Happy Saturday! Thank you all for all your support! Now, what, oh, what could the Lestranges want to talk to Hermione about?

Chapter 11 Fed Up

At breakfast, both married Lestranges sat side by side across from Hermione. Rabastan was nowhere in sight. "A month or so ago you suggested we adopt an heir. After much discussion we agreed that would be the thing to do and selected the best ritual for our purposes," Rodolphus started.

"When I complained a baby would still be time consuming, even with a nanny, the Dark Lord suggested adopting an older child." Bellatrix continued. "Then I worried about someone dumping their weak squib child on us."

"Leaving us to consider someone older. Neither of us desires parenthood, just an heir for House Lestrange. We thought perhaps someone in need of a family, a powerful intelligent individual."

"Someone like me," Hermione put her fork down, giving the conversation her undivided attention. "Why me?"

"You are the aforementioned intelligent powerful witch, you are also driven. The Dark Lord favors you. You need a family. And if the ritual changes your features you know how to deal with the curls." Rodolphus smiled at the last part.

"And Roddy already dotes on you like he's your father."

"Did you mention this plan to Lord Voldemort?" she asked sipping her juice.

"I did," he assured her.

"And he agreed?"

"He seemed amused by something, but pleased with the outcome of the idea."

"I suppose it wouldn't be the worst thing," she answered hesitantly. "This wouldn't mean I'm joining the Death Eaters or supporting your cause. I reserve the right to leave when I want."

"Of course," Bellatrix purred. "You're an adult."

"When would we be doing this?"

"Once we have all the potion ingredients. Some of them have to be ordered. Though the house elves prepared a room here for you in the family wing. You can move in whenever you want."

"And Maisie has been assigned to you," Bellatrix added.

"I suppose I should warn you, my new familiar is a snake." Hermione watched for their reaction.

"Like the Dark Lord? How lovely," Bellatrix beamed. "Will we need to procure him food, or does he like to hunt?"

"He's been on his own for numerous years, and he's never asked me to bring him dinner. He's aquatic, so he'll prefer the lake. But he might enjoy eels if we could."

"I will make the arrangements for them," Rodolphus promised.

"Then I shall finish eating and return to Malfoy Manor to begin organizing my eventual move here."

"I will inform Lord Voldemort of your acceptance. He mentioned wanting to be kept informed," he nodded.

"Certainly."

-oOoOo-

It was still quite early when Hermione returned to Malfoy Manor. After entertaining last night, she expected the household to still be abed. Despite silencing spells and the distance from the other bedrooms, she moved about silently. She pulled the heavy curtains open and turned around. Two forms stirred in the bed. Startled and confused, Hermione looked around to verify she was in her room. Sir Hiss slithered from his basket to greet her. 'Yes, this is my room. So who the hell is that?'

Slowly she released her wand from the wrist holster. Gripping it she eased towards the bed. The inhabitants sat up, rubbing eyes and stretching. Hermione blinked twice to verify she did, in fact, see a naked Pansy Parkinson and a most likely naked Terrence Higgs. The fury she had been suppressing boiled back to the surface. "Oh my arsing gods in a box," she seethed. "How dare you?" she ground out through gritted teeth. She sent two rapid fire stinging hexes at the pair.

Terrence leapt from the bed using a pillow to shield his groin from further hexes, "Granger, oh Salazar, is this your room? We, uh, we had no idea."

'Lies,' hissed her familiar, 'the female told the male. They knew, they planned this.'

"Likely story," Hermione snapped, "guest rooms don't generally have personal possessions, now do they?"

"Relax, Gran..." Parkinson started.

"No, Parkinson, this was a step too far. You came in here knowing this was my room. I haven't the faintest idea what these shenanigans were supposed to do, but I have had my fill of sitting back and taking everybody's shite." She flicked her wand again, sending a new kind of stinging hex that lingered longer. "Beyond disrespecting me, which I can believe you capable of, I cannot believe you would be so blatantly disrespectful to my host."

Parkinson sneered, "Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy will side with purebloods over a mudblood."

"Purebloods that snuck out of the public areas during an event to fornicate in a guest room?" She rolled her eyes. "But that's not who I meant. The Malfoys are housing me for my real host as he does not have a permanent residence at the moment."

"Oh, no," breathed Higgs.

"Oh, yes! Avis, dracforis, oppronigio!" Tiny canaries morphed into little fire-breathing dragons and attacked. "Bee." The house elf popped into the room.

"Missy Mione, what bes happening?"

"These wayward guests have gotten lost and misplaced their clothes. See them out, then burn the bed." Higgs lunged for his trousers. Hermione vanished them. "As you are. Immediately." Both started to object. "No, you wanted to humiliate someone- here you go. Maybe it will remind you to think things through next time." Both of them stood in place. "Bee, feel free to use discipline stinging hexes to keep them moving."

Yelping at the sting to her buttocks, Parkinson jumped and glared, "You'll regret this, Granger."

"I rather doubt it. None of you can harm me, or allow me to be harmed. And let's face it, I am smarter than you. The only reason you've gotten away with your sneers and little comment so far is because I allowed it. Well, that trickle of generosity ended. I suggest you start walking. The longer you take the more likely it is you'll get an audience for your walk of shame. To the public floo, Bee."

Given the vicious grin on the small creature's face and the number of times she hexed them, Hermione suspected Parkinson was not popular amongst the staff at Malfoy Manor. She followed them down the hall to the stairs and from the stairs to the public floo. Once they were gone, Hermione addressed her assistant, "You don't have to burn the bed. But please, pack all of my things. I do not wish to stay in that room any longer. I planned to move to Lestrange Hall eventually, this just moves up my timetable."

"Bee will miss Missy Mione."

"I will still be here often and ask for your assistance when I need help."

"Thank you, missy."

Despite having already eaten, and having no appetite, Hermione headed for the informal dining room. She didn't expect Parkinson to take this sitting down, the girl was too proud and stupid to easily admit defeat. She began planning the silly bint's complete social downfall in her head, it made her feel better. She found Rodolphus, Snape, and Voldemort sipping tea, while Narcissa and Lucius ate. "Good morning, Miss Granger, breakfast?"

"Thank you, no, just a cuppa, please." She sat across from Rodolphus. Before the conversation could resume, Draco sauntered in.

"Good morning, family." His lips twisted and scrunched his nose at Hermione. She narrowed her eyes wordlessly, and wandlessly, flicked her lingering stinging hex at his chest. "What the fuck, mud..."

Before he could finish the word she sent two more stinging hexes and a pushing spell to knock him over. "I decided I didn't like your face. And after this morning, I will not be tolerating shite anymore. Glinda is dead and Dorothy went home. Long live the new wicked witch of the west." Voldemort and Snape snorted in laughter at her muggle reference. "You lot had your chance, now it is open season on you twats." She returned to her tea. Draco stood and cautiously moved to the table. "You might consider warning your mates, or not."

"May I inquire into the nature of this morning's events?" Voldemort asked in a bored tone as if asking about the weather.

"I haven't decided yet."

"You haven't decided if I may inquire?"

"Of course, you may, I haven't decided if I want to answer, which is your real question."

"And why is that?" the Dark Lord asked. Draco watched this teasing back and forth with horror filled eyes. The realities of the situation began to finally set in.

"I haven't decided if socially destroying someone is more pleasurable when you can watch in person, or from a safe distance away from the fallout.

"As I expect you are more than capable of handling any fallout, I suggest in person."

"Then, no, you may not inquire. It will have more impact if you have no previous knowledge."

"Very well," Voldemort nodded, "Lucius and Severus made me aware of your discovery last night. I took the liberty of requesting Yaxley's assistance in your research."

"Thank you," Hermione smiled at him.

"I believe he intends to bring research assistants."

"You spoil me."

Voldemort grinned, "Someone has to, why not me? Yaxley approved of the idea of starting here to see how widespread the information, or rather isn't."

"He just likes Lola's tea cakes."

"I'm sure that played a factor in him agreeing with Lucius."

Yaxley brought Thorfinn Rowle and his Unspeakable apprentice, "Congratulations, boy, today you learn about keeping secrets, the big secrets, the ones that are life changing, even earth shattering."

Already a Death Eater, Rowle bowed to Voldemort and greeted Hermione. The apprentice stared eyes wide at the Dark Lord and then in shock at Hermione. "Sir, that's Hermione Granger, Undesirable #2. She's wanted for questioning and refusing to come forward for registration."

Yaxley cuffed him upside the head. "You're embarrassing yourself and, more importantly, me. Keep your trap shut and your ears open." He nodded to Voldemort.

Voldemort nodded back, "We are interested in the idea of an heir to the Founders, as in all four lines combining in one person undiluted enough to be able to inherit. We will begin the search before moving onto other libraries."

Yaxley took charge of assigning each of them a pile of books to peruse. The persistent stares of Yaxley's apprentice began to grate on Hermione's nerves. She glared at him over the top of her book, "If you don't stop watching me like that, I will invent a brand new hex just for you." The rest of the group chuckled at her comment and the resulting eep.

"Be sure you document your work for me, princess." Yaxley laughed. "And some notes on that hex you used on young Malfoy would be most welcome. Your amulets are amazing, by the way."

"Thank you, I must admit, I got the idea from a Weasley twin joke product."

"Still brilliant," Yaxley told her. He looked at his apprentice, "You are the other hand are becoming somewhat of a disappointment."

Mid-morning an agitated elf interrupted, "Excuse me, master, but two wizards are demanding to see Master and Dark Master."

"Inform them we are attending to a matter of utmost importance." Lucius told him.

"I dids, master. They bes insisting is matter of life and dishonor."

"Just have them shown in, Lucius." Voldemort ordered. "Hermione, would you be so good as to glamour yourself until we learn their identities?"

"Absolutely," she activated a disguise charm. A mousy redhead appeared in her place.

Moments later the elf returned with Pius Parkinson and Miles Higgs, both looking visibly angry. "Gentlemen," Lucius greeted them, "as you can see we are occupied. How can I help you?"

"We demand an explanation and reparations," Parkinson sneered.

"About what?" inquired Lucius in an interested tone, having no idea what they referred to.

"That uppity mudblood you housed here vanished our children's clothes before hexing them repeatedly, chasing them from your house," Miles sniffed.

Gesturing her to drop the glamour, Voldemort gave her an amused smile, "Did you really?" He sounded vaguely proud.

"When was this?" Rodolphus asked.

Hermione shrugged, "I did. It was this morning."

Parkinson bellowed in rage, both wizards pulling their wands. "How dare you?" he hissed.

"Expelliarmus," both wands flew to her hand. She enfolded from her chair regally. "How dare I? How dare I? How dare you!" She slammed both of them in the face with the strongest stinging hex she would muster. She stalked towards them. "Your ill mannered spawn knowingly fornicated in my bed, insulting me, my host, and the family housing me at his behest. Stinging hexes and a walk of shame are the mildest punishment they deserve."

Voldemort smirked, "So aptly put, my dear."

Lucius frowned, ignoring Higgs and Parkinson, "Miss Granger, would you indulge me and regal us with the whole tale?"

"If I must. I stayed at Lestrange Hall last night, returning early this morning. I entered my room to find Pansy and Terrence naked in my bed, where they had been the entire night based on the evidence. I vanished their clothes and had Bee herd them to the floo so undressed."

"I commend you on your resistant," complimented Lucius. He whipped around sending a pale blue hex at them, causing squeals.

Pius, Miles, compose yourselves," ordered Voldemort. "Go home, deal with your children, or I shall do it for you. They are to apologize to the Malfoys and Miss Granger." Pius briefly considered objecting but thought better of it. Higgs dragged him from the room.

Voldemort regarded Hermione, "Is this the incident spoken of at breakfast?"

"It is."

"You were correct, better we had no idea."

Returning to her assigned pile, Hermione felt the dredges of irritating bubbling under her skin. Why did people persist in being short shortsightedly annoying? She flicked another hex at Yaxley's apprentice. The poor thing stared at her in horror. Yaxley cuffed him, chuckling dryly at her antics.

As the afternoon grew old, Narcissa announced they would be dressing for dinner, but everyone was welcome as they would be entertaining. "I invited the families you requested, darling." Her smile included Lucius and Voldemort.

"Rodolphus, Hermione, you intend to join us, I hope?" Understanding refusal would cost her face after the events earlier, Hermione nodded her acceptance.

Yaxley also agreed, "In that case we should wrap up for today."

His apprentice hesitantly raised his hand, "I had a random thought, sir. Is this heir a title given in prophecy, or just a way to describe their heritage?" Yaxley gestured for him to continue. "Maybe what we actually want to know is what kinds of inherited magic that person would have, or is this a title of some kind, like Chosen One, or Oldest Son of Merlin."

"Thank Salazar, you are capable of original thought! And solid theory. I'll make the arrangements to visit the hall, my lord."

"Thank you, Corbin. Let us adjourn until after that visit." The three from the ministry departed.
Rodolphus addressed Hermione, "Wait for me in your room, I'll escort you down."

"Actually, after Parkinson and Higg's little stunt, I had Bee move my things to Lestrange Hall. I have little to no interest in sleeping in that bed ever again."

Lucius gave her a tight smile, "I completely empathize. Do you need Bee's assistance for your preparations?"

"I assigned Maisie to see to Hermione," Rodolphus informed him.

"But Bee is most welcome to come to assist. Maisie may need the emotional support when she sees my hair up close," Hermione joked. Everyone laughed and Voldemort silently showed his approval at her diplomacy. She addressed him, "I think we should tell at least those assembled, and Yaxley, what's going on." She waited for his approval or rejection.

"As you will, your secrets, not mine."

"Dumbledore suspected, but never told me in so many words that I am the power the Dark Lord knows not. I descended from all four Founders, Merlin, and Circe. Dumbledore erased my memories of seeing the crests of these wizards in family heirlooms. Then he bound me with obedience charms to himself, Molly Weasley, and Ron Weasley, at the very least, to ensure I would serve his greater good."

The indignation on their faces warmed her. Horror and rage crossed every face. "That stupid short sighted fool." exploded Snape. "Those spells drive the master to indifference at best, and at worst negligent dislike. Unless broken the victim is sure to live and die in misery, never knowing what they did to make someone hate them so. Even worse, it encourages others to ignore the suffering. The victim becomes an afterthought."

"Have you considered checking yourself, sir?" she asked quietly. "How you describe it, seems like the way yourself was treated. Also, I doubt I am the first treated thus."

Lucius nodded, "Thoughts for tomorrow, tonight we will enjoy good food and conversation. Ladies, we look forward to your lovely company. Hermione, we leave you to the mercies of your house elves." She obediently gave a fake epp of fright, making everyone laugh again. Rodolphus and Hermione left to ask Bellatrix to join them. Though not yet completely free to return to Voldemort's side, Bellatrix jumped at the opportunity to dine with him and hurried to prepare. Hermione went to begin dressing for dinner.