"Sirius, can I have a word?" Hermione murmured, grabbing his elbow before he could enter the dining room.

He frowned. "Kitten?"

"Not here. Come with me. It'll only take a moment."

"Kitten, you're scaring me."

She shook her head, "No…look. Don't…don't overreact, ok?" she paused, waiting for him to nod. "Draco and I met Regulus today. He wants to meet you." Sirius paled so quickly Hermione thought he was going to faint.

"Reggie?"

"Yes. He's agreed to help us, but he won't approach the Order until he's spoken to you."

Sirius nodded, his face blank. "I ah…right. He actually wants to see me?"

"Yes, he really does. He didn't think you'd want to see him."

"Of course I do!" he gasped.

"Right, so we can set that up," she reassured him. "I…we're meeting Narcissa tomorrow. Not that she knows it. Fancy coming along?"

His jaw dropped as he processed that before a slow grin spread over his face. "Absolutely, Kitten."

"Padfoot? We need her, if not onside, at least not against us, yeah? So try not to be too much of an arse?"

He hit his chest dramatically, leaving his hand over his heart. "Me, Kitten? An arse? I would never!"

"Pads!" she whined. "Draco's name is on the tapestry."

"Fuck, is it really?" Sirius sobered instantly.

"Yes, Regulus checked for us. We both know that it won't end well if anyone sees it."

Sirius sighed.
"Best behaviour then. I wouldn't want all the good work we put in threatening him to go to waste."

"Tell me you did not threaten him, Sirius!"

"Of course we did! It's fine Kitten, he understood."

"Well, I don't! I'm scarier than you'll ever be!"

Sirius paused, thinking about it. "True enough," he grinned. "Come on. Let's get this meeting over with."

"Ah, you're here," Dumbledore twinkled. "Let's begin."

Hermione rolled her eyes but didn't comment as she took a seat between Severus and Draco.

"We've begun planning who's dealing with the locket," Benjy spoke. "Myself, James, Gideon, and Fabian are all going to go. We're just waiting on Regulus."

"We spoke to him today," Hermione admitted.

"Was that wise?" Dumbledore questioned

"How else are we meant to know when Kreacher is called?" Hermione replied with a roll of her eyes.

"Well, where is he?" Augusta frowned.

"He's requested a meeting with Sirius first. It'll happen tomorrow. After that, the plan is to come to us. On that note, he said that Dolohov got Voldemort to agree he could pursue Gideon and Fabian. He's rounding up a group, so be bloody careful. It's how you died last time!"

The twins paled but nodded. "Understood. Do we have a timeframe?"

"Regulus thought sometime this week," Hermione sighed. "But we have nothing more specific."

They nodded. "Well, that narrows it down a bit at least."

"Can you…I don't know…make sure you're always with other people?"

"You think that'll stop him?" Gideon asked with an amused smile.

"No, but it'll even the odds. There were eight of them last time."

The twins sighed. "Right. We'll...we'll consider it."

"Back on track," Albus interjected. "Are we sure this meeting you're planning is safe?"

"It's as safe as we could make it. Although in the interest of safety, we need information Severus can safely pass on before he's asked."

Albus frowned. "We can't allow him to pass on anything."

"So you'll allow him to die?" Hermione asked scathingly.

"Of course not. We'll have something by the end of the meeting," Minerva interjected, glaring at Albus.

"Thank you," Hermione replied softly. "Now, we apparently have a plan for the locket, even if I don't like it. We need one for the others. Draco and I can come to the school this week and remove the diadem. Can we come up with a plan for the basilisk? I don't really know how it works. It was obviously woken last time, but presumably all we need is a rooster?"

"And a parselmouth," Draco muttered.

"Nah. Harry talks in his sleep. If Ron can manage to replicate it, surely so can I?" Hermione grinned.

"I cannot have you just traipsing about the school releasing monsters," Albus cut in, attempting to sound regretful. What did this girl think she was doing? Making plans without his input and giving orders like she had the right to! It was preposterous.

"I have no intention of releasing it," Hermione bit back. "I have every intention of ensuring it's very dead. We'll need the sword of Gryffindor too, actually."

"The day after tomorrow," Minerva replied. "Meet me at the gates."

"Grand." Hermione nodded, ignoring the furious headmaster. "Right, so that's the diadem and the locket planned for. We need a plan for the ring, the cup, and the diary. The Diary is probably in Malfoy Manor, so we're going to need Regulus for that. The cup….is Bella's vault a Lestrange vault or a Black one?"

Draco froze at the implications of that. "I don't know," he replied slowly. "Traditionally, it would be a Black vault, but Rodolphus will likely have given her a Lestrange one of her own. Perhaps a…visit to check?"

"I'll accompany you," Dorea interjected. "I have access. Perhaps we're looking for some wedding jewellery for my granddaughter. We'd need to have a look in all the Black vaults to ensure it's perfect."

Draco grinned. "Wonderful. This week then?"

Dorea nodded. "So that's…four? What's left?"

"The ring," Hermione sighed. "I'm not entirely sure where it is, but it's apparently one of the worst, so we'll need to do some research and put together a team."

"I'll help," Amelia Bones volunteered.

"Me too," Frank and Alice offered simultaneously.

"And me. It'll balance it," Edgar cut in.

Hermione sighed, noting Draco's glare as she opened her mouth. "Fine," she sighed. "Draco and I will start the research then."

"Good," Dorea replied succinctly. "Now, what information are we giving Severus?"

"We know that he's recruiting abroad. Perhaps feed him something saying we're doing the same?" Dorcas suggested.

"You could also hint something about dissension in the ranks?" Benjy voiced, muttering "It wouldn't be wrong."

"It is not safe to give Voldemort anything!" Dumbledore insisted. "Any information can be used against us! Or twisted until it puts people in danger because he's taken something from it that was never intended. Even misdirection is dangerous!"

"So you'll condemn Severus to death?" Hermione asked coldly.

"It is….not that simple."

"It is from where I'm sitting. Tell them there's infighting making us less productive. Say that some of us are asking for more proactive attacks and are planning to attempt to capture one of his followers within the next month in the hopes of getting information; however, Dumbledore is against it. Tell him that that fraction is threatening to go rogue. They're looking at Malfoy, Yaxley, Nott, or I don't know, is Evan Rosier still a thing?"

Severus snorted. "Do you mean is he alive? Yes."

"Right, him. He was prominent according to the stories from our time, or, you know, change it up to people who are likely to know something."

"Miss Potter, this is dangerous!" Albus shouted.

She turned to look at Dumbledore incredulously. "We're in the middle of a fucking war. Of course, it's dangerous!"

"We are done for today," Minerva cut in. "Miss Potter, Mr. Malfoy, I'll see you in a couple of days. Once we have it we'll work on a timescale for the other Horcruxes. We can discuss any information you get from young Master Black then."

"Of course, Professor."

At the end of the table, Albus looked furious. No one paid him any attention as they began to gather their things, preparing to leave. He sat for several more minutes, contemplating how to work things in his favour before sweeping dramatically from the room. That girl was going to have to be dealt with, one way or another.

Narcissa gasped as Draco and Hermione entered Severus' house, swiftly followed by Sirius. Her wand was up the moment she spotted him. "What is this?" she hissed, glaring at Regulus who automatically raised a shield charm.

"Just…just sit down and listen to them, Cissa," he pleaded.

"Little Puff," Severus greeted, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "I was not aware you were bringing your pet."

"Behave!" Hermione scolded, returning to Draco's side. "Let's sit down," she murmured, guiding him onto the sofa. Draco's eyes never left his mother. "Sirius!" She was aware her voice was sharper than normal, but beside her Draco was close to falling to pieces and his grip on her hand was starting to hurt. "Sirius, sit down!"

"But Kitten, I was…"

"Sirius Orion Black sit your arse down and shut the fuck up." His head snapped to hers, surprise flitting across his face before his eyes drifted to Draco, and understanding dawned. Without another word, he moved to sit at Draco's other side in a show of silent support.

"It would appear you've actually managed to train him," Severus mused.

Hermione rolled her eyes, looking at him pointedly. "I'm sure you promised to behave."

"Did I?" he asked with exaggerated innocence. "I don't quite remember."

"Will someone tell me what the fuck is going on!" The entire room fell silent as Narcissa Malfoy lost her composure.

"Gods, Cissa," Regulus teased. "I had no idea you had it in you."

Her glare was deadly. "I swear to Merlin Regulus, if you do not provide me with an explanation right this minute I will remind you that I am every bit as much a Black as Bella."

Regulus paled. "Right…right. Well…the thing is…..the thing is….somebody else feel free to step in at any time…." he muttered.

Hermione sighed. "My name is Hermione Potter. And we have three options here."

Narcissa arched a delicate eyebrow taking in the woman she had never seen before. She looked exhausted and slightly battered, but there was no denying the hand Aunt Dorea had clearly had in her dress. "Oh?"

"You take an unbreakable vow now, after we explain, or we obliviate you and find another way to get what we need."

Narcissa's face was unreadable but Regulus flinched. "Gods, you can't just….blurt that out!" he exclaimed, clearly horrified.

"Gryffindor, remember? We don't do riddles like the snakes. It takes too much time and I don't have the patience for it," Hermione dismissed, waving her hand carelessly before turning back to Narcissa. "Now, what will it be?"

Narcissa looked her over shrewdly. "Surely you know that I won't agree to an unbreakable vow with someone I don't know?"

"I thought as much," Hermione admitted.

"How come I wasn't given three options?" Regulus frowned, as if just realising Narcissa had been presented with more choices.

"You're important. This….this is less so, I suppose."

"I am less important?" Narcissa asked, a slight hint of amusement on her face.

"Yes. We could do with your help, but if push came to shove, we can work around you."

"You can?"

"Yes."

"Then I'd like to go home," Narcissa requested primly.

"Very well. I'm just going to make you forget you ever saw us," Hermione agreed, already raising her wand.

"No."

Hermione snorted. "Oh no, Narcissa. That bit isn't optional even if I have to bind you to do it," she replied softly. Regulus shivered as it suddenly hit him that this tiny woman was every bit as dangerous as Severus had tried to tell him she was.

"I've been learning occlumency since before I could talk," Narcissa sneered. "I'd like to see you try."

Hermione arched a brow. "I'm sure you have. However, I've been at war since I was twelve. I was taught by the best occlumens in Britain. So believe me, it doesn't matter how long you've trained. You won't be leaving here remembering us."

Narcissa faltered at the tone of utter certainty in her voice. "Who are you?"

"I told you. Hermione Potter."

"There are no female Potters unless you've married James, and I doubt it. He's been set on the mudblood for years."

Hermione felt her mask slip into place. "Yes, Dad has been in love with Mum since they were eleven."

Narcissa's face went completely blank. "Dad?"

"Oh yes, didn't I mention? I was born…this year."

"This year? Do not be absurd."

"She's not being absurd. Mother."

Narcissa went completely still at the sound of Draco's voice. "No!" she whispered.

"Yes." he flinched at how harsh the sound was. "Don't you think I look like him, Mother? Who the fuck else could I be?"

"Prove it," Narcissa demanded, her face pale.

"Severus? The veritaserum?" Hermione asked, nodding. Severus reached into his robes and pulled the vial out.

"Care to check it's real?"

"Yes!" Narcissa hissed, "Reggie?"

"Why me?" he whined but moved to sit beside her regardless.

"Because I know more about you than the others," Narcissa shrugged. Regulus looked mutinous but took the dose. "What did Sirius take the blame for at Violet Selwyn's ball?"

Regulus and Sirius both flinched at the memory that brought back. "I broke a vase. Priceless, I believe. He took the blame."

Narcissa nodded. "Still got the scars," Sirius muttered as Regulus took the antidote.

"Little Puff?" Severus checked.

"Draco I think," she murmured. "He'll be able to answer more questions than I will."

Severus nodded, handing the vial to Draco who took three drops as Narcissa watched him like a hawk.

"What's your name?"

"Draco Lucius Malfoy."

"Your…your date of birth?"

"Fifth of June nineteen eighty."

"Your parents?"

"Lucius Abraxas Malfoy and Narcissa Druella Black."

Narcissa made a small noise at the back of her throat, her face pale as she looked at him in horror. "Why are you here?" she whispered.

"The war killed everyone."

"Antidote I think," Hermione cut in. "We'll explain but not under veritaserum, there are things we can't share or we'll all be dead."

Narcissa looked like she wanted to object until Sirius cut in. "Severus can confirm what we're saying. He's known longer than Regulus, but Kitten's right, this is…far bigger than you'll ever believe."

"Kitten?" Narcissa frowned, looking like she was desperately attempting to regain her equilibrium. "Really?"

Hermione shrugged. "I've given up. Some battles aren't worth fighting."

Narcissa hummed before she froze…."That's…that's Aunt Cassie's ring."

"Oh. Yes. Yes, it is," Hermione agreed, as Draco watched his mother warily. Her eyes flew to his.

"A Potter?"

He snorted. "Yes."

"Are you sure…we could…"

"Stop!" He commanded. "I'm sure. We're getting married shortly, actually."

"You are?"

"Yes, a joint wedding with Hermione's parents. Which brings us nicely to why we needed to contact you. I'm sure you've realised how precarious the position we're in is. However, Regulus informed us that my name is on the tapestry at Grimmauld. I know Grandfather Black gave you one when you married Father. I need you to obscure my name."

Narcissa blinked. "Yes, that would cause problems wouldn't it," she mused quietly.

"More than you know Mother."

"Explain it to me then," she demanded.

Draco sighed, running one hand over his face as he gripped Hermione tighter with the other, "Everyone was dead. Bella murdered you. Father let her. There was…war, for years. He was living in our house, torturing us as he saw fit. He took Father's wand and gave me an impossible task meant to kill me as punishment for Father's failures. You…helped us escape the manor after Hermione was tortured by Aunt Bella, but you paid for it with your life. We fought but….eventually, we did the Tempus reset ritual." Narcissa blanched. "We had no choice. We were about the only ones left. I could probably have gone back, but the Gods alone know what he would have done to me. Hermione would have been murdered, but only after he had made her suffer. Even if I hadn't loved her, it was not a life I could ever have wanted."

"Good gods," Narcissa muttered. "So you intend to do what…fix it?"

"Yes," Hermione answered. "I won't live through that again. I can hear my friends, my family, screaming every time I close my eyes. None of them were allowed to live. Do you understand that? I saw the people I loved murdered in violent and horrific ways because that insane bastard has no humanity left. He doesn't give a fuck, Narcissa, what side you're on. He tortured indiscriminately. He might have used the other side as examples, but let's not pretend he didn't rule his own with fear and violence."

"It was that bad?" Narcissa whispered.

"Yes," Draco replied bluntly. "Can you help us or not?"

"Yes. Yes, I'll help. But I…" Narcissa let out a long breath. "Do I get to ask to get to know you?"

Draco's eyebrows rose. "I didn't think you'd want to."

"You're my son!" she hissed.

"Not in this timeline," he muttered.

"What do you mean?"

"The ritual…it embeds us in this timeline. I have no idea what the child you'll have will be, but he won't be me, or at least I don't think he will."

"No, they'll be them," Narcissa agreed. "But you…you're still my son."

"Mother, how old are you?" Draco sighed exasperatedly.

"Twenty-four."

He hummed. "I'm eighteen. I don't…you're my mother and we…for the most part we had a good relationship. I love you. But your prejudice almost got Hermione killed. You would have let her be murdered on our drawing room floor, even knowing what she was to me, if I hadn't intervened. So as much as I love you, or I love the woman who brought me up, I hate you too. I was marked at sixteen because of you and Father. I was forced into horrendous situations. I was tortured in my own home. Hermione was hunted, she almost died more than once because grown-ass adults, Father being one of them, were fighting fucking school children. I don't think I know how to have a relationship with you now."

She flinched. "Will you at least try?" she asked softly. "I...I haven't done any of those things. I..don't want whatever child I end up having to feel as you do. I will not make the same mistakes twice. I know I won't be your Mother but perhaps…an older sister."

He sighed. "You have to try," Hermione murmured. "You'll hate yourself if you don't."

"Very well," he agreed.

"Thank you," she whispered. "I'll go and deal with the tapestry. Will you…will you meet me for tea soon?"

"And who are you going to say I am?"

She floundered. "I don't know," she admitted. "I'll work something out." She stood to go.

"The vow," Hermione reminded her.

"Bind her to me," Draco commanded, standing to take his mother's arm. He slumped once she was gone, ignoring the mounting tension between Sirius and Regulus.

"Will one of you say something!" Hermione commanded, wrapping her arms around Draco's middle in silent support. He adjusted her so she was on his lap, pulling her close as he buried his face in her neck.

"Reggie," Sirius started.

"Sirius."

"For fucks sake," Hermione muttered as she idly stroked her hand through Draco's hair.

"It's uncomfortable, Kitten," Sirius whined.

She arched a brow. "You're sorry, he's sorry, and we'll leave you to it. Give him the details of the next meeting. Severus, are you coming?"

"Gods yes," he muttered before turning to look at the Black brothers. "Do not break anything!"

Hermione stood, hauling Draco to his feet. "Let's go home."

Dazed, he nodded as he stumbled his way to the floo. Hermione shot Severus a look as they exited. Nodding, he disappeared off in search of someone else to speak to as Hermione guided Draco down onto a sofa.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"I'm not sure what to say," he murmured. "That…that was my mother. Alive and…young…and whole."

"I know."

"I want to hate her," he whispered. "I think I do hate her."

"But you also don't."

He shook his head. "But I also don't," he agreed. "Is it wrong to get to know her now?"

"Of course, it isn't!"

"How are we going to explain it to Father? She'll be watched."

Hermione shrugged. "Polyjuice? We could make you look like Regulus."

"That…that could work," he agreed slowly. "I'll owl her in a day or two. Do you think there's a stash somewhere?"

She snorted. "I'll eat my wand if Severus doesn't have some stashed somewhere."

"Fair point. It…it feels like things are coming together doesn't it?" he asked hopefully, silently begging her to agree.

She hummed. "I hope so. We've waited long enough."

"Are you ok with not being as involved?"

"I… No, not really. It makes me feel out of control and I don't like it," she admitted. "It was us for so long, just us, expected to figure it out, pull a last-minute miracle out of somewhere, and now… I don't actually think I'm doing anything but research and storytelling."

He hummed. "But you're safe."

"But no one else is. I understand Sirius's desperation to be involved now. I was so angry with him before, refusing to stay behind for the fight at the Ministry. I think…I think I probably owe him an apology to be honest because I can't say that I'd do anything differently now that I have the tiniest understanding of how it feels."

Draco snorted. "No unapproved rescue missions, Princess. None. Promise me."

She sighed. "I promise. I still don't like it though."

"I know," he murmured. "I know."

"Are you going to be ok?" she checked again.

He took a deep breath looking at his knees. "I don't know," he replied finally, allowing her to manoeuvre him until his head was resting on her chest, her arms tight bands around him, anchoring him to this reality as he grieved for the mother he'd had, and the one he wished she'd been.