Hello, lovely people. Happy Saturday! I hope you are all having a lovely day. Just the usual disclaimers, I own nothing related to the copyrights of Harry Potter. (Cursed Child would not have happened if I did, but no one wants to hear my rants about how Harry had a drastic personality replacement between putting his son on the train and learning he was put in the 'evil' house. Or, if you do, I can pm you.) Enjoy!

Chapter 26 Werewolf Negotiations

Every news outlet mentioned it somewhere, the miracle recovery of Frank and Alice Longbottom. St Mungo's remained tight lipped about the source of the inspiration for the treatment but was distributing the study for peer review. Snape reported they had reached out to Potion masters worldwide to recreate the effect of the benzodiazepine. Hermione sent him a copy of the original research. The twins sent the Lupins a copy of the Prophet article with a note, 'Our Dark Side liaison did this.'

Handing the note to Remus, Dora sighed heavily, "We need to meet with them. Whoever it is the twins are talking, I mean. Mum says all their dinners with the Malfoys have gone well. They're discussing including the Lestranges."

"But not us?" he asked.

"We are adults and known members of the Order of Phoenix. Mum says we deserve our own approach and not be influenced by them."

"Fair enough, I suppose." He scrubbed his face with his hands causing Teddy to laugh and bang his highchair. "What do you want to do?"

"I want to raise our son in peace. I want him to have friends to play with."

"So we talk to the twins' person," he held eye contact.

"I suppose so."

George offered their flat as neutral ground for the meeting, asking the Lupins if they wanted to arrive first or second. Appreciating the reassurance this wasn't an ambush, they chose first. Tonks emerged from the fireplace followed by her husband. "You cleaned," she remarked looking around.

"Can't have the other side thinking we live like peasant swine," Fred joked.

George moved around him to the floo, "The Rookery," he called. Remus looked at Tonks in confusion, the Lovegoods had chosen a side? "They're here if you're ready." He pulled his head out and stood, joining the rest of them. The green of the flames deepened, flared, and a figure emerged. Tonks blinked trying to place the girl before her. Remus sniffed the air twice before surging forward to embrace her, "Hermione."

She returned his hug, "Hello, Remus." She waved, "Dora"

"Where have you been? Why? How?"

Hermione held her hands up in surrender. "Why don't we have a seat and I'll start at the beginning."

Fred gestured to the living room and the kitchen, "Couches or tables?"

"Table," chose Tonks. "Give me something to fidget with if need be."

Fred locked the floo, "I'm heading downstairs just in case the uninvited pop in."

"Thank you, Fred," Hermione beamed at him.

He gave her a deep bow, "I live to serve, my lady." She swatted him as he passed.

Taking a seat next to George, she gave the Lupins a little smile, "Congratulations on having a son. The twins told me."

Remus returned her smile, "Thank you."

She passed them a small roll of parchment and an ink pen. "Try to hold your questions as you can. This is in case you want to take notes. Okay, here goes, events occurred that caused me to break several charms placed on me by Albus Dumbledore. Restrictions on my mind, magic, and will. He forced me to make friendships and tolerate mistreatment. He made me believe I was unattractive, my only value being a know-it-all. I was forced to dedicate my entire being to learning so Harry could enjoy his life and still have all the knowledge Dumbledore wanted him to. I was under a compulsion to put Harry first in all things, even personal safety." She gave them a moment to let that sink in. "I was eleven when he did this. When he realized he was dying he added Molly Weasley to the obedience charms. She added Ron. Who then ordered me to date him, ignore his infidelities, and remain at his side despite them. Upon realizing this I needed distance. I escaped. I was angry, and did something reckless." Remus looked amused.

"Hard to imagine," Tonks smirked.

"I wrote to Voldemort and suggested a high stakes game of hide-and-seek. When I won he would teach me everything he knew about the dark arts. You cannot defend against what you do not understand." Remus nodded his agreement. "When I won I could not ever be harmed by him or his. A provision I did not extend to him, any Death Eater, or follower. I am not stupid. I spend three months living undetected by anyone. Any questions so far?"

"What did you offer Voldemort as a prize?" Tonks asked.

"He could see any memories he wanted, I would willingly take his Mark, and the follower who found me could do anything they wanted."

"Hermione!" protested Remus.

"I had to make it enticing."

"How did you become a Lestrange?" asked Tonks.

"We'll get to that. Once I won I settled my muggle affairs and met up with the enemy. I was an honored guest at Malfoy Manor. Voldemort assigned me tutors and with Snape's assistance, I sat my NEWTs under a false name. To shorten a long story the Lestranges became fond of me and needing an heir adopted me. And before you ask, as to the Death Eaters, I like some, I tolerate a few and may have to arrange accidents in the future for some more. I do not hold with the rubbish of pureblood superiority or the mistreatment of sentient races. The Dark Side is not all right, nor are they all wrong. But I found the crimes of the Light to be worse."

"Hermione, Dumbledore was protecting the greater good."

"As the leader of the ICW, he could have pushed for werewolf protection on a worldwide level. He did not. He manipulated you to be grateful he allowed you into school. At that time there were 52 school age children afflicted. Why only you? Why you? Because he wanted a spy in the packs, and your father would have been relieved if you died or disappeared doing it." She glared, her voice cold and hard, "A grateful flunkie, tutored at his feet, charmed to obey any command and feel grateful he was even asked. You were expendable." Tonks rubbed his arm soothingly as Remus stared slack jawed. "He charmed Tonks and Kingsley to obey him when his orders contradicted their morals, oaths, or orders from the auror department. Bellatrix confirmed Snape suggested questioning the Longbottoms for information about Voldemort. Snape told me Dumbledore instructed him to."

She gave them a moment to process her words," I choose my side because Voldemort and I have come to an accord. I will not stop him from massing power if the violence stops. He is the one who offered to work to end the discrimination. I demanded he reach out to the Order individually. Those of you Albus wronged deserved to know. And those of you that want peace should not be held to the whims of Molly Weasley's rage. If you need more time to weigh your options I understand."

"What does he want?" Remus asked.

"To know your conditions for a ceasefire and to arrange peace."

Tonk's hair turned brown with surprise, "Huh?"

"You state what you want. If those terms are acceptable, he'll send word of his agreement. Once you see proof of his efforts you cease working with the Order and against him, unless in a professional capacity."

"Just like that?"

"If he agrees. If he doesn't he'll send a counter suggestion to open negotiations."

"Why?" demanded Remus, "why now?"

"This war has stalemated long enough. He's tired of fighting, too. Because he wants me working with him not against him."

Tonks looked pensive, "Why? You're not the Chosen One."

She chuckled mirthlessly, "No, I'm not. I'm the unknown power spoken of in Harry's prophecy." They all looked stunned. "I am descended from all four Founders, Merlin, and Circe. I have their grimoires and a rather stout magical core. Since Dumbledore didn't see a personal advantage in it for him, he blocked those memories and enslaved an eleven-year-old to his will. Thank gods he was gay," she gave a little laugh. "If I was the heir, he wanted to control how and when I found out if I found out. This annoyed the castle. During his last year when his focus and power started to wane, the castle showed me a lineage tapestry. Gringotts confirmed it."

"But Dumbledore said it was love," protested Tonks.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "While Voldemort has no experience with the emotion personally, he is aware of it, and does manipulate people with it. Lily and James Potter were hardly the first parents to die in defense of their loved ones. But someone got Lily to perform an ancient and nearly dark ritual to protect her son. Hmm, I wonder who did that?" She pretended to ponder it, tapping her chin with her index finger. "He was a user and abuser. I have decided to right his wrongs, including ending this war."

"Even if it means killing your best friends?" Remus asked in a soft voice.

"Ronald was never my friend. He tolerated me as a means to an end for his own benefit. Perhaps Harry was once," she shrugged.

"Did something happen you haven't told us about?" asked George.

"Yes, but that will remain my secret. They may not even be aware of my knowledge. But no one has to die."

"But neither can live while the other survives."

"Would you say either is really living right now? And when one of them tires of life the other will have to end him. But Harry has to make his own deal with the devil."

"Do you trust Lord Voldemort?" Remus asked.

"To keep his word, yes. He stands to lose too much. I know secrets he wants kept, and secrets he wants to learn. And to harm me or cause me to be harmed is to lose his magic. Now, completely? No, but I don't trust anyone completely anymore. I have contingency plans in place."

"Plans?" questioned George.

"Some of them even involve inviting you along."

"Thanks, I think."

"You're welcome," she dimpled at him.

Remus took the parchment and wrote several lines. He showed it to Tonks. She nodded her agreement. He pushed it towards Hermione. "Above the line is non-negotiable, below are wishes. If he balks at the top, I will push for the bottom. That's what I need to feel safe and truly at peace."

Hermione perused the list, "It has been great seeing you. I'm sorry if you worried."

Remus sighed, "This explains some of Molly and Ron's behavior. I'm sorry we never noticed."

"Had you he would have ordered you to ignore it. Hell, maybe he did. When you were a teacher your oath to support him would have enforced your silence and cooperation. My anger is reserved for those who knew what was happened, had the opportunity to stop it, and did nothing."

Tonks gave her a hesitant smile, "I suppose we're cousins now."

Hermione grinned, "We are. I have to say, I like you more than my other cousin."

"I'm inclined to agree."

Hermione notified Voldemort of her return home, inviting him to meet with her at his convenience, promising to wait for his owl. Maisie greeted her clearly agitated. "Mistress, you has a visitor. I tells him no one is home, he needs to be going, but he demands on waiting for mistress."

She frowned, "Do you recognize him?"

"No, mistress."

"Hmmm, what to do? Go tell him I'm indisposed to visitors, he may leave his name and go." The house elf hastened to follow her instructions. She sent Marcus a message asking him to come. She then sent her patronus to Rabastan and Rodolphus.

Maisie returned, wringing her hands, "Mr. Pavel Greyback demands mistress to stop being silly female and submit to her better." Maisie's eyes darted about, a crazed panic lurking in them.

"Did he say anything else?"

"If you did not come in five minutes he woulds be ripping out Maisie's throat."

Fury like she rarely felt before surged down Hermione's veins. Curling and uncurling her fists she swallowed until her vision cleared. "You have absolutely nothing to fear from that man, and neither do I." She pulled out her crystal wand and stalked out of the room.

Pavel Greyback leaned against the wall, one leg bent with the foot against the wall. He straightened as she entered. "Ah, there you are, my pet. Ready to submit to the inevitable."

"The inevitable?" questioned Hermione in a cold voice.

"I've told you, I always get what I want and I want you." If she hadn't wanted to incinerate him before, she did now.

"I believe I was quite clear. I do not want you," her voice cold and flat.

"Oh, you silly girl, you don't know what you want," he shook his head, chuckling fondly.

"Did you threaten to rip out my house elf's throat if I did not answer your summons?"

"But you did, so no harm needed to be done. Such a good girl."

He never saw the first hex, but he felt it. Every nerve in his body ignited as if on fire. "Crucio? Naughty girl, I'll have to punish you for that."

She sent the spell flying at him again. "Not a Crucio, not even close." She slashed her wand sending him to his knees. "I am not now, nor will I ever be your pet, your girl, or anything. And if you so much as look at my house elf I will castrate you and make you eat your penis raw!" With several rapid wand movements cuts blossomed all over his body. He fell, twitching, to the ground.

Marcus, Rodolphus, Rabastan, and Voldemort appeared in the doorway. She raised an eyebrow at the last. "I got this message and wanted to escape Narcissa in party planning mode. No one is safe."

"Give me six good reasons to not kill him," her voice could have frozen a volcano.

"His uncle would be upset," offered Marcus.

"I was quite clear at my party he was never to enter my presence again. Keep trying."

"His uncle has a test of followers," suggested Rabastan.

She cocked her head to the side, considering, "I have lists of new spells to try. Next?" Pavel whimpered on the floor. She kicked him, "Shut up. You elected to ignore my warning."

"He is Greyback's heir," Rodolphus told her.

"And I'm yours, if that excuses his behavior, it excuses mine."

"He has a penis."

"I can change that with a flick of my wrist."

"Hermione, please?" Rodolphus gave her a pleading look. "Try to keep the peace. If Greyback let his people run free everything you've worked for fall apart."

She growled and levitated Pavel, "Listen to me and listen good. If we have to repeat this conversation for a third time I will bring Bellatrix with me and she will help me. She will give zero fucks who anyone is, she will help me skin you alive, roll you in salt, and drop you in a vat of rubbing alcohol. Do you understand? Nod if you cannot talk." He nodded, she rotated him by squeezing his still bleeding arm. "Now, in front of my father, uncle, boyfriend, and for all intents, grandfather; I am telling you I have zero interest in you for anything and demand to be left alone."

Rabastan looked at him, "She means it. She's not interested. No one in this family can or will force her to marry anyone she doesn't want to. Leave it alone."

She spun him back around, "Try any funny business to force this issue, or harm my choice, and you will not survive long enough for a wedding, let alone a wedding night. No one will ever find the body." She released the spells and he collapsed in heap. She looked at Voldemort, "Next time we do this Bella's way."

She stalked out of the room, grabbing Marcus's hand as she passed, and pulled him from the room behind her. Once they were upstairs she burst into tears releasing the stress. He wrapped his arms around her, rubbing circles on her back and making soothing noises.

A calming draught and quick shower later, Hermione returned to the parlor. All of the men stood, Rodolphus approaching her, "Feeling better?"

"Yes. Why are wizards so stubbornly stupid?" she grumbled.

"They can be a lazy lot, having become accustomed to the wonders that are magic. They forget what it is like to work for things." Voldemort told her.

She snorted, "Magic is a tool. Stunningly powerful, but still just a tool." He started to protest, she held up a hand, "We will have to agree to disagree. Between Dumbledore's meddling and fighting a war for seven years, there is no wonder left. For me, magic is just a tool, one I wield well. Congratulations if you can still find wonder in it anywhere."

Frowning, Voldemort nodded, "Let's be seated. What did the Lupins have to say?"

"They are open to negotiations but have some sticking points. Points I agree with." She looked him directly in the eye.

"Do you think I will agree with them?"

"I think some of your organization won't. But I don't think very highly of them, so I don't care."

Voldemort raised an eyebrow, "Given Lupin's affliction I expect they have to do with werewolves."

"Specifically Greyback's crimes and pack, but some with werewolves in general."

"Let's hear them then."

She consulted Lupin's list. "One nonnegotiable, it will be a kissable offense to knowingly infect a minor with lycanthropy, no exceptions. Lycanthropy cannot be used as a punishment for your, or Greyback's displeasure. Two, no more public werewolf registry. A restricted access one could be kept but in exchange for registering the werewolf get access to affordable medication and aftercare. They have to report to a safe location for transformation or provide proof they have one. But they also will have job protection, they cannot be fired for having to miss a few days every month." She paused, "In the muggle world tax breaks or other incentives are offered to employ people who have a hard time maintaining employment. We could institute something like that." She looked over the note. "Three, up for negotiation, knowingly infecting an adult is a criminal offense with mandatory imprisonment. Four, and my personal favorite, Fenrir Greyback's head on a pike. And five, disbanding the packs and reintegration of these witches and wizards into society. Including some kind of education."

Marcus pursed his lips, "Remus Lupin attended Hogwarts for seven years without incident, or anyone discovering his secret. He taught for an entire year and no one realized it until Snape told us directly."

"You keep telling yourself that," Hermione smirked.

"Of course, you figured it out," he rolled his eyes.

"Admittedly, only because Snape had us write an essay on werewolves. That brought the symptoms to mind and I extrapolated from there."

Voldemort looked pensive, "As amusing as your violent streak is, I cannot give you Fenrir's head. And he will push back against dissolving his power base."

"You would enforce the criminal nature of purposely infecting people?"

"Going forward, yes. Even if we know the cases, we cannot prosecute old infections," he told her.

"You could, but you won't," she retorted.

He ignored her statement, "You are, however, being remarkably calm about my refusal to give up his head or disband the packs. I expected at least an attempt to sway me, given today's events."

"Was there a question in there?"

"Why?"

She shrugged, "Because based on his nephew's behavior, this isn't over. I will have both eventually. He thinks this was an adorable little act of rebellion, a feisty little part he will have to tame. But, ultimately, he believes he will get what he wants because he wants it. I'm not kidding about last chances and Mummy Dearest. And when that ticks off Fenrir, I will put him down, too."

"Moving on from your murder plans," started Rodolphus.

"Is it though?" Hermione pondered, "He's more rabid animal than sensible wizard."

"No killing except in self-defense," her father ordered, "and no manipulating them into attacking."

"Fine," she pretended to pout.

Voldemort chuckled at her antics, "You may inform the Lupins of which terms I accepted. If they agree we will move forward. For their protection, they should follow the example of your other allies and lay low. I will pass the word they are off limits."

"On it."