AN: Trigger warnings to many things are present in this story. Don't like, don't read.

I don't own Harry Potter.

All spelling mistakes are my own. There are my own Original Characters in this at times.

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Hermione glanced around her as the fresh tilled soil smell entered her nose. Herbology was one class that she didn't mind, Professor Sprout being kind and funny, always happy to teach her students. The darkness was quickly surrounding her as she made her way deeper into the rows of greenhouses, her senses on high alert for any sign of Potter and Weasley. Near the third long house she found Potter and Weasley waiting for her.

Harry smirked, "You came."

She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest, "What do you want?"

Harry and Ron shared a glance before Harry spoke, "We can't let Umbridge take away our Defense Against the Dark Arts. You are powerful Hermione. With your help we can start our own club."

"In secret of course," Ron supplied with a grin.

Harry nodded, "Dumbledore's Army. We can train the others in defense. Right under Umbridge's nose."

She raised an eyebrow at him, "Why would I want to help you?"

Ron smirked, "Think of it more as going against Umbridge than helping us. We all get training, actually using our wands and you get to give it Umbridge."

She smirked, "I do like the sound of that." And she did enjoy the idea of getting one over on The Toad, but could she really be apart of something called Dumbledore's Army? What would Voldemort think when he found out? Or would he be impressed by her cunning avenue.

Harry nodded, "Something doesn't feel right about Umbridge. At first, we thought she was sent by Voldemort, but her words seem more Ministry related."

Hermione frowned, "You think the Ministry is behind Umbridge and not Voldemort?"

Harry nodded, "Why would Voldemort send a Ministry lackey to do his bidding? He's smarter than that."

Hermione nodded, glad that Potter was finally using his brain for once, "What about a third party? A player that's working form within the Ministry. We know two major players are Dumbledore and Voldemort, each trying to get a foothold in the Ministry, yet it hasn't happened yet?" She could see Potter's wheels turning so she waited.

Ron frowned, "What if they haven't gotten a foothold yet because the third player in all of this is the Ministry?"

Harry glanced at him, "What like Fudge?"

Hermione grimaced, "Fudge isn't that smart. There's no way he's behind a move this straight forward."

Harry frowned in confusion at her, "Straight forward?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Keep up Potter. By sending someone straight into the lion's den, it's a bold move. Someone is trying to take the power right out from Dumbledore. Voldemort obviously hasn't been able to get a hold of the Ministry either and Dumbledore hasn't exactly been quiet about wanting to control the Ministry."

Harry nodded, his brows furrowing, "If that's the case then there's a bigger threat than Voldemort right now."

Hermione begged to differ but before she could open her mouth a shout called out behind them, "Hermione!"

She turned to watch Pansy Parkinson running towards her. She frowned at the girl, "Pansy, what are you doing here?"

Harry and Ron glared at the Slytherin girl as she stopped near them, "I just saw Umbridge coming this way. She noticed you three were missing at dinner. She's got a group of Ravenclaw's with her."

Harry frowned, "What for?"

Pansy shrugged, her disgust at having to speak to Potter obvious, "Don't know, but it doesn't look good. They split up at the beginning of the greenhouses."

A shout pulled the four of them around as a small group of Ravenclaw's drew their wands at them, "No one move. Call for Umbridge. We've found them."

Hermione cocked her head at them, "There's no rule that we can't be out here."

The taller boy with sandy colored hair narrowed his eyes at her, "There is now Slytherin."

She bristled at the snarky remark but held her ground, glancing at Harry as the boy pulled his wand, "You draw on us we retaliate."

Without warning the sandy haired boy shook his head, "Stupefy."

Harry and Hermione dodged to the side and Harry fired back. Hermione rolled her eyes as the fight began and she grabbed Pansy arm, jerking her around and out of the way of a flash of red light that Hermione was sure was a tripping jinx. She raised her wand at the girl that had aimed for Pansy and snapped, "Stupefy!"

The girl's eyes widened before she flew backwards and disappeared inside the greenhouse behind her. Hermione smirked but was caught in the side with a purple flash of light. Pain exploded through her ribs as she gasped for breath. Pansy slashed her wand with a shouted Stupefy before wrapping her arm around Hermione's uninjured side. Hermione grimaced as she leaned on Pansy, finding Harry and Ron taking out the last two Ravenclaw's.

"Get back to the castle. If she catches all of us, we'll never get a chance to do this." She bit her lip against the burning pain in her ribs. Pansy helped guide her towards the flying pitch, hoping to avoid Umbridge or anymore Ravenclaws that may be lingering. When they reached the far side of the flying pitch Hermione leaned against the wall, sweat beading on her forehead.

She sat on the cool dirt struggling to get her air back into her lungs as Pansy knelt in front of her, "Thanks for saving me."

Hermione scoffed, "Sorry about your dress."

Pansy shook her head, "It can be replaced. Come on we have to get back to the castle."

Hermione grimaced as a stabbing pain slid through her ribs. She frowned as she felt her heart pounding in her chest, her mind suddenly on Narcissa. She wanted the woman, wanted to be anywhere but here at Hogwarts. She frowned as an overwhelming urge to send up a call for help cascaded through her body. She had never had the urge to call for help before, though if she did when she was a child it was only a call for…

She held her wand in the air and sent the green spark flying, knowing that Narcissa was nearby and would see it. She knew she would be in trouble, the woman only really coming to Hogwarts when Hermione was in danger. Hermione was beginning to think it was some sort of sick sixth sense that the woman had developed over the years when it came to her. She held her side tightly as she waited, knowing that Narcissa wouldn't take long. Pansy frowned at her, ripping a piece of her robe off and wiping Hermione's sweaty forehead.

Hermione smiled softly at her, "I'm really sorry about the dress. I completely forgot about the howler."

Pansy chuckled, "You'll just have to go shopping with me this summer to replace it."

Hermione stared at Pansy, knowing that the girl wasn't usually this nice to her. She couldn't stop the nod that she gave but just as she was about to open her mouth, a gasp met her ears, "Hermione!"

She smiled in relief, allowing her eyes to close as Narcissa's voice soothed her sudden worries. When cool hands touched her cheek, her eyes snapped open. She smiled widely at Narcissa, feeling her body relax now that she knew she was safe, "I can explain."

Pansy snorted a laugh as Narcissa glared at Hermione, "What happed my Darling?"

Hermione groaned in pain and Pansy answered for her, in a rush against the Malfoy Matriarch's narrowed look, "A group of Ravenclaws acting under Umbridge's orders attacked us, Potter and Weasley."

Narcissa frowned at Hermione, seeing the pain on the girl's sweaty face, "We'll be talking about this as soon as we get you better."

Narcissa wrapped an arm around Hermione and helped the girl to her feet while Pansy followed them towards the castle. She could hear the suffering that Hermione was going through as they moved, the small quick intakes of breath as pain increased with movement. She frowned as Snape met them at the door, his brow creasing in worry. He took Hermione's arm, helping guide the girl towards the hospital wing.

Once in the hospital wing Hermione breathed out a sigh of relief as she laid back on a narrow hospital bed. It was unbelievable how much pain she had been suffering as they made their way up to the hospital wing, though she couldn't help but feel guilty every time a sound slipped from her lips uncontrollably. Narcissa's worried looks kept her wanting to hide the pain, but it was becoming increasingly difficult every time she took a step. Her head hit the pillow and she let out a soft groan of relief, letting her eyes close willingly.

Narcissa frowned as she watched Madame Pomfrey hustling about, gathering potions and salves to give to the girl. When Pomfrey shooed Snape from the room, Narcissa smirked. The last time the woman had tried to get rid of Narcissa she had nearly been hexed within an inch of her life, not that Narcissa had been able to control the explosive wild magic that had presented itself. Instead, Pomfrey knew better than try to get rid of Narcissa when Hermione was the patient.

Pomfrey frowned as she held her wand above Hermione's body, taking a diagnostic of the girl's injuries, "This is beyond what any student should be able to do."

Narcissa moved to Hermione's left side, "What do you mean?"

Pomfrey frowned as a piece of parchment appeared from the end of her wand, "You've worked at St. Mungo's, what do you make of this?"

Narcissa took the parchment from the older witch, studying the information on the page. The damage to Hermione's ribs was extensive, making it slightly shocking that the girl was even able to move after being hit with the advanced curse. Narcissa glanced up at Pomfrey, "This curse is more advanced than anything ever taught here."

Pomfrey nodded as she hurriedly gathered a few bottles of potions, "I don't know the counter for it. I can slow down what it's doing, maybe ease the pain but I can't stop it without the counter curse."

Narcissa nodded, "I know someone who may be able to help." She looked down at Hermione's pale face, brushing the girl's hair off her sweaty forehead. She hadn't even noticed that Pomfrey had backed away, giving them a moment of privacy as she leaned down to place a gentle kiss on Hermione's lips, "I have to go my Dear."

Hermione's eyes opened slowly, hooded and glassy, "Don't go…"

Narcissa's heart ached as her chest tightened, hating the thought that the young girl wanted her to stay and she couldn't, "I have to go get someone that can help you Honey. I promise I'll be back by morning. I love you Hermione."

Hermione's hand grasped her fingers weakly as her eyes fluttered shut, "I love you too Cissy. Hurry back to me."

Narcissa grit her teeth, a grimace pulling at her face as Hermione's hand dropped from hers as the girl passed out. She glanced up at Pomfrey, "No one comes near her but my son. I'll back as soon as I can."

Pomfrey nodded, "I'll send for Draco right away, but Ginny Weasley won't take no for an answer Madame Malfoy."

Narcissa placed another kiss on Hermione's forehead before standing straight, "That's fine but no one else. Is your office still connected to the Floo network?" At Pomfrey's not Narcissa glanced one last time at Hermione's sleeping face before spinning on her heel and rushing through the wing to Pomfrey's office.

Narcissa rolled her shoulders before stepping into the fireplace, her mind already screaming for the wizarding hospital. She couldn't stop the fear, the panic that circled her mind. She had never seen Hermione so pale before, not even when she had returned from the graveyard after her first kill. While she had hated the fact that Hermione's soul had forever been marked by that event, she couldn't disagree that she was glad the girl had done what needed to be done. Though the nightmares the girl had suffered because of it were things both she and Hermione could have done without.

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Hermione was aware of two things when she awoke. The first and foremost being the soft vanilla scent of Narcissa surrounding her, and the second was the amount of pain she was in. She hissed in a breath when she tried to shift, a hand pressing down on her chest, which she was just noticing was bare. The thought alone sent her into a panic, not understanding why she was naked from the waist up. She couldn't get her eyes to open, her head pounding against the bright light above her.

Voices filtered through her panic, "Hold her down!"

"Put a body bind on her!"

Suddenly a soft voice was right next to her ear, "Calm down my Darling. We're trying to help you. You were cursed and we are trying to do the counter curse, but you have to remain calm. Can you do that for me?" Narcissa's voice soothed the panic inside, knowing the woman would never let anything happen to her in such a compromising position. She forced her body to relax, the pain in her side subsiding. Narcissa's voice was soft and soothing in her ear again, "That's my girl. It won't be much longer, I promise."

She felt Narcissa's hand on her chest, her fingers circling lightly to keep her calm, to remind her that the older woman was there with her. She forced herself to remain still, to focus on Narcissa's steady breathing. A soft chanting started but she couldn't make out the words as the pain slowly eased in her body. Ignoring the muttering around her she searched her memory for what had happened, the group of Ravenclaws coming to mind, at the order of Umbridge. Her heart leapt into her throat when she remembered that Pansy Parkinson had been there, but she couldn't remember what had happened after she collapsed near the flying pitch.

A few minutes later, the chanting stopped and Narcissa's hand pressed firmly into her sternum, silently telling her not to move. She listened intently as Narcissa asked, "Is that it?"

A scoff sounded to her left, "No. She'll need five different potions, three times a day for the next two weeks. She's going to have to keep her strength up and get plenty of rest. If it were up to me, I would have her admitted to St. Mungo's where I can keep an eye on her. This wasn't just a basic fifth year curse Narcissa. Who ever did this had power and the want to do this. I've only seen three grown men survive this curse so far and there were side effects that were possibly worse than the actual curse."

Narcissa's gasp was barely audible in the silent room, "Andy, I can't thank you enough for coming."

"Of course," Hermione could hear the smile in the words, "What are sisters for Cissa? I'll be by three times a day to make sure she gets the right potions and the correct dosage."

"That won't be necessary," Dumbledore's unmistakable voice called from further away. "Madame Pomfrey is more than capable of-"

"You know as well as I do Albus, that Pomfrey isn't equipped to deal with this type of curse. No offense Madame Pomfrey." The woman, Andy, responded.

Hermione struggled to get her eyes open but after a moment she was able to see the two figures standing near the foot of her bed. Narcissa was sitting on the edge of her bed, one hand on her now covered chest while her eyes were narrowed at Dumbledore. The woman Hermione presumed was Andy stood at the foot of her bed, arms crossed over her chest as if she was blocking Dumbledore from coming to Hermione's side. Something that Hermione was slightly grateful for.

"At my sister's insistence I will be coming in three times a day to make sure Hermione gets exactly what she needs, when she needs it. It will also allow me to keep an eye out for any side effects that could arise, which I am sure you weren't thinking about." Andy snapped, her anger slowly coming through her words.

Narcissa frowned at the wording Andy used but filed it away to ask her older sister about later. She knew Andy was very precise when it came to the medical field, and if Andy was saying something in a specific way, then she meant it precisely that way.

Hermione's eyes widened, her mind slowly taking in what Andy was saying. As the words sunk in Hermione realized she was going to be feeling pain for a while. Which was something that would distract her from her O.W.L.s studying. She groaned at the thought and instantly regretted it as Narcissa's head snapped back to her, deep blue eyes shimmering with concern.

"Are you in pain my Darling?" Narcissa's voice was soft, her usual tone when Hermione was in pain.

Hermione was in pain, but she was more concerned about the fact that she was going to be distracted from her studying. Andy stepped forward; her face suddenly illuminated by the soft light beside the bed. Hermione gasped as her eyes widened, her heart pounding in her chest as she took in the woman's face. Sharp cheekbones that were slightly lower, the chin that was slightly more rounded, and the brunette hair that was curly yet nothing like her older sisters. If she didn't know any better, she would think this woman was her Bellatrix, but it wasn't. Hermione had spent hours a day all her life staring at the only photo she had of her mate, studying every inch of the woman's face. Looking into her dark eyes, searching for something that she never quite figured out.

And this woman, while very close in looks, closer than Hermione was expecting, was not her mate.

The shock of it caused her to suck in a sharp breath which set her entire right side on fire, and she grimaced, clutching her side. Andy moved quickly, uncorking a small glass bottle filled with a light blue potion, "Take this, it will help ease the pain you feel."

Hermione glanced at Narcissa even before pushing herself into a sitting position. Narcissa gave a small smile, nodding once, "Take it Honey."

Hermione took the bottle gently, placing the cold glass against her lips and tossing it back in one swallow. She coughed at the sudden burn in the back of her throat, grimacing at the sour taste of the liquid. Narcissa's hand rubbed soothing circles on her back before guiding her to lie back on the bed. She shivered as the potion slithered through her body, a cooling sensation spreading across her right side.

Andy gave her a sympathetic smile, "I know it tastes horrid, but it'll help. Andromeda Tonks. Pleasure to meet the girl that's mated to my sister after all this time."

Narcissa rolled her eyes, "Do you really think now is the time to be petty about this Andy?"

Andromeda scoffed, "Petty? Me be petty? You raised the girl and I'm just now meeting her in her fifth year. Hell, I've met Draco twice in the past year alone. You are the one being petty. Not wanting to share the girl with your sister." Andy smirked at Hermione, giving her a playful wink.

Hermione couldn't help but smile back at her. She knew Andromeda was trying to get under Narcissa's skin, to rile the woman up so she would stop being so worried about Hermione.

And it worked as Narcissa glared at the woman, a scoff slipping from her lips, "She's not mine to share for one. And for two Andy," Narcissa crossed her arms over her chest, "You constantly working wasn't helping anything not to mention your…" Narcissa trailed off as Dumbledore approached once more.

"Miss Black, I'm glad to see you're awake." Dumbledore's soft voice was supposed to be soothing, she knew, but it was anything but. In fact, it made her skin crawl as the old man gripped her ankle which thankfully was covered by the blankets.

An annoyingly familiar fake cough sounded behind Dumbledore and Hermione watched the man's eyes roll in annoyance. Umbridge moved forward and Hermione felt her body stiffen uncontrollably. Beside her Narcissa tensed, blue eyes darkening at the mere sight of the woman. Anger began to roll from the blonde in waves, her jaw flexing, a muscle jumping in her temple and Hermione was afraid the woman was about to blow.

"Headmaster this student was in a location that is off limits at the time of night she was there, as stated in Educational Decree one hundred and forty." Umbridge's voice was high, child-like and Hermione felt every nerve ending in her body snap at once.

Dumbledore grimaced, his patience with the woman wearing too thin for the late hour, "Which wasn't off limits until this evening at dinner, right after I was notified about the new Educational Decree's that the Ministry is imposing." He glared at the woman for a moment before continuing, "Students are welcome to the Herbology greenhouses to study plants for Professor Sprout. Even I have a few special plants in the greenhouses."

Umbridge's eyes narrowed on the Headmaster, ignoring his disdain at not being notified sooner of the sudden change, "Dinner which she did not attend, and she was not there to study but to meet with that liar Potter. Headmaster I demand disciplinary action be-"

The lights flickered around the room and Hermione's heart skipped a beat. Andy stepped back, away from Umbridge and closer to Hermione, her hand coming to rest on her shoulder. Narcissa slowly rose to her feet, eyes so dark they looked black as she glared at The Toad, "You dare call for disciplinary action against a student that was viciously attacked. A student that was attacked by something no student should even know, if it was a student at all."

Umbridge's eyes widened slightly at Narcissa, a fear slithering across her eyes before it disappeared and a scowl spread across her face, "You shouldn't even be here. Just because this is your ward doesn't mean you need to be involved in every aspect of her life. I'll make sure this girl is punished to the best of my abilities for fighting, injuring other students, and I'll be damned if you set foot on these grounds again."

Hermione frowned, her chest constricting painfully. She was nothing more than a ward of Narcissa's and Lucius's. It was her most feared truth staring her in the face, laid out in the open for everyone in the room to hear. She had been thrust into Narcissa's life, taking some of the woman's care and devotion from Draco. She had felt guilty for it over the years, but it only worsened when she and Draco entered Hogwarts. The doubt, the insecurities that plagued her dreams entered her mind and they weren't so easily overcome. Umbridge's words hit the nerve she had been dancing around for the last five years.

Andromeda's hand gripped her shoulder tightly, whether she was trying to sooth her or hold her back Hermione wasn't sure she wanted to know, as Narcissa took a step towards the woman, her magic swirling with the rage that was slowly seeping from her body, hand gripping her wand tightly as he began to raise it, "You little…."

Dumbledore held his hands up, quickly stepping between the two angry women, knowing he needed to calm things before they escalated beyond what he could control, though it wasn't his smartest move, "That is unnecessary Dolores. As Miss Black's family she has the right to be here when the girl is in the hospital wing. This was a close call tonight and while we're on the subject," he turned to the woman, his anger reaching a peak, "I was told you were in that area."

Umbridge's face faltered for a moment before she cleared her throat again, "The Minister will be hearing about this." Her eyes darted to Narcissa, "You'll be hearing from the Ministry. As will Lucius." With that the woman spun on her heel and strode from the hospital wing with her chin in the air.

Dumbledore shook his head as he watched her go, "This is going to get worse before it's over." He turned to face them, "Madame Malfoy, I'm afraid she may be able to do exactly what she says."

Narcissa shook her head, "No one threatens my family and gets away with it." She turned back to Hermione and returned to her bedside, not understanding the look in the girl's eyes, "Hermione, are you alright?"

Hermione's mind grew foggy as her eyelids became heavy, "Fine." She didn't want to process any more tonight. She just wanted to sleep, to ignore the surge of unpleasant feelings that Umbridge had brought to the forefront of her mind. She let her eyes closed, breathing Narcissa's vanilla scent into her being as she drifted into the darkness.

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Hermione awoke slowly the following morning, the soft nudging to her uninjured side making her groan in frustration. A soft chuckle sounded beside her, "And here I thought you would be easier to wake than my sister."

Hermione's eyes snapped open, finding Andromeda smiling at her, "Where do you think I learned it from?"

Andromeda snorted, "Go figure. Up now. Potion time. Oh, and Narcissa left these for you."

Hermione grinned as she took the overstuffed envelope from the middle Black sister, "Where is she?"

Andromeda frowned, "She was called to the Ministry. I think Umbridge is making good on her threat."

Hermione felt a wave of guilt hit her like never before. The thought that she was going to be responsible for Narcissa not being able to be here for Draco pushed her towards the edge. Her breathing increased and she struggled to stop the rush of tears that burned her eyes. She had never meant for this to happen. She only wanted to see what Potter and Weasley wanted, not get Narcissa dragged into her problems.

Andromeda frowned at her, "Hermione, slow your breathing. You're going to hyperventilate."

Her lungs constricted, reducing the airflow as her chest grew painfully tight. She clutched at her chest; the overly thick envelope pressed against her chest. Andromeda gripped her shoulders and began to breath slow and deep, forcing Hermione to match every breath until she calmed. Hermione nodded at the woman as she felt her chest loosen slightly. She frowned at the envelop, she never had this much trouble controlling her emotions. Then again, she didn't have a night like she did last night either. She shook her head against the thoughts and glanced over at Andromeda as she held up the first potion.

"It won't be pleasant," Andromeda grimaced, "But it will help keep the pain at bay for a while. The others," she motioned to the four other bottles with varying colors, "Will help with the healing process and help you sleep."

Hermione frowned, "How long will I be in here?" Andromeda raised an eyebrow at her. A feat that ran in the family apparently, Hermione thought.

"Just over the weekend. You'll be sleeping most of the time anyway but then I'll asses you to confirm you're able to return to a normal schedule." Andromeda handed her bottle after bottle until all five were gone. "You'll be sleepy soon, so I suggest reading fast if you're going to." The woman nodded to the envelopes.

Hermione smiled warmly at the woman and watched her walk towards Madame Pomfrey's office, before turning back to her letters. She took a deep breath as she opened it, Narcissa's elegant handwriting looking perfect as usual. She frowned when two envelopes fell into her lap before she remembered that she had written her mother too. The second envelope made her curious, but she shook her head. She felt disappointed, and hurt, that Narcissa hadn't responded to her letter but then the woman had come, storming the castle in a sense, which wouldn't have needed a letter. She shoved the feelings away and focused on the first envelope.

Hermione,

I understand completely, and while I will not say it doesn't hurt, I do understand. Sending you to Narcissa is what I thought was the best at the time. There are many things that I am not proud of that were set into motion long ago. Lies that were told for safety, for the reality of war takes no prisoners, at least not really. Let us start at the beginning. Until we can meet in person let us start by learning the basics. I will not treat you as a child, for you are no longer the child I was taken from. However, let me start off by saying you are my daughter, and I will always love you, no matter what.

Narcissa and I have spoken little since I've been out. Most of the first week was spent at St. Mungo's, as you know. Spending fifteen years in Azkaban damages, not just the body, but the soul. Dementors are no laughing matter, as I've been told recently you learned in your third year when Sirius Black escaped. I am taking it one day at a time but I long for the day that I can hold you again and tell you in person how much I love you.

Fenrir Greyback tells me that you and he have spent a lot of time together. He told me a little bit about your time at Hogwarts but I would rather hear it from you. The tales he tells, as a mother are not only shocking but slightly disturbing. And this comes from a woman that was recently set free of Azkaban. It pains me to hear about you being hurt, in any compacity, and yet I am so proud of you. You are a survivor, a fighter, and I am proud of the young woman you are becoming.

You asked what my favorite color is… Well, I don't have just one but the first one that comes to mind is lime green. There are so many scents, and when combined they make something new, so that is even harder than color. In time I hope we will learn all the little things that have been lost to us, but as they say, there is no time like the present. Whatever you desire to learn about me I will answer truthfully and in time I will explain why I did the things I did. Until then know that my love for you is never ending.

I am curious myself, something I have been told you have inherited. Are you right or left handed? What was your first memory? How did you feel the first time you arrived at Hogwarts? Are there any strong memories that stand out to you the most? Who are your friends? Is there anyone special in your life at this moment?

There are so many things I wish to know and while I know we now have all the time in the world, it also feels like it isn't enough. I look forward to continuing this, to becoming the mother-daughter duo I had always dreamt of.

As I was writing this Narcissa read your letter. Are you alright? Did those brats hurt you? This Umbridge woman will pay for the pain she caused you. I promise you that. Please let me know how you are doing? I anxiously await word from you. I love you Hermione.

Your Mother

Hermione couldn't stop the tears that rolled down her face. Hoping for it and knowing it were two different things. Her mother was just as anxious to learn about her, to discover all the inconsequential things that to others meant little, but to each other meant the world. Her mother wanted a deep connection with her, and the warmth of that knowledge swam through her body, increasing the already heavy exhaustion that was tugging at her mind. She gripped both letters, not able to keep her eyes open long enough to look at the second envelope. Clutching them to her chest she pulled the blankets up over her shoulder, hiding them but keeping them close to her heart and drifted off to sleep.

Lunch came and went with no news from Narcissa. Andromeda handed the potions to her one by one and promised that she would wake her if Narcissa returned or sent word. Hermione knew she would be tired; Andromeda had stated that but the utter exhaustion she felt was more than she could handle. She rolled over and returned to sleep as soon as the potions were gone, and she was positive Andromeda would keep her word.

The days passed in a haze of potions and sleep and before she knew it the weekend was over and Monday morning was pressing in on her. She hadn't heard anything from Narcissa and as Andromeda approached her for the morning checkup, she was quick to voice the worry, "Have you heard from Cissa?"

Andromeda frowned, "Yes. She has been permanently banned from Hogwarts until further notice. That toad of a woman Umbridge even tried to have all communication from Malfoy Manor stopped but even Fudge refused to keep a mother from her children."

Hermione shook her head, "This is all my fault." She dropped her head, covering her face with her hands.

Andromeda eyed her curiously, pulling her wand from her robes, "Why do you say that?" She began to wave the wand in front of the girl slowly, beginning her diagnostic.

Hermione sighed and looked up at the older woman, "If I hadn't gone to meet Potter and Weasley, this never would have happened. And if I had kept my mouth shut, not telling Narcissa about the Blood Quill, she wouldn't have come here in a rage."

Andromeda frowned as a piece of parchment extended from her wand, "You really think my sister wouldn't have noticed anything amiss?" Her frown deepened as she read the diagnostic, a sinking feeling entering the pit of her stomach.

Hermione shrugged, "How could she from a letter? I mean I know Narcissa has some sort of sick sixth sense when it comes to me…"

Andromeda raised an eyebrow at the girl, pausing her reading, "But?"

Hermione avoided the woman's curious gaze, feeling her blush rush up her neck, making her cheeks warm with the thought she desperately did not want to voice. She shook her head, rubbing her eyes before asking, "So am I good to return to class?"

Andromeda knew Hermione wasn't saying something but the girl brought her attention back to the check up, which was more concerning at the moment, "You can return to class but if you get tired you need to sleep. Meet me here at lunch and if you need anything before then, Madame Pomfrey can send for me right away."

Hermione nodded, grabbing her school robes to change while watching Andromeda walk away curiously. She could sense that Andromeda was distracted, something in her diagnostic having slightly thrown the woman. She didn't think it was anything to be overly worried about since Andromeda wasn't telling her to stay in bed or ordering her to be moved to St. Mungo's. She snatched her letters and hurried from the Hospital wing once Andromeda was out of sight.

Hermione made her way towards the common room, knowing she still had at least an hour before their first class of the day. While she was excited to see Draco she was more interested in who sent the second letter. She took her usual seat near the window that looked out into the Black Lake and carefully examined the envelope. The flap was sealed with a ruby red substance in the shape of lips. She felt her heart quicken as she felt the powerful magical essence flowing from it. She had never seen a seal like this before but she had a feeling that this letter was from Bellatrix. She snorted when she realized that the ruby red lips was actual lipstick and she couldn't stop the laugh that bubbled from her lips.

S.W.A.K.

Sealed with a kiss meant more to her than she ever thought it would in that moment. She knew the only way to open it, and by doing so, Bellatrix would feel it the moment it happened. As far as first kisses went this was the most innocent way, however Hermione couldn't stop the wave of disappointment that crossed her mind. Not that she believed this was their first kiss but Bellatrix would feel the pressure of her lips, would know that she was opening her letter.

Was she ready to see what her mate had to say? Would she be angry that Hermione hadn't written her when she had Narcissa and her mother? Would she understand how awkward Hermione was suddenly finding all of this?

She frowned as she stared at the seal, contemplating whether or not she wanted to open it. Whether or not she should open it. Try as she might she knew she couldn't ignore it, couldn't deny that there was a burning desire to reach out to the one person that was her forever, the one person that had no choice in the matter same as her. With shaking hands she brought the envelop closer to her face.

"Hermione!" Draco's shout could have awoken the entire castle.

She glanced over at him with a smirk, "Miss me?"

Draco rushed to her, gently wrapping her in a tight hug as she stood to greet him, "Mum said you were in bad shape. What happened? Did Potter and Weasel do that to you?"

She shook her head, retaking her seat again, "No. Actually we worked together, again." She told him how Umbridge had sent a group of Ravenclaws in to look for them, and how the fight broke out.

Draco frowned, "She's made three more Educational Decree's over the weekend too. Mum isn't allowed at Hogwarts unless it's life or death."

Hermione frowned at her envelope, "I'm so sorry Draco."

He glared at her, "Stop. It's not your fault and Mum is worried about you. She's not to contact you for a week but you can write her."

Hermione frowned, "Why can't she write to me?"

Draco's glare nearly matched his mothers, almost, "Umbridge said it would be to your detriment if you were disturbed while you recover. She claims you need absolute rest, not to be disturbed. Load of Hippogriff dung if you ask me. She's got it out for you. And she went after Father too. Tried to convince Fudge that Father should be punished for something that didn't even have to do with him."

Hermione frowned, "What's…." She glanced around before saying, "Papa say about all this?"

Draco smirked, "Oh he's livid. He's working on things but he was powerless to stop this."

Hermione nodded, "Unfortunately Potter and Weasley were actually helpful. There's another player in this war. Dumbledore and Papa are not up against someone else as well as each other."

Draco frowned, "You think it's Fudge?"

Hermione shook her head, shifting in her seat as her side began to throb painfully, "No. Someone at the Ministry yes. They are keeping hold of the power that both Papa and Dumbledore are trying to get. I think they are controlling Fudge, maybe through a curse or blackmail, I'm not sure."

Draco nodded, "Mum says you are taking a bunch of potions three times a day."

Hermione nodded, "Yeah and believe me when I say, you don't want to know what they taste like." He grimaced and she chuckled, "Though I did finally meet Andromeda."

Draco chuckled, "She asks about you all the time and Mum gets defensive. You'd think they were still children and fighting over a favorite toy."

Hermione raised an eyebrow at him, a smirk coming to her face, "I'm no toy. I'm a one of a kind collectible." Draco snorted and they fell into a comfortable silence as he began to work on some last minute homework.

She refocused on her letter, taking a deep breath and pressed her lips to the S.W.A.K.