A/N I apologize for the later than normal update, I was going through all the chapters making sure everything still fit together. I don't have much to say so here you go.
Enjoy!
"Hermione, I thought you might want to see the Prophet. Do you mind if I sit with you?" Neville asked, handing her the newspaper before sitting when she nodded.
"Thank you, Neville."
"Of course, Hermione. You-well, you've always been a good friend to me and I don't care what everyone says, you aren't evil just because of your heritage. You have sound judgment and whatever you do will be the right thing. And if you-if you ever want to talk, I'm here to listen," he mumbled, blushing slightly.
"Thank you, Neville. I'm glad you don't think I'm evil."
He nodded, quieting as Hermione turned to the newspaper. He respected the young witch. She was the brightest of their age for a reason, and he could tell that she hadn't given everyone the full truth but knew she would tell them when the time came. Hermione had a reason for everything she did, so he could only wait patiently. She was a private person and only opened up to those she trusted. Neville only hoped he was worthy enough to be her confidant.
A New Era of Terror?
Previously believed to be a muggleborn, it has been revealed that Hermione Granger is none other than the Heir of Morgan le Fay. She has frequently been referred to as the brightest witch of her age but could it be that she is really the darkest?
Hermione stopped reading, throwing the paper down on the table. She didn't have to finish the article to know Rita Skeeter wrote it. She hated the reporter after the events of last year. She was not entirely surprised to see that the woman would turn her heritage into something to be ashamed of. But she was not the same girl she was. She would not let others intimidate her into submission. She stood and walked out of the Great Hall, twisting her ring.
"Hermione, this is from Aunt Bella and mother," Draco whispered as they passed each other, pushing a letter clandestinely into her hand. Her contact with Bella had been limited because of Umbridge's interference, so she was glad to hear from the two witches. She had also received a letter from Andy and Tonks at breakfast telling her the Order had been informed and the two were at her disposal. She found it kind of amusing that the three sisters all sent her a letter on the same day. It just proved she was right about Andromeda completing the Bridge. Whatever the hell it was. She sat in the back corner of the library before looking at the parchment in her hand.
H,
I understand this will be a troubling time for you. If you need anything, I will do my best to help.
D.
Hermione looked at the small piece of paper. She truly had not expected Draco to offer his assistance, but she should have. Bella was his aunt and he was likely aware of what was happening. It made sense that he would help her where Bellatrix and Narcissa could not. She considered the letters in front of her before deciding to read Narcissa's first.
Hermione,
I hope the newspaper is not too distressing. Rita Skeeter is a nasty woman with no class. Pay her gibberish no mind. Others will likely believe what she has to say, but the Black and Malfoy families shall always support you, so long as you support us. I understand you may not be ready to make a decision, but keep in mind the light will never see you as 'good' again. I am not trying to sway you, merely telling you something you may already know. Should you need advice, you can pass a message to me through Draco. I know the Ministry has their claws in the school and it is not safe to owl me or Bella. I have a solution, though. The Ministry will be sending paperwork, if you are able to appoint a guardian, you may use Lucius and I. It would not be out of place if you sent letters to your guardians.
Narcissa
Hermione felt the beginnings of a smile as she read Narcissa's letter. She would likely need a role model for pureblood behavior and Narcissa was the most respected. It was immensely comforting knowing that she had her to look to in times of uncertainty. Taking a breath, she opened Bella's letter.
My Bravest Lion,
I am proud of you for embracing your name, at last. I know it was a decision you needed to make for yourself but I couldn't help the anxiety that you would choose not to choose. You always find little ways to surprise me. You truly have the heart of a lion.
I hope your friends aren't taking this news too harshly, I know you care for them. Not Potter and the Weasley boy, so much, but I know there is some lingering friendship. I expect they are not taking it well. From what I have heard of the two Golden Gits, they are quite prejudiced. The Weasel more so, but Potter is rather submissive for being who he is.
Plans are being set in motion. Everything is about to change, and if you do not decide soon, I fear the choice will be forced upon you. I am not trying to make you decide when you aren't ready. I merely want to warn you there is not as much time as you may think.
You can send a message to me the same way as my sister. Be careful, lion. I love you.
Bella
Hermione felt warmth spread through her chest at Bella's words. She was not as undecided as people believed her to be. In fact, she had made her choice shortly after hearing what Tom had to say. She knew she could never choose a side that didn't accept her or Bella for who they were. She was ready to tell Bella and Narcissa her decision. For now, she needed to keep it secret so she had a measure of safety while still at school. She was well versed even at simultaneous wordless and wandless casting but she would rather keep the full extent of her abilities hidden.
Bella,
I stand with you. My place is not without you. I will do whatever needs to be done.
Hermione quickly charmed the letter sealed and went to Potions class. She wanted to get there early to ask Snape to give her a chance to get the note to Draco. She very well couldn't just walk up and hand it to him, people would suspect something. The coming months would be treacherous and she needed to proceed with caution in order to come out unharmed.
"Hermione!" twin voices shouted after her as she walked down the hall. "Mum says with all that's going on it might be better for you to stay somewhere else for breaks for a bit. But we'd love to still spend time with you. You're great at improving our already amazing products. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask," they continued once she had stopped.
"Thank you, Fred and George. I'll be sure to keep the offer in mind should the need arise. And I do enjoy improving your admittedly ingenious products. I'd love to continue helping if you'll have me."
"Of course, we will, Hermione. Our stuff wouldn't be nearly as amazing without you. We wouldn't trade that for the world."
"Thank you. I have to get to class now, but have fun with whatever you're planning to do."
"We never could hide anything from you, Hermione."
Hermione laughed as she continued walking. The twins were pleasant to work with and always took her advice on improving their products even though she was younger. Knowing they didn't outright hate her brought her a small comfort. The two were so close, Hermione couldn't help but be reminded of a passage she had read from her newest book. She hadn't gotten far but she had read something about a special magical connection that would manifest in some twins. She couldn't remember exactly, but it wasn't her priority at the moment. She would read more of the book later. Right now, she had to get to potions.