A/N: Ok so I'm going to pick up speed soon, I promise. I want to get through this 'week' of Hermione transitioning from being an 18 year old wife to a 19 year old pureblood, attempting to keep herself alive. And on with the show…

Chapter 4:

Before: "Bella … your eyes are glinting, what are you thinking my love?"

Bella tapped her nose and smirked at her husband, "I wonder how my nephew likes Japan…"

Rodolphus' eyebrows knit together, "Interesting idea my dear, I suppose you'll take advantage and ask?"

"Of course." She glared at him for even asking, "and this way, even if the war continues until then, she'll be well trained and ready to fight."

"I like the plot. Go post your letter and I'll speak to Veri about the Dark Lord," and with that Rodolphus stalked into the room.

He snorted as he saw his daughter sprawled out on the bed, her petite form spread eagle and her bush of hair tangled into a nest. He sighed and wondered why his wife couldn't have made the glamour at least a bit more palatable; probably a slight revenge for having seduced the French witch in the first place. But really! What could I have done?! He wanted it and I had to coerce the family to give me gold - at least I told Bella of it beforehand …Merlin I would have been castrated otherwise. And she got that silly Pettigrew to play with anyways. Thank gods, He has better things to do than destroy my marriage now. With that last thought, he made his way over to the bed and began poking his daughter.

"Veri … Veri ... VERI! Wake up love." He chuckled as she shot up, wand in hand.

"Merlin, Daddy! Was that really necessary?" She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and mock-glared at him, wondering why on earth he was in her room when there was a meeting going on.

"Of course it wasn't." His rather handsome, but Azkaban-sunken features smirked. Switching to a more serious tone, he remarked, "I do have a question while you're up …"

Hermione's became a bit wary at the look in his eyes, as though he regretted it but was going to do it anyways, "Daddy …"

"I know it isn't an opportune time, but you have to avoid a potentially worse meeting!"

"Ugh, fine! I still don't like it though, it just feels like a betrayal of the worst kind," she pouted.

"Darling, think of it as a power play; you are clearly a useful commodity and Potter mishandled that. You aren't taking secrets to Him, but meeting with Him and showing Potter how easy it could be to lose you if he isn't careful." Which he wasn't, the thickhead. Rodolphus stroked her hair softly, letting her think the idea over. "The Dark Lord won't attack you in front of everyone; He's learned that he can't force loyalty or action, as in the case of Draco – He will want to persuade you. Your mother and I will not make the decision for you, but know that we would enjoy having you with us."

Hermione sighed; this was not something she wanted to think of on top of all the rest. "We could do it the night of my birthday … I mean it's a valid reason to have a party here, and I will have changed in appearance, so many won't recognize me, which would work in our favor."

"That, my dear, is rather Slytherin of you! I love it. We'll tell your mother, and probably Giselle, since they will want to outfit you in something grand." He grinned at her scrunched up face, and commented, "We're all curious as to who you will resemble, you were so young when we cast that spell." With that he kissed her forehead and headed towards the door.

"Daddy … thank you. For everything. I wish I'd been able to grow up with you and Mum. Not that I didn't love the Lorraines – I do, but they just weren't … well, parents! And while politics isn't something I want to get into, I'm glad we have the chance now, to at least get to know each other." She smiled at him, the irony of actually wanting Death Eaters as parents not lost on her.

He dipped his head, "We wish it too, it eats at your mother everyday, but if we hadn't done what we did, the Longbottoms would have taken you away or even killed you. So thank Merlin for Celeste's parents, which reminds me, do you prefer Hermione or Veri now?"

Hermione contemplated, "I think Veri in general, since it was from my birth mum; but perhaps Hermione will suffice until I've changed, at least for everyone else." She winked at him as he stifled a large grin and walked out the door.

Walking away he marveled at the way he had changed from the hardened maniac and public menace, to a practically drooling little puppy dog in just the few months that he had spent with his daughter. Perhaps he would go torture some miscreant – yes, that will do nicely …

Hermione walked over to her vanity and began an attempt to tame her locks before heading over to the twins. After what could only be termed a valiant effort, she went and changed into comfortable jeans, t-shirt and trainers. While straightening up from grabbing her overnight bag, she heard the door squeak in opening. She whirled around quickly; her wand trained on the entry way, and promptly dropped the bag with a loud gasp …

A/N: I know, I know, shoot me (really, please don't!), anyways loves to all and review your little hearts out if you would!