"Hermione?" Theo called out as he made his way towards the one place he knew his cousin would likely be.

The library.

Which was on the main floor towards the back right of the Manor, as it had the largest French doors in the home that opened into a beautiful balcony area that was covered by a large trellis and a pathway that led out to a smattering of greenhouses which were tended to by several of the House elves.

"Hermione?" He called a second time as he made his way out through the French doors and out to the balcony where, sure enough...his cousin was sitting down on a long chair that was her favorite place to read.

"Theo." She looked back over her shoulder and sighed. "Should I go back?"

"Not yet." He replied as he sat down on a chair next to her spot and did his normal helpless shrug. "You want to talk about it?"

"Not really."

"Okay?"

Blue eyes stared at him and Theo couldn't help but feel awful for Hermione, who kept having these benders thrown her way.

"What should I say, Theo? How in Merlin's name does any of this make a lick of sense?"

"You mean with Dumbledore?"

Hermione nodded and bit her lip in frustration.

"Harry and I spent five years dealing with the Headmaster, and I never once got the sense he was a danger to Harry or myself. Yes, we got away with far too much—especially in those early years but if we hadn't—if Dumbledore hadn't looked the other way? Who knows what might've happened?"

"Maybe," Theo prevaricated, "but it doesn't change the fact that the old wizard isn't all he appears to be, Hermione. Did it ever occur to you that Dumbledore was just using you, Harry and even Ron to do his dirty work for him?"

Hermione blanched at that and looked off into the gardens, wondering if Theo's point wasn't spot on.

"You really think that?" She inquired softly after a few moments of tense silence.

"I think based on the facts that the idea has merit, and not one you should dismiss either."

"This is all so confusing!" Her voice was both angry and shrill, and Theo just nodded in agreement.

"I don't doubt that it is." He watched Hermione clench and unclench her hands and then noticed her body was shaking a bit. "Are you alright?"

Theo gazed pointedly down at her hands, and watched as Hermione lifted them in front of her face trying to get control over her agitation.

"My magic is feeling restless." She said after a moment.

"Maybe you need to let off a little steam then?"

She just smirked at her cousin and then grabbed his hand, ignoring his shouted protests as she pulled him up with her and led him down into the gardens below with an infectious giggle.

"Oh, come on cousin..." she grinned mischievously, "let's go let off some steam!"

"Hermione!" Theo pulled back slightly, "when I suggested it, I didn't mean I should join you!"

"Oh pish! You know you love it when I commandeer you for a bit of fun!"

"Do not!"

"So, do!"

"Do not!" Theo's voice was part exasperation and part amusement.

"Oh really?" She bit back playfully. "Look down cousin?"

When Theo gazed down, his eyes widened when he noticed they were up in the air...about 150 metres up in the air. The breeze...which should've been cold and frigid was warm and balmy and he chuckled at how well his cousin could control not only her magic, but the elements around her.

"Evil witch."

Hermione giggled, then quipped breezily, "But you love me anyway!"

Theo blushed but nodded. "Yeah, I do."

That admission brought Hermione up short, but then she smiled wider than Theo had ever seen her do, before she launched herself at him and gave him a fierce hug...which he returned just as intensely.

"I love you too, cousin. This whole mess has been so much more bearable because of you."

Theo pulled back and blushed even harder. "What about Harry?"

"I love Harry. He's my brother but let's be honest. Harry doesn't know a thing about the magical Pureblood world and he likely won't have to be shackled to it either. You've helped me figure out all this nonsense and it's made it so much easier than it would've been. More than actually, so thank you for that."

"Anytime Hermione. We're family now. So whatever you need, I'm here for it."

Her smile was beyond delighted and Theo couldn't help but think that he was the one who lucked out from this situation.

"Do we have to go back inside?" She pouted, but Theo just shrugged again.

"How's your magic feeling?"

Hermione closed her eyes and sighed. "Still ruffled."

"Well, then?"

Her laugh was infectious as she moved away from him and held out her hands...letting the flames encase her entire body and Theo just smiled at how amazing Hermione looked at that moment. Her hair was swirling behind her in fire and the rest of her was glowing brightly in the afternoon light. When he looked down, he wasn't surprised to see their entire tea party staring up at them with awe and amusement.

Harry was grinning widely, while his Father and the Malfoy's seemed stunned.

Muriel was just smirking and shaking her head.

"Hey cousin?"

Hermione looked at him and he nudged his chin down, silently telling her they had company. When she tilted her head down to take in the scene below, she just giggled and nodded.

"Should I give them a show?"

Theo just shook his head, but before he could reply she waved her hand and he was back down on the ground next to his Father...who gasped in wonder.

"Did she do that?"

Theo chuckled and demurred, "It's not the first time either."

Thoros hummed in return, giving Lucius an impressed look before focusing back on the vision above.

Draco stared at Hermione in wonder. He'd seen this before—once the memory had been returned to him and he could see his Mother's surprised expression but his Father wasn't daunted in the least.

And it made Draco wonder, not for the first time how different her transformation had been that night back at the Ministry.

He glanced back up and then heard Theo say, "She was shaking when I found her. I think her magic was reacting to everything and she needed to let off a bit of energy."

Draco's gaze moved over to where Theo was standing next to Potter, as the two were whispering to each other.

Then there was a cry...a Phoenix cry and Draco's head lifted back upwards quickly just in time to see Hermione's aura expanding and then there was a crack of flame...

And then the raw cry of the Phoenix was heard again as she flew down towards them—in all her glory...her red, orange and yellow plumes of feathers more noticeable the closer she got.

His Mother's gasp, as she placed her hand over her heart and his Father's quick intake of breath were to be expected.

Theo's father muttered, "amazing" as they all watched the majestic bird land and start squawking at them.

"Dearest," Muriel tutted, "is now really the time for such theatrics?"

A few more trills and an indignant squawk had them all laughing as Hermione fluffed out her feathers in what Draco could only describe as haughty indignation.

"Are you going to join us back for tea?" Muriel admonished, "or should I have Corky bring you a nice rodent of some kind to eat?"

More laughter as everyone joined in the mirth and even Hermione seemed amused as she fluttered over to her Grandmother and nipped at her playfully...earning a fond, wistful smile from the older witch.

"I do so wish your Father could be here to see this though." Muriel mused quietly and Hermione nudged her beak into her Grandmother's forearm...

And then something amazing happened...

A single tear fell from Hermione's eye onto her Grandmother's hand and Muriel gasped as the solitary offering dissipated into her skin.

She grabbed her chest in wonder and smiled as all the seemingly aches and pains of her advanced age vanished.

Even her appearance appeared to glow a bit, as the visible signs of age dimmed slightly.

As everyone stared at Hermione, she just ruffled her feathers again and gave a piercing look towards Theo's father. Tilting her head, she squawked again and moved over to him, nipping at his left forearm repeatedly.

Thoros just seemed bemused as he glanced over to his son—who's expression was thoughtful.

Then amused, as Hermione kept poking at the same spot and trilled in what Thoros could only describe as irritation.

"What is it, Hermione?" Thoros mused as he took his right finger and petted the bright crown of feathers on the bird's head.

However, it was Draco who made the connection as he offered, "I was disillusioned one night on the Astronomy Tower and Hermione could see through the charm when she was in this form."

Thoros nodded reluctantly, as Hermione kept pecking at his left forearm stubbornly.

"You're not going to let this go, are you young lady?"

The high pitched trill and full shuddering not to mention the intensive stare down afterwards, let Thoros know that the young witch indeed...wasn't going to let this go.

So he removed his outer robes and then uncuffed his left sleeve, rolling it up to expose the Dark Mark.

It had faded, but not completely. Where the mark was once a dark black in color, when the Dark Lord was alive...during his first disappearance the color had faded slightly, but it hadn't swirled and moved like it had when he was at full power.

Now, it was a greyish color, the borders lighter than the whole.

When he uncovered the mark fully, he heard the Potter lad hiss and felt his body stiffen—but the resounding squawk from the Phoenix staring at the mark, quieted everyone.

Then his eyes met his son's and Thoros could see the flash of disappointment there—of pain, fear and disgust and for the first time in his life, Thoros felt profoundly ashamed of what he'd chosen for himself.

What his Father had chosen for him.

It was the reason he had all but insisted to the Dark Lord that his son would not be branded until after his schooling was completed. He had explained, that in order for Theodore to be the best soldier for the cause that he could be...he needed to have the best education and training that could be provided. The Dark Lord had been a studious learner as well, according to his own Father and thankfully, that tactic had seemed to appease the Dark Lord.

It had been the best compromise he could've hoped for under the circumstances.

He sighed softly at his son, then watched as Hermione in her animagus form moved a bit closer and a solitary tear fell from her eye and directly onto his Dark Mark.

Healing it nearly instantly.

Powerful magic!

Looking down in astonishment, Thoros missed the awestruck expressions from those within their group and it was only the sound of Hermione cawing as she preened in what looked to be satisfaction, that he was finally pulled from his stupor.

He smiled slightly and bowed his head in gratitude.

"Thank you, my dear."

Another squawk and then she flew and landed on Theo's shoulder nuzzling him happily for a moment before she lifted her beak and made a motion like she was sniffing the air.

Then her head whipped to the left as Crookshanks scampered out of the garden towards a grove of bushes and everyone stilled as Hermione's gaze focused on something—and before they knew what was going on...she took flight screeching as she went straight into the same thatch of flowering beds that Crookshanks had gone into and then there was several sounds of a scuffle until she pulled something up by one her talons.

It was a rat.

She started to caw madly at everyone but it was Harry that recognized the offensive rodent and took out his wand conjuring a cage and wasting no time bringing it over and letting Hermione place the rat into the trap.

When the door was shut Harry grinned menacingly, while everyone just stared at the two of them like they were mad.

"Harry," Muriel admonished, "what in the world are you both doing?"

Harry lifted the cage and brought it over to where all could see their new guest.

"Aunt Muriel, I'd like to introduce you to Wormtail..."

Lucius and Thoros hissed and Narcissa's expression darkened.

"Excuse me?"

There was another flash and then Hermione was standing there enraged as she stomped over and grabbed the cage from her brother, her eyes on fire as the rat cowered back from her in fear.

"Peter Pettigrew, Grandmother. The wizard that not only betrayed Harry parents to Voldemort but my parents too." She watched Muriel's expression darken ominously, as she snarled at the rat.

"You are sure of this?"

Hermione nodded.

"How?" Thoros asked curiously.

"I can see auras in my Phoenix form, so it was fairly simple to discern Crookshanks aura from Pettigrew's. Perhaps it's time to call the Aurors, Grandmother. Something tells me he won't escape justice this time around. Not if I have anything to say about it."

Muriel looked to Thoros who nodded in agreed understanding and left to go back inside to send a floo call to the Ministry—while everyone else just glared at the cage where the ugly rodent was scampering—desperately trying to find a way out.

"Grandmother, isn't there such a thing as anti-animagus wards?"

Lucius chuckled and shook his head. "No, I don't believe there is Miss Prewett. Perhaps that might be a field of Mastery for you to think about?"

Hermione's eyes glinted with interest as she bit her lip in contemplation—causing Draco, Theo and Harry to chuckle knowingly.

"I know that look." Harry quipped and Theo nodded.

"What?" Her expression was pure innocence as she clarified, "It's a decent idea."

"Salazar witch," Draco shook his head, "maybe pass your NEWTS first before thinking about a Mastery in Charms."

"Oh no," Hermione grinned back with a wicked smile, "for something like that it would require at least a dual Mastery in Charms and Transfiguration. Maybe another in Arithmancy too."

Draco's expression was amused but his eyes were flashing as he knew exactly why she was baiting him—and by the look on her face?

His little vixen knew it too.

Even his parents seemed amused.

"I suppose you don't plan to have a life after Hogwarts?"

"Why Draco?" Hermione purred, "Would there be any particular reason I'd need to curb my academic pursuits?"

He shrugged and bantered back easily, "Not at all. Maybe I'll try out for a professional Quidditch team." He inwardly smirked at the narrowing of Hermione's eyes as he turned his attention to Potter and Theo. "What do you think Potter? Want to forego Auror training and see which one of us gets picked up first, as a Seeker for a Quidditch team after graduation?"

Lucius tried not to immediately react, and even Narcissa sensed there was something she was missing based on the way her dragon and his future bonded were eyeing each other like prey.

A kind of brinkmanship for sure.

"You're bluffing." Hermione scoffed, and Draco just chuckled and wagged his finger at her.

"I suppose you'll have to wait and see, Princess—besides? I thought you had a thing for Quidditch players, or was Krum just an aberration?"

Hermione handed the rats cage back to Harry and stalked over to Malfoy, staring up at him with her hands on her hips, while he just looked down at her with that infuriating smirk on his pointed face.

"So what if I do have a thing for Quidditch players?" Hermione taunted and Draco's eyes narrowed slightly. "Viktor is an excellent seeker, best of his generation." Her lips lifted tauntingly. "At least you seemed to think so fourth year, as I clearly recall you fanboying all over him."

"Fanboying?" Draco's expression morphed into confusion.

"Muggle phrase, mate," Harry grinned, hugely entertained.

Draco's response however, was halted by Thoros returning with Tonks and Kingsley.

"Good evening." Kingsley bowed to Muriel who returned his formality with a polite nod of her own. Tonks however, was standing back eyeing her aunt with a wary expression.

Hermione, upon seeing the female Auror, rushed over to her and enveloped her into a crushing hug.

"Hey Tonks."

The metamorphmagus just grinned indulgently. "Hey Hermione. You're looking well."

"Thanks." She grabbed Tonks hand and brought her over to her Grandmother, ignoring the various stares of the rest of her guests.

"Grandmother," Hermione smiled widely, "allow me to introduce you formally to Nymphadora Tonks, but she goes by Tonks or Dora."

Muriel smiled demurely. "It is good to see you again Dora. How is Andromeda these days?"

"She's well, Ma'am. She mentioned that you both have taken to having tea weekly."

"We do."

Muriel's blue eyes settled briefly on Narcissa, who's own expression was a bit pinched.

"You remember the Malfoy Family?"

Tonks turned and nodded politely at her aunt. "I do. It is good to see you all."

Narcissa, although surprised by her niece's politeness, really shouldn't have been. Whatever her sister's mistakes in marrying outside her social class, Dromeda was a stickler for etiquette.

"You as well." Narcissa replied blithely. "Have you formally met Lucius and my son, Draco."

Tonks turned and smirked at her cousin, "No...I haven't had the pleasure."

Draco, understanding this moment for what is was...an olive branch of sorts...went over to his cousin, politely took her hand and bowed over it saying, "It is an honor to meet you, cousin."

Tonks just grinned and quipped back playfully, "For me as well, cousin."

Hermione smiled widely at them both, and Draco could see the pleasure in her eyes as she considered him.

But there was also a tinge of relief and gratitude as well.

He was surprised that Hermione and his cousin were so well acquainted, but after the will reading— he probably shouldn't have been.

"So, what's going on Hermione?"

Leading Tonks over to Harry, who smiled and nodded in turn...the Boy Who Lived lifted the cage and said icily, "Peter Pettigrew."

Dora stared in disbelief at the cage as she heard Kingsley's hiss of shock, but all she could finally get out was a stuttered, "How?"

"Do you want the short or long version?" Hermione replied and Tonks thought for a moment before replying, "Short."

So the short version was shared and Tonks just shook her head at both Harry and Hermione as she took the cage from them.

"Why do you think he was here?" Tonks asked with a hard edge to her voice, and the rest of the group looked to each other, having not considered that question at all.

"That is a question perhaps he can answer under Veritaserum." Muriel demanded, as it was clear nothing less would appease her. "And for the record, I do not wish Dumbledore to be involved in this without my permission, so please refrain from advising him directly. I'm sure Amelia will discuss it with me and we can make that judgement once the particulars are done."

Kingsley seemed surprised, while Tonks just nodded. "I'll let Madame Bones know of your request."

"Be sure that you do."

Thoros and Lucius smirked at the salty witch's display of dominance but no one who knew Muriel Prewett would ever second guess the fact that when she asked for something, she expected it to be followed through upon.

With no questions asked.

"Is there anything else we need to know?" Kingsley inquired before they left and Muriel just waved her hand obliquely as if she was done with the intrusion into her family time.

"If there is Kingsley, I will be sure to advise as such. Now take that thing off my property before I give it to one of my House elves to feed to my Granddaughters feline."

Hermione at that moment called for her familiar who meowed angrily as it jumped up on the bulstrode of the balcony and hissed at the rat.

"Good boy, Crookshanks." Hermione purred as she reached for her kneazle, lifting him up into her embrace and gave him a cuddle.

The loud meow and his orange eyes glistening at the offending rodent let everyone know that Crookshanks was not happy at being denied his tasty morsel.

Tonks said her goodbyes and Kingsley just bowed in departure as they left with their prisoner.

Once gone, the rest of the group headed back inside to take part in afternoon tea, not realizing the Pandora's Box that had just been opened.