All characters are property of JK Rowling and I do not make a profit from this story.

Beta: Roman's Sundial

Chapter Fifty-Three: Limina Praesidium

Hermione Granger – Present Day

January 6, 2001

Hermione studied Narcissa's face. She knew that Narcissa was implementing the ancient magical traditions that was used amongst Purebloods. While she was doing some research to find out how Ritual Knots worked, she read about this ancient piece of magic. When a witch or wizard had something they needed to say, they would openly invite the other person over, place their wand in front of them, and offer tea. If both witches or wizards drank the tea, then an invisible piece of magic would appear, that would allow the host to say whatever it is that they wanted without the other retaliating. It was also used as a means of negotiation. Since neither of them could curse the other, they would use this time to come to an agreement of some sort. If an agreement was not met, then once the visitor exited the home, there was an understanding of war between them. Hermione had read about a wizard named Charles Buckley who used this method to try and tell a wizard named Ezekiel Mueller that he had murdered his brother. Since Ezekiel was unable to harm Charles due to the protection of the ancient magic, Charles had tried to use the time to come to an agreement where Ezekiel would not harm Charles. Ezekiel, of course, did not agree, and once he left the place where they met, a war had commenced between the two wizards and their families, lasting over fifty years and killing approximately seventy-two people. "Fine," Hermione finally responded to Narcissa. "I'll go and get us some."

"No need," replied Narcissa, not allowing Hermione to leave. "I will have our house-elf do it."

"You have a house-elf?"

"Of course. Did you think that after Potter stole ours from us, that we would not replace him? We have gotten a female this time; they tend to be more obedient. Twinkle!"

At the sound of her name, a small little house-elf appeared. "Mistress called?" she asked, nervously glancing over at Hermione. It was clear that Twinkle had previously been ordered to never allow herself to be seen by Hermione.

"Ms. Granger and I would like some tea."

"Yes, Mistress," and with a little pop, Twinkle was gone.

"So, what is this about?" Hermione asked impatiently.

"I thought we should have a chat," replied Narcissa. "But first, let us have our tea, shall we?"

"Of course, we must ensure that the ancient magic takes effect first, don't we?"

Narcissa smiled. "They are right about you being bright, but perhaps not as bright as they all seem to think," was all she said. Hermione made to question what was said, but stopped as Twinkle returned with the tea and poured Hermione a cup. "Drink up," Narcissa said to her, putting her own cup to her lips.

Sighing, Hermione drank her warm tea and sealed the ancient magic's protection. "Shall we get on with it then?" Hermione asked, both curious and nervous as to what Narcissa had planned to do. When Narcissa did not reply, Hermione continued. "Why am I in here?" she asked. "I thought I was not allowed in Lucius' study?"

"Under normal pretenses, that is correct," Narcissa replied, finally setting down her finished cup of tea. She leaned over to see if Hermione had finished hers, and her smile widened when she realized that she had. "I thought that today, however, was a special occasion. Besides, you are only seeing what I am allowing you to see, and clearly, that isn't a lot."

Hermione laid her hands on top of the table in front of her. "Honestly, Narcissa, I really don't have time for all of this, so can we get to whatever it is that you want to get to?"

"Certainly," she replied, still with that mischievous smile that was annoying Hermione. "Might I see that ring?"

Hermione looked down and saw that Narcissa was referring to her engagement ring. "Why?" Without responding, Narcissa silently waved her hand overtop of Hermione's, and the ring instantly turned back into the glass rose given to her by Draco. So, thought Hermione, wandless magic is not blocked by the ancient magic's parameters. She was happy to find out that piece of information, but upset with herself for not knowing how to properly perform any wandless spells. "You realize that is my property, right?"

"I don't want it," Narcissa said to her. "You may keep your rose; I simply wanted to remove the engagement ring."

"I can just transfigure it again," Hermione said, confused.

"The rose contains the Malfoy crest; as you are not a Malfoy, you cannot transfigure it."

"Fine, Draco will."

"Wrong again, Ms. Granger. Although my son is a Malfoy, he is not the patriarch nor the matriarch. Until such time that he weds, only myself and Lucius can control the crest. Did you honestly believe that anyone in a family could have such power?"

"Of course not," responded Hermione, catching on. "Purebloods are all about control; they would never let children in the family accidentally place their crest on something." Hermione meant it to be a criticism, but Narcissa was happy with the response. "So, you've changed my ring, whatever," Hermione said, irritated. "Draco will buy me a new one."

"Perhaps," said Narcissa. "But it will not have the Malfoy crest and should Dolores Umbridge come across it…"

"You do realize, Narcissa, that Draco's hearings are far from over? You are putting your son at risk too."

"My son is only at risk whilst you are in his life!"

Hermione laughed with anger. "I'm the reason he isn't still in Azkaban!"

"You are, are you? I believe I was the one who had a Ritual Knot available for presentation."

Hermione shook her head. "What are you trying to do? As long as Draco has hearings, he needs to remain engaged to me whether you like it or not. Once he's cleared, then if you want me gone, you can take that up with Draco. For now, this is the way it is, otherwise Draco goes right back to Azkaban!"

"You're supposed to be bright, Ms. Granger, so let me ask you this. Can Draco be arrested from now until the hearing if he does not break any rules?"

"Not being engaged to me is breaking the rules!"

"That is not what I asked. Can Draco be arrested from now until the hearing if he does not-"

"No, Draco cannot be arrested from now until the hearing if he doesn't break any rules! But-"

Narcissa held up a hand to stop her. "Very good; in that case, you and my son are not engaged, nor have you ever been engaged, and he will not be getting arrested."

"Umbridge thinks that there was a Ritual Knot ceremony completed!"

"Where is the proof of that?"

"You and my parents claimed to be witnesses!"

"Proof, Ms. Granger."

"We said it to Umbridge!"

"What was it that you said? Ah yes, it is her word against ours."

Hermione froze; she had figured out Narcissa's plan. "My plan to deny the Ritual Knot after Draco was cleared; you're using it now."

"Very good; I'm glad I didn't have to waste my time and explain it all to you."

"You realize that Umbridge will do whatever it takes to get him arrested, right?"

Narcissa shrugged. "I disagree, but that isn't your concern anymore, is it?"

"At his next hearing, Umbridge will undoubtedly bring this up!"

"Draco has never proposed to you and there is no record of his proposal. What there is, however, is a document that you completed that states that you claim to be his fiancée, but since his signature is nowhere on it, I would think that you would be the one who would then be under review."

"Draco will not allow this," Hermione said confidently.

"No? I do believe that the last time Draco had to pick between his family and yourself, you did not end up victorious."

Not knowing how to respond, and full of anger, Hermione stood up. "What is your ultimatum?" she asked her.

"What?" questioned Narcissa.

"I KNOW HOW THIS WORKS!" Hermione yelled, very unlike herself. "WHAT IS IT THAT YOU WANT?"

"Stay away from Draco."

"No."

Narcissa stood as well, but unlike Hermione, she was smiling. "If you do not agree, you are proclaiming war."

It was Hermione's turn to smile. "I've had Death Eaters come after me before, and now I have Grindelwald; do you truly believe that I am afraid of you coming after me?"

"Very well; you have made your decision."

Hermione was silent for a moment. Draco would back her up, wouldn't he? She thought of Harry and the fact that Draco was his secret-keeper. Harry had given up so much to protect her in the past, she couldn't possibly allow anything to happen to him, either. "I wish to negotiate my terms."

"I will not negotiate; you are not to be with Draco."

"If I agree to not be with Draco, I wish to negotiate my terms."

Narcissa sat back down and gestured for Hermione to do the same. "Very well."

"If I stay away from Draco, you and your people are not to hurt any of my family and friends."

"Be specific, Ms. Granger."

"Any member of the Order of the Phoenix, as well as my parents, and any underage witch or wizard."

"Ms. Granger, I do not need to negotiate with you. If you do not stay away from my son, I will have you killed. So unless you select, at the most, two names, I will consider it, otherwise, leave here and let us end this nonsense."

"My people have killed plenty of yours, too, and if you do kill me, I can assure you that Harry won't stop until everyone is killed, including Draco."

Narcissa's smile vanished from her face. "Two names," she said angrily.

"Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley," she said firmly. "As well as any underage witch or wizard, and my parents."

"I will agree not to harm Harry Potter or Ronald Weasley, as long as you stay away from Draco."

"Your people can't harm them, either."

"I cannot control what others do, but I will not orchestrate anything; that is the best that I can offer."

"And my parents and underage children?"

"I have agreed to two names; take care of your own people, it is not my job! Are you in agreement or not, Ms. Granger?"

Hermione hesitated. She thought of Draco and their memories, but then she thought of Harry and all of theirs… "Agreed," she said, shaking Narcissa's hand. She grabbed her hand and left the room with Narcissa behind her.

As Hermione made to leave, Narcissa spoke again. "If you break our terms, Ms. Granger…"

"You can kill me; it's not like I haven't heard that before." And with that, Hermione crossed the threshold and left.

Neville Longbottom – Present Day

January 6, 2001

"Sorry it took so long," said Jessica, as she walked into the sitting room at Luna's house, where Neville was waiting for her. "Ron was pretty upset."

"I bet," Neville said sadly.

"He really has no reason to be though," Jessica said angrily. "It's not like I knew him back then."

"I suppose he is afraid that we will come together as a family now."

Jessica laughed. "Like that would ever happen!"

Neville frowned. "I didn't leave you because I wanted to, I had no choice."

"And you gave me no choice but to raise Amelia on my own!"

"I didn't know!"

"Then you should have communicated with me and I would have told you!"

Neville shook his head. "I did the right thing; Amelia was safer in the muggle world. Look what happened with her here!"

"And Ron and his family protected me, unlike you!"

"That is not fair," said Neville sadly.

"Don't even get me started on what is and isn't fair, Neville!"

"I don't want to argue with you," he told her truthfully. "Can we please just talk about Amelia?"

"What about?"

"When can I see her?"

"It's a delicate situation; she knows nothing about you."

"You have to let me see her! Jessica, please!"

"I will," sighed Jessica. "Just let me talk to her first."

Neville nodded. "Gran is going to be so pleased. She always thought I would never carry on the Longbottom name."

"Well, technically you haven't; Amelia is a Ferguson."

"But I'm the father."

"You weren't around when she was born, were you? How was I supposed to give her your last name when I didn't even know your real first name?"

"Well, she's young enough to learn it still."

"I'm not changing it!"

"You have to! Hogwarts will automatically default it to her paternal side, anyway, so wouldn't it make sense to-"

"Hogwarts? Amelia isn't going to Hogwarts."

"What? But Jess, she has to!"

"She doesn't have to do anything! You may be her father, Neville, but you have no say in how I am raising her! This was a mistake," she added, and she left the Lovegood's house and ran towards the Burrow. Neville paced back and forth, not knowing what to do. Sighing, and realizing that he knew the answer all along, he grabbed a nearby quill and some parchment, and began writing a very lengthy letter to his Gran.

Remus Lupin – Present Day

January 7, 2001

"Remus, do you have a moment?" came Hermione's voice from behind him. Remus had been shuffling through Sirius' old treasure chest at Grimmauld Place, and hadn't heard anyone walk into the room.

"Of course, Hermione! How are you?"

"Quite stressed, actually."

Remus gave her his full attention. "Is this something to do with today's upcoming Order meeting?"

"No, and-" Hermione hesitated. "I was hoping to keep this away from the meeting – and from Harry – for the time being." Remus nodded, but said nothing. "Do you know anything about ancient magic and how it works?"

"That's a difficult question to answer, Hermione. There are a variety of different ancient magic. What are you referring to exactly?"

"I think it's called the threshold protection," she answered him.

"Limina Praesidium," Remus corrected her. "It is quite commonly used, actually, but not as strong as most ancient magics."

"It isn't?"

"Don't get me wrong, it is still powerful, but there are loopholes with this one."

"Like what?" Hermione asked curiously.

"Well, for one, if one person broke their end of the terms, the other person wouldn't know unless they saw it with their own eyes."

"So, if you agreed to, let's say, not speak to someone, but you did speak to them, as long as the person you made the agreement with doesn't find out, then they can't initiate war?"

"Precisely," answered Remus. "But it is still risky to do. If anyone who knows about the terms saw and reported it, then that would initiate war as well."

"But what if someone lied about seeing it?"

"Well, that's where the ancient magic comes in. I am assuming all these questions are because you've created terms with someone?" Hermione looked down but did not reply. Remus sighed, at least he would be able to help her through it. "Where is the tea cup that the other person drank out of?"

"What? At her house, why?"

"It wouldn't be at her house. Check your robes; you both would have had to keep each other's cup in order for it to work."

Remus watched Hermione dig through her robes until she pulled out a teacup. "How did that get there?"

"She must have put it there. Who is she, by the way?" Remus asked her.

"Narcissa Malfoy," Hermione responded quietly.

"I see. Well, look inside your cup; do you see the tea leaves in there?" Hermione nodded. "If Narcissa broke her end of the terms, and you found out about it, they would turn green."

"So, if I broke my terms, her cup's tea leaves would turn green?"

"Exactly, but only if she found out about it."

"So, if I broke my terms, but she never found out, her cups tea leaves would stay black."

Remus nodded. "That is why this method isn't always effective, which is why it is usually only used when talking about death. You can't really hide the fact that someone is dead."

"I see," said Hermione, looking down at the cup.

"Hermione, your terms…"

"I am not allowed to communicate with Draco, and she is not allowed to harm Harry or Ron."

"Did she say she was going to?"

Hermione shook her head. "She initiated all of this so that I would stay away from Draco. I knew enough about the magic that if I didn't agree, she would be able to initiate war, so I threw in some protection for my friends."

"Well, I suppose terms could have been worse. I am sorry about Draco, Hermione, but one day you will find the right person for you."

"I am still with Draco, Remus."

"What?"

"We just can't be seen in public, that's fine!"

"Hermione…"

"You said it yourself, Remus. As long as she doesn't find out, we are okay."

"But if Draco let it slip to her, her cup's leaves would turn green."

"I trust Draco; he wouldn't let anything happen to me."

"Hermione," Remus said cautiously. "I'm glad that you trust him, I really am, but don't you think that you should discuss this with Harry and Ron first?"

"Why?"

"Because you named them in the terms. If something were to go wrong, Narcissa would deliberately come after them first."

Hermione was silent for a moment. "Draco won't let anything happen to me."

"You're probably right, but just because you trust him, doesn't mean Harry and Ron do, too."

"Harry named Draco secret-keeper! Clearly he trusts him too!"

"Well, in that case you shouldn't have to worry about your conversation with Harry then, since he trusts him as well."

"Hey," came Harry's voice, as he entered the room. "Ready to start the meeting?"

"Let's go," said Remus, getting up and following Harry. As soon as Harry was out of ear shot, however, he turned back to Hermione. "Tell them," he said to her. "You owe it to them."

Albus Dumbledore – The Past

June 16, 1945

"Ah, Albus! Please, come in, come in!"

"Thank you, Cornelius," replied Albus, taking a seat in front of Cornelius Fudge's desk. "You have been busy, I see," he told Cornelius, gesturing towards the stacks of parchment on his desk. "I can't imagine how busy the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes must be."

"What? Oh yes, my department… very busy…" he scrambled through a drawer next to him and pulled out two tea cups, giving the one with a large chip to Albus. "Tea, Albus?" he asked, reaching for an already steaming kettle. He hesitated with the kettle in his hands, his eyes glancing around the room frantically.

"Shall I pour?" Albus asked him, picking up on the odd behavior.

"What? No, I can do it, I just need – Ah! There we go!" he said, picking up his wand and laying it in front of him.

Albus smiled; it was exactly what he was anticipating. "Cornelius, should you wish to commence Limina Praesidium, I will happily oblige, but I do ask that you be truthful about it."

Cornelius sighed. "Please, Albus, I am under a lot of pressure." Obediently, Albus laid his wand in front him, accepted a cup of hot tea, and joined Cornelius in draining the cup.

"Now then, what is this about, Cornelius?"

"Albus, look, as a fellow wizard, it is my, uh, duty to assist the Ministry with, um, whatever they need assistance in, just like you do…"

"It is within every wizards best interest to assist the Ministry."

"Exactly! So, naturally, I feel, uh, compelled – yes, compelled – to assist with the take down of a dark wizard at large." Albus stared at Cornelius but did not reply. "Well, he has gone too far as I am sure you would agree, Albus, and I… I want to help."

"As many do."

"Precisely! And so, I, uh, I am asking you to help me help the Ministry."

"What is it that you would like me to do?" Albus asked him.

"Oh, come on now, Albus! We all know that you are the only one who can take him down!"

"You wish for me to duel Gellert Grindelwald?"

"Well, uh, yes, I do."

"And I am assuming that this is what you are looking to negotiate?"

Cornelius blushed. "For the most part, yes."

"And what else?"

Cornelius did not reply for quite some time. Finally, he said, "Albus, h-have you decided on what career path you would like to take?"

"I thought that obvious, considering I am currently the Transfiguration Professor at Hogwarts."

"There are rumors, that, uh, you want the Minister of Magic's position?"

"Is there? I did not realize that we were in need of a new Minister."

"Well, with everything going on, there is no way the current Minister will last! What has he done to stop it?"

"You know, Cornelius, the position of Minister of Magic is not as easy as you may think."

"I do not believe it to be easy, Albus, but the Minister should be doing something! A good Minister would have already acted and done something to stop Grindelwald!"

"Such as yourself?"

Cornelius took a deep breath, but then proceeded. "I am the one here making this deal with you, aren't I?"

Albus thought quietly for a while. Finally, he spoke. "You wish for me to duel Grindelwald, and, if I understand correctly, support you in becoming the new Minister of Magic."

"W-Were you gunning for the position?"

"I have no interest in being Minister of Magic, Cornelius."

"Oh, well then, yes, that is what I want."

"You said you are making a deal with me, so what am I receiving?"

"Oh, uh, what do you want?"

"This is your deal, as you put it, Cornelius; it is up to you to tell me what you are offering."

"I am offering peace!" he said, slamming his fist on the table. "Don't you want that too, Dumbledore?"

"Of course, Cornelius, but I do not believe that I have to commit to a Limina Praesidium to achieve it." The men looked at each other quietly. "Quite the difficult situation we have here, don't we?"

"How so?" asked Cornelius, confused.

"If I do not agree, we must declare war on one another."

"Why wouldn't you agree?" asked Cornelius, worried.

"Because I do not wish to be forced to do anything," Albus replied.

"Albus, I – I, surely you won't kill me!"

"Relax, Cornelius, I do not wish to hurt you. But let this be a warning to you; you should not enter into these types of things lightly. As a potential future Minister of Magic, I would hope that you would have much better sense than that."

"Of course, Albus, of course! So then, just to summarize, you will end Grindelwald's reign, support my election, and-"

But Albus had raised his hand to stop him. "I will attempt to put an end to Grindelwald's reign of terror, but I will not support the decision to elect you as Minister. If you are selected as Minister, however, you will agree to meet with me and allow my input in any matter that I request."

"That is absolutely absurd!"

"Ah, well, looks like I will have no choice but to duel you instead, Cornelius; I am sorry that it has come to that. Good day," said Albus, as he made to cross over the threshold.

"NO! WAIT!" Cornelius yelled, stopping Albus from leaving. "I accept your terms!"

"Very good; I shall take your teacup, then."

Reluctantly, Cornelius handed over his teacup, and pocketed Albus'. "Having a say in everything I do," he mumbled, but coherently enough so that Albus could hear him. "And I thought you didn't want to be Minister."

"Of course not; where would I find the time? Didn't you hear, Cornelius? Professor Dippet is retiring; I am to be the new Headmaster at Hogwarts. Have a good day." And with that, Albus crossed over the threshold and left the Ministry.

Author's Notes: Still no working computer.. You have no idea how hard it has been for me! I have resorted to writing all my chapters by hand ans then typing them out whenever I can get my hands on a computer! Here's hoping that the New Year will bring me some technological luck!

So, in terms of the story, I would love to hear your thoughts about everything so far! This Limina Praesidium that Hermione has entered, what do you guys think? Also, what about the whole Neville situation? Looking forward to your reviews!

Thanks as always, and my sincerest apologies about all the delays!