DISCLAIMER: The wonderful JK Rowling owns these characters and the universe. I do not. I am using them for a story not associated with the canon universe.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.

As promised, Voldemort returned the following morning with a list of names and the want for Neville's reply. He also came with the news that their requested home will be done by Wednesday because Voldemort was top priority now. This meant their work was moved up too.

Draco made sure no harm came to Hermione and contacted recruits for laws who would be willing to help Draco's cause. Theo and Blaise kept busy with sorting out the parole system. Draco tried to avoid his parents as much as possible. By Tuesday night it was inevitable to avoid the conversation with his parents.

"Face it mate," Theo said while scratching names on a piece of parchment, "This is the one chance to see where your parents stand. Tomorrow we will be in our house and things will progress along. Blaise and I will work a few weeks with the system to get Lovegood and Weaslette on our side and you will convince Granger that you are good. Adrian and Terence are also coming over for dinner tomorrow night. They want to discuss the details more."

Draco sighed and paced the library. "Invite them here to discuss matters, Draco," Blaise suggested. "Then you have Theo and I to help."

Draco nodded and hollered, "Tippy!" A house elf popped in front of Draco.

"Young master called Tippy."

"Could you please summon my parents here, Tippy? I would appreciate it."

"Yes young master. Tippy will do that right away."

"Thank you Tippy."

Tippy disappeared. Draco turned to see Blaise and Theo staring at him. Blaise's mouth hung open. Theo had a smug look on his face. "Spending a lot of time with the house elf rights activist I see."

Draco blushed and glared at him. He was going to reply with a snide comment but his parents walked in. His mother ran and hugged him. She hugged Theo and Blaise too, who were like second sons to her.

"Oh my boys! I have so worried about you," She cried. Her arms wrapped around Draco again. "I was unsure of your fates. From what your father hears, Draco, it sounds like you are doing fine."

Lucius patted Draco on the back and nodded to the other boys. "You've brought some light back to our name, Draco. Well done my son. What is this I hear of new laws and parole system?"

"Some of the laws are too outdated for the time, Father. A few acquaintances are going through and rejecting, rewriting, and proposing laws. I do not know much on the parole system. That is Blaise and Theo's area. It is their project."

Lucius turned to the sitting boys. Theo nudged Blaise under the table signaling it was his turn to explain. Blaise stomped on Theo's foot before starting to talk.

"We don't have a formal name yet for the system. Theo and Blaise will check up on wizarding families of the Sacred Twenty-Eight and others from a list the Dark Lord gave us weekly. This is a way to keep the high risks in line," Blaise explained.

"Why those of the Sacred Twenty-Eight? Most are followers of the Dark Lord," Lucius asked.

"Even the most loyal of followers could rise up for the cause in a radical way. There are also families who do not follow the ways of the Dark Lord that need watched too. If all of them were prosecuted, the wizarding population would greatly decrease. It is a risk we can not afford," Blaise added.

Lucius didn't question further. Theo was glad. He was in no mood to deal with bigotry. He could see the anguish on Narcissa's face. A distraction was needed. "Narcissa, did you know we, as in Draco, Blaise, and myself, will be getting out of your hair tomorrow? We are moving into our own connected estate."

Narcissa gasped. "What? You are not in my hair. You can stay in my hair. Why are you leaving me?" She grasped onto Draco.

Draco held his mother. He glanced at his father. Lucius looked as if he care less. He was just happy to be back on the path of good graces with the Dark Lord. "We are getting older mother. We are also on track for good lives. You can come see us whenever, stay whenever. You, my dear mother, are always welcomed in our lives."

He wiped away the tears on his mother's face. "You make me so proud, my son," She motioned at Theo and Blaise. They stepped closer and she pulled them in. "All my sons."

"We're doing this for a good future for us and others, Narcissa," Blaise whispered.

"We'll always make you proud," Draco added.

"We won't be monsters," Theo said.

She let go of them. She looked between the three of them. It seemed as if they had aged within minutes in front her. She could see a fire in their eyes. It was one she saw in her husband's eyes twenty years before. This was a fire completely different but with the same intensity.

Lucius approached the group. "My dear, I believe it is time for us to go. The boys must finish their work and packing. We will see you in the morning." Lucius nodded to his before ushering his wife and himself out.

"How do you think that went?" Blaise asked.

"Not bad. Mother just cares we survive and father is proud to have honor back to the family," Draco said. "If they knew our plan, the whole plan, father would be livid and mother would kill us."

Theo snorted. "Narcissa would be a nightmare if she knew everything. SOme of it would be fine but other parts…"

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.

The following morning was one Theo dreaded. They were all up and ready to go with everything packed. Narcissa convinced them to bring a few house-elves. Tippy, one of the elves going with, would bring Hermione, who was still in the dungeons unharmed because only Tippy, Draco, Blaise, Theo, and, sadly, the Dark Lord knew she was there.

At 8am sharp, the Dark Lord arrived. Theo handed over the papers concerning the parole. "We will start Saturday. Since there are a great deal of names on the list, Saturday will be for the first half of each of our lists and the following will be done on Sunday. Once a week we will do them. Tonight we are meeting with the two heads of the new law system."

"Excellent," He nodded. He turned to Draco and handed him three keys. "Crestfall Estate on the outskirts of Edwinstowe, Newark and Sherwood, Nottinghamshire. An exquisite piece of work. It is the forest and away from the muggle eyes. Do not let me down boys. You wouldn't want to know the consequences."

He looked over to Lucius and Narcissa. Theo saw Draco tense slightly. "There is a meeting tonight at 7 if you so choose to attend, Lucius," His gaze settled on Narcissa. "She is not allowed."

Lucius bowed. "Of course my Lord."

He apparated after that. Narcissa sent the boys on their way before retreating further into the house with her husband. Draco handed each boy a key. Theo could see the relief in Draco's face. Three house-elves popped up when matters were cleared.

"The plan is simple. Tippy will get Granger and apparate her to the estate. Did you hear its name and location?" All the house-elves nodded. "Hobbs and Spinks will grab the big stuff. Once Granger has been transported, Tippy, you will go back and help Hobbs and Spinks with the furniture and what not. Blaise, Theo and I will take our clothes. Once everything is there, we will extreme ward it. At five till six, I'll go get Pucey and Higgs. Any questions?"

"What about clothes and supplies for Granger?" Blaise asked.

"All taken care of," was the extent of Draco's response before picking up a large trunk and shouting, "Crestfall Estate Nottinghamshire!"

Draco vanished. The elves followed suit. Theo and Blaise waited until Draco appeared back. "I may not like this plan but that is one bloody amazing estate."

Draco grabbed another trunk. Theo and Blaise grabbed theirs and apparated off. Theo didn't bother to look around before apparating back to grab a final trunk with Blaise. Once back, Draco had them immediately starting on the wards and fidelius charm.

Forests surrounded the estate. Theo wondered if the charm was even necessary. Draco started talking as they walked back. "From what I gathered, there is a north wing, an east wing, and a west wing. Where we landed is the main part. It holds a drawing room, dining room, kitchen, entrance hall, and sitting area. It's the main part of the house. Granger and Tippy should be waiting for us."

Waiting they were. "Where in Merlin are we? What is going on?" she demanded.

"Granger," Draco started but she stopped him.

"Not you. I'm done with you. I want him to talk," She pointed to Theo. "Neville said I could trust you Theo, just those years ago. Tell me the truth Theodore Nott."

A lumped swelled in Theo's throat. Damn her. Blaise and Draco stared at him.

"Edwinstowe, Newark and Sherwood, Nottinghamshire at Crestfall Estate, our new estate. It was a request we put in that was granted by the Dark Lord. Forests surround the estate along with a fidelius charm and wards. You're safe."

Hermione started to laugh. "What are you laughing at?" Blaise asked.

Hermione ignored his question. "Tell me your plan, or at least what you can. I believe your elves put some furniture in the next room," She began walking with the boys trailing. "I tried giving the elves some clothes but they refuse to be freed. They want to keep working." Bitterness coated the words.

Theo and Blaise held their laughs down, but Draco let out an ungodly snort. Hermione swiveled back to them. "Out of everything that's going on, you're still caring about S.P.E.W."

"It's—"She stopped realizing he said it correctly. "Nevermind." She huffed and sat down.

"We want this to end," Theo continued. "Blaise, Draco, and I made a three way unbreakable vow with Neville as our binder right before Potter fell. We promised to protect the good, not become monsters, and win. You are one person to help with that, Hermione. Draco is going to protect you."

"Why not you?"

Theo shook his head. "I have someone else to protect like Blaise does. The only way we can get to them is through a system Blaise and I created. Those details do not concern you. The other plan we have is fueling the ministry with people on our side."

"Tonight, Adrian Pucey and Terence Higgs are coming for dinner. They are going to head the law division of our plan," Blaise continued.

"How do you know they'll cooperate?"

"Simple, if they want to be happy and love how they want, they'll help us. Besides, Pucey owes Nott a lot," Blaise answered. Hermione stared at him. "Theo aided Adrain a few times back in school. Adrian and Terence are gay for eachother. They'll do whatever to ensure their safety."

She nodded. "They're coming so we can discuss what to get rid of and add. It'll be tricky but manageable. Lucky Bole will head security but he already knows his job."

"Lucky Bole?" It was clear Hermione didn't know the reference.

"Lucian Bole," Theo explained. "You might remember he used to be a beater otherwise the name might be unknown to you. He is a very lucky guy. Hopefully his luck continues."

"Hopefully we inherit some of his luck." Hermione muttered.

The boys agreed. "I'm tired. I've barely slept the past days. Where is my room?" Hermione asked.

"The west wing," Theo spoke up. They hadn't discussed wings but he was making the decision for them. "Blaise has the north wing, and I'll take the east wing. Tippy can help you find your way and help pick a suitable room for you. Hobbs will take our items to our wings while Spinks makes dinner. Tippy will bring you some food when it's ready. Consider her your personal assistant, Granger."

Hermione nodded. "What about clothes? And my wand?"

Draco pulled out a wand from his robe pocket and tossed it to her. "I've held onto it this whole time. All I ask is that you don't use it yet. You are still connected to it. Wait till Higgs gets that changed and then you are free to use it. I'll let you know when because I will discuss it with him tonight. As for clothes, Tippy, pull an old t-shirt out of my trunk for Ms. Granger. Use that for tonight. Pucey and Higgs are bringing clothes for you. If you're up when they come, you can change into whatever they bought, which should be some of everything. Also take a bath, Granger. You make the beasts from that oaf's class smell like roses."

"Granger!" Blaise called before she was completely out of the room. She looked over her shoulder. "You never told us why you were laughing."

Hermione smiled. "Either go in town or read the muggle tale of Robin Hood."

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.

At six, Draco arrived with Adrian and Terence. They looked around as they followed Draco to the dining room. "Nice place you have here," Adrian commented. "Not as gloomy as I would've thought."

Blaise and Theo were already seated when they entered the dining room. Tippy popped in to grab the trunk Terence was carrying and popped out. "That reminds me," Terence began as he sat down, "Where is the lovely heroine?"

Draco sat at the head of table, with Blaise and Theo to his right and Adrian and Theo to his left. "Granger is in her room taking a bath, napping or eating. She needs time."

"I would too." Terence agreed.

Spinks brought in their dinner. "Let's get down to business," Adrian said after taking a bite. "What do you want from us?"

"We know you two have a knack for knowing the rules as well has bending, creating and deleting rules. You are trustworthy people. You will work with us to get rid of laws and also create laws that will benefit us," Theo explained.

"What's in it for us?"

"Happiness. The lives you want. Ultimately winning this fight," Theo set down his fork and met the eyes of the company. "You are Slytherins. You've already weighed the risks and the rewards. You know how to slip various laws in and make it seem like those are dusty, old laws barely enforced anymore. I know you're considering this."

Adrian leaned forward. "How do you know if we are considering this?"

Draco and Blaise sat back to let Theo do his thing. "Two reasons I know you both are considering out. One, you owe me for those five years," Adrian scoffed. "Two, you showed up tonight AND brought clothes for Hermione Granger without question."

Terence spoke up. "We are considering for more than just those reasons, though there is no reason to indulge you in those."

"So you'll do it? You'll help us?" Blaise asked, hope clear in his voice.

Terence and Adrian conversed through looks. Silence filled the room. Draco hoped they agreed. The looks intensified. Theo hoped they wouldn't start making out at the table. They nodded and turned back. Blaise hoped this meant life was about to get back on track.

"We'll help," Adrian finally said. "Owl us when you need to talk. Never discuss anything in the letter. Terence has a final few questions."

"How often will He be around or we be close to Him? When do we start? Will we ever be clued into your whole plan? Who else is involved? Will we be included in this rumored patrol?" Terence quickly asked.

Blaise took charge of this. "No idea, tomorrow laws will be owled to you to start reviewing, in time, in time, and yes. Theo will on you while I check on Adrian. If it makes you feel better, we have to check on a majority of the wizarding community, and the only reason we have to check up on you is because you're going to work for the new Ministry."

Draco added, "I'd also like it, Higgs, that if you could sometime take the tracking off of Granger's wand so she can use it."

"That's not my area but I know a girl who'll do it no questions asked for a price."

"Give me the information as soon as you can or get it done. I'll pay the price."

He nodded and went back to eating like his partner already had. Theo met the eyes of his friends and nodded. They were successful in a few areas now. Maybe it was worth it to start having hope.