Hey all! So, clearly I didn't do second chapter the last time I posted, but I do have another chapter for you today :) I did have this chapter done and ready to update, but I saw more that I wanted to add and edit.
I hope you enjoy this new update!
Again, I love and appreciate all of the favorites, follows, and reviews!
Now without further ado, enjoy!
Chapter 12
The walk to the Headmaster's Tower was tense for Hermione. She was riddled with nerves and trepidation. She was making her way slowly to the grand office she had only been in once before. The light brown haired witch didn't know what to expect with this meeting with Dumbledore, but she did know that she didn't want to go. A part of her knew that if she were to move with a faster pace, this whole charade would be over a lot sooner rather than later. And then once this is over, she can be on the train and well on her way to Kings Cross. But did she really want to rush this very short, precious amount of time before she practically locked herself in the same room as Albus Dumbledore? Why would she want to spend an indiscernible amount of time with one of her kidnappers, the mastermind behind the entire elaborate plan? Why would she want to put herself through that? Anything could happen during this meeting, Hermione knew that for sure. But nevertheless, she knew this meeting was inevitable. Taking a deep, unsure breath, Hermione squared her shoulders and hastened her speed, knowing it was better to appear indomitably and steadfast rather than come off as someone who's weak and vulnerable to manipulation. But, still, she hoped that Beckett was right in there being some sort of back up for her; she didn't want to be alone in there. Though, there was a big part of her that wanted to know who was going to be in there.
Soon enough, though too soon for Hermione, the familiar gryphon, the guardian of the Headmaster's Tower, appeared. Coming to stop, she gazed up at the stoned creature, waiting for some sort of movement or acknowledgement of it sensing her presence, but there was none. After waiting a moment more, the light brown haired witch spoke loudly and clearly, "Sherbet Lemon." Suddenly coming to life, the gryphon's wings spread out in what could be assumed as a welcoming gesture. Hermione understanding the action and approached as it waited for her step onto the first step of the spiral staircase, and once so, it slowly began their ascent to the Headmaster's office. As it rose higher and higher, Hermione's anxiousness flared once again. And for the first time since receiving his letter, the young witch wondered what this meeting was exactly about. She had an pretty good idea, but, really with Dumbledore being on the other side of that desk, it could be anything.
Finally, after her anxiety had reached an all-time high-oddly more so than when she was at the Department of Mysteries-she was standing in front of that familiar large oak door. Hermione took one more deep breath, steeling herself, and knocked twice. And almost instantly, the door opened revealing it's three occupants to the teen: a smiling Albus Dumbledore sitting behind his rather large desk, the stone faced Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour, and then an unknown woman with mousy brown locks held in a french twist. She was sitting in one of the two guest chairs that sat in front of the Headmaster's desk. Silently, Hermione took a quick moment to survey the two wizards and the witch. She was indifferent about the men, not much mind to them, but the woman stood out to her.
Confusion barely filtered her face, but she couldn't help but wonder about the woman. She was unknown to her, but for some reason she was awfully familiar as well. But, she couldn't discern how.
"Ahhh, good morning, Miss Granger. Please come in, take a seat," he gestured to the remaining, empty seat-right next to the still unknown witch. Straight backed and face holding a calm, neutral expression, Hermione made her way over and took her seat, silently. "I hope you're having a lovely morning," he started.
Hermione held back a scoff. She attempted to smile are the greeting, but it came out as a slight grimace. "I've had better mornings," she replied cordially.
"Of course," the Headmaster nodded sympathetically. He was trying to convey his understanding and support in the short response, but Hermione knew better. "Now, I know that you would rather spend your last day of term relaxing with your friends. However, it is unfortunate what with this sudden revelation of your real identity, there are some important pieces of paperwork that requires your immediate attention and signatures."
Her brows furrowed with confusion. "Paperwork, Professor? What sort of paperwork?" Hermione asked, her eyes narrowed. While she had to keep pretending that she knew nothing about her true identity and how this whole situation came about, she genuinely didn't know what the wizard was referring to. What did she have to signed immediately?
"Well, for one, is your name. You are going to have to decide on what you would prefer to legal referred to by. And then there is your inheritance. Both of which, the Minister here," the bearded wizard casually gestured towards the no nonsense man, "has brought you, and had personally offered to assist you with filling them out." The man nodded, curtly, both in greeting and confirmation. Hermione stared at him for a moment, blankly, before looking back to Headmaster Dumbledore. "And finally, there is the matter of your guardianship."
"Guardianship?" was Hermione's immediate reply. While the other two documents needed to be addressed, the topic of her guardianship immediately grabbed her attention. "What about my guardianship? From my understanding, the Grangers have parental rights over me." She was suspicious of its importance. Why was this even being brought up? Why would her parents' guardianship rights be put into question? Though, there was a part of her that held hope; but that was something she didn't want anyone else to know.
She had been looking at the Headmaster as she posed her question, but it was the Minister who pulled her attention as he answered her question. "Miss Granger, while it is true that your parents, the Grangers, have guardianship rights over you care, it is however, due to recent changes, and your unexpected entrance into an entirely new world for you, their muggle guardianship only extends so far. The Ministry is requiring you to have a magical guardian to help guide you through this transition and your acceptance of your inheritance. However, seeing it as you are of age, both your parents' and your magical guardian's parental rights cease upon your graduation from Hogwarts."
Hermione was shocked to say the least, but she understood. Pureblood society was completely different from any other way of living within the wizarding world; even in the muggle world, their aristocratic class was vastly different. Hermione's homelife didn't possess anything similar to the life that Draco and the other Slytherins were accustomed to. Her family was middle class with basic understanding of the high society. Maybe this would be a good idea for her to do.
"Miss Granger," Dumbledore's voice pulled her out of her thoughts, forcing her to look at him again. "This is the reason as to why this lady," he gestured to the woman sitting beside her, "Andromeda Tonks, is here."
Tonks? Tonks? Where have I heard that name fro-OH! No wonder why she looks familiar to the girl. She's Bella and Cissy's sister. Their similarities are so strong that she could easily be confused for the dark witch's twin sister.
"Wait," she raised her hand up, interrupting the wizard. She gazed over at the woman with a curious head tilt. "Tonks? As in Nymphadora Tonks? You're her mother?" Hermione asked. She wanted to make sure she had the right witch, but the only question she really wanted to ask her was if she was one of her kidnappers, but she knew that she couldn't.
"I see you know my daughter," Mrs. Tonks stated with a warm smile. "It is lovely to finally meet you, dear. I have heard so many good things about you. But, now I wished I had known sooner that you are such good friends with my Nymphadora. We could have met much sooner than today." Her smile grew into a broad smile as she received a small one from the young witch.
Hermione was nauseous from just looking at the woman, her stomach twisting with anxious nerves. She wanted to shout her displeasure at being in the same room as her, but instead managed a small smile. "It's lovely to meet you, too. Well, lovely enough under these given circumstances," she finished offhandedly.
"Yes, of course. That is quite understandable, my dear. I'm sure you are confused about everything going on and that is why I am here. You see, I was a very good friend of your mother's and since I know how to navigate the pureblood elite and it's society, I offered up myself to be your guardian."
On the outside, her face was passive, but on the inside, alarms were screeching in her mind. No! She can't be my guardian! I would never be safe around her. Wait a minute, the Minister said that I didn't have to have one. Well, more specifically I can pick who I want as my guardian. Maybe I'll go with Cissy and Lucius if my godmother can't be my guardian, she thought.
Her eyes looked around the room, at each of the other room's occupants, her mind's sprinting through thoughts. She opened her mouth, trying to come up with some sort of response, but before she could the door to the office banged open, the door slamming against the wall. The sudden loud noise caused the four to flinch, or in Hermione's case, jumped in surprise.
With the four watching on, in strode the haughty form of Bellatrix Lestrange, Narcissa Malfoy, and Lucius Malfoy. Just the sight of them filled Hermione with relief. She wanted to sag, letting the emotion wash over her, but she knew she couldn't. She had to look scared. Dumbledore and Mrs. Tonks needed to think that she was just as frightened of the trio as she had been in the past. So, she just sat there, frozen, neither looking fearful nor relieved, but alarmed.
Hermione watched as a well sculpted eyebrow arched high of the dark witch's as she paused in the middle of the room with her sister and brother in law standing beside her.
The trio took the time to take a good look at each and every person in the room, each eventually zoning in one a particular person. Or in Bellatrix's case, she had her attention on two. With his nose held high, Lucius' eyes focused solely on the now deeply breathing Minister, while Narcissa's gazed locked onto Hermione, eyes filled with concern and worry. However, Bellatrix, her focus was on the Headmaster before her eyes finally landed on her very estranged sister, Andromeda.
"I see that a very important meeting, that concerns my goddaughter, is in session. Though, as her guardian, I had not been informed of this little meeting prior to its commencement. Why is that, I wonder?" The dark witch tapped her chin, condescendingly. "You know," she continued, offhandedly, "I was quite lucky that my brother in law had been informed by a fellow governor about this impromptu meeting, and just in time, too. No doubt I would have missed it, if it had been otherwise." Once more, Bellatrix surveyed the room. Hermione had a look of relief, a look she wanted to smile warmly at. The Minister looked a bit green, making her smirk in amusement. Dumbledore looked annoyed, though that didn't surprise her one bit. But her sister…Andromeda… she looked positively livid, an expression Bellatrix couldn't help but mirror. Her sister shouldn't be here; Andromeda had no business being here. But Bellatrix didn't let her anger show on her face, instead her grin turned feral.
Hermione watched on as her godmother's oppressive aura filled the room, surely trying to suffocate her sister and the Headmaster. She was stunned by the display and despite her knowing that she needed to maintain her mask, her shock was frozen on her face. The obvious tension and hatred between the sisters was palpable and no one at that point could take their gazes away from them. The room was filled with an oppressive silence as the two witches stared each other down. And it wasn't until a moment later that Andromeda finally broke it.
"Lucius, Narcissa," she looked to the two blondes and nodded her head, "it's…lovely…to see you again. Bellatrix," her fierce glared turned back to the dark witch, "not so much." Andromeda's words came out as a hiss, her Slytherin traits betraying her.
"HA!" Bellatrix let out a bark of laughter at the other witch's words. "And the same for you, too, sister."
Andromeda's eyes narrowed at the reply but she chose to ignore it and continued on. "I'm curious, though Bellatrix."
The dark witch's eyebrow rose in challenge.
"What is it that you mean, sister dear? I'm confused as to how you think you are Hermione's guardian? It is of my understanding that person with previous convictions, especially those who had escaped from Azkaban, cannot obtain guardianship rights over a minor." Andromeda sported a smug smile, her tone filled with triumph. The Headmaster smirked underneath his beard, a smug smile of his own was threatening to break out on his face. But their smiles turned to one of confusion as the other three, opposing adults smirked arrogantly.
"Actually, and Lucius, correct me if I'm wrong, but, guardianship will be granted to those who have had a previous conviction if they had been pardoned. And my goddaughter and I are fortunate that that is the case for me." Bellatrix sent a fleeting glance over to the still frozen Hermione before resting her eyes back onto her sister's, daring the witch to challenge her words.
"You are," Lucius' voice smoothly replied, a smug expression appeared on his face, "indeed, correct, Bella."
Eyes narrowed into slits as furious brown eyes locked onto those blue eyes of Lucius'. They held their stare down for only a moment more before Andromeda snapped her attention back onto her sisters. Her eyes held such intensity and her focus now remained only on Bellatrix, concentrating so vehemently, the brunette barely registered Dumbledore's voice questioning the Minister.
"Are these words true, Rufus?"
The addressed man, still pale, cleared his throat, trying to will his nerves away. The Minister liked to pride himself on his resilience and strength under intense pressure, especially in light of the current climate with the Dark Lord's return. He was an unbending man, but any man would understand his fear at just the appearance of the Bellatrix Lestrange. One would be a fool to underestimate her prowess, especially if it appeared that she may be at the disadvantage. She was always three steps ahead. Lifting his chin, he flickered his gaze around the room, thinking over his words carefully. "Yes, Albus. She had been pardoned of her crimes. It appears that Madam Lestrange had arrived later that night at the Longbottoms' home, after the Lestrange brothers and Crouch's son had already tortured Frank and Alice and had not participated in their interrogation and torture. And-"
"Where is the proof, Minister Scrimgeour?" Mrs. Tonks interrupted the man.
The Minister huffed at being interrupted, but replied nonetheless. "A memory was presented to the Wizengamot."
"What memory are you referring to, Rufus? And why was I not informed of this appeal hearing?" Dumbledore questioned, his tone now having an edge to it.
"Ahh" Lucius cut off Scrimgeour, "you no longer hold the position as Chief Warlock, Professor Dumbledore. It was none of your concern."
"He is correct, Albus," Scrimgeour added. "And the memory was one provided by Madam Lestrange herself."
"Surely, it is a fabrication, Minister Scrimegour, otherwise she would have given it at her first trial. And did her wand not show the last cast as the cruciatus curse when you tested it, personally?" Andromeda immediately questioned, her grace slipping a little.
"It did, Mrs. Tonks," the frowning wizard confirmed, shortly. "It was revealed in the memory that she had cast the curse on Crouch as when she arrived, he was just about to kill the boy. It was Madam Lestrange who stopped his death."
"How do we know that this memory was not altered?" Mrs. Tonks asked further. But it was not the Minister who replied to the witch.
"Surely, sister, you should know how I feel about children," Bellatrix spoke up, her tone not softening for Andromeda, but it also didn't hold malice either. "It is a shame and a true crime for when there is any sort of violence aimed at a child. They should never be the target, they are the innocent ones." The dark witch didn't elaborate any further. She didn't need to, nor did she want to. Dark eyes observed the people before her. The Headmaster and her sister held expressions that clearly showed that they hadn't believed anything she or the Minister said. Scrimgeour's mask of strength mixed fear cracked a bit, seeming to understand the dark witch and see her in a new light.
Scrimgeour expression amused her, but she didn't show it. She need that. He had to believe that Hermione wasn't going to be in any danger while under care. Which she won't, of course; she would rather kill herself before she ever put that girl in any sort of danger or even allow for her to be in danger. Bellatrix already has the right to be Hermione's guardian, it's just that the Minister's agreeance and compliance will make everything go smoother and faster.
"Now," Bellatrix continued after a moment of silence, "I believe that settles that matter. Minister, can we continue on with this meeting? I'm sure my goddaughter would like to get back to her friends before they leave on the train." A perfectly sculpted eyebrow rose with provocation, waiting for any challenge or dissent.
"Of course, Madam Lestra-"
"I will be changing my name back to Black," she quickly corrected the wizard. "Seeing as my husband is deceased, I will be reclaiming my rightful name."
"Of course, Lady Black. My apologies," the Minister nodded, "and yes. I believe we can move on now."
"Thank you, Minister," Bellatrix nodded before sending a vicious smirk over to her sister. "Now, I believe that that is your cue, Andi dear, seeing as though your presence is no longer needed as it is inappropriate for you to be here for you are not Hermione's guardian." Her tone maintained a haughty air to it as she stepped to the side, waiting for the witch to leave.
Fire still burned in Andromeda's eyes. Looking back over to the young witch who had been sitting silently throughout the entire conversation, her determination harden that much more. She knew that this was her last chance. "Hermione," she spoke, softly, a tone contrasting the one that she had been using for the dark witch, flooring the young witch. "I feel that I should remind you that you are of age. You have a choice you can make into who you would like your guardian to be." She gave the girl a pleading look, desperately trying to demonstrate her blatantly obvious request.
Shit! Shit! Shit! She's making me choose? I can't pick her! She kidnapped me! But I can't pick Bella; at least not outright. That would be too conspicuous. Hermione tried to her calm exterior, but everyone could tell that the girl was quickly panicking. Frantically, she looked between the two sisters, desperately trying to convey to the room that she didn't know what to do.
Narcissa watched as the alarmed girl was becoming more and more panicked. The teen witch had been doing a good job at acting, but Andromeda had crossed the line in forcing Hermione to choose between the two witches. The youngest witch, in all honesty, had very little experience with both of them-Bella more so than Andi. Hermione had easily taken to Bellatrix; restarting their pseudo parental relationship. They had been exchanging letter, but as endearing and admiring as that is, her experience with the dark witch was still very little. Hermione's relationship with Andromeda was nonexistent, literally. She had never interacted with the second oldest Black sister. Any interactions the pair of them had before Hermione had been kidnapped is now null and void.
The blonde witch knew that not being able to pick Bella outright over Andromeda was another issue for the girl. They couldn't let them become aware of Hermione's already present association with the Black family. All Dumbledore and his precious Order knew, and will continue to know for the foreseeable future, is that the last interaction the girl had with the ravenette was the night at the Ministry where-not by Bella's wand-the young witch ended up gaining a giant, nasty scar that would never fade away.
Having enough of this torture, Narcissa took pity on the girl. She drew the attention of the entire room as she cleared her throat. "I do not believe that it is appropriate to impose such a demand upon Miss Granger; seeing as she clearly doesn't know either of you. And trying to force her to pick between the two of you is unfair. And I'm sure everyone will agree with me on this," she paused, pointedly eyeing the Headmaster, her sister, and the Minister. "But, isn't it a little inappropriate of someone to force this young lady into making important life changing decisions without even giving her any time to properly process what had happened over the past forty-eight hours? Don't you agree, Minister?"
Narcissa set her gaze back onto the girl's, who was now sending a clear message of relief and appreciation. She couldn't help but smile, sympathetically, understanding the stressed out teen's churning emotions. "I mean, look at the poor girl. This is causing her undue stress."
Instantly, everyone turned their attention to the now embarrassed Hermione, several of them feeling guilt. Though, it was Andromeda's stare that made the teen witch the most uncomfortable.
Once more, the Minister cleared his throat-maybe he should get that checked out. "I agree, Madam Malfoy. And since Miss Granger already has a designated guardian-who is legally able to take up the position, it is best to leave her in the care of Lady Black. And since this has clearly caused you significant amount of stress, Miss Granger, I believe that it would be wiser if you prefer to take some time to fill out your paperwork, without any further pressure from other parties." Scrimgeour gave the Headmaster and Mrs. Tonks a pointed look; the main individuals pushing for the girl to make immediate decisions. "And if you so choose to, I'm sure Lady Black would happily assist you as well as take the time for you to get to know one another." The wizard handed over a decent amount of parchment and gave the girl a sympathetic smile.
Taking the stack, Hermione returned the smile with a small, awkward one of her own. "Thank you, Minister; for your assistance today. You have given me a lot to think about." The young witch was truly grateful for the offered time, but she already knew what she was going to do. While she needed to keep up appearances, she also knew that if she didn't make a definitive decision right now, there would be more pressure in the near future. And she wouldn't put it past the Headmaster to try something during this coming break.
"And thank you, Madam Malfoy. I appreciated your concern for my current wellbeing." Hermione sent a smile to the blonde witch, who sent a smile and nod of her own. "Though, I, however, had anticipated a possible situation where it required an understanding of urgency in regards my apparent estate and identity. So, as I've had the time to think over most of this over the past two days and during this meeting while Mrs. Tonks and Lady Black were…ummm…conversing with one another, I have already made my decision." Hermione looked solely at the Minister, ignoring the various expressions around the room.
The wizard was slightly affronted by the sureness behind her words. "Alright, Miss Granger. Would like to fill out the paperwork, now?"
"Yes please, sir." came the simple reply.
With a nod, Minister Scrimgeour took back the stack of parchment and made his way over to the Headmaster's desk.
"Pardon me, Albus, but I require the usage of your desk."
Dumbledore looked bewildered, clearly not expecting the request, or rather demand. "Of course, Rufus," the bearded wizard stood and moved aside for the wizard, but he was shocked once more as he watched the other wizard remained standing while motioning for the young witch.
Scrimgeour looked over to the young witch motioned for her to come forward. "Miss Granger, would you please come sit here," he gestured towards the Headmaster's throne chair, "so that you can comfortably fill out these forms."
Hermione's eyes widened at the request. She looked towards the professor who was now glaring at the Minister. After a quick look to her godmother and the Malfoy Matriarch, both of who nodded, the teen made her way over to the grand chair and settled down as the first piece of parchment and a quill and ink were set in front of her.
"Now, Miss Granger, what name do you choose to go by?" Rufus asked.
"I choose my given name," Hermione said simply. Instantly, broad smiles appeared on the faces of Andromeda and Albus. "Hermione Ryann Lyra Ronan," and just as quickly as they appeared, those smiles fell. The young witch could feel the disappointment dripping off of the witch beside her, but she ignored that. "I feel that it is important for me to accept my true identity and heritage, but I have also gone by Hermione for as long as I can remember."
"Of course," Scrimgeour nodded in understanding. "That is a very admirable thing to do, Miss Ronan. I'm sure everyone in this room understands as to why you are doing that." He gave the room a pointed glare causing everyone to nod in agreement, some rather reluctant, however. Pointing to a first line at the bottom of the parchment, "please, print your name here."
She did so silently.
The Minister pointed the next line, right below the first. "Now, please, sign your new legal name here."
She did so silently, again.
"Perfect," he commented as he grabbed the parchment. "Now, you will just repeat the process for the rest of the documents. This next piece," Scrimgeour gestured to the one currently in front of her, "is for your acceptance of your inheritance. And as the heir and last surviving member of the Ancient and Noble Houses of Ronan, also known as Clan Ronan, you are entitled to the entire estate as Head of House."
"I will be receiving a copy of these documents, correct?" Hermione questioned as she quickly skimmed the information. And after receiving a nod and a hum of assent, Hermione signed and initialed where it was indicated. Once finished, she set those a side beside the first document.
Rufus gestured towards the last piece of parchment in front of her. "And lastly, this set is for your acceptance of your inheritance for your mother's estate. As the heir and last surviving member of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Whelan, otherwise known as Clan Whelan, you are entitled to the entire estate as Head of House."
Hermione paused at this, but really, she should have expected this. She had taken note of the differences in last names between her father, Brendan, and her mother, Maeve. After that brief pause, she signed and initialed the documents, just like she did with her father's estate documents.
"Excellent," Rufus flicked his wand, neatly stacking the parchment. "The copy of these documents will be sent to the goblins at Gringotts, who are in charge of your estate. And when you go there, they will help you with understanding all of your assets, fortune, holdings, and properties, since they are the only ones who know of its full extent. And now as the Head of your family's houses, you are now Lady Ronan-as to how you were so named."
Nodding her head, Hermione gave the wizard a nod, "thank you, Minister."
"Of course, Lady Ronan. Now, in concerns to your guardianship. Who is it that you so choose?" Scrimgeour asked carefully, fully aware of the two potentially volatile witches standing opposite of each other.
This time, Hermione her attention to the warring sisters, and then spoke her decision. "I appreciate the generous offers that the both of you have given me for being my guardian, however, I believe that since I am now the Head of the Houses Ronan and Whelan, guardianship rights only extend so far, is that right, Minister?"
Anxiousness began to fill both witches, not sure as to where she was going with thing.
"Yes, Lady Ronan, that is correct."
Nodding her head slowly, "Alright, with that being said, I believe that before they were murdered, my parents felt sure enough with complete trust and confidence to place me into Lady Black's care, should anything happen to them. Seeing as though I do not know either of you, I will go with the faith of my parents. So, I choose Lady Black to be my guardian."
Bellatrix and the Malfoys looked positively gleeful, whereas Dumbledore seemed cold and disappointed. And, well, Andromeda, Hermione could see a mask wash over the woman's face. Her expression was one of disappointment and understanding. Her eyes, however, they were ablaze with intense fury. The young witch could feel the anger pulsing off the woman in waves. Though the light brown haired witch ignored it, still maintaining her ignorance. "Mrs. Tonks, I truly apologize for this decision. But, please understand the position that I am in. Considering your relationship with Tonks. And if I would have been able to get to know and have a close friendship, I could imagine that I would pick you." Hermione offered the witch a comforting smile as best as she could. However, this seemed to only anger the witch even further, though the woman's mask of understanding did not falter. Hermione began to feel awkward at the feeling, especially under the gaze of Andromeda.
Clearing her throat, Andromeda responded, "It is perfectly understandable, my dear. Maybe in the future, we will have the opportunity to do just that. And, please know, you are always welcomed in my home," she spoke with a motherly, kind smile.
Hermione didn't feel comfortable with the idea of having a luncheon with the older witch, but she nodded anyway. "That would be nice," she said with a small smile. Looking back up to the Minister, "sir, is there anything other that you require of me?"
The Minister hummed, thoughtful. "No, Lady Ronan, we have everything we need. Though, you and Lady Black must meet with me and a lawyer from the Registry of Magical Records to make her guardianship over you, official. I will owl you to set up a meeting for a time before you go back to school."
Hermione nodded to the Minister, acknowledging what he said. Next, she turned her attention to the Headmaster. "Professor? Anything else?" She asked politely, though she didn't miss the snort from a certain witch as the short question.
Ignoring the dark witch's disruptive noise, "I do not believe so." He took an appraising look of the teen. "Miss Ronan, I just want to remind you that you always have support. You know who you can go to, Mrs. Tonks, here, and Mrs. Weasley as well. She would always be happy to help you. You just only need to ask." Clearly he wanted to say more, but his eyes flickering to the three imposing figures standing in the middle of the room kept him from saying any more.
Hermione nodded, smiled smally. "Of course, Professor. Thank you."
"Of course, Miss Ronan," he smiled in return, but his eyes lacked its usual twinkling light. "Now, I believe you could go join your friends. I'm sure they have been missing you. Best enjoy your time before you head to the train. Have a good holiday, Miss Ronan," Dumbledore finished.
Ignoring his multiple deliberate title slips, Hermione gave him one last smile. "Of course, Professor. I hope you have a good holiday, as well." Next, she turned to the brunette, "Mrs. Tonks," she nodded to the witch.
"Hermione, have a good holiday," the older witch gave her a soft smile.
"You as well, Mrs. Tonks," she gave her a tight smile before turning to the Minister. "Minister," she gave him a head nod.
"Lady Ronan," he nodded his in kind. And with that, Hermione walked out of the office with Bellatrix, Narcissa, and Lucius following her lead.
Alrighty, that's that for this chapter!
Thank you for reading!