"Try the spell again, Ron. You nearly got it," Harry coached.
"I'm no good at this spell," Ron grumbled as he stood up. "I'll never get it right."
"You will. Just practice. It took me ages to get. Ready?"
"All right. Expecto Patronum!"
Nothing came out.
"Come on, happy memory. think about the time we won the house cup in first year!"
"Sorry, but for some strange reason the image of a certain Hermione Granger- Malfoy who will remain unnamed keeps popping up in my head."
Harry grimaced. "Well-"
"Oh god," Ron said, revolted.
"What? What is it?" Harry asked quickly.
"Look at that."
Harry looked in the direction Ron was looking. Immediately he wished he hadn't. It was Malfoy and Hermione. but that wasn't all. They were laughing and talking. Together. Not at each other, with each other.
A little kid suddenly walked past them into the Great Hall, accidentally bumping into Hermione. Harry recognized him as David Macmillan, Ernie's little brother. David had pestered them, he, Ron, and Hermione, with questions about what happened in their second year. Ron and Harry would brush him off, like Harry did Colin Creevy, but Hermione had always been to kind-hearted to do that. She would patiently answer all of his questions, even the some. all right, most, got on her nerves. How did you go to the bathroom while you were petrified? You didn't? So when you finally got unpetrified, did you have to run to the loo? Harry and Ron would always swoop in to save her. Although, this time he passed, Harry didn't think that David would stop and ask Hermione questions.
He was right.
Draco yanked the boy back. And Hermione. Hermione cursed him. Harry watched in horror as they laughed, the boy slumped to the floor, and Draco went ahead into the Great Hall. Hermione bent down to pick up a book, and followed him in.
"I can't believe you were right Ron."
Hermione stayed in her room, reading a book, trying to get her mind off things. For a moment it nearly worked, but suddenly came a knock on her door. She walked there slowly, and even more slowly opened the door. "Harry?" she asked, wonder and hope rising quickly. but just as quickly crushed at his expression.
"You almost had me fooled," he said angrily. "I was going to apologize after that really believable act you and Lucius Malfoy concocted-"
"Harry, it wasn't an act! I suspected of course, but I didn't really believe-"
"I fell for that innocence act before. luckily Ron told me to double-check before I trusted you again. We were alternately dueling and watching you after your Herbology lesson and what do you think we saw?"
Hermione frowned, and spoke slowly. "If you had watched, you would have seen me reading. then Draco Malfoy would have turned up, making all by books fall. he would pick one up, I would see him, and I would brush him off. He'd give some final parting words, and go into the Great Hall. and I would walk in after him."
Harry shook his head. "Convincing lie, but really, don't you think it would be better to come clean? I saw what you did."
Hermione was bewildered. "And what exactly did I do?"
Harry's eyes narrowed. "Ron and I both saw you, all chummy with Malfoy. and I saw you both curse David Macmillan."
"What? I never cursed David Macmillan!" Hermione replied, indignant at the accusation.
Harry ignored her protest. "Actions speak louder then words, Hermione. or whoever you are."
He went out of her room, banging the door so loudly Hermione thought it would come off it's hinges.
No one was there as the girl sobbed, and no one was there to guess why. But you dear reader, must know. She cried for she had received the best gift in the world. and it was quickly snatched away from her, leaving only the sounds of footsteps in a hallway.
Hermione once again found herself on the outside looking in. Normally, when Harry and Ron were mad at her, she would usually visit Hagrid, someone who wouldn't judge her, someone who was always there to listen. Unfortunately, that wasn't an option. Hagrid was gone again, he had left right after that disastrous meal at the Great Hall. He was going of to do negotiations with some of the giants.
She would head to the library. but she was sure she would encounter stares or Malfoy. She didn't know which was worse. Hermione stopped short. Never mind the stares, she had to know about why she looked the way she did.
And so it began. Hermione went through book after book, everyday after class. Never mind who saw her, never mind that she didn't eat as much, never mind that she was going through the Restricted Section secretly. she just had to know.
And unknown to Hermione, another storm was brewing back home. Her parents, both dentists were steadily loosing patients, loosing credibility. and both were in court, about to loose their licenses.
It had been little more than a month since the disastrous Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Hermione once again was leafing through Glamours and Disguises, praying, hoping against hope that there was something she missed- something that said that her glamour was wrong. But of course she didn't find any. Her glamour was completely gone. How she looked was how she really looked.
Hermione sighed, and started reading the other book she had taken from the shelves. Utterly discouraged with the topic she was reading on: Why Are Wearers of Glamours Unable to Have Their Nose Hair Grow in Ringlets, she noticed straight away that Dennis Creevy had come in, and had handed a note to Madam Pince.
Madam Pince read it, and went to Hermione, to her surprise. Hermione quickly hid the restricted books under a large potted plant, which was actually The Disguised Book of Disguises.
"Ms. Granger, Professor Dumbledore wants to see you in his office. The password is strawberry lollies," she whispered, the ever quiet librarian.
Hermione nodded. She placed the books back, and darted into the Restricted Section once Madam Pince was distracted, and quickly darted out again. She walked to Dumbledore's office, wondering why she had to go there.
She didn't think she was in trouble, she didn't expect to be punished. but another thing she didn't expect was to see Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, and her own parents, in Dumbledore's office. Lucius looked smug about something. and her parents looked furious, sad, and. hopeless all at once.
"Ah, Ms. Granger." Dumbledore began. Hermione hadn't registered that he was even there. There were two other people in the room. One she didn't know, but he looked like the wizarding version of a lawyer. he had a briefcase, round rimless glasses, and a no-nonsense attitude. Hermione was vaguely reminded of Percy. The other was Cornelius Fudge, looking important. self- centered. Hermione knew she shouldn't have thought that, but his attitude against Harry last year during the Tri-Wizard tournament. just didn't make her like him.
Hermione's eyes darted from her parents, to the Malfoy's, to the unknown people to Dumbledore. "What's going on? Mum, dad. what are you doing here?"
"Good, you're all here," one of the men. "I'm sure you're all aware of what this is, this is just to make it official."
"What?" Hermione asked, bewildered. "What do you mean?"
"These documents state that adoptive parents William and Elizabeth Granger have lost all legal rights to Hermione Anne Granger, or Diana Elizabeth Tatiana Andromeda Christine Malfoy on the grounds of negligent treatment."
At hearing the words negligent treatment, the shock of her real name. her really long real name faded away. "Negligent treatment?" Hermione said shocked. "They've never-"
"Hermione dear, be quiet," Elizabeth said softly, knowing that no matter how untrue it was, no matter how much both they and Hermione protested against that lie. Lucius Malfoy would stop them, and bring them down even further.
Hermione was shocked into silence at the defeated tone of her normally aggressive and opinionated mother.
The man resumed speaking as if nothing had happened. "These documents also state that biological parents Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy reassume all legal rights to aforementioned minor."
"WHAT?"
"These documents will be signed by both parties, witnessed by myself, Minister Fudge, and Headmaster Dumbledore."
Hermione listened in horror, numb. "All rights, including visitation rights have been revoked from the Grangers. The child will be under the supervision and care of the Malfoys."
Hermione later learned from Dumbledore that her parents. rather her foster parents had refused to give up custody of her when Lucius demanded it. and Lucius had taken revenge. not that it was proven. Her foster parents suddenly found themselves with cases by clients who had never been dissatisfied before. And surprisingly. they had lost every single one, until it had become impossible for them, financially, to care for a child. Lucius had then come forth, bringing papers of their legal rights to her. not failing to mention the current state they were in.
If Hermione had hated Lucius and Narcissa before, it was nothing to how much she hated them now. They brought the people she cared about to ruin. the Grangers. the Weasley's.
They were her legal guardians. They had custody of her. They were her parents.
It meant that Malfoy Manor was her home. that she would have to go. or go back there end of term. It meant that Draco Malfoy, jerk of the first order, was her brother. It meant she was a pureblood. It meant she would be hated and classified as a Dark Wizard by many of her schoolmates. It meant she would be. Hermione's head was starting to hurt from thinking of it.
The news spread through the school like wildfire. It was official. Lucius and Narcissa had custody of Hermione. or rather as the teachers were now required to call her. Tatiana. In all her records, her name was changed. even some seating arrangements were changed from Hermione Granger to Tatiana Malfoy.
After the documents had been signed, the official straight away took the Grangers back, not giving Hermione time to speak with them. Lucius had demanded a meeting with the family, one that Cornelius Fudge had happily and readily agreed to. to Dumbledore's displeasure.
That was why about thirty minutes later, she, Draco, Lucius and Narcissa were in a room at Hogwarts, with good food on the table. were in a very uncomfortable silence.
It was Draco who spoke first. 'So, Father. how do we address her?" Hermione noted he was more. formal in his choice of words, but not necessarily more polite or respectful. There was the slightest hint of contempt in those words.
Lucius pondered this thoughtfully.
"The name 'Hermione' really is horrible, Lucius. we gave her a perfectly lovely name," Narcissa interjected loftily.
"We address her the same way we always have."
"Mudblood? Granger?"
Draco earned a glare from his father for that.
"Tatiana."
Hermione nearly gagged.
"Do you have any problems with that, young lady?" Lucius asked.
Hermione shook her head sulkily, determined not to enjoy a single thing about this night.
"So, Tatiana. how is Hogwarts? Any boys. parties?"
Hermione only looked at her. Narcissa pretended to ignore it. "I remember when I was at Hogwarts, it was wonderful. I had scores of boys chasing after me, really quite cute. Are you dating that Bulgarian seeker? I read about it in the Daily Prophet and Witch Weekly of course. I was surprised that a muggle-born had such famous people chasing after her. but now I understand why. You've certainly inherited my charm."
But Lucuis and Draco both stopped listening at the words dating and Bulgarian seeker. Lucius turned quickly to Hermione. "You're dating Viktor Krum?" they asked sharply.
And suddenly she felt that the Malfoy's weren't all that bad. Of course she would never admit it. but on a subconscious level. Draco was spoiled, no doubt about that. Lucius was probably a workaholic, a proud member of the old rich, Narcissa was the pretty trophy wife, who really was interested only in herself and how good she looked. Really, the Malfoy's weren't any different from some rich muggle families. Hermione blinked as she forgot they were expecting an answer.
"No."
Lucius still looked suspicious though. Narcissa started speaking again.
"So. you're dating Harry Potter?"
"She most certainly is not," Draco interjected.
"Let her speak for herself, Draco."
"No," Hermione replied shortly.
"But you are. friends with him?"
"Not at the moment," Hermione gritted out.
Lucius looked vaguely disappointed.
"I'm not telling you anything about him. Your master will have to be disappointed."
Lucius didn't flinch but took in her comment, her flippant attitude, and her vicious tone. "Such spirit."
Narcissa tactfully changed the subject. "So, we've heard a great deal about your intellect. that you must get from Lucius. We hear from Draco that you are an avid reader, always in the library."
"I go there with Ginny Weasley," Hermione said, putting the emphasis on Weasley, watching Narcissa and Lucius' faces become horrified at the idea a Malfoy would associate with a Weasley.
"Weasley?" Narcissa repeated, lips curling in distaste. Easy to see where Draco got it.
"Yes. She's wonderful," Hermione said, thoroughly pleased with herself. "Oh, and did I mention that I dated Ron Weasley for a time?" this wasn't true, but since everyone at Hogwarts thought it, and there was no way the Malfoys would ever admit it to anyone else. she was safe.
"Weasley?" Lucius repeated, disgust obvious in his voice.
"Oh, and mum," Hermione said, putting on a sweet-as-honey voice she didn't know she could use, "I got asked by Justin Flinch-Fletchly, he's a muggle- born from Hufflepuff, to go to the Fifth Year dance. I think I'm going to say yes. but then again, I might go with Nev-"
Draco interrupted before she could finish the sentence. "She got asked by Terry Boot, Father."
"Boot?"
"Yes."
Hermione had no idea how Draco had found that out.
"A Boot isn't so bad. So, Draco, how is-"
As Lucius and Draco started speaking to each other, Narcissa started speaking to Hermione.
"I do hope you'll enjoy it at Malfoy Manor, darling. We've already prepared your room. well, actually it's been prepared long ago."
"My room?"
"Yes. Of course, once you get there you'll be free to do what you like with it. you know, posters. we can change the paintings. I'm afraid the room is for a child, not a teenager. Lucius wanted to prepare it of course, but I said it'd be better if you could design it."
Hermione was silent.
Narcissa pressed on. "But what I think you'll enjoy is the library. it's quite big. I've never really liked reading much but there are some books that I discovered there that are quite amusing."
Hermione was still silent.
"And we haven't discussed extracurricular activities yet! For you must have some. we believe in a very well rounded education. You can't get everything at Hogwarts of course. I play several musical instruments, you'll find that talent at music heightens certain magical abilities. The flute is fairly easy, the harp is a bit challenging. and the piano is lovely when you've mastered it. So. do you play?"
"Piano," Hermione said softly, not really knowing why. Narcissa was self- absorbed, no doubt about it, but she was trying and even Hermione wasn't that cold-hearted. Besides, it was Lucius she hated.
"Excellent! What is your latest piece?"
"I'm struggling with Moonlight Sonata."
Narcissa laughed. "Oh, that is simple! I'm sure with the right teacher we can have you past Beethoven and on to the really great composers."
"You don't consider Beethoven great?"
"Beethoven was. well, he had a cousin who was a squib. Bach on the other hand was a pureblood."
Hermione tried to keep herself from rolling her eyes. Blood. Blood really was everything in her family.
Hermione shocked herself. Did I just think of the Malfoy's as my family? Stress must be getting to me.
"So, Tatiana. what breed of dragon do you prefer?"
"Pardon?"
Draco had a small smile on his face, as if he knew she hadn't been listening to Lucius.
"Father wishes for you to have riding lessons."
"Oh."
"On dragons."
Hermione, already pale, paled further. "Dragons?"
"Yes, what breed do you prefer?" Lucius asked impatiently.
"I don't want to ride a dragon."
"Nonsense," Lucius said. "You will learn. Every Malfoy knows how."
"Mother, Father, don't we still have Tatiana's pet dragon Alexandra?"
"Come to think of it we do. poor girls been cooped up without a rider."
"Yes, that takes care of the dragon problem. But what teacher?"
"Well frankly Lucius, the one you chose for Draco was absolutely horrible. He knew nothing of-"
"Don't be ridiculous Narcissa, he taught the basics very well."
"Basics. that's all he could teach! Did you see him attempting to pacify your Horntail?"
As Lucius and Narcissa started debating, Hermione quietly started eating again.
"Do you remember her?" Draco asked her. He was seated to her right.
"What?"
"Your dragon. They're really not all that bad."
"I thought you wouldn't like dragons."
"With a name like mine? Dragons are easy. You'll like it."
"How would you know?"
Draco pretended to ignore it. "Your dragon is an Antipodean Opaleye. It's not so big, it's more for show. It's a beautiful dragon, pearly scales. and it rarely kills unless hungry."
Hermione couldn't help herself. She was interested. Information interested her, especially dragons because of the first tri-wizard challenge. "What's your dragon?"
"I have two. One when I was a child, we got ours at the same time and I got another when I turned ten. I got a Hebridean Black when I was a child."
"Hebridean Blacks. those are the ones with purple eyes, and the spike on it's tail?"
Draco nodded. "You know about dragons? Well, really I shouldn't be surprised, what with Potter and all."
Hermione shrugged. "I must have looked through the whole library."
"I got a Hungarian Horntail for my tenth birthday. It's really quite nice. Dangerous to everyone else. but not to me."
"You tamed the dragon?"
"Of course. I had too."
"But. I've always been told that dragons are impossible to tame! Even dragon experts don't know how."
Draco shrugged. "The secrets have been given only to certain families. Only three, I think. There's us, the Malfoys, the MacFustys. and I'm not quite sure of the other family. I think it was the Kinnons. of course, there are no more left, and the MacFustys never leave the forests where there dragons are. Father gave them a couple of Norwegian Ridgebacks- they're very rare- to breed, and they gave him a couple Hebridean Blacks. He gave one of their kids to me."
"Does he have a dragon?"
"Yes. He has many, at least one of each breed and a few hybrids. but his favorite is his Hebridean Black."
"Does."
"Mother? Of course. Hers is a Swedish Short-snout-"
"That's what Cedric fought."
"He was an idiot."
Hermione opened her mouth to protest but Draco spoke before she could.
"He didn't know the first thing about dragons. His was the worst way to get past the dragon. Distraction. typical Hufflepuff. Dragons are too perceptive to be distracted."
"He got the egg though."
"It's lucky he got the Swedish Short-Snout. They rarely kill people. If he had gotten the Horntail, both he and the dog would have been burned to crisps."
Hermione changed the topic. "So who taught you how to ride dragons?"
"A MacFusty when I was younger. but when I turned twelve, Father taught me. They're fascinating creatures."
"You would get along well with Hagrid. He thinks the same thing."
"I am nothing like that great bearded giant, thank you very much," Draco said hotly.
Hermione frowned. "He's a wonderful person, Malfoy."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Facts are facts, Grang- Tatiana."
"Oh, typical Slytherin. You're closed-minded, arrogant-"
"Oh, typical Gryffindor, far too trusting. Your courageousness is easily confused with stupidity. Gryffindors only seem brave because they dive in to the most complicated situations, without plans. and on the rare occasion that they're successful, they loose far too much. Gryffindors have no real bravery."
Hermione huffed indignantly. "If I remember correctly, it was you who was screaming in the Forbidden Forrest in our first year."
"First of all, I was eleven. Second of all-" Draco hesitated.
"What? What? You have no defense for that. Your great Slytherin plan was to run as fast as you could in the opposite direction!"
"Well I wasn't about to just lie there and die!"
"Lie there and die? Did you even think that-"
"Tatiana! Draco!" Lucius called sharply. They fell silent, still glaring at each other. "It's only been two hours since the papers were signed, and already you two are bickering. There will be no quarreling between the two of you, in public or in private. Is that understood? Draco?"
Clearly, Lucius was an only child.
Draco nodded. "Yes, Father."
Hermione noted that he didn't ask her. "Narcissa and I have decided on a teacher for you, Tatiana."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. something she hadn't been able to do before.
"Draco will be your teacher. You'll start as soon as possible. He's quite talented at it, I'm sure you will be too. During Christmas break, you'll go to Malfoy Manor, and your training. in music, dueling, dragon riding and etiquette. will begin."
"Due to several requests put in by various students, Professor Dumbledore has allowed me to teach you all to be Animagus."
People looked around in wonder. Many classes had begged her to teach them to be Animagus. Professor McGonagall had always said no. What was the catch?
"However, for the first year it will be only in theory, for not all will be able to become Animagi."
There it was.
Professor McGonagall continued. "Therefore, the class will be divided into two parts. The first half will follow the set curriculum, and the last half will be on Animagi. At the end of the year, your progress will be evaluated, and I will choose only five of the most promising to become Animagi. In your sixth year, those five will have a special class with me, and will be exempted from the year's end Transfiguration exam. Any questions?"
Parvati raised a hand in the air. "Professor, did you mean five from this class?"
"No, Ms. Patil, five from the school. It's quite difficult to teach people to be Animagi. You need to be determined, smart, and above all, focused. Any others? None? All right. Now to announce your groups. I want you to work in three groups, and I want different topics for you to research on. You can research on anything under Animagi, such as on the process, on it's history, or on famous Animagis in the 15th century, it's all up to you. I expect a research proposal by November 10, and the research itself will be submitted first day after Christmas break. Now, groupings are: Potter, Weasley, Malfoy. Patil, Thomas, Patil (Dean suddenly looked like Christmas had come early) since there are only two Gryffindors. and Brown, Finnigan, Longbottom. You have the rest of the period to discuss your research. Now, on to requirements. The research proposal consists of the Introduction of your paper, review of related literature, a sentence outline, and last but not least, your bibliography. The proposal only needs to be on five rolls of parchment, but the paper itself will be minimum of 240 inches."
Everyone stared a desperate, please-don't-let-this-be-happening stare. Except Hermione who looked perfectly cool.
"You have the rest of the period to discuss your proposal."
Hermione reluctantly made her way to where Harry and Ron sat.
For a few moments they sat there, not knowing what to say. Ron spoke first.
"So, Malfoy. What do you suggest we research on?" The disgust at which Ron spoke the name Malfoy was not lost on Hermione.
Frankly, it was getting on her nerves. "Frankly, Weasley, I know I'll be doing most of the work, so it really doesn't matter."
That was the first time, Harry realized, that Hermione had ever complained about it.
Ron looked smug about something. "Wow. Now you even sound like a Malfoy."
Hermione's gray eyes were flashing. "Watch it, Ron."
"Or what? You'll sneer at me? Been taking lessons from your big brother?"
Hermione stood up. "I can't believe you! Were you always this cruel and I didn't noti-"
"Both of you, shut up!" Harry yelled. Everyone in class, including Professor McGonagall was staring at them. They both turned to Harry. "Let's get to work."
"I'm no good at this spell," Ron grumbled as he stood up. "I'll never get it right."
"You will. Just practice. It took me ages to get. Ready?"
"All right. Expecto Patronum!"
Nothing came out.
"Come on, happy memory. think about the time we won the house cup in first year!"
"Sorry, but for some strange reason the image of a certain Hermione Granger- Malfoy who will remain unnamed keeps popping up in my head."
Harry grimaced. "Well-"
"Oh god," Ron said, revolted.
"What? What is it?" Harry asked quickly.
"Look at that."
Harry looked in the direction Ron was looking. Immediately he wished he hadn't. It was Malfoy and Hermione. but that wasn't all. They were laughing and talking. Together. Not at each other, with each other.
A little kid suddenly walked past them into the Great Hall, accidentally bumping into Hermione. Harry recognized him as David Macmillan, Ernie's little brother. David had pestered them, he, Ron, and Hermione, with questions about what happened in their second year. Ron and Harry would brush him off, like Harry did Colin Creevy, but Hermione had always been to kind-hearted to do that. She would patiently answer all of his questions, even the some. all right, most, got on her nerves. How did you go to the bathroom while you were petrified? You didn't? So when you finally got unpetrified, did you have to run to the loo? Harry and Ron would always swoop in to save her. Although, this time he passed, Harry didn't think that David would stop and ask Hermione questions.
He was right.
Draco yanked the boy back. And Hermione. Hermione cursed him. Harry watched in horror as they laughed, the boy slumped to the floor, and Draco went ahead into the Great Hall. Hermione bent down to pick up a book, and followed him in.
"I can't believe you were right Ron."
Hermione stayed in her room, reading a book, trying to get her mind off things. For a moment it nearly worked, but suddenly came a knock on her door. She walked there slowly, and even more slowly opened the door. "Harry?" she asked, wonder and hope rising quickly. but just as quickly crushed at his expression.
"You almost had me fooled," he said angrily. "I was going to apologize after that really believable act you and Lucius Malfoy concocted-"
"Harry, it wasn't an act! I suspected of course, but I didn't really believe-"
"I fell for that innocence act before. luckily Ron told me to double-check before I trusted you again. We were alternately dueling and watching you after your Herbology lesson and what do you think we saw?"
Hermione frowned, and spoke slowly. "If you had watched, you would have seen me reading. then Draco Malfoy would have turned up, making all by books fall. he would pick one up, I would see him, and I would brush him off. He'd give some final parting words, and go into the Great Hall. and I would walk in after him."
Harry shook his head. "Convincing lie, but really, don't you think it would be better to come clean? I saw what you did."
Hermione was bewildered. "And what exactly did I do?"
Harry's eyes narrowed. "Ron and I both saw you, all chummy with Malfoy. and I saw you both curse David Macmillan."
"What? I never cursed David Macmillan!" Hermione replied, indignant at the accusation.
Harry ignored her protest. "Actions speak louder then words, Hermione. or whoever you are."
He went out of her room, banging the door so loudly Hermione thought it would come off it's hinges.
No one was there as the girl sobbed, and no one was there to guess why. But you dear reader, must know. She cried for she had received the best gift in the world. and it was quickly snatched away from her, leaving only the sounds of footsteps in a hallway.
Hermione once again found herself on the outside looking in. Normally, when Harry and Ron were mad at her, she would usually visit Hagrid, someone who wouldn't judge her, someone who was always there to listen. Unfortunately, that wasn't an option. Hagrid was gone again, he had left right after that disastrous meal at the Great Hall. He was going of to do negotiations with some of the giants.
She would head to the library. but she was sure she would encounter stares or Malfoy. She didn't know which was worse. Hermione stopped short. Never mind the stares, she had to know about why she looked the way she did.
And so it began. Hermione went through book after book, everyday after class. Never mind who saw her, never mind that she didn't eat as much, never mind that she was going through the Restricted Section secretly. she just had to know.
And unknown to Hermione, another storm was brewing back home. Her parents, both dentists were steadily loosing patients, loosing credibility. and both were in court, about to loose their licenses.
It had been little more than a month since the disastrous Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Hermione once again was leafing through Glamours and Disguises, praying, hoping against hope that there was something she missed- something that said that her glamour was wrong. But of course she didn't find any. Her glamour was completely gone. How she looked was how she really looked.
Hermione sighed, and started reading the other book she had taken from the shelves. Utterly discouraged with the topic she was reading on: Why Are Wearers of Glamours Unable to Have Their Nose Hair Grow in Ringlets, she noticed straight away that Dennis Creevy had come in, and had handed a note to Madam Pince.
Madam Pince read it, and went to Hermione, to her surprise. Hermione quickly hid the restricted books under a large potted plant, which was actually The Disguised Book of Disguises.
"Ms. Granger, Professor Dumbledore wants to see you in his office. The password is strawberry lollies," she whispered, the ever quiet librarian.
Hermione nodded. She placed the books back, and darted into the Restricted Section once Madam Pince was distracted, and quickly darted out again. She walked to Dumbledore's office, wondering why she had to go there.
She didn't think she was in trouble, she didn't expect to be punished. but another thing she didn't expect was to see Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, and her own parents, in Dumbledore's office. Lucius looked smug about something. and her parents looked furious, sad, and. hopeless all at once.
"Ah, Ms. Granger." Dumbledore began. Hermione hadn't registered that he was even there. There were two other people in the room. One she didn't know, but he looked like the wizarding version of a lawyer. he had a briefcase, round rimless glasses, and a no-nonsense attitude. Hermione was vaguely reminded of Percy. The other was Cornelius Fudge, looking important. self- centered. Hermione knew she shouldn't have thought that, but his attitude against Harry last year during the Tri-Wizard tournament. just didn't make her like him.
Hermione's eyes darted from her parents, to the Malfoy's, to the unknown people to Dumbledore. "What's going on? Mum, dad. what are you doing here?"
"Good, you're all here," one of the men. "I'm sure you're all aware of what this is, this is just to make it official."
"What?" Hermione asked, bewildered. "What do you mean?"
"These documents state that adoptive parents William and Elizabeth Granger have lost all legal rights to Hermione Anne Granger, or Diana Elizabeth Tatiana Andromeda Christine Malfoy on the grounds of negligent treatment."
At hearing the words negligent treatment, the shock of her real name. her really long real name faded away. "Negligent treatment?" Hermione said shocked. "They've never-"
"Hermione dear, be quiet," Elizabeth said softly, knowing that no matter how untrue it was, no matter how much both they and Hermione protested against that lie. Lucius Malfoy would stop them, and bring them down even further.
Hermione was shocked into silence at the defeated tone of her normally aggressive and opinionated mother.
The man resumed speaking as if nothing had happened. "These documents also state that biological parents Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy reassume all legal rights to aforementioned minor."
"WHAT?"
"These documents will be signed by both parties, witnessed by myself, Minister Fudge, and Headmaster Dumbledore."
Hermione listened in horror, numb. "All rights, including visitation rights have been revoked from the Grangers. The child will be under the supervision and care of the Malfoys."
Hermione later learned from Dumbledore that her parents. rather her foster parents had refused to give up custody of her when Lucius demanded it. and Lucius had taken revenge. not that it was proven. Her foster parents suddenly found themselves with cases by clients who had never been dissatisfied before. And surprisingly. they had lost every single one, until it had become impossible for them, financially, to care for a child. Lucius had then come forth, bringing papers of their legal rights to her. not failing to mention the current state they were in.
If Hermione had hated Lucius and Narcissa before, it was nothing to how much she hated them now. They brought the people she cared about to ruin. the Grangers. the Weasley's.
They were her legal guardians. They had custody of her. They were her parents.
It meant that Malfoy Manor was her home. that she would have to go. or go back there end of term. It meant that Draco Malfoy, jerk of the first order, was her brother. It meant she was a pureblood. It meant she would be hated and classified as a Dark Wizard by many of her schoolmates. It meant she would be. Hermione's head was starting to hurt from thinking of it.
The news spread through the school like wildfire. It was official. Lucius and Narcissa had custody of Hermione. or rather as the teachers were now required to call her. Tatiana. In all her records, her name was changed. even some seating arrangements were changed from Hermione Granger to Tatiana Malfoy.
After the documents had been signed, the official straight away took the Grangers back, not giving Hermione time to speak with them. Lucius had demanded a meeting with the family, one that Cornelius Fudge had happily and readily agreed to. to Dumbledore's displeasure.
That was why about thirty minutes later, she, Draco, Lucius and Narcissa were in a room at Hogwarts, with good food on the table. were in a very uncomfortable silence.
It was Draco who spoke first. 'So, Father. how do we address her?" Hermione noted he was more. formal in his choice of words, but not necessarily more polite or respectful. There was the slightest hint of contempt in those words.
Lucius pondered this thoughtfully.
"The name 'Hermione' really is horrible, Lucius. we gave her a perfectly lovely name," Narcissa interjected loftily.
"We address her the same way we always have."
"Mudblood? Granger?"
Draco earned a glare from his father for that.
"Tatiana."
Hermione nearly gagged.
"Do you have any problems with that, young lady?" Lucius asked.
Hermione shook her head sulkily, determined not to enjoy a single thing about this night.
"So, Tatiana. how is Hogwarts? Any boys. parties?"
Hermione only looked at her. Narcissa pretended to ignore it. "I remember when I was at Hogwarts, it was wonderful. I had scores of boys chasing after me, really quite cute. Are you dating that Bulgarian seeker? I read about it in the Daily Prophet and Witch Weekly of course. I was surprised that a muggle-born had such famous people chasing after her. but now I understand why. You've certainly inherited my charm."
But Lucuis and Draco both stopped listening at the words dating and Bulgarian seeker. Lucius turned quickly to Hermione. "You're dating Viktor Krum?" they asked sharply.
And suddenly she felt that the Malfoy's weren't all that bad. Of course she would never admit it. but on a subconscious level. Draco was spoiled, no doubt about that. Lucius was probably a workaholic, a proud member of the old rich, Narcissa was the pretty trophy wife, who really was interested only in herself and how good she looked. Really, the Malfoy's weren't any different from some rich muggle families. Hermione blinked as she forgot they were expecting an answer.
"No."
Lucius still looked suspicious though. Narcissa started speaking again.
"So. you're dating Harry Potter?"
"She most certainly is not," Draco interjected.
"Let her speak for herself, Draco."
"No," Hermione replied shortly.
"But you are. friends with him?"
"Not at the moment," Hermione gritted out.
Lucius looked vaguely disappointed.
"I'm not telling you anything about him. Your master will have to be disappointed."
Lucius didn't flinch but took in her comment, her flippant attitude, and her vicious tone. "Such spirit."
Narcissa tactfully changed the subject. "So, we've heard a great deal about your intellect. that you must get from Lucius. We hear from Draco that you are an avid reader, always in the library."
"I go there with Ginny Weasley," Hermione said, putting the emphasis on Weasley, watching Narcissa and Lucius' faces become horrified at the idea a Malfoy would associate with a Weasley.
"Weasley?" Narcissa repeated, lips curling in distaste. Easy to see where Draco got it.
"Yes. She's wonderful," Hermione said, thoroughly pleased with herself. "Oh, and did I mention that I dated Ron Weasley for a time?" this wasn't true, but since everyone at Hogwarts thought it, and there was no way the Malfoys would ever admit it to anyone else. she was safe.
"Weasley?" Lucius repeated, disgust obvious in his voice.
"Oh, and mum," Hermione said, putting on a sweet-as-honey voice she didn't know she could use, "I got asked by Justin Flinch-Fletchly, he's a muggle- born from Hufflepuff, to go to the Fifth Year dance. I think I'm going to say yes. but then again, I might go with Nev-"
Draco interrupted before she could finish the sentence. "She got asked by Terry Boot, Father."
"Boot?"
"Yes."
Hermione had no idea how Draco had found that out.
"A Boot isn't so bad. So, Draco, how is-"
As Lucius and Draco started speaking to each other, Narcissa started speaking to Hermione.
"I do hope you'll enjoy it at Malfoy Manor, darling. We've already prepared your room. well, actually it's been prepared long ago."
"My room?"
"Yes. Of course, once you get there you'll be free to do what you like with it. you know, posters. we can change the paintings. I'm afraid the room is for a child, not a teenager. Lucius wanted to prepare it of course, but I said it'd be better if you could design it."
Hermione was silent.
Narcissa pressed on. "But what I think you'll enjoy is the library. it's quite big. I've never really liked reading much but there are some books that I discovered there that are quite amusing."
Hermione was still silent.
"And we haven't discussed extracurricular activities yet! For you must have some. we believe in a very well rounded education. You can't get everything at Hogwarts of course. I play several musical instruments, you'll find that talent at music heightens certain magical abilities. The flute is fairly easy, the harp is a bit challenging. and the piano is lovely when you've mastered it. So. do you play?"
"Piano," Hermione said softly, not really knowing why. Narcissa was self- absorbed, no doubt about it, but she was trying and even Hermione wasn't that cold-hearted. Besides, it was Lucius she hated.
"Excellent! What is your latest piece?"
"I'm struggling with Moonlight Sonata."
Narcissa laughed. "Oh, that is simple! I'm sure with the right teacher we can have you past Beethoven and on to the really great composers."
"You don't consider Beethoven great?"
"Beethoven was. well, he had a cousin who was a squib. Bach on the other hand was a pureblood."
Hermione tried to keep herself from rolling her eyes. Blood. Blood really was everything in her family.
Hermione shocked herself. Did I just think of the Malfoy's as my family? Stress must be getting to me.
"So, Tatiana. what breed of dragon do you prefer?"
"Pardon?"
Draco had a small smile on his face, as if he knew she hadn't been listening to Lucius.
"Father wishes for you to have riding lessons."
"Oh."
"On dragons."
Hermione, already pale, paled further. "Dragons?"
"Yes, what breed do you prefer?" Lucius asked impatiently.
"I don't want to ride a dragon."
"Nonsense," Lucius said. "You will learn. Every Malfoy knows how."
"Mother, Father, don't we still have Tatiana's pet dragon Alexandra?"
"Come to think of it we do. poor girls been cooped up without a rider."
"Yes, that takes care of the dragon problem. But what teacher?"
"Well frankly Lucius, the one you chose for Draco was absolutely horrible. He knew nothing of-"
"Don't be ridiculous Narcissa, he taught the basics very well."
"Basics. that's all he could teach! Did you see him attempting to pacify your Horntail?"
As Lucius and Narcissa started debating, Hermione quietly started eating again.
"Do you remember her?" Draco asked her. He was seated to her right.
"What?"
"Your dragon. They're really not all that bad."
"I thought you wouldn't like dragons."
"With a name like mine? Dragons are easy. You'll like it."
"How would you know?"
Draco pretended to ignore it. "Your dragon is an Antipodean Opaleye. It's not so big, it's more for show. It's a beautiful dragon, pearly scales. and it rarely kills unless hungry."
Hermione couldn't help herself. She was interested. Information interested her, especially dragons because of the first tri-wizard challenge. "What's your dragon?"
"I have two. One when I was a child, we got ours at the same time and I got another when I turned ten. I got a Hebridean Black when I was a child."
"Hebridean Blacks. those are the ones with purple eyes, and the spike on it's tail?"
Draco nodded. "You know about dragons? Well, really I shouldn't be surprised, what with Potter and all."
Hermione shrugged. "I must have looked through the whole library."
"I got a Hungarian Horntail for my tenth birthday. It's really quite nice. Dangerous to everyone else. but not to me."
"You tamed the dragon?"
"Of course. I had too."
"But. I've always been told that dragons are impossible to tame! Even dragon experts don't know how."
Draco shrugged. "The secrets have been given only to certain families. Only three, I think. There's us, the Malfoys, the MacFustys. and I'm not quite sure of the other family. I think it was the Kinnons. of course, there are no more left, and the MacFustys never leave the forests where there dragons are. Father gave them a couple of Norwegian Ridgebacks- they're very rare- to breed, and they gave him a couple Hebridean Blacks. He gave one of their kids to me."
"Does he have a dragon?"
"Yes. He has many, at least one of each breed and a few hybrids. but his favorite is his Hebridean Black."
"Does."
"Mother? Of course. Hers is a Swedish Short-snout-"
"That's what Cedric fought."
"He was an idiot."
Hermione opened her mouth to protest but Draco spoke before she could.
"He didn't know the first thing about dragons. His was the worst way to get past the dragon. Distraction. typical Hufflepuff. Dragons are too perceptive to be distracted."
"He got the egg though."
"It's lucky he got the Swedish Short-Snout. They rarely kill people. If he had gotten the Horntail, both he and the dog would have been burned to crisps."
Hermione changed the topic. "So who taught you how to ride dragons?"
"A MacFusty when I was younger. but when I turned twelve, Father taught me. They're fascinating creatures."
"You would get along well with Hagrid. He thinks the same thing."
"I am nothing like that great bearded giant, thank you very much," Draco said hotly.
Hermione frowned. "He's a wonderful person, Malfoy."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Facts are facts, Grang- Tatiana."
"Oh, typical Slytherin. You're closed-minded, arrogant-"
"Oh, typical Gryffindor, far too trusting. Your courageousness is easily confused with stupidity. Gryffindors only seem brave because they dive in to the most complicated situations, without plans. and on the rare occasion that they're successful, they loose far too much. Gryffindors have no real bravery."
Hermione huffed indignantly. "If I remember correctly, it was you who was screaming in the Forbidden Forrest in our first year."
"First of all, I was eleven. Second of all-" Draco hesitated.
"What? What? You have no defense for that. Your great Slytherin plan was to run as fast as you could in the opposite direction!"
"Well I wasn't about to just lie there and die!"
"Lie there and die? Did you even think that-"
"Tatiana! Draco!" Lucius called sharply. They fell silent, still glaring at each other. "It's only been two hours since the papers were signed, and already you two are bickering. There will be no quarreling between the two of you, in public or in private. Is that understood? Draco?"
Clearly, Lucius was an only child.
Draco nodded. "Yes, Father."
Hermione noted that he didn't ask her. "Narcissa and I have decided on a teacher for you, Tatiana."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. something she hadn't been able to do before.
"Draco will be your teacher. You'll start as soon as possible. He's quite talented at it, I'm sure you will be too. During Christmas break, you'll go to Malfoy Manor, and your training. in music, dueling, dragon riding and etiquette. will begin."
"Due to several requests put in by various students, Professor Dumbledore has allowed me to teach you all to be Animagus."
People looked around in wonder. Many classes had begged her to teach them to be Animagus. Professor McGonagall had always said no. What was the catch?
"However, for the first year it will be only in theory, for not all will be able to become Animagi."
There it was.
Professor McGonagall continued. "Therefore, the class will be divided into two parts. The first half will follow the set curriculum, and the last half will be on Animagi. At the end of the year, your progress will be evaluated, and I will choose only five of the most promising to become Animagi. In your sixth year, those five will have a special class with me, and will be exempted from the year's end Transfiguration exam. Any questions?"
Parvati raised a hand in the air. "Professor, did you mean five from this class?"
"No, Ms. Patil, five from the school. It's quite difficult to teach people to be Animagi. You need to be determined, smart, and above all, focused. Any others? None? All right. Now to announce your groups. I want you to work in three groups, and I want different topics for you to research on. You can research on anything under Animagi, such as on the process, on it's history, or on famous Animagis in the 15th century, it's all up to you. I expect a research proposal by November 10, and the research itself will be submitted first day after Christmas break. Now, groupings are: Potter, Weasley, Malfoy. Patil, Thomas, Patil (Dean suddenly looked like Christmas had come early) since there are only two Gryffindors. and Brown, Finnigan, Longbottom. You have the rest of the period to discuss your research. Now, on to requirements. The research proposal consists of the Introduction of your paper, review of related literature, a sentence outline, and last but not least, your bibliography. The proposal only needs to be on five rolls of parchment, but the paper itself will be minimum of 240 inches."
Everyone stared a desperate, please-don't-let-this-be-happening stare. Except Hermione who looked perfectly cool.
"You have the rest of the period to discuss your proposal."
Hermione reluctantly made her way to where Harry and Ron sat.
For a few moments they sat there, not knowing what to say. Ron spoke first.
"So, Malfoy. What do you suggest we research on?" The disgust at which Ron spoke the name Malfoy was not lost on Hermione.
Frankly, it was getting on her nerves. "Frankly, Weasley, I know I'll be doing most of the work, so it really doesn't matter."
That was the first time, Harry realized, that Hermione had ever complained about it.
Ron looked smug about something. "Wow. Now you even sound like a Malfoy."
Hermione's gray eyes were flashing. "Watch it, Ron."
"Or what? You'll sneer at me? Been taking lessons from your big brother?"
Hermione stood up. "I can't believe you! Were you always this cruel and I didn't noti-"
"Both of you, shut up!" Harry yelled. Everyone in class, including Professor McGonagall was staring at them. They both turned to Harry. "Let's get to work."