Ramblings and Dribbles

by WolfgangNH

This is a posting of ramblings, dribbles, one-shots, unfinished ideas or other stuff I just don't think deserves it's own storyline. Some I plan to finish someday, others are what they are. This is mature reading for some posts. Some items may be well developed, others are not yet, and may never be. There will many different pairings, and sometimes none.

14. Hermione Black

A/N: This is just a rambling for now as I focus on other projects. Hope you enjoy.

Hermione Black

Notes (All subject to change):

Want to use some standard Fandom troupes but hopefully put my own spin on things.
1. Hermione is the daughter of Regulus Black and a Muggleborn witch, Elizabeth Cornwallis
2. James, Lily and Sirius knew about Elizabeth and Hermione, offering them protection, not knowing who the father was, but they went missing about the time Harry was one and they all thought her killed.
3. Hermione had been left in an orphanage and adopted by the Grangers when she was about two-and-a-half
4. Find out at some point that her mother was killed and had been able to get Hermione to a safe spot (muggle hospital)
5. Harry and Hermione will find themselves in a betrothal. They find out about it after Harry is emancipated after his name came out of goblet
6. Hermione's birth name: Alula Hermione Black, Sept 19, 1979 (real birthdate Sept 15, 1979)

-oOo-

UPDATED 08 OCT 21

UPDATED 26 OCT 21: Some editing and expansion on chapter 1 and 4. Added about 2000 words

Updated 03 Mar 22: Edited end of Ch 4

-oOo-

Chapter 1

-oOo-

June 9, 1994

The Shrieking Shack, Hogsmeade, Scotland

Black stood before them, a crazed look in his eyes. "I am telling you that rat is Peter Pettigrew," he yelled Professor Lupin. "Elizabeth, tell him."

There was a look of shock on the Professor's face as she looked towards them. Hermione was unsure what to think as they faced off against Professor Lupin. Black had already lost his wand.

"What do you mean he's Pettigrew," Harry demanded.

Professor Lupin shook his head before turning to Ron. "Dear Merlin, it is," he whispered.

After that, it was a flurry of action. She watched proudly as Harry chose to be the bigger man and stop the two men from killing Pettigrew. When it was done, Hermione was looking at the stunned Professor Snape, the bound Peter Pettigrew then Harry and Sirius hugging each other. As they did, she didn't miss the look Sirius was giving her. It was like he had seen a ghost.

As they began their trek back, she watched Sirius and Harry talking as Professor Snape's head bounced into the ceiling. Ron was whimpering next to her as his leg bounced some at times. Professor Lupin was trying to be gentle, but the passage was low and narrow at times. As they approached the end, Professor Lupin turned to her. "Hermione, I don't ask you this to be nosy, but you look like a classmate we used to know. Do you know if you were adopted?"

Out of all the things to ask at a time like this that was the last thing she expected. Hermione looked at the professor. "Not that I know of," she said.

The man nodded and they were into the night. It was a single question that she would put out of her mind for days and weeks with what happened next. Again, Harry saved her, they had some insane adventure and, in the end, Sirius and Buckbeak were flying off into the night. The end of the school year raced at them in the normal confusion of everyone pestering them to understand what happened. Harry was in better spirits than she had seen before, which was nice.

It wasn't until late one morning when Hermione was home and was looking at the pictures on the mantle. She was supposed to be doing her chores and cleaning the dust off the mantle. When she lifted the picture of her and her parents, she looked at it. She was three or four, her hair was pulled back. She was laughing as her dad had her on his shoulders and her mum was holding a bear she would never be anywhere without. Her grandad was with them. She could only assume her grandmum was taking the picture.

She regarded the other pictures that had place of pride on the mantle. She was maybe eight, in a nice blue dress. Her dad was in a nice suit and her mum was in a dress of a similar colour to hers. Looking at them, she noticed her hair was darker than either of theirs. It was a deep chestnut. Her father was a very light brown, almost sandy color. Her mother was more a mid-shade brown. Hermione also noticed both her parents' eyes were different than hers. Neither of them had the blueish-grey eyes. None of her family she knew of had any colour except brown. grey eyes. It was also obvious that none of her family had the same frizziness to their hair. She also noticed her nose seemed smaller, her cheeks a little more defined. She was also slighter than either of her parents. She wasn't totally sure how genetics worked, but shouldn't she look somewhat like her parents? It was something she never looked for before.

Hermione had never thought about all this before. As she looked at the pictures, she realized there were none of her younger than about two or three. She picked up a picture from last year when they had gone to Australia.

"You seem to be taking your time today. Usually you're studying by now," her mum commented with a teasing note.

Hermione, still holding the picture turned to her mother. "Mum, am I adopted?"

There was a long pause as the two looked at each other. Her mother's usually happy face grew long.

Hermione could feel the truth seep into her as her mother looked at her. "That's why there aren't any baby pictures, isn't it?"

Her mum let out a long breath. "You are my daughter, Hermione. Your dad I found out he was infertile a few years after we got married and when a cute girl about two and a half-years old came up for adoption, we didn't hesitate. You are my daughter."

Hermione took in her own long breath and held it before letting it out really fast. "Were you ever going to tell me?"

"Yes. We were going to tell you when you were about ten. But you were struggling with people in school. Then we wanted to tell you a few other times, but you got into that fight at primary school. You were upset about grandmum when she passed, then you got a letter saying you were a witch. Every year you've come home you have always seemed upset or distant or acting as though you didn't belong here. It just never seemed the right time. Your father and I never wanted you to doubt we loved you in all that, or that this isn't your home, princess." Her mum took a few more steps towards her.

Hermione wasn't sure what to think at the moment. She had a whirlwind of emotions going through her.

When her mum stepped up to her, Hermione looked up into her mum's face. Her mum's light brown eyes looked at her concerned, frightened but with the love she had always seen in them. "Hermione, you are my daughter. Don't ever doubt that."

After a moment, she nodded, and her mum's arms wrapped around her. She wrapped her arms around her mum. "I love you, princess," her mum kissed her head.

"I love you too, mum," she replied.

-oOo-

July 23, 1994

Little Whinging, Surrey

It had not been a bad summer, by standards at his relatives. He had largely been left alone. They didn't require him to get up at any particular time, or go to bed, though his uncle always made sure his light was out when he and Aunt Petunia would go to bed about ten-thirty every night. The only bad things about his summer were the diet Dudley had been required to go on and his little gang. Apparently, once outside the house, his stupid cousin seemed to forget his godfather was an insane, mass murderer that Harry was in contact with.

The first letter from Sirius was on his bed. It apologized for not being there to take Harry and once they found Pettigrew, the rat would go on trial. Harry hoped that was soon but looking at the colourful green parrot resting on his bookcase, Harry doubted Sirius was anywhere near to a place Pettigrew would be.

Looking at the parrot, Harry wondered where Hedwig was. She had left two nights ago and not returned. He wasn't too worried. It wasn't uncommon for her to do this. It still didn't mean Harry didn't miss her. She was his only companion when at 4 Privet Drive. It was still early in the day, so Harry read over Sirius letter again and was about to go downstairs to see what breakfast awaited him when Hedwig flew in.

She was carrying a package and letter.

"Thanks girl," he told her, fishing out a few owl treats. That was one thing he had found nice, the way many wizards could use owl post to buy small things by owl order. He still had a lot of galleons and sickles he hadn't been able to use this year in his coin pouch, so he used some to get treats for Hedwig and a few books on charms, defense and transfiguration to fill up his boredom. Until he could fly again or see his friends, Harry had a feeling it was going to be a very boring summer.

The package turned out to be some biscuits and some fig bars that looked homemade. He took one of the fig bars for his breakfast and opened the letter. It was the second one from Hermione. When the single page dropped four five-pound bills, Harry looked at it a little cautiously. Usually, her letters were two or three pages long and she had never sent him money before.

His stomach growled at having some food in it, and he guiltily took a second fig bar. He might regret that later this week, but he was hungry.

-o-

Dear Harry,

I hope you are having a good summer. Well, better than most. Some day you really need to tell me what you do over your summers at your relatives.

This summer, mum and dad, want to take me to France for two weeks in August. It sounds like fun, and I want to go.

I know you are not usually allowed to visit. I was hoping you might be able to this summer.

It would be nice to talk to someone. My parents recently told me some news. Talking with someone face to face about it would be nice.

If your relatives let you, please send back a time with Hedwig when you can come over. The pounds can be used to get here.

Oh, and I hope you enjoy the biscuits and fig bars. Mum and I were in a bit of baking mood this past week. They are sugar-free, but I promise they are good. I will send you more if you like them.

Your friend,

Hermione

-o-

Harry read the letter. It was uncharacteristically short. There was no mention of schoolwork or trying to convince him to finally drop divination. She kept saying he had time to do something else before his OWLs.

Hermione had also never explicitly asked him to come to her before.

There was something wrong and he felt like she needed him. It took him ten minutes to change into the best clothes he had, which were actually presentable, being too small for Dudley about three years ago when Aunt Petunia bought them for him. He had three jeans, four shirts and a jumper from that failed shopping trip. He tried to use them sparingly, knowing they were his best clothes, but he was starting to feel like they were getting slightly small now. At fourteen, he was finally starting to sprout, even if he was still a good few inches shorter than anyone else in the dorm.

He checked his pockets. Wand. Coin pouch. Moke skin pouch. Invisibility cloak.

Nodding, Harry walked out of his room.

-oOo-

About twenty minutes later...

Redhill, England

Hedwig had shown up yesterday. There was no letter. It wasn't the first time Hedwig had done something like this, but it was the first time she felt so pleased she did. After three attempts, she sent the shortest letter she had ever written to Harry, as well as the most selfish. After a week though, she needed someone to talk to.

The emotions in her still hadn't calmed. She knew she truly loved the people she knew where her parents. They truly loved her. It still didn't mean that her world didn't feel turned upside down.

Thus, she reached out to the one person she always trusted. He was the one person to always rush to her aid since the troll. The only time he hadn't was the fight last year over his Firebolt, but she had only done that because of how much she cared for him.

Part of her knew Harry wasn't supposed to leave his relatives. Something was wrong there, but he never said anything was wrong or abusive. She had a feeling though and to ask him to come to her was probably as bad as she could be. It had her feeling guilty that she asked him to come.

Hermione just really needed her best friend and Harry was it.

Sitting in the window seat of her room, she had a book in on her knees. She hadn't really read any of it, instead just stared over the book at the edge of the open window, waiting for Hedwig to come back. It was only a few hours and she figured Harry would respond by tomorrow, but she still wanted to see his beautiful white bird coming out of the dull grey sky today. It had been rainy or misty the last few days and today didn't look to be any different.

She sighed. Why was she so torn up inside?

"Hermione," her dad knocked on her door.

"Come in, dad," she yelled back.

Her door opened. "How are you, Princess?" he asked. He had asked her that a few times a day since last Sunday.

"Dad, I am not going to stop thinking you are my dad," she told him. Her parents had been walking on eggshells afraid she would rage at them. That was one thing she did not feel like doing. These wonderful people had taken her in and given her a loving home.

He gave her a small smile. "I never thought that, but you haven't quiet been yourself either."

She looked back out her window. "It's just, I don't know. I love you and mum."

"But you are thinking about who your real parents are?"

She sighed. "My birth parents," she corrected him.

He came over and she made room for him on the seat on the large bay window. When he sat, she put her head on his shoulder. "I feel like Harry. He knows so little about his parents except the few things that have been published by them and what some of the professor say, but he really doesn't know them."

Her father wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and she moved to cuddle into his side. "Your mum and I tried to find out anything we could but there was nothing. We don't even have a birth certificate, just what the hospital knows."

"How do you know when my birthday is then?"

"The best the hospital could figure was that you were about one when you were dropped off, so they put that day down as your birthday, and all the paperwork after that is how it is listed, even the new birth certificate that had to be made for you. Maybe in a few years or so, the new DNA tests can identify who your birth parents were," he told her.

She nodded into his chest. She had thought about that quite a bit. "I don't know if I want to know."

Her father kissed her head. "Your mum and I will support you in anything you decide. Are you up to a visitor today?"

Sitting back up, she looked at him. "Who? Ron or Ginny haven't responded to my letters yet. I know you said Harry could come over for a day, but he hasn't sent Hedwig back yet."

Her father shook his head. "You have no other friends?"

She bit her lip. She had started to make friends with Susan and Hannah this year when she needed people to study with, but she couldn't see either of them coming to a muggle house without warning. "Ron, Ginny or Harry would be the only ones I could think of."

His smile was equal parts sad and happy his daughter had friends now. "Well, if you want, you can go save one of them from your mum. I am sure she is grilling them over a cup of tea right now."

Hermione shot up. "Someone is here for me, and you didn't tell me!"

Her father chuckled as he got up to follow her.

Rushing down the stairs, she took the corner by holding onto the banister and spinning towards the hall and the kitchen. She used to do that when she was younger but hadn't for a few years.

"It was really interesting. They were small and furry and tried to get anything shiny," Harry told her.

"Harry!" Hermione shrieked as she ran into the kitchen.

"Hey, Hermione," he said as he stood up to great her. She rushed to him, her arms wrapping around his midsection and hugging him as tight as she could. "Oomph," Harry let out and took a few stumbling steps back. He didn't do anything at first, his arms out. She didn't care. For the first time in days, she felt grounded in something that she understood, even if his life was chaos incarnate most of the time.

He eventually put his arms down, encompassing her and pat her back.

"You came," she said into his shoulder.

"You said you needed me," he told her.

"Why don't you take a seat and have a cup of tea or something before you go running off," her mum offered.

She finally let him go and they settled down to talk with her parents. They asked them both about school and questions about where Harry lived and what he did over the summer. Like normal, he deflected or gave half answers. She was so used to it she didn't think anything about it, missing a few looks her parents shared. When her mother offered some lunch, Harry ate the bacon sandwich in half the time of anyone else at the table and licked his fingers after pressing them into the crumbs on his plate.

Looking at him as he sat back, she realized he already looked a little thinner than just a month ago.

"Can I get you another sandwich or anything else," her mum asked him.

"No thank you, Mrs. Granger. That was really good," he complimented her mum.

"Are you sure? You didn't leave a crumb on the plate."

Harry didn't look up at her. "I'm good. Thank you," he replied politely.

Her mum gave a small frown before giving her a look that said they would talk later. "Once Hermione is done, why don't you two take some biscuits or fig bars and go up to your room or watch a movie."

Harry picked up his head. "I hadn't thanked you for those yet. The fig bars are really good."

"We still have a bunch. I'll send you home with some more," her mum told him.

"Thank you, Mrs. Granger."

Hermione took another few bites and was done. When she got up, her father caught her attention. "I want your door to remain open."

Unsure why, she just nodded at her father. As they walked through the house, she gave him a small tour. "That is the formal dining room. We really only use it when mum and dad have some of their friends over, holidays or sometimes vendors for their dental practice. Across the hall is the sitting room. I don't know how long you are staying today. Maybe I can ask dad to get some pizza or carry out and we can watch a movie later?"

When they got up the stairs, she pointed out her parents' bedroom in the front of the house, the closet, the bathroom, the guest room and her room, right next to the guest room. Harry looked around her room for a moment. "Not what I expected," Harry said after a moment.

She looked at him curiously. "What do mean?"

"I figured you would have wall to wall bookshelves and piles of books everywhere," he told her with a smirk.

She flushed. Her room had two bookcases that had been built into the walls. Both of them had the bottom three shelves full of books. The one closest to her bed had two shelves dedicated to her magical and other textbooks. The top shelf of each bookcase had knickknacks and mementos. The rest of the room had two windows, her bed, some posters, a few pictures, a chair she liked to sit in and an old toy trunk that she hadn't opened in years.

"I don't always read books, and unless they are books, I want to read again, I bring many to the second hand bookstores or rent from the library, thank you very much," she responded.

He held up his hands and laughed. "I didn't mean to get you in a bunch."

She gave him a hard look for a moment before nodding. "Can I hug again," she asked, knowing Harry wasn't always one for touching like that.

After a moment, he held out his arms and she moved in, wrapping her arms around him. He smelled like he had recently polished his broom and as though Hedwig had rubbed herself all over him. It was a small that was Harry.

"You alright, Hermione?" he asked in a worried tone. She was thankful he held her tight.

"Yes. No. Yes?" she said as a question, letting him go. She felt it was way too soon but didn't want to make him uncomfortable.

His green eyes met hers. It was her friend, the boy who had come to her whenever she really needed someone. For the first time she could remember, something stirred in her. He was maturing and there was something that had her pulled to him. He was an immovable rock in her current swirling maelstrom.

"What is wrong?"

She let out a breath. "I'm adopted," she told him.

He blinked and then nodded his head. "Is that a big issue? Your parents seem to love you and you always talk as though you really enjoy being home and seeing them."

She let a small smile onto her face. He hadn't said her adopted parents. "That's it, it doesn't seem like it should be a large issue. I do love my parents and I do look forward to seeing them. I don't know. How do you feel about your relatives? They adopted you."

Harry's face had a momentary look of disgust before it evened out. "Hermione, there is no comparison I can make between my relatives and your parents. As far as I know, they haven't even adopted me. I am just their nephew. Your parents really do care about you. Do you feel differently about them?"

Her brow furrowed. "What do you mean your relatives didn't adopt you? I know you didn't know much about parents, probably because they are muggles, but wouldn't they adopt you? You are family."

Harry frowned. "I didn't come here for me. You asked me for help. I am here for you, Hermione. Do you feel differently about your parents?"

Like normal, he deflected everything away from his home life. She didn't like it, and she would need to really question him later, but he was right. He would have to go back some point today and she probably wouldn't see him again until the Hogwarts Express. His eyes were looking at her with a tenderness they didn't usually hold. It settled her. Besides, he wasn't wrong. She had asked him here.

"Not really. Should I?"

Harry laughed at her. "I honestly don't know. You usually tell me how I should feel. Do you want to feel differently? I can see there is something going on in that head of yours."

She let out a sigh and moved to her bay window. "They are my parents. I don't want it to be different."

"But you can't help by wonder about your real parents?"

She sighed again as Harry sat across from her. She pulled up her legs and wrapped her arms around her knees. "I am curious about my birth parents. Mum and dad are my real parents."

Harry nodded, moving to copy her, his feet bracketing hers. She liked the feel of his feet through their socks. "Then you have your answer. I don't think you will find this in books."

She rolled her eyes and whacked his leg. Harry laughed at her. "I know I can't find this in a book. I haven't been able to concentrate on anything for days. Ron is right, you are a prat at times."

He gave her a cheeky grin. "Did Hermione Granger just call me a prat?"

"Yes, and I will do it again. Prat!" she snapped, feeling her face heat some as the grin he gave her.

Harry laughed before sobering. "What is really bothering you then?"

"I heard you and Sirius. Would you have left your relatives to just go live with him like that? No questions? No way of knowing how it might be like to live with a man you really don't know anything about?" She looked up to meet his eyes again.

There was a great sadness in his eyes and face. He let out a breath and looked out the window. "You are wondering what you would do if you found out who your birth parents are. Do you know anything about them?"

Her eyes narrowed. Again, he avoided answering anything about himself. Had he always been this evasive? How hadn't she noticed? Maybe the constant life-threatening situations and the stress of school? She couldn't think of a time when she had just been able to be alone with Harry like this. "Mum and dad have only told me I was left outside the doors of an emergency room in Glasgow in a pram. There was only a blanket covering me, as though whomever dropped me there was in a rush. You know more about your parents than I will probably ever."

"You want to know about them?" Harry turned to look at her again.

"Maybe."

He gave her a little shake to his head and a knowing smirk. "I know you. You will not be satisfied until you know all you can. How can I help you?"

They just looked at each other for a bit. Her mind was swirling, but she was feeling more grounded, more herself. She had decided that her parents were her parents. That would never change. He was right, she wanted to know everything, but she had no clue on where to start.

"I don't know," she admitted.

Harry moved his right hand a few times before tentatively reaching out and taking hers. "When you do, let me know."

She wrapped her hand around his, holding it tight. Until now, she never really understood Harry's need to know about his parents. She sympathized with him, and knew he was always desperate to understand his family. She had never understood that disconnection it caused with those that cared for her. Until now, she hadn't been willing to admit to herself that now she knew she wasn't blood related to her parents, there felt like something missing. Harry understood. It was something the two of them could never really share with Ron.

As she came to the realization, she tightened her hold on his hand.

For the first time, she felt a kindred soul in her best friend.

Later, after watching a movie and eating a lot of pizza, she watched Harry get on the Knight Bus and vanish into the night as is took off at impossible speeds. While he was here, she had felt happier, more herself. They had laughed for a bit while watching the comedy. Now, though, that he was gone, she felt like something really good was missing.

With a sigh, she leaned her head on her folded hands on the back of the sofa, still looking out into the rainy night.

"You going to look out the window all night?" her mother asked.

"Is that an option?" Hermione responded, giving a sigh.

"It is, but I think your bed will be far more comfortable tonight."

Hermione moved to look at the watch on her wrist. "It's only nine. You and dad don't usually kick me to bed until ten or so."

"I didn't mean now." There was a silence for a few as she settled back into her watch of the night. "I want to have a talk with you."

She knew this would be coming and reluctantly got off her knees and turned, sitting on the couch. Her father had come into the room with a few mugs. She could smell the hot chocolate. It was one of the few sugary things that either of them indulged themselves with.

"Is this about Harry?" she enquired as she took the mug. It was warm in her hands. Her parents sat in the chairs across from her.

"What can you tell us about his home life?" her dad enquired.

She frowned. "Not much. He never talks about it. I know he lives with his relatives, the Dursley's. Vernon and Marge? Or maybe it's Petunia. I just know he has two Aunts, and a cousin Dudley. It doesn't sound like he gets along with any of them," she replied. She really didn't know much about Harry outside of Hogwarts and the Weasleys.

Her mum pursed her lips. "Does he usually eat his food so fast? Or leave any crumb on his plate?"

Hermione looked at her mum. She tried to think back and shook her head. "I don't know. At Hogwarts there is so much to eat, he usually leaves some on his plate. He always seems to eat less the first week or two when we are back. He looked skinny today, mum."

Her parents shared a look. "I thought he looked lean for his size as well," her father commented.

"Hermione, maybe this is nothing, but it could be important. Has he ever mentioned or hinted at any abuse? Have you ever noticed anything when he gets back to school or those times you have gone to your friend Ron's over the summer?" her mum asked in a gentle, yet firm tone.

She was starting to get very worried. "I... I don't think so. Are you thinking he is being abused?"

"We don't know, but there were signs we've been taught to look for at our dentistry. There were a few red flags, and we just want to make sure you aren't getting involved in something you shouldn't and that he isn't being abused," her dad said.

She put the mug on the table. "What type of signs?"

Her mum signaled for her dad to go on. "I noticed he didn't like Jane or I getting to close. It was like he was watching us for signs of trouble. As you said, he looked a little thin. Thinner than I remember when last we saw him on the platform. He also evaded every question about his home life."

"He's always done that," she told them.

Her dad nodded. "I don't want to cause any trouble, but we are going to make a report into the authorities tomorrow. It could be nothing, but there are just too many signs to be ignored."

She could only nod.

"On a lighter note, did Harry enjoy coming over? He was very polite," her mum put to her.

Even through her worry, she had a small smile come over her. "I think so. Thank you for letting him come over."

"He is always welcome over here. And you, do you feel better?"

She sipped at her hot chocolate. "I think I do. You know you will always be my parents?"

"We know, princess. Do you want to talk about anything?" asked her dad.

She took a moment to answer. "I think Harry and I talked enough today. I think I am going to just finish this and go get ready for bed."

"Sure. Let Harry know he is welcome over here at any time. Our door will always be open," her mum said.

Hermione looked at her for a moment. "I will," she replied. Were they trying to offer him a safe haven if he needed?

When she got back to her room and ready for bed, she went over to the window seat instead of her bed. Sitting in the spot Harry had, she could smell the slight lingering aroma of the broom polish and Hedwig. It had a feeling of longing and comfort to the smell.

She looked out the window into night, her thoughts on the green-eyed boy and people that gave birth to her that she would never know.

-oOo-

-oOo-

A/N: I use real calendars for my Fics, so days may not line up like they do in the books.

-oOo-

August 25, 1994

Dartmoor, England

They were all watching the Bulgarian mascots flying around the stadium. Mr. Weasley had put a hand on Ron to keep him from crawling out of the box as he called out how great of a Keeper he was. Fred and George were trying to up each other on the pranks they had played with Bill shaking his head them and Percy declaring he was going to be the youngest Minister of Magic ever.

Harry shared a look with Hermione. "What are those things," he asked. He could agree they were very beautiful, but not worth trying to jump down the eight stories or so to the base of the field.

"Veela," Hermione said in a little disgust as she watched and got bumped by some guy behind her.

"Hey, watch it," Harry called out, getting up to push the older man back.

The man shook his head. "Oh, excuse me. I didn't mean too," the man said looking disorientated. The woman next to the man didn't look please.

"You alright," Harry asked as he sat again, keeping an eye on the man while the woman on the field finished their dance.

"Yeah. Thanks," Hermione told him. He nodded and then put his new omnioculars to his face, fiddling and playing with them to understand how they work

They were sitting two levels down from the top boxes and just off-center field. Prime seats to see much of the action, but not be too far above it all. He watched a few leprechauns up close and then was glued to Krum and Lynch until Krum pulled off an excellent catch. He was still on his high and going back and forth between his omnioculars and talking about the match with the others.

With a yawn, Harry said his good night to Hermione, Ginny and Mr. Weasley as he followed the others out. Harry followed Ron and they ran into Fred and George with Bill before them. There were still cheers and fireworks and big flashes going off around them.

"What's the hold up," Fred commented.

"Some of us would like to count our winnings without dad knowing," George added.

"Shut it," Bill told them looking off into the distance. There were some big flashes and Harry thought he heard some screaming. "PERCY!"

Percy peaked back out of the tent. "What is it, Bill. I really should get to sleep. I am sure Mr. Crouch will want me in work tomorrow now."

Bill nodded off towards the flashes when a large fireball lit the night and then there was a dark smoking cloud that drifted up into the night. Something didn't feel right, and Harry reached for his wand, thankful for its reassuring warm in his hand. "That wasn't a firework," Fred commented.

"I need you two to get Ginny and stick with her. Ron and Harry, stick with Hermione. Take your wands and use them if you have too. DAD!"

Percy looked a little pale. "Everyone was told not to show off..." Percy trailed as screams started to reach their ears and another fireball lit the night.

"Bill, what is going on..." Mr. Weasley asked coming out and watching the fireball turn into smoke. "That isn't good. Percy, you're with me. I am sure there will be a call for all Ministry staff. Bill, see the rest home. Either get a portkey or beyond the wards."

"Dad, I should help you," Bill argued.

"Bill, none of them are of age. Percy and I will be fine. I'm sure it's just some drunkards," Mr. Weasley stated as a third fireball lit the night. "Now, Bill."

The man rubbed the back of his neck. Hermione and Ginny had come out now. "Sure, dad."

"Harry, what's going on?" Hermione asked moving to his side. There were people starting to move away from the fire that was on the far side of the campground.

"Don't know."

"Right, you lot. Let's get a move on. We can get anything we leave behind in the morning," Bill ordered. "Ginny, stick with Fred and George. I don't want us getting separated."

Mr. Weasley and Percy moved off towards the trouble. Hermione grabbed his hand.

"Come on, mate," Ron told them, following the twins and Bill pulling up the rear. As more and more people started to flee the explosions behind them, Harry stopped briefly to help a mother trying to herd three smaller children. "Here, I have this one. Stay with us," Bill said, grabbing one of the children and then the woman's hand. Harry picked up a girl who must have been five or six. She clung to him. The portkey area was overcrowded, but the woman didn't want to leave it, so Harry and the rest left them as they made it towards the wards.

Just as they left the area screams of absolute terror took up around them and there was a mass panic. "Oh, Merlin," Bill remarked.

They all followed his gaze. There was a green smokey skull with a giant snake curling out of its mouth. Hermione squeaked and grabbed his hand again. "What is that?" Harry asked.

"The Dark Mark," Bill told them. "Move that way."

They ran with the crowd that was running towards the woods a field over. Hermione had his hand and he pushed Ginny before them, who was holding both Fred and Georges hand. When they made it to the woods, Bill pushed them aside. "I will get Ginny back and then be back for all of you."

"Sure, Bill," Ron spoke up.

George and Fred were looking at the skull and snake in the sky. "Bloody Hell, mum and dad have stories of that." Fred.

"I never thought we would see one." George.

"You reckon someone died," Ron asked.

"They were never used unless someone did," Hermione replied. There was a crack besides them. They all spun their wands around to Bill.

"Dad should be here in a moment with Percy. We'll get you all back. Hermione, you next," Bill told her.

She seemed to reluctantly let go of his hand. "Don't do anything mental," she warned him.

He gave her a look. She had never quite said it like that before. "Sure."

Ron, Fred and George were looking at him. Fred winked. "Something with you and Granger?"

"She's just my friend," Harry replied.

Ron pursed his lips and they all jumped when there were three cracks. Bill, Mr. Weasley and Percy had shown. "Ron and Harry. Quick," Mr. Weasley told them, taking Ron's arms. "Percy, stay with Fred and George."

Bill grabbed Harry's arms and they were soon being pulled through a straw. It was Harry's first experience with side-along apparition, and he found he didn't like it.

-oOo-

September 19, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Hermione was waiting in the common room for Ron and Harry. Ron was still in a grumpy mood about no Quidditch this year. Harry was taking it alright, but he wasn't pleased either. Using his broom and playing Quidditch were one of the few things that made him truly happy. When they came down, Harry had a smirk on his face he had adopted lately, and he only seemed to have it when he was around her.

Hermione looked at him suspiciously. "What did you do," she asked him.

Ron laughed. "I told you she would know something was up."

"I don't get why," Harry snarked.

She laughed at them. It felt good that things seemed to be back to normal. Coming back to school, everyone was riled from the World Cup. Two people dead, dozens hurt, and three muggles tortured to the point they had had to be admitted to St. Mungo's to try and heal their minds. It had been a disaster. The only redeeming part was that Malfoy was found stunned, his wand a few yards away and having clearly been used to cast the Dark Mark. Draco had only returned to Hogwarts five days ago after spending more than a week in St. Mungo's recovering from taking four stunners at once and a snarl on his face. It was an open rumor his wand had been confiscated he was facing a hearing next month.

"Spill," Hermione ordered.

Harry took a package out from behind his back. "It's nothing bad. I just wanted to say Happy Birthday and give you this."

A large smile spread across her face. They had never remembered her birthday before. "You may want to open it later," he warned her when she jumped up and hugged him.

"Yeah, Happy Birthday. Harry made sure we remembered this year," Ron told her, taking out a small package from his pocket.

Tears bit at her eyes. "Thank you." She gave Ron a hug too, but it wasn't as hard as she hugged Harry.

With her birthday being on a Monday, she had only a Rune's course and Ron only had Divination. Harry had decided not to replace Divination, but his overall grades were better this year. Something she was suspecting was from what happened at the Quidditch World Cup and the fact he was spending more time with her. She had a feeling it some to do with her still feeling somewhat unsure about her revelation this summer. Whether it was or not, she was checking his work less often and he was getting better grades. Something she felt very proud of Harry for.

When she left Ron and Harry after lunch, she went up to her room and took Harry's present for her. After opening it, she felt something stirring in her chest. Her hand brushed over a purple photo album. On the cover was written "My Family" in gold lettering. She opened it to find a note from Harry.

-o-

Hermione,

I know you still feel conflicted and haven't told Ron, so I thought you would like to open this in private.

Your mom was good enough to send me some prints and film. No matter what you decide or how you feel, this is your family, and you should not forget it.

Your best mate,

Harry.

P.S. - I have already worked out payment, but you may want to thank Colin too. He was able to help me with the special ones.

-o-

It was the sweetest thing Harry had ever done. She had not told Ron or anyone else. She wasn't sure why.

Turning the page, she stopped, unable to move. Her parents were holding her. She was two or so. Below the picture was her grandmothers writing. 'My first granddaughter, Hermione Jean Granger. Brought home April 3, 1982'. She ran her fingers over the words. What brought the tears to her eyes was that the picture was moving. She looked to be talking up a storm as her parents beamed at her. To make it better, her grandmother peaked around the edge of the photo, as though making sure the camera was working.

When dinner came around, she made sure the photo album was safely put away in her trunk. It took pride of place in the center, wrapped in jumper and would be taken out again later.

Harry met her down the bottom of the stairs. She went right to him, threw her arms around his neck and hugged him for a long time. When she went to pull away, she kissed his cheek. "Thank you," she whispered.

"You're welcome," Harry whispered back.

She was going to have to ask Colin if he had other pictures. Harry and Ron were her family too.

-oOo-

October 31, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

"Harry Potter!"

Harry looked up at the Headmaster. The hall had gone quiet, and he had sat back down as everyone turned towards him.

"Harry," Hermione said, sounding scared.

"Harry Potter!" Dumbledore turned to him.

Things had been going too well, too smooth this year. Hermione put a hand on his shoulder. "Harry, you have to go up."

"Harry Potter! Come on up," Dumbledore called out.

"This is not right," Headmaster Karkaroff suddenly shouted. "Hogwarts cannot have two Champions!" With that, the hall started to grow loud, and many people's faces hardened towards him.

Ron's face had distorted into fury at him. "You didn't tell me or let me try?"

"I didn't put my name in," Harry retorted.

"Harry Potter," Dumbledore yelled over the noise.

Harry got up. He wasn't going to be thrown into something again. Hermione moved with him as he stated to walk the other way as everyone yelled. Many watched him, some faces turning to confusion. "Harry, wait for me," Hermione called behind him. He was running by the time he made it out the doors. "Harry! Where are going!"

A cannon blast sounded in the Great Hall.

"I need to write Sirius. I am not getting involved in the tournament," he said angrily to her.

She nodded. "I'll go with you."

Harry frowned. He was realizing that he would have at least one person to support him. Taking out his invisibility cloak, she moved in close to him and they moved up the stairs as shouts for him came out of the Great Hall. They raced for the Gryffindor Common room as fast as they could without having the cloak come off them. Hermione rushed up to her room and they were just able to make it out of the tower common room, having to quietly go up to the fifth floor as the rest of the house neared the painting.

They found an empty classroom. Once inside, Hermione cast all the locking and silencing charms she could on the door and the room after he through the cloak off. "What the bloody hell! How did my name come out of cup! We didn't even go near it today! Hermione what even happens in the tournament!"

Hermione frowned to see him pacing up and down the room.

Harry was raging inside. He should have known. He should have expected this! Why would he think he wouldn't be involved in this! He paced back and forth, a silent tirade going through his head. He was so upset and worried he didn't even have the words to express himself. He was doing his umpteenth back and forth when Hermione reached out for him.

"Harry, stop for a moment."

"Why? What is that going to do to help this! You said yourself the other day that many have died in this," Harry yelled at her.

She pursed her lips. "That doesn't matter at the moment, Harry. You heard Dumbledore. That was a magically binding contract with the cup. I have drafted a letter for Sirius. Do you want to look it over first?"

He rubbed his face. "No. Let's go send it. Maybe he knows how to get out of this."

"It will be alright. I'll help you. We should talk to Dumbledore," Hermione told him.

"Fudder!" He kicked at the floor. "I shouldn't have run."

"Maybe not, but I get it. You were going for someone you trust. Let's go send this letter to Sirius and then you need to go find the Headmaster first thing in the morning."

Harry sighed. "How did this happen? I didn't put my name in goblet."

"I know you didn't." She picked up his cloak and held it open. He stepped in next to her and took it, closing it around them.

-oOo-

November 1, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

A bleary eye Hermione met Harry early the next morning. She looked to have gotten as much sleep as he had. No one was in the common room. Hermione and him had come back late after talking in the owlery for a while after Hedwig had flown back in. He looked at her, feeling a little empty. A lot of their talk had been about what Hermione had looked up about the Triwizard Tournament. Harry was convinced he was going to die.

When he approached, she hugged him. Harry was starting to like her hugs.

They didn't say a word as they went down to breakfast.

They were some of the first in the hall this morning. Snape was at the Head table and was looking at him with an indecipherable look. He wasn't very hungry and hadn't eaten much by the time the hall started to fill. Many Gryffindor looked indifferent or congratulated him as he sat there. They were the only ones. People he thought alright with him gave him nasty looks.

After a half hour, Harry nodded. "I want to get out of here."

"What about Dumbledore," Hermione asked.

"I can go see if he's in his office now," he offered. Running out of the Great Hall last night probably wasn't the bravest thing.

She nodded and they got up.

Harry thought he was going to escape when McGonagall came in as they were leaving. "Potter," she snapped, not sounding happy. "Where did you go last night?"

Many stopped talking and looked towards the main doors. "Can we talk about this in the entry hall?" Hermione asked.

McGonagall was stiff backed, her face unhappy and lips pursed when not talking. "Come with me to the Headmaster right now."

He sighed. "I'll see you in Transfiguration," he told her.

"Dumbledore will be able to help," Hermione tried to encourage him.

He just nodded.

McGonagall looked very displeased as she marched him towards the Headmaster's office. "Where were you?"

"Sending a letter. I didn't put my name in," Harry told her.

"That may be, but you made a mess of the opening ceremony last night," she remarked.

He snorted.

She looked at him. "You find this funny, Potter? I don't who or if you put your name in, but this tournament has been known to kill perfectly qualified wizards. It is also a prestigious honor to be a Champion. For now on, you will present Hogwarts in a better light."

"I am not competing," Harry told her.

"I don't think you have a choice," she replied. They arrived at the gargoyle to the Headmaster's office. "Ice Mice."

Harry didn't say another word.

When they entered the office, he was surprised to see it was just the Headmaster. He was standing by a window, looking out over the grounds. "Thank you, Minerva. Why don't you give Mr. Potter and I some time?"

Professor McGonagall nodded and left. "I didn't put my name in, and I am not going to compete."

Dumbledore closed his eyes and bowed his head. "Yes, it became very apparent that you didn't put your name in. It was found the age line was tampered with and I highly doubt you had the skill to do it. That is not the optics that the rest of the world see though. You are aware that this being picked makes a magically binding contract?"

"You and Hermione mentioned it," Harry told him.

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, I am sure Ms. Granger was already aware of that, besides my warning. The judges and organizers are going to be back about ten this morning to give the clues, rules and other information they did not give last night. The rules require all champions to be informed at once."

"I am not a champion, and I won't be there," Harry told him. "I am not of age."

Dumbledore turned to him, looking even more careworn than Hermione did this morning. "Take a seat, Harry. I want to go over the contract that the cup has made."

"You are telling me I have to compete? I don't have a choice?"

Dumbledore sighed, taking his seat. "There is always a choice, it just depends on which one you take. Here is the contract the cup drew up."

Harry took the paper that was held up to him. It was long, with lots of small writing. He really needed to read through this. Down the bottom he saw his signature. It was all burnt looking around it like it had been seared or the scrap that had come out of the cup had been fused into the parchment. "How can I sign a magically binding contract if I am underage? Would Uncle Vernon or Aunt Petunia need to approve of this?"

Dumbledore steepled his hands and leaned forward. "I am unsure. The organizers made it very clear that only those wizards considered of-age to be able to compete. The age line and my other wards were meant to keep those not eligible away. Anyone can add their name, but the cup is an old artifact and would punish anyone that didn't follow the rules."

Harry considered that for a moment. "Then how can they think I put my name in? You just said one of the rules is that no underage wizards could enter," replied Harry.

"No magic is infallible. I rather suspect in the next few days we made find that you are considered of-age for some reason. If you are, I would hope you allow me to help you ease into things I had hoped to train you in in a few years," Dumbledore told him in a kind tone.

Harry looked up. "What are you training me in, sir?"

"The ways of your House and your heritage. There are also things that given the current turn of events, I think you old enough now to inform you about."

"What do you mean the ways of my house and my heritage?"

Dumbledore sighed. "There are family magics, history and other information I am sure you may learn about soon. If you are found to be of-age, you will finally get access to your vaults and possibly find your parents will."

Harry looked at him. "But I already have my vaults," Harry told him.

"You have a trust vault, Harry. I know your parents and family have another vault."

Harry still looked confused and then looked at the contract in his hands. "I don't understand. If I have more, why was I sent out of the Wizarding world and placed with my relatives?"

Dumbledore sighed. "When your parents died, the Death Eaters were still everywhere. Some politicians and others wanted you. Something sealed your family's vaults. No one could find a will from your parents. My wizarding law, you would not be able to access the vaults or possible properties until you are of-age. Without any other family or godparents around, I made the decision to hide you."

Harry looked at Dumbledore. "Oh," Harry said, unsure how felt.

"I would like you to report to the antechamber off the Great Hall at ten."

Harry shook his head. "I am not doing this."

Dumbledore looked at him a little sadly. "Harry, if you do not participate, there are some real consequences."

"Like what?" He wasn't sure why he felt so petulant except he was angry.

There was a long breath. "Depends on the action and what the Goblet decides, but if you refuse to compete, I can only think it will be one of the worst fates. In the past, the cup had taken a champions life or magic for trying to quit. Other times it had taken money or the magic of a hostage."

"IT WHAT! You used something that would kill us!"

"It is the traditionally way the tournament is hosted and there have been no incidents of such in over three hundred years," the man said rationally.

Harry, feeling beyond upset and unsure what was really going on just laughed. "Barmy. You are all barmy! Completely barking! You have just condemned four of us to death if we decide this is too much or don't want to compete. Bloody mental!"

"I understand you are upset, but I think that a little far, Harry."

He looked at the man, ready to hit him. With a shake of his head, he got up, his mouth opening a time or two. He looked down at the parchment in his hand and then back at the Headmaster. He wanted to rage at the man. Instead, he shook his head again and moved towards the door.

"Ten o'clock," the Headmaster told him.

Harry shook his head again and left the office. At the base of the stairs, Hermione was waiting for him. "Tell me that face is you so shocked that you got out of the tournament," she told him, sounding very concerned.

He half-laughed and handed her the parchment.

"What is this?"

"My contract to compete," he told her.

She frowned and started to read it. "You mean you have to compete? Dumbledore didn't do anything?"

"The Headmaster told me that he thinks I will be considered of-age and that is why I need to compete. Hermione, the Goblet is going to take my magic or my life if I can't find a way to get out of this," he told her, leaning against the wall.

"It can't!" said Hermione in a high pitch voice.

"Uhm, Dumbledore said it has in the past. Can I get through one year without someone trying to kill me?"

"Oh, Harry," she said, moving to sit against the wall next to him.

This corridor was infrequently traveled, so when the bell tolled the half-hour, he looked to Hermione. He hadn't realized what time it was without any students rushing to class. "Don't you have class?"

"This is more important," she told him, turning back to the parchment and started to read.

He snorted. "What have you done with Hermione Granger?"

"Oh, posh. Now let me read," she replied.

He leaned his head against the wall. "You want to read here or go find somewhere else?"

She looked up. "Probably somewhere else."

Harry got up and extended a hand to her, pulling her up. She nodded her thanks and didn't let go of his hand as they found an empty classroom.

-oOo-

Antechamber, Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry stood off to the side, his back against the wall and his arms crossed. He did not want to be here, but Hermione hadn't been able to find a loophole in the limited time they had to read the contract.

"Stand up, Potter," McGonagall said out the side of her mouth

He did so begrudgingly, still having his hands crossed over his chest and not looking pleased. The Durmstrang Institute joined them next. Karkaroff sneered at him. Krum looked indifferent. When Cedric and Professor Sprout joined them, Cedric gave him a questioning look while Sprout looked apoplectic at him. Then there were the Beauxbatons Champion and Headmistress. The beautiful blonde Delacour had a frown when she looked at him before ignoring him. Her Headmistress didn't even bother looking at him.

Harry didn't belong here and most knew it.

It was rather quiet, and the air was thick with anger and excitement.

When Dumbledore came in, he was accompanied by Head Crouch, Head Bagman. Professor Moody and a woman he had never seen before. She had red hair, a stern countenance, stood with her hands behind her back and the feel was of someone that could be as dangerous as Professor Moody. She didn't give that she was half-barmy though.

He noticed Karkaroff shift uncomfortably at sight of the woman.

"Thank you all for coming," Head Crouch spoke up. "Last night we were unable to complete the opening ceremony as planned." The man gave harry a stern look. "Before we get going, I would like to say that this tournament has never had four Champions before, and the cup has never been tampered with to allow as such."

"This is ridiculous. Hogwarts cannot have two Champions," the giant of a woman put forward.

Karkaroff looked like he wanted to say something but didn't, instead eyeing the redhead woman.

Dumbledore stepped forward. "It saddens me to say that Mr. Potter is not a Hogwarts student anymore."

Harry's eyes widened. His hand went to his pocket to grab his wand. He had to be a Hogwarts student and he to get his OWL's next year. McGonagall gasped next to him, and many others looked at him. He wanted to shrink into a corner, instead he stood tall. "Headmaster, I know I am student."

"This morning, Minerva and I went over the rolls. Until last night, you were. Now, you are a student of a fourth, unnamed school. Per tournament rules and magic of the Goblet of Fire, each school can only have one Champion," Dumbledore told them while looking at Harry.

"So, he is part of a different school, that does not change that he cheated," Headmistress Maxime said loudly.

"I did not cheat! I didn't put my name in the cup," Harry spat back. He was so angry today.

The woman drew up to her full height.

"You have to admit this is exciting. The first Quad-wizard Tournament," Bagman stated.

"Ludo, not now," Head Crouch snapped. "Whether Potter did or not, the fact remains we have four schools and four Champions competing. I would like to get over the first clue and give you all your rule books."

"I think it very pertinent, Head Crouch," the redhead woman spoke up. "Mr. Potter, you are certain you did not put your name in the cup?"

"Why would I want to kill myself? There are enough other times that almost happens," he snarked.

Her eyebrow rose.

"What do mean kill yourself," Cedric asked.

Harry snorted. "This Tournament kills at least one person almost every time it is called. You think I want to give it a chance?"

Cedric's face paled a little. Krum looked unfazed. Delacour shuffled a little.

"You will not die," Head Crouch said. "Now, your first clue for the first task on November the twenty-sixth."

"Barty, we have not even established if it is legal for there to be four champions yet. Wasn't it you last night that there is nothing in the rules about this?" the woman asked.

"He should be disqualified now," Madam Maxime demanded.

"Olympe, we don't know if that will do anything to Mr. Potter or the other Champions," Dumbledore countered.

"I don't want to do this," Harry spoke up.

Delacour looked at him. "He should not if he does not. Only those that want to be here should be," she said in a condescending tone.

"Mr. Potter does not have a choice at the moment. Amelia, what do you mean this may not be legal?" Dumbledore asked.

"Barty and I stayed up very late last night going over the rules. There is nothing in the rules about how many Champions or schools can compete. The organizers all agreed on three schools. Mr. Potter, have you done any magic since last night?"

He looked at her. "Uhm, no," he replied. He had had not reason too. It wasn't like you could use a lighting spell when you were trying to sneak under a cloak. It would kind of ruin the 'sneaking' part.

"Would you cast something for us right now? Something with some power behind it? If you were forced to pay a price, then it may not be apparent with weaker spells. I would ask all the other Champions to do the same," the woman told him.

"Uhm, sure. I'm sorry, I don't know who you are," Harry put to her.

"Head Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement," she replied. "Now, if you please. Choose something that is very powerful for you."

Harry shrugged his shoulder and pulled out his wand. There was only one really powerful spell he could think of. "Expecto Patronus," he called out. The giant stag of his father burst into the room.

"Impossible," someone said.

"Incroyable," Fleur whispered.

Krum gave his first real reaction by his eyes going wide.

Most others looked flabbergasted. After a few second, Harry flicked his wand and ended the spell. Prongs dissipated into whisps and then was gone.

"I would say that the goblet recognizes Harry and had taken any price," Dumbledore told her.

Madam Bones nodded her head. "I would agree. How old are you?"

"Fourteen," Harry answered.

"When did you learn to do that?"

"Last year when the Ministry had the dementors here," he replied.

"How can a third year do that," Cedric asked. Professor Sprout wasn't looking as angry.

Harry shrugged. "I needed to know, so Professor Lupin taught me."

"Right, now that we have that established, can we get on with this," Crouch butted in.

"By all means. Mr. Potter, I would like a word with you when this is done?" Madam Bones requested. It felt more like an order.

He nodded. When the very simple clue was given 'Be prepared for the unknown', Harry felt even more put out. What kind of bloody clue was that?

He waited with Professor McGonagall. The others left and he was joined by Dumbledore, Moody and Bones.

Harry turned to Dumbledore first. "What do you mean I am not a Hogwarts student? Is Madam Bones here because I can't take my OWL's now?"

Dumbledore held up a hand and no one else spoke for a moment. "After our conversation today, Barty and Amelia came to me. On your copy of your contract, did you see a school name?"

Harry frowned. Hermione and him hadn't specifically looked for one. "I don't know."

"I can tell you there is not. The other three contracts do. This led Professor McGonagall and I check the Hogwarts student rolls. Your name was removed. It does not mean you lose your wand… not yet," Dumbledore stated.

"Believe me, Mr. Potter, I have no intention of taking and snapping your wand. You are now outside our educational system for now, and I was wondering if you received any notification of this this morning?" Madam Bones questioned.

Harry shook his head. Hermione and him had left he hall before mail deliver though.

"I do not believe that Mr. Potter was in the Great Hall this morning, Albus."

A light lit in the Headmaster's eyes. "Ah, I see. Harry, were you in the Great Hall when the owls arrived this morning?"

"No, sir."

The man nodded his head. "I will check for any undelivered mail after we leave here. As for school, can allow you to attend Hogwarts and be treated as a student here until we figure this out."

"Albus, he will not be allowed to stay in Gryffindor Tower without being a student," Professor McGonagall told him. "And for this unnamed school, how do we find out and who do we even talk with?"

"If he is not part of any school, then I would probably say he is considered homeschool, but I would like to look into this more before we make such a pronouncement. Alas, though, I fear you are right. Our bylaws allow for visitors to stay in a House for a night or two, but he will need to be moved. Could you please make those arrangements?"

"Of course, Albus. Potter, I want you to have all your items packed after dinner," McGonagall informed him.

Harry just looked at them all. "I don't understand. I'm in a tournament I don't want to be in. I've been kicked out of Hogwarts, but I can keep my wand? And now I have to move out of Gryffindor?"

"Don't forget that someone is probably trying to kill Potter," Moody added.

"That is enough, Alastor. I heard your theories last night. For now, we need to help Harry how we can," Dumbledore said.

"I would like to get a statement from Mr. Potter. There is an investigation and Alastor and Potter are right. This does sound like a plot kill Mr. Potter," said Madam Bones.

"Just like every other year," Harry retorted quietly.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 3

November 2, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Hermione had seen Harry leave with Professor McGonagall last night. She knew Harry told her it was because he needed to move to different quarters, but she still couldn't keep her fear down that he had been walked out of the castle now that he wasn't a student here anymore.

Ron came up to her as she was still looking at the back of the portrait of the Fat Lady. "More special treatment?" the redhead snarked.

Her fear for Harry and her anger at Ron was on a tenuous string. Ron had not said a word to Harry directly all day, but she heard his complaints about their raven-haired friend. "He's not a student here anymore, Ronald."

Ron snorted. "Yeah, right. Like Dumbledore will let that happen. It's probably just some excuse to make himself feel more special."

She turned on him and smacked Ron hard in the arm. "You complete arse, Ronald. Your best friend has been entered in this against his will, he has been thrown out of Hogwarts and you stand there still being jealous of him!"

"Oh, come off it, Hermione. You know he just likes showing off and this time he just bit off more than we could chew. I just can't believe he wouldn't tell me he was going to enter," Ron said acidly.

"TELL YOU! TELL YOU!" she screeched incredulous. Others around the common room were starting to notice them.

"Yeah, tell me," Ron yelled back. "Just like normal! He gets all the attention, and we get nothing!"

Hermione was just looking at Ron, her mouth open and speechless for a moment.

Ron was red now and took her silence for agreement. "See, you agree with me! Harry is always the center of attention and thi..." Ron trialed off as he fell to the floor.

Hermione stood there in the middle of the common room, her hand still crossed over her body, her knuckles already feeling the impact and Ron looking up at her, a shocked expression on his face and blood trickling down from his lip.

"Don't you ever. Never again," she hissed in her anger. She was so angry she couldn't really string enough words together to voice her anger.

"You're bloody mental," Ron spat out some blood.

"Alright, alright. Time to break up this little lovers' spat," Fred and George swooped in.

Hermione yanked her arm out of Fred's grasp. "Never again," she warned Ron before shaking her hand and marching towards the portrait hole.

-oOo-

The next morning, she rushed down the stairs at close to six thirty on a Saturday morning. She had not been able to find Harry last night. Hoping to catch him as soon as he came into the Great Hall, she rushed down and sat at the end of the Gryffindor table. Breakfast didn't start until seven-thirty on the weekends, but she would not miss him.

She waited. There were a few stragglers before eight. She knew most people didn't come down until close to nine if they were eating breakfast. On Saturday and Sunday breakfast would go from seven-thirty until ten.

As it got closer to eight, a hard, painful pit had started to form in her stomach. Harry was almost always up early. He rarely slept past seven and usually preferred to come to breakfast early.

Her unease didn't let up when the first owls swooped in just past eight. Those waiting for someone took up in the rafters. If the people they were waiting for were here, they came down to the table. When three owls landed before her, Hermione blinked. She didn't recognize any of them.

The Daily Prophet usually came on smaller tawny owls. Her parents usually sent replies back with either Hedwig or one of the school owls. None of them were ones she recognized.

Cautiously, she took the letters off, and the owls flew away.

To Ms. Alula Andromeda Black

Hermione blinked at the address on the top letter. It had a Ministry seal on the wax and front of the envelope. A small stamp for the 'Department of Records, DMLE, Head Theresa Edgecombe. Inheritance and Heir Claims Desk'.

The sinking feeling in her grew. There could be only one reason why she would get this, and she wasn't sure she would like this.

Not wanting to open this up just yet, she looked at the next envelope. This one was also from the Ministry and addressed to Ms. Alula Andromeda Black. 'Department of Records, DMLE, Head Theresa Edgecombe. Magical Residence Desk'.

She didn't like the implications. She knew of only two Blacks. Sirius Black and Narcissa Malfoy nee Black.

She had a feeling she knew what the last letter would say. This one was from Gringotts and was the thickest and largest.

'To Heiress Alula Andromeda Black, or Hermione Jean Granger'.

She was still looking at the letters when someone sat across from her. "Hermione, you alright," Harry asked. He didn't get to ask anything else when three owls landed before him.

Hermione didn't answer as she looked at the three envelopes.

Harry took his letters and put them aside, looking at her. "Hermione, are you alright," Harry asked again.

In a whisper she muttered, "I think I'm a Black."

Harry didn't say a word for a moment. "And you say that why?"

She turned over the envelope from Gringotts. Harry read it, his eyes growing some. After a few seconds, he nodded, grabbed some toast and put some bacon in it and then got up. "Come on. I don't think you want to do that here."

Shaking her head, she took her letters and let Harry pull her up. She wasn't sure where he was dragging her until they ended up going through a portrait she didn't recognize and walked into a corridor she hadn't seen before.

"Where are we?"

"The guest residences," Harry told her.

She looked around, realizing she was looking down into the central courtyard of the classroom building. There was a long hall with five doors. "I'm the first one here," Harry told her.

When he opened the door, there was a rather large sitting room with several doors off it. "Bathroom is through there and there are two bedrooms," he indicated the opposite wall with two doors.

"This is where they put you?" she asked.

"Yeah. McGonagall said she couldn't put me in the Professors wing since I was not teaching, and I didn't qualify for Lord or Married Quarters, so she said some house elves cleaned out the old guest wing. Said this used to be used for visiting dignitaries, students or those seeking their Mastery's. It felt rather lonely last night," Harry told her. "McGonagall said I could have anyone come visit me I want, but I can't enter any of the common rooms without permission anymore.

Hermione just nodded, looking around.

"So, you're a Black?" Harry enquired after a moment.

Looking at the envelopes in her hands, she swallowed. "I think so."

Harry nodded and moved in. She didn't move and after a moment, for the first time ever, Harry pulled her into a hug. She sidled into him, wrapping her hands around him and hugging his tightly.

"You want to open those?"

There was a fear in her. She could probably take it if she was a child of Sirius. He seemed to have a certain reputation. She couldn't take it if it was Narcissa. "Can you," she asked him. Hermione was no coward, but this was different. Running after Harry, wand in hand in some crazy adventure was so different.

"Sure, if you want," he pulled back and she reluctantly let him go. Sitting on a couch before a low table and fireplace, Harry put his letters down and asked, "Which one first?"

Picking up the one from the Magical Residence Desk, she handed it to him.

Harry tried to open the seal and handed it back to her. "You need to break the seal."

She did and once he had the paper in his hand, Harry read it out loud.

-o-

Dear Ms. Alula Andromeda Black,

At 8:11 PM on the night of the thirty-first of October, nineteen-hundred and ninety-four, your status has been upgraded to 'Emancipated' per Wizengamot law.

Per the Magical Progenerating Acts of 1832 and 1946, the last Heiress of the Black lines is considered Emancipated per stipulations in current contracts and as the last direct blood eligible for the line.

Per Birth Rights Acts of 1934, the name of Hermione Jean Granger, adoptive of Daniel and Jane Granger, shall be stricken from records and the birth name of Alula Andromeda Black shall be used, unless requested otherwise by Regent of House Black. Any change to this must in writing and submitted by the First of December, nineteen-hundred and ninety-four.

Sincerely,

Ms. Erica Westford
Secretary of Records, Magical Residence

-o-

"It didn't say who my parents were," she commented after a moment.

"Hermione, it says you are emancipated and the last true heir of the Blacks," he said softly.

Out of everything in the last few months, which seemed almost mundane. "I don't want to be called Alula," she commented.

"Then we just need to find out who the Regent of House Black is. Do you want to open up the other letters?"

She felt almost detached from things. Her mind running rampant at who here birth parents were. "Uhm, we should," she replied.

Harry picked up the other one from the Department of Magical Records. He handed it to her, she opened it and handed it back to Harry, who read it.

-o-

Dear Ms. Alula Andromeda Black,

At 8:11 PM on the night of the thirty-first of October, nineteen-hundred and ninety-four, your status has been upgraded to 'Emancipated' per Wizengamot law.

Per the Magical Progenerating Acts of 1832 and 1946, the last Heiress of the Black lines is considered Emancipated per stipulations in current contracts and as the last direct blood eligible for the line.

Contracts filed support a betrothal and Regency of House Black signed by Lord Arcturus Black. Per stipulations in the betrothal contract, Alula Andromeda Black, is to be emancipated should events or other contracts threaten the continuation of the blood before the Heiress turns seventeen.

As of the thirty-first of October, such stipulations are met.

Release of the Will of Lord Arcturus Black has been sent to Gringotts on first of November. Gringotts shall contact you for the reading of the will and formalization of any and all contracts.

Best of regards,

Mr. Richard Pools
Secretary of Records, Inheritance and Heir Claims

-o-

She wasn't really breathing. Where she had felt out of sorts before, she was now feeling a fire light inside her. "I am what!?"

"Betrothal doesn't mean what I think it means, does it?" Harry was looking at her.

She was looking at him back wild-eyed. "It certainly does! Someone I don't even know has sold me off to some pureblooded bigot! I heard some rumors and there were still some families that practiced this, but... but... God, Harry! I'm set to marry someone I don't even know!"

Harry looked into her eyes for a moment before looking down. After a moment, he said, "Are you sure you don't know them?"

"I am sure I have never known of anyone accept my parents and I know they would never agree to something like that. It's barbaric. It's been outlawed! Why the bloody hell are you looking at me like that," she snapped at him. He looked a little pale as he looked back up at him.

"Hermione, look at the date and time again," he told her.

She took the paper, to incensed to really comprehend what Harry had told her to do. As she read through the letter, she found she had to restart. She didn't notice Harry pick up his letters. She was still reeling from all this, and her parents still hadn't been identified!

It took the fourth time to read before she concentrated enough to really take in what the letter said.

Harry was looking at several parchments that had come out of his letter from Gringotts. "Hermione, how much do you like me?"

She blinked. "Harry, what time did yours and Cedric's name come out the Goblet of Fire?" she queried, starting to put the pieces together.

"I don't know, but I bet it was mine," Harry replied, holding out the papers for her.

She took them, putting them on top of hers. The top paper was a what looked like a formal legal document. She read the top. 'Betrothal Contract between House Black and House Potter, drawn up under the Wizard Proliferation Laws of 1934.'

Not daring to look up to Harry, she read through it, and in the second paragraph, there it was:

-o-

... as agreed upon by Lord Arcturus Black and Lord Fleamont Potter, the first-born son and first born daughter of the direct lines shall be wed should either line be reduced to a single potential heir. The contract shall be active for five generations or until fulfilled.

This contract shall be carried out on behalf of the heir of the Blacks, so named Regulus Orion Black and his wife or consort, Elizabeth Erin Cornwallis, and the heir of the Potters, so named James Fleamont Potter, and his wife or consort, Lily Marsha Evans.

The named heirs to fulfil this contract to be, Heir Black Alula Andromeda Black and Heir Potter, Harry James Potter...

-o-

Hermione didn't get any further. It was clear that their parents' names and theirs had been added at a later date than when the contract was written up.

The fact she was now bound to marry Harry by a magical contract was temporarily overshadowed by the other names. "Who is Regulus Black or Elizabeth Cornwallis?"

"I don't know," Harry replied. "We can send another letter to Sirius."

She nodded.

"Hermione, if you are Alula Black, does that mean we are betrothed?"

"I don't know. What does your letter say?"

"That was in my letter from Gringotts," he informed her.

She wouldn't lie to herself. The last few months she had been looking at Harry more and feeling closer to him. She had even had a few dreams that were not 'friend-like', but she had hoped he might ask her out. Not be forced to marry her. She wasn't ready to marry anyone.

Looking at her letter, she picked it up and broke the seal. There was a letter on the top of the pile, then a copy of a will, a sheet that looked like it defined who the Regent was and at the bottom was a copy of the contract in her hands.

"I have the same thing here." She bit her lip.

"Do you think we should take these to someone and ask?"

She chewed on her lip for a moment. "Maybe we can go talk with Professor McGonagall. Maybe she can give us information on how to contact a Solicitor or Lawyer?"

"Did you see the other paper in there," Harry enquired.

"Which one?"

"It looks like your betrothed is your Regent," he told her.

She took the other parchment and saw Harry's name filled into the slot. "God," she muttered.

"Yeah. I thought about asking you to Hogsmeade a few times, but not to be engaged," he replied.

She looked up, blinking a few times. Harry had a little colour to his cheeks. "I would have said yes."

He gave her a small grin for a moment. "So, should we go find McGonagall?"

Hermione looked at all the parchments in her hands. "These are yours." As they were leaving Harry's room, she asked, "Do you mind if I study in here?"

"You are welcome anytime you want. The password for the painting is Victory," he told her. "I also added you to the guest book, meaning you can go into my room whenever you want."

She looked at him a little oddly. "Victory?"

He nodded and opened the painting. "The painting reminded me of the HMS Victory. Uncle Vernon left the tellie on one night and a BBC special came on about the Battle of Trafalgar."

She turned to see a few ships sailing. They looked like large square-rigged ships with lots of gun ports. She got it, but she doubted anyone that had grown in the wizarding world would.

As they walked, she realized they were on the fourth floor. She reached for Harry's hand. It really had become an anchoring point for her.

"It may sound stupid, but how are you," Harry asked as they walked to Professor McGonagall's office.

She was actually thankful for the question. "I don't know yet. I don't know who Regulus is. If Professor McGonagall isn't there, I want to go to the library."

"Anything you want today."

She squeezed his hand. "If you are in the tournament, we need to figure out a study and maybe a training schedule. You only have three weeks before the first task and we haven't even gone through the rule book yet. The contract says you have to put an effort in. You can't just show up to a task and quit or the Goblet may judge you." The first task Harry had was something she could make sense of at the moment.

"Just drop it for the day. We can worry about that tomorrow," he told her.

"Harry, but it's on the twenty-sixth," she started.

"Hermione, tomorrow."

After a moment she nodded.

When they made it to McGonagall's office, it was locked, and she didn't answer after they knocked. They were about to give up when the familiar clack of boots echoed in the second-floor corridor. "Granger, Potter, what are you doing here?"

"We need some help, and I was hoping you could," she told her Professor.

Walking up to them, she looked into their faces. "I wasn't planning on office hours today, but why don't you both come in. You look like you both have something on your minds."

"You can say that," Harry snarked.

McGonagall snorted. "I bet. Come on in."

She took up behind a large mahogany desk while they took up the comfortable chairs on the door side of the desk. Harry made sure the door was closed behind them. "I am sure you want to know if we have any more details, Potter."

"Yes, Professor, but that is not why we are here," Harry spoke up.

"Harry, if she has other information, we should hear it," Hermione told him.

"Hermione, that's not important right now," he countered.

She didn't give an impressed face. "But what if Dumbledore or Head Bones found a way for you to get out?"

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. She turned to the Professor, not feeling happy with Harry at the moment. They could work out what was going on with her later. "I can tell you both, there has been no change from yesterday that I am aware of. On a more personal note, Potter, my door will always be open to you. It always is for any Gryffindor."

Harry nodded. "Thank you, Professor."

"Now, if Potter's predicament is not why you came, what is the reason?"

Harry looked to her. She wasn't sure if she was ready for answers or anything this might bring. There was nothing for it though. "Professor, over the summer I found out I was adopted. My parents don't know who my birth parents were having been left outside an emergency room."

"I am sorry to hear that, but I had the impression your parents regarded you as their daughter," McGonagall responded.

"Show her the letters," Harry encouraged.

McGonagall's eyes rose. "Am I to understand that you may have found something that you think might be your real parents?"

"Birth parents. My parents are my real parents," she said a little forcibly. It was something she had decided she would never change her mind or heart on.

"Granger, I didn't mean any offense," the woman said in a kinder voice, her heard taskmaster face had grown sympathetic.

She let out a voice. "It's not Granger, Professor. At least not according to the Ministry." She took out the letters from her pocket and McGonagall looked surprised.

"You are not a Muggleborn?"

"I don't know what I am. According to these letters, I am a Black," Hermione told her. McGonagall showed real shock on her face. Hermione extended them to her. "Can you help us understand these?"

McGonagall took the offered letters. "I am not sure I am the one who should be going over any of this with you. This could be a sensitive family or House matter, Gran... Black."

"We don't have anyone else to turn to," she replied.

McGonagall looked at her and then Harry. "I know Potter's great-grandmother was a Black, but I don't think this is something I should discuss before him."

"Professor, if the letters we got today are correct, I have been declared Regent of House Black," Harry spoke up, pulling out his letters.

The woman looked really shocked and sat back in her seat. She looked at them for a few before looking at the letters in her hands. "Alula is a pretty name," she commented.

"I prefer Hermione. This all paperwork, correct?"

McGonagall looked at the envelopes. "This is a Ministry seal. Only those given such seals can use one and no one would dare imitate anything from Gringotts. All their mail is enchanted, and the seals can only be broken by the one it was meant for or their parents or Head-of-House. Would you mind if I look at any of it?"

"We were hoping you would," Harry replied.

Hermione and him sat for a few as McGonagall looked over their paperwork. She bit her lip, chewing on it gently while Harry fidgeted in his seat every so often. With a sigh, McGonagall put down the last sheet. "I will need to see if the school registry has changed, but it looks official, Ms. Black. I would say congratulations, but I am unsure how you both feel about this."

Harry sat back heavily in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "Bloody hell," he commented in a soft voice.

"Have you both read through all of this?"

"Not yet, it's been a little shocking," Hermione admitted. "Do you know who Regulus Black and Elizabeth Cornwallis are?"

McGonagall leaned back in her chair and took her glasses off for a moment. "I remember most who have come through these halls in the almost seventy years I have taught here. I remember Regulus and Elizabeth. Regulus is the brother of Sirius Black. He was three years behind Harry's parents and his brother. He was a quiet boy, Slytherin and known to have gotten caught up with You-Know-Who. I am surprised with Elizabeth. She was a Hufflepuff that was a year above him and a Muggleborn. A very pretty girl. I can see the resemblance to her now that I am looking for it."

McGonagall put her glasses on and picked up the betrothal contract. "This would only be active if you had been recognized as a Black and Arcturus named Regulus, or you, his heir. Arcturus was a bit of a maverick, like Sirius, and he must have tried to find a way to protect you and your mother. Your great-grandfather was killed about four months before the war ended, as was your grandfather, I am sorry to tell you, Black."

Hermione pursed her lips. Just like Harry had lost his entire family at the end of the war, it appeared she had as well. His hand reached across the divide between the chairs, and he took her hand. "I'm sorry, Hermione."

She just nodded.

"It is not really for me to say anything, but I might recommend you contact a Solicitor to help you with this. I am sure once this becomes public there will be challenges to your status. From what I know, there are a few Blacks that could claim this, though if you really are Regulus' daughter, your claim to the House of Black is absolute."

Hermione had no clue about any of this. She had never studied the archaic and often barbaric ways of the old wizarding families.

"There are a few things we do need to handle today. According to this paperwork you are both emancipated now. If Harry is Regent of House Black and Potter, we need to update our paperwork. From this point forward all official mail and notices shall only go to you. Ms. Black, Mr. Potter will become your magical guardian for anything you cannot legal do until you are fully of-age," McGonagall stated.

"You aren't going to change my name on everything, are you?" she enquired.

"That would be up to your regent. According to this letter, Potter can send in a letter declaring your name, but if you are to claim your rights as a Black, you need to maintain the name. There is importance in our world and magic to a bloodline name," McGonagall replied in a kind tone.

"I have no idea what I am doing," Harry said, sounding slightly panicked.

"Potter, it will be alright. I have a few solicitors I can get you in touch with that I trust. One of them is the husband to one of your relatives," McGonagall replied.

"Wait, Harry and I are cousins!" Hermione suddenly blurted out.

Harry visibly paled.

McGonagall had started to rummage in her desk and looked up. "I believe you would be third cousins, yes. There is no law or stigma against that, Black. Here, I will write down the information on Solicitor Theodore Tonks and Solicitor Renee Estella. The Tonks are relatives of you both. If you need either of them to come here or if you need to leave, myself or someone else can escort you to meet them. You should also take this, Potter. If Black would like to keep her name, you should send that out now. I can't officially change your name back to Hermione until that is completed."

They stayed with Professor McGonagall for a little bit, addressing letters to the Magical Records Department and one to a Theodore Tonks. "We can send this letter out and I will change your name back to Hermione Jean once I get confirmation, Ms. Black."

"Thank you, Professor," she replied, still feeling off.

"If you do not mind, I can contact Solicitor Tonks and probably hand deliver your letter to him today," Professor McGonagall offered.

"I think it best the sooner we can talk with him," Harry answered.

The Professor nodded. "Lastly, Black, because you're betrothed to Potter, and he is now considered from a different school and he has been provided his own quarters, you are eligible to sleep, or even stay, in his quarters. If you decide to do so, let me know."

She blinked for a moment. Harry looked a little shocked. "Thank you, Professor," Hermione answered for them. She wasn't sure she wanted to be that intimate with him yet. Hermione would be lying to say she wasn't attracted to Harry or want to date him... this just felt too fast.

"My door is always open. Potter, I want to say again, I should not have acted so sever to you yesterday morning. My door is always open to you and Ms. Black if you need anything. Again, congratulations," said Professor McGonagall. Her tone was congratulatory and sad at the same time.

"Thank you, Professor."

They walked out of her office. It was later morning, and she needed some answered.

"You want to go to the library to find out what this betrothal really means, don't you?" Harry enquired.

Was she that transparent or were they really that good friends? She decided it was probably the later. "I want to start figuring out how you are going to get though the first task. You are sure you were not given any other information yesterday?"

"I told you everything that was said," he stated.

She pursed her lips. "Maybe we can see what types of tasks have been done in the past?"

"You don't want to address our betrothal and everything else?" Harry asked her.

"We have the rest of our lives to do that, as long as you survive the next few months," she informed him, more worried for his safety than the fact they were betrothed at the moment. Maybe in a day or two it might really hit her what was going on.

Harry took her hand. She blinked and looked at it. Harry didn't initiate contact. "I'll be alright. You should..."

"Harry, I will sort all this out later. We are going to figure out how to get you through this bloody damned tournament first. The betrothal doesn't require us to marry until we are eighteen and unless you have other plans, I don't see myself getting pregnant in the next three weeks," she said irritated.

Harry blushed immediately. "Uhm... no... no plans to do that."

She realized what she had said, and her own face and neck felt like it heated up. All this being thrown at them was really unbalancing her. "Come on," she said, hoping to not have that conversation right now or in the middle of the hall outside Professor McGonagall's Office.

-oOo-

Later that night...

Hermione walked up to her dorm, the thoughts in her head a swirl of emotions, analysis and worry. Harry and her had spent the day in the library, buried in a corner that was seldomly used. What they had found did not make either of them feel settled. She had done reading on what the tournament was and how many died, which was why it had been canceled a hundred years back. The details of the tasks left her wondering how anyone had survived.

She was so wrapped up in her thought, she missed the looks of curiosity, or the more worrying ones.

Opening the door, she went to her bed, put the four books down that she had checked out, then just sat on the edge of the bed. Her thoughts kept cycling between the letter saying she was a Black. More importantly, she was the heir to the Blacks. On top of that, her parents had been a pureblood and a Muggleborn, meaning she was actually a half-blood, like Harry. Both of them were of old houses with long traditions. Neither of them had any clue what that meant or was.

The fact was she was a member of a House that she knew most considered Dark, having a few of its members serving Voldemort. Her stomach hurt a little to think of that. At least Sirius was alright... wait, Sirius was her uncle! Her real uncle.

Then her thought would float to the fact she was engaged to be married... well, more like sold to be married. She had taken one book out on The Pure Traditions of Wizarding Society. For the last hour, after she left Harry, she had been in a classroom reading it and then looking at the betrothal contract. Essentially, the way it was written, Harry was her Lord, with all the privileges, responsibilities and ownership that entailed.

She knew Harry would never do some of things the book said was law, she couldn't keep herself from feeling repulsed. She would have to look up some of the laws referenced or talk with Solicitor Tonks when they could.

Then there was the fact she was engaged to Harry. She wouldn't deny that made her swoon a little. She loved Harry as a friend. He was her best friend. He had been there for her whenever she needed him. Did she love him though?

Hermione knew she was attracted to him. If he had asked her into Hogsmeade this year, she had not lied she would have said yes, whether it was just as friends, or more. She wanted more...

Then her thoughts would cycle back to the fact Harry had to survive to have more, and the cycle would start again.

She was in the middle of reconciling herself that she was a Black when the door opened.

"Where have you been all day," Lavender asked in her bubbly voice, just about bouncing over to the bed opposite her. Parvati was right behind her. "It's all over the castle that Harry has been expelled."

"Harry wasn't expelled," Hermione snapped.

"Then why was he thrown out of Gryffindor last night and where was he all day? Did you really have to go into Hogsmeade to see him?" Parvati pressed, sounding like she was thirsty for any juicy details.

Hermione huffed. "Harry was not expelled. I did not have to go into Hogsmeade to see him. We have been in the library most of the day, thank you very much," she snapped at them, the stress breaking with their inane prattle.

The girl's smiles didn't lesson as Parvati took up a spot in her bed next to Lavender. "What about the rumors you kissed him, thinking he was never coming back? And if he wasn't expelled, why was he moved?"

"We didn't kiss. God! You two are awful! The bloody cup kicked him out of Hogwarts because each school can only have one champion. He is considered home schooled now. Because of that, he can't dorm with the Gryffindors. He had his own quarters now so he can still be here," Hermione exploded, jumping up and starting to pace up and down. She rarely gave these two this much information, but she felt right to burst with what had come out.

"Before you go on and spread any more rumors, Harry did not put his name in that blasted goblet. He does not want to participate, but he is required too. I am telling you now, leave him the bloody hell alone and tell all the girls if they find him suddenly fanciful, I will curse them myself and I have learned some curses in the last few years," she told them, unable to control her temper.

The smiles grew on their faces. "So, you are dating, Potter. Ron has been complaining about it all day that Potter gets everything," Lavender asked.

She whirled on them, and for the first time they both dropped the smile and looked at a half-crazed girl that looked about ready to curse them and had the power to do it as her hair spread with static as her magic seemed to come unhinged. "What. Did. Ronald. Say?"

Parvati answered after a moment. "Ron has been going off all day about how Harry always gets all the attention. He was the one saying Harry and you were now together. He has also been raving about why Harry didn't tell him he was going to enter." Hermione looked thunderous. "Hermione, many of us don't think Harry entered himself and Lavender and I wouldn't say anything about you two dating until we asked you about it first."

"You mean tease her until she admits it," Lavender said in an apparent attempt to lighten the mood.

Hermione screamed and stomped her foot. "I hate this school," she screamed out. The bullying had been bad in primary, but the rumor mill and the way opinion was constantly changing about Harry for thigs no one understood or even cared to look into was beyond infuriating.

Both her roommates looked taken aback. Lavender stood up. "Hermione, Parvati and I don't mean anything by this, you know that, right?"

"No, I don't! You two have always been all about rumors and telling everyone what you find out. For all I know, you are the ones that have started half the rumors that Harry had had to deal with," Hermione spat venomously at them.

Both looked stricken. "We may collect rumors, but Lav and I never spread anything we are not certain is true. We have never said anything about Harry, or anyone else in Gryffindor, unless we confirmed with the person first."

Hermione screamed again before collapsing to the floor, everything just overwhelming her this time. Both her roommates rushed to her. "Just leave me alone. You have never cared before," she told them when Lavender put a hand on her arm.

"You never opened up to us before," Lavender said quietly. "Hermione, I know we may not always see eye to eye, but we are roommates. Parv and I would like to be your friend, but your always so involved with Harry and Ron. None of you let anyone else in."

Hermione felt hot tears at her eyes. "No one has never seemed interested besides that fact Harry is the Boy-Who-Lived and that bad things just keep happening around him. I hate this school," she reiterated. Tears were starting to run down her cheeks.

"Hermione, Parv and I will give you are word if you need to talk, we will listen and not repeat anything," Lavender assured her.

Hermione really needed to talk to someone about this that wasn't Harry, and she didn't trust Ron, or even think he would understand. "I found out who my real parents are today. My dead grandfather unwittingly put me into a betrothal. Harry is in the tournament. He can't die this time," she tearily said.

She stiffened when Lavender pulled her into a hug and Parvati sandwiched her between them. After a moment, she just broke down into great racking sobs. As strong as she was, apparently even Hermione Granger... Black, had a breaking point.

She told them what she could about what had really happened the last three years, without breaking any of Harry's secrets, ending with the letters they received today. The three of them were sitting on the floor, Lavender and Parvati looking shocked and sympathetic.

"Merlin, I am sorry we ever said anything. I really didn't know some of the rumors you seemed to confirm were so wrong," Parvati said.

"You are really a Black? You were adopted? As in related to Sirius Black? Who isn't a mass murder? And Bellatrix Lestrange, who is a mass murder?" Lavender put to her.

Hermione's eyes went wide. "I am related to Bellatrix Lestrange?"

"She was a Black. I think mum said there were three sisters. Bellatrix, Narcissa and Andromeda, I believe," said Lavender.

Hermione sniffed. "Sirius Black is my uncle."

"Bloody hell," Lavender exclaimed.

"Are you really betrothed? To whom?" Parvati asked.

"I am not going to say until we talk about how we want to tell people," Hermione replied. "You swear you two will not repeat anything I told you?"

Lavender mimed zipping her lips while Parvati put a hand over her heart, "May Vishnu take me if I do," the Indian girl swore.

Hermione gave them a small smile. It was getting late. "We should get to bed. I am meeting Harry about eight tomorrow."

Lavender gave her a loo and then a small smile. "You should. You wouldn't want to keep your betrothed waiting."

"Harry won't min... you little minx," Hermione snapped at Lavender, who laughed.

"So, it is Harry!"

"I am not confirming or denying anything until I talk with him," Hermione informed them.

Parvati giggled. "You just broke half the girls' hearts in the castle."

"I am not saying anything yet," Hermione told them, not a little desperate.

"Hermione, we won't say anything. If you need help, Parv and I will be there for you. We are roommates, and your friends," Lavender soothed.

Hermione looked at both of them before nodding. "Thank you."

She went to bed about twenty minutes later feeling better than she had when she walked into the room. Tomorrow, someone was sure to find out about her new name, but she was positive it would not come from Lavender or Parvati.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 4

November 3, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry woke to find a fire going in the fireplace, a steaming pot of hot water for tea, two tea cups with a selection of teas and two bacon sandwiches on muffins in the sitting area. His stomach growled to smell the still hot bacon and to see some fried tomatoes and a melted cheese on top of the muffins.

"Who did this? Hermione?"

There was a soft squeak from a corner. Harry looked around towards the side of a sofa. "Who's there?"

"Please don't be upset with Esma, Master Harry, sir," the sound of an elf came to him.

Harry blinked. "Why would I be upset with you," he asked, remembering the way Dobby acted. "Who are you?"

A house elf came out. She was in a dress that had a badge on the left breast. "Esma has been a bad elf. Esma not being able to find Master Harry since he was a baby. Not until yesterday. Esma is being a good house elf. She is not being seen. She saw what Master Harry ate yesterday morning and thought Master Harry and Mistress Black would like the same."

She grabbed her ears and wriung them something fierce. Harry knelt down and stopped her. "Esma, you aren't in trouble. Just stop, please."

The elf looked at him with large, water eyes. Looking at the badge, he realized it wasn't a Hogwarts patch. "Alright. Start from the beginning, Esma. Who are you and you do you serve?"

"I's be serving the House of Potter, Master Harry. I's being one of two elves still serving the Potters," she told him, tears forming in her eyes. "Esma being bad. Esma not being able to find Master Harry after Mistress Lily..." the elf let out a sob. "... after Mistress Lily died. Esma not knowing why. Esma keep up Mistress Lily house as asked. I swear, Master Harry."

"Esma, it's alright. Just take a breath," Harry tried to calm the elf as she broke down. This isn't going well, Harry thought to himself. "Esma, you are not in trouble. I don't want you to punish yourself or blame yourself, so you understand me?"

She was still crying and nodded vigorously. It took a good ten minutes to calm the elf. When she was trying to wipe her nose with her arm, he conjured a handkerchief and gave it to her. She looked up at him, adoration in her eyes. "Oh, master's mum was just as kind."

"When you are ready, can you please tell me about the other elf and what you have been doing?"

"But master's breakfast is getting cold. The warming charms only last so long and his mistress is not here," she told him.

He tried to keep his flush down at mention of Hermione like that. "Hermione was expecting to see me in the Great Hall."

The elf looked stricken. "Esma thought mistress would be coming," she said distressed.

"Esma, look at me," Harry told her. The elf looked at him, meeting his eyes. "You have done nothing wrong. We didn't know about you and you didn't know our plans."

A knock came at his door. He sighed. Hermione was not going to take this kindly. "Come in," he called out.

Hermione opened the door and her eyes immediately found Harry kneeling down and the crying elf. "Harry, what have done?"

He let out a nervous laugh. "Why do you think I have done something?"

She gave him an unimpressed look. "There is a crying house elf."

He sighed again and decided to just rip off the bandage. "Hermione, this is Esma. One of two house elves still serving House Potter."

Hermione's eyes grew wide before her hands went to her mouth. "Oh, Harry."

Esma stood up and gave a shaky curtsy. "Mistress Black," the house elf greeted Hermione.

"Harry, you have to release her right now," Hermione said in a low voice.

Esma's face crumpled and huge crocodile tears started to stream down the elves face. "Esma didn't mean to be a bad elf. Esma do better. Esma serve the House of Potter and the regent Mistress. Please, let Esma make it up. Esma will work all day and night..."

"No! Don't do that," Hermione shreiked. Esma recoiled as though struck.

"Hermione, stop," Harry scolded her to see Esma's reaction.

"Harry! We can't have a slave!"

"Esma be a good house elf," the elf said in a pitiable voice, grabbing her ears and pulling hard. Harry shot his hand out and stopped her.

"Esma, please don't do that," Harry told her. The elf stopped.

Her blue eyes met his. "Please," she begged.

He took a calming breath. Hermione was glaring at him. Since meeting Winky this past summer, she had been ranting about elves having to choice but to serve. Harry had only met two elves and they had been very different. Dobby wanted to be be free becuase he was being abused. Winky wanted to stay with her family. The screams of the elf when she was presented clothes had really stuck with him. "Esma, why do still want to work for me... for us?"

"Esma loves her family. Esma is the eighth in her line to serve the Potters. Esma was still young when she was bonded to Mistress Lily and House Potter. Esma did wrong in not protecting master when he was young, but Esma couldn't get to him," she said, her tears still streaming. "Esma doesn't want anothe family... Esma not find another family if given clothes. Esma not want to die. Esma want to serve her family."

Hermoine squeeked. "Die? What do you mean die?"

Harry felt a little shaken as well. The elf looked to Hermione. "If house elf is given clothes, their magic start fading. Depending on strength of magic from family, an elf can live a while, but we will grow sick without new magic," Esma said.

Hermione just stared at the elf for a moment. "Are you saying you live off the magic of a wizard or witch?"

Esma nodded.

Harry blinked. "Oh, God. It's a symbiotic relationship," Hermione uttered.

Harry looked to her, starting to follow her train of thought. The elf served the wizard, and in turn the wizard gave the elf magic. "You mean when I freed Dobby...?" he trailed off.

There was a very soft crack a second later. Harry started and reached for his wand. Dobby, the green eyed house elf in a very clean white burlp bag with a Hogwarts Crest on his chest, was suddenly standing between them, looking guilty. "Master Harry call?"

"Oh, bloody hell," Harry cursed.

"Harry," Hermione scolded him.

"Please don't give clothes to Esma," the other elf said, sounding little more than a frightened child.

Harry looked to Hermione. After a moment, she looked close to tears. "No, we give you clothes Esma."

Esma let out a soft wail and slumped to the floor. Harry put a hand on her back for comfort. He looked to Dobby. "You are the second Potter elf?"

Dobby rubbed his foot into the floor. "Dobby is a free elf. Dobby can choose who to serve."

"Why do you have a Hogwarts crest on then?" Hermione asked.

Dobby looked even guiltier. "Dobby is keeping Master Harry safe over the summer, but the Great Harry is not allowed elves at Hogwarts, so Dobby find a way to serve the Great Harry and now he serve the Great Hermione," Dobby told them.

Harry shook his head. "Wait, I don't understand. You are a free elf?"

"Dobby was," Dobby told him.

"You bonded with Harry?" Hermione was piecing things together.

Dobby nodded. "The Great Harry was so good to Dobby, that when the Headmaster offered Dobby to bond with Hogwarts, he decided to bond with Master Harry, and work for Hogwarts to serve him."

Hermione and him were speechless for a moment. "Right, to get this straight. Esma and you are Potter elves. You decided on your own what do, without letting me know what you did?"

Dobby reached for an ear. "Dobby knew the Great Harry wanted Dobby to be free. So Dobby did as master wanted."

"God," Hermione said again. Esma was starting to hold of herself again, blowing into the conjured handkerchief. "You said you couldn't serve Harry here? Why is Esma here?"

"Master is a guest. Guests is allowed their own elves. Mistress is allowed Esma and Dobby because she is to be a Potter," Esma said through sniffles.

"Makes sense," Harry remarked, having no clue if it did or not.

Hermione gave a nervous chuckle. "What about Winky? At the World Cup she was freed..."

Dobby cringed. "Winky is working for Hogwarts, but she is being a sad elf. She not want to bond and is already drinking too much butterbeer."

Esma hissed, "A good elf is not drinking when work is to be done."

"That is awful," said Hermione.

They were interrupted by a tap on the window. Hedwig was on the sill, flapping her wings to stay on it. Harry got up and moved to the window. When he let her in, she balanced the ledge and held out her leg. Harry took the letter and she flew to a perch a a corner of the room. Hermione was starting to talk to the two elves about Winky and opened the letter after looking at the name on it.

After a moment, he looked up. "Can we finish this conversation later today? Solicitor Tonks has agreed to meet with us about ten. He will be in Professor McGonagall's office. I would like to eat before we head over there."

Hermione didn't look happy. "Fine."

"Dobby and Esma, thank you. Would you both meet with us again later? Until then, please do as you need," Harry told them.

"Yes, Master Harry," Esma said, bowing. "Mistress Black." Esma snapped her fingers and was gone.

Dobby still looked a little uneasy. "Would the Great Harry and the Misses Black please consider Winky?"

"We will talk about it, Dobby," Harry assured the elf.

Dobby bowed and was gone. Hermione looked at Harry worriedly. "We have to find a way to free them."

Harry nodded. "I think one of us should adopt Winky," he told her.

She frowned, but didn't say anything.

At ten, they met a shorter man with a broad smile, pleasant brown eyes and a balding head by an unused office near McGonagall's. "Theodore Tonks. You can call me Ted or Solicitor Tonks, which ever floats your boat."

"It is nice to meet you sir. Could you please call me Hermione?"

"Of course, Hermione," the man said jovially.

"And this is Mr. Potter, Ms. Blacks betrothed and regent of House Black and Potter," Professor McGonagall introduced them.

"Very pleased to meet you, Mr. Potter. Would you prefer Harry or Mr. Potter?"

"Harry, sir," he replied.

"Now that the introductions are done, you are allowed to use this office as much as you need. If you need to leave the grounds, please let me know," McGonagall told them.

It took a few minutes to get settled and when all the paperwork was put on the desk. He made sure that all three of them signed a Client Confidentiality paper before Ted took the two piles. "I assume both of you knew nothing about this before yesterday?"

"No, sir. It was a bit of a shock," Hermione replied.

The man nodded and then sighed. "This isn't the first time I have dealt with generational betrothal contracts. My wife narrowly avoided one when we eloped just out of Hogwarts. My wife used to be a Black, Ms. Black, so she knew your father and that this was a very common practice for your family."

"I just found out about all this yesterday. Before then, I only knew of Sirius Black and Narcissa Malfoy. Who is your wife?" Hermione enquired.

"Andromeda. She was the eldest sister of the three Black girls of Orion. Andromeda, Bellatrix and Narcissa," he said, starting to look at the piles.

"Oh," Hermione said worriedly.

"When you say Bellatrix, you don't mean Bellatrix Lestrange?" Harry asked.

"Unfortunetaly. Andi said she was a very sweet, and some what naïve girl, but had the knack for the Black battle magic. Somehow the Dark Lord took her in and corrupted her. Andi does not recognize her as family anymore. Not that she could if she wanted to. Lord Black dissowned her after she married me," the man said as though it was old news.

"I'm sorry, Solicitor Tonks," Hermione said. "Do I have anyone that is good from my birth family?"

The man chuckled. "Andromeda will want to meet you. Sirius was always her favorite. Well, that was until your parents, Harry," the man said, lifting another page.

"Sirius is innocent," Harry told the man with some conviction.

Ted stopped and looked up. There was a slight frown on his face. After a moment, the man asked, "Why do you say that? Minerva did give me a little bit of your background. You do know the man is the one that led to your parents death?"

"It was actually Peter Pettigrew, but no one would listen to us," Hermione put in.

"He also never stood trial, so how does everyone know he was the one?" Harry added.

The man noddd after a moment. "I see. I would like to talk about that more later. Now, I understand you are fifteen, Hermione, and Harry is fourteen. A contract like this is usually not active until you are seventeen. Do you know why it is active now?"

"If you look further down, you will find the Ministry said we are emancipated," Hermione told the man.

He flipped through a few more parchments and then said, "Ah, I see. So, this is in strictest client confidentiality, and it is best we are honest with each other, but I have to ask. Did you enter the tournament of your own free will?"

"No. I did not," he said a little angrily. "As much as others think I did."

Harry met the man's eyes for a moment before Ted nodded. "Do you have a copy of the rules and the contract?"

"The contract is my pile," Harry indicated the pile to the right of Ted. "I have not received any rules, but Hermione and I have gone through the contract."

"There was no escape or other clause I could see that would allow Harry to leave the contest without challenging the Goblet of Fire or giving something up," Hermione said. "How could they make children sign such a contract?"

Solicitor Tonks frowned again as he looked for the contract. "That is a good question, Hermione. Harry, do you want out of this competition?"

"Yes," he said without reservation.

"Even if it meant your emancipation is overturned? Either way, you will both still be bound by the betrothal contract. That cannot be overturned without either of you breaking a clause, and from what I saw, you do not want to do that," Ted told them, reading over the contract for the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

"Bloody hell," Harry swore.

"Harry," Hermione admonished.

Ted chuckled. "It's quite alright, Hermione. I am sure I would have some rather choice words if I was stuck in the same situation."

They fell into a silence as Ted read through the paperwork. Hermione extended her hand and Harry took it. It was comforting to have her hand in his. After a bit, Ted took out a pad and a ball point pen and started to take notes.

"Did you finish our Rune's work," Hermione asked.

Harry snorted. "When? I've been a little preoccupied the last few days.

Her hand squeazed his. "I know. How about we do that later?"

"My room?"

She nodded.

It was a good thirty minutes before Ted looked up at them. "I would like to take copies of all this and go through it again. There are some clauses between the Black Regency paperwork, the betrothal and the tournament contract I would just like to review more."

"So, they are all legally binding," Hermione asked.

"Quite. As of October thirty-first, you are both emancipated, betrothed to each other and Harry is your regent, Hermione. I would like to take you both to Gringotts today to get everything ratified and confirmed," he told them.

"The goblins work on a Sunday?" Harry asked surprised.

"Indeed they do. Before we go, I would like to ask you both a few questions," Ted told them.

"What questions?" Hermione enquired.

The man regarded them. "Even though you are emancipated, neither of you will have full access to your accounts until you are twenty-one or get married. The trust funds you both have are large, but you will not be able to access any of your properties, heirlooms or other belongings until then."

"Oh, really? How much do we have," Hermione asked.

"I have a trust vault?" Harry asked confused. "I thought that was all the money my parents had."

"I am unaware how much either of you have right now, but the betrothal contract said you are each to have access to five percent of your overall balance in a trust vault. Part of why I want to go to Gringotts is that we can get copies of your parents wills," Ted told them.

Harry nodded and Hermione looked perplexed. "You said you wanted to ask us a question. What did you want to ask?"

The man chuckled. "She's bright one," Ted said to Harry jokingly.

"You have no idea," Harry retorted, earning him a, "Harry James!" from Hermione.

"My first question is, when would you like get married? According to the contract, you can wed as early as thirteen," Ted asked them.

Harry thought all the colour drained from his face. "What?"

Hermione blinked a few times. "Thirteen? They wanted children to be married! I mean, I'm only fifteen."

"Yes, you are. By Wizengamot laws, no one under the age of thirteen can be emancipated. This contract says you need to be married within a year of your majority, or eighteen, which ever is first," he told them.

They both sat there for a moment, not looking at each other. Eventually, Hermione asked, "So, that means we need to get married by Halloween?"

Harry felt a cold shiver go through him.

Ted shook his head. "Being emancipated does not mean you have come into your majority. It does mean that you are recognized as your own witch or wizard before the law and the trace is removed from you, but it does not mean you are capable of taking up headships, Lord rights or access to any accounts held until you are seventeen or whatever age has been stipulated by your parents wills or your family charter."

Harry let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

Hermione nodded, looking a little relieved. After a moment, she looked at Harry.

"Being emancipated does have a few perks with your betrothal," Ted told them. Before Hermione could ask, the man went on. You are not applicable to take your OWL's and NEWT's early, and at the Ministry, instead of Hogwarts. If you want, it also allows you to ask for private quarters. Usually that would only be allowed to married couples, but by this document, you two are already consider bound, otherwise Harry would not be able to be Regent Black."

"You mean we are already married?" Hermione asked in a more shrill voice.

"Essentially. If you were to become, ah, active with each other, any child would be recognized as your blood. There would be no contest to who would be heir by other family members. Hermione, unfortunately you do not get your full rights as an Heiress or Lady until you marry Harry. Until then, he will be your Regent," Ted replied.

"I already have private quarters. The cup kicked be out of Hogwarts," Harry stated unhappily.

"I had not realized that. That gives you both another option. Hermione can be considered a guest student if you wish to withdraw her," Ted said to Harry.

Hermione blinked. "What?"

Ted gave them both an indulgent smile. "Harry is your Regent. You are betrothed. I grew up a muggleborn like both of you. As backwards as it sounds, our society is very patriarchial. With Harry being your regent, he pretty much has total say over your life. Most houses don't exercise those rights or the family charters have been changed to allow more freedom, but I know the Blacks are a very old family that firmly believed in tradition."

"I will never do that unless you want," Harry got out as fast as he could.

Hermione looked at Ted dumbfounded. Her mouth opened and closed a few time. "I... you mean... he... the regent... Are you telling me Harry owns me?"

"I wouldn't quite say it that way. I am just saying Harry will need to approve any major decisions. Like what job you could take. Who you could marry. Where and if you go to school. Whether you share an apartment or room with him. My wife grew up a Black. She knows the rules better than I. Even with this control, the Blacks are known to be a bit maverick at times. This has usually led to that member either being disinherited, or even cast out of the family," Ted told them.

"Hermione, I swear I won't do that," Harry affirmed.

Hermione looked a little shellshocked. Out of everything in the last few days, this was the largest shock. She could accept that she would have to marry Harry some day. She really liked him. He seemed to like him. But... but for Harry to have this much control over her was...was... "Barbaric," she uttered.

"I won't argue that," Ted replied after a moment.

She bit her lip, worrying for a moment. "We have no choice in this?"

"There are always choices. It is just what are you willing to accept. If either of you walk away from this, I will guarantee you end up a squib. If you go through with this, I will promise that my wife and I will do all we can to make this as good as it can be. Andromeda may not say it, but she has a high regard for her house and I think she would take a shine to you, Hermione. Harry as well," Ted tried to soothe her.

After a moment, Hermione turned to Harry. "Do you really like me?"

He smirked, trying to leaven the situation. "You're alright."

She took her hand out of his before lightly backhanding his arm. "You prat!"

His smirk faded. "Hermione, I like you."

After a moment, her anger subsided. "I like you too." She snorted. "I really just wanted you to ask me out on a date this year."

"I still can," Harry offered.

She looked a little more hopeful, as though waiting for him to say something. Ted leaned over, "I would counsel this is the time to ask her."

Harry felt his face heat a little. "Would you go to Hogsmead with me?"

Hermione bit her lip again before nodded. "I want to talk to my parents."

"I think that prudent, but I must also press getting to Gringotts today is imperative," Ted told them.

"Can we see my parents first?" Hermione requested.

"Of course. We can take the Knight Bus," Ted offered.

"Brilliant," Harry said dejectedtly. That was one of least favorite ways to travel by magic.

-oOo-