyway." Hermione's voice was playful and Harry just groaned, but didn't refute the statement.

"There you both are."

Hermione looked over her shoulder and smiled at Theo, who was walking towards them.

"Hey, Theo." Harry said and held out his hand for the other wizard to shake.

"I almost thought you both were going to skip out on this event too."

Muriel just hummed, but didn't say anything as she patted Theo's arm and headed into the room to mingle.

"Grandmother insisted."

"I see," Theo grinned knowingly before his expression sobered. "I just wanted to forewarn you cousin, that Adrian is here and he brought someone."

Hermione's face fell and her eyes widened in shock. "Who?" She asked shakily. "Please don't tell me it's Shardlow?"

Theo shook his head in the negative. "No, it's an old family friend that went to Beauxbatons. Her name is Claudette Harcourt."

"I see." Was all Hermione said, but inside she was confused and hurt. They'd just broken up a bit over two weeks ago and he was already seeing someone else?

"Theo?"

"Yes Hermione?"

"By bringing her here? Are they courting officially, or would it be assumed that they are?"

Theo bit his lip but did that shrugging thing of his.

"Not exactly."

At his cousin's look of confusion, Theo elaborated.

"Her Family is visiting the Pucey's. Armand and Claudette's father, Pierre work in the same positions within both Ministry's. Since Adrian is now eligible, it would've been expected of him to take Claudette as his date."

"I see." Hermione bit her lip hard, trying to keep herself from reacting negatively to this bit of news. "I would appreciate knowing what the gossip is in regards to who ended our courtship."

Theo's eyes fell, and he heard Hermione's sharp intake of breath.

"Are you kidding me?" She whispered angrily. "It was a mutual decision."

"I think everyone knows that Hermione," Theo placated easily, "everyone knows that your magic will only choose its best match. The fact that you and Adrian ended things let's everyone know that he was not that wizard. However, the fact that you both were together, however brief a time speaks to his eligibility. The fact that your magic did consider him?"

Hermione stood there stunned. Why in the fuck had no one thought she needed to know about this?

"Is this some antiquated Pureblood crap that I should just be expected to know?"

"No," Theo murmured lowly, "it's more of a Slytherin thing?" Shaking his head Theo just rubbed his hand behind his neck. "It's a status thing within Slytherin House. I know Adrian discussed the Pureblood hierarchy a bit, yes?"

Hermione nodded, because Adrian had tried to explain it to her early on in their relationship.

"Hermione," Harry interrupted with a concerned frown, "I know what you're thinking and I know for a fact that Adrian had desperately wanted this to work with you. I think you know it too. You can't fault the wizard because of how these ridiculous Pureblood rules work. If his social standing see's a boost because of your relationship with him, what harm is there? Your magic didn't choose him and I'm sure he's fairly unhappy with that fact. But we both know from Theo too...what kind of masks those in Slytherin are expected to wear and I'm sure Adrian is no different."

Hermione pondered over Harry's words for a couple minutes before sighing in resignation.

"Fine, but we aren't staying here any longer than strictly necessary Theodore. Once the appropriate amount of time has passed, I'm relying on you to come and rescue me and get me out of here."

"Done." Theo grinned with a wink.

It didn't take long however, probably only thirty minutes or so until Hermione saw Adrian with his parents and a beautiful witch that had long black hair and bright blue eyes. She was tall, thin, elegant and everything that Hermione wasn't.

When her gaze locked with Adrian, she could see his initial surprise and then what she could only describe as a brief flash of sadness in his eyes before he nodded politely to both she and Harry. Her brother returned the gesture but Hermione couldn't help feel like someone had punched her in the gut.

So she looked away and didn't acknowledge him at all.

Harry sensing Hermione's discomfort, led her to another part of the ballroom that had to be twice the size of the Great Hall at Hogwarts—where the refreshments were located.

"Do you want something to drink?"

She nodded so Harry went off to get her something while Theo stayed by her side.

"Theo," she began stoically, "you don't have to babysit me, you know?"

"I'm not," he admitted with another one of his patented shrugs, "I'm not much for socializing at these events."

Hermione turned and fully faced her cousin with a questioning look. "Why didn't you invite Luna?"

Her cousin's reaction was exactly what Hermione expected.

Theo looked utterly speechless.

Then embarrassed.

"What?" He sputtered and Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Theodore Nott! Please don't tell me you're not interested in Luna?"

Blue eyes glittered warily at her, but to his credit...Theo didn't deny it.

"I like Luna," he said softly, "but I'm just not sure what my Father is going to think about it."

"Why?" Hermione asked, genuinely confused. "She's a Pureblood, right?" Then her expression darkened as she asked harshly, "is this because she's not Sacred 28?"

Theo's put upon sigh, told Hermione that was exactly the issue and she folded her arms angrily over her chest as she glowered at her cousin, who was trying very hard not to flinch away from her anger.

"It's not that I care, Hermione," Theo pleaded, "but my Father does have some say in whom I court officially." Hermione went to speak, but Theo put up a hand to stop the rant he knew was coming. "Besides, Luna isn't even close to being of age yet and I would prefer to take things slow. I'm just enjoying getting to know her informally."

"If the Lovegood's had more wealth and standing would it really matter that she isn't Sacred 28?"

Damn that shrug!

"Probably would to my Father—but I couldn't care less."

Hermione's face fell at the sad expression on her cousins face and their conversation stalled, as Harry came back with some sparkling juice.

"Thanks Harry."

Her brother nodded and then he and Theo started talking Quidditch, which left Hermione feeling a bit left out so she excused herself and decided to go and powder her nose.

As she made her way to the loo—her gaze caught sight of a head of platinum blonde hair and as she walked by—she noticed Malfoy standing with Zabini and several witches she didn't recognize.

Her expression tightened when she saw one of the witches place a flirtatious hand on Malfoy's arm and the words he'd said about courting her came rushing back with a vengeance.

Why did all wizards have to be so complicated?

Shaking her head, she turned to leave the ballroom...missing the set of grey eyes following her out as well as the worried expression on Draco's face.

Luckily Hermione found the ladies lounge rather easily and just spent a few moments staring in the mirror, trying to get a semblance of her emotions under better control.

She was really regretting coming tonight after all and just as she was about to walk out of the loo, the door opened and in walked Therese Rowle and Pansy Parkinson.

Deciding to ignore them, Hermione went to leave when Pansy's caustic voice broke her reverie.

"You really are a piece of work, Prewett!"

Hermione just shook her head, but Therese Rowle's next words stopped her cold.

"I don't know what kind of game your playing Prewett, but no one is impressed with your faux distress over your break-up."

Turning around, Hermione glared at the two witches. "I don't know what you are talking about Rowle...but if you have a point to make? Get on with it before I hex you bald."

The older witch paled as her hand flew protectively to her hair while Pansy just scoffed.

"She's talking about the fact that no one buys that you don't know who your future bonded most likely is going to be! It seems the wizard in question already suspects it and it didn't take Therese and I long to figure it out either." Pansy just glared at her spitefully. "So for the Brightest Witch of the Age...you surely can't be that obtuse not to suspect whom the wizard might be?"

Hermione just stared at the two witches before she burst out in laughter.

"I'm sorry," she gasped in humor, "you both have somehow come up with some conspiracy theory on who my future ancillary is going to be?"

Based on the two Slytherin witch's evil sneers, Hermione supposed they probably did have an opinion.

"Then tell me, oh Seers! Who is my future one?" Hermione spoke in her best Trelawny impression.

The look the two exchanged, had Hermione's hackles rising in defense and then Rowle smirked in triumph.

"Tell me, Prewett? Do you know what a talisman is? Or what they are used for?"

Hermione paused momentarily, but then nodded once.

"They're different based on the intent of the giver and the receiver. Some are imbued with luck, some protection...but they all enhance the magic of the possessor."

"Very good, Prewett." Therese replied scathingly. "A text book definition but not quite accurate." The witch then smiled in a very predatory way as she moved closer, her voice low and throaty. "A talisman can only be given by the Head of House to a direct Heir. It is for protection...House protection and can stave off some hexes and curses that would intend harm to an Heir. Back in olden times, a talisman would be given to an Heir if the Head of House felt his son's life was in peril. So explain to me why Lucius Malfoy would feel the need to give his only son, and Heir—such a gift? Malfoy's are notoriously magically powerful...so why would Draco Malfoy need to be protected?"

Hermione's eyes widened at this new information, but she didn't immediately connect the dots until Pansy laughed.

"Draco ended our dalliance within weeks of your heritage being revealed. I know for a fact that Lucius Malfoy was at the Ministry the night of the Dark Lords demise. My Father may not have been a branded follower, but I hear things. Dumbledore spared the Malfoy Family. Now why do you think Albus Dumbledore...leader of all things light and good would spare a wizard like Lucius Malfoy from going to Azkaban?"

Hermione folded her arms protectively against her chest as she returned Pansy's glare...but her heart was beating a mile a minute as the questions she'd had for months were now starting to fall into place.

"I don't know Parkinson? Why don't you tell me why you think Dumbledore might've done such a thing?"

Both Slytherin girls just sneered at her in tandem and Rowle then said, "You do understand about House Magic? Right?"

Hermione didn't immediately answer so Rowle went on and explained how exactly House magic worked in the cases of a Lord and an Heir and what would've happened to Malfoy if his Father had been sent to Azkaban.

The more she heard, the more Hermione realized that the truth was staring her smack dab in the face and as she quickly went over every interaction she'd had with Malfoy in the last five months...Hermione realized belatedly...the truth of her situation.

Her bonded...her ancillary—in all likelihood was going to be Malfoy.

As she considered the two witches in from of her, Hermione just stared at them impassively. She could see that they were just waiting for her to lose her temper...but she would not give them the satisfaction.

All she said was, "Are we done here?"

Whatever the two Slytherin's were expecting her to say—that was not it. As she turned again to walk out, she could sense Rowle reaching for her wand and she said coldly, "If you draw that wand on me Rowle...be prepared. Unless you're willing to try and cast an unforgivable, nothing short of that is going to work on me and you'll find yourself at my mercy."

Hermione glanced over her shoulder, and saw the witch gripping her wand tightly before she lowered it.

"Smart choice," Hermione said scathingly. "I am just curious Rowle? Was there really a wizard at Drumstrang that you're going to be betrothed to, or were you hoping to snag Malfoy for yourself?"

The blonde witch's pinched expression let Hermione know the truth of what exactly she'd intended to do.

Moving around and facing the other witch fully, Hermione warned, "Stay away from him. Both of you. I don't know what game you're both playing but this is my life you're trying to fuck with. If I think for one moment either one of you are a threat to me or mine...I will have no problem dealing with you accordingly."

"Tough words." Therese sneered hatefully but Hermione just chuckled before she held out her hand and allowed the flames to erupt from her core...watching in amusement as both witches eyes widened.

As the flames engulfed her entire body, Hermione moved closer to the two Slytherin's, watching them retreat in fear.

"You'll find I can back up those words." She said, as her magic pulled in and the flames disappeared as quickly as they'd come...leaving her as pristine as before.

With a final look of disgust, Hermione left the lounge and headed back to the party.

She had a wizard to find.