A/N - It's Christmas and the Holiday Ball is almost here! So exciting.
Earlier in the story it was mentioned that Narcissa had received the mark and not Draco. Just wanted to remind everyone in case there is any confusion in this chapter.
The next chapter is the ball itself and Hermione finally figures out how to figure it out.
The follows and favorites are awesome...makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside so thanks for making the start of December great.
I still don't own them, even if I changed my initials to 'JKR' they wouldn't be mine. I don't want them all, really, maybe just Draco.
' - - - - - - - '
Draco had never asked for the full story regarding the presence in the dungeon. He and Severus had discussed it and came to the conclusion that it had been the Dark Lord. Hermione would have been able to sense Ron, to an extent.
"Hermione, may I speak with you for a moment?"
Hermione had been discussing something with Ginny and the brunette witch was blushing which told Draco the topic was either him or something that they did the night before. Last night had been a good one. He had gotten her to admit that she enjoyed it when he spoke dirty to her. He would use that to his advantage later. Right now he needed to remember why he called her over. Hermione raised an eyebrow at his unfocused gaze. She smirked assuming where his mind was. She was correct in her assumption.
"Right, Severus and I were discussing some items. We need you to clarify some things for us." Hermione nodded and followed Draco out of the salon and into the study.
"Hello Miss Phoenix. I hope that you are feeling well today." Snape tried to smile reassuringly and have a pleasant tone but it was difficult since he really was a dark wizard.
"If you expect me to call you Severus, then you call me Hermione." Hermione stared at her former teacher and smiled at him. His response was a smirk, much more natural looking for the potions master.
"Hermione, Draco and I were discussing the entity you encountered in the dungeon. Would you be able to tell me what you felt?"
Hermione sat and thought. She had tried to push that encounter from her mind.
"I knew that it was very dark. I still don't know what it was or even how to fully explain what I sensed. There was an incredible amount of power but it seemed like it could not be used." She stopped again trying to put words to her feelings.
"I felt like my power was getting stronger. And I needed every bit of it to remove the entity from the room. It was in one of the cells. But it was larger than then one we had been put in. Down a different corridor."
Draco and Severus looked at each other in worry. They knew all the cells, but one, were the same size. This confirmed their suspicions.
"Continue about your power. What happened then?"
"After I had removed the entity it seemed like my power returned to normal. After I finished securing the dungeon I moved upstairs. Once I had checked all the rooms I was standing outside of the doors to the nursery. Or more specifically, the wall that covered the doors; I felt a sense of warmth and goodness that I didn't feel anywhere else in the Manor. That is when I heard Draco calling for me. Moments later I was back."
"When you were facing the entity, did you have any feelings of recognition?"
"Yes and no. I thought I knew it but it was so dark and angry that I refused to believe it would be anyone I knew. Having said all that, somewhere in my mind I knew that I was sensing Ron. All I can say is the feeling I had was similar to the feelings I had at the beginning of our first year. He wasn't very nice to me then...I know he used me for schoolwork. I needed friends and was willing to be used to get them."
Draco had only recently been privy to her torment and feelings of inadequacy. Hearing her actually say those words hurt his heart. He had been a major part of the reason that she had a tough beginning at Hogwarts.
"I had this pull to Harry. I guess I now understand why. I suspect Ron wanted to be his friend because he had heard about the boy-who-lived and thought it would help his standing. Harry seemed just as overwhelmed as I did. I didn't realize it then, but my magic had already aligned with Harry's. Ron was just always on the edge of everything." Hermione turned to Draco.
"All of the pain and suffering that I went through is the reason I was able to help Harry. It was my destiny." Hermione smiled.
"Is that everything you can remember?"
"I know that it was not pleased I was able to remove it. I would say the entity was jealous I still had my powers. I also think my magic was more powerful than his even if he could have used it. And I don't think there was any good left in Ron, but I'm still not sure I can destroy him if I have any doubt."
Severus looked to Hermione with understanding. He knew this would be a problem for both Hermione and Harry.
"One other item I'd like to understand. Draco had mentioned the day of Miss Brown attempted attack on Miss Parkinson; you had passed out but when you recovered you seemed to think that it wasn't one of your normal episodes. Do you remember anything about that?"
"I remember I felt as if I was using my new power but I wasn't. I do believe that my body passed out to make sure that I remained in control."
"I agree fully with that assessment. Tell me about your surroundings. Who was there, what was going on, anything that you can think of."
"We had just been dismissed and Draco was taking me to see Poppy. Kingsley and his aurors had just passed. I looked at each of them, as I always do. I like to smile or say hello to those I know. This time I recognized the first few but the ones at the end were unknown. They seemed in awe of the castle. I understand, the first time I walked in it took my breath away."
Hermione paused to think about that.
"I mean they were aurors and even if they were freshly minted a hall of Hogwarts should not be that unnerving. Actually no, awed isn't the correct word. Scared. They seemed scared of something and weren't looking at anyone just following the group. Now that I think about it that was very odd. It was right after Kingsley's group passed us that I felt the pull. The next thing I knew I was in the infirmary."
"Did any of the aurors say anything to you as they passed?"
"No, I don't think so." Hermione was thinking and neither Draco nor Severus wanted to interrupt her. They wanted to give her a chance to think through the entire episode. "No, no one said a word but one of them was mumbling something. I never heard what. He was the last one in the line."
Draco had been thinking about it also. He remembered something. "He was the one that turned around and looked at you. He smirked."
"Thank you Hermione this was very enlightening." Severus seemingly dismissed her and she gladly left. She didn't want to think about either situation at the current moment. She quickly returned to the salon and Ginny who was anxiously waiting to hear about what she and Draco had done the night before.
"Draco, would you be able to recognize that auror if you saw him again?"
"Yes. I've seen him a few times. I suspect that he is one that frequently is sent out by Kingsley. I think we need to speak with Kingsley and Potter immediately." The two wizards quickly left the room.
' - - - - - - '
As the holidays were fast approaching everyone decided to try and make the best of the situation. With two maniacs on the loose shopping would be out of the question; even with Diagon Alley being protected. The house elves were tasked with obtaining presents. Harry, Hermione and Draco had started their shopping before everything had headed south and sent Twinky to Hogwarts to get their presents. The Phoenix and Potter parents, not having had a long time to get to know their children had no idea what to get them for presents. Narcissa and Louisa had already purchased items for Draco and Theo.
The elves had decorated a few of the rooms and they were very festive. Hermione continued to sit in the library reading everything she could get her hands on. In the two and half weeks they had been sequestered, she had read about a quarter of the books that most interested her. It would have been more had she not been focused on the Bella situation, worrying about how to handle Ron, and finally her mastery classes starting the coming summer. In addition to her studying she spent time with Draco and her parents. She had continued to learn the history of the Malfoy family.
The Manor, as it is now, was started in about 1515 and finished by the middle of the century. However, the land belonged to the Malfoy family for at least one thousand years before that. A smaller home had originally been built on the original land but as the family became more prominent a larger home was required as more and more property was deeded under the family name. The only part of the Manor that was part of the original structure was a the central portion of the dungeons. When the Manor was built the original dungeons had been expanded to support the additional weight. The original dungeon was surrounded by the newer area. After countless hours of Draco telling his families story, he and Hermione were finally to a point where the story could be told by the actual people or their portraits.
The oldest portrait was the sweetest woman Hermione had ever met. Celia Malfoy was from Northern Ireland and married into the Malfoy family as part of a political agreement. Their marriage united the Irish and English magical world; a feat muggles were still struggling to attain. Celia told Hermione her marriage to Draco marriage would be a great time of joy and had been foretold by the ancient oracles. The family was extremely excited. Hermione didn't totally understand what Celia was telling her but she was glad that there was at least ancestor that liked her. Celia's reference to the oracles reminded Draco of Sybil's prophesy regarding his son. The only family unity or reconciliation he could imagine was with Lucius. There were no other Malfoys. Ands Draco doubted Lucius would be walking the Earth much longer.
As Hermione left Celia that first day, Draco told her the majority of the family was very excited to get to meet her. Hermione wasn't sure how to take "excited" so she made a point to stop and speak with Celia at least every other day.
Draco had gotten to the end of the middle ages and Hermione had learned that the Malfoy were some of the benefactors who helped usher the English Renaissance. They, like the rest of the wizarding world, did not choose a side during the War of the Roses but informed both sides that whomever won would be supported. The wizard world did not care about the muggle rulers just that everyone would live together. What the Malfoys, and other powerful wizarding families, did not expect was for the muggles to turn against and start to persecute them. The first witch hunts were unexpected and very freighting for the wizarding world. Luckily very few real witches or wizards were ever captured. If they were then they simply escaped and disillusioned their property until the scare died away. The subsequent hunts, while still a worry for the wizarding world, were instantly identified for what they were. A way for the muggles to remove other muggles who were a threat to power. Magic was just an excuse.
Due to the actions of those muggles, the wizarding world slowly went into hiding and became a myth. Muggles and wizards lived together in harmony much longer than not. The actions started half a century earlier were the precursors to the wars the wizard world fought over the last thirty years.
During this time Hermione also started to learn about her heritage. The Phoenix family originated in Greece and thus the tradition of name their children after Greek gods or demigods. Traditionally they had a son and daughter each generation. The son would be magical while the daughter a squib. It was not understood how this happened. Hermione was the first magical daughter in over 1,500 years and the only first born daughter.
The Phoenix family moved to Britain the summer before Percy turned eleven, in order for him to attend Hogwarts. Hermione's grandparents, seeing what was starting to happen in Britain, left shortly before her birth. They were never aware of Stephanie's pregnancy or that Percy had a child. It was unknown if they still lived. Hermione remembered having grandparents at her birthday parties and Christmas when she was very young. She couldn't remember the last time she actually saw them but it was when she was much younger. Maybe, when all this was over she could find her aunt and uncle and bring them back to Britain and ask who her grandparents really were.
Just prior to their "deaths" Percy had all of the Phoenix property placed into stasis in order to protect it from the greedy Death Eaters that wished to acquire it. Lucius Malfoy wanted to position his family as the most prominent family and only by assuming some of the Phoenix fortune would he be able to do that. Draco told Percy that Lucius had spoken of the mythical Phoenix fortune during his childhood. During the time between the wars, when no one was actually looking for the Dark Lord, Lucius explained it was the best way for them to become more powerful in their own rights.
This hadn't surprised Percy. He knew Lucius had always been slightly jealous of the Phoenix family. In fact, his arrival at Kings Cross that first year of Hogwarts was met with an unimpressed glare from Lucius and Abraxas went so far as to complain to the Board of Regents that Percy should be expelled as he they didn't live in the country.
Percy's father took special pleasure in providing the Regents land titles as to where the Phoenix property and home lay.
' - - - - - - - - '
Christmas morning came and the small group exchanged gifts. Hermione gave Harry a book on the history of quidditch and Draco a new set of gloves and leathers. Hermione got a set of self-inking quills, leather bound journal, and frames for her awards from Harry. Draco gave her some books from his personal library along with a diamond pendent. While grand to Hermione it was the smallest and least conspicuous of the Malfoy jewels. What still seemed to shock the adults more was that Hermione was more excited about the books than the jewels. It was just another thing that made Draco love her more. She didn't care about the money, jewelry or power; all she wanted was to be with him and if she was using him for anything it would be his library. He could live with that.
Hermione and Draco had been working on a special present for Narcissa. It was based on the spell they had found when creating the map. It was a variation of the removal spell used when someone was shunned from the family. Both were nervous as it had not been tested.
"Mother, Hermione and I have a present for you." Narcissa was hoping it was the announcement of their engagement. Draco, while nervous, noticed the glint in his mother's eyes and just shook his head. At least she hadn't brought up children, again, today.
"We found a spell that may be able to remove the mark. Assuming, you are willing to try it." Draco was unsure how to broach the subject and decided that it should be done in private.
"Tell me about the spell Hermione." Narcissa knew that if Hermione was confident it would work. The pain she endured getting it could be no worse than what it would feel like to remove it. Hermione continued to explain the origin of the spell and how the family had included a caveat regarding what would occur if a family member was removed. By tweaking the removal spell, in the same manner as the branding spell, Hermione was confident that it would work. Narcissa was sold.
"There is no time like the present." Draco brought the few items needed over while Narcissa removed her robes.
Hermione pulled her wand while Narcissa sat on a chair and Draco stood behind her. He felt suddenly very nervous but there was no need for his worry. With a couple flicks of her wand, Hermione wrapped Narcissa's arm in a silken shawl and finished the incantation. Narcissa felt a warm rush on her arm and expecting it to get worse she tensed. Draco's worried look was relieved only a moment later when he heard Narcissa release a sigh. Hermione smiled and started to remove the silk shawl.
"Hermione you are amazing." Narcissa smiled looking at her perfectly cleared forearm. Draco kissed his mother and then swung Hermione into his arms.
"You have given me and my family a chance and I don't know if I can ever thank you." Draco leaned into Hermione and kissed her with passion, gratitude and love.
Meanwhile, Percy (with the assistance and protection of a detail of elves) had been able to slip to the Phoenix Manor at some point and obtain a few items for Stephanie and Hermione. Percy opened the library and removed the books containing the Phoenix family tree and family spells only known to the Phoenix family. He decided that the greatest gift he could give to his daughter was knowledge. For Stephanie, he found their wedding bands and some photos taken during school and shortly after.
Stephanie was in tears when she was able to wear her rings again and Hermione was engrossed in her presents as well. Draco knew she would be able to get her mind off of all her concerns for a couple days while she read everything she had received for the holidays.
Hermione found that she was related to all the prominent wizarding families in Europe. Her extended family consisted of famous writers, artists, musicians, and politicians. There were famous squibs and muggles also. Hermione couldn't believe some of the names she saw, Capetian, Medici, Habsburg, Rothschild, Cezanne, Matisse, Raphael, Vivaldi, among others. After reading her lineage four times she started on the second book from her father. Draco was very interested in it also. He waited until Hermione was ready to read it before asking if they could read together. Hermione was excited that someone wanted to share this with her. They snuggled close on the lounger and began to read.
Percy was stunned to realize Draco could see the writing. The book was charmed that only those with Phoenix blood would be able to read it. Percy thought the answer may lay in the bond and that allowed Draco to read it. It would also explain why Cissy and Stephanie could never read the books, their marriages were not magically bonded like their children. The theory still intrigued him. Watching the two he realized they really were perfect for each other. He also knew they had not been intimate yet. He had checked the family tree in his study and it was the same as when Hermione was a baby. They were listed on the tree as bonded but the bond had not been consummated. This is why Percy hadn't actually threatened the boy yet. He was treating his daughter with great respect. If Draco was anything like his father then there would have been issues.
There were a few things in the Phoenix spell book that were almost, but not quite, what she needed for figuring out the issue with Ron. Hermione wanted to understand the spell that Voldemort used to get into their heads. After some discussions with Kingsley, Hermione was certain the Malfoy and Phoenix family spell books were two of the oldest books in existence. They both held powerful dark magic and if she was going to figure out how Voldemort did it then it would probably be in the Malfoy book. The oddest thing was when she identified some spells that were very close to what she would need. These spells were not something that Voldemort had ever seen. Could two families have come up similar spells? Hermione didn't know but she was determined to find out.
' - - - - - - '
"Father, do you know how it could be possible for two wizarding families to have similar spells in their family spell books?"
"That is highly unusual. Why do you ask?"
"Draco and I have been researching and the books that seem to give us the most assistance are the Malfoy and Phoenix family books. There are some identical spells and some are very similar. It seems as the books get closer to current the spells diverge more. It's the oldest spells that mimic each other."
Percy sat and thought about the question. How could there be identical spells between two families? Especially between two families that were not in same country. Hermione watched the confusion spread across her father's face. She understood that he too could not reconcile the differences.
"I have no idea Hermione. I have been pondering a question of my own. I'd like to know how Draco was able to read the Phoenix family books."
"I'm not sure Father. I assumed it was because we are bonded. I can read the Malfoy books just as easily as he can read ours. I guess it just seemed natural to me."
"That was the only explanation I could come up with as well. I just wondered if you had any other thoughts." Hermione and Percy's conversation was halted when Narcissa entered informing them lunch was ready. Since the conversation was more about questions than answers both decided food was a good reason to postpone.
Lunch was focused on the ball and the, literal, last minute issues. Blaise, Anna and Pansy would be arriving later in the day as would the security. Narcissa had informed Hermione and Draco the press would be brought in for a short time and once excused the hall would be swept for any little things that may have been left.
"Cissy is there a way to check for bugs?" Narcissa was shocked at this.
"The Manor is clean of such things. Why would you ask such a thing?"
"Cissy, I'm sorry I did not mean to infer that the Manor has any insect residents. The reason I ask, is because I was the subject of some very deliberate and cruel articles from the press. As it turned out the author is an unregistered animaus. I discovered it and she spent some time in a small glass jar in my room. Needless to say this is an opportunity I'm sure she would not want to miss." Draco smirked at just how cunning his witch could be. It also reminded him to not upset her. Narcissa nodded in understanding, she remembered those stories and while, at the time, they were humorous she was quite angered now. She had no idea how the editor got away with writing such things about children.
"I think we are ok Hermione. One of the last things Lucius purchased before choosing the Dark Lord was The Prophet. I am in charge and if anything is written now and I'll take care of it. I'll require the proofs to be sent here before printing. Our safety is tantamount to profits."
Hermione was pleased.
The preparations for the ball were complete, the food was being prepared and the witches were getting themselves ready. The wizards, as it only took an hour or so to get dressed, were relaxing in the study. There was little conversation and no tension for most of the wizards. Blaise and Draco stood in a corner quietly discussing something serious. At least that was how it looked to Harry. He made his way over to the duo.
"And what are you two discussing?" Blaise was shocked to see Potter. He hadn't noticed his approach.
"Not for me to say Potter but if Blaise wants to ask you I think you could give him a better answer." Draco really was at a loss with Blaise's problem. He would never have to deal with something like this.
"Blaise what's wrong?" Blaise looked pale and quite nervous; not at all like the usual self-assured wizard. "I'm in love with Pansy."
"That is great. Why the worry?"
"She has some issues since the war. She doesn't feel that she is worthy of being with me." Harry was stunned. He knew that her father had been killed and her mother was tortured until she was insane. Harry suspected that he knew what Pansy's other issues were and felt bad for her.
"What are thinking about doing Blaise?"
"I want to propose to her. I don't think tonight would be the correct night but I want to do it soon." Harry and Draco looked at each other and realized that Blaise could be just what Pansy needed. She had loved him for years.
"Blaise, I think Potter and I can help. We will work on it together. Pansy won't know what hit her and she will love you for it."
The wizards started to plot while the witches finished their final touches. Narcissa stood before Hermione with the necklace in hand.
"Hermione are you ready?"
"Yes, Cissy I am." Hermione turned and allowed Narcissa to place the necklace around her neck and clasp it shut. Hermione opened her eyes and was stunned. She looked better than she did the first time she wore the dress. Narcissa handed her a handkerchief. It was a delicate linen chief with lace trim; it had the Malfoy crest monogrammed in the center and Hermione's name under that. Hermione stood in shock with everything she had seen and this simple piece of linen was the final straw.
"Cissy, do you accept me as your daughter-in-law?" Narcissa was stunned at the question.
"Yes, my dear, never have any doubts on that. You have brought happiness to Draco. I will forever be grateful for you. I have already accepted you. When I gave you the emeralds that was…wait, did no one tell you about them?"
Hermione couldn't answer for fear of her emotions. She shook her head.
"Those are the fabled Malfoy emeralds. Before you wore them at dinner the last time they were worn, in public or private, was when my betrothal to Lucius was announced. I wore them for the official photo shoot. While the arrangement was made shortly after my birth and most society knew, the announcement still needed to be made to the general public. The emeralds were removed from the vault for the photos and then returned immediately after. No witch has worn them until I retrieved them from the vault for you. I wore the Black diamonds for the wedding. When I gave you those emeralds I was trying to say you will make a wonderful daughter-in-law; an exquisite Lady Malfoy; and an amazing mother to my grandchildren. I'm sorry I did not explain what I was doing. I hope that you will forgive me. I forget that you were not raised in our world."
Hermione was trying to blink away her tears. She realized Narcissa Malloy had accepted her, Hermione Granger, before the discovery of her true heritage.
"Thank you Cissy. I hope I can live up to your expectations." Hermione and Narcissa hugged.
"Now let me touch up your make up and I'll get Draco. Proper protocol is for him to escort you down the steps and for you to greet your guests. In the future, you and Draco will be the first people the guests meet; however, since you and Draco may not know everyone I will introduce you. After all guests have been greeted and are in the ballroom you and Draco will make your grand entrance. You will immediately open the ball with your first dance. Once done Draco will welcome everyone again and then announce the meal will begin. After everyone is seated the dinner will be served. As the meal is finished and everyone starts to relax Draco will announce the miraculous return of Severus, Albus, the Potters and your parents. At that point they will stand; they will have been disillusioned for the entirety of dinner. The press will have been allowed access to the ball room once dinner is complete. Twenty minutes later the press will be escorted out while you and Draco mingle. I suspect that Draco will not allow you to dance with too many wizards. Malfoys are a jealous lot."
Narcissa laughed remembering some of the good times in her marriage as she left to get Draco. Hermione felt bad for Narcissa, she really had been given a difficult personal life.
"Dear, Hermione is ready. We will be waiting in the foyer." Draco quickly left and bounded up the stairs. He knew he would only have a few moments alone with Hermione before their obligations would begin. He knocked on her door.
"Hermione, may I enter?"
"Yes Draco." Draco could hear the nervousness in her voice. He entered and was stunned. She was more beautiful than ever.
"I am at a loss for words." Draco truly was. Hermione walked to Draco and spun once she was a little closer to him. The sapphires seemed to sparkle against her skin. Her hair was elegantly piled on her head with spiral tendrils framing her face. Narcissa had, seemingly, added a shimmer to Hermione's hair that reflected light and sparkled with each little movement. Her skin had been dusted with fairy dust giving it a shimmer.
"Draco we need to head down. Your mother said we should not dally."
"Hermione, at this point it is taking all my self-control to not grab you and run someone where it would only be us. It is amazing that someone as special, beautiful, elegant, brilliant and sweet will allow me to have anything to do with you. I am in awe of you and promise that I will love you forever."
Hermione was stunned. She walked to Draco and put her hand in the crook of his arm.
"Lord Malfoy, I believe I'm ready to host my first Malfoy Holiday Ball, please escort me to our guests." Draco realized that Hermione was not able to handle the emotions coursing through her body and that by stating this she was confirming that she loved him.
"Of course Miss Phoenix; at the next Ball I'll introduce you as Lady Malfoy." Hermione gave Draco a heart stopping smile and they walked together out the door.
' - - - - - - - '
A/N - Will Hermione be able to do what needs to be done with Ron? She has acknowledged it was his essence she felt. hmmm...
Yeah I know he hasn't actually asked her to marry him yet but #1 this is a dramoine (of course it's gonna happen), #2 he bought her the wedding gown, #3 they've both seen the ring...no real surprises there.
Just for the record, I would be scared to wear that much jewelry as well. I worry about the fake stones in my watch and earrings, let alone the real thing dangling from my wrists and ears.