Chapter 27: Summer
Summer began for the group as it usually did, but this time Hermione was with them, so instead of the typical boy time, they decided to have a family campout a few miles from the house with Minerva and Albus, Hermione, Draco and Blaise were allowed to invite friends so they invited the usual group and they had fun. They camped by a lake where they went swimming and Hermione and Ginny laid out in the sun laughing at the boys playing with a Frisbee. At night, Minerva, Ginny and the Malfoy women made lunch and dinner while the group discussed things from summer plans to the Twins' joke shop. When they slept, the children laid under the night sky, Ginny laid between Harry and Draco, Fred and Blaise laid on either side of the trio and Hermione laid in George's arms with her head on his chest, she loved the sound of his heart as it lulled her to sleep. When neither was sleeping, they were kissing; each innocent bit of contact gave Hermione butterflies.
One day while she was tanning with her mother, George came up and planted one on her before joining her on the sandy ground.
"Hey Mione."
"Hey George," Hermione turned to him with one eye closed from the sun.
"How are you?"
"Good, tired but other than that, I'm happy."
"Good because Lucius told me to come and get you both, we are getting ready to go back because he has work and we have that… thing."
"The funeral."
"Yeah."
"Well then, let's not keep your father waiting." Narcissa stood and started walking back to the camp.
"Ok, will you help me up" George smiled before standing and pulling Hermione up, he pulled with just a bit too much force and she smacked into his chest. He smiled as he held her half covered body to his bare chest. "Thank you."
"You are welcome." He kissed her tenderly.
"Hey quit making out with my sister and let's get moving!" Draco said, both turned bright red.
"We're coming," Hermione called back, she quickly withdrew from George and quickly wrapped her beach wrap around her waist and went to help her family pack. Soon enough they were back at Malfoy Manor and unpacking again. The group sat down to a small and simple dinner and then everyone sat down and watched each other play various board games.
"I hate to ruin the mood with this sad news but…" Lucius started.
"Then don't," Minerva said smirking at his look.
"It concerns Ohmare," each person in the room looked at Hermione and Blaise.
"His funeral is on Wednesday and his will reading will be later that day."
"Fine," Blaise stood and walked to his room.
"We'll be there for you two," Harry said.
"Thanks."
"We had better get going, it was fun. Thank you for allowing us to tag along Mr. Malfoy."
"Of course Miss Weasley." The group disappeared one by one through the fire place and then the Malfoy family turned their attention to Hermione.
"Are you…" Draco started.
"Yes I'm fine, we should be more concerned with Blaise, it was his father," And she too left the room.
Wednesday came a bit too soon for the household; they were all at breakfast eating silently. Soon however three owls came flying into the room, two landed in front of Hermione while the other landed in front of Lucius.
"Who are they from dear?" Narcissa asked.
"One's from George, he says that he and the rest of the order will meet us at the service."
"And the other?" Lucius asked while skimming over his own letter.
"It's from Professor Snape concerning my extra work."
"What about it?"
"He says that we can start as soon as we are ready, starting next week."
"Oh yes I totally forgot about that."
"I did too to be honest."
The family finished their breakfast and went and dressed appropriately for the burial. They all returned to the parlor about fifteen minutes later. Narcissa was in all black and her hair was left down, Lucius was dressed in his official ministry cloths, Draco and Blaise could have been twins, they wore black pants and shoes with dark green satin shirts; Hermione on the other hand was in a dark green knee length dress with black shoes, her hair was pulled back in a half ponytail held by a black ribbon. They all went out and apparated to the house where Ohmare had been hiding. Hermione couldn't help but be in awe, her godfather was a genius. He lived in a moderate sized home with a fairly large brown barn off to the side where she noticed that there were three horses; one black paint with a star on its head, one palomino with a strip on its face, and a chestnut horse with a pure white face. Hermione was gawking and she didn't care, this was her dream home (an idea she had only shared with one person mind you), and it actually existed. She followed her family to a small gathering place where not many people were but still a good number of people already in attendance, Hermione spotted George and the rest of the Weasley family, she approached them and grabbed George's hand with both of hers and resting her head on his shoulder, they chatted amongst themselves and then the service started.
It was a nice service to say the least, the ministry official, Lucius conducted the service starting them off with the general words as to why they were there and that Ohmare was a good man. A few guests stood and offered their kind words and Hermione stood after looking at Blaise.
"I didn't know of Ohmare until this fall and I regret it. He was my godfather and he died to save me. If that means anything, that despite the fact that he missed almost all of Blaise and my childhoods, he loved those that were close to him. He will be missed by us all." Hermione sat and Blaise took her into his arms and he held her while they both cried. At the end, the guests stood and gave their condolences to Blaise and Hermione they brought in another ministry official, a lawyer, to read the will. Soon they were all sitting in on the reading; the lawyer introduced himself and said that they were to get down to business.
"I Ohmare Oryan Zambini, leave my son, Blaise Zambini twenty thousand pounds, his horse Shadow. Our family portrait all the contents of room three and all of the products of the study.
To my god daughter, Hermione Malfoy, I leave also twenty thousand pounds along with her horse Thunder. Also I leave her all of the contents of the first library and the contents of room four.
To my friend Draco Malfoy, I leave your own twenty thousand pounds, your horse Platinum and all of the contents of room five.
To Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, I leave my estate and all of its contents outside of the three rooms mentioned above, for you to split amongst the three children when they come of age. Along with ten thousand pounds to help raise Blaise.
To Severus Snape, I leave all of my potions ingredients, instruments and books.
To Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore, I leave all of my transfiguration books at the vault at Gringgotts bank for addition to your library.
To Fred and George Weasley, I know that you did not know me but for helping take care of my goddaughter, I leave ten thousand pounds to help you start up your business.
To Molly and Arthur Weasley, I leave you fifteen thousand pounds for helping introduce Hermione into this world.
Use these things well. Blessed be my friends and family."
The lawyer disappeared and the group dispersed, "We can't possibly take that money," Molly said.
"Ohmare wouldn't have left it if he didn't think that you deserved it," Lucius said.
"But…"
"No buts Molly, Ohmare left it in his will." Narcissa said.
"Shall we go look at the rooms?" Draco said.
"Yeah, I think that it would be best." Blaise said. "Hermione?" She nodded and stood between her brothers and they put their arms around each other's waists and entered the house. Blaise led Hermione to room four and Draco to room five before he himself headed to room three.
Hermione entered her room and found a bunch of old family heirlooms, mostly jewelry that looked to be from as early as the early 1800's. She walked around the room she noticed a few paintings of her and her father; she assumed that this was to be her room had she stayed in the magical world. In the closet she found numerous ball gowns that were to her liking, plenty of color and nothing black, she smiled at her godfather's taste. In the desk she found numerous stationary sets and new quills. She continued around the room and found a letter on her bed; she approached the bed and sat on the edge as she broke the seal.
To my dearest goddaughter Hermione,
If you are reading this, then you have discovered room four; right between the boys so that you will always be safe. A room like this was to be yours had you stayed in the magical community. There are numerous things in the room that I hope are to your liking. The jewelry is usually passed from mother to daughter but I was an only child and had never blessed with a daughter of my own genes and so when you appeared into my life, I hope you accept them as they are rightfully, in my opinion, yours.
Your parents have probably already told you that I left before they were forced to give you up, that unfortunately is true. Due to the Dark Lord rising in power, I thought it best not to add more to your plate at such a young age, however, while I disappeared from the magical world, I did not leave your side even if you couldn't see me. I don't know if you would recall a black cat that would come over and play with you in the back yard of the Granger's house; or if you remember Mr. Barttely from down the street, that was me, I always wanted to make sure that you were happy. The Granger's love you child, even when you have an out in our world, always remember those that raised you in nothing but love.
I was so happy to see that you had a happy childhood free from the accusations of being a death eater's daughter .I am also glad that you found those loving grandparents that you always talked about.
I want you to know that after I found out where you were, I discretely went back to your parent's house and watched them. I saw your father enter the house and tell your mother that you were gone, it broke her heart. She cried for days, it took all of your father's will not to cry, he had to be strong for her. It was a good week before he cracked and isolated himself in his study. I waited until he came out and mourned with your mother before I returned. I promised them that I would keep you safe to the best of my ability. I loved you like my own Hermione, and I never wanted you hurt. Please help the boys get through this; you need them as much as they need you. Stick with your friends and always listen to your heart, it can never miss lead you.
Forever in your heart, Ohmare.
Hermione felt a sharp pain, in her heart, she knew this man all along and she never knew, he had been there, even after he moved away, given her hugs like an uncle should, given her gifts, and kept in touch with her during her summer vacations at home; that's why he looked so familiar, and why her dream house exists, she had only told Mr. Barttely. She started to cry, she tried to contain them for as long as possible but her tears turned into heartfelt sobs, she laid on the bed and let out every emotion she had been holding in since that dreadful day at the ministry.
"Where did the children go?" Molly asked.
"I believe that they went up to the rooms that Ohmare left them." Lucius said.
"We should go check on them," George said.
"No we should let them mourn, they will let it all out when they are…" Narcissa gasped grabbing her chest, Minerva winced and did the same, Lucius, Albus and Severus grabbed their hands as their bodies felt the pain that filled the three children's hearts.
"What is it?" Molly asked.
"The kids, it feels like my heart is breaking." They all looked at their items of jewelry and sure enough the stones were turning brown and red-violet. The group with the mood sensors as Albus was so fond of calling them ran toward the house with the Weasley clan in tow. The entered the house with a clatter, "Hermione, Blaise, Draco?" Narcissa called.
They heard a smashing from one of the rooms from upstairs, another had banging and that was it.
"Narcissa, you and Minerva go to Hermione, Albus you and I'll go to Blaise, Severus, could you go to Draco, I shall join you momentarily." Everyone nodded and headed in their separate directions, Molly led her family upstairs following Narcissa and Minerva to Hermione's room. Narcissa knocked three times before entering, she didn't hear any smashing noises so she figured that it was safe enough to enter without getting something thrown at her head. The sight that greeted her wasn't what she wanted to see; her daughter lay upon the bed clinging to a piece of parchment sobbing onto her pillow.
"Baby, are you ok?"
"Leave me alone."
"No you will talk to me."
"No I won't; leave me alone!" Hermione grabbed a pillow that she wasn't laying on and threw it at her mother.
"Baby talk to me, I want to help you." Narcissa grabbed the pillow that Hermione threw and put it in its place as she sat on the bed at her daughter's feet.
"I don't want to talk, I don't deserve sympathy."
"You just lost a man you hardly knew because he wanted to save you. You do deserve some form of sympathy; we are only trying to find a way to help you." Minerva said sitting on the other side of the bed.
Hermione let the sobs rake her body before she finally calmed enough to talk, "I knew him."
"Of course you knew him baby, he was there that night…"
"NO MOTHER YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND I KNEW HIM, HE WAS MY NEIGHBOR, SOMEONE I THOUGHT OF AS AN UNCLE FOR YEARS AND I NEVER KNEW! I KNEW HIM!" Hermione sat up on the bed and yelled at her mother.
Now it was Harry's turn to attempt to talk to her, "Which neighbor Mione?"
"Mr. Barttley."
"The one that sent you all of those cooked goods at school?"
"Yeah, that one, I knew him Harry," Her voice turned from one of sadness to one of anger, "and even after I realized that I was a witch, he didn't tell me; he didn't tell me a DAMN thing!"
"Mione would you have believed him?"
"What does that matter? HE was my godfather, he should have said something!"
"Mione," George said, "He didn't want to shake your faith in him, and he wanted to stay close to you until the day he died. If I were in his position I would have done the same thing, I wouldn't have thought that you would have believed me either; the Malfoy's supposedly hated you, I assume you voiced those opinions to him?" Hermione nodded, "So would you have taken that news like it was something that you heard every day?"
"I guess not," Hermione said quite defeated. "But I knew him; he was there for as long as I can remember, he also spoke of you in his letter Mother."
"Really, did he say that I was evil?" she said trying to get her daughter to laugh
"No," Hermione read the letter out loud to the group as her tears spilled all over the page. When she was done she heard a loud bang from next door. She quickly stood and turned left heading towards Blaise's room. She opened the door and was prepared to be hit with any random object that he could pick up. "Blaise STOP!" she quickly approached him as he attempted to take his family portrait off the wall. She grabbed him and he fought her but she kept a firm grip on his arms, "Stop, destroying the room won't bring him back." He looked at her through glistening tears and fell to the floor; once again, the two leaned on each other for support. As Blaise wept on Hermione's shoulder as she rubbed circles on his back, fighting her own tears. Narcissa relayed the letter to her husband. Neither said anything but just looked at their two of three kids dealing with their loss.
When they had gained enough composure, they looked at each other and Blaise wiped a stray tear off of Hermione's cheek, they smiled at each other, "I'm sorry Mia, for everything."
"There is nothing to be sorry for, everything has worked out for the best." Suddenly they heard a thump down the hall, which caused the two to jump, Hermione sighed as Blaise pulled her with him out the door. They led the group to Draco's room where he was hitting and kicking the wall repeatedly. This time it was Blaise that approached the distraught teen. "Mate, let it out, just not on your wall, you are going to hurt yourself and it's not going to do what you want."
"I hate him Blaise, he knew where my sister was this whole time and he never said anything!" Draco said made to punch the wall again.
"Draco," Hermione quickly grabbed her brother's arm and pulled it down, "I know how you're angry; just put yourself in my shoes for a second and imagine how I feel. He was my neighbor for ten years! I knew of him and he never said anything to me. Don't you think that I am upset too, don't you think that I am hurt by what he did?"
"You knew?"
"I just found out myself," she said pulling out her own letter. "He did what was best, we all know that was plenty enough of a reason for his actions."
"What are you talking about?"
"Draco, would you have believed him if he had come flat out and said that Hermione Jean Granger was your sister, the stupid mudblood from Gryffindor, I don't' think that I would've have believed him had he said that I was really a Malfoy, you hated me, there was no way we could have been related." Draco was done, he enveloped his sister into a bone crushing hug, which she gratefully returned, Blaise hugged them both and they all wept a new set of tears, tears of pain and tears of relief, they were together, they knew they had each other.
The group soon recovered from the almost disturbing news and the funeral a week or so later, life was almost back to normal. Hermione had started her extra work with Severus the second Monday after the funeral, Draco and Blaise had set to do their homework and fix a barn behind Malfoy Manor for the horses, the group had decided that it would be a good idea to keep them at Malfoy Manor during the breaks and if so desired, they could take the horses to the school. Hermione wasn't too fond of the idea at first but one day after having a brutal day of work with Severus, her brothers had taken her on a walk of the grounds and it was surprisingly relaxing and she was hasty to agree with her brothers. Hermione flooed to the castle every day, minus Sunday to continue with her extra work. She couldn't deny that it was something she enjoyed; she got to ask questions, and brew potions. She was happy and living again.
One day while on her break, she went to Diagon Alley to visit George, it was great. He wasn't too fond of her working with Snape but he soon learned to watch his mouth. They had decided that once a week, the two would have lunch together at least. In George's terms, "We can't have you getting anymore pale or you will start to look like our beloved potions professor." Hermione had laughed at his joke and had decided that it was his way of dealing with her work.
Dinners had been generally uneventful, twice a week their grandparents would join them for a meal and Severus would come once a week; it was a good system. Hermione loved visiting with family and friends, she felt complete, like there was nothing to worry about. Even with the return of You-Know-Who becoming public knowledge and her father now a prime target and harry having to constantly worry about his life along with the life of his friends; the world felt like it was supposed to, content.