Long Lost Lestrange

by Xhex25

Hermione discovers that she is not only adopted but someone kidnapped her. Bellatrix feels her magic react when Hermione is injured at the ministry. morally grey Hermione possibly becomes dark Hermione

1. Chapter 1 - 10

Chapter 1

Bellatrix is amongst the group of Death Eaters that were sent to the Ministry of Magic to intercept the Potter's group of friends and obtain the Prophecy. Throughout the evening, they all get separated chasing the teenagers. Bellatrix is strolling down a random hallway hoping to run across someone to duel when her heart suddenly clenches. She cannot breathe. Her limbs are frozen. Bellatrix falls to the ground and begins to sob uncontrollably. After what feels like an eternity, she can finally drag herself to her feet.

What is happening? I'm not injured. Wait, if I'm not injured then something is wrong with… no it's not possible. My daughter has been lost for many years. Is her life in danger? That is the only thing that makes sense. She must be injured. I will kill whomever has harmed her. I have to tell Roddy.

Moving with a new purpose, Bella rushes off to find her husband. Determined to tell him that their daughter is not only alive but also that someone has injured her. Bella is so distracted that she walks past the room with an eerie veil. After searching several halls, she runs into her brother-in-law.

'Rab, have you seen Roddy? I need to speak with him.' Bella grips the front of his robes to stop him in his tracks.

'No, I don't think I have seen him. Oh! There is Lucius, let's ask him.' Rab raises his voice,

'Lucius, have you seen Rodolphus?'

Lucius shakes his head. 'The Dark Lord wants us to leave. I will see you both back at the manor.' Lucius walks off before they can respond.

'Maybe he is gone already. I will come with you, we will find him.'

Rab pulls her hands off his robes and begins to guide her to the nearest disapparation point.

Bella mumbles quietly, 'Yes, we will find him.'

*.*

Hermione wakes in the hospital wing a few days after the battle at the Ministry, her whole body sore. Her chest hurts. When she looks down, she sees more bandages than she expected. A soft groan escapes her as she tries to sit up. Madam Pomfrey is standing over her and with a firm hand pushing her back down.

'Now is not the time to sit up. Let me check your wound, then you will take your potions.'

Hermione finds that she does not have the energy to argue with her as she is pushed back into her pillow. Madam Pomfrey casts diagnostic spells so quickly that Hermione doesn't even hear the incantations. A warm glow washes over Hermione; the bright yellow light causes her to close her eyes and rest for just a moment.

Shortly afterwards, Madam Pomfrey puts her wand away and walks across the room to gather the necessary potions. Hearing receding footsteps, Hermione opens her eyes and looks at the medicine cabinet. A frown forms on her lips at the number of vials her healer is removing. Hermione shakes her head refusing to believe she is in need of that amount. Hermione pushes herself up onto her elbows and looks around. Hers is the only occupied bed in the room. With a defeated sigh she flops back onto the pillows.

Madam Pomfrey finally returns to Hermione's bedside where she starts placing the vials in tidy rows. She then helps Hermione sit up before handing her various potions to take one right after the other.

'I'm sure this is a bit overwhelming. You have been unconscious for several days. The train leaves tomorrow morning. Your friends should be returning within the hour. Professor Mcgonagal insisted they attend breakfast this morning. You will need to continue taking various potions until you are fully healed. But I am prepared to release you so that you can ride the train with your classmates.'

A house elf appears suddenly and places a tray of food over Hermione's lap.

'You will need to eat before you can take the rest of the potions for this morning. I will bring your next round of potions at lunch. You will need to rest so that you can be released in time to head down to dinner after you take another round. You will have the potions needed for the next week in your room tomorrow morning.

'Be sure to pack them into your trunk safely. Every week I will owl you the next potions you require. You will need to drip 5 drops of blood on the parchment that will arrive, before sealing it and returning it with the owl. If you fail to take the potions or do not return the parchment I will visit and inform your parents that you will need to return to the hospital wing with me. Is this clear?

Hermione sits there eye wide stunned. Slowly she nods her head. And begins to eat. Normally she would begin asking questions but right now Hermione knows she needs to think about everything she just learned. Hermione is 16 she will be turning 17 when school returns. Taking into account that she used the time turner for her entire 3rd year. She should be considered of age at this point.

Why was madam pomfrey so willing to let her out of the hospital wing if she still needs to be on this many potions? Whatever the reason this does make things easier. Maybe she will not have to go into too much detail with her parents. But surely they will notice her lack of energy and the amount of pain she is in, right? Her mind begins to race searching for a reasonable explanation for her parents.

Before she has time to come up with a reasonable plan she has finished her food. Madam Pomfrey returns to her side and hands her the remaining potions on her side table.

'You are probably wondering why I am releasing you this evening.' Hermione nods slowly.

'I cast a diagnostic to determine what needed to be done to heal you. It told me you are approaching your 18th birthday rather than your 17th. I assume this is because of your 3rd year?' Hermione nods again. 'Because of this I am not required to inform your parents of this visit. And with your record of going above and beyond what is required I feel you will be able to follow my instructions to get yourself better without extra supervision.' Hermione nods a 3rd time.

'Simply put, I feel I can send you home safely. You will need to take an extra pain potion tomorrow to get through the train ride. I can send a few extra to use if you need it. If you would rather, you can stay here and a professor can go to your home to explain your condition to your family.' Hermione quickly shakes her head. 'I didn't think so. Please contact me anytime regarding your potions or anything else. Do you understand?' Again hermione nods.

Madam Pomfrey gets up and heads back into her office just as Harry and Ron walk through the door.

*.*

Chapter 2

Over the next week Bella begins searching for any injured teenagers between 15-18. Since her daughter was kidnapped at such a young age it is possible that her appearance or birthdate could have been changed. When she began checking the records at St. Mungos there was no one that was injured enough to warrant the physical reaction Bella had experienced. No magical child at any hospital that was severe enough.

Bellatrix was distraught, Rudolphus didn't know how to react. On one hand he was happy that Bella was looking for their daughter again with such determination, on the other hand his concern was growing. With each dead end he was coming to the realization of who his daughter likely was.

'Bella,' he began. 'Sweetheart, look at me.' Bella spun around mid tirade about how hopeless this search was becoming. Before she could utter a word, Roddy pulls her close, wraps her in his arms and kisses her. As she melts into his embrace, he ends the kiss and presses his forehead against hers.

'Bella,' he begins again. 'This is a very tedious process. And I know you are getting frustrated but i think the answer is much more simple then you have realized.' He can see the confusion on her face immediately. 'My love, did you fight with any one at the ministry?' She shakes her head slowly. 'Do you remember what Dolohov was saying about the young witch he injured that night?'

Again she shakes her head but this time more aggressively. Rudolphus tightens his hold around her waist as Bella begins to step away from him. 'He cursed this young witch and would have killed her if one of her friends had not thought to silence him. If she is our daughter she will be recovering for a while. We need to find out more about her. Doesn't Draco return home tomorrow?'

There was a small nod of her head but nothing more.

'Let's talk to him and if it is our daughter then we can confront Dolhov together. Agreed?' Bella nods again before kissing her husband. Rudolphus continues to kiss her as he backs her up against the wall. She can get back to her worrying and plotting later, right now they are busy with other matters.

*.*

The next day Hermione was nervously glancing at her watch. They were about to pull into the station and she still didn't know what she was going to tell her parents. She will be needing to take things easy and get extra rest. Hopefully they will be understanding of her condition.

Gathering her trunk and Crookshanks' carrier, Hermione makes her way to the exit as the train slows before stopping. Harry and Ron don't notice how worried she looks as they part and head toward their families. Hermione slowly and carefully drags her trunk in her mothers direction.

'Hello Hermione, how was the rest of the school year?' Jane Granger, who had been sitting on a bench, rises and begins walking with Hermione toward the car park. Hermione grits her teeth as she struggles to keep up with her mother before answering.

'It was fine, nothing too challenging. O.W.L.S. was a bit more challenging than other years' tests but I am confident that I did my best.' Her mother does not comment on how much Hermione seems to be struggling nor does she offer to help. When they arrive at the car, Hermione does her best to get the trunk into the boot of the car as quickly as possible before climbing in and placing the Crook's cage next to her.

'Mum, where is father?' Hermione asks.

'Your father had to do an emergency procedure this afternoon and was unable to join me. We will see him at home for dinner.'

Upon arriving home Hermione slowly drags her things to her room. Sitting on the bed, Hermione realizes that she is too tired to put her things away. Instead she lays down to take a nap before dinner.

Moments later, it seems, there is a knock at her door.

'Hermione? It's almost time for dinner, come set the table.'

'Yes mum.' Hermione goes to her trunk, pulls out the vials needed and drinks them before heading downstairs to do as she was told.

Sitting at the table, Hermione does her best to pay attention to the conversation between her parents, suddenly she realizes she must have missed something as they are both staring at her in silence.

'Hermione, did you hear your father? He asked why do you seem so tired today? Normally you have much more energy when you get off the train.'

Hermione looks from her mothers disapproving frown to the look of anger on her fathers face.

'I apologize father, I seem to have caught the Doxy Flu that had been going around the school during the last month. I had hoped to avoid it. But I'm sure I will have more energy in a few days. If you will excuse me, i'm going to go lay down-'

'No you are not, you will stay there and finish your dinner. You know we expect more from you than this. You will clean up after dinner. You better not be planning to spend the summer relaxing and reading. You will be returning to your normal chores tomorrow morning. We will discuss if you deserve to visit your friends this summer.'

Her father pushed away from the table and stormed out of the room.

'Hermione, you know better than to act like this. With one last disapproving glance in her direction Jane left the room.'

Silence fills the room as Hermione picks at what remains on her plate. Hermione continues to eat until she is certain her parents are in their room, before getting out of her seat and starting to clean up.

After finishing the dishes Hermione slowly begins to climb the stairs leading to her room. She is nearing the top when she hears her mother trying to calm her father through their mostly closed bedroom door.

'Dan you can't keep yelling, Hermione is bound to be coming up stairs as soon as she is done in the kitchen. Do you want her to hear you?'

'I don't care if she can hear me,' he yells. 'I'm tired of her attitude. Ever since she started that school she never does her chores. She is always disappearing and then when she does bother to come home she tells us tales about some random disease that I have never heard of. This is ridiculous. When will it end? Every year she grows more disrespectful. I never should have allowed you to talk me into adopting her. When will it end Jane? Tell me because I can't take this much longer.'

'Dan, lower your voice. You know she will be asking to visit her friends again soon when she does we can go on holiday and forget about this whole mess alright? Remember that in the magical world they are of age at 17? After that do you think she will be trying to visit all that often? She already only barely comes home, then she tries to leave again almost immediately after. I'm sure this summer will be no different.'

'Fine I guess this will probably be one of the last summers she spends with us. I wonder if she will even attempt to come home next summer.'

Hermione is stunned. I'm adopted? Father doesn't even want me? Things between herself and her parents have never been perfect, but it never occurred to her that things were this bad.

Her eyes start to well up as she climbs the rest of the stairs before slowly walking toward her room.

Passing her parents door she couldn't prevent herself from looking inside. Her parents were embracing in a passionate kiss and were beginning to remove each other's clothing. Looking away in disgust, Hermione hastens her steps, deciding to silence her room before taking the remaining potions for the day and crawling into bed.

Hermione's last thought was: I hope tomorrow is a better day.

*.*

Chapter 3

Bella has been pacing for the last hour. Rudolphus and his brother Rabastian are lounging on the sofa watching her. The room is silent aside from the sound of Bellatrix's heels. The house elves at Malfoy Manor have long since fled from Bella's temper.

At the sound of the floo Bella halts her pacing and turns just as Narcissa Malfoy steps out of the flames. Draco steps out not a moment later followed by Lucius.

'Welcome home draco. How was school?' Bellatrix asks as she settles into the couch between her husband and his brother.

'School was fine, Aunt Bella,' Draco says tentatively. 'How are you?'

'I'm doing alright but I was wondering if you had some time before dinner to help me with something?'

Draco looks to his father, who nods before leaving the room. Draco then looks at his mother who is staring at her sister before sitting in a nearby armchair.

'Sure, Aunt Bella. What can I do to help?' Draco asks as he also sits down.

'What can you tell me about the group of children that were with Potter, when he left the school grounds about a week ago?'

'Potter, Granger, the youngest 2 Weasleys, Lovegood and Longbottom? What do you want to know?'

'Just anything that you can tell me. You can start with the girls.'

Narcissa says nothing but her eyes widen at the implication that her sister is once again trying to find information about a young girl.

'Well, Weaslette is always panting after Potter, so it's no surprise she followed along. Lovegood seems to spend time with Weaslette and Longbottom and that's probably how she ended up with them as well. Granger is always by Potter's side. Sometimes I think they are attached. Is there something specific you are trying to ask? Because I'm not sure what information you want.'

Bella takes a moment to think of how to word her answer. 'Tell me everything you know about Granger? Is she smart?' Narcissa gasps and covers her mouth.

'Smart? She has top marks and she is a prefect, if that is what you mean. If she ever manages to put her books down, it means that Potter is dragging her off to cause more trouble. I heard she got injured this time. Everyone else was walking the castle the day after they returned from whatever adventure they went on but Granger was in the hospital wing all week. She only returned last night for dinner and she doesn't look well either.'

'Who are her parents?' Bella has her hand on her husband's leg and she is now digging her nails into his thigh in an attempt to keep herself calm enough to continue this conversation.

The confusion leaves Draco's face as a snear appears. 'Parents? How should I know? She is a filthy little mudblood. Why do you keep asking about her? What's going on?'

Rudolphus pats bellas hand before prying her nails out of his leg. 'Thank you draco i think we have learned everything that we can tonight. Please excuse us?'

Rabastian nods at the look his brother has given him and rises to pull the young Malfoy out of the sitting room before closing the door behind himself.

Narcissa seems to have found her voice. 'Bella? What is the meaning of this? Are you still searching? I thought you gave up hope?'

'I have never given up hope. But something has happened. That night at the ministry my daughter was injured. I know because I felt it. I thought I was dying. Ever since then I have been trying to track her down. Roddy thinks she may be this Granger girl and I need more information. I can still feel her pain. I must find her.'

Bellas voice has been growing higher throughout her explanation. Rudolphus wraps an arm around her trying to help keep her calm.

'Alright I think I understand. Lucius is on the school board so maybe he can try to find her address. Will you be staying for dinner?'

'Thank you Cissa, yes we will stay for dinner.'

'Good, I think dinner's nearly ready. Let's head to the dining room. I will fill Lucius in when we get there.'

*.*

Hermione woke the next morning to silence. Looking at the clock, she knew that her parents had probably left for work already. It would likely be a long day, she just knew there would be a long list of chores that her father expected her to complete. Neither parent cared when she was ill and no excuse would suffice. Hermione groaned as she crawled out from under her blanket and began to get ready for the day.

After taking her potions she went down to the kitchen to prepare something for breakfast. The note from her parents stated that they expected the listed chores to be completed before they returned home that night. Dinner was expected to be ready when they walked through the door.

Hermione decides to get started. By lunch she is exhausted. After a small lunch, Hermione lowers herself onto the couch.

A few minutes later Hermione returns to her list in an effort to get as much done as possible. Walking past the kitchen clock, Hermione's heart stops. She intended to take a small break but instead she must have fallen asleep. Nothing is done, her parents will be home within the hour. Quickly she begins dinner, ignoring her screaming muscles. She will need to go to bed early to try to get enough sleep to try to do better tomorrow.

Minutes later Jane and Dan return home. Hermione can hear her father stomping through the house. Soon, she hears him enter the kitchen behind her. Hermione takes a deep breath and turns around to greet her father. Before she can open her mouth her father begins to shout.

'What did you do all day? Did you even try to do your chores? I don't care if you are sick. We expected you to do as you are told. Finish making dinner, then go to your room.' Hermione nods her head and turns back to the stove. Her father's footsteps indicate that he has left the room. Hermione continues making dinner before preparing herself a simple sandwich and heading to her room.

Several minutes later Jane comes into Hermione's room. Hermione is sitting at her desk organizing the contents of her trunk.

'Hermione, you know you are expected to be at the dinner table on time.'

'Father said to go to my room when I was done cooking. I am only doing what I was told.'

'You know that's not what he ment. Come down to dinner. Now.'

'No thank you, I'm about to go to bed. I need my rest to get over being sick. I'm hoping that I will have more energy tomorrow.'

'Fine. We expect that you will complete your chores tomorrow. Good night.'

Hermione takes a deep breath before returning to her trunk's contents. At the bottom she finds some forgotten pepper up potions, as well as the extra pain potions from Madam Pomfrey. A plan forms in her head. She will drink one of each in the morning after her breakfast and get as much done as she can. With any luck there will not be too many other chores for her to do. After setting an alarm, Hermione collapses into bed.

*.*

Then the next morning came too soon for Hermione. She can hear her parents moving around while getting ready for work. Hermione takes her potions and heads for a shower determined to start as soon as her parents have left for work.

When she heads to the kitchen she finds an even longer list. With a sigh Hermione downs her potions and gets started.

Several hours later Hermione begins dinner and has worked through about half of the listed chores. As soon as she finished dinner she writes a note and walks out of the house.

Minutes later Hermione is sitting at a coffee shop trying to relax. She cannot continue like this. She will never be able to heal if she continues to work herself into exhaustion everyday. Madam Pomfrey will not be happy with how little progress Hermione has made this week.

Hermione then walks to a small used bookstore to begin browsing. Hours later Hermione returns home and her parents are already asleep.

In her room Hermione grabs a quill and parchment to pen a letter to her healer.

Madam Pomfrey,

I am finding that I am not getting as much rest as you recommended to properly heal. Within the next week I am going to look into alternatives that will allow me the time to heal properly. Please don't be alarmed. I will continue to keep in contact so you know where to send my potions.

Sincerely,

Hermione Granger

Hermione seals the letter and places it near her window, intending to find a way to send it in the morning.

*.*

Chapter 4

When she wakes the next morning the house is once again silent. After getting ready Hermione grabs her letter before heading downstairs. In the kitchen there is a new note from her parents:

Hermione,

You weren't even here when we returned home. Your chores were not completed and dinner was cold. Where were you? When you did come home you were loud and woke us both up. We raised you to be more respectful than that. We will be having a talk about your recent behavior when we get home this evening. You will be punished.

Hermione stopped reading. There was no point in reading the rest. A few minutes later Hermione was on the curb holding out her wand for the knight bus. When it arrives she purchases a ride to the leaky cauldron. From there she quickly strolls toward the post office. After sending the letter off she gets something to eat while she thinks about where she could spend the rest of the summer.

The Weasleys would probably be her best bet. Unfortunately Mrs Weasley would most likely not give her a moment's peace because of her injury. She could probably get a room at the Leaky Cauldron while she came to a decision? With that, Hermione decides to walk to Gringotts to see if her vault had enough extra in it for her to stay for any portion of time at the Leaky. Over an hour later Hermione slowly walks out of the bank defeated.

There was only enough in her vault for school supplies. Her parents had not been depositing her allowance as they had promised. Her only options at this point were to stay home with her parents or request to join the Weasleys. Shaking her head, Hermione leaves the alley and heads home. Maybe if she can do all the chores they listed, her parents will give her enough of an allowance to get a room.

Several more days go by. Dan states that because of Hermione's attitude and inability to do her chores in a timely manner, she is grounded for the summer. And no matter what chores she does Hermione will not be given an allowance. Hermione sits at her desk beginning to write a letter to Mrs Weasley to ask about visiting when there is a knock at the front door.

Dan and Jane were just climbing into bed when they heard someone at the front door. Grumbling about poor timing and how rude to visit anyone at this hour, Dan stomps down the stairs and flings the front door open.

'Who do you think you are visiting at this hour? What do you want?' He snarls into the dark evening.

*.*

It took more than a week before Lucius contacted Rudolphus. Bella was too stressed to eat, much less do anything else. When Lucius appeared in their floo, Bella rushed to his side. Before she got the chance to speak he placed a parchment in her hands.

'Here is her address. I couldn't find out anything else about her. I'm sorry. Please visit us when you find out if it truly is her. Cissa seems to be just as nervous as you look. No matter the time just floo over do you understand?'

Bella shrieks and hugs Lucius tightly.

'Thank you, thank you, thank you.'

Moments later Lucius disappears back through the flames. Bella looks into her husband's eyes pleadingly. 'Alright, let's go. I think we have waited long enough. Do you remember to look up the lineage spell? I'm not sure I remember the wand movement properly.'

Bella begins to drag Roddy from the house. Of course, I looked it up this week. I also took the time to practice. Everything is ready. By the end of the night we will know if she is in fact, our daughter. As they cross the property line Bella opens the parchment, wraps her arms around her husband and promptly apparates them away.

*.*

As soon as the landscape comes into focus again, Bella looks around. The houses on this street were all the same. Every house had a tidy yard 1 or 2 automobiles and a fenced back yard. The only variations she can see are: the houses and automobiles are different colors. Quickly she glances back at the parchment in her hand before looking at the house they were standing in front of.

'This looks like the right address, Roddy.'

'Well let's knock and see what happens.' Rudolphus takes her hand and leads her to the door. After knocking relatively softly he is running low on patience. He begins to knock harder and more insistently. Suddenly the door is flung open by an angry muggle.

'Who do you think you are visiting at this hour? What do you want?' The muggle snarls.

Rudolphus raises a hand to silence his wife before she can respond to this rude muggle.

'Hello sir. We are hoping to find the Granger residence. Are we in the right place?' His tone is polite, but the look on his face is anything but.

'Yes, this is the Granger residence. What do you want?' Mr Granger refuses to lower his voice.

'May we come in? I fear your neighbors will begin to notice us if we continue this conversation at your door.' Bella suddenly pushes into the house. The muggle who had previously been blocking the door now appears to be shocked into silence.

He must have noticed their robes, or possibly recognized them from the pictures in the paper? Oh well. At least he was done yelling.

'Is Hermione home this evening?' Bella asks quietly.

The muggle does not respond but footsteps are heard descending the stairs. A moment later a young woman dressed in pajamas steps into the room with her wand pointed at bella. Clearly she recognizes them. When Bella notices she raises her hands to show she is not holding her own wand.

'We are not here to harm you, we just want to talk. Would you please give us a few moments of your time?' Rudolphus mimics his wife by raising his hands. Hermione does not lower her wand as she steps in front of the muggle.

'Father, go back upstairs. I will take care of this.'

The muggle opens his mouth, looks around, closes his mouth, then leaves the room.

'Well? What do you want to talk about? Why are you here?'

Bella slowly lowers herself onto the edge of the couch before placing her hands in her lap.

'We are here to talk with you. And ask a few questions. Before we get into anything. Were you adopted?'

Hermione advances on them, her wand held tightly. 'How? Why would you know that? I only learned that this week. Why are you here?'

Bella looks up at him in silence. Roddy nods.

'We are here because there is a possibility that you are our daughter.' Hermione shakes her head. 'She was kidnapped at 13 months. We searched everywhere we could think of. There was no trace. Recently we have discovered new information that led us here. Will you permit us to perform the test? If you are not who we have been searching for we will leave and no harm will come to you or the muggles upstairs.'

'This is not possible. I'm not related to you. But then why else would you be here? What test are you referring to?'

'The lineage spell is very simple. Bella will cast it over you and I. the color will tell us if we are related. Red if i am your father. Green if we are more distantly related. Blue if there is a marriage connection. Or yellow if we are not related. It will take her a moment to perform the spell as it is rather intricate but after that we will be able to answer any other questions you have.'

'I'm just supposed to trust that the spell is harmless? Based on your reputation alone, I shouldn't even be listening to you. Swear on your magic that you will never harm me, no matter the results.'

Without hesitating Bella and Roddy did as was requested. Hermione lowered her wand in disbelief. Bella begins the spell and after several moments the room is bathed in a red glow that is connecting himself to hermione. Roddy looks from Hermione's stunned face to Bellas ecstatic one. He rushes to his wife, engulfing her in a bone crushing hug.

Bella is repeatedly mumbling, 'We found her, I can't believe we found her.' Roddy kisses her temple before looking over at Hermione again. Hermione has sunk into the sofa, she begins to shake her head.

'No this cannot be true. What is happening? I don't understand.'

'Hermione, I mentioned that our daughter was kidnapped at 13 months old. Shortly after that we were looking for answers. I'm not proud of how we handled your disappearance. Soon after we were sent to azkaban. For years your aunt continued to search for you. But there were no leads, we were convinced you had been sent to another country or killed.

'It did occur to us that your birthday had been changed to keep you hidden, and possibly your appearance as well. Now that we have found you. We would like to make up for lost time and begin to get to know you. Is this something that we can arrange?

*.*

Hermione is in shock. These are her parents? Did that make her a pureblood? What did he mean 'arrange'? Was my birthday changed? What was my birth name? Has my appearance changed? What is going to happen next? Suddenly Hermione decides to voice these concerns.

Maybe they will not force her into anything she is not comfortable with.

Bellatrix leans forward and starts to answer her questions.

'Yes you are a pureblood. We were wondering if you had time this summer to spend with us. But we don't want to force anything on you. We realize you have family and friends that may be expecting to spend some time with you, but we are still hopeful that you can fit us into your schedule. Your birthday is August 13th, 1979. Your cousin was born the following year you should be entering your 7th year. However Draco tells us that you are in the same year as him. When is the birthday you celebrate?'

'September 16th.' Hermione whispers.

'That makes sense. With that date you would end up in the same year as Draco without suspicion. You were born Lyra you are comfortable we can try to break a permanent glamor that was likely placed on you as a child. I would not recommend doing so while injured. You need your core to be strong enough to break the glamor. Perhaps we can discuss that later this summer? And what's next?

'Like I said, that is up to you. We can continue to visit you here or we can communicate through owl if that is easier. I don't want to seem pushy but you can also come stay with us. We can make up a room for you whenever you arrive. What would you like us to call you?'

Hermione takes a moment to gather her thoughts before answering.

As my parents I wouldn't mind if you called me Lyra. Beyond that, let me think about it. I'm not sure if I will continue to go by Hermione or not. As for what I'm doing this summer. I guess I have some more questions before I can agree to anything.' Hermione looks up to see both of her parents nod for her to continue. 'Where do you live? I refuse to be anywhere near that madman. I don't care if he is your lord. Who will be finding out I am your daughter? Will my name be changed?'

'Lestrange manor is north of London in a remote area. You will not be forced to meet with anyone. No one will be permitted at the manor if you are not comfortable with it. We will keep this in the family for now if that is alright. We want to look into anyone who may have helped kidnap you. And as for your name that is up to you. I believe there is a potion that you could have discovered and brewed this summer to see who your parents are, if you are interested.'

Hermione thinks about everything she has learned in this short time.

'Can you give me a moment? I need time to think.'

'Take all the time you need. We will be here until you ask us to leave.'

Hermione nods then retreats up the stairs, heading for her room. Before she can get there her parents door opens and she is pulled through the doorway.

'Who are they? Are they still here? What is happening?'

Looking around, Hermione sees Dan and Jane standing before her, they both look furious.

'Apparently they are my biological parents. They came to see if i was their daughter, apparently i was kidnapped at 13 months. Do you know anything about that?'

'Of course we don't. All we know is that Dumbledore appeared and asked us to adopt you. I didn't even want kids. Your mother talked me into it. When are they leaving?'

'Dumbledore handed me to you personally? Interesting. They will leave when I ask them to leave. I don't recommend you go downstairs.' Hermione left their room and walked into hers before closing the door.

At her window an owl is trying to get inside. Hermione crosses the room and opens the window. After offering a drink and a snack, Hermione grabs the letter and opens it.

Ms Granger,

It saddens me to read your most recent letter. You will need as much rest as possible to recover properly. Do I need to bring you here so that you can rest? Are you at least taking the potions I sent home with you? Please advise me on the best way to move forward. If I have not heard from you within the week, I will arrive at your home to discuss matters with your parents.

Sincerely,

Madam Pomfrey

Hermione walks to her desk and scribbles out a quick response stating that a visit is not necessary at this time, but it may take a few more days to arrange alternative lodgings. She also urges her healer to await further correspondence before taking any action. Hermione ties the letter to the owl before telling it there was no rush and it should rest before leaving.

Hermione takes a few more minutes to review everything she has learned this evening before making a snap decision. Waving her wand, Hermione sends all her belongings into her trunk before shrinking it and placing it into her pocket. She finds crookshanks and puts him into his carrier despite his protesting hissing. With another wave, Hermione changes her clothes into jeans and a tank top. She then slips on her shoes, grabs the cat carrier and heads back down the stairs.

Hermione returns to the sitting room and sees that the lestranges are hugging once more while they sit on the sofa. Bellatrix has tears flowing freely down her face. As Hermione walks into the room they both turn and look at her. There is a look of surprise that they share after seeing Hermione's clothing change.

'I have made a decision. I will agree to spend the summer with you. With a few conditions. 1st I want my family to be obliviated. I will not be returning to this house. 2nd I want to know more about who kidnapped me. I was just told that I was delivered by Dumbledore personally. I am willing to ask around after completing that potion you mentioned. 3rd in regards to anything pertaining to me, i want to discuss what will happen next i am not a child i will have a say in how my life proceeds. 4th this is my familiar Crookshanks he goes everywhere with me. Is this acceptable to you both?

Bellatrix moves forward but Rudolphus' arm around her keeps her in place on the couch.

'Of course we agree to your conditions. If you will give me a moment I will obliviate them and then we can leave. I'm sure there is much more to discuss. However, tonight is not the time.'

He turns to his wife and lowers his voice. 'Bella, you cannot jump on her. At least ask before you try to hug her, I will return in a moment.'

As he left the room Bellatrix slowly stood and tentatively took a step toward hermione. 'I have missed you every day. May I hug you Lyra?'

Hermione could see her struggling to stay where she was. With a small nod Hermione opened her arms to her mother. Bellatrix lunged in her direction and wrapped her in a hug so tight Hermione didn't know if she could breathe. After several moments Bellatrix loosened her hold slightly.

'What should I call you?'

'You can call me mum or Bella. It's up to you.'

'I will think about it and let you know.'

With one last squeeze Bellatrix steps away. A moment later Rudolphus descends the stairs and they all head out the door. Hermione places her hand on Rudolphus' arm when asked. A moment later the quiet muggle neighborhood is empty. No trace remains of the young witch that had previously resided there.

*.*

Chapter 5

When they arrived at the manor, Bella gave a brief tour while the house elves prepared a room for Lyra. The tour ended in what was now Lyra's bedroom. Lyra heads to bed without much discussion. Rodolphus floo calls the Malfoys to explain that the girl was in fact Lyra, that she had agreed to come home with them, and due to this they may not be available until she was comfortable with the idea of a visit. Lucius and Narcissa agree not to visit until invited.

'I will come over in the morning. There are several things that I need to discuss with you both as well as Rab.'

'Of course. Come over whenever you have time.'

'Will do, enjoy the rest of your evening,' Rodolphus closes the floo just as Bella walks in.

'Lyra is in bed already. The house elves tell me that she took several potions before lying down. We should probably ask her what the healer said about her recovery.'

'Bella, we will. But tonight let us just be happy that we found her and that she is home. Let's go to bed. It has been a long day.'

Rodolphus wraps his arm around her shoulder and begins to lead them toward their room.

*.*

The next morning Rodolphus and Bella enter the dining room to find their daughter already eating.

'Good morning, Lyra. Did you sleep well?' Bella asks as she sits in the chair to their daughter's left.

Lyra swallows before answering. 'Yes, I did. Unfortunately, I always wake early when I am somewhere new. It did give me time to explore this morning, though. I was able to find my way here without asking for help from the house elves.'

'That's good to hear. Feel free to explore as much as you want. Would you like your mother to show you around some more? I'm sure she would love to spend time with you.' Bella nods enthusiastically 'We heard you were recently injured. Is there anything we can do to help with your recovery?'

Lyra froze and dropped her fork.

'I forgot to take my potions this morning!' She quickly leaves the room, only to return several minutes later.

'Thank you for reminding me. I have been taking all the potions on time. However, I need to spend much more time resting to ease my recovery. I'll also need to send a note to Madam Pomfrey letting her know where to send the rest of the potions. Do you have an owl here or will I need to go to Diagon Alley?'

'We have two owls here. If they are both gone, we can always floo Cissa and ask to borrow one of the Malfoy owls. Please keep us informed on your condition. While we are on the subject of Diagon Alley… Do you need anything? New clothes? Or anything to make your familiar more comfortable? You can go to Diagon Alley whenever you want, but if you find that you are unable to get the things you need, we can ask Narcissa to go.'

Lyra shakes her head before saying, 'Actually, I think I am fine for now. But in these next few days I may think of something. Perhaps Mrs Malfoy can come over for tea later this week? I'm interested in meeting her in person.'

'That is a great plan,' Bella exclaimed. 'I will arrange everything. Is there anything you don't eat? Or something specific you would prefer to eat?'

'I'm quite simple in that regard: I tend to not eat too many sweets, but that is about it. I will be sure to let you know if that changes, of course.'

Rodolphus finishes his breakfast and rises from the table. 'I will see the both of you at dinner. Enjoy your day. You may want to rest outside by the pool. There are several places outside that are perfect for reading. Bella, perhaps you could show her the library?'

Lyra jumps up and hugs him. After a moment he hugs her back.

'It is great to have you home. I will see you this evening.'

'Have a good day, father.' Lyra sits back down to finish her meal.

Roddy looks at his wife with tears in his eyes. He leans down and places a kiss on her temple before leaving the room.

Immediately afterwards, he floos his brother and asks to meet him at Malfoy Manor. After a moment to gather himself, he grabs the Floo powder to head to the Malfoy abode himself.

When he arrives, the Malfoy family is just finishing breakfast. Not a second later later, Draco excuses himself, catching a pointed look from his father.

'Rodolphus, we are so happy to see you. How are things this morning?'

'She called me father just before I left. I didn't expect it so soon…' Rudolphus stares at the table before clearing his throat and looking around. 'I'm sorry. Everything is still so fresh, so raw. Narcissa, Bella is planning a tea for later this week. Lyra is interested in meeting you.'

'That is wonderful. I will rearrange my schedule to fit whatever time they choose.'

'Lucius. I must speak with the Dark Lord. Lyra will not have an interest in meeting with him any time soon, but it is in our best interests to let him know how things are progressing.'

'Of course, I am set to meet with him later today. I will let you know when he can see you.'

At that moment, Rabastan enters the room. Rodolphus stands up and strides across the room.

'Rab, we found her. She is at home with Bella right now, and she called me father!'

The brothers embrace tightly.

'When can I meet her?'

'I'm not sure. She agreed to meet with Narcissa later this week, but I haven't asked about anyone else yet. She is still recovering, and I don't want to overwhelm her. Come, sit. There is another matter that I must discuss with you all. Lyra asked me to obliviate her adoptive parents, and when I did I saw various conversations with Dumbledore in the month leading up to the kidnapping.

'The husband was persuaded by his wife and knew almost nothing. The wife, on the other hand… Dumbledore told her everything. Apparently, she was a squib and he felt she could be trusted. It seems as though Dumbledore has not visited her in years but if he does he will know her memories were removed. I did place a compulsion on both of them to leave the country, but I am not sure how strong.'

Rudolphus said all this in a rush before slumping down in the chair. Lucius was the first to recover.

'What are you planning?'

'Lyra wants to help, and I think we have the start of a plan. Last night, we cast the lineage spell. That is the fastest way to confirm when you suspect two parties are related. However, I'm sure you remember the potion that details familial history on a parchment. Given how studious she is, we believe it is possible she may have discovered this potion and decided to brew it over summer or at the start of term. Doing so would cause her to seek guidance from trusted Order members. I wonder what they would tell her.'

'Interesting. And how will she communicate what she learns?'

'House elf. Anything she learns she can write down, and our elf can grab it with no one the wiser. If that becomes too risky, perhaps she can give the note to Draco during the school year? Surely, it would not be abnormal for him to write home regularly.'

'That is a great start. When will we inform Draco that his long lost cousin has returned?'

'Excuse me? My what?'

All eyes snapped up from the table. Draco stands by the doorway.

'Oh, Draco, thank you for joining us again, did you need something?' Narcissa was quick to walk over to her son in an effort to distract him.

'Mother, what cousin?'

'Draco, won't you join us? We need to share something with you.'

'Yes, Father.' Draco follows his mother to the table and sits down before focusing on his father.

'I am listening.'

Rudolphus spoke up first. 'You wouldn't remember, but you have a cousin that was born ten months before you. She was kidnapped at thirteen months old. We all searched for her. Your parents continued while we were locked in Azkaban. No trace was found for years. Recently we began looking with renewed effort.'

Draco nods in understanding.

'We have finally found her. She has agreed to come home with us. The kidnapping is a delicate situation. We are trying to figure out how many people are involved. Because of this not many will know of her true identity for some time.'

Draco was silent for some time.

'Who is she? Is this why you were asking about Granger last week?'

Draco looks around the room. Rodolphus and Draco make eye contact before the latter looks ashamed and lowers his gaze to the table. 'I am sorry for the way I have treated her over the years. I thought she was a mud-' Draco clears his throat, '-muggleborn. I would never have behaved that way if I had known.'

'What way?' Rudolphus' voice hardens.

'I will apologize as soon as I am able. I will never do it again.'

'What did you do to my daughter?'

In a quiet voice, Draco begins to tell his uncle about his behavior. He also includes how Hermione defended herself.

'You will make it up to her however she chooses, do you understand?'

'Yes, Uncle. Let me know when I can see her so I may apologize in person.'

'You will not share anything with any of your friends, understand?'

'Yes, Father. May I be excused?' Lucius nods and Draco flees the room. Rudolphus laughs.

'That was fun. Do you think any of his friends have also behaved this poorly towards my daughter? I think I'll enjoy doing that again.' Rodolphus says before laughing.

*.*

As her father left the room, Hermione caught the loving look her mother sent her way.

'Mother?'

'Yes, dear?'

'I need to write a letter to Madam Pomfrey and send it. Can you show me where to find the owls?'

'Of course, darling. Would you also like to visit the library? You seemed interested when your father mentioned it.'

The women stood from the table and began to make their way through the manor toward Hermione's room. Once there, Hermione sat down at her new desk and began to compose a letter.

Madam Pomfrey,

I have successfully found alternative accommodations. As this letter relates to my medical health, I urge you not to disclose its contents with anyone. As you said, I am legally old enough to oversee my wellbeing without parental consent and that is what I am doing. I will send an owl to you every week to collect the potions I need.

If you need to see me in person, we can arrange to meet at the Leaky Cauldron. For now, I am going to keep my location to myself. If anyone asks, please tell them I am safe and doing my best to get better. Please send a few of those parchments we discussed. I will ensure that one arrives each week with the owl who will pick up my potions.

Is this arrangement acceptable? If not, we can meet and discuss at length.

Sincerely,

Hermione Granger

Before sealing the parchment she hands it to Bellatrix.

'Mother, this is what I am sending to my healer. Do you think it is acceptable?'

Bella walks over, reads the note, and nods her head.

'That should be fine. Let's go send it, then we can explore the library. On the way there could you please explain why your healer considers you an adult?'

Lyra describes her 3rd year as they begin their walk through the house.

'So you did all that in 3rd year and you were at the Ministry recently. Please tell me the rest of your schooling has been less exciting.'

After taking the time to send her note, Lyra looks at her mother.

'Unfortunately, there are many more stories I can tell you regarding my 'adventures at school', but I'm not sure if I should tell you now or wait for Father.'

'Go ahead and tell me now. I will fill your father in when I have time. He may have questions.'

Lyra nods and starts at the beginning when she found out she was a witch. By the time she has completed her story, they eat lunch, after which she wanders the library looking for something interesting to read.

*.*

Later that afternoon, Lyra wakes from a relaxing nap. As she opens her eyes, she sees Bellatrix sipping her tea in a nearby armchair. They had spent the afternoon reading in the library. Lyra was stunned at the sheer size when they first entered the room. An hour of browsing later, she sits with a stack of books that she planned on reading over the next few days. Shortly after opening the book she chose to read first; Lyra drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

Slowly Lyra pushes herself up until she is sitting upright.

'Would you like a cuppa?' Hermione nods and Bella prepares a cup before handing it to her.

'How did you sleep?'

'Good. It is very relaxing here.'

'That is good to hear. I do have something I would like to ask you if you don't mind.'

'Go ahead.'

'Well, this morning we discussed tea with Narcissa, and while I am already planning that, there are other family members that would love to see you. Your uncle Rabastan, on your father's side, as well as Lucius and Draco, I'm sure. You don't have to see them all at once, but I wanted to see how you felt. We won't try to introduce you to everyone, but family is a different matter.'

Hermione sips her tea as she considers the request. 'I think I can manage one at a time? I'm not sure in what order. You can talk with them and decide. Just let me know so I can get ready. I don't want to be in my pajamas when someone arrives.'

'I can understand that. I will talk it over with your father and then the rest of the family.'

'Thank you. After we finish our tea, can you show me around the grounds? Father made it sound like I would find many places to read.'

'Whenever you are ready, we can go out for a stroll.'

*.*

Chapter 6

Rudolphus was granted an audience with the Dark Lord just after lunch. When he arrived he entered the room and stood near a wall waiting to be acknowledged.

Several minutes pass before the Dark Lord looks up.

'Ah, Rudolphus. Lovely to see you again, Lucius mentioned you needed to see me?'

Rudolphus walks over to the center of the room and bows before his Lord. 'Yes my Lord. This is a sensitive matter. May I speak freely?'

'Sit with me. Tell me what is so sensitive.'

'Bella and I have found our daughter. It has been confirmed that Dumbledore was directly involved. She is now living with us. Her adoptive parents have been obliviated. And I need to request that we have the opportunity to enact punishment on Dolohov. He severely injured her and she will be recovering for weeks to come.'

Rudolphus explained it all quickly. He knew that the Dark Lord reacted better to knowing all the information up front.

'I can see why you needed to speak with me urgently. You did leave out a very important detail. WHO is your daughter?'

'Hermione Granger.' Rudolphus says this in a hushed tone. In all his rambling he didn't realize that he had missed that important detail.

'Oh really? That is interesting. Are you, as a family, keeping this a secret?' Rudolphus nods his head. 'Did she say why she wanted to have her parents obliviated?'

'No, my Lord but when I was performing the spell I found very few fond memories in their heads of her. I can only assume that she had always felt a disconnect with them. She did mention that she only learned recently of her adoption.'

'Will she agree to meet me?'

'Not yet, my Lord, she is healing. Soon, she will meet family. After she has had time to heal she requests to assist in finding whomever helped with her kidnapping. Sometime around that it will come out who she is. In the meantime, we will try to explain to her that a meeting with you is in her best interest. She will not be ordered around. She is however open to discussions regarding herself, her safety, and possibly many other topics. She loves to do research and is top of her class.'

'I look forward to seeing how the world acclimates itself to your daughter. You will not seek revenge on Dolohov until she is known to the world. After all it wouldn't do for him to be attacked without knowing why he was being punished, now would it?'

'Thank you my lord. I will continue to update you on this situation as it progresses.'

'Do that. I presume you will be sticking close to home for the foreseeable future?'

'Yes my lord.'

'Good. tell your daughter that we hope for a speedy recovery. Let me know if there is anything else you need. Have a nice day.'

Rudolpus stood, and left the room quickly. One did not dawdle when the Dark Lord had dismissed you. Moments later he arrives at home intending to search for his wife and daughter.

*.*

Bella left Lyra outside on a lounge chair with a book to relax until dinner. After checking on the meal Bella headed to the sitting room knowing that Roddy would be home soon. A few minutes later he arrives through the floo. Bella stands to greet her husband with a kiss.

'I'm so happy you are home. I have so much to tell you about my day. Lyra called me mother after you left. I asked and she said we could invite family over one at a time. I think she is concerned about getting overwhelmed and she is still recovering. She also told me about school. I will tell you about it this evening after she is in bed. It didn't seem like she wanted to tell it all twice.'

'That is good Bella, and I look forward to learning more about our daughter's time at school. Everyone wants to meet her but they understand her condition. Draco was shocked to hear about a cousin. Moreso, when he learned who she was. I think we should have him over tomorrow. He is eager to apologize for his behavior to her over the years. Do you think she will be up for it?'

'Roddy, let's ask her at dinner. If so, I can floo Malfoy Manor before bed. What else did you do today?'

Bella leads Roddy through the house and outside to where Lyra is reading.

'Lyra? Your father is home and it is almost time for dinner.'

'Hello father, how was your day?'

'It was long but overall I think it was a productive one. How was your day? Did you get some rest?'

'I did, thank you for asking. I'm going to go inside and get ready for dinner. Excuse me.'

'Oh course darling. We will see you inside.'

Over dinner, Roddy talks about his day. He explains about his conversation with the Dark Lord. Lyra agrees that at some point in the future she will have a meeting with the Dark Lord. Dinner is finished and Lyra is about to say goodnight when her father stops her.

'Lyra? Before you go, your mother told me she talked with you about meeting the family one at a time?'

'Yes father.'

'Would you be able to meet with Draco tomorrow? He is eager to meet his cousin.'

'I suppose. I may need to rest in the morning but is it possible he could visit for lunch?'

'I'm sure that can be arranged. Good night daughter. I will see you at breakfast.'

'Good night father.'

Bella walks up to her husband and wraps her arms around him.

'I'm going to go talk to Cissa. I will be home later.'

'Enjoy,' he says as he kisses her. A moment later Bella disappears into the floo.

*.*

When Bella arrives at Malfoy Manor she sees Draco reading in the sitting room.

'Draco. Where are your parents this evening?'

'I think they have already retired to their room. Is there anything I can help you with Aunt Bella?'

'Yes, are you busy tomorrow?'

'No, I don't think so.'

'Good. you must come over for lunch. It will be a good time to meet your cousin.'

'Are you sure she wants to see me? We don't normally get along. I plan to apologize.'

'She agreed to see you. Anything further will be between you and her. Understood?'

'Yes Aunt Bella. I will be there for lunch.'

'Good. Tell your mother I will owl her about tea later this week. Enjoy the rest of your evening.'

'I will. Night Aunt Bella.'

A moment later Bella was back in her home. She began to search for her husband. She found him in their room. As she gets ready for bed Bella begins regaling her husband with the story her daughter shared about school. By the end, neither of them were fond of 'Ron' but knew there was nothing they could do about the friends their daughter chose to keep.

*.*

Chapter 7

The next morning Lyra slept in. When she woke up, there was an owl at her window.

Hermione granger,

I am mildly concerned with what is going on with you. I trust that you are safe and finally healing. I have included the parchments we discussed. I will need you to send the first back immediately so I can check your current level of care required. After I review things I can tell you more about how you are progressing in your condition. I don't see cause for concern at this time.

No one is asking about you at this time. Worry not. I will do as you ask and keep your confidence. When the school year resumes I would like to have a conversation with you. Possibly around your birthday? I'm sure you won't know your schedule until you are back at school. No need to stress about it, just send me an owl when you know your availability.

Until next time, continue resting and enjoy your summer.

Sincerely,

Madam Pomfrey

Lyra responds to the letter by completing the task needed and sending off the owl instructing it to wait for potions delivery before returning. Then she decides to go for a swim. After dressing in a red bikini and a long green skirt, Lyra grabs a towel and walks through the house. She eats an apple as she heads outside.

Once at the pool, she puts her things down and jumps into the pool. Lyra discovers that being inside the pool is very relaxing to her aching muscles.

'Hello cousin. How are you feeling today?'

Startled, Lyra realizes she must have lost track of time. Looking up she sees Draco Malfoy. He looks different than when they are at school. More relaxed. He is wearing a green t-shirt and khaki shorts. He is not smirking or sneering as he usually is when she sees him, instead he looks…. Nervous? With a sigh, Lyra climbs out of the pool and begins to dry herself off with her towel.

'Hello cousin, I am feeling better. How are you?'

Lyra finishes drying off, puts on her skirt and begins to walk inside. Draco follows her.

'I'm having a lovely day. After all, it is not everyday that a long lost relative returns home now is it?'

'That is true. How are you adjusting to finding out that I am that long lost relative?'

'I will admit that I was shocked. I want to apologize for my behavior. No matter who you were, I should have been able to at least be a gentleman around you. I shall endeavour to be a gentleman in all future interactions.'

'I accept your apology. Have you been informed that you will need to not let on that you know anything once we are back in school?'

'Nothing specific yet. I'm sure things will get interesting once we return to school.'

Lyra and Draco walk through the manor until they are outside her room.

'I will be back in a moment. I just need to change for lunch.'

Without waiting for a response she walks into her room and closes the door. Several moments later she returns, dressed in a pink tank top, a jean skirt and pink flip flops.

'You look different then when we are at school.' Lyra observes. 'Happier. Can I ask why?'

'Yes cousin, you can ask me whatever you want. For you I have nothing to hide. I always wanted a sibling or some close relation to grow up with. Something was always missing. Now I know, it was you, I want to get to know you. When we are at school I must act a certain way because I never know who is watching. The Dark Lords followers have sent their children to school with the intention of being spies. I am expected to act just like they are. At some point I will be expected to join the ranks. I'm still not sure if I want to, but that is a conversation for another day. What would you like me to call you?'

'There are many things I want to discuss at a later date with you in due time. In this house I want to go by Lyra. When I return to the Order I will be Hermione until they see me discover who my parents are. From that moment it will depend on what happens. I do enjoy being called cousin. And what about you?'

'You may call me whatever you wish but i also like cousin.'

'Well that settles it. Cousin it is. Oh hello mother. Did you know Draco had arrived?' Lyra asks as they enter the dining room.

'Actually I was starting to get worried that he was not here yet. I'm glad he seems to have found you.'

All 3 sit down to lunch as Rudolphus enters the room and joins them.

After the meal Lyra requests to spend more time getting to know Draco. He agrees and they head to the library. The cousins spend the afternoon talking about their friends and classmates. Soon they are discussing who would likely still be around after The Big Reveal.

'No way will Weasley accept this. How many times has he walked away for something minor?'

'I understand what you are saying but I cannot believe I will lose my closest friends. We have been friends for years.'

'Have you? Or is he tolerating you because of Potter? Think about it. When are you, ever, away from Potter, together? How does he act?'

'I need time to think about that. Who do you think will still be my friend? Clearly you have a different view of things than I do?'

Draco takes a moment to think. 'Well I think Longbottom will still be your friend but it may be a challenge because of who your parents are. Potter will have to decide for himself. You may want to talk to him when Weasley is not around. Other than them, I'm not too sure. Who else do you hang out with?'

'Clearly I have a lot to think about before we return to school. Tell me, which of your friends will I need to be concerned about? Who would want to befriend me simply because of my parents?'

'That is a bit more tricky. Theo and Blaise have been relatively neutral in their comments and we get on well enough. Pansy will be skeptical no matter what. You may find a friend in Daphne? Truthfully it all depends on what happens with The Big Reveal, as you call it. Talk me through that plan? Or however much you have planned so far?'

'This summer I was told I was adopted. I decided to look into finding my parents. Are my parents magical? Are they alive? Why was I adopted? In Flourish and Blotts, I find a potion book that has a solution. When I visit at the end of summer I will begin reading the book and researching possible outcomes or variations. When we arrive at school, I have everything I need to begin the potion.

It takes a week. I will start the first weekend after we arrive. I will have my results at the beginning of the second, possibly just before dinner? With the results, how can I not be distraught?' Lyra pauses to feign how distraught she will be. 'I will need time to come to terms with this information. Depending how the situation is handled by the Order will tell me how to handle things.'

'And of course when it gets all over school I will write to my parents. Will I be expected to officially make contact with you? We are close cousins after all.' Draco asks, contemplating the scenario.

'Surprise me. If things get too planned out I won't be able to act genuinely surprised.'

'You know, after adding your blood to the parchment, you have to wait 10 minutes before you can read the results right? Are you planning to read it in the Great Hall?'

'Either then or just before. Can you imagine? I walk into dinner glued to a parchment stunned. Someone's bound to ask what has me distracted. Actually you could discover it. Then no one would be able to dispute it. I'm walking but bump into you. When I look up to apologize you snatch the page away and read it before I can stop you.'

Draco mimes looking at a parchment. 'Granger? Who is Lyra? Why is my aunt's name on this parchment? This could be great.' They both dissolve into laughter.

After a moment Lyra catches her breath and says, 'I'm glad you agree. Now we need to tell my parents.' Both teens jump when a voice is heard from the doorway.

'Actually, we just heard. That sounds lovely. Do you need to be seen buying the book or potion supplies? Or just buy everything before meeting the Weasleys in Diagon when you visit? I'm sure we can make this work.'

Lyra's parents join them in the library as they continue to work out the plan.

*,*

Draco stays for dinner then returns home after promising to visit regularly. When he arrives he is confronted by his mother.

'You were gone all day. Did it go well?'

'Yes mother, it was nice getting to know her without everyone watching my every move. I plan to visit regularly. '

'Good, tell me all about it.' He does before bidding his mother good night.

When he walks into his room he notices that he is not alone. Stretched out in his bed looking completely at ease is his best friend.

'How long have you been here?' He says with a smirk. Before climbing into bed and getting comfortable.

'Depends on the time I guess, I came to see if you were busy. Clearly you were. But then I didn't want to leave so I stayed. Father is unhappy again and I didn't want to deal with it. Where did you go? Last time we spoke you said you had no plans.'

'Ah, well life is surprising. You never know when something will come up.'

'And does this surprise have a name?' Theo rolls to his side and propping his head up with his hand.

Draco mimics the position and asks, 'wouldn't you like to know.'

'Dray, I'm hurt, I thought we meant something to each other. Why would you keep anything a secret?'

'Ur just mad because you think I'm out snogging someone and you are not.'

'Obviously. Are you?'

'No but let's talk about it later. Who are you trying to kiss these days?'

'I'm not sure, Lovegood is looking particularly lovely these days. And father says she can hold her own in a duel. Might be worth looking into. What about you?'

'No one in particular I suppose. Maybe someone will catch my eye sooner or later.'

'Really? Hmm. As long as I don't have to listen to you rant about Potter or Granger again all summer I'm happy.'

'I presume you are staying the night?'

'You presume correct.'

'Alright. Go find another bed to sleep in. I will see you in the morning.'

'Fine. You are no fun.'

Theo huffs as he rolls out of Draco's bed before leaving the room and closing the door.

*.*

Chapter 8

The next morning Draco and Theo have breakfast before going out to ride their brooms. They race around the grounds for hours. At lunch, Theo says that it is time for him to return home.

As soon as Theo floos home Draco summons an elf.

'Tell mother that Theo went home and I'm headed to Aunt Bella's house.'

A moment later he exits the floo and begins his search for his cousin. His search leads him to the pool again.

'My dear cousin. I found you.'

'What took you so long? When you left yesterday you said you would return after breakfast?'

'Theo was in my room when I got home. He just left after lunch.'

'Oh that makes sense. What are we doing today?'

'Whatever you like, I suppose.'

'Know anywhere we can go shopping without anyone bothering us?'

'Well if we can talk your parents into applying a glamor on you, I think we can just go to Diagon?'

Hermione climbs out of the pool. 'Alright let's go ask.'

Moments later Lyra is changed into simple robes and they are heading to the library looking for Bellatrix.

'Mother? Can you help me?'

'Of course darling. What do you need?'

'I want to go to Diagon today, but I don't want anyone to see me.'

'I can understand that. I can change your appearance. I'm sorry to say that we have not added you to our vaults yet.'

'That's ok Auntie, I will get whatever she needs today.'

'Thank you. Let us know what is spent.'

Bella takes a moment to change Lyra's appearance (strawberry blond curls and a slightly different skin tone, nothing major) before waving goodbye to the teens. They disappear through the floo one after the other. Moments later they enter the alley and begin walking along discussing what stores they plan to visit for the day. The first stop is Gringotts followed by a visit to Madam Malkin's robe shop.

'What can I get for you today?'

'Just some nice robes to wear to tea.'

'And something to wear to a formal family dinner.'

Hermione looks at him questioningly.

'Father will want a nice dinner when he meets you. I think that's why he is last in line. Everyone wants to know you are well enough.'

Lyra nods. She is feeling much better now that she is actually resting. Soon they leave Madam Malkins, who promises to owl the purchases to Malfoy Manor. Lyra finds herself browsing Flourish and Blotts. Before long she is sitting in an armchair looking at the books she has selected trying to decide what to get and what to put back.

Lyra simply cannot decide. Suddenly she hears raised voices a couple ailes from her. She gets up and walks in that direction.

'What do you mean you can't hang out? Are you here with someone?'

'Yes I am. Do you mind?'

'Is this someone you are serious about?'

'What are you talking about? I will owl you in a few days and we can hang out ok?'

'Fine but I want details.'

'Have a nice day, Blaise.'

'Yeah, whatever, you too.'

A moment later someone comes around the corner and runs right into Lyra. his arms circle her waist as she begins to fall. Looking up she sees his hazel eyes staring unblinkingly into her own. Before she knows it he releases her and takes a step back.

'Well hello beautiful. I didn't see you there.'

'Of course you didn't. No one ever does.'

'That can't be true. How can anyone not notice you? You are breathtaking.'

'I'm sure you believe that. I need to get back to my friend.'

'Anyone I know?'

'Ah Draco there you are. Let me grab my books and we can go for ice cream?'

He nods silently and follows her past a now silent Blaise.

After Draco purchases her books and arranges for them to be owled to his home, they stop for some ice cream.

'You do know I'm going to need to answer his questions eventually right?'

'I know. I trust you will make sure not to say too much. We wouldn't want mother or father to get upset would we?'

'No, no, we would not. I will figure out what to tell him.'

'Good thing, something tells me you will do great. Now I think it's time to return home. I'm starting to feel weak again.'

Draco brings Lyra home and gets her into bed to rest. He then floos home to grab her purchases and places them on her desk in her room. When he exits her room the second time he runs into his uncle.

'Hello Draco, long day?'

'Yes uncle. We went to diagon. I think I was more than she had energy for but she sat when she needed to. She is already asleep. Everything she purchased is on her desk. I had it all sent to my house then I brought it here. We did run into one of my friends while we were out.'

'Which one? Is he going to be a problem?'

'I think Blaise was just trying to flirt with her? Neither of us said her name so I know he is going to be asking me about her when I see him next.'

'I see. And what did Lyra say?'

'She trusts that I will say what I need to not to upset you and Aunt Bella.'

'Then we trust that as well. Is there anything else I need to know about today?'

'Oh, I wrote down what was spent. Aunt Bella was sad by the fact that Lyra is not added to your vaults yet. I promised to keep track and give it to you. I need to get home for dinner. Have a nice night uncle.'

'You as well Draco.'

*.*

When Draco arrives home his father is waiting for him.

'Tell me about your day?'

Draco summarizes everything for his father.

'So you were out with your cousin and not some random girl?'

'Of course father. She asked to go out and I thought it would be nice. Aunt Bella changed her appearance because us wandering together would have raised too many other questions.'

'Alright I understand. Go get ready for dinner while I share this with your mother.'

Draco walks away wondering who was watching him today.

'You know you could have sent an owl Blaise.'

'This is more entertaining. Tell me about that girl.'

'Not much to tell. Met her this week. Went to Diagon and got some ice cream.'

'Who is she? I have to know the name of such an angel.'

'You came over here thinking i was… what on a date with her?'

'Well yes I did think that now I'm not so sure.'

'And your first reaction is to ask me about her because you want to date her?'

'I… ok, you have a point. But now it sounds like it wasn't a date so there is nothing wrong with me asking about her.'

'I think I understand your logic but right now I'm not going to answer your questions. I will ask. Are you staying for dinner?'

'No mother is expecting me home. I'm going to continue asking questions about her though.'

Blaise leaves a moment later and Draco goes down to dinner with his parents.

*.*

The next day Lyra sleeps in and wakes in time for tea with her mother and aunt. After dressing in the outfit Draco helped her pick out (a simple floral dress) and she goes downstairs to see if Narcissa has arrived.

'Mother is Aunt Narcissa here yet?'

'Not yet dear. While we are waiting tell me more about your medicine? Any change in dosage?'

'Not yet. I'm hoping that this will begin to improve next week or the week after.'

'That's good to hear. Let us know if you need anything to speed along your recovery.'

'Just rest as much as I need.'

'I am glad you are getting more rest then.'

Narcissa enters the room and sits between her sister and niece.

'Thank you for having me for tea Lyra. It is so nice to meet you.'

'It is nice to meet you too. Um what would you like me to call you?'

'Aunt Cissy if you don't mind?'

'Alright Aunt Cissy it is. Tell me about yourself?'

The rest of the afternoon was spent with the 3 women discussing many topics and most of their acquaintances. The women were attempting to decide who may have been involved in the kidnapping. Nothing was decided however.

'Your uncles are getting a bit antsy. They both want to meet you but are concerned about your health.'

'Can we have a nice dinner and I can meet them both?'

'I'm sure they would both enjoy that. Would you prefer tomorrow or the next day?'

'Not tomorrow i need to spend some time resting. This week is taking a lot out of me.'

'We all understand that. there is no rush.'

'I'm not rushing. I do think I will have the energy the day after tomorrow. It will be mother, father, and myself. You, Uncle Lucius, and Draco. And Uncle Rabastian. That's everyone in the immediate family correct?'

'Yes dear.'

'Tell everyone I'm looking forward to dinner. I need to lay down now. Please excuse me.'

Lyra walks into her room and sees an owl at the window. She lets him in and gives him a treat before sending him out again.

The potion pouch that comes with the note seems to be a bit lighter than the last one. Curious Lyra places the potions on her desk and opens the letter.

Ms. Hermione Granger,

Based on the bloodwork you have provided we are able to proceed into the next phase of your treatment. I can still see that you need to get your rest but I'm assuming since your last letter that you are. Please continue to do so.

This week you have some potions to take in the mornings. But the rest are to be taken just before bed. All are clearly labeled but if you find that you have any questions contact me immediately.

Over the next several days you may find that you have more energy than last week. This is not an excuse to get up and exhaust yourself. Rest is key to recovering before the new school year. Keep that in mind.

Sincerely

Madam Pomfrey

Lyra spends the next 2 days reading outside and soaking her muscles in the pool. Draco comes by for brunch the day of the dinner.

'Hello cousin, did you need any help getting ready for dinner later?'

'No, I'm sure I have everything under control.'

'Alright then we can just relax for the rest of the day.'

'Let's relax by the pool.'

Later that night the family sits together. Lyra meets both of her uncles and finds that she enjoys discussing the finer points of various topics with her whole family. Lyra enjoys having a family that she can connect with.

*.*

Chapter 9

Lyra is now one month into the summer. Madam Pomfrey's most recent letter declared that potions were no longer needed. Lyra is instructed to continue to rest if needed but otherwise she is cleared from a medical standpoint. Draco has been visiting 3-4 times a week, as he promised. Hermione decides to write the Weasleys.

Dear Ron,

How has your Summer been so far? Mine has been challenging. I am finally done taking potions from when I was injured last term. What are your plans for the rest of the summer? If you are not too busy, Could you ask if I can visit for the last week of summer before term starts?

This owl will wait for your response. Let me know as soon as possible, as my parents are attempting to finalize their end of summer travel plans.

Sincerely,

Hermione Granger

Lyra does not see that owl until a week later, at breakfast. Once the letter is removed from the owl he flys away quickly, refusing the offered snack. Opening the letter Lyra frowns.

Hermione,

Mum is unhappy with the events that led us away from school. Padfoot says you are always welcome. Someone will be in Diagon Alley the day you plan to visit. What time are you arriving? Mum says to make sure all shopping for school is completed before you arrive.

Ron

'Lyra? Is something wrong?'

Without a word Lyra hands the letter to her mother.

'Who is padfoot? What upset you?'

'His mum is unhappy with the events? I was actually injured in that event. He didn't even ask if I was ok. I don't even know why I bother. He has never asked about my wellbeing before.'

'Lyra do you have feelings for this boy?'

'I don't know, maybe? I'm finding it harder to like him when every interaction is less caring. I have been thinking about something Draco mentioned. I'm starting to wonder if Ron is even my friend or just Harry's.'

'I'm sorry, is there anything we can do to help?.' Bella reaches over to cover her daughter's hand with her own.

'No i will get through this Summer and reveal you both as my parents. After that, I'm not sure if Ron will be much of a concern. Excuse me.' Lyra left the table in a hurry, and spent the rest of the day in her room.

The next day Lyra begins the next letter to her friend.

Ron,

I will be in Diagon Alley on the day in question an hour before the shops close. Please advise on a good location to meet, and also who to expect to meet. Tell your mum that I will have all my supplies for the coming school year.

Hermione

Lyra sends the letter then goes to discuss the timeline with her mother.

'One week before school I will go to Diagon in the morning. After I have done my shopping for the school year I will be seen browsing in Flourish and Blotts and buying various ingredients at the apothecary. Any questions?'

'I think that covers it. When will we hear from you?'

'I'm not sure. Until I reveal who you are to me, I cannot be seen sending information to you. But if something comes up I can attempt to send info through Draco. We are both prefects. I'm sure we can find something to argue about.'

'I hope you will be able to contact us soon after you complete the potion.'

'Unless someone decides to block my ability to send an owl, nothing can stop me from contacting my parents. But also, I do share many classes with my dear cousin.'

Bella laughs, her mind set at ease knowing that her daughter will find a way to keep in contact one way or another.

A few days later Lyra receives another letter from Ron. A moment later she also receives her owl results. She looks at her scores before the letter from Ron. An excited shriek escapes Lyra as she shows her proud parents that she has O's across the board. A moment later Lyra remembers the letter from ron.

Hermione,

Meet the twins at their shop. They will escort you. Mum is concerned about anyone else leaving the house.

Ron

This is perfect. The twins will see me wandering around throughout the day. When I am done I can go into their shop. I wonder what their shop looks like. I bet they decorated it to match their personalities.

Lyra spends as much time with her parents and cousin as she can manage in the days leading up to the end of the summer.

*.*

The day arrives all too quickly for the lestrange family. Lyra is trying to remember how to act to be 'Hermione'. It has been a long summer and Lyra is certain that she has changed over the summer. After breakfast Bella pulls her daughter into her arms for a very long hug. Roddy joins the hug and the family stays there for several minutes.

'I promise to see you both as soon as possible. And I'm hoping I can contact you within the month.'

'Alright sweetheart. Do you have everything you need? You have the bag of galleons to cover your school supplies?'

'Yes father. I have everything. I will get what I need. You gave me more than I normally have to spend for supplies and the entire school year. I will be as safe as possible.'

After one last hug, Lyra floos to Diagon Alley to begin her day of shopping.

*.* from this moment Lyra will be referred to as Hermione again, until she publicly accepts her birth name. *.*

Before she can get started, Hermione ducks into the twins' shop. After a brief conversation with George she leaves her trunk and crookshanks in his care. A moment later she walks back out of their shop to begin her shopping. Throughout the day Hermione takes the time to browse every store. She found several items that she wanted to get in the past but couldn't afford the cost. Today she decides to treat herself. The apothecary and stationary stores are first on her list. After purchasing standard potion ingredients as well as a variety of more rare items, from Slug and Jiggers, Hermione moves on to find new quills and various colors of ink.

Hermione returns to the Leaky Cauldron for a light lunch. From there she stops at a shop to find the proper cauldron and potion supplies for the upcoming term. A trip to eeylops owl emporium secures some treats for any owl that she may interact with. After that she stops into the Magical Menagerie to get snacks and some new toys for Crookshanks. Hermione has been shrinking and pocketing her purchases to make it easier to continue shopping.

Throughout the day Hermione has wandered through almost every shop in Diagon Alley. She has left Flourish and Blotts for last. Upon entering the shop hermione deeply inhales the wonderful aroma of so many books. She quickly found the books required for the school year before beginning to browse the rest of the store. Hermione found several books that interested her in addition to the potion test required to complete her project.

Looking at her watch, Hermione realizes that the shops in Diagon will be closing in an hour. After paying for the books she selected, Hermione begins to head in the direction of the brightest colored shop in the Alley. Walking through the door, Hermione is assaulted by how loud and bright everything is. The shop is packed so full she can barely walk. Clearly the twins have a knack for business. Hermione finds herself following the crowd and idly picks up various products for a closer look. When Hermione picks up a daydream charm, she is startled by a voice behind her.

`We were starting to wonder when you would actually come into the store. You have walked by several times today. Did you get all your shopping done?'

'Fred don't scare me like that. Yes, I did finish my shopping. Your store is amazing.'

'Thank you. We love every minute of it. Can I show you around?'

'You can try. It does seem to be a bit packed in here.'

'Or we can go into the back room until we close then I can show you around?'

'That sounds like a good plan. Lead the way.'

Hermione spent the rest of the time the shop was open reading through her newly acquired potion book. The potion that she intends to brew is in the middle of the book. Every Time she turns the page, Hermione looks around the room she is in, this is where the twins brew their potion and package their products. She is attempting to resist the urge to organize the entire room.

Suddenly she looks up from her book and notices that everything in the store room seems to have become quiet. Closing her book, Hermione crosses the room to peek through the doorway. George is locking the door, while Fred is restocking the shelves. As she steps into the room both twins turn to look at her, smiles brightening both their faces.

George begins to walk in her direction. 'Welcome to our shop. Did you have a chance to explore when you arrived?'

'Not too much. It was packed in here.'

'We anticipated the shop would be popular but this is a bit overwhelming. Go ahead and take a look around. Let us know if you want anything.'

Hermione looks around the store. The twins take note of everything she shows interest in. They are both disappointed that she doesn't bring anything to them that she wants, but they plan to send her the things she showed interest in.

'Are you ready to go? I'm sure mum has supper ready by now.'

'Let me grab my things and we can go.'

Fred activates the floo and a moment later all three arrive at Grimmauld place.

*.*

Chapter 10

Hermione is not surprised to be in Grimmauld. No one is by the floo to greet them, but after a moment Sirius comes bounding down the stairs. This sets off his mothers screams, he trunks to exchange a few words before tugging the curtains into place again. Finally he walks toward Hermione standing between the twins.

'Hermione, welcome to my home again. We are happy to have you. Everyone's upstairs at the moment. Go on up and get settled dinner will be within the hour. How has your summer been?'

'Thank you for having me. My summer was a challenge because I had to heal from my injury. But after that it was a relaxing one. Am I still sharing a room with Ginny?'

'Yes, she is around here somewhere.'

'I'm sure I will run into her at some point.'

Hermione begins to climb the stairs slowly so as not to disturb any portraits. Once she is in her room she empties her pockets, relaxing just how much she had bought. After resizing everything she begins to sort through her purchases attempting to figure out how to get everything into her trunk. She has only barely begun when Ginny walks through the door.

'Hermione. I didn't know you had arrived. Have you been here long?'

'Only just arrived, how has your summer been?'

'Long. mum was not happy with us all going to the ministry.'

'I can imagine. Did you and Ron get extra chores?'

'Oh yeah, all summer. She has let up some since Harry arrived last week.'

'Really? All summer? That sounds terrible.'

'It was but summer is nearly over and she can't possibly still be mad next time we come home.'

'Hopefully.'

Just then someone knocks on the door.

'Dinner time.'

'Lets go, I'm starving.'

Upon arriving at dinner, Hermione noticed that Mrs. Weasley did not acknowledge her arrival. After dinner the teens gathered in one bedroom to catch up. They all went to bed late. Hermione stayed up even later thinking over the day's interactions, somewhat concerned with how distant certain weasleys are.

*.*

Over the next few days Hermione spends more time in the library reading then her friends would prefer but they accept that she is most likely studying for school and leave her alone. The twins are usually around for dinner but at the shop otherwise. The only one that joins her in the library is Sirius.

'Potions again? Kitten you have been reading that same book for the last 3 days with no progress. What is so fascinating?'

Hermione closes the book and looks up as Sirius sits in a nearby armchair.

'I found this potion that, if done properly, can tell a person who their parents are.'

'I think I remember hearing about a potion like that. Why is it important to you?'

'This summer I learned that I was adopted at a young age.'

'And then you found this potion. I can understand your interest. Let me see the potion?'

Hermione opens the book again before handing it to Sirius.

'There are some advanced level potion ingredients. And this takes an entire week to brew. I can understand why you didn't decide to brew it here. Only 2 more days before you all leave for school. Do you have everything you need? Can we check your ingredients again to be sure everything is ready for you to get started?'

The entire time Sirius does not look up. Hermione's mouth dropped open in shock, she stares at him in silence until he looks up.

'What? Mooney isn't the only one who can do research for a project.'

'I'm sorry you just took me by surprise. Thank you for understanding my logic not to start until I get back to school. I didn't want to try to rush any of the processes. If I had known about the potion before I got my school things I would have planned to be here a few days longer. Finally give me a moment to gather the ingredients, I will be right back.'

Upon examining the assembled ingredients Sirus picked up one of the more rare ingredients, a mushroom from Africa.

'This looks a bit moldy. Is it supposed to be like that?'

'What? No, it was supposed to be fresh, I specifically asked the Shopkeep for a fresh one.'

'What am I going to do now?'

'Don't we both know a pair of young men who regularly procure rare potions ingredients for their various experiments that they then turn into products?'

'The twins? Of course. I wonder if they have any in stock?'

'Ask them after dinner? Go ahead and put all this away and I will see you downstairs. I'm sure dinner is soon.'

'Oh, one more question. Do you think this will work on muggle parents?'

'According to the book, the magic details your parents. It does not stipulate magic or muggle.

'Besides if need be im sure there are other options if this fails. We can research if need be. alright?'

'Thank you for your support. After I have the results I promise to owl you. I will see you at dinner.'

After dinner Hermione follows the twins upstairs into the sitting room and sits between them on the couch.

'Hey, can you help me? I have a project that I'm working on but one of my ingredients isn't as fresh as it needs to be for the potion. Do you happen to have this African mushroom, without mold?'

'Gred, I don't have our entire shop inventory memorized, do you?'

'I do not Forge, I'm sure we can check in the morning.'

'This one is a bit more rare then most of what we normally have on hand. We may need to stop by the apothecary. Tell you what, you give us this one and we will give you the fresh one, no charge.'

'Deal. Do you think you can try to get it for me before I return to Hogwarts?'

'Anything is possible, we will know more tomorrow. Tell us more about this project?'

'Let me complete the project then i will tell you all about it ok? I promise to fill you in within the next 2 weeks.'

'We look forward to your owl with bated breath.'

Hermione hugs them both before saying goodnight.

*.*

Hermione is starting to get worried. It is now 9am on september 1st. Soon they would be leaving for kings cross. She has not seen the twins since she asked for their help. Sirius keeps telling her that they will come through, but Hermione is becoming doubtful.

Mrs. Weasley says they are leaving at 9:30. Hermione is already packed, breakfast was served at 8. There is nothing else for her to do until everyone leaves. At 9:15 the twins arrive through the floo. They find Hermione pacing in the library.

'Sorry it took so long. This was a tricky item to track down. But we got it this morning.' George explains.

Fred hands her a box larger than expected. 'We included a few products so that mom wouldn't think we were up to anything. You should probably put this in your trunk before she asks about it,' he whispers hurriedly.

As soon as Hermione gets her trunk closed again, Mrs Weasley calls down the hall that it is time to leave. They take Ministry cars to Kings Cross and board the train.

*.*

It is calming getting back into school routines. The simple task of walking through the halls and navigating the stairs reminds Hermione of her first year and how wonderful everything seemed. She enjoys the variety of food served in the great hall at meal times, and how peaceful the grounds are when you take a stroll after dinner.

In her room, Hermione organizes her books on the available shelves, hangs her clothes and sets up her cauldron. She places a notice me not around it to keep her roommates from disturbing it. Most ingredients get added in the evenings. Hermione prepares a schedule to ensure that her schoolwork and the potion can both get completed.

She also sends a note to Madam Pomfrey stating that she will have time to meet the 2nd Sunday of the school year for tea and to discuss the summer. Madam Pomfrey responds that she is happy Hermione is remembering to meet with her and discuss her concerns.

On the first Saturday of term, Hermione begins her potion just before dinner. The first step takes 30 minutes. When she enters the common room, Ron is irritable. He states that they will be late for dinner if they don't leave soon.

Over the next week, Hermione spends as much time with her friends as possible, hoping that after the coming weekend they would still be friends. Ron spends much of this time in a grumpy mood, always snapping at the smallest things.

Finally Saturday has arrived. Everyone is headed down to dinner. Hermione says she needs to put her bag away and they should go ahead because she will catch up. With a shrug harry ron and ginny begin the walk down to dinner. Hermione rushes up to her dorm, none of her dormmates are in the room,

Hermione gathers the final ingredients before approaching her cauldron. Hermione turns off the fire below the cauldron, then adds three drops of blood and stirs four times clockwise as instructed, before adding the parchment to the cauldron. Hermione counts the 60 seconds in her head then removes the parchment.

A moment later the parchment is dry enough to be carried but the results are not ready, it will be another 10 minutes before anything appears on the parchment. Hermione takes a moment to get ready for dinner. She then grabs the parchment and leaves Gryffindor tower. The common room is deserted as are the corridors on the upper floors. Hermione walks at a pace that will allow the results to be read just before entering the Great Hall.

At the bottom of the staircase Hermione finally allows herself to look at the parchment. She stares unblinking at it as she reads the words. In her peripheral hermione can see her cousin approaching the doors to the great hall. Time to begin the show.

*.*

Hermione walks toward the great hall slowly staring at the parchment in her hands. As she approaches the doorway to enter the dining hall she is so distracted that she accidentally walks into someone. Looking up, an apology on her lips she sees Malfoy and tops in her tracks. He snatches the paper out of her hands and begins to read it. Hermione tries to get the parchment back.

'Granger? Who is Lyra? Why is my aunt's name on this parchment?'

'Apparently my name is Lyra. I only just found out.'

'What do you mean your name is Lyra Lestrange?' He sounds angry. Despite trying his best to keep his voice down, it does carry into the great hall but not far, some people can almost hear what they are saying. Mostly everyone can tell they are arguing about something, possibly the parchment they both seem to want.

'I'm adopted. I don't know anything more right now.' She is equally as angry, he is still keeping her parchment from her.

Hermione snatches the parchment back and stomps off to sit at the Gryffindor table.

'What's that about?' Ron asks.

'I learned something new. I'm not sure how to feel about it yet.'

Hermione places the parchment on the table absently as she reaches for something to drink, Harry picks it up and begins to read:

Birth name: Lyra Lestrange

Daughter of Bellatrix Lestrange and Rudolphus Lestrange.

Birthdate: 08/13/1979

Adopted name: Hermione Granger

Adopted by Jane Granger and Dan Granger.
Birthdate changed during adoption: 09/16/1979

'Hermione? You were adopted? I didn't know that.'

'Neither did I, Harry. At least not until this summer. I'm sorry, I'm not hungry. I will see you all later.'

Ron had read over Harry's shoulder and was getting mad. He gets up and follows Hermione.

'You were adopted? You lied to us. How could you?' his voice rises with every word.

'Ronald, I told you I literally just found out. I don't know what this means yet. I need time to think about it.'

'I can't believe you. What haven't you lied about? Your parents are the lestranges? How can we ever trust you?' Ron is yelling now.

'Can't trust me? Are you serious? I can't control who my parents are. I haven't lied about anything.' Hermione cannot help but yell back. She tried to prepare herself for this, but his words hurt just the same.

Hermione stomps away from Ron and turns down an empty corridor. When passing a classroom, a hand grabs her and pulls her inside. Looking around, she sees 3 female slytherins in her year.

'Why were you talking to Draco?'

'None of your business, Parkinson.'

'He won't tell anyone what happened. Just keeps muttering about someone named Lyra.' Pansy Parkinson's voice softens slightly.

'Who is Lyra?' Daphne Greengrass asks.

'What does it matter?' Hermione snaps, already tired of being questioned tonight.

'There is only one person named Lyra on anyone's family tree. She happens to be the long lost Lestrange. If you know anything about this you should tell us. All our parents need to know what is happening. She was kidnapped at a very young age and her parents were distraught.' Parkinson says quietly, just above a whisper.

'I didn't know all that. All I know is I'm adopted and just completed the heritage potion. Here are the results.' Hermione shows them the parchment.

'You really are Lyra. We need to write to our parents. Can we talk more after we hear back?' Tracey Davis asks.

'I suppose.'

'Have a good night, Granger.' Daphne says before leading the other girls out of the room.

Hermione heads to the owlery and begins to write her promised letters.

Dear Padfoot,

I completed the potion we discussed and I don't know what to do with the information. It turns out my parents are both alive and purebloods. Also I believe you are my cousin? I'm sorry I'm a little freaked out. I'm sending a copy of the results so you can see them.

Someone in my year told me that Lyra was kidnapped as a baby? Is this true? Who would kidnap a baby? Should I write a letter to my birth parents? Please write back. I am so confused.

Hermione 'Lyra' Granger

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Twin Terrors,

I completed my project. This summer I discovered I was adopted. I was attempting a heritage potion that would tell me who my parents are. Enclosed is a copy of the results. After you read them, please remember that I am still Hermione. Your brother has already shared his opinion and I am not particularly pleased with it.

HG

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