A/N: A quick update...enjoy...with any luck the next chapter will up soon...

CHAPTER 82

In the morning Harry thought about going over and talking to Sirius about taking Hermione to the Ministry of Magic to connect the Granger Estate to the floo network as well as set up allowable places. Harry wasn't so sure of doing that since Hermione woke up late. Hermione usually was the first one up or at least up at the same time as everyone else. Though she woke up late Harry wasn't too worried about her with everything she had been through the day before he was actually surprised to see her up before lunch.

"Harry."

"Hermione."

"I was wondering if you'd go get Sirius. In some ways I should just give it a day, but I think that it would be better to go to the Ministry of Magic as soon as possible to that I can connect Granger Estate to the floo network and set up allowable places. And I think that I should place protections on the Estate so that no unwanted individuals step on to the property. Even though there is family on the grounds…"

"I completely understand. As much as I want to tell you that you are crazy and should wait at least a day, I won't. I will go talk to Sirius about going today. The sooner the Granger Estate is connected the better and I agree about protecting your Estate…I just had a thought, how did the Minster of Magic know that I had declared head of house so fast? I know he said he was informed of it but still, he hasn't shown up over there. I know he hasn't, if he had been Dudley at least would have been sent to let us know. If he is informed of when underage wizards and witches declare him or herself the head of house…"

"Are you thinking that the Minister had a close eye on Potter Manor to alert him in case you tried to do anything?"

"I'm starting to think that is the case."

"It's just one more thing to add to the list why Fudge needs to go."

"Well, we'll figure that out another time. I'll go see if Sirius is available to go."

"Thanks Harry."

"Don't mention it Hermione."

Harry returned with Sirius shortly after he had left to ask Sirius about taking Hermione to the Ministry of Magic.

"You're really going to take me to the Ministry?"

"Yes Hermione, it is best to do so as soon as possible. I know I said it was alright to go back to Granger Estate last night, I should have insisted that you wait until morning. It would have been better if you had declared head of house today and then went to the Ministry. But it's already done so we should really get going, yes there will be quite a few there already but I believe that the Minister himself is not yet there."

"Then let's go."

Sirius, Hermione and Harry used the floo to Sirius' and to the Ministry. They made their way to the Floo Connection Department without incident. Once inside the Floo Connection Department they had a slight verbal altercation with the witch at the desk. Sirius had finally after about an hour convinced the witch to let them try, if it didn't work then she would result in having a nice laugh. Harry handed over a piece of parchment that he and Hermione had written the instructions on while Sirius talked the witch into letting them give it go to connect the Granger Estate to the floo network. To the witches surprise the Estate connected to the network as well as all allowable places. The piece of parchment and other documents were disguised so that no one would be able to read them. With a quick flick of a wand the witches' memory was wiped clean. Harry, Sirius and Hermione quickly left the office before the witch had a chance to see them. The three of them slipped down a hall and apparated back to Potter Manor. Sirius strongly felt that it would be wise to apparate out instead of going through the Ministry to exit as that would have been too risky to bump into the Minister.

Though Harry said nothing, he hoped that the Minister did not have a charm on all inheritances informing him of any claims on properties or anyone declaring him or herself as the head of house. It would not go over to well. The more Harry thought about it though the less likely it seemed that the Minster or anyone else would not put the connection together that the Hermione Granger that declared head of house is the same Hermione Granger currently enrolled in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And of course there wouldn't be any comment about Petunia declaring head of house since she indeed is of age. The Minister could not do anything about it.

After lunch Hermione talked to Sirius about placing protection wards around at least the Granger Estate if not the Evans Estate as well. Sirius agreed with Hermione on placing protection wards on the property. Eventually Sirius was sure that the Minister would make the connection and with how pissed at Harry the Minister is, Sirius was sure that the Minister wouldn't stop at anything for revenge. Sirius also felt that both Estate's should be protected and proceeded to suggest that they all go over that way. Sirius was confident in his abilities as a wizard but he was also not stupid to think that he could pull this off alone and volunteered Remus into helping. He explained that if they all go then he and Remus would be able to imbed their magical signatures into the protection wards so that they could come and go as they pleased without having to go through requesting authorization to enter.

"But what if I or we want to bring someone…it would be inconvenient to have to wait outside the protection ward boundaries to bring them in every time…sorry Sirius, Moony I don't mean to…"

"Not to worry Hermione, you have a valid point and question so to speak. Sirius and I will work it in also that you Hermione and Harry will be able to authorize or not authorize anyone to be able to gain access the properties' on his or her own for should he or she wish to return. With how Sirius and I will be working these wards if a new authorized witch or wizard should bring someone with them that are not authorized you and Harry will be notified and will have to check to see who it is before just granting access."

"How would we be notified?"

"Simple Hermione, I will link a notification charm to Potter Manor and Grimmuald Place, I could even include the Weasley's new place since I am sure that you will be over there quite a bit. And of course Petunia and Dudley can also send a missive of sorts to let you know that there is someone she does or doesn't recognize but no sure if either of you would be okay with such individual or individuals being on the property in regard to Granter Estate." Sirius explained.

"But what if we are at school?" Harry inquired.

"You and Hermione will have a type of medallion that will alert the both of you so that there isn't a disruption of class or meals. I am sure neither of you would want a loud notification nor something to startle you while in Potions Class…"

"Definitely not!" Harry and Hermione said firmly.

"Now for should either of receive a notification you can let us know, I am sure that you would be able to contact one of us or even Petunia through a floo connection. Though I feel that the two of should talk to Minerva as well as Albus about all of this. Yes Harry including what happened to you and I when we first went to the Ministry to attempt to have you claim your inheritance from your dad."

"But it's been a while since then. What if I am asked why I didn't say anything before?"

"Simple answer Harry."

"Hermione…"

"You tell the truth, you didn't say anything before because as far as you and Sirius know…no witness, no proof…well no solid proof. I don't think that your memories would suffice to be honest I mean we are talking about the Ministry and the Minister here."

"Hermione have I told you recently how brilliant you are?"

"Yes, just seconds ago. I know what you're saying though Harry. It has been a while since I heard the actual words but you have said it other ways, you have said it with action or a look on your face. It counts…and yes it is quite nice to hear the actual words."

"You are brilliant."

"So when are we going to take care of the protection wards?" Ron asked.

"Now. Why wait to do this? The longer we wait the more of a chance that the Minister could become aware or put the connection together and if that were to happen it will be that much more difficult to accomplish the task."

"What are we waiting for them?" Hermione squeaked as she quickly walked over to the fire place and flooed to Evans Estate.

As the rest followed Hermione they chuckled at the witch's reaction. One all were at Evans Estate Sirius and Remus explained everything to Petunia and Dudley, of course Petunia and Dudley were allowed to give authorization to visitors they invite over and to give authorization to return on their own without being brought to the Estate by either of them. Petunia had no problem with this.

Over the next few days Hermione was a bit excited and was happy that she owns Granger Estate. She still felt quite a bit of anger borderline hatred towards her mother, she did think about what the portrait of Leti Dagworth-Granger had said to her. It was really difficult for Hermione to not feel the way she did towards her mother. She did not understand why her mother didn't want her to have the Estate. So far nothing her mother said had enabled her to understand why. Hermione finally sat down and wrote a letter to her parents with the hope that her mother might reply with an answer why that could be understood and with any luck get her mother to see that what she had said that day was possibilities. Hermione thought that it could quite be possible that her father had been able to talk to her mother about the situation. Before Hermione actually sent the letter to her parents she made a copy of it so that she would have something on hand for quick reference for should something she said was misunderstood or taken or meant something different.

'I suppose I may have over reacted or at least some may think that I did. I don't think or feel that I did. I don't know if I'll regret anything that I said, all I wanted was to be able to have something of my heritage. The Magical heritage is new to me and I want to know as much as I can about it. Not just from my mother. I know all there is to know about my Muggle heritage or at least I think I know all there is to know about that. Though I do have Harry, Petunia and Dudley as magical relatives but they know as much if not less than I do about it. Harry had no idea that his mum was actually a witch therefore even less of a clue that he is in fact a pure blood, related to not only Merlin but also Morgan le Fay…hey I'm related to Morgan le Fay as well as Dudley and Petunia…this almost too much. I really need a distraction, especially before the new term starts. For the love of Merlin let the distraction be a good one.' Hermione thought to herself aloud.

That night Hermione brought up what happened at Granger Estate with her parents, showed them the letter and with all of her Gryffindor courage asked each of them if she had overreacted in any way. Each told her that with taking into consideration what had previously been kept from her that she had not overreacted at all. It was completely understandable, she was quite angry and hurt at the time and still so.

Hermione did voice that she was afraid of what her parents may say in their reply about what she had done. Her friends told her not to worry about now and to just do her best to deal with it when the reply arrived.

"In other words Hermione, cross that bridge when comes." Harry clarified in a way he knew she would understand, using a Muggle saying.

"You're right. I can't promise anything, I will try to not think about what they might say in their reply. If they even reply at all."

"Hermione I am sure that they will reply. Just give it some time. Your dad seems as though he understands where you are standing. Give your mum time to really think about it." Ginny said encouragingly.

Hermione smiled at her friends, they did make her feel a little better about everything that had happened with her parents.

"Sorry to interrupt, but Sirius said that he would be bringing Marie and Violet over tomorrow and would like all of you to be up early." Remus said as he walked into the library.

Without any fuss or argument all six headed up to their rooms for the night. The twins and Ron did groan but left it at that.

In the morning all were up and in the kitchen finishing their breakfast. There was surprisingly chatter all through breakfast even some laughter so they were not aware that Sirius, Marie and Violet had entered the kitchen.

"I have to admit that I am amazed that all of you are actually up and lively." Sirius said as a way of letting everyone know that he was there.

"It is a bit surprising." Harry said with a smirk.

Sirius, Marie and Violet sat down around the table. Violet in between Marie and Hermione who spared no time in updating Violet on what happened a few days ago. When Remus inquired with Sirius about St. Mungo's agreeing to see Marie or not sent a silence throughout the Manor. All were interested in what was going on with that. Violet and Marie gave nothing away.

"I finally managed to get them to examine and observe for a day or two. Don't get too excited, it won't be for a while though. At this point it won't be until term starts but supposedly they will be trying to arrange it sooner. I'm not going to get my hopes up for sooner, the point being is that they will see her."

"That's still good news though. I mean they're not refusing to see Marie." Hermione said brightly while smiling with a hopeful expression on her face.

"Yes it is good news." Sirius agreed.

All occupants of Potter Manor were relaxing in the living room chatting about a number of things. Mostly the kids were talking about school and even Draco came up in the chatter which reminded Harry of something.

"Sirius, a few days ago I was asked a few questions but there was no way that I would remotely know the answers to and would like to ask you."

"Go on."

"It has to do with Lucius Malfoy. The night we all went to Granger Estate, when Hermione declared herself as the head of house. Well I was talking to Dudley about Draco and he asked me how Draco's father was before, did he change at some point? If so when, what coincided with the change?"

"I would have to talk to Narcissa. I would suggest asking Dobby, even though he is a free elf now it is extremely difficult for him to reveal any secrets from master's or in this case former master or even speak ill of them so that is not remotely a possible way to find out. I assure you I will find a way to talk to my cousin…"

"There is a quicker and easier way…I could send a letter to Draco stating that you would like a word with his mum."

"That would be appreciated Hermione. That definitely would be quicker and less likely to cause more abuse."

"I will send Draco the note tonight."

Before much else could be said Molly, Arthur, Charlie and Bill stepped out of the fireplace of green flames.

"Don't worry we're just here for a visit and to see how everything is." Molly said.

Sirius introduced Marie and Violet to the new comers. Everyone was sitting comfortably, groups of various topics going on at once. Marie needed to stand and stretch her legs a bit. She did not get far from the couch she had been sitting on when she collapsed. She was unconscious and was convulsing quite violently.

Bill Weasley acted quickly and cast several different spells at the convulsing Marie. His expression clearly stated that he had seen something similar before, this expression matched the expression on the other adult wizard's and witches' faces.

"Sirius…" Harry started.

"Mum…Dad…" Ginny and Ron said worried.

"Dad, what's going on? Is she okay?" Violet asked with a chocked voice as a few tears fell down her face.

"I can tell you this much, Marie's ailment it definitely magically related." Sirius said as he pulled his daughter into his arms trying to sooth her.

"Dad…"

"We will be taking Marie to St. Mungo's now. They can just sod off about waiting until the school term starts."

"St. Mungo's will be able to help her, won't they?" Ron asked hopeful as well as it being more of a statement than a question.

"Yes, but it won't happen overnight."

"What do you mean?" Violet asked fearfully.

"Just that it depends on how progressive the curse is. I don't recall the exact name of it…but it varies from person to person, male to female. It was a curse that used by Voldemort and his closest, most reliable followers at the time. It is a progressive curse…there is no way to calculate the progression rate of it. St. Mungo's could possibly have sorted out and on her way home in twenty-four hours or it could take up to weeks if not months…the bottom line is that Marie is going to be just fine." Bill explained.

Violet let out a sigh of relief but still remained clutching her father.

"Moony, Bill could the two of please ready Marie for transportation to St. Mungo's…"

"Sirius, I took the liberty of sending an owl to St. Mungo's to expect the arrival and I did think ahead to have St. Mungo's an authorized place to floo back and forth from."

"Harry thank you…your parents would be so proud of you."

"Go. Just go. The sooner the healers and such can start working on Marie the better."

Remus, all Weasley adults, Sirius, Violet and a magically sealed Marie left for St. Mungo's.

"I hope that they can have Marie sorted out and on her way home within twenty-four hours…for Violets' sake." Ron muttered.

"Ron that's…that's…" Hermione stuttered as she turned to look at Ron, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.

Everyone else in the room stared on in shock. Though Harry and Ginny had seen Hermione kiss Ron before it was still a bit of shock, both knew that this time Hermione was full aware of what she was doing. Though, no one was in as much shock as Ron who remained silent and quite red in the face for quite some time after Hermione had stopped kissing him.

Harry was the only to notice something off with Hermione. The only thing that came to mind was that she had kissed Ron twice and he had not responded in any way aside from being silent and red in the face. Harry hoped that Ron would pull it together and do something while it's not too late.

It was quite late when Remus returned to the Manor.

"I see you're all still up."

"What else would we be doing? How's Marie?"

"Marie is going to be just fine. The curse had progressed quite far…"

"How bad?"

"St. Mungo's will be able to save Marie's life. A few more days it would have been too late. The head of St. Mungo's is quite furious with the staff at the moment. According to him Marie should have been brought in and examined for a diagnosis the first time Sirius inquired about Marie being seen there. The fact that Marie had been with Ruby fleeing and in the hospital when Violet was born was in fact enough to have St. Mungo's examine her."

No one could seem to think or say anything at this bit of news for some time.

"How is Violet doing?"

"She's hanging in there…let me say that Sirius won't be going anywhere for a while. Violet won't release her hold on him nor will she let him leave Marie's room. I have arranged for all of you to visit tomorrow…for Violets' sake. I am sure that all of you by extension are considered family to Violet so it would do her some good to have all of you there. Not to disregard anyone but I am sure the family consideration goes for Harry more than the rest of you…"

"Sirius being Harry's Godfather."

"Yes Hermione I believe that would be the reasoning." Remus said.

"In that case, Harry should be able to go to St. Mungo's now and not have to wait with the rest of us to go tomorrow."

"I understand what you are saying Ron but it's up to St. Mungo's and it was not easy to get an authorization for six unrelated visitors. I am sure that they would accept the reasoning for Harry but I think that it's best to just wait until tomorrow."

The rest of the day they tried to figure out what to do to occupy their time and keep their minds off of Marie. They knew that she was going to be okay but were still concerned for her and wondering how Violet was truly fairing.

Hermione got some parchment and a quill deciding to send the note to Draco now and made her way to the library. Once she finished writing the note she sent it. A half hour passed and an owl flew in and landed on her shoulder with a letter that seemed quite long for a simple reply to a note. Hermione shrugged her shoulders, removed the letter and opened it as the owl flew off. Hermione's hands begun to shake, her heart started beating faster and was consumed with fear. She had assumed it was from Draco, but it was in fact from her parents. There were two letters, one form her father and one from her mother. Hermione wasn't sure if she could read them. She knew she could not handle it if her mother's letter just said the same as before.

Ginny pretty much gave up trying to keep busy. A game of Quidditch would have sufficed to say the least but there were no brooms other than possibly Harry's. Ginny headed back inside and went looking for Hermione and it was no surprise to find Hermione in the library. Ginny did notice that something wasn't quite right not that there was something wrong, just not quite right.

"Hermione, what's the matter?"

"My…p-parents reply…b-both wrote their o-own…I c-can't…"

"I can understand not wanting to read them because of fear of what they have said, but what if the letters are nowhere near your fears. I mean the letters, particularly, the one from you mum could be an attempt to patch things up. I'll stay with you if you would like. If you would rather that I go get Harry…"

"Thanks Gin. Would mind terribly getting Harry…you can stay as well…I know how close the two of you are…I have eyes Ginny…Harry is family, blood family at that and by extension in more than one way you too well maybe not the blood part but still…"

"Not a problem. I'll be right back with Harry. Oh and Hermione…thank you. You and Harry are the only ones around that include me or at least make feel as though I am included."

"Your brothers can major prats at times…especially where you're concerned…well not all of your brothers. Ginny you and Violet seem to get along well."

"Yes, that is true. I'm still getting know her though and I really haven't spent much time with her other than the few times we have been together and that includes the even more rare times that all of us, including Violet, helped Draco."

"I know she's a year behind you, but try and make some time to hang out with her. See if she needs any help with school work, offer to study with her."

"That could actually work. Well, I'll back with Harry."

Within fifteen minutes of Ginny leaving the library she returned with Harry. Both joined Hermione on the couch with Hermione in between them.

"I don't think I'll be able to read my mother's letter."

"So start with your dad's letter, he seemed to have come around."

Hermione took a few calming breaths and read,

'My dearest daughter, Hermione,

I admit that I am surprised, but I am not mad or disappointed. You did what you had to do. You had to ensure that you will have part of your Magical heritage for a long time to come, you had to make it so that you have the choice to do what you want in the future. I know that you were hurt and were really upset…okay you were livid and I understand that, but please reconsider what you said about turning seventeen. Your mother has written her own letter to you, please read it sweetheart. I am sure you will have an understanding of at least her mind set. Just know that if you still need time away that is fine. Everyone needs time away sometimes. I love you Hermione.

Love your father.'

Half way through the letter a few tears streamed down Hermione's face and her breathing and voice hitched a few times the rest of the letter. She was still wasn't sure about her mother's letter.

"Harry, could you please…" Hermione said as she handed Harry the letter from her mother.

'My darling daughter,

Hermione I am so sorry about the last time we saw each other. You are quite mature for your age, you are strong and I do know that you can handle anything that comes your way. I was being selfish. When we received your letter about declaring yourself as head of house I admit that I was furious and couldn't understand or believe that you had actually done that. I know you do not understand my words and actions the last time we saw each other. Your father has calmed me down and talked some sense into me. He asked me if I had been in your shoes what would I have done. To be honest, I don't think I would have been quite so calm, collected and mature about it. I admit that a part of me has been jealous of your abilities, I guess I have been slightly holding you back though I did not realize it honey. I do now and I am so sorry. It's not something that anyone in the family did, but what the Ministry had done shortly after Christopher Evans and Leti Dagworth-Granger married the Minister passed a new law in regard to Squibs. Squibs are not able to claim inheritance or claim any family items, personal items or property. Though offspring of a Squib that were to show any sign of magical ability could claim such possessions if he or she so chooses. I could not have claimed or declared myself as head of house and then handed it over to you. Needless to say part of me has resented the Magical community…

Hermione please forgive me. If you can't find it in you to forgive anytime soon, I would like the chance to earn it. I love you. You did what you had to do, you did what was necessary for you. I don't think that I managed to explain everything or even explained it right…

Take care of yourself. I hope to see you at least once in a while once you turn seventeen and after. Can you find it in your kind, loving, caring, big, loving heart to forgive a selfish, resentful mother? I will be as patient as I can waiting to hear from you.

With love always,

Mum'

"So…" Harry started but stopped, Hermione seemed to be in a trance of sorts and it was worrying him a bit.

"Hermione are you alright?" Ginny asked softly.

"Yeah…just…okay so I understand a little…if all this had been explained to me when it was so obvious that I had magical ability…I mean they knew and expected to receive a letter from Hogwarts concerning me…"

"Give it some more time Hermione. Between now and the new term starting let all of this settle and figure out how to talk to your parents about it all? Including how you feel. Try to get your mum to open more. Give her a chance. It couldn't have been easy nor could it have been unemotional for your mum to admit to being selfish and resentful. And remember that though she felt this way she did not refuse to let you go to Hogwarts and she has not pulled you from Hogwarts."

"Okay. Thank you Harry…and thanks Gin, for being here."

Quite early the following day Harry was startled awake by a crack. He quickly put on his glasses, grabbed his wand, sat up and illuminated his room.

"Dobby." Harry said surprised.

"Harry Potter. Dobby has something for Missy Granger."

"Did Draco send it?"

"Yes Harry Potter. But Dobby sill have it. Okay for Dobby to leave with you. Dobby not want to disturb miss."

"Thank you Dobby."

"Dobby sorry for disturbing Harry Potter. Young Master Malfoy says urgent and must deliver now."

"I will make sure that Hermione gets it."

Dobby smiled, handed the note over to Harry and then disappeared leaving an echoing crack that lingered for a moment. Harry found his clock to see that it was blaring the time of 3:22 AM. He tried to go back to sleep but couldn't, he really wanted to know what Draco's note said and some time that day they all would be going over to St. Mungo's. It was now about 6:30 AM. Harry climbed out of bed, showered, dressed and went down to the kitchen.

"Master Potter."

"Morning Muri. I know that I am the only up right now, but instead of just making enough for me…"

"Muri makes breakfast for everyone now?"

"Yes. Thank you."

Muri beamed, bowed and called for more house elves to help with breakfast.

Harry headed back up to the rooms. He found Hermione's room and walked in. He gently shook Hermione until she woke up.

"Harry what the bloody hell?"

"Be glad that I didn't wake you in the three o'clock hour."

"What?"

"Dobby."

"Dobby?"

"Yes, it's a response from Draco. Dobby clarified that it's from Draco."

Hermione sat up with her wand in hand and illuminated the sconces in her room. Harry handed the note over and patiently waited for Hermione to either read it out loud or read it and then tell him what it said.

Hermione quickly skimmed through the note but then read it out loud from the beginning.

'Hermione,

I do not know the answers to those questions. From my recollections my parents weren't close, they were quite distant to be honest. Until recently I had no idea that my father was such an abusive prat. You also said that Sirius wanted to talk to my mum about it. I let her know that Sirius would like a word with her but she doesn't know about the questions. I couldn't. She said she would be able to meet him today around noon at Grimmuald Place my father must be going somewhere then. I might go with her or if you and everyone else don't mind I would like to come over and work on more defensive everything. I am bored and in dire need of company, humans to talk to. Other than my mum though those moments a far few between.

Draco.'

"Harry go find Moony so he can let Sirius know and get back to us so hopefully Draco can let his mum know if it is possible."

Harry did not need to be told twice, actually he didn't need to be told once. He was already on his way out the door when Hermione suggested it.

By the time they heard back from Remus all of the kids were up and finished with breakfast.

"Sirius said he'd be there. He did talk it over with Violet. She wanted to know he was going to be leaving for a while. Knowing that is has to do with Draco she just about told her dad to go right then. Also, she knows that the rest of you will there during that time. She's actually quite excited about it to be honest."

"Let me guess, though St. Mungo's said we all can visit we have to wait until visiting hours are open?"

"Yes Harry. I think it's a bunch of dragon dung, but I've been told that there are to be no visitors until half past eleven."

Hermione quickly sent a short letter to Draco letting him know that Sirius would indeed be at Grimmuald Place around noon. She also let him know about Marie being in St. Mungo's and that they'd all be there for a while and that Harry would be just fine if he wanted to hang out at the Manor. Hermione added that she was sure they would be back before too long.

At eleven Remus decided to head out to St. Mungo's. They were given some hassle for being there so early. Remus was quite annoyed since they were only five minutes early. He explained that he wasn't sure exactly how much time it would take to get everyone there he left a little early and reminded the level one medi-witch (Muggle equivalent: nurse) that Sirius would be leaving by eleven-thirty for a meeting.