Hello, darlings! Since I am going to make Christmas cards with my sisters tomorrow, you get you chapter today! Enjoy. To those of the Jewish faith, Happy Hanukkah! Thank you all for reading!
Chapter 4: Welcome, Hermione.
She put off going through her mother's jewelry until the 8th. Every time she thought about it or started to, her stomach twisted, her mouth went dry, and her breathing turned shallow. When she backed off the symptoms stopped. She remembered as a young child being enthralled with the beauty inside those chests. But at some point, she felt like a child pretending. She would never be a beauty, she knew her looks were at best pleasant. The glittering jewels were wasted on her. Giving herself a stern pep talk she marched into her parent's room and flung open the door of the standing jewelry chest. Maybe she should shrink it and bring the whole thing? No need to go through it. No amount of fancy wrapping would hide her flaws. She would never have anyone to appreciate it. She shouldn't flaunt her wealth in front of those that had less. She shook her head again and ignoring the thrum of her head, thrust her hand in and blindly picked up the first thing she came to. Delicate filigree gold wrapped around brown oval stones. She thought they might be chocolate diamonds. A crest stamped just about the stone's webbed cage caught her eye. For a moment her mind couldn't process what she was looking at. Her heartbeat hammered in her head. She struggled to take a deep breath. A flash of light startled her. She looked again. A very tiny badger looked back. The crest of Helga Hufflepuff shone on the earrings. Hermione staggered backward as a flood of memories washed over her.
A tiny Hermione and Eleanor going through the chests, Eleanor explaining the history of each piece, some from Eleanor's family others from Malcolm's, all intended to be Hermione someday. An excited Hermione mentioning to Dumbledore about having seen Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw's crest before coming to Hogwarts during her first year. "That bastard!" she screamed. She had never had high self-esteem about her looks, but her disinterest in trying coincided with her aversion to her mother's jewelry. Dumbledore played with her mind and memory. She forgot mentioning the crest, hell, she forgot ever having seen it. Then the manipulative monster played on her insecurities to keep her from exploring fashion, jewelry, makeup, and the like. If he wasn't already dead she would have killed him. How could someone do that to a child? Force her to think she was barely above ugly, that her only positive quality was her brain? She shrank down all the various chests and boxes and stored them in the luggage.
Feeling vulnerable and angry, she set out for Eleanor's favorite beauty salon. The hostess wrinkled her nose initially until Hermione dropped Eleanor's name and flashed her black card. "Let me check who is available." She came back with the salon owner.
"Miss Granger, welcome. How is your mother?"
"Somewhere in India up to her elbows in molars and loving every second of it." Hermione lied. "Call me Hermione, please."
"What can we do for you, Hermione?"
"It has recently come to my attention that I have allowed a man to control how I think and feel about my looks, causing me to ignore them. These curls need attention, and I need your help to give it to them."
"Of course, angel, let's get you started."
Over the next hour, a perky blonde named Rachel went over curl types and showed Hermione how to maintain hers. How to keep her mixed curls from frizzing, and how to hydrate them properly. "Not all curly hair is super drying. A lot are like a sponge full of holes, the moisture just runs out. You have the opposite, a sponge with no holes if you will. You need products that can penetrate in to hydrate." She shampooed Hermione's hair, she started by trimming off the dead ends. She shaped it into flattering layers. She demonstrated every technique she used to style her hair.
Staring at her reflection once Rachel pronounced herself done, Hermione couldn't keep the wide smile from spreading across her face. "You are a miracle worker."
You have gorgeous hair, it just needed a little care. Now, off you pop, onto Alana. She's going to give you a facial and go over some cosmetics basics." She shooed her client over to another section of the salon.
Alana asked a few questions about her preferences. Then showed her how to create a natural look. She occasionally mentioned how to do something different for a more formal event, or a moment when Hermione might want to look a little more dramatic. Hours later Hermione purchased every product used on her or recommended by the staff. She left a healthy tip for each of them. "I know you rearranged things to fit me in. Thank you."
"Any woman held back by a man deserves the attention and care to release the hidden goddess. Go knock him dead, sweetheart." Rachel told her.
Using magic she shrank all of the luggage down and stored it in one wheeled case. She cast the spell to make the house unplottable and strengthened the muggle repelling charm. Then with a deep breath, she apparated to King's Cross Station. Wearing one of her glamours she went through the barrier and slipped into a shadowy corner to watch for Voldemort's envoys. Years of running, hiding, and fighting meant she didn't quite trust anyone anymore. Even at the risk of losing his magic, she wasn't sure they wouldn't try something. Five minutes to ten the barrier flared. She watched Rabastan Lestrange, Lucius Malfoy, and a younger man she didn't recognize step onto the platform. They looked around while walking to the center of the space. She watched them glance around, their posture relaxed. "How long do we wait?" asked the unknown wizard.
"As long as it takes," snapped Lestrange.
"Do you have something more pressing than doing the bidding of the Dark Lord?" asked Lucius in a slow low voice.
"No, of course not. But what if she doesn't come?"
"We let you tell him," smirked Lucius.
"He's eager for her arrival, he'd be disappointed if she changed her mind, so good luck with that," Lestrange laughed.
Pulling off her bracelet, Hermione stepped out of the shadows, "Lucky for you, I decided to show." She chuckled to herself when all of them were startled. She kept walking, pulling her luggage behind her, stopping directly in front of them. Both Malfoy and Lestrange looked pleased to see her, their third companion looked about anxiously. "You can relax. This isn't an ambush, or at least not one on my part. No one knows I am here. Though ambushing me violates our truce and would end badly for your side."
"But you'd be dead," the young man retorted.
"Would I?" questioned Hermione. "If I was, I'd be sure to take at least one of you with me. And then there's the long-term effects of breaking one's oaths." Her cold smile sent a chill down Rabastan's spine.
He stepped forward, "Happily we don't need to find out. A pleasure to meet you, Miss Granger."
"That remains to be seen. Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Lestrange, you." She nodded to each in turn. "Well, take me to your leader."
Lucius rolled his eyes, while Rabastan chuckled lightly. Their associate stared blankly at her. "Sorry, I always wanted to say that."
"Lord Voldemort currently resides with my family at Malfoy Manor. May I side along you, Miss Granger?" Lucius politely offered her his arm.
She took it with a small smile, "Yes, thank you." The four vanished with a pop.
Narcissa Malfoy waited with Voldemort in his preferred study. She had thrown Bellatrix out and threatened to lock her in the dungeons if she didn't get herself under control. "I fear, my lord, you're going to have to do something about Bella."
"She is becoming a bit of a rapid dog over this, isn't she?"
"If you'll excuse the impertinence, but her banishment from your bed until her marital obligations are met coinciding with Miss Granger's arrival seems to be evidence you desire to replace her there." Narcissa flinched.
Voldemort chuckled, "Hardly, but Rodolphus is correct, if she wishes to be released from their vows she must do her duty."
"Then the concern becomes that once she is free, she would hope to catch your eye."
"Bella is aware I seek no such entanglements."
She nodded, "As you say, my lord."
"Thank you, Narcissa, for your concern over a smoothly running house. We cannot hope to show Miss Granger we are not evil madmen with Bella dripping insanity over the carpets. I'll find her important missions until Miss Granger is settled, then perhaps move myself elsewhere to help Bellatrix control her jealousy."
"As my lord wishes," She straightened her dress. "I felt the wards pulse. Lucius and the others have returned."
"Punctual, as well as smart, a good trait." Voldemort's smile widened. Hermione followed Lucius into the room. "Greetings, Miss Granger. Welcome to Malfoy Manor. Unless you object you will be staying here for the time being."
"Thank you." She returned to address the Malfoys, "Thank you for hosting me, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy."
Narcissa smiled warmly, and Lucius nodded, "Please consider our home as yours."
"I'll try."
"Why don't you show Miss Granger her room and let her get settled. She can send for me when she's ready to chat."
"That would be appreciated."
Narcissa showed Hermione to a cream-colored guest room. "Your closet is through that door and your en suite through the other. Severus mentioned your aversion to house elves," she paused.
"My later research has shown me Dobby's desire to be free is an exception, not a rule. I do not like any mistreatment but I no longer refuse their services. Though, I do prefer to do most tasks myself."
The older witch smiled, "Of course, Bee has been assigned to you. Call for her if you need something."
"Bee like the insect?"
Narcissa cringed, "Her mother, Moth, named all her children similarly: Butterfly, Grasshopper, and Ant."
"Oh my, well, good for her I suppose."
"That was my reaction. Summon her to let Lord Voldemort know you are settled. Most dinners are informal affairs, but if you want to eat in your rooms you need only inform Bee."
"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy." Once she was alone, she began unpacking. Not entirely sure of what the next few days would bring, she unpacked a few simple outfits and the things she would need that night. Exploration showed a vast walk-in closet and dressing room. She stored her luggage there. The bathroom boasted a marble soaking tub and a great shower with a bench under the spray. Between two sinks, a vanity mirror and bench beckoned. Hermione unpacked her cosmetics and hair supplies. While everything she needed to run remained in the beaded bag, she saw no reason to advertise it.
Checking her reflection she decided she looked nice enough not to offend, but not so much that she was trying to impress. She reapplied her lipstick and summoned Bee.
The small house elf bobbed, holding the edges of her pristine pillowcase toga. "Hello, miss. How's can Bee helps miss?"
"Would you notify Lord Voldemort I am available to see him?"
"Of course, miss."
Expecting to be kept waiting, either by circumstance or, more likely, design, she settled by her fireplace with a book on ancient rites. She smiled to herself, sometimes muggles had the right of it, the old ways were the best ways. This particular copy appeared in her trunk at the beginning of 6th year, not long before the castle helped her discover the genealogy charm. It wanted her to remember what Dumbledore forced her to forget: the unending hat stall until she requested Gryffindor, her mother's Hufflepuff crest earrings, Great-great-great Grandmother Clarke's prized silver with Ravenclaw's eagle crest on the handles, and playing in the garden pretending to understand the snake that lived in the pond. She remembered his amusement at being referred to as Sir Hiss from Disney's Robin Hood cartoon. Guilty, she wondered if he was still there. She hadn't thought to check when her memories came rushing back. A firm knock interrupted her thoughts, "Enter."
Lord Voldemort slipped into the room. His skin, no longer stark white, had regenerated his nose, making his features less horrific and more human. His appearance was now that of a handsome man in his late 40s. His eyes were still red, the only thing that had not changed from Harry's description. "All settled in?"
"Yes, thank you." She noticed he continued to stand just inside the door. "Won't you come in? Please, have a seat." He nodded gracefully accepting her invitation. "Would you like some refreshments?"
Interested in testing how refined her manners were he replied, "Yes, please."
She nodded, "Bee?" She smiled when the tiny elf appeared, "Please bring us a light tea? Thank you." She returned her attention to her host turned guest. "Did I pass?"
He chuckled, "With flying colors on several levels. But, do not think of this as testing you. I merely wish to determine your level of social graces."
"Due to my parents' previous financial status, we've dined with royalty. I didn't humiliate anyone then."
"Their previous status?" questioned Voldemort.
"Malcolm and Eleanor Granger are no longer listed among the living. They have no assets to speak of, I, however, am very wealthy."
He nodded his understanding, "Narcissa has offered her assistance with any questions you might have about wizarding society."
"Her assistance will be appreciated. Pity they don't offer anything like this at Hogwarts. But, then, how would they keep the common rabble suppressed and controllable." Her voice dripped with sarcasm and venom.
"Professor Snape has enacted several reforms, I'll keep your suggestion in mind for the future." He sipped his tea. "One of the changes going forward is no more homeschooling."
"Control their education, control their futures," she muttered.
"For the unwashed masses, yes. For the intelligent thinkers, no. But those thoughts should still be steered in a direction that benefits me."
"Otherwise someone might decide they would be a better leader."
"Indeed. Severus informed me it would be impossible to incorporate those already in their 6th and 7th years of home instruction. This year all OWL and NEWT level students will test together at Hogwarts, homeschooled or not. I would like to offer you this opportunity. You will be glamoured and using an alias, as no one knows that Hermione Granger has broken off her former affiliations. I suspect you would also like to keep it that way."
"For now anyway."
"The tests begin on the 19th. Several of my inner circle are willing to tutor you over the next week."
"I tentatively accept."
"Tentatively?"
"You and yours and I have not had the best history. I am rapidly discovering that no one cares about changing anything other than who is in charge. If I am uncomfortable around someone I reserve the right to remove myself from their presence. I want to be clear, I am not your prisoner. I can, and will, leave whenever I desire."
"You are indeed free to come and go as you please." He removed a small bracelet from his robes. "This will allow you to apparate through the wards. Only you, mind. You cannot open the gate to an invading horde."
"No attacking with Mongolians got it." She examined the charm, a tiny Malfoy crest created from sapphires set in platinum. "This doesn't engage me to Draco or any other Malfoy relative, does it?"
"No, to be that kind of token the intended spouse must present it and you must agree to accept the meaning behind it."
"Good to know."
"Once your NEWTs are completed we will begin fulfilling my end of our gamble."
"We?"
"I collected followers who are masters of their crafts. Why restrict yourself to my personal knowledge?"
"Fair enough, I suppose. I want to be upfront with you. I will not tolerate any disrespect or bullying from your followers. I will hex them and I do not care that they cannot hex me back at your peril. I am here for what you owe me. Then I intend to leave. You lot deserve each other, you can sort this out without me."
Voldemort nodded, "I would like to see you claim your rightful inheritances if there are any."
She shrugged, "Sure."
"And attempt to sway you to my way of thinking."
"That all muggles and muggleborns should be wiped off the planet? And everyone ruled with a tyrannical iron fist? Yeah, that's not going to happen."
"Your bloodlines have me thinking that muggleborns are not as they appear. Your revelation demands research and consideration. I am not wholly inflexible. And recent treatments have not only improved my appearance but healed the insanity that has plagued my mind."
Again she shrugged, "We'll see."
"All of your tutors are available at your pleasure, except Severus, he does have a school to run, as he is so quick to remind me. He will be here tomorrow morning."
"Thank you."
"You should find copies of all of your textbooks on your
shelves. I'll leave you to settle in."
"Thank you."