CHAPTER 81
Ginny ran up the stairs, glanced in the library to see Hermione sitting on one of the couches with several books laid out nearly everywhere and made Ginny smile reminding her of Hermione at school. Ginny turned and headed to the master bedroom. She still had no idea as to what she was going to say or do but continued on to the room. As she stepped just inside the room she saw Harry sitting in an armchair facing the portrait of his parents.
Harry thought he heard someone entering the room and turned around to see who it was. When his eyes rested on Ginny he felt light headed, his breathing coming in short, fast, hard and a bit hitched, heart racing and pounding and fear washed over him wondering what her reaction would be. Though he felt like disappearing he stood up and took a few steps towards Ginny and waited for her to do something or say something.
Ginny stood there for a moment and then without thought she quickly closed the distance between them, wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close to her, tightly. Ginny still did not know what to say about what she viewed in the pensieve and hoped that for should Harry ask her about it that she would have something to say about it.
Harry just watched Ginny for moment wondering what she was thinking and fearing that she would now run from him. He had just looked away when suddenly she was there wrapping her arms around his neck and tightly holding him to her. He let out a sigh of relief. She wasn't running away. She was there with her arms wrapped around him. It was only a matter of seconds but it felt like several minutes had passed for Harry and he was just standing there. He wrapped his arms around Ginny and held just as tight and just as close.
Ginny slowly pulled back a little, looked him right in the eyes with a small smile on her face.
"Harry you didn't think that I would walk or run away from you after…"
"I didn't know what to think to be honest. I feared that you would…"
"Well I'm not going anywhere. I will not ever run away from you. A while back you told me something so that if you were ever distant or seem to push me away that I would understand why and I told you that if you were ever distant or seemed to push me away that I would understand…"
"I remember."
"Well there is something that you should know now…"
"And that would be?"
"I will not give you the chance to be distant. It won't happen. And there is nothing that you can do that would push me away. You can't. It is impossible for you to push me away."
"So…"
"Honestly I don't know what to say about what all I viewed…well no actually there is something…the next time you kiss me I will leave it as a kiss…I won't try to take advantage of the situation or argue about not…as you said there is plenty of time and that there is not rush…"
Harry smiled, bent his head towards her and softly kissed her. Ginny returned the kiss without putting more into it. Both stopped the kiss at the same time and stared into each other's eyes for a moment. At the same time they stepped away from each other. Harry reached out and took one of Ginny's hands into his and they walked out of the master bedroom together.
Hermione had been working on deciphering the journal for some time and her body was protesting the bent over position that she had been in since she started. She sat up and stretched and groaned from the pain that washed over her. She carefully set aside what she had on her lap and slowly stood up. She felt as though she just might drop back down so she took a cautious step. He legs were a bit shaky but she knew she had move around so she found her strength, her Gryffindor courage and her will do to do whatever she had to do. Hermione felt a bit parched and though that she should get something to drink. Sure she could have called for Sparky or Muri but she was perfectly capable of going down to the kitchen and getting something to drink. So she walked walked out of the library and got a glimpse of Ginny and Harry walking out of the master bedroom. Hermione with a small smile on her face, quickly and as quietly as she could, slipped back into the library unnoticed by the pair.
It did not go unnoticed by the rest that Harry and Ginny seemed closer and there seemed to be an understanding. Remus made no comment though he did smile. Ginny's brothers managed to keep any and all comments to themselves though they were wondering what happened between the two. The twins though were pretty sure that it had to do with whatever happened before, and though they were tempted to demand what it was they were going to leave it be.
The following morning the occupants of Potter Manor woke to find Sirius sitting at the table in the kitchen.
"Sirius, is everything alright?" Harry asked concerned.
"Yes. I am actually here for Hermione. Your parents are fine I assure you. I have been thinking that if they want to take a look at the Estate before making a decision how would we know. I stopped by yesterday with the intention of leaving an owl so they could let me know if and when they would like to go…"
"Are they deciding without looking?"
"No, not exactly. They both feel that it won't make much of a difference but are curious as to what the Estate looks like."
"If they feel it won't make a difference then why are they curious as to what the Estate looks like?"
"To be honest I persuaded them to take a look. Don't let you mind go off the deep end, I persuaded them without the use of magic. They would like you to be there."
"When do they want to go?"
"The sooner the better. Do you have any objections to going now?"
"No. Just give me a second."
"Hermione I must insist that you have breakfast first though."
Hermione nodded in reluctant agreement. She sat down but only ate some toast, a bite or two of eggs and a few gulps of tea. She stood up and left the kitchen for a few minutes.
"Sirius I'm ready to go."
"Is she always like this?" Sirius asked Harry.
"Yes." All four kids answered.
"Um…Sirius how are you going to get Hermione and her parents there?"
"Floo network. It is quite convenient that the Evans Estate is connected to the floo network. I have managed to make special arrangements for this. I best get going…"
"Are we going or what?"
"We are going now." Sirius said as he left the kitchen.
Hermione had a firm hold on him as they disapparated.
Once inside the Granger's house Sirius and Hermione explained about the floo network. Though Greg and Lucy were unsure of this method of transporting around they did as instructed.
Sirius and Hermione quite gracefully stepped out of the fireplace, Lucy and Greg on the other hand stumbled out.
Hermione introduced her parents and Petunia and Dudley. Sirius politely excused them.
Lucy and Greg were quite surprised at the spacious Estate and grounds. There was a calming atmosphere in the air. They did feel that it would be quite relaxing to live in the Estate. They looked around and did their best to keep an open mind. After a few hours Lucy and Greg sat down in the kitchen and discussed everything before walking out into the entry way.
"So…"
"Well, I do admit that it is a lovely Estate and it is quite peaceful here…"
"But what Mum?"
"Your father and I are quite comfortable in our house. We do not want to leave it. We don't have any use for this grand place…"
"So you're saying you don't want it."
"Yes."
"What about me? What if I want it?"
"Hermione…"
"Don't 'Hermione' me! You can't just toss this place aside. You both knew that there was a strong possibility that I could have magical talent and you never told me…"
"Hermione…"
"Not to interrupt or intrude but Mr. and Mrs. Grange might I give a suggestion?"
"I suppose." Lucy said sounding as though it won't make a difference.
"Mrs. Granger you can defer the Estate over to your daughter…"
"I don't think so."
"Mum! This Estate is just as much as mine as it is yours. I should have a say in the matter! I have the right to have just as much input in the decision about this place. You both owe it to me."
"Mrs. Granger, you would have to declare Head of House but you can then deviate it over to Hermione for when she is of age. In the Wizarding world she will become of age at seventeen."
"She won't need…"
"MUM just stop! You kept the Magical world away from me for so long…and now you're trying to keep me from having something that has been in the family for years…I want the Estate and one day I will need it."
"What makes you think that you will need such a place one day?"
"Once I have finished my schooling at Hogwarts, after going to a University, have a family of my own. Don't get me wrong, I love the house I grew up in but it's only big enough for the three of us. I plan on having more than one child…growing up as a single child, no friends until Hogwarts…it just would have been nice to have had a sister or a brother to talk to, to have as a friend."
"Hermione you don't know what you are saying…"
"The bloody hell I don't!"
"You're being selfish…"
"No you and dad are the ones being selfish…you haven't even considered me…"
"Hermione Jean Granger…"
"Lucy stop. Hermione has a point. The whole time we've been only thinking about how we feel. We have not even once thought about if she would like the Estate for her own personal use. Honey, you actually got the opportunity to know your family. Hermione has the right to get to know about the family in the only way that she can. Your accounts of things can only do so much and go so far. We raised our daughter right, she will be fifteen this September I think she does know what she is talking about. It's not so horrible to consider our daughter having this Estate. After all just across the way he she has family. Family that can learn about the history of the family together. You and I are done with the Magical community past our daughter but she is accepting and embracing it. After we failed to inform her when we saw the signs and when her Hogwarts letter arrived…when that letter arrived we should have sat down with her…after all that we owe it to her to give her say…no we owe it to her to hand this grand place over to her for whatever her future holds."
"Thank you dad. I'd also rather have the Estate so young then let the Ministry of Magic get their hands on it and the vaults at Gringotts…"
"This is ridiculous."
"What exactly is ridiculous mum?"
"At nearly fifteen…this is too much for one your age to handle…to be thinking of a family now…and more than one child…"
"Mother! You raised me and you have said many times that I am not like most my age that I am more mature and smarter than most my age…were you just humoring me? Were you just saying a bunch crap to try to make me feel better for not having friends? Why is it now that I am not capable of handling a grand home? One day I would like to have a family of my own…if you had listened to everything I said and not just the things that you are having a problem with…I want to finish at Hogwarts and go to a University. There is no telling what the future holds there are so many unknown possibilities. I have never asked for much all my life…I wanted friends for some time and I have that. Now I want to know a bit more about my family…dad has caught on…the relatives across the way are relatives of one of my best friends, Harry Potter…his mother's name…Lily Evans…the woman in the other Estate is her sister, Petunia Evans…"
"I just don't…"
"Fine Mum whatever. I'll just talk to Harry, my best friend and cousin. I believe he can claim…"
"As a matter of fact he can. It seems that no one will protest him claiming the Estate and everything else…"
"Good. There were two reasons why he didn't do it in the first place. The first being that he thought that my parents and or I would like to have it. The second being he wasn't sure if he could though he is blood related to those that owned this place before…he has a house through his father's side of the family…"
"What are you saying Hermione?"
"It's simple really Mum. Harry can claim by declaring himself the Head of House due to be having a blood connection and no one else with a blood connection wants it…well I do but I am not of age to do something about it because you are alive I am not the last Granger…any way, I know Harry will claim it and then give it to me…"
"I will not let that happen…"
"Good luck with that Mum…you don't know enough about the Magical community…"
"Hermione would you listen to yourself."
"I know exactly what I am saying mum. How would you feel if your mum tried to keep you from your family history?"
"Hermione…"
"You have apologized to me so many times for not informing me that I am at least a half-blood witch and I was beginning to forgive you for that or at least try to. I can understand not knowing how to tell me but still…I had to find out that I am a half-blood witch through my best friend. Due to a blood test thing…this Estate and the one across the way came up as inheritances for Harry, we looking into them…his aunt has declared head of house…you and dad don't want it, and I understand that you both are happy with the house you both bought on your own…"
"I would like to see you do that yourself sweetie."
"How am I supposed to that when you have given the impression that the house I grew up in will someday be mine? How is that different than this Estate? I may never end up living here…"
"If you won't end up living here then why do you want it?"
"I did not say that I won't end up living here, I said that I may never end up living here. I want the choice. Why are you being so impossible about this?"
"Hermione would just listen to reason."
"You are the one that needs to listen to reason, not me. If you think that by preventing me from having this Estate is going to keep at home then you have another thing coming."
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
"In the Magical world I will be of age and that is where I will stay for the rest of life. Once I turn seventeen you will never see me again. I am not being immature nor am I being selfish. You have kept so much from me, though this time I actually know what you're keeping from me. It's not fair. Don't tell me that life isn't fair…you and dad have a flourishing dental business…"
"Hermione are you trying to guilt…"
"Oh no this is not a guilt thing or a bribe…"
"Hermione…"
"Mum when I was talking about going to a University I was meaning a Muggle one not a magical…"
"Lucy enough already…"
"Greg…"
"I mean it Lucy enough already. Just the other day you were saying that you were going to do whatever you could to make it up to our daughter for not telling her anything. You also said that you would never keep another thing from her. We both have noticed that Hermione is growing up, she's not a little kid anymore and she's not going to live with us forever. Before we know it she'll be an adult and on her own, it's high time we start to let go. Believe me I'm not ready to let go but what parent is ready let go. It wasn't easy for you mum to let you go, to let you stand on your own two feet. I know you only want is best for our daughter but don't you think that she is old enough to know at least a little bit as to what is best for her? We raised her Lucy, and she is only going on how we raised her. Hermione's not looking at the here and now, she's looking forward, thinking ahead, looking at the bigger picture what it could be for her."
"But declaring…"
"You don't have to declare to claim…claiming buys you a little more time, declaring ensures that you have owner ship." Hermione said tartly.
"How does one claim?" Lucy asked with big, gleaming eyes.
"You have to go to Gringotts bank, inheritance department although that's how Harry even knew about both Estates…"
"It's a process though. You would have to register that you are a Squib before you can claim even if Harry goes with and says that he wants you to have it…it can take quite some time, more than once you would have to go to Gringotts…it's simpler to declare…takes nearly no time at all and once one declares nothing more has to be done…"
"So Mum what's it going to be? Will you declare and then deviate to me? Or are you willing to miss as much work as needed to go through the claiming process?"
"Isn't there something else…"
"Yes there is Mum, I'll just talk to Harry. One less thing for you to deal with."
"Hermione that's not fair…"
"News flash Mum life's not fair."
"Hermione…"
"Sirius would you please take them home. I'll be at Harry's." Hermione said as she quickly left Granger Estate. Though her mother called after her she kept going and did not stop until she reached the fireplace at Evans Estate and that was only to get a handful of floo-powder.
As Hermione stepped out of the fireplace she took one look around to see her friends and Remus sitting in the living room. She did not feel up to talking to anyone just yet, she just wanted to be alone for a while.
Everyone noticed how upset Hermione was, each wanted to know what happened. They knew that it was bad, at least for Hermione. They wanted to help, to try and cheer her up but they also knew Hermione and knew when she wanted to be alone at that was now. As Hermione passed through no one said a word.
"Harry, I know she looks as though she just wants to be alone but shouldn't we see what happened?"
"I don't know Ron."
"I think that you're the only one that would get away with finding out. I mean your family…"
"I'll try but I'm not going to push her though. If she doesn't want to talk about it I'm leaving it at that."
"Harry even if she doesn't want to talk about it, I'm sure she'd like company. I mean whatever has her upset…if it were me I'd want someone to comfort me even if they didn't know what was wrong." Ginny added.
Harry nodded and left the living room. He fully expected to find Hermione in the library. When he didn't find her there he became really worried about her. Harry decided to check her room upstairs. He knocked on there but got no response. For a moment he thought that she might not be there but gave another knock any way.
"Hermione. Hermione are you alright? If you're in there, please open the door."
The door opened slowly. Hermione's eyes were blood shot and a bit swollen.
"Hey, what's wrong? You don't have to tell me…I have to tell you though that I am worried about you. Today aside, there was nothing so upsetting to you that you'd not hide out in the library."
"My mother won't declare head of house, she won't deviate over to me, she won't take the time off of work that would be necessary to claim through Gringotts…after…I just…you'd claim owner ship of the Granger Estate and then hand it over to me right?"
"I'm not sure that I can…"
"You did that blood thing at Gringotts and the two Estates came up…you are a blood related…"
"I'm not the last known…"
"Sirius thinks that you could do it. I mean if you could…"
"You know I would. I'll look into it okay."
"Thanks. It hurts…I really hate that I'm crying so much over this…I'm just so angry, so frustrated…"
"Believe it or not I do understand. So what exactly happened? What was said? Hermione you didn't say anything that you might one day regret?"
"Right now I don't think that I will ever regret anything that I said."
That evening around dinner time, Harry made two plates, filled two goblets of pumpkin juice, levitated and put a freezing charm on the goblets and left the kitchen leaving everyone to wonder that much more what happened. After about an hour Harry returned to the kitchen with empty plates and goblets.
"Harry…" Ron started to say.
"It's not for me to say, sorry but it's not. I don't know if she'll talk about it but we're hanging out in the library. I'm sure she'd like to see all of you…support, comfort."
A half hour after everyone settled into the library Hermione told the rest of them what had happened, Harry finally hearing exactly what had been said.
"Granger would it really be so bad to just give it a few years after Hogwarts…you'd be an adult in the Muggle world…"
"No I won't. I know you meant well Fred."
"What do you mean? At nineteen I'll be an…"
"Yes, boys at nineteen become adults in the Muggle world but not girls. In the Muggle world girls aren't considered adults until they are twenty-one unless she marries before then but cannot marry until she's eighteen. Right now I'd rather not spend that much time near my mother…trust me it's safer that I don't…I used to want to equally blend both worlds that I know…now to hell with the Muggle world…I just mean that I don't want anything to do with it for a while…I mean it's not like I have friends or other relatives in the Muggle world…everything I have is here in the Magical world. One day in the future I might regret what I said to my mother…if I do then I'll deal with it then…"
"What if it doesn't work…I mean Harry trying to declare and then hand it over to you and your mum doesn't..?"
"Ron!" Ginny yelled.
"Actually, I was thinking about that. Worst case scenario…just in case, Hermione tomorrow we should go over and have a look around, a real look around…or we could go now…that is Moony if you don't mind."
"I wouldn't have a problem with that. Though you should get a hold of Sirius and ask him…I'm only talking about for should it be tonight."
"I'll ask but I'm sure he'll say no though."
Harry headed down to the living room since that is the only room with a fireplace connected to the floo network. Harry had only been gone for a few minutes and to the others it seemed as though they were going to have to wait until tomorrow.
"Tomorrow then."
"Hold on Ron, give Harry a chance to let us know what Sirius said."
"Thanks Moony. And actually, Sirius said that it would be fine if we took a look around, one last look in case…"
Hermione was feeling mixed emotions about going back to the Estate but could not keep herself from going.
Harry was truly thankful that he had connected his house to the floo network and added Evans Estate to allowable places. One all had stepped out of the fireplace they visited for a moment. Harry explained to Petunia what was going on, by means of the short story. Harry also reassured Dudley that Draco was doing okay.
"Harry, does anyone know how Draco's father was before? I mean did he change at some point? If so when, what coincided with the change?"
"I don't know. But thanks Dudley, I'll talk to Sirius about it. Sirius though briefly did go to Hogwarts when Lucius Malfoy attended if he can't think of anything then I'm sure that Narcissa would know if there was a change and when."
They only stayed for a little longer and then made their way across the way to Granger Estate. As they reached the porch tears were freely streaming down her face. She did not want to let it go. Sure she had been in shock and surprised by the revelation, but now she was attached regardless of the fact that she had not been aware of everything for long. She just couldn't imagine not being to come here from time to time.
Hermione walked through the entry, stopped a foot away from the family tree tapestry and stood there looking at it. She looked to her right to see what appeared to be a short hallway with a door at the end of it. She headed towards the door. One close enough to see that there was no door knob she softly hit the door. At her touch the door swung open as lights flooded the room. It did not take her long to figure out that she was in a study or office. Fresh warm tears streamed down her face as anger filled her completely. She began to rant to herself, hoping that Harry would be able to take the Estate and then give it to her, wondering if she could actually declare the Estate herself even though her Squib mother is still alive.
"Well now dearie give it a go."
"Huh?" Hermione said startled.
"Give it a go. No harm done to try now is there? It can't hurt…well, I suppose that it might hurt a bit if it doesn't work but at least you tried."
"Give what a go?"
"Try declaring yourself as the head of house of course. I believe you said that your mum is a Squib, try it with stating you are the last living magical heiress."
"I don't know."
"Oh just give it a try. Who is Harry?"
"Wait, who are you?"
"Leti Dagworth-Granger Evans."
"Harry is my best friend and we recently found out that we are cousins."
"How so dear?"
"Through his mum."
"What is her name? Is she here with you?"
"No she's not, you see she died several years ago well actually she was murdered. Her name was Lily Evans before she married James Potter…"
"Oh. Well now you listen to me sweetie, if it doesn't work when you attempt to declare head of house I can assure you that Harry will be able to declare head of house of Granger Estate and it won't be much of anything for him to then give it to you. Although what about your parents?"
Though Hermione felt sort of weird talking to a portrait she told the portrait of Leti what had happened earlier that day.
"Oh that was you arguing with your parents."
"Yes it was."
"Well sweetie, are you going to try? It won't hurt to see what happens."
Hermione took a few deep breaths and thought about how she wanted to word it. Though she wasn't satisfied with what she came up with it was the best so far and was feeling quite impatient. She opened her eyes and clearly said,
"I, Hermione Jean Granger, the last living Magical heiress declare myself as the Head of the House of Granger Estate."
There was flash of light, a strong sensation of serious magic swirled around Hermione, she was not afraid. It felt warm, accepting and safe. Just as fast as it all happened it stopped.
"Well now there Hermione doesn't that look nice on you."
"Huh?"
"Take a look in the mirror."
Hermione turned around to find a mirror just behind her. She took a step closer and noticed there was a silver and topaz chain hanging around her neck, a charm was dangling from it. The charm was oval, silver genuine silver not plated and in the middle was a small Lynx with eyes the color of Topaz. Hermione blinked repeatedly for a moment then brought a hand up to touch the charm. As her fingertips barely brushed the bottom of the charm she knew that it had worked. The Granger Estate was hers, she was going to have the Estate for the rest of her life and no one could take it away from her. Hermione's eyes welled up and a flood of tears soaked her cheeks. She turned, walked out of the room and then turned around.
"Thank you Leti Dagworth-Granger."
"Any time honey. Oh Hermione, try to find a way to patch things up with your Mum. I know it seems that it is an impossible thing to do…what has happened with you and your mum is fairly close as to what happened between my boys Grant and Lucas. Well it's how it started anyway and it just became worse and worse as they years went by. Don't let this go on too long with your mum sweetie, don't let it take a war to bring the two of you back together. It may as well been a war that brought my family back together or at least part way that is. As you are aware they kept separate last names. I am at peace with that now, please try to patch things up with your mum. Parents are silly sometimes; they always have the best of intentions though. Just give it some time okay."
"I'll think about it."
"Fair enough."
Hermione left the room closing the door behind her this time. She went looking for her friends.
"Mistress."
"Hello. Who are you?"
"I's Pebbles miss. Pebbles' Mistresses personal elf."
"Um…hi Pebbles…"
"Pebbles lives to serve Miss. Pebbles see yous not real happy about…"
"Your servitude."
"Yes Miss. Pebbles love it…"
"I promise to not try and release you Pebbles but…"
"Miss wants Pebbles to have paying?"
"Yes I do. Although if you don't payment then I insist you take a day off once a week to do as you please."
"Thanks you Miss. Oh Miss friends are in kitchen."
"Thank you Pebbles."
Pebbles smiled, gave a bow and went on her way.
Hermione was smiling as she nearly bounced to the kitchen, as she did this she tucked the necklace under her shirt.
When Hermione entered the kitchen with a smile on her face the rest were slightly concerned.
"Hermione…"
"Harry it would work. You declaring yourself as head of house and then deviate to me…but that won't be necessary though."
"What do you mean?"
Hermione smiled and pulled the necklace out from under her shirt.
"Is that what I think it is?" Harry asked with a hint of excitement in his voice.
"I found like an office or study. I was ranting about a lot and there is this portrait of Leti Dagworth-Granger and she suggested I give it a try. She also suggested that I state it as the last living magical Granger heiress."
"I don't mean to put a damper on your good mood, but what about you mum?" Harry cautiously asked.
"Well, the portrait of Leti requested that I give it some time and try to find a way to forgive my mum and to not let it take a war to bring us back together."
"That makes sense."
"Ron!" All but Hermione yelled.
"It's okay, it does make sense. No matter how mad or upset I am…I have to admit that it does make sense."
"Looks like another trip to the Ministry of Magic, floo network department."
"That it does. Though Harry aren't you tired of going to the Ministry of Magic?"
"Yes but one more time won't kill me."
The six of them finished up what he or she was drinking and whatever they were snaking on and made their way back over to Evans Manor. Once back at Potter Manor Hermione went straight to bed, she was a bit exhausted from all that had happened.
