For those that like playlists: This chapter was influenced by:

Arise- Flyleaf

Set It All Free- Sing

A Reason to Fight- Disturbed

Remember When- Bad Wolves

What It Takes- Adelitas Way

The High Road- Three Days Grace

Terrify the Dark- Skillet

Under Your Scars- Godsmack

Far From Home- Five Finger Death Punch

Chapter 21

At the gates, Sirius turned to the Coles, "We're off to collect my other ward from King's Cross and go out for dinner, would you be interested in joining us?"

"Perhaps another time, Lachlan's grandfather is waiting for us."

"Another time then." Sirius bowed and kissed her hand while Narcissa smirked.

"To King's Cross then." Lucius took Hermione's hand and Draco's. Narcissa rolled her eyes and took Theo's, leaving Sirius to escort Harry.

They landed on Platform 9¾. Lucius and Narcissa transfigured their robes into muggle attire. The family exited platform and Sirius lead them through the station. Harry felt nervous when he noticed Pier Polkiss's parents eyeing them. He forgot Dudley's best friend went to school with him. He suspected they recognized him. He assumed Mrs Polkiss's desire for gossip would overcome any other drives eventually.

The train pulled into the station before she approached. Passengers poured out of the open doors. Up and down the platform joyful reunions took place. Dudley pulled his school trunk behind him as he approached the group in the company of a sharp faced boy with long lank brown hair. Harry braced himself as they drew closer. Dudley cheerfully greeted them. "Piers, you know Harry. This is his godfather, Sirius Black. Hermione, Sirius's niece, and her boyfriend, Theo. That's Hermione's parents, Mr and Mrs Malfoy, and her brother, Draco." Piers nodded his greeting. "Everyone this is my friend, Piers Polkiss, oh, and his parents."

Seeing an opening, Mrs Polkiss dragged her husband over. "Oh my, Dudley, look at you!" The tight faced woman hugged him. "I hardly recognized you."

Dudley looked uncomfortably at Sirius for help. Sirius smoothly stepped in. "I signed the permission slip for Dudley to take up boxing this year. Looking good, champ."

"I went six and two this term. Can we get a speed bag and punching bag?" Dudley slipped from her grasp.

"That all depends on you, remember our deal?"

"The harder the work the better the reward."

"Exactly, so?"

"All acceptable and exceeds so far."

"Good enough for me. I think you'll find Father Christmas to be very generous."

"So, you've taken Dudley in?" Mrs Polkiss interrupted, dying for the dirt.

"Yes, Dudley is my ward." Sirius replied sharply.

"What about his parents?"

"What about them?" She looked at him expectantly. "Do you really think I'm going to discuss this with complete strangers in front of their son on a train platform?"

She managed to look embarrassed. Before anything else could be said, Narcissa interrupted. "Siri, we need to be going if we're going to make our dinner reservations at The Square." Mrs Polkiss blanched at her nonchalant mention of the expensive restaurant, a rather exclusive one. She examined their clothes more closely. Everything about the group screamed money, serious money. "It was lovely to meet you, but we really should be going."

"Bye, Piers." Dudley said.

"Bye, Big D."

Dudley laughed, "Not so big anymore." Cutting back on his portions and regular exercise had further decreased Dudley's bulk. The boxing program transformed the remaining fat into muscle.

Both Dudley and Harry gawked in amazement when Sirius lead the families into the posh restaurant. While he knew the Blacks, Malfoys, and Potter's had money, he hadn't expected to actually eat at a muggle restaurant. In the brighter light, Dudley noticed Hermione's bruises. "Hermione! What happened?"

Hermione nominated Sirius to bring Dudley up to speed. Once he was caught up, Hermione addressed her parents, "I've been thinking about the students who helped me." Lucius nodded encouragingly. "Most of them come from a certain status of family." Noticing the shocked or confused looks, she protested. "Not blood status! Their families are more middle class, I doubt they get many exclusive invitations."

Lucius frowned, "No, I don't expect they do."

"Well, this year they should. One to a thank you tea, and one to our New Year's Eve Ball. In the coming days we want people to remember that we not only repay our debts, but we reward good deeds."

Sirius smiled at Lucius. "Natural politician this one. Augusta Longbottom adores her, you know." He looked at the boys, "Are you taking notes?"

After a lovely dinner Sirius took Harry and Dudley back to Black Cottage, while the Malfoys and Theo returned to Malfoy Manor. Narcissa insisted on getting Hermione into a hot bath to soak her sore muscles.

Winky had the water run and herbs added by the time they arrived upstairs. She and Narcissa helped Hermione slip out of her clothes. Her mother gasped at the sight of the black and blue patchwork that decorated her daughter's body. Hermione slid into the steaming tub, laying her head back against the pillow on the lip.

Narcissa waited until the hot water eased the tension out of her daughter before asking the questions her mother's heart needed answered. "How are you after all of this?"

"The accident or the potion thing?"

"Either, or both."

"As it isn't the first life threatening event, I think I'm more okay with the accident that the potion thing. I don't enjoy being hurt, or in danger, but it feels old hand now." She gave a mirthless chuckle. "I do hope they find out who it was, I don't fancy looking over my shoulder all the time."

"I know your father and I would like it if you promised not to go about alone. Not, restricted like last time, just always have someone with you."

"I understand. I will try." Hermione stared at the far wall for a few moments. Narcissa sat silently, waiting. Eventually Hermione continued, "I spent so much time fighting with myself not to be the jealous, controlling girl. But if I had been that girl all of this might have come out sooner." She dashed away falling tears.

"You trusted Theo. I'm proud of the maturity you showed. Accusing him without of proof he had done something would have driven you apart, and would have left him vulnerable to that soulless harpy."

"I think it was almost to that point. They weren't quite holding hands, but she kept touching him, being super flirty. And he didn't shy away."

"It is perfectly acceptable to be upset about this. Regardless of the facts in the matter, a small part of you will feel betrayed." Narcissa helped her to stand in the tub, then step out. "Don't bottle up your feelings. If you don't express them, they might fester."

Winky helped Hermione into soft, comfortable clothes. The young witch took at deep breath and turned to her mother. "I feel like somehow his feelings for me aren't that strong if they could be so easily overcome." She took a ragged breath. "And I know love potions completely override your real feelings, so I feel like a bitch for thinking that, but I can't help it." She flung herself sobbing into her mother's arms.

"It's all right, darling. Let it all out." Narcissa hugged her tightly, stroking her hair. Once Hermione's sobs slowed, she pulled back. Brushing her hair away from her face, she smiled at her daughter, "Forgiving, truly forgiving, takes bravery and strength. Happily, for you, you have plenty to spare." Narcissa moved to the bed, patting the spot next to her once she sat. "My best advice is talk to one another. Explain what events bothered you and how to address them. If he cares as much as I think he does, he will listen and agree to help. You two just have to rebuild your bond."

Hermione joined her mother, "Mum, why does Theo giving me his great grandmother's bracelet make our relationship more serious than if he had bought something brand new?"

"Once given the item belongs to the recipient. I assume by your actions the muggle world differs?"

"Not always, some people keep them. I gave it back because it belonged to his family, not me."

"And that is the crux of the reason why purebloods consider it a serious step, by giving away an heirloom, you announce your intentions for this person to join your family, ensuring the heirloom stays in your family."

"Oh, wow." Hermione stared at the thick carpet, stunned by this revelation. Crookshanks jumped into her lap. She automatically began petting her familiar.

In the midst of being fed a love potion, Theo had continued to bring her attention to the braceletas often as possible. He gave her his scarf for quidditch games. He continued to make statements about his feelings/intentions towards her to other purebloods, rather serious statements. She might feel unloved, but evidence to the contrary sparkled at her from her wrist. She smiled at it, then up at her mother, "Thanks, Mum. I needed this more than I knew."

"You are most welcome, my darling. May I suggest an early night? You've had quite the adventure in the last two days." Narcissa assisted her under the covers, tucking her in, Hermione fell asleep before her head hit the pillow.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Malfoy Manor, after watching his wife escort their daughter upstairs, Lucius put a hand on Theo's shoulder. The younger wizard turned to regard him cautiously. "Theodore, won't you join me in my study? Draco, you should attend as well."

Nervously, Theo followed the Malfoy wizards towards Lucius's study. Lucius sat behind his desk. Draco sat on a small sofa off to the side, leaving the chairs in front of the desk for Theo. Swallowing hard, he took a deep breath and sat.

Lucius frowned, "My daughter's hurt feelings aside, if you felt ill why didn't you go to Madame Pomfrey?"

"I did a few times in the beginning. She gave me a stomach soother and I felt better. So, I just started taking the potion myself. Looking back, it's easy to see the warning signs. But during everything, it was subtle. One day I couldn't stand the sight of her, the next she wasn't so bad."

Lucius looked at Draco, "What do you think?"

"Theo's right. It all seems so innocent. He joined Charms Club, then partnered with Broadmoor. They had to spend time together working on the project. Between that and Hermione's study schedule they had less time together. After awhile Theo says Broadmoor's not so bad. No sudden change in behavior, no gushing, no declaring her to be amazing or anything."

"I thought things like that occasionally, but they were fleeting thoughts, and generally only when she was with me."

"Hermione knows a charm to detect potions. Use it on everything." Lucius sighed. Both boys nodded. "Good. Now to a more important topic- Hermione." Theo gulped, nervous again. "I was rather clear about how I expect my little girl to be treated."

"Yes, sir."

"Given the stories I've heard the last couple of days, I wonder if she'd say you've been meeting my expectations of late?"

Theo hung his head. "Probably not, sir. I honestly didn't expect Hermione to forgive me. I don't know what Lord Black told her, other than it wasn't 'we can kill and hide the body.'"

"No, that's what he said to me." Lucius told him dryly. "I did have to concede people might notice your absence. And I would hate for the Nott line to end, but your father could always have another son." Theo struggled to keep a neutral face. "So, I assure you that option is still on the table. But Hermione seems to still want you, and I promised my wife our children will choose their own spouses, so her love life is her own. Therefore, there will be smiles on her face by the end of this school break, or I will know why."

"Yes, sir."

"Because the next time she cries over you will be the last. Ever."

"I understand, sir. I admit to being surprised she even forgave me, let alone took me back."

"Something to discuss with her. For the moment I suggested heading to bed. Today has been long enough, and tomorrow Mrs Malfoy enters into party planning mode." Draco chuckled at his father's grimace.

Theo followed his best friend from the room. "Anything to add?"

"Next time you say anything remotely out of character I'm dragging you to Pomfrey and getting her to flush your system again." Draco ran his hand through his hair. "Honestly, I'm relieved it all came out without permanent damage done. And a little glad it came out now." Theo raised a questioning eyebrow. "Focusing on the potions dilemma has pushed Hermione's accident to the back burner. The aurors will investigate, she's fine, and we're all focusing on something else. If it had happened all by itself Father would have her removed from school and locked in a padded room for her protection."

"She's hate that."

"Exactly." They finished the walk to their rooms in silence.

Winky flicked open the drapes in Hermione's room, allowing the morning sun to stream into the room. The bed's occupant groaned and burrowed deeper into the covers. "Up, mistress. Your mother wishes family to bes up for breakfasts and shoppings. Time for beings ups."

"Ugh, I fell the distance of five flights of stairs two days ago. Where's the pity, the sympathy?" Hermione wailed.

"In the rubbish bins, exactly wheres mistress wants its." Winky sniffed. "Mistress is nots foolings Winky. Winky knows." Hermione groaned again. Slowly, she climbed out from under the covers. As promised, the fading bruises hurt less. She dutifully downed the potions presented to her by her elf. She noticed despite the house elf's statements, the tiny creature hovered in case Hermione needed help. Since clothes shopping meant removing and putting on clothes repeatedly, Hermione choose loose, comfortable clothes. She exited her room in time to see Draco headed her way.

"Good morning, sister dear. Ready for holiday hell?"

"Good morning, brother mine. What is a holiday hell?"

"The window of time between the beginning of school break and the first holiday party. Mother throws herself and us into super planning mode."

"I see."

"You don't have clue one, really. I have no idea if your suggested tea will improve matters or make them worse."

"Sorry?"

"No, you're not."

"You're right. I'm not." The siblings laughed the rest of the way to breakfast.

Narcissa smiled at her children as they entered the room laughing. At one point she doubted she would ever see something like this. She despaired at the idea that they would find Celeste as an adult, a bitter angry adult. She imagined that woman blaming her parents for every bad thing in her life. She thanked every god listening that Hermione Granger made it a habit to read anything and everything within reach when bored. "Good morning, darlings." Once they filled their plates and began eating, she continued. "I sent the tea invitations out this morning. I scheduled it for the day after tomorrow. The day after the New Year's invitations go out. So, we need to make today count. Your father said the aurors want to go over the potion events this evening." She sipped her tea. "Draco, your father will take you and Theo shopping, while Hermione and I go dress shopping. That will reduce the strain on Hermione. Get at least three sets of dress robes. You may get a muggle suit if you wish as well. Oh, and a new oxford and jumper for the tea, please."

"Yes, Mother."

"I thought to go shopping in Paris, but with your injuries it would be better to avoid portkeys and long flooes." She smiled at her daughter.

Rather than a marathon, Narcissa organized their trip in small sprints. While the wizards could get by with one or two changes, witches needed a different outfit for each event. Hermione needed a new outfit for each one since she had no supply of winter formal ensembles. At each shop Narcissa narrowed down the selection for five choices. Hermione then chose three to try on. If it looked good, they bought it. Even streamlined the process took them until two in the afternoon to return home.

"You didn't overdo it, did you, kitten?" a concerned Sirius asked when Hermione collapsed onto the couch.

"No, Madame Pomfrey warned me combining two of these potions can make you tire easily. Happily, today is the last day for them,"

He grinned, "Splendid, tomorrow we can go through the Black vaults and get you jewelry to match your new outfits."

"Sirius, I don't..."

Lucius cut Hermione off. "Sirius, that's not necessary. We have numerous lovely pieces here."

As the two men bickered, Hermione slipped over to Theo. "We should talk while they're distracted. He nodded and let her lead him from the room.

They slipped into a small salon on the first floor. Hermione folded herself onto a couch, pulling her legs up into her chest. She knew it wasn't the most open of body language, but she felt vulnerable enough just having this conversation. Theo sat next to her, close, but not touching. He looked at the wall in front of him. "Where do we start?"

"With honesty. We both need to express how we feel, what bothers us most about all of this, and how to avoid similar problems in the future."

"I'm scared." Hermione looked at him. She expected anger or guilt, not fear."

"Of?"

"Of you saying I'm not worth the hassle. Of someone trying something like this again, only they potion you. Of you telling me you don't feel the same as I do. Of scaring you off once you know seriously I feel."

Hermione smiled gently, even tough Theo refused to look at her. "Mum explained how important the bracelet is, and I'm still here. I do not want an engagement level item for at least two more years. And I expect to be asked before presented with item."

"Fair enough." he responded.

"And I agree the idea of someone trying this again frightens me, that's why I check everything, even stuff Winky brings me. I'm hoping someone will come up with a way to tie the charm to an item. Muggles have straws and coasters they use to test for tampering." Hermione sighed. "I won't lie, part of me feels betrayed. You didn't intend to do it, but I still feel that way."

Theo looked in the opposite direction, blinking rapidly. "I hate it, but I think I understand how you feel."

"No, you don't, because I'm not finished." Hermione touched his leg, causing him to look at her. Hermione gave him a small crooked smile. "I'm also angry someone did this. And that I ignored my instincts and never said anything. Maybe if I had, you wouldn't have gotten so ill. Or it might have started a fight we couldn't come back from." A tear escaped and rolled down her cheek.

"I'm sorry this happened." He wiped the tear away. "I'm sorry you suffered."

"Me, too. I'm also angry someone tried to make you love someone else. I don't want you to be with someone else. I still want us."

"Me, too." He kissed her palm, then the inside of her wrist. With a gentle tug, he pulled Hermione into his lap. "Draco already promised to drag me to Pomfrey anytime I act the least bit out of character."

"And if something is bothering me, I will tell you. No more bottling it up." She kissed the corner of his mouth. "Even if it makes me 'that girl,'"

"I know the next few days are hectic, but I want to take you on a date. Something to symbolize us getting back some of what we lost." Theo told her.

"What was stolen from us."

"So long as that was a yes, I'm not going to disagree." He ghosted his lips against hers.

"Yes." she breathed before leaning forward to kiss him firmly.

Both kept the kiss light and sweet. Theo wrapped his arms around Hermione, as she snaked her arms around his neck. A clearing of the throat broke them apart. Sirius leaned against the door frame grinning. "All made up then?" Hermione nodded. "Good, the aurors are here, so you can repeat yourself for the trillionth time. I volunteered to come get you while they talk to Harry."

Hermione slid from Theo's lap and adjusted her clothes. She smoothed her hair while Sirius laughed at her antics. Theo stood and adjusted his clothes as well. He hung back after Hermione left the room. "Thank you for whatever you told Hermione."

Sirius nodded, "I just gave her perspective, that's all. She did the rest." Theo nodded back and they left the room.