*IMPORTANT NOTE* Somehow, FF took down Ch 16, so some readers got it and some didn't. I have reloaded it now and apologize for the confusion.

Chapter—

Happy though Hermione was to be away from any embarrassing conversations with her grandparents, arriving back at Severus's manor was not exactly her ideal location. Therefore, when she stepped through the Floo, she only saw Capricia. Though the sight of Capricia had only a week ago worried Hermione, now she had to suppress a grin at the sight of her.

Draco and Blaise, one day free of their punishment, were nowhere in sight!

"Hello, my darlings!" Capricia seemed happy to see them, sweeping them both into a hug.

"Hello, ma'am." Harry said, smiling awkwardly at her.

Her grandparents' words still ringing in her ears, Hermione decided to bite the bullet. "Hello, Mother." She said softly.

Capricia immediately stepped backwards to look at her daughter. "Oh, Zinone!" She exclaimed, grabbing her daughter in another hug. "I see you got a lot out of your visit with your grandparents."

"They did clear some things up," Hermione admitted, when she was finally released from Capricia's stranglehold. "I'm sorry if I hurt you before by not saying it." She said softly.

"No, no." Capricia said, impatiently wiping away a traitorous tear. "It's fine, believe me. Your brother loves to frustrate me by calling me by name all the time. It's your father who will truly love this." She said, smiling. "Well, anyways, as you can see, I released your brothers and they ran immediately to the Quidditch Pitch out back. Though I stand by what I said about wanting all of us together, I doubt we'll see them for a few days." She said, rolling her eyes.

"Oh, what a shame." Hermione said in an insincere voice. "Well, we'd better go unpack. We'll see you in a bit."

And with that, the two escaped. They stayed in Hermione's room, chatting and avoiding anyone else in the house when Harry had a question he had to ask. "So, Hermione," he asked, grinning up at her from his seat on her rug, "what are you going to do about your 'brothers'?" He teased.

"Maybe keep telling myself they're still better than my best friends," she shot right back, reaching down from her spot on the bed to playfully bop him on top of the head. She sighed, leaning back against her mound of pillows. "I don't know." She confessed. "I want to hex them. I want to punch Malfoy again- that felt great in Third Year."

Harry laughed. "It was great just to watch." He informed her. "But, neither of those are good options if you want to have peace. It would be like playing a prank on them," he said thoughtfully. "Which you said you avoided before to keep it from escalating. Unless you wanted a harmful prank, but that wouldn't do any good and would just get you in trouble."

"Yeah." Hermione sighed. "I guess that's not the way to go. But what do I do? What I do when you and Ron annoy me?" She asked abruptly. Except for the few fights the three of them had over the years, they generally got along. Well, when Ron wasn't being bullheaded.

"I dunno." Harry couldn't think of a specific punishment she'd doled out either. "I guess you yell?" He offered. "You yell at Ron a lot when he's being a git. Other than that-" He stopped, grinning with excitement as an idea occurred to him. "Hermione, that's it!" He exclaimed. "I've got it. We've got to beat them at their own game. We have to outwit the Slytherins."

"And by 'we', you just mean me, right? Because if it's you too, we're doomed." She said, mock seriously.

"Hey!" Harry crossed his arms. "I'm smart. Sort of. You wouldn't have put up with me all these years otherwise."

"I guess that's true." Hermione conceded easily. "So, impress me. How do we trick them?"

"Well…" Harry bit his lip, thinking it over. Not only did he want to get one over on Malfoy, he also wanted to impress Hermione. "Okay, well, they're both going to expect you to retaliate. You punched Malfoy, you hex Zabini all the time for stealing your table at the library. They'll expect it big time from you. Just be polite to them. Don't rise to anything they say, like they aren't important enough to retaliate. It'll drive them crazy because they won't know what to expect. Then, when we get away from Snape, back at Hogwarts, we'll get the twins to come up with something great for them, when they think they're safe."

She ruffled his hair. "Oh yeah? Well then, how about another great idea?" She dared. "Because amusing as that might be, Capri- I mean, Mother- is more Slytherin than they are. She'll be expecting some plot. She's not just going to accept me being nice to them!"

"Well…tell her you want to make Snape happy!" Harry said, shrugging. "You said he was really upset, right? So apologize to them for ignoring them. She'll be so shocked by that, maybe she'll accept it?" He suddenly realized he was making a quick jump, but it actually made sense to him. "I mean, that would show you want to make things better. She doesn't know just how Slytherin you can be- she just thinks you're a Gryff. She'll buy it."

"Harry!" She leaned down, grabbing him in a hug. "That's actually brilliant! I'll never doubt you again." She teased.

"Not fair!" Harry pulled away, scowling at her in mock anger. He was unable to contain his smile, however, and quickly grinned at her.

Hermione smiled back at him happily. "This will be great!" They sat there, basking in their plot for a minute before she spoke again. "I am sorry for you though, Harry. I wanted to say it all week. I saw some of the looks my grandfather gave you." She said after a moment.

"Yeah," Harry said, shuddering theatrically. "I thought Professor Snape was scary- but he has nothing on his father! That man is terrifying!"

"He's tough." Hermione agreed. "Seeing him though, I think I understand Professor Snape a lot better."

Harry nodded. "His behavior in school is horrifying when you think about it! He's actually being nice, at least compared to his father," Harry said, laughing.

"Ha!" Hermione said triumphantly. "I always told you there was more to Father than we saw."

"True," Harry agreed, "but I thought it was a hidden collection of skulls or something. I didn't know his father was a human Dementor! Of course," Harry added after a minute. "I don't think he would have been so rude to me if not for the papers this last year. He thought we were dating! I pity Krum if your grandfather gets a hold of him!"

"Why?" Hermione asked curiously. "What did you say about Viktor? You know we didn't date!"

"Hey!" Harry quickly defended himself. "He took you on your first date, which is still more than I did! I have enough people after me, I sure didn't need your grandfather on the list! He might succeed! Besides," he said, folding his arms stubbornly. "Krum's full grown. He's an international Quidditch star. He's lived his life! He should be able to defend himself."

Hermione laughed. "So much for a noble Gryffindor!" She teased.

Harry puffed out his chest. "Hey, I can noble another day. More importantly, I survived the week!"

The two dissolved into laughter.

"So," Harry said eventually. "If I can't fly, you can't read. Why don't we play chess? I might actually have a chance against you."

"I guess that's fair." Hermione said, nodding thoughtfully. "We could both use some practice. But I don't have a set. We'll have to use yours."

And with that, the two of them retreated to Harry's room.

Out on the pitch, two boys were high up in the air, floating idly on broomsticks.

"Ah," Draco breathed dramatically. "Fresh air. I never thought we'd smell it again."

Blaise laughed. "You're worse than Pansy, sometimes." He teased. "Drama queen."

"Hey!" Draco said, folding his arms. "You're so rude. Why do I put up with you?"

"Because you love me!" Blaise said smugly. "Now, focus!" He chastised the other boy. "Granger- we have to make her like us. Before Father kills us! Or worse, sends us home!"

To be fair, he wasn't sure which was worse.

Draco's opinion was set however and he shuddered at the thought. "I cannot go home to that woman!" He said. "What are we going to do?" He asked disdainfully. "She already hates us and we just made it worse! When she comes back, she's going to kill us! Or at least hex us so bad we won't be recognizable from each other!"

"There must be something we can do." Blaise said. "I mean, I think we're safe. She's a Gryff, which means she's more afraid of Father than us. I know he'll actually be a total pushover for her, but she doesn't know that yet! So, we're safe for the minute. She doesn't really know anything about Mum, besides the fact that she's a Slytherin, so she won't attack in front of her."

"Especially if she's heard anything about the Black Widow," Draco snickered.

"Shut up," Blaise reached over carefully and punched his friend. Draco, always more skilled on a broom than his friend, could have dodged, but took the punch with grace. Had he dodged, as he'd learned the hard way, Blaise could (and most likely would) fall. It embarrassed them both and got them in trouble, so really the punch was just easier.

"Git." He threw back at his friend. "So, what's your brilliant plan."

"I perfected it!" Blaise said proudly. "We're going to bribe her. She says Potter and Weasley are better brothers than we are, right? So, we'll be better. Those idiots are mean to her all the time- it shouldn't be hard to be better than them. We're actually smart, we can talk to her about books! We'll be so nice to her, she'll want us more than them."

"That sounds ridiculous!" Draco scoffed. "What are you going to do, obliviate her first? You still have four years and a bunch of pranks to make up for first."

"Ah," Blaise held up a finger triumphantly. "That's why we're going to grovel. Beg forgiveness from her."

"I don't think so!" Draco exclaimed, turning to his friend. Had he actually gone stir crazy while they were grounded? He certainly wasn't thinking straight. "Then she'll laugh at us."

Blaise smirked, smugly. "Oh, no, she won't. Because we're going to do it in front of Mother."

Draco took a minute to think about the plan and then allowed himself a satisfied smirk. "That might just work."

"Oh, yeah!" Blaise said happily. "Now, let's enjoy our time before Mum hides our brooms."

They managed two full days of peace, in Harry's room playing chess or hiding in the top floor of the library, before Capricia hunted them down.

"We are going to have a family dinner." The woman said, face tense. "So help me Merlin, you are all going to like it, too. Let's go!" She said.

The two of them knew, without a doubt, that any protests would be in vain, so they easily surrendered. They followed her from Harry's room down to the dining room, where Draco and Blaise were already seated to the left of the head. Capricia took her seat at the head, gesturing Harry and Hermione into seats to her right.

"You are family." She said, watching her plate carefully as she cut her steak. The way she spoke caused all of the teens to freeze, focusing on her low words. "Perhaps not blood, but family nevertheless. You boys acted immaturely and both your father and I are disappointed in you. We expect you to make this up to your sister. In addition, the both of you are to extend your courtesy to Mr. Potter, who will be your guest for the foreseeable future. There will be absolutely no more fighting. No pranks either, friendly or otherwise."

She paused, taking a bite of her meal without looking at any of them. "I will not be disobeyed." She said, voice low and dangerous. "Will I?"

"No ma'am." Though none of the teens had ever thought they would be united in anything, they all spoke as one.

"Excellent." She said, smiling. "Now," she said, looking up for the first time. "Why aren't you eating? You're growing children, you need food! Eat up."

The spell she'd cast over them broke and they all quickly turned to their meals. The meal was eaten in silence and even Capricia seemed content with that, viewing it as a victory of sorts.

"Well, that was lovely." Capricia said when she finished. "Now," she said, standing. "The four of you are staying here until some sort of agreement is reached. Do you wish me to remain?"

Harry nudged Hermione, reminding her of their plan. "I would like to say something." Hermione said. "And it's to both of them as well as to you, Mother." She added, smiling up at the woman. "I'm sorry." She turned to the boys. "I don't really talk to anyone besides Harry and Ron. I ignored you, in large part, because I didn't know what to say. But I want to make Mother and Father proud and I want us to get along." She said, smiling sweetly at them.

"Oh, that was beautiful." Capricia said, reaching down to stroke Hermione's cheek. "I'm very proud of you, even if you have nothing to apologize for. Boys?" She turned sharply to her sons.

Draco and Blaise turned to each other. Though Severus often accused them of being able to talk silently, they only wished it to be so. Neither of them wanted to apologize with Potter around! What was he even doing there?

"Uh, Zinone," Blaise turned, smiling at his sister even while trying to regain points with his mother. "We are truly sorry and want to apologize for all the pranks. We can explain them, if you want, but we understand now that it was wrong."

"And, we hope you can forgive us." Draco added quickly when Capricia's dark gaze turned on him. "We want to…um…get to know you better. And Potter too, since he's here. If you'll let us."

"That would be great." Hermione said, looking to Harry, who quickly smiled as well. "Harry and I look forward to it."

Both sides could sense the other was holding back, but they all turned to Capricia. She was the one, after all, that they were all playing to.

"That was just lovely." She said, smiling at them all. "You've all made me quite proud tonight. Now, the initial unpleasantness is over and I will expect you all here for three meals a day. Good night."

They all muttered their own good-byes as she turned to walk out.

When the door closed behind her, the four teens sat in frozen silence, no one wanting to be the first to move. "Well," Harry said, clearing his throat. "We have a game to finish, Hermione. If we're done here."

"No!" Blaise said quickly, before either Gryffindor could rise. "Wait, please. Serena, we really are sorry."

"But more importantly." Draco interrupted. "What's Potter doing here?"

Harry frowned at the blond. "I'm here for back up. Hermione might be too good to prank you back, but I'm more than willing take up the fight. I have the Weasley's behind me, I'm sure we can destroy you."

"Harry!" Hermione quickly picked up on what he was doing and decided to play the "good" Gryffindor. "No pranks, I told you! We're going to keep this friendly."

Harry glared even harder to hide his smile. "Fine." He said shortly. "If that's what you want, Mione." He said, softening his voice. "So, let's be friendly." He said, knowing something Hermione probably would be dying to hear. "Exactly how do explain pranking your newfound sister? Please, explain the Slytherin logic to me." He said, crossing his arms.

Blaise and Draco shared another glance, thoroughly confused. They'd seen Potter get protective of Granger before, but why wasn't Granger the angry one. "Well," Draco said hesitantly. "It's a…well, I suppose the best word would be game. We play it all the time in the Slytherin Common Room. We plan pranks on each other. You were supposed to prank us back! That's what Pansy and Millie do."

"You just randomly prank the girls?" Harry wasn't impressed. "We would never prank the girls!" In the Gryffindor room, though the boys often played pranks on each other, the girls were off limits, if only because none of the boys could get to their rooms because of the staircase.

"Yeah." Blaise struggled not to roll his eyes at the Gryffindor. "But we treat our girls as equals. We don't just put them up on pedestals." Okay, so maybe the "noble Gryff" bit was a little grating. "The girls could put an end to it if they wanted, but they like it. We've been doing it since first year. All the years in Slytherin do it and… well, I guess we thought everyone did it. Especially Gryffindors- you guys are always playing jokes! It wasn't meant to offend you."

Hermione smiled. "I guess I can accept that. Thoguh I don't have many friends, I've never been pranked. I guess maybe I shouldn't have taken it so personally. Though I can't believe either of you would survive the night if you made Pansy Parkinson or Millicent Bulstrode bald."

"Hermione was in tears!" Harry scoffed. "What kind of brothers are you?"

"We're sorry brothers." Draco said with gritted teeth. "We had to come up with something. She dispelled many of those pranks without a thought, we weren't sure why she wasn't playing back."

"I know we had a rough past, but you never thought to ask?" Hermione asked curiously.

Blaise laughed. "You were rather hard to approach."

"That wasn't her fault!" Harry snapped, having way too much fun in his role.

"Okay, Potter, we get it!" Draco snapped back, frustrated. "We fail at being Gryffindors. Moving on," he said, forcing a smile in Hermione's direction. "We want to make it up to you. We don't want Uncle Sev mad at us anymore than you do."

"We really are sorry." Blaise agreed. "I'm glad Potter is here, as a matter of fact. Now maybe you won't feel like we're ganging up you."

"Thank you for the apology." Hermione said, smiling at the two of them. "I hope we can all get along now. I know I'd like that."

"Yeah." Harry said tightly. "So, anyways, about that game?"

"Sounds good." Hermione said, standing. "We'll see you guys later." She said.

Harry stood immediately. "Yeah. Bye."

And they quickly took their leave.

Not too terribly interesting, but a necessary transition. I promise the story pace will pick up soon. I hope to have at least one more update sometime in August, but no promises. Please, be sure to let me know what you think and what you think will happen next!