.iii.

When Hermione had first been given her Hogwarts letter - and subsequently had the existence of the magical world explained to her - she had not wanted to go. She had adamantly refused. She was going to go to Oxford University. Afterwards, she was going to attend Harvard Law.

"There won't be time for magic," she had sternly told Professor McGonagall.

The professor had been momentarily nonplussed. She certainly hadn't expected that. "Miss. Granger, I understand your… hesitation. However, every witch and wizard must learn to control their magic. Haven't you ever made odd things happen? Things that seemed completely unreal?"

Hermione had stubbornly crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Of course I have. And that's why I learned to make it stop." Professor McGonagall's eyes had widened at that. "I have it under control, ma'am. I don't need to leave school."

"Your magic will grow with your age, Miss. Granger," the professor had patiently explained. "And if your fear is leaving your muggle schooling behind, I can assure that there are programs in place that can help you continue to take whichever classes you like. I've had several muggleborn students do so, in fact."

Hermione had been suspicious. "And that works? I take many classes, professor. I want to graduate high school early and I am going to attend muggle universities." Hermione's parents had barely smothered their smirks behind their hands. When Hermione was serious about something - at any age - she was an immovable force.

Professor had raised her eyebrow. "Those are high goals, Miss. Granger. I can't guarantee that you will be able to do all that you wish. It will come down to your determination and just how hard you're willing to work for what you want."

And that statement had guided Hermione since she stepped onto platform 9 ¾. Hogwarts was not a place for Hermione to make friends, get into trouble, and play around. She was determined to graduate early, the same way she still knew she would do so for her muggle schooling. She studied, she worked, and she never gave up.

Students quickly learnt that Hermione would not be swayed from her goals. She didn't have time for boys, girls, or even a familiar. Hermione had a mission and the students left her to it. And it was for this reason that Hermione was so shocked when one afternoon, someone kidnapped her in the middle of a Hogwarts hallway.

Hermione let out a startled gasp as someone grabbed her arm. Before Hermione could blink, she was pulled into a dark and empty classroom. A wand pressed into her neck. Hermione stared at the tall, dark-haired Slytherin as he glared back at her.

"Miss. Granger?"

Hermione's head tilted. "Do I know you?"

Oddly familiar grey eyes narrowed on her. "Regulus Black. Your boyfriend's younger brother."

Hermione blinked. "Oh! I… I didn't realize that Sirius had a brother." Merlin, did she feel like an idiot. Of course, they were brothers. They both had those aristocratic cheekbones she wanted to smack and the steely silver eyes. Regulus' lips were as full as his brothers and she briefly wondered if he kissed as well as Sirius. Hermione's cheeks flamed hot and she quickly ducked her head. She peeked up at Regulus' curious stare. "Can I help you?"

Regulus' eyes narrowed. He lowered his wand and stepped back. Cautiously, he explained, "Sirius and I haven't spoken for several years… not since he ran away." Hermione didn't say anything. She remembered hearing whispers about Sirius running away from home. He had gone to stay with the Potters, where he remained for the rest of his school years.

From his robes, Regulus produced a letter. It was sealed with black wax and what Hermione suspected was the Black seal stamped into it. "Would you give this to him for me?"

She did not move. "How do I know this isn't a trick? Is it cursed?"

Regulus raised an eyebrow and smirked. He waved his wand over the letter and clearly cast the spell that would reveal any curses or hexes placed on the letter. Hermione still didn't take it. Regulus sighed. "I don't want to hurt him. I have no other way to contact him."

"About what?" Hermione couldn't help but ask.

Regulus had what Hermione's father would have called the perfect poker face. His expression gave absolutely nothing away. "If my brother decides to confide in you, that's his choice. But this is a matter between brothers."

Hermione hesitated a moment longer. "And you can't owl it to him?"

"He would think it a trick or likely burn it immediately. This way I can ensure a response through you." She raised an eyebrow. "I expect a letter back after you have delivered it on the next Hogsmeade trip."

Hermione narrowed her eyes. She did not like being used as a glorified owl. "And if I don't give it to him?"

Regulus stared at her for a long moment. He clearly hadn't been expecting that response from the young Gryffindor girl. He gritted his teeth before reluctantly admitting, "This is my cry for help. I don't want to be the Death Eaters my peers are willing to become. I can't go to my parents for obvious reasons," Hermione frowned in confusion but nodded, "but Sirius got out. I need his help if I'm going to attempt to do the same."

"Are you trying to manipulate me?"

"Of course I am. But that doesn't mean I'm not also telling the truth."

Hermione sighed. She held out her hand. "Give me the letter."

Regulus did so but didn't let go when she moved to take it. "A response, Miss. Granger. I will meet you here before lunch the day after the next Hogsmeade trip. Do not be seen. Understood?"

Hermione nodded and rolled her eyes. "Yes, I got it." She ripped the letter from his hands and spun around to leave, mumbling under her breath about "the stupid pureblood James Bond git."