The morning dawned with the feeling of a tiny hand pulling on her ankle. Groaning at the sunbeam that seemed to be focused directly on her eyes she lifted her head to see who was trying to get her attention.

Tully stood at the end of her bed, her tiny arms crossed as she tapped her foot impatiently. Even after all this time she did not find it amusing when Hermione decided to share her bed with her wizards. Her big eyes were narrowed as she watched her mistress yawn and attempt to sit up.

"Good morning Tully. Can I help you?" Hermione spoke through the yawn, extending the word you as she exhaled.

Tully shook her head. "Yes yous can be gettings out of this bed. Mr. Harry is here to sees my Missy and I has to leave him in the library since my Missy be sleeping with her wizards. I figured mr. Harry not be wanting to sees all this. Tully not wants to see all this neither." She said pointedly. Making Hermione chuckle.

"Ok I'll be down. Please go have breakfast sent to the library Tully. Some of those lemon and blueberry muffins that Harry likes so much if you can please."

The elf nodded and popped out while Hermione tried to pry herself out of bed. The issue was the assortment of limbs she was entwined with. Just when she freed her upper body a strong arm wrapped back around her and pulled her closer into a broad chest.

She felt the stubble on his cheek as he burrowed his face into her neck.

"Don't get up Princess. It's too early."

She reached a hand up and scratched his cheek with it softly before leaning in to press a kiss on his lips. She tried to pull back but his arms tightened as he tried to deepen said kiss.

She pushed back with a giggle. "Harry is downstairs. I better go before someone else comes across him."

Thorfinn scoffed, barely loosening his grip. "Well if he gives you any trouble you send for us alright. I say get rid of him and come back to bed."

She rolled her eyes. "Can't. He was too accepting yesterday. I owe it to them to be ready to field any questions they have. I'm surprised he made it to sunrise."

Another scoffing sound came from behind her and she peered over her shoulder to see Antonin peeking one eye open just to roll it.

"We all know he just gave Tully the push she needed to burst in here. I swear that tiny devil has something against sleeping in." He grumbled.

Thorfinn nodded his agreement as he loosened his hold to allow Hermione to roll over and press a kiss to Antonins cheek. The dark haired wizard too tired to try to pull her closer.

"It's not that, she just thinks we should be married before we sleep over. You should have seen her the first time she caught me in Thor's bed. Nearly dislocated my shoulder pulling me out and disapparating me home." She laughed at the memory while wiggling out from between the two. Grabbing her robe and pulling it on she flipped her head over to pull her wild curls into a more contained bun. "I've tried explaining to her that the betrothal contract was as good as an engagement but she's a bit old fashioned. So unless you want to drink room temperature tea I would suggest just placating her and at least look guilty when she chastises you." She smirked.

The two from the bed just grunted their agreement before rolling over and going back to sleep. She was just about to the door when both voices called out to her.

"Love you."

She felt her cheeks blush as she smiled warmly that even in their sleepy stage they still remembered to tell her.

"Love you both. Get some rest, I'll be back soon."

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"Hello Harry!" She greeted brightly as she entered the room. Startling Harry who had just reached forward to grab another muffin from the newly arrived tray. She was certain he was planning on stuffing his pockets with the treats. One lasting effect of his childhood was his hoarding of food and sweets. Seeing in action never failed to piss Hermione off, what she would give to have a few minutes alone with the Dursleys.

"Morning Mione. I hope I am not interrupting your morning." He said with a small smile.

She waved him off before reaching for a muffin herself and plopping down on the couch next to him.

"Of course not. I had a book set out to look over sometime today. It's on eleventh century Anglo Norman philosophy of magic. It should be quite interesting if you'd like to look at it with me."

She smirked when his face dropped in abject horror. She let out a loud laugh that had him scowling and reaching for a throw pillow to sling at her when he realized she was kidding.

"You're a cow." He rolled his eyes.

She winked. "And you are too easy. I do honestly have that book sitting out but not here, in my room. Antonin wants to look at it with me and I plan on convincing him to read it to me aloud." She wiggled her brows.

He choked on his bite quickly downing his glass of tea.

"Gross Mione. I don't want to hear what you convince those two to do in bed with you. However I would wager you are the only witch that gets turned on by Norman's philosophy." He grimaced as if saying the words aloud disgusted him.

"It's Anglo Norman philosophy of magic. And it's from the 11th century Harry. Honestly." She rolled her eyes. "Before you start hating, Find you a witch who can do both. I'm talking about beauty and brains. And not just knowledge of beauty charms. Like real smarts. Then come to me and tell me it isn't a turn on." She tossed her head as if she was throwing her hair over her shoulder. Her nose propped in the air. "My mind is my main erogenous zone anyway."

The room was silent as the two just stared at each other for over a minute. Neither moving or caving. Then as if they were counting down they both cracked at the same time. Loud roads of laughter leaving them both as they slid down the couch in their glee. She wiped a line of tears off her cheek to see Harry lifting his glasses to do the same.

"Merlin that felt good." She said and he agreed. He reached over to pull her arm and locked his arms around her tightly in a hug.

"It really did. I'm so glad things are still normal. I was afraid..." he trailed off and she nodded understanding completely having had the same fear herself.

"I know. Trust me. I'll admit that what was holding me back from telling you for so long. I just never want to lose us."

He agreed with her and they made a pact to never give up on their friendship without truly trying to work it out between them. They had too many years and wonderful memories between them to just toss it away.

"I'm surprised Sirius and Remus let you come alone this morning." She said as they settled in to relax on the couch.

He snorted. "Well the three of us were up late last night. We discussed things between us and came to the decision that we were willing to listen to what you and your father had to say." He gave her a smirk with a small shrug. "Pads volunteered to come alone, but that wasn't going to happen. Remus and I want to hear things for ourselves and it's always better to appear as an United front. Plus well this is going to sound strange so don't get mad. But after hearing you speak yesterday even after you were saying the bad things you have done, well I just couldn't find it in myself to care. I know logically I should have been shocked or upset but I wasn't. And when I mentioned it to them they agreed and Remus said something that got us all thinking and laughing."

She quirked a brow not knowing if she wanted to hear what it was or not. There was no telling what the three of them would have come up with that they all three found funny.

"Hmm. I'm nervous to hear what it is." She said shyly and he laughed harder.

"Well we just all figured that even if you are a bad guy. Well you are our bad guy so it doesn't really matter in the long run."

At her confused face he explained.

"Like I could care less if you think you are evil because I know you would never be evil to me. Sirius said that even if you killed someone you have saved him and me multiple times without batting an eye. He mentioned how the first time you all met when he looked like a psycho killer and you were only 13 that you stood up to him to protect me. You knew Remus' secret and never said a word and have done nothing but support and defend him." He shrugged. "You are our family and good or bad, that will never change. Plus it's a lot easier to deal with the evil around us when we have you on our team."

Her face went through a wide range of emotions. At first she was shocked then a bit offended followed by just exasperated with the lot of them. That would be how they came away from the most life shattering confession she could tell them. But then she felt the same about them, if tomorrow she was told they had all betrayed her she would still give them all the benefit of the doubt. Family was odd that way.

"Thanks... I think..." she said skeptically. Ignoring the snort and shrug by Harry she stood to get the window that was rapidly being tapped on.

She opened the pane and let Poe fly into the room. He did a slow graceful lap before he dropped onto the arm of the chair leg extended. Harry shifted further from the bird not wanting to get the business end of his beak again. Hermione took the scrolls from him and read them silently as Harry watched on.

"Well." She said, clearing her throat. "I think we should make that meeting happen sooner than later."

Harry nodded but questioned who the letters were from. She held one in each hand and alternated lifting them as she explained.

"This one is from Draco. Letting us know that Lucius was called in for an emergency meeting with the board of governors this morning. It seems they are delaying our return to Hogwarts. I don't have any information as he doesn't know the details of the meeting. Which I'm assuming Lucius will be getting in contact with my father soon to discuss it. Which will likely lead to a full meeting. Which now hopefully can contain you all as well. Assuming we can all get together today for you to speak to my father one on one." She said seemingly to herself as she started to pace deep in thought.

"And the second?" Harry called shaking her from her thoughts.

"Ah, that's from Madam Longbottom. She agreed to my terms I sent her. I was afraid after Diggle started preaching the other night that he and Dumbledore would reach out to her to try to join them. To be honest that thought terrifies me. Augusta Longbottom is the definition of a bad bitch." She giggled. "I don't ever want to have to cross wands with her. So I sent her a letter warning her they may approach her. I told her that if she agrees to stay out of it and not throw herself onto their side. Then I would gladly deliver Bellatrix to her once she is caught. No questions asked." She shook the letter proudly with a large smile. "And she readily agreed!"

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The third time she reached over to adjust the biscuits on the tray Tom reached across and swatted her hand away. She quickly pulled it back giving him a sheepish smile. He rolled his eyes, taking huff of breath and sitting back further in the plush chair. Reaching his hands down to brush an imaginary piece of lint from his trousers he addressed his nervous daughter.

"Hermione, everything will be fine. I am not going to lose my cool and judging by the fact they readily accepted your invitation I doubt there will be any hexes flying this afternoon." He gave her a reassuring smile. "Potter came by himself this morning and that in itself proves they are more trusting than you believe. Worst case your wizards here can distract them. I promised you I won't raise my wands to them and I intend to keep my word." He had gestured at Thorfinn and Antonin who were sitting off to the side in front of a window playing a game of wizards chess.

Their job was to just be there in case things got too intense and Hermione lacked control of her magic. After spending so much time together as of late their magic had become cohesive enough where just their presence calmed her. They each smiled at her, promising they would be there and not interject unless they were needed.

They felt the wards shift as the three guests came through the floo. Even down the hall they could hear Tully greet them and led them down towards the library. She was telling Remus how she sat out a plate of treats just for him that were good and chocolatey just how he preferred them when the door opened to let them in.

Sirius and Harry had both been in her home multiple times so they weren't taken back by the grandeur of the library, but the same couldn't be said for Remus. As soon as the wolf stepped into the room his sentence cut off and he gaped in awe at the two story haven for book lovers like him. Hermione felt herself smiling and raised from her seat to greet them. She gently took Remus' hand and led in further in the room, letting him slowly turn them in circles as he got a good long look at the room.

"Mother of God this room is amazing." He whispered hoarsely. Finally breaking his gaze around the room he blinked down at Hermione. "No wonder you love to read and books so much, I dare anyone who grew up with such a treasure to not!" He grinned wolfishly and she giggled.

"I used to pretend it was the library in beauty and the beast. I would rush down the aisle and slide down the shelves using the ladders singing at the top of my lungs. It really is a wonder the Grangers didn't have this room silenced." She joked.

At the mention of her adopted parents the three new arrivals looked further into the room and locked eyes on Tom who was now standing as well next to his chair.

"Gentlemen, please have a seat." He gestured to the area in front of him.

Slowly but surely they made their way over to the couches and took their seats. Harry and Remus quickly reached out and grabbing a few snacks before they settled in. Hermione rolled her eyes tha even in this serious of a situation they were still led by their stomachs. Sirius was staring at Tom with his head cocked to the side in a very canine like manner.

"Merlin, you don't look a day over thirty." He finally said in awe.

Tom to his credit just chuckled, shaking his head."Thank you, however don't ask for my secret, I would have to steer you away from it." He jokes self-deprecatingly.

Hermione huffed not amused before turning to them.

"Boys, this is my father Tom Riddle. Dad, I'm pleased to introduce you to Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and finally Harry Potter. I introduced you all once before but he was wearing a glamour and pretending to be my uncle so that doesn't count."

The men all nodded to each other but no hands were shook. She let out a held breath realizing that this was more than she could have expected anyways. She sat back and listened as Sirius took up the reins and directed the conversation himself.

He asked right off the bat what it was that Tom wanted from them. If he had some ulterior motive for wanting them all to get together he wanted to know upfront. Tom shook his head in the negative, sitting back with his cup clasped firmly in his hand.

"In the spirit of honesty and an opportunity to make up for my transgressions of the past I will be as up front as I can." He took a drink. "The reason why I supported Hermione letting you all in on the truth and for gradually pulling you into the know is that I want her safe no matter what. I have no doubt in my mind that if the day comes where Dumbledore comes after Harry in search of his piece of the Hollows, that Hermione will be standing next to him ready to shield him with her body if necessary. The love she feels for the group of you is unlike anything I have ever seen or known. I know she has told you of my beginning and upbringing, so I am not ashamed to tell you that for the majority of my life I believed I was unable to love. Being conceived via love potion usage is dangerous for a reason. I had feelings, don't get me wrong. Yet they were mostly anger and misery, I had very little experience with positive emotions. It wasn't until I was reconnected with Hermione that I felt love for the first time. Even so, the way she loves is completely different, I find myself both amazed and jealous by how easily she lets others into her heart. It's nearly Hufflepuff in nature." He winked at her when she gasped sounding disgusted.

"So I tell you I want us working together because we will be there regardless. I will do whatever I can to protect my daughter who will do whatever she can to protect you. You'll find that there are quite a large number of others who will willingly stand next to her and therefore you when the time comes. All I ask in return is to not rush off into trouble as you Gryffindors are want to do. It is enough that he is coming for us all, but we can plan accordingly. Now that we have to add Bella into the fold I worry it will be even messier as she despises Sirius and definitely Hermione now that she tried to barbecue her at their last interaction."

At his words the three looked at her surprised and she just shrugged, not repentant in the least. The only thing that kept her from speaking aloud was the door opening a sliver and Nagini letting herself into their meeting hissing out her own opinion. Both Remus and Sirius froze and acted like they were going to reach for their wands when Harry bursted out laughing.

He saw the odd way the older two were staring at him so he explained.

"She promised to eat Bellatrix next time she saw her even if it gave her heart burn for weeks due to her and I quote 'rat infested birds nest she calls hair.'"

Hermione turned to her and scoffed before saying. "People have referred to my own hair as a birds nest."

The snake not having the shoulders to do so, still gave what could easily be translated as a shrug before stating. "I'll eat them too love."

Harry laughed while Tom just pitched the bridge of his nose. Nagini would do and say as she pleased and he had no doubt that given the opportunity she would dispose of whomever she believed had hurt Hrmione. They were a dangerous combination.

"Continuing on from before we were interrupted." He glared at the snake who had slithered into Hermione's seat and draped herself around the tiny witch. "You asked what I wanted from you all, and besides the desire for you each to quell your inner Gryffindor brashness, I would also like Harry to start training. He needs lessons in Occlumency, I have been able to see directly inside his mind with no issue, he has no walls and Dumbledore will definitely use that against him. I suspect he has already time or two. Also, I would like him to start training with Hermione and the others. I know you have some talent Mr. Potter and I would like to see you refine it. That way if the situation arose, you would be ready and capable to hold your own in a wand fight."

Harry looked to Sirius and Remus who were silently communicating again. Hermione and Tom waited for them to answer. Finally they nodded and turned back to them. Sirius was the one to speak.

"That sounds reasonable to us. I will tell you I have attempted to teach Harry occlumency. As a Black we learned from the cradle, but it has been difficult as neither Remus nor I are skilled in legilimency."

Tom waved him off. "That's not a problem, Severus and Rodolphus are both highly skilled and would be willing to help. They have recently strengthened both Mr. Dolohov and Mr. Rowles skills. I trust in their abilities." He had gestured at the two still at the table. They looked away from their game to give a nod to Harry who looked skeptical at learning anything from Snape.

Sirius nodded his head in agreement before continuing. "Also, we want to be involved or at least present in his training. We may not be the best, but neither Remus or I are inept with our wands. We have worked with both Harry and Hermione when we have them, and I would like to be a part of it."

Tom agreed without pause. He knew that both me were talented, Hermione herself had bragged on their skills. They started to speak about a schedule for training when the pieces must have clicked in Harry's mind because he let out a groan.

"This means I will be training with the Snakes doesn't it." He huffed crossing his arms in a near pout.

Hermione scoffed at him playfully while Nagini lifted her head and cocked it to the side looking at Harry like he had offended her.

"Harry, everyone here except for you and Remus were meant to be placed in Slytherin. Sirius and I both had to talk the hat out of it." She winked at Sirius who tipped his imaginary hat. "You would do well to gain a few scales in the process of getting to know them outside of their roles they play in school. Theo wants to be your friend, he is excited about this merger."

Harry wrinkled his nose frowning.

"And what about malfoy?"

Hermione bit her lip to hold back a giggle.

"Malfoy is still a giant prat, but it's different when he is your giant prat." she used his phrasing from when he described her earlier. Both teens stared at each other before cracking up.

Tom seeing that they had come to an understanding finished. "I expect no loyalty or fealty from any of you. We are working together on this as equals. I do believe it would be beneficial for you to attend any meetings we hold though so you can be in the know."

Remus nodded before looking over at Harry. "Agreed, however until we are sure of his safety Harry you will stay home."

Harry was quick to jump up in defense, arguing that he should be a part of it too. Sirius and Remus were boh arguing he was too young and too vulnerable to just drop in a death eater meeting. They didn't want to put him in danger. After the noise level reached a unacceptably loud level and Hermione found herself cringing away. The noise hurting her sensitive animagus ears, a shout from behind them had them all quieting down.

They turned to see that Thorfinn had stood up, it was him that hollered for them all to settle down. His large frame made an imposing figure as his hand pointed at the group of now quiet wizards.

"Enough, if you are worried about Potters safety and not the fact that he will be partial to what he hears in the meeting then why don't you have him come under his invisibility cloak. He can have a seat in the back of the room, between Lupin and Greyback, both of them can scent him and know if he moves. That way none of the others know he is there and he can still be present."

The group was silent, starin gobsmacked that none of them thought of that. They seemed to all start nodding their head in agreement to the idea. Hermione caught Harry's eyes and bounced her brows with a nod of her head in Thorfinns direction.

"See, Brains and beauty." She chuckled and Harry joined when she dodged a bishop's piece that was tossed across the room.