The pull of apparition to Malfoy manor was set to be the least uncomfortable thing that happened that evening. It never boded well to have an emergency meeting called. The last of which was after Hermione's muggle parents were murdered, and the dark Lord had been prepared to kill if one of the members present was responsible for it. Now the flow of magic was pulling them all to the large drawing room, set up to handle such a crowd. The air had a thick scent of fear and regret as well as confusion. It made Fenrir scrunch his nose as he entered the halls.
The sound of boots and heels were loud on the ancient flooring as he walked down the loud corridor. The unknown surrounding the call to a meeting made most remain silent as they arrived. He liked to be one of the last to arrive but that didn't happen tonight so he took a seat in the back away from the crowd.
It wasn't but a few minutes later when a shock of platinum hair strolled through the door laughing next to a head of curly honey brown. The smell of clove cigarettes were strongly attached to the two and he let out a groan. At the sound both heads swivelled his way. One wearing a smirk that didn't fit just right on the face. They made their way over to him, stopping only to exchange a nudge and a head tilt in the direction further down the room from him.
Fenrir looked over to see the pale face of Antonin Dolohov staring at the two in an unattractive mixture of pain and confusion. The wolf smiled smugly at the fact the boy was finally going to be forced to learn his place. The pair approaching shared an eye roll and a chuckle as they approached. Not noticing other eyes had fallen on them in shock as well.
"Did you save us all seats then?" The young Malfoy asked as they reached him, summoning some of the further seats to be next to his.
"Nope." He popped the P. "In fact I sat here to be further avoided. Should have known you two wouldn't take the hint.
"Ah don't be like that Greyback." The voice came out of her mouth as it normally does, it was even accompanied by a playful swat on the arm, but he hated it. He grimaced showing off his pointed canines.
"I really, really hate when you all do this." He groaned, taking a step away from the two. The witch just smirked again, her shoulders shaking in silent laughter under the oversized green sweater.
"Hate it when they do what?" A voice said behind him as two new people had entered unseen through the side door. This time the voice made him smile in honest.
He grinned down at her as she dropped Rowles hand and made her way over to him with a pep in her step excited to see him. The two oblivious to the many heads that were now gaping at them. She gave a small skip and hop throwing herself into his arms, letting him pull her tight to him. He took a deep breath inhaling her pleasant vanilla and citrus scent that was pack, versus the other clove and potion smell.
"This!" He said, sounding exasperated. Pointing between the little witch and her clone that was still chuckling. "It's beyond odd and I don't like it."
She giggled, backing away and looking over at the pair. Bending down she placed a kiss to Draco's cheek in greeting before approaching herself.
"I guess I can see how it would be a bit off putting," She leaned forward to push the hair of her other behind her ear. "Why are you wearing this?" She plucked at the sweater. "We look ghastly." She pouted.
The other her, which was odd to be honest. Let out a laugh tossing her head back before pulling her into a hug. It was quite the sight to see that was for sure, two little identical witches giggling and hugging each other.
"I figured you didn't want me coming as you in a hospital gown. Not to mention I didn't know how long we would be here and if I changed back, I needed clothes that have room to grow in. Wouldn't want to rip any of your pretty dresses." Copy her said, pinching her cheek like a grandmother would.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Aw I knew you loved my dresses Theo, don't worry you can borrow them anytime!" She kissed his cheek, which was her own and made the others laugh.
"You know if I didn't know it was baby Nott under there, that" he waved his hands between the two of them standing side by side. The Theo-Hermione had his arm draped across the real ones shoulder. "Wouldn't be that bad to witness." Fenrir said, wiggling his eyebrows making both Hermione's scoff and Draco release a gag.
"Yeah no thank you, what may be some dream come true to you lot sounds like an absolute nightmare to me." He grimaced and Hermione blew him a kis that he swatted away.
"So!" She said, clapping her hands. "Did you save us all a seat? Tonight is going to be a shit show."
Sitting between Fenrir and Thorfinn on the small couch, Hermione leaned her back against Thors side. His arm wrapped around her shoulder while his fingers traced patterns on her arm. Her feet were thrown over Fens lap but he didn't seem to mind. He as well as Theo and Draco; who had taken seats behind them on chairs were leaning closer to listen to the full story of what had happened that night. She liked to think that the presence of her feet in his lap was keeping Fen from getting up and murdering the whole group.
"Merlin." Draco breathed out when she was finished, leaning back in his chair.
"Fucking hell Mi." Theo said running a hand down his own face that had thankfully emerged while she was speaking to them. "I knew it was bad, but I didn't know it was this bad. Are you alright" He asked in concern.
She nodded squeezing Thor's hand in hers. "Yeah, at least I will be I suppose. I'm still very very angry and it's taking a lot for me to stay in control of my magic."
They nodded. "Well if you are going to burn down this room let me know ahead of time so I can bring my broom in. Father said it's perfectly fine, but I would like the newest model." Draco said with a shrug and they all stared at him incredulously.
"You know sometimes, and by some I mean most, I wonder why any of us are even friends with you." Theo said so calmly and even toned that Hermione couldn't contain the burst of laughter that broke free.
Their glee was cut short when her father entered the room, preceded by his usual posse. Rodolphus shot an obvious wink at her direction as he took his seat next to his brother who was looking at her with a displaced expression. It dawned on her then that this would be the first time they had gathered in a large group where she wouldn't be next to him in her wol form to help stem off his anxieties. She gave him a small smile that she hoped conveyed her apologies for not being by his side and was relieved when he returned it with a small blush on his cheeks.
"Good evening everyone." Tom cooly greeted the gathered followers in the Malfoy ballroom. He had considered hosting the meeting at his own manor but decided against it, the elves were still repairing the damage HErmion had caused, not to mention after the altercation with Crouch, he wasn't keen on having anyone else allowed through his wards. He would have to alter them thi evening to remove access for the ones that came through earlier.
The crowd watched on with baited breath. The dark Lord had been very controlled and calm these last few years versus what he had been in the last war. Now though he sat in front of them rigidly with eyes that held a crimson tint. The fingers on his hand drummed against the armrest in an annoyed pattern.
"I had hoped that after years of preaching the importance of stealth to our cause that the words would sink in. I have never been one for repeating myself and yet I know that year after year for the last five years I have done just that. The ENEMY.." he stressed the word, hissing it between his teeth. "Is Albus Dumbledore and the false greater good he had preached for years, all while doing nothing to help anyone but himself. There is not a soul in this room that hasn't been affected by the ruthless grab for power that man has made since his teens. Even I have fallen for his manipulations more than once. And yet, no matter how many times I have explained that some of you still buy in to the belief that the enemy is a scrawny teenaged wizard with poor eyesight." He huffed out a dry chuckle.
"The prophecy concerning Harry Potter was a lie. It was assembled by none other than Dumbledore himself in order to test the allegiance of one of my closest followers and to also place a pawn deep in his pockets to combat the only prophecy that was true. Most of you, my closest friends and original followers know that almost 18 years ago I was privy to a true vision, a prophecy concerning me and my future that I did everything in my power to seek. It was no secret that I sought immortality over the years, but I have made mistakes along the way."
He ignored the whispers and the words of disbelief and praise thrown his way.
"I was wrong to believe that immortality the only way to create a legacy of my own. I failed to see the importance of family, and the strength one gains from a successful and fruitful family tree." He gave a small tilt of his lips in Hermione's direction. "The prophecy I heard which I will show you now, enabled me to turn in the right direction. The actions of a few tonight almost ruined plans almost two decades in the making, and almost cost me my own flesh and blood."
Tom snapped his fingers and the lights dimmed, the pensieve turned on to project the memory of a younger Tom Riddle. Hermione sat forward in her seat in excitement having only heard about this from her father and Lucius Malfoy. Never actually seeing it replayed. They all watched the smokey projection.
- A younger Tom Riddle, although not much had changed with his appearance sat next to youthful Lucius Malfoy in a striking white booth. The leather setting off their black suits as a young Snape arrived with another blonde man. The family resemblance was easy to place as he sat next to Lucius with a nod towards Tom. This must have been Abraxas Malfoy. Hermione found herself reaching for Draco's hand and giving it a squeeze, knowing that he deeply missed his grandfather who passed away when he was 10. He returned it with a thankful smile her way.
The men were discussing the upcoming election for the minister back in England, while also recruiting from the continent. A young witch came to take their orders, smiling coquettishly at Lucius the entire time. The blonde ignored her completely until she left blushing in embarrassment.
"She was cute.." Severus said, smirking into his fire whiskey.
"But my wife is beautiful." Lucius replied immediately with a stern expression on his face that let the others know that as the end of the conversation.
Hermione couldn't hold back the "Awe" that gushed out at how in love the Malfoys were even all that time ago. Lucius upon hearing her gave her an unamused scowl that she just chuckled at. Before he could do anything else another witch had arrived at the table. This one was older, she had pure silver strands running through her pale blonde hair. Her eyes were glassy blue and reminded her of Lunas as they were full of a secret knowledge. She greeted the men and handed them their new drinks. When he hand brushed Toms she gasped and froze. The glass falling from her hand and shattering on the table below. The blue of her eyes clouding over entirely where all that stared back was two purely while globes. She opened her mouth and a voice spoke that gave you chills to listen to. It had its own echo, but was soft spoken. Like a breeze through a cave. The men at the table sat straight up in shock.
"The pretender searches to control death, while the betrayed seeks immortality. He will control them all through fear and lies, using them to reach his goal. To become the master of death, to rule them all.
One to thwart his plans could exist. A daughter from a house long forgotten, a myth in all but reality. The betrayed son, an heir in his own right. Merge the bloodlines, create the power.
However, the snake must grow in the den, they must embrace both worlds. Through them minds will be swayed and hearts will be changed. True power will emerge and with it hope."
The memory faded out and Tom relit the room. The followers who had never heard about this before were staring in awe at what had been said. He stood up and moved to the middle of the room, all eyes locked on him.
"I left that night knowing I had to fulfill the prophecy. I am not one to covet divination of any kind, but I found myself hoping for the first time in a long time. It took over a year to track down the witch I was searching for, and through her we were able to do our part. Some of you may have known about this before, some knew I had a child. Very few of you are privy to her identity. She was kept away from me, and my name to keep her safe. Her very existence is a threat to DUmbledore. However by hiding her away I unknowingly left her vulnerable to those within my own rank. That was an error on my part and I won't be as trusting in the future, nor as forgiving if something was to happen again." His eyes glowed crimson as he spoke. "So without further ado, I introduce my daughter; Hermione."
He gestured towards Hermione who gave a small smile and nod to the gaping crowd. She watched with a suppressed glee as the blood drained out from some of the faces in the room. Two in particular, Adrian Pucey and Marcus Flint seemed to be swallowing extra hard in their seats. She didn't move her head to look around the room, she didn't want to give anyone the satisfaction that she was curious about their reaction. She simply sat further back into Thorfinns side. His strong arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders, the corner of his mouth pulled into a smug smirk as he watched the reactions.
Tom had Rodolphus tell them all what was happening at the ministry when he left this evening. Being one of the last ones out he was privy to information even Hermione wasn't. Tully popped silently into the room and brought her over a message that accompanied a roll of parchment. She thanked the little elf before unrolling it and nodding her head at what she saw.
"Anything to add, daughter?" Tom asked her having seen the elf make a delivery.
"Yes my Lord." She addressed him formally and he had to smile at her knowing how to read a room. By addressing him as such she was showing obedience to him, and with her reputation as someone who didn't conform this was important.
"I reached out to Rita before we were called here this evening. I wanted her to have a head start so she could get out in front of the chaos. She was fed the same story as the staff and aurors. She sent over the story that will be distributed in the morning. She took a few liberties as she is known to do, but I do believe it will work." She floated the paper over to her father.
Tom grinned as he read the headline.
Dumbledore abandons Hogwarts! Orchestrates attack on High Inquisitor before vanishing from grounds!
Attack on ministry leaves 6 school children in peril, Grindelwald supporters suspected.
When is a coincidence too much to disregard?
We say now!
His eyes scanned the story nodding in approval. One section stuck out to him and he was thankful Rita was in their pocket now, if she was going to keep putting out gems like this.
Are we supposed to play dumb and not connect the dots here? Dumbledore, the man who allowed students to be harassed and tortured under his guidance gos missing mere hours before a number of hooded Grindelwald supporters show up and attack not only aurors but high members of our society at the department of mysteries.. Rumors at the ministry are that there was an altercation in the hall of prophecies.
Dumbledore has been pointing fingers for years at Voldemort, stating his return was imminent. Was this a smoke and mirror screen for him to return his long lost friend and lover to power?
Is the real dark Lord the self proclaimed beacon of light?
Where is Dumbledore and more importantly where is his proof?
Tom sent the paper over to Lucius who was sitting where Severus would be able to see it too. He could tell the others wanted in on what was happening so he spoke aloud his thoughts.
"That will work brilliantly Hermione, thank you for taking the initiative. The article is placing the blame on Dumbledore again. Asking for proof of his innocence. It will help sway more of those on the fence." The doors opened to the room and Yaxley entered with Dawlish, both looking exhausted.
Tom nodded at them before he spoke. "Welcome gentlemen. What news do you bring?"
The two looked at each other briefly before deciding it was Yaxley who would take the reins and speak. "We just came from the school. Dumbledore is still missing, but there is something else. About an hour ago they pulled the body of Delores Umbridge from the forest. She's dead."
There were loud gasps in the room. Fenrir looked in concern as Hermione instantly stiffened beside her, then she started to shake. He was confused and he saw that Rowle shared that confusion as he too was looking at her oddly. He thought she was crying and couldn't understand that reaction until he heard the muffled sound behind her hand. She was laughing! Her curls bounced about her shoulders in silent chuckles. He heard the dark lord take a deep breath and plop down in his seat. He turned slightly to see the two boys behind them also grinning. He looked over in time to see him pinch the bridge of his nose.
"Hermione.." He sighed and it stopped the girls giggles completely.
Tom sighed and rubbed his face with his palms. He locked eyes with his daughter and she bit her lip giving him an apologetic smile.
"I didn't kill her if that's what you are thinking." She said before he could form a sentence. Tom took in a deep breath. At least that was good. But before he could release it, she spoke again.
"I believe that great privilege went to the centaurs. Makes you wonder what other privileges they took." She snickered and the wolf next to her joined.
Across the room there was a very proper tutting. Hermione winced.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Malfoy. That was quite crude of me." She apologized and was rewarded by a pleased hmm.
"Hermione.." Tom groaned. "We discussed this." He rubbed the same spot on his brow.
"Yes father I understand, and although I would point out the technicality that you forbid me from killing her, and I did not." She tilted her head some. "I knew the moment I stepped into the forest that I would take whatever punishment you would give me in order to see her ruined, even if it was at the hands of another." She straightened up.
"She was a stain on all wizarding kinds. She found joy in torturing children, blood status be damned, she regularly offended the magical creatures that inhabit the castle and the forest, she tried passing herself off as a Selwyn which is preposterous, and she was the worst teacher we've ever had. Including Lockhart!" She defended.
Malfoy scoffed behind her whispering something to Theo that made him snicker.
"Do you have something to add, Draco?" Tom asked having seen the interaction.
"Sorry my Lord, I was only saying Madam Umbridge also suggested that Granger cared too much for her education considering her rightful place was being the next Molly Weasley, bearing a litter of kids." He smirked at Hermione. "And that I thought Umbridge was lucky that didn't result in her being barbecued."
Tom swung his head to look at his daughter.
"She said that to you?"
"Multiple times my Lord." Snape spoke up beside him. "She would mention it in the teachers areas as well. She had an extreme hatred of Ms. Granger that much was clear."
Yaxley nodded speaking up from his amused place. "It's true my Lord, when I was summoned to the castle, Dolohov and I witnessed her strike Ms. Granger across the face. I had a feeling that type of behavior wasn't new."
Tom's eyes flared deeper crimson. He walked over and took a hold of Hermione's face as if he expected to see the proof there.
"Show me." He said through gritted teeth and Hermione lowered her shields for her father to see the memories. The last four month of school flashed through her mind. Showing him each altercation with the pink toad. His grip tightened on her cheeks as he watched.
"Why didn't you say anything?" He asked her when he pulled out of her mind.
She gave him a small shrug reaching up and putting one hand on his on her cheek. "I could handle it. She had a purpose and I knew once that past I would take care of her myself."
Tom looked over his shoulder at Yaxley. "Did she suffer?"
The blonde haired man nodded with a grimace. "Immensely. There wasn't much left of her to be honest. Centaur pack was questioned but she was on their territory, a fact as high inquisitor she knew considering she had restricted it multiple times already. They won't face any trouble for it, but they are curious to why she was there. Right now suspicion is she went after Dumbledore."
"Does anyone know you led her there?" Tom asked Hermione.
She nodded. "The group we traveled with to the ministry, but they all believe she was taking me to find Dumbledore. Besides they all believe the story we gave the aurors. Except for Luna." She glanced at Rabastan. "She knows, she helped me get Bass out when the matagots attacked. But she isn't an issue. She isnt a seer, but she is something. I believe she has known the truth since we met, but her flighty personality and general weirdness is hard to get a read on. Regardless though I trust her."
"She spoke to me." Rabastan said, speaking up for the first time ever in a meeting.
"When she helped pull me out, she introduced herself, but she already knew who I was. She said any friend of Hermiones was a friend of hers no matter what the public might want her to believe. She just helped me out, was overly friendly and led us both to the floo. Then she said I should eat more driggle plums to help with my Nargle infestation and left." His brows furrowed as he tried to understand the intricate puzzle that was luna.
"Don't eat them." Hermione smiled at him. "They are poisonous in large doses, if you are worried I can have Luna make you a necklace from a shrunken one. She wears a pair as earrings." She rolled her eyes still with a fond smile.
Rabastan just nodded still a bit too confused to continue on.