A/N Another day another chapter. Things are about to start coming together.

For the guest who mentioned the other fanfiction re: Morgana that was Fractures and I enjoyed it very much.

I was debating for some time whether I wanted Hermione to be the descendant of Morgana or Merlin, but I decided on the former because it fits the direction of the story better. I knew when I started this story that I didn't want Hermione to be Voldemort's daughter, and I didn't want her to be a pureblood. But I also didn't feel quite right having her as a muggleborn which is where the idea of having a pure magical lineage while also being born of muggles came about. I also had some inspiration from Reign Down to come up with the idea.

As for future chapters, the story is coming together quite nicely. For the most part, I just have to get the rest written down before I am truly finished. Which means (depending on how fast I write, I average about two chapters a day) that perhaps soon I will have an update on the status of the story I mentioned a few chapters ago. I think. It now has a working title and hopefully, I'll have a summary written up soon. I have been keeping track of all my ideas for that story as they worm their way into my head, but this story is my priority at the moment so I have not spent too much time actually writing it. That being said, this story will not have a sequel, but it will be decently long. I wish I had an exact number, but because sometimes I think of things I didn't before it's impossible to know for sure. I honestly don't even want to give an estimate because I'll end up way off.

I hope you are all still enjoying this story.

I'm sure you all know the disclaimer by now.

For the Brightest Witch of Her Age

I am not entirely sure what to say to help in this situation. It is understandable that you feel the way you do. I wish this information had been available to you, but I believe you are right. Dumbledore tends to have his thumb in all the pies and is a manipulative codger. Fret not, young lion. You may always voice your concerns to me; I shall do what I can to alleviate your troubles. I am not certain what the Potion Man has told you yet, but I implore you to get the full story. There will be important decisions for you to make. I will provide advice, however I can, but ultimately, you must be the one to decide. I'm sorry I cannot be more help, lion. Stay strong. I have faith you will make it through this.

Sincerely

Your Dearest Friend, the Most Faithful

Hermione was grateful for Bellatrix's quick response. Ammy had returned right as she had finished her morning run, so Hermione didn't even have to wait for breakfast. The letter made her feel exponentially better, even if Bellatrix didn't think her words were helpful. Her confirmation of Dumbledore most likely being the culprit of her hidden identity didn't exactly quell her anger, though. She would need to hear everything Snape had to say. How much did Dumbledore leave out regarding everything?

Sitting in Snape's workspace was oddly comforting. Even though it was plain, it was comfortable in a way Gryffindor Tower was not. Perhaps it was the organized chaos she related to. She never expected Snape to be the type for anything but strict organization. The more she thought about it, the more it made sense that organized chaos was his preferred method. It was simply too much work to meticulously organize everything, especially since the stress of being a double agent weighed heavily on his shoulders. One could only avoid entropy for so long.

"Welcome back, Ms. Granger. Or would you prefer le Fay?"

"I believe for the moment Granger is most suitable. I'm not sure I'm entirely ready to embrace my ancestry when I have no idea about anything, really."

"Very well. Perhaps after some explanations, you will understand things a bit more clearly."

"I believe you are quite correct, Professor. I do hate to be out of the loop."

"Don't we all. Before we begin I was asked to give this to you."

Snape slid a sealed envelope across the countertop toward Hermione. She was tempted to ask who sent it, but if she opened it she would know. Looking at Snape for permission, after his slight nod, she broke the seal of the envelope. Inside was a letter and a ring. She immediately recognized the penmanship.

Hello, young lion. I was recently informed your birthday had passed and I had not the chance to wish you a happy birthday. Better late than never, though. The accompanying ring belonged to Morgan le Fay, so it is rightfully yours anyway, but I thought you might like a birthday present. Unfortunately, I don't know much about it, so I'm afraid I can't answer any questions you may have. I just thought you would like to have it in your possession. It should magically adjust to whichever finger you decide to wear it on.

Hermione couldn't help the small smile that planted itself on her face as she read the letter. Tucking it away, she picked up the ring, examining it carefully. She was touched Bellatrix thought to provide her with it. It was decidedly Slytherin looking, despite having been made long before Hogwarts was founded. Twin iron snakes with emeralds for eyes appeared to be swallowing the other's tail and Hermione recognized it as a depiction of the Ouroboros. Placing it on her right pinky, she was pleased when it shrunk to fit.

"Thank you, Professor, for delivering this to me. It means a lot."

"It was my pleasure, Ms. Granger. I do suggest you place a glamour on it. Are you ready to begin learning the truth?"

"I think I would like to start with the prophecy you mentioned last night."

"That is a reasonable request. Very well. I do not know the exact wording of the prophecy, but I know the gist of it. Supposedly, with the second rising of the Dark Lord, the child of Morgan le Fay shall be revealed. They would be born of muggles but pure of magic as they would be the direct descendant of Morgana because of her final spell. The child shall pave the way to the future, beginning a new era for the wizarding world. That is all I know of it, but I am sure there is more to it than that."

"Did Dumbledore know who I was from the beginning? Was I intentionally placed with Harry to keep him alive?"

"I do believe Dumbledore knows your true identity, though why he tried to hide it I haven't the foggiest. It would not be unreasonable to believe he nudged you towards Potter and Weasley. He is a rather manipulative man, especially when it comes to the 'greater good.' He likely believes if you have a connection to Potter and Weasley you will side with them when the time to decide comes, thus ensuring the victory of the 'light.' They are not as good as they seem and I think you've been starting to realize that for yourself. Both sides of this war will try to sway you. I urge you to know as much as you can before formally choosing a side. You are at a disadvantage, having been misled for several years. Dumbledore likely hoped you would never find out so he could continue to use you as a pawn to protect Potter."

"Professor, how do you suggest I learn about the other side? I fear it would be suspicious if I suddenly started asking questions I shouldn't even have."

"You have the most faithful to discuss with. You also may talk with me. I'm not sure I can answer all your questions, but anything I cannot answer I am most certain she could. You are not without options. In fact, you have already had a taste of what that side offers, have you not?"

"Indeed, I have."

"I thought so. I have no doubt you've made spectacular progress in honing your magical abilities. Even now, you nearly rival Dumbledore and the Dark Lord. You must be careful. If the wrong people were to discover who you are, they would undoubtedly seek your destruction. Never reveal your full hand."

"May I ask one more thing before I leave for class?"

"I assume you mean other than that question?"

"Will you teach me Occlumency and Legilimency? I know you're attempting to teach Harry the former. And I can hardly practice without another person."

"I do not see any issue with that, Ms. Granger."

"Thank you, Professor. This has been most enlightening."

Taking her leave, Hermione reviewed what she had learned today. She had so many questions but knew it was not the time to ask. She needed to fully process this new information. Lucky for her she had Charms class next. After learning the information in the first book, Charms had become child's play, and with all of Umbridge's decrees, they rarely used magic in the classrooms as it was deemed an 'unnecessary risk.' Instead of taking notes, Hermione decided she would reply to Bellatrix's letter.

My Dearest Friend, the Most Faithful

I found your letter rather calming even though you did not think you were much help. It eases my fears to know I am not entirely alone. I have felt changes within myself, and I can only guess it is because of my recent exposure to some of the forbidden sides of magic. I find that my temper is much shorter. Is there any way to deal with this? As annoying as they can be, I would like to effectively refrain from hexing my friends into next week. Thank you for suggesting an anchor to help calm down the magic. Until now, I did not have an entirely suitable object, but I made do. You were right, of course. It makes it much easier to stay sane and cast wandlessly.

Thank you for the ring. I found it to be rather Slytherin-like in appearance, but I am not as bothered by it as I once would have been. I believe it shall make a perfect anchor in the sea of magic I am submerged in. It means a lot to me that you would think to provide me with it. I have asked the Potion Man to teach me the ways of the mind. He also said you would help me learn more about the other side of the coin. Is this true?

Speaking of coins, in the first book your sister sent, I came across a rather interesting passage on magical potency. I was rather confused as to the meaning of the last sentence. Are you able to clarify what it meant? I have ideas, but I can't be entirely sure, as I do not have enough information on the subject. The second book is complete, and I eagerly await the third. I wish I could choose the topic, but I trust your sister to choose what she thinks is best.

Thank you for your faith in my ability to stay on the cliff.

Sincerely,

Your Lion

Hermione finished penning her letter at the same moment Flitwick decided to end class. Charms was rather pointless if they couldn't actually practice them and he saw no point in forcing students to sit through a lecture they didn't care about. Besides, Umbridge would feel slighted if he dismissed early and all the teachers were passive-aggressively defying her. Dumbledore was Headmaster in name only, he didn't actually possess any power this year. Hermione took advantage of the early dismissal to send out the letter and book before her Muggle Studies class. She was eager for the next tome and didn't want to waste time.