When Hermione opened her eyes after apparition, she grinned in satisfaction. She was home. The first thing Narcissa did was give her a hug and then she gave her husband one as well.
"Hermione," Lusius said. Hermione looked at him. "I'd like to officially welcome you to the family. It is an honour to have you as a niece."
"Thank you Uncle Lusius," Hermione grinned, "Now Aunt Cissy, how'd you do it? Tell us everything."
"If you really want to know,"
"Yes Cissy, tell us how. It is important we block our tracks."
"Very well Lusius," Nacrissa said, "The first thing I did was imperius Shacklebolt,"
"How were you able to do that?" Hermione asked.
"Well after visiting you I went to his office saying I wanted to discuss the situation with you not being able to visit your own uncle. As soon as he had his back to me I imperiused him. It was quiet simple."
"And after that?" Lusius probed on.
"I returned to the Manor and planned exactly how I was going to get you out. After I figured it out, I owled him and made it happen. The hard part was getting in undetected, and of course getting out."
"We can't stay here though. Once Azkaban figures out we're gone, this will be the first place they look."
"I figured that out. We'll be hiding out at one of the Death Eater's houses. I've narrowed it down to Zabini, Goyal, Crabbe and Parkinson."
"I'm not staying at Crabbe or Goyal's." Hermione said defiantly.
"I agree, they're not nearly respectable enough for the Malfoys,"
"Zabini's are wealthy and well known in the world,"
"Blaise has always been able to stay out of trouble. Hermione, do you have a problem with Blaise?"
"Rather him then Pansy for sure,"
"Then it's settled. We'll be staying at the Zabini's. Besides, Helen is welcoming and has always respected our family. Cliff has always respected you as well Lusius. Their soon Derek, who attended Durmstrang, would be a wonderful influence on Hermione."
"I'm my own influence."
"You're a fine woman, defiantly the Dark Lord's daughter. They will respect you with outmost respect, no worries."
"I have no worries. They don't treat me the way I want to be treated, they'll pay the price."
"Maybe this book will help. Consider it a late birthday present," Narcissa handed her a book.
"Darkest of the Dark- a book of spells, curses and other fun things for the darkest witch or wizard," Hermione read, "Brilliant, but my birthday was a month ago."
"And we never got to celebrate,"
"There's a surprise waiting for you at the Zabini's as well." Narcissa said.
"Please tell me it's not a surprise party. I hate those; they are so," Hermione shuddered, "Muggle." Both Narcissa and Lusius hissed at the term. They all hated muggles.
"Not to worry, nothing muggle like that. Why don't you floo over there now and you'll find out." Hermione nodded and grabbed a inch of floo powder, tossed it in the fire and called out "Zabini Manor!"
She landed on the floor of the drawing room, looked up and her mouth fell open in shock.
A/N: so… what do you think the surprise is?? Doubt you'll figure it out… but I'm interested in your thoughts anyways. Please review!