"Hermione..." Harry whined as Hermione adjusted his hair and tie.
"Don't Hermione me, Potter." Hermione snarked playfully. "You're meeting the Minister of Magic. It is important that you make a good first impression." She continued to adjust his clothing cringing slightly at the basic fibers of his clothes. Shaking her head slightly knowing they were not clothes that befit his station as a Lord. "Remind me to take you shopping over Christmas. Whoever thought these fabrics were a good choice needs a lesson in fashion from Narcissa Malfoy."
"Miss. Malfoy, how lovely to see you again." Interrupted Minister Fudge.
Hermione dropped into a minor curtsy and put her hand out. "Pleasure to see you again, Minister Fudge." He kissed her hand and smiled. "Have you met Lor...I'm sorry Heir Potter." She corrected slyly looking past the minister to her father.
"I've not had the pleasure. You mean Lord Potter, of course?" He asked shaking Harry's hand.
"I'm sorry, Sir, but I don't know. I've been living with my mother's muggle relatives. I didn't even know that magic was real before I got my Hogwarts letter. Even then my uncle tried to deny me my magical education." Harry stumbled like they'd practiced." Lucius watched his daughters' manipulations and smiled.
"But...you're the last of your line! Surely your magical guardian assigned to you would have educated you in your responsibilities..." The minister stumbled wide eyed and plotting.
"Only Her...I'm sorry, Miss. Malfoy has started to teach me. She mentioned that I would be expected to sit on some wizard council when I was older, but how if I don't know the laws? She said that she wasn't sure how to help me there because as a lady of her house she wasn't as educated as her twin brother. That she would never be the Lord of a house or hold a title like me."
Hermione smirked with her eyes. Harry was learning to protect her. She knew exactly what was expected of him as the last of his line. He knew exactly what a Lord needed to succeed, but he knew to protect that secret. Most families didn't educate their daughters. Preferring instead to allow them to be manipulated by their lord husbands. He was picking up on her Slytherin traits and making sure the Minister underestimated her.
"Of course... Lucius you'll make sure he's educated. He'll be a boon to your house when he ascends to his seat. Thank you, Miss. Malfoy, for your candor and dedication to the wizarding world. You'll be a boon to your house when you wed." He nodded his head and left through the floo.
"Of course, Minister. Thank you for your time." Lucius drawled and look at his smiling daughter. "Well played children. Please excuse us, Lord Potter." Lucius led Hermione to the side
"Father." Hermione curtsied and looked every bit the pureblood princess she was.
"Princess, you must tread carefully. You are creating powerful enemies as you curate powerful weapons." Lucius warned.
"He was abused. He is a Slytherin who picked Gryffindor to protect himself. He's been used and manipulated by Dumbledore." Hermione ranted quietly the magic radiating off her in waves. "I will save him."
"He's not a pet, Hermione. He will need to stand his own ground, and he's not acceptable for you to marry either. Just be cautious, your brother will be jealous."
Hermione scoffed, "Let him be. Dragon has all but abandoned me. He is too in love with the attention being Heir Malfoy brings. I will protect my dragon from the sidelines while I champion the snake in lions clothes."
"You are wise beyond your years. Be cautious child." He smiled at her as he flooed away.
"Thank you..."Harry said with a soft smile. "I know that you're taking a risk by being my friend. I hear the Slytherins talk, your brother isn't doing much to stop them." Harry took her hand and blushed a little trying to be comforting.
Hermione smiled as they entered the great hall. She noticed the rage behind Dumbledore's twinkling glasses and felt a rush of joy and accomplishment. He hadn't protected her when his precious Gryffindors had besmirched her name. He had created an enemy and underestimated her intelligence and loyalty to her family. She might be a Slytherin but she fiercely protected what was hers. And now Harry was hers. Her father had already stated he would not be groomed to be her groom, but she would make sure he was groomed to be successful and not some lamb to slaughter for Dumbledore's wars. "Always."
Draco watched his sister holding Harry's hand and his eyes narrowed.
"Dragon ignore her. Why do you care about her so much? She'll be married off eventually." Pansy giggled loud enough for Hermione to hear.
Hermione's nose flared at the use of her brothers' nickname. "At least I'll bring my family honor. What do you have to offer the Malfoys? You're not even a lady." She hissed and breathed deep before turning to her roommate. "Heiress Greengrass, how is Astoria?"
Daphne smirked at Hermione's tactics. "Glowing! She can't stop writing about her lunch with Lady Malfoy! She had tea and walked the gardens! She told me all about the roses and how amazing they were."
"What?!" Shrieked Pansy.
Hermione smiled and slowly began placing food on her plate. "Oh, I'm sorry Pansy I didn't realize you weren't aware that Draco had been told of a possible arrangement with Daphne's little sister. It's a shame you're not a Lady, Pans. After all only the best for the Malfoy heir."
"Well played, Hermione." Daphne whispered.
"I'll protect my family. No matter the cost."
"The life of the ladies of prestigious houses. Forever in the shadows protecting from unseen dangers." Daphne nodded quietly watching Pansy shriek at Draco and Hermione chuckle quietly behind her tea.
"Are you sure this is wise?" Emrys groaned watching the strings of fate weaving around his charge. "She is getting in too deep. Going up against Dumbledore as an adult is one thing, Morgana. Going against him now? At eleven years old with the confidence of a witch three times her age. It's dangerous."
"She will be fine. The ring will protect her from the brunt of his anger. It is meant to protect her from the mental attacks he is sure to lob at her. I'm a little worried she's taken such a Slytherin approach to cultivate Harry. If she continues he is going to fall in love with her and you know Lucy will never allow her to sully their bloodline. Chosen one of not he isn't worthy of her. She needs someone else to manipulate and control a marriage with. If she trains Harry he'll learn to manipulate her eventually. His life is far to similar to his counterpart. And if Dumbledore thinks he's useless he might destroy him sooner than planned."
"You set this path. It's too late to change it."
"We shall hope that things slow down and allow them to be children." Whispered Morgana watching the Slytherin's closer.
"Hermione!" Harry shouted laughing as he jumped off of his new broom. "You have to let me take you flying! This is amazing!" He was laughing his hair sticking up in a million places and the freedom of knowing he'd be free of the Dursley's clear on his face.
"I'm quite pleased with keeping my feet on the ground." She giggled and started flattening his hair. "C'mon we're going to be late for dinner. Tomorrow I'll show you the mini quidditch pitch daddy had built for Dragon last year. He is determined to play for the house team someday." She added.
"I can't believe I get to go home with you!" He flung his arm over her shoulders causing her to blush. Years of minimal physical contact had made Harry a very physical person. The affection he shared with Hermione would be considered inappropriate for anyone that wasn't related, but she couldn't deny him the small comforts of affection.
"We should talk about how different things are at home. You'll be staying in the family wing, but near Dragon. It wouldn't be appropriate for us to be alone together. Father is a traditionalist and allowing you in our home means that you will have to learn what is and isn't acceptable for pureblood children. We aren't very affectionate in public or at home. But that doesn't mean you can't hug me. Just perhaps not in his eyesight." She started. "He is a very strict but loving father. He'll be a good teacher. We will go to Gringotts over break as well and spend some time finding you clothing befitting your station. More silks and less synthetics." She started a list.
"Of course. Best behavior."
"Most Slytherin behavior would be better for you." She giggled and dragged him into the school. "You'll have to learn to dress and talk quickly. There are many in our society that will take advantage of a moment of weakness. Girls will try to snag your titles before you're even out of Hogwarts. As soon as they realize we do not have an understanding and you're free. You must promise me to practice protecting your mind."
"Right the books. Yes, I'll start that tonight. I have been trying so hard to keep up with the school work I haven't had time to do much else." He mumbled as they got to the entrance hall. "Sorry..." he started looking at his feet any confidence he felt from flying gone.
"You're doing okay Harry. I just don't want someone forcing their way into your mind and hurting you. You got this!" She added and let go of his touch before opening the doors and heading to the table.
Chapter 4
"Children," Lucius greeted them at Kings Cross. "A good remainder of term?" He watched the twins with a bit of concern on his face. Hermione was closer to Harry than to Draco and the dynamic left something to be desired.
"Yes, father." They answered quickly as if no time had passed.
"Yes, Sir." Harry added rocking nervously on his feet. He looked at his hand-me down trainers and clothes compared to how well put together the twins and their parents were. He felt uncomfortable in his skin.
"Hey," whispered Hermione. "You're okay." She nudged him. "Hello Mother! You look lovely today." She added pulling Harry closer to her and their mother. "Let's go shopping!"
"Yes eat away at your brother inheritance. Worthless second born." Sneered Pansy.
Before Hermione could respond Harry rose and whipped around rising to his full height magic crackling around him. One too many comments from the Slytherin witch had him on edge and mixed with the anxieties about his clothes his temper snapped. "Parkinson, last I recalled being a second born daughter of House Malfoy is better than the first-born daughter with no couth."
Hermione's eyes were wide at the insult. "Harry…" she whispered grabbing his hand in support.
"Half blood trash! What do you know about society and daughters! You can't even dress yourself!"
"Enough!" Seethed Lucius pulling himself to his full height and standing behind his daughter had on her shoulder. "Mister Parkinson," He greeted with a veil of politeness. "I see that your daughter hasn't learned her manners from your lovely wife." He added looking down at the pugged face little girl. "Insulting House Malfoy and it's charges is a quick way to be uninvited from our Yule Ball, Miss. Parkinson." His other hand went to Harry's shoulder. He watched his son out of the side of eyes and cringed at his inaction.
"My apologies Lord Malfoy." Mister Parkinson said quickly steering his daughter away from the scene.
Lucius turned quickly to Draco showing his displeasure at the display of emotions in public. "We will discuss this situation later Draco." He added and ushered the children towards the floo. "We'll be going to Madam Malkins first. Princess you need a dress for the ball and your mother is chomping at the bit to get that started. Mister Potter while they begin those preparations you will attend Gringotts with myself and Draco. We will then acquire you clothing worthy of your station."
"But Sir I haven't any money." Harry said quietly. Any and all confidence he'd had when defended Hermione deflated and in front of the Malfoy's stood a scared broken little boy.
"Haven't any money?" Narcissa gasped quietly. "You are a lord from a prestigious house. You have more money than you could spend in a life time. Your children's children will be set. It is a disservice to your education that you are not aware of this." She ranted quietly as they moved through the floo and into the leaky cauldron.
"An error that we will address this holiday. Go along ladies pick out a beautiful ball gown fit for a Malfoy. Boys let's get the business out of the way to complete our own shopping." He led the boys away Harry watching Hermione as they headed in opposite directions. "You did well defending her Lord Potter. She forgets herself, but having a Gryffindor defender seems to be helping squash her less lady like traits. Draco, you should be the sword defending your sisters honor. It is unacceptable that you allow that young lady to talk ill of your sister. I do not know what has happened or why you think that she no longer needs your protection, but as Heir to House Malfoy you are expected to defend your house. Even if you are jealous of her newfound relationships." He added quietly as they entered the bank.
Three hours later found Harry carrying a plethora of bags from different clothing shops and Hermione smiling and carefree. "I need this much?" He asked gesturing to the amount of clothes he'd purchased.
"These are just for school. You'll need clothes for the summer as well, but those would be better purchased on the Easter hols." Hermione said as they approached the floo. "Thank you for allowing us to help you Harry. I know that it's hard and you're navigating a whole new world, but I do appreciate you!" She side hugged him as they stepped into the floo and disappeared to Malfoy Manor.
The holidays brought a change in the dynamic between the first years. Harry and Draco had time to learn each other and become fast friends. Spending the remainder of the holiday leading to Yule zooming about on brooms outside while Hermione curled up in the warmth of the family library. It was one of these afternoons that Hermione overheard her father in his study. "Papa?" She asked quietly.
"Hello Princess, you're up very early today." He closed the book he'd been working on and motioned for her to come closer picking her up as he had when she was smaller and snuggling her close. Hermione snuggled in and bit her lip hard. "What's on your mind, Princess?"
"Why don't I have a contract? You're working on securing one for Dragon. Astoria will be a good addition to our family. They are neutral and I hear she is a beautiful little girl, but she's younger than me and already has a contract being worked out. I understand her older sister not having one, but she's an heiress…." She rambled.
"Princess…" Lucius started with a sigh. "Your mother and I are blessed with two children. You know how difficult that was and we kept you hidden away for a long time fearing that we'd lose you the way we lost your siblings. When we announced Draco and your birth we wanted to keep you protected. Daughters are a blessing for the Malfoy family. You're rare and beautiful and coveted. But you're not just coveted by us, but also by those hoping to grow their families reputation by marrying a daughter of house Malfoy. So your mother and I decided it would be best if we didn't seek a contract until you were ready for one. For you to maybe find someone who loves you for you and not your name."
"But it makes me look worthless in the eyes of others Papa." She said softly looking every bit a scared 11 year old girl. Gone was her mask of the perfect pureblood princess. "It's not just been Pansy making fun of me for not having a contract, it's the older boys too. And that Weasley boy saying that my intelligence was a turn off. What if no one wants me? Then I really would be Dragons burden. She keeps whispering in his ear. She wans him more than anything…." She sniffled her eyes red and puffy as tears started to stream down her face. "And even if Harry is my best friend he could never marry me to protect me from people. He would you know. He's so selfless and kind. He'll make a good Lord someday. Maybe if he didn't have the infamous Potter temper."
"Love you're rambling. You are not worthless. You're a Malfoy. You have Black blood and you are a champion of lost causes. You'll find a match worthy of your name and titles. I promise I wont leave you without it." He hugged her close and shooed her off to her room to clean up.
"She gets picked on a lot. Draco doesn't do much to protect her. I hope that changes." Harry said coming out of his hiding spot after Hemione disappeared. "She worries so much about protecting me from society but no one is doing anything to keep their hurtful comments away." He added stubbornly. "Draco is different here. He dotes on her and finishes her sentences."
Lucius frowned. "Hopefully things will be different now that he knows you. He was always so fiercely protective of her."
"He is when its anyone but her Slytherins and never when she can hear him defend her." He added. "Sorry, Sir. She's my only friend. I'm here because I wanted to ask about my own contracts. When we went to Gringotts you said there were some for me to sort through before going back?" He said softly. " I don't want to marry someone I don't know. I know Draco is prepared to do that, but you said my parents married for love."
Lucius smiled at the cunning hiding in the very Gryffindor words. "Let's see what we can find shall we?" He motioned for the smaller desk next to his and called a house elf to bring them the correspondence and began Harry's lordship lessons.
Draco looked on the scene with jealousy and went to find his sister. "Hermione…." He started as he entered her room. Things felt different between them. "I'm sorry."
Hermione looked at him and smiled sadly. " Just do better. It's not Harry's job to defend me from the mean comments. I don't expect you to be my knight, but that girl is going to do everything to ruin any chance you have with your betrothed. She wants you and doesn't care the consequences."
"I'll do better." He said climbing into bed with her and cuddling her. "Do you want cocoa? I could stay here. Like old times?" He said the persona he displayed at school melting away. "Harry's not half bad. He really does a good job of keeping you safe."
"He isn't different than us. He is a slytherin in a den of lions. They're so mean to him when he defends me. I'm worried about him." She said quietly cuddling him and smiling. "Someday everything will be better." She nudged him. "Now to get rid of that clingy wannabe Malfoy." She laughed and pushed him off the bed giggling.
"I promise."
The rest of the holidays passed in a blur of parties and events and before the children knew it was time to return to school. True to his word Hermione had Harry dressed in clothing befitting his station and stationary to begin proper communication with his estate managers and looking more a lord than an eleven-year-old boy playing at society. Draco true to his word stood closer to his sister and defended her against the comments made about Hermione during the Yule ball. Choosing to sit with his sister and her best friend then to sit with the posse of students he'd accumulated during the first half of the year.
"That went well." Added Morgana as she smoothed a lock her dark hair away from her eyes. "She is changing things for the better already."
"Yes it seems that she has all the males in her would be family wrapped around her fingers." He frowned and pointed out the dark cloud brewing over Hogwarts. "They'll meet him soon. Harry will have choices to make that might destroy this make shift happiness. Can you see his temper accepting a death eater family when he finds out? Or the fact that Hermione hasn't even bothered to tell him about the people who killed his real family? The Potter temper is as legendary as the Black one and he's inherited both from his grandmothers side."
"She's a temper herself. Remember when she cursed the parchment? Or what happened to Umbridge. It's almost time for things to start shaking up. When it does their friendship will be tested for sure, but I think it'll be okay."
"I hope so. I'm still not so sure I'm okay with Riddle winnig. Maybe we could nudge her away from the dark arts…"
"Her love of knowledge would make that very difficult. Plus, you didn't protest when I gave her my ring. Dark arts is addictive and she has an affinity for it. Even before we shook things up. She was just too scared to tell anyone."
Back at Hogwarts Quirill watched the Potter boy from a distance. Something was different about him. There was something that drew him closer to him and made him angry. There was a darkness around him that he couldn't explain. The boy was too young to have tried to dark arts, but his soul felt familiar and welcoming. "What have you started, boy." He mumbled as he felt his master wake. The pain in his head causing him to down another headache relief potion. Being his masters vessel was killing him. They needed the stone.
"I want to speak with the boy," He rasped. "And the girl…. Lucius should not have hid her from me." He added angrily.
"Harry, slow down! What are you talking about?" Hermione breathed heavily having run to keep up with the Gryffindor boy and her brother. Since returning to Hogwarts Draco and Harry had been inseparable. They'd spent hours exploring the castle including an unsolicited visit to the third floor to find a Cerberus guarding something.
"Fluffy is protecting something! We have to find out! I saw someone trying to break in and my scar has been hurting so much during Defense and at Dinner. There's something not right…" He mumbled pulling her into the third-floor corridor. "Draco thinks that if we could get past fluffy then maybe we could explore what it's hiding."
"That thing has a name?"
"Of course, it does. It belongs to Hagrid. He said something about music or something. Anyways, I'm not sure why he even told me that, but it makes me want to go explore. C'mon!" He pulled her through the door to see Draco staring at the large dog already asleep.
"I think Potters right….." He said. "This harp thing was enchanted when I got here. I wonder…" He looked at the trap door and shrugged. "I don't know about you, but it might be fun. Maybe the harp is always here…"
"You're Gryffindor tendencies are rubbing off on his. Stupid boys." She mumbled as Draco and Harry shrugged and both jumped. Hermione sighed and followed the terrible duo down into what she hoped was a safe adventure.
"Devils snare! Are you both kidding me!" She shrieked feeling the slimy tentacles on her skin. "Did either of you have a plan for what to do if we couldn't get back out! We're going to get caught!" She yelled angrily the tentacles wrapping around her.
"Hermione calmed down! It'll be okay. You know all about plants! You've been gardening with mum for as long as I can remember." Draco said eyes wide as he struggled against the vines with a whimper.
"Oh, don't you Hermione me!" She screeched. "When we get out of this I'm going to ring your necks!" She mumbled. "Go on an adventure they said. It'll be fun they said. I'm going to bed before you both come up with another clever idea that will get us killed. Or worse Expelled! What will father say about this?" She groaned and let out a yelp as she felt the vine grip her too tightly bringing her back to the moment. "Devils Snare Devils Snare awful fun but will sulk in the sun. That's right Devil's snare hates sunlight" She gripped her wand. "Lumos Solem" The three first years thumped to the ground as the Devils snare curled up on itself. "Poor plant." She added rubbing her wrists and straightening her skirt.
"Sorry, Hermione." Harry mumbled picking a piece of plant out of her once perfect braid. "Do you hear that?" he said being distracted by the sound of flapping wings through the only door ahead of them. "Birds?" He asked.
"Keys," Draco said looking at the brooms in front of them as Hermione pushed passed them to open the door. "Locked isn't it?" He added as she stomped her foot.
Events continued to progress quickly. It became a blur from catching the key to playing chess to the very obvious logic puzzle created by their godfather. It wasn't until Draco remained in that room that Hermione realized that this wasn't meant for them. Her stubborn streak and desire to fix the little lost boy. To have a relationship with her brother again. That she was face to face with their defense professor and a random mirror.
"Professor?" She asked confused. He was muttering to himself when they'd walked in. Looking at a mirror and muttering. She watched as Harry winced and grabbed his scar. "Didn't anyone ever teach you not to trust something that doesn't show you it's brains?" She tried to cut the tension in the room.
"Didn't your family ever tell you that little girls should be seen and not heard, Miss. Malfoy." Snarled a harsher voice from the professor's turban.
Hermione froze and grabbed Harry's hand pushing him behind her. "You can't have him." She stated firmly. "You can't touch him! I won't let you!" She recognized the harsh tone from her fathers' memories. She'd accidentally tumbled into his pensive as a little girl and it was enough to frighten her. "You are nothing more than a possession! Leave him alone!"
"You are a boon to your house, little snakes. Already possessing the knowledge of who I am. Your father would be proud, but disappointed. Your loyalties belong to me, Miss. Malfoy. Not to the misguided little boy being groomed by Albus Dumbledore." He spat.
"Dumbledore is a monster! He left me with abusive family! He has been trying to break my friendship with Hermione all year! I don't belong to him! I don't belong to anyone!" Harry said firmly. "Hermione, what…"
"I'm so sorry Harry. I'm so so sorry. There are families in our society who bent the knee to a man that promised them the world. All he gave them was heart break!" She had tears in her eyes. "Pureblood families slaughtered because they didn't agree with him. Children denied to keep them safe from his followers. Children left orphans because their families were considered threats. Pure lines ended!" She vented angrily.
"No…." Harry mumbled backing away from Hermione slightly.
"Your family bent the knee, Miss. Malfoy." The voice added as Quirll unwrapped his turban displaying the voices features. "Mister. Potter, I can show you how to harness all that darkness. I can give you Miss. Malfoy. You want her don't you? She's quite lovely. The boon to any house that marries her." He added.
"I'm not cattle for you to barter! I'm a living breathing girl!" Hermione said sadly. She looked at Harry and frowned. He'd be done with her now. She'd hidden things. She was no better than her father. No better than the people who had murdered his family. She was dark and twisted and broken simply because of who her family was. She claimed to be proud to be a Malfoy but her father and grandfather had made so many choices that left an empty feeling in her mouth.
"Hermione, you're not your parents choice." Harry whispered taking her hand and pushing her behind him. "I can decide for myself, thanks." His Gryffindor bravery rearing it's ugly head. The stone already in his pocket. "If I give you this, I want you to promise to leave us alone. Leave Hermione alone. Leave me alone."
"Harry, he killed your parents." Hermione said quietly.
"Trusting someone blindly killed my parents. I won't lose you." He pulled the stone out. "Dumbledore has done nothing but cause me pain this year. He said I'd be going back to the Dursleys this summer. After all the promises your family has made, after everything you've done to protect me from them. I won't do it."
"Morgana, this can't happen!" Emrys exclaimed angrily. "He can't succumb to this!"
Morgana sighed. "We can't stop his free will. He is making this choice. Dumbledore is making this choice. Every choice we've made or allowed them to make has created this timeline. I'm not promising that he will support Tom. He might not ever agree with him. He wants to protect Hermione. He knows that if Hermione defies Tom that her family will pay. They are the only family he knows. They've taken him in, fed him taught him. He's eleven. He wants to make them happy."
"Happy and signing over the end of the war before it begins are two different things! He'll have years to grow in power. He'll be invincible!" He vented pacing back and forth watching the scene in front of him.
"We promised not to interfere."
Hermione woke up in the hospital wing. Her body ached. Her bruises had bruises and she had a splitting headache. "Oh Morgana…." She cried silently turning over to see Harry sleeping peacefully in the hospital bed next to him. "I'm so sorry. I'm so so so sorry." She whimpered curling up more into herself.
"You should be sorry." Dumbledore said rounding the corner. "You've sealed your own fate by turning him, Miss. Malfoy."
"I didn't turn him, Sir. I showed him love. Something that you made sure he didn't have. You made him vulnerable by leaving him alone." She added sniffling.
"You will regret becoming friends with him Miss. Malfoy." He added before gliding away leaving Hermione alone to her thoughts.
"I don't regret it Hermione." Harry said sleepily. "He promised you'd be safe." He yawned and sat up slowly. "He might have used his wand, but there has to be more to the story. People keep hiding things from me." He said softly. "I don't like being lied to." He added stretching and whimpering. "There has to be a reason."
"I wish I could help you understand. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about my father's past. I didn't want you to hate me. I was scared." She said softly. She looked every bit her age. Small and broken and covered in bruises from the devils snare and the events in the chamber.
Chapter 6
"Miss. Malfoy, is your father in?" The formal voice of Tom Riddle floated through the floo in the library. Hermione froze up and her eyes went wide as the handsome face of a young Tom floated in her fireplace.
"I'm afraid him and mother are out for the afternoon, My Lord." She cringed slightly at the formal address. "Shall I inform him of your call?" She asked formally standing and straightening her summer clothes.
"No, I'll wait for him in the library." He stated stepping through. He looked much different than he did on the back of Quirells head. Most girls would have swooned at his new looks. Tall with dark hair and pouty lips. Hermione was aware that at 12 years old she was starting to find boys attractive, and she very much already had a type. Harry and Tom shared similar features that made her uncomfortable in the comparison.
"I will leave you." She curtsied slightly desperate to run from the room and find Harry. Harry had decided to stay with the Malfoys this summer and she had made it her business to hide the Dark Lord from him. "I'll send Dolly with a tea service Sir."
"No, I wish for you to sit with me." He stated and took her hand kissing it as was expected of pureblood culture. "Tell me what you're reading about."
Hermione swallowed and sat back in the chair with a shiver. "I'm researching auras. You stated last year that you could see darkness around a soul. I am curious about how to know who has touched the darkness and how to prevent madness." She stated firmly.
"It's quite simple really. Come stand up and I'll show you." He gently pulled her towards him. He towards over her small body causing her to shiver again. "Can you feel my magic, Miss. Malfoy?" He whispered. "I can certainly feel yours. There is something familiar about it. It is almost intoxicating." He pulled his wand out and extended his wand arm. "anima mea aura revelare" He whispered the spell gently darkness engulfing the room. "This is my soul, my darkness. I wonder what would happen if you did the same." He whispered again canceling the spell. "of course, I could teach you."
"My Lord," Lucius' voice cut through the tension. "I apologize I wasn't expecting you. I pray that Hermione was welcoming." He added.
"She's the perfect hostess, Lucius. You've raised her well." He smiled stepping back from Hermione and stepping closer to Lucius. "Was it a productive meeting at the Ministry?"
"Yes, My lord. All traces of your connection to the name Voldemort have been erased. You will have the ability to be Tom Riddle Hogwarts Head Boy promising graduate and a list of amazing references added to your file. Unassuming and placed well within the ministry. Dumbledore will know, as he remembers you and your goals, but he will have a difficult time placing you with the 'you know who' terrorist moniker My Lord."
Tom smiled and looked again at Hermione who was frozen in place. "You've done well. I am pleased. It is a shame we couldn't deage me and place me under his nose. Oh the fun we could have had." He chuckled. "Maybe next time I attempt to corrupt the ministry." He chuckled. "You're dismissed girl." He added shooing her away.
"Father," She murmured rushing out as quickly as possible without seeming rude.
"She is quite the spitfire Lucius. I imagine you'll have a difficult time finding her a proper husband. Wouldn't want anyone to crush her spirit." He said. "After all, a fire like that shouldn't be put out." He chuckled.
"Hermione!" Harry's voice echoed through the manor. "Hermione, c'mon we're sorry! We wont make you come flying with us! Just come get some fresh air!" He called again finding the entrance of the library but not seeing Hermione. "'Mione?" He poked his head in and cringed. His hand going to his scar. "Oh, Hello Sir. Lord Malfoy." He added politely. "Have you seen 'mione."
"You're awful brave, Lord Potter. Standing there and addressing this mans daughter with such familiarity. Any husband she has wouldn't appreciate this closeness." Tom stated through narrow eyes.
"I like to think she's taken me in as one of her strays, Sir. We're a package deal. I'll protect her like she protects me." He added standing tall. "But have you seen her? She was quite put out that Draco and I wanted to go flying this morning. She said we should be working on our ledgers, but we knew that Lord Malfoy would be out this morning. I'll go get Draco for lessons, Sir."
"Nonsense." Said Lucius waving him off. "Go enjoy being a boy. You and Draco could use some time for flying." He chuckled shooing the boy away. "You shouldn't instigate him, My Lord."
"I think that we can expect interesting thing from Dumbledore's little lost boy." He stated watching the boy leave the room stiffly.
"Harry, where have you been?" Hermione shrieked as she finally ran into him.
Harry shrugged. "Ran into Voldemort when looking for you. Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost." He added.
"I also had a run in with him. Father had business erasing his connection as a terrorist. I suppose he'll try to conquer the world more peacefully this time. Or perhaps until he's ready to control an empire." She ranted twirling her hair.
"I'm not mad at you, 'Mione." He said gently. "You can't choose your family. Look at the Dursley's they're the worst sort of muggle imaginable." He joked. He grabbed her hand and started dragging her outside. "Come hang out with us. Draco figured out this really cool flying trick. We wanted to audience."
"No you wanted someone to save your behinds if mother catches you flying in the gardens." She laughed taking his hand and blushing. She had noticed him filling out and the cute suntan he had started to develop. The healthy diet and ability to be a child was a good look on him. " Well come on then. I'm expected at Tea soon. If you take to long I'll drag you both to be cooed over by Lady Greengrass. I heard she's bringing Astoria."
Draco looked up at that. "Lady Greengrass is coming?"
"Yes Dragon with your little betrothed. She is 10 this year almost time for her to join us at Hogwarts." She said kindly. "She is a very sweet little girl. Proper and polite. She'll make a good addition to the family." She moved over to him and embraced him in a hug. "If you could just stop being a world class prat at school. I don't know how she'll handle the cruel things Parkinson is sure to say to her."
"I'll defend her. I'll defend you. It was silly to allow the attention to go to my head. You'll have to beat it into me." He joked as he dodged her arm slap. "If you could keep up of course." He laughed again pushing her and watching as she started to chase him.
"HERMIONE ASTRA MALFOY!" Screeched Narcissa Malfoy.
Hermione stopped dead in her tracks. "Mother, I thought tea wasn't for another hour?" She said sweetly fidgeting with her skirt.
"Yes and you think you're dressed for tea with your future sister in law? You think that Draco and Harry look acceptable? They're bringing Daphne and Astoria and Lady Nott is bringing Theodore. So I expect the boys to join us. Go on then get dressed." She shooed them but stopped Hermione as the boys walked by. "I have a special dress for you. I want you to look your best and act as lady like as possible. Theodore is smart and quiet. He'd be a good match." She added.
"Mama, please. Papa said that I didn't need to match yet." She frowned and bit her lip.
"Your Papa spoils you. You need a contract. The Dark Lord pays you too much attention and I do not like it. He would be less likely if you were taken by another." She said smoothing out her hair. "You've got the Black looks, Hermione. He was always fond of my sister. I don't want you snared in his net."
"Mama, he's not interested in a twelve-year-old girl like me." She said, "Besides, even if you found me a contract he could make father do whatever he wanted." She added before taking the dress from her mother. It was a beautiful sun dress and she would wear it well. She frowned as she felt herself being watched and shook it off. Her mother was putting ideas in her head.
Unknown to her she was being watched, but not just by one Tom Riddle. Her magical guardians were watching her grow with concern. She was much the same in this timeline as the previous, but the events of this timeline were grating on her moral compass. She'd not run away when Tom Riddle introduced her to dark magic. Soul magic had ignited something in her that even she was unaware of. The ring on her finger was screaming at her to untap it's raw energy.
"Morgana, the ring has to go. He is attracted to the knowledge that there is something special about her. Her blessings are starting to be noticed. We have to do something!" He ranted.
"You weren't this invested when she was possibly falling in love with Harry bloody Potter." Morgana ranted back. Magic flying between them as both magical beings tempers reached their limits. "Why are you having such a hard time with her being powerful? Every time there is a powerful woman in history we diminish it because of the possible risk. You were a Slytherin Emrys! You should have some more ambition! But instead you sit here and act like the old magic is a punishment!"
"Old magic is so obsolete in their time that they'll hurt her trying to tap it! Once he realizes the amount of power she holds her life will be over. She'll be a slave to his will." He slammed a spell into her shield.
"She'll protect herself. She's smart."
"She'll protect Harry bloody Potter before she protects herself. She'll protect Draco Sodding Malfoy before she protects herself. She'll leave herself open to slaughter to save them. She might be stubborn but he'll offer her the world and their safety and Slytherin or not she'll protect them before her own self-preservation!"
"You sound like you care, my love." She chuckled moving closer to him wrapping herself around him. "The old ways will protect her. I'll start training her in her dreams. I'll start protecting her waking thoughts. His mind magic is her biggest risk. It's the only way he'll suspect her. The prophecy has already changed. The one Dumbledore believes so fully has been irrevocably destroyed. Tom won't hurt Harry. Not at the risk of losing Hermione."
"I hope you're right…"
"Hello, Heir Malfoy." Astoria curtsied low and put her hand out. "It's lovely to see you again." She blushed as his lips kissed her hand. "I'm so glad you're joining us for tea."
"The pleasure is mine, Miss. Greengrass." He recited politely. Draco looked every bit the pureblood prince. Perfect hair and robes and his perfectly manicured hands. Dolly had made sure that both boys were presentable for tea.
"Lord Potter, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." She added with another curtsy and her hand held out.
Weeks of lessons with Narcissa had taught Harry how to greet a lady. He smiled at her bowed his head and kissed her hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well Miss. Greengrass." He then moved past her to Daphne and greeted her similarly. "Heir Nott, I do not believe we've had the pleasure of a formal introduction. It's nice to finally meet you, Heir Malfoy has spoken of you and your formidable brain several times this summer"
"I do believe he was likely complaining that I'm the only one that can keep up with his sister. Please Call me Theo." He added with a slight bow to his head.
"Please call me Harry." He added hastily and shook the boys hand.
Hermione stood uncomfortably behind her brother and stepped forward her disappointment hidden behind her mask of indifference. The sundress complemented her skin perfectly as did the lovely accessories that dolly had laid out for her. She felt like a prized trophy to be one and it made her uncomfortable in her own skin. Years of training to be a lady hid her discomfort but she was sure that Harry and Draco could both see it in her mannerisms.
"Miss. Malfoy, it is a pleasure to meet you formally. I apologize for not having the opportunity during the school year." Theo said softly approaching her and holding his hand out to her.
"The pleasure is mine, Heir Nott. It is nice to see someone who would rather read a library book then use it to make paper notes in class." She put her hand out for him to kiss and held herself how any Malfoy would be expected to do.
"Please call me, Theo." He added releasing her hand.
"I think Heir Nott will do." She said formally raising her eyebrows in challenge as she took her brothers arm and allowed her to seat her at the table. The ladies sat quickly ad the gentlemen followed. The conversation between the older ladies was hushed and formal while the children sat picking at their food politely and sipping tea. Astoria talking only to Daphne, while Draco, Theo and Harry discussed broom quality and the classes for the next year. Hermione could feel Lady Notts eyes on her as she ate and shivered uncomfortably. She noted another set of eyes from the library windows and cringed. Her mother was right she should try to secure a match and she could do worse than the intellectual twelve-year-old next to her. He was slated to be second in their class if she maintained first and was a good competition. He would not judge her academic mind, but there was a small piece of her that knew his father would expect him to keep her as a trophy. The trophy of House Nott secured by marriage.
"Miss. Malfoy, have you given any thought to what classes you'll take in third year? I imagine as top of our class you'll have your pick of the electives?"
Before Hermione could respond to Theo his mother spoke firmly. "A proper lady will take only the minimum so that she might have time to cultivate her wifely knowledge as well." She said in the graceful tone of a lady of breeding.
"Actually, Lady Nott, I plan on taking Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. I was contemplating also taking muggle studies and divination, but with a schedule that full I run the risk of over exhausting my brain. Mother and Father have made it clear that my academics are important and my scores reflect well on House Malfoy." She said gracefully. She knew that her parents would never agree to a match where she was a trophy. They'd groomed her to remain intelligent but still wear a mask of a proper princess. Her own mother had studied as a healer and had finished the healer training before the twins had been born.
"I hope to join you in Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, perhaps we can be study partners." Theo added quickly before his mother could interject her outdated beliefs.
"Perhaps, I find that I spend hours in the library alone during the school year. These boys do not have the same thirst for knowledge as I do. They'd rather take their frustrations out on the quidditch pitch. I was hoping that perhaps Lord Potter and Draco would join me more this year to increase their rankings. Maybe take third or fourth."
Draco and Harry looked at her bashful and took small bites of their sweets. Narcissa smiled behind her napkin and Lady Nott looked absolutely horrified that Hermione was top of their class. "A lady…."
"A lady should be a boon on her house Lady Nott." Narcissa added quickly. "We are proud of Hermione's achievements. It bodes well for her and her future husband that she can take care of herself, educate her children and bring honor to any family she were to join."
"Of course, perhaps her intelligence is hereditary." Lady Nott stuck her nose up and the remainder of the tea passed in awkward silence.
"Lucius you must find her a match! Today was ridiculous! Nott thinking, she was beneath their son because she is intelligent. More intelligent than him! I will not have my daughter being a social outcast because you want to let her choose!"
"Cissa, there is only so much I can do." Lucius said pulling his wife into a hug. "She will hate me if I match her with someone that wont allow her to grow. I cannot match her with Harry. I cannot match her with a majority of our circle. They will crush her." Lucius said sadly.
"You must encourage her to create something with Theodore Nott. He is intelligent and he would not want a wallflower wife."
"As long as his father is alive I will not make that match. He is a traditionalist and would be unhappy with our education choices for Hermione. I wont allow her to be a trophy just because she is of House Malfoy. You received an education after Hogwarts and that is what she will do as well." He said firmly.
"Papa…." Hermione interrupted from the entrance way. "I'm sorry."
"No little one, I'm sorry." Lucius said beckoning her forward to hug them both. "We will find you a husband worthy of you. Not just someone who wants your name and wealth." He kissed the top of her forehead and frowned. A daughter was a blessing to their house, but it felt like a curse.
"'Mione?" Harry called into the library finding her curled up on her favorite chair. "Can I ask you something?" Harry always looked uncomfortable in his skin when he was going to ask questions about traditions or expectations of them as furture lords and ladies.
"You can always ask me things Harry. You just might not like the answer I have to give you." She said softly.
"Why do you have to get married to a pureblood? Why does it matter that my mother was a muggle born? Why did we have to go to tea with Theo Nott?" He threw himself on the chair opposite her in the exact way Narcissa had told him was inappropriate.
Hermione frowned and giggled at his act of rebellion. "I don't have to do anything." She said first. "It is expected but not required. But our families words are Sanctimonia Vincet Semper. Purity will Always Conquer" She took his hand and pulled him towards the back of the library where their family tree was weaving around room. "This is our family." She started pointing to herself and Draco first. And if you follow it you will find our Mother which connects us to House Black." She traced the tree branches to her mother and grandfather. "This is my grandfather Cygnus Black and my Great Grandfather Pollux Black who is the older brother of your grandmother Dorea Black Nee Potter." She followed the line and showed Dorea Black and Charlus Potter. "Your father James Potter and then here you are. We are all intertwined. I believe somewhere you are also related to the Nott family. But if you look here." She pointed to his mother. "She has no line to follow. She has a muggle sister. You have a muggle cousin. The magic in your blood might be strong from your fathers side, but the magic on your mothers side is completely misunderstood. Typically a muggle born with siblings would have muggle born siblings with magic as well. But Lily Evans Nee Potter was an abnormality. How did she get magic? Where does it come from? What magical strength will you have." She whispered the last bit. "I was trying to research your aura this year. There was something dangerous about your magic on the platform. I felt it lash out at Pansy when she insulted me." She took his hand and hugged him. "Purebloods marry purebloods because we're afraid to lose our magic. What if I married a muggle born and their magic was a fluke? What if I gave birth to squibs? We keep our lines pure to a fault."
"What if keeping your lines so pure weakens the magic? Look at Crabbe and Goyle they can't even cast a levitating charm without their brains exploded." He laughed causing Hermione to giggle.
"You're smarter than most children, Lord Potter." The voice of Tom Riddle floated to their ears causing both children to jump away from each other.
"The muggle world has a problem with inbreeding. I heard Weasley say something similar when he was making fun of Hermione last year." He added quickly stepping in front of Hermione instinctively.
"Yes, blood traitors tend to think the worst of us. I myself am a half-blood. My filthy muggle father abandoned my mother when she revealed she was a witch. I'm sure you can understand my distaste for the beasts." He snarled. "My weak mother was unable to control her emotional outburst at his betrayal and died. Her magic was weak. She gave me nothing except the magic of our line. Slytherin's magic was stronger than anything anyone could imagine." His voice was dangerously quiet and powerful in his pronunciations. "You are a curious one, Lord Potter." He added handing him a book. "You should look here as to why you'll never get the opportunity to wed the lovely Miss. Malfoy." He shooed him away. "I'd like a word with you, Miss. Malfoy."
"Of course, My Lord." She said barely above a whisper as she watched Harry flee the room at his dismissal.
"You coddle the boy." He said bored looking down on her. "Is that why you were asking about auras, Hermione." He whispered again. "Do you feel his magic the way I feel yours? That's a powerful gift to have. Does your brother feel magic as well, or did you luck out both magically and mentally?" He pushed at the barriers of her mind and was met with powerful protections. "A prodigy." He took her hand and kissed it. "You'll be the boon of any house worthy of you." He added stepping back. "Now go along and play. I'm told children need sunlight and fun over the summer before being stuffed back in a cold and dreary Scotland castle for the year."