Druella Drops A Blood Bomb

"Take me for a ride, I'm the one you pushed aside,
But it's coming back to you, yeah it's coming back to you;
Run to the sound, take it back and double down,
'Cause it's coming back to you, yeah it's coming back to you!
It'll never be the same now…
Well we're pouring gasoline,
So dance around the first that we once believed in…"
-The Offspring

It was fairly easy for Harry to settle in to living with the Malfoys. To be expected, there was a little stiffness at first, due to everyone's backgrounds. Harry had the closest relationship with Draco; they had always been civil and coolly polite to one another. Or at worst indifferent, their mutual hatred of Theo Nott being one common factor they somewhat bonded over. Harry felt the strongest connections with Cassius, and surprisingly Lyra. The little girl would appear seemingly out of nowhere to ply Harry with questions—rather curious and often pointed questions that Harry frequently thought a young child had no reason to even be thinking about. Nothing bad, just not the sorts of things one would expect to hear from a nine-year-old girl.

As for the others, Draco's parents treated Harry similar to the way Draco did: distant and reserved, but coolly polite and civil. As for the twins, Orion was just…Orion. He seemed to often be on his own, or with either his twin sister or Draco. And almost every time Harry saw him, Orion had a book. It sort of reminded Harry of Hermione; but unlike Hermione, Orion could never be termed 'an insufferable know-it-all': the boy was quiet and kept his opinions to himself, for the most part. Unless you asked him about something, then he did channel his inner Hermione and prattle on for long stretches of time.

Cassiopeia hovered around Harry frequently, alternating between breathless rushes of words or near silence, content to stare at Harry with a puzzled expression when she thought Harry didn't notice. But Harry did notice, and it amused him. Although, he wasn't certain why she looked so puzzled each time he caught her staring at him.

Andromeda was very kind to him as well, yet still just a bit stiff and standoffish like her sister, although not quite as bad. Harry reckoned it might have something to do with their upbringing.

The highlight of Harry's first few days with the Malfoys occurred when Andromeda and Narcissa's mother visited. Druella greeted her daughters (and Cassiopeia, who was in the room as well when Drullea arrived), making some comments about relatives and a couple luncheons that were upcoming, before she turned to Harry with a smile.

"It is wonderful to see you again, Mr. Potter," she said as she extended her hand to the boy.

"You as well, Ma'am," Harry replied, placing a soft kiss on the back of Druella's hand.

The corner of Druella's mouth twitched up. Good manners…he remembered. Excellent. "I hope the rest of your school year went well."

"It did, ma'am, thank you." Harry gave her a shy smile.

"I understand that you helped my nephew out of a rather tight situation." And Druella chuckled at the incredulous look that appeared on Harry's face.

"How did you know about that?" The boy asked.

"Lyra and I had a brief encounter with Sirius at his old home soon after the events at Hogwarts." She paused and favored Harry with a smile. "Thank you for that. My son-in-law could never quite bring himself to believe that Sirius was responsible for the dastardly betrayal of you and your parents, and I am glad you were able to help prove that assumption correct."

Harry blushed. "Well, to be honest, ma'am, I…well, at first when I found out about Sirius, I thought he had been the one who betrayed us, and I…I wanted to kill him." He looked down, his face flushing with embarrassment.

Druella pursed her lips. "Do not feel ashamed, Mr. Potter. That would be a perfectly logical thought to anyone in a similar situation."

"And I might have, too," Harry continued, still looking at his feet. "I am just lucky that my friend Hermione stopped me."

Druella gave him a sharp look. "Hmmm…Hermione Granger, yes?"

Harry nodded.

"It is interesting that you should mention Miss Granger. I have something of importance to discuss with her. In fact, I am paying her a visit this very afternoon to bring her hear for a little talk, and was wondering if you would wish to accompany me to her house to collect her."

Harry's eyes widened. He wondered if he had heard the woman correctly. Druella noticed this and chuckled again.

"Yes, Mr. Potter. It is imperative that I speak with your friend, and invited her here. She has accepted my offer to visit, and I am going to go pick her up after lunch. So, would you like to come along?"

Harry's face lit up in a beaming smile. "Yes, please, ma'am!"

And so, immediately after lunch, Harry and Druella apparated to a side street not too far from Hermione's house. Harry was surprised to see that Druella Black had clothes that could pass as muggle, even if they weren't wholly so. He wondered if perhaps she had conjured them, or altered other clothes she already owned…the clothes were very high-end looking.

Harry had never been to Hermione's house before, and was excited to see what it looked like. It was a typical muggle home, but nicer looking and a little bigger than the Drusleys'. Harry supposed this was because both her parents were dentists, and probably made more money that Uncle Vernon did at his job.

For her part, Druella was barely able to keep a look of disdain off her face. She realized that the Granger home was considered nice for a muggle home, but because of the circles she and her family traveled in, it was only a couple steps up from a hovel to her. But she didn't hold it against the Grangers, knowing their circumstances.

Harry rang the bell, and within moments Hermione yanked the door open. Breaking out in a grin, she exclaimed, "Harry!" and gathered him into a hug which he returned. Stepping back after a moment, Hermione's face grew serious as she gazed at the dignified older woman smiling indulgently at the two teenagers.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Madam Black," Hermione murmured, dropping a small curtsey. A pleased expression crossing her face, Druella gave Hermione a nod. "It is a pleasure for me to meet you as well, young lady."

Hermione beamed at the woman, who then took a moment to gaze at the girl, nodding to herself after a moment. Yes, I can certainly see the similarities in her facial structure and build…even the way she carries herself to an extent. She returned Hermione's smile.

Hermione invited the two into the house. Once again, Harry looked around in satisfaction, and Druella glanced around in slight disdain, which she again managed to keep hidden from the two children.

"Well, Miss Granger, are you ready?"

Hermione gave a nod. "Yes indeed, ma'am." Druella noted the small tone of anxiousness in the girl's voice and gave her a warm smile.

"I assure you, young lady, there is nothing to fret over. Despite what you may have heard about my family from…certain sources, you have nothing whatever to fear from us. This is neither a cruel trick, nor is it a trap. I have some news that I expect will impact your life rather dramatically. And indeed, it may well be of immense importance to the entire magical community as well, and I am hopeful it will put to rest certain…prejudicial views still held by many. That is why I wanted you to come to Malfoy Manor for the reveal, so to speak, so that my family may also hear the news personally."

Hermione returned the older woman's smile. "Take hold of my arms, children," Druella commanded, both Harry and Hermione obeying without question. The next thing they knew, they were standing in front of the gates to Malfoy Manor.

Still sensing a little hesitation in Hermione, a slight trembling that had begun as she gazed up at the imposing house, Druella turned to the children. "As I said, Hermione, I give you my word that you have no cause to fear my family. I know what most of your fellow Gryffindors think of us, and can only imagine the sordid things you have heard. In all honesty, I have no doubt that some of it is most likely true. But I promise you that you are safe here. I won't let anything happen to you, and my family will treat you with respect."

"It's alright, Hermione," Harry added. "The Malfoys are nothing like what Ron and Ginny make them out to be!"

Hermione glanced at Harry before returning her eyes to the woman in front of her. Druella placed a gentle hand on Hermione's shoulder and gave her a small but warm smile. "Trust me, my dear. Very soon your world will be changing, and for the better."

Hermione glanced away from Druella and gazed once more at the house. Then she sighed, squared her shoulders, and replied, "Yes, ma'am."

With another satisfied smile, Druella led the way to the house. Mipsy answered the door and greeted Druella and Harry warmly. "And who be this, Mistress Druella?" She asked when she saw Hermione.

"This is Miss Granger, Mipsy. Please tell the entire family that I wish to see them in the front drawing room as soon as possible. And have Flopsy bring tea to the drawing room as well." Turning to Harry and Hermione, she said, "This way, children."

Hermione, who had been looking around in awe at the lavish entry hall of Malfoy Manor, couldn't stifle the gasp that escaped her when she entered the ornate drawing room. Everything about Malfoy Manor was taking her breath away. A small corner of her mind noted that perhaps it was too showy, too opulent, clearly intended to awe any guests who may have questions about the extent of the Malfoy's wealth. But the thought was quickly buried by the very awe it had pondered on.

Druella sat, and gestured for the teens to join her, as Flopsy appeared with a tea tray containing a pot, three cups, and some cakes and sandwiches. "Thank you, Flopsy," Druella said with a nod at the elf. The lady's action rather surprised Hermione, who had been under the impression that purebloods—and especially those purebloods of a darker disposition—treated their house elves like slaves. Wait till I tell Ginny and Ronald about this!

"Flopsy, please prepare more tea and food for the entire family, and bring it here after I am done talking to them," Druella instructed the diminutive elf, who bowed and replied, "Yes, Mistress Druella," before popping out of the room.

The three were sipping their tea (which was, not surprisingly, the most exquisite tea Hermione thought she had ever tasted) when the Malfoys began to trickle into the room. Hermione looked up as they did so, mentally checking each off as they entered.

Draco and Orion…Cassiopeia, still as arrogant looking as ever…Lyra and her mother…Draco's mother…And Cassiopeia's father, with—that must be Draco's dad then. My goodness, his hair is long!

"What is going on, mother?" Andromeda asked as the Malfoys stood staring at Druella, Harry, and Hermione casually sipping tea together.

"And why on earth is Granger here?" Cassiopeia wondered loudly. Hermione noticed the girl hadn't said it haughtily or angrily, at least. Her tone simply reflected genuine surprise curiosity.

"Everyone please sit down," Druella instructed, her tone of voice calm yet commanding enough that the Malfoys obeyed her after a moment spent glancing at one another in confusion, finding seats around the room: Harry and Hermione moving to a couch, Draco's parents sitting on a love seat, Draco, Orion, and Cassiopeia taking the couch across from the one Harry and Hermione were seated on, and The twin's parents sitting on another couch nearby, with Lyra nestled between them. All the Malfoys' faces bore slight frowns as they turned their attention to Druella, who set her tea cup down and stood.

"Family, as you are all aware, this is Hermione Granger, a Hogwarts student and year mate of Draco's and Harry's…and a supposed muggle-born."

The room went totally quiet, and remained silent for several moments before someone spoke. "Wait…what do you mean supposed muggle-born, Ma'am?" Harry asked, confusion evident in both his tone and the expression on his face.

"Yes," piped up an equally confused Narcissa. "What are you saying, Mother?"

Druella sighed. "We all know, from both Harry and Draco, and even Daphne, that Miss Granger is an exceptionally talented, intelligent, and powerful witch."

Hermione couldn't help feeling warmth spread through her at the older pureblood witch's words.

" And as we all also know," Druella continued, "there are many in our social circles who would look down on Miss Granger simply for being muggle-born, no matter what her obvious talents and abilities happened to be."

She paused a moment as the Malfoys all glanced at one another with various expressions on their faces, ranging from semi-guilt to continued disdain.

"And as you all further know," Druella continued, "I have spent the better part of the last year researching certain topics in both the Malfoy and Black family libraries, as well as the records department at the Ministry. This is why I brought everyone together here today to discuss. I have come to the inescapable conclusion, through many hours of research into the bloodlines of the sacred Twenty-Eight, that Miss Granger is NOT, in fact, a muggle born. She is the granddaughter of four squibs, from three families of purebloods: a Nott, an Abbot, and two lines of the Black family."

There was complete silence for about five seconds following her announcement. Then almost everyone began talking over almost everyone else:

"Wait…w-what?" (Harry)

"Reeeallllyyy?" (Hermione)

"What? You cannot be serious, mother!" (Narcissa)

"That's impossible!" (Andromeda)

"You are completely serious, aren't you?" (Lucius)

"This certainly changes things…" (Cassius)

"Granger is a Black?!" (Draco)

"I called her a mudblood! I'm doomed!" (Cassiopeia)

"Yay! Another Cousin!" (Lyra)

Varying in tone ranging from utter confusion on Harry and Draco's parts, to contempt on Narcissa's, shock on Lucius, calculation by Cassius, joy from Lyra, shocked confusion from Andromeda, and sheer terror on Cassiopeia's…to a mixture of joy and fear on Hermione's.

Orion said nothing. He only rolled his eyes.

"PLEASE!" Druella raised her voice. "I will tell you briefly what I found, and then you may ask questions." Clearing her throat, she began. Half an hour later, there was more shocked silence for several seconds when she concluded telling them of her findings, as each of the Malfoys tried to process the details in their minds.

Andromeda broke the silence. "I'm still confused, Mother. You say that there are many squibs that have been thrown out of pureblood families to avoid scandal, who have banded together in the muggle world and continued to stay connected to other squibs?"

"That is correct, my dear. I have unequivocally puzzled out the pureblood secret that I had begun to suspect some time ago: pureblooded families have many more children than it appears on the surface. Over half the children born to Sacred Twenty-Eight families in the last two hundred years have been squibs, who are at some point quietly removed from our society to avoid scandal. These children, still remembering some or all of their magical origins, depending on the ages they were removed from their families, seek out others like them. And sometimes it's even instinctual…they intuitively recognize some inherent quality in another squib, and band together—and often mate- without even realizing it is my belief that this is where most of the so-called muggle-borns come from."

"But…why does no one in the Sacred twenty-Eight seem to know anything about all this?" Lucius asked.

"Oh they know. It was an open secret that women would go 'into seclusion' and disappear from public sight for a time when they were pregnant. Many were miscarriages; but more than half of the rest turned out to be squibs. However in the last two or three generations it has reduced significantly, yet it still happens on occasion. Even I vaguely remember a couple of extra Blacks who seemed to suddenly vanish from pureblood society. I never really thought much about it at the time, as I was very young myself. But it returned to my mind when I began this research."

"Then why do none of us remember having siblings that vanished from our families?" Lucius was still confused. He glanced at his brother who merely shrugged.

"Because no one in this room ever did. Your mother, Lucius, had a couple of miscarriages before you came along; and once Cassius was born eleven months after you, your parents were content and stopped trying to have children. As for Cygnus and I, we only ever had our three girls."

She smiled fondly at her two daughters before continuing.

"Besides, it is exceedingly easy to wipe the memories of young children. For some reason I have yet to understand it seems that the very first, and in some cases second, children of our families who had this particular trait of becoming squibs. As for a reason behind this occurrence, I cannot say. Perhaps through too much inbreeding amongst the few remaining pureblood families, however distant the genetic connection may be."

"Does…does this mean I'm not actually a—a Granger?" Hermione asked in a small voice, biting her lip and staring at the floor.

Druella placed her finger under Hermione's chin and gently raised her head until she was looking at the older woman. "Not at all, my dear," Druella said with a soft smile. "Granger is indeed your legal name, and you were born with it. However, in magical society you would be known as Hermione Black, because your paternal grandfather was a Black. As I stated earlier, all four of your grandparents were squibs from our families. After being…removed from magical association and placed into orphanages, squibs were always given new surnames."

"Then why did my parents know nothing about magic?" Hermione was feeling a bit hurt over the stunning revelation that she was from a pureblood family and yet had never been told about magic before she had received her Hogwarts letter.

"It is tied into the Statute of secrecy that squibs living in muggle Britain are forbidden from talking about magic," Druella replied. "Since they could not perform magic themselves, they kept their origins a secret from their own children, especially since their children never manifested any signs of magic either. I also observe that the lack of children in pureblood families continues even in squibs, as both your parents are only children, and you yourself are an only child as well.

"As to why your surviving grandmother has never spoken of it to you, I cannot say. That is something which you should perhaps bring up with her at some point. But don't be too hard on your parents, Hermione, as they had no idea of their family background either."

"I won't, ma'am," Hermione promised. But I might not be so calm with Gran. How could she keep something like this from me?

"Now, Hermione…how do you wish to proceed?" Druella asked as she sat down beside the girl in question. She knew many more questions would be coming her way from her family and even Hermione herself, but that would have to wait. Time was of the essence. "I truly believe that this revelation could go a long way toward dispelling much of the hatred and animosity in the world. But I am leaving the decision to reveal your heritage or not completely up to you. You may keep this between we in this room as a secret, and none of us will mention a word to anyone else." She shot a sharp glance at her family, who all nodded. "Or, with our help and connections, we can let it be known to the magical community."

Hermione pondered her choice. On the one hand, she wasn't ashamed of being thought a muggle-born…or even a mudblood, if it came to it. She'd worn the term like a badge of honor against prejudice. On the other hand, she was now in a position to actually do something about the prejudice. To show people the error of their prejudicial ways. True, some would never see it or admit to it; but if she could turn even a few of the purebloods to see the truth, it would be worth it all.

She made her decision. With a slight raise of her chin and a somewhat haughty sniff (she was acting very much like Cassiopeia, if she only realized it…), she looked Druella in the eye and said, "I agrtee with you. Madam Black, that this could be a huge step in unifying the magical community. Please spread the word. Ma'am."

Druella smiled in satisfaction. "Very well, my dear. I will do so with pleasure." Then she and Hermione shook hands, a beaming smile spreading across the teenager's face.

(XXX)

Harry's time at Malfoy Manor proceeded in relative calm enjoyment for the next couple of weeks. To Harry's delight, Hermione was over several days to learn pureblood etiquette and customs from Druella and the Malfoy ladies; though being Hermione, she had (of course) already read up on the topics before she had even known of her true lineage. Hermione had also begun to very slowly become closer with Cassiopeia, who had been exceedingly chagrined because of her initial reaction to Hermione the first time they had met in Diagon Alley.

Both Druella and Hermione were gratified to see that there were already some cracks forming in pureblood society regarding attitudes about blood. But there was still much work to be done.

For his part, Cassius, too, was gratified, as he saw it increasing the neutral blocks ranks and advantages within the Wizengamot; and depriving both the light and dark sides from further swelling their own ranks. Indeed, both sides dwindled somewhat once the news about Hermione became more known to the public in general.

Daphne and Astoria, too, became much closer with Hermione. Once word had begun spreading through the pureblood community, several other families (primarily those of the Neutral block) had made brief visits to welcome the girl into their society…though many still kept their reserve for various reasons. And Hermione wondered what the next term of school would bring for her, both from her own Gryffindor friends as well as the rest of the Slytherins. Indeed, Ron and Ginny had not written her at all after they found out that she was in fact a pureblood (she had written to inform them the very evening she had found out her true background),which hurt Hermione's feelings and put further strain on her relationship with the Weasleys…a fact Hermione found patently ridiculous, since the Weasleys were purebloods themselves. Hermione was beginning to see that deep prejudices existed within the so-called light families as well.

When the news reached the Headmaster, he was decidedly not happy about it, as he saw yet another pillar in his grand scheme for the greater good collapse, and immediately began formulating new plans. I am on the verge of losing both Harry and Hermione to the Dark. I cannot accept this! Time to contact the others…

(XXX)

Before Harry knew it, it was the eve of the World Cup. The entire household was abuzz with excitement. Even those who were less of Quidditch enthusiasts, such as Orion and Andromeda. Lyra, although she too wasn't over fond of the sport, was excited at the mere thought of the entire family going on an outing together. Especially since it would be the first Uncle Lucius would be going on with them.

Harry was restless that evening. For some reason, he still could not understand the deep hatred the Weasleys had for the Malfoys. Ever since Harry had encountered the Malfoys, and indeed ever since coming to Hogwarts as a first year, Ron had nothing even remotely good to say about them. He only ever and forever commented on how "dark" the family was. Ginny and Mrs. Weasley echoing his sentiments. Yet, with only a couple of minor incidences, the Malfoys had never been anything but kind to Harry.

Mr. Malfoy said I could ask him anything I want…I need to at least try and understand this. Harry didn't want to go into everything the Weasleys accused the Malfoys of—that would probably take a week to sort through! But he needed to know something, since tomorrow he would be around them again in the company of the Malfoys.

He found Cassius in his study, and asked if they could talk briefly.

"Of course Harry," Cassius replied with a smile. "What can I do for you?"

"Well, sir…the Weasleys are going to be at the World Cup tomorrow. Some of them don't seem to mind your family much, but some seem to just hate you with a passion."

Cassius sighed. "Indeed they do, Harry. It has almost come to blows a couple of times over the years. What in particular about the animosity between our families bothers you most, would you say?"

"As you know, sir, my family was killed by the darkest wizard in history. The Weasleys—well, Mrs. Weasley, Ron, and Ginny, anyway—all they talked about the entire time was how dark you all are, and how you have no problem using dark magic if it will get you what you want. Yet you have never been anything but kind to me. I don't understand why they, and even Professor Dumbledore, are s hung up on 'dark magic'."

Cassius scoffed. "Harry, let me explain something. While there are indeed somethings in this world that are black and white—murder is always wrong, rape is always wrong, abuse is always wrong, etc—most things in life are neither black nor white, but grey.

"For example: Magic itself is amoral…neither light nor dark. It is how a person uses magic that makes it 'light' or 'dark'. Just like muggle guns: guns themselves are neither evil nor good. They can save your life, or be used to murder someone. Or even a wand—you can use it to curse or to heal. It isn't the wand, it is the intent. The choice is up to the wielder, not the instrument itself. For instance…did you know that the Killing Curse was originally created as a means of merciful execution? Instant, painless death for the most heinous of crimes. Now, they claim to have ended capital punishment; but tell me this, Harry: which is worse, a quick and painless death, or having your soul sucked out by a dark creature and living the rest of your life as a completely unresponsive vegetable?"

Harry blinked a couple times before a frown covered his face.

Cassius shook his head. "Yes, in their rush to appear 'enlightened', our wonderful government has decreed that being kissed by a Demntor is preferable to death." He looked at Harry, with a small, rueful smile. "The Weasleys are, however, not incorrect. All of us here, at one time or another—and yes, some more often than others—have used what the lightsiders would call 'dark magic'. But we refuse to be bound by the simplistic thoughts of cowards who are afraid of certain aspects of magic, and invent titles such as 'light' and 'dark' in order to assuage their own cowardice."

Mr. Malfoy's eyes blazed as he spoke, and Harry almost took an involuntary step back from the man but stopped himself at the last second. Cassius didn't seem to notice, however, as his eyes lost their fire and took on a distant, and slightly fearful, look.

"Although," he continued, in a much softer voice than before, almost as if he were talking to himself, "it is true that there are certain magics which were never meant for humans to dabble with. Magics so far removed from humanity's knowledge that only an utter fool or madman would dare even to seek them out. Things so deep, so terrifying, so maddening that even to attempt them leaves the one trying as a gibbering lunatic. Deep magics, from before the dawn of time…magics that invoke eldritch beings. The Old Ones, the Deep Ones, the Elder Gods. Creatures so far removed from humans as to barely even be aware of our existence."

His voice trailed off, and the room was silent for a few moments. Cassius was lost in thought and Harry was busy contemplating the meaning of Mr. Malfoy's words. The fire seemed to dim, the room grow colder, the more he thought on what Cassius had hinted at. Magics that would drive you mad…from before the dawn of time…eldritch beings…Harry was not certain what 'eldritch' meant, but it filled him with a sense of dread nonetheless, and he resolved to ask Hermione about the word.

Finally Cassius shook himself from whatever dark paths his thoughts had taken him down, and turned to Harry with a smile.

"Well, after all that 'dark' talk, I believe it is time for you to be in bed. We are leaving rather early for the Quidditch tournament tomorrow, after all. Time we were all asleep. Goodnight, Mr. Potter."

Harry nodded. "Good night, Mr. Malfoy."

Patting Harry on the shoulder, Cassius headed up the staircase, followed by Harry. Harry thought back over his time living with the Malfoys so far. It had been nothing at all like the Weasleys and Dumbledore had told him it would be. He still did not understand the depth of hatred the Weasleys had for the Mlafoys, and thought perhaps he never would. And he doubted that Ron would simply agree to disagree with him about it either. Harry enjoyed his frequent talks with Cassius very much, and had been disappointed that Cassius was calling it a night already. But his disappointment quickly turned to excitement as he thought about the World Cup. Suddenly realizing how tired he was, and fell asleep almost as soon as he lay down.

A/N: Well, again I must apologize for the long delay in updating. I have been working a new job for the last month which requires me to be gone almost twelve hours a day, and when I get home I am rather tired. And again I must apologize for delaying the World Cup. Next chapter, I promise! I hope whoever reads this enjoys this chapter (not that it was any great surprise about Hermione, I suppose, but still…). And thank you all for your continued and much appreciated love for this little story of mine. It means the world to me! Until next time, stay safe, everyone!