Blaise was so excited to be returning to school after Christmas Break. He planned on several fun days with Kaliban and eventually telling Hermione the truth about their connection.
Hermione, on the other hand, was excited to go back and see Harry, but was worried about how Ron would still feel about her friendship with Blaise and Kaliban.
Hermione finished packing her bags and said goodbye to her parents as they dropped her off at King's Cross Station. They could not join her because they had to go to work.
Blaise, Kaliban and their mothers apparated to King's Cross Station and walked through the barrier. Blaise instantly spotted Hermione and he ran to give her a hug.
'Hermione!'
'Blaise!'
They hugged and Kaliban came and shook Hermione's hand. Claudia stared at her son and daughter as they interacted and she couldn't help but think of what a beautiful young women her daughter turned into. She couldn't wait to see her without a glamour.
Phoenix was happy to see her best friend happy and wanted to see her goddaughter in her true form. Life had not been easy since Antonio was murdered and Claudia was always in constant fear for her life but the reappearance of her only daughter brought hope that Claudia could someday have peace and full happiness with both her children.
Claudia and Kaliban waved their sons off and the boys and Hermione found an empty compartment.
They chatted about their Christmas vacations and absolutely couldn't wait to begin classes again. They were not looking forward to History of Magic with Binns because his classes are so monotone and boring, even to Hermione.
They were happy to begin Potions again where they would be paired together, but Kaliban was still paired with the menace that is Draco Malfoy.
Blaise, Hermione, and Kaliban were worried about how Ron would keep reacting when he saw them together again. Harry was happy that Hermione was happy and was not going to tell her what to do with her life.
Hermione didn't feel romantic love for Blaise, but rather an unconditional love, like between siblings. Hermione also felt that Kaliban was like a brother and friend to her.
Blaise felt the same unconditional love towards Hermione and knew that when he would tell her she would not doubt it and she would not stop being friends with him. He was sure that she would accept it and believe everything her tells her.
The Hogwarts Express pulled into the train station and the trio of friends took their seats one of the carriages. They talked about study days and they decided that they would meet everyday after Herbology (same schedule all year) to study and do homework.
Blaise and Kaliban separated from Hermione as they went to sit down at the Slytherin Table and Hermione took her seat beside Harry and Ron at the Gryffindor Table.
Ron couldn't fathom that Hermione was still good friends with the Slimy Snakes and glared at the 3 of them until the food appeared and he looked away to start eating.
Harry looked at Hermione's happy face and knew that ruining the friendship that she had with Blaise and Kaliban could ruin that incredibly happy face.
As supper ended, all four houses were excused and the Gryffindors made their way up to Gryffindor Tower. Prefect Katie Bell arrived and introduced the new password 'Celestial'.
The Fat Lady swung open and the tired students made their way to their dormitories. Hermione quickly said her goodnights to her best friends, entered her dormitory and changed into her pyjamas.
It was only after Hermione sat on her bed that she noticed Crookshanks, carrying a letter in his mouth.
Hermione took the letter, petted his head, and when she opened it she saw Blaise's very distinctive and elegant handwriting.
Dear Hermione,
I learned something over Christmas Break that I feel you should know about. My mom told me and I was very shocked, but I know that you need to know as well. Meet me in the library after Herbology and since Harry and Ron don't come leave without them. Kaliban will not come so we can have absolute peace and quiet when I tell you.
See you soon,
Blaise
Hermione was puzzled when she read his letter, but she promised herself that she would find out what Blaise knew and she didn't. She fell asleep and waited for the morning to come.
Classes passed really fast for Blaise; he was really worried about what he would have to tell Hermione and if she would believe that Dumbledore murdered her real father.
After Herbology, Hermione walked into the library and as usual Madame Pince was not happy with having people in her library.
Hermione walked to the spot that she and Blaise so often shared and she sat down across from Blaise; who smiled at her.
'What did you need to tell me?' Hermione asked the boy.
'Please don't run or scream or interrupt until I'm done. Please' Blaise said to Hermione.
'I promise' Hermione reassured him.
'You're my sister. Your real name is Hermione Lila Zabini. When we were 1 week old, Dumbledore came to our house and murdered our father. My mother rushed us to our secondary mansion, but was worried that Dumbledore would kill you if he found out about you. He only knew that I was born. Our mother says that it was the toughest decision she ever made giving you up. Dumbledore is as evil as Voldemort was (Voldemort doesn't come back to life. Dumbledore is the evil villain of this story and not Voldemort). I understand if you're sceptical, but I swear on the twin bond we have that I'm telling the truth' Blaise said in between breaths.
Hermione just stared at him and he was worried about what she would say.
'I believe you; somehow I was never close to the people who raised me. I never felt that I could for sure call them my parents because they always put their jobs before me. I can't believe that Dumbledore would be that evil, but I sense sincerity and honesty in your voice and eyes and I have always prided myself with the fact that I can tell if you're telling the truth or lying just by staring at someone's eyes. What can we do to keep Dumbledore from finding out?' Hermione said and Blaise was ecstatic that she believed him.
'We need to not think about it around Dumbledore, I can teach you Occlumency, so he can't go looking in our minds. You will have to visit during the summer so that mum can see you and you are wearing a glamour' Blaise concluded and Hermione nodded.
'I will come and apparate you to our manor. I want it to be a surprise for mum. I'll also take your glamour off before you meet her' Blaise continued and Hermione nodded again.
With that conversation being done, they exited the library and went on to their next classes.
Hermione couldn't believe that she trusted and listened to the man that killed her biological father and she made sure that Harry would know, but not till next year she promised herself (or the year after that).
But Hermione was determined to meet her real mother and never again fall for Dumbledore's abilities to control her ever again.
Blaise continued to his classes and when he met up with Kaliban, he smiled at his best friend. He knew that Kaliban trusted his judgment and would not turn him away if he needed help.
Kaliban couldn't wait to see Hermione in her true form and he knew that they would stay best friends for a long time to come.
