Chapter 5 – Dinner and more family secrets

Hermione stood admiring herself in the floor length mirror in her room at Malfoy Manor. Narcissa had insisted that both families, including Kira, go out for a meal to celebrate Hermione's return home.

She had been given a white satin halter-dress to wear. It fit perfectly. The floor length gown cascaded smoothly over her curvy new figure; a slit up the left leg exposed her bare knee when she moved. Black sequin detailing under the bust area enhanced her assets even more than the deep V of the halter. She had also been provided a pair of strappy white stilettos as a finishing touch.

Performing a quick turn before the mirror, she stood back and smiled. In a million years, she would never have chosen such a dress for herself but she had to admit, she liked the way she looked. Even more, she liked the way she felt.

Shaking her head at how silly she must look staring at herself in the mirror, she took a seat at the dressing table and waited for someone to come for her, as she had been instructed.

After a while, Hermione was starting to get restless. Her hair and make-up had been done with the help of one of the Malfoy's house elves that had been sent up.

Later still, she stood looking into the intense violet eyes that stared back at her in the mirror. She thought about everything she had read about eyes holding power and how each colour was associated with certain powers. Tearing herself away from the mirror again, she walked back over to her dressing table and sat on the stool to reapply her lip gloss, probing her mind for answers as to why she had such startlingly purple eyes.

She was so deep in thought she didn't hear when Blaise knocked on her door. He knocked again after a moment and slowly opened the door before stepping into the room. Reaching out his hand, he tapped her on the shoulder bringing her out of her reverie. She spun swiftly around on the stool to see her brother looking down at her.

"Sorry I just walked in but when I knocked twice and you didn't answer, I got worried and came in to check that you were okay."

"It's fine. I was just thinking about something."

"Anything I can help with? It must have been a big something for you not to hear me knocking."

Hermione smiled softly at the evident concern in Blaise's eyes but shook her head.

"No, just thinking. So... are we ready to go?"

"Nearly, I just have to speak to you about something first."

"Of course, what about?"

Blaise placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Well, first, I have something for you. Turn to the mirror and close your eyes. Promise you won't look until I say so."

"I promise."

Blaise pulled a locket out of his trouser pocket and fastened it around Hermione's neck. Her hand involuntarily reached up to touched the necklace that lay against the hollow of her throat.

"You can open your eyes now."

Hermione slowly opened her eyes and looked at the locket. She could not contain the gasp that escaped her lips.

It was beautiful!

She leaned closer to the mirror to get a better look. At first, Hermione thought it was silver but judging by the weight of the necklace it had to be platinum. The locket bore a large 'Z' in the middle surrounded by a lion and a snake.

"The locket was Grandmother's," Blaise explained, leaning down so he could meet Hermione's eyes in the mirror. "She gave it to me a while ago and asked me to give it to you when you returned home. Inside is a photo of you and a blank space where you'll place a photo of your soul mate… once you find him."

"It's beautiful," Hermione could not express in words how exquisite it was. "Blaise, why is there a lion and a snake on the locket? I assume they stand for the different Hogwarts houses…which means they represent Gryffindor and Slytherin."

"You're right about them symbolizing the animals of Hogwarts. You see, the locket is enchanted and the animals change to represent the house of each soul mate at the present time. So… the lion is you, a Gryffindor, which means that your soul mate is currently in Slytherin."

Hermione was shocked. That was a bit more information than she was prepared to get on her first day back. Part of her hoped there would not be any more family secrets revealed that day.

"Erm, Mia," Blaise cleared his throat nervously. "I wanted to speak to you about something else as well."

"You mean someone else, Blaise?" She teased while smirking at the blush that was creeping up his neck.

"Well…yes. How is it you are able to talk to Kira without looking like a complete idiot and stuttering all over the place?"

"That, dear brother, is because I'm not in love with her," Hermione smiled sincerely. "She also happens to be my best friend from the muggle world. At least, I thought she was from the muggle world but seeing as she's a Malfoy, I'm guessing that was a lie as well."

"I thought Harry and Ron were your best friends? And she's as much a muggle as you are, Sis."

"They are my best friends but you can't expect me to talk to Harry and Ron about everything, can you? I needed someone outside of Hogwarts that I could talk to and get away from the magical world. Kira and I have known each other for as long as I can remember but then I went off to Hogwarts and she went away to boarding school, which I'm presuming was Beauxbatons, so we really only got to see each other during the holidays and before you ask… yes, I will set you up with her but on one condition."

Blaise pulled Hermione into a grateful hug. "Sis, you know I love you, right? What's the condition?"

"You have to tell me everything you know about the blond haired Slytherin known as Draco Malfoy."

Blaise smiled knowingly before answering, "Deal."

Blaise offered his arm to Hermione and she smiled, looping her own arm through his, and he led her down to the foyer where everyone was waiting.

As she and Blaise approached the top of the grand staircase, Hermione's eyes immediately sought Draco who was gazing back at her. She couldn't help but notice something different about the way he looked at her. When they reached the last stair, Draco stepped forward to take her from Blaise. She couldn't help the grin that spread across her face when she saw Blaise walk over to Kira and whisper something in her ear. The blush that crept upon Kira's cheeks was priceless.

Hermione, too, blushed as she felt someone's breathe flutter against her neck and a voice whispering in her ear.

"You look beautiful."

"Thank you, Draco. You don't look so bad yourself," She bit her lip and smiled shyly.

"Of course I do, I'm a Malfoy. I always look great."

"See what I mean about being big headed?"

"I know, sorry. I couldn't resist though."

"Okay. I'll let you off the hook but just this once. So, where are we eating tonight?" Hermione said, turning to face the adults in the group.

"Starlight, the new restaurant opening in Hogsmeade Village tonight. We have had reservations for months now. It's a very exclusive VIP night," Lucius replied proudly.

"How did you manage to get reservations for tonight? I've been reading about the opening in the Daily Prophet and people have been trying nearly anything to get a table."

"That's simple, Mia. We are two of the most respected families in the magical world. We are invited to most of these events."

"We ought to get to the restaurant. Alyssa and Lucian will be waiting for us. There will be a lot of photographers as well and they will want a statement from us about Mia, Paolo," said Athena giving Hermione a loving smile.

"Of course. Shall we take the car, Lucius?" Lucius just nodded as confirmation and walked towards the door opening it for his wife and the rest of the group.

The car pulled up outside the restaurant and just as Athena had guessed, there were a lot of reporters.

"Draco, Blaise, take the girls into the restaurant and don't stop to speak to the reporters. Alyssa and Lucian will be waiting for you inside."

"Yes, Father," replied Draco.

"Mia, princess, don't worry about the reporters. Your mother and I will deal with them. You just make sure you get into that restaurant unharmed. You two, Isobel, I don't want any pictures appearing on the front page tomorrow. Not like last time," Paolo said, clearly stating that there were no exceptions.

Isobel was going to argue but when she saw the look on her father's face she decided it would be best to do as he said.

The door of the limo was opened by the driver. Lucius and Narcissa stepped out first followed by Draco who offered his hand to Hermione and then to Sofia. There were camera flashes going off all around them.

Draco and Blaise made their way up to the front door with a girl on each arm leaving their parents to deal with the photographers. Rumours were already flying around about the young Mr. Malfoy's potential engagement to the young woman with the bright purple eyes.

"They think we're engaged," Hermione whispered harshly to Draco as they finally stepped into the sanctuary of the restaurant. "That's just plain stupid."

"What's so stupid about being engaged to the Malfoy heir, Mia?" Draco asked, looking slightly hurt.

"Nothing, it's that… Erm, can we please talk about this later, not here with all the reporters around."

"Of course, you're right. Follow me." Draco grabbed Hermione by the hand and pulled her to a secluded corner.

"Mia, where are you going?" Blaise called after her. "Dad will kill me if he comes in and you aren't here. Mia!"

He turned to look at Kira who shrugged and said, "Lover's quarrels."

"So, I'm not the only one that has noticed that, then? Good, I thought I was over reacting."

"No, Blaise, you're not over reacting," she said softly. "There is one thing about lovers that is bothering me at the moment though."

Blaise was perplexed but listened intently. When he didn't respond, Kira leaned up to whisper in his ear.

"I want to know why Blaise? Why you haven't asked me out?"

Blaise stood before her dumbfounded. He knew Kira was very confident about this sort of thing but he didn't know she was simply going to ask him the one question that he couldn't answer himself.

"I…uh I, erm…"

"Are you just going to stand there and stutter all day or are you going to ask me?" Kira replied cheekily.

Blaise took a deep breath and look into Kira's eyes. "Kira, will you be my girlfriend?"

Kira reached up, kissed Blaise on the cheek, and whispered a simple "yes" into his ear.

"Will you two keep your mouths shut for two minutes, please! I'm trying to listen to what Mia's saying to Draco."

"Isobel, stop eavesdropping on your sist-"

"You don't have to listen to the conversation, Isobel, I can tell you what Hermione's going to say to Draco. She will say that she really likes him but she wants to take things slow. She may have a new life but she's still the old Hermione and the old Hermione is too sensible and wouldn't want to commit to the relationship until she is 100% sure of what she wants."

"I don't believe it. My girlfriend is just as much as gossip queen as my sister and cousin."

"Aw…poor Blaise, do you feel left out? If you think this bad just wait until you see me with Hermione when we start to gossip. Now be quiet, they're coming back and Draco has that same look like on his face as when Uncle Luc told him he couldn't have the new model Firebolt. This can't be good. You know what Draco's like when he has his heart set on something."

"Yes, I know. He doesn't give up till he gets it, now shush!"

"Where are Uncle Lucian and Aunt Alyssa?" Hermione asked looking around for the people that had raised her since she was a baby.

"I'm not sure but here come mum and dad, maybe they know where they are."

"Let's sit down, kids. Your aunt and uncle are right behind us."

"Dad, did you sort out the rumours? As nice as they were I don't want to be engaged to Draco."

"Yes, princess. Your mother and I made a statement and have set a date to do an interview next week for Witch Weekly Magazine, the whole family will be featured in the article."

They all sat down at a large round table just in time to see Alyssa and Lucian step through the door. They had removed their Glamour Charms and for the first time in nearly seventeen years Hermione was seeing their true identities.

Alyssa looked identical to Athena except she had bright purple eyes. Hermione couldn't help but stare at the eyes that mirrored her own. Lucian and Alyssa took their seats with the group. Alyssa next to Athena then Paolo, Lucius, Narcissa and, somehow, Hermione had ended up sitting next to Draco. He was the last person that she wanted to sit beside after the conversation they'd just had but luckily Kira was in the seat to her left so she could busy herself catching up with her best friend. It had been ages since she'd last seen her.

Hermione sat in silence for a long time, observing her new found family as they sat around the table eating their meals. Suddenly she felt a hand moving slowly up her right leg.

"Draco!" She hissed quietly enough that he was the only one who heard.

"Yes, love?" He whispered back.

"I told you that I wanted to take things slowly. I'm not ready for all of this just yet."

"And I told you that a Malfoy always gets what a Malfoy wants." Draco's hand kept creeping further up her leg as they were speaking.

"Draco, stop it! You may be a Malfoy but you'll be a Malfoy that can't have children if you get…"

"Mia dear, is there something wrong with your meal? You've barley eaten anything."

"No, of course not, mum. The food is wonderful, I was just thinking about something." Hermione replied while pushing Draco's hand off her leg.

"Anything we can help you with, princess?" Her dad asked with a look of concern on his face.

"Actually, I think you can. Well, maybe not you, mum and dad, but maybe Aunt Alyssa can answer me something."

"What is it, Hermione?"

"I wanted to ask you about your eyes and… well, mine as well. I've tried probing my mind for anything that I can remember having read that will give me an answer as to why they are so purple and then I saw your eyes. I was just hoping that you could tell me something about them. And would you start calling me Mia from now on. It doesn't seem right, some of you calling me Mia and some Hermione. I have a new image and life. I'm not Hermione Granger anymore. I'm Mia Zabini."

Alyssa threw Athena a questioning glance, not sure herself if Mia could handle any more family secrets that day.

Athena turned to Mia wondering the same thing as her sister.

"Mia, I'm not sure how you'll take this but now that you have had the protection and Glamour Charms removed there can be no hiding this from you any longer."

"Hiding what from me, mum?"

"You see, not only are you Italian but you are also a descendent of the Greek Gods, as are Alyssa and I. One female from every generation in our family is gifted. Not only are they a witch but they have another power. As you said you have read about eyes holding power and if you remember most of the holders were female. If you had looked even further you would have seen the name Xanthis a few times throughout the centuries. This is my family name. The purple in your eyes shows that you hold the same power as your aunt… you are a seer, Mia, and over the next few days you may begin to see small visions. You power won't come to full strength until your seventeenth birthday, however."

Mia sat stunned. How many more secrets could this family have?

"When you come into your full power you will have weekly lessons with me, Mia. You will have to learn to put up barriers so you can control what you see and when. I know this is a lot to take in and I know it will be hard when you first come into your powers but it does get easier as you learn to master your power."

Alyssa tried to calm her niece. She knew just how hard it was to find out about being a seer and Mia had already taken in so much that day. Alyssa was sure the poor girl would be suffering from information overload. Mia sat there for a while digesting all the information she had been given that day: she was a Zabini, a pureblood, a twin, and her best friend from the muggle world was a pureblood and related to Draco Malfoy. She didn't even want to think about Draco either, the feelings that she was starting to have for him were just adding to the confusion… and now this. She was a seer.

She tookba deep breath picked up her fork, continuing her meal in silence.

Everyone at the table had stopped while Athena and Alyssa explained Mia's power to her. Slowly they all returned their focus to their meals, exchanging concerned glances in Mia's direction. They ordered dessert.

Mia and Kira talked to each other as though they hadn't been apart for nearly a year while the male population of the table discussed Quidditch. Narcissa, Athena and Alyssa were organising the ball that was to take place the following weekend for Blaise and Mia's birthday and as always, Isobel and Sofia sat gossiping, occasionally looking around the restaurant to see if any of the males were worth pursuing once their fathers' backs were turned.

"Oh my God! Isobel, look who just walked in the door. Doesn't he look super-hot tonight?" exclaimed Sofia. Mia couldn't help but look to see who had caught the young Malfoy's eye.

"Oh no, this can't be good! What am I going to do? I didn't even think about telling them."

"Mia, what's wrong?" asked a concerned Kira.

"Harry and the Weasleys have just walked in! What am I going to do?"

"Just calm down, remember you don't look like Hermione Granger anymore. You are Hermione 'Mia' Alyssa Zabini."

"You're right. I can do this. All I have to do is make it through tonight then when I get home I can write a letter to them explaining everything. I'll invite everyone over to the manor, as well. Yes, that's what I'll do. Kira, are you even listening to me?"

"Yes, of course I am. Um… don't panic but Harry is heading straight for our table and it looks like they want to talk to Lucius."

"Oh no… oh no! They're going to notice! I know they are!"

"Just turn around and carry on eating. Be polite when they come over and they will never know."

"Lucius, how are you today?" Harry's voice came from across the table.

"Ah, Mr Potter, I wondered when you would turn up. Again, let me congratulate you on defeating the Dark Lord."

"I thought I should show my support, after all it is partly my fault that the old restaurant had to shut down. As I've told you before, if it wasn't for your constant supply of information from his inner circle then things could have ended very differently."

His comment set alarms firing in Mia's head and she couldn't help the sudden outburst towards Harry.

"You knew about the Malfoy's being spies and didn't tell me or Ron!"

'OH shit!'

'Well done, Miss I-Can't-Keep-My-Mouth-Shut.'

'Shut up, Blaise.'

"I'm sorry, but do I even know you?" asked a stunned Harry.

"Erm... actually you do though I guess I've changed a bit since you last saw me. You'll probably remember me with big hair, brown eyes and answering to the name Hermione Granger." Hermione said all this without looking up from her plate.

"You…You can't be my Hermione. You look nothing like her."

"I am her, well was. What can I do to prove to you that I am Hermione?"

Hermione said while looking up to face Harry, who was staring at her in complete shock.

"Tell me one thing that Hermione and only Hermione would know."

Mia thought for a while. There were a lot of things that Mia knew about Harry but there was only one thing that would prove to Harry that she was Hermione. A small smile crept upon Mia's face at the secret that she was going to expose to the eleven other people around the table.

"Last year after the final battle, I found you and Ginny going at it like rabbits in the boys dormitories and I promised not to tell Ron. And I still haven't by the way."

Mia noticed the slight pink tint that had risen on Harry cheeks and couldn't help the laugh that escaped her lips.

"Hermione, could you not have thought of something else to say apart from that?"

"Sorry Harry but it was the only thing that I could think of that would make you believe me."

"Okay fine, but don't any of you go telling Ron or any of his brothers about this." He said sternly while pointing a threatening finger at the people sat around the table. "So… Hermione, would you like to explain to me what has happened to you? I mean, you look like Zabini."

"Erm…go get Ron and meet me outside. I'll explain everything."

Harry walked off in the direction of the Weasleys' table to fetch Ron while Mia stood from the table and started to make her way outside. She wondered how she was going to tell her best friends that she was now related to the Zabinis and why she was suddenly having feelings for Draco Malfoy.

Mia was so absorbed in her thoughts, she didn't hear Harry and Ron approach her.

"Hermione."

"Harry, have gone mad? That's not Hermione." Ron said looking at Harry as if he was a mad man.

"It is me, Ronald. Some things have changed since you last saw me but it's me."

"How do we know it's you and not a Death Eater out to get us?"

"Would a Death Eater know that you still keep your baby bunny under your bed?"

"Alright! Keep your voice down. You really are Hermione… well, kind of."

"Very conclusive, Ronald. Yes, I still am Hermione but I am now Hermione Mia Alyssa Zabini."

"Am I hearing things or did you just say Zabini? As in Blaise Zabini? As in Death Eaters Zabini?"

"They're not Death Eaters, Ron."

"How can you defend them, Harry? They've tried to kill you plenty of times!"

"Harry's right, Ron," Mia interjected, feeling slightly defensive of her new found family.

"You're only saying that because they're your family."

"Argh! Ron, do you enjoy arguing with me and Harry or do you just do it for the fun of it? They are not Death Eaters, never have been, never will be! You can even go in there and ask to look at their forearms. You'll find no Dark Marks on any of them… only Lucius but that is because he was a spy. Which reminds me, Harry, I can't believe you didn't tell us that you knew that the Malfoys weren't really evil."

"I wasn't allowed to tell you. It was dangerous enough, me knowing, but it is thanks to the Malfoys that we were able to storm Riddle Manor and catch the Death Eaters when they least expected it."

Ron stared at his best friend, his mouth opening and shutting like a goldfish, trying to find words to describe how he was feeling.

"But how...and Harry you, and I and..."

"Ron, what are you talking about?" Mia asked with an amused expression on her face.

"I…why does nothing ever happen to me?"

Harry and Mia nearly fell on the floor laughing.

"I don't really want to explain everything here. Why don't you two come over to the Manor? Bring Ginny as well, it will be easier to explain it all once. Come round tomorrow about four because I know mum and Cissa are planning to go shopping in the morning for a dress for the party this weekend."

Both boys nodded and arranged to arrive by floo at four o'clock the next day. They separated and made their ways back to their separate tables.

"How did they take it?" asked Kira as Mia took her seat again.

"They took it surprisingly well but I didn't tell them everything. Mum, dad, is it ok that I invited Harry, Ron and Ginny over tomorrow to explain everything?"

"Of course it is, Princess."

"Thank you, dad. Can we go home now? I'm really tired?"

"Of course, princess. You've had a long day and you have a lot to think about. Let's pay and we can all go back to the Manor. Cissa, Lucius, you can stay at the Manor tonight, if you like," Paolo said, turning to his friends.

"That would be great. We can finish making arrangements for the party. The kids can always go up to their rooms if they want."

The group left the restaurant, got in to the limo that was waiting outside for them and took the short drive to Zabini Manor. Mia was the last to get out of the car. She gazed up, awestruck, at her new home. It was huge! She walked up the front steps and through the double doors that lead into the foyer.

"Come on, Mia, I'll show you to your room. You'll get the grand tour in the morning before you go shopping with mum." Mia simply nodded and followed Blaise up the vast staircase. They got to the second floor and Blaise turned left off the staircase.

"This is your wing, the right one is Draco's, the floor up is Issy's and Sofia's and the floor above that is mine and Kira's. Mum and dad's along with the other adults' are on the other side of the manor but I can show you where everything is tomorrow." They stopped walking when they came to stand outside two large doors with 'Mia's Bedroom' written on them. Blaise opened the door and allowed her to walk in.

"'Night Sis."

Before Hermione could reply Blaise had closed the door and gone off in search of his new girlfriend.

'Night Blaise.'

Hermione was too exhausted to take much notice of her new bedroom. She entered her adjoining bathroom to change for bed. She crossed her bedroom and climbing into her new four-poster bed, she immediately fell into a peaceful sleep.