Thank you so much for all the wonderful reviews I received regarding 'Midnight Wind' (Ch. 20). Also, I love to see new readers! I enjoy your comments just as much. I can say that I have probably given you a lot to think about. Maybe this chapter will answer some of your questions, or maybe it won't. You will have to see. Happy reading!

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The moon shone on the grassy plane as Hermione made her way back to her tent. Draco's kiss was still on her mind, but she was beginning to convince herself of his intentions. He did it because he liked her. He did say she looked pretty and it felt natural. Narcissa's words were starting to drain from her memory. Hermione took out the ring from under her dress and began looking at it again. It was plain, a silver color. "Just ignore it," one part of her said. "No one will ever know. Wizarding contraceptives are better than Muggle ones. You won't get pregnant or anything else."

Her eyes fixed on the ring, Hermione neglected to look where she was going. She found herself bumping into someone. Her attention immediately left the ring and went to the person she had hit. "I'm sorry," she said.

"It's alright, Miss Granger," said the smiling Isadora Malfoy. "Although, shouldn't you be getting some rest?"

"Yes," Hermione sputtered. "I should, I'm on my way back to the tent right now."

"On your way back? Where were you before?"

Hermione fell silent and bit her lip, trying to think of an appropriate reason for her to be out wandering around. If she told Isadora, it was most likely that she would handle it a bit better than McGonagall. But on the other hand, should she really be kissing and telling with a professor?

"I'm taking it that you were in some place you don't really want me to know," said Isadora with a knowing smile, "Perhaps in my cousin's tent?"

Hermione looked up in alarm, but blushed a furious red. "How did you know?"

"Pure instinct. What is that necklace you are wearing?"

"Oh," said Hermione, "It's a ring my parents gave me."

"A promise ring, perhaps?"

It was Hermione's turn to smile. "How do you know these things? Are you a mind reader or something?"

"No," said Isadora, "Just observant. My guess is that you said 'no' to Draco when he asked you to have a go with him. You're feeling a little embarrassed and you are considering breaking your promise to your parents."

Hermione looked up at her, unable to hide her shock. "Very observant," Isadora reminded her.

Isadora's expression then turned serious. "Think on it heavily first, Hermione. That act is supposed to be an expression of love, not lust. Do you really love Draco? Also, there are backdoors to every trick and spell you can do. What you do cannot come undone. I'm not going to lecture you, but think heavily before you decide to do anything like this."

Hermione nodded. "Thank you," Hermione said.

"For what?"

"What you just said. You're really wise. And I will think on it before I do anything."

Isadora smiled. "Care for a cup of tea?" she asked.

Hermione grinned back. "Sure."

The two walked to Isadora's nearby tent to get the tea. After she had been handed the English Breakfast tea, a question entered Hermione's head. "Professor Malfoy?" she said.

"Hermione, I usually don't grant this to most of my students, but it is alright with me, when we are away from other teachers, who may think it is disrespectful, it is alright to call me Isadora."

Feeling a bit more comfortable, Hermione said, "Thank you, Isadora. I was wondering something."

"What?" Isadora replied.

"I was wondering how your last name is Malfoy. Draco told me that you are Narcissa's sister, but that would mean that your last name would be Black. But I didn't see you on the Black family tree at Sirius's house."

"Well," Isadora began, "to put it simply, I'm a bastard."

"Oh," said Hermione softly, "I'm sorry I asked."

Isadora waved her hand impatiently. "Don't be sorry. There's actually a story behind it that makes it sound a little less vulgar if you'd like to hear it."

"If you don't mind, I'd like to," replied Hermione.

"Okay, to start off, my parents names are Augustus Black and Loretta Berah. Now, the Lady Black's name is Lacuna Rookwood. Before Black was ever married to Lacuna, he was married to Berah. He was one fourth Veela, and she was one half Veela. Now, you're probably adding that up and seeing it equals three fourths, right?"

Hermione nodded.

"Well, when it comes to Veela blood, equations are mad. That combination as well as two pure Veelas produces a pure-blooded Veela. In marriage, they had a pure Veela- Narcissa."

"Wait," Hermione interrupted, "I thought she was a Black? That doesn't make sense."

"Don't worry, I'm getting there." Hermione quieted her questions.

"Alright," Narcissa continued. "Black was horrified at what Narcissa was and the kind of life she would have to endure. Despite what many witches and wizards believe, being a Veela is a difficult life. Consequently, Black divorced Berah, leaving her alone to tend for Narcissa. Black married Lacuna for social reasons, and produced Sirius Black. Now, my father was very fickle. He realized that his love was for Berah, so he secretly went back to her, who received him with open arms. Kind of funny, huh?"

"No," said Hermione, shaking her head. "It's really interesting though. Please continue."

"Okay, so Black and Berah began a secret love affair, which produced me. Now, Berah, my mother, died in childbirth, leaving him with me as and infant and Narcissa, who was then ten years old. Lacuna accepted Narcissa as a step-child since she was from Black's previous marriage, but rejected me because I was born out of wedlock, also when he was married to her. Now, do you know what it means to expose a child?"

"I think so," said Hermione. "It's where you abandon a child to the elements right?"

"Correct," said Isadora, nodding. "Black didn't want to do that to me, so he brought me to the Salisbury Veelas. My adoptive mother became Emralie Brown. Seven months later, Black and Lacuna had a daughter- Bellatrix. And, really, that's all that there is. Any questions?"

Hermione nodded. "If you were taken to the Veelas when you were born, how did you meet up with Narcissa?"

Isadora grinned. "You ready for another story?" she asked.

"Sure."

"Alright." Isadora took a deep breath. "Well, Lacuna and Black's relationship worsened as Narcissa grew older. She looked very much like Berah, not Black. Narcissa also remembered there being a baby somewhere in her childhood memories, but couldn't remember the child's name or parents. Narcissa once asked Lacuna, but Lacuna refused to answer her questions. When Narcissa turned seventeen, she was arranged to marry Lucius Malfoy by her mother, who wanted to remove the memory of Berah from Grimmauld Place once and for all.

"When Black came calling on Narcissa soon after her marriage and to discuss 'business' with Lucius, Narcissa had a fit and demanded to know who the child, or I, was. Black knew she was old enough to handle the truth, and told her the story I just told you. He also told her about my name and current location in Salisbury. After this, Narcissa went to great lengths to contact me. Lacuna died three months after Black's visit to the Malfoy mansion. Narcissa did not make contact until two years later."

"That's pretty wicked that she wanted to get in contact with you so badly," said Hermione.

"It was. I probably would not be who I am today without her. But I have not answered your question yet! Let me tell you how I have the name Malfoy."

Hermione nodded for her to continue.

"The war with Voldemort ended the year before she made contact with me," started Isadora. "Once honor was restored to the Malfoy name, I asked permission to adopt Malfoy as my surname. It is a Veela custom to take on the surname of someone who is very special or close to us, with their permission of course. In a way, that made us real sisters. Well, Malfoy is a very prestigious name. You can imagine how angry Lucius was when he discovered that Narcissa had allowed for the Malfoy name to be used for a so called 'common Veela.' He beat her, and then ordered her out of the manor and away from her three year old son, Draco. I offered her refuge in Salisbury, where she lived for a year. Lucius realized that he needed his wife for political and social reasons, so he retrieved Narcissa from Salisbury. She returned to the manor and I stayed in Salisbury. But we have obviously made a great deal of contact."

Hermione nodded. "It all makes sense," she said slowly. "Except one thing- if you are Narcissa's sister, why do you call Draco your cousin? Shouldn't you be his aunt or something?"

"That's easy enough to explain. In Pure-blood families, a bastard is not considered truly part of the family. But, since I am still related, we are called cousins."

"So how much of an age difference is there between you and Narcissa?"

"Ten years."

"Okay, well I can see that Mr. Malfoy really didn't approve of you..." Narcissa nodded. Hermione continued, "If this is true, how did you meet Draco?"

"I actually only met Draco a little over a year ago. Just because Lucius didn't approve of me doesn't mean he didn't have use for me. I love my visits with Narcissa. Often times I would have to bribe him to let him let me see her. I would often give him strand of my hair and blood for his potion material supply. He also had his other uses for me."

"Wow," said Hermione. "And I thought my life was difficult."

Isadora laughed. "I try to focus on the really good things that have happened to me," she said. "It helps to block out the bad things."

"That's a good way to live."

Isadora shrugged. "I've always thought, 'Hey, it could be worse. I could be dead or worse. Which reminds me, I am dead tired. I've kept you here for such a long time. You need to get your rest. Look beautiful for Draco tomorrow."

"Isadora!"

"Well, you should," she said, grinning. "It drives them insane. Men always want what they can't have easily. Now get yourself to bed. If you run into any more professors, tell them that you were with me so you aren't punished. I will cover for where you were beforehand if anyone was looking for you."

Hermione smiled in thanks and left the tent.

- - - - - - -

Hermione entered the dark tent, welcoming the bed that waited for her. Suddenly, a hand grabbed her shoulder and a wand was ignited. Biting back a scream, she saw her two best friends' faces in the wand light.

"Where have you been?" said Harry, concern in his face.

"I was just talking with Professor Malfoy. I'm fine. You two shouldn't scare me like that!" she said.

"Sorry," said Ron. "We just wanted to talk to you."

Hermione looked worried. "What did I do?"

"Guilty conscience, eh?" said Harry, grinning. "We just haven't seen you in a while. Well, really sat down and talked to you. Every single time we get near you, it always seems like D-Malfoy's hanging around."

"Yeah," said Ron. "I'm happy you're finally out of that bloody ferret's paws."

Hermione bit on her lower lip. Wanting to change the subject, she said, "Guys, can I talk to you about something?"

The trio sat down on her cot and she proceeded to tell them about her mother and true bloodline. Harry, like Draco, found it to be particularly funny that Hermione and Ron were cousins. Ron was almost in a state of shock.

"Um, Ron?" said Hermione. "Are you okay?"

"Are you saying," he began. "That I burped slugs for nothing?"

Hermione and Harry laughed and nodded. Ron looked a little put off. "Oh, lighten up," said Harry. "Hermione really appreciates it all the same." Hermione nodded and hugged Ron. That certainly cheered him up.

"Okay, you two," started Hermione. "I'm terribly tired, so unless you plan on spending the night on the ground in here, I would suggest that you went back to your tents. I'm going to bed."

They agreed and said their goodnights. Hermione nestled underneath the covers, thinking over everything that had been said that night.

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Harry sat next to Hermione the next morning as they ate their oatmeal that had been conjured for them on the blankets in the grass. Ron came and joined two. They quickly began their usual banter. Isadora passed by and waved cheerily at Hermione. Also, another passed- Draco Malfoy. He smiled at her as he went by. Unlucky for him though, Ron spotted it.

"Why is Malfoy smiling at you?" he asked quizzically.

"I don't know," Hermione said quickly.

"He'd better stop."

However, Malfoy didn't stop. Once he had received his breakfast, he sat by the Slytherins, who were in a close proximity to the trio. He grinned at her one last time before he began eating his oatmeal.

"What is the matter with you, Malfoy?" challenged Ron.

"What are you talking about, Weasel?" he retorted.

"Why do you keep on smiling at Hermione?"

"And that is such a crime because...?"

"Why are you doing it?"

Draco smiled manically, "I'm imagining her death."

"And that is going to stay an imagination!" barked Ron.

"Weasley," said McGonagall. "Stop your shouting this instant!"

"Sorry, Professor," he mumbled under his breath. Once McGonagall had walked away, he said, "You know, I really don't get Malfoy. He fights for us, but then he says he imagines one of our men dead. What is wrong with him?"

Harry exchanged a glance with Hermione. "I don't know," Harry said. "Maybe he's just mad."

"Whatever," said Ron. "Look, I'll see you guys later. Professor Victor said that he would teach me a few swordplay tricks, like fighting with the sword and stunning at the same time."

"Good luck," said Hermione, as Ron walked away from them. He waved cheerily, then left.

"Fancy a walk?" said Harry.

"Alright." Hermione got up and followed Harry. They were quiet for a while, and then Harry spoke.

"So what is going on with you and Malfoy?" asked Harry, showing his displeasure on his face.

"Nothing really," she said quickly.

"Hermione..."

"It's nothing, Harry."

He then stopped walking and looked straight at her. "Then what were you doing in his tent late last night." Hermione tried to formulate something in her head, but could think of nothing. "Hermione," he said. "Are you snogging him?"

Hermione slowly began, "Now, Harry, you mustn't be angry..."

"Hermione! Why would you do something like that?"

"I don't know..."

"I mean, I know he kissed you when you were his servant, but now it's all out snogging, and you're okay with it! What is going on?"

"That's just what I'd like to know!" A furious Ron stormed out from behind a tent.

"Were you in on this? Did you arrange for him to spy on me?" said Hermione to Harry.

"No," said Harry. "What are you doing anyway, Ron?"

"I came back to ask you if I could borrow your sword because mine is being repaired. I come back to get silver and instead I find this! What is going on? I can't believe you two are keeping things from me. I didn't even know you and Malfoy were friends."

"We knew you'd freak out," said Hermione, "That's why we didn't want to tell you for a while!"

"It's better than finding out like this," Ron retorted.

"Do you love him?" said Harry quietly.

Hermione opened her mouth, but then closed it when she saw Draco walking towards them from behind. Harry looked at him indifferently, while Ron's face was contorted with rage. "In case you wanted to know," said Draco, "we're continuing to Beauxbatons. They need everyone to help pack up the stuff."

Ron angrily stalked off and Harry followed him at a slower pace. Tears began blossoming in Hermione's eyes. Draco looked at the retreating boys back to Hermione and back again. "Everything okay?" he asked her gently.

"No," she said. "They just found out about what is going on between us."

"Oh," he said, nodding in understanding. "It will be alright. They'll come around. They're your best friends, aren't they?"

She nodded, wiped the tears from her face, and smiled up at Draco. He grinned back and went in to kiss her. She, however, turned her face, so his lips met with her cheek. "Not right now," she said. He nodded and they went their separate ways to pack for Beauxbatons.

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"You know, there is something I really don't understand."

McGonagall was using a shrinking spell on her tent and possessions.

"What, Minerva?" said Snape.

"That prophesy," she said, as she moved the objects into a bag, "For some reason I think I've heard it before."

"That's preposterous. Prophesies aren't made twice."

"Actually, Minerva, I think you're right," said Isadora.

"How?" challenged Snape.

"Well, last night I was doing some thinking about the prophesy and history. I had a strange feeling of de-ja-vu as well. I was also thinking about history. Then I remembered. The Aztecs and Cortes."

"What about them? The Sphinx is supposed to be Aztec, but what about Cortes?" said McGonagall.

"Motecuhzoma sacrificed to the gods for a way to fight the invading Spaniards. One of the priestesses spoke about the Sphinx- the head of a woman, body of lion, and a snake for a tail. They were conquered, so the prophesy was not fulfilled. Perhaps it is returning, hoping to be fulfilled this time. Or perhaps the priestess had been predicting very far into the future."

"So this Sphinx is supposed our weapon?" said Snape.

"I think so."

"It makes sense," said McGonagall slowly. "I know it sounds crazy, but it makes sense."

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Hey! Hoped ya'll enjoyed it!

Dragonfires