Chapter 13-Setups

Hermione was furious. This week was the worse and it didn't seem to be getting any better. What was she to do now, Hermione thought? She had not planned for the events to go this wrong. She had thought that they respected her and loved her more then what she looked like. They were hypocrites.

Hermione decided to take the muggle way to The Leaky Cauldron that way she couldn't be spotted right away. She realized that she had just put a target on her back, but she planned to play dirty. She would get in front of this sooner then the others thought.

She arrived at Diagon Alley and headed straight for Gringotts. It was time to find out what her mother had left her. Hermione went directly to the first available goblin. Hermione handed him her key and said, "I am here to claim my inheritance."

The goblin didn't even look up at her. He quickly grabbed the key and went to an office close to where the trolleys are kept. Hermione was then hurried into the office. "Welcome, my name is Ragcuff," said an extremely elegant goblin who was sitting behind the desk in office.

"Good morning, sir," Hermione said politely.

The goblin's eyebrows shot up. "A polite witch," he said, "That is remarkable. I am the head of Gringotts. How did you get this key? This account hasn't been active in over 17 years."

"It was my mother's key," Hermione informed him, "I didn't know I has it till I had my growth. My name is Hermione Riddle Malfoy."

"Interesting," Radcuff said, "Will you allow a blood tree parchment done."

"Sure," Hermione said.

Over the next few minutes, the goblin got out a parchment and poured a potion on it. Then pricked Hermione's finger letting a drop of blood fall onto the potion-soaked parchment. Hermione watch as a family tree formed showing the goblin, she really was who she said she was. "Very interesting," Ragcuff said, "Very well, your mother had a will as well as the vault you have a key to. She also had another vault and money properties that I believe your uncle has maintained over the years. Where would you like to start."

"I'd like to know if there are any properties in London and if we can wait a day for me to contact my uncle then we can read the will," Hermione said.

"There is actually a townhouse here in London," The goblin said, "Here is the address. It has been vacant so it may not be in the best state."

The goblin handed her a piece of paper. Hermione took the paper thanked the goblin. She also set up a meeting for noon the next day to go over the will. Hermione then headed to the Daily Profit.

"Can I help you?" A thin older woman asked snarky.

"Is Rita Skeeter in?" Hermione asked.

"Ms. Skeeter is a terribly busy reporter. Too busy to talk to fans," the women said.

"I am not a fan," Hermione said, "Could you hand her this parchment and if she still wants me to leave I will.

The women grabbed the parchment and left the front desk to the back of the building. Hermione wasn't there a few minutes till Skeeter greeted her, "Well what do we have here, the ugly duckling into a bruised beauty. What happened to you?"

"Privately," Hermione said, "and no quill."

"Very well come this way," Rita smiled.

Rita walked them into a side conference room. Hermione warded the door and did a scan just to make sure they were truly alone. There was a fire against the far wall. "Does the flo work?" Hermione asked.

"Yes," Rita said, "Why?"

"Who do you know in the Magical Law Enforcement agency?" Hermione said.

Rita smiled went to the flo and fire called come one. While they waited for the person both got comfortable in the conference room. "So, what brought on the change?" Rita said.

"I will be answered that when your friend gets her," Hermione said, "but let us get down to why I am here."

Rita looked like Christmas came early. "Very well," she said trying to hide.

"I am allowing you to have this interview, but I want you to promise you won't adlib,' Hermione stated, "Do you agree?"

As the fire in the room turned green Rita answered "Deal."

A lady around Rita's age came through the fire dressed in official robes. "What is it now Rita?" the women asked.

"I do not need you," Rita said, "Amelia this friend of mine does."

Rita pointed at Hermione. "Hermione Granger this is Amelia Bones," Rita introduced.

Hermione was shocked. She thought she would just get an auror but the head of the department. "Granger," Amelia said looking at the girl. "You do not look like Hermione Granger."

"Trust me, it's her," Rita said.

"How can I help you, Miss Granger?" Amelia said.

Hermione then went into her story. Starting from the beginning telling them about her growth and that her appearance changed during it without knowing why. She explained the following out from the trio. She then explained the incident last night.

"Let me get this straight two of my aurors knew of this happening and did nothing to help you," Amelia said.

"I think it's more complicated than that," Hermione said, "They have joined Dumbledore and he is supposed to be good so where should they draw the line."

"At a woman getting beaten," Amelia clarified.

Hermione finished this and Amelia said she would be in touch. She also talked quietly with Rita before she left. "May I take some photos Hermione," Rita said solemnly she to knew what a beating like that felt like and felt for the girl.

"Sure," Hermione said.

Rita then took photos for both the article she planned to write and for Hermione to have the records. Hermione was amazed at Rita's change of attitude for her. She planned to ask but knew the women would not tell her until she was ready. "Thank you for everything Rita," Hermione told the women at the end of taking photos of her damaged body.

The reporter nodded at the girl. "Hermione it was no issue at all."

"Rita I'd like to be friends, but I would like to know not everything I tell you will be on the front page," Hermione said hopefully needing an alley and friend right now.

"We will see Miss Granger," Rita said smiling.

Hermione left heading out. She stopped at Eyelop Owls to get an owl then headed to the house her mother left her. She only hoped at 17 years it was in good enough condition to stay the night.

At the ministry two aurors were summoned to their head of department unsure as to why they were being called but knew it didn't bode well.