Oh boy most of this does not belong to me. The characters I'm borrowing' from Miss J K Rowling. The plot twists and occasional lines are being borrowed from Austen and Maybe one of the Bronte sisters. The only thing that belongs to me is the original characters.

Hermione was finishing unpacking her things for a third time that year. She began to wonder if she should even bother since she was going to have to do it one more time before the end. She looked at her room she would be inhabiting for two months. It was fairly old with a dresser that must not have been dusted for at least five years. Hermione set her clothes in the first two compartments of the dresser. She began to put her books in the bottom compartments. But found a photo album of sorts on the very bottom compartment. She picked the book up and put it on the bed. It wasn't her book to be looking at so she turned her attention to finishing her task.

The bed was a sturdy old bed that must have been made before the 1920's. It was covered in a very pale green that matched the darker green curtains in the room. It was very pleasant bed and very plush being that there was a feather mattress. She sunk into the bed immediately when she sat in it. She was going to have a very good summer.

Hermione? Aren't you almost done! I've just got an Owl from my mother! She says that her and my uncles are coming her to discuss some matters with me! Come down stairs so I don't have to shout! Her friend Claudia yelled.

Claudia Bell was her roommate from the later half of the year at the college she attended. Claudia invited her to stay for the summer, as they were becoming the best of friends. There was very little the girls did not share.

I'm coming! Hermione yelled back.

Hermione thought the cottage was pleasant but she insisted it was too big to be an actual cottage. It was very much in Victorian or Edwardian periods. Most of the rooms were mixed and matched, the newer ones were Victorian while the main cottage was Edwardian. She knew very little about architecture but she knew the periods from this house by watching too many BBC productions of the time period when she was a little girl. Her favorite by far was the production she had caught in the summer of 1997, a rerun of the pride and prejudice miniseries. It was after all a very good adaptation of a novel that had been a favorite from the time she was 12.

Hermione looked into the dinner area where Claudia was dusting and setting the table. There was at the end of the table a tablecloth with some glassware that would rest on it. More than likely Claudia would go out and pick some of the flowers that were in full bloom in the garden. The girl stopped and noticed Hermione standing in the doorway.

It's so soon that your family would be visiting? Is it normal? Hermione asked.

Well, no, but that's because a special occasion will be coming up soon. It will be my grandparents anniversary, their 50th. Quite a big deal to my mother, so she wants me to help organize it. We are planning a sort of costume ball I believe. You of course will be cordially invited as my very special guest! We'll have so much fun I assure you! Claudia beamed.

So what time will they be here? Hermione asked.

Well My mother should be here shortly around noon and my Uncles I have no idea. Shortly after I should guess, Claudia stated.

Both of them? I thought you said only one comes and visits, Hermione stated.

Well but this is a family matter! Claudia said in a you silly girl' sort of tone.

So what are their names? And your mother? Hermione asked.

Hermione did not liked begin kept out in the dark about people she was going to meet. She of course always liked to research her subjects before getting to experience them. It had always been that way, even when she was a little girl.

Well of course there is my uncle Cassius. And my mothers name is Isabella, and my other, Claudia began.

My dear! We are here; your father is just currently lugging some cases of your stuff from outside. I've got the most wonderful news! Her mother stated walking in through the doorway.

Mama! Hermione, this is my mother. Mother this is Hermione Granger, my roommate from school. Claudia said.

Hermione blushed a bit as she remembered she was not wearing the best of clothing that day. She was covered from head to foot in dust from the rooms she was cleaning that morning.

Charming! I am Isabella Bell. I know it's very redundant. So you are the one my daughter has taken a fast liking to! Contrary to what she tells you she rarely brings home any friends. At least now I can ask about the type of people she hangs out with. Make sure she hasn't become some sort of radical like that brother of mine, The woman joked.

Don't worry Mrs. Bell. You're daughter is very intelligent and I'm sure would never get mixed up with the wrong sort. Now if you excuse me I have to wash up. I'm afraid you caught me in the middle of cleaning, Hermione stated.

You work by hand! How odd, like a sort of common muggle? I guess it's more satisfying that way, Mrs. Bell commented.

Hermione nodded and left the room. She felt dirty and grimy while trying to sort out the comment her friends' mother had made. After a moment of reflection she decided that this statement was not in malice or did not contain any sort of bias. She knew her parents were muggles and she had learned to be wary of that after what had happened with Viktor

Hermione sighed as she closed the bathroom door and started the shower.

*****

Dear me! How is my favorite niece!

May I remind you Uncle Cassius I am your only niece? Or have you been hit with one too many Bludgers? She bit back sarcastically.

Yes I know. And no I've stayed away from the field these last couple of years. Now are you looking forward to this summer? I hear you have friend here? Is it a friend or a He asked.

It's just a friend for right now, She stated smiling.

My dear brother are you putting idea's in her head! I suggest you stop that. I'm sure her father would have a fit if he were to hear you! Isabella scolded.

No, no such luck putting idea's in her head! Quite the contrary actually she's putting ideas in my head! he teased lightly.

You have too many ideas in your head already! Pray do tell us when will you settle down? You know it will make mother and father jump for joy.

I, settle down! I'm barely 30! Why don't you ask that of Severus? You and mother never ask that of him! He said in a more serious matter.

Well why don't you ask him if you're so easily offended by not having him asked? Why I do not ask is because I do not wish to be poisoned, Isabella retorted.

They laughed at the joke. Claudia scoffed. She wondered how Hermione would react to such a silly family. Speaking of the girl, Claudia heard her footsteps on the stairs. She must have gotten washed up while Cassius had arrived.

My, My, Claudia you do have very good taste in friends! Cassius stated as Hermione entered the room.

Hermione blushed a bit at this statement while she observed the tall, lean muscular man in front of her. He had very masculine features. She observed his what looked to be black hair that contained a glint of purple in it. It was cut short but not too short as it came down to about mid ear and curled in. It was tousled but very attractive. His eyes were a mauve color that was quite appealing to her. He looked familiar to her. She just couldn't place it.

Her eyes turned to the man with dark brown hair entering the room. He had golden eyes like Claudia. Hermione knew that must have been her father. He nodded towards Hermione and she nodded back. Then her eye was caught again by who must have been Claudia's Uncle Cassius. He stepped forward picked her hand up from her side and kissed it.

A pleasure meeting you Miss he began.

Hermione Granger, but please just call me Hermione, Mr.? She asked.

Just Cassius. That's all you need to know, He said smiling at her.

Dear Me! You know what we should do to pass the time? We should play some croquet! I saw coming in that you have it set up Claudia, Isabella stated.

You go ahead and play my dear. I would like to get settled. You don't mind we are staying a week do you Claudia? Her father asked.

Not at all. It's not like we have any plans, Claudia said smiling at Hermione.

Will you play with us Miss Granger? Cassius asked smiling.

Of course, Hermione answered.

Hermione with Claudia, Cassius, and Mrs. Bell traveled to the back yard in the garden area to find the playing field was already set up with the game. Claudia went and fetched the mallets and the brightly colored balls. Hermione remembered the game from summer games her parents and her played. She smiled thinking of this.

It was a rather bright sunny warm summer day. It felt so good on her skin as she had changed into a light sundress from her jeans and tee shirt. Her wet curls shimmered in the sun and she could feel them getting drier by the minute. She knew she should have dried her hair like always but since she only brushed it after her shower she knew it wouldn't be as frizzy as if she brushed it when it was dry.

Cassius caught her attention as he handed her a Red ball to be played. He had chosen a Blue one. She looked into his eyes that had a gleam in them. She smiled and he smiled back. She was reflecting on his nice lips when Mrs. Bell interrupted.

Still partial to your house colors! She called to her brother.

Of course! I got to it before you!

Oh did you go to Hogwarts? Hermione asked.

Of course my dear! I was a Ravenclaw as was my sister. What? You didn't think I went to Durmstrang did you? He said playfully.

Ravenclaws were always attractive to me. They have a great sense of wit. I think that was the only house I could really tolerate, even my own got on my nerves a bit too much.

What house were you in? He asked.

Griffindor of course. Why did you think I was a Slytherin? Hermione said laughing.

My dears are we going to ever get this match started?! Mrs. Bell called.

Very fitting then you should have the red one, He called as they walked towards the starting point.

It was decided amongst themselves that Claudia would go first. Her ball was the black one. The yellow one was taken by Mrs. Bell. The different colors contrasted vividly with the green grass. Then they began the game. After the first couple of turns Mrs. Bell was in the lead while Hermione and Cassius followed. Claudia meanwhile was cursing at her ball for now cooperating. Light conversation occurred during this game just simple chitchat about the weather news in the wizarding world and such topics.

Mother when do you want the party? Claudia asked.

Sometime in August I think. Don't you think it be better to hold it in the summer Cassius? I mean I know that their Anniversary is near Bonfire night but really it won't be as charming to hold it then. Don't you agree? Mrs. Bell stated.

Yes I think that would be marvelous! I'm not sure if our brother will agree but then he was always a drag, Cassius sighed.

We'll overrule him, Claudia said in a very low tone.

Hermione stood studding this family. It was very close, closer than her own family at one time. As she observed them she couldn't help but feel she knew this man. She felt like she recognized Cassius from somewhere. She couldn't quiet place it though.

What are you so deep in thought about Miss Granger? He said sweetly.

Cassius, Hermione found, had a great voice it was soothing to the ears. It was very soft and very gentle. Like that muggle movie star who played Heathcliff in an adaptation of Wuthering Heights. She could listen to it forever. So low, so soft, so luxurious his voice was.

I could have sworn I've met you before. You're so familiar yet I cannot place it.

We must have met in your dreams then, for I would remember a face like yours, He purred.

I must have seen you from somewhere though. It's no dream that I've seen you in. I would have remembered the dream. Hermione stated.

Perhaps someone you know follows Quiddich. Cassius was a Beater for the Falmouth Falcons for a season, Mrs. Bell stated.

Well that must be it then. I must have seen you at the world cup or one of the parties that the Krums threw! Maybe a match between a couple of the Quiddich teams. My friends follow it very closely.

Yes perhaps I saw you at one of the Krum parties. How do you know them? Cassius asked.

Hermione blushed a little remembering Viktor. He was not handsome like the man in front of her, but he was sweet and kind. For a long time in her fourth year she didn't give him any credit for he was a world famous Quiddich player. Over the summer they had grown on each other but by the end of their second summer together, they had been driven apart totally by Viktor's family. Hermione hated to think of that.

We dated for a short period. Ultimately it was decided that we didn't suit each other, by outside forces of course. I have no regrets, She said unconvincingly.

Dear! So you're the Muggle who threatened to taint the Krum name forever'. Don't worry we won't think lowly of you, as you see the Krum name has been tainted ever since his uncle became a raging alcoholic. You just can't tear that man from his firewhiskey. Cassius said in a reassuring manner.

Well that does it! Are we going to play or not! Claudia yelled.

Oh excuse my poor niece, she has just had some grievous news. For you see Miss Granger she has been pining after you for a while now. I'm sure being that you weren't interested you didn't notice it. So you might want to stay out of her way for a couple of days after this grievous news she has just received, Cassius stated in his playful tone.

Damn it Cassius! I pine after no one you insufferable twit! She snapped.

Claudia did not like her uncle all that well. He was but only 10 years her senior but treated her as if she were a small cousin than a young woman. Right now she could kill him, the rage was that bad. She liked to handle her personal affairs on her own terms. He was meddling and she would not stand for it.

The game soon resumed with very little talk. When it came to Claudia's turn she intentionally hit her uncle in the leg rather than try to catch up in the game. He in turn declared that she ill-mannered child. She ignored this poor attempt at an insult. Claudia turned to her friend who looked uncomfortable with this whole scene.

Dear Hermione, please forgive us. I hate for you to think we get along so horribly but the truth in the matter is my Uncle has yet to grow up. We've tried everything from simple spells to complex aging potions but I'm afraid his thick skull he has developed from Quiddich matches repels everything!

Oh don't worry about it! It's a lot better than the time I visited my cousins on the outskirts of London I'd rather not talk about that whole experience, She said quietly.

Miss Granger I am sorry you had to see us in poor form. I sometimes tease a bit to far. I'm afraid I have very poor judgment and timing, as my sister can tell you.

Very poor Hermione! You have not seen the worst of it. God knows my dear brother tries hard enough but sometimes I cannot help but wonder! Oh he will be the death of us all, I am sure of that! Mrs. Bell responded rather dramatically.

It was now Hermione's turn as she bent over concentrating on her red ball. She was about to win this game if she played it right. All she had to do was hit Mrs. Bell's ball in order to gain two more shots. She could win it in that amount, but she reminded herself she only had one chance to get it right. She tried lining her mallet up with the two balls. She began to take her shot when her thoughts were interrupted.

After this, Hermione, would you like to take a turn in the garden with me? Cassius asked.

Yes if you'd stop your feeble attempts at distracting me! She said in a laughing manner.

She took her turn and won the game. It was an amazing comeback. Soon after the rest of them finished the game. Mrs. Bell came in second and Claudia was of course last. They soon went into the house to fetch some lemonade as it was called for it on a summer's day. As the mother and daughter departed Cassius escorted Hermione towards the garden. It looked like he had something in mind, but didn't want to offend the rest of party. He sighed as she stared curiously at him.

I feel as though I must tell you Hermione, as I'm afraid my niece has not. You I'm sure are wondering all sorts about my quirky family. Everything appears to be light and happy but I'm afraid we have a very grave secret. You see we are all cheery to a fault all of us except for my brother. I don't want him frightening you away to your room when he comes so I must tell you about him now. I must warn you though he's not like us in any aspect, in fact if it weren't for his looks being similar I would have to question his heritage!

I'm sure it can't be that bad, Hermione laughed hooking her arm with his.

I'm afraid it is though you see I've believe you've met him before, although you would never guess right now I'm sure of it! You see Cassius began with a small smile lingering on his face.

Dear god Cassius after little girls now? A sarcastic voice stated.

Hermione turned around quickly. She had hoped with all her heart that the voice was misleading. She hoped to god that she had been wrong about the voice placement. She was of course right about the voice. She was cursing herself in her mind for not seeing the connection sooner. She was cursing herself for not recognizing the similarities of the brothers. Now that they were both together she saw they had very similar features. Cassius had a rather large nose that was not hooked but it still complimented him. The black hair and dark eyes were very similar as was the facial structure. The main difference was the build of the two and their mouths. Cassius had nice lips full but not too full. It complimented him greatly, while his brother did not. Cassius also appeared most defiantly a quidditch player, as his brother did not show any signs of athleticism, even though he was lean. They seemed complete opposite yet so similar at the same time.

Yikes what was she doing? Comparing the figures of the two brothers was not something she'd normally do. She couldn't help it in this situation though. She couldn't believe that Cassius was brothers with one of the most vial teachers in Hogwarts: A History. She couldn't believe that he was he was a Snape! Granted she had only just met Cassius that day but he was the type of guy most girls dream about. Tall, Dark, Handsome, and Athletic, weren't those on the list of every girls dream guy? He also seemed to possess wit that was lacking severely in most of the male population. This made Hermione extremely ecstatic and hopeful since he seemed to be taking a liking to her as well!

Miss. Granger! Snape yelped.

Hello Professor, She managed to spit out.

He looked as pale as ever, but then again so did she. She also noticed, when she recovered from the initial shock, the harsh glances the two brothers gave each other. She had seen the same scene before just instead with Harry and not Cassius. It was a look of contempt, but also in the glare was a general acknowledgement of existence.

Well Hermione, lets go get some of that lemonade shale we? Cassius asked.

He turned the girl around and walked with her out the garden, leaving his brother behind. She was still a little taken aback by the whole experience but with her false smile no one could tell. She couldn't see the surprise and the anger across her old professor's face. It perhaps was for the better not to be more perplexed than she already was. She decided this event already would make for some very interesting owls to her friends.

6/20-note-Meh. Tomorrow night, book 5! That reminds me Bonfire night, as mentioned above, is the night of Guy Fawkes Day. Guy Fawkes (for all who are not British) tried to blow up parliament in the early 1600's. I found in certain fiction (yes I believe in HP also, if I'm not mistaken) it is briefly mentioned, such as in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte. Next part probably won't be done for a while (as I will have a social life following graduation, surprise surprise.) Also one quick note, The speech may seem odd but I'm trying to maintain some feel of Austen. Because I've discovered it's better not to butcher the style of Austen along with the characters and plot.

6-30- Thanks to all the reviews. ^__^ they have not fallen on deaf ears.

Invictus aka Ater Serpens, trickofthetrade, Lily of the Shadow, Red of Rose, thanks for the feedback. Glad you all like it.

Moon Assassin 13, Mystic Werewolf, glad you like Claudia. I've added quiet a few characters, but necessary for the parody I feel. I have some suprises for her in the near future.

Pendragon, don't mind at all. Good to know I'm not the only one obsessed. Hmm I've been also toying with a one-shot idea of a crossover~ which I find will probably be quiet interesting to write.