Hello, darlings. Happy Saturday! I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Enjoy this chapter. I'm off to work on the next one.

Chapter 46 Entertainment

Lord Voldemort invited Hermione to tea at Malfoy Manor. "Welcome, my dear. I feel like I hardly ever see you since Mr. Potter joined us." He gestured for her to sit.

"Perhaps I have allowed my attention to be pulled in other directions. My apologies."

"You are forgiven, I understand how these things go." Bee brought in the tea tray for her beloved missy and the Dark Lord. "Does the Muggleborn Initiative meet your approval?"

"It does, good job," she flashed him a cheeky grin.

"Rodolphus tells me you are unhappy with loopholes in certain traditions."

"Is it really a tradition if it requires legal documentation?"

"Certainly, it began as a social convention before requiring legal backing."

"Well, being able to say 'we agreed not to be serious and she, or he, got clingy' is unacceptable. If you aren't magically influenced, blackmailed, or the like, then you shouldn't be able to just walk away. Nor should a woman be able to force a man to pay for her every whim like she had no financial responsibility."

"Do you have suggestions there?" he asked mildly.

"Yes, have some number cruncher develop an equation to determine half the cost of raising a child, the noncustodial parent pays that. Taking into account what it would cost someone to live themselves, meaning the parent doesn't support the other parent, just the child."

"Very sensible," he praised.

"I try." She selected a savory snack from the platter.

"Do you have any remaining topics you wish to learn more about?"

"I admit I no longer feel the need to learn everything, nor do I need to know more to protect myself."

For a second she thought she detected disappointment in his facial expression, then he spoke, "I confess I find myself missing our interactions. You are highly intelligent, well-spoken, and not afraid to debate me."

"Perhaps we could fill that time selecting pieces of magic to commit to the Founder's Journal? And discuss items I find in there."

"That sounds like a most pleasant idea. Do you still have tea with Narcissa?"

"Nearly every Wednesday."

"Then let us meet every other Wednesday morning before your tea."

"Excellent suggestion," she agreed.

"Did you enjoy Japan?" he asked changing the subject.

"Adrian and Graham used their plus one ticket to bring friends along for me." She chuckled, "And Ades discovered his one true love, sushi."

Voldemort laughed, "How delightful. The ministry assures me they will be ready to introduce cinema and television soon. They hope to have original content within a year of launching."

"Splendid. I look forward to it," she smiled.

He returned her grin, "As do I."

"Did you see many movies as a child?" she inquired.

"One or two, a rich benefactor insisted on treating us. Sometimes I wonder if it would have been kinder not to," he frowned, setting down his teacup.

"You can't miss what you don't know," she whispered.

"Precisely."

She chewed on her lower lip, debating her next question. "If I invited you to watch a movie on the telly would you come?"

He looked surprised, "One of those modern ones full of explosions?"

"If you like, but I was thinking Classic Hollywood."

"Do you have Gone With the Wind?"

"I do."

"Does tomorrow evening work for you?" he asked.

"Around seven? Marcus has practice late every night this week. I'll make the popcorn."

"Thank you for the offer of treats and the invitation for entertainment."

"You're welcome."

Vanessa arrived as Hermione argued with Varl about who would make the popcorn. Harry sat at the table watching. Vanessa sat next to him, "What's going on?"

"The unstoppable force is arguing with the immovable object about who is making the popcorn for Hermione's movie night this evening. The irony is I could use some popcorn to watch."

Vanessa laughed, "Why is Varl fighting her?"

"Hermione invited someone over, so Varl says that means entertaining and she promised he could cook for guests. She says popcorn isn't food for guests."

"Do we know who the guest is?" she asked without taking her eyes off the argument.

"No clue," answered Harry. "Hermione, stop arguing with Varl. Let him play with your muggle toys. What movie are we watching."

"An older one, Gone With the Wind," Hermione told her.

"Is everyone invited?" Vanessa asked.

"Um," Hermione nibbled nervously on her bottom lip. "I hadn't put out the word or anything."

Harry looked at her, "Do you not want people knowing about a movie night?"

"Not exactly, it's complicated." Varl took advantage of Hermione's distraction to begin popping the popcorn.

"What's complicated, little dove?" Marcus turned the corner entering the kitchen.

"Movie night," she answered crossing to greet him. "You're home early."

"Is that a bad thing?" he asked slowly.

"No, just complicating," she kissed him.

Maisie popped into the kitchen, "Mistress, your guest arrived."

"Thank you," Hermione headed for the front door. The three humans remained in their places, listening. "Hello, Varl is finishing up the popcorn. He wouldn't let me make it. Won't you come into the kitchen and get your drink?" She returned moments later followed by Lord Voldemort.

In the following stunned silence Voldemort nodded his greetings to each of them in turn, "Mr. Flint, Mr. Potter, Miss..."

"Vanessa Hawkins. Vanessa this is Lord Voldemort," Hermione introduced.

He took her hand and kissed the back of it, "A pleasure,"

"The pleasure is mine, my lord," she replied in a nervous voice.

But Voldemort returned his attention to Hermione, "I wasn't expecting others."

She shrugged, "Neither was I, but Harry and Marcus do live here. And Vanessa is among a select few allowed to just pop in unannounced."

"No harm done. I won't say the more the merrier, but I would be a poor guest to complain of your other guests and housemates."

She smiled, "Thank you for your understanding."

"You are most welcome. As for a beverage might you have soda? I enjoyed the lemon-lime flavored ones in my younger days."

"I have 7Up, is that okay?"

"Any brand will be fine. I haven't had a lemonade in decades."

After everyone had a drink, Hermione directed them to the rec room. Voldemort's presence made everyone feel more formal, they sat up straight with their feet on the floor, though Marcus rested his arm on the couch behind Hermione's shoulders. He leaned over the whisper the occasional question.

As the credits played Voldemort nodded, mostly to himself, "Yes, we need entertainment like this." He stood, "I thank you for a most enjoyable evening, Hermione."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. We should do it again, don't you think?"

"I would be delighted. Come see me tomorrow to flesh out your concerns and we shall begin on that project."

"Of course," she stood to see him out.

"Good evening to you all." Voldemort bid them farewell.

Vanessa looked at the other two, "Is it just me, or was that a little odd?"

"You mean how the most feared wizard in Britain treats Hermione like a treasured granddaughter?" asked Harry.

"Yes."

"Yeah, it's odd," agreed Harry.

Marcus shrugged, "Not really, she's been his darling since she arrived. This is just another example. Let's get this organized so she doesn't."

"Doesn't what?" Hermione asked reentering the room.

"Scurry around cleaning," Marcus teased.

OoO

Rodolphus invited Hermione to join him at a Wizengamot hearing two weeks later. He worded it as an attempt to introduce her to her future role. But Voldemort expressed his desire for her to be present for the discussion about closing the loopholes she complained about. "Will I be allowed to speak, or do I have to object through you?"

"This is an informal meeting, anyone may speak."

"How nice for you," she laughed.

Rodolphus proudly introduced Hermione to many of his associates as they waited to be called to order. Frank Longbottom greeted her warmly. Presently Minister Thicknesse called the session to order. "Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. The business before us today concerns the 1636 Societal Mores laws. It has been suggested that numerous loopholes are no longer valid in this day in age." He looked up at the assemblage, "Mr. Nott, you have the floor."

"Thank you, Mr. Minister. Good morning, my esteemed colleagues. The matter for discussion before us stems from antiquated laws. We are moving past arranged marriages and keeping our daughters locked in towers. Our sons no longer need indulgence to sow their wild oats. Not every young woman is looking for a rich husband, but this should not excuse young men. 'We never intended to be serious' is no longer an acceptable reason to shirk responsibility. We need to revise these laws to close abusive loopholes."

A gentleman with more gray than brown hair stood amongst the grumblings leaning heavily on a wooden cane, "Nonsense, this is just a bunch of twaddle to appease half bloods who don't teach their daughters to keep her legs closed and up with her potions."

Hermione leaned over and whispered to Rodolphus, "Who does he think his sons and grandsons are sleeping with?" Rodolphus shrugged silently. "Name and available male issue?"

"Roderick Cullen, grandson Miles Cullen, who is incidentally present."

"Perfection," with an almost feral grin, Hermione stood, "Mr. Cullen, I want to be clear in my understanding, you stand by these old laws?"

"I do, young lady, I certainly do."

"To the exact letter?"

He thumped his cane against the floor, "I do, there is nothing wrong with them."

"Then I wish to inform you that your grandson, Miles, impregnated me. As a pureblood I demand he marry me."

Roderick glared at her, then his grandson. Miles jumped to his feet, "I have not! I've

never even met Miss Lestrange." He looked around in a panic.

"Prove it," Hermione smirked.

"I attended school at Beaubatons. I only returned to Britain last month," Miles protested.

"I said prove it, not recite a litany of excuses," Hermione rolled her eyes. "I suppose we don't have to marry. Miles can simply support us. I do so love Devon this time of year. Don't you have an estate there? Only the best for our baby." She rubbed her stomach.

"Now, see here, young lady, that estate has been in my family for generations," started Roderick.

"And little Miles Jr will inherit it from me," Hermione smiled.

Red-faced Miles shouted, "I have never had relations with this woman!"

Sensing the point Hermione was making, Rodolphus entered the verbal fray, "Are you calling my daughter a liar, boy?"

Miles visibly shuddered at Rodolphus's low dangerous tone, "I, uh, that is to say, um..."

Hermione chuckled, her expression smug, "I think I have illustrated my point. It is a he said/she said situation that favors the more powerful person until the baby arrives, and even then how much money was spent? End this abuse. Make women financially responsible for half the child's care." She sat, Rodolphus following her.

Roderick glared at her but before he could say anything the chamber doors flew open. Daphne Greengrass stormed in, "Peregrine Boles, you can't hide from me now."

Minister Thicknesse banged his gavel for order, "Miss, you cannot just barge in here."

"Oh, yes I can. That worm has been hiding from me for a month. Your excuse for cutting me off is disgusting. I was too tall in heels? Are you serious?"

From his seat, Peregrine responded, "I warned you repeatedly, you brought this on yourself."

Roderick growled, "This is preposterous. No one would use such a shallow excuse."

Hermione stood interrupting him, "Lucien Crabbe in 1903 against Nicole Parkinson. Pregnant Nicole waited long enough to give birth to their son before throwing herself off her family's highest roof to avoid the shame."

Thoros Nott cleared his throat for attention, "My friends, these loopholes demean the intent of these laws designed to protect against magical manipulation. Let us close them and create equitable options."

A pensive man stood and addressed Thoros, "But we would leave the protections against mind magics and potions?"

"Yes," answered Thoros, "this is only about abusive loopholes."

"Then you have my support."

"Thank you, Henrick." Others began to offer their support as well.

"Hem, hem, there is still the matter of Miss Lestrange's claims about Mr. Cullen, and Miss Greengrass against Mr. Boles."

Thoros sighed, "Those were obviously fabricated to demonstrate the point, Delores."

Delores Umbridge primly pursed her lips in what she thought to be a demure moue of disapproval. She resembled a toad sucking on a lemon. "They lied under oath."

"No one here is under oath, Madame Umbridge," Amelia Bones reminded her in a sharp tone.

"Still deformation of character is a serious matter," replied Umbridge.

"Oh please, no one would think any less of Miles Cullen if he had landed someone like Miss Lestrange," snapped a middle-aged man.

"We cannot be seen as condoning such antics in these chambers." Umbridge complained, "Miss Lestrange needs to apologize for her behavior."

"No," Hermione stated firmly.

"No?" Umbridge screeched, "No?"

"No, I refuse to apologize when deformation of character is your favorite political maneuver. Though you went above sending dementors after a fourteen-year-old or forcing children to use a blood quill."

"I never," Umbridge stood abruptly clearly insulted.

"And you never used an unforgivable on a student during your tenure as headmistress?" Umbridge began to sputter. "I think you should resign as we can't be seen as condoning such actions."

"That is it, little girl. You cannot speak to your betters in such a manner. I will have satisfaction." Umbridge pulled out her eight-inch wand.

"Not that you are my better, but anytime, toad, anytime." Hermione pulled out her disguised crystal wand.

Thicknesse attempted to regain control of the situation, "Now, ladies, ladies, please. Let's not be too hasty. Delores, are you willing to throw away your career over some words?"

"These accusations cannot be allowed to stand," she glared.

He turned to Hermione, "Miss Lestrange, I beg of you."

"If by allegations, toady there means facts, she has some crimes to answer for." Both women made their way to the lowest level.

Umbridge barely bobbed her head before lobbing a hex at Hermione who easily blocked it. In return, she silently shot three hexes: a stinging hex, a minor slicing hex, and a stunning hex. Failing to block the first, Umbridge suffered the effects of all three.

Hermione gave the older woman a second to recover. Umbridge attempted to disarm her. Hermione nimbly dodged and shot Snape's levicorpus jinx at Umbridge adding Helga Hufflepuff's charm for rotating roasting meat. A sticking charm maintained her dignity and prevented anyone from having to see her undergarments. Hermione waited for her to be facing her to speak, "Do," pause, "you," pause, "yield?"

"Yes, yes, let me down."

"Liberacorpus." Umbridge dropped heavily to the floor. Hermione offered her a hand in assistance, which Umbridge knocked aside. "So graceful in defeat." Hermione made sure she had Umbridge's attention. "For once in your life do the smart thing. Let this go. Otherwise, I involve Mummy Dearest and the last moments of your life will be slow and painful. Worse than the centaurs." She whispered the last part. Umbridge looked up at her in horror. "Yes, I know about that, too."

Umbridge swallowed hard, "I understand. No problems from me, I swear."

"Good."

Hermione turned around and twinkled at the Wizengamot, "I apologize for that unpleasantness." She returned to her seat.

Rodolphus flashed a smile, "Delightful little violent streak."

"Your lord will want to see the memory," she whispered back.

"Undoubtedly."

Thicknesse cleared his throat, "Yes, well, moving on. All in favor of Thoros Nott's proposal?" Wands were raised. "All opposed?" A smaller number of wands were raised. "Very well, we agree to amend the current laws. Those interested in assisting should see Mr. Nott. Does anyone else have any business?" After a silent pause, "No business, then meeting adjourned."

The Daily Prophet chose to focus on the duel rather than the legislative reform. Ron and Ginny laughed over Umbridge's humiliation. "I wonder how Lestrange knew about Umbridge?" questioned Ron.

"I'm sure someone in your year mentioned it to her," Arthur told him. "It is nice someone dealt with Delores."

"How so?" asked Molly.

"Lestrange defeated her, her statements stand. Thicknesse has Robard investigating. If proven she could be facing time in Azkaban."

Ron's eyes lit up, "Really?"

"Yes, the two of you may be subpoenaed. You were aware of her escapades that year."

Ron's chest puffed up at the idea of being in the spotlight again. The center of attention in exposing her crimes, since Harry and Hermione were gone. He could hardly wait. Things were looking up, Lavender's boss gave her tickets to the last World Cup playoffs. She wanted it to be a double date with Pavarti and Seamus. England was playing Bulgaria at the Cannons' stadium. He could hardly wait.