I had a lovely trip to Branson, thanks for asking. And those that like roller coaster should totally try out the Time Traveler. We're not going to talk about the new job yet. :)

Chapter Five

The morning of departure Harry, Hermione, and the school age Weasleys received packages via Errol. The twins distributed the boxes while joking about the aging owl's crash landing record. The Weasleys' and Harry's contained huge chocolate eggs elaborately decorated with icing. Hermione's box held a tiny poorly decorated one, as if done in a hurry with little care, and as an afterthought. She wondered if Mrs Weasley though a poorly decorated egg to be more of an insult than no egg at all. Harry looked between them frowning. "Do you think this is because you broke my heart throwing me over for Krum?"

"Judging by Ron's smirk, seems more likely because I am a dirty Malfoy traitor." She shrugged. "I've never been big on chocolate anyway." She offered the egg to Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas. "I only ever ate it to avoid offending anyone. That doesn't seem to be an issue this year."

"Tastes great." Seamus told her.

"Send your compliments to Mrs. Weasley." She nodded towards the Weasley children. Hermione blew kisses to Fred and George, who caught them and pressed that hand to their hearts in identical movements. She turned back to Harry. "Everything set for departure?"

"All packed. The Dursleys don't care where I go, so long as I don't try to go home."

"Then how come you've never come to the Burrow over holidays?" Ginny asked.

"I dunno. Never thought about it probably. And most of us stay here over the Easter two weeks." Harry ended the conversation by cracking open his egg.

Don't forget no one ever invited you. Hermione stifled those thoughts. They were vicious and cruel. To a lonely, love starved, famous orphan Molly Weasley had been welcoming and motherly. To a nervous, socially awkward muggleborn she had been lukewarm and standoffish. She never openly disparaged Hermione's heritage, but neither had she made sure the girl knew how to navigate this new world. After reflection, she determined the attitude only bothered her because it smacked of hypocrisy. Muggleborns were wonderful additions, so long they weren't befriending your children, or doing anything too close to your family. Muggles were delightful savages with such quaint customs. Percy and Ron seemed to follow her example, George and Fred did not. Having only briefly met the oldest two brothers she lacked enough contact to judge them, or Ginny. Ginny remained an enigma. The female Weasley appeared to be on the fence about Hermione. But she always had.

Ginny proved to be friendly in the right situations. Other times she displayed a spoiled persona, expecting to be given whatever she wanted. Hermione never knew which was the real Ginny. The ginger had yet to weigh in either way about Hermione's newfound family. Possibly because Ginny had yet to determine which opinion granted Ginny more opportunity.

Hermione bid Harry a farewell and began wandering the castle with no destination in mind. Winky insisted on packing her trunk, the tiny creature growled at the suggestion Hermione assist. Walking, she contemplated her former best friend. On the surface Ronald Weasley appeared to be a nice, loyal boy. But with a short fuse and a hot temper he could be a mean, small minded bully. Ron had little tolerance for things he didn't understand. He dismissed anything from the muggle world as trivial and inferior. He often threw tantrums when things didn't go as he planned. While he hadn't expressed interest in her, or even acknowledged she was female until recently, he lashed out in jealousy when she arrived at the Yule Ball with Viktor. He decided the best she could hope for was some random loser. And there was his ridiculous behavior after her announcement about being adopted. Despite her better judgment, she encouraged Harry to mend his bridges. She never wanted anyone to feel like they had to choose her over someone else. The boys had been through so much together she hated the idea of this being the thing that killed their friendship. Harry hesitantly inched back in, though he made it clear that he would not tolerate any hostility towards Hermione. George and Fred agreed with Harry on that point. They stood firm that a different last name had not change their friend.

Hermione shook her head to clear her thoughts. Looking around, she found herself near the steps leading to the Astronomy tower. She debated climbing to the top, but ultimately decided against it. Brooding any more would only make her melancholy. She headed back towards the common room, the train would be departing before she knew it.

Hermione decided to sit with Draco and his friends, freeing Harry from any guilt over joining Ron and Neville. The latter encouraged her to join them despite the sour Gryffindor. Harry understood this time Ron had to apologize first. There would be no forgiveness without remorse, or at least the semblance of it. Harry simply arranged to meet her at the station.

Watching the countryside rush by, Hermione sat idly listening to gossip about people she didn't know. Who got engaged, who cheated on whom, who broke up with whom, things of that nature. She glanced at Draco. He and Theo sat flipping through a quidditch catalog. Crabbe and Goyle played Exploding Snap. Blaise appeared to enjoy gossiping as much as Pansy. She fought the urge to sigh. Who could have imagined she would be nostalgic for nonstop quidditch talk? A lull in the conversation attracted her attention. Without looking away from the window, she tuned back into the conversation. Pansy began making an odd gasping sound. Hermione looked over at her.

"What is that?" Pansy shrieked shrilly.

"What is what?"

"On your finger."

The entire compartment looked at Hermione's right hand. "Oh, that's the family ring Lucius gave me. It belonged to our three times great-grandmother." She shrugged. "I glamoured it at school. Enough drama going on right now as it is."

"I know what it is." Pansy hissed.

"Then why did you ask?" Hermione inquired, perplexed by the entire thing.

"I wanted to know if you knew what you have."

"Why do you care?"

"Because someday all the heirloom jewelry will belong to me. And I shouldn't have to make due with your leftovers or have to beg you for any of them. They are mine."

"All heirlooms or just the Malfoy ones?"

"The Malfoy ones."

Total silence filled the compartment. Rambunctious laughter could be heard down the corridor. The clacking of the wheels on the rails accentuated the tension. Hermione stared at the other girl in shock. Draco's mouth hung open, stunned. "I acknowledge I'm new to wizarding customs, but I'm positive you're skipping a few steps there, Pansy. One date to a ball does not an engagement make."

Blaise began laughing hysterically. Theo and Tracy chuckled. Both Crabbe and Goyle looked amused, but a little confused. Pansy shrank back embarrassed. "I, uh, I." She began stuttering.

Hermione took pity on her and held out her hand to Tracy. "I do love the detail work to the band. I adore the craftsmanship of Regency jewelry." Obediently, Tracy peered at the ring. Daphne Greengrass also examined the ring. The girls began comparing jewelry styles. Grudgingly, Pansy joined in. Both she and Daphne favored big flashy pieces, whereas Tracy and Hermione preferred simpler styles. "Gran Granger's engagement ring was an emerald cut diamond with her and Gramps' birthstones as guards. I loved it." Before anyone could comment she continued. "Another lifetime, I know."

Sensing her discomfort, Tracy started discussing new pieces versus heirlooms. This continued until the boys derailed the conversation into quidditch, Tracy and Daphne quickly joining in. Hermione returned to staring out the window, a small smile on her face.

At King's Cross Hermione surveyed the waiting crowd before departing the train. She felt the weight of the stares as she and Draco moved towards their parents. She wondered what people expected to see, and how disappointed they would be when nothing happened. The idea that they felt entitled to be disappointed annoyed her. Ignoring the prying eyes and gossipy reporters positioned at the back of the platform, Hermione swiftly embraced first Narcissa then Lucius. Both eagerly returned her affections. Narcissa quickly hugged Draco as well, while Lucius clapped him on the back in greeting. "Are we all ready?" Narcissa asked, looking about.

"I just have to go liberate Harry from Mrs Weasley's clutches." Hermione joked.

Narcissa's smile faded. Her upper lip curled as if she smelled something unpleasant. It reminded Hermione of her expression at the World Cup. "Yes, let's." She gestured with her arm. "Shall we?"

Hermione took Narcissa's hand as they made their way towards the collection of redheads. After the initial shock had worn off, Hermione dived into research. Several books suggested that touch helped build bonds and reinforce emotions. She decided she would do so as often as felt appropriate. She felt grateful her parents seemed content to let her initiate contact. She weaved through the crowds. The platform didn't seem to emptying at all. She wondered how many were dallying to see with there was to be a show.

Molly Weasley clung to Harry, bemoaning how thin he appeared. Over her shoulder Harry made eye contact with Hermione and rolled his eyes. "Look, Mrs Weasley, here's Hermione and her parents. I need to go." Harry began extracting himself from her arms.

Molly gave Hermione a calculating look, then rushed forward to engulf her in a back popping hug. Hermione stood frozen, one arm by her side, the other twisted behind her, still holding Narcissa's hand. "Oh, you poor dear! How horrible, growing up with those muggles, never knowing your real family!" Molly wailed, drawing attention.

"The Grangers are lovely people." Hermione said through clenched teeth. "They were wonderful parents. I'll miss them terribly." Molly stroked her hair. "I had a great childhood."

Harry grabbed his trunk, waving to the others. Only Arthur, George, and Fred waved back. "See you lot in two weeks."

Molly turned to him, "Oh, Harry, you should come stay with us."

Lucius stepped forward saving Harry from answering. "I'm not sure there will be time, Mrs Weasley. Many of the Potter's wizarding friends have been clamoring to meet the lad. We've been able to arrange some visits for him." Harry grinned from ear to ear upon hearing this.

If she hadn't still been trapped in Mrs Weasley's arms, Hermione would have missed the tightening of Molly's jaw. She backed away, forcing the older woman to release her. "Yes, well. Thank you for the little Easter egg. Very sweet of you. I know how busy you are. We should be going."

The skin around Molly's eyes twitched. "You're welcome, dear. Now, don't be a stranger." she fawned.

The Malfoys and Harry waved farewell to others as they made their way across the station. Cameras flashed, eagerly snapping pictures of them departing together. Lucius produced a portkey to whisk them away.

Malfoy Manor stood majestically before them. Hermione gasped, it reminded her of the mansion tours Monica Granger dragged them on every summer. It seemed too luxurious to live in. "We thought you might want to see the outside first."

Harry poked her as they followed the Malfoys up the drive. "You live in the Wuthering Heights house."

"No moors." Harry raised an eyebrow. "Wuthering Heights had moors."

"My apologizes, Princess Di."

"You're so funny. Not."

"Lady Malfoy." Draco corrected.

"Huh?" Harry looked from Hermione to her brother.

"If Hermione uses a title, the closest she comes to is Lady Malfoy. Technically, though only the lady of the manor uses one."

"I never even thought about that." Hermione puzzled over a thought. "Is Harry Lord Potter then?"

Lucius looked thoughtful. "Most likely. We can check at Gringott's if he would like." Harry nodded. "Very well, I will make the arrangements for tomorrow."

Narcissa ushered them into the foyer. "Most of the elves are very anxious to meet you. Please be patient with them. I've tried to remind them not to overwhelm you. Winky fits in nicely, by the way." Narcissa showed Hermione to her room, and settled Harry in the guest room across the hall. Hermione's room was at the very end of the hall away from Draco's. It kept the siblings close, but gave the illusion of privacy.

Wisteria colored curtains wafted in the evening breeze. Tiny violets dotted the cream bedspread. The room reminded Hermione of the posh Italian hotel she stayed at the Christmas of third year. She ran her hand over the beige finish of her dresser. The delicate furniture delighted the hidden romantic in her. On the vanity a silver backed set of brushes waited. Winky had all ready unpacked for her, spreading little personal touches about the room. One of the elves brought Crookshanks up and released him. He explored the room, finding the plush cat bed on the ottoman at the foot of her bed. The attached en suite contained separate marble tub and shower stall. Lotions, soaps, and shampoos lined a shelf. Fluffy towels hung ready for use.

Winky popped into the room, interrupting. "Mistress, Missy Narcissa ordered dinner for seven."

She glanced at the clock. She had thirty minutes to change and freshen up. Winky selected appropriate robes. Hermione sent her to assist Harry, knowing he would be clueless. She had begun torturing herself with a hairbrush when there was a knock on the door. "Come in." she called.

Narcissa slipped into her daughter's room hoping to find her almost ready and be able to offer help with the finishing touches. She entered to find Hermione violently pulling a hairbrush through her bushy hair. "Hermione! No!" she rushed forward, pulling the brush from her hand. "No, my darling. Never brush dry curls. Not unless you are about to wash them. Mxy, Winky." Narcissa called. The two house elves hurried to answer. "Mxy, please assist Winky in collecting the hair potions Miss Bella used."

"Yes, mistress." The two elves left again.

Narcissa turned back to her shocked daughter. "You have the Black curls. My sister Bellatrix has them, as does Sirius. He once called them the curse of the family. How they both hated them." She collected Hermione's hair, weighing it in her hand. "But their journey of trial and error shall be your gain." For the next twenty minutes Narcissa instructed Hermione on curl care. When and how to brush, the proper shampoo, conditioner, and other potions to apply and when. The importance of layers and length had for giving curly hair proper shape. "Mxy, would you layer Hermione's hair, please. Make sure Winky knows how to do it properly."

Ultimately, the ladies were ten minutes late to dinner, but all three males agreed it had been well worth the wait. For the hundredth time she ran her hand over her hair. Once a big bushy mess now, still wild but, each curl lay sleek and defined. Removing a few inches of dead hair and creating cascading layers drastically changed how her hair behaved. Hermione tossed her hair several times making Harry laugh. She stuck out her tongue. Lucius chuckled at their antics. "I am glad you enjoyed quality time with your mother, my treasure."

She grinned at Narcissa. "I did. Thank you for your help."

"That's what mothers are for."

"Monica never helped me with my hair." she grumbled.

Lucius ignored the mention of her muggle parents. "Tomorrow afternoon I scheduled an appointment with the goblins for you two to properly establish yourselves in the wizarding world. I also feel it is time to formally establish Draco as Scion Malfoy." Draco looked surprised, but pleased.

"Before that we all have a fitting at Twilfit and Tattlings. That includes Harry." Narcissa informed them, spreading her napkin over her lap. She ignored the groans. "Then a quiet evening at home, I think. No need to over exert ourselves."

Or give the vultures time to circle and and snoop. Hermione thought bitterly.

Lucius nodded, "I concur. The next day the Woods and Burkes wish to visit with Harry. I thought the rest of us could spend sometimes together. Then, perhaps, we might spend a few days in Devon, near Potter Manor. Give Harry a chance to see where his father grew up."

"The night before Hermione's homecoming party, Lupin and a few of James's other friends invited Harry to visit. I tried to tell him no one would object to his presence here, but he insists things could get rowdy." Narcissa huffed the last part.

"Now, Cissa, it could be as Lupin says, a gathering of men there to talk about their youthful glory days with the son of a fallen comrade, could get out of hand. They wish to avoid offending you."

"That man hides from society far too much. I don't care what he does one night a month. Werewolf or no, Remus Lupin is a lovely man." Narcissa plunked her water glass down on the table. Hermione's jaw dropped. She looked across the table to Harry. He met her eyes and stared at her. As one they swiveled their heads to look at Narcissa.

"We promised you a discussion about our public personas versus private thoughts." Lucius smiled wryly, taking a sip from his wineglass. "Perhaps the best place to begin is a history lesson. How much do you know about the man known as Lord Voldemort?"

Harry spoke first, "He wants to takeover the wizarding world and wipe out muggles because he hates them."

"He isn't a lord, not officially. He's Tom Marvolo Riddle, the son of Merope Gaunt and Tom Riddle, a muggle. Making the champion of the pureblood agenda a half blood. Marvolo Gaunt's great great-grandfather lost the family Wizengamot seat and title." Hermione shrugged at everyone's amazed looks. "After second year, I looked into him."

Lucius smirked while Narcissa beamed with pride. "You are correct," he told her. "Both of you. Tom Riddle attended Hogwarts with my father. By his accounts, Riddle was, is rather, brilliant. Smart, a dedicated student, very charismatic, and good looking. He draws you in, when he focuses his attention on you- you feel like the most important person alive.

"His promises varied from person to person. He offered you your heart's desire. But never delivered. He gifted people the trappings, glittery illusions lacking any substance.

"My father worshiped him. Eagerly pledged himself to his service, and sacrificed me once I was old enough. Most of my friends' fathers also offered their sons on platters. A few joined where their parents had not. Most did not see it for the slavery it was." Lucius clenched and unclenched his hand.

Narcissa covered Lucius's hand with her own. "He fed the pureblood delusions of superiority and paranoia. When our parents were children muggleborns and half bloods were mentored. A family guided their steps into our world, teaching them our traditions. Riddle used the system to his advantage then sought its destruction."

Lucius resumed his narrative. "When Narcissa and I first married, we bucked several traditions. We attempted to push for more acceptance for half bloods, as a stepping stone to including muggleborns."

"I had hoped to be reunited with my sister, Andromeda. She defied our parents and eloped with a muggleborn from Hufflepuff named Ted Tonks."

Lucius gently patted her hand. "We saw the dangers our world faced so long as we remained exclusive. We wanted to set an example of leaving behind outdated traditions. Using a witch as a nanny was one of those traditions. When you were taken, Father took advantage of our grief and manufactured a meeting with the Dark Lord. Narcissa focused on Draco to the exclusion of almost everything else, and the Death Eaters gave me an outlet for my rage. Anytime one of us mentioned doubts, Father or the Dark Lord made sure to mention our missing daughter, and how easily she had been taken. By the time we came to our senses, it was far too late, we were in too deep. I was marked and expected to be loyal to the end.

"Even after the Dark Lord fell to the Potters, we couldn't just change our behavior, at least not publicly. So long as my father lived we had to behave according to his dictates. He greatly influenced Draco, and used my public persona as an example of how to behave. He recently died. We now have the chance to begin changing our public faces. This process will take some time as we are hoping to ease our peers away from the ideals that are slowly destroying our world. Questions?"

"How is that I became know as the Eze Baby?"

"The constant media attention caused your mother deep emotional pain at a time when the healers insisted she remain as calm as possible. It took several donations to the major news outlets, but before long they simply referred to the story by the name of the town. Something the people of Eze encouraged, since it increased tourism for a time."

"How horrible!" Harry interjected.

"Indeed." Lucius agreed.

"Did you know what the journal would do when you gave it to Ginny?"

"No, I simply hoped she would be caught with dark item and Arthur would be embarrassed. His constant raids of the Manor bordered on obsession. I expected the wards of the castle to detect the diary immediately. I never dreamed it would possess the girl, or loose that monster on the school. When Dumbledore seemed to brush off the events, to the point of not even insisting the girl see mind healers, we knew we had to step in. We made the appointments and paid for the treatments. I know Molly initially wanted to refuse, but the eldest boy, William I believe, intervened and took her."

They sat in silence for a minute before Hermione decided to change the subject."Will you try to recreate the mentor program?" she asked.

"Yes, we also hope to create a Wizarding Studies class at Hogwarts." Narcissa answered.

"You should consider updating Muggle Studies, and perhaps have a competent teacher. Perhaps someone who actually goes out into the Muggle World." Hermione gave a tight smile.

"So, what are you going to do if Voldemort comes back?" Harry inquired.

"We will work with you to prevent that future, or his victory." Lucius made and held eye contact with Harry.

"Does Professor Dumbledore know that?" Harry questioned.

"I said we would work with you, Mr Potter. And with our daughter, who will no doubt stand by your side. I finally escaped one controlling bastard. I have no intention of allowing another power like that over my family again. Any information I obtain can be passed along to my daughter or yourself easily."

"All right, enough of this, suffice to say we do not harbor the prejudices many others expect of us." declared Narcissa. "Now, tell us of this year."

The teenagers began filling them in on the events of the year. Harry being entered into the Tournament without his knowledge or real consent. Dealing with dragons, and the panic leading up to the second task. "Don't forget Draco hexing Hermione." Harry teased.

"I was aiming for you, Potter. And you weren't innocent yourself."

"Who did you escort to the Yule Ball, Mr. Potter?" Narcissa stepped in to avoid the argument.

"Call me Harry, Mrs Malfoy. I took a fellow Gryffindor, Pavarti Patil."

"Oh, she and Padma had the prettiest saris." Hermione exclaimed. "I wish you and Ron had been better dates." She narrowed her eyes at Harry. Draco chuckled quietly.

"Oh, yeah, Malfoy, laugh it up." Harry grinned to show no offense taken by the teasing.

"Harry might have spent the evening pining after a different girl, but, at least his date isn't picking out a china pattern and redecorating the manor in her head."

Harry laughed loudly at Narcissa's horrified expression. Draco glared at his sister, who calmly continued eating, an innocent expression on her face. "At least my date wasn't four years my senior."

Narcissa frowned when Lucius choked on his drink. Hermione rolled her eyes, "Three, and age is just the number of days you've been alive."

"Huh?"

"Viktor is only three years older than me. He just turned eighteen. And I've been fifteen since September."

Lucius composed himself. "May I inquire into the nature of your continued relationship with Mr Krum?"

"Would it do me any good to say no?" Hermione shot Draco a dirty look. He smirked back at her.

"Not in the slightest."

"In another time and place we think we could have been more, but with things the way they are, we decided to be very good friends. And before Draco can allude to anything, Rita Skeeter's articles naming me Harry's girlfriend are lies."

"Ex-girlfriend. You broke my heart for Krum, remember?"

"All of her articles are complete rubbish. Stupid cow." she growled. "I'm surprised she hasn't started speculating about me now that everything has changed."

"That would be because she has grand plans to be your first exclusive interview." Narcissa told her.

"Why on earth would I grant that foul cockroach an interview, let alone an exclusive one? Does the wizarding world have recreational drugs? Does she do them?" Draco flinched as she spoke.

"She alluded to us she is the one who provided the anonymous tip."

Hermione's eyebrows rose, her mouth twisting dangerously. Harry looked at the Malfoys nervously. "Has she said how she made this discovery?" Harry swallowed nervously at her even tone.

"She promised to explain that during your interview, if you agreed." Narcissa shrugged, "Does it matter?"

"Yes." Draco blanched at her cold tone. She rounded on him, the gears turning in her head. "You reacted to something. Was it the mention of drugs?" He looked at her nervously. "Or when I called her a cockroach?" Draco attempted to remain impassive, but his eyes darted to the side briefly. Images flashed through her mind, remembering conversations and events. "That disgusting loathsome woman! I'll squish her!"

"As entertaining and informative as this has been, dare I ask what is going on?" Lucius steeped his fingers in front of his face. He fought to keep a serious expression.

"All year Skeeter has been writing scandalous, and sometimes libelous articles about people. I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out how she could be privy to all these private conversations. She's been spying, as an animagnus. Hasn't she, Draco? And what she didn't overhear herself, the Slytherins have been feeding her."

"Um," Draco looked somewhat panicked. "I, uh. That is."

"I've all ready figured it out, brother mine. Just tell me I'm right."

His head flopped forward defeated. "You're right."

"And you were helping her! How could you?"

"In my defense, at the time you were the enemy."

"I should have punched you harder last year."

"Children." Narcissa chided. "Oh, dearest, their first fight as siblings." The table burst into laughter, breaking the tension. Narcissa guided the conversation back to safer topics for the rest of the meal.