In a small town, miles and miles away from Azkaban, a select group of Order members and Aurors stood around a collection of bodies. Mad-Eye scanned each one, the tick of his hand the only sign he was fazed by what had happened, and when he finished, he glanced at Sirius.

"They are all dead," he reported.

Sirius turned red. "I thought we agreed to use stunners!" he shouted at the others.

"We did!" they shouted back.

"Then how can they all be dead!" Sirius exclaimed.

"How are we supposed to know?" one Auror said.

"Someone better come up with an explanation fast before Albus finds out," Sirius hissed.

"I don't see what the problem is, yeah? They weren't but a bunch of Death Eaters," another Auror grumbled.

"We are supposed to be better than the Dark side," Sirius said, his voice almost pleading. "Killing them was not the plan."

"Maybe it should've been!"

"Enough!" Mad-Eye huffed. "We need to figure out how to get rid of the bodies. The remaining townspeople won't be out for much longer. I think Sirius and –

A Lynx Patronus interrupted Mad-Eye.

"There's been a breakout at Azkaban," Kingsley's slightly out-of-breath voice reported. "The whole place is gone. Including the prisoners."

Mad-Eye, Sirius, and Remus looked back at the dead Death Eaters.

"This was a trap," Sirius said.

"We can kick ourselves later. Right now, we need to find out how far this ward goes and get to the Ministry."

"And the bodies?" Remus asked.


The six at the top of the hill watched the Order get to the edge of the ward and apparate away from the scene of the crime. Luna hummed and looked over her shoulder. Fred and George watched the flames rise to the sky with small smiles on their faces. Luna smirked to herself.

They were going to have so much fun together.


If anyone told him this would be his Sunday morning, Tom would have skinned them alive. He stretched out in the loveseat, a neutral look on his face as the rest of the room's occupants stared awkwardly at one another. On one side, the Greengrass family sat beside the Malfoys. On the other, the Tonks family sat with the Weasley twins and Luna.

It had been a week since the Azkaban incident and the Death Eater Massacre, and in that time, Tom had yet to see his daughter. Based on what Narcissa told Lucius, who in turn told him, Hermione returned to Malfoy Manor the night of the breakout and warded her bedroom. No one except Narcissa could enter the room. He was slightly hurt that his daughter kept him out, but he also understood. Narcissa was only allowed because she was Bellatrix's healer. Tom would have done the same thing if it had been Rayna. She would let them in when she was ready.

"What on Earth are we waiting for?" Lord Greengrass exasperated.

"For the Dark Lord," Lucius said.

"You keep saying that as if it makes a difference. What is he doing, his makeup?"

Lucius quirked his lips, as did Draco and Luna. Tom was not as quiet with his amusement. He snorted and moved into an upright position. Lord Greengrass shot him a look, one that told Tom all he needed to know about the man, and Tom rose from his seat. His hair now touched the base of his neck, tied in a loose ponytail to keep it out of his face.

"And I assume you found something humorous in my statement?" Lord Greengrass challenged.

"Yes, actually, I did," Tom said wryly.

"Oh?"

"The Dark Lord has more important things to do than to keep on your schedule. But, by all means, speak freely in the presence of his most loyal and trustworthy followers."

The threat was there out in the open. Lord Greengrass bristled and searched for help with Lucius. He found none. Tom suddenly darted his eyes to the door. He might not have his magic, but he was still a father. He knew his daughter better than anyone else. She was there, listening and biding her time. He also assumed Bellatrix was with her. Luna chuckled and laid her head on Draco's shoulder.

"How dare you speak on behalf of the Dark Lord?"

"Because I have a connection to the Dark Lord that no one else in this world does."

Daphne gasped, and the young blonde fell to her knees. Tom realized how his words sounded and was torn between amusement and embarrassment.

"My Lord, please forgive my Father. He-

"Daphne, get to your feet this instant," Lord Greengrass snapped. "This man is not the Dark Lord."

Tom laughed a little and said, "Technically, your Father is correct. I am no longer the Dark Lord."

"Not…anymore?" Daphne repeated. "May I ask what that means?"

"It means I am but a humble servant of the new Dark Lord, one who, I dare say, is far more dangerous than I could ever be."

"Enough of this!"

Lord Greengrass grabbed Daphne off the floor and pushed her into his wife. The Greengrass family had their back to the door, so they were unaware that it had opened. Tom refrained from reacting to the short fabric his daughter had on or the numerous bite marks along her collarbone. He caught sight of Bellatrix behind her. Despite the situation at hand, he was pleased to see his protégé up and moving around. Bellatrix met his eyes, and a rare soft smile graced her face before she closed the door.

Guess they weren't coming in together.

Hermione took out her wand and placed it against the back of Daphne's neck, wrapping an arm around her waist and effortlessly disconnecting her from her family. It was symbolic in Tom's mind, and he snorted. Daphne's body was pulled flush against Hermione, and Tom couldn't help but notice how the teen melted into the embrace. Hermione whispered something into her ear, and Daphne let out a loud enough whimper to garner attention. Astoria and her parents turned around in shock.

Well, Astoria was shocked.

"Hermione?" Astoria exclaimed.

"That filthy mudblood from the other night?" Lord Greengrass asked.

"I t-think so," Astoria stammered out.

Tom knew what was coming. He also knew his daughter would expect the same. Lord Greengrass barely had his aim correct before he was casting what Tom assumed to be a very dangerous, very dark spell at both his daughter and Hermione. Hermione pushed Daphne down and threw up a shield with seconds to spare.

"You dare throw that with your daughter in range? What if she had gotten hurt?" Hermione asked.

"She can handle it," he growled.

Daphne looked up at her Father, hurt, and her Father was too blinded by his rage to notice. Hermione picked Daphne off the floor and pushed her toward Draco. Hermione bent down, smiling genuinely at Astoria.

"Will you please join your sister?" she asked.

Astoria practically ran to Daphne, and Hermione turned to Luna.

"Can you take them out to the patio? All of them. I will be there shortly."

"As you wish, my Lord," Luna said.

"Wait, I-

"Daphne," Tonks interrupted. "I promise I will keep you and your sister safe. I swear it."

Hermione raised an eyebrow at the interaction, as did Ted and Andy. Daphne nodded and went with the others outside.

"Should we join them?" Ted asked hesitantly.

"No," Hermione said. "But if you stay, you must not use your wands."

They agreed, albeit hesitantly. Hermione waved her wand around the room, wordlessly casting a silencing spell.

"What the hell is going on here!" Lord Greengrass exploded.

"You should really control your temper. You are almost as bad as my lover," she said.

"I don't even know your lover, dirty mudblood," Greengrass spat.

"Actually, you do." Hermione smirked and added, "You can come in now, my love."

Bellatrix strolled in, looking every bit as crazy and healthy as she was before she left. Her skirt dragged along the floor as she forewent her heels, making her a half-inch shorter than Hermione. She placed a hand on Hermione's chest and kissed one of the bite marks left behind. Hermione visibly shuddered and took Bellatrix's bottom lip between her teeth. She released it with a pop.

"Tease," Bellatrix breathed out.

Hermione brushed her lips against Bellatrix's jaw. The two lost themselves for a moment, each touch and kiss getting dangerously close to being inappropriate. Andy cleared her throat loudly. The two broke apart, though neither seemed happy about it. Hermione blinked and looked back at Lord Greengrass. Bellatrix twirled a curl around her finger and giggled.

"Why do you look so pale, Everett?" she said, emphasizing his first name.

He opened his mouth, searching for a response. Lady Greengrass looked between the two of them.

"You two know each other?" Lady Greengrass asked.

"Intimately," Bellatrix deadpanned.

Hermione twitched at the information but said nothing.

"Everett? W-what does she mean by that?" Lady Greengrass said.

"Violet, hush," he hissed. "We will talk about this later."

"Not likely," Hermione said.

"What?"

"Maybe you should show him rather than tell him," Bellatrix suggested eagerly.

"You think so?"

"Of course, my dear Calliope."

"Calliope?" he repeated, his eyes wide. He stared hard at Hermione, and she helped him figure the rest out. She un-glamoured herself completely. Everett stumbled back but didn't make it far before Tom caught him.

"No, no, no, this can't be happening," he said.

"Well, it is," Hermione said dully. "You almost got away with it had it not been for too many people being in on the secret. And those same people being stuck in prison with no end in sight can get a little chatty when their defenses are down. But the worst part about it is, I remember you. I remember asking why I had to go to Jean instead of you, why I had yet to see you after the attack. And I got the same answer every single time. No one knew where you were. You vanished into the shadows. But do not worry. I am here to bring you back into the light."

He stared at Hermione with a mixture of fear and anger. She stared back with raw fury and pain and pointed her wand at him.

"Revelio," she whispered.

The spell hit him in the middle of the head. He tried to fight it, but the spell was too strong. His features morphed painfully. Lady Greengrass stumbled away from him as his short brunette hair gave way to long black locks. A strong jawline cut through his skin, and his brown eyes melted into olive green. He dropped down and clawed at the floor. Hermione walked over to him and lowered herself. She ran her fingers through his hair and yanked his head back.

"Hello, Uncle Elias," she greeted coldly.

"You son of a bitch!" Lucius shouted, automatically going for his wand.

"No wands," Hermione ordered.

Lucius glared at the man on the floor but lowered his arm. Hermione stood, her hands still in his hair, and she kicked open the kitchen door. She dragged him out to the patio where the others sat. Luna and Tonks reacted first, but it was Daphne she was focused on. The blonde narrowed her eyes and backed away with Astoria safe behind her. Fred and George remained seated with their sandwiches frozen in front of their mouths. Hermione dropped Elias on the ground and kicked him in the ribs. She knew Bellatrix would watch him.

"Who are you?" Daphne asked, her wand trembling in her hand.

"You already know who I am," she said a sick smile on her face.

"N-no, I don't," she lied.

Hermione grabbed Daphne by the face and brought her close. "Yes, the girl you bullied for years is the same girl you so desperately want to follow. I know you are afraid because you think I will retaliate for the years of mental and emotional abuse I suffered at your hands. You think I am eager to string your body up in the dungeon and have my wicked way with you while your friends watch you submit to me," she said.

Hermione dug her nails into Daphne's cheeks as she looked her in the eyes. The Ice Princess gasped in pain and shock, and the sound was so beautiful to Hermione.

"Come on. Say the name you know me by," she whispered.

"Hermione," Daphne answered weakly.

Like a switch, Hermione grinned and released her. Daphne went to heal her cuts, but Hermione smacked her hands down.

"I will clean it later," she said.

Daphne ducked her head. Astoria remained off to the side, emotionless, and Hermione could see the girl was just like her sister. Curious, but had a stronger sense of self-preservation. Hermione turned back to Elias, who was upright and held at wand-point by Bellatrix, and she exhaled.

"Do you see the monster you helped create?" She backhanded him to the ground and got in his face. "Do you see what you did!" she screamed at him.

Elias turned urgently to his daughters and said, "Help me, please. It's me, your Father. She did something to me. Please. She's insane. She-Ah!"

Hermione stepped on his crotch and added pressure. He screamed louder, and Hermione laughed. It sounded so much like Bellatrix that Fred and George paled, the sandwiches falling to the plates. Once she collected herself, she held out her free hand.

"Accio knife," she said.

The blade flew through the air, causing Fred to duck, and Hermione gripped the hilt so hard her knuckles turned white.

"Long story short for those of you in the dark," she said. "This is Elias Gauthier, a notorious killer, and traitor to the Gauthier family. He murdered Everett Greengrass, took his identity, and has been pretending to be him ever since."

Hermione didn't know Lady Greengrass had followed them outside until the woman cried out.

"What? He killed my Everett?" she asked brokenly.

Hermione nodded her head and said, "He did. I am sorry, but you will find your husband buried under that beautiful garden behind your home. Near your Calla Lilies. I will pay for a better funeral should you wish to properly lay him to rest."

Lady Greengrass cupped her mouth and let out a strangled sob. Hermione wondered if she always knew that her husband was dead. Her reaction was. .easy and too quick.

"You knew," Hermione said. It was a statement, not a question.

"I had always suspected something was different. He became so mean, so cold to the girls," she cried. "Oh God, my Everett. My beautiful Everett."

Hermione tore her eyes away from the display of emotion and sighed. Tom cleared his throat and got her attention.

"How did you know all of this?" he asked.

"Bellatrix told me once I let her in on what we'd been doing. I paid a visit to Rabastan Lestrange, who, by the way, has horrible mental barriers," she said. "Or, well, he did. He did not last long after our visit."

Elias visibly deflated and fell back onto the concrete. Hermione held the knife over Elias's throat. She held it between her fingertips, swinging it like a pendulum.

"Why?" she asked softly.

"Did what?" he asked sarcastically.

A spell hit the space beside his head, and both Hermione and Elias glanced at the person who cast it. Daphne was trembling, tears streaming down her face, and Hermione was surprised.

"I like this one, Bella," Hermione giggled.

"Keep it in your pants."

Hermione pouted and looked back at Elias. "She has never been the sharing kind, has she?" she asked.

"Screw you," he spat.

"Ah. There is that good old American education shining through. Though I can see why your Father gave you up for adoption. Why would he want such a weak and pathetic wizard for a son?"

"I am not weak!" Elias spat. "My Father was too enamored with his daughters to see I am the one with the power, the potential. I am the one still alive while they are both dead!"

Hermione cocked her head. "You are not that smart of a man, are you?" she asked.

"Rayna trusted you," Lucius said angrily. "She let you into her life and tried to make amends for what your father did."

"And you still betrayed her. For what? Money? Elitism?" Narcissa asked.

"Neither," Hermione said, her eyes roaming over her Uncle. "He betrayed her simply because he could. Why would she think her own brother, estranged as he might have been, would let the Order through the gates?"

The twins let out simultaneous gasps.

"Ah!" Fred exclaimed. "I knew that name Gauthier sounded so familiar."

George snapped his fingers and said, "That's right! Mum and Dad used to tell us how the Dark Lord had a family. His daughter," he paused, and realization flickered across his face, "Oh shit."

"You're her," Fred said.

"Her who?" Hermione pushed.

"The Dark Lord's daughter."

"Yes. Nice of you to catch it. It is a pleasure to meet you," Hermione said.

Daphne looked as if she were going to be sick. Hermione took pity on the Greengrass women and sighed.

"My incredible Aunts, do you mind taking the Greengrass women into the study for a much-needed cup of tea and time to digest this awful news?" Hermione asked.

"Of course," Narcissa said quickly.

"Come along, dears," Andy said gently.

Daphne and Astoria ran to their mother. Narcissa and Andy led the Greengrass women inside. Hermione blew out a frustrated breath and dropped the knife in her hands. It landed in Elias's eye. She glanced up at Lucius, Tom, and Ted.

"You three can have him," she said. "Have all the fun you want."

The three men smiled viciously and picked Elias off the ground. He struggled, but it was no use. Elias screamed as they dragged him into the house. Hermione tugged at her hair, and Bellatrix came up behind her. Bellatrix wrapped her arms around Hermione. They swayed slightly, uncaring about their audience, and eventually, Hermione was back on solid ground. Bellatrix swiped Hermione's curls to the side and kissed her neck, leaving lipstick on her skin. Luna coughed meaningfully, and Hermione groaned.

"Selene, I have not seen her in years," she said.

"You have an entire manor to defile her in, remember?" Luna asked.

"Wait, what?" Draco said. "What manor?"

"Oops," Hermione said sheepishly. "I may or may not have had Ted find me a place to live. The sale went through yesterday morning."

"You're moving out?" Tonks asked, pouting.

"We are," she corrected. "I already spoke to your parents. They agreed on the sole basis they can visit whenever they want."

"Which will be all the time," Luna said.

"Small price to pay for a little freedom."

"Not to be a bother, but can I ask about how you and Bellatrix are so-

"Close," George finished for his brother.

"Yes, close," Fred said.

"That will be explained tonight at the dinner, which you will not miss," Hermione said.

"Is it formal?" Luna asked.

"Yes. It will be an induction ceremony as well. I am eager to get this over before I go to the Burrow for the end of the summer."

"You made a deal with the Order?" Luna guessed.

"Yes, they leave me alone for now, and I stay at the Burrow until school starts," Hermione grumbled.

"Should be a fun summer," Tonks quipped.

Hermione hissed at her cousin before she said, "Enjoy the day. I have some business to attend to."

Before anyone could comment, Hermione pulled a still barefoot Bellatrix into her arms, and the two disappeared in black and gray smoke. It was odd, even for Luna.

"You guys want to go to Diagon Alley?" Fred asked.

"I have work to do," Tonks grumbled. "I am still an Auror."

"And I have to convince Neville and his grandmother to join us for dinner tonight without revealing anything," Luna sighed.

"Oh. We can help with that. Augusta loves us," George said.

"Interesting. What about you, Dragon?" Luna asked.

"I will probably go check on Daphne and Astoria," he said.

"Anything I should be worried about?" Luna asked.

"As if," Draco snorted. He kissed Luna on the lips and bid goodbye to the others. Tonks said her goodbyes as well. The twins and Luna decided to take the floo to her home and then hash out a plan for the Longbottom family.