A huge thank you to everyone who has favorited, followed, or reviewed this story. Especially in this last week. I started a new job and it is going to be a rough transition period. But enough about me. I own nothing, J.K. Rowling owns all the good stuff.

Chapter Six

Winky roused Hermione the next morning. She hustled her into the shower and through her morning routine. Hermione used Narcissa's tips to recreate the tamer curls and enjoyed admiring her handiwork in the mirror. Breakfast was to be quick informal affair. Lucius and Draco attempted to put off the shopping expedition by moving at a snail's pace. Expecting this, Narcissa had a response to every maneuver all ready in place. Harry shuddered as she herded them to the floo. Draco gave him a questioning look. "Hermione is all ready scary organized. Once your mother get done 'training' her she'll be a force to be reckoned with."

"Who says I'm not all ready?" Hermione gave Harry a peck on the cheek and disappeared into the fireplace.

Overall, Hermione found the experience more than just tolerable. Without Monica pushing her to be more daring, more stylish, she enjoyed trying on clothes and putting together outfits. Narcissa focused on fashions that flattered Hermione's frame and she felt comfortable wearing. "The confidence to wear those outfits," she gestured to more couture outfits, "comes from being comfortable in one's own skin. Dressing uncomfortably does nothing to build that." She compared a dress to Hermione then returned it to the rack. "That said, nudging ourselves out of our comfort zone is a good thing. But one item at a time." Narcissa smiled at her. "You shy away from from high heels and plunging necklines. So we pick one. Once you are comfortable wearing those on a regular basis we move on to the next. Even then it is something to build to. Start with kitten heels and a sweetheart neckline. Slowly, we increase the heel and lower the collar. Eventually you will be willing to wear anything and everything." She paused thoughtfully. "Within reason."

Hermione nodded. "Do you think we could ever go shopping in Muggle London together?" She cringed, dreading the answer. She hadn't meant to ask. She knew most purebloods avoided her old world. The question had burst forth before she could stop it. "I mean, I understand if you don't want to. I just, today has been more fun then I thought it would be. I hated shopping with Monica." Hermione trailed off.

Narcissa's eyes teared. She dreamed of sharing moments like this with her daughter, hearing her say she enjoyed the time they spent together. She never imagined her saying she preferred Narcissa over the woman who raised her. The spreading warmth gave her the courage to answer, "Not today or tomorrow, but I will endeavor to try."

"Perhaps we can build up to it." Hermione offered. Her mother squeezed her hand.

Lucius came to collect them for the Gringott's appointment. "Ladies, we need to be going if we do not want to be inexcusably late." He offered Narcissa his arm, and escorted her back into the Alley. The teenagers followed behind.

As always the bank stood imposingly in the middle of Diagon Alley. Inside stern goblins served witches and wizards efficiently. They made their way over to a side desk. "Greetings. The Malfoys for Ragnar, when he is available." The goblin nodded and went to announce them. A well dressed goblin returned with him, nodding in greeting. He beckoned them to follow. His well appointed office contained a large oak desk, with five leather bond chairs in front of it. Several stacks of folders awaited his attention. He motioned to the chairs and waited until Narcissa and Hermione were seated. "Does Mr Potter's guardian approve of his visit?"

"We should begin with Hermione Malfoy."

Ragnar moved one folder to the side and selected another. He read several of the papers and handed a few to Lucius for his signature. "Miss Malfoy, if you would be so kind as to use my penknife to prick your finger and mark the parchment with blood, please."

"May I ask why?" The goblin looked surprised, by her question or her manners she wasn't sure. "I mean no disrespect, I am genuinely curious as to the rationale behind the action. And why your penknife and not my wand. I find all kinds of magic fascinating."

Ragnar nodded. "You use my knife because it cannot be enchanted to change the results. The drop of blood triggers an enchantment on the parchment. It will list your name, parentage, date of birth and any titles you have claimed or are eligible to claim."

"I suppose the actual enchantment and how it works are closely guarded trade secrets?"

"You are correct." Hermione sighed, clearly disappointed. She took the penknife and pricked her finger. One bright red drop of blood splashed on the waiting scroll below. Ragnar healed her finger. "Thank you, Miss Malfoy, or rather Scion Black, if you like."

"If the offer is legitimate, then I wish to accept."

"Everything is above board on our end."

"Because Sirius Black is innocent?"

"Because, at the very least, Sirius Black was never convicted." Ragnar confirmed. He made some marks on the scroll. "Your acceptance is noted."

The letters on the paper rearranged themselves. It now read:

Hermione Celeste Malfoy, Scion of House Black

daughter of Lucius Abraxas Malfoy and Narcissa Lyra Malfoy nee Black

born September 16, 1979

Hermione gave an shout of indignation. "I've been celebrating the wrong birthday for 15 years!"

Harry began to laugh. "That's what you took from all this, that someone got your birthday wrong?"

"Yes. I don't know why, but I find it insulting." Even the goblin laughed. "Ragnar, sir, I have a question."

"Yes?"

"Who is recorded as Harry's guardian?"

"Lord and Lady Potter's will indicated that Lord Black should raise the boy. Since he has been indisposed, Albus Dumbledore has been listed as loco parentis."

Hermione's lips thinned, "As Lord Black is indisposed, I grant Harry permission as Scion. I would also like an investigation into any banking matters Mr Dumbledore has done in Mr Potter's name."

Harry looked away from the table and up at Hermione. "When did Sirius make you his heir?"

"After the news broke. He sent me a welcome to the family letter. He told me he sent the paperwork to the goblins, and instructed me to have some fun with it and shake things up."

The goblin accepted her statement as permission and Hermione sat back to watch Harry and Draco establish themselves legally. She smiled fondly at them. Since that Halloween first year Harry had become her closet friend. She hoped Sirius's decision gave her the keys to helping Harry escape from the Dursleys. She counted reuniting them as an added bonus. Harry rarely spoke of his home life, but from what he did say she gathered they treated him poorly. Making sure no one had been allowed to misappropriate Harry's inheritance fell under taking care of him. He might never think to ask or object to anything Dumbledore had felt was necessary, but Hermione disagreed. Following that line of thought she turned to a junior goblin and requested several forms. The goblin scurried off to obtain them. Once they were filled out she asked for them to be registered and placed in the sealed Potter vault.

"Do you require a trip to your vaults?" Ragnar asked once they finished signing.

Lucius looked to Narcissa who shook her head. "No, I don't believe we do. Thank you, Ragnar."

"Wait!" cried Harry. "I have to pay you back for the robes."

"Nonsense," Narcissa replied, "you are Sirius's ward, making you Hermione's responsibility. As a minor herself, Hermione's responsibilities become ours. Therefore, it is our duty to outfit you accordingly for social functions." Harry stared at her mouth agape. "Close your mouth, dear, you are not a codfish."

Hermione considered a notion, then asked, "Would it be possible for Harry and myself to change some money over to the muggle kind and pop out to get him some proper fitting muggle clothes?" Harry perked up at this suggestion.

"I suppose not. If you're sure you can manage." Lucius answered.

Catching sight of Draco looking forlorn at being left behind, "May Draco come, please? I mean, if he wants to?"

"If he wishes." Narcissa beamed at her for offering.

"So, Ferret, want to brave the savage wilds with us heathens?" Harry joked.

"Sure, Potty, why not." They both grinned as Hermione rolled her eyes.

Ragnar provided them with plastic cards resembling muggle credit cards. Harry and Hermione indicated they understood how to make purchases with them. The goblin escorted them back to the atrium. The adults elected to return to Malfoy Manor. Hermione judged their clothes unlikely to attract too much attention. The Gryffindors lead Draco through the Leaky Cauldron and out into the muggle streets.

"So, Harrod's? M&S? Fenwick? Harvey Nichols? Liberty? What are you thinking?" Harry asked her.

"I'm thinking let's not break Draco today. Start small, local boutiques and shops; something akin to Diagon Alley or Hogesmeade."

"So make a left out the door?"

"Exactly." Draco began to protest but fell silent as they exited the Leaky. Horns honked. Cars rumbled past. Lunch time crowds bustled about on errands. He paled. Hermione stepped forward and slipped her hand in his. Wordlessly, she lead him down the sidewalk. He squeezed her hand in gratitude.

Draco followed the two teens in and out of numerous stores. Everywhere he looked bright colors grabbed his attention. Ads proclaimed every product to be the best. Neither Harry nor Hermione laughed or made fun of him. Both encouraged him to try on different items. Hermione insisted on buying him several outfits.

In some ways, Draco found muggle clothes to be superior to robes. Less cumbersome, they offered a greater freedom of movement. Hermione loaded his arms with t-shirts and shorts. She shooed him towards the fitting rooms with instructions to find a style he liked. He left her and Harry contemplating a mannequin towards the center of the store. "You should get it." Harry told her.

"I don't know. It isn't really my style."

"And? At Yule Ball you put up your hair, wore a pretty dress and in one night reinvented your image." He gestured at the display. "Sure, it doesn't look like something Hermione Granger would wear, but what about Hermione Malfoy?" Hermione started to protest. "I know, you aren't a new person. But everyone changes as they age. By summer break you might be ready to wear it."

Draco rejoined them holding the clothes he liked. "Potter's correct. Anything perceived as 'out of character' will be chalked up to having a new family."

"Even something of muggle origin?"

"You are expressing individuality and displaying your confidence in your family's affection for you."

She laughed at his words. "You think I should go for it?"

"Absolutely."

"I did promise Narcissa I would try to expand my clothing comfort zone." Harry nodded encouragingly and helped Draco carry his selections to the counter, while Hermione browsed the racks. In the end she purchased Harry's suggestion.

Harry insisted on treating Draco to a late lunch of pizza before returning to Malfoy Manor. Afterwards the teenage wizard sang the praises of the muggle chefs everywhere. The entire walk back to the Leaky Cauldron he expressed his desire to teach house elves how to make pizza. "It isn't hard." Harry told him.

Hermione nodded in agreement. "Wendell and I made them all the time." Draco looked at them in awe. "I'll explain it to Winky and see what she can come up with."

Lucius's personal elf, Natty, greeted them upon their arrival home. He informed him that the minister summoned Lucius to an emergency meeting, and as it involved information about Sirius, Narcissa joined him. Both left messages urging them not to fret. Most likely someone noticed the appointment of three house scions in one morning and investigated.

"We may not even have to formally demand an investigation." Hermione shrugged. Draco headed to his room to organize his purchases. Harry followed Hermione into her room. Winky fluttered about unpacking the numerous shopping bags.

"I'm trying not to get my hopes up. That way when it all falls apart I'm not devastated." Harry settled onto the bed.

Hermione moved to pick up a bag until her tiny house elf growled at her. She quickly dropped it, held up her hands in surrender, and backed away. "Sorry." She joined Harry on the bed. "I wonder why he never got a trial? Percy constantly raves about how wonderful Crouch is at his job. Surely he would have followed protocol."

Winky moaned. She wrung her hands and stopped in front of Hermione. "Oh, oh, mistress. Winky is being worried. Winky promised to keep old masters' secrets, but new mistress should be knowings. Oh, Winky is a horrid bad elf."

"No, Winky! You are a wonderful elf. I am so lucky to have you." Winky continued to worry.

"What if Hermione ordered you to tell her everything you think she needs to know?" Harry asked.

Winky considered his idea. "Yes, that be working. New family more important than old family." The house elf proceeded to tell them of Barty Crouch, Jr. And how his actions destroyed his family. She told them of junior's incarceration. Senior losing his job. And the impossible promise Mrs Crouch asked of her husband. She finished by telling of junior's actions at the World Cup. "Young master swore his lord was returning soon. He was goings to help him."

Hermione and Harry looked at one another. "We have to tell Dumbledore." He stated.

"We have to tell my parents. Lucius promised to help. We need to let him prove himself. Once we know what the Malfoys are willing to do, we can reassess our need to tell Professor Dumbledore."

"How long do you think you will call the Malfoys by their names?"

"I don't know. It still feels weird to call them anything else. If Draco called them Mum and Dad instead Mother and Father it would make it easier. Like the formality makes it more awkward."

Harry nodded, "You don't call the Grangers Mum and Dad anymore."

It wasn't a question.

"If things had ended differently I might have. But they admitted it wasn't a child to expand their family that they wanted, but rather a means to an end." She frowned down at her hands. "I'm protecting myself. Calling them Monica and Wendell lets me pretend I didn't love them more than they loved me."

"Mione, your adopted parents loved you." Harry protested.

"Did they, though?" Hermione leapt her feet agitated. She began pacing. "They couldn't take Lucius's money fast enough. Leave instantly? No problem. They probably relished the idea of not having to remember me. I was a disappointment. I didn't like the right things, wasn't good at sports or making friends. The first real thing I did that made them proud, I ruined by going to Hogwarts." Harry raised a questioning eyebrow. "I was accepted to Benenden, but begged to go learn magic." She plucked a photo album from a shelf. "Every moment in these feels fake now, tainted. Was everything a lie? How did they really feel? Did they regret adopting me? I feel so stupid for missing them."

"You aren't stupid, Hermione. They were major parts of your life for the last fifteen years. It is okay for you to miss them. Just like it is okay for you to take your time feeling comfortable with the Malfoys." Harry brushed away the tears flowing down her cheeks.

"When did you get so smart?"

"My best friend is the brightest witch of our generation, maybe of any generation. I think her brilliance is rubbing off. Really, I just asked myself what would she tell me." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, hugging her. "And regardless of everything, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. You're stuck with me."

"Thank you, Harry." She hugged him back.

"Yep, I'm like an octopus to the face." They both laughed. Winky popped in to inform them that her parents were back and wished to speak with them. Hermione washed her face before they joined Draco and made their way to Lucius's study.

"Be seated, please." Lucius gestured to a love seat and several wing chairs. "Someone at the ministry decided to be surprisingly competent today. They noticed Hermione's claim and investigated the legality of it. Based on those results Fudge arranged to open an investigation as to why Sirius never received a real trail in the first place. A concussed crime scene confession is not legally binding enough to incarcerate a man for life." Lucius told them grimly. "An auror should be along shortly to question you two about the night you saw Pettigrew and learned the truth."

"Should be warn Ron or Lupin?" Harry asked. "Or would that seem suspicious?"

"Less charitable people would assume collusion if three of the four witnesses were together when the aurors arrived." Lucius commented. "Better to let all of this be a surprise to them."

Narcissa agreed. "We should continue on like nothing is going on. What shall we do this evening?"

Harry gave Hermione a sly sidelong look. "I could teach the elves how to make pizza and Hermione could show us her photo albums. We could have a muggle night."

Narcissa smiled broadly, clapping her hands in delight. "Wonderful. Mxy." She called her house elf. "Please escort Mr Potter to the kitchen and ask Wally to follow his instructions."

Hermione sent Winky for her albums. She sat between Lucius and Narcissa in a small parlor. Draco leaned over the back of the couch, looking over their shoulders. She began showing them pictures of her younger years.

Narcissa cooed over the images of toddler Hermione learning to stand and walk. Her fingertips brushed over one of Hermione in a pale blue sailor suit. She eagerly browsed the pages, occasionally inquiring to the event.

Hermione thought Lucius was somewhat ignoring them until he reached over and pointed to one. "Do you still ride?"

"Yes, and before you ask, rather well. When I was six I watched the movie National Velvet. Then, like every other little girl, I became obsessed with with horses. The Grangers couldn't, or maybe wouldn't, commit to the time demands of owning a horse; but they agreed to riding lessons."

"What is a National Velvet?" asked Lucius.

"What's a movie?" inquired Draco.

"Movies are a form of muggle entertainment. Actors present fictional stories. The presentation is recorded and played either in theaters, or on videos in the home." She addressed Lucius, "National Velvet is the story of a girl that trains her horse to race. I loved the movie."

"You said you ride well, do you still enjoy it?"

"When I get the chance to. The Grangers stopped paying stable fees when I started Hogwarts."

"We should go for a ride at the Devon estate."

"I would like that." Hermione grinned. She leaned forward and pulled a white leather album with horses embossed on the cover. "I think you will enjoy this one." He smiled at the pictures of her horseback riding at various locations and events.

Harry lead two house elves back in. Both elves controlled two floating pizzas. Harry set the plates and napkins down on an end table. "Ladies and gentlemen, dinner is served."

"Did you intend to forget the silverware?" Narcissa asked.

"Pizza is eaten with one's hands, Mrs Malfoy."

"Oh?" she sounded unconvinced.

Lucius shrugged and picked up a slice. "Come, my dear, a glimpse into our daughter's childhood."

Narcissa looked uncertain, but selected her own piece. Biting into it, she nodded approvingly. "This is delicious, Harry."

"Indeed." Lucius agreed.

When the aurors arrived, Lucius instructed the elf to bring them to the parlor. He offered them pizza when they entered.

"Ah, no thank you, Lord Malfoy. We simply wish to question Harry Potter and Hermione Malfoy and then we'll be on our way." He turned to Harry and Hermione. "Gawain Robards, at your service." They nodded, "and my partner, Silas Dormier." Both men bowed politely. "If we can have a room with them?"

"I think not." Narcissa replied primly. "One of you may question Hermione with Lucius, while the other speaks with Harry and myself. Draco, darling, would you mind?"

Draco stood, "Of course not, Mother. I believe I shall retire for the evening." He kissed Narcissa and Hermione on the cheek and nodded to the men as he left the room.

Once separated, Hermione and Harry described that night. Chasing the transformed Sirius to the Shrieking Shack. Being followed by first Lupin, then Snape. The confrontation, Snape being knocked unconscious and Pettigrew revealing himself and escaping. Lupin missing a critical dose of Wolfsbane. Snape guarding them as Sirius transformed and lured the werewolf away. "And you have no idea how Black escaped that night?"

"Sir, are you implying three teenagers, one with a broken leg, managed to break Albus Dumbledore's wards and sneak through a castle full of trained aurors and free a man without anyone noticing?" Hermione derided. She looked at Lucius, "Next he'll be insisting we stole the hippogryph, too."

"What hippogryph, Miss Malfoy?" Dormier asked eagerly, thinking he had tripped her up.

"The one Draco antagonized into knocking him down. He exaggerated his injuries to the point the Ministry ordered it executed. According to Fudge it also disappeared that night."

"While you were locked in the Infirmary?"

She sniffed derisively, "I have no idea when it vanished. We left the castle. Draco gloated about it. I punched him in the face. We consoled Hagrid, but left before the officials arrived. An execution is no place for children, you know. Then Ron was dragged away in a rat napping. We went over the rest." The innocent smile she gave him would have made Harry nervous, and the Weasley twins proud.

Statements collected, Robards gave Lucius a note with the time the next days hearing. Pixel showed them out.

"I find myself wondering, did you have anything to do with Black's escape?" Lucius asked her once they were alone.

Hermione laughed, "And we rescued the hippogryph, too."

"You lied to the aurors."

"No, I asked if he thought we could have done it. I never said we didn't, just pointed out that it seemed absurd to think we did." Narcissa and Harry returned to the parlor at that point.

Lucius turned the others, "Shall we to bed?"

"Um, actually, we had something we, uh, wanted to discuss with you." Hermione shuffled her feet. Lucius raised an eyebrow. "Winky told us am interesting tale about a dying mother's request, a grieving husband's guilt, and the first unofficial escape from Azkaban."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Stop being dramatic, Mione. Barty Crouch Sr broke junior out granting his wife's dying wish. He's kept him under an Imperius curse and invisibility cloaks."

"Now, junior is calling the shots and is working to bring back his master."

Lucius began swearing. Narcissa rolled her eyes, "How? When?"

"Winky said junior talked to himself about a ritual to 'give Master a body.' She was given clothes before she learned when."

Narcissa nodded, "Then we start researching. If we find anything we will pass it along for Dumbledore."

"That's all any of us can do." Harry replied.

"Now to bed. Tomorrow will be a long day."

The next morning Winky insisted on Hermione's best robes. She and Lucius flooed to the Ministry atrium. Moments after arrival an aide scurried towards them intent on escorting them to the courtroom. "The Minister wants to ensure no one detains you."

Father and daughter followed him through the throng of people. Many wizards and witches greeted Lucius. He acknowledged most with the barest of nods. Hermione noted the few he graced with a full nod of the head, and the two or three he raised his hand to greet. The aide indicated they should be seated in the front row of the audience area. While they waited, Lucius pointed out which of the seats on the tiers in front of them belonged to the Malfoys, Blacks, and Potters. Each wooden chair had the family crest carved into it. "There is a chair for each lord or lady and the scion. Once the scion establishes their own identity they begin learning the ropes and will at times join the head in sessions. They do not have a vote unless the lord is unavailable."

"Like Sirius is now."

"Exactly. Today, however, we are petitioners. We sit amongst other here to address the conclave. Those here to gawk fill in the back and the upper galleries. If asked to address them be polite, but firm. You stand as a peer today demanding justice for her House, not a schoolgirl begging favors." He murmured to her. She nodded. "Once our business in concluded we join the other members in our seats. Vote, do not abstain. If you are unsure, wait until I have cast my vote and vote accordingly. If you have an opinion, or think Sirius would agree or disagree- follow that instinct."

Conversations across the room died when Dumbledore entered. Given the quick pace of the investigation, Hermione wondered if the Weasleys had been able to notify him after Ron's questioning. He called the assembly to order. Hermione surveyed the rows of stern faced black robes.

"I would announce our first order of business, but I am unclear as to what exactly that business is. So, I shall yield the floor to Minister Fudge." Dumbledore nodded in his direction.

Fudge stood and moved behind the podium. "I called this assembly to address a miscarriage of justice. During a dark time in our past we wrongfully imprisoned one of our own." The gallery rustled with excitement. "Worse, we did so without a trial, or confession under veritaserum. In doing so we allowed the true murderer to escape. An unrepentant Death Eater free to continue conspiring against our society. While acknowledging the rampant fear of the times, I cannot condemn the past administration, but, now, knowing the truth I cannot condone this. Initially, I intended to petition the courts for a retrial, or rather a trial. But after reviewing the evidence with Lord Malfoy, Lady Longbottom, and Madam Bones, I am declaring Lord Sirius Black innocent of all charges. He never should have been helped past questioning." The entire chamber erupted into chaos, various people shouting questions and demands. Dumbledore called for order several times before resorting to spell casting to restore order.

"Cornelius, are you certain?" He asked. Hermione narrowed her eyes. Just what was he playing at? "We have the safety of the Wizarding World, and Harry Potter to consider." Several people nodded.

Augusta Longbottom stood, "Scion Potter provided testimony exonerating his godfather. He is spending his Easter holidays with Scion Black. I think he will be safe enough." Whispers raced across the crowd at her pronouncement. "The man is completely innocent."

"Hem, hem." A squat toad of a woman stood, raising her hand primly to be acknowledged. "Not completely, he did escape from Azkaban."

Fudge nodded, "While that is true, I am pardoning him as part of the Ministry's restitution for wrongful imprisonment for twelve years." Fudge turned back to the audience.

"Hem, hem."

"Yes, Madam Undersecretary?"

"The evidence given indicates Sirius Black to be an animagnus. No record of his registration can be found." She smirked triumphantly. Fudge frowned.

Hermione discreetly nudged her father. Lucius looked at her. She tilted her head towards the toad and winked. Lucius nodded and raised his hand gaining attention immediately. "Excuse me, Cornelius. I believe Hermione has some information.

Fudge smiled, "The floor recognizes Scion Black."

Hermione stood up, returning his smile. She primly smoothed her skirts. "Thank you, Minister. During the last war Sirius Black, James Potter, and Peter Pettigrew became animagnus. Due to mistrust in the ministry's security and alliances, Lords Black and Potter filled out the forms, paid the fees, and entrusted the approval with the goblins. If Chief Warlock Dumbledore would unseal the Potter family vaults, the papers can be retrieved."

"And we are suppose to believe a mere child knows all this?" The toad sneered.

Lady Longbottom glared, "Don't overstep yourself, Delores."

Delores Umbridge, undersecretary to the Minister. Silently Hermione thanked Neville's grandmother for unknowingly cluing her in to the woman's identity. She addressed the assembly as a whole. "I only know this because Lord Black informed me."

"A likely story."

"Excuse my impertinence, madame, but are you suggesting I would lie to this august court?"

"You wouldn't dare. But that does not mean these papers actually exist where you claim they are."

"Are you suggesting that a fifteen year old could fool grown adults?"

"Never!" Umbridge drew back insulted.

Hermione grinned. "Then that's settled. The papers can be retrieved when the Potter vaults are unsealed. Either by Professor Dumbledore or Lord Black."

Fudge clapped his hands. "Good, good, Lord Sirius stands innocent of all charges and pardoned of all other crimes. Scion Black, will you notify him when he contacts you again?"

"Of course, sir." She dropped into a prim curtsy and sat back down, her face a neutral mask.

Dumbledore retook the podium, "Do we have an further business?" The gathering sat in silence. "Then I pronounce this assemblage dismissed."

Though many attempted to waylay the pair, quick maneuvering allowed them to slip from the chambers and ensure themselves the privacy of an empty lift car. Hermione raised Harry's two way mirror. "Padfoot." Sirius's face appeared. "We are go. Fudge declared Lord Black of all charges, and pardoned for the crimes you have committed. I suggest unlocking the Potter vaults with both wizard and goblin witnesses. The papers you want are in the front in an envelope marked 'Open upon my death.'"

Sirius saluted her. "Yes, ma'am. See you in a bit, Kitten."

Father and daughter exited the lift and swiftly flooed to Diagon Alley. Neither spoke until after they left the Leaky Cauldron.

"How will Black sneak the papers into the vault with so many witnesses, my treasure?"

Hermione laughed at his confusion. "He doesn't have to, they're all ready there."

"Potter and Black really did register in secret?"

"No, I filled out the forms and paid the fees when we visited. Ragnar put them in there for me. Things can be added to sealed vaults, like interest and payments from businesses. Items can be added for a price."

Lucius stopped, staring at her. He threw his head back laughing. "Oh, my treasure, you are you are indeed the brightest witch of any generation." He gestured towards the bank. "Shall we go enjoy your shadow victory?" He offered her his arm.

"Yes, let's." Hermione took his arm, allowing him to lead her into Gringotts.

A junior accounts manager bustled over the greet them. "Lord Malfoy, Scion Black, the others are at the vault. Please follow me." He lead them to the vault cars and zipped them deep into the caverns below the bank. Sirius, Amelia Bones, Gawain Robards, Ragnar, and two goblins Hermione didn't recognize stood in front of the vault debating. Or rather, the wizards debated. The goblins observed all of this, appearing as if they had nothing better to do than waste time listening to them argue. Then again, the Malfoy, Black, and Potter vaults were extensive, perhaps the goblins didn't see waiting on their biggest customers to be a waste of time.

The argument revolved around who should enter the vault first. Robards wanted to go first to prevent any funny business of Sirius's part, and Sirius distrusted the auror for much the same reason. Both found the other's distrust to be offensive.

"May I suggest we allow one of our esteemed hosts and bankers to retrieve the envelope in question?" Lucius asked smoothly. The wizards turned to regard him. "Surely, we can all agree the goblins have no interest in this manner. And that their reputation for honesty is above reproach. As impartial observers they can be trusted not to lie about the envelope's existence, or tamper with its contents."

Sirius frowned, "That is a sensible suggestion. Gornack, if you would, please?" He gestured to the Potter account's manager. "The envelope in question should be towards the front, clearly labeled, 'Open upon my death.' Thank you." The goblin manager scurried into the vault and returned. He handed a manila envelope to Madam Bones. She bowed, opened it, and scanned the contents.

"This all seems to be in order. I'll deliver them to the correct department for you." She nodded to Sirius and the aurors departed.

The last goblin stepped forward addressing Hermione. "I am Ricbert, Scion Black, do you wish to discuss House Black business in front of Lord Malfoy?"

"I defer to Lord Black in this manner, but council him that my father's Slytherin instincts might help tame our Gryffindor tendencies." She smiled at them both, a thought just occurring to her. "Just wondering, but which one of you is my Head of House?" She cocked her head to the side.

"Technically, we both are. As the Black heir you belong to his house, but you are a daughter of House Malfoy. As Lord Black, Sirius is your head of house, but as your father, my claim is just as strong."

"Complicated."

"Indeed." Lucius smiled at her fondly. "I expect you will enjoy outmaneuvering both of us to achieve your goals."

"Outmaneuver? Please, I plan on batting my eyelashes and using puppy eyes."

All three of them laughed. Sirius addressed Lucius. "You've assisted Hermione and let her take the lead on this. I see no reason to turn away your advice now." He shrugged and addressed the goblins, "Let's have it."

Ragnar straightened his stance. "Following Scion Black's instructions I have gone over the Potter accounts for the last thirteen years with Gornack, their account manager."

Sirius bowed. "Many thanks to you both for all of your work on our behalf."

"When the Potters died, Dumbledore sealed their vaults, locking their wills inside, meaning they could not be read. He declared himself executor and Scion Potter's magical guardian. He arranged for several payouts over the years."

"To himself?" drawled Lucius.

"Surprisingly, not that we can tell. A small amount goes to upkeep on Potter Manor every year. There have been a few payouts to wizards over the years, and one annual annuity."

This had three pairs of eyes narrowing. "To whom?"

Gornack consulted his records. "One to Remus Lupin in 1983 in the amount of 500 galleons. One to Arabella Figg in 1985 in the amount of 400 galleons. And one to Mundungus Fletcher in 1988 in the amount of 75 galleons. The annuity is paid yearly to Petunia Dursley in the amount of 2,400 galleons. It is scheduled for payout every 1 November."

Fury flowed through Hermione. She had heard the phrase seeing red, but ever realized that is could literally happen. Petunia Dursley received ₤12,000 a year and dressed her nephew in over sized hand me downs and made him go hungry. She clenched her fists. Her hair began to float up, little lightning bolts dancing through the curls.

"Um, Kitten? Are you all right?"

"The Dursleys will pay for theirs sins. A thousand pounds a month should have been more than enough to ensure Harry never had to go without. But he did. Ill fitting castoff clothing, never enough to eat, treated like a servant, sleeping in a cupboard, and left behind anytime the family went anywhere fun. WITH HIS MONEY!" she thundered the last. "He is never to set foot in that house again. Ever."

Lucius began rubbing small circles on her back, "Of course not, my treasure. Perish the thought. We will do all we can to ensure Sirius has a proper domicile in time for summer break."

Sirius knelt in front of her, "I will follow the money. And I will get back every penny that James and Lily wouldn't have given away, or that didn't go to what it was suppose to." She nodded and attempted a small sad smile. "Was there anything else, Gornack?"

"I will have the Potters' wills read and noted with the Ministry. If nothing untoward emerges we will only need you to review Lord Potter's investment portfolio." The goblin bowed.

"Very good, though I will probably leave that until Harry can accompany me."

"Shall I continue any that are profitable until then?"

"Yes, anything draining cash, sell."

"Very good, Lord Black.

Sirius whipped around to face Hermione, "Now, Kitten, onto the Black vaults to collect a pretty trinket for our scion." She made to protest as Ricbert lead them to the cart. "Nonsense, House Malfoy gave you a family ring. House Black needs to make its esteem known. And I know just the thing, unless Bellatrix took it."

At the vault Ricbert handed Sirius several documents to sign. Sirius reviewed them and signed, though he ended all stipends, especially to any incarcerated members. "Have every knut paid since incarceration returned." The goblin nodded. "Since Cissy's stipend isn't part of your betrothal agreement, I'm transferring hers to Hermione." He told Lucius. He looked at her, "Consider it your allowance." He didn't tell her that as scion she all ready received one, and this would double it.

Lucius nodded, "Cissy used hers to attempt to maintain Grimmauld Place after Walburga died, in memory of Regulus. Since it is under Fidelus charm she couldn't visit it. But she made sure Kreacher was aware of the available moneys."

"I also want to renew the stipend to Andromeda Black Tonks and create one for her daughter, Nymphadora." Hermione giggled at the name. "Don't let Dora catch you laughing, and don't call her Nymphadora. She prefers Tonks."

"As would anyone sensible. Remind me to thank Narcissa for Celeste Olivia." She paused thoughtfully, "Sirius, is Tonks older than me? I don't recognize her name."

"She graduated Hogwarts the year before you began."

"Then why didn't you make her your scion, she's the oldest."

"Dromeda eloped with a muggleborn at the end of her seventh year. The family disowned her, blasted her right off the family tapestry. Even if I reinstated them as members of the House of Black, Tonks wasn't born to a member."

"Weren't you disowned, too?"

"Yes, but Mother had me reinstated when I went to prison for giving the Potters to the Dark Lord and murdering all those muggles."

"That is simultaneously horrible and wonderful."

"Agreed. I will be offering to reinstate them, I don't know if they will want to be after all this time, but it never hurts to ask."

Sirius smiled and began picking through various chests. Hermione sighed. She didn't need the trappings. Being surrounded by people that cared was enough for her. The chance of improving Harry's life just iced her cake. Every day the pain of loss and betrayal lessened. Maybe knowing her birth family wanted her, had searched desperately for her, helped. Now, they all attempted to connect with her, even of it meant going outside of their comfort zones. She hoped they knew she appreciated it, and would try to meet them in the middle, too. There was also the promise of horses next week.