A/N:
Hi.
Quick note, I've taken liberties with the history of the Black family. *shrug*
This is the continuation of the day from the last chapter.
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Arriving at Malfoy Manor, Narcissa instructed Draco and Harry to sort their purchases and have the elves assist them with the task. Once complete, they were to change their clothes before being allowed to fly for a little bit. Both boys hurried to finish everything in order to get a few hours of flying in before it was too dark to do so safely.
Narcissa entered the study to find Lucius and Regulus discussing some prospective business deal. When Lucius noticed his wife he broke into a wide smile. "Welcome home my love, how was shopping with those two? You were gone longer than I had expected. Did they talk you around to visit the Quidditich shop?" Lucius and the boys were known to spend countless hours in the place just looking at everything there. Regulus laughed at the couple. Even after close to fifteen years married and another five during school and courting, they were still sickeningly loving with each other. Currently, Lucius had Narcissa wrapped in his arms and kissing her. That was his standard 'welcome' when ever either had been gone from the other for some length of time deemed 'too long'.
"No. I mean yes, they went and wanted everything but that wasn't what delayed us." Narcissa pulled away from Lucius went onto explain the chance encounter with the mugglenborn witch, her parents, what they had been told by McGonagall, the missing Hogwarts representative and most distressing, how the Granger family had been blatantly lied to by McGonagall. Both Regulus and Lucius were so shocked they were unable to actually speak for a few minutes. It was Regulus who provided a succinct recap of her day.
"So McGonagall allowed an eleven year old to sit in Diagon Alley, by herself, with no knowledge of the wizarding world, with several thousand Pounds waiting for someone who never showed up?" Narcissa had spent a good part of the day continually checking the meeting spot to never see anyone from Hogwarts appear.
"Lucius, she is going to be a very powerful witch. Her wand, when she first touched it, the magic coursed and Ollivander and I both felt it. It's acacia wood Lucius. I can't, in good conscience, allow that girl to not attend school. I told her I would be her sponsor. Her parents are well off, but the conversion to galleons is so low they would never be able to afford the needed supplies. In addition, the amount she was told to bring would only get her second items, at best. I've opened a vault for her at Gringotts and deposited the funds her parents provided. She wasn't initially accepting of the idea but I got her talked around. I'm not sure I could do the same with her parents. Also, she has a connection with the boys. Harry noticed her first and his instinct was to protect her. Draco though, his response was different. He could not divert his attention from her. By the end of the day I half expected the boy to bow and pledge his fidelity. It would have been quite romantic if it hadn't been my eleven year old son." Narcissa finished with a slight huff while Lucius and Regulus both remembered the first time a witch had enraptured them to the point of distraction. It seemed Draco took after his father in more than looks.
"Let's address the fact the family was not given the exception to pass into the Alley and the witch was left alone. I will mention it to Severus when he comes for dinner in a few days and see if he is aware of anything untoward. I will also fill him in on the girl and have him keep an eye on her. I feel it is important to keep her safe as well." While Narcissa and Lucius continued their discussion on how to ensure Hermione received the education she would need, Regulus was thinking of something else entirely.
"Do we know if anyone in the girl's family is magical? Is she from any of the families?" Narcissa shrugged as she didn't know and explained that Hermione said she had no idea she was a witch until McGonagall appeared on their doorstep. "I would like to have Kreacher investigate a little but, if the girl truly has no blood connection to our world, based on what you have told me, I think I would like to do something else for her." Regulus called Kraecher to explain his new task. The house elf enjoyed gathering information and researching. After being provided what little Narcissa knew of the Granger family, Kreacher blinked away to accomplish his task.
While Narcissa and Kreacher spoke, Regulus had started to ramble and his thoughts spilled from his mouth. "I had thought about having Draco inherit the House of Black, but he will have the House of Malfoy. We all know how the Wizengamot hates to lose houses. Look at what the Prewett family had to do to keep their name alive. If the girl is as powerful as you believe, and if she is agreeable, I'd like to bestow the House of Black to her. Should Bella ever have a child; however, unlikely that is, it would be a LeStrange and Rodolphus dislikes our family enough to reject any attempt to tie his family to this one. Andi and her family are gone and based on the last discussion I had with her; she and Ted are happily settled in France. His business has taken off, Dora graduated from Beauxbatons and then the French Auror Corp training. In the last year she has received two promotions and is currently partnered with the expected next head of the department. It doesn't appear they would want the family name bestowed to them. We all know I am not going to have an heir. At this point the only witches who want a relationship care more about my vaults than me."
Regulus had been thinking on this for some time and Draco, while a Black through Narcissa, was a Malfoy through and through. When hearing the story regarding Hermione's wand selection, hope bloomed in the wizard's mind. Acacia wood was rare and family history states the founder of the Black Family had a wand made from acacia wood. The founding witch was powerful and just. The acacia tree became a symbol of the family. In fact, the acacia tree is the tree detailed on the family tapestry. It seemed appropriate for the family to start anew with a powerful witch who carried an acacia wand.
The similarities had not been lost on Narcissa who was pleased to agree with Regulus in his plan. "I believe Bella and Andi would both agree. I will get with them and if the Grangers are in agreement, I'll act in their place to sign our agreement to the plan." The conversation was halted when an owl began to peck at the window and on being allowed entry, the bird flew to Regulus with his foot out. Offering the bird a treat, it accepted, allowing Regulus to remove the letter and then left without waiting for a response. The letter was sealed with the stamp of the Chief Wizard meaning it was official Wizengamot business of some nature. Opening the letter the wizard let out a gasp and a growl.
"I should have known this would happen. That low life…" throwing the letter at Lucius, Regulus stood and summoned his traveling cloak. Lucius was just as determined and quickly summoned his own cloak. Narcissa, who read the note over her husband's shoulder, was not surprised at the audacity of her estranged cousin. But, she was more surprised at the visceral reaction of the two men with her in the room.
"We should let Harry know what is going on. He may need to be involved in the case this time. Kitmu, please come here if you have a moment." A second later Draco's personal elf was standing before them. "Kitmu, please go find Draco and Harry. We need them both in here immediately." Bowing quickly the elf went on his mission. "While your anger is well placed, you are certainly acting more like a Gryffindor than the Slytherin you were sorted as." Narcissa raised one eyebrow and stared at the two men who were ready to run out of the house without a plan. While waiting for the boys to appear, Lucius and Regulus calmed and after determining the letter was only sent to Regulus, the pair began writing letters to the other members of the Wizengamot to ensure they were also aware of the newest development. As the final letter was sent the young wizards arrived.
"Sorry for the delay Mother, we needed to clean up a little bit. Harry knocked me in a mud puddle."
"That was only after you cheated and pushed me into the trees." The boys were preparing for a battle of who did what to whom first when Lucius interrupted them.
"Boys, I know neither wants to admit they started it, but something more important has happened." Instantly Draco feared for his new friend.
"Is it Hermione? Did something happen? Where is she?" Lucius was shocked at just how attached his son had become and wondered if his idea about arranging a marriage to the youngest Greengrass girl should be put on the back burner.
"No Draco, Hermione is fine. She is probably at home telling her parents all about today. What we called you in for has something to do with Harry." Narcissa quickly soothed her son's fears.
"What has to do with me? Did I do something wrong?"
"No no, it appears Sirius was just informed that once you begin to attend school his stipend will be reduced to virtually nothing. He will be allowed to remain at the home in Godric's Hollow but he will be required to provide for himself now. It also appears that whatever job Dumbledore had gotten for him all those years ago hasn't lasted. He has been living off your stipend and the work trips have really been pleasure trips to various wizarding hot spots. Now with the reduction to the stipend he is attempting to gain access to the Potter vaults. He is claiming the right to act as the head of the House of Potter until such time as you reach your majority. This will allow him access to your vaults, the Potter Manor any other assets held in trust for you and take the Potter seat on the Wizengamot."
Harry was furiously shaking his head. "No, he can't do that. He should have been sent away for what he attempted to do to Severus and instead has been living off of my vaults. What do I need to do to stop this from happening?"
"I am glad you agree. We, Regulus and I, have already contacted the members of the Wizengamot and proposed a meeting for tomorrow afternoon. We can get this addressed then and have a decision made before you leave for school. Having you available makes it easier for questions to be asked and answered without the potential of Dumbledore's interference."
"Uncle Regulus, do you think Sirius would try to get the House of Black back? I mean, what would happen if he had a child. Would they become the heir because they were directly related to Sirius and you had no heir?" Draco's concern brought all the adults up short. No one had though about that, which was surprising since it was a very Slytherin tactic. Lucius smirked at how his son had immediately latched onto the probable next avenue Sirius would attempt.
"That is a good question son. We were actually discussing that before we were notified of Sirius' plan for the Potter estate. I think we should address the issue with the House of Black heir before we move forward with Harry. If Sirius believes he can access the Potter vaults I don't think he will attempt to battle Regulus for the Black vaults. Narcissa, do you think the Grangers would meet us this evening?"
Draco seemed very pleased to hear he would see Hermione again. "Harry we should go get cleaned up and in some muggle clothes if were are seeing Hermione and her parents." The boys started to leave when Lucius questioned why they believed they were going. "It makes sense since we are Hermione's age. We will assuage her concerns and can explain what is going on in a manner she would understand. This will allow you, mum and Uncle Regulus to talk her parents around to agreeing to whatever it is you want to do. You should probably explain it us so Harry and I can help. But we need to get ready first." Draco pushed Harry out of the door and followed him to their respective rooms.
"Damn, that boy is going to rule Slytherin without a doubt. He may be leading the house by the time he is a third year at this rate. I have admit I'm a little proud and a lot worried. He is going to keep me on my toes from now on." Lucius smiled at the empty doorway his son had just used. Draco was truly grasping his destiny and cunning was not enough for what the boy would be able to achieve. "Narcissa, go ahead and see if we can visit this evening. We need to get the Black heir sorted before anything else."
Within thirty minutes the letter to the Grangers was out the window.
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Sitting in her room, Hermione was reading her potions book. She was determined to learn everything she could and hopefully take the extra classes with her friends second year. She was going to write all her questions and figure out what she could with the books. Any unanswered questions she would ask Draco and Harry. She didn't have an owl, but with her charmed necklace she could ask Draco to send Artemis. The necklace, she decided, would remain around her neck. It seemed as long as it was touching skin she could send the boys notes. She had already sent Draco a message unintentionally but he didn't seem to mind.
She was startled from her studies by a tapping on her window. Turning she noticed an elegant owl sitting on the sill waiting to be allowed entry. After opening the window, the young witch gazed at it and noticed the differences between it and the owl Harry purchase earlier in the day.
"Aren't you just the loviest bird. Would you like an owl treat, my friend Draco said you all liked these." Pulling the bag treats out she opened and offered the bird one. At hearing Draco's name, the owl took a more formal posture knowing the muggleborn witch knew her mistress's son. After taking the treat, the owl offered her leg with the letter.
"Let's go downstairs and I'll introduce you to my parents. I'm not sure of your name, but once I know it we will use it. Would you like to fly down or ride on my shoulder?" The owl, pleased to be offered the option, appraised the witchling and elected to ride down the stairs. As they walked Hermione rubbed the owl's feet and spoke in soft, dulcet tones.
"Mum, Dad, I got my first owl message!" Jean and Rich were watching one of the World Cup matches only to turn and see a very regal owl perched on their daughter's shoulder. Opening the letter, Hermione was excited to see it was from Mrs. Malfoy and reading the letter only increased her excitement. "Can they visit mum? Dad?" Both of her parents nodded and Jean held her hand out for the letter. Responding in the affirmative, the letter was rolled and placed back on the owl's leg. Opening the window, Hermione wished the bird a safe flight and sent it on its way.
When Narcissa's owl returned, she read the letter and started to get everyone ready. While the boys had already changed into muggle attire, the adults were still in their normal garb. In quick order the adults determined the closest apparition point to Hermione's home and popped out of the manor.
Luckily for all involved, the closet point was a mere five minute walk. Draco had pulled Harry ahead of his parents and once all five members were on the porch, he knocked briskly twice on the door. Apparently Hermione was waiting at the door because before Draco's hand returned to his side, Hermione pulled the door open. She had expected be alone until they met for the train and was exceptionally happy to get to see them so soon. Quickly she ushered them into her home and it was then she noticed there were two older wizards. All five were dressed as muggles would be when visiting friends.
"Hello Hermione. Jean. Rich. Let me introduce my husband Lucius." Hermione glanced to the man Narcissa had pointed towards and noted how similar he looked to Draco. She also realized that Draco would be a very handsome man as grew older. She knew Draco was cute now, but in a few years he would be irresistible. Lucius smiled and nodded to Hermione's parents while also watching Hermione's reaction to the similarities to his son. "Also, we brought my cousin, this is Regulus Black." Regulus was entirely focused on Hermione and noted her calm demeanor would be a good trait in his family.
"Good Evening Miss Granger, Narcissa has been telling Lucius and I about your day. I was very interested to meet you and your family." Regulus gave a little bow before turning to the witch's parents. "Mr and Mrs Granger, based on what Narcissa has told us, your daughter is very powerful. We all feel it is important for her to spend as much time as you will both allow in our world. You are both of course welcome to join her on her visits." Jean didn't mind when Narcissa invited her daughter in the wizarding world, but this was a grown man who seemed decidedly fixated on her daughter. "Narcissa has already volunteered to be Hermione's sponsor and that will continue, but I would appreciate your permissions to assist her as well. Narcissa will be better at getting the bits and pieces a young witch will need. All I have to offer is a large library and centuries of knowledge from my family. I have no one pass this knowledge too and based on Hermione's excitement over learning, I hoped she would want to learn more about our world." Finishing his request, Regulus stepped back.
"I don't know, this all rather sudden. When Professor McGonagall came, she made us decide immediately if we were to allow Hermione to attend the school. We never got the opportunity to fully ask questions or voice our concerns. It feels we are in that same situation again." The elder wizards were again aghast at how the Granger family had been treated and decided it was time to correct those injustices.
"That was not how things are supposed to happen. I am on the Board of Regents for the school and there are strict rules on how muggle families are to be contacted. Let's send the children off to entertain themselves and we will answer any and all questions you both may have regarding what Regulus has requested, what Narcissa offered earlier today, the school and the wizarding world in general." Hermione grabbed both of the boys' hands and pulled them toward the back of the house toward her sanctuary. Jean laughed at her daughter wanting to show off the library. She was rather proud of it as well.
"Hopefully the boys like to read, I have to pull the girl out of there when it's time to eat or leave or do anything other than read books." Shaking her head at her daughter, Jean turned her attention back to her guests. "Thank you for the offer Lucius, I have a ton of questions that Narcissa may be better to answer since they relate to what the expectations for young witches are. I never thought I'd call my daughter a witch. You know it's not a complimentary term in our world."
After a few chuckles Narcissa went to explain how she was raised, the expectations Hermione would face while she at Hogwarts and what opportunities would be available upon her graduation. Jean was shocked that after the seven years at Hogwarts no additional schooling would be required unless Hermione decided to be a doctor or lawyer. Neither career seemed to be something Hermione had wanted before becoming a witch.
"Hermione loves to learn and then explain what she knows. I had always thought she would be an excellent teacher or researcher. When she finds something to investigate she gives herself over to it wholly. But Rich is the same way. So she comes by it naturally." Regulus was more than pleased at learning more about Hermione, the more and more he heard the more he believed she was what his family needed. "Regulus, will you please explain what you want to do for our daughter?"
"The wizard world consists of families and they go back centuries. Families work very hard to continue their lineage generation after generation. But that does not always happen. Magic allows for family names to be bestowed on people not born to the line. Blood relations are not what makes an heir in some cases. I had thought Draco may want the mantle but there is no denying his future as the next Lord Malfoy. Neither of Narcissa's sisters are interested in having the house bestowed to them. I've been told to bugger off by Narcissa's niece because she started her dream job and has no desire to come back home. I am the last of my line; the last scion of the Noble and Ancient House of Black."
Rich, understanding as he was the only son of the only son of the only son, knew that with Hermione his family name would too die when the young girl married. He had expected her to keep his, their family, name until her marriage. But did her accepting this mean she would become a Black? Would he lose his daughter to a stranger and the new world of which she was an apparent part?
"I appreciate your sentiment Regulus. I too am the last male of my family. After Hermione the Granger name will all but disappear from the world. I do not wish to limit the opportunities of my daughter, but I find it very difficult to allow her to leave our care to go to another family. Jean and I promised to protect her until our deaths when she was born. I cannot, will not, break that vow now." Rich was a proud man who loved his family, losing his daughter would break him. Lucius, having feared being the last male Malfoy before Draco was born, understood Rich's concern.
"Rich, what Reg is trying to propose will never remove Hermione from you or Jean's care. She will also remain a Granger. Having a family bestowed only changes the person's name if they choose it. If Hermione chooses to remain a Granger, which is wholly acceptable, her responsibility will not change. She will lead the House of Black even after her marriage. In fact, we have found it helps wizards to have some experiences with the true muggle world. Almost a century ago, there was someone who tried to get everyone to believe muggles were dangerous and to isolate ourselves to a point well beyond what was healthy. He used fear in an attempt to gain followers. It didn't work of course; my generation had heard the stories of that wizard from our grandparents and great-grandparents. Some of those generations fully believed the rhetoric. My generation has taken it upon itself to ensure our children understand the muggle world enough to not be discovered. We must retain our secrets but given how muggles outnumber us, it would be truly impossible to remain totally hidden."
Having gained a better understanding of Regulus's request the Grangers continued to discuss the questions Jean and Rich had been thinking since their first meeting with the Hogwarts' Deputy Headmistress. After discussing all of their questions, Regulus asked what they knew of their own family histories. He explained that he had asked his house elf to investigate if the Grangers had any ties to his world through magical means, sometimes having names helped in the research. Jean provided Regulus a book on the genealogy of her family. She had a cousin who researched and published it for the family a few years prior. Rich gave the names of his parents and grandparents. And explained he knew they were all only children but beyond that he didn't know much.
Nodding, Regulus called out for Kreacher. The Grangers jumped when the small elfin like creature appeared in their front sitting room. Regulus handed the Jean's book to the elf who nodded and got comfortable on the floor. Snapping his fingers, a stack of parchment and other books appeared around the elf. Regulus watching with amused eyes turned back to the wide eyed muggles.
"Kreacher is my house elf. I assume Minerva failed to discuss magical creatures with you." At the nods from the Grangers, Regulus continued. "Lucius, we should probably have Kitmu explain about house elves to Hermione. One, your son would appreciate the chance to introduce his elf and two I suspect she needs to hear about it from an elf and not one of us." Lucius agreed and waved his friend to continue. Regulus went on to explain that a house elf was really a magical protector of families.
"Elves are an ancient magical creature who were settled on the isle long before humans. When their lands were encroached by muggles or wizards or other magical beings, the elves found themselves in trouble. Historically elves are warriors by nature and fiercely protective of what they deemed as theirs. As wizards started to gather and procure estates, the elves aligned themselves with the most powerful families. The wizards protected the elves from immediate dangers and that indebted the elves to the wizards, at least in the eyes of the elves." Regulus paused to see if the muggles had any questions, there were some very uncomfortable ties to some outlawed muggle practices and Regulus wanted to make sure neither of the muggles in front of him felt the elves were slaves. With no questions, he continued.
"As the generations passed and the need for combat decreased, the elves began to shift their focus from sheer protection to making lives easier for their adopted families. Elves found enjoyment in the various aspects of large estates. Some elves were growers and excelled in the greenhouses and gardens of the estates. Others found a skill with creatures and helped keep the wilderness away from the homes. Some found tasks in the house to be their specialty. Being the head of a family kitchen is one of the most esteemed role an elf could attain. Kreacher loved research and would spend hours cataloging the family library. In fact, he turned down the head of kitchen role when I offered it to him. He said he was happy in his current role and to offer it to his brother. Most of the elves look to the brothers as co-heads of the house and it works pretty well for us." After gaining a better understanding of elves, the Grangers answered any questions the elf asked regarding their families.
While waiting for Kreacher to finish is obsessive documentation, Narcissa ventured to discuss the elves at the Manor. "We all have personal elves who look after us. Draco's elf, Kitmu, is fiercely protective and is always aware where Draco is. It's elf magic that families have used to ensure the safety of their heirs. Lucius's elf, Usher, still uses the tracking spell on him. The elves don't acknowledge when their charges are considered adults. To them, the wizards will always need special care and attention. My elf, Aster, has been with me since I was born. Along with being the head of the kitchen, the other greatest honor is to be charged with caring for a child. There are nanny elves whose responsibility it is to train the personal elves. I know for a fact that Draco feels incredibly close to Kitmu. When Draco does something wrong he would prefer for me or Lucius to find him instead of Kitmu." The conversation on what exactly elves do and how the are treated continued for about an hour before Kreacher stood and stretched.
"Theys be related to the Selwyn but not directly. Many generations ago a third or fifth Selwyn daughter married the muggle distant uncle of Mrs Granger. They had no issue. No family has claim." Kreacher popped out of the house with his notes but leaving Jean's family book on the coffee table. Regulus just laughed.
"He will document this and get it ready for presenting to the Ministry and Wizengamot." Jean seemed to understand and happily flipped through the book to see if she could find the mention of an apparent witch that married into her family. However, Rich was confused on the 'claim' comment; Regulus explained what Kreacher had discovered. "By verifying there are no direct ties to any other wizard family, I can bestow the house on Hermione without having any push back. Had there been a relation to a family that could die out, she would have that house bestowed before the House of Black claim would be accepted. This just makes everything easier." Narcissa thought it was time to learn more about the muggles.
"Jean, Hermione mentioned something called 'yoga' and based on everything that has happened today I may need intensify my current mediation program." Jean nodded and picked up a remote from the table.
"This is a visual instruction guide. I can point out what yoga pants are as well." Jean, after clicking a few buttons, had turned on the television and dvd. Jean snuggled into her husband as the Malfoys found great potential in the inclusion of yoga to Narcissa's mediation. Regulus laughed at his cousin's husband. Lucius, Regulus suspected, had just found a new avenue to spend his countless fortune. Narcissa would never be without 'yoga pants' again.
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In the meantime, Hermione reached the library and started to show her friends her favorite books. The last book she pulled out was immediately recognized by both of the wizards. "Where did you get that Hermione?" Draco stood a little closer than was considered respectful to Hermione while eyeing the large tome in her hands. It seemed impossible a muggle with no contact with the wizarding world would have that book.
"It arrived a day or two after Professor McGonagall came. I've read the entire book and it is why I fought my parents to allow me attend Hogwarts. Even though the book details some rather unpleasant things, I knew this was the world I needed to be a part of." Hermione sat in the middle of the couch with the boys on either side. Opening Hogwarts: A History she flipped to various chapters and asked question if the stories were true. Draco and Harry filled Hermione in on the stories they had heard. It wasn't until she reached a chapter that neither boy had read, and they both had read the book numerous time, they paused in their discussions to read the chapter.
"Harry, when we met I was scared at being left but after, on the way home, I realized I recognized you. Is this guy your dad?" Hermione pointed at the picture showing a pair of dark haired wizards. The picture of the pair was apparently taken at Hogwarts and was of James Potter and Sirius Black. They stood smirking in their Gryffindor uniforms with the castle behind them. Their chapter was called 'The Curse of the Marauders'. Harry nodded and pulled the book onto his lap. Reading the entire chapter he closed his eyes and handed it to his best friend. Draco, too read the chapter, and was shocked at just how vile the two had been.
"Hermione, we need to show this to my mum and dad. This chapter isn't in either of our books. It's like this is a new edition but the books automatically update for new editions. This isn't an official copy." Draco held the book in one hand and Hermione's hand in the other.
The children entered the sitting room to find all the adults laughing and pointing. Hermione turned to look at what was on the television, only to note it was her mother's yoga dvd. None understood why the adults were laughing nor did they notice the glint in the eyes of Rich Granger or Lucius Malfoy, Hermione and the boys entered the room.
"Mum, did you explain to Mrs Malfoy what yoga pants are? I tried but, I don't think she has ever seen a pair and I was not very good at explaining them." Jean Granger nodded while wiping the tears from her eyes.
"I did and have promised to send her a pair. I'll get them tomorrow when I go shopping and have you send them from school. She said Draco's owl would be able to deliver them for me." Draco was quite pleased to have another reason to speak with the girl once they got to school.
"Of course ma'am, Hermione is welcome to use Artemis whenever she needs to send you letters. She is a good bird and very respectful. I also thought I could instruct her to visit your home regularly to ensure any letters you wish to have delivered won't have to wait." Lucius was surprised at just how much planning his son had already done to ingratiate himself with Hermione's parents.
"Yes, when Hermione brought her down earlier, with your Mother's letter, she happily sat on Hermione's shoulder while we read. I was shocked, I've never seen a bird so docile and used to people." Narcissa was little surprised at her owl's response, typically Sarff was very wary of strangers.
"That wasn't Draco's owl, it was mine. She can be a bit, persnickety, so I apologize if she did anything untoward."
"No Mrs Malfoy, she was a wonderful bird. I offered her one of the treats Draco had me get. She arrived at my bedroom window upstairs and so when I needed to show my parents your letter I asked if she would prefer to fly downstairs or ride on my shoulder. It almost seemed like she had to think about it before hopping on my shoulder. While Mum was writing her response the owl cuddled up in arms. Her feathers tickled but it was nice." Lucius Malfoy was throughly impressed. That owl really didn't like anyone other than Narcissa and for it to have warmed to Hermione instantly was good.
"Persnickety is a nice way to say the bird can be a menace. When she brought it home the first time, it bit me and forced one of the other birds to get a new perch. I suspect she was eyeing Draco for a nip as well but seeing as he came from Narcissa the silly thing just glares at him. That bird rules the roost if you will. But now that she has established herself, she spends very little time dealing with the other owls. I'm glad that she treated you well Hermione, it's important." Lucius noticed the book in Draco's hand and raised an eyebrow at the boy to given him permission to explain why they had ventured into the room.
"Father, Hermione was showing us her edition of Hogwarts: A History and there is a chapter here that is not in either of our editions. It is about Harry's dad." Draco handed the book to his father who quickly read the chapter. He flipped to the copyright page and grunted. Showing it to Regulus, the other wizard's response only was to widen his eyes. Both wizards turned their focus to the young witch who had many odd things happen since discovering she was a witch.
"Hermione, we need to ask you some questions about this book. We know you did nothing wrong, as there was no way for you to even know of this book's existence. Please tell us everything you know about the book, how you obtained it, anything else that relates to the magical world that you haven't already mentioned, etcetera." Regulus sat and waited for the young witch to start speaking. If he assumed correctly, although he knew too well what happens when one assumes, Hermione would need to think her answer over before beginning.
Hermione was pleased they didn't suspect she did anything wrong. She hadn't had this much excitement since the neighbor's cat had escaped and ended up in the neighbor tried to get it down, only to fall out of the tree and flat on his face. The paramedics were called and when they arrived, amid a flurry of sirens and lights, the cat merely jumped down and sauntered back into the house without a look back at the chaos it had caused. What excited Hermione about today was the mystery of it all. Everything that had occurred seemed to be an attempt to keep her away from the magical world. This was a mystery she wanted to solve. She loved a good mystery.
"The book arrived a day or two after Professor McGonagall. The note said for me to read and learn about the world and to make sure I had the book with me when I came to the school as I could use it to navigate the building. I read up on the changing hallways, staircases that moved, walls that wanted to be doors and how the ghosts pranked the students. I was very happy to have gotten this information so I was prepared; however, I probably would not have brought the book with me. I can tell it is old and I don't like the idea of books being outside of the protection of the library. But the note was adamant I bring it. You probably would like to read the note too. I have it upstairs, let me go and get it." Quickly the girl ran up to her room and grabbed the note.
The wizards were quite amused at Hermione's ability to not breathe as she spoke. When she returned, slightly out of breath from running, they accepted parchment on which the note was written. After reading it and performing a cursory check of the note and book for curses and spells both wizards were beginning to notice a trend.
"Dear, this edition is very rare and in fact, only two exist. If it is ok, we will get you a more available copy and that is the one you can take to school or leave here. Most of us did not take our copies as they really don't help to navigate the halls. It could actually be a hinder to you if the castle knows you are using it. I would like to take this book and note with us." Agreement was easy for the Grangers. None had felt extremely comfortable with that book in their home. There was something about it that caused the muggles to feeling extremely uneasy.
The clock in the corner chimed ten and the adults realized just how late it had become. Quickly apologizing for staying so late, Narcissa rounded her boys, including the two elder wizards. Regulus paused. "Rich, I feel it important to protect your family as Hermione has quickly engrained herself into our lives and families. There are a few protection spells I'd like to erect. They will not be noticeable by anyone but will not allow anyone with impure intentions from accessing the house. We all have such wards. If you are uncomfortable, of course I will not, but it will allow me to sleep better at night." Rich agreed because protecting his wife and daughter were his top priorities. Lucius and Regulus both began to erect wards over the Granger home. Once pleased the wards would be sufficient goodbyes, hugs and see you laters were exchanged. Hermione stood with her parents as her friends popped from the living room and back to their ancestral homes.