Hey all! Here is another chapter for you! I hope y'all enjoy this one. I am going to try to post one more chapter this weekend before the semester starts for my grad program.

Without further ado, enjoy!

Chapter 17

Along with Draco and Beckett, Hermione was utterly relieved when they finally returned to the Manor. Narcissa simply wiped them out with her enthusiastic and unrelenting shopping spree. There was one positive for Hermione, though. She successfully convinced the fair-haired witch to venture out into the muggle world for clothes instead of only getting robes. The very proud pureblood witch would never admit it, but she did enjoy some of the clothes. Hermione had secretly caught Narcissa smiling at a few of the outfits she eventually bought for herself.

All in all, Hermione, Draco, and Beckett each bought an entire muggle wardrobe, with Bellatrix and Narcissa having purchased a few items themselves. The young trio also purchased an entire winter wardrobe, spring wardrobe, and a dress (Hermione), dress robes (Draco), and suit (Beckett) for the Malfoys' annual New Year's Eve Celebration.

They were also able to do their Christmas shopping, though Hermione was barred from entering any bookstore, for they knew that once the girl set one foot in one, they lost her. Her godmother went as far as to tell her to cease her pouting when she had a two-story grand library at her fingertips.

"I would expect a front-page editorial in the Daily Prophet tomorrow morning, Hermione, Beckett," Draco said absentmindedly. To anyone else, that statement would have been perceived as a warning. However, everyone in the family knew that it was merely an observation.

"I, also, half expect that my real identity will be revealed in the following, or in the same article," Beckett said simply. Again, another observation, but it was an inevitable matter. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Thinking on it more, another thought caused her to snap out of her blasé flippancy. "I need to speak with the Dark Lord immediately."

They need to control this fast, especially if her real identity is revealed alongside the publicizing of her and Hermione's relationship. Standing up from her seat, Beckett pulled up her sleeve, revealing her tattoo-riddled forearm with the dark mark standing out. Pressing the tip of her wand, the magic will the mark alive, rising and darkening as it called for her Lord.

Not even a few minutes passed before a loud crack sounded through the room. The Dark Lord appeared with a swirl of his black robes. Everyone stood and bowed slightly in respect, well, except for Hermione. Whilst the others bowed, she stood and nodded her head, holding a small, respectful smile. If any of his other followers had done that, it would have been seen as disrespectful and be met with a well-aimed crucio. However, it was Hermione, the child He had known since before she was born-whom he held a familial fondness over-who committed the actions. Thus He merely smiled in kind.

"Please, all, sit," He invited, but everyone knew it was a command. They did as he requested. "Io, my dear, why is it that you have called me here?"

"My Lord," Beckett began stoically, though respectfully. She took a fleeting glance at Hermione, "we may have a problem."

He nodded, eyes narrowing slightly.

"We believe that my identity has been compromised and that now Dumbledore and his Order may know as well. And we expect for a front-page exposé in the Prophet within the week."

The Dark Lord contemplated this piece of news. He appeared calm, but this unsettling news angered him. This was not the turn of events that He expected nor wanted to happen this soon. There was nothing he could do to change this, but there may be a way to divert its course to where there is as little negative impact as possible on Beckett and Hermione.

"Io," His voice was steady, "you know that I highly detest punishing you, so this is your only warning."

The purple-haired witch nodded, accepting the future if she made another significant mistake.

"Now, tell me what exactly happened."

The Headmaster sat back into his seat with a very thoughtful expression. He didn't know what to think about this letter, but it was definitely interesting. After a moment of thinking, he sent off a Patronus, requesting the recipient's presence immediately.

After a few minutes of waiting, the flaring of the fireplace sounded throughout the grandiose office. Pulling his attention from the letter, Albus was met with the questioning, calculating gaze of Andromeda Tonks.

"What is the matter, Albus?" She asked, heading straight to the point.

He appraised her for a moment before finally speaking. "I just received an interesting letter from my dear friend, Garrick Ollivander. It was about your niece and Miss Granger," he replied while stroking his long white beard.

This caught the estrange Black witch's attention. With a raised eyebrow, "what did he say?" Andromeda asked with a tone filled with intrigue.

"Well, it appears that the young Miss Black hasn't been missing, but rather, she has been masquerading as the current Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, Beckett Blackwood."

At hearing this piece of news of the Department Head Blackwood being her long-lost niece, Andromeda didn't react the way Dumbledore expected. He had been anticipating some sort of reaction through noise or facial expression, but he was only met with an impassive eyebrow raise with calculating eyes as if she already knew this bit of news. "You already knew of this, didn't you?" The Headmaster asked with contempt.

"Actually, no. But I should have figured it out. I have seen the various photos of Io in the Prophet, most referring to her involvement in some treaty or conference with another country. Her purple hair had always been a signature to her style. However, I haven't seen her since she was ten years old," she said neutrally.

Despite having to address her not-so-slight mistake, her tone, however, held no amount of shame or embarrassment. Growing up, Andromeda did love her family, but she knew she had always been different from them. A significant part of her felt superior to them-that she was better than them. Their antics and words were sheep-like behavior: followers. They held beliefs in superiority over others, following the tradition of their kin and the subservience under a sadistic, narcissistic man.

So, at this point, after years of separation and hatred, Andromeda did particularly care for them. And neither did she pay them any mind, and that includes her niece-whom she once loved dearly.

"When she was still in school, Nymphadora would sometimes talk about her cousin. Should express how differently she looked from when they were younger-black curly hair being the main difference. She had said that Io looked much like Bellatrix. I didn't overthink on it, though." The tawny-haired witch shrugged indifferently. "But, what does this have to do with Hermione?"

Dumbledore narrowed his eyes at the witch, but ultimately, he accepted her explanation. "Garrick wrote that she accompanied Miss Granger with their fingers entwined. And they were accompanied by your sisters and young Mr. Malfoy when they entered his shop. Miss Granger acquired a new wand that he assumes is because of her heritage discovery, and the wand that chose her is connected to Miss Black's."

"Oh," she wore a thoughtful expression, "what are we going to do about it?"

Taking a moment to think, Albus glanced at the letter before speaking. "Well, Garrick wrote that he doubts they were aware of his observations. So, we can use this to our advantage and expose their lies to the world. That Miss Black has been disguising herself to infiltrate and assist in corrupting the Ministry.

"I'm sure Ms. Skeeter will eat this story up and expose them for who they really are. And while that is being put into effect, we need to restructure our plan with forming a romantic relationship between Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley because, clearly, it seems she favors the fairer sex."

A flaming blur blazed through the main hall of the Department of International Magical Cooperation with its sights set on the office door of the Department's Head. Workers swiftly jumped out of the furious Auror's ways as she made her way to their boss' domain. Not sparing a second look to the frazzled assistant who attempted to stop her, she pushed herself past the poor young wizard and barged into the office.

A familiar head of violet hair snapped her attention from the paperwork on her desk, and upon noticing it was her cousin who so brusquely entered with the annoyed wizard running in after her. She had simply raised an eyebrow and sat back into her chair at the dramatics. Nymphadora stood there fuming as her assistant was trying to explain to his boss about his attempts to stop the furious Auror.

Beckett just waved him off, telling him that it was alright before calmly instructing him to return to his desk and ensure that no one else was to enter. Once he left, Beckett flicked her wand, and the door shut soundlessly. And with another wave, she warded the room from any eavesdroppers.

"Hello, cousin. What can I do for you on this fine day?" Beckett asked with an amused, mocking tone. She knew why Nymphadora was here. This morning, the Daily Prophet had announced her relationship with Hermione when they were spotted with their arms linked in Diagon Alley.

Beckett was grateful for her Lord and his impeccable ability with damage control. He had called an emergency inner circle meeting to read them into the current situation. Since most members were high-ranking ministerial officials, he instructed them to support the young Department Head and display a sense of understanding for her reasons behind hiding her real identity. And, shockingly, with some convincing assistance from Hermione, Rita Skeeter was "happy" to write a sympathetic and supportive article expressing the revelation. All in all, everything had been progressing swimmingly, and her cousin's abrupt arrival was something she had been expecting.

"What game are you playing at, Io?" The ordinarily bubbly witch sneered.

"I do not believe I know what you mean, Nymphadora," the older witch asked, feigning confusion, with a curious head tilt. She was baiting the younger witch, and Tonks knew it.

Tonks took it anyway, "you know exactly what I mean." She said through gritted teeth.

"No, I do not believe I do. Why don't you explain it to me, cousin?" Beckett said with a condescending yet amused tone, all the while forming an amused smirk.

Along with her flaming hair, Tonks' eyes blazed. "You know exactly what I am talking about," she sneered. "But, if you must insist-."

" I do," the smirk grew more prominent at the witch, who was now snarling back.

"What the hell is this?" She bellowed as she slammed the current edition of the Prophet down on the oak desk, the front page glaring up at the older metamorphmagus.

Is Love In The Air For Our Beloved Ronan Heiress and Our No Longer Missing Black Heiress?

Spotted yesterday in Diagon Alley, Ryann Ronan was seen with her godmother Bellatrix Black, Narcissa, and Draco Malfoy, and strangely the Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, Beckett Blackwood. But, this journalist discovered that Miss Black went missing after her academic tenure at Hogwarts, a mysterious Miss Blackwood worked her way up to being a prestigious Department Head.

Esteemed Hogwarts Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, told this journalist that Miss Black's disguise was a ploy to assist in the rise of corruption within the Ministry. He also shared his opinion in her following her family's footsteps of being in league with He Who Must Not Be Named and his Death Eaters. Indeed, this is a bold statement by the Headmaster, and this journalist finds doubt in Professor Dumbledore's words. He has already claimed that numerous high-ranking officials are corrupt. His unprovoked and unfounded claims have led to his suspension as Chief Warlock of Wizengamot. We believe this to be another ploy within the Headmaster's agenda to gain more supporters.

Now, at this moment, this journalist has yet to be privy to Miss Black's reasoning behind her eight-year disguise. Though, we wouldn't be surprised if it has to do with the ostracizing and alienation of the Black Family after He Who Must Not Be Named initially fell. Nor would we be surprised if one of the reasons had to do with Miss Ronan's kidnapping and the brutal murders of the beloved elder Ronans. The Blacks and the Ronans do have a long history of close association, the couple's parents having been close friends. However, we do hope for the chance to interview Miss Black and find out her reasoning.

With these current accusations and the open hostility from supposed light members of our community, we praise Miss Black for her courage to reveal her true identity. And with her new romance with our beloved Miss Ronan, we can't wait to see more from these two. With just the one glimpse of their budding romance, we hope for longevity in their relationship.

For more on Io Black, see page 4.

For more on Albus Dumbledore's Ministry accusations, see page 6.

For more on the history between Clan Ronan and House Black, see page 7.

"What the fucking hell are you doing with Hermione? Who do you think you are? What did you lot do to her because I sure as hell know that she would never associate herself with the likes of you and the rest of you twats? She would have picked my mother over that slag any day, and she sure as hell would have never chosen you as her lover!"

Clearly, the Auror developed similar beliefs as her mother, but Beckett had a feeling that that was the Hufflepuff in her-the loyalty to her mother. But she was curious, though, as the younger witch failed to mention anything relating to her pseudonym and cover. One would think that that glaring fact would be the leading cause for concern for followers of the 'light,' but her cousin didn't even look phased. It amused the violet-haired witch, really, but that amusement swiftly turned into unbridled fury.

Usually, she has excellent control over her metamorphmagus abilities, but now her anger spiked, and her hair was flaming red, resembling a roaring fire. Up til now, Beckett has been quite amused with her cousin's dramatics thus far, but not once she started speaking about Andromeda and her relationship with Hermione, insinuating a possible cursing of the teen witch by Beckett and Bellatrix to choose them.

And on top of that, Nymphadora accused her cousin of forcing her little witch into a relationship with herself. No, Beckett was downright pissed. It was one thing to rave and rant, spewing hatred out about her now-public relationship with Hermione, but it was an entirely another thing when she was accused of cursing her own beloved little witch.

Beckett slowly stood up from her seat before leaning over her desk with palms atop the wood. "First of all," her eyes blazed red before going pitch black, "I would be very careful about what you are insinuating, dear cousin. I am much stronger than you, and I am not afraid to demonstrate that. You are fortunate that your antics amuse me and are not much like your mother. Otherwise, things wouldn't be so cordial or...pretty."

Taking a breath, her hair returned to its standard shade of purple as she calmly sat back down in her chair. Her eyes also went to their previous state of steely grey with flecks of purple, but they still betrayed her true rage. "And speaking of your mother," Beckett said, her tone now provoking. Though, it could be easily confused for genial, conversational intrigue. "Were you there for the meeting in the Headmaster's office with Hermione, Dumbledore, and the Minister?"

"What? No," Tonks replied, confused and annoyed by the question. "What does tha-."

"So, you weren't present to see how uncomfortable Hermione was in that meeting when several people were trying to essentially force her into choosing who would be her guardian. Two of which-who were pressuring her the most-were your mother, whom Hermione didn't even know-and the Headmaster-who already knew that Andromeda had no right to ask that of the girl, let alone be in that meeting. Hermione picked Bellatrix because she is her godmother.

She chose Bellatrix because she trusted her parents' decision and reasons for naming our aunt her godmother in the first place. Your mother knows this. Dumbledore knows this. The only person who really stood up for her was Narcissa-calling the lot out for putting her in that situation, to begin with. So, don't stand there and tell that your mother is a better choice when her actions clearly show otherwise.

"And, as for her lover," she said with her smirk returning to her face and looked deeply into her cousin's eyes. "As you so elegantly put it, that really isn't any of your business. But seeing as to how intrigued you are with Hermione's love life, I'll indulge you. You state that she would have never chosen me to be her 'lover,' so I ask you: who do you think she should have chosen instead?" Beckett asked with calculating eyes.

However, she didn't allow the Auror to answer, "Ronald Weasley?" Beckett asked with a head tilt. "No," she shook her head, "he's too much of an arrogant and bigoted tosser for Hermione to ever consider being in a relationship with him, let alone allow him to touch her," she said, causing the younger witch to clench her fists and jaw. The purple-haired witch's smirk widened, and her eyes danced with amusement, "no, that simply won't do. Oh, I know," she said as she tapped her lips with her index finger. Beckett looked up into the air as if the correct guess would come to her out of thin air, "what about...you?" she asked, sharply turning her intense and steely gaze to the witch before her.

Tonks' eyes widened slightly before quickly returning to the look to its prior state before her cousin could see it.

However, as quick as it was, Beckett still caught it. Got you, she thought. "Ahh, yes. That's right. You believe she should have picked you and not me. Does she even know that you like her? Does your mother? I mean, I doubt it since that crockpot of a Headmaster has been pushing so hard for Hermione to be with Weasley. If she had known, I'm sure Mummy Dearest would have vouched for you to be the one who the Order is working so hard for to keep Hermione rooted with the so-called light side. I think that the old coot would be delighted by the idea.

"I mean, now he knows that she favors the female body and a Black, too," Beckett said as she leaned back into her chair and let out a mock gasp. "That would make you the perfect candidate, dear cousin, don't you think? The right choice. Hmmm, if only she didn't love another already. I guess that it's just you...alone...with no gorgeous, compassionate, intelligent witch to spend the rest of your life with. Such a shame," the older cousin said with a patronizing tone. She had a cruel smirk and sadistic, amused eyes planted on the expressive face.

Tonks snarled at the provoking woman. She was pissed that her crush on Hermione was exposed. She was pissed at how little she was aware of the meeting. And she was furious as to how Beckett spoke of Hermione in such a...possessive way. "If you so much as hurt Hermione in any way, I'll-."

"You'll what?" Beckett rolled her eyes. "What will you do, Nymphadora? Hmmm?" she asked indignantly with a raised eyebrow. Her cousin just stood there with her jaw clenched, hands fisted, face red, and flaming red hair. Tonks looked as if she was going to explode. However, her expression quickly deflated as she noticed the purple-haired witch's expression soften.

"You misunderstand me, cousin. I know that we are not in good standing with one another, but just know that I would never do anything to harm Hermione in any way. I-" Beckett halted, debating as to whether or not to reveal anything significant to Andromeda's daughter. But she decided to take a leap of faith. "I love her too much to do that."

This shocked the younger metamorphmagus. Tonks definitely did not expect that to come out of the seemingly cocky ice queen she remembered back during school to have little to no genuine care for anyone other than herself.

"Nymphadora, I would not be telling you this, but Hermione sees you as a good friend, and she trusts you. There is so much that you don't know of. So much has been kept from you. So, if you are the Tonks that Hermione believes you to be, then there is a conversation we need to have. And in order for that conversation to happen, you will have to trust that I love my family and Hermione, and I would do anything for them. And you will have to be open to understanding that things are not as they appear to be." Beckett said earnestly. "Nymphadora, if you truly care about Hermione, then tell when you are ready to know the truth."